Latest news with #PiccadillyCircus
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Britain's 'most hated drill rapper' is hauled to court AGAIN from his prison cell after driving his £200,000 Lamborghini without insurance near Piccadilly Circus
A drill star dubbed the most 'hated rapper in London' has been convicted of driving a £200,000-plus Lamborghini without insurance close to Piccadilly Circus, MailOnline can reveal. Digga D was prosecuted over the incident in 2023 while languishing in HMP Brixton where he is currently serving more than three years for drugs offences. The 24-year-old star, whose birth name is Rhys Herbert, has been convicted of driving the supercar without insurance on Piccadilly in the West End of London in October 2023. Piccadilly Circus is where he has filmed his music videos in the past, once shutting it down when he was mobbed by fans who scaled the world-famous statue of Eros. He faces an unlimited fine and a potential driving ban, according to court documents, and may even appear at Bexley Magistrates' Court from his London jail via video link when he is sentenced. Digga D is currently serving time for importing and dealing close to 50kg of cannabis. He was arrested last year and lives-streamed the moment armed police crashed into his home. Digga, as he is called by his fans, has multiple convictions for gang-related crime and drugs with friends claiming he had earned up to £3million from rapping before he was jailed four months ago. He told a court last year that he began smoking drugs aged 12. His use of rap songs and videos to goad rivals and glorify violence has seen him dubbed 'London's most hated rapper' online due to the number of enemies he has. Herbert, from west London, was even subject to a ultra-rare police order that controls his musical output because it was linked to violence. On one occasion he was almost blinded when stabbed in the eye by a rival during a previous spell in jail for a machete attack. On another occasion someone tried to kill him by opening fire on him in his car, MailOnline understands. In January this year Digga D was jailed for three years and 11 months for selling 45 kilos of cannabis after helping import the illegal drug from the US. He was arrested after police launched a raid on his property in Bracebridge Heath near Lincoln in the early hours of February 21 last year - while he was broadcasting live on Instagram . He pleaded guilty last May to importing 3.6 kilos of cannabis in June and July 2023 and a further charge of supplying cannabis. At his sentencing in January Judge Simon Hirst decided on the level of Herbert's drug dealing after hearing two days of evidence, because the prosecution did not accept the basis of his pleas. Judge Hirst said he was satisfied Herbert had played a significant role in selling cannabis for a commercial profit and jailed him for just under four years. Digga can be heard shouting: 'What do you lot want, I'm here! I am here! Stop! What are you lot doing?' with the sound of smashing glass in the background The court heard Herbert had six previous convictions for 13 offences, including possessing an offensive weapon and violent disorder for which he was sentenced to 30 months youth detention in March 2020. Herbert told a previous hearing that he began smoking cannabis from the age of 12 and used the drug throughout his teenage years to "help with his frequent migraines". He claimed it was 'a benefit' to buy his cannabis in bulk as he could afford it and it proved cheaper. The musician said buying in bulk also reduced the chance of him coming to the attention of the police as he was often stopped both in London and elsewhere in the country. He said he also obtained bags of cannabis to use in the video for his hit song I'm From. Mobile phone footage of the star handling a bag of cannabis and allegedly complaining about the poor quality was also played in court. A number of photographs also showed Herbert handling large amounts of cash, the court was told. His criminal past goes back to his teenage years. He last left prison in May 2020 after being sentenced to two and a half years for his part in a machete brawl in front of shoppers in central London. Digga D (pictured centre) invited his fan base to join him in Piccadilly Circus in London when he filmed a new music video in 2023. It was nearby where he was caught driving the Lamborghini Anti-knife campaigners also criticised the BBC for producing a documentary about a violent rapper in which he complains about his struggle to make music that glorifies gang attacks. BBC promotional material for the programme at the time stated: 'Police say they target drill because it promotes and causes violence, but the genre's supporters call this censorship and say that the art simply reflects real life. Digga's situation, and his ongoing story, embodies this dilemma. A Metropolitan Police order even banned him rapping about rivals or specific attacks, although he can refer to violence generally. His supporters said he was being censored. But he had hidden apparent coded references to attacks in songs, and the name of his group, The Conspiracy Gang Members, is thought to be a 'tribute' to members of his 1011 drill gang arrested in 2018 on their way to attack rivals. In 2018 five members of the 1011 gang, including Digga D, were jailed and banned from making violent videos after they were caught