This Amount Of Organisation And Planning, And Yet No Motive?

CCTV footage has captured the moment a 26-year-old man flees for his life from a teenager armed with a knife just minutes before he was stabbed to death. Afghan refugee Suliaman Tajzai, 18, of Welsey Road in Leeds, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday to murdering Farmanullah Sherzad in Westminster in March this year.

And because of the guilty pleas, no questions are being asked. No one seems to care why he did it. 

Footage published by the Metropolitan Police following Tajzai’s conviction has now revealed how the events leading up to the murder unfolded — beginning hundreds of miles away in Leeds. Wearing a blue, white and black jacket, Tajzai is seen entering a corner shop and calmly taking a knife from the shelf on Friday, March 27.He then approaches the counter, where CCTV captures him laughing and chatting with the cashier as he buys the item. Later that day, Tajzai travelled to London and waited outside Farmanullah’s address for him to return from work.CCTV footage then captures the moment Farmanullah sees Tajzai and attempts to flee, as the teenager gives chase armed with the knife he had bought earlier that day.Officers were called at around 10.15pm on March 27 after Farmanullah was found with stab wounds by a member of the public. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the 26-year-old was pronounced dead around 20 minutes later.

Seems as if thanks to technology, we know all the details, except the motive. This was not some random killing, this was a targeted one, with considerable planning involved.

CCTV footage later revealed that Tajzai had travelled to London in the weeks before the attack to scope out Farmanullah's home address and where he worked.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said:"While no outcome can undo the suffering caused by his death, we hope today's conviction provides some measure of closure and reassurance that the person responsible has been brought to justice."  "This is a devastating case in which a young man lost his life after being subjected to a brutal and senseless act of violence.

Tajzai is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on September 18.

He got life. Which means he’ll serve a few years and be released, and probably not be deported. So I think the motive should be investigated a little more thoroughly, don’t you?

Ruff Justice

A woman who was in charge of an out-of-control XL bully dog which killed her teenage cousin has avoided prison.Kelcie Reed, 24, received an 18-week prison sentence – suspended for 18 months – after 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett died when she was attacked by the large dog.

I had to scroll back pretty far on my blog, past all the others, to find this particular XL Bully fatality.  

Imposing the suspended sentence with a nine-month mental health treatment requirement, Judge Anna Richardson said: “This is a case that was utterly tragic for Morgan Dorsett’s family and it has also had a huge impact upon you. 

“I accept not a comparable impact, but a huge impact.

It comes as little surprise anymore when a white liberal female judge shows just why she's unsuited to that role - like XL Bully maulings, there's just so much evidence around...the only thing missing is some victim-blaming. 

The court heard the dog attacked Miss Dorsett when she suffered a seizure from the effects of taking cocaine.

Spoke too soon!  

Mr Willmott said there had been previous incidents with Prince where he had killed another dog and Reed had previously posted on Facebook asking for advice on training. “It was apparent this this dog had the capacity to cause considerable harm,” he said.

It was apparent by vitue of it's breed, long before anything else! 

Reed’s boyfriend held a Government exemption certificate for keeping an XL bully and the dog – that weighed up to 55kg – was muzzled and kept on a lead while in public.

Proof once again that possession of a piece of government-mandated paper means nothing to a person trying to stop a fighting-breed mutt weighing as much as a male leopard.

Miss Dorsett’s younger sister, Caeila Dorsett, said her family had many unanswered questions about what happened.

I'll bet they do! Like, why the leniency?  

Sarah Regan, defending, said Reed had no prior knowledge of previous incidents with Prince and the attack on the other dog had never been reported to the police. “What did happen was sudden and unexpected, and could never have been anticipated by her,” she said.

It could have been anticipated by anyone who wasn't stone stupid! 

Miss Regan said Reed had developed PTSD since the incident and was also caring for her nine-month-old baby.

Ah, not so stupid she didn't get herself knocked up so she could plead her belly.... 

Detective Sergeant Rich Glanville, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Morgan’s family have shown great courage despite experiencing such a terrible loss and we want to thank them for their patience and support through what’s been a really tough 18 months for them, while our investigation and court proceedings took place. 

