Convicted of shooting dead brother’s carer in East London
“Kindest, most giving person we ever met”

A man who shot dead his brother's carer outside an east London nightclub in July 2008 has today been convicted of murder at The Old Bailey.
 Andrew Denty DOB 30.9.78 -30 years, of Greenham Close SE1 was convicted of the murder of 36-year-old care worker Curtis Smith in Butcher's Row E1 on 27 July 2008. He was further convicted of:
= Possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence
= Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice -  by hiding the murder weapon.
A second man was acquitted of perverting the course of justice. He is George Ogaba DOB 21.11.89- 19 years of Leontine Close SE15.
A third man, Emmanuel Okot DOB 9.9.83 - 25 years of City Walk SE1 had previously pleaded guilty on 10 June 2009 to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice - by hiding the murder weapon.
The two men will be sentenced on the 17th July at the Old Bailey.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Daniel Smith of Trident, said: "Curtis's employment as carer to Denty's brother was to cost Curtis his life. Although Denty has never admitted to his crimes, it was the prosecution's case that Denty despised Curtis because he was jealous, very possibly of the relationship he had with his brother. This festering hostility resulted in Denty wanting to exert power and authority over Curtis, which came to a head outside Club Red on 27 July 2008. Curtis was brutally gunned down- shot in the back of the head by a MAC 10 machine gun. I would like to thank the witnesses who showed courage and determination by giving evidence in this trial. Their actions have helped to loosen the fear gunmen can hold over their community by taking a killer off the streets. I also pay tribute to Curtis's family, who have shown courage and dignity throughout. I hope today's guilty verdict can help them to move forward. Trident will continue to work closely with the black community. With their support, we will continue to bring justice to offenders who commit gun crime”.
A murder investigation was launched following the death of Curtis Smith aged 36 years of W10. Police were called at 03.45 to reports of shots fired in Butcher's Row E1 on Sunday 27 July 2008. Curtis Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem gave the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Curtis was employed as a full-time carer at the time of his death. He was married to wife Sara and had been working nights to earn extra money to move into their new home. He was murdered on the day of their first wedding anniversary. On the night of his murder, Curtis was working as a carer for Andrew Denty's wheelchair bound brother, Clifford- himself a victim of gun crime. Curtis was to accompany Clifford on an evening out to Club Red in Cable Street E1. The pair were joined by Andrew Denty, also a carer to Clifford. The group left the club at about 03.30am, but as they prepared to leave an altercation broke out. Curtis was shot in the head and neck. Enquires identified Andrew Denty as the main suspect. He had left the scene after the shooting in a Mercedes van. A police search of the Mercedes and Andrew Denty's address in Greenham Close SE1 led to the discovery of spent bullet casings, linked to the murder weapon. A search of the address also uncovered a stun gun, a cross bow, shot gun cartridges and a quantity of drugs and paraphernalia. On 27 July 2008, Andrew Denty was arrested in connection with the investigation. He was subsequently charged with the murder of Curtis Smith and possession with intent to commit an indictable offence. During the course of the investigation, a MAC 10 machine gun was discovered by police concealed at an address in New Malden and identified as the murder weapon. The gun was concealed in a child's rucksack in an overgrown garden of a vacant house.On March 3 2009, Andrew Denty was arrested along with Okot and Ogaba on suspicion of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
In a statement released after conviction, the family of Curtis Smith said: " Curtis was the kindest, most giving person we ever met. He always had a warm smile and was always willing to help others. His life was taken in the most cowardly, violent way by an evil and twisted criminal, who showed no remorse for his actions. We cannot begin to describe the pain that we, and all those who loved him, have been through. We all miss him so much. His death is a huge loss, which has not only left a hole in our lives, but a wound that will never heal."

Brothers convicted of strangulation robberies in North-west/West London
“The level of violence used in these attacks is extremely unusual”

