Man convicted after £160,000 cannabis factory found in Croydon

September 10, 2014, 1:50 am

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A MAN has been convicted of cannabis production after police swooped on his 400-plant factory in Croydon on Sunday (September 7).

Officers executed a search warrant at an address in Edridge Road and uncovered the cannabis factory with 400 plants worth a street value of approximately £160,000.

Won Tin Zang, 31, pleaded guilty to production of cannabis and abstraction of electricity at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Monday and will be sentenced there on September 22.

PC Ross Sandiford, who investigated the case, said: "A substantial amount of drugs has been taken off the streets of Croydon, providing reassurance to residents that not only do emergency response officers provide a response to 999 calls, but also pro-actively seek out criminal behaviour to keep Croydon safe as part of the Commissioner's total war on crime."

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UPDATE: Fire crews battle blaze in Croydon town centre

September 10, 2014, 2:27 am

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Firefighters are still on the scene of an old bank building in Croydon town centre after putting out a fire there this morning.

Five fire engines are on the scene in the empty Britannia shop in North End, next to Palace Amusements, after being called out to reports of the fire at 9.05am.

More than 30 firefighters fought the flames and brought the fire under control within an hour of being called out.

Eyewitness Carol Jones, of Ruskin Road, Croydon, said: "I saw that building on fire and full of smoke. It was coming out really bad and then I saw all the fire fighters tackling the building. 

"I don't think anybody was in there. It's really scary there could have been anybody in there." 

Another witness, Amanda Kentfield, added: "I saw the smoke coming out out of the window. Ten minutes after I got here they sent in the guys with masks and there was a guy in the crane spraying the building.

"I think they must have always had it under control. Once they got in they sent in three guys with breathing apparatus. There was no panic but a lot of people were watching." 

Station manager Lee Sparks confirmed that nobody was injured, and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

"The crew now will be on the scene for a while damping down and cutting away bits burnt to make sure there's no fire spread," he added. 

Ex-Crystal Palace forward passes away

September 10, 2014, 2:50 am

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FORMER Crystal Palace striker David Whyte has passed away at the age of 43. The Greenwich-born man began his career with the Eagles in 1989 and scored seven goals in 38 appearances. Whyte made the short trip to Charlton in 1992 on loan before returning to The Valley permanently in 1994, where he would go on to score 31 times in all competitions. In 1997 he made brief moves to Reading and Ipswich Town, before Bristol Rovers snapped him on a contract. However, his stay there lasted a few months and he made his final move of his career to Southend in 1998, where he found the back of the net four times. He retired in 1999 at the age of just 28. Our thoughts are with Whyte's family at this difficult time.

Tim Pollard likely to succeed Mike Fisher as Croydon Conservative leader

September 10, 2014, 3:00 am

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THE deputy leader of the Conservative group, Tim Pollard, is looking odds-on to succeed Mike Fisher.

Cllr Pollard is emerging as the only candidate for the Tory leadership and has already received pledges of support from 18 colleagues, including the eight members of the shadow cabinet.

Assuming he votes for himself, he stands to pick up 19 votes if a formal election takes place at the group meeting being held next Saturday (September 20) - three more than he needs to win a majority from the 30-strong group.

Cllr Pollard said on Wednesday: "A large number of my colleagues have asked me to stand and I am enormously grateful for their support and trust.

"The last week has not been an easy one for the Conservative Party in Croydon, but there is a real sense of unity in the group and a desire to come out of this stronger and more focused that ever before."

Pledging her support for Cllr Pollard, former cabinet colleague, Councillor Sara Bashford said: "We have gone from being the controlling group in the council to being the opposition and that requires us to rethink our approach.

"I believe that Tim has the vision and leadership skills to help us make that transition and then to lead us to a local election victory in 2018."

Cllr Pollard was first elected to the council for Sanderstead ward in 2002 and was elected one of two deputy leaders of the council in May 2008.

He has also served as cabinet member for regeneration and economic development and for children, families and learning.

Police arrest man in connection with robbery at Coral bookmaker's in Coulsdon town centre

September 10, 2014, 3:32 am

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POLICE have arrested a man in connection with an armed robbery at a Coral bookmaker's in Coulsdon.

