Jessika Inaba, a 23-year-old woman from Camden, North London, has become the first-ever blind lawyer of African descent in the United Kingdom. She has overcome obstacles and made history through her determination and resilience.
Jessika started a 5-year law program at the University of London, despite people thinking her vision impairment would hold her back. She showed that her dreams weren’t limited by it.
Jessika used Braille to read and understand everything. With the help of her friends and mentors, she successfully completed her entire course with a strong and steady determination.
She began her journey to this important accomplishment in September 2017 when she started her fast-tracked law degree at the University of London. Two years later, she worked on getting a master’s degree and professional training at the same time. Eventually, she became qualified to practice law in the United Kingdom.
Jessika is now part of a special group of pioneering women who are both blind and of African descent, and have become qualified barristers.
This is even more incredible because Jessika fought against Bilateral Microphthalmia, which is a condition where the eyes are smaller than normal, and it made her unable to see at all.
At different points along the way, she had times when she wasn’t sure, but her strong belief in herself pushed her to keep going.
“I’ve always had faith in myself from the beginning. There’s nothing about me that makes this impossible,” Jessika stated. “I’m confident that I can excel in this job, and if more people like me receive training, it will become even easier,” she said.
Unfortunately, Jessika faced prejudiced attitudes while she was studying. There were times when prison officials thought she was a family member visiting instead of a lawyer talking to a client.
But Jessika is still determined and strong-willed, and she keeps motivating others by sharing her inspiring story of overcoming challenges.
Tag: North London
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23-year-old Woman With Visual Impairment Becomes First Blind Lawyer in UK
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Man, 22, identified after being ‘stabbed to death in late-night street brawl’
The initial name and image of a young man who died during a late-night street brawl have been released.
On Tuesday, Emiliano Hasanpapaj was fatally stabbed following a fight in Enfield, north London.
The 22-year-old was able to reach a local hospital, but despite their best attempts, medical personnel were unable to save him before he passed away.
Specially trained officers are helping his family.
Police were called to reports of a group of people fighting in Berkshire Gardens, N13 at 11.50pm.
Officers say a man went to hospital having suffered a stab wound at around the same time.
Detectives launched a murder investigation following the incident and enquiries by the Met’s specialist crime command are ongoing to establish the circumstances.
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Police are investigating the suspected murder of the 22-year-old (Picture: Met Police) A 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail until a date in October.
After Mr Hasanpapaj suffered the fatal injury, detective chief superintendent Caroline Haines, local policing commander in north London, issued a statement.
Det ch supt Haines said: ‘Every death on the streets of London is a tragedy and a dedicated team of officers are working to piece together how this man lost his life.
‘We are at an early stage of the investigation and police will remain in the area throughout the day as these enquiries are carried out.
‘I recognise this incident will cause concern among the community in Palmers Green, however I would like to reassure you that there is nothing to suggest there is a wider risk to the public as a result of this incident.’
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Man, 23, and boy, 15, fatally stabbed in north London
In north London, two people a 15-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man—were fatally stabbed.
The two were discovered in Islington just after 11.30 p.m. yesterday with stab wounds.
Despite their best attempts, the boy was declared dead at the scene just after midnight after police and paramedics sped to Elthorne Road.
The second victim was brought to a hospital in west London, where he eventually passed away.
Officers have informed the next of kin of those killed and they are being supported by specially trained officers.
A third victim, believed to be aged 28, was found at an address in N19 and had also suffered a stab wound.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
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Teenagers, 15 and 16, detained for stabbing 17-year-old to death
On suspicion of killing a 17-year-old who was stabbed in the vicinity of a primary school in London, two teenage lads have been detained.
The unidentified adolescent was discovered bleeding from stab wounds on Monday night in Chingford, close to Longshaw Primary School.
He was given life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, members of the public, and paramedics from an air ambulance.
Yet the youngster later passed away there.
A 15-year-old and 16-year-old were arrested at residential addresses in Chingford this morning, and both remain in custody at a police station in North London.
The Met confirmed the teenager’s next-of-kin are being supported by family liaison officers, and a post-mortem examination and formal identification will take place in due course.
Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our investigation is continuing at pace and this morning we made two arrests in connection with this tragic incident, which resulted in a teenager losing his life.
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‘However, our enquiries very much continue and I would appeal to anyone with information who is yet to speak to us to come forward.
‘Your information, no matter how small you think it is, could help get justice for a grieving family.
‘This incident has had a devastating impact on the victim’s friends and family and I’d ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.’
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Met Police Officer loses job after stealing £80 from Handed-In Wallet
A Met Police officer from North London who stole £80 from a wallet that had been handed in has been sacked from the force.
Former PC Mohammad Ghalayini was handed a 22-month prison sentence at Wood Green Crown Court after another colleague reported the missing cash.
Following an accelerated misconduct hearing last Wednesday, he was dismissed without notice as his actions were found to have breached the standards of Discreditable Conduct and Honesty and Integrity, Scotland Yard said.
Ghalayini, who was also ordered to pay £3,000 in costs, was charged in the seven months after his arrest when he was found guilty of theft and perverting the course of justice.
“PC Ghalayini, following his imprisonment, has now also been rightly dismissed without notice following his dishonest and deceitful actions,” said DC Haines, who is in charge of policing in areas such as Haringey and Enfield.
“It is really important that people have more trust in us, but actions like this understandably undermine confidence in the police. Across the Met, we are working to clear out those who corrupt us and let down the public.”
Following the incident, Ghalayini will be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing, meaning he will be unable to work for police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services in the future.
Source: Complex.com
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Norma Girolami: Remains of a missing 70-year-old Highgate man discovered in a churchyard in north London
Norma Girolami, of Highgate, north London, was last seen alive on August 19, 2021, the same day she visited Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. She took the train from Barking to the seaside town, returning to London later that day – and had not been heard from since.
Detectives looking into the murder of a 70-year-old woman have discovered her remains in a churchyard in north London, nearly 15 months after she went missing.
Norma Girolami, of Highgate, north London, was last seen alive on August 19, 2021, the same day she visited Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
She travelled by train to the seaside town from Barking, returning to London later that same day – and had not been heard from since.
A murder investigation was launched in October last year.
On Friday, the Metropolitan Police said detectives investigating her murder recovered human remains at Friern Barnet Lane in North Finchley, Barnet, on Tuesday.
The remains have been formally identified as being that of Norma Girolami, the force said.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said the investigation into her disappearance is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact police.
“Despite accepting that Norma was no longer alive, I know that her family are deeply affected by the news that her remains have been found. Our thoughts are very much with them,” she said.
“My team has spent more than a year searching for Norma and there is a sense of relief that we have found her remains which will undergo forensic examination in due course.
“Despite this discovery, I would still be very keen to hear from anyone who knew Norma, either in London or at Leigh-on-Sea who can provide information on anything that was happening in her life in August last year.
“I am also appealing for anyone who saw any activity around the churchyard in Friern Barnet Lane, N20, between August and October last year.”
She added: “Norma’s family and friends have endured a year of not knowing what had happened to her and our investigation remains ongoing. If you have any information, no matter how small a detail it may seem, please do get in touch.”
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Partey was ‘excellent against Spurs’ – Ex-England defender Matthew Upson
Following Thomas Partey’s outstanding performance for Arsenal in the North London derby against Tottenham, former England defender Matthew Upson has been all praise for the player.
In the Gunners’ 3-1 victory over Spurs at the Emirates stadium on Saturday, Partey scored his first goal of the year.
With the victory, Arsenal is awarded three points and Mikel Arteta joins George Morrell and Terry Neill as the only managers to have won their first three home games in the north London derby.
“He was man of the match for me,” former Arsenal defender Upson told Stadium Astro.
“I thought he was excellent, obviously in terms of the goal contribution which is a big deal for a defensive midfield player.
“Today he was excellent involved in a lot of passing in the build-up, to me that’s a man of the match performance from a midfield player.”
Partey, who has missed four games due to injury this season, including his side’s only defeat of the campaign so far at Old Trafford against Manchester United has made five league appearances for Arsenal this season and scored one goal in the process.