Two brothers have been convicted at Wood Green Crown Court of a string of strangulation robberies in affluent areas across London in 2008. Matthew Jonathan Mykoo, aged 27 (28.12.1981), of Windsor Road, NW2, was today found guilty of seven robberies. He had previously pleaded guilty to two further robberies on 27 May. His brother, Daniel Junior Mykoo, aged 28 (14.8.1980), of Fulham Court, Fulham Road, SW6, had previously pleaded guilty to 19 robberies and two motor vehicle offences at Wood Green Crown Court on 24 March. Both will be sentenced on 23/24 July at Wood Green Crown Court.
Detective Constable Reg Pickering, of Barnet CID, said: "During the course of this investigation we have obtained overwhelming evidence which has assisted us with the conviction of these two brothers. The level of violence used in these attacks is extremely unusual and a number of boroughs worked closely together to identify a common link and to bring the Mykoo brothers to justice. I am extremely pleased that we were able to recover some particularly sentimental items of jewellery to their rightful owners as a result of visiting a number of pawn shops."
Matthew and Daniel Mykoo targeted mainly lone females in affluent areas across London either outside the front door to their home addresses or whilst walking home. They attacked from behind, overpowering the victim by placing an arm around the victim's neck and strangling them to the point of unconsciousness. They would then remove jewellery, watches and handbags before running off. It is believed that Daniel would strangle the victim whilst Matthew took their property.
On 12 June 2008, a 27-year-old woman was out celebrating a friend's birthday in the Masons Arms in Harrow Road, W10. She left the pub at about 23.45hrs and started to walk home alone. As she walked along Kilburn Lane into Sixth Avenue a tall black man grabbed her around the throat and started to strangle her. As she was finding it difficult to breath he then let go with one hand and produced a knife and held it to her throat. Now terrified she pleaded to him, "Please don't kill me, please don't kill me". She managed to remove her handbag from her shoulder and throw it across the pavement, during which she was able to free herself from Daniel's grip and escape. Inside the victim's handbag were the details of her home address and her car keys. Following her ordeal the victim went away for four days and on her return she discovered her VW Golf had been stolen. This vehicle was then used at several other similar robberies and CCTV showed Daniel and Matthew Mykoo using this vehicle.
On 20 June 2008 at around 16:20hrs a driver of a cash-in-transit van in Fairfax Ave, NW6, saw the two brothers acting suspiciously. He called the police and both were arrested. The VW Golf they were using on that day had false number plates and was later identified as coming from the victim of the robbery on the 12 June 2008. Following their arrests both of the brothers homes were searched and property seized. Whilst the property was being identified the Mykoo brothers were bailed pending further investigation. All of the items seized were identified as being from the robberies. Items recovered included jewellery, a Mont Blanc pen, a wallet, a make up bag and an ID holder. Officers also found a number of pawnshop tickets, which led them to recovering a number of items of jewellery including a victim's wedding ring. They were further linked to the offences by mobile phone evidence, DNA, the vehicles used and CCTV which showed them following victims. Daniel Mykoo was also picked out in an identity parade. On 25 June 2008, outside Matthew's home in Windsor Road, NW2, both men were re-arrested and taken to Colindale Police Station where they were both charged with a number of offences.
The following is a breakdown of those charges and results:
Robbery on 13 March 2008 in Marlborough Hill, NW8 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found guilty.
Robbery on 13 March 2008 Bishops Park Road SW6 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found guilty.
Robbery on 19 March 2008 in Cristowe Road, SW6 - Daniel pleaded guilty.
Theft of a motor vehicle between 21 March 2008 and 8 May 2008 - Daniel pleaded guilty to both.
Robbery on 21 March 2008 in Avenue Road, NW8 - Matthew found not guilty.
Robbery on 22 March 2008 in Belsize Park Gardens, NW3 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found not guilty.
Robbery on 9 April 2008 in Ladbroke Square, W11 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found not guilty.
Robbery on 9 April 2008 in Phillimore Gardens, W8 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found guilty.
Robbery on 12 April 2008 in Cadogan Place, SW1 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found not guilty.
Robbery on 15 April 2008 in Middleway, NW11 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found not guilty.
Robbery on 24 April 2008 in Frognal, NW3 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found not guilty.
Robbery on 2 May 2008 in Hocroft Road, NW2 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found guilty.
Robbery on 27 May 2008 in Stanhope Road, N6 - Matthew found guilty.
Robbery on 4 June 2008 in Pattison Road, NW2 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found not guilty.
Robbery on 12 June 2008 in Biddulph Road, W9 - Daniel pleaded guilty.
Robbery on 12 June in Kilburn Lane W9 - Daniel pleaded guilty.
Theft of motor vehicle between 13 June 2008 and 17 June 2008- Daniel pleaded guilty.
Robbery on 14 June in Hamilton Road, SE27 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew pleaded guilty.
Robbery on 14 June 2008 in Mimosa Street, SW6 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found not guilty.
Robbery on 16 June 2008 in a car park in Nether Street, N12 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found guilty.
Robbery on 17 June 2008 in West End Lane, NW6 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew pleaded guilty.
Robbery on 18 June 2008 in Cricklewood Broadway, NW2 - Daniel pleaded guilty, Matthew found guilty.
Robbery on 20 June 2008 Lauderdale Road W9 - Daniel pleaded guilty.