Officers investigating the incident at the new shop in Chipstead Valley Road made the arrest last night.

The incident, where a masked man threatened a staff member with a handgun, stole cash from the till and made off on foot, took place last Friday, September 12 shortly before 4pm.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "Officers arrested a man in his twenties yesterday (Tuesday) evening on suspicion of robbery. He's currently in custody in a south London police station."

The Coral store, on Chipstead Valley Road, opened exactly two weeks before the robbery.

Crystal Palace v Burnley odds: Wilfried Zaha 9/1 to score first

September 10, 2014, 4:30 am

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THE statisticians will tell you Palace have never won a Premier League home game in the month of September, but the Eagles will never have a better opportunity to put the record straight when Burnley visit Selhurst Park this weekend. Both sides gained their first point of the season in their last game ahead of the international break but after the Eagles dramatic 3-3 draw at St James's Park I will be disappointed if they don't take three points from a game which will be the first at Selhurst Park for Neil Warnock since his return to the club. The Eagles are 6/5 to keep all three points at BetVictor and with the Clarets having never kept a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League, any quote of odds against for a home win looks a fair price. Palace have conceded at least twice in their last six PL fixtures and the 39/40 quote for Both Teams To Score looks, on the face of it, the safe option but the visitors have only scored once in their three PL games so far this season and a home win looks banker material. The Clarets are 14/5 for the win and a draw is priced at 9/4. Warnock is not alone in making a return to Selhurst Park with Wilfried Zaha, 9/1 to score first and 17/5 to find the back of the net anytime, likely to make his second home debut after his St James's Park cameo.; Transfer deadline-day signing Andrew Johnson is 15/2 to score first and 14/5 to score at anytime during the 90 minutes but Warnock has many attacking options at his disposal and it would would be surprising if AJ was in his immediate plans. Dwight Gayle has now scored eight goals in his last six games in all competitions and is 7/1 at BetVictor to open the scoring (13/5 anytime) and that looks a shade too big for a player who is obviously not lacking in confidence at the moment. Eagles skipper Mile Jedinak scored for the Socceroos in their 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia earlier in the week at Craven Cottage and is 16/1 to grab Saturday's opener and 7s to score at anytime. The Eagles have never taken a point off Burnley in the top-tier of English football losing all four previous games although the last time they met was back in the 1970/71 campaign. Records are there to be broken. For all your football odds check out BetVictor.com.

Woman, 64, stabbed multiple times in George Street, Croydon

September 10, 2014, 5:10 am

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A 64-YEAR-OLD woman was stabbed multiple times in Croydon town centre yesterday.

Police were called to a premises in George Street at 6.30pm yesterday to reports of a stabbing where they found a woman with multiple stab wounds.

The Advertiser understands the stabbing took place in offices above Croydon Carers' Support Centre.

The woman was taken to a south London hospital and her condition is not believed to be life-threatening. London Ambulance Service and air ambulance attended the scene.

A man was arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder and is in custody at a south London police station. It is believed the attacker and victim are known to each other and no one else is wanted by police.

A spokeswoman for The Whitgift Foundation, which runs the carers centre, said the 'domestic' incident had taken place in one of the offices they let out to local voluntary carer organisations above the unit.

The spokeswoman added: "Police are currently investigating the situation and we are helping them with their enquiries whilst supporting staff and colleagues. We anticipate that the centre will be open tomorrow."

Groups that moved into the centre last October include the Foundation's Carers' Information Service, Young Carers Project, Rethink, Croydon Neighbourhood Care, Crossroads Care South Thames, Horizon Care and welfare association, Youth Counselling Croydon, Parents in Partnership and Croydon Mencap.

Detectives from Croydon CID are leading the investigation. 

South Croydon home raided by police targeting suspected child drug-trafficking criminal network

September 10, 2014, 5:37 am

≫ Next: Government receives 130 objections to Westfield/Hammerson Whitgift Centre plans ahead of High Court hearing

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A SOUTH Croydon home was raided by police targeting a gang suspected of trafficking young boys and girls to transport class A drugs.

Officers searched an address in Bramley Hill on suspicion of its links to a criminal network exploiting youths from south-east London to carry drugs to Hampshire and Kent.

