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Wanted man snaggled by cops after impromptu undercover blitz

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April 23, 2016
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One of Sutton’s most wanted violent offenders was arrested this week after an undercover crime blitz led the borough’s top cop.

Christopher Brett, of Carshalton Road, Sutton, was arrested after Borough Commander Guy Ferguson launched a massive undercover operation to “disrupt and catch criminals”.

Dozens of plain-clothed officers, from Sutton’s Wanted Offender Team, flooded the High Street on Tuesday searching for outstanding suspects.

One officer spotted Brett, who was oblivious to the police presence around him, casually walking through the High Street.

The surprised 29-year-old was arrested on the spot and was held in custody until he appeared at Sutton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

He was ordered to return on November 24 while probation reports were organised.

Borough Commander Guy Ferguson said: “This was a good result and criminals be warned: these impromptu operations will be repeated over the coming weeks and months.

“Sutton is a low crime borough and a safe borough and we are determined to keep it that way.”

Brett was wanted by police after he dodged a separate magistrates’ court hearing in September.

Despite being absent from court that day, he was found guilty of causing actual bodily harm to a 41-year-old man at a Carshalton party in May.

Supt Phil Willis, the officer leading Operation Holly, said: “The arrest of this wanted man was a good piece of police work and showed that officers have a good knowledge of outstanding suspects and are committed to catching offenders.”

The impromptu police operation coincided with the launch of Operation Holly to disrupt criminal activity and keep Sutton safe during the festive party season.

Sutton Guardian

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Violent brawlers who brought city to a standstill let off with suspended sentences

By
April 23, 2016
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ON the second anniversary of violent St George’s Day clashes which saw thugs bring Brighton to a standstill, The Argus can reveal some of the main perpetrators have been spared jail.

The March for England clashes cost an estimated £1 million in policing, and it has taken nearly two years for the participants to have their day in court.

But the Argus can reveal that that of the five men and two women who were convicted of violent disorder after trials at Hove Crown Court last month, all were handed suspended sentences.

More than 1,300 officers policed the far-right march, which culminated in shop fronts bring smashed and glasses and chairs hurled between demonstrators and counter-demonstrators in the city centre.

Policing the protest cost more than £500,000 while retired detective Graham Cox estimated at least as much again would have been spent since in court and police time, and questioned the sentences handed down.

He added: “Ultimately we do live in a free country and people should be allowed to demonstrate providing they don’t break the law.

“I don’t think you can put a price on free speech providing they are acting lawfully.

“So I don’t think banning marches is the correct approach and this is the price we have to pay for it.”

He added: “The [suspended] sentences seems on the lenient side to me.

“I know you cannot always send everyone to prison, but I suspect some of the people who have investigated might be a little bit disappointed with how much the courts have backed them up.”

The violence broke out outside the Dorset pub at the corner of Gardner Street and North Lane after the parade had ended on April 28, 2014.

A team of six officers spent three months studying CCTV to identify those involved in the violence, and detectives have travelled the country to make arrests.

Detective Superintendent Carwyn Hughes said: “This was terrifying for those people in the area and we ensured the resources necessary to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We will always prosecute where protests become an excuse for a fight.”

Organisers of the far-right March for England said they would not return to Brighton in 2015 and nothing has been announced for this year.

However, one group is organising an event at the Level to celebrate the lack of a March for England, while far-right group Pie and Mash Squad told The Argus it planned to come to the city but refused to say more to “lefty journalists”.

Police are laying on extra resources in case of trouble.

Brighton and Hove chief superintendent Nev Kemp said: “Should we become aware that any group wants to exercise their right to lawful protest, we will of course be happy to liaise with them and the local community to try and facilitate a peaceful protest.”

IT WAS SHOCKING AND WE FELT UNSAFE

THE trouble started almost as soon as the far-right demonstrators got off the train into Brighton on the morning of April 27 two years ago.

Police had taken few chances, moving the parade from the city centre to the seafront and putting 1,325 officers on duty along with horse and dogs.

But shouts of “scum” and worse filled the air as the far-right group of around 200, many swathed in St George’s cross flags, made its way down Queens Road, taunted by counter-demonstrators, many covering their faces with black scarves.

