'Mass dog walk' protest for Queen's Gardens?

January 20, 2014, 7:02 am

≫ Next: MP dubbed 'a bit cowardly' after calling police on petitioners

≪ Previous: Tree surgery company and timber merchants in South Norwood burgled on same night

$

0

0

DOGS and their owners could descend upon the park outside Croydon Council's HQ to protest against a fine issued to a man simply for walking his pet pooch. Roy Barnes, 64, was fined £75 in October for walking his 10-year-old cocker spaniel Toby through Queen's Gardens - despite there being no signs to indicate the ban. Now, Peter Mead, 53, has made a call to arms for dog-lovers to stage a 'mass dog walk' protest this Saturday. Mr Mead, of Wallington, said: "It didn't seem very fair. I think the people giving out the fines are the same people who are targeting smokers. "I'm being a bit mischievous in suggesting the protest but if there are enough dogs, then they will struggle to fine everyone." Mr Barnes paid the fine issued to him by a council enforcement officer because he did not want the fuss of going to court. He insists his dog was well-behaved, on a lead, and did not go to the toilet. There is a sign in Queen's Gardens telling owners their dogs must be kept on leads but not informing them of the supposed ban. Mr Mead, who does not own a dog and said he was more of a cat person, is suggesting all canine owners meet at 11am this Saturday in Queen's Gardens.

---

MP dubbed 'a bit cowardly' after calling police on petitioners

January 20, 2014, 7:39 am

≫ Next: Man charged with Paula Newman's murder overdoses in prison

≪ Previous: 'Mass dog walk' protest for Queen's Gardens?

$

0

0

A FORTNIGHT ago Richard Ottaway was dubbed a knight in the New Year's Honours list. Now the Croydon South MP has been dubbed "a bit cowardly" after asking the police to attend the handing over of a petition by a small group of constituents, including an 81-year-old woman. Liz Marsden, 39, had organised a meeting with Sir Richard where she hoped to hand over a petition signed by opponents of the government's Lobbying Bill. But when she and a dozen residents arrived at the MP's constituency office in Brighton Road on Friday afternoon they were met by a police car parked in the driveway. Mrs Marsden, of the Croydon branch of Friends of the Earth, said: "Mr Ottaway thought it was going to be a demonstration, but it wasn't. It was just a dozen people who are conscientious and wanted to show him they support the petition. "I went and explained to the police officers what we were doing and they left after a couple of minutes because they could clearly see there was no threat at all." Sir Richard claimed Mrs Marsden had sent out an "open invitation" to the meeting so he called the police out of concern for his staff and other constituents who had appointments that afternoon. "If you have an unknown number of people descending on your office then you have to take precautions," he said. "I would do the same again in the circumstances." Mrs Marsden, who booked the appointment for her and up to five constituents early last week, told the Advertiser that she contacted Sir Richard's staff on the day of the meeting after it became apparent that more people wanted to attend, though his staff said they received the information at the "eleventh hour". Sir Richard said Mrs Marsden had "failed to give assurances" about "security issues". "They asked me how many people would be turning up and I said I couldn't personally guarantee, but I'm sure they're all lovely," said Mrs Marsden. "I suggested a compromise that I come in and everyone else waited outside. "When I was inside I asked him to go out and meet the group but he refused. "In the end he did see everyone because they were milling around outside for so long that it was time for him to go home. "He came out and said, briefly, that he couldn't meet them because he didn't know who they were. Everyone was saying: 'We're your constituents.' "The group wasn't pleased. One lady said she was intimidated by his manner. The lady who said that was with her mother, who is 81. "Another older gentleman was incensed that he came out, said his bit and didn't shake hands or acknowledge them. "The whole thing came across as a bit cowardly." The petition handed to Sir Richard was created by campaign group 38 Degrees who think the Lobbying Bill, which regulates campaign spending, will have a "chilling effect" on democracy by hindering work done by charities. Police said they were notified that a group of "demonstrators" were planning to attend the office on Friday afternoon. A spokesman added: "Officers attended the location and spoke to all parties involved. No offences were identified and officers left."

