Born with the voice of a reggae and soul soloist, a white Jewish musician from Ongar will be attempting to win over the judges on BBCs new singing competition.

Moni Tivony, who lives in Ongar, will be performing his own rendition of Bob Marley's classic track No Woman no Cry on Saturday's broadcast of The Voice – the last in the blind auditions.

The 32-year-old whose love of soul music can be plainly heard – he dubs himself a Jewmaican – will be among the last vying for the votes of Tom Jones, Danny O'Donoghue, Jessie J and will.i.am

He said: "I'm quite a tonal singer. And the face and voice don't go. People don't expect to see a white Jewish guy when they hear me sing

"I've listed to Bob Marley since I was a kid. What I love is the feeling, lyrics, content and the meaning behind it that brings music to the masses.

"What I love is you can't moving to a good reggae song and particularly a good Bob Marley song. You can't knock a great artist like him.

Moni has written songs for Peter Andre and makes money as a Lionel Richie tribute act –

Coming from a musical family, Moni credits his parents for giving him his vocal ability-singing. At school, his class mates were always trying to get him to sing. At 16, he started going to karaoke bars around his local area, growing in confidence and ability.

It wasn't long before Moni was offered a publishing deal which is where he began writing for artists like Peter Andre. He loves Motown and dreams of collaborating with Stevie Wonder.

He said: "I love music. It's my passion and it's what I plan to do until I can't do it anymore.

"Ultimately my goal is to get a record deal and create a lot of hype on the music scene.

"I've been given a gift. And I intend to use it."

Moni Tivony will be performing on The Voice tomorrow (Saturday May 4) on BBC One, 8.05pm.

 
A 17-year-old Maldon youth appeared in court today accused of sex offences involving an Alsatian dog.
 
He is alleged to have carried out the offences with the dog in front of children and to have recorded them on his own iPhone Chelmsford Youth Court was told.
 
The youth, who for legal reasons cannot be identified, was granted conditional bail and is now due to appear at Basildon Youth Court on 16 May for a district judge to decide which court the full case should be heard in.
 
As well as the offences with the dog the youth is also accused of of sexual touching of a 13 year old girl and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a children, aged 11 and 12.
 
He is further accused of an act of outraging public decency at a park off Princes Road, Maldon, between the same dates by behaving in an indecent manner.

The youth was accompanied by his parents in court.

 
 
The fifth day of the Paul Groves' murder trial into the death of self-style "gangster" Billy-Boy Martindale has been spent in legal argument.

The jury at Chelmsford Crown Court was sent home at lunchtime today and will return on Tuesday when they will hear closing speeches from both prosecutor Simon Spence QC and defence barrister Graham Trembath QC.

Those will be followed by the summing up of Mr Justice Sweeney after which they will retire to consider their verdict.

Groves, 34, of Queensway, Ongar, denies murdering William Martindale, 39, at his smallholding Meadow View Farm, Mill Lane, High Ongar, on 7 September last year.

The prosecution alleges that Groves and Mr Martindale, who lived in Cripsey Avenue, Chipping Ongar,  fell out over a drug dispute. It's alleged that Groves punched Mr Martindale unconscious and then hit him twice on his head with a pick-axe handle, causing fatal head injuries.

Groves also denies inflicting grievous bodily harm to Mr Martindale's friend Paul Meeking, 54, of Barking, with intent.

He has claimed I court that he thought Mr Martindale was armed with a shotgun or machete and was lunging towards him.

He told the jury he panicked and struck him with the pick-axe handle and left, believing Mr Martindale was unconscious.

The trial continues.

Springfield's Blockbuster store is set to benefit after the firm announced plans to invest a substantial amount of money in its existing stores.

The company is offering customers the opportunity to rent a new movie release for one night for £1.99

The store will also benefit from future plans to expand its product range, which will see music and books available for the first time.
Blockbuster managing director Gary Warren, said: "We are absolutely focused on building Blockbuster to be a long-term proposition. 
We are committed to supporting all of our 264 stores and hope to eventually grow the business and create jobs in the local area."

The move comes after Brentwood's High Street store was closed,with the Gazette reporting on concerns of a new Morrison's M store being built
on the empty site

Morrison's have bought 49 Blockbuster stores since the firm entered administration.

The supermarket giant could not confirm whether a new store would be built and a spokesperson for Blockbuster said: "We currently have no information about the Brentwood store."

 
A 19 year old Tolleshunt Major youth who caused the death of a 60 year old motorcyclist has been spared jail and instead been made subject of a community order.

Joshua Bolding, of Bonds, Tolleshunt D'Arcy Road, Tolleshunt Major, Maldon, pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to causing the death of Michael Marshall in Burnham Road, Latchington, on 28 June last year by inconsiderate driving.