No one at the address was arrested although there were 10 other dawn raids this morning (September 10) carried out in Lewisham, Lambeth, Haringey, Petham, Canterbury, Folkestone and Portsmouth.

Eight people have been arrested as part of the operation on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, inciting supply of class A drugs, child trafficking and money laundering.

They were an 18-year-old man in Lewisham, a 20-year-old man in Haringey, a 32-year-old man in Kent as well as a 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman in Hampshire.

A 20-year-old man, a 15-year-old boy and a 36-year-old woman were also produced from prison and arrested.

A large quantity of crack cocaine and what is believed to be a press used for the packaging of drugs have been recovered and £1,500 has been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The intelligence-led operation by the Met was a joint partnership with Lewisham Council and the Home Office.

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Government receives 130 objections to Westfield/Hammerson Whitgift Centre plans ahead of High Court hearing

September 10, 2014, 5:42 am

≫ Next: Contactless payments for Croydon Tramlink to start next week

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MORE than 130 objections to the compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) needed to allow the Westfield/Hammerson redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre have been lodged with Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.

The extent of the objections is outlined in a report going before the council's cabinet on Monday.

The report says: "Although this is a significant number, it is not unusual for a CPO of this size and complexity."

The CPOs are essential to enable the partnership to eventually obtain ownership of the various leases in the Whitgift Centre, without which the development will not be possible.

The report also reveals that a judicial review hearing will be held in the High Court on October 7 and 8, over claims by the Whitgift Trust that the planning process leading up to granting planning permission for the partnership's £1 billion scheme was flawed.

The trust, comprising largely of the Anglo-Irish Bank, owns around 25 per cent of the leasehold of the Whitgift Centre.

Its claims for a judicial review of the planning decision centre on unfairness in not disclosing confidential viability information; failure to take account of viability information as a material consideration; failure to take affordable housing policies into consideration and errors in the planning committee report.

Councillor Alison Butler, the council's cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said: "We are working hard before the High Court hearing and the public inquiry into the CPOs to see how these issues can be overcome.

"Anything you plan to do on this kind of scale is not going to make everybody happy."

Contactless payments for Croydon Tramlink to start next week

September 10, 2014, 5:57 am

≫ Next: Care worker from Thornton Heath in court charged with laundering £1.3 million

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PASSENGERS will be able to board trams using contactless payments from next Tuesday (September 16).

Transport for London (TfL) is introducing the new method of payment on Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and National Rail services that accept Oyster cards.

The payment system is already in operation on London buses.

Contactless payment cards are debit, credit, charge or pre-paid cards which can be used for purchases of £20 and under.

Passengers do not need to enter their PIN or signature but just touch the card on the reader.

Care worker from Thornton Heath in court charged with laundering £1.3 million

September 10, 2014, 6:34 am

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A CARE worker from Thornton Heath has appeared in court accused of laundering £1.3 million.

Abayomi Adeboye, 36, is also charged with laundering a further £50,000 of "criminal property" between December 2011 and January 2012, as well as possessing a fake Nigerian passport.

Adeboye, of Beechwood Avenue, Thornton Heath, appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court on today (September 10).

He spoke to confirm his name and did not enter a plea to any of the four charges.

Adeboye is charged with entering into or being concerned in the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property, namely £1,350,380, on behalf of persons unknown, on or before December 23, 2012.

He is also charged with two counts of concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property, specifically £25,711.50 by means of bank transfers and withdrawals on or before December 23, 2011.

The third charge is one of concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property, namely £24,102, through bank transfers or withdrawals between December 23, 2011 and January 9, 2012.

They laundering charges refer to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Finally, he is charged with possession of identity documents with intent on or before September 9, 2012, relating to a Nigerian passport which he knew to be false and intending to use the document to establish, ascertain or verify the personal information of A Kayode Olaniyi.

Adeboye will next appear at Croydon Crown Court on September 24.

He was granted bail on the condition that he report to Croydon Police Station every Tuesday. 

Man denies punching young mum in unprovoked attack outside Croydon medical centre

September 10, 2014, 7:31 am

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A MAN has denied punching a young mother in the head during an unprovoked attack outside a doctors' surgery.

