Latest news with #CrownProsecutionService
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Chinese student gets life in UK jail for 'campaign of rape'
LONDON: A Chinese post-graduate student convicted of drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China — and suspected of having attacked more — was on Thursday jailed for life by a London court. Police in London say they have evidence to suggest he may have targeted more than 50 other women. Serial rapist Zhenhao Zou, 28 — described in court as "calculated and predatory" — targeted young Chinese women whom he invited to his London flat for drinks or to study, before drugging and attacking them. Zou filmed nine of the rapes with hidden or handheld cameras, but only three of the 10 victims have ever been identified. Sentencing him at Inner London Crown Court, Judge Rosina Cottage said there was "no doubt that you planned and executed a campaign of rape" that had caused "devastating and long-term effects." To the world, he appeared "well-to-do, ambitious and charming," but this was a mask hiding a "sexual predator," she said. He treated his victims "callously" as "sex toys" for his own gratification, and his desire to assert "power and control over women" meant that he would be a "risk for an indefinite period," she added. Zou, wearing a dark suit and glasses, listened impassively in the dock to the sentence via a translator. He will serve a minimum of 22 years in jail, after accounting for time already spent in custody. The former engineering student at University College London was found guilty by a jury in March of 28 offences, including 11 counts of rape — with two of the counts relating to one woman — three counts of voyeurism, and one of false imprisonment. He was found guilty of raping three women in London and seven in China between 2019 and 2023. He was also convicted of three counts of possessing butanediol — an industrial solvent — with intent to commit a sexual offence, and 10 counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image. Victims told the sentencing hearing in impact statements of the psychological damage they suffered, including nightmares, self-harm, and a sense of despair and isolation. One recalled "wandering like a trapped animal trying to find an exit" after she was attacked. "What happened that night is etched into my soul forever," she said, adding that Zou's family was "very powerful in China" and she feared he would "seek revenge." After the sentence, Saira Pike of the Crown Prosecution Service described Zou as a "serial rapist and a danger to women." "His life sentence reflects the heinous acts and harm he caused to women and the danger he posed to society." Analysis of footage and web chats showed the former student's "meticulous planning and the horrifying execution of his crimes." Pike paid tribute to the "courageous women" who came forward to report his "horrific crimes," and whose evidence — combined with his own videos — helped secure his conviction and life sentence. Since he was convicted, and following an international appeal by UK police, some 24 women have come forward to say they might have been sexually assaulted by Zou. London's Met Police have said they have evidence to suggest he may have targeted more than 50 other women, and urged possible victims to come forward, adding that he had also studied in Belfast in Northern Ireland in 2017. "Our investigation remains open, and we continue to appeal to anyone who may think they have been a victim of Zou," said Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police. "Please come forward and speak with our team — we will treat you with empathy, kindness and respect."
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Wales Online
Nan's life taken in 'explosive, cowardly attack of unspeakable ferocity and cruelty'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The life of a much loved nan was snatched away in an "explosive and cowardly" attack of "unspeakable ferocity and cruelty'. Dean Mears, 35, smashed his way into Catherine Flynn's house on Cefndy Road in Rhyl late at night last October 24 before stamping on the defenceless 69-year-old head and neck 15 times, shattering every bone in her face. Mears, of Bodelwyddan Avenue, Kinmel Bay, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court today and will serve a a minimum term of 27 years before he is even considered for parole. He had admitted killing Mrs Flynn but was convicted of her murder by a jury following a nine-day trial last month. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here Judge Rhys Rowlands sentence was applauded in the public gallery by family and friends of the devoted family woman. The judge praised Mrs Flynn's loved ones for their "quite remarkable forbearance" during a harrowing trial. Sentencing Mears, the judge said the killing was not premeditated but Mears had committed it for gain and lost his temper with Mrs Flynn: "You took Mrs Flynn's life in an explosive, cowardly attack of quite unspeakable ferocity and cruelty." The judge said he was "in awe" of the dignity shown by Mrs Flynn's daughter Natasha who watched the Ring doorbell footage of Mears breaking in to Mrs Flynn home. (Image: North Wales Police) No-one present during the trial would forget a crime which he branded "savage". Mrs Flynn died from asphyxia, the day after the attack, at a trauma hospital in Stoke having drowned from her own blood. Mrs Flynn's son Michael branded Mears' actions "pure evil and unforgivable. Daughter Natasha said their mum's brain had been turned to "mush" and he left her "weeping blood". She branded Mears a "coward". But she said they would remember Mrs Flynn as the kind hearted person she was. She ended