Man charged with Paula Newman's murder overdoses in prison

January 20, 2014, 8:40 am

≫ Next: Fiorentina interest in Crystal Palace star confirmed

≪ Previous: MP dubbed 'a bit cowardly' after calling police on petitioners

$

0

0

A man accused of murdering his girlfriend in New Addington has overdosed in his cell. Kane Boyce, 33, from Erith, was meant to appear for a hearing at the Old Bailey today but missed it after taking an overdose in his cell at High Down prison in Sutton. He is charged with the murder of 20-year-old Paula Newman. There was no application for bail made in his absence and he will remain in custody. His condition is not thought to be life threatening. A plea and case management hearing was set for April 7 at the same court. Boyce was arrested on November 12 after an ambulance rushed his girlfriend to hospital with fatal head injuries. He was bailed but then charged with her murder on January 16. Police discovered Paula, from Beckenham, had fallen from a black BMW 325 the night before her death somewhere in New Addington and appealed for any witnesses to the incident.

Fiorentina interest in Crystal Palace star confirmed

January 20, 2014, 9:05 am

≫ Next: 'Chamakh For Good' singer enjoys greatest day after winning Youtube battle

≪ Previous: Man charged with Paula Newman's murder overdoses in prison

$

0

0

CRYSTAL Palace star Yannick Bolasie is a target for Italian giants Fiorentina, Advertiser Sport has been told by a close source to the player. The tricky customer has battled his way back into Palace's starting XI during the past month after a hamstring injury and has impressed his all-round game. It is understood the Italians have been to watch the winger in action in recent weeks and liked what they saw. However, it is believed the interest is only in the early stages at present. Last season, Bolasie was full of tricks and bombed forward down the flanks, but this season he's had to track back and help his team-mates a bit more with the step-up in quality. And despite failing to find the back of the net so far this season in 14 games, his attributes have caught the eye of Fiorentina, who have just signed Manchester United midfielder Anderson on loan until the end of the season. Bolasie once played abroad in Malta for Floriana in the 2007/08 season, while he's had to ply his trade in the lower leagues of English football with Barnet and Plymouth Argyle before moving to Bristol City. With attempts to bring back Wilfried Zaha looking dead in the water, Eagles boss Tony Pulis will not want to part with Bolasie's services, especially as he's a fan of the Congo DR international. When Pulis was manager of Stoke City, he was prepared to make a bid for Bolasie this time last year after impressing in the FA Cup third round games. Should the Italians come up with a tasty offer before the transfer deadline, Pulis isn't short of options on either flank with Jason Puncheon, Jonny Williams and Barry Bannan available, while Jimmy Kebe has joined Leeds United on loan. And should Palace decide to cash in on the 24-year-old, it may not give them enough time to bring in a quality replacement.

'Chamakh For Good' singer enjoys greatest day after winning Youtube battle

January 20, 2014, 9:14 am

≫ Next: Jonny Williams: Crystal Palace can win 1-0 all they like

≪ Previous: Fiorentina interest in Crystal Palace star confirmed

$

0

0

THE Palace fan behind a comedy song about his love of Eagles striker Marouane Chamakh is enjoying his greatest day after winning a copyright battle to keep it on Youtube. Jim Daly, of the Five Year Plan fanzine, wrote 'Chamakh for Good' in December, changing the words of the Gary Barlow-penned 1995 pop classic 'Back for Good'. His tribute to the Moroccan striker has racked up over 70,000 views but was blocked by Youtube on grounds of breaching copyright. The video has now been unblocked after Jim, 29, explained his position to Youtube. Jim said: "It's great that we can keep it on Youtube because some people said a lot of nice things about. The problem was that I did use the original video and Youtube are very quick to take anything that breaches copyright down. "But they reviewed it and it's back." Discussing the Palace fans' reaction to the song, Jim added: "It's always nice when people say nice things about your work. "Chamakh's been really good for us and been better than a lot of people would have thought. I'm not sure if he's heard the song though – I'd imagine not." And now he's had his brush with copyright law, Jim, a journalist and comedian, will never forget what Palace fans are waiting for – his next witty ditty. He said: "I'm working on something at the moment. It's about Hull Tigers and I'm going to be dressing up as their owner Assem Allam. It's set to Katy Perry's song Roar. "I don't really mind if I get sued or someone has a go. It's pretty good PR."

