Ex-Drugs Fugitive's Drink-Drive Police Crash

Banned: Masuro leaving court

A drug-dealer, who fled the USA and acquired a British passport under a new identity, was arrested again when he crashed into a police car while over twice the drink-drive limit.

Neo Masuro, 51, was hunted down after six years on the run and hauled back to the USA, where he began a twenty-five year sentence in 2009.

He is now back living in Surrey, running a country pub in Outwood, where his presence has been described as “positive for the residents” and where he enjoys “a great reputation.”

Masuro, of Jeremiah Court, Redhill pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in his breath and was fined £1,000, with £85 costs, plus a £400 victim surcharge and was disqualified for twenty months.

He says he consumed “a couple of pints” at his pub before driving the ten-minute journey home, but had 83 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Staines-upon-Thames Magistrates’ Court heard it was 4.10am on January 27 when the ex-convict collided with the patrol car in Coopers Hill Road, Nutfield as officers tried to block the road to deal with an injured deer.

The son of the former Attorney General of Grenada and a French mother, Masuro - then known as Emmanuel Ganpot - was on a student visa at Florida’s Liberal Arts Eckerd College, St Petersburg in 2001.

At local nightspot ’Storman’s’ Sheriffs from Pinellas County, acting on a tip-off, seized 3,500 ecstasy pills with a street value of £24,000; cocaine; ketamine and GHB.

Masuro pleaded no contest to possessing or selling drugs and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, but fled the USA on April 1, 2003 when given three weeks bail to sort his affairs before surrendering himself to custody.

He ended up living in Oxted, Surrey under his new identity, working at the George Inn, High Street and playing drums and keyboards in a local band.

Masuro was also employed by the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy after passing background checks with his new name.

Downfall: This MySpace pic exposed Masuro

However, he was traced online by Florida assistant state attorney William Burgess, who discovered many of the fugitive’s internet friends were communicating on social media with a ’Neo.’

His MySpace photo was matched to Masuro’s booking mugshot and the account traced to Oxted, where he was arrested on an extradition warrant in September, 2008.

On his return to the USA he found himself in front of the same judge, who increased the sentence from six years to twenty-five years.

It was not revealed how much time Masuro served, but he was back in the UK in 2022 because he has clocked-up three speeding convictions since then.

Yesterday, prosecutor Gus Walter told the court: “Police attended to reports of a deer in the road struggling to move and parked their vehicle facing the oncoming traffic with sufficient space left to pass through.

“Oncoming traffic would have time to see their lights and slow down, but officers observed a vehicle in excess of 40mph and attempted to flag it down to stop, but the vehicle collided with the parked police car.”

Masuro stepped out of his black Ford Cougar and was obviously under the influence of alcohol.

“The driver seemed unfazed even though a significant amount of damage had been caused to both vehicles and he stated that he was not speeding and the police car had driven towards him,” added the prosecutor.

“The police officers could smell intoxicating liquor on his breath and he was slurring his speech and the failed the roadside breath test,” added Mr Walter.

“Fortunately nobody was injured and the defendant was detained at Salford Custody Suite.

“This is an unacceptable standard of driving. He did not stop or slow down for the police and was in excess of 40mph, which is an aggravating factor and was involved in a collision.”

Masuro’s lawyer Niamh Sexton told the court: “This is solely a driving with excess alcohol case and there are no other charges.

“Mr Masuro has no previous convictions and it was a short distance he was driving.

“He leases a pub and it was short ten minute drive home when he was stopped. He has shown a considerable amount of remorse and he says that he is devastated.

“He has no issue with alcohol or drugs. He is not an alcoholic, but had a couple of pints at the pub.

“He is a businessman and a long disqualification will affect that business. He delivers goods to the pub kitchen and has many employees.”

The pub has a weekly turnover of £5,000, with Masuro paying himself £1,000 after expenses.

Two friends wrote letters of reference on his behalf with the first stating: “He has a great reputation among the local people.”

The second wrote: “His presence will bring positivity to the neighbourhood, which will be positive for the residents.”

Magistrate Rosemary Lane told Masuro: “We find there was an unacceptable standard of driving. You failed to stop or slow down for the police and there was a collision.”

