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9 things to do in Essex this half term

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Stuck for things to do with the kids this weekend? Here's some ideas to keep the little ones entertained this half term:

DRAGON THEMED FUN: CRESSING TEMPLE BARNS, Witham Road, Cressing, Witham, CM77 8PD. Tuesday 17 February and Wednesday 18 February. Entry £7.50. 

Dragon-themed fun with arts, crafts and activities for children of all ages. Listen to stories of dragons old or follow trails. Learn to fight a dragon in knight school or hone your archery skills. Come dressed as a knight or dragon for some extra fun.

MEDIEVAL STORYTELLING: COLCHESTER CASTLE, Colchester Castle Museum, Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ. Tuesday 17 February – Thursday 19 February, five sessions a day. Free after standard admission: Children £4.75, adults £7.50, families £19.75.

Hear stories from the days of yore in the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Why not visit the new Castle gift shop after?

WOODLAND WONDERS: RHS GARDEN HYDE HALL, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford,
Essex, CM3 8ET. Tuesday 17 February and Tuesday 24 February. Free admission for members. Children £4.95, adults £9.85, families £25.15.

A guided tour of Hyde Hall's gorgeous woodlands and garden. Why not stay for a soup and a roll to warm up after or visit the plant centre and gift shop.

PIRATES WEEK: MARSH FARM ANIMAL ADVENTURE PARK, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP. Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February. Tickets on sale on the door priced at £11.50 or £9.99 if you book online at www.marshfarm.co.uk.

Ahoy! Join Blackfoot the Pirate and friends as they set sails for a swashbuckling week of fun. Search for treasure on a thrilling adventure, get messy with the Crows Nest Crafts, be dazzled by some spectacular magic shows and why not dress up for some extra fun?

SNOWDROP SUNDAYS: HEDINGHAM CASTLE, Baley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex,
CO9 3DJ. Sunday 15 February and Sunday 22 February. Admission prices adults £8.50, children over 5 £6 and under 5s go free.

Romantic winter gardens in the east of England with 13 varieties of snowdrops covering the slopes of the motte and bailey. Lavenham Falconry will be there with birds of prey, while Graeme the Medieval Archer will be in the Banqueting Hall with a selection of fearsome weapons. Mulled wine will be available in Café in the Keep for the less brave.

HATCHLINGS CLUB: HANNINGFIELD RESERVOIR, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay,
Essex, CM11 1WT. Fortnightly every Tuesday, next dates are Tuesday 17 February and Tuesday 3 March. £5 per child and £3 per sibling, babies in arms go free. Booking is essential. Call 01268 711001 to book. Drinks and snacks are included in the price.

Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5s. With exciting wildlife activities on the reserve and crafts, games and music in the centre this is great outdoorsy fun.

BUDWORTH FAIR: BUDWORTH HALL, High Street, Ongar CM5 9JG. Saturday 21 February, from 10am onwards.

Come along for homemade cakes and good quality bargains like books, bric-a-brac, jewellery and much more to raise money for Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary.

WELLY WANDER: THORNDON COUNTRY PARK, Thorndon Countryside Centre, Thorndon Park North, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ. Monday 16 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm. £5 per child donation, adults are free. Booking is essential. Contact 01277 232944. Suitable for children aged six and under.

Go for a wander in the park to find a secret squirrel. Wear your best wellies, wrap and warm and get ready to have some fun.

WACKY SCIENCE: BARLEYLANDS FARM, Barleylands Road, Billericay, CM11 2UD. Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February 11.30am – 3pm daily, show times will vary. Children under two go free, children over two £9 and adults £10. Book online at www.barleylands.co.uk to save 20% or contact 01268 290229. Prices include a free train ride per person.

Each day will give you the opportunity to see five different shows with demonstrations from Mad Science. Children will love birds of prey demonstrations and hands-on Milky Way experiments – white coats and goggles included! Other activities also include lamb bottle feeding and tractor and trailer rides. 

9 things to do in Essex this half term


Chelmsford wife standing by paedophile partner who had indecent images

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THE wife of a convicted paedophile is standing by her jailed husband because she loves him and believes he has changed.

Sarah-Anne Winch, is supporting Andrew Winch, 56, who is serving a four-month term in Chelmsford Prison for downloading and possessing nearly 2,000 indecent images and videos of children.

The 32-year-old spoke to the Chronicle from the couple's Springfield home after last week's interview with Winch's former wife, Kay.

"I love him to bits, he means the world to me and I would not change that and I know for a fact at the moment he needs my support," said Sarah, who is 22 weeks pregnant with their child.

"I made a vow when I got married that I would be there no matter what, through good and bad, and to me it doesn't matter, you don't walk away from someone especially when they really need you and if it was the other way around I would expect him to be by my side."

Sarah, a college student, met Winch in a pub and the pair married in 2013.

About ten months later, on June 16, 2014, police walked into their home and arrested Winch in front of his wife.

"It was humiliating," said Sarah, who is Winch's third wife.