Jonny Williams: Crystal Palace can win 1-0 all they like

January 20, 2014, 10:07 am

≫ Next: Police attempt to reassure public after Whitgift Centre stabbings

≪ Previous: 'Chamakh For Good' singer enjoys greatest day after winning Youtube battle

$

0

0

CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Jonny Williams has praised his team-mates for keeping a clean sheet against Stoke City on Saturday – and he is happy to take a 1-0 scoreline all day long. Julian Speroni was in top form again, saving early on from Marc Wilson with a tip around the post, while the Eagles' defence was rock solid to shut out the likes of Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters. "It was a great result, especially with the others going our way," Williams told Advertiser Sport. "It was another fantastic home win – another 1-0 win, and they're going to add up at the end of the season. "It was another clean sheet, and Jules made one superb save in the first half which made you think 'how's he kept that out?', but he's been fantastic as has the defence. "Jonny Parr has missed a lot of games but he's looking back to his best with his ankle so it's good times at the moment. "The defence isn't much different to last season. The only time teams have opened us up was Newcastle, and not many teams have not scored that many against us. "It's just credit where it's due to the likes of Danny Gabbidon and even Mile Jedinak and Joel Ward in front of them. "Then we've got players like Jason Puncheon who can finish, and I'm so happy for him after the stick he got for missing the penalty at Spurs. "As a team-mate, it was just relief for him, and he deserved to get the man of the match award. "He'll keep the ball and run with it so it's important to have him on the pitch." With the next league game not until next Tuesday against Hull City, some of the players may have wished it was a bit sooner following Saturday's win, including Williams. "It's a bit like the Sunderland game back in August, we got a win and the place was rocking then we have a bit of a delay until the next one," he said. "We'll take the Stoke win into the game against Wigan as it will be important to get a result there in the FA Cup, and it will be tough because they're a good side."

Police attempt to reassure public after Whitgift Centre stabbings

January 20, 2014, 10:17 am

≫ Next: Crystal Palace star: I'd take a penalty if no one else wanted to

≪ Previous: Jonny Williams: Crystal Palace can win 1-0 all they like

$

0

0

POLICE have seemingly moved to calm fears about a return of serious youth violence to the town centre following the stabbing of two teenagers in the Whitgift Centre last week. Two teenagers, 16 and 17-years-old, were taken to hospital after being knifed by a group of younger schoolboys outside Sports Direct last Tuesday evening. Police in Croydon released a statement, prompted by the incident, this evening in which a senior officer said both youth and knife crime are falling but more work needed to be done. Detective Superintendent Simon Messinger, of Croydon Police, said tackling youth violence and knife crime "remains a priority". He added: "So far this financial year, there have been 87 fewer victims of youth violence compared to last year, but we are not complacent and incidents such as the stabbing in the Whitgift Centre last week, while still relatively rare, show that we still have work to do to reduce this further. "Knife crime across the borough has reduced significantly and we are determined to carry this on." In a separate incident this morning (Monday) an 18-year-old was stabbed in a fight in Thornton Heath. Three men, in their late teens and early 20s, are being questioned by police. There have yet to be any arrests in connection with the Whitgift case. Police said there have been 386 knife crimes in Croydon so far this financial year (April 2013 to January 2014) compared to 492 in the same period during the previous year. Det Supt Messinger added: "We continue to target those who carry and use weapons and through the more targeted, intelligence-led use of stop and search, 150 arrests were made last year for offensive weapons or firearms offences. "If you are carrying a weapon or knife, then you can expect to be targeted and arrested. "As well as taking enforcement action, we are also engaging with young people, through schools and our local partners, to help and encourage young people away from crime. "We will always offer support and help to young people who may be involved in criminality but want to lead their life away from crime." The perception of Croydon as having a serious issue with knife crime has improved since the deaths of three teenagers in as many months in 2008. Shakilus Townsend, 16, Nilanthan Murddi, 17, and Oliver Kingonzila, 19, were all stabbed to death amid a spate of youth violence. A series of police operations to tackle gang culture, particularly around the town centre, has seen the number of incidents fall, but today's statement from the police shows the Croydon's improving reputation as a safe place to shop remains fiercely guarded, especially in light of Westfield/Hammerson's redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre.

