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Sexual assault outside Euston Station, CCTV

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are seeking help to identify a man they would like to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into a sexual assault outside Euston station on Wednesday 24 June.

Detective Constable Jon Howlett, the investigating officer, said that the incident occurred at 9pm:

“The victim, a woman in her mid-twenties, was standing outside the front of the station having a cigarette whilst she waited for her train when a man approached and started making inappropriate comments towards her.

“The man then touched her indecently and tried to grab her before the victim was able to get away.”

Detectives are now appealing to identify the man in the CCTV image who police believe will be able to assist with the investigation.

“This incident was very distressing for the victim and I would urge anyone who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV image to contact police,” DC Howlett added.

The suspect is described as:

• an Asian male
• aged mid twenties
• about 5’6″ tall
• black, messy hair

Anyone with any information that can assist the police investigation is asked to contact BTP free on 0800 40 50 40.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Ali-Balogun

A man has been today, Thursday 20 August, been jailed for the rape of a sex-worker in Tottenham.

Owen Ali-Balogun, 28-years-old (date of birth 15/6/81), unemployed from Vartry Road N15 was found guilty at the Old Bailey on 22 June of the rape and assault by penetration of a 43-year-old woman in Tottenham on Wednesday 3 December 2008.

Ali-Balogun was sentenced to an indeterminate public protection sentence with release not to be considered before 8 years.

A sexual offenders prevention order was also granted and Ali-Balogun will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

At sentencing Judge David Rennie referred to the way that the defendant degraded the victim saying:

“You chose to hurt and humiliate her for pleasure” and stated that Ali-Balogun used “over and above a serious level of force”.

In conclusion he said:

“you do pose a serious risk to the public and your pattern of offending is of significant risk.”

Investigating officer DC Amanda Christodoulou, of Haringey’s Sapphire Unit, said:

“Owen Ali-Balogun’s conviction is testament to the strength and bravery of the woman who came forward and gave evidence.

“This was a callous, vicious attack and she still bears the scars of what this man did to her.

“I feel honoured to have worked with such a brave woman and hope that she can try and move forward with her life, knowing

Clothing seized from Ali-Balogun's house

her attacker has been taken off the streets.

“We encourage victims of rape to have the confidence to come forward to police as soon as possible.

“Every single allegation will be investigated professionally and effectively in a victim centred way and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice”.

Background

In the early hours of Wednesday 3 December 2008, a 43-year-old woman was working as a sex worker in the Seven Sisters area when Owen Ali-Balogun came out of an off-license, approached her and propositioned her.

The pair entered a small park area at Manchester Road N15.

Ali-Balogun started to touch the woman and when she tried to stop him he struck her on the head rendering her unconscious.

He then raped her while she was unconscious and unable to get away or defend herself.

His victim eventually woke to find her face was bleeding and she was sore all over her body, resulting in bruising to her back, neck and head.

She sought help from a passer-by and made her way to a friend’s house.

Later she met another friend who encouraged her to report the incident to police.

An investigation was launched and the woman was taken to a ‘Haven’, a specially designated place for survivors of rape and sexual assaults, where she received support.

Extensive police enquiries followed, and the investigating officer identified vital CCTV evidence of a man wearing clothing as described by the victim in the off-license prior to the attack and DNA evidence was obtained from the woman’s clothing that identified Owen Ali-Balogun.

On 14 January 2009, police carried out an arrest enquiry at Ali-Balogun’s home and was arrested on suspicion of rape.

At his address they found the clothing that matched that described by the victim and was identified on the suspect on the CCTV.

Images: [1] Ali-Balogun – [2] clothing seized from Ali-Balogun’s house – [3+4] Ali-Balogun at the shop in the clothes seized

Carl Pritchett owner of ‘Cuddles' ordered to pay back £2m

The owner of a ‘massage parlour’ which fronted a brothel in Smethwick has been ordered to pay £2million under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Carl Pritchett, a 56 year-old man from Kingswinford, was the owner of Cuddles massage parlour when it was raided in September 2005, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

He now has six months to pay back the money or serve a further seven years in prison.