Six gang members convicted of murder of Shaquille Smith in Hackney
“kind, caring and considerate boy” – grief caused by mindless violence

Six gang members have today, Tuesday 9 June, been convicted at the Old Bailey of the unprovoked murder of 14-year-old Shaquille Smith attacked yards from his home in Hackney on 31 August 2008. They are:
Godiowe Dufeal, 19-years-old (date of birth 10.10.88) of Well St., E9.
Leon Atwell, 17-years-old (date of birth 2.12.91) of Duncan Road E8.
George Amponsah, 18-years-old (date of birth 7.6.90) of Flat B, 28 Greenwood Rd, E8.
Kadean Dias, 17-years-old (date of birth 4.7.91) of Dublin Avenue E8.
Freddie Amponsah, 16-years-old (date of birth 5.7.92) of Greenwood Road E8.
Amisi Khama, 18-year-old (date of birth 10.2.91) of Grand Union Crescent E8.
All six defendants will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 10 July 2009.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Carl Mehta, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC) said: "Shaquille was a totally innocent young boy with no connection to any gang. Those who knew him describe him as a 'kind, caring and considerate' boy and an excellent sportsman who had a great future ahead of him. The defendants involved in Shaquille's murder are gang members who can never understand the huge amount of harm and grief they cause to families and communities by the mindless violence they inflict on others. Their motives were indiscriminate as they rode around on their bicycles that night, looking for someone to beat up. After the attack they cycled away from the scene and then over the next few days, concocted lies to either give themselves an alibi, or distance themselves from what they had done.
Gang violence and the carrying and using of knives is abhorrent to the significant majority of people who live and work in Hackney and this case demonstrates that together with the community, we will continue to deal robustly with those who possess and use them. I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of Shaquille's family who throughout this terrible ordeal, have acted with such dignity and courage. I would also like to thank the community of Hackney, many of whom came forward and gave evidence or information about this murder. Without their help, we would not be here today. I also thank my investigation team, who have worked tirelessly over the past months to identify and bring Shaquille's killers to justice."
A murder enquiry was launched following the death of Shaquille Smith of St Thomas's Place on 31 August 2008.
On the evening of 30 August 2008, Shaquille, his 16-year old sister and 18-year-old friend were spending time together in the park at St Thomas's Place, a short distance from Shaquille's home. Unknown to the group, a gang of teenagers had set off on their cycles intent on causing violence. This group consisted of members of the London Fields Gang, who decided to ride around looking for someone to 'roll' [beat up]. They wore their hoods up to hide their identities. Their motives were indiscriminate as they rode towards the Pembury Estate looking for someone to attack. They found no one there, so they decided to go to the Kingshold Estate.
Shortly before 23:45hrs, the group turned into St Thomas's Place where they came across Shaquille, his sister and their friend in the park. A witness described the gang as acting like a 'pack of dogs', swarming the park and climbing over the fence to get in.  Once inside, some attacked and chased Shaquille's friend, threatening him with a knife until he fled for his life. Others attacked and punched Shaquille's sister, slashing her across the face with a knife. Shaquille had no time to act as a number of boys approached, punched and kicked him, and then stabbed him in the stomach. Police were called and London Ambulance Service took Shaquille to the Royal London Hospital. Shaquille's mother had gone to her son's aid at the scene having heard the altercation. Despite the efforts of those who tried to save him, Shaquille was pronounced dead at 08:12hrs on 31 August 2008. A post mortem gave the cause of death as a single stab wound to the abdomen. Shaquille's sister was later discharged from the Royal London Hospital after receiving treatment for non-serious wounds to the face and neck. During the course of the investigation a number of arrests were made, resulting in the above six defendants being charged and convicted.

Statement by Shaquille’s mother
“Very difficult emotion to put into words”

