THEGAYUK

Tag: Metropolitan Police

All the latest breaking news on the Metropolitan Police. Browse The THEGAYUK’s complete collection of features and commentary on the Metropolitan Police and the LGBT+ community.

  • Building firm fined over half a million for the deaths of gay couple

    Building firm fined over half a million for the deaths of gay couple

    A construction company has been fined over £500,000 after a gay couple fell to their deaths.

    CREDIT: Facebook / Evening Standard

    Gavin Brewer, 32, and Stuart Meads, 34, both fell to their deaths in October 2013 after making contact with hoarding on a building which gave way sending both men down a 12ft drop.

    Both Gavin and Stuart were pronounced dead at the scene following their fall.

    Monavon Construction pleaded guilty to the corporate manslaughter of Gavin Brewer, 32, and Stuart Meads, 34, at the Old Bailey on Monday, 9 May.

    The Metropolitan Police launched a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive. This investigation found that the hoardings had been fixed in such a way that only negligible force would have been required to make them give way.

    Monavon Construction were responsible for a building site in Netley Street at the junction with Hampstead Road, NW1. Work had been ongoing at the site for approximately three years and construction was nearing its conclusion.

    Part of the site bordered Netley Street and plywood hoardings had been put in place there which covered the pavement. On 14 October 2013 work began to change the hoarding so the pavement could be reinstated. On Friday, 18 October this work had been completed leaving the hoardings, measuring approximately 4ft in height, fixed by wooden struts to a wall behind which measured between 130mm to 280mm in height.
    Behind this wall was a drop of approximately 12ft down into a basement area.

    Monavon was fined £250,000 each for the deaths of Gavin Brewer and Stuart Meads as well as £50,000 for heath and safety breached. They were also ordered to pay £23,653 prosecution costs.

    Mr Meads’s father told the London Evening Standard shortly after his death,

    “Stuart was a wonderful son and is a huge loss to our family. We are in shock. It is a very difficult time.”

  • Homophobic Crimes Up Nearly 20 Per Cent In London

    Homophobic Crimes Up Nearly 20 Per Cent In London

    Statistics from the Metropolitan Police show that homophobic crime has soared nearly 20 per cent in one year.

    CREDIT: ©-ronfromyork-Depositphotos
    CREDIT: ©-ronfromyork-Depositphotos

    Homophobic or anti-LGBT crimes in London have risen nearly 20 per cent from March 2015 to March 2016 a report out from the Metropolitan Police shows today.

    In total 1861 crimes were reported in London 2015 to 2016 compared with 1559 the year before.

    The rise accounts for a 19.4 per cent increase.

    Whilst some boroughs have managed to decrease the number of homophobic crimes by up to 20 per cent like Merton, some boroughs like Haringey have seen a 259 per cent rise in anti-LGBT crime.

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    The Met believes these increases are down to a range of factors, including improvements in crime recording, willingness of victims to report hate crime, world events, improved awareness of Met staff to identify these offences and support provided by more than 900 specialist hate crime investigators and our work with partners to support victims. 

    Assistant Commissioner Helen King, Territorial Policing said,

     “London is a major, much visited, vibrant and growing capital city with diverse policing needs and is one of the safest global cities in the world. It is for this reason that people from other countries invest millions of pounds in London. There are not many capital cities in the world with such low rates of serious crime, such as murder and gun crime. 

    “The Met is continuing to work with partners, businesses and the public to reduce the number of offences taking place. Our officers have spent the last year conducting both pro active operations and preventative work in order to reduce crime, better support victims and build more engagement with communities. 

    “We will continue to keep up our intensified focus on areas such as violence where we have seen a rise in recorded offences. We must not lose sight of the reductions we have achieved over the last five years.” 

  • Murder Suspect Of Gay Cop Has Virtual Court Appearance

    Murder Suspect Of Gay Cop Has Virtual Court Appearance

    A man has appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in connection to the murder of Gordon Semple.

    CREDIT: Facebook
    CREDIT: Facebook

    A 49-year-old charged with the murder of an openly gay police officer in London has appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court. 

    No indication of plea was given.

    Stefano Brizzi was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on the 13th April. Mr. Brizzi was wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit, as he confirmed his name, age and address via video link from Lewisham Police Station.

    Detectives working on the case are now satisfied that the remains found at an address in London are those of Gordon Semple, 59, who went missing on the 1st April.

    Earlier today Mr. Semple’s brother paid a painful tribute to Mr. Semple and spoke about their heartbreaking loss.

    He said,

    On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

    I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up “Gordon Semple, 59 missing” Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

    Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

    Gordon was a much loved Partner, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him.

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    A post-mortem exam was carried out on the 8th April but the cause of death has yet to be established. A further post-mortem is to be carried out on the 13th April.

    Detectives are treating his death as a murder.

    Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation into Gordon’s murder, said:

    “I am keen to trace a man who went to Brizzi’s flat in Southwark Street on Friday, 1 April at about 15:00. He was there for only one minute, and did not go inside, but it is incredibly important that we speak to him.

    “If you are that man please come forward and call us on 020 8721 4961. I will treat what you tell me with sensitivity and confidentiality – please get in touch with us I need to talk to you.”

  • Family and Partner Of Slain Gay Cop Mourn His Death

    Family and Partner Of Slain Gay Cop Mourn His Death

    The family and partner of Gordon Semple have released a heartbreaking message on Facebook mourning the tragic loss.

    Gordon Semple
    CREDIT: Metropolitan Police

    The family and partner of Gordon Semple whose body was discovered in London after an extensive public appeal by the Metropolitan Police have released a heartbreaking message paying tribute to the openly gay PC saying that he would be sadly missed by his family, partner and co-workers in the Met.

    Police were called to an address in Greenwich after a concern member of the public reported a foul odour emanating from the scene.

    A man has been charged with Mr. Semple’s murder.

     

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    Mr Semple’s brother wrote,

    On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

    I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up “Gordon Semple, 59 missing” Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

    Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

    Gordon was a much loved Partner, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him.

    It would be appreciated if the family is given time to grieve privately.

     

    Police are not speculating on the cause of death and added,

    A post-mortem will be held in due course, and until that has taken place we will not speculate on the cause of death.

  • Police Confirmed The Death Of Gay London Police Officer

    Police Confirmed The Death Of Gay London Police Officer

    Police have confirmed that human remains found in London are that of  officer Gordon Semple, who was openly gay.

    Gordon Semple
    CREDIT: Metropolitan Police

    Police in London have issued a statement that human remains found are those of an openly gay PC, Gordon Semple, 59. who was reported missing on the 1st April 2016.

    Commander Alison Newcomb released a statement saying that the Metropolitan police were not able to speculate on the cause of Mr. Semple’s death, but a man has been arrested after human remains were found at Peabody Estate in Southwark Street, SE1.

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    Police were called the scene when a member of the public got in contact with the police after confirms of a foul odour coming from the scene.

    “At this point I do not wish to speculate on what has happened.

    “… a forensic search started at the address and is ongoing. It will take some time for us to complete that work. It is a vital search for evidence. I would like to thank the local residents for their patience and support.

    “My thoughts are with Gordon’s family and friends at this time of personal tragedy. I would ask that they are given the space and privacy they need to come to terms with this development.

    “This is a very sad day for Gordon’s colleagues. There are many officers who have served London alongside Gordon during his 30 year career who will acutely feel his loss.”

    Police are not speculating on the cause of death and added,

    A post-mortem will be held in due course, and until that has taken place we will not speculate on the cause of death.

  • Police Appeal For Witnesses After Two Stabbed At London Gay Club

    Metropolitan Police officers are calling for witnesses after two door staff at one of London’s biggest gay clubs were stabbed.

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  • Armed Gang Preying On Gay Men Using Hook Up App In London

    Armed Gang Preying On Gay Men Using Hook Up App In London

    A gang of thugs is attacking gay men in South London after setting up hook ups on the dating app.

    A gang of men have reportedly mugged two gay men in South London after arranging a hook up with each of them through a dating app. Although the men were not hurt they were confronted with a gang of four who robbed them at knifepoint.

    Detective constable Sheree Yates said: ‘The victims thankfully did not suffer serious physical injuries but have been left very shaken by these incidents.

    ‘We are keen to identify the suspects as soon as possible and are appealing to anyone with any information to contact the police.

    ‘We would also like to take this opportunity to reassure the LGBT community that we are doing everything we can to arrest these men.
    ‘I would urge everyone who uses online dating apps and sites to take steps to help them to stay safe whilst meeting strangers.’

    Police are warning men who use Grindr and other dating apps to take extra precautions – including keeping your personal details private, making sure you drink responsibly and let friends or family know where you are going and at what time you expect to be back.
    Their full list of tips reads:
    Please consider the following safety tips when using a dating app:

    – Don’t share personal details such as your home address until you can trust the person you are communicating with

    – If you decide to meet in person, let someone know where you are going and when you’re likely to return

    – Always meet in a public place with lots of people around

    – Plan your journey to and from the date in advance. If using a mini cab always pre-book

    – Drink responsibly and never leave your drink unattended

    – Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and working

    – If at any time your feel uncomfortable, leave the date – you are not obliged to stay

    For further crime prevention and personal safety advice visit the Metropolitan Police website at http://content.met.police.uk/Site/victimadvice

    Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Anyone who has been the victim of crime through online dating can contact police or Victim Support on 0808 1689 111

  • Hotel Worker Convicted For Raping Man Attending Job Interview

    Sebastian Szerer, 39 was convicted of one count of rape today, Wednesday, 29 July, following a trial at the Old Bailey.

