February 2026 saw a string of violent offenders and sex predators locked up across London and beyond. Here’s the lowdown on the criminals behind the headlines – from murderers to paedophiles and violent thugs.
Released Killer Back Behind Bars for Brutal Assault
Fauz Richards, 28, was sent back to prison after attacking a woman at a drug-fuelled party in Beckenham. Originally jailed for 13 years in 2017 for manslaughter, Richards stabbed 17-year-old rapper Myron Yarde four times over a bicycle dispute. Released on parole in early 2025, Richards punched a woman in the face last February, causing serious injuries. He was slapped with an additional 18 months and is now recalled to finish his manslaughter sentence, meaning he’s behind bars until at least 2029.
Drunken Samurai Sword Rampage Lands Man in Jail
Jan Dziedzic, 36, caused chaos at his Belvedere flat, drunkenly wielding a samurai sword and covered in blood. CCTV caught him banging on a neighbour’s door in November 2025. Despite claiming memory loss, Dziedzic pleaded guilty to affray, criminal damage, and possession of a bladed weapon, earning a one-year prison sentence. Judge Ruth Downing labelled his actions “alarming” and said the victim suffered genuine distress.
Teacher Groomed Child, Sentenced to Over 5 Years
Gary Vigar, 34, a former teacher at Oaks Park High School in Carshalton, preyed on a girl in 2020. After exchanging more than 2,000 messages, he coerced her into sexual acts. Vigar initially denied charges but pleaded guilty mid-trial. The victim described living through “a nightmare” and years spent just trying to survive. Vigar was jailed for five years and seven months at Croydon Crown Court.
Teen Murderer Gets Life for Stabbing Over Stolen Bike
Jackson Uwagboe, 19, from Lewisham, was convicted of murdering 21-year-old Robert Robinson in Deptford during a dispute over a stolen bike. Robert suffered 12 stab wounds and died on the spot. Uwagboe and two associates, all armed with machetes, chased and attacked Robert. Uwagboe received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years. Associates Ryan Wedderburn and Kirk Harris are also serving life, while Eromosele Omoluogbe was jailed for helping Uwagboe flee the country.
Paedophile Police Trainee Jailed for Grooming Two Girls
Oscar Devlin, 25, a Metropolitan Police trainee and St John Ambulance volunteer, groomed a 14-year-old girl in late 2023. Caught and dismissed from the force, he then targeted an 11-year-old on Snapchat, coercing explicit photos and urging her to meet. Devlin pleaded guilty and was jailed for two years and seven months.
Child Sex Offender Attacks Father Amid Court Drama
Ben Shipton, 27, from Eltham, was busted with hundreds of child abuse images and videos after uploading to Dropbox. While awaiting sentencing, he violently attacked his dad, accusing the family of betrayal. He threatened to kill his parents with a butter knife during the 20-minute brawl. Shipton received a two-year and one-month jail term.
Tube Station Violence: Ticket Dodger Delivers Brutal Beating
Rikki Holmes, 33, of South Norwood, punched and kicked a man at London Bridge station after trying to sneak through a ticket barrier in August 2023. The victim suffered a bleed on the brain, fractured jaw and ribs, and two collapsed lungs. Holmes was sentenced to three years and five months behind bars.
Croydon Paedophile Slapped with 2-Year Sentence After Delays
Javed Jafarzadeh, 33, travelled from Croydon to Leeds in 2022 to sexually abuse a 14-year-old girl. Paedophile hunters caught him at Leeds station. Due to a three-year prosecutorial delay, his sentence was reduced to two years in prison. Prosecutors blasted the unexplained holdup that let him off lightly.
Brutal Ex Uses Dog as a Scapegoat After Smash Assault
Delroy Powell, 41, hurled a punch so fierce it “obliterated” his ex’s lip during a May 2025 row. He tried blaming the injury on her son’s XL Bully dog. Powell later dropped the lie, pleading guilty to assault and was jailed for one year and eight months.
Convicted Killer Adds to Sentence After Prison Attack
Marvin Ward, serving 16 years for manslaughter, lashed out at prison officers in HMP Isis, Thamesmead, in December 2024. Ward verbally abused and physically attacked staff, shouting threats. He got an extra 23 weeks added to his sentence.
Train Pervert Masturbated in Front of Woman at London Bridge
Igor Borges, 29, exposed himself and masturbated while staring at a woman on a morning train in September 2023. He followed her through the carriage despite her attempts to escape. Police caught him after the victim’s quick thinking and passenger intervention. Borges was jailed for one year and eight months.
Croydon Gang Member Gets 9 Years for Kidnap and Torture
Tarelle Thompson, 28, took part in a horrific kidnap and torture spree in Reigate and Farnborough. The victim was blindfolded, threatened with dogs, force-fed, and suffered physical and sexual abuse. Thompson was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap and possessing an offensive weapon, receiving nine years in prison plus five years on licence.
