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Devon Man Christopher Garrett Sentenced to 32 Months for Dumping Waste on Floodplain

By
Shulammite Bello
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Devon man Christopher Garrett has been jailed for 32 months after he dumped thousands of tonnes of waste, including asbestos, on land by his home in a floodplain near Kingsteignton in Devon. He was also ordered to pay a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation sum of over £200,000.

Garrett is considered the worst offender the Environment Agency has seen in Devon and Cornwall for the quantity of asbestos he illegally disposed of.

Exeter Crown Court heard Garrett, aged 64, of Little Lindridge Cottage, Kingsteignton, repeatedly imported waste onto his land despite being prosecuted previously and receiving multiple warnings from the Environment Agency.

Following yesterday’s hearing, he was sentenced to a total of 32 months in prison, of which he will serve half, after pleading guilty to charges of running a waste facility without a permit and for disposing of waste material, namely asbestos, in a manner likely to harm the environment or human health.

The Court heard that between July 2018 and May 2022, around 12,000 tonnes of controlled waste – mixed construction and demolition waste – was deposited on land designated as a floodplain at Garrett’s home alongside the A380 dual carriageway. He burnt some of it and buried large quantities of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM), posing a risk to the environment and human health.  

The investigation established that Garrett had received hundreds of thousands of pounds for the illegal tipping and would cost at least £2.5 million to remediate the site. His combined financial benefit from the offending was put at £2.88 million, including the remediation costs. He was ordered to pay back the value of his available assets of £200,885.

In 2016, Garrett received a two-year suspended prison sentence for allowing asbestos waste to be disposed of at the site without a permit, but in 2019, the environment agency heard that he was again importing waste to his land.  

Despite multiple warnings and an enforcement notice, Garrett ignored all instructions to stop his illegal activities. Officers visited the site several times, including on one occasion with a police escort due to the hostile nature of the defendant towards environment agency staff.

Garrett was prosecuted in early 2022 for an offence under the Public Order Act for his behaviour towards Environment Agency officers.

The environment agency then carried out a surveillance operation to establish the true scale of his illegal activities.

In May 2022, a warrant was obtained, allowing a search of Garrett’s property and extensive site investigations using heavy machinery. Bags containing asbestos were found buried in the ground, and the site was riddled with smaller fragments of this hazardous waste.

Records and documents obtained by enforcement officers established that Garrett had imported waste to his land during his suspended sentence and had made thousands of pounds from his illegal activities. Environment agency officers arrested and interviewed him, but he answered “no comment” to all questions. 

During sentencing, Judge Adkin told Garrett, “You were unable to resist the lure of significant sums of money” and described the offences as “industrial scale environmental contamination committed by an individual.”

Following the hearing, an environment agency spokesperson said, “Garrett is a repeat offender who showed no care for the environment or human health. He took no notice of the previous warnings given by the courts and the environment agency and imported hazardous waste, burying it to make a quick profit.

“We are extremely pleased that he has now been brought to book and are working with our partners to establish what will happen to the site going forward. We would like to remind everyone who produces, transports or disposes of waste that they have a duty of care to ensure it doesn’t end up at a site like this.”

Whooping Cough Cases Rising in UK, Says UKHSA

By
Bola Akinloye
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0

New data published Thursday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows cases of whooping cough continue to increase, with 2,591 cases confirmed in May. This follows 555 cases in January 2024, 920 in February, 1,427 in March and 2,106 in April – bringing the total number of cases from January to May 2024 to 7,599.

Sadly, there have been nine infant deaths since the current outbreak began in November last year (one in December 2023 and eight between January and the end of May 2024). Young babies are at highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough. Evidence from England shows that vaccination at the right time in pregnancy is highly effective, giving 92% protection against infant death.

From January to May 2024, while most cases (53.4%, 4,057) were in those aged 15 years or older who usually get a mild illness, high numbers (262) continue to be reported in babies under three months of age who are at greatest risk from the infection.

