A man has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Ahmed Habib in Finsbury Park.
Kevin Peraj, 23, of Islip Street, NW5, was arrested on Tuesday, July 16, on suspicion of murder. He was charged on Wednesday, July 17.
Peraj was remanded to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 18, where he was further remanded and next appears at the Old Bailey on Monday, July 22.
Police were called at about 2:50 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, to reports of two men injured in a car on Stroud Green Road at the junction of Tollington Park, N4.
Officers, London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance all attended and found Ahmed suffering from stab injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The injuries of the second man in the car were not life-threatening.
Ahmed’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
The group was sentenced for the murder of Kai McGinley after detectives were able to piece together complicated CCTV evidence and place a number of them near the location of the offence.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Payne, who leads one of the Met’s specialist major investigation teams, said, “The evidence gathered and presented during the trial left the jury in no doubt that these men were guilty of a sinister plan to kill Kai McGinley.
“We believe there was a dispute over a drugs deal and they decided the retribution for Kai should be death.
“It is extremely sad and senseless that Kai lost his life in this way. He was part of a close and loving family who miss him every day. Our thoughts and condolences remain with them as they try to piece their lives back together without him.”
An investigation was launched after police were called at about 8:50 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023, to reports of shots fired in Pembroke Road, Erith.
Officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics attended and found 24-year-old Kai shot in the chest. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services who tried to save him, he died at the scene.
The jury heard that around 8.45 p.m., Kai and two friends were driving along Pembroke Road in a Mini Countryman when a Land Rover and Peugeot travelling in the opposite direction came into view.
The Land Rover deliberately struck the Mini, and it came off the road. The men in the Land Rover jumped out of the vehicle as it was severely damaged.
The men in the Peugeot then got out of the car and fired one or two shotguns at close range at the group in the Mini.
Kai was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other passengers in the car suffered minor injuries as they jumped from the car to get away from the attackers.
Through a detailed CCTV investigation, detectives could trace the men’s steps. It was revealed that following the murder, the group hid in a garage belonging to Bradlee Reeve, one of those convicted, as they waited for a family member to come and get them.
Seven people were charged between March and September 2023. They were later convicted and sentenced.
Bradlee Reeve, 34, of Chapman Road, Erith, was convicted of murder and section 18 GBH and was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 33 years.
Enriko Spahiu, 21, of Elmhurst, Belvedere, was convicted of murder and section 18 GBH. He was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 29 years.
Kai Osibodu, 25, of Riverdale Road, Erith, was convicted of murder and section 18 GBH. Osibodu was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 30 years.
Jalees Selby-Gangera, 19, of Woodfield Close, Erith, was convicted of manslaughter. Selby-Gangera was sentenced to nine and a half years.
Connor Brooks, 22, of Horsa Road, Erith, was convicted of manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years.
Charlie Brabon, 19 (08.11.04) of Byron Drive, Erith, was convicted of manslaughter. Brabon was sentenced to nine years.
Anthony Wallder, 21, was convicted of murder and section 18 GBH. Wallder was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years.
A man who was arrested following a police manhunt after he was identified as the prime suspect in a Boxing Day killing has been convicted.
Jurejs Vankovs, 39, of no fixed address, was found guilty of the manslaughter of 49-year-old Michael Murphy following the conclusion of a trial at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday, 17 July.
He will be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, October 1.
Michael died following an altercation with Vankovs shortly after 3:00 a.m. on December 26, 2023, in Cranwood Street, EC1. Witnesses described how the pair, who were known to each other, became involved in an argument which escalated to a violent conclusion.
Vankovs pursued Michael, who fell to the ground. As Michael raised a leg to defend himself while prone on the ground, Vankovs was seen to make a stabbing motion towards him. Michael cried out that he had been stabbed as Vankovs walked off.
Members of the public rushed to assist, but Vankovs’ attack had damaged an artery in Michael’s leg. Paramedics arrived, but despite their efforts, Michael died at the scene.
Detectives launched an investigation, which included compiling CCTV footage of Vankovs’ movements as he fled the scene.
Vankovs, who lived a transient lifestyle around the Hackney area, went to ground and specialist officers launched a manhunt to find him. He was located and arrested on New Year’s Day. Despite refusing to answer any questions put to him by detectives, Vankovs was charged with Michael’s murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, said, “Michael’s life was taken away in a matter of seconds as a result of completely unnecessary violence by Jurejs Vankovs. Whatever the trigger was for this fatal attack, the level of aggression used by Vankovs was completely disproportionate to the threat he faced.
“With Michael lying defenceless on the ground, Vankovs had a choice of how to conclude their altercation – he chose to stab him, causing Michael an injury that he could not survive.
“This choice has left Michael’s family, and those who knew him, completely devastated and he must now face up to the consequences of his actions.”
