CPS News Brief

Two men jailed for cyber attack threats

Two men who attempted to blackmail a multi-mullion pound online company based in Manchester have today been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court.

Piotr Smirnow and Patryk Surmacki both pleaded guilty to two counts of blackmail and one count of conspiracy to access, use and impair computers without authorisation and were sentenced to five years and four months imprisonment.

On 23 July 2013, the men contacted the owner of a Manchester-based online gambling company to arrange a meeting with him. At the meeting, they demanded a 50 per cent share of the business and threatened to carry out a Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attack on the company if he did not comply. A DDOS attack is a method of overloading web servers, which prevents users from accessing them and deprives commercial targets of revenue. He reported this blatant attempt at extortion to the police.

On 2 August 2013, the company suffered a DDOS attack which prevented customers from accessing the site for five hours and cost the company approximately £32,000.

When a second victim, the CEO of an internet software platform which hosts a number of online companies, became involved in an attempt to mediate between the two parties, the men threatened to attack further online businesses on his platform if they did not comply with their demands.

On 7 August, the pair set up a meeting with the second victim at Heathrow Airport, where they were arrested by Greater Manchester Police.

Ben Southam, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West Complex Casework Unit, said:

“These defendants sought to use their expertise and in depth knowledge of online business to gain control over their victims’ companies.

“They thought that by threatening to carry out an online attack, the damage of which could cost millions of pounds and jeopardise a large number of jobs, they could force the victims into giving into their demands.

“The victims showed enormous bravery in reporting the blackmail to the police and thankfully the pair were stopped in their tracks before they could do any lasting damage.

“We have worked hard alongside the police to present strong cases against them and they were left with no option but to enter guilty pleas. This case demonstrates the close partnership between the CPS, police and other agencies when it comes to tackling cyber crime.”

Sentencing of Ian Watkins and others

Suzanne Thomas, Senior Crown Prosecutor, CPS Wales, said:

“These three defendants conspired to commit appalling crimes of abuse against young and defenceless victims.

“The prosecution case was that Ian Watkins was the ringleader of this terrible conspiracy and it is right that his sentence reflects this. He is a highly dangerous and manipulative individual who preyed on his victims in a calculated manner. The other two defendants were active participants in the most shocking abuse of their own children. They too have received sentences that reflect their admissions of guilt for these offences.

“It is incomprehensible that adults would commit such appalling acts against children and young people and our thoughts remain with the victims and those close to them. They are the ones who now have to deal with the longer term effects of what has happened and we hope they are able to receive the care and support they need to move forward with their lives. They should be free to do this without any additional concerns about the protection of their identity and I hope that their legal rights will be respected in that regard.”

Mother and son to be charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office

Gregor McGill, a senior lawyer at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“The CPS has today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Thomas Ridgeway and to summons his mother Sandra Ridgeway with two counts of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

“Both individuals will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 January 2014.

“May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against Thomas and Sandra Ridgeway will now be commenced and that both have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

 

The full charges are as follows:

(1) Thomas RIDGEWAY and Sandra RIDGEWAY, between the 6^th November 2004 and the 30^th December 2004, conspired together to commit Misconduct in Public Office,

Contrary to section 1(1) Criminal Law Act 1977.

(2) Thomas RIDGEWAY and Sandra RIDGEWAY, between the 20^th July 2009 and the 31^st July 2009, conspired together to commit Misconduct in Public Office,

Contrary to section 1(1) Criminal Law Act 1977.

Former headteacher of Caldicott School convicted of child sexual abuse

Former headteacher, Roland Peter Wright, has today been convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault involving 5 victims over a period of 11 years. This follows earlier convictions for fellow former teachers John Addrison, Edward Carson and Hugh Henry.

Ruth Bowskill, Temporary Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said:

“This case marks the end of a series of prosecutions of four teaching staff involved in the serious sexual abuse of a number of children at Caldicott school in Buckinghamshire committed over a period of a decade. The position of trust held by these men, the young age of the victims and their vulnerability at the time of the abuse greatly increases the seriousness of these already grave offences.

“Roland Peter Wright was a particularly trusted member of staff at Caldicott school and became the head teacher. Not only did he breach the trust of the pupils at the school, their parents and the staff, Wright also abused his position of authority in order to gain access to his victims. It is only due to the great courage and persistence of the victims and those affected by the abuse that the despicable behaviour of these teachers at the school has been exposed. Roland Peter Wright has never shown any contrition for his behaviour or apologised for his conduct; at all times he has sought to evade responsibility for what he did. I would like to pay tribute to the victims and witnesses in this case for their strength and tenacity in coming forward and giving evidence on matters which must have been extremely distressing still years after the events took place.

