21 December 2005

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OAP rapes: Man held

Officers have been investigating 98 unsolved rapes and indecent assaults on female pensioners across the capital. A man was held at a South London police station yesterday for questioning following the 8am arrest. The rapist has struck in areas including Forest Hill, Catford, Dulwich, Croydon and Sidcup over a period of 10 years.

Mayor escapes standards probe

THE Standards Board will not investigate an allegation that a directly elected mayor broke his authority's code of conduct. A complaint was lodged with the board, the national body responsible for promoting high ethical standards, against Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock in November. It related to council meetings on October 20, and December 15, 2004, at which Mr Bullock was asked what consultation the council had undertaken before deciding to close Ladywell Leisure Centre.

Cops block club's extra drinking bid

POLICE have won the day against a popular nightclub which wanted to extend its drinking hours. On Thursday, members of Lewisham's licensing committee refused to allow The Venue in New Cross Road to sell alcohol any later. The club had asked to be open until 6am every day, with booze being sold until 5am. It will now stick with its current hours, selling booze until 2am each day except Sunday, when it stops at 12.30am. It is open until 6am on Saturday/Sunday and 4am on other nights.

Mother accuses Met of cover-up

POLICE have refused to name three officers disciplined following the hunt for a murdered teenager. Information manager Damion Baird at the Directorate of Professional Standards for the Met Police told News Shopper it would not be in the interest of the public to reveal details of investigation surrounding the disappearance of Hannah Williams. But the 14-year-old's devastated mother Bernadette has blasted the Met Police accusing them of a cover-up.

Asbo punishment for teen tearaway



Sanchez Williams, aged 17, has terrorised residents in the Burnt Ash Lane area of Bromley, for more than a year. He has been verbally abusive, caused disorder and been involved in burglary and theft from cars. Under the conditions of the Asbo, which was made at Bromley Magistrates' Court, Williams, of Goudhurst Road, Downham, must not: use threatening, racist, foul or abusive words or behaviour towards anyone in Bromley borough.