Pritchett was originally jailed for two years in August 2006 for being concerned in the management of a brothel.

Pritchett had laundered the money that he made from the brothel, using it to buy properties overseas and had been driving a Ferrari a couple of years prior to his arrest.

The investigation also showed that he had no legitimate income and had not paid income tax in years.

Det Insp Andy Bannister, from West Midlands Police Economic Crime Team, said:

“This is a fantastic result at the end of a long and complex investigation by West Midlands Police.

“With this confiscation we have ensured that this man has not profited from exploiting women.

“West Midlands Police are committed to confiscating the assets from those who prey on the most vulnerable in our communities.

“I would hope that others involved in similar enterprises think twice about their actions and consider the consequences.”

Anyone with information on people engaged in any crime should contact their local station on 0845 113 5000.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Detectives from Enfield investigating a number of allegations of sexual assault on girls aged 18 years and under are continuing to appeal for help and information.

The assaults have taken place across four boroughs over a 12-month period beginning in June 2008.

Officers believe that the same suspect could be responsible and have issued a new, enhanced e-fit.

Many offences have been committed on a weekday between 07.00hrs and 09.30hrs as the victims were on their way to school in full uniform.

The suspect approached some of them from behind, attempting to lift their skirts.

In some cases he touched their legs and in others, he apologised before running off.

None of the victims has been seriously injured.

The suspect is described as:

• a white male
• aged 30 years or older
• slim to medium build
• possibly blue eyes
• on several occasions seen wearing a black woolly hat

Detective Inspector Caroline Haines, who is leading the enquiry, said:

“As a result of previous media appeals, five more girls have come forward saying that they believe they were victims of this man in the past.

“We have a new E-Fit and appeal to anyone who thinks that they might recognise this man to contact us as soon as possible.

“I would also appeal directly to the suspect and urge him to contact us.

“Whilst there appears to have been a break in offending over the school holidays, we would still advise vigilance, particularly around youth summer activities and events such as school youth groups.

“These incidents are clearly of concern and very distressing for the victims involved, but thankfully none of the offences has resulted so far in any injury.

“There is no evidence to suggest any particular schoolchildren are being targeted, but as a precaution we have made contact with all schools across the affected boroughs to inform them of the incidents.

“If any parent or guardian has concerns, we would encourage them to contact their Safer Schools officers.

“Anyone who believes that they have been a victim should contact the investigation team.”

Officers from the Sapphire Unit at Enfield are leading the investigation and inquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sapphire Unit on 020 8345 4313.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Note: two men have been arrested but eliminated from the enquiry.

Further details and e-fit http://ping.fm/fixaR Further appeals www.themissinglist.co.uk

On Friday 31 July 2009, Michael Edwards (born 29/12/62) of Aquarium Street, Rhyl, North Wales, was convicted in his absence at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl from Gorton.

Edwards failed to attend court during the trial and now faces a jail sentence.

He may be in London, but is known to frequent camp-sites in North Wales.

He is described as:

• a white male
• 5ft 11ins tall
• medium build
• black hair
• brown eyes

Detective Constable Mark Watson, based at Longsight police station said:

“Edwards has been convicted of a disgraceful offence against a young girl. However he continues to try and escape facing up to what he’s done.

“It is vital that we find him, but we need the public’s help so I’d urge people to have a good look at the photograph and ask yourself if you’ve seen him.

“All we need is one phone call. I can assure anyone who offers information that it will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

“Michael, if you’re reading or hearing this appeal, please contact us straight away. You’re making matters worse for yourself.”

Anyone who knows of Edwards’s whereabouts should call police on 0161 872 5050.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

For further details, including photograph http://tinyurl.com/ohbnzx For further appeals www.themissinglist.co.uk