“Today’s convictions serve as an important message to people who have been the victim of crimes such as these that they should come forward regardless of when the offence occurred because time is not a barrier to justice. The CPS will work closely with partners, as we did with Thames Valley Police in this investigation, to ensure that robust criminal cases are put before the courts.

"The emotional impact on Wright’s victims and those of the other teachers is impossible to quantify. I hope that the convictions give some small comfort to the victims involved. Our thoughts are very much with them all at this time."

CPS authorises charges in Twitter-related cases

Baljit Ubhey, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, said:

“Following early consultation with the police, the CPS has been asked to make a charging decision in respect of five suspects whom it is alleged sent offensive tweets to Stella Creasy MP and journalist and campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez.

“We reviewed these cases in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and guidelines issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions on prosecuting cases involving communications sent via social media.

“After careful consideration of all the available evidence, the CPS has today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge two suspects in relation to messages allegedly sent to Caroline Criado-Perez.

“Isabella Sorley, 23, from Newcastle and John Nimmo, 25, from South Shields have both been charged with improper use of a communications network under Section 127 of the Communications Act.

“We have also determined there is insufficient evidence to support a prosecution in respect of one suspect, whom it was alleged also sent offensive messages to Ms Criado-Perez, and have advised the police that no further action should be taken as the high threshold for prosecution has not been met.

“In respect of one other suspect, who allegedly sent offensive messages to Stella Creasy MP, we determined that although there was sufficient evidence that an offence had been committed under Section 127 of the Communications Act, it would not be in the public interest to prosecute, having applied the Director’s guidelines and having particular regard to the young age and personal circumstances of the suspect.

“In relation to the fifth suspect, we have asked the police carry out further investigation before a charging decision can be made.

“We have written to both Ms Creasy and Ms Criado-Perez to inform them of these decisions.

“Isabella Sorley and John Nimmo will now appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 7 January 2014.

“May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against both defendants will now be commenced and that both have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Alan Watts guilty of manslaughter

Ruth Bowskill, Temporary Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said:

“This case shows how a moment of madness can change people’s lives forever and represents a tragedy for the family of Brian Holmes. The victim was attacked in a show of extraordinary violence in a car park after a petty argument with Alan Watts. Not long before this fateful day, Mr Holmes had been given the all clear from cancer. His family and friends have been devastated by his death.

“Although Alan Watts admitted punching Mr Holmes, he claimed that Mr Holmes was the aggressor and that he punched him once in self defence. Mr Holmes was in fact trying to defend himself from Mr Watts’s violent outburst and the jury found Mr Watts guilty of manslaughter despite his denials.

“I would like to pay tribute to Mr Holmes’s family for their wholehearted support of this investigation and prosecution and the dignity they have displayed while hearing the details of how he died.

“We have worked closely with Bedfordshire Police since this investigation was launched and as a result of the hard work and diligence of the prosecution team, a just outcome has been achieved.

“Nothing will bring Mr Holmes back to his family and friends, but we hope that today’s conviction and sentence brings them at least a small sense that justice has been done. Our thoughts are very much with them at this time.”

Tulisa Contostavlos and Michael Coombs charged with drugs offences

Baljit Ubhey, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor, said:

“The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge Tulisa Contostavlos, 25, with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and Michael Coombs, 35, with the supply of Class A drugs.

“These charges relate to an investigation by The Sun newspaper between early March 2013 and 23 May 2013 which resulted in the supply of Class A drugs to an investigative journalist.

"This decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest.

"Ms Contostavlos and Mr Coombs will appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on 19 December 2013.

"This defendants are now the subject of criminal proceedings and have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

‘Muslim Patrol’ Trio Sentenced

Three members of an East London gang who called themselves ‘The Muslim Patrol’ have been sentenced today at the Old Bailey.

Jordan Horner pleaded guilty to two counts of actual bodily harm and two counts of threatening behaviour at a hearing in October. He and a second man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also pleaded guilty to two offences under section 4 of the Public Order Act. A third man, Ricardo Macfarlane, pleaded guilty to one count of affray at a hearing on 21 November.

The charges related to several incidents in the East London area during December 2012 and January 2013 in which the defendants threatened members of the public.

Baljit Ubhey, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London, said:

“These men routinely threatened and intimidated innocent members of the public whom they perceived to be behaving in an ‘un-Islamic’ manner. They would roam the streets, seeking out victims whom they could target, and chanting threats to ‘kill the non-believers’.

“On the nights in question they confronted and aggressively intimidated a couple who were holding hands in the street, a group of friends who were drinking alcohol, and a girl whom they deemed to be dressed provocatively. The third of these incidents was filmed by the gang and posted on YouTube, causing considerable extra distress to the victim.

“The behaviour of these victims, unlike that of the defendants, was entirely normal and utterly inoffensive to civilised society. The bullying behaviour of this group will not be tolerated in our city.”

