January 25, 2024

Urgent Manhunt for Suspect in Ahmed Jama’s Camden Murder

Detectives investigating the murder of 29-year-old Ahmed Jama in Camden, shortly after Christmas, have released an image of a wanted man they are keen to locate. Arlind Hashani, 20, is sought in connection with the murder that occurred near Gaymead on the Abbey Estate, in Abbey Road, at approximately 19:32 GMT on Friday, 29 December.

Ahmed Jama was discovered with stab wounds, and despite the efforts of officers and paramedics providing first aid, Ahmed died later that evening at 21:55 GMT

Following the incident, on 4 January, a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. Subsequent arrests include a 25-year-old on 7 January, suspected of assisting an offender, and two 25-year-old men on 17 January, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. All four individuals have been released on bail pending further investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, the lead investigator, stressed the urgency in locating Arlind Hashani, stating, “We urgently need to trace the whereabouts of Arlind Hashani. He is considered to be dangerous and should not be approached.” He urges anyone with information on Hashani’s location to contact emergency services at 999 or report anonymously to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Nottingham Tragedy: Valdo Calocane Sentenced Over Double Manslaughter

In sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court, Valdo Calocane, 32, has been detained at a high-security hospital after being convicted of the manslaughter of two Nottingham University students, Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, as well as school caretaker Ian Coates. The verdict was based on diminished responsibility due to Calocane’s paranoid schizophrenia.

The court heard that Calocane carried out a knife and van rampage on June 13, 2023, fatally stabbing the students and Mr. Coates. He also admitted three counts of attempted murder after hitting three pedestrians with a stolen van. Prosecutors accepted guilty pleas to manslaughter, not murder, acknowledging diminished responsibility.

During the sentencing, Mr Justice Turner stressed the “unsurvivable” injuries inflicted on the students and the merciless ferocity with which Calocane stabbed Mr. Coates to death. The judge described the crimes as “sickening” and acknowledged the devastating impact on the victims’ families.

Calocane, who had a history of mental health issues, had been previously detained in a hospital four times but refused to take medication. The judge stated that Calocane, an intelligent man with a degree in mechanical engineering, would never be cured of his paranoid schizophrenia, underlining that he “remains dangerous.”

The sentencing also highlighted the need for more robust engagement by authorities, as Calocane had encounters with mental health services and law enforcement prior to the rampage. Nottinghamshire Police’s assistant chief constable, Rob Griffin, admitted that more could have been done to address the situation earlier.

The families of the victims expressed their grief and paid tribute to their loved ones, underlining the heroic actions of Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who tried to protect her friend during the attack.

Suspected Drug Dealer Arrested in Kidbrooke After Stolen Moped Incident Near Greenwich School

A suspected drug dealer has been arrested in Kidbrooke after police spotted someone hanging around a Greenwich school on a stolen moped.

On January 16, officers noticed a man acting suspiciously in the area and tried to stop a moped, but it allegedly failed to stop.

This moped had been reported stolen.

Officers pursued the moped by car and then on foot, before detaining a man.

A search then uncovered dozens of bags of cannabis, wraps of cocaine, cash, and a phone, say police.

A man was arrested on suspicion of drugs, driving, theft and money laundering offences.

Police have said that they are now aiming to reunite the moped with its owner.

The man has been bailed as officers continue to investigate as a priority.

A new south east London Metropolitan Police team made the arrest two hours after the team was launched.

The team pinpointed an area in Kidbrooke with reports of robberies.

They were sent there to disrupt crime and catch perpetrators.

Sergeant Wayne Robbens, who leads one of the new teams, said: “We listened to local people’s concerns and launched this team so we could tackle the issues they are worried about.

“We all want to make south-east London a safer place for our communities, and this is one of the steps we’re taking to make this happen.

“Being robbed is a terrifying experience and we will seek out those who commit this horrible crime.”

Borough Commander Trevor Lawry, who leads policing in Greenwich, said: “Having spoken with a lot of members of the community, I know how important it is for us to hear what concerns they have and, most importantly, act on them quickly.

“We’re using all the intelligence and data we can to precisely locate where the issues are and quickly send officers to act.

“We’re here to serve the south-east, and I hope that more people can see we’re responding to what matters to them. We’re constantly working to improve our service.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “A new south-east London Met team arrested a suspected drug dealer who was spotted hanging around a Greenwich school on a stolen moped.

“The new team are one of four who will be sent on precision taskings in south-east London, using intelligence and data to identify and target issues in local communities.

“The officers made the arrest within two hours of the team being launched.

“The proactive team pinpointed a specific area of Kidbrooke that had reports of robberies.

“The team were sent there so they could disrupt crime and catch perpetrators and, while on patrol on 16 January, they noticed a man acting suspiciously in the area.

“They tried to halt a moped which refused to stop.

“Officers pursued the man by car and then on foot, before detaining him.

“A search found dozens of bags of cannabis, wraps of cocaine, cash, and a phone.

“The moped was discovered as reported stolen and officers will now seek to reunite it with its owner.

“A man was arrested on suspicion of drugs, driving, theft and money laundering offences.

“He has been bailed while officers continue to investigate as a priority.”

NHS Consultants Reject Government’s Pay Offer, Resumes Strike

NHS consultants have rebuffed a pay offer from the government, signaling a continuation of the prolonged strike action that has gripped the healthcare sector. The senior doctors had temporarily halted their strike in November 2023 following the government’s proposal of a 4.95% pay increase, in addition to the annual 6% increment.

