In the know

A man has been charged in connection with a serious assault in Addlestone on Sunday afternoon (27 April). Officers were called to Carlos Barber Shop on Garfield Road at the junction with Station Road just before 3.30pm following reports that a man in his 30s had been assaulted. The victim was taken to hospital with a stab wound but has since been discharged after receiving treatment. Joseph Sewell, 22, of no fixed address has been charged with attempted GBH with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. He was due to appear at Guildford Magistrates' Court on 29 April. A 26-year-old man from Weybridge has also been arrested in connection with the incident. Our investigation remains ongoing and we are still appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was in the area at the time, or anyone with any other information which could help us progress our enquiries. If you can help, please contact us at Contact us | Surrey Police quoting crime reference PR/45250049742.

A number of houses were evacuated in Staines-upon-Thames after a device believed to be a hand grenade was found on 29 April. A cordon was also in place in Pavillion Gardens and the road was closed. Explosive Ordinance Disposal officers were called to the scene to deal with the device which was determined to be empty and deactivated. It has been removed by Explosive Ordinance Disposal officers. 

Caught out: Two prisoners who smuggled mobile phones into jail to run an illegal drug supply network have been caught and sentenced to ten more years each behind bars. Jack Payne and William (Billy) Stewart were in HMP Coldingley in Woking when suspicions were raised about whether they could still be involved in the supply of Class A, B and C drugs. A police investigation into an illegal drug supply network uncovered evidence that the pair were managing activities using mobile phones they had smuggled into prison where they were both serving time for other matters. Further enquiries, including looking at cell site data, led to their prison cells being searched and resulted in a number of mobile devices being found and seized including one hidden down Payne’s trouser leg. On examination, the devices showed the duo had been communicating with associates via text, arranging for them to carry out illegal drug dealing activity on their behalf. DC Alex Sarakinis, said: “Organised crime groups cause untold damage to our communities through their activities. These two offenders may have thought they were being smart by trying to continue controlling their network from jail, but, working closely with the prison service, we were able to prove their involvement. Now they will go even longer without their freedom and we will be working to ensure any illegal profits they have made are seized.” On Friday April 25th Payne and Stewart were sentenced at Guildford Crown Court for their involvement in drugs supply and money laundering. Jack Payne, 33 (DOB 05/08/91) from Aldershot, Hampshire, who was already serving a six-year sentence for various offences including possession of a handgun, was sentenced to 10 years and nine months for conspiracy to supply class A, money laundering and possession of mobile devices in prison.

Stewart, 37, (DOB 25/04/87) from Aldershot, Hampshire, who had been in jail since 2012 for murder, was given a further 10-year sentence for conspiracy to supply class A and money laundering. A number of their associates outside prison have also been sentenced for their involvement in illegal drug supply in separate court cases.

A paedophile has been sentenced to 10 and a half years behind bars, plus one year on license, after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault by touching and one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under the age of 13. Charlie Pearson, 75, DOB: 03/08/1949, from Camberley, was sentenced on 25 April at Guildford Crown Court, following a weeks' trial. The investigation into Pearson first began in December 2021, when we received a report from a family member of the victim raising concerns. In interviews conducted by officers with Pearson, he adamantly denied the offences and continued to do during his trial. However, the jury found him guilty after hearing compelling forensic evidence, as well as evidence from the victim and an eyewitness. The comprehensive investigation by our Child Abuse Team uncovered that Pearson had sexually assaulted his victim at his home on at least one occasion and had then woven a web of lies to attempt to cover his crime up. At sentencing, the Judge also handed Pearson a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Restraining Order until further notice. Investigating Officer, DC Claire Phillips said; “Firstly I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the victim and their family in coming forward to us to report this despicable behaviour. Their bravery in supporting the investigation and trial has directly resulted in Charlie Pearson spending the next 10.5 years in prison, and for that I cannot commend them enough. “Charlie Pearson is a predator who poses a serious risk to children, and we are pleased that he will now be in prison where he won’t be able to cause harm. “I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, to come forward and report it. You will be listened to and you will be supported throughout the process"

A man who collided with a police car in a bid to evade justice has been disqualified from driving for more than eight years. Last October, Roads Policing Unit (RPU) officers patrolling the Epsom Downs caught sight of a vehicle of interest. After attempting to stop the driver, a pursuit ensued towards Epsom town centre. Officers initially lost sight of the vehicle, but was later sighted in Normandy, Guildford. Upon arrival, the driver turned a corner towards oncoming officers and, in an attempt to pass them, collided at speed. PC Pat Nixon of the Roads Policing Unit said: "Our officers put themselves at risk whilst attempting to bring a dangerous individual to justice after he failed to stop for police. "Their actions protected the public, and it is a stark reminder to any criminal using Surrey's roads that we do everything possible to bring you to justice." Appearing at Guildford Crown Court on 15 April, Argjent Haziri, 22 (DOB: 16/09/2002), of Cromer Road, Barnet, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously, driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified and failure to provide specimen for analysis.