"Even then I didn't know what the details were. When he got back from the police station I said I support him no matter what. I said I loved him and would be there."

Winch, who pleaded guilty from the outset to ten charges of downloading and possessing indecent images from December 2012, was jailed on Thursday, January 22.

The court heard he had 308 films and pictures at level A, the most extreme, 219 at level B and 1,283 at level C on a laptop and hard drives.

Winch asked Sarah not to come to court, and she obliged out of "respect", but she was allowed her first visit to HM Prison Chelmsford last week.

The charity volunteer said: "He admitted he had done wrong and he said if he could turn back time he wouldn't do it again and that he was sorry for the problems that it had caused for me.

"I know that he is not a bad person deep down.

"I obviously strongly condemn what he has done and he knows what I would do to him if he did this again. I know he wouldn't do anything physically to anyone and at the time of these offences he was not in the right mind.

"Since then I've been trying to support him to get help. He is already seeing his GP and is on anti-depressants."

The court also heard Winch approached child protection charity The Lucy Faithfull Foundation for psychiatric help.

Sarah shrugged off comments from Winch's ex-wife.

In an interview last week, Kay, who was with Winch for about 23 years and said she walked out on their Colchester home in March 2010, branded him "depraved".

"What right does she have to condemn him?" said Sarah, who strongly denies claims by Kay that Winch's offending may pre-date December 2012.

"I can't let her get away with speaking bad of him, it's not fair when he can't defend himself."

Chelmsford wife standing by paedophile partner who had indecent images

Essex police dogs Kruga and Fidget are crowned county's best

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TWO Essex Police dogs beat stiff canine competition to be crowned the county's top hound enforcers.

German shepherd dogs Fidget and Kruga won the tracking trophy and obedience trophy respectively, accompanied by PCs Paul Nicholls and Andy Gaw at the Essex Police Dog Unit in Sandon on Thursday last week.

The quartet will now represent the constabulary at the regional police dog trials in Suffolk in March.

Every year, Essex Police dogs and their handlers compete for trophies in obedience, tracking, searching and bite work at the dog unit.

PCs Nicholls and Fidget were named overall winners, with PC Gaw and Kruga taking second.

Dog Unit Inspector Brad Dickel said: "The importance of the force dog trials cannot be underestimated.

"They are an excellent way of ensuring only the highest of standards across the board as officer's search for excellence.

"Handlers forge an excellent working relationship with their dogs and it is only right that both get the chance to sell the hard work and effort placed into everyday operations and patrol.

"The dog section continues to provide proactive support to local policing 365 days a year and will continue to support front line bobbies in making Essex a safe place to live.

"Big congratulations go to everyone who took part and the best of luck to Fidget and Kruga at the regionals."

Essex police dogs Kruga and Fidget are crowned county's best

Further arrest made following Maldon rape

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Police investigating the rape of a woman in Maldon on January 24 have made another arrest.

A 28-year-old man from Maldon was arrested last night, Friday, February 13 on suspicion of rape and possession of a controlled drug.

A woman aged in her 20s from the local area was walking away from the Fullbridge Tesco store near the underpass at Mill Lane when she was grabbed by two men, dragged in to bushes and raped.

The attack happened between 5.45pm and 6.15pm on Saturday, January 24.

The man is currently in custody.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to contact them on 01206 576845, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk

Further arrest made following Maldon rape

Man winched from River Blackwater after boat capsizes

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A man was winched from the River Blackwater yesterday after his sailboat capsized and left him in the water for 30 minutes.

The coastguard was alerted at around 2.30pm and the West Mersea lifeboat was dispatched.

Coastguard spokeswoman Jo Groenenberg said that the man, who was in his 50s, had an RAF helicopter divert from an exercise and winch him from the water and take him to a coastguard landing area.

He was then taken to Colchester Hospital.

It is believed he suffered no injuries, but was very cold due to the length of time he was in the water.

Man winched from River Blackwater after boat capsizes

Police officer hurt chasing boy with knife in Witham

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A special constable was injured last night while attempting to detain a 15 year old with a knife.

Police were called to Witham train station shortly before 8.15pm to reports of the boy with the weapon.

After a short chase, in which the special constable fell and grazed his legs and arm, the boy was arrested.

He has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and has been bailed to appear at Colchester youth court on March 4.

Police officer hurt chasing boy with knife in Witham

Man charged with arson after Braintree High Street fire

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A man will be appearing at court this morning charged in connection with a fire at a property in Braintree High Street on Wednesday, February 11

Ben Wilson, 19, was arrested in Silver End on Friday, February 13, and has been charged with arson with intent.

Shortly after 7.30pm on Wednesday police were contacted with reports of a fire above Ben's Cafe. Officers attended along with the fire service.

A man was taken to hospital for treatment to smoke inhalation.

He has since been discharged. 

Wilson, who is of no fixed address, with appear at Colchester Magistrates Court today.

Man charged with arson after Braintree High Street fire

26 things you'll never hear people in Chelmsford say

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WE love Chelmsford, but like everyone likes to moan about were they live.

