Walker Nazi worshipper exposed as paedophile

By
April 18, 2016
Uncategorized

Cowen

HATE filled Nazi nut Michael Cowen strutted the streets as a tattooed hardman…

But today the Sunday Sun exposes him as nothing but a vile paedophile.

A worshipper of Hitler and the far right, the hulking 43-year-old strutted around as a henchman for extreme organisations.

His North home was a sickening shrine to the Nazis with displays of Swastikas, an SS flag and even a cannister of Zyklon B – the cyanide gas used to kill millions.

But behind this swaggering macho image hid his other horribly twisted obsession – a hateful passion for the abuse of little boys and girls.

For Cowen had a horrifying picture library of tens of thousands of indecent images of youngsters stored on his computers.

The secret stash of shame was discovered after he ordered extremist CDs by racist “Blood and Honour” rock groups.

Undercover officers intercepted them on their way to Cowen’s home in Losh Terrace, Walker in Newcastle’s East End.

The disks included bands with names like Ethnic Cleansing and Hate Crime, and featured tracks such as “Freezer Full of ****** Heads”, “Multicultural Take Over” and “Make Them Die Slowly”.

Also in the stash were CD sleeves, with pictures of human remains, beaten and battered bodies, and people who appeared to have been shot, as well as swastikas.

Accepting the delivery on December 7, 2009, Cowen asked the undercover officer about sending the packages on to Germany.

Shortly afterwards, police with a warrant searched his home and seized the CDs. They also found 11,000 MP3 tracks on his computer of similar songs, and the Nazi memorabilia.

But chillingly, they also uncovered thousands of child porn images on Cowen’s computer, hard drive, USB sticks and memory card, mainly of young boys.

The 17,058 pictures and 215 videos featured boys as young as six and included images classed as level five – the most serious level.

Investigations revealed during 2009, Cowen used filesharing software and a social network sites to contact other perverts and up and download images of children, including some he made himself.

Dubbing himself “Spaceapple” or “Derek” he offered to swap pictures and videos and discussed sinister fantasies including “snuffing out” boys – killing them in a sexual way and filming it.

He uploaded a total of 626 indecent images and seven videos.

In interviews with police, Cowen – who has a tattoo of the number 88, which represents the alphabet placing of HH for Heil Hitler – said he was a National Front member and enjoyed the music of white supremacist bands.

He described himself as a “white nation soldier” and said a friend in Germany had asked him to order the CDs, which he planned to send on.

At first he denied the child porn charges – even accusing one of his victims of downloading the images.

But he was caught out by one of the pictures, where he was visible as the photographer, reflected in a mirror.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Cowen admitted possessing racially inflammatory audio recordings and written material, 13 counts of making and four counts of possessing indecent images of children between November and December 2009, and 11 counts of distributing indecent images of children in April 2009.

Defending, Mark Saunders said Cowen was “socially isolated” and had been involved in the far right movement since he was at school.

Judge Paul Sloan QC told him: “You have a long involvement with extreme right-wing and neo Nazi groups. You have admitted acting as a henchman for a group.

“The racially inflammatory CDs and written material which were delivered to your home address are of a particularly vile and offensive nature.

“The indecent images were of young children aged six years old and up, and predominantly of boys. It is clear that some of the victims were being subjected to truly awful sexual abuse. These offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence is justified.”

Cowen was jailed for 12 months for the racist material and three years for the child porn charges, to run consecutively making a total of four years behind bars.

After the hearing Det Chief Insp Dave Anderson, said: “There is no place for such extreme views which spread hatred in our communities and we’ll continue to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in such activity in an effort to bring them to justice.”

And Det Sgt Chris Wilson, added: “During the execution of a search warrant at Cowen’s house computer equipment was seized and analysed which uncovered child pornography offences. He was subsequently charged with making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children after thousands of images and videos were recovered.

“Offending of this nature is taken very seriously and I’m pleased such a dangerous man as Cowen has been jailed for his crimes.”

NEIGHBOURS described Cowen as a loner who tended to keep himself to himself.

But they were shocked to discover what went on behind the closed curtains of his terraced home.

Meanwhile, relatives of the 43-year-old said they have totally disowned him because of the shame he has brought on their family.