A tip-off from a member of the public led to a man being disqualified from driving for after a member of the public reported him to the police earlier this month. Airidas Vasiliauskas, 32, (DOB: 29/04/1992), from Boston in Lincolnshire, was also sentenced to eight weeks in prison, which was suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge when he appeared at Staines Magistrates' Court on 7 April. Officers were out on patrol on April 5 when they received a report from the member of the public who was concerned about the manner in which Vasiliauskas was driving. They spotted his white Vauxhall Insignia contravene a solid white line as it left the carriageway of the M25 at J10 Wisley and stopped the vehicle on the northbound carriageway of the A3 at Painshill. Officers asked Vasiliauskas to provide a roadside breath test, which he failed with a reading of 80 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. He was arrested. Further checks on the vehicle revealed it was registered and insured to someone else. They also confirmed Vasiliauskas was disqualified from driving until 10/12/2026. He was further arrested for driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and contravening a solid white line on a motorway. The vehicle was also seized under S165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. PC Robert Hall, who investigated the case, said: “The fact that we have got another drink driver off our roads is thanks to the member of the public who brought Vasilikauskas’ erratic driving to our attention. This case demonstrates that we do take action when concerns are reported to us and we would urge the public to continue doing so. “Thankfully on this occasion, Vasilikauskas’ irresponsible and dangerous driving did not have more serious consequences. Drink driving is one of the Fatal 5 offences and we target it as a matter of priority in order to keep our roads safe."

A group of men responsible for trafficking people into the UK from abroad and forcing them to live in squalid conditions have all been sent to prison.  Sebastian Haj, 37 (DOB: 02/12/1987) was sentenced to nine months in prison, while Nicolai Vitega, 54 (DOB: 16/09/1970) and Floris Adrian Laurus, 32 (DOB: 01/04/1993) were each sentenced to a year’s imprisonment after being found guilty of human trafficking. All three were also ordered to pay a £187 surcharge. Shortly before 7.45am on Wednesday, 6 March 2024, a report was made to police of two lorries pulling into #Cobham Services. The informant claimed they had seen multiple people being taken from these lorries and placed into three white vans. Police hurried to the scene where one of the lorries was still parked up. The curtains in the cab were drawn and the windows were covered in condensation, suggesting that someone was inside, but when officers banged on the door no one came out. Having noticed eye-level cuts in the fabric on the side of the lorry – believed to be used as peepholes and air holes in modern slavery cases – officers became concerned that someone may be being held inside against their will. Bolt croppers were used to gain access to the rear of the vehicle. This was searched but no persons found inside; however, officers were still concerned that there were people inside, so smashed the window to gain entry to the cab. A man and a woman were found hiding in the back, and a second man strapped into the top compartment of the cab interior, wedged in behind a suitcase. The straps were so tightly secured that he was unable to move or get out on his own and had to be cut free. Using first Google Translate and then Language Line, officers were able to establish their names and ages, and they told her that they had all been trafficked to the UK from Vietnam, and had their phones and passports taken away from them. Officers also established the three people in the cab had been kept in there for a week and were living off bread and water. One of the men stated that he hadn't been allowed out of the cab for a week and hadn't been allowed to shower for a month. A passport believed to belong to the lorry driver was found in the back of the cab, and officers searched the service station until they found the man matching the photograph (Vitega) and detained him. Having been given details of the second lorry, this was intercepted at Clacket Lane Services, where the second driver (Laurus) was detained. Both lorry drivers were arrested on suspicion of kidnap and human trafficking and subsequently charged and remanded for facilitating entry to the country. Their vehicles were also seized. CCTV and investigative work identified that the outstanding van was registered to Haj. Haj was located and arrested shortly afterwards, and his vehicle was also seized. Senior Investigating Officer, DI James Ansell said: "The complex investigation highlights the good work of all those involved to bring these men to justice, from the initial response to the interoperability between the various teams involved and the meticulous investigation which was led by the North Surrey Criminal Investigation Department and our Modern-Day Slavery & Organised Immigration Team. “We have also worked with the National Crime Agency and the Regional Organised Crime Unit to make sure we were linked into the wider national offending picture."

As she nervously made her first arrest for shoplifting 30 years ago at the start of her career, Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker had no idea that she would come a full circle as she reached near retirement from Surrey Police. Now the Force lead for retail crime, Juliet has been instrumental in launching a new strategy that she hopes will help combat these concerns on our local high streets. She said: “My first arrest was for shoplifting by a man who stole a packet of shortbread and a punnet of strawberries from Marks and Spencer in Guildford town centre. I was very nervous arresting him as it was my first arrest, interview and charge. “Since then, I have dealt with so much shoplifting throughout my career both in uniform and as a detective. I remember a case where a man in broad daylight, in the heat of summer, punched a hole in the window of a jewellery shop in Guildford and stole two very expensive rings. He was wearing huge wool-lined gardening gloves on a very hot summer’s day that he claimed wasn’t unusual. “I have dealt with bulk shoplifters stealing high-value goods from garden centres, like lawn mowers – it is amazing how brazen thieves can be even with heavy obvious goods. I have been in pursuits with thieves trying to get away from having committed retail theft and dealt with burglaries in the middle of the night, where offenders break into shops and steal items.” Over the past 15 years, policing’s focus has shifted as new and emerging crimes such as cybercrime, child sexual exploitation and complex crime types have increased impact, but retail crime has never gone away. “Retail workers and the public should feel safe in their communities, and we have a responsibility to deal with those who commit offences”’ added Juliet. “Focusing on retail crime is so important. Our commitment to addressing this crime type is part of our refreshed retail crime strategy, in which we endeavour to respond appropriately, investigate thoroughly and work with retailers to prevent crime where possible.”