A husband who used scarves to strangle and tie up his wife before fleeing to London has today (3 April) been jailed for life and will serve a minimum of 15 years for her murder.

Muhammed Hussain Iqbal strangled his wife in the bedroom of their marital home on Awson Street in Coventry after an argument got out of hand.

The court heard how Salma Parveen − who was just 22 at the time of her death – had been unhappy with their marriage for some time and had tried to end their relationship.

Salma had married Iqbal in an Islamic ceremony in 2012 and to secure his visa – which expired in 2014 – he wanted to tie the knot in a civil ceremony.  But he became enraged when he found out Salma had cancelled the civil ceremony just weeks before her death.

Iqbal refused to believe the marriage was over and on the morning of 29 April 2013 – whilst Salma was getting ready for work − he took her by surprise and wrapped a scarf around her neck and killed her.

He then bound her hands and feet with scarves and hid her body as best he could before fleeing the house and boarding a train bound for London.

When he arrived in London he had a pang of conscience and walked into Bishopsgate police station and told officers that he had “come from Coventry where I’ve committed a murder.”

He was taken back to Coventry and admitted to killing Salma in police interviews. But he entered a not guilty plea to her murder at court which meant Salma’s family was put through a distressing lengthy trial.

The jury of four men and eight women heard that Salma was murdered within hours of Iqbal allegedly seeing her kissing another man and suspected she was seeing someone else.

The family of Salma have paid tribute to their “beautiful” daughter, they said: “Salma was the spark of our family and full of ambitions and dreams waiting to come true. Her life has not only been taken away from her, our lifestyle, spark and bonding of the family has also gone with her.

“Salma was the person we could trust with our eyes closed, the person who was always there for us, the person who we all looked up to. She was so beautiful and so was her heart. She was full of energy and up for any challenge regardless of how difficult it was. ”

Sergeant Mick Griffiths, from, the force’s Major Investigation Review team, said: “Throughout this trial Iqbal claimed that he didn’t intend to kill Salma and that he had suffered a loss of control due to provocation.

“He has changed his defence and alleged in court that Salma attacked him with a knife. This was pure fabrication and the jury saw through these lies.

“Their relationship had broken down and Salma wanted him to leave the family home. Iqbal chose his moment carefully and then struck. Salma had no chance to defend herself and he killed her in a fit of temper.”

“He lied to Salma’s father about where she was on the day she died, saying that she had gone to work when in fact she lay dead in the house.

“He travelled to London, and with very little money and no place to go, he had little choice but to hand himself in.

“Throughout the trial he has sought to sully the good name of Salma who was a young hardworking lady. I hope that today’s verdict brings some solace to the family.”

Trustees of a charity which funds the Staffordshire Police Cadets service met for the first time last week

The Cadet scheme was initiated by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. There are active in units in Cannock and Stafford and a third unit will soon start meeting at Sandyford Community Fire Station in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mr Ellis has vowed not to redirect money from frontline policing to pay for the service which is instead funded through the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund, a registered charity.

The Fund’s board of trustees met for the first time last Wednesday, 26 March, to discuss the scheme’s progress and development.

Deputy PCC Sue Arnold, the board’s Chair, said: “In the past year the Cadets service has made a real difference to the lives of 60 young people.

“The service is all about giving advantages to young people – some from challenging backgrounds – who through a positive and vibrant programme can learn how to become responsible citizens.

It’s fantastic that Stoke-on-Trent can now benefit from having a Cadets unit as well.

“The Cadets depend on the generosity of patrons and sponsors and it was great to meet as a board for the first time last week.

“There are many different ways to support the service and we’re grateful for anything businesses or individuals can contribute, however big or small.”

The next opportunity to support the Cadets comes at Lichfield Garrick next on Saturday 12 April at 7.30pm with a fundraising concert by the British Police Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are available at www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Businesses are invited to become Patrons or Sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the Cadets. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. More information is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets

Police are appealing for information after a man was punched in the face in an unprovoked attack by a passing motorist as he waited for a bus in Harborne last week.