“It’s truly devastating that not only have they lost a loved one, but that Reed has not given them the answers about what happened that night – answers they deserve to have. 

“This was a completely avoidable tragedy and was caused because Reed failed to have control over a dangerous breed of dog.”

A dangerous breed of dog that anyone can have as long as they get a piece of paper. A killing weapon, if you wanted to be sure to get away with murder. Almost as good at that as a car.

Doesn't Look The Type...

A self-proclaimed misogynist with a history of violence against women has been banned from accessing 'incel forums' and loitering near female toilets.

And no, it's NOT a tranny, although it might as well be... 

The 29-year-old self-described misogynist and member of an online incel group received the order at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court after he persistently breached the terms of several Civil Orders.

He is now prohibited from using any computers or mobile devices that can access the internet.

A good idea? Yes, undoubtedly! But wait... 

But Valentine can still access the internet if he notifies the police VISOR team within three days of acquiring a device and registers it with the team.Valentine must have the device's location and data on at all times and again ensure no relevant information is deleted.

By the time he's misused it, it's too late, isn't it, for the victim?  OK, you'll have the evidence, but so what? We have a prison space crisis, so he won't be put behind bars anyway.

In addition to the terms of the order, Valentine is not allowed to enter, use or loiter near any female toilets, changing rooms or women only spaces.

Detective Sergeant Paul Howell said: 'Valentine is well-known for his misogynistic hostility and violence towards women, and we are pleased to have secured this SHPO against him. 

'Even though Valentine has not been convicted of any sexual offences, this is a preventative measure to keep women and girls in the county safe from harm. 

Have you got the Social Media Flying Squad on it, then? However will they find the time for this as well?  

'This order will reduce Valentine's ability to further explore his ideology and gives police the opportunity to monitor his behaviour in the community to help reduce his risk of further offending. 

'Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a priority for Gloucestershire Constabulary and we will do all we can to prevent crimes, bring offenders to justice, and protect women and girls.'

Really? It's not as though you've got a spotless reputation in that field, although you've gone overboard at times, is it! 

'Ms Carty is a complex person...'

Francesca Kolar, mitigating for Carty, said: 'The pre-sentence report highlights that Ms Carty is a complex person. She is grappling with several issues, with alcohol and mental health at the forefront. 'She has a real sense of shame about what happened. She does take accountability for her actions. 'It is plain that alcohol was the disinhibiting factor in this offence.'

Whar did she do? Only climbed over seats at Emirates stadium to grope a teenage girl during an Arsenal Women's match! So less a complex person, more a run of the mill sex offender.

Carty was found guilty of one count of sexual assault against the older girl but cleared of a second charge by a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court. She was also cleared of two counts of sexual assault relating to the victim's cousin. Carty avoided jail but was given an 18-month community order.

So, multiple teenage girls in fact, even if the jury didn’t think so. Think there might have been more than alcohol circulating in her bloodstream.

Judge Leslie Cuthbert said: 'Instead of immediately admitting to your drunk and unpleasant behaviour you chose to suggest that the girls were lying, meaning that the victim and her cousin had to give evidence. 'You sought to shift the blame onto others.'

So Ms Kolar has lied to the court, shouldn’t she face consequences for that? 

She was given a restraining order which means she will be prevented from contacting the victim for three years and will have to pay £500 in prosecution costs.

£500 is a fraction of the true cost. 

It's A 'Truly Atrocious' Bit Of Justice Too

A 55-year-old man has been told he is facing a “lengthy” prison sentence after he admitted causing the death of a pensioner by dangerous driving.

Yes, Reader, it's this story.

On Friday, Garden admitted five charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, causing death by dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. He also admitted driving while disqualified and failing to provide a blood sample for drugs testing. Judge Lord Braid told Garden: “First of all this is a truly appalling piece of driving.He adjourned sentencing for a criminal justice social work report to be drawn up, telling the court: “To be honest, it is such an appalling episode of driving that every last piece of information I can get can only assist”.