Whooping cough cases have been rising across England and in many other countries since December 2023 due to a combination of factors. Whooping cough is a cyclical disease that peaks every 3 to 5 years. The last cyclical increase occurred in 2016. However, in common with other diseases, cases fell to very low numbers during the pandemic due to restrictions and public behaviours. A peak year is overdue, and the impact of the pandemic also means that the population has reduced immunity.

The latest uptake data for the vaccination offered to pregnant women to protect newborn infants against whooping cough continues to decline – with coverage in March 2024 at 58.9% compared to the peak coverage (72.6%) in March 2017.

Timely pregnancy and childhood vaccination are important to protect vulnerable young infants from serious diseases. All babies are given three doses of the 6-in-1 jab at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age to protect against whooping cough and other serious diseases, such as diphtheria and polio, with a pre-school booster offered at three years four months.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, said, “Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough, and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time. Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth in the first months of their life when they are most vulnerable and before they can receive their own vaccines.

“With cases continuing to rise and sadly 9 infant deaths since the outbreak began last November, ensuring women are vaccinated appropriately in pregnancy has never been more important. Our thoughts and condolences are with those families who have so tragically lost their baby.”

Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said, “The rise in whooping cough cases over the past six months, including several infant deaths, is of real concern and I would urge pregnant women to get vaccinated to help protect their babies in the first few weeks of their life. You can speak with your GP or maternity team if you have any questions about the vaccine.

“The NHS is continuing to identify areas at greater risk and put robust local vaccination offers in place, supporting maternity services and GP practices to do all they can to protect women and babies and make every contact count.”

“Women can access the vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus, through their GP or some antenatal services, and parents should also ensure that their children get protected in the first few months after birth as part of the routine NHS vaccine offer.”

Two Killed Children in Napier Road House Fire in East Ham

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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An investigation has been launched following a fire in East Ham, which has led to the deaths of two children and left a third critically ill.

Emergency services were called to a house on Napier Road at about 8:32 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, following reports of a fire.

Officers attended alongside colleagues from London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.

Sadly, one child was found deceased inside the property. A further five people were taken to hospital by ambulance colleagues.

Tragically, one other child died at a hospital. Four other people remain in hospital, including a child whose condition is critical.

All six people are believed to be members of the same family, and they lived at the house on Napier Road.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify and inform other family members. Specially trained police officers will support them.

DCI Jonathan Burks, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Newham, said, “I appreciate that local people will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event.

“We share those sentiments and will do all we can, alongside LFB, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions about this heart-breaking incident.”

Officers are investigating the fire alongside London Fire Brigade colleagues. At this very early stage, no evidence indicates suspicious circumstances. Enquiries are ongoing.

Womanm Sara El-Houssein Convicted for Supporting Proscribed Terror Group Hamas

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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A woman has been found guilty of showing support to a proscribed terrorist group following an investigation by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into social media posts that were referred to police by members of the public.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said, “Showing support for a terrorist organisation is a criminal offence and is something we take seriously – whether it be online or in the real world.

“In this case, the online posts were referred to our Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit. Specialist officers established the posts were potentially in breach of terrorism legislation, and from the resulting investigation, we identified the person behind them and brought her to justice.

“Any content referred to us in this way will always be carefully assessed, and where potential offences are identified, we will investigate and take action.”

Sara El-Houssein, 23, of north west London, was found guilty on Friday at Westminster Magistrates’ Court of publishing an image of an article in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse a reasonable suspicion that she is a supporter of a proscribed organisation – namely Hamas – contrary to section 13(1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

She is due to be sentenced in August.

On October 17, 2023, a public referral was made into the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU), highlighting posts linked to a social media account allegedly showing support towards Hamas.

Specialist officers assessed the posts in the CTIRU, who believed the posts could be in breach of terrorism legislation, and the case was passed for further investigation.

Further enquiries were carried out to identify the user behind the account, which led officers to arrest El-Houssein on 2 November 2023.