her powerful statement: "Good night and God Bless, Mum. I love you girl and justice for our Queenie." At his trial, Mears admitted killing Mrs Flynn but claimed diminished responsibility. The jury heard evidence that Mears had ketamine, cannabis and cocaine in his system, and had inflicted severe blunt force injuries to Catherine's head, face and neck which proved fatal. (Image: North Wales Police handout) The medical evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) described the injuries as high impact trauma, consistent with repeated forceful stamps. The jury also heard that Mears had attempted to dispose of clothing, in multiple locations, but police recovered the items. Having heard all the evidence in the case, including psychiatric evidence, the jury convicted Mears of murder. Mears' own barrister described the murder as "dreadful and brutal". He also pointed to how his client had been a victim of serious violence years ago. Speaking after sentencing, Deanne McGinty from the CPS said: 'Dean Mears inflicted a brutal attack on Catherine Flynn in her own home, a place where she should have been safe. (Image: North Wales Police) 'He then tried to cover his tracks by attempting to dispose of evidence. 'The jury rejected his claim of diminished responsibility after hearing all the evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service. 'Mears' actions resulted in a tragic loss of life, and that loss is deeply felt by the family and friends of Catherine. Our thoughts will remain with them.' Mears was sentenced to 27 years and 128 days, less time spent on remand in custody, before he can apply for parole. Find crime figures for your area
South Wales Argus
17 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Police investigated death of premature baby at Grange Hospital
A claim of a 'serious medication error' being under police review was raised in a report for a recent health board meeting. Gwent Police said it received 'a report of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a baby boy' at the hospital in Cwmbran. The force has recently closed its investigation into the incident, which was reported in July 2022. A Gwent Police spokesperson said: 'As part of our enquiries, which have now concluded, two women were spoken to under police caution as voluntary attendees in connection with this report. 'No criminal charges will be made after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service and a report will be prepared for the coroner. 'Our thoughts remain with the family.' No arrests were made, the police spokesperson added. 'We offer our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family following the death of a premature baby in July 2022,' a spokesperson for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said. 'We recognise the tragic loss they have experienced, and our thoughts remain with them.' On the police probe, the health board spokesperson added: 'The circumstances surrounding the baby's death were investigated as part of a multi-agency Gwent Safeguarding process, led by Gwent Police. 'The health board cooperated fully throughout the investigation and no criminal charges were made. 'The case is now being reviewed by the coroner for Gwent, in line with standard legal processes.'
HKFP
21 hours ago
- HKFP
UK court sentences Chinese student to life in prison for ‘campaign of rape'
A Chinese post-graduate student convicted of drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China and suspected of having attacked more was on Thursday jailed for life by a London court. Police in London say they have evidence to suggest he may have targeted more than 50 other women. Serial rapist Zhenhao Zou, 28 — described in court as 'calculated and predatory' — targeted young Chinese women whom he invited to his London flat for drinks or to study before drugging and attacking them. Zou filmed nine of the rapes with hidden or handheld cameras, but only three of the 10 victims have ever been identified. Sentencing him at Inner London Crown Court, Judge Rosina Cottage said there was 'no doubt that you planned and executed a campaign of rape' that had caused 'devastating and long term effects'. To the world he appeared 'well to do, ambitious and charming' but this was a mask hiding a 'sexual predator', she said. He treated his victims 'callously' as 'sex toys' for his own gratification, and his desire to assert 'power and control over women' meant that he would be a 'risk for an indefinite period', she added. Zou, wearing a dark suit and glasses, listened impassively in the dock to the sentence via a translator. He will serve a minimum of 22 years in jail, after accounting for time already spent in custody. The former engineering student at University College London was found guilty by a jury in March of 28 offences including 11 counts of rape — with two of the counts relating to one woman — three counts of voyeurism and one of false imprisonment. He was found guilty of raping three women in London and seven in China between 2019 and 2023. He was also convicted of three counts of possessing butanediol — an industrial solvent — with intent to commit a sexual offence and 10 counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image. 'Prolific' rapist Victims told the sentencing hearing in impact statements of the psychological damage they suffered including nightmares, self harm and a sense of despair and isolation. One recalled 'wandering like a trapped animal trying to find an exit' after she was attacked. 'What happened that night is etched into my soul forever,' she said, adding that Zou's family was 'very powerful in China' and she feared he would 'seek revenge'. After the sentence, Saira Pike of the Crown Prosecution Service described Zou as a 'serial rapist and a danger to women'. 