So in an effort to put a positive spin on our negativity, we've come up with things that you'll never hear people in Chelmsford say, based on our favourite gripes with the birthplace of radio:

1) "You can just whizz round the Army and Navy roundabout any time of day."

2) "I really think we need more chain shops in the city centre. I wish it was more mainstream here and not so quirky."

3) "Getting a train from Chelmsford to London in rush hour is a breeze. Plus, there's always a seat spare."

4) "I'm glad I bought my V 2009 ticket before Oasis cancelled. There's not enough pop bands playing."

5) "Mrs Cod in Moulsham Street is pretty quiet after a night on the town."

6) "I'm glad we parked at the top of Tesco multi-storey car park in Springfield Road to do our Christmas shopping. We'll be home in no time!"

7) "I wish they would bring back the seating area outside McDonalds in the High Street. Those teenagers can't congregate outside properly."

8) "Chelmsford City will make it out of the Conference South play-offs this season."

9) " Chelmsford City's ground has far more atmosphere than the old terraces at New Writtle Street."

10) "People never mention 'home of radio' when talking to new acquaintances about Chelmsford."

11) "It's so much better all the street-lights are off after midnight now, I feel safe enveloped in darkness."

12) "They really need to open a Costa in Chelmsford."

13) "Sometimes at the weekend I wish I had a smaller selection of live bands to watch - it's too much."

14) "I'll be voting Labour in May."

15) "Whenever I go to Missoula there's always too many girls. It's the same everywhere in Chelmsford. The bars need more men."

16) "There's some quality motors in Riverside car park that congregate late on weekends. I bet their owners get all the girls."

17) "The TOWIE stereotype has done wonders for Chelmsford and the night-time clientele it attracts."

18) "I'm a massive fan of the generic Joey Essex look that Chelmsford blokes pull off really well - it looks really out there and different."

19) "I'm sure those kids in Central Park are drinking fizzy pop and aren't up to anything untoward."

20) "I'll meet you at Half Moon Square (area between High Chelmer and the High Street)"

21) "I think it's witty and original when people shout 'sex please' at the kebab shops in Duke Street."

22) "I haven't read a story about John Lewis in the Chronicle recently."

23) "Rail replacement service? Get in!"

24) "Having a one-way flyover is a prudent use of taxpayer's money. And it's always open in the direction I'm travelling."

25) "The Ford County Cricket Ground needs a better atmosphere for Friday night T20 games."

26) "I'm so glad we don't have problems with potholes here."

26 things you'll never hear people in Chelmsford say


Police called after woman spotted 'on roof' of Chelmsford's High Chelmer multi-storey car park

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A busy Chelmsford car park was closed and police earlier after a woman was spotted on its roof.

The High Chelmer car park was closed from about 2pm.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "Police were contacted at 2pm with concerns for a woman believed to be on the roof the High Chelmer multi-storey car park.

"Officers attended and found the woman, in her 20s, who was distressed.

"Officers took the woman to the Linden Centre."

As of 3.30pm, it is believed the car park has now been re-opened.

Police called after woman spotted 'on roof' of Chelmsford's High Chelmer multi-storey car park

Ten men of Heybridge play out stalemate with Cheshunt

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HEYBRIDGE Swifts stay above Cheshunt after the two sides came to an impasse despite the home side finished the game with ten men.

In the only talking point of the match Adeyinka Cole was shown a straight red card with just over 20 minutes left but the away side failed to capitalise on the extra man.

Both Damien Green and Aaron Gayle were promoted back to the first team in a number of changes counting the inclusion of Dagenham & Redbridge scholar Kurtis Pykes whilst manager Cliff Akurang named himself on the substitutes bench.

Cheshunt looked more comfortable on the ball in early stages and Ben Andreos was put through on seven minutes where he found space and his deflected shot almost crept into the far corner.

The home side mustered a great chance just after the quarter hour mark when Billy Hunt played a low through ball into Jack West to put him one-on-one but failed in trying to round the goalkeeper.

Both goalkeepers found were nothing more than bystanders for the majority of the first half but Danny Sambridge had to be alert just after half hour mark.

After a good passage of play from Cheshunt Jamie Smyth picked up the ball in space and let fly from 20 yards but his shot was comfortable for the Heybridge goalkeeper in the end.

The remaining quarter of the half consisted of neither side being able to make headway into the oppositions final third with much of the play being done in the midfield.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first half ended with neither side able to create any goal scoring opportunities.

The away side were starting to find space down the wings with the front three often interchanging the game was still being played at a leisurely pace.

Heybridge's afternoon was made more difficult on 68 minutes when Adeyinka Cole was shown a straight red card for an alleged stamp on a Cheshunt defender.

The red card was followed by a reshuffle from Heybridge that left a gap in the midfield encouraging Cheshunt to push forward but their defence stood strong to keep out their threat.

Captain Billy Hunt almost won the game for Swifts in stoppage time when he broke the offside trap to go one-on-one but lacked the composure to finish with his shot going well wide.