Just what more information could you possibly need? Even his brief admits he’s a recidivist who has clearly been given far too many chances by the justice system already and now it has resulted in a man’s death!

The lawyer also told the court Garden had 90 previous convictions including “numerous” motoring offences, and that he had been under three separate disqualifications from driving on the day of the incident.“

I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him get another one. 

Bail? For This?!

A trainee barrister who was allegedly caught driving a car bomb towards Northern Ireland in a suspected New IRA operation spent time in Syria, her lawyer said.

So? It's not like she couldn't have acquired terrorist sympathies at home, is it? 

Isobella Perrie Sullivan, 25, was arrested after Irish police said they made an 'extremely significant seizure' of a device on Wednesday. The force said the device, which was made from military-grade plastic, could have caused significant damage.

Sullivan, from Clane in Co Kildare, was granted bail on Friday after appearing before a special sitting of Trim District Court in Co Meath charged with possession of explosives.

 How on earth do you get bail for a charge of this seriousness?!?

It has now emerged her solicitor Mr Gavin Booth told the court she was a previous member of a 'political group' and had spent some time in Syria.Mr Booth, however, said Sullivan had stepped away from politics as she focused on her studies as a barrister. Her notes were reportedly in the back of the car she was driving when arrested.Mr Booth, from Phoenix Law, said his client had been asked to take a bag to the north and was not aware of its contents. He added Sullivan, who lives with her father, had been 'manipulated'.

A person who aspires to be a barrister shouldn’t want to be seen as naive and gullible, should she? Unless she aspires to a job working for the state, of course…

He said her parents are 'devastated' and can't comprehend this week's events. He added, if she was granted bail, they would keep her on a 'tight rein and ensure she abides by all conditions'.

 Only someone employed by the State could believe this! And, sure enough:

Judge Raymond Finnegan (Ed: I googled him!) granted Sullivan bail on Friday provided she obtained a €15,000 (£12,800) independent surety. She, who was wearing a pink White Fox Boutique hoodie at the time, was also ordered to surrender her passport and keep to a strict curfew.

Well, it’s not like she’s been mixing with people who know their way around the passport system, is it? 

No Consequences Britain...

Daniel Dickons knocked the victim off her bike 'for no reason' - causing her to suffer multiple injuries, including a gash to her chin and an exposed kneecap. The 39-year-old was detained at Culver Parade in the Isle of Wight following the attack, while the woman - who had fallen onto the beach below - was taken to hospital.

Just another day in lawless Britain, where no-one is allowed to carry the means to defend oneself, because that is the purview of  the State.

The Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court heard the assault was unprovoked and happened ‘for no reason.’ The woman’s bike landed on top of her, and she was initially unable to move one of her legs. Emergency services attended the scene, including an air ambulance crew. The victim was taken to the hospital and discharged later that night.

Dickons, from the Isle of Wight, was detained at the scene by a member of the public before being arrested by police. The prosecutor told the court it remains unclear why Dickons carried out the attack, although he told officers he ‘thought it would be funny, so he did it.’

Just another Morlock wandering the streets of Britain… 

Dickons pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was handed a 52-week jail term, suspended for 24 months, to include a six-month alcohol treatment requirement and 35 rehabilitation days. Dickons was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation.

That would be a pathetic sentence for a first time offender. 

Dickons has six previous convictions for six offences dating back to 2008.

Details aren’t given, but I suspect are all the same low impulse control offences which the justice system has so far failed to correct him of, and doesn’t see fit to even try this time. 

More Undue Leniency

Charles Wood, Head of the Bench, said the CCTV footage placed the offence in the most serious category under sentencing guidelines. 

He said: 'The CCTV footage is very clear, and having seen it we determine this is a category A1 offence, the most serious offence. 

'The traffic light you went through was red for a significant period of time, as much as eight seconds. 

'Nine times out of ten this wouldn't happen, but it's precisely because of the possible consequences that we have such things in place. 

'The fact is: it did happen.'

And despite that, and the fact the crash she caused involved a police car on an emergency call, the courts merely patted her on the head and said 'there, there..' 

