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  1. National

'Jealous' stalker used webcams for 'sexual gratification'

Cyber stalker Andrew Meldrum has been described as a "jealous and controlling" man who pursued his plot for his own "personal sexual gratification".

Sentencing, Recorder Mark Heywood QC said: "It's clear from the evidence that many, many, many recordings were made by the computers of the three young women... concerning the most private acts in their own homes."

Recorder Mark Heywood QC said Andrew Meldrum, seen arriving for sentencing, "abused" the confidence of his victims.

In one case, Meldrum conned his victim into believing he could help solve her computer problems but instead installed software which allowed him to remotely access her webcam.

He remained undetected for 15 months until the women - who cannot be named for legal reasons - discovered the programme had been installed on their computers.

Meldrum, a former Goldsmiths University student, has been ordered to forfeit his computer and pay a contribution to prosecution costs of £2,100 plus a £100 victim surcharge.


  1. National

Suspended sentence for cyber stalker Andrew Meldrum

A cyber stalker who bugged computers to spy on women has walked free from court with a 12-month suspended sentence and a fine.

Andrew Meldrum, 30, secretly installed spying software on his victims' computers, allowing him to access private, nude pictures taken covertly.

Andrew Meldrum's 11,000 covert images included some of one victim naked, in her underwear, on the toilet and "in positions of intimacy". Credit: Police handout

Meldrum admitted three counts of unauthorised access to computer material and was found guilty of two counts of voyeurism after a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

One of his victims wept in court and held her head in her hands at the sentence.

  1. National

Man to be sentenced in UK's first cyberstalking case

Andrew Meldrum had three separate victims. Credit: PA

A man is due to be sentenced today in the country's first cyberstalking case.

Andrew Meldrum, 30, remotely filmed a woman using software he installed on her laptop.


Labour retain control of Greenwich Council

Labour has retained control of Greenwich Council after passing the winning post of 26 seats, with one gain from the Tories so far, after nine of 17 wards declared.

Labour has retained control of south east London borough council of Southwark.

Labour has recorded victories in 47 of the 63 seats that have so far been declared. There is just one ward, containing three seats, left to declare.

The Liberal Democrats have 11 seats while the Conservatives have two.

Peter John, Labour's current leader of Southwark Council, described it as "a rejection absolutely of the coalition parties in this borough" and of negative campaigning.

Wrestler Hulk Hogan travels by cable car to The O2

Wrestler Hulk Hogan squeezed his way onto the Thames cable car yesterday as he made his way to the WrestleMania Revenge Tour. The event features WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan, John, Cena and Randy Orton.

Hulk Hogan was joined in the car by his entourage. Last year the service came in for criticism after it emerged only four people regularly use the service, which connects Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.


Blackwall tunnel fire extinguished

A huge fire that destroyed a motorcycle repair workshop in Greenwich- closing the Blackwall tunnel - has now been put out.

London Fire Brigade sent six fire engines and 35 firefighters to the scene to tackle the blaze. They said crews will stay on site overnight trying to cool down gas cylinders that became overheated and risked exploding.

No one was injured in the incident.

Blackwall Tunell re-opened

The Blackwall Tunnel has now re-opened, but TfL say there may be still be further closures on the southbound carriageway.

A large fire at a motorbike workshop is still being tackled by firefighters. London Fire brigade say 6 fire engines are still at the scene and they are trying to cool down gas cylinders that can explode when exposed to heat.

Blackwall Tunnel fire: in pictures

Fire at Blackwall Tunnel

Drivers are being advised to avoid the Blackwall Tunnel after a fire erupted at a nearby workshop that is still being tackled by firefighters.

The tunnel is currently closed northbound.

London Fire Brigade said they had set up a hazard zone around the fire and would be on site all day. The fire is being brought under control but there are still concerns cylinders at the workshop could explode.

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