CPS News Brief

Five gang members sentenced to a total of 20 years for slavery offences

Five Czech gang members have been jailed for human trafficking and slavery offences after they brought vulnerable people into the country and then made them live in inhumane conditions as they paid off imposed debts.

Their trial was the first time a Czech prisoner was transferred to the UK to give evidence and a further witness was able to testify direct from a court in the Czech Republic. 

Ruzena Tancosova, Petr Tancos, Nela Dzurkova, Martin Tancos and Katerina Kerujova were convicted on Monday, 24 October at Plymouth Crown Court. Today (31 October) they were jailed for a total of more than 20 years and the judge also imposed Serious Crime Prevention Orders on Ruzena Tancosova and Petr Tancos.

The gang trafficked people from the Czech Republic to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival the victims lived in squalid conditions and were then forced to work in a car wash and at a meat packing factory in order to pay off debts which their traffickers claimed they owed.

Ann Hampshire, Senior Crown Prosecutor in the CPS South West Complex Casework Unit, said:

“This has been a challenging and complex matter to investigate and prosecute, requiring international co-operation between criminal justice agencies in the UK and the Czech Republic. This multi-agency, international approach helped us to build a strong prosecution case, ultimately resulting in these convictions. 

“I would like to thank all those who have supported the prosecution of this case and pay tribute to the courage of the victims in coming forward and putting their trust in the authorities.

“The defendants are guilty of the organised exploitation and manipulation of a number of vulnerable victims over a prolonged period. The group cynically targeted people who might not immediately be noticed as missing.

“They were then treated as commodities to be used however the defendants saw fit. They were forced to live in squalid conditions, whilst being put to work to pay off imaginary debts they were told they had incurred."‎

 

Notes to Editors

 

Ruzena Tancosova, 36, of South View Terrace – found guilty of conspiracy to traffic for the purpose of exploitation, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and acting as a gangmaster. Sentenced to six and a half years’ imprisonment.

Petr Tancos, 37, of South View Terrace - found guilty of conspiracy to traffic for the purpose of exploitation, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour. Sentenced to six and a half years’ imprisonment.

Nela Dzurkova, 28, of South View Terrace - found guilty of conspiracy to traffic for the purpose of exploitation. Sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment.

Martin Tancos, 37, of Wolsdon Street - found guilty of conspiracy to traffic for the purpose of exploitation and acting as a gangmaster. Sentenced to three year’s imprisonment

Katerina Kurejova, 37, of Wolsdon Street - found guilty of conspiracy to traffic for the purpose of exploitation. Sentenced to two years imprisonment.

Tomasz Kroker jailed for 10 years at Reading Crown Court

A lorry driver whose dangerous driving caused the deaths of four family members has today (31 October) been jailed for 10 years at Reading Crown Court.

Tomasz Kroker was driving on the northbound carriageway of the A34 in Berkshire on 10 August this year when he drove into the back of the stationary queue of vehicles at approximately 50mph. Tracey Houghton, aged 45, from Bedfordshire, her two sons, Josh Houghton (11) and Ethan Houghton (13), and her partner’s daughter Aimee Goldsmith (11), who were all travelling in the same vehicle, died at the scene. A further five people were injured including one man who was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Kroker initially claimed at the scene that his brakes had failed. But when confronted with dash-cam footage he admitted he had been looking at his mobile phone at the time of the crash. On 10 October he pleaded guilty to four counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Gavin Hernandez, District Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said:

“This was not a tragic accident but four deaths were caused by Kroker’s inattention and distraction.

“This case highlights the serious consequences of failing to be alert and prepared for unexpected driving conditions. Mobile phones must not be used by drivers under any circumstances as they are a lethal distraction which, as this case demonstrates, can lead to untold misery.

“Our thoughts are very much with the families affected by this tragic incident.”

Alert: Fake witness summons emails

It has come to the attention of the Crown Prosecution Service that emails have been received by members of the public which falsely claim to be from the CPS. These emails include a summons to appear as a witness in court. 

The CPS does not email witnesses in order to summons them to court. 

If you have received this email, please delete it and do not click on any of the links enclosed.

Sham marriage gang jailed for more than 52 years

Eleven people have been jailed after they were found guilty of facilitating and participating in sham marriages between European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and non-EEA nationals.

On 7 September 2013, a marriage was disrupted in Stoke between two individuals who later admitted that it was a sham.

A police investigation identified Olatunji George, 41, Clemence Marijeni, 43, and Donald Nwachukwu, 42, as the key facilitators of the sham marriage. 

The defendants would create packs for individuals that contained forged passports, wage slips and bills. They would then charge between £2,500 and £3,500 for each pack.