Crystal Palace star: I'd take a penalty if no one else wanted to

January 20, 2014, 10:21 am

≫ Next: Five Crystal Palace fans jailed after King's Cross brawl with Brighton supporters

≪ Previous: Police attempt to reassure public after Whitgift Centre stabbings

$

0

0

CRYSTAL Palace striker Marouane Chamakh says he would have no problem with stepping up for a penalty if none of his team-mates didn't felt confident enough. Jason Puncheon's penalty howler at Tottenham on January 11 received wide criticism, but the winger bounced back in superb style with the winning goal against Stoke City on Saturday. And Chamakh believes it could be interesting to see what happens should the Eagles be awarded another spot-kick from now until the end of the season. "I am so happy for him (Puncheon) after what happened at Tottenham," the 30-year-old told the Advertiser. "He will be so confident now and that will be good for him and us as a team. Of course, if no one else wants to take a penalty, I would take it. "But Puncheon scored the other week (against Norwich City), so he was probably the number one choice. "We'll see what happens if we get another one. Dwight Gayle scored one at the start of the season, but if a player feels confident in wanting to shoot, we let them take one. "That is what happened with Puncheon."

---

Five Crystal Palace fans jailed after King's Cross brawl with Brighton supporters

January 21, 2014, 6:20 am

≫ Next: iPhone theft: Do you recognise this man?

≪ Previous: Crystal Palace star: I'd take a penalty if no one else wanted to

$

0

0

FIVE Crystal Palace supporters were jailed today (Tuesday) for their part in a violent brawl with Brighton fans near King's Cross Station. The five men, who were all given six-year banning orders from football grounds, were involved in a "terrifying" fight on November 10 2012 after the Eagles' away match with Peterborough. The group, who were convicted in December following a trial at Blackfriars Crown Court, were sentenced today at the same court. Hayden Johnson, 20, of Jesmond Road, Addiscombe, was given 10 months in a young offender's institute, while three others received 10-month jail sentences. They are; Dean Kirby, 29, of West Park Road, Newchapel; Declan Clarke, 22, of Miles Road, Epsom; and Adam Marshall, 23, of Aston Way, Epsom. James Hackett, 21, of Norbury Avenue, Thornton Heath, was given a reduced sentence of eight months because he had earlier changed his plea to guilty, to a charge of violent disorder. During the trial, jurors had heard how punches, glasses and sandwich boards were thrown as the brawl escalated in Caledonian Road. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Henry Blacksell QC said he could understand why the jury had rejected the evidence of those who had pleaded not guilty. He said: "I like to think you all know and realise it makes it much harder to take into account any true remorse." He later added: "You should be ashamed. It could have been members of your family." Judge Blacksell QC, did, however, say he thought Hackett had shown some genuine remorse. During the trial, the court heard how Hackett, 21, could be seen "jumping up and down in a victory pose, throwing glasses and having a fierce face-to-face confrontation". In his submission, Hackett's defence lawyer, Jonathan Simpson, said: "He had a surge of strength and responsibility in the presence of all those who are his friends to stand up and be accountable." Johnson and Clarke were also given three-month sentences suspended for two years, in November, for their part in an earlier fight with in Peterborough town centre with rival fans on the same day as the King's Cross incident. Rakhesh Sharma, Johnson's defence lawyer, said it had been a "day of madness", something which the judge also rejected, adding there should have been time for the Palace fans to regain their heads on the journey home.

iPhone theft: Do you recognise this man?