She was released on bail and subsequently charged in March with the above offence.

Threat of Terrorism Is Growing in Sahel, UK Tells UN Security Council

By
Shulammite Bello
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0

I would like to start by welcoming the agreement of this Council of a Presidential Statement on UNOWAS. 

During what is a challenging period for the region, that was an important signal of the Council’s full support for the region’s peace and security. We commend the penholders Sierra Leone and Switzerland for their excellent work to get it agreed. 

We wish to make four points today.

First, the UK congratulates Mauritania and Senegal for their peaceful transfers of power. 

But democracy and civic space are under pressure in the region. We note that timelines for restoration of constitutional governments in Mali and Burkina Faso have been extended, and we reiterate the Council’s call, in its recent presidential statement, for the restoration of constitutional order.

Guinea’s transition timeline has also slipped, but we welcome ECOWAS’ assessment that some progress has been achieved in Guinea, including a planned referendum on the constitution in 2024.

Second, security across the Sahel is deteriorating. The threat of terrorism is growing, and requires a serious cross-regional response. Foreign mercenaries and proxies are not the answer.

They have a track record in the region of worsening existing conflicts and undermining long-term development, and the way they operate often poses grave threats to the protection of civilians, as we saw at Moura in Mali.

The UK remains concerned about the security situation in Mali, especially after the withdrawal of MINUSMA. We encourage UNOWAS to help bring all parties back to the negotiating table. 

We also note the recent ECOWAS and Alliance of Sahel States summits. We urge all states in the region to seek collective solutions to the growing shared security challenge. 

As we heard in the Arria meeting called by Sierra Leone on 19 June, effective counter-terror efforts require regional collaboration.

Third, the humanitarian situation in the region continues to get worse. Food insecurity, fueled by violence and displacement, is reaching record levels in the Central Sahel and Nigeria. Climate change is compounding these problems. 

Since 2019, UK aid has supported over 15 million people in the Sahel with life-saving assistance, and three million in Nigeria since 2017. But, access is increasingly restricted, and needs are still going unmet.

We call on all actors to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. 

Fourth, we welcome the IMF’s improved economic forecast, which demonstrates the enormous opportunity for growth across the region despite today’s many challenges. 

The UK looks forward to deepening our partnerships in the region, working collaboratively to ensure that we drive forward both growth and security.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK political counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel

Karim Abdul Turay, Bladensburg Resident, Jailed for Conspiring to Illegally Ship Stolen Cars to West Africa

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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0

U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Karim Abdul Turay, age 31, a resident of Prince George’s County, Maryland, to 51 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit transportation of stolen motor vehicles and receipt and possession of stolen motor vehicles. 

The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Port of Baltimore Director Adam Rottman of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Colonel Joseph F. Scott.

According to his plea agreement, between approximately September 2019 and June 2022, Turay worked with others to fraudulently rent vehicles from Hertz, Avis, and other car rental companies at locations in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. 

Turay and others were able to rent these cars using false identifications and credit cards.

The vehicles would then be transported to Maryland, where they would be loaded onto large cargo shipping containers and taken to the Port of Baltimore. 

Then, using false declaration forms and other paperwork to conceal the containers’ contents, the containers with rental vehicles inside would be exported to West Africa via cargo ship where the vehicles could be sold.  Law enforcement is aware of more than 40 vehicles that Turay and his co-conspirators either exported or attempted to export to West Africa.

Co-conspirator Jonathan Davis, age 39, of Laurel, Maryland, previously pled guilty to receipt and possession of stolen vehicles and was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison. 

Another Co-conspirator, Rodley Balthazar, age 30, also of Laurel, Maryland, pled guilty to the same charges as Turay and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison.

Dominica’s Altagracios De La Cruz-Calderon Sentenced to 57 Months for Illegally Reentering U.S. After Committing Felony

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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0

Altagracios De La Cruz-Calderon, 60, who was living in Oneida County, has been sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after previously being convicted of an aggravated felony.