“The police were here for about three days when they came to arrest him,” said Nicola Farrier-Carr, who lives just a few doors away from where the pervert lurked.

“At first people though it was for racism – he tried to play it down, he was being targeted. But then my sister was warned by social services to keep away from him, and we realised it was something much worse. I stopped letting my kids play anywhere out of my sight.”

The 24-year-old mum, who has a two-year-old son and four-year-old daughter, added: “We very rarely saw him – you might see him going to the shop or something but that was about it. He was quiet and kept to himself.”

Now, all that remains to hint at the sinister goings-on within Cowen’s modest end-of-terrace house is a solitary St George’s flag sticker in a window.

But the emotional impact will last much longer. Much of Cowen’s family has already disowned him.

“We are totally shocked and disgusted,” said one family member, who the Sunday Sun agreed not to name. “We had no idea what he was like, he lied to us all about it, and we all feel so angry.

“He has never apologised to anyone about what he did. Prison is the best place for him.”

Newcastle Chronicle

Soldiers jailed after beating up disabled teens ‘for entertainment’

By
March 30, 2016
Uncategorized

Soldiers targeted “naïve, trusting and innocent” pair during a drunken night out from Army camp at Sennybridge in the Brecon Beacons

John Ward, 19 and Jason Ferguson

John Ward, 19 and Jason Ferguson

Two soldiers who beat up a pair of disabled teenagers “for entertainment” have been jailed for at total of more than 15 years.

Jason Ferguson, 18, and John Ward, 19, targeted the vulnerable youngsters and taunted them with jibes of “spastic” and “mongol”.

Their two victims, a 16-year-old deaf boy with autism and his 18-year-old autistic friend, met the pair on a night out near their Army base and initially believed the soldiers were being friendly, a court heard.

But the “naïve, trusting and innocent” pair were lured into a dark alley and beaten up for fun.

Sue Ferrier, prosecuting, told Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court: “What happened beggars belief.

“They were unlucky enough to cross the paths of these men who had been drinking all night and were heavily intoxicated.

“Their two victims were targeted. They were identified because of their particular vulnerabilities.

“They led sheltered lives. They were particularly naive. They did not appreciate they were being lined up with what was to follow – a brutal and sadistic attack.”

The soldiers were on a night out from their Army camp at Sennybridge in the Brecon Beacons when they saw the “vulnerable” pair walking home together.

A court heard they began targeting the pair for verbal abuse filming the insults on one of their phones. The court heard then soldiers then took one of their mobile phones to lead them into the alley.

The youngest boy of 16 was beaten and kicked unconscious by Ferguson as his friend was held back by Ward.

Miss Ferrier described it as a “shocking and sustained beating” which left him in a coma for three days.

Then his older autistic friend of 18 was then punched, kicked and hit with a terracotta pot from a nearby house.

But he managed to escape home to get help – leaving a trail of blood on the street as he fled.

The soldiers burned their clothing in woodland before heading back to camp after the attack in July of last year. Cowardly Ferguson hid under a truck when military police began looking for him.

One of the victims is deaf and the other is described as a “caring young man” who spends a lot of time indoors on his XBox and struggles to mix with people because he is autistic.

Ferguson, of Leyland, Lancashire, admitted two counts of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Jeremy Jenkins, defending, said he had had a wretched upbringing and had been abandoned by his drug addicted parents.

“On entry to the army at age 16 he seemed to have attained a degree of maturity,” he said.

Ward, of Oakley, Fife, admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding.

John Ryan, defending, said had it not been for Ferguson he would not have done what he did.

He said: “He has brought shame on the Army and apologises for that.”

Ferguson was sentenced to eight years in a young offender institution for eight years and eight months and Ward for seven years at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

Judge Daniel Williams told them: “You saw those boys as entertainment and you saw their differences as reason to torment and bully them and beat them unconscious.

“Ferguson asked if one was Down syndrome. He has Asperger’s and that was enough for him to be labelled as a mongol.

“Ward was complicit. You said that you could see a good fight between Ferguson and the spastic.

“With him unconscious he was no fun anymore so you turned your attention to his friend. It was a chilling and sadistic attack.