The 63-year-old had been to a local takeaway at around 11pm on Friday 28 March and was waiting for a bus on the High Street when a silver car pulled up.

The driver appeared to be in a fit of rage and was punching the steering wheel whilst a woman remained motionless in the passenger seat.

It appears the driver noticed the man watching him and jumped out of the car, walked towards him and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground.

PC Karen Enstone, from Northfield Investigation Team, said: “The man is understandably still shocked and upset by what happened last week.

“He had just finished work and like every Friday evening he visited a takeaway on his way home.

“He was so shocked by the assault he didn’t report it to the police until he had managed to catch his bus home.

“He needed medical treatment and is still being seen by medical professionals following the assault.

“We will now be trawling CCTV and will use it to trace the car. I would like to appeal to driver of the car to do the right thing and contact us.

“If anyone saw the assault or was in the car and can help us with our investigations I would urge you to call me or one of my team on 101.”

If people do not want to speak direct to the police they can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.

A West Midlands detective has scooped a national award for his work supporting victims of sex crimes and bringing their attackers to justice.

Detective Constable Clive Leftwich, from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit, was recognised by the body which represents the country’s most senior police officers, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

DC Leftwich, 45, joined West Midlands Police in 1993, initially working in the Hillfields area of Coventry before becoming a detective and specialising in public protection in 2010.

Since then he has been based at Coventry Central police station where he investigates sexual offences committed against some of the most vulnerable people in the city.

“I always wanted to be a police officer. It gives you a real chance to make to make a positive difference to people’s lives especially when they are at their most vulnerable,” said the Coventry born and bred cop.

DC Leftwich collected the award from Emmerdale star, Paul Fox, and Nicole Barber-Lane from Hollyoaks at a gathering of the country’s sexual offences investigators at Sedgeley Place in Manchester last month (Wednesday 12 March).

Presenting his award, the TV stars cited the considerable contribution DC Leftwich has made toward supporting victims of serious sexual offences and putting offenders behind bars.

Paul Fox said: “Over the past 12 months DC Leftwich has taken responsibility for a significant number of high profile and complex cases and has produced some outstanding results in terms of outcome for victims.

“DC Leftwich has a number of cases ongoing and he continues to show outstanding commitment and sensitivity to all of his victims, ensuring the best possible support and outcomes for them.”

Talking about scooping the top accolade, the detective said: “It was such an honour to be recognised by my colleagues across the country and to receive this award.

“The award is testimony to the courage of the thousands of victims of sexual offences West Midlands Police have helped over the years. If it were not for their bravery, our job of locking up dangerous sexual predators would be much more difficult. This award is as much for them as it is for me.”

West Midlands Police has an international reputation for bringing sex offenders to justice.

Specialist officers work closely with other organisations to support victims through every step of the criminal justice process.

There are a range of measures designed to protect victims which include giving evidence in court via video link or from behind a screen.

A mother and her boyfriend have today been jailed in connection with the death of toddler, Kieron Barley, at their Birmingham home.

Kieron was aged just 22 months at the time of his death, in June 2011 at a house in Denshaw Road, Kings Heath.

A post mortem examination confirmed that the youngster had suffered two serious injuries in the final weeks of his short life − a spinal fracture some three weeks prior to his death, followed by a serious brain injury in the final days of his life.

An investigation was immediately launched by detectives in Birmingham’s public protection unit and in May 2012 the child’s mother, Louise Barley, and her boyfriend, Craig Lewis, were arrested on suspicion of Kieron’s murder.

During a court appearance in February this year Lewis, aged 32, admitted Kieron’s manslaughter, whilst Barley, aged 26, admitted child cruelty.

Both appeared before Birmingham Crown Court today (4 April) – Craig Lewis was sentenced to 8 years in prison and Louise Barley received a 15 month sentence.