United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas P. Brophy, Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ICE-ERO) Buffalo, NY, made the announcement.

De La Cruz-Calderon had previously been deported or removed from the United States to the Dominican Republic five times.

As part of his previous guilty plea, De La Cruz-Calderon admitted that he had been convicted of federal drug and gun charges in the 1990s and spent several years in federal prison before one of his deportations to the Dominican Republic.

De La Cruz-Calderon was most recently found in the United States in New Hartford, New York. De La Cruz-Calderon will be subject to deportation again at the conclusion of his prison sentence.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE-ERO, investigated the case with the help of the United States Marshall Service and the New Hartford Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck prosecuted the case. 

Former Boston Police Officer Thomas Nee Sentenced for Overtime Fraud Scheme

By
Olaoluwa Fabuyi
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0

A former Boston Police officer was sentenced on Friday in connection with an investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse.

Thomas Nee, 67, of Yarmouth, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to two years of supervised release. Nee was also ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 and $16,151 in restitution. In November 2021, Nee pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. 

From February 2015 through February 2018, Nee submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime shifts and did not work at the evidence warehouse. The “purge” overtime was a 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence.

“Kiosk” overtime involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned. 

For the “purge” shift, Nee claimed to have worked from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., but he routinely left at 6:00 p.m. or earlier.

For the “kiosk” shift, Nee submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours when he only worked three to four hours of those shifts. 

Between February 2015 and February 2018, Nee personally collected approximately $16,151 for overtime hours he did not work. 

Nee was one of 15 police officers charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse, 10 of whom have been convicted either by guilty plea or jury verdict. Of the remaining officers charged, four were acquitted in April 2023, and one officer passed away while charges were pending. Nee is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in the case.

From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.  

Buffalo Man Who Threatened to Blow Up VA Sentenced

By
Deborah Ojuade
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0

Demont Coston, 56, of Buffalo, NY, convicted of assault upon a federal employee, has been sentenced.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning, who handled the case, stated that on September 12, 2023, Coston called the U.S. Veterans Affairs Crisis Line and made repeated threats to blow up the Buffalo VA facility. Later that same day, Coston called the VA Crisis Line again and stated, “I should go blow… I should go burn the building down.”

On September 14, 2023, Coston texted the Crisis Line, “The VA haven’t done (expletive) for me in 30 years, it’s time to get rid of it, by any means necessary.”

Coston also said that he would be “Taking out all V.A. facilities, but I have 1 n mind first” and “I’m in DC, near the main VA ha ha ha good, I know where to hit them.”

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the VA Medical Center Police, under the direction of Chief Richard King and the VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Algieri.

Corning Sex Offender Ryan Newman Faces New Child Pornography Charges, Risks 50 Years in Jail

By
Shulammite Bello
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0

Ryan M. Newman, 33, of Corning, NY, has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the production, distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography.

As a convicted sex offender at the time of the alleged crimes, Newman faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 50 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Newman was convicted of child pornography crimes by New York State in 2012, sentenced to serve a local jail term and 10 years’ probation, and required to register as a Level 3 Sex Offender, which is someone considered to be at high risk of re-offending and a threat to public safety. 

In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Snapchat that a user had uploaded a video of child pornography. NCMEC sent the tip to the New York State Police, who executed a search warrant on Newman’s person and residence in 2022.

The search determined that Newman uploaded the child pornography video to Snapchat and possessed other child pornography on his electronic devices. Newman remained out of custody following the 2022 search warrant by the State Police. 

In April 2024, the FBI Corning received a tip that pornography involving a child in the Corning area was distributed to an undercover agent in Illinois. Subsequent investigation determined that Newman sexually abused the child and produced the child pornography.

Newman was taken into custody by the FBI and Corning Police. In addition, to federal charges, he is also facing charges in Steuben County Court.

Newman made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and is being held without bail.    

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