Author: Blake Foster

Below is a snapshot of the cases heard on June 20 and 25, 2025. Herry Fred Barros Cabral, 24, of Walthamstow, appeared on June 20, 2025, and must pay £151.00 in a fine, costs, and a surcharge. He pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug – cannabis – in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on May 12, 2025. Taylor Maffia, 24, of Romford, appeared on June 20, 2025, and must pay £165.00 in a fine, costs, and a surcharge. He pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug – cannabis – contrary to the Misuse of…

It is no ordinary school setting, rather a place where vulnerable youngsters excluded from mainstream education come for a fresh start — for some, it is their last chance. Staff are taken on if they’ve been in the ring themselves because that gives pupils the skills of training and having to deal with whatever life throws at them. And The Boxing Academy is now over-subscribed each year and rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Principal Anna Cain is at the centre of it all. Step inside her academy at Monteagle Way in Lower Clapton and it doesn’t feel like a traditional school. “It…

Taking place on the last Saturday in June, Armed Forces Day acknowledges the dedication and efforts of the brave men and women who serve – and served – in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Haringey’s Mayor Cllr Ahmed Mahbub and Deputy Mayor Cll Michelle Simmons-Safo attended the service at tGeorge Meehan House in Wood Green, along with the council’s cabinet member for communities, Cllr Ajda Ovat. “All of us are grateful to everyone who serves in the Armed Forces,” the deputy mayor said. “Our thoughts are with the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”…

Those in the capital who took a look up the Shard will have spotted a hyper-realistic version of the unmistakable superhero, more than 300 metres above ground at the top of the iconic landmark. The sculptural installation marks the first time London’s tallest building has hosted a cinematic character in this way, gracing the Shard’s spire for an entire day. It stands at 11 feet tall and weighs more than 120kg, and is rigged to the highest points of the world-famous building’s exposed spire. With fibreglass body moulded in ECO resin, supported by galvanised steel cables attaching it to the…

Police were called to Beulah Road near the junction with Parchmore Road around 6.30pm yesterday (July 1). Before officers arrived, two men were reportedly seen fleeing the scene on a moped. Following the report officers cordoned off Beulah Road with tape near to the post office. Nobody was injured and a London Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that it had not been called to the incident. But the incident “caused concern in the community”, according to a Met spokesperson, adding that there will an increased police presence in the area. No arrests have been made as police enquiries continue. Anyone with…

The incident happened in Balls Pond Road near the junction of Mildmay Park at around 2.30pm yesterday (July 1). Officers and London Ambulance Service attended where a man in his 70s was treated. The man later died from his injuries. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene and is helping the police with an investigation. Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are looking into how the crash in Dalston happened. They have asked anyone who was in the area, witnessed the incident or…

Lola Bignel has been missing for three days since a report was first made on Monday (June 30). She was spotted the day after in the Heath Road area of Dartford, with an image showing she appears to have dyed her hair black instead of her usual brown hair. The 16-year-old is described as around 5ft 5in and of a slim build with blue eyes. Lola has links to Bexleyheath as well as Margate and around east Kent. Anyone who has seen Lola or who has critical information is asked to call 999 quoting reference 30-0330, for any other information…

Christopher Sedgewick, 39, was confirmed dead at his home above a pizza restaurant in Main Road, Romford, on February 17. The Metropolitan Police Service investigated, said senior east London coroner Graeme Irvine, but “no sinister or criminal activity was detected”. Mr Sedgewick’s cause of death was unknown, but “a number of empty alcohol bottles were found near the deceased,” the coroner continued. The police referred the case to East London Coroner’s Court, which ordered a post-mortem examination. “After the autopsy there was no clear cause of death, but there was a suspicion that alcohol lay behind the cause of death and…

Leonna Ruka was visiting family in the area on Saturday, where she travelled to Chalkwell Park to enjoy the warm summer weather. Shortly before 3pm, a tree in the park partially collapsed, with several children caught beneath it, including Leonna. Leonna was taken on to hospital with serious injuries where she died. Essex Police continue to provide support to her family. A six-year-old girl remains in hospital in a critical condition and three other children received minor injuries. Leonna’s family have since released a statement to the police as they paid tribute to their daughter who “had a heart full of…

There were reports of a fight in Lower Clapton Road on Saturday (June 28) at 12.56am between two men. Medics treated a man, 32, at the scene before taking him to hospital, where he remains with serious and possible life-changing injuries. Officers are hoping to speak to Christopher Richards, 32, of South Ockendon in Thurrock, in relation to the assault. Richards is known to have links to Hackney. Police hope to find Christopher Richards (Image: Metropolitan Police) He is described to have a medium and broad build, with dark brown hair. An image has been released of Richards by the Metropolitan…