SENTENCES

Ricardo Macfarlane:12 months' imprisonment

Jordan Horner:68 weeks' imprisonment

Unnamed Male:24 weeks' imprisonment

Serial sex offender convicted in ground-breaking ‘double jeopardy’ case

A man who attacked six women in one night has been convicted of a series of violent sexual crimes. These included a rape in 2011 of which he had been acquitted by a jury but for which he was tried for a second time under the ‘double jeopardy’ law.

In a landmark move, the CPS sought permission from the Court of Appeal to re-try Harbinder Khatkar for the 2011 offences on the basis that his subsequent crimes were so similar that they amounted to new and compelling evidence of his guilt.

Khatkar was this week convicted of attacking six women in Derby in one night in February 2013 - he first physically assaulted two women, then attacked and raped a third, then targeted three more women in their homes.

The earlier, strikingly similar crime, committed in December 2011, had all the hallmarks of Khatkar’s later offences. In that case he had forced his way into the woman’s home, threatened her and raped her repeatedly. He had been acquitted of this attack and was then released from custody. Less than six weeks later, he attacked his new victims. The Crown Prosecution Service applied to the Court of Appeal to have the earlier acquittal quashed and for that offence to be retried together with the new offences.

Steve Chappell, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said:

“Harbinder Khatkar’s actions on that night were terrifying for his victims. His relentless targeting of different victims shows that he is a danger to women.

“The way he went about attacking these women was so similar to the allegations he had previously faced, we asked the Court of Appeal to consider whether he should be retried for his original offences, on the basis that his subsequent offending provided new and compelling evidence and it was in the interests of justice for the case to be retried by a jury. The Court of Appeal allowed our application and he has now faced justice for all the offences he committed. The new evidence which formed the basis for our application to quash the acquittal was unrelated to the original offence, but showed a very similar pattern of behaviour.

“It was a terrifying experience for all Harbinder Khatkar’s victims and they have shown great courage in coming to court to give evidence about what happened to them. I would like to thank them all for what they have done to ensure this dangerous individual is taken off the streets.”

Harbinder Khatkar was found guilty of 18 serious offences including rape, sexual assault, assault by beating and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence at Derby Crown Court on 4 December 2013. He was today (6 December) sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years and 65 days.

Background information

Harbinder Khatkar’s is the thirteenth case in which the CPS has applied to quash an acquittal under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 since the legislation came into force in April 2005.

Man sentenced for racist abuse on tube train

Keith Hurdle, 52, was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment today (Friday 6 December) at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for racially abusing two passengers on a Bakerloo line London Underground train on 18 September 2013.

Baljit Ubhey, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor and national hate crime champion, said:

“These two passengers were going about their daily lives when they were racially abused by Keith Hurdle on a London Underground train.

“They suffered a vicious verbal assault based solely on their ethnicity and the male victim was threatened with violence.

“Footage of this racial abuse was posted on the internet and members of the public have expressed their outrage towards Hurdle’s actions.

“I hope that this prosecution will serve as a warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated in our city.

“Those who live and visit London should be able to use the transport networks without the fear of such abhorrent abuse.

“CPS London is committed to working with its police partners to tackle this type of behaviour.”

Background

Keith Hurdle pleaded guilty on 15 November at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to:

- one count of racially aggravated fear of violence contrary to section 4 of Public Order Act

- one count of racially aggravated use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress contrary to section 4A of the Public Order Act.

Lee Cyrus convicted for a series of sexual offences in Hampstead Heath

Lee Cyrus, previously known as Ivan Leach, was convicted today at Southwark Crown Court for 11 offences including exposure, robbery, aggravated burglary and wounding with intent. He will be sentenced on 13 December.

Baljit Ubhey, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor, said:

“Cyrus conducted a terrifying campaign of increasingly violent crimes in the Hampstead Heath area between 24 October and 2 December 2012.

“He targeted lone and vulnerable women and was often armed with a knife. His actions began as incidents of indecent exposure and progressed to brutal attacks on elderly women in their own homes.

"Lee Cyrus is a violent sex offender and his conviction today means that the public are now protected from his predatory impulses.

“I would like to thank all of the victims and witnesses who gave evidence in court, including one elderly victim who gave evidence via video link from America.

“Cyrus refused to admit any involvement in these crimes and the prosecution team and police pieced together a huge quantity of crucial evidence in order to present the strongest case possible to the court. This has ultimately led to his conviction and he has now been brought to justice for these crimes.”

Background

In 2012 Cyrus was a serving prisoner at an open prison, HMP North Sea Camp, in Lincolnshire. He committed two offences in Lincolnshire while still a serving prisoner on day release before absconding on 9 October, sparking a three-month nationwide manhunt.