The court heard how Lewis and Barley spun a web of lies to cover their tracks after the two incidents in which Kieron suffered his injuries.

Lewis told police that the toddler, who had developmental difficulties, fell forwards when trying to walk, on 28 May 2011 − a lie that was exacerbated by Barley who claimed that she had been there, when in fact she was out and returned home later that day.

Just three weeks later Kieron was admitted to hospital after he had gone limp and stopped breathing whilst in the bath. MRI scans later showed that he had suffered subdural and retinal haemorrhages, which the court heard were likely to have been caused by shaking or an assault.

Detective Chief Inspector Dawn Miskella, from the force public protection unit, said: “This was a tragic and deeply upsetting case for all concerned.

“Young Kieron lost his life after Lewis admitted losing his temper on two occasions and assaulting him. Kieron was sadly let down by those who should have been caring for him.

“His mother and her partner spun a web of lies to conceal the truth of how Kieron came by his injuries and failed to seek further medical attention following the initial assault. However, almost three years on from the incidents Louise and Craig have finally admitted their crimes and have been jailed.

“We hope that the result can provide some closure for those who truly did care for young Kieron and are pleased that justice has been done. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”

Three men are due to appear before Coventry Magistrates Court today (Friday) charged in connection with a commercial robbery in Coventry this week.

Clark McAulay, 27 from Hepworth Road, Coventry, James Miller, 27 from Farren Road, Coventry and Paris McLeod, 25 from Buttermere Close, Coventry have all been charged with robbery and conspiracy to rob.

The charges relate to a robbery committed on Wednesday (2 April) at Lifestyle Express in Heath Road, Bedworth.

A 38-year-old man is due to appear before Dudley Magistrates Court this afternoon (Friday) charged with two counts of burglary.

Mark Jones, Morvale Street, Lye, was arrested yesterday (Thursday) and subsequently charged.

The charges relate to burglaries on 3 April at an address in Stanley Road, Oldswinford and a second burglary in Chawn Hill in Pedmore on 26 March.

A “DANGEROUS” robber has been jailed for kidnapping a 62-year-old man in the boot of his own car and demanding £50,000 − and he’s been joined behind bars by his girlfriend and mum who plotted to give him a false alibi.

Alexander Blake and fellow kidnapper Ryan Blakeney barged into their target’s Dorridge home on the evening of April 10 last year and, after tying him up, threatened him with a knife and boiling water.

Mistakenly believing him to be a high-level drug dealer the pair made demands for £50,000 − but on suspecting they’d hit the wrong home rapidly reduced their demands to £10,000.

Blake (22) and 23-year-old Blakeney pocketed a fake Rolex watch and £150 from the man’s pocket − but clinging to hope he had access to large sums of cash bundled the innocent man into his own car and drove to east Birmingham.

He was left stranded in Ninfield Road, Tyseley, locked in the rear seats but was able to wriggle free and call police on his mobile that had been left behind so his blackmailers could continue making threats and demands by phone.

Police intelligence led detectives to identify Blake, from Clifford Road in Tyseley, as a key suspect and he was arrested on April 17 by officers lying in wait outside the Job Centre in Stratford Road after he’d signed on.

Blakeney, from Bell Barn Road in Lee Bank, was arrested on May 1 by officers who spotted him bolting from a rear door during a search of a property in Druids Heath.

Both were charged with robbery, kidnap and blackmail and at Birmingham Crown Court on 14 February they were jailed for 11 and eight years respectively.

The jury failed to reach a decision on a third suspect, Hanif Tuitt-Sinclair (23) from Sheldon, and following a second hung jury yesterday (April 3) − following which reporting restrictions were lifted on the case − prosecutors chose not to pursue a third trial.

Blake’s mother, 53-year-old Joyce Blake from Clifford Road, and girlfriend Anesha Masikane-Cummins (23) from Ledbury Way in Sutton Coldfield were also jailed for two years and 18 months, respectively, for trying to pervert the course of justice.