“There was gratuitous degradation. Miraculously, there was no long term physical injury.”

Daily Telegraph

JF 1

GF 1

EDL member racially abused Grimsby shop workers and smashed window

By
March 27, 2016
Uncategorized
WALKED FREE: Mathew Burton, who racially abused two men in a shop

Mathew Burton, pictured outside Grimsby magistrates court.

A SELF-PROCLAIMED EDL member who racially abused two Grimsby shop workers and smashed in a window walked free from court – because his co-accused “had not faced the right charge”.

Mathew Burton, of Durban Road, Grimsby, pleaded guilty to racially abusing Kanaganayagan Thirumurugan and Kanaganayagam Thirukumaran at Today’s Local Store, in Victoria Street, on Wednesday, September 30, 2015.

He was also charged with causing £500 of criminal damage to the shop window.

Grimsby Magistrates’ Court heard that Burton racially abused and taunted the two victims.

The court heard the 27-year-old shouted racist abuse before saying “get out of the country. I am a member of the EDL.

“I will close your shop.”

CCTV footage from the shop was seized by police.

The complainant served Burton despite being abused and did not retaliate, Karen Tunicliffe, prosecuting, said.

Having left the shop after buying a packet of cigarettes, Burton then returned with Nathan Meadows, who was wearing a jumper with EDL on the back.

The pair started to become aggressive as they waited at the back of a queue, with Meadows shouting “I will brick your face and smash your face up”.

Meadows spat on the floor and then appeared to spit towards the man behind the counter, before pushing items off the counter, the court heard.

Meadows then threw and landed seven or eight punches.

They left the store and Meadows was seen to lash out at the window of a passing bus.

The two of them then caused the glass to shatter on the shop’s window.

Meadows, 27, of Convamore Road, was given a 12-month conditional discharge at an earlier hearing, having been charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.

Two other charges were dismissed after no evidence was offered.

Burton originally pleaded not guilty, but changed his plea before the case went to trial.

He carried out the offence while on bail for motoring offences, the prosecution said.

Mark McNeil, mitigating, said his client accepted what he did was unacceptable, adding that drink had impinged his decision making.

“He accepts he is easily led and often falls to peer pressure in a need to impress others,” he said.

He added: “I am not belittling the nature of the offence, but I am somewhat confused the co-accused was sentenced in the manner he was.

“One would say the co-accused was more culpable. He seems to be the main protagonist and yet he walked away with a conditional discharge.”

Deputy district judge Derek French described Burton’s behaviour as “absolutely despicable”.

“There is no way the charge against the co-accused was the right charge,” he added.

“If the co-accused did not go into custody then you shouldn’t either.

“You have been very fortunate today, you should have gone to prison.”

He was handed a six-month sentence, suspended for 12 months and was given 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the complainant, £500 to repair the window, an £80 victims’ surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Grimsby Telegraph

Racist footballer could face jail for hurling sickening abuse at a demo over Syrian refugees

By
March 27, 2016
Uncategorized

Midfielder Steven Kerr, 31, was arrested at a rally following clashes between pro and anti-refugee groups

Footballer Steven Kerr could face jail for hurling abuse at a refugee demo

Footballer Steven Kerr could face jail for hurling abuse at a refugee demo



A footballer is facing jail after hurling racist abuse at a demonstration over Syrian refugees .

Midfielder Steven Kerr was arrested following clashes between pro and anti-refugee groups in Monkton, Ayrshire.

The 31-year-old was detained at the rally on Sunday, November 15, the Daily Record reported .

Kerr, known as “Kerso”, has played for Ayrshire Junior sides Craigmark, Lugar, Ardrossan and Whitletts Victoria.

It came just hours after the Paris attacks which left 130 people dead and following Prime Minister David Cameron ’s pledge that Britain would receive 1000 of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees before Christmas.

Tempers flared in Monkton’s Main Street when members of the Scottish Defence League and pro-refugee demonstrators clashed over refugees being granted emergency accommodation at a local hotel.

Delivery driver Kerr – a member of the Ayr Protestant Boys’ Flute Band – was arrested and charged with behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

He was due to go on trial at Ayr Sheriff Court this week but struck a deal with prosecutors which saw him admit to shouting a single racist remark during the incident.