January 21, 2014, 7:29 am

≫ Next: Croydon teen died 'after taking drugs for the first time'

≪ Previous: Five Crystal Palace fans jailed after King's Cross brawl with Brighton supporters

$

0

0

POLICE investigating the theft of an iPhone from a train passenger want to talk to this man. The victim, a 25-year-old man, was sitting in the second carriage of the train, running from West Croydon to Dalston Junction, when the incident took place. Detective Constable Mark Agrippa, who is leading the investigation, said: "The passenger was on his phone on the train when a man approached and snatched it from his hand. "He then left the train at Honor Oak Park as the doors were closing and the victim was not able to follow him. "The stolen phone is a black iPhone 4S worth approximately £450." The offence took place at around 4.10pm on Friday, November 15. DC Agrippa added: "In the time since the offence, numerous enquiries have taken place to identify the person responsible, including liaising with local police and viewing CCTV from the station. "I'm now appealing for the public's help to identify the man in these images as I believe he will have information vital to this investigation. "I would also like to ask any witnesses who saw what took place to come forward as a matter of urgency." Do you know the identity of this man or have any information which could assist investigating officers? If so, contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference LSA/B7 of 16/01/14. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Croydon teen died 'after taking drugs for the first time'

January 21, 2014, 7:56 am

≫ Next: Crystal Palace striker: I had my eye on MK Dons reunion

≪ Previous: iPhone theft: Do you recognise this man?

$

0

0

A TEENAGER who died after taking ecstasy left home that evening telling his mother, as he always did, that he loved her and 'I promise I won't die.' Daniel Spargo-Mabbs died on Monday after taking the banned drug at an organised rave in west London on Friday night, when his parents thought he was at a party in Clapham. The 16-year-old top Archbishop Tenison's student collapsed at the venue and was rushed to hospital but doctors could not save him. Two men, both aged 18 and 19 and from Croydon, were arrested today on suspicion of supplying drugs, and were in custody at the time of writing. His shell-shocked parents today spoke of their devastation at the loss of their youngest son and warned others of the dangers of ecstasy. Mother Fiona Spargo-Mabbs said she told her son she loved him every time they parted and he would respond, 'I love you too, Mummy. I promise I won't die.' She continued: "And that is exactly what he said when he went out on Friday. But he just did not keep that promise... But he did not know." Mrs Spargo-Mabbs, an adult education manager with Croydon Council, said Daniel had left the family's house in Addiscombe on Friday evening after school, telling her he was going to a party with friends in Clapham. She told: "He persuaded me by saying, 'Come on Mum, you know I hardly ever go to parties and you know I am sensible and responsible,' - which he is, 99.9 per cent of the time. "We checked there were going to be trains to come back and made sure he had enough money for his Travelcard - he does a paper round and he had just got paid." But early the next morning police knocked on the door saying Daniel was fighting for his life after emergency services reached him at the rave at an industrial site in Silverdale Road, Hayes. "It is your worst nightmare. Absolutely totally your worst nightmare," Mrs Spargo-Mabbs said. She added: "It was the first time he had ever taken drugs and for whatever reason it just had a reaction in his body which caused his death. "He was just a boy with an adventurous spirit who chose the wrong thing to be adventurous about." Daniel's father, Tim Spargo-Mabbs, added: "He was just such a lovely, lovely kid. He was not only my son, he was also my best friend." Daniel lived in Addiscombe with his family, members of Emmanuel Church in South Croydon. His father is an administrator at learning disability non-profit group L'Arche. Older brother Jacob, 18, took his A-Levels at Archbishop Tenison's and is now studying at Kent university. The keen sportsman was studying for his AS-levels after scoring mostly A-stars and As at GCSE. His ambitions included joining the army and then becoming a teacher. He was due to start an Alpha course in the Christian faith this week, had a long-term girlfriend, and tended not to go out much, his mother added. She continued: "I just want no other kids out there to think that this happened to him because this is the kind of stuff that he did, because it really, really is not. "He spent pretty much all his time with his lovely, lovely girlfriend or playing X-Box with his friends." She added: "When he was a tiny baby he was always trying to climb furniture before he could walk. "Not that he took lots of silly risks - he never had an accident - but he was a boy of great character and he had an adventurous spirit." Mrs Spargo-Mabbs added she did not blame any of Daniel's friends with him at the rave. She said: "I don't blame them and they really should not blame themselves. "Nobody would have done this if they thought this was going to happen. "He would not have wanted to do it [either] - he would get so upset if he hurt anybody or upset anybody. "Things used to really trouble him. He has such a conscience about stuff." She said she had spoken with her son about the risks of drugs, but warned that youngsters tended to think bad things would not happen to them. "But it does and it has," she added.