with machetes and baseball bats on the way to attack a rival gang in 2017. They had got in a black car and drove towards the postcode area of their rival's, the '12 World Gang' from Shepherd's Bush, intent on revenge. But police swooped and found they were carrying deadly weapons. A judge banned the five young men from mentioning death or injury in their songs or on social media and ordered them to inform police before they record or perform songs. In 2019 cyber criminals broke into the Metropolitan Police Twitter account and posted tweets calling for the release of Digga D from jail. In a now-deleted tweet the hackers wrote: 'FREE DIGGA D ON FOENEM GANG.' The account, which is normally only used to update the public on ongoing policing matters, had posted tweets that said: ''F*** the police' and 'What you gonna do ... phone the police?' In one video viewed nearly three million times, on YouTube Digga D boasted about having to bleach his knife after using it to attack someone. His songs are also explicit about sex as well as gang rivalries in London.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Instant karma for 'phone snatcher' who tries to steal Chinese student's mobile in lawless London theft hotspot
A suspected thief got a dose of instant karma after trying to steal a mobile phone out of the hands of a Chinese student on the streets of lawless London. In a short video clip, uploaded to Red Note, the alleged crook approaches the student and starts a conversation in a bid to distract him. In just a matter of seconds, it appears the man has swiped his phone before running off with the expensive device and into Tottenham Court Road Tube station. But, what the suspected thief doesn't realise is he's picked on the wrong person. The alleged victim chases after the man, dressed in a camel puffer jacket, into the Tube station, down the escalator and onto the platform. There, a struggle ensues and the suspected phone snatcher is restrained into a corner by the student who holds him in a vice-like grip before finally retrieving his phone. He then guards the alleged thief until before police and Transport for London (TfL) staff arrive and escort him out of the station. Police confirmed to MailOnline that a man was arrested on suspicion of theft in connection with the incident during rush hour last Wednesday. However, it seems the Chinese student (pictured in black coat) quickly served him instant karma, catching him and retrieving his device A Met Police spokesperson said: 'Police were alerted on Wednesday, 7 May to a report of phone theft in central London. 'A 28-year-old man had alleged his phone had been stolen between His Majesty's Theatre and Piccadilly Circus at 17:00hrs on Monday, 5 May. 'The victim retrieved his phone at Tottenham Court Road tube station after it had been thrown to the ground. 'A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft, and has been bailed pending further enquiries, which are ongoing.' It comes as London has been hit with a phone snatching epidemic, with the issue reaching crisis point as victims as young as four being targeted. Figures show there were 22,253 incidents reported phone snatching incidents in Westminster alone in the year leading up to September 2024, equating to 85.4 thefts per every 1,000 people. Discussing the problem, Paul, who works by the London Eye, previously told MailOnline: 'I see it all the time. I would say every day. It's worst around this touristy part of London - particularly along Westminster Bridge. 'It happens to tourists a lot because they're unaware. I try to warn them but it doesn't always work. After racing through Tottenham Court Road, the Chinese appears to grip the alleged thief in a bear hug in a bid to stop him racing away The pair responsible for the brazen daylight attack then ran off past the other boutiques 'One time, a family asked someone to take a photo of them in front of the London Eye. And the guy they chose ran off with their phone. 'Usually though, they come past on their bikes and snatch the phone before anyone has a chance to react. It's a real issue.' The 51-year-old said he sees the same culprits at work repeatedly, adding: 'There are groups of them who are here all the time,' Paul said. 'The police know about them. 'I've had them trying to steal my phone too. Even though they know that I know who they are. It's bold.' Ovye, who works for a bus tour company, said the thieves target 'anyone' - and that even children aren't off limits. He said: 'It can happen to anyone. I once saw someone snatch a phone out of a little girl's hand while she was taking a picture. She can't have been more than four years old. Unbelievable.' Met Police commander, Owain Richards, told MailOnline: 'We understand the impact that mobile phone theft can have on victims – it's an invasive and sometimes violent crime - and we're committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer. 'Met officers are targeting resources to hotspot areas, such as Westminster, Lambeth and Newham, with increased patrols and plain clothes officers which deter criminals and make officers more visibly available to members of the community. 'We continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders. We are also working with phone firms to 'design out' the ability for phones to be reused and sold on as we seek to dismantle the criminal market that fuels robbery and theft.