Cyril Atula, 20, is accused of hitting the woman as she left St James Medical Centre, in St James's Road, with her four-year-old son at 4pm on August 8.

Atula, of Tressillian Crescent, Lewisham, denied assault at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (September 10).

He pleaded guilty to damaging a fence in Davidson Road, Croydon, a short time after the alleged attack.

The victim, who did not know her attacker, tried to give the man her mobile phone but he continued to "slap" her.

He then ran away and the woman was able to flag down a passing police car.

The police helicopter was called and the man was found hiding in a nearby garden.

Atula, who spoke only to confirm his name and enter a plea, was granted unconditional bail before returning to the court for a trial on February 11, 2015.

Crystal Palace FC want young talent to become TV presenter

September 10, 2014, 8:00 am

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PALACE are looking for the next big thing. The Eagles are searching for a young and fresh local talent to be the face and voice of their online and in-stadium channels. The club say you have to be over 18, have a real passion for football and confident in front of the camera. With no experience required, all you need to do is prove to Palace you have what it takes by coming along to their open audition and say why you should be the voice and face of the club. The winner will receive a full-time contract as the Crystal Palace Football Club's broadcast presenter, which comes with a competitive salary and many additional benefits, not to mention being a great way to kick start your presenting career. To enter simply come along to the club's open auditions on Saturday at Selhurst Park prior to the game against Burnley. A mobile audition roadshow will be set up in the main car park from 12.30pm. You will be asked to complete a short application form then asked a few simple questions on a screen test. The top auditions will be uploaded to the CPFC YouTube channel where fans can view and 'LIKE' their favourites. The winner will be announced at half time on September 27 during the Leicester City game at Selhurst Park.Terms and conditions: All entrants must be aged 18 and over. Must hold a UK valid passport. Must be available to work full time and available for all CPFC home games.

Crystal Palace midfielder departs for Bolton Wanderers on loan

September 10, 2014, 8:10 am

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Owen Garvan has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan. The Irishman was left out of Neil Warnock's 25-man squad and had been earmarked for a move away from Selhurst Park. The engine-roomer moves to join up with Dougie Freedman again on a three-month deal.

Saltire flag flies above Croydon Town Hall ahead of Scottish independence vote

September 12, 2014, 4:42 am

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IN AN attempt to sway the undecided voters of Scotland ahead of next week's independence referendum, the Saltire has been hoisted above Croydon Town Hall.

The decision follows calls from Prime Minister David Cameron and opposition leader Ed Miliband for councils across England to show their support for the Union.

Croydon's effort seems to have gone a little better than Downing Street's. Number 10's flag fell off its pole as it was being hoisted earlier this week.

Scotland's voters are due to go the polls on Thursday, September 18.

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Neil Warnock expects close game with Burnley and urges fans to make the difference

September 12, 2014, 4:45 am

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CRYSTAL Palace boss Neil Warnock is expecting a difficult test against a "hard-working" Burnley side at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The Eagles haven't lost at home to The Clarets since 2001 and the last time the two clubs met it pulled out a seven-goal thriller. Warnock, however, isn't expecting that many goals this time around and believes it could be a "close encounter". "I have got a lot of time for Sean Dyche," Warnock told the Advertiser "For me, he was very close to being manager of the year last season and I'm looking forward to pitting my wits against him. "We've had a few good battles over the years. Burnley are hard-working but they've got quite a lot of ability. "You don't go up without having anything and they've added to the squad with some shrewd signings. "The ethic is a bit like ourselves and I think both teams work very hard for each other. I expect it to be close encounter. "The two teams are close so I'm hoping the Palace fans can just sway it. Their strikers are very important to Burnley, then you have Kieran Tripper who is as good a right-back as there is around at the moment. "Like us, they probably don't have many star names but players who are always going to give you a good game."