Heybridge starting line-up: Sambridge, Green, Barham, Gayle, West, O'Caeruill, Cole, White, J. West (Ashford 80), Pykes (Pedulu 64), Hunt.

Unused subs: James, Akurang, Olafunmishe.

"Did you use such force in the attack that the handle of the knife broke?" barrister asks murder accused Luke Eva

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A drug dealer accused of murdering another man who was selling Class A drugs in the same area claimed he was attacked first.

Luke Eva, of Avondale Road, Leigh on Sea, was charged with killing Michael Haastrup after a fight in a flat in Cressing Road, Braintree on April 16.

Eva claimed Mr Haastrup armed himself with a knife an claw hammer and lunged at him over a drugs turf war.

The pair met at the flat of a mutual business partner Colin Cornelius, before the brawl started and eventually spilled out into the street.

Eva, 25, told Chelmsford Crown Court he managed to get the knife from Mr Haastrup's hand and "swing out" to protect himself and was "unaware" he made contact with his rival.

But prosecution barrister, Karim Khalil QC, quizzed Luke Eva over his version of events.

"Don't play Mr Eva," he said.

"You went into Colin's room to given yourself time to get out your knife? This was before you claim he came at you for a second time."

Eva replied: "When you're in that sort of situation you just act, you don't think."

"What did you do with the knife handle, did you throw it away?" said Mr Khalil.

"At the time you were a strong young man, built like a body builder.

"I think you stabbed him so violently you broke them in the course of doing it. Did you use that knife so forcefully that it snapped off in the stabbing?"

Eva replied: "It's a possibility, I swung it out, it could have broken after, I couldn't say for sure when there's weapons flying above your head, I was getting hit with sticks."

Mr Haastrup was stabbed in the left thigh and left side of the chest and Eva claimed he was crouching down facing Haastrup whist holding the serrated kitchen knife in his left hand.

But evidence from pathologist Dr Benjamin Swift showed Haastrup was stabbed with a downwards direction in the chest.

None of Eva's blood was found inside the flat.

"You're lying about what you did. Your story doesn't explain the stab to his left thigh or the stab into his heart," said Mr Khalil.

Eva also denied saying, "that's what you get," to Haastrup as he lay slumped against a garden wall.

"That's when it all hit home and I realised what a bad way he was in and I panicked," he said.

Two witnesses, James McGowan, whose coat was slashed in a confrontation with Eva outside the flat, and a 17-year-old girl said they saw Eva with a knife outside the flat.

She told the court last week she heard Mr Haastrup say to Eva whilst standing in the doorway of Cornelius's flat: "I'm going kill you because you stabbed me."

James McGowan told the court he co-operated with police because he wanted to make sure Eva got arrested, adding: "I wanted to make sure there was justice for Michael and that man over there in the dock gets what he deserves for killing Michael."

Tests on urine taken at Braintree police station revealed diazepam (for sleeping), cocaine (from the weekend), morphine (for come down) and cannabis.

Natalie White gave evidence that she saw Luke Eva on a train from Stratford at Shenfield talking about weed, shouting and threatening to stab the person at the other end of the line.

The jury were told of Eva history of drug and assault convictions.

June 6, 2006 - Possession of offensive weapon at the age of 14/15 in which he punched and bit his victim at a bus stop armed with a cosh or baton.

October 16, 2006 - Possession of cannabis found in his underwear and trying to get away from police.

August 11, 2009 – Denied assault causing actual bodily harm but was convicted after a trial of head-butting and chipping the tooth of his female victim after entering a house of a former partner and attacking her and her a female friend.

2009 – Possession of cannabis found in his trousers along with £480 cash.

July, 31 2010 - Possession of diazepam and cannabis and was stopped for drink driving.

October 22, 2010 – Eva was found by police stuffing packets of drugs into a bush as officers arrived £6,300 cash found in the house. Eva served a prison sentence for possession with intent to supply.

February 19, 2011 – Found after leaving the scene of a road traffic accident.

August 12, 2012 – Admitted threatening and abusive towards passengers on the top deck of a bus, along with three others.

Protesters say lorries to Rivenhall quarry will cause a hazard

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VILLAGERS have put up a banner the length of an HGV lorry near a controversial quarry site to highlight the impact the additional vehicles could have on the area.

Members of the Stop The Quarry campaign group, that come from the villages of Little Braxted and Rivenhall, unfurled the 80ft sign along Little Braxted Lane, near the site of the proposed quarry at Coleman's Farm near Rivenhall on Friday last week.

Clare Dobie, leader of the group, said: "The road is in the wrong place so cars will come up at full pelt at 60 to 70 mph and won't see the lorries in time when they come round the bend. It represents a risk to all of those drivers that use the slip road.

"This is all prime agricultural land and this traffic and quarry will lead to the industrialisation of the landscape."

Developers are keen to build a quarry at the farm as part of the Essex County Council's Minerals Local Plan, which also includes quarries at Rayne, Great Leighs, Bradwell and Rivenhall Airfield.