A prolific child abuser and rapist has been jailed as part of the ongoing commitment by the Metropolitan Police to investigate child abuse and protect women and girls from harm.
Dulon Miah, 35, of Tower Hamlets, was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, July 10. Miah was previously found guilty at the same court in April of 18 counts of sexual assault over a 14-year period against two victims, including rapes.
Met officers began investigating Miah in 2022 after one of his victims bravely came forward and told police they had been abused from the age of six years old over a decade. Both female victims were known to Miah.
Detective Constable Lucy Bowman, who led the investigation, said, “We treat cases such as this incredibly seriously and are proud that we have got justice for these victim-survivors while putting one more dangerous predator behind bars.
“The Met takes its responsibility to protect women and girls incredibly seriously. We urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse – no matter how long ago – to please come forward to police and get the support you rightly deserve.”
As a result of the officers’ efforts, a second victim came forward, reporting that Miah had also abused them over several years.
“Across both investigations, Met officers displayed care and compassion as they carried out extensive interviews with the victims. The officers also gathered detailed medical records to show the extent of the abuse and developed a watertight case against Miah,” a police statement said,
A Met investigation into a semi-professional footballer who raped a woman in Romford has resulted in him being sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment.
Nathan Ashton, 37, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday.
The woman reported the attack to police, and officers launched an investigation. Ashton was brought in for questioning to a local police station and denied the claims of rape, maintaining that the sex was consensual. The jury found otherwise.
Detective Sergeant Ben Wallen, who led the investigation, said, “Our officers were meticulous in their investigation against Ashton and secured a great outcome as a result. The victim-survivor is extremely brave reporting this to the police and we encourage all victims to come forward and speak with our specialist officers to help remove these prolific offenders off our streets.
“We remain dedicated in providing support to rape victims and protecting women and girls from predatory offenders, and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim to go to the police.”
The rape took place in the early hours of February 19, 2023, after Ashton and the woman attended a bar in Shoreditch with friends.
The woman and her two friends left the bar and were offered a lift home by Ashton. She reported to officers that Ashton had been touching her inappropriately throughout the night, leaving her feeling guarded and vulnerable as a result.
Once they arrived at the address in Romford, Ashton decided to stay with the three women. They all decided to go to bed and fell asleep in different rooms, after which Ashton entered the victim’s room and raped her.
The Met said officers “are doing more to address violence against women and girls,” listening to victim-survivors and working together with charities and partners across the criminal justice system.
“At the heart of our new approach in investigating rape, the Met have a greater focus on the suspect’s life, with a shift away from the ‘credibility’ of the victim-survivor,” said the police. “This means that the victim goes through a less invasive process when reporting an incident such as rape, which officers know is already an incredibly difficult time for them.”
We wish to raise awareness of an increase in suspected adverse event reports following the use of Caninsulin 40 IU/ml Suspension for Injection in the UK.
The reported adverse events most commonly include pain at the injection site and immediate pain upon injection, which may manifest as vocalisation, avoidance, or defensive behaviours. We have also noted a relative increase in lack of efficacy reports.
Adverse event reports received may include reports where more than one product was used, the product was used off-label and/or, where, on further evaluation, it is considered that there is no causal association between the product and event.
In order to comply with the British Pharmacopeia, there has been a recent change to the product formulation, with the preservative ‘methyl parahydroxybenzoate’ replaced by ‘Metacresol 0.3 % w/v’. No changes have been made to the insulin content of the product.
If reporting an adverse event following the use of this product, the VMD requests that as much detail is provided as possible, especially the batch number and colour of the cap of the product (blue or purple tops for vials, silver or gold tops for cartridges) if this information is available.
We are working with the company responsible for the product (MSD Animal Health UK Limited) to investigate this finding and are closely monitoring reports.
You will find the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for all veterinary medicinal products authorised for marketing in the UK on our Product Information Database
No medicine is 100% risk-free, the SPC includes information on what adverse events have been known to occur following administration of a particular product, these can be found in section 4.6.
All safety updates to SPCs, including section 4.6, are published on the Veterinary Practice and Supply page under the Medicine Updates section of VMD Connect.
Reporting of adverse events
We strongly encourage anyone who is aware of an adverse event to report to the Marketing Authorisation Holder or directly to us via our online reporting form. Provide all relevant information, including the batch number.
Contact details for the Marketing Authorisation Holder can be found on the product leaflet or on the Product Information Database.
The reporting of adverse events is critical to our ongoing monitoring activities in order to protect animal health, public health, and the environment. Find out more about pharmacovigilance at VMD Connect – Adverse Events and Pharmacovigilance.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV produces an enzyme called HIV integrase, which enables the multiplication of the virus in cells within the body. Raltegravir stops this enzyme from working, and when used with other medicines, it may reduce the amount of HIV in the patient’s blood and increase the patient’s CD4-cell count (a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system).
