A Norwich man in his late 30s has been charged with a series of sexual offences following a recent police investigation.

Mihai Alistar, aged 37 and of Rostwold Way in Norwich, has been charged with 22 offences including one count of rape, 19 counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted rape and one count of assault by penetration.  The offences took place at locations across Norfolk between September 2009 and July 2014.

Alistar was given conditional bail and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court on Friday 7 November 2014.

Police Scotland acknowledge the sentence of 11 years imprisonment given to Vincent Baker from Orkney, at the High Court in Glasgow, following his conviction in relation to six charges including rape, lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour, attempted rape and sexual assault.

Detective Inspector Scott Macdonald said: “This case came to light following an initial report from one of the victims, which then led to further victims being identified and an eighteen month long enquiry carried out by the local Criminal Investigation Department and Uniformed Officers based on Orkney.

The courage shown from the victims in this case should be commended; the perseverance and resilience shown by the victims being required to travel to and from Aberdeen on a number of occasions to give their evidence has undoubtedly assisted in the conviction of Vincent Baker.

We recognise that victims of crime undergo distressing experiences and we hope that this sentence received by Vincent Baker can give them some comfort and a sense of justice.

It is hoped that this conviction should give other victims of such sensitive crimes the confidence to come forward safe in the knowledge that their case will be investigated sensitively and thoroughly.”

Area Commander for Orkney, Chief Inspector Les Donaldson added:

“As part of Police Scotland, the Orkney Command Area will continue to pursue anyone engaged in the perpetration of sexual offences against vulnerable victims, utilising the support of specialist teams, as we focus on keeping people safe.”

A man has been charged after guns, ammunition and drugs were recovered from a house in south Manchester.

Officers executed a warrant at a house on Birdlip Drive, Newall Green, Wythenshawe, at about 8am on Saturday 18 October 2014.

A quantity of cocaine, a 9mm pistol, a sawn-off shotgun and a semi-automatic handgun were recovered.

Anthony Abbott (26/11/1980), of Birdlip Drive has been charged with possession of a firearm without a certificate and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

He was due to appear at Manchester magistrates’ court this morning, Monday 20 October 2014.

Officers from the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) have this morning, Wednesday, 22 October, arrested a 25-year-old woman in Bedfordshire on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

She has been taken to a central London police station where she remains in custody.

Two addresses in Bedfordshire are being searched as part of the investigation.

This investigation is related to Syria.

A teenage boy suffered a stab wound to his leg after being attacked in Salford.

Shortly after 2pm on Tuesday 22 October 2014, the 18-year-old was cycling along Bolton Road in Irlams O Th Height when a silver car pulled up in front of them.

Four men got out of the car and one of the group was heard to say ‘stab him’.

The teenager covered his face fearing he would be attacked, and was then stabbed in the leg. He suffered a 10cm deep wound which needed hospital treatment.

After the attack, the victim ran to a nearby dental surgery to raise the alarm and the four men drove off.

The attackers have not been described but police are appealing to anyone with information about the stabbing to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Julie Connor said: “We are dealing with what appears to be a random, motiveless attack on a young man.

“He was out minding his own business with his friends when he was attacked for no apparent reason, suffering a serious and deep stab wound to his leg which has needed hospital treatment.

“We need to find the culprits and I would encourage anyone who has information about what happened to come forward and help us.

“If you know what happened, or you witnessed the attack itself, or perhaps you suspect who may be responsible, then please call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5351 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Matab Uddin, 58 (20.01.56) of Blackshots Lane, Grays, Essex appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, 22 October) charged with manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving and fraud.

He was bailed to appear the Old Bailey on 28 January 2015.

A man has been jailed after he brutally attacked and robbed a man in his own home.

David Dempsey (born 20/06/1971) of Kernishaw Nook, Astley, was found guilty of murder following a re-trial at Liverpool Crown Court today, Wednesday 22 October 2014. He was sentenced to life and will have to serve a minimum of 30 years in prison.

On Sunday 25 August 2013, Dempsey went to 63-year-old Stephen Butterworth’s house on Diamond Street in Leigh where he tried to sell him a gold watch.

He left the watch at the house and left.

Stephen Butterworth spent the rest of the afternoon with his friend before giving him a lift home. He then called in at his niece⿿s house before returning home.