The trio would then submit residence card applications to the Home Office based on relationships and marriages that we not genuine.  

Following three trials, eleven defendants were found guilty and on Friday 21 October they were sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court as follow:

• Olatunji George – found guilty in his absence of 10 counts of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law. He was sentenced in his absence to a total of 10 years.
• Donald Nwachukwu – found guilty of 12 counts of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced to a total of 8 years.
• Clemence Marijeni – found guilty of 9 counts of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law, one count of facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law, one count of possession of apparatus / an article or material with prohibited intention and one count of forgery. He was sentenced to a total of 10 years.
• Cherene Cotterell, 30 - found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced to a total of 2 years.
• Victor Ibeh, 32 - found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced to a total of 3 years.
• Peter Fredrick, 27 - found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced to a total of 3 and a half years.
• Lenka Jakova, 38 - found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced to a total of 2 years.
• Idris Agia, 31 - found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced to a total of 3 and a half years.
• Josef Puzo, 28 - found guilty in his absence of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced in his absence to a total of 5 years .
• Pavel Farbar, 30 - found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced to a total of 2 years.
• Aishatu Ibrahim, 25 - found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law and sentenced to a total of 3 and a half years.

Wendy Stevens, Senior Crown Prosecutor from the West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service’s Complex Casework Unit, said:

“As this case demonstrates, the Crown Prosecution Service is working closely with the Home Office and the local criminal justice system to detain and prosecute those who are involved in abusing our immigration system.

“The ring leaders in this sophisticated sham marriage operation exploited vulnerable people in order to gain financially through their illegal activities. 

“They would charge thousands of pounds in order to create packs which contained false documents, which they would then use to submit applications to the Home Office. They would then proceed to facilitate sham marriages between EEA and non EEA nationals.

 “These gang members have been sentenced to a total of more than 52 years for their part in this immigration marriage fraud.”

Gordon Anglesea found guilty of sexual abuse against children

The jury at Mold Crown Court, Wales, today found former police superintendent Gordon Anglesea guilty of four offences of indecent assault on children between 1982 and 1987.

 

Ed Beltrami, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Wales, said: 

 

“Gordon Anglesea abused a position of power and authority in order to prey on very young and vulnerable victims. 

 

“I would like to thank the victims, survivors and witnesses who had the courage to come forward and provide important evidence in this case. Anglesea’s conviction today is a direct result of the prosecution being able to call on first-hand accounts of what happened.

 

“Operation Pallial continues to have success in bringing perpetrators of abuse against children to justice and today’s conviction of Gordon Anglesea represents another important milestone in that process. 

 

“I hope that it will also prove to be a meaningful step in the recovery process of his victims, who have had to live with what happened for a long time before seeing their abuser brought before the court.”

Allan Richards found guilty of sexual abuse over 37 years

A former police officer and scout leader has been found guilty of 40 offences at Birmingham Crown Court relating to the sexual exploitation of 23 boys over a 37 year period.

Allan Richards, 54, from Kitts Green, joined West Midlands Police in 1980 and in 1982 he became a scout leader in Birmingham. Richards used both of these positions to identify his potential victims and also targeted vulnerable boys at a local park.

He continued his offending after leaving the police force in 2011.

His first attack took place in 1976 and his offending continued until 2013. 

In 2014, one of boys he had abused contacted the police leading to  Richards’ arrest and charge for multiple offences. Following two trials, Richards has been found guilty of:

• 2 counts of Rape
• 1 count of Buggery 
• 5 counts of  Misconduct in a public office
• 3 counts of Gross indecency with a child  
• 7 counts of Sexual Activity with a Child 
• 1 count of Inciting Sexual Activity with a Child 
• 20 counts of Indecent Assault
• 1 count of Voyeurism

He is due to be sentenced on 4 November 2016. 

Neil Fielding, Specialist Prosecutor from the West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service’s Complex Casework Unit, said:

“For more than three decades, Allan Richards preyed on vulnerable boys and teenagers for his own gratification; abusing his trusted positions as a police officer and a scout master to do so. 

“Despite overwhelming evidence, some of it corroborated by his own diary entries and a list he kept of his victims’ names; Richards continued to deny these matters showing no remorse and demonstrating a callous disregard for those he abused.  Two separate juries plainly rejected his account and accepted those of his many victims. 

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the witnesses who supported the case and the whole prosecution team who worked diligently and professionally to bring Richards to justice.”

Trio convicted following murder of Ealing man Rory Anderson

A man who removed clothing and a mobile phone from his fatally wounded victim in an attempt to avoid his detection and arrest has been convicted of murder.

