Celebrity photographer ‘harassed’ Jewish bakers
A FORMER photographer who has worked with stars including David Bowie, Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow has been charged with harassing a celebrated Jewish baking family.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday how Leon Paul Lecash, 69, allegedly sent abusive letters and emails to members of the Rinkoff family, including 64-year-old Esther, Debora, Jennifer and Ray Rinkoff.
The film producer denies his actions amounted to harassment, and said during his police interview the letters and emails were a technique he was using for a documentary on the family.
Prosecutor Nathan Fuller said: “The complainants have all received messages from Mr Lecash by email or letter… They contain defamatory language and allegations against the individual members of the family.”
Other complainants named in the harassment charge include lifestyle manager Sarah-Jane Adler, former bakery supplier Geoffrey Kluman and business consultant Victoria Hoskyns.
Mr Lecash was the photographer behind a number of iconic 1980s album covers, including Rod Stewart’s Body Wishes LP, Barry Manilow’s Paradise Café, Jermaine Jackson’s Dynamite and Crimes of Passion by Pat Banetar. He also worked with David Bowie and Jefferson Airplane before becoming a TV and film producer.
Rinkoff, the East End bakery, was established in 1911 by Ukrainian Jewish refugee Herman Rinkoff.
Mr Lecash, of Chelsea Cloisters, denies harassment without violence.
He was released on bail on condition he does not contact any of the complainants.