Crystal Palace striker: I had my eye on MK Dons reunion

January 21, 2014, 8:57 am

≫ Next: Marouane Chamakh wishes Hull City game was sooner for Crystal Palace

≪ Previous: Croydon teen died 'after taking drugs for the first time'

$

0

0

CRYSTAL Palace duo Aaron Wilbraham and Jason Puncheon could have been preparing for a Milton Keynes Dons reunion this weekend in the FA Cup if it wasn't for a late rally from Wigan Athletic last week in their third round tie. The Dons took the Latics to a replay but were overpowered in the end despite taking the lead – and Wilbraham admitted he kept abreast of potentially facing his former club. Wilbraham and Puncheon were popular figures during their time at stadium:mk and would have relished the chance to go back there with the Eagles. "I had a couple of people text me from MK, just saying they might have Palace in the FA Cup if they win the game against Wigan," Wilbraham told the Advertiser. "I did keep my eye on it to be fair, and obviously they took the lead in the replay but ended up getting beaten 3-1. "It could have been a possibility but it wasn't meant to be unfortunately." And the striker believes it would not be a bad thing for Palace to enjoy success away from league action too. "It wouldn't do us any harm to win an FA Cup game and have a good run," said Wilbraham. "The manager will want to win every game he's involved in."

Marouane Chamakh wishes Hull City game was sooner for Crystal Palace

January 21, 2014, 9:10 am

≫ Next: Jonny Williams EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace is my home

≪ Previous: Crystal Palace striker: I had my eye on MK Dons reunion

$

0

0

CRYSTAL Palace striker Marouane Chamakh wants to take Saturday's confidence-boosting win over Stoke City into their next Premier League game against Hull City. The Eagles' next game is in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic on Saturday, but 72 hours later they host Hull City back at Selhurst Park in a game they'll be hoping for three points. And Chamakh, who was supported in attack by Adlene Guedioura against Mark Hughes' side, was thrilled with the win after their recent performances. "I am delighted to be out of the relegation zone but we are still a couple of points from the bottom," he told the Advertiser. "It was really, really important to take three points against Stoke, and we did it. "I was so, so happy and I am also happy we have the next (league) game at home, which is another chance to get three points. "If we can do that it will be really good for our confidence until the end of the season. "We worked really hard against the big clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham. We only lost 1-0 at City and were close to getting a draw, and Tottenham, it was one half for us and one for them. "I think we have been working really hard and we have to take the confidence from beating Stoke to do the same next week (against Hull City). "I wish that game was sooner. We would like that but that is what the fixture calendar is and first we take on Wigan." The Moroccan largely played on his own in attack after Cameron Jerome was unable to play against his parent club. He was supported by Guedioura through the middle and felt the formation worked well despite Stoke's reputation for being defensively sound. Chamakh said "It wasn't too hard. The change of position maybe in the team going forward, but for me I am striker and Stoke are known to make things difficult. "But Adlene was close to me and I thought it was good."