    The court heard that Szerer raped the 25-year-old man at the Rubens Hotel, Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, on 15 April, 2012, when he went there for the interview for a job which did not exist.

    He conducted the interview and then showed the victim around the hotel.

    The court heard he then took him the Queen’s Suite at the hotel. Szerer then locked the room and proceeded to rape the victim.

    The victim kept the assault secret for a year until Szerer sent him a message on a social networking site stating “hello stranger”.

    It was this message prompted the victim to attend Victim Support and tell them about the rape.

    They then encouraged him to contact the police.

    On 23 April, 2013, Szerer was arrested and subsequently charged.

    Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Lee Davison, of Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said:

    “Szerer abused his position as Head House Keeper.

    “He purposely lured the victim to the hotel on the pretext of a job interview that didn’t exist. He then raped him. Thankfully he has been found guilty and I praise the victim today for his decision to report this rape to the police.

    “The Metropolitan Police’s Sexual Offences Exploitation & Child Abuse Command will pursue all such offenders to bring them to justice and I would encourage anyone who has suffered at the hand of another to report the matter in the knowledge that they will be believed and supported.”

    Szerer will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 30 July.

  • POLICE: “Appropriate And Proportional” Policing Plan Is In Place For Pride In London

    Police in London are on high alert today as up to 750,000 people are expected to turn out to take part and watch London’s Pride parade.

    London’s LGBT+ parade is due to take place just 24 hours after a number of terror attacks took place in Tunisia, Kuwait and France leaving question marks over the safety of the general public in crowded spaces in cities across the world.

    Extra security has been promised for Armed Forces day and the gay pride parade today in London, however spectators are being asked to be extra vigilant.

    The UK’s terror threat level is placed at Severe after ISIS claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Tunisia. The Sun newspaper is claiming that an Armed Forces Day parade in South London had been a target for ISIS. According to the paper a thwarted suicide blast was intended to strike at soldiers from Lee Rigby’s unit during today’s parade.

    According to The Mail, the Met Police’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball, said: “Our priority is to keep people safe and we continue to review our ability to prevent and respond to terrorist incidents and potential threats.

    “And as we approach a weekend of large public celebrations around the country, including Armed Forces Day events and Pride London, we will be putting in place additional security measures to help protect and reassure the public.’

    PARADE DETAILS
    The London LGBT parade will leave Baker Street at 1.00PM and end in Whitehall at 4:30PM.

    The Metropolitan Police report that they have been liaising with the organiser of this year’s Pride event for some months and that an appropriate and proportionate policing plan is in place.

    This year’s Parade is one of the biggest ever with over 250 groups registered to take part in the parade.

    Numerous worried members of the public have taken to social media to question the safety of London and the event.

    The Pride In London committee have commented that they have over 1000 stewards and have been working closely with the Met Police to ensure the safety of those attending the parade.

    Tweeting from their official Twitter account, they said, “All our usual precautions, and we work very closely with the @metpoliceuk to deliver a safe event.

    “Safety is our utmost priority, above all else.”

  • Second Man Arrested After Homophobic Attack In London

    Second Man Arrested After Homophobic Attack In London

    Police have confirmed that a second man has now been arrested in connection to an assault in London on two gay men.

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  • Gay couple attacked in London; one left unconscious by TEEN gang

    A gay couple in London were beaten by a number of teenagers in London, leaving one unconscious.

    According to the London Evening Standard, Walter Adrian, 23, and his partner, who has asked not to be named were approached by seven Bangladeshi teenagers who then assaulted the couple and called them anti-gay slurs, including ‘f*cking faggots’.

    The attack happened on Whitechapel Road, after leaving a friend’s party, on the 13th June, just before midnight.

    ‘We weren’t even holding hands or kissing or anything, but all the comments were based on us being gay.

    ‘One of them said “f**king faggots” so we wanted to try and leave and my partner pushed one of them but then they got physical.

    ‘They punched him and then there were six or seven of them just going at us while we were cornered against the wall.

    ‘They were saying, ‘this is our street, this is our area, get out of here’, just because they thought we were gay. It happens a lot round this area and East London.

    ‘We weren’t even acting gay and that’s what’s upsetting. Whether anyone is gay or not you just can’t feel safe. You’re scared of being attacked and afraid to go out by yourself.’

    Adrian was left unconscious, he has bruises to his head and stomach, while his partner had a swollen jaw.

    The attackers were described as 15-to-18 year old Bangladeshis who were wearing dark sports clothing.

    A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘We were called at 1.40am on June 13 to reports of an assault in Whitechapel Road. Investigations continue.’

    Last year anti-gay incidents were recorded in East London, where a number of men were arrested after harassing a ‘gay looking’ man.