He had told them both that he was having trouble with someone who had been to the house trying to sell him a watch.

At around 5.20pm, Mr Butterworth returned home and shortly afterwards Dempsey came to the door.

Dempsey was seen to put his foot in the door to prevent the door being closed and then walk into the house pushing Mr Butterworth backwards.

Once inside he stabbed Mr Butterworth, twice in the front and twice in his back, before stealing his wallet which contained around £400.00, he then left the address.

Mr Butterworth called his niece and told her he had been stabbed before calling the emergency services. He was taken to hospital for treatment of four stab wounds and a collapsed lung. Mr Butterworth never recovered from the attack and sadly died in hospital a month later on Friday 27 September 2014.

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: “Stephen’s wife had sadly died in June prior to this attack and it was after this that Dempsey began preying on Mr Butterworth.

⿿Dempsey targeted him while he was grieving and would go to him to sell stolen items that he wanted to get rid of.

⿿He discovered that Mr Butterworth had a substantial amount of cash at his home and it was this that led him back to his house that day. He saw it as an opportunity to steal cash to feed his drug addiction.

⿿Dempsey went on to brutally attack Mr Butterworth in his own home.

“This has been an extremely difficult time for Stephen’s family and friends and our thoughts remain with them.”

Police have released a photo of a man and woman they would like to speak to as part of their investigation into the theft of £2,000 worth of designer clothing and are asking for the public’s help in trying to identify them.

The adult and children’s clothing was stolen between 2.20pm and 2.25pm on Saturday October 11 from Designers at Adams in Watling Street, Radlett.

Officers would like to speak to the man and woman pictured as it is possible they witnessed the incident or have information that could assist them with the investigation.

Anyone who believes they know the identity of pair, or if they recognise themselves, should contact PC Peter Glover via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference J1/14/3156. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A teacher who groped boys while they read out passages in front of the class has today, Wednesday 22 October 2014, been jailed.

Anthony Kerr (15/06/1943), of Netherlees, Oldham, had earlier pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to 29 offences of sexual assault.

He was today sentenced to four years imprisonment and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The offences relate to sexual abuse of seven boys during their time at St Martin⿿s primary school in Fitton Hill between 1979 and 1982.

Nine victims told the police that Kerr would encourage boys to sit on his knee at the front of class while reading out load.

He would then sexually assault them as they sat on his knee.

Detective Constable Sue Chadwick, based at Oldham Public Protection Investigations Unit, said: ⿿Kerr⿿s shocking and blatant abuse of innocent children has left a lasting scar on all his victims.

⿿Not only did he sexual abuse young boys, but he did it in front of the whole class. This added an extra element of humiliation to his crimes as the abuse was common knowledge among classmates.

⿿Without the bravery of all his victims ⿿ particularly the first one to come forward ⿿ we would not be in a position to see Kerr finally receive his punishment.

⿿Their courage should hopefully encourage any other victims of sexual abuse to now come forward and speak to the police.⿝

Detective Inspector Rick Collins, ⿿this case shows that when people come forward, regardless of the time that had elapsed, we can track down and prosecute offenders successfully.

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

– If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

– You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary⿿s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.

– St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.

– Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

– Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.

PC Matthew Harries, 36  attached to Ealing Borough has been found guilty of actual bodily harm at Southwark Crown Court today Wednesday, 22 October.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence and has been sentenced to six months imprisonment.

The charges refer to an incident on 5 April 2013 in a Park Royal car park when PC Harries stopped and searched Justin Small on suspicion of possession of drugs. During the search PC Harries struck Mr Small in the face and also applied a knee strike.

Mr Small complained to the IPCC about PC Harries’s use of force. A Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) investigation took place and the CPS subsequently authorized a charge of ABH.

DPS Detective Chief Superintendent Alaric Bonthron said: “Where an officer’s behaviour falls short of the very high standards that we and the public expect of them then it is only right that they are held to account for their actions.

“The actions of one officer abusing his position in this way can cast a shadow over the thousands of officers who are on duty right now demonstrating bravery, compassion, integrity and professionalism.

“There is no place in the Metropolitan Police Service for officers and staff who do not uphold our values.”

PC Harries has been suspended and disciplinary proceedings will be held in due course.

Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses and information following the murder of Olamide Fasina in Bexley on Tuesday, 14 October.

A 22-year-old man [A] was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday, 17 October and subsequently bailed to return to a south London police station on a date in late October pending further enquiries.

Police were called to Wolvercote Road, Bexley at 14:12hrs on Tuesday, 14 October.

Officers attending found a large group of males congregating at the scene and a 25-year-old man having suffered a stab wound.

London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance also attended but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man was Olamide Fasina, 25 (24.9.89) of Erith, Kent. He was also known as Ben.

A post-mortem examination was held on Thursday 16, October at the Princess Royal Hospital and gave cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

Detective Chief Inspector Russell Taylor, who is leading the investigation for the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and may have seen either the build-up to this incident or the aftermath following the assault.

“There would have been a significant number of people around at this time of day and I would urge anyone who can assist this investigation to contact the incident room without delay.”
Officers know the victim was with a group of friends and associates that day and are keen to speak to anyone yet to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4868, dial 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers alleged to have mishandled a rape complaint have been told that they are no longer under criminal investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

In March this year two serving detectives – a Detective Inspector and a Detective Constable; a retired Detective Inspector; and a retired Detective Constable now serving as a civilian with the force – were served with criminal notices alleging they failed to carry out the investigation to the correct standards and failed to provide adequate support to the victim.

The IPCC has not identified sufficient evidence to establish that any of the four officers committed a criminal offence, and therefore a formal referral to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will not be made.

The IPCC will now determine if the four officers and a police constable who was not served with a criminal notice have a case to answer for misconduct.

The investigation, announced in January 2014, began after the IPCC learned that a complainant reported being raped at knife-point in 2010 but alleged that the incident was not investigated properly by the force and that a man identified as being responsible was never arrested or interviewed.

Around 8am this morning (Thursday 23 October) police received reports of two dogs on the loose attacking another two dogs in Golden Hill, Weston, Crewe.

As a precaution and, in the interests of public safety, armed officers were deployed to the scene.

One of the dogs was swiftly contained by officers in a dog cage in the back of a police van. The second dog, which was running loose in the street, had to be shot dead by officers − this was carried out in a contained area with no members of the public around at the time.

The two dogs, which are believed to be of Shar Pei breed, are believed to live locally.

Chief Inspector Pete Shaw said: “This was clearly a distressing incident for all those involved − it took place in a busy area during rush hour. Armed officers were deployed to the scene and I would like to reassure local people that the situation was quickly brought under control. Enquiries are ongoing and officers will remain in the local area to provide reassurance. If anyone has any information, which could assist with our enquiries, or any concerns they are urged to speak to a local officer or call 101.”

The two dogs, which were attacked, are a Boxer and a Spaniel − they were with their two owners at the time (a man and a woman). The owners were not injured but have been left extremely shocked by their ordeal. The two dogs have sustained injuries and have been taken to a local veterinary surgery.

Police have released CCTV images of an attempted armed robbery at a petrol station in Peterborough.

The offender walked into the Shell garage in Whittlesey Road at about 10.25pm on Saturday (October 18) brandishing a gun and a knife.

He demanded the member of staff hand over cash but he ran off to raise the alarm.

The offender tried to break into the tills but then fled empty-handed.

He is described as white, in his 30s, wearing a high-visibility sleeveless jacket over a dark blue hooded top, a face covering, grey gloves, grey tracksuit bottoms and red trainers.

Detective Constable Kevin Poole, investigating, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the member of staff.

“While his face is not visible on the CCTV, the offender was wearing very distinctive clothing and I would appeal to anyone who saw him leave the store or recognises the description, to call police.”

Mansoor Miah [ 21 -18.02.1993] of Hilgrove Rd, NW6 was yesterday, Wednesday, 22 October, charged with seven counts of sexual offences involving a girl aged 15.

Miah attended Kentish Town Police Station yesterday where he was charged and bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 November.

Background: The victim’s mother reported contact via the internet between a man and her 15-year-old daughter having been made aware by the school. Officers from SO15 investigated the matter and arrested Miah on 25 June 2014. He was later bailed pending further enquiries.

This investigation is not terrorist related. Detectives from SO15 may investigate crimes other than terrorism when the evidence is available.