As well as the suspended eight-month jail term, Wright was banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £272 in costs.

So much for keeping death off the roads, we'll just have to hope she'll never be able to get insurance in the future. 

No compensation was ordered for Merseyside Police or Constable Thompson as those are covered by insurance and would constitute a civil matter.

🤬 

I Must Have Missed The News That Hungary Was A War-Torn Nation

A Hungarian teenager broke into the bungalow of an elderly couple in a terrifying raid that left their beloved dog dead.The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted charges of robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Is he a refugee? There's no war in Hungary, is there? Why is he here?

The boy was not charged with any animal cruelty offence and police treated the dog's death as unexplained.

More lazy policing. 

The teenager fled with Mrs Thompson's mobile phone and purse but was soon arrested in a park.

In a statement issued at the time, South Yorkshire Police said: 'Violence and abhorrent acts of this kind have no place in our communities and will not be tolerated. 'An elderly couple has been physically and mentally affected by this incident, and we will do all we can to ensure justice is served.'

Well, you didn't in this case, dis you? And the rest of the so-called 'justice system' didn't do any better. 

The boy was handed a two-year detention and training order at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on July 1.

Pathetic, but surely to be followed up by a deportation order? 

Oh, and that police promise? A lie, like every statement they make these days:

Police refused to disclose his nationality, claiming doing so was not in the public interest.

What would they know of the public interest, since it's clear they no longer serve it? 

And It's Not Because Of The Furniture!

A migrant from Afghanistan who stabbed a man to death in central London lost control because he is a 'traumatised refugee', a court heard.

Oh, bless… 

Farmanullah Sherzad, 26, was found with multiple knife wounds in Abbey Orchard Street in Westminster on March 27 this year before being pronounced dead in hospital. Today, Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, denied murder and knife possession in a public place.

Sums up modern Britain - invader killing invader, defended by invader, of course: 

Tajzai appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from HMP Belmarsh wearing a white T-shirt and spoke only to confirm his name, aided by a Pashto language interpreter. Defending Tajzai, Haroon Khattak said: 'A psychiatrist's report was obtained to deal with whether he is fit to plead.'

And so the majesty of the Great British justice system was set in motion: 

The judge said: 'Firstly, any psychiatric or psychology reports relied upon by the defence have to be served no later than July 21 on the prosecution and the court. 

'By the same date, July 21, the full post-mortem report and the download relied upon by the prosecution must be served. 

'There will be a further case management hearing on July 24 - this is not a direction, more of an indication for the prosecution, because there is a degree of uncertainty about the date now. 

'If the trial date stands on September 2, then trial documents should be served by August 14.'

All that work and taxpayer money going into resolving this, followed by another reminder someone up their is laughing at us all… 

At this point one of the court's desks suddenly collapsed, making a loud bang that startled the usher, who frantically tried to piece it back together. Judge Dennis added: 'I think that brings to an end the hearing, the court is falling to pieces!'

Yes it is, your honour, and the bloody furniture is the least part of it! 

What A Surprise, Said No-one….

A mother has told a court that she thought her daughter was going to die after she was attacked by a retired police officer’s two rottweilers

.Aha, this case! 

Nigel Gray’s dogs, Indiana and Dakota, ‘tossed the girl around like a toy’ during the incident in Raphael Park, East London.

As we saw from social media, it wasn’t a first attack. 

The attack was the second in two years involving the 63-year-old’s pets, but he was not banned from keeping dogs in the future and he was handed a suspended prison sentence.The elderly victim of the first of Gray’s dogs’ attacks – who had to have his dog put down as a result – called the sentence a ‘joke’.

An elderly man loses his pet and police are not interested and so a child is almost killed. He might be retired but the other cops days should be numbered! 

Gray was not banned from keeping dogs in the future, but the court heard he had already agreed to the two rottweilers being destroyed.

Cant help feeling that was an easy cop-out for him, and now he’s free as a bird to get another mutt and use it as a weapon! 

Suspicious Timing...

I later heard from his campaign team that Bamber had not received the letter because HMP Wakefield had banned him from receiving mail and email from journalists.