Both approached police on October 7 last year − day one of Blake’s court trial − to provide him with an alibi, claiming he spent the night at home with them in Tyseley at the time of the kidnap.

However, phone analysis showed Masikane-Cummins was in Erdington and near her home address on the night and sent a Whatsapp message at 1am on 11 April to Blake asking ’wat u duin’ and exchanged texts at the time of the robbery.

Detective Superintendent Simon Wallis, said: “These are extremely serious crimes…it was a case of mistaken identity and, unfortunately for all involved, they targeted a completely innocent man who has no connections to drug dealing.

“The victim wasn’t hurt but clearly this would have been a terrifying ordeal and the offenders have rightly been handed lengthy jail sentences.

“Blake’s mother and girlfriend plotted to invent a false alibi in an attempt to put him in the clear − but we were quickly able to expose their lies and they too are now paying a heavy price for trying to pervert the course of justice.

“Lying to police or the courts is very serious…anyone attempted to do so must be aware that their actions could cost them their liberty.”

Blake and Blakeney struck at 9.45pm on April 10 and, after strapping the man’s hands and feet with plastic cable and a dressing gown cord, demanded £50,000 saying “where is the money…we know you have money”.

One shouted “get that f-ing kettle boiling I’m going to burn him” but the pair rapidly reduced their demands to £20,000 and then £10,000 when searches of the house proved fruitless.

Police eventually found the victim locked inside his car in the early hours of April 11 and, over the next few days, he received 13 calls and three text messages still demanding cash; one message made threats against his young daughter unless he handed over money.

CCTV showed Blakeney recce-ing their target’s home before the kidnap whilst detectives discovered a hire car used to drive them to Dorridge on the night had been booked in his mother’s name.

Forensic examination of Blake’s phone revealed he’d sent messages boasting about having acquired a “Rolly” and sent photos of the fake watch to contacts, whilst Blakeney also sent a ‘test’ text message to the victim’s phone.

Supt Wallis, added: “Masikane-Cummings claimed she left work, went to Blake’s home in Clifford Road and spent the night watching a DVD with him before they went to bed. Both she and Blake’s mother, who also lived at the house, gave almost identical accounts and signed police statements declaring their version of events was true.

Images have been released in a bid to trace a bus passenger who exposed himself to other commuters in Birmingham.

The man got onto the number 6 bus, near to Springfield Road in Sparkbrook on the morning of Friday 7 March.

The suspect stood near the front of the double decker bus at around 9am and exposed himself before committing a lewd act infront of other passengers.

After about ten minutes the man got off the bus near to the Mercedes garage in Sparkbrook and walked away.

DC Warren Moore, from the new Safer Travel Project Empower team, urges people to come forward. “The fact that this man could be so brazen in committing this offence is of concern to us and we want anyone who recognises the man captured in the CCTV images to contact us to assist our investigation.”

The offender is described as a black man, in his late 30s to early 40s, about 5ft 9in tall, of slim build. He was wearing a black hat with coloured stripes and a long, black felt overcoat. He had a hook shaped nose and large bags under his eyes. He also smelt strongly of smoke.

Project Empower sees officers from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit (PPU) working as part of the Safer Travel Partnership to fast-track enquires into complaints like sexual touching, lewd comments and indecent exposure.

Working from the Birmingham HQ of transport authority Centro − in Summer Lane − they’ll have access to a network of CCTV cameras covering the bus and rail network to help them swiftly identify offenders.

Empower will also see public transport staff − including drivers and conductors − trained to spot the tactics used by sex offenders, support passengers who’ve been targeted and report suspicious behaviour.

A Birmingham man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after a knife attack on his ex-girlfriend and her new partner.

Richard Ferguson, from Princip Street in Hockley, slashed the pair with a craft knife after a confrontation in Slade Road, Erdington shortly before 3.30pm on Thursday 24 October last year, as horrified school children looked on.

Police flooded the area within minutes and the unemployed 38-year-old was arrested from an address nearby.