Crystal Palace boss gives update on Ledley and Chamakh fitness

September 12, 2014, 5:00 am

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JOE Ledley is in contention to return to Crystal Palace's starting XI against Burnley on Saturday after getting some minutes on international duty this week. The Welshman came off the bench to play against Andorra, nearly three weeks after picking up a groin injury in the warm-up against West Ham in August. And Palace boss Neil Warnock says he had to sign James McArthur after Ledley's injury, which is something he previously had at Celtic. "He came off the bench and I was actually surprised he went to Andorra with him being injured, but I spoke to Chris Coleman and they were sensible," Warnock told the Advertiser. "They were going to let Joe decide whether to train or play, so we're happy with that and it's good to have him back. "But that's why I thought it was important to sign James McArthur because we just didn't have enough options there if anything were to happen to Mile Jedinak or Ledley. "There are no other niggles for Saturday, obviously Marouane Chamakh is out for Saturday. He is being positive about it though and he's been way having some intensive treatment this week. "He went to the same place for rehab from when he did something similar last time but he's optimistic."

Crystal Palace vs Burnley: TV weatherman John Kettley forecasts a bright day for Clarets

September 12, 2014, 5:00 am

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IN A SPECIAL opposition view, who better to give us the lowdown on the Clarets than TV weatherman and loyal Burnley fan JOHN KETTLEY? We also asked him for a weather forecast, naturally...

What do you make of Burnley's start to the season?

It's been quite predictable really. Of course we have had a tough start against Chelsea and Manchester United and no one would have thought Swansea away would have been easy. I've been on a cruise so I saw the games on the ship. Of course Chelsea are a class act and although Manchester United aren't such a class act anymore that was a great performance. I've been a fan long enough to know that if you keep putting the effort in you'll eventually get your rewards.

What makes Sean Dyche such a good manager?

When he first was appointed I was nonplussed because he was sacked at Watford. But the proof of the pudding is in results and, although some people talk about Danny Ings, we don't really have any star individuals in the team. Dyche reminds me of Brian Clough in many ways because he builds from the back and doesn't have any stars. Brian Clough was always the star and his teams were always solid.

Which player(s) should Palace be looking out for?

I like Scott Arfield. He runs about a lot and is what we would have called midfield dynamo in my day. You couldn't run about at Burnley in the old days because it used to be all mud. Lukas Jutkiewicz looks good as well and we still have Sam Vokes and Ross Wallace to come back who are both good players.

What are your memories of previous trips to Selhurst Park?

I've only been to Selhurst Park once and it was just after Sainsbury's was built for an FA Cup match which ended 0-0. It wasn't one to write home about.

How do you see this weekend's game panning out?

I think it's got draw written all over it and I can't see there being many goals. I'm going for 1-1 because both teams have probably got one goal in them. I could see us nicking it though, that would be nice. I haven't got a ticket yet though, so if someone could put a good word in for me...

Finally, what's your weather forecast?

It is going to be absolutely fine on the day with temperatures of about 19 to 20 degrees. It will be a bit more brisk but with some sunshine coming through. It's going to be a pleasant autumnal afternoon – for the Burnley fans at least.

Teenager found in South Croydon with stab wound

September 12, 2014, 6:23 am

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A 19-year-old man was found with a stab wound to his arm in South Croydon on Wednesday evening.

Police and paramedics were called to Wyche Grove at 7.40pm where the man was found. He was taken to a south London hospital and was discharged later that evening.

Officers from Croydon CID are investigating the incident and have made no arrests at this stage.

Anyone with information should contact police by calling 101.

Warnock: Crystal Palace and Burnley see this as a winnable game

September 12, 2014, 6:58 am

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MAROUANE Chamakh is the only doubt for Crystal Palace's match against Burnley tomorrow. Boss Neil Warnock has revealed all of international players have come back unscathed and is targeting three points on his return to Selhurst Park. But he knows Burnley will also see the match as a big chance to claim their first win this season too. "We've had a couple of lads come back today and one has just turned up now," said Warnock. "It's always difficult for managers after the international break but we haven't had anyone come back injured and we have no problems in that respect. "I'm optimistic we have a full squad. Obviously Marouane Chamakh is still struggling and we won't bother risking him. "Other than him it's a clean bill of health really. "It's a good game tomorrow. The supporters are great at Selhurst Park and it's a good game. When the whistle goes, we'll be looking to win as will Burnley. "I'm sure they're looking at this as a winnable game but that's what we're looking for."