However, the campaign team said he was not allowed to email a response saying how much he liked the tree because he had also been banned from sending letters and emails to journalists. The campaign group says he is now banned from all forms of correspondence with the media.

Bamber has been writing to journalists since he was jailed in 1985. This is how we have learned about many of the inconsistencies, errors and failings in the initial investigation that make many of us believe his conviction is unsafe at the very least. It’s also how we’ve learned about crucial evidence that has been destroyed in the intervening years. So why would HMP Wakefield stop him now?

Because they can - the Labour Party troubles are good cover after all. 

It’s hard to believe that it is unconnected to the coverage his case has received over the past couple of years.

Yes, it is.  

This month the Sun ran an interview with Michael O’Brien, one of three men wrongly convicted of the 1987 killing of Cardiff newsagent Phillip Saunders, who spent time in jail with Bamber and is convinced he is innocent. O’Brien became a seminal figure in ensuring that prisoners who claimed they were wrongfully convicted had access to the media to make their case. A number of high-profile convictions have been overturned at the court of appeal in recent years. In 2023, Andrew Malkinson was cleared after spending 17 years in prison for a rape he did not commit. In 2025, Peter Sullivan had his murder conviction quashed after spending 38 years in prison, which is believed to be the UK’s longest wrongful imprisonment. Not surprisingly, these wrongful convictions have led journalists to focus on other potential miscarriages of justice.

When you’re digging for gold and find some, naturally you keep digging! 

The most high profile of these cases are Bamber and Lucy Letby, who was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others. If either of these convictions were to be overturned, it would cast a huge shadow over whether the British justice system is fit for purpose.

There already is a huge shadow over it. It was cast by Michael O’Brien.  

Without giving the Guardian a specific explanation for the decision in Bamber’s case, the Prison Service said it does not issue blanket bans and cited “the need to protect victims from serious distress and maintain confidence in the justice system” as the basis for restrictions on communication. But the Simms and O’Brien ruling states that limitations on communications that are considered “necessary” and “proportionate” to protect the rights of others, including victims, must be justified individually. In Bamber’s case we have seen no such justification.

And you will not see any. Because there isn’t one they could admit to. 

Arrogance...Or Playing The Mental Health Card?

A man charged with false communications over an alleged bomb hoax at a Peter Kay show has been removed from court after repeatedly talking during a hearing on Monday. Omar Majed, 19, was ordered to go down to the cells part-way through an 11-minute proceeding at Birmingham Magistrates' Court.

Could go either way, frankly, these days. 

Majed, of Saltley, Birmingham, was charged with allegedly making false communications that a bomb was present in the arena.

And he continued his disruption tactics into court. 

After confirming his address and date of birth at the start of the hearing, Majed was repeatedly asked to be quiet by District Judge Michelle Smith, who was appearing in court via a video-link. District Judge Smith also made several requests for Majed to sit down.

Eh? The judges are now appearing by video link as well as the accused?!  

After Majed shouted that proposed bail conditions for him were "not acceptable", he was taken down to the cells before the end of the hearing. He did not make a plea to the single charge of communicating false information to police and was refused bail.

The judge said she was "satisfied that the case should be dealt with in the crown court" in June.

Did she say which June?  

All The Usual Hallmarks

Three Staffordshire Bull Terriers attacked a woman as she was carrying her six-day old baby who was left with a cut to their head after being bitten and clawed.

Gosh, is it Wales again? 

Jason Stafford, 49, was the owner of the three dogs which became dangerously out of control and latched onto the victim's feet and wrist during the savage attack in Cardiff. The three Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been destroyed as a result of the incident.

Is it a case where the owner did nothing and left it to others to act? 

A friend heard the woman's screams and saw one of the dogs had latched on to her wrist. He managed to get the dogs off of her and she left the area with her baby.

Eventually, Stafford was able to pacify the dogs but the injuries sustained by the victims were described as "appalling".

And is it a case where there have been previous issues with the mutts that, if dealt with properly, would have prevented this attack? 