The 28-year-old woman had suffered knife wounds to her hand as she protected her face from Ferguson’s attack and as the 32-year-old man went to her aid, he received injuries to his ear, hand and legs.

The pair were taken to hospital where they were treated for the wounds which fortunately were not life threatening.

On Thursday 27 March, Ferguson was found guilty of two counts of wounding and possession of a knife in a public place and at Birmingham Crown Court, he was given a 12 year custodial sentence with a further five years on licence after a three day trial.

Detective Constable Shindy Nota, from Force CID, said: “We are pleased that the court recognised the severity of this crime and imposed such a lengthy sentence.

“We hope the knowledge he will spend a considerable number of years behind bars brings some comfort to the two injured in Ferguson’s attack.”

Birmingham police are seeking three men after an elderly woman was hit with a hammer in an attempted robbery in her Sparkbrook home.

The three men broke into a flat above a business premises on Ladypool Road at around 6.30pm on Friday 7 February, where the 66-year-old woman was attacked. The blows left her with a cut to the side of her face and broken teeth.

Her screams alerted her son-in-law from the shop below and the men fled empty-handed.

Detectives immediately launched an investigation and house to house enquiries were carried out along with forensic tests on evidence found at the scene.

CCTV images of three men have now been released whom officers would like to speak to.

Investigating officer DC Andrew Mason said: “This was an excessive attack on a defenceless woman, who fortunately will recover from her injuries.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious on that evening, or anyone who can recognise the men in the CCTV images.”

DC Mason can be contacted by calling 101 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Intruders did this.

The three masked men forced their way into a house in Auckland Road, Hucknall, at around 8.30pm last Tuesday (1 April 2014).

They punched the 64-year-old occupant and threw his 63-year-old wife to the ground, before fleeing empty-handed.

He was left with a suspected broken nose and cheekbone. He also sustained a fractured hand.

He said: “We are getting CCTV and a fence around the house after what happened.

“People like this go for those who they see as vulnerable. What concerns me most is that if they hit someone in their 80s like they hit me they could quite easily kill them.

“What if it was your elderly parents or your grandparents? If you know who did this then please call police, so that it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

A picture of his injuries has been released to illustrate just how violent the attack was. It is in black and white because the colour version is just too graphic.

Detective Inspector Rich Monk said: “We hope this picture might play on someone’s conscience.

“This couple were going about their normal routine at home on a Tuesday evening when their peace was shattered by intruders.

“This man did what he could to protect his home and family, managing to throw a few punches himself. But one against three is no contest and he came off the worse for wear.

“I would appeal again to anyone who knows anything about this violent, unprovoked attack to call us.

“Did someone you know come home that night with bloodied clothes and cuts and bruises to their face? Are their injuries now healing but they are still reluctant to talk about how they got them?

“Suffice to say the offenders in this case left their victim nursing more serious wounds, ones he will continue to be afflicted by in the weeks and months to come.

“The psychological harm caused by such an intrusion may never go away.”

If you have any information contact police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.

Two men are waking up in custody this morning after a break-in at Stoke-on-Trent pharmacy.
We were called to a report of intruders at Lloyds Pharmacy in Werrington Road, Bucknall, at around 3.35am.
Officers, including PC Scott Tatton and general purpose dog Pippa, rushed to the scene and began a search but one suspect fled the building. Pippa was hot on his heels and he was detained a short distance away.
A second man was detained and they were both taken into custody for questioning.
Prescription medication was recovered and an investigation into the incident has begun, including a forensic examination at the scene.

A thug who hauled a disabled man from his mobility scooter before running off with his bag described himself as “nine out of 10 drunk” and claimed not to recall the robbery.

Daniel Jones, from Nuneaton, tried snatching the 42-year-old’s bag when he saw him on a late night supermarket trip at Coventry’s Arena Park.

But the shoulder strap snagged round the man’s neck and despite his victim − who uses inhalers − gasping for breath Jones refused to release his grip and dragged him off the scooter as it toppled over.