Sheriff Carole Cunningham deferred sentence for reports.

Kerr will be back in the dock next month.

Daily Mirror

Three people admit bacon attack on Totterdown mosque

By
March 21, 2016
Uncategorized

Three people have admitted a religiously aggravated assault at a mosque in Totterdown.

Mark Bennett, 48, and his wife Alison Bennett, 46, both of Spruce Way in Patchway, appeared alongside Angelina Swailes, 31, of West Town Avenue, Brislington at Bristol Crown Court today.

They pleaded guilty to throwing Bacon sandwiches at elderly worshipers as they entered Jamia Mosque, in January.

A trial was supposed to begin today but the three defendants changed their plea last minute.

Kevin Shaun Crehan, 34, of Stockwood Crescent, Knowle has already pleaded guilty to the charges at Bristol Magistrates Court on February 17.

The trio were released on unconditional bail, ahead of being sentenced later this week.

Bristol Post

Tipu Sultan shooting: Murderer must serve at least 34 years for killing takeaway boss

By
March 15, 2016
Uncategorized

MM

Michael McDougall was convicted of blasting popular Tipu Sultan to death from point-blank range with a sawn-off shotgun at his shop in South Shields

Gunned down Tipu Sultan’s murderer must serve at least 34 years behind bars after a jury convicted him of killing the popular takeaway boss.

Michael McDougall blasted the 32-year-old dad-of-two in the neck from point-blank range with a sawn-off shotgun at his shop in South Shields, in front of his dad.

A jury at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday found McDougall guilty of murder, while co-accused Michael Mullen was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter.

McDougall was jailed for life with a minimum of 34 years, while Mullen was locked up for 12 years.

McDougall, 47, was told by trial judge Mrs Justice Thirwall to stop shaking his head at the jury after they convicted him.

And after finding out he will be an old man before he has any chance of freedom, the remorseless killer asked the judge: “Can you not suspend mine for 12 months please?”

Sentencing him, Mrs Justice Thirlwall said: “In early April last year you got hold of a sawn-off shotgun and you were going to use it to kill a man.

“What reason you had for that, I don’t know, I doubt you will ever say. You planned the killing and recruited Mullen as your getaway driver.

“The killing took place at 10pm. Very young teenagers were out playing, a lot on their bikes, playing team tig. Some were scarcely feet away.

“What they witnessed will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“He had no prospect of withstanding that lethal attack. He died at the scene. His father, who was standing close to his son when he was shot, witnessed his killing.

“No words can adequately describe the terror and horror he experienced.”

The judge said Mullen was recruited as getaway driver by older, more heavily convicted criminal, McDougall, for what he thought was a robbery and was unaware McDougall was armed with a shotgun.

The judge told Mullen: “You did not intend Tipu Sultan to be shot and killed or caused any serious injury and you believed you were assisting a violent criminal in the commission of a robbery.”

Tipu was cleaning at his Herbs and Spice shop in South Shields when his killer came to the back door one night last April.

No clear motive for the attack had been established but prosecutors said it had the hallmarks of a targeted killing.

Mahsum Sultan, Tipi’s brother, read a victim impact statement to the court on behalf of the family.

He said: “The violent way Tipu was taken away from us has changed our lives beyond recognition.

“Our family is now broken and the pain felt by his loss can’t be put into words.

“No children should ever lose their father at the age of seven and two years old.

“Tipu’s death has put a great emotional strain on our family.

“Our parents no longer sleep properly, Tipu is constantly on their minds.

“My father will never get over the trauma of his son being murdered in front of him but he carries on for the sake of his family.

“My family depended on Tipu for everything, my mother is now always anxious.

“Tipu was not only the provider for his family but the protector of his family and children.

“Tipu lived for his children and was a wonderful father. His daughter was his princess.

“Knowing Tipu will never see his children grow up is really hard to bear.”

McDougall, of Hylton Avenue, South Shields, was found guilty of murder and two counts of possessing a firearm with intent.