Following a six-week consultation in February last year an independent planning inspector said the plan was "excessive", but only made only three modifications, such as identifying two sites at Bradwell as "reserves" rather than "preferred" locations.

But at a cabinet meeting in July Essex County Council approved the Mineral Local Plan and adopted it into its environmental strategy.

As a result developers could apply for planning permission to extract minerals from the approved sites, and the landowner of Coleman's Farm, Simon Bryce, applied for permission at the start of August.

John Gilvert, chairman of the parish council at Little Braxted, which borders the Coleman's farm site, said: "Ten years ago we thought we had knocked this site into touch, but it's come up again with slightly different specifications.

"It's an accident waiting to happen. It's wrong to put a gravel facility here, it's a rural side of the A12 and the farmland floods considerably when it rains.

The 57-year-old added: "The archaeology in this area has been disregarded by developers for many years. The restoration plan is a farce, I don't think the development of biodiversity should be done at the expense of the current wildlife that is already in this area.

The minerals plan, which was adopted in July 2014 by the county council, looks to excavate 40 million tonnes of gravel from across the county by 2029, 20 million tonnes of which would come from the four sites in the Braintree district.

Many residents fear the destruction of wildlife if the quarry is dug.

Ian Baker, who lives in Rivenhall, said: "This quarry will be massive and the access roads are so narrow, there will be so many lorries coming down to the entrance, it's an outrage.

"I saw an otter near here last week, they're very shy and nervous and easily scared when humans are around.

"The otter population has only just started to be reintroduced into this area and it would be terrible to lose them now because of this development."

Essex County Council cabinet member for planning, Councillor John Jowers said: "We are confident this plan will support Essex as it grows, without having a negative impact on our environment."

Today, a consultation into the ecology of the area finished.

A decision on the quarry plan is expected to be made by Essex County Council by Friday, March 27.

Protesters say lorries to Rivenhall quarry will cause a hazard

Man, 28, bailed following Maldon rape arrest

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A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the rape of a woman in Maldon in January has been released on police bail.

The man, from Maldon, was arrested on Friday, February 13, on suspicion of the attack which happened on January 24, in Mill Lane.

He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries until February 23.

Man, 28, bailed following Maldon rape arrest

Two dogs fatally poisoned 'with anti-freeze' in Brightlingsea

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Police have launched an investigation after two dogs were poisoned 'with anti-freeze' and subsequently died in Brightlingsea.

The two Chihuahua dogs, which belonged to a woman living in Southways, were taken ill after being outside in her garden on February 12.

One of the dogs died at home while the other died later at the vets.

It is believed they were poisoned with a mercury-based product, possibly anti-freeze.

The woman's third dog, a Shih Tzu, was also taken ill but is recovering.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact PC Thomas Raes at Clacton police station on 101.

Two dogs fatally poisoned 'with anti-freeze' in Brightlingsea

Man exposed self to teenage girl in Coggeshall

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Police are appealing for information after a man exposed himself to a girl in Coggeshall.

The incident happened at 3.40pm on February 11 when the teenage girl was walking in Grange Hill.

The man is described as white, aged in his 40s with dark brown hair. He was wearing dark jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officer at Braintree police station on 101.

Man exposed self to teenage girl in Coggeshall


Woman, 75, has four-figure cash sum stolen in Chelmsford Marks & Spencer theft

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An elderly woman had a four-figure sum of cash stolen from her handbag while she was out shopping in Chelmsford.

The 75-year-old woman from Chelmsford was shopping at Marks & Spencer around 11am on November 4 last year, when three people distracted her. 

She later the money had been removed from her handbag.

Police want to identify the three people, pictured, in connection with the distraction theft.

Anyone who recognises them should contact PC Chris Booth at Chelmsford police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Woman, 75, has four-figure cash sum stolen in Chelmsford Marks & Spencer theft

Bunny Walks sex attack was an 'isolated incident'

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Officers investigating an incident at the rear of McDonalds at the Riverside Retail Park have now obtained more details from the victim.

Enquiries have now established that the woman, aged in her 30s from Chelmsford, was the victim of a sexual touching incident.

At around 6am on Friday, February 13, the woman's upper body was grabbed by a man from behind. 

She fought back and the man ran off.

He was seen running away in the direct of Springfield Road.

Police are keen to stress this appears to be an isolated incident. 

A CCTV image of a man has been issued and police are keen to trace him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Chelmsford police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bunny Walks sex attack was an 'isolated incident'

Named and shamed: a round up of cases heard by Essex magistrates, Thursday, January 15 to Saturday, January 21

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CASES heard by Colchester and Chelmsford magistrates from Thursday, January 15 to Saturday, January 21.