Gates Of Hell: Neighbours' Court Fight Continues

Court Date: Sally & David Catchpole

A horse whisperer and his wife, who won a bitter land dispute with their rural neighbours, have now been accused of lying in a private prosecution brought by the next-door couple.

Horse behaviourist David Catchpole, 63, and his wife Sally Catchpole, 66, are accused of perjuring themselves during the eight-year long civil fight.

Today, they faced off at Guildford Crown Court with music teacher Steven Sammut, 56, and his wife Sandra Sammut, 54, who have escalated the case to the criminal courts.

The dispute centres around a patch of sloping land, which provides access from the public road to a large side gate on the Catchpole’s property.

It is adjacent to the Sammut’s gate in a part of Surrey where properties routinely sell for over one million pounds.

The Sammut’s were ordered to pay £65,99.86 costs to the Catchpole’s, which rose to over £122,000 when they lost an appeal to the High Court.

It is believed they now have a total legal bill of approximately £350,000 and the Catchpole’s have had to spend around £140,000 in legal fees.

In 2018 the Catchpole’s won a civil case at Winchester County Court, which ruled the Sammut’s had no right to prevent them using the land.

Twin Gates: Disputed Land

The Sammut’s have now brought a criminal private prosecution against their neighbours and the Catchpole’s arrived on bail at the Crown Court and have had to instruct a barrister for the new case.

The Catchpole’s, of Glenhead Farm, Hyde Lane, Churt, Farnham are both charged with wilfully making false statements in judicial proceedings on March 12 and 13, 2018.

They are also both charged with obstructing the course of public justice on or about June 1, 2020 by providing false and misleading information regarding their property boundaries to Aldershot & Farnham County Court.

The couple are also jointly charged with the theft of a telegraph pole belonging to the Sammut’s between July 1 and July 31, 2020.

It is believed the Sammut’s, of Hyde Hill Farm, Hyde Lane, Churt, Farnham placed the pole across the disputed land to designate their boundary.

David Catchpole is the boss of Horse Wyse and provides £100 per hour lessons and clinics to equine owners.

Private Prosecution: Steve & Sandra Sammut

The couple use the gate next to the disputed land to provide additional access for horse and sheep to their farm.

Steven Sammut, who studied classical guitar at London’s Trinity College of Music, is the CEO and founder of Aldershot’s Rock & Pop Foundation.

After bringing the private prosecution it took over a year to bring the Catchpole’s to Guildford Magistrates’ Court, where they appeared for the first time last month.

Mr Sammut told the court yesterday: “This case has been going on for eight years and since the last magistrates court appearance I have had two heart attacks.

“It has taken fifteen months just to get here, fifteen months of interest charges between us. These delays are costing us dearly.”

The Sammut’s have applied to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to take over and finance the case.

The hearing was adjourned to May 28 for the CPS’s decision.

Male On Male Sex Assault: Do You Know This Suspect?

A train passenger woke up on an evening service to find another man molesting him.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of the suspect.

Investigating officers are appealing for the assistance of members of the public to identify the unknown male.

The victim was onboard a train travelling between London's Liverpool Street and Colchester, Essex at approximately 7.30pm on Monday, March 4.

He dozed off and when he awoke he found the mystery male sitting next to him was carrying out a sexual assault.

Detectives would like to speak to the man in the image who they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 325 of 5 March. 

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Jail For Seven Sisters Sex Pest

A tube train sex pest is starting a nine-and-a-half month prison sentence for molesting a female passenger at Seven Sisters Underground Station.

Nathan Gordon, 46, of Wightman Road, Hornsey was convicted of sexually assaulting the woman at the north London station on May 24, last year.

He also pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to assaulting a police officer, who he spat in the face, after his arrest for another incident in March, 2023.

Gordon must also comply with a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, (SHPO) which prevents him approaching, touching or making any attempt to communicate with any lone female traveling on the railway network.

He must also leave any station immediately after leaving a train or make his way directly to the next available connecting service.

The court heard how on Wednesday, May 24 last year Gordon sexually assaulted a woman at Seven Sisters London Underground station.

He was reported to a member of station staff who challenged him before he left the station.

Later the same day officers were alerted to the suspect lying on a bench at the station, who was identified by staff as the same man.