The court heard there had been a previous incident in December where the dogs had attacked another individual and a safety plan had been put in place, but the defendant had "chosen to ignore" this.

And is the owner a known criminal? 

Among the defendant's previous convictions are offences of affray, robbery and drink driving.

*sighs* And is he hoping to get a lesser sentence? 

In mitigation, Derrick Gooden said  the dogs have since been destroyed and the defendant has been out of trouble for more than 20 years, but has a number of health issues.

And did it work? 

Stafford was sentenced to a total of two years imprisonment. The defendant was also disqualified from having custody of dogs for 10 years.

A classic case which ticks all the modern boxes! 

No Longer Accepting Excuses...

The court heard Amber blamed 'immaturity' for the decision to keep driving after her diagnosis, and she has written to Ms Cheema to apologise.

What about the pedestian she nearly killed? 

The judge said Amber was 'in the midst of an epileptic fit' when her driving became erratic, and she 'may not have fully appreciated the very realistic fear of her passenger'. 

He was encouraged by Amber's barrister to spare her a spell in prison, but concluded: 'It was clearly a deliberate choice to disregard the information given to her by her doctor. 'You are fortunate you did not kill people that day, it's as simple as that', he told Amber. 

'You are lucky it wasn't far worse.'

She’s lucky, judge!?! 

Amber, who was on an accountancy graduate scheme prior to sentencing, will serve just over a year in prison before she is eligible for parole, and she is banned from driving for the next three years and four months.

It seems a pathetic sentence given the aggravating factors, but it’s almost astounding to see a prison sentence in a case like this one that it’s welcome.

If The Name Seems Familiar…

A man accused of murdering a 21-year-old who was fatally stabbed on Primrose Hill has been remanded into custody after appearing in court. Oliuwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, 27, was charged with the murder of filmmaking student Finbar Sullivan who died after the alleged attack at the north London viewpoint on Tuesday evening.

 ….and not just because it’s that losing pick you made from the ‘Scrabble’ bag last time you played, well, it should.

Before he was taken to the cells, Ogunyankinnu told the court: “I didn’t kill anybody, I didn’t stab anybody, they’ve got the wrong person.”

We’ll soon see, won’t we? 

Possession Of These Dogs Is Always By Those Who Should Not Have Them....

 Prove me wrong! 

The 31-year-old, who runs a recovery business transporting cars, said he did not come home after being called by police because he was driving illegally after being disqualified from driving - and did not want to be caught.

This is the ongoing trial of Sean Garner, 31, who denies being the owner of the hellhound that ate a pensioner alive despite valient efforts by neighbours to come to his aid:

Courageous members of the public used makeshift weapons - including a broomstick, a golf club and a spirit level - as they attempted to rescue Mr McColl, who was screaming 'Help Me!'. Police had to shoot the dog ten times to neutralise it - nine times with a pistol and once with a shotgun - the court heard previously. Police 'did not take any chances' with the second dog, Malibu, who was shot dead at the scene as well.

And no wonder. Surely only Jim Corbett or Kenneth Anderson have witnessed such a scene of horror, and that not in an English suburban garden, but in a jungle where it is to be expected: 

Prosecutor Birrell previously gave the jury graphic details of the injuries suffered by Mr McColl, who died in hospital a month after the attack. The hound had 'eaten him alive, he said, adding parts of Mr McColl's face were found in the animal's stomach when vets cut it open. 

He said: 'It guarded him as if he were his prey. It had savaged him. 

'There was no food in the dog's stomach, just parts of John McColl's face. And bits of plastic. 

'The dog had attacked Mr McColl and it would just not let him go,' he added.

Always owned by the wrong people, perhaps because there's no right person to own one of these things.When he was called by the police to surrender himself for this atrocity, he sent his pregnant partner to face the music. This tells you all you need to know about the calibre of the man, doesn't it?

As does the lies he relied on to keep him out of trouble:

He also ran an Instagram page called Little and Large Bullies, the court heard, which he used to promote dogs for breeding. Garner has admitted he advertised Malibu for breeding as an XL bully, but he claimed it was because it was easier to sell puppies from that breed.