Sent to prison

BERNANITO AMARO, 31, of London Road, Chelmsford, was sent to prison for a total of 30 weeks. He was given six weeks and three consecutive six week sentences for four counts of assaulting the same person by beating her at Chelmsford between November 1 and 30 last year. He was also given two two-week concurrent sentences for two counts of destroying a mobile phone to the value of £15 belonging to his victim; and a further two weeks concurrent for stealing £101.85 of money from her, also during November. The defendant was also given another two week concurrent sentence for possessing a quantity of cocaine, a class A drug, at Chelmsford on December 1, and had committed the offences while subject to a suspended sentence order imposed on October 28 for previous assaults on the same victim. He was given a restraining order forbidding him from contacting his victim or going to Savernake Road in Chelmsford. He must pay a total of £181.85 compensation plus an £80 victim surcharge and £300 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and forfeit the drugs and have them destroyed.

Offensive communications

GRAHAM MICHAEL LUDFORD, 47, of no known address, was fined £75 for sending a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character at Braintree on December 28. He must pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Criminal damage

TERRI MARIA EAGLETON, 35, of South End, Camden, London, was fined £73 for causing £400 of damage to a vehicle owned by another person at Chelmsford on October 27. She must pay £400 compensation, a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

KENNETH HARDAKER, 56, of Lancaster Way, Braintree, was fined £50 for causing approximately £100 of damage to a cupboard door belonging to the Salvation Army at Braintree on January 3. He must pay £100 compensation, a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

DYLAN MURTAGH, 19, of Bridge Street, Witham, was given a 12 month conditional discharge for causing £200 of damage to a vehicle belonging to another person at Braintree on October 9. He must pay £200 compensation, a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Assault

DANIEL ELLIOTT, 35, of Whitehouse Crescent, Chelmsford, was given a community order for assaulting another person by beating her at Chelmsford on December 30. The defendant must attend appointments with a responsible officer and carry out 120 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months. He was given a restraining order not to contact the victim or go to Cowdrie Way in Chelmsford. He must pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

LEE LAW, 40, of Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford, was given a community order for assaulting a woman by beating her at Chelmsford on November 24. The defendant must participate in Medium Alcohol Rehabilitation Intervention for 12 days, participate in an accredited programme for 29 days, and attend appointments with a responsible officer. He was also given a restraining order not to contact the victim or attend West Avenue in Chelmsford. He must pay £350 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

PAUL JOHN BREWER, 49, of Langley Green, Feering, was fined £110 for assaulting another person by beating him at Feering on September 13. He must pay £50 compensation, a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Drugs – possession

SIMON RICHARDS, 47, of no fixed address, was fined £75 for possessing a quantity of cannabis, a controlled class B drug, at Chelmsford on January 3. He must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS, and forfeit the drugs and have them destroyed.

TIMOTHY CHARLES SPARROW, 19, of Dunbreck Road, Eltham, London, was fined £75 for possessing a quantity of methylenedioxymethyl

amphetamine, a controlled class A drug, at Chelmsford on August 16. He must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS in addition to forfeiting the drugs and having them destroyed.

JACK RUDGE, 18, of Taylor Way, Great Baddow, was fined £225 for possessing eight grams of cannabis, a controlled class B drug, at Great Baddow Recreation Ground on September 1 last year. He must pay a £23 victim surcharge, pay £85 costs to the CPS and forfeit the drugs and have them destroyed.

Drunk and disorderly

PAUL ANDREW YOUNG, 47, of Spa Road, Witham, was fined £80 for being drunk and disorderly at Ladbrokes Bookmakers, Newland Street in Witham on January 17. He must pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Harassment

LEE DALE LAW, 40, of Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford, was given a community order for pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of another person between November 28 and December 1 last year. The defendant had entered her property in the middle of the night and slept next to her, went to her place of work, waited for her at a bus stop and approached her in Melbourne Park. The defendant must participate in Medium Alcohol Rehabilitation Intervention for 12 days, participate in an accredited programme for 29 days, and attend appointments with a responsible officer.

GLENN MCCARTHY, 45, of Hearsall Avenue, Chelmsford, was given a conditional discharge for 12 months for pursuing a course of conduct that amounted to the harassment of another person at Braintree between November 9, 2014 and January 2, 2015. He had sent unwanted test messages and emails and hand delivered a Christmas card to her home. He was given a restraining order not to contact his victim and must pay a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Illegal fishing

GRAHAM CARL ARDLEY, 52, of Keyes Way, Braintree, was fined £100 for fishing at Prestons Lake, Pebmarsh, on August 23 without a licence. He also failed to give his name and address to a water bailiff or constable. He must pay a £20 victim surcharge and pay costs of £127.47.

Public order offences

DOMINIC ALEXANDER MACDONALD, 21, of Coggeshall Road, Stisted, was fined £110 for using threatening, abusive words or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress at Braintree on October 12. He committed the offence while subject to a suspended sentence order imposed on July 31, 2013. He must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £400 costs to the CPS.