Officers recognised Gordon from a previous incident back in March, 2023 when he was arrested for a separate offence and spat at an officer while in custody.

Investigating officer DC Stephen Allen said: “Gordon’s blatant intimidation and harassment of this woman was both unnerving and sickening. 

“Thanks to her bravery for reporting the incident immediately, despite being understandably upset, meant that officers were able to attend the location and identify and arrest Gordon within hours of the offence.

“He’s now been issued with a SHPO which will go some way to protecting women on the rail network once he is released from jail.

“We will stop at nothing to deter, pursue, arrest and bring sex offenders on the railway network to justice. 

“Every report is important. We urge everyone to save 61016 to their phones and download the Railway Guardian before you travel so you can discreetly get in touch with us if you need us.”

Woman Targeted By Bogus Police Officer

A fake cop targeted a lone woman – becoming angry and abusive and grabbing his crotch – when she challenged him.

The victim was approached by the mystery man, posing as a police officer, at Hampstead Heath Overground Station at 9.30am on Monday, March 11.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

They are requesting the assistance of members of the public to identify him.

When the woman said she didn’t believe he was a plain-clothed police officer he became agitated and abusive and threatened her while grabbing at his crotch.

Officers believe the man in the images may have information which could assist their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any other information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 236 of 11 March.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Female Train Passenger Targeted By Sex Pest

A train sex pest deliberately sat opposite a female passenger, staring at her as he exposed and pleasured himself on an morning weekend service.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of their suspect.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public for their assistance in identifying him.

At around 9.20am on Sunday, February 4 a mystery man boarded the train – travelling towards Grove Park - at London Bridge station.

He sat opposite the woman and and when she looked up she saw that he was exposing himself and masturbating while looking at her.

Detectives would like to speak to the man in the image who they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

If you recognise this man or have any information about the incident please contact officers by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 145 of 4 February.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Wannabe Robber: Do You Know This Pain On The Train?

A Buckinghamshire train passenger was struck in the face and asked for money by a mystery male during a late-night journey.

British Transport Police (BTP) are treating the incident as an attempted robbery and assault.

Investigating officers have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

They are requesting members of the public assist in identifying him.

The incident occurred at around 11.40pm on Saturday, February 24 on a service between Aylesbury and Monks Risborough stations.

A passenger was approached by a man who started arguing with him before demanding money and hitting him in the face.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information that could help with their investigation.

Anyone who recognises them is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 832 of 24 February.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Shoplifter Scourge Receives Three-Year Ban

The scourge of King's Cross and St. Pancras retailers has been banned from the railway stations and locked-up for sixteen weeks after a prolific shoplifting spree.

British Transport Police (BTP) finally got 42 year-old Jolene White locked-up and hit with the three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (Crimbo), which prohibits her from entering the stations.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court White, of Ashley Road, Archway pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft, one count of assault and also admitted a public order offence.

The court heard how over the period of just over a month White stole numerous items from stores at King's Cross and St Pancras stations.

On Thursday, December 28, last year she was stopped by store security after leaving Boots at St Pancras with a haul of goods.

When challenged she punched the security officer and ran off.

On Saturday, December 30, she was again spotted stealing from the same store. When staff attempted to stop her she pushed them away and ran off.

On Monday, January 1, she was challenged by a member of staff at the Oliver Bonas store at St Pancras, who had spotted her shoplifting. 

White threatened to kill the staff member if they prevented her from stealing. She then left the store with £258 worth of goods.

Two days later on Wednesday, January 3 officers spotted White in the same store, shoplifting items worth £110 and was arrested.

White returned to the store yet again on Friday, January 5 and stole items worth £119.50. Staff alerted a BTP officer who again arrested her.

On Wednesday, January 10, White was again spotted shoplifting, this time from the Oliver Bonas store in King's Cross, leaving with items totalling £133.50.

On January 12 she attempted to steal items from Oliver Bonas, but was caught in the act by plain clothes officers and arrested.

In breach of bail conditions not to enter St Pancras, on Tuesday, January 30, White was seen filling up her bag with items from the Neals Yard store before attempting to leave without paying. When she was challenged by a staff member White punched her twice.