The 23-year-old finally managed to untangle the bag’s cord and fled.

However, he returned to loiter around the Arena car-park minutes later unaware that CCTV operators had caught the February 18 attack on camera, were monitoring his movements and had relayed details to Coventry Police officers.

Officers arrived minutes after the robbery and arrested Jones who when searched was found with the victim’s watch hidden down a trouser leg, whilst a police dog tracked to the canal-side where the Adidas bag was recovered.

Jones, from Lexington Court in Nuneaton, was charged with robbery but claimed he couldn’t remember anything about the incident and refused to accept the attacker caught on camera was him when shown the CCTV footage.

However, he was picked out by both his victim and a supermarket security guard witness during an ID procedure − and at Coventry Crown Court on Wednesday (2 April) he was jailed for a total of 40 months after admitting robbery.

He was jailed for two years four months for the robbery and handed an additional 12 months for breaching a suspended prison sentence imposed at Warwick Crown Court last September for an assault on 27 December 2012.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lee Buckler from Coventry Police CID, said: “Claiming not to remember the incident was no defence…the fact the victim didn’t suffer serious injury was down to luck rather than any conscious act by Jones.

“The security team at Ricoh Arena did a marvellous CCTV job − directing officers to make a swift arrest and providing key evidence − and a security guard made a brave attempt to detain Jones despite him threatening violence.

“This was a cowardly attack against a man Jones knew was not in a position to defend himself…it’s one of the most shocking incidents I’ve investigated but thankfully attacks like this on vulnerable people are rare.”

Jones approached the scooter user, from Coventry’s Foleshill area, near the bus terminal at 2am and after asking for a cigarette and “talking gibberish” suddenly made a grab for the draw-string bag.

A security guard gave chase as he ran towards the canal bridge but backed off when Jones shouted threats to stab him…though no knife was seen or found.

Jones told interviewing officers he travelled to Coventry where he visited a friend to smoke cannabis and drink strong cider home-brew, a cocktail that left him “nine out of 10 drunk” and unable to account for his actions.

Two men was captured on camera when an Erdington house was broken into − detectives are now appealing for help to trace them.

Officers have drawn a blank when attempting to identify the suspects, following a break in at a family’s home, on Lyndhurst Road, on Sunday 23 February.

Some time between 5.30pm and 7.30pm a door was forced open at the back of the house. But, shortly after sneaking into the empty property the intruders activated an alarm, causing them to flee empty handed.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Comley, from Birmingham North CID, is investigating the burglary. He said: “It is always distressing for a resident to find their home has been broken into and, in this case, we have some fairly clear images of people we want to trace in connection with this crime.

“Nothing was taken as it appears the intruders were disturbed by the house alarm, but the owners were still left with the distress and inconvenience of having to clear up broken glass and making their home secure again.

“We urge anyone with information to contact us to help our investigation.”

Witnesses or anyone with information of interest to the inquiry should call Birmingham North CID at Sutton Coldfield Police Station by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A married couple from Stoke-on-Trent have been jailed for a total of 12 years after their involvement in the importation of designer class B and C drugs and cutting agents.

The sentencing follows an investigation under Operation Nemesis, the force’s ongoing commitment to tackling drug dealers, which was a complicated and protracted inquiry by Staffordshire Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, the pair were today sentenced after pleading guilty at a previous court appearance at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Damon Bolderson, 42, of Branston Avenue, Weston Coyney, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs (including Butylone and Methylone which is similar to amphetamine). He and his wife, Paula Bolderson, 38, of the same address, both pleaded guilty to four counts each of possession with intent to supply class C drugs (including Diazepam).

Both pleaded guilty to assisting an offender/encouraging crime which comes under Section 45 of the Serious Crime Act 2007.

The pair appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court today, Tuesday 8 April, where Damon was sentenced to eight years in prison and Paula was jailed for four years.