The court was told that at the time of the crash Bolding was looking for a friend's address and was using SatNav.

Mr Marshall, of Fambridge Road, Maldon, who was riding a blue Honda CBR motorbike was certified dead at the scene.

Imposing a two year community order with 200 hours unpaid work and a three year driving ban, Judge Charles Gratwicke said: "This was a terrible tragedy caused by you.  I accept this was caused by your momentary inattention as you sought to find an address you were looking for.

"You've shown genuine remorse and you're a hardworking and decent young man and its had a profound effect on you. I have little doubt the consequences of what you've done will be with you for a long time."

However, he said: "The effect on you is nothing like the effect on the Marshall family and the consequences of what you did will remain with others far longer.

"A wife lost a beloved husband and children a much loved father. They have been left with an unfillable void. There is a sense of outrage shared by the wider public which feels anxiety about the loss of life which features in cases like this."

Prosecutor Richard Stevens said: "Bolding was looking for a friend's house and was relying on SatNav.

"He had indicated turning and cancelled that once and a second time before turning the third time. It was momentary inattention."

Emma Davenport, mitigating, said: "He was looking for an address and was unfamiliar with the road. He expresses remorse and he's concerned for the family of Mr Marshall." 

THE deadline is fast approaching for residents to tell Havering Council what their priorities are for the borough.

People are being asked to complete the "Your Council, Your Say" survey to help the authority understand the needs and issues of local people.

The short survey asks for people's opinions on council services, local streets and parks. Everyone who takes part has their chance to list their own top priorities for their area.

The survey has had a great response since it opened on March 25.

The closing date is 5pm on May 7 and all Havering residents aged 16 or over are encouraged to fill it in so that they don't miss out.

The survey is available online at www.havering.gov.uk/yoursay

Those who prefer a paper version can pick one up from libraries and the Public Advice and Service Centre.

The information collected in the survey will be used to influence the council's priorities and decision making over the next two years.

The previous survey in 2011 made it clear what residents' main priorities and concerns were.

In response, the council says it kept weekly bin collections, protected parks and libraries, cared for vulnerable people and invested in maintaining and improving the borough's roads and pavements.

"IF you notice a mole on your leg get it checked out as soon as possible because it could be cancer."

This is the advice that cancer survivor Jerri Turko gave out to shoppers in Brentwood town centre.

The 22-year-old former Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School pupil was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer, two years ago after doctors initially believed there was "nothing to worry about".

Medics later said the condition could have been caused by the use of sunbeds – despite the fact that Miss Turko only used tanning centres once a year before going away on holiday.

She joined Macmillan support workers in High Street to talk to Brentwood shoppers about both living with and living after cancer.

Recalling the day she was diagnosed, Miss Turko said: "It was a massive shock.

"I had a mole on my leg like a little freckle and it just got bigger and bigger.

"The doctors said it was nothing to worry about and I thought nothing of it until a couple of years ago it got even bigger."

The tumour was removed in an operation and Miss Turko is now on the way to making a complete recovery.

She said she is thankful for all the support she received during her illness – including from Macmillan.

She said: "I've got really good family and friends but I also had a Macmillan nurse called Lorraine – she helped me out a lot.

"I could just call her if I had any questions.

"She even came to see me in June when I had the operation – they really are there to help."

She continued: "It can be difficult to offer advice to some people because cancers and situations are all different.

"It's important to stay strong, although it's hard and it can really get you down."

Macmillan's Dave Ball said: "We've spoken to people who are living with the disease and lots of people living beyond the disease.

"It's been a really worthwhile day and it's rewarding to be able to go out and reach people."

TWO childhood sweethearts have found the perfect wedding venue just weeks before the big day thanks to a Chronicle appeal.

Megan Lambert and Andrew Spoore will tie the knot at Margaretting's Furze Hill hotel on June 1, after their original venue, Great Baddow Barn, cancelled after the business changed hands.

When the hotel's owners read about the couple's plight in the Chronicle, they offered to rescue their wedding at a discount price, because most of the couple's budget had already been spent.

"The minute I walked in I just loved it," said payroll supervisor Megan after she toured the venue with her mother Dawn.

"From then on, all weekend, I had my fingers crossed that Furze Hill could offer us something.

"I was too scared to open my e-mails and when it came, I waded through the writing just to find the price. What they can do for us is just amazing."

The husband and wife-to be spent £100 on a deposit for the old venue, two years ago, and nearly £300 on invitations, while their overall budget had been reduced from £8,000 to nearly £6,000.

But Heritage Leisure director Jason Bartella, who also runs Pontlands Park, offered a discount on the wedding package price of £72 per-person.