Full list of charges :

Count 1 Intentionally encourage / assist the commission of an either way offence – Serious Crime Act 2007 (18/11/2013)
On the 18th day of November 2013, Mansoor Miah encouraged a child aged 15 to make an indecent photo of a child, namely of herself, contrary to section 44(1) Serious Crime Act 2007.

Count 2 Intentionally encourage / assist the commission of an either way offence – Serious Crime Act 2007 (18/11/2013)
On the 18th day of November 2013, Mansoor Miah encouraged a child aged 15 to distribute an indecent photo of a child, namely of herself, contrary to section 44(1) Serious Crime Act 2007.

Count 3 Intentionally encourage / assist the commission of an either way offence – Serious Crime Act 2007 (18/11/2013)
On the 18th day of November 2013, Mansoor Miah with the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification intentionally encouraged a child aged 15 to be caused to watch images of Mansoor Miah engaging in an activity which was sexual, namely of him masturbating himself via a webcam, contrary to section 44(1) Serious Crime Act 2007.

Count 4 Intentionally encourage / assist the commission of an either way offence – Serious Crime Act 2007 (19/11/2013)
On the 19th day of November 2013, Mansoor Miah encouraged a child aged 15 to make an indecent photo of a child, namely of herself, contrary to section 44(1) Serious Crime Act 2007.

Count 5 Intentionally encourage / assist the commission of an either way offence – Serious Crime Act 2007 (19/11/2013)
On the 19th day of November 2013, Mansoor Miah encouraged a child aged 15 to distribute an indecent photo of a child, namely of herself, contrary to section 44(1) Serious Crime Act CA 2007.

Count 6 Attempt to arrange / facilitate the commission of a child sex offence (17/11/2013 – 21/11/2013)
Between the 17th and the 21st days of November 2013, Mansoor Miah attempted to intentionally arrange the doing of an act, which he intended to do and the doing of which would involve the commission of an offence of sexual activity with a child, contrary to section 9 Sexual Offences Act 2003, in that he invited a child aged 15 to meet him in a hotel on or about Friday 22nd November 2013, there to engage in sexual activity, contrary to section 1(1) Criminal Attempts Act 1981.

Count 7 Adult attempt to meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming (17/11/2013 – 21/11/2013)
Between the 17th and the 21st days of November 2013, attempted to arrange to meet a child aged 15 in a hotel, having communicated with her on at least two occasions, namely via facebook, and intended thereby to engage in sexual activity with that child contrary to section 9 Sexual Offences Act 2003, knowing that the child was under the age of 16, contrary to section 1(1) Criminal Attempts Act 1981.

One of Staffordshire Police’s most successful employees has retired after eight years loyal service, dog and pup.

Police dog Alfie, a springer spaniel, joined the force in June 2006 aged 18 months. He was trained initially in the finding of illegal substances and firearms, their components and ammunition.  He was licensed at the end of his eight week course and continued to be relicensed every year.  After a few years he was also trained to sniff out cash in the form of Bank of England notes and Euros.

Alfie covered the whole of Staffordshire and also provided support to colleagues on the Central Motorway Policing Group (CMPG). He has also lent a paw to Cheshire and West Midlands Police on searches when they needed assistance. Alfie has taken part in many V festivals searching vehicles, tents and undertaken searches on Operation Nemesis, the force’s response to tackling Class A drug dealers. Over the past eight-and-a-half years he has been responsible for recovering millions of pounds in illegal drugs and cash, and contributing to the arrest of in excess of 400 people.

His handler, PC Julie Hargreaves said: “Alfie has been THE BEST search trained dog that Staffordshire Police has ever, ever had… And, yes I am biased!

“He has been a brilliant search dog and has had a lot of success. In one search alone he recovered over a £1,000,000 in cannabis resin from a container stored on a container yard nr Burton; in another, £500,000 worth of heroin from a vehicle stopped by CMPG and this was after their officers had declared they couldn’t find anything and then £250,000 in cash again, from a vehicle on the motorway when CMPG officers couldn’t find anything. These are just three examples of great work done by him.

“When Alfie isn’t searching vehicles or buildings we also go out and help with Community Events such as the County Show, village shows, and other agency open days. He also goes into schools to teach the children how to stay safe, how to approach dogs and how to treat dogs and also to show them what he can do.