The following day she returned to the store and shoplifted items worth almost £100.

Investigating officer DC Kerri Docherty said: “White is a prolific shop lifter who has targeted retailers at King's Cross and St Pancras for a number of years. 

“She has caused stress and anxiety to staff, who are simply doing their job, repeatedly harassing and threatening them.

No doubt, they will breathe a collective sigh of relief now that she has finally been jailed and issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order.

“It is hoped that the order will prevent her from committing similar offences as she will face serious consequences should she breach it.”

Luton Railway Station Double Phones Snatch: Female Victim Punched

A woman was punched in the chest as she chased a robber, who had snatched her and her companion's mobile phones at Luton railway station in the early hours.

British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a robbery investigation.

Investigating officers have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

They are appealing to members of the public for their assistance in identifying him.

At around 2.30am on Thursday, February 1 a man walked over to the two victims and grabbed their mobile phones.

One of the victims chased after the man, but he struck her to the chest and ran off towards the town centre.

Officers believe the man in the image may have information which could assist their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any other information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 57 of 2 February.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Woman Suffers Broken Jaw And Ankle During Filmed Assault

A vicious attack on a late-night female tube train passenger – who suffered a broken jaw and ankle - was filmed by her assailant's group as it happened.

Shortly after midnight at 12.30am on Wednesday, March 6 the victim and her friend were travelling home via King's Cross Underground Station.

They were approached by a group of five young men – one of whom violently assaulted the woman, who received the serious injuries as another member of the group recorded her ordeal.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of two young men and are appealing to members of the public to assist in identifying them.

Officers believe they may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises them, or has any other information, is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 13 of 6 March.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pictured: Train Passenger Suspected Of Striking Fifteen Year-Old Girl

A fifteen-year old schoolgirl has been struck in the face by a fellow train passenger.

The hunt is now on for the mystery male, who carried out the violent assault.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of their suspect.

They are appealing to members of the public for their assistance in identifying him.

The teenager was onboard a train travelling between Alton and Aldershot, Hampshire at approximately 8.55am on Thursday, February 1 when she was struck.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the image who they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 2400013625.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mugging At Syon Lane Station

A train passenger was robbed of his phone and jacket and forced to give his password by a masked mugger backed by two accomplices

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these images of their suspects.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public for their assistance in identifying the trio.

Shortly after 5.00pm on Wednesday, February 28 the victim was leaving Syon Lane train station in west London.

As he descended the steps one of three men in balaclavas approached and threatened him.

Fearing for his safety as he believed the man had a knife in the waistband of his trousers, the victim handed over his phone, password and jacket.

One of the other two suspects handed over his own jacket to the victim in exchange and told the victim that he would return.

Officers believe the men in the images may have information which could assist their investigation.

If you recognise them, or have any other information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 536 of 28 February.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Railway Station Stabbing: Knifeman Gets Nine Years

Collett: Nine Years

A young knifeman, who stabbed a teenager after a train station confrontation, has been locked-up for nine years.

Brandon Collett, 21, of New Bridge Road, Cranleigh, Surrey inflicted serious wounds on the 15 year-old boy.

The teen suffered a pierced lung and punctured artery and needed a life-saving blood transfusion.

At Guildford Crown Court Collett pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent and possession of a bladed article.

The court heard how, on Thursday March 23, last year emergency services were called to Farncombe Station, following reports of a stabbing.

Dubbed Operation Bourdon, British Transport Police detectives set about swiftly identifying the suspect.

Footage revealed the incident followed a minor altercation between a group of young people who had congregated at the station.

Collett was identified by detectives and just hours after the attack officers descended on his address to arrest him.

While carrying out a search of the property the knife used in the attack was also recovered.

Within 24 hours Collett had been arrested, interviewed and charged.

Senior investigating officer DI Paul Attwell said: "Although now recovered physically from the attack, the victim required emergency surgery and a transfusion of eight packs of blood. The trauma and mental scars will take longer to heal.

“I hope he can take some small comfort from the fact that justice has been served and begin to start rebuilding his life.

"We are committed to tackling knife crime and violence on the rail network. 

“Our tactics include prevention and enforcement work with visible and covert operations to keep those who use the railway safe."