The two will marry at All Saints Church in Writtle, but will host 55 guests for a wedding breakfast and 80 for their reception party at the hotel in Ivy Barns Lane.

"I haven't chosen it just because I had to – it's really nice," said Megan, mother to four-month-old Bobby.

"The function room has everything. It's got great trees growing in the inside which go all the way into the garden – which is beautiful.

"In the summer they pick grapes off the trees."

Megan's' landscape gardener fiancé, 25, put the planning entirely in the hands of his wife-to-be.

"When I got the confirmation e-mail he could tell how happy I was," added Megan of Park View Crescent, Chelmsford.

"No one likes to hear of someone getting let down," said Heritage Leisure PA Vicki Adley-Webb, 35.

"It's such short notice but we have the room available so it's a win-win situation."

Heritage Leisure is also offering discounts for other couples hit by the Great Baddow Barn debacle.

Earlier last month, a friend of Megan's revealed how her party at Great Baddow Barn in Galleywood Road has been cancelled, after the tenants Great Baddow Barn Ltd left in early April.

It then transpired then Megan's wedding to Andrew had also been cancelled.

The venue, formerly Seabrights Barn, is owned by Spirit Leased pubs, but currently has no tenant.

When the Chronicle spoke to the interim manager he said: "I don't divulge anything to anybody."

Megan added: "I'm really grateful to the Chronicle because I was completely stuck.

"But thankfully you were able to help right when I needed it."

THESE hardy young farmers hauled a tractor 16 miles along the streets of Essex to raise money for the county's air ambulance.

It took about 20 Essex Young Farmers almost seven hours to pull the two-and-a-half tonne vehicle all the way from Toppesfield Hall in Great Yeldham to Great Dunmow.

They went via Finchingfield, Great Bardfield and Great Easton and were kept going by friends dishing out food and drinks from a trailer being towed alongside.

Steven Mynott, 26, from Gosfield, is chairman of the Halstead Young Farmers Association.

He said: "Everyone was so knackered after, most people were still feeling the effect days after the tractor pull.

"We were kept going by the thought of getting to the pub, most of us stayed in there until closing."

Most of the group are young farmers, but some non-farmers were invited along to help out – and a short distance was completed by a 30-strong all-female group pulling the tractor.

More than £1,000 was raised, with 25 per cent going to the air ambulance and the rest to the Essex Young Farmers fund to build its new HQ at Chatham Green.

The event was organised by Halstead Young Farmers and Dunmow Young Farmers – headed by Sam Body, 21, from Braintree.

He said: "It was really hard, harder than we originally thought. The whole day went really well, there was no point where I thought we wouldn't do it, but some of the hills were really tough.

"My knees were quiet sore after and we didn't train for it, which was a bit silly. We do a lot of manual labour so we were used to it, but 16 miles is no mean feat."

Sponsoring the tractor pull was The Saracens Head pub in Dunmow, along with the National Farmers Union.

On May 19 they will gather again for the Essex Young Farmers Country Show at Boyton Hall, Roxwell.

FROM hand-to-hand combat in the Burmese jungle to tackling towering infernos in London as a firefighter, Bill Hickey has not exactly lived a quiet life.

But as he turns 100 this month, he says it is camping with friends and enjoying the peace of rural Essex that gives him a real thrill.

"There is nothing better than sitting outside a caravan with a cup of tea and the birds singing – the world just becomes so peaceful," said the Chelmsford man, who celebrated his milestone birthday with a party for all his family last weekend.

Bill was born in Ireland in 1913. His father was Catholic and his mother was a Protestant, an Englishwoman called Ruth. They moved to England because Bill's father's family did not approve of their marriage.

Growing up in London and working 12-hour shifts in a bakery, the young Bill realised he had only one chance to escape.

"At that time unless your parents had money then you had little or no prospects, you were virtually a slave," said the pensioner.

"I thought to myself there must be more than this to life and so joining the Army seemed the best way forward."

So at just 14 he joined the Royal Horse Artillery, serving in India and carrying out covert missions against the Italian army in East Africa.

Then, as the Second World War broke out, the father-of-four was shipped out to Burma.

"We were trained in martial arts so we could fight the Japanese in hand-to-hand combat in the swamps of the jungle," said Bill.

"Any man that tells you he wasn't scared was a liar. But when it came to it, the instinct for survival took over and you didn't think, you just did.

"You used knives, guns, teeth, anything – we had to be like animals," Bill added.

Waiting at home for the young soldier was his childhood sweetheart Vera, who he married in 1939 before enduring four years apart.

The couple spent much of their married life in London with their four daughters and Bill once again risking his life – this time as a firefighter, before moving to Chelmsford 14 years ago.