'His life sentence reflects the heinous acts and harm he caused to women and the danger he posed to society.' Analysis of footage and web chats showed the former student's 'meticulous planning and the horrifying execution of his crimes'. And Pike paid tribute to the 'courageous women' who came forward to report his 'horrific crimes' and whose evidence — combined with his own videos — helped secure his conviction and life sentence. Since he was convicted, and following an international appeal by UK police, some 24 women had come forward to say they might have been sexually assaulted by Zou. London's Met police have said they have evidence to suggest he may have targeted more than 50 other women and urged possible victims to come forward, adding that he had also studied in Belfast in Northern Ireland in 2017. 'Our investigation remains open and we continue to appeal to anyone who may think they have been a victim of Zou,' said Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police. 'Please come forward and speak with our team -– we will treat you with empathy, kindness and respect.' LATEST FROM HKFP Schools must be national security 'gatekeepers,' gov't says after principal warns against US consulate event Gov't vows strict vetting of applications for event subsidies, performance venues to prevent 'soft resistance' UK court sentences Chinese student to life in prison for 'campaign of rape' Hong Kong proposes registration of subdivided flats from March 2026 to phase out 'substandard' living spaces
Cosmopolitan
a day ago
- Politics
- Cosmopolitan
Has anyone been arrested following the Grenfell Tower fire?
On 14 June 2017, a deadly blaze erupted through Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey residential block in North London, which claimed the lives of 72 people and left dozens injured. Amongst those who died, 18 were children. Shortly after the fire, then-Prime Minister Theresa May ordered an inquiry to uncover what had happened leading up to the tragedy – and seven years later, Sir Martin Moore-Bick's 1700-page report catalogued a 'decade of failure', citing issues within government, building companies and manufacturers which led to Grenfell becoming the UK's deadliest residential fire since the Blitz in World War II. At the time of writing, there have been no arrests or criminal charges levelled against any individual in relation to the Grenfell Tower fire, with the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service stating it is unlikely any charges will be announced before the end of 2026 (at the earliest) due to the sheer 'scale and complexity' of the case. It leaves those who lost loved ones in the fire with an agonising wait for justice, particularly as it looks set to take more than a decade since the incident before anyone will head to court, if indeed any criminal charges are brought. Olaide Iqbal, the documentary maker behind Grenfell: Uncovered, knows how acutely the frustration of the community is felt. She worked closely alongside many families who lived in Grenfell during the time of the fire in order to make the new Netflix film exploring the case. 'There's still very much a community who are waiting for answers, that are waiting for justice, and their story doesn't feel resolved,' she tells Cosmopolitan UK. 'They've not had any closure, and for a number of people in the community directly affected by Grenfell, there's a resounding sense of people wanting justice, wanting answers and wanting their story to be kept alive, particularly when many feel like it's being erased.' In 2020, Leslie Thomas, a lawyer representing the bereaved families of Grenfell, urged the inquiry to not dismiss the impact of race and class, and how it may have contributed to the deaths of Grenfell's 72 victims. 'The Grenfell fire did not happen in a vacuum,' Thomas said in a statement at the inquiry, as reported by the BBC. 'A majority of the Grenfell residents who died were people of colour. Grenfell is inextricably linked with race. It is the elephant in the room. This disaster happened in a pocket of one of the smallest yet richest boroughs in London. "Yet the community affected was predominantly working-class. That is the stark reality that cannot be ignored.' While Iqbal acknowledges that there is an ongoing criminal investigation which is taking place, she knows there's a similar sentiment amongst the people she spoke to as part of Grenfell: Uncovered. They feel their social standing may have impacted the path to justice. 'It's definitely a community that has felt that their class, their race, their culture has played a part in why they were treated the way they were in the lead up to Grenfell, and some believe that's why they've been treated in a particular way since the fire as well,' she says. 'But making the documentary… we saw how complicated Grenfell is. It's not like there's a single person you can go and slap handcuffs on. I think because there's just that many people involved, and when a case is so big and goes back for so many decades, it's tricky to know where to start. 'As the inquiry concluded, so many different factors, in one way or another, contributed to the fire. But I understand the frustration to the community. When you go out and see that people have gone on to do bigger and maybe better things despite their actions or inactions that led to the fire, it's definitely frustrating. 'It's why those with big platforms, and hopefully this documentary, can keep Grenfell in people's mouths and minds, as it's something everyone should care about.' Grenfell: Uncovered is available on Netflix now Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