Woolwich Crown Court heard that Alex Azadbakht, 25, stabbed Rory Anderson four times in the back and chest with a screwdriver or similar weapon in Ealing, west London, in March this year and then tried to cover his tracks by getting rid of the evidence. 

Azadbakht and fellow defendants Jermaine Lewis and Stephan Bassily, both 21, were also convicted (on 20 October) of perverting the course of justice. The weapon and Rory Anderson’s mobile phone and clothing have never been recovered.

Navnit Dosanjh, CPS London reviewing lawyer, said: 

“The prosecution was able to use CCTV footage and witness statements to piece together the defendants’ movements in court and bring about these convictions. Azadbakht and his accomplices are now facing significant prison terms.

“What began as a gathering in a flat in Ealing ended in tragedy. Rory was attacked inside the flat and made his way outside where he called the police for help. When the defendants saw how badly hurt Rory was, they made no attempt to help him, and instead stripped him of his phone and clothing in an attempt to mislead the police and fled the scene. 

“Our sympathies go to Mr Anderson’s family at this difficult time.”

 

Note

Sentences given on 21 October at Woolwich Crown Court: 

• Azadbakht was given a life sentence for the murder, with a minimum term of 20 years, and four and a half years (concurrent) for perverting the course of justice
• Jermaine Lewis and Stephan Bassily both received 4 years imprisonment for perverting the course of justice.

Eight men from Rotherham involved in the systematic targeting and sexual exploitation of young girls have today been convicted at Sheffield Crown Court

The defendants faced charges including rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment relating to three victims aged as young as 13 at the time of the offences.

Peter Mann, Head of the Complex Casework Unit CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said:

 “The CPS has worked closely with South Yorkshire Police over the last two years to bring these defendants to justice.

 “I would like first to pay tribute to the victims who have shown tremendous bravery in coming forward and helping us to build a strong prosecution case to put before the court, resulting in the jury convicting all the defendants of every count.

 “In contrast to the courage and strength of the victims, these men’s actions are utterly abhorrent.  They waged a campaign of sexual violence and intimidation against young girls in the Rotherham area 13 years ago. 

 “Their victims were targeted, sexualised, and in some cases subjected to degrading and violent acts. Sageer Hussain in particular took a leading role in befriending the young girls, and in the case of one victim, passed her on to his friends and other associates, assisted in various ways by the other defendants.

 “We will continue to work closely with the police to prosecute these complex and sensitive cases, and obtain justice for the victims of such appalling crimes”

 

Notes

• The eight men went on trial at Sheffield crown court on 12 September 2016.
• All the defendants were prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 1956 which was the relevant Act at the time of these offences. 
• Convicted on Monday 17 October 2016:

1. SAGEER HUSSAIN - Rape x4 and Indecent assault x1
2. MOHAMMED WHIED - Aid and abet, counsel and procure the offence of rape x1
3. ISHTIAQ KHALIQ aka ISHTIAQ MOHAMMED KHALIQ - Rape x1 Indecent assault x3
4. WALEED ALI - Rape x1 and Indecent assault x1
5. ASIF ALI - Rape x1
6. MASOUED MALIK - Rape x1, Conspiracy to commit indecent assault x1 and False imprisonment x1
7. BASHARAT HUSSAIN - Indecent assault x1
8. NAEEM RAFIQ - Conspiracy to commit indecent assault x1 and False imprisonment x1

Ched Evans retrial

Ed Beltrami, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wales said:

“We respect the decision of the jury today. This case hinged on the issue of sexual consent – that someone consents if they agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Being drunk does not mean a person relinquishes their right to consent, that they are to blame for being attacked or that they were ‘fair game’.

“The prosecution argued that the complainant did not have the capacity to consent, but the jury found they could not be sure, beyond reasonable doubt, that the complainant did not consent, or that Evans thought she was not consenting.

“I would like to thank the complainant for her courage throughout this case, and the previous trial.”

Adult teen sentenced for grooming grieving girl over social media

A Northampton teenager who groomed a grieving 14-year-old girl using social media and caused her to self-harm has today been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

Connor Hibberd, 19, used Instagram and WhatsApp social media channels to target his victim, causing her to believe he would harm her if she did not comply by sending photographs of herself committing sexual acts and harming herself. 

Lawrence English, Head of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit for the CPS East Midlands said: 

“The young victim in this case was preyed upon at a difficult time in her life when she was grieving and suffering from the loss of a close family member. The defendant exploited this in the worst way possible.