Jonny Williams EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace is my home

January 21, 2014, 9:54 am

≫ Next: Murderer re-arrested nearly 100 days after escape

≪ Previous: Marouane Chamakh wishes Hull City game was sooner for Crystal Palace

$

0

0

JONNY Williams says he never thought about leaving Crystal Palace after Cardiff City were rumoured to be preparing a bid for his services in the current transfer window. The 20-year-old signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Eagles on Friday, and despite being made aware of the link with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's side, leaving SE25 was never going to become a reality in his mind. "It's like home here," Williams exclusively told the Advertiser. "People were talking about the Cardiff rumours but I didn't hear anything about it. "It's scary the thought of maybe leaving Palace one day. It feels like home, I'm really happy here and I'm just happy to be playing for Palace in the Premier League – it's a dream. "It's something I never thought I'd achieve coming through the academy let alone to be playing and being involved in these games. "If I'm not coming on, I'm still happy to be involved on the bench and be part of this team. "I've never thought about leaving this club, it's home. I go into the training ground every day and it's a place I've been maybe more times than I have at home. "Sometimes it feels like that as I'm there all the time. I am happy where I am at this football club."

Murderer re-arrested nearly 100 days after escape

January 21, 2014, 10:16 am

≫ Next: Police in Croydon investigate alleged attempted child abduction

≪ Previous: Jonny Williams EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace is my home

$

0

0

A MURDERER who escaped from a mental health centre has been arrested by police after nearly 100 days on the run. Lerone Boye, 27, was arrested this afternoon in a planned operation at a house in Elderberry Close, Chigwell. Boye was jailed for 28 years in December 2012 for his part in the murder of New Addington teenager Kelvin Chibueze in Ilford in August 2011. He escaped from the John Howard Centre in Kenworthy Road, Homerton, on October 16, with police offering £10,000 for information leading to his arrest.

---

Police in Croydon investigate alleged attempted child abduction

January 22, 2014, 8:05 am

≫ Next: Police alerted to threats against Croydon Islamic centre

≪ Previous: Murderer re-arrested nearly 100 days after escape

$

0

0

POLICE are investigating an alleged attempted child abduction. The incident is said to have happened in Farnborough Avenue at around 3.40pm on Monday to an 11-year-old boy as he walked home from school. A police spokesman said: "The victim is said to have been grabbed by the arm by the male suspect, before pulling away and making off in the direction of Gravel Hill." Officers from Croydon CID are investigating. Local neighbourhood officers are also carrying out additional patrols in the area. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or with information should Croydon CID on 101.