Reducing the amount of HIV in the blood may improve the functioning of the immune system, meaning the body may fight infection better.
The active ingredient, raltegravir, is an antiviral medicine prescribed as a 600 mg film‑coated tablet. The recommended dosage for the medicine is 1,200 mg as two 600 mg tablets taken orally daily. Raltegravir must be used in combination with other medicines for HIV.
Shirley Hopper, MHRA Deputy Director of Innovative Medicines, said, “Ensuring timely access to generic medicines is a key priority for us. Appropriate data have been provided to assure us that these medicines are the same as and considered interchangeable with an already licensed reference medicine, called Isentress. As with all products, we will keep the safety of raltegravir under close review.”
The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from studies in healthy volunteers. Studies have been limited to tests to determine that it is bioequivalent to the reference medicine. Two medicines are bioequivalent when they produce the same levels of the active substance in the body. As raltegravir generics are bioequivalent to the reference medicine, their benefits and possible side effects are the same as the reference medicine.
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of raltegravir under close review a full list of all side effects reported with raltegravir is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website, stated the agency.
“If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme,” it added.
Wellington dairy farmer David Bartlett has been given 14 weeks in prison, suspended for a year and ordered to pay £10,000 costs after he persistently allowed slurry to run off into a stream near his farm.
Bartlett, aged 70, of Upcott Dairy Farm, Sampford Arundel, Wellington, appeared for sentencing before District Judge Brereton at Taunton magistrates’ court on Thursday.
He had previously pleaded guilty to three offences relating to pollution to the Westford stream, a tributary of the River Tone. He was also ordered to pay £154 victim surcharge.
In a case brought by the Environment Agency, the court heard that the farm had a long history of failing to contain slurry properly and had been warned several times for causing pollution of the Westford stream.
In October 2022, officers installed remote monitoring equipment on the stream, confirming that regular pollution events continued to occur.
Using the data from the remote monitoring, officers went to the monitoring site in December 2022, where they found significant amounts of sewage fungus contaminating the watercourse bed, indicating persistent pollution.
Sewage Fungus in the Westford Stream.
Poor quality of water
Continuing upstream towards Upcott Dairy Farm, colonies of bloodworm were evident. These are a species of pollution-tolerant organisms associated with poor water quality. No invertebrate life forms were noted when stones in the stream bed were turned over, further indicating the poor quality of the water.
Near the farm, one of the officers saw a nearby ditch had suddenly started to discharge a significant amount of effluent with the appearance and smell of slurry. The source was quickly traced to an overflowing underground slurry tank on Upcott Dairy Farm.
Officers also investigated the system used to apply slurry to fields. Typically, farmers will use slurry to provide nutrients to their crops or grass. Bartlett was using a simple pipe to dispose of slurry in a single location.
Although slurry was not discharged at the time of the pollution event inspection, it was clear there was significant contamination of slurry around the end of the pipe, and there was evidence that slurry had tracked down the field toward the Westford stream.
A subsequent visit found slurry being pumped onto waterlogged land, and no attempt was made to use the slurry for crop benefit. The slurry was several inches thick in the field, indicating it had been pumped over a prolonged duration in the same location.
Toward the bottom of the field, a significant build-up of mud and slurry was on either side of the gateway, crossing the stream. This, too, presented a risk of further runoff pollution into the stream.
A biologist’s survey and report confirmed that the Westford stream had experienced repeated, acute and sustained chronic pollution events by slurry. Lack of slurry storage had led to slurry being pumped inappropriately onto a single patch of land where it was likely to run off and cause pollution.
Bartlett had failed, despite repeated warnings, to install slurry storage facilities that would allow slurry to be stored during winter when ground conditions were unsuitable.
The report stated there had been “a significant negative impact on the aquatic invertebrate community and water quality along 2.5km of Westford stream.”
Bartlett submitted a statement to the Environment Agency in which he made limited admissions, implying others, such as his neighbour and the local authority, were responsible. He denied deliberately pumping slurry into the watercourse.
Judge Brereton said there were significant aggravating features in the case, including Bartlett having previously been warned over causing pollution, his failure to carry out proper checks or make structural improvements by way of an adequate, compliant slurry storage system which is capable of storing slurry having received funds from the Rural Payments Agency to pay for infrastructure that would improve the environment and not cause significant, sustained pollution incidents.
David Womack of the Environment Agency said, “This farmer has, over the years, caused numerous pollution incidents and he has repeatedly failed to acknowledge the advice given or to improve the facilities for storing or properly using slurry.