Reader, it wasn't. He knew what he had, and he knew that there were men like him out there that would want to buy these things. 

Garner denies being the owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control. He has previously admitted two counts of possessing an XL bully without an exemption certificate relating to Toretto and Malibu. XL bullies were banned in December 2023. 

The trial continues.

I would say its a foregone conclusion, but who really knows with the state of the UK justice system? 

Coming Over Here, Picking The Pockets Our Home Grown Artful Dodgers Won't Pick....

A Chilean pickpocket who preyed on Tube commuters was caught carrying a contactless card reader in the first case of its kind. Daniel Maldonado Paulson, 35, had only been in the UK for two weeks when he carried out his “ghost tapping” crime spree at South Kensington London Underground station.

Hurrah! Isn't it nice to read a 'good news story' about crime in London for once?  

Plain-clothes British Transport Police spotted Maldonado Paulson scouting the Piccadilly line for victims at 7.30pm on February 7. They swooped when the thief displayed behaviour typical of a professional pickpocket and stopped him on the platform.As police escorted him up the escalator, Maldonado Paulson attempted to flee but was subsequently arrested and handcuffed. He was found to have Sophie Halford’s £1,300 phone which had been reported stolen just 20 minutes earlier and an electronic card reading device.

They haven't said exactly how this worked so presumably, they don't want to encourage copycats. 

The handset was returned to Ms Halford just two hours after Maldonado Paulson took it.

Lucky lady. Let's hope the courts did their part!  

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 13, Maldonado Paulson pleaded guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods and resisting arrest by PC Alison Levi. The defendant, of Alvey Street, Southwark, was jailed for six months.

*sigh* 

"a childish escapade that got out of hand very quickly"

A 16-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy were cleared of murdering Alexander Cashford, 49, but convicted of the secondary charge of manslaughter at Woolwich crown court. The attack took place in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent on 10 August last year after Cashford had given his phone number to the girl two days earlier. A 16-year-old boy who was also involved in the attack previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The three defendants cannot be legally named because of their ages.

 Old enough to plan to ambush a man and set about him, leading to his death, yet still 'vulnerable children' im the eyes of our ludicrous legal system...

The court heard that the three teenagers exchanged messages with Cashford using the alias Sienna after he had met the 16-year-old girl at an amusement arcade and given her a business card with a fake name.The teenagers arranged to meet him at the seafront in Leysdown-on-Sea at about 7pm, the court was told, before following him as he walked along the promenade with the girl.

Copying, it would appear, the internet notoriety of the so-called 'paedophile hunters', who have set themselves up to catch the Third World predators our police farces don't seem interested in stopping. 

During his evidence, the older boy was asked if, in the immediate aftermath – before they were arrested or discovered Cashford had died – he had thought he had “done the right thing” by attacking him. The boy replied: “Yeah, kind of, yeah.” When asked why, he said: “Because I feel like the police wouldn’t have done anything.”

A chilling indictment of modern youth, and also, may I suggest, how the forces of authority have failed us all? 

The three teenagers are expected to be sentenced in April.

And no-one will face any censure for the failures of society that put them in the dock, and Mr Cashford in a grave.  

The Usual Contrast...

The killer:

The benefit claimant, whose only child is in foster care, has amassed a record of criminal offending for repeated shoplifting, theft, drugs and assault in both Scotland and England but has never previously served a jail sentence, the court heard.

The victim:

ex-Royal Marine Alun Harris-Richards...who had an undiagnosed heart disease, 'suffered such physical and emotional stress that he then and there sustained a heart attack, fell to the ground, struck his head and died'.

The punishment...perhaps

A judge told Smith, formerly of North Grimsby, Arbroath, that the only possible punishment for her offending was 'a significant custodial sentence'. The hearing was adjourned for sentencing at a later date and Smith was remanded in prison.

Adjourned so reports can be written, no doubt, reports that will outline how leniency is expected for the killer. They certainly won’t mention the gulf between the victim with his decent life and worthwhile job and the worthless waste of skin who killed him, will they?