CLAIRE LOUISE WALLIS, 45, of Colyers Reach, Chelmsford, was fined £110 for using threatening, abusive or insulting words or disorderly behaviour towards another person at Chelmsford on December 12, likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. She must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

CARLY MARIE SMITH, 32, of Victoria Road, Chelmsford, was fined £37 for using threatening or abusive words or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to another person at Chelmsford on January 5. She committed the offence while subject to a six month conditional discharge order imposed on August 1. She must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Resisting Police

MATTHEW PETER LANSDOWNE, 26, of Cherry Garden Road, Maldon, was fined £110 for resisting a police constable in the execution of his duty at Maldon on January 15. He must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

River bylaws

ROBERT HOLLY, of Anvil Terrace, Dartford in Kent, was fined £300 for navigating a personal water craft in excess of the speed limit of eight knots an hour in the vicinity of Mayland Creek on the river Blackwater on August 24. He must pay a £30 victim surcharge and £250 costs.

Social security offences

SHARON WALSH, 50, of Deerhurst Chase, Bicknacre, was given a conditional discharge for three years for failing to notify Chelmsford City Council of a change in circumstances that would have affected her entitlement to council tax support on December 20, 2013. She also pleaded guilty of failing to declare £85,000 of capital on March 7, 2014 in order to claim housing benefit; and of failing to declare capital to Chelmsford City Council on December 20, 2013 with a view to gaining an advantage under the local council tax support scheme. She must pay a £15 victim surcharge and £100 costs.

HOSSEIN BAYATI, 29, of Candytuft Road, Springfield, was given a community order for six counts for making false declarations regarding his income between November 2010 and November 2013 in order to claim housing and council tax benefit. He was ordered to carry out 100 hours of supervised, unpaid work within the next 12 months, pay a £60 victim surcharge and £135 costs.

MICHAELA POULTON, 29, of Notley Road, Braintree, was fined £75 for failing to notify Braintree District Council of a change of circumstances between July 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, which would have affected her entitlement to housing benefit. She must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £200 costs.

MADISON SMITH, of Allshots Farm, Kelvedon, was given a community order for four counts of making a false representation by failing to disclose capital in order to claim housing benefit, council tax support, and income benefit between January 14, 2012 and September 2, 2014. She was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months, pay £12,717 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge, and £400 costs.

MATTHEW PETER LANSDOWNE, 26, of Cherry Garden Road, Maldon, was fined £110 for failing to notify Maldon District Council of a change of circumstances which would have affected his entitlement to working tax credits on or about July 15, 2013. He must pay £250 costs.

STEVIE-LOUISE PADGETT, 20, of Victoria Road, Maldon, was given a community order for failing to notify Maldon District Council on or about April 29, 2013, of a change of circumstances which would have affected the defendant's entitlement to housing benefit. The defendant must carry out 80 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months, and pay £1,500 compensation.

Shoplifting

RICARDO OLI BOUCHENGA, 19, of Barton Mews, Chelmsford, was committed to detention in a young offender institution for 21 days for stealing a jumper and cap to the value of £14 from Primark in Chelmsford on January 17. He must pay an £80 victim surcharge.

Attempted theft

LYNDEN GORDON HAWES, 36, of Pedlars Close, Danbury, was given a community order for attempting to steal diesel to the value of approximately £168 from L. Smith Contractors at Purleigh on December 31, together with Nathan Hawes. He also admitted damaging fuel caps to two lorries and a fuel pump pipe to the value of approximately £200 to £300, also belonging to L. Smith Contractors on December 31. He must carry out 220 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months. He must pay £234 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

NATHAN DAREN HAWES, 25, of Creasen Butt, Heybridge, was given a community order for attempting to steal £168 worth of diesel from L. Smith Contractors at Purleigh on December 31, together with Lynden Hawes. He had also damaged fuel caps to two lorries and a fuel pipe to the value of approximately £200 to £300 belonging to L. Smith Contractors, and was in possession of one gram of cannabis, a controlled class B drug. He must carry out 200 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months, pay £234 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS, in addition to forfeiting the drugs and having them destroyed.

Town & Country Planning

LAURA LAKE, of Mill End, Good Easter, was fined £1,000 for failing to ensure that land opposite Shipton Farm, Saffron Walden, was not used for accommodation on July 16, in breach of an enforcement notice issued on October 16, 2013 by Uttlesford District Council. She had failed to remove one of the caravans and domestic paraphernalia by the time asked. She must pay a £100 victim surcharge and costs of £264.24. 

Careless driving

LADISZLAU STEFAN SZABO, 41, from Romania, was given eight penalty points on his driving licence for driving a heavy goods vehicle without due care and attention along the A12 at Boreham on June 13. He had collided with a car travelling in the second lane of the A12. The impact caused the car to turn sideways and the vehicle was then pushed sideways along the carriageway by the HGV until both vehicles came to a stop. He was fined £400 and must pay a £40 victim surcharge and £60 costs.

Drink-driving

BRADLEY CRICK, 20, of Flanders Close, Braintree, was given a community order and disqualified from driving for two years for driving along Manor Street at Braintree on January 3 after he had been drinking. The proportion of alcohol measured 102 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, just under three times the limit. He was ordered to carry out 80 hours of supervised, unpaid work within the next 12 months, pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

HENRY GEORGE A HARVEY, 22, of Elm Road, Chelmsford, was disqualified from driving for 19 months for driving along Wood Street in Chelmsford on January 5 after he had been drinking. The proportion of alcohol measured 72 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the limit. He was fined £230 plus a £23 victim surcharge and must pay £85 costs to the CPS.