Mullen, 25, of Hawthorne Avenue, South Shields, was found not guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, not guilty of possessing a firearm with intent and not guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

After the case, Mahsum added in a statement on behalf of the family: “We will always remember Tipu as the wonderful father, son, brother and husband he was.

“We all talk about Tipu to his children every day and they will always know how much he loved them and cared for them. It brings us all some happiness to be around the children who have their father’s looks and personality.

“As a family, we would all like to thank all the witnesses that have come forward in this case, in particular the young witnesses who gave evidence. We know this must have been very difficult for you all but we are hugely grateful for your contribution to today’s verdict.

“We have been praying for justice and today we welcome the outcome. It brings a small amount of closure and peace of mind to help us move on with our lives.”

Det Ch Insp John Bent said: “We are pleased with today’s verdict. These men will behind bars for a very long time for the cold and brutal murder of a much loved member of the community.

“Our thoughts remain with Tipu’s family at this time. I hope that today’s verdict brings some justice to them however they have lost a much loved brother, son, husband and father and they have to live with that for the rest of their lives.”

Supt Sarah Pitt added: “The tragic death of Tipu Sultan had a significant impact for the people of Sunderland and South Shields and the Bangladeshi community here. We work closely with our communities to ensure their concerns and issues are listened to and action taken to help reassure our residents.

“I want to thank the Bangladeshi community in Sunderland and South Shields for their dignity and patience throughout this investigation and I hope today’s outcome helps bring some solace and closure for them.”

Newcastle Chronicle

Family reacts to murder conviction of EDL thug who killed Clement ‘Butch’ Desmier

By
March 14, 2016
Uncategorized

A VIOLENT EDL thug who slashed a man’s throat has been convicted of murdering a Bradford grandfather.

A jury of seven men and five women has returned its unanimous verdict following a two-week trial at Bradford Crown Court.

Clement ‘Butch’ Desmier, 68, was murdered at his home in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates, on August 23, 2012.

Today, his family said the death and what he must have suffered in his final moments would haunt them forever.

During the trial, forensic pathologist Dr Christopher Johnson said the cause of death was multiple injuries, including stab wounds.

Dr Johnson said it was highly likely Mr Desmier’s injuries – which included 60 penetrative puncture wounds to his body from a screwdriver and a single typical knife stab wound to his abdomen – were inflicted while he was sat in his armchair, in the front room of his home.

Killer David Lawler, formerly of Central Avenue, Shipley, was also today found guilty of two counts of intimidation, relating to a witness who gave evidence.

The 33-year-old, who was wearing a grey suit, pale blue shirt and blue spotted tie, showed no emotion as the verdicts were given, but there were cries of ‘yes’ from the public gallery.

Co-accused Nathan Jefferson, 20, of Springwell View, Holbeck, Leeds, admitted the murder charge before the start of the trial.

Mr Justice Blake said both men would be sentenced on Wednesday, March 23.

Earlier in the trial Lawler had admitted to the jury that he was an EDL thug who had also slit a man’s throat, but denied the murder.

“Butch was well known in his local community and should have been celebrating his 72nd birthday this month with family and friends.

“I hope that the successful conclusion of this case today will finally provide Butch’s family and friends with some closure to what has been a very traumatic time for them.”

A statement from the Desmier family, said: “Today sees the end of a three and a half year agonising wait to identify those responsible for the brutal murder of our father.

“The loss of our father has had a devastating impact on our lives. The fact that he was a vulnerable old age pensioner, viciously attacked in his own home with weapons, will haunt us all for the rest of our lives.

“Two ruthless individuals with no regard for life ripped our lives apart that day and we will never recover from that.

“We would like to praise the brave individuals that came forward and provided information to the police investigation about Lawler and Jefferson’s involvement. Their courage assisted with the conviction of these two individuals which will hopefully allow our father to finally rest in peace.

“We would also like to thank West Yorkshire Police for their unrelenting determination to bring those responsible to justice. They have been an immense support to our family throughout this difficult time. They never gave up and for that we will be forever grateful.”

Telegraph and Argus

Clement Desmier stab murder accused found guilty

By
March 14, 2016
Uncategorized

A man has been found guilty of murdering a pensioner who was stabbed to death in a brutal attack.