Members of the British Medical Association (BMA), the principal trade union representing doctors in the UK, have been actively voting on the offer throughout this month. The rejection underscores the discontent among NHS consultants regarding the terms of the proposed pay rise.

The offer, which included adjustments to the pay scale structure, aimed to address concerns raised by healthcare professionals. Notably, a commitment to reform the pay review body responsible for recommending doctors’ wages formed a crucial component of the proposal.

The decision to resume the strike comes as a blow to ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute between the government and NHS consultants. The rejection suggests that the proposed pay increase and accompanying changes did not meet the expectations or address the broader issues raised by the medical community.

Victims’ Families Slam Justice System over Valdo Calocane’s Sentence

In the aftermath of Valdo Calocane’s sentencing to a hospital order, the families of his victims have come forward with a statement expressing their profound disappointment and anger at what they perceive as a failure of the justice system.

Emma Webber, the mother of 19-year-old Barnaby Webber, who tragically lost his life in the knife and van rampage carried out by Calocane. Ms. Webber states, “Justice has not been served,” and shares the devastation her family is experiencing, stressing that they feel let down by multiple agency failings.

“We trusted in our system – foolishly, as it turns out,” Ms. Webber laments. She goes on to describe how her son, along with his dear friend Grace O’Malley-Kumar and the grandfatherly figure Ian Coates, were “stolen” from them. The families collectively label Calocane as a “monster,” underscoring the severity of their loss.

Ms. Webber directs a pointed message at Rob Griffin, the assistant chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police, accusing him of having “blood on his hands.” She contends that had proper actions been taken, there was a significant chance that her son would still be alive today.

While expressing that there is “much more to say” and noting the existence of “serious questions” that remain unanswered, Ms. Webber concludes by highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on their lives. “Our darling son, his dear friend Grace, and a wonderfully kind grandfather, Ian, have been stolen from us forever and let down by the very system that should have been protecting them,” she stated.

The families’ poignant statement reflects the deep sense of loss and frustration with the handling of the case, prompting further scrutiny of the events leading up to the tragic incident and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Anti-Drone “No Fly Zones” Implemented to Combat Prison Smuggling

In a bid to clamp down on criminal gangs attempting to use drones to smuggle contraband such as phones, drugs, and weapons into prisons, the Ministry of Justice, in conjunction with The Rt Hon Edward Argar MP, has introduced stringent new restrictions that come into effect today, January 25, 2024. The new legislation establishes a […]

UK Fire Services Honour Late Wayne Brown Amidst Investigation

Leading firefighters from across the country have paid tribute to Wayne Brown, the West Midlands Fire Chief, who was found dead at his home amidst an investigation into allegations that he had falsified his CV, claiming to hold a master’s degree and having played for Charlton Athletic, to secure his £180,000-a-year position. Wayne Brown had […]

Iranian Money Launderer Involved in Migrant Smuggling Sentenced

Asghar Gheshalghian, a 48-year-old Iranian investigated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) for his involvement in laundering money made by people smuggling networks engaged in small boat crossings, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Gheshalghian operated an unregistered money services business from an office block in Wood Green, functioning as a trusted middleman within a network of bankers using the hawala system.

His activities involved accepting payments from migrants or their families and releasing money to criminal gangs after the completion of their journeys to the UK, charging a commission in the process. The NCA arrested Gheshalghian in February 2021 based on evidence collected during a two-year investigation. He ran a rug company as a front for his money laundering operations.

Phone evidence revealed links with at least eight Iranian migrants who later arrived in the UK through boat or lorry crossings, claiming asylum. Covert recordings captured Gheshalghian admitting that a significant portion of his business was illegal. He boasted about being trusted by people smuggling gangs to handle financial transactions, underlining their confidence in his integrity.

Following his arrest, the NCA seized around £50,000 in cash from his business premises, a storage lock-up, and his home. Ledgers outlining transactions were recovered, and financial investigators traced approximately £1.6 million in payments into his bank accounts. Evidence from an ITV documentary, where undercover reporters discussed money transfers with a people smuggler in northern France referring to a broker named “Mr G” (Gheshalghian), further supported the case.

After a two-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, Gheshalghian was found guilty of five counts of money laundering and facilitating illegal immigration. The judge sentenced him to eight years in prison, highlighting the severity of his role in enabling organised crime gangs involved in dangerous Channel crossings. The NCA’s Branch Commander, Mark Howes, emphasized the agency’s commitment to disrupting and dismantling criminal networks engaged in organised immigration crime, targeting financial flows through individuals like Gheshalghian. The investigation received support from HM Revenue & Customs and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Michael Oatley, Unit Head for the CPS, stated that Gheshalghian knowingly operated an unregulated money service business to aid criminal gangs in smuggling people into the UK illegally. The prosecution’s message is clear: the CPS, alongside law enforcement, will tirelessly work to dismantle criminal networks attempting to facilitate illegal immigration.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Daily Habits for a Happier Life

Incorporating positivity into your daily life requires a shift in perspective and habits. It’s about creating an environment, both internally and externally, that nurtures positivity. This doesn’t mean ignoring the negatives or pretending that challenges don’t exist, but rather choosing to focus on the brighter side of life. It’s about finding joy in small things […]

Arson Probe Launched in Canterbury: Fire Engulfs Commercial Premises

A deliberate act of arson is suspected as Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a fire that engulfed a commercial premises in Kingsmead Road, Canterbury, in the early hours of Thursday, January 25, 2024. The incident was reported at approximately 2.20am, and swift action was taken to address the blaze. Two fire […]

Day: January 25, 2024