Suspicions about the couple’s activity were raised between October 2010 and March 2011 when UK Border Agency staff intercepted a number of disguised packages entering the country that were headed for the couple’s Weston Coyney home. They seized 276kg of Lignocaine and Benzocaine (both known cutting agents used in the supply of cocaine) which has a maximum street value of £55,000.

In April 2011 police were able to secure a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act and the couple’s home was searched and they were arrested.

Officers recovered large amounts of Benzocaine and 133,029 (82kg) designer class C and B drug tablets, including 26,000 Diazapam tablets (class C drugs), and a small amount of cocaine, which had been imported from China, Hong Kong and Pakistan. Benzocaine is an anaesthetic used as a cutting agent to dilute the purity of the drug, usually cocaine, therefore increasing profits for drug dealers.

While the couple remained on bail they continued to receive drugs and on 26 June 2011 a further quantity of cocaine and cutting agents were found at their home. They resorted to trying to conceal their deliveries of payments in DVD cases and small packages but their continued illegal business was foiled by officers.

Inquiries and computer examinations showed Bolderson fabricated a fake pharmaceutical website offering drugs for sale. The site claimed to be “one of the leading pharmaceutical importers, exporters and suppliers of high branded products to the pharmaceutical industry” and boasted to be “committed to supplying pharmacies and wholesalers with the highest quality branded and generic pharmaceutical products at the most competitive prices.”

The website portrayed the company professionally with photographs of a warehouse and HGVs along with certificates from the Medical Health Regulatory Authority that Bolderson secured using fraudulent documents. The company profile on the site stated “We also follow all applicable laws, supplying only quality products that are maintained and shipped under stringent guidelines and controls to ensure quality delivery, free from error or defect.

We take great care in the services that we provide and we treat each order with individual attention. We work hand in hand with our own licensed distribution company, who operate from a high level storage and warehouse facility.”

Detectives found emails exchanged with foreign clients documenting Bolderson’s supply of drugs to the Netherlands, Germany and the USA as well as the UK. It was clear from the content of his correspondence that he knew exactly what the cutting agents were used for.

As the investigation progressed it soon became clear that the Bolderson’s had been living way beyond their means. In a short space of time they went on an expensive exotic holiday, installed a hot tub in their garden, a games room full of collectable items, purchased designer clothing, executive cars and a holiday caravan in Wales for cash.

Detective Sergeant Dave Hughes, of Staffordshire Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “Today’s sentences are the result of a long investigation into a seemingly normal Stoke-on-Trent couple.

“Behind the façade of their unassuming three bedroomed semi-detached in Weston Coyney they were in fact running an international drug trafficking business which was making them thousands.

“While Damon was the company executive, his wife acted as the company secretary and was fully aware of the illegal nature of the business.

“During our investigation we were not able to find any financial accounts or documentation to explain the business and a large amount of cash was recovered from the couple’s home.

It quickly became apparent that their pharmaceutical business was simply a cover for their criminal activity.

“We believe the drugs obtained by the Boldersons were headed for both local and international customers, including the Benzocaine which was destined to dilute cocaine, increasing its profit margin on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent and in other locations. There is no doubt that our intervention and disruption of this activity will have a knock on affect on cocaine dealers’ business, as they simply cannot operate without this cutting agent.

“It is also a stark warning to those who use or maybe considering using drugs – you simply don’t know what you’re taking or where it has come from. The dangers are unavoidable and it’s simply not worth the risk.

“The next phase of our investigation will include proceeding with a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in relation to the seized cash and high value items. This is the normal process we go through to strip criminals of their illegally gained assets.

“Fortunately, activity on this scale is relatively rare within Staffordshire but should you have any information of similar activity in your area please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Anyone with any information on drug supply or use in their area should contact Staffordshire Police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police investigating the murder of a woman in the Normanton area of Derby have released the name of the victim.

Yvette Hallsworth (36), of Boyer Street, Derby, was formally identified on Monday, April 7.