“For over 30 years there has been legislation in place requiring all livestock farmers to have storage facilities capable of storing a minimum of four months’ slurry production. The 2018 Reduction and prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution Regulations now also require farmers to plan all applications of slurry in order to reduce the risk of pollution. Pumping slurry on to waterlogged land is unlawful and is likely to cause diffuse pollution.
“We hope Mr Bartlett will now work with us to voluntarily improve the facilities at Upcott Dairy Farm. If he doesn’t, we won’t hesitate to use other legislative powers to reduce the risk of further pollution.”
The UK delegation would like to thank the Austrian chair of the EEC for convening this session to discuss food security. As you rightly said at the start, conflict situations in regions key to global food trade can severely impact food security.
Ukrainian grain exports are crucial in ensuring global food security and the resilience of global grain markets. Before Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, Ukraine accounted for around 10% of global wheat exports and 12% of corn and barley exports.
Russia has cynically attempted to prevent Ukraine from exporting its grain, prioritising its own aims above global food security. In 2023, it deliberately obstructed and then withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, after which it deliberately attacked Ukraine’s grain storage and export infrastructure.
However, these attempts have failed. Ukraine’s military successes have now pushed back Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, enabling it to resume exports from its Black Sea ports. Since last summer, Ukraine has exported 36 million tonnes of agricultural produce and 17 million tonnes of other cargo through the Black Sea. Through all routes, Ukraine has now exported all its harvest from 2023.
There is ample evidence that Russia is also systematically acquiring grain from occupied Ukrainian territory and selling it on, with farmers forced to sell their produce to occupation authorities. This is grain which Ukraine should rightfully be supplying to world markets, instead of either being transferred to Russia for consumption or sold abroad, passed off as Russian grain.
All buyers of Russian grain, including those represented in this committee, should consider these facts when making purchasing decisions.
Russia often likes to claim that Western sanctions are hindering its agricultural exports. We have always been clear that the target of our sanctions is Russia’s war machine and not its food and fertiliser sectors. The UN and other partners have taken significant steps to ensure that Russian food is able to access world markets.
Mr Chair, food security is another casualty of Russia’s unnecessary and unprovoked war, and Ukraine’s response is another example of their resistance in the face of such aggression. Ukraine’s ability to export and trade freely, efficiently and economically is vitally important in stabilising global food prices and preventing global food shortages.
This aim will only be achieved when President Putin decides to end this senseless war and fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory.
Thank you.
Justin Addison, UK Delegation to the OSCE, tells the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Committee (EEC) that Russia is prioritising its own aims above global food security.
KHV is a serious viral disease of fish and is a listed disease in the United Kingdom. It affects all varieties of common and ornamental carp species (Cyprinus carpio) and can result in large-scale mortalities. Fish with KHV disease may show the following signs, especially when water temperatures are between 16 to 28 °C: necrotic (white or brown) patches on the gills, rough patches on the skin and sloughing mucous and sunken eyes.
You must contact the FHI if you suspect an outbreak of KHV. This includes fish with the above signs or deaths of carp or carp hybrids.
There is no risk to public health.
Sites with KHV disease must undergo a formal monitoring programme immediately following the outbreak. The FHI visit these sites to look for evidence of disease and to inspect compliance with the conditions of the statutory controls in place.
Confirmed designation
If a notifiable disease is confirmed, FHI places controls to limit the spread of the disease (these are known as confirmed designations). The following conditions are applied under disease controls:
No person may, without the previous consent in writing of the FHI, move any aquatic animal including eggs, and gametes, into, out of or within a confirmed designation area.
Disposal of dead aquatic animals, including eggs and gametes, must be by an approved method for disposal of Category 2 animal-by-product waste in compliance with local Environmental Health department requirements
Notify the Fish Health Inspectorate immediately should mortalities re-occur or spread to other waters/facilities within the designated area.
Notify the FHI in advance of all intended physical changes to sites within the designated area – such as site boundaries, number or size of waters, use of the site. FHI written permission will be required beforehand for all such changes.
All requests for consents required under this Confirmed Designation Notice must be submitted to the FHI with a minimum of 5 working days’ notice.
New outbreaks
When laboratory testing confirms KHV disease at a site, the FHI place statutory controls to limit the spread of the disease. These controls restrict movement of aquatic animals.
Background
Koi herpesvirus disease (KHV) is a listed disease under The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009. KHV outbreaks have been subject to statutory controls in the UK since 2007. The UK maintains a surveillance programme for this disease.
When the FHI confirm an outbreak, they take steps to control and, wherever possible, remove the disease. This may involve movement controls on susceptible species in the affected area, enhanced biosecurity, culling of fish, and cleaning and disinfecting of the premises.
Once statutory controls are in place the site operators must write to the FHI to get permission to move live fish into, out of, or within the designated area, and to make material changes to the site or site activities. This also applies to fish eggs and gametes.
