London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Topic
10 stories, newest first.
Metropolitan Police responded to a rape report at Sunny Hill Park, Hendon, at 12:33 am on 7 September 2026. Khanzada Afghan and Mohammad Nejad were arrested, charged and remanded. Their next hearing is set for Harrow Crown Court on 22 September 2026.
Khloe Simmonds, 26, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for perverting the course of justice. She made false claims of sexual assault between 2018 and 2026, leading to significant police resources being diverted.
A former science teacher at Christ's College in Finchley, Sally Anne Bowen, has been convicted of seven counts of indecent assault against two former pupils. The crimes occurred in 1988 and were brought to light after a podcast investigation unearthed new witnesses.
Former Ewell Castle School teacher Ian Cornish has been banned from teaching for life after being convicted of three sex offences involving a 13-year-old boy between May and November 2018. He was sentenced to four years in prison on January 10, 2023.

Ali Fallahi, 46, from Ilford has admitted to an arson attack at a memorial wall in Golders Green. The fire occurred on April 27 at a memorial cabinet on Limes Avenue, established by the Miga Rally community group. Sentencing is scheduled for October 16 at Harrow Crown Court.

Sally-Anne Bowen, 65, is on trial at Harrow Crown Court accused of indecently assaulting two boys under 16. The jury has been directed to find her not guilty of one count, though she denies all seven charges.

A former chemistry teacher at a Finchley boys’ school has denied seven counts of indecent assault against two pupils in the late 1980s. Sally-Anne Bowen told jurors she was 'too friendly' but never inappropriate. The trial continues at Harrow Crown Court.

A former chemistry teacher at a Barnet boys’ school denies eight counts of indecent assault against two pupils in the late 1980s. The trial at Harrow Crown Court heard allegations of flirtatious behaviour, sexual discussions in class, and a mother’s complaint about a planned trip abroad.

A jury at Harrow Crown Court found Bruke Besalagne guilty of raping an elderly man outside St John’s Church, Harrow, shortly after midnight on 23 July 2025. The victim was described as defenceless by police. Besalagne, who had no fixed abode, was arrested at the scene and remanded in custody.

A former teacher at Christ's College in Finchley is on trial at Harrow Crown Court accused of indecent assault against two boys in the late 1980s. Sally-Anne Bowen, 65, denies exploiting her position to engage in sexual relationships with pupils aged 14 and 15. The trial continues.
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.