Miss Hallsworth was found dead just after 11am on Sunday, April 6 by a member of the public on a service road at the back of houses on Hartington Street.

A post mortem examination revealed she died as a result of stab wounds.

Miss Hallsworth worked as a prostitute and was known to have been working in the Hartington Street area on the night of Saturday, April 5.

She was last seen wearing distinctive camouflage patterned leggings, a black fleece jacket and black Nike trainers. She was white, around 5ft 4ins tall, of slim build with shoulder-length dark hair.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who saw a woman fitting that description in the Hartington Street area during the hours of darkness on Saturday, April 5 through to 11am on Sunday, April 6.

Did you see or hear anything suspicious or unusual? If so, contact Derbyshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police have arrested two men following a robbery at Stourport where a vulnerable man was attacked in his own home.

The victim was repeatedly threatened and also assaulted after the intruders got into his house in Farm Road at around 2am on Sunday (6 April) while he was asleep. However he did not suffer any injuries during the incident.

Various property was stolen from the house before the robbers finally left more than two hours later.

Detectives from North Worcestershire CID arrested one man at around 5pm on Sunday and another later at around midnight. They are aged 20 and 22 and were both arrested in the Wyre Forest area before being taken to Kidderminster Police Station for questioning. They remain in custody.

Detective Sergeant Mark Roberts said that police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter and he appealed for people to come forward with information.

He said: “Electrical items stolen from the victim, including a mobile phone and television, have been recovered by us but his iPad is still missing and that has left him more isolated due to his circumstances. It may be that someone has bought the iPad unwittingly so if one has been offered to you cheap or you know who has it then please get in touch with us.”

North Worcestershire Superintendent Kevin Purcell said: “Crimes like this are fortunately rare but given the victim’s vulnerabilities the way he was targeted is truly despicable. It’s quite possible that those responsible have told others about their involvement and I would appeal to anyone who has not come forward with such information to search their conscience and do the right thing by picking up a phone and telling us immediately.

“We understand that some people may not want to speak to us directly but there is always the option of passing on details anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers.”

Since the robbery police, including members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team, have been conducting targeted patrols in the area to provide reassurance. House to house inquiries have also been carried out.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call detectives at Kidderminster Police Station on the non-emergency number 101. Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

A drug dealer who was stopped by police and found to have a large amount of class A drugs in his car has been jailed.

Gulnawaz Latif was stopped in Moore Street, Derby, on June 19 last year and the Toyota Verso he was driving was searched.

Police found heroin and cocaine hidden in the car and then searched his home address, in Western Road, Derby, where a large amount of cash was found.

Latif, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

He was jailed for three years at Derby Crown Court on Thursday, April 3.

Do you have any information on drugs-related activity?

You can speak to a Derbyshire police officer by calling 101, or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Several people who helped a young woman after she was sexually assaulted in Shrewsbury, have come forward to assist the police investigation.

Police issued an appeal for witnesses after an 18-year-woman was found distressed and dishevelled in the town centre during the early hours of Sunday.  They believe she was the victim of a serious sexual assault.

Detective Sergeant Robert Mountford said three young men and a young woman who found the victim on Rous Hill, had now come forward in response to yesterday’s witness appeal.

“We were particularly keen to trace this group as they assisted the woman, taking her to McDonald’s on Pride Hill before going on their way.

“I am very grateful for their support and their information will be valuable to our investigation.  I am also appealing for anyone else who might be able to assist, to contact Shrewsbury CID on 101 as a matter of urgency.”

Police believe the assault took place between 3am and 4am after the woman had been drinking at venues in the town centre.

“We are trying to establish the exact location but believe she was assaulted by a man between about 3 and 4am on Sunday.

“We want to hear from anyone who may have seen her, either alone or possibly with a man, at around that time.  She may well have appeared upset and dishevelled.  If anyone spotted anything suspicious which might be connected to this incident, they should contact the police.”

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or viawww.crimestoppers-uk.org .