Telegraph
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Oliver tickets: What you need to know about the smash-hit West End revival and how to find tickets
Consider yourself at home as Lionel Bart's beloved musical version of Charles Dickens's novel makes a spectacular return to the West End. Oliver! follows the adventures of the titular orphan, who grows up in a cruel workhouse, is apprenticed to a strict undertaker, and, thanks to the Artful Dodger, falls in with a gang of young thieves. Oliver finds a family of a kind with this troupe, who teach him how to pickpocket and introduce him to their leader: the cunning fence Fagin. He also meets the spirited Nancy and her abusive lover, the violent criminal Bill Sykes. Finally, Oliver learns the surprising truth about his family origins. The thrilling tale set in London's winding backstreets and teeming pubs bursts into musical life thanks to Bart's rousing adaptation, which has been a firm favourite with audiences ever since its 1960 premiere. That is also down to the indelible Oliver musical songs, including Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, I'd Do Anything, Reviewing the Situation, and Nancy's stirring number As Long As He Needs Me. Following a 14-year absence, Oliver! is once again back in the West End in an acclaimed revival produced by Cameron Mackintosh and directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. How to buy tickets for Oliver! You can find seats for the London production of Oliver! on Telegraph Tickets. Check the site for the latest prices. The cast Oliver! has always attracted top-notch casts, eager to embody Dickens's vividly drawn characters. They have included Ron Moody, Jonathan Pryce, Rowan Atkinson, Patti LuPone, Marti Webb, and Barry Humphries. The current cast of Oliver! is led by the Olivier Award-nominated Simon Lipkin as Fagin. Lipkin's numerous credits include West End musicals Avenue Q, Elf and Rock of Ages, and the Nativity! film series. The production also features Shanay Holmes (Get Up Stand Up!, Miss Saigon) as Nancy, as well as the incredible young actors playing Oliver Twist. This London revival also has new revisions which have been implemented by producer Cameron Mackintosh, the man behind major hits such as Les Misérables, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, and Hamilton. Oliver! is directed and choreographed by the legendary Matthew Bourne, who created a dance revolution with his male swans in Swan Lake. The details Where is Oliver! playing? Oliver! runs at the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of the West End, close to Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown and numerous other theatres. How long is Oliver! running for? Oliver! is currently booking to March 29 2026. What is the minimum age for Oliver!? The age recommendation for Oliver! is 7+. Does Oliver! have accessible performances? Yes, the show runs some audio-described and captioned performances. Upcoming dates can be found on the theatre website. The review 'This rousing revival of Lionel Bart's musical comes to the West End – form an orderly queue and prepare for dollops of theatrical delight... An undeniable triumph.' Read the full Telegraph review FAQs Who played Oliver in the musical? Part of the fun of booking Oliver tickets London is that you'll be treated to a lead performance by one of several brilliant young performers, who take it in turns. The four West End Olivers are Cian Eagle-Service, Raphael Korniets, Jack Philpott, and Odo Rowntree-Bailley. Who wrote Oliver the musical? Oliver! was created by the extraordinary British writer and composer Lionel Bart. He created the book, lyrics and music, and won a Tony Award for the latter. In a varied career, he also collaborated with Tommy Steele, Cliff Richard and Shirley Bassey, and wrote James Bond theme song From Russia with Love.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The One Show to take over Piccadilly Circus for 200th One Big Thank You
The One Show is to take over the big screens in Piccadilly Circus in order to celebrate its 200th edition of One Big Thank You. The BBC One magazine show will see its presenter Alex Jones appear on the central London screens on Thursday to surprise Joel Gibbard who co-founded Open Bionics with Samantha Payne, to provide cutting-edge prosthetics, changing of the lives of hundreds of children and adults in the UK. Down the years, some of the most memorable moments on One Big Thank You have included actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson pretend he was lost in a hotel and stumble in on an interview with Jacob, who had lost his mother to cancer and was raising money for the hospice where she died. The segment, which started during the Covid-19 lockdown, also saw Sir Rod Stewart surprise Peter, the singing barber of Brighton, by joining him for a performance on the balcony of his barber shop, to say thank you for raising money for charity. Actor Robert Carlyle also posed as the star of a Scottish tourism campaign to surprise community hero Eddie McFadden for another One Big Thank You. Other stars to have taken part in the initiative include Tom Holland, Michael Sheen, Adjoa Andoh, David Walliams, Tom Grennan, Donny Osmond, Jason Donovan, Wayne Rooney, Ugo Monye, James Martin, Dame Mary Berry, Shirley Ballas, Richard Osman and Paul O'Grady. The One Big Thank You has also seen the show partner with the likes of Strictly Come Dancing, Match Of The Day, Pointless, The Finish Line and Morning Live to celebrate community heroes. The 200th One Big Thank You will take place on The One Show on BBC One at 7pm on Thursday and will also be available on iPlayer.