Punching the air and shouting back, the March for England group was tightly controlled by police as it moved on to the seafront with many of the shops around shuttered for the morning and the usual weekend pleasure-seekers out of sight.

Tension ratcheted up as the group went on to the seafront, with flares thrown by some of the hundreds of counter-demonstrators, police horses helping to keep the two sides separate – and bystanders filming the action on their phones.

Yet the parade on the seafront passed off without serious violence and it was only when the marchers started heading back towards the railway station that police had bigger worries.

Groups started filtering off into the city centre, ending up drinking at The Dorset pub in Gardner Street, where the burst of violence that led to two-week trials two years later kicked off.

Witness Alice Johnson had been having a coffee with a friend and remembered: “Some groups from the march were having a drink outside The Dorset and then a group of guys who had their hoods up came from the other direction towards them.

“There was a bit of a stand off and then they were sort of shouting at each other but no one was really taking the first step. I don’t remember who threw something first but they started throwing glasses at each other and then the guys outside the pub started throwing the outdoor furniture.

“Everyone got out of the way and we were behind a dumpster – we could not really get past.

“It was a bit shocking and interesting at first – and then we felt unsafe. People threw chairs and things that caused lots of damage and a few of the shopfronts were smashed. “It was quite shocking for a while.”

As well as the damage to surrounding shops, many traders complained of thousands of pound in lost revenue due to the disruption to the city.

Two police officers were assaulted as people blocked the road to the station along Queens Road and Surrey Street.

They were knocked to the floor and had items thrown at them.

In the years since, there has been a huge police effort to track down those involved in the fighting, with weeks spent sifting through CCTV and officers travelling up and down the country making arrests.

In August of that year a case heard in magistrates court against Richard Kemp, then 39, from Halifax in Yorkshire, was thrown out of court after officers gave different accounts of what he had been doing with a chair. Magistrates said there was no case to answer due to inconsistencies in the evidence.

In between there have been calls from some quarters to have the march banned, although in the end it was the organisers themselves who have so far not held the parade here again.

Many believe they picked Brighton in the first place partly due to the town’s “lefty” reputation and some suggest the shift from the Green council last year may have dampened that attraction.

Witness Ms Johnson said of the latest convictions: “I hope that maybe they have reconsidered their behaviour.”

14 IN COURT IN CONNECTION WITH DISORDER

Fourteen people appeared at Hove Crown Court in two trials charged with violent disorder.

On Wednesday, February 17, six of them were found guilty and on Tuesday, March 21, one more person was found guilty. Seven were found not guilty.

Craig Wells, 34, of Connell Drive, Brighton; Alan Titterton, 50, of Wordsworth Avenue, Sheffield; Lorna Marcham, 31, of Norwich Drive, Brighton; Andrew Gill, 42, of Sixhills Street, Grimsby; Graham Clark, 52, of Belgrave Road, Margate, Kent; and Scott Banks, 21, of Acacia Road, Doncaster, were all given a two-year suspended sentence.

Tracey Parsons, 50, of David Stoddart Gardens, Swindon, was given a one-year suspended sentence.

Gavin Pidwell, 30, of Glynde, Lewes; Michael Woodhouse, 49, of Baden Road, Brighton; Jack Woodhouse, 19, of Baden Road, Brighton; Gareth Cooper, 34, of Burton Avenue, Doncaster; Richard Walker, 47, of Hillside Lane, Henfield; Ian Crossland, 42, of Hollinsend Road, Sheffield; and Stephen Caudwell, 54, of Angleton Close, Sheffield, were all found not guilty.

Brighton Argus

Family of dealers caged for drugs and kidnapping

By
April 21, 2016
Uncategorized

THIS drug-dealing family from hell who kidnapped and held a man hostage are today behind bars.

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The Callisons brought fear to the streets peddling heroin and terrorising neighbours with their anti-social behaviour.

Now the grandmother, mother and two sons have been locked up for a total of more than 23 years for the kidnap and drugs offences.

They bundled their victim into a BMW, drove him to a friend’s to show off, stabbed him with a knife, and threatened him with a knuckleduster and sword.

Isaac Callison, 23, had already been charged with heroin dealing along with his gran, 63-year-old Billie Callison.