In a family impact statement read out to the court, Shaquille's mother, Sandra Maitland said: "Since the tragic death of my son Shaquille, there has been an outpouring of support by letters, cards, telephone calls and face to face visits from family friends, the school, the churches and the community.
"I have been asked to put into words how I, as Shaquille's mother, and the whole family have been affected by Shaquille's death. It is a very difficult emotion to put into words. How does a mother share and express the pain and grief of the tragedy of losing a child?
A parent never expects their child to die before them, especially when they are taken away so rapidly, without warning, whose loss of life was as a victim through the violent brutality of others.
Everyday since Shaq's death, myself, his father, his siblings, extended family and friends feel lost, bewildered and tearful, hoping it is a bad dream and then we question why?
Why would someone as innocent as Shaquille become a target for someone to willfully inflict pain on him when he was not being confrontational or making any trouble?
Why, when he was innocently standing outside his house, his life was taken away in an instant?
Only the person who inflicted that injury can answer that question, and do they really know the answer as to why they would want to kill someone?
Sometimes we go through life and a person's characteristics and behaviour becomes the norm, without us really dissecting that person's personality. How do you describe a 14 year old who was going through puberty and self-realisation?
Shaquille was developing as a teenager, breaking away from his parents, making decisions for himself, learning to form his own decision making faculties.
It is difficult to put into a few words the life that Shaq had and the life he has lost. I can describe his birth, his first smile, his first tear, when he first walked or ran, his first tantrum, going to nursery and onto school. His relationship with siblings, family members, godparents and friends.
Shaquille was a typical boy, growing up boisterous, lots of energy; he moved swiftly, running everywhere and was nicknamed Hurricane by his friends in Jamaica, as he spent the early part of his life growing up there. I could talk about his love for Jamaica and the free spirit that he became whenever he visited for long summer holidays, spending quality time with his grandmother and others and attending summer camps there.
The sun, the sea and Mother Nature. I could talk about his dreams and aspirations in going to university and returning to live and work in Jamaica.
I can tell you about the son that did chores at home, washing up, hovering and his love of food and cooking.
I can tell you about Shaq who loved his play station, who loved to play tricks on you, his love of music, his love of drama, playing football and more recently attending army cadets.
What I can't tell you about is how he would manage having to take his exams, his graduation, his first job, his first car, his first girlfriend, getting married, having children.
In a few words, Shaquille was a loving boy, both as a young child and an adolescent. Shaq loved to give you sloppy kisses or just cuddle up with you. He was polite and respectful to both elders and young adults in any situation. As he got older, Shaq was a quieter person who liked his own space, especially when he was playing his games console or doing his homework. No one was allowed to disturb him, only his big brother who he idolised.
Shaq showed his affection to his siblings on an individual basis, by play fighting, sharing his sweets, or by letting them into his room to watch his TV as he claimed he had the best signal in the house. He valued all his possessions, especially his room which he constantly changed around.
Don't get me wrong, Shaquille was like any other child who would have stroppy days, refusing to do as they are told, etc. The quality that he had was in debating and negotiating how and why he should not have to do something. We could never stay angry or annoyed with Shaq for long. All he would do is look at you with those big eyes and your heart just melted. Everyone loved his eyes.
Shaq was the youngest for 13 years until his baby sister was born. She has been robbed of knowing her big brother. With the passage of time, it does not get any easier.
A knot is in our hearts that will not undo. A light has been dimmed and put out of our lives. We never had a chance to say goodbye to Shaq.
We know he is resting, he is safe and he is at peace. For those who harmed Shaquille, one day they will understand the meaning of love and the pain that you feel when you lose a loved one. They then will have to love with their conscience[if they have one] knowing what they did.
I heard once that grief is the price we pay for love."

A poem from Shaquille's uncle, Paul Morrall called 'Just Enough'.

14 years too long too new
Too soon to be soon still
Too much to take your silence in too many lives to fill
14 years can't be enough
To leave your legacy
Not enough- Never enough
To weave your memory


But it's just enough to hear your voice
As it tumbles round the breeze
It's just enough to know your laughter
Lights up memories
It's just enough to see your eyes
Looking searching back at mine
It's just enough for 14 years
To last till end of time


14 years so far to go
So many words to say
So many bridges to be crossed
So soon to fade away
14 years fly like a breath
That won't put out the flame
Not enough-Never enough
To let us hear your name


But it is just enough to feel your spirit
Waking up in the sky
It's just enough for Jamaica dreams
To live and never die
It's just enough to see your smile
In everyone you know
It's just enough when Shaquille sleeps
To know you'll never go.

Concern for safety of 82 year-old man in Wenbley
To ensure he takes his proper medication

Police are concerned for the safety of 82-year-old Ivan Sutherland who is missing from his home in Wembley. He was last seen at 17:20 on Sunday, 31 May, in St Michael's Avenue, Wembley. Mr Sutherland is a black man, 5 feet 8 inches tall and of medium build. He was wearing a white t-shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms, white trainers and a black baseball cap. Mr Sutherland has diabetes, and we are especially keen to trace him as soon as possible in order to ensure he takes appropriate medication.
Anyone who may have seen Mr Sutherland should call police on 0300 123 1212 and quote 'CAD 6939 of 31 May'.