“I was really proud recently when he won Best in Show at Lyme Valley Park, Newcastle when he was there supporting Newcastle LPT at Mid Summer Mayhem.  That’s not the full extent of his show career, though. PD Alfie has also been to Crufts for the past two years along with colleagues from West Midlands Police meeting and greeting members of the public as well as taking part in the police demonstrations in the main arena at Crufts.

“Alfie is being rehomed and will be living in the country. He will have a brother and sister English springer spaniel who he will be able to lead astray and enjoy his retirement with.  He’ll also be able to join the Staffordshire Retired Police Dog Scheme which is a new organisation run by volunteers with the mission to improve the lives of our Retired Police Dogs.”

Detectives investigating the murder of Valerie Graves in Bosham believe they have made a breakthrough in the case.

Forensic scientists have obtained a limited DNA profile for the suspect, which means detectives can start requesting voluntary DNA samples to eliminate males from the investigation who live and work in the Bosham area, either permanently or as migrant workers. Officers will also be speaking to visitors in the area to eliminate them from the investigation.

“It is important for the public to understand that we will only use the samples obtained to check against this particular crime and their DNA profile will not appear on any database. Legal safeguards are in place to ensure we do not use them for any other purpose.

“Without the public’s assistance this process would take many months to achieve.”

Valerie was found dead with serious head and facial injuries at a house in Smugglers Lane, Bosham, on Monday December 30, 2013. The 55-year-old had been staying at the property while the owners were away over the Christmas period.

A significant investigation into the murder is continuing 10 months after Valerie was found dead in her bedroom in the house.

A joint investigation between South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service into a fatal house fire in Penistone is continuing this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to a house on Tennyson Close at around 6.30pm on Wednesday 22 October. A man and his two sons were rescued from the property by fire fighters.

Darren Sykes, 44, and his nine-year-old son Paul David Sykes both died as a result of their injuries.

His older son Jack Sykes, 12, remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The injuries suffered by the victims are consistent with being involved in a fire.

The fire is being treated as suspicious but police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. Initial investigations suggest the fire was started deliberately.

Chief Inspector Debbie Mahmood said: “Initial enquiries are underway with colleagues in the fire service to determine the cause of this fire and are at a very early stage.

“This is a tragic incident in which a young child has lost his life and my thoughts and condolences are with the family of the young boys at this distressing time.

“Events like this also have a profound effect on the wider community and we will have Safer Neighbourhood officers in the area available to speak to anyone affected by the tragic incident.”

– See more at: http://www.southyorks.police.uk/news-syp/investigation-fatal-fire-penistone-continues#sthash.0rOzeiFb.dpuf

A gang of masked thieves brandishing a handgun and a large hunter’s knife robbed a convenience store in Prestwich.

The robbery happened at the Windsor Supermarket on Windsor Road, Prestwich, as the shopkeeper was closing up for the night at about 9pm on Wednesday 22 October 2014.

Three masked men clad in balaclavas burst into the store armed with either a black or silver revolver-type weapon and a large hunter’s knife. The gang threatened the shopkeeper before stealing about £800 in cash and numerous bottles of spirits.

They then fled along Windsor Road and onto Downham Crescent before escaping out of sight.

The first man was described as about 5ft 10in tall, of a slim build and wearing a balaclava, a dark jacket and gloves. He was carrying the knife which was said to be about one and a half feet long with a silver blade.

The gunman was very similarly described and the third offender was said to be of a bigger or chubbier build.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Iqbal Ahmed said: “Understandably, the shopkeeper was aghast to be confronted by a gang of masked thieves brandishing a gun and a knife. He had absolutely no idea whether the weapons would be used and he would be physically set upon and clearly he has suffered a harrowing ordeal at the hands of this gang.

“We need to find the culprits and put them behind bars so that no other innocent shopworkers in our community can be targeted in this nefarious way.

“In particular, we believe the offenders may have been lurking in the nearby vicinity waiting for their opportunity to pounce when the shop closed for the night, so I would appeal to anyone who witnessed any men or any cars hanging around the area or acting in a suspicious manner.

“And if you do have information about who you suspect may be involved, then please call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8204, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.