But when former associate Eddie Lowdon borrowed and subsequently damaged Isaac Callison’s car the family sunk to new depths and hatched a plot to get money from his parents.

Isaac, his brother Shane, their mother Tracy and a friend Alan Knowles bundled Mr Lowdon into a car, stabbed and beat him before ringing his parents demanding money as he begged for mercy.

Jailing them, Recorder Stubbs said: “This involved the brutal detention and beating and the use of him as a hostage to extract money from his parents. It must be every parents’ nightmare to receive a call trying to extort money from them while threats are made and they could hear their son crying for help in the background. No mercy was shown to him and these offences are so serious only custody can be justified.”

The kidnap of Mr Lowdon took place in February this year at a time when he had an association with the family.

Having returned Isaac Callison’s car damaged, the heroin dealer summoned his violent, steroid-fuelled brother, Shane, to mete out revenge.

Robin Patton, prosecuting at Newcastle Crown Court, said: “Fifteen to 20 minutes later Shane Callison, Tracy Callison and Alan Knowles arrived and said Isaac wanted payment.

“Shane Callison, who had brought a knuckleduster, punched Mr Lowdon in the face. He then took out a knife and stabbed him with it in the top of his right thigh, in the groin. He was then handcuffed by Shane Callison who continued to kick and punch him. He said he had taken two days of steroids and had not been training.

“Then Tracy Callison came in with a very long box. Shane Callison said it was a shotgun, saying it would kill an elephant and if he didn’t get the money he was going to get it.”

A BMW convertible then had a big bag draped over the back seat and Mr Lowdon was bundled into the car.

Shane Callison stopped off at a former girlfriend’s house to show off his hostage and pick up a sword, which he threatened Mr Lowdon with.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Lowdon said: “I was frightened I’m now scared to go out of the house. I keep getting flashbacks and fear for my children. I was threatened with my family being harmed, I thought I was dead.”

Isaac Callison and Billie Callison, both of Napier Road, Swalwell, Gateshead, both admitted possession with intent to supply heroin after £1,500 of the drug was found at their home last August. Isaac also admitted kidnap and was jailed for seven and a half years,

Billie Callison was jailed for 18 months for the drugs offence.

Shane Callison, 21, of Park Terrace, Swalwell, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to blackmail, kidnap and grievous bodily harm and was locked up for seven and a half years.

Tracy Callison, 44, of June Avenue, Winlaton, Gateshead, admitted kidnap and was jailed for four years.

Alan Knowles, 28, of Napier Road, Swalwell, Gateshead, admitted kidnap and blackmail and was jailed for three years.

Today residents living in Napier Road said they were delighted the culprits had been locked up.

Pensioner Patricia Kinghorn, 72, a grandmother-of-two, said: “It is very worrying to think that drug dealers were living in the street and I’m glad they have now been locked up.

“Police would often visit their house and we used to be concerned for the youngsters living in the area. I think most people here will be glad to see the back of them.”

Dad-of-two Mick Reckton, 61, added: “I think it’s great they’ve been locked up because they made people’s lives a misery and it was horrible having the Callison family live in the street.”

Newcastle Chronicle

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Stabbing in neck “could have been murder”, judge tells Acrefair knifeman

By
April 21, 2016
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A man stabbed to the neck received life-threatening injuries following scenes in a North Wales village which were today compared to television’s “Shameless” programme.

David Craig Burnie, was jailed for five and a half years.

David Craig Burnie, was jailed for five and a half years.

A man stabbed to the neck received life-threatening injuries following scenes in a North Wales village which were today compared to television’s “Shameless” programme.

Victim Wayne Reginald Hodrien suffered two tears to the jugular vein in the left side of his neck.

The knifeman, David Craig Burnie, was today jailed for five and a half years.

He admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after an earlier charge of attempted murder was dropped.

Mold Crown Court heard that all parties were under the influence of something and it would never be known precisely what sparked off the violence on the Plas Madoc Estate at Acrefair outside Acrefair, one evening last August.

But following a confrontation at Alwen on the estate, Burnie, 23, went into his home, re-emerged with a knife, and later claimed it was to simply frighten off those who had gathered outside the house.

However, during a fight with Mr Hodrien, Burnie stabbed him to the neck.