“The defendant’s hold over his victim was so strong she felt she had no choice but to do as he said, although they had never met in person. Even when they were in different countries the power Hibberd held over his victim led to her acting against her wishes, under his instruction. 

“The prosecution case was highly complex, with several international legal issues to navigate. For example, it was necessary for the offence to exist in the country where it happened in order to prosecute, even if the defendant later returned to the UK.

“The CPS prosecutes criminal offences that take place both on- and offline. Hibberd used social media to facilitate his crimes and has now been brought to justice.”

Additional information:

Hibberd pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court on 19 August to four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between August 2014 and February 2016.

Hibberg was sentenced to a total of 4 years’ imprisonment. The judge found him to be dangerous and imposed an extended licence of 8 years. Hibberd is also now the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Ends

Three officers from West Midlands Police charged in Kingsley Burrell case

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“Following a referral by the IPCC we have decided there is sufficient evidence to charge three officers from West Midlands Police with perverting the course of justice and perjury in connection with the death of Kingsley Burrell in 2011.

“The officers and the family of Mr Burrell have been informed.

“Criminal proceedings involving the three police constables will now be commenced and each has a right to a fair trial. It is important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial. For these reasons it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

 

Notes

• The officers will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 31 October 2016
• The decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors which can be found here http://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/code_for_crown_prosecutors/index.html

Arthur Simpson-Kent sentenced to whole life term for murdering Sian Blake and their two children

Malcolm McHaffie, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London, said: 

 

“A few days before she was killed, Sian Blake had been told that she had motor neurone disease and that it was terminal. Tragically, Arthur Simpson-Kent’s actions on the night of 14 December 2015 prevented Sian’s family of from spending precious remaining time with a much loved sister, daughter and mother. It also wiped out a future generation of the family. 

 

“Simpson-Kent went to great lengths to conceal his crimes. He misled friends, family and the police about what he had done and where Sian and her children had gone. Even more callously he suggested that Sian and he had entered into a pact to end all of their lives because of her condition. This was not true. In fact Sian had been making enquiries about schools for the children and had been considering moving to live with her family without him. These were brutal, cold-blooded murders of his partner and children, whose trust he grossly breached. We made this clear to the court today to assist the Judge in deciding the sentence.

 

“I hope that the sentence passed today gives Sian’s family some small amount of comfort at this very difficult time. I would also like to thank the Ghanaian Authorities for their assistance in relation to the arrest and extradition of Simpson-Kent.”

“Fake Sheikh” Mazher Mahmood convicted of conspiring to pervert the course of justice

Mazher Mahmood and Alan Smith have been convicted of conspiring to pervert the course of justice after they were found to have planned to change a statement given to police.

Mahmood, a journalist better known as the ‘Fake Sheikh’ for his high-profile celebrity stories, gave evidence to police which led to singer Tulisa Contostavlos being arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of a class A drugs. 

However the defendants agreed to alter a written statement Smith gave to police in order to remove material which could have helped Ms Contostavlos’ defence. This was revealed during her trial, which led to her acquittal on all charges, and to the prosecution of Mahmood and Smith for this offence.

Simon Ringrose, Specialist Prosecutor in CPS Special Crime Division, said: 

“Mr Mahmood portrayed himself as the master of subterfuge and as the ‘King of the Sting’, but on this occasion it is he and Mr Smith who have been exposed. Mahmood and Smith tampered with a statement and then attempted to cover their tracks through lies and the destruction of evidence. By piecing together the various strands in this matter, the CPS was able to present a compelling case to the jury."

Ex-police officer sentenced to four years for sexual assaults

A former officer with West Midlands Police has been given a four year prison sentence today for sexually assaulting two women while he was on duty.

PC Stephen Walters, (dob 07/06/1968), committed the offences in February and April 2015. Walters originally denied the allegations but pleaded guilty at Stafford Crown Court on 5 September 2016.

The first assault happened in the back of a police car and the other in the home of the second victim while her children were in the house. Both incidents took place in the West Midlands.

Dan Jones, specialist prosecutor for the CPS said:

“Walters’ offences are all the worse because he was a serving police officer who the victims trusted but he chose to abuse his position. 

“His case shows that no one is above the law and we will work with law enforcement agencies to prosecute anyone who is a significant danger to the public. 

“Walters initially denied assaulting the women and pleaded not guilty. However, the women gave clear, consistent and credible accounts. As a result he changed his plea to guilty.

“Without them there would have been no case and I want to acknowledge their courage in coming forward.”

Notes 

1.         Stephen Walters pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Assault on a Female contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. 

2.         The case was referred to the CPS by the Independent Police Complaints Commission in November 2015.

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