Timeline and details of offences

In Boston Cemetery, Lincolnshire:

Indecent exposure on 8 September

Indecent exposure on 15 September

In the Hampstead Heath area:

Indecent exposure on 24 October

Affray on 28 October

Indecent exposure on 28 October

Unlawful wounding on 2 November

Aggravated burglary on 19 November

Wounding with Intent on 20 November

Robbery on 30 November

Burglary on 1 December

Indecent exposure on 2 December

For info: Cyrus was acquitted of one further count of indecent exposure on 28 October.

Further audit fraud charge authorised in A4E case

Jaswant Narwal, Deputy Head of Fraud at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

"The CPS has today (Tuesday 3 December) authorised a further charge against three women and two men in connection with alleged fraudulent activity at Action 4 Employment (A4e), a social purpose company contracted by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the 'Inspire to Aspire' employment and training scheme.

"It is alleged that on or before 18 March 2011 A4e employees Ines Cano-Uribe (Contract Manager), Sarah Hawkins (Quality Co-Ordinator), Serge Wyett (Operations Manager), Matthew Hannigan Train (Team Leader) and Hayley Wilson (Recruiter) conspired to forge documentation in relation to services provided by A4e, with the intention of convincing Department for Work and Pensions auditors that the documentation and claim for payment were genuine. One of the women, Ines Cano-Uribe, already faces two existing charges relating to the alleged fraudulent activity at A4e.

"The five individuals are each charged with one count of conspiracy to make false instruments contrary to section 1(1A) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

"This decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We have determined that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest.

"The five individuals will next appear before Slough Magistrates’ Court on 6 January 2014.

"All individuals are now the subject of criminal proceedings and have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could in any way prejudice these proceedings." 

Man convicted of the murder of Roberto Troyan

David Jeffs was convicted today at Croydon Crown Court for the murder of Roberto Troyan on 8 March 2013. Jeffs was also convicted of fraud and will be sentenced at a later date.

Baljit Ubhey, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: “This was a case of cold and calculated deception which resulted in the violent murder of Roberto Troyan by David Jeffs.

“As Mr Troyan’s financial adviser, David Jeffs was able to gain his trust but then quickly began to abuse that relationship to fund his own extravagant and excessive lifestyle.

“Jeffs exploited Mr Troyan’s lack of financial knowledge to steal £343,000 which he spent on sports cars, luxury hotels, exotic holidays and hospitality tickets to sporting events.

“When he realised his dishonesty was about to be exposed Jeffs murdered Mr Troyan and created an elaborate web of lies to account for his spending and to cover-up the murder.

“Today he has been brought to justice for his crimes and we hope his conviction will bring some comfort to Mr Troyan’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this time.”

Two charged in match-fixing investigation

Two men suspected of involvement in football match fixing were charged this afternoon. The Crown Prosecution Service's Organised Crime Division found sufficient evidence and was satisfied it was in the public interest to authorise charges of conspiracy to defraud.

The men, who are alleged to be members of an international illegal betting syndicate based in Singapore, are among six people arrested earlier this week as part of a National Crime Agency investigation. A seventh man has since been arrested and he and four others were bailed today pending further enquiries.

Chann Sankaran, a 33 year old Singapore national, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, a 43 year old with dual UK and Singapore nationality, have been remanded in custody and will appear before Cannock Magistrates on 29 November.

The charges are:

Chann Sankaran – Conspiracy to defraud, contrary to common law.

Between 01/11/2013 and 26/11/2013 at City of Manchester and elsewhere conspired together with Krishna Ganeshan and others to defraud bookmakers by influencing the course of football matches and placing bets thereon.

Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan – Conspiracy to defraud, contrary to common law.

Between 01/11/2013 and 26/11/2013 at City of Manchester and elsewhere conspired together with Chann Sankaran and others to defraud bookmakers by influencing the course of football matches and placing bets thereon.

The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.

The NCA’s investigation continues.

Man sentenced for vandalism of Bomber Command war memorial

Daniel James Smith, 21, was sentenced today to 12 weeks in prison at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for vandalising a war memorial in Central London in June of this year. He pleaded guilty on 1 November to one count of criminal damage and one count of racially aggravated criminal damage.

Baljit Ubhey, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor, said:

“This was an appalling act of vandalism which defaced the memorial to the thousands of men who lost their lives in the Second World War flying for RAF Bomber Command.

“It is a particularly shocking crime to consider at this time of year when we remember and honour the individuals who fought for this country. Such behaviour will not be tolerated in our city.

“As the Hate Crime Champion for the CPS I am committed to ensuring that CPS London works with its police partners to tackle this type of behaviour.”

Notes to editors: In the early hours of 5 June 2013 Smith sprayed graffiti onto the Bomber Command War Memorial in Green Park calling for those responsible for the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby to “hang”.

He then sprayed racist graffiti onto the side of the No 1 Knightsbridge building.