In court, it was claimed by defending barrister Robert Parry-Jones that but for the seriousness of the injury the scene would fit into the Channel Four programme “Shameless”.

He said: “It was an appalling situation that occurred that day.”

Judge Niclas Parry told Burnie: “It could have been murder.”

The judge said that once again a person had taken a knife out onto the streets of North Wales to resolve a violent confrontation.

“Once again, a loss of life could have occurred in North Wales because of knife-crime,” he said.

Burnie, he said, had a knife when he was out of control of his senses because of drink.

There had already been a violent confrontation, the defendant did fear for his own personal safety but he could have remained in the house where he had retreated.

“But you chose to come out having collected a knife,” Judge Parry told him.

Outside the violence escalated, the knife was “inevitable used”.

“You used it to stab your victim in the neck. It was life threatening at the time.”

The defendant, he said, had previous convictions for an offensive weapon, two assaults and making a threat to kill.

The judge said that he accepted there was an element of provocation. The greatest mitigation was his guilty plea.

The court heard how the incident happened after the defendant and his girlfriend Claire Hiscock – who had since died – had been to register the birth of their baby.

They spent some time drinking in Wrexham and then returned on the bus to Acrefair.

It was a confused picture about what then took place but Wyn Lloyd Jones prosecuting, said that there appeared to be a number of people in the street, angry about various issues, who appeared drunk or under the influence of something.

The defendant had been involved in a confrontation, went into his house, got the knife, returned outside and was involved in a fight with Mr Hodrien. It was then that he lunged at him with the knife and stabbed him to the left side of his neck.

Mr Hodrien did not want to involve the police, initially said that he had fallen, he was taken to hospital where the wound was cleaned and he discharged himself against medical advice.

But police later returned him to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to the stab wound which involved two tears of the left jugular. The experience had left him suffering nightmares, sleepless nights, anxiety and he had lost confidence.

Burnie initially claimed that he had been defending himself but in his basis of plea said that at the time his belief was that he and his girlfriend were about to be attacked. He picked up the knife to frighten off those who came to his house, not to use it. But he accepted that the knife was used after blows were exchanged.

Robert Parry-Jones, defending, said: “We will never really know what happened.” Everyone was affected by something, whether drugs or alcohol.

Burnie did not go out looking for trouble, he did not start it, he did not go out to cause an injury. His perception was that those on the estate did not like him and did not like his girlfriend.

“She is now unfortunately deceased. She took her life. He is devastated about that,” Mr Parry-Jones said.

The defendant had made a serious attempt at his own life since the incident.

That night a group of people gathered outside his home and after what had occurred he knew it was not “for a cosy chat”.

The barrister said: “No one comes out of this with any credit at all. Burnie did not start it, he reacted, and he very much regrets the way that he did react.”

Daily Post

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Convicted Wrexham knifeman snaps selfie in back of police car

By
April 21, 2016
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David Craig Burnie posted the image on Facebook as he was carted off by police

David Burnie takes a selfie in the back of a police car

David Burnie takes a selfie in the back of a police car

A convicted knife attacker gloatingly took a selfie in the back of a police car as he was carted off by officers.

David Craig Burnie joked on Facebook about his latest brush with the law three years after being jailed for stabbing a man in the neck.

Burnie snapped a picture of police on the street before taking a selfie from inside the vehicle which he posted on Facebook.

He captioned the image saying “Ooooh sh*****t” and later responded to friends asking what had happened saying “No comment” – the Daily Post understands that he was not under arrest at the time.

North Wales Police refused to comment on the incident

Burnie has only recently been released from prison after being sentenced in 2013 for five and a half years after stabbing Wayne Reginald Hodrien in the neck.

His victim Wayne Reginald Hodrien suffered two tears to the jugular vein in the left side of his neck during the incident on Plas Madoc Estate at Acrefair, outside Wrexham, in August 2012.

The victim had to undergo surgery to the stab wound and the experience had left him suffering nightmares, sleepless nights, anxiety and he had lost his confidence.

Daily Post

Further details can be found here

Soldiers jailed after beating up disabled teens ‘for entertainment’

By
March 30, 2016
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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

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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

Three people admit bacon attack on Totterdown mosque

By
March 21, 2016
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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

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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