David Lawler was convicted of killing Clement “Butch” Desmier, 68, who died after sustaining more than 60 injuries.

Mr Desmier was found dead at his home in Bradford in August 2012 after being stabbed with a screwdriver and a knife.

Lawler, 33, formerly of Central Avenue, Shipley, was found guilty at Bradford Crown Court of murder and two counts of intimidating a witness.

Nathan Jefferson, 20, of Springwell View, Holbeck, Leeds, admitted murdering Mr Desmier, of Rowlestone Rise, Greengates, before the trial began.

A family statement said: “The loss of our father has had a devastating impact on our lives.

“The fact that he was a vulnerable old age pensioner, viciously attacked in his own home with weapons, will haunt us all for the rest of our lives.

“Two ruthless individuals with no regard for life ripped our lives apart that day and we will never recover from that.”

The family also praised the courage of individuals that provided information to the police about Lawler and Jefferson’s involvement.

Det Ch Supt Mark Ridley said it had been a lengthy and complex investigation into a “brutal and sustained attack on a vulnerable, elderly man”.

The court was told it was likely Mr Desmier’s injuries were inflicted as he was sitting in his armchair.

Both defendants are due to be sentenced on 23 March.

BBC News

Man had indecent images

By
March 13, 2016
Uncategorized

A former call centre worker who made almost 12,000 indecent pictures of children has made his first appearance at court.

Martyn Butcher, 29, of Abbotsford Road, Marton, pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent photographs of children, some at the highest level of indecency.

He also admitted two charges of possessing indecent pictures of children.

Malcolm Isherwood, prosecuting, said that some images were of the highest level of indecency and asked that Butcher be sentenced at crown court.

Butcher was bailed to appear at Preston Crown Court on April 16 by District Judge Jeff Brailsford sitting at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court. He must not have an contact with under-16s.

Blackpool Gazette

Caravan drugs gang member linked to right wing extremists that sparked chaos with Liverpool rally

By
March 12, 2016
Uncategorized

Michale Kearns was jailed for Bold Street attack on anti-fascists

Michael Kearns, 43 of Dovecot Ave, Dovecot

Michael Kearns, 43 of Dovecot Ave, Dovecot

A Liverpool man jailed this week over a £5m drugs plot has links to the same extremist group involved in violent scenes on the steps of St George’s Hall.

Michael Kearns was part of a right-wing gang that caused a mass brawl in Liverpool city centre when they attacked anti-fascists in 2013.

After serving time for his role in that skirmish he is now back behind bars after cops busted the drugs operation he was part of.

Kearns, 43, was one of 13 men sentenced to a total of more than 60 years on Thursday for their involvement in cocaine and amphetamine plots.

Liverpool Crown Court heard the drugs gang used ‘apparently harmless’ middle-aged people driving cars and caravans to try and avoid the attention of cops.

Kearns was caught with others members of the group with 227g of 83 per cent pure cocaine while travelling on the M6.

He was jailed for five years and four months.

Now, the ECHO can reveal the 43-year-old was among a group of far-right activists that targeted anti-fascist rivals in a violent attack on Bold Street back in 2013.

Shoppers watched in horror as the men punched and kicked people heading for a fundraising gig at the News From Nowhere Bookshop.

The trouble then spilled into Cafe Tabac, with CCTV of the brawl showing diners being forced to flee the trouble.

Kearns, of Dovecot Avenue, was described as being ‘in the thick’ of the violence by Judge Robert Trevor-Jones.

Then – handing him 14 months for violent disorder as he sentenced the group – the judge added: “All of you were either members of, or have associations with, groups which happen to hold right-wing views or positions whether it be the National Front, English Defence Force or North West Infidels.

“It is that common factor which brought you all together on Bold Street that evening because you had been made aware there was to be some form of anti-fascist meeting.”

The North West Infidels were the extremist group behind last month’s Liverpool city centre rally that saw trouble flare between the right-wing gang and anti-fascist rivals.

While Kearns is thought to have been in custody during February’s demonstration, it is believed Blackburn-based Shane Calvert was among those who took part.

The 34-year-old was jailed alongside Kearns for violent disorder in relation to the Bold Street incident.

Liverpool Echo