Police alerted to threats against Croydon Islamic centre

January 22, 2014, 8:06 am

≫ Next: Three bailed after teenager, 18, stabbed in Thornton Heath fight

≪ Previous: Police in Croydon investigate alleged attempted child abduction

$

0

0

POLICE are investigating threats made against an Islamic centre by supporters of two right-wing groups. A video, posted on the internet, shows three men connected to the English Defence League (EDL) and one of its splinter groups, outside Anjuman-e-Zaini, in Brighton Road, South Croydon, late on what is believed to be Sunday night (January 19). Two of the men are seen ringing the door bell before one tells the camera that the building is an "illegal mosque". When no one answers he says they will be back to "have the place over". The Advertiser alerted the community centre, which is a fully licensed place of worship, who contacted the police on Tuesday. Anjuman-e-Zaini is run by members of the borough's Dawoodi Bohra Community, a branch of Islam. Secretary Shaukat Dungarwalla said the incident was the latest example of the centre being targeted by extremists, including an attempt to set the building on fire during the riots in 2011. He said: "Given what's happened in the past we're very concerned. "This is far from the first time we have been targeted. During the riots someone pushed a pile of rubbish against the door and set fire to it in hope of burning us down. "Bricks have been thrown at the building on at least four occasions and our windows have been plastered with anti-Islamic posters. "As soon as we were informed of this video we contacted the police. There's no smoke without fire. We're on full alert." The threats were exposed by EDL News, a website set up in opposition to the far-right group. It includes the video, uploaded to YouTube, which shows two men hanging around outside Anjuman-e-Zaini. One turns to the camera and says: "This here is an illegal mosque. There's no council permission, there's no sign saying it's a mosque. Yet we've seen people coming in and out of here for prayers and all sorts of other business." He then asks a second man, called Dave, to press the doorbell again, before declaring: "Next Friday we're coming back and we really are going to have this place over". The EDL News article includes a screenshot of the man inviting others to join him when he returns to the building, while another appears to threaten to cover it in stickers. He adds: "We don't want to spoil the surprise for the muzzies." It is understood police have increased patrols in the area after being alerted to the video and Facebook posts. A spokesman for Croydon Police said: "We are aware of this online article and we are currently liaising with the Islamic Centre on this issue."

Three bailed after teenager, 18, stabbed in Thornton Heath fight

January 22, 2014, 9:05 am

≫ Next: Crystal Palace linked to Wigan Athletic stopper

≪ Previous: Police alerted to threats against Croydon Islamic centre

$

0

0

THREE men arrested after a teenager was stabbed in a fight on Monday morning have been released on bail. Police were called to reports of a fight in Queen's Road at the junction with Pawsons Road, in Bensham Manor ward, at 1.45am on Monday. An 18-year-old was treated at the scene for stab injuries and taken to hospital. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Three males, in their late teens and early 20s, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. They were questioned at a south London police station before being bailed until mid-March. Officers from Trident, the Met's gang crime command, are investigating.

Crystal Palace linked to Wigan Athletic stopper

January 22, 2014, 9:10 am

≫ Next: Thornton Heath sham marriage trial rescheduled for third time

≪ Previous: Three bailed after teenager, 18, stabbed in Thornton Heath fight

$

0

0

WIGAN Athletic defender Ivan Ramis is being lined up by Crystal Palace, according to national media. The Spaniard, 29, signed for the Latics in the summer of 2012 and played 17 times in the Premier League last season. He was previously with Mallorca for eight seasons. His contract doesn't run out until 2015, so a fee would be required by the Eagles. Ramis came off against Derby County on New Year's Day with injury and is set to make his comeback soon. Both Wigan and Palace meet in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend, but the game will come too soon for the stopper to be involved.

Thornton Heath sham marriage trial rescheduled for third time

January 22, 2014, 9:49 am

≫ Next: Ottaway 'encouraged' by minister's response to NHS Croydon questions

≪ Previous: Crystal Palace linked to Wigan Athletic stopper

$

0

0

THE trial of a vicar accused of conducting hundreds of sham marriages has been rescheduled for the third time. The Reverend Nathan Ntege, 54, is charged with 14 immigration offences relating to 492 marriages held of a 15-month period at the Church of St Jude's and St Aidan in Thornton Heath. Verger Brian Miller, 80, of Owl Close, Selsdon, is charged with the same offences. Their trial was due to begin on Monday (January 27) but, at a pre-trial hearing this week, it was rescheduled for September 8. It has previously been moved from November. It has also emerged that Maudlyn Riviere, secretary of the Thornton Road church, has been charged with carrying out an act to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law. A third woman, Galina Petkova, 50, is alleged to have acted as a "fixer" for a number of weddings, as well as allegedly being married in one of the ceremonies herself. She is charged with conspiracy and five counts of assisting illegal entry. A fourth person, connected to Petkova, has also been charged with facilitating a breach of immigration law. The investigation concerns hundreds of ceremonies conducted between December 2009 and March 2011.