"When we started getting a little older our family encouraged us to move here, and we chose Chelmsford as a lot of our friends were nearby," said Bill, who has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Vera died at 82, just weeks before the couple would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Bill added: "I think the secret is to live your life properly and not abuse anything.

"I live by the saying 'do as you would be done by', you've always got to be willing to help others."

A NEW project to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder is set to be launched by the Government.

Under the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme, £2 million will be invested by both district and county councils to help people buy their first home.

District councillor David Bebb, cabinet member for performance and efficiency at Braintree District Council, said: "The combination of high house prices and caution over lending from banks means many potential first-time buyers cannot save a sufficient deposit, even though they could afford mortgage payments on a typical first home.

"This scheme is designed to bridge that gap. Together with Essex County Council, we can encourage young people to buy a property in the district."

Under the plan, people will only need a five per cent deposit, with the council guaranteeing a further 20 per cent of the loan. It means a first-time buyer will be able to get a 95 per cent mortgage on the same terms as a 75 per cent mortgage from a high street lender. The maximum loan from a lender will be set at £237,500, enabling borrowers to buy a home of up to £250,000.

Details of the scheme are yet to be finalised, but it is expected to be launched in July.

BRAINTREE BULLETS BMX club fielded 39 entries at rounds two and three of the National BMX racing series at the new venue Cyclopark in Gravesend.

The venue is a purpose-built, multi-discipline cycling venue aimed to bring cycling to the forefront in the South East.

The racing got underway with the cruiser classes and Jake Coombs was the first Bullet on track (9-12years) taking consistent finishes across the weekend's racing to finish third on day one and second on day two.

Shane Redgewell (13-14 years) took two second place finishes while Charlie Giles had his first outing in the cruiser racing and adapted well to the bigger wheels, with two seventh place finishes (15-16 years).

In the 17-29 age group, Oli Cutmore started where he left off after round one with another win when he overcame clubmate Chris Potter (fourth).

On day two, Potter came out the better of the two with third to Cutmore's fifth. Lana Redgewell rode in the equivalent girls class and had some great races to finish fifth in round two, but a crash in round three saw her slip back to sixth.

Another rider in her first attempt at national racing was Jen Cannons in the 30-plus ladies class, who narrowly missed out on the finals.

Lastly in the cruisers was club coach Julian Allen, returning to national racing after injury, and who rode to seventh on Saturday.

The racing progressed to the Challenge classes and in the U7 boys, Henry Rowe made the B final both days and finished seventh and eighth.

In the nines, Seb Pantlin had to settle for the B finals. On day two he took second place. Tyler Carter in the tens, worked his way to third in the Sunday racing.

Tom Stokes in the 11's wound up in the B finals both days taking a fifth and a fourth.

The Bullets had five riders in the 12's, with Ollie Rowe finishing second on day one. Shane Redgewell and George Moret, in the 14's, took fourth and fifth in the B final.

In the 15's, Ryan Hutchinson competed in his first season of nationals and took fourth place in the A finals on day one and third the next day.

Lee Golder crashed on day two but still managed to win the B final. Josh Butson settled for third in the B final, but gained second place in the A final of day two.

In the 15-16 girls, Kelsey Dixon took fifth in the B final, while Isabel Potter missed the finals on day one, but dug deep on day two to seventh in the B final.

Oli Cutmore was the sole representative in the 17-29's class and he finished sixth in the A final.

In the championship/elite classes , Taylor Andrews and Potter Potter came in sixth in the B final on Sunday. In the equivalent girls' class, Redgewell made her way to the top 16 on both days.

 
A 19 year old Tolleshunt Major youth who caused the death of a 60 year old motorcyclist has been spared jail and instead been made subject of a community order.

Joshua Bolding, of Bonds, Tolleshunt D'Arcy Road, Tolleshunt Major, Maldon, pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to causing the death of Michael Marshall in Burnham Road, Latchington, on 28 June last year by inconsiderate driving.

The court was told that at the time of the crash Bolding was looking for a friend's address and was using SatNav.

Mr Marshall, of Fambridge Road, Maldon, who was riding a blue Honda CBR motorbike was certified dead at the scene.

Imposing a two year community order with 200 hours unpaid work and a three year driving ban, Judge Charles Gratwicke said: "This was a terrible tragedy caused by you.  I accept this was caused by your momentary inattention as you sought to find an address you were looking for.

"You've shown genuine remorse and you're a hardworking and decent young man and its had a profound effect on you. I have little doubt the consequences of what you've done will be with you for a long time."

However, he said: "The effect on you is nothing like the effect on the Marshall family and the consequences of what you did will remain with others far longer.

"A wife lost a beloved husband and children a much loved father. They have been left with an unfillable void. There is a sense of outrage shared by the wider public which