TAPIWANASHE KANJAKWA, 19, of Spooner Close, Chelmsford, was banned from driving for 20 months for driving along Princes Road, Chelmsford, on December 28, after he had been drinking. The proportion of alcohol measured 82 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the limit. He was fined £110 and must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Other driving offences

CUMALI TURHAN, 35, of Linnet Drive, Chelmsford, was disqualified from driving for six months due to repeat offending. He had driven along Springfield Road, Chelmsford, on February 9 last year without insurance or a valid UK driver's licence, and his vehicle did not have all the headlights in good working order. He was fined £150 plus a £20 victim surcharge and £90 costs.

CONSTANTIN GAMAN, 22, of Duke Street, Chelmsford, was given three penalty points on his driving licence for failing to have proper control of his vehicle when driving along Railway Street, Chelmsford, on March 11. The defendant had mounted the kerb whilst using a mobile phone, contravened mobile keep left signs at roadworks and mounted a pedestrian island. He was fined £400 and must also pay a £40 victim surcharge and pay £90 costs.

Named and shamed: a round up of cases heard by Essex magistrates, Thursday, January 15 to Saturday, January 21

Pop legends Madness to perform at Chelmsford City Racecourse in June

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British pop legends Madness have announced that they will play at Chelmsford's City Racecourse in June.

The London ska band, famous for hits such as Our House, Baggy Trousers and It Must Be Love, is set to come to the city for its 'Grandslam' tour, which is billed as "the UK's greatest outdoor tour ever".

Madness, who will also be singing some of their new songs, will be performing on Wednesday, June 3, with gates opening at 3pm. A Chelmsford City Racecourse spokesman said "We are expecting a sell-out day and anticipate that this event will firmly secure Chelmsford City Racecourse as a premier destination for Music as well as Racing. "It's wonderful to host this Concert at the heart of the region here at Chelmsford City Racecourse."

The band, which formed in 1976, had its first album released in 1979 and its second - called Absolutely - was released a year later and rose to number two in the UK charts, while 1981 saw the release of the catchy It Must Be Love. 

In 1982, they released House Of Fun - their only number one hit to date. 

The band split in 1986 before regrouping in 1992. 


When is the concert? 

At Chelmsford City Racecourse, on Wednesday, June 3. Gates will open from 3pm.


When can I buy the tickets?

Tickets go on sale from Friday (February 20).


Where can I buy the tickets?

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

www.grandslammadness.co.uk

www.lizhobbsgroup.com


How much will I have to pay?

£35 for general admission

£99 for a family ticket (admits two adults and two children up to 16 years of age)

£55 for the Gladness Beer Garden, an exclusive tour t-shirt and a commemorative P.E.T glass

Pop legends Madness to perform at Chelmsford City Racecourse in June

Chelmsford amputee with diabetes needs to find builder

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A DIABETIC double amputee says he is trapped in his own home until he finds a builder he can trust to turn his perilous outdoor step into a ramp.

Colin Pickard, 51, of Riverside, Chelmsford, knocked himself unconscious several weeks ago when his wife Carol, 64, attempted to help him get out of the house in his wheelchair.

He said: "There is a nine-inch step stopping me from getting out of the house.

"When my wife tried to get me out of the house in my wheelchair, I fell out of it. There was blood everywhere, I lost consciousness and my wife wasn't able to lift me inside.

"When I came round I had to crawl into the house and I lay on the carpet, freezing cold for 15 minutes until the ambulance came and took me to hospital.

"I used to do maintenance work, and I would have been able to do that step myself, but I can't do it anymore, with my legs and the pain I have in my hands from the diabetes."

Mr Pickard lost his right leg several years ago after a diabetic ulcer on his toe led to him contracting gangrene and his whole leg had to be amputated.

He lost the bottom of his left leg last year following further complications. Since then he has been unable to leave his house safely.

But previous bad experiences with workmen have left the couple scared to use unknown builders, and they said they had asked Chelmsford City Council to recommend someone, but hadn't heard back.

"When we got our kitchen done, it took the builders one year to do it, and we just want to know who the council uses to do its building work, it's so frustrating," Mr Pickard said.

"I used to do work like that and I think it would take about two hours to finish, but I can't do it myself now.

"We just want a recommendation from them; we'll pay for it ourselves. We just want to find a reliable builder and we don't know who else to ask."

And without any idea where to go for help next, Mr Pickard remains essentially housebound, as leaving the house without a proper ramp in place has proven perilous.

Mrs Pickard said: "You see so much on TV about people getting ripped off by builders, and we don't have the internet, so we just don't know where to look.

"I thought the council could help us. All we are asking for is a recommendation, and it seems like we're asking for the world."

A Chelmsford City Council spokeswoman said it was looking into the matter, and would do its best to help the couple in any way it could.

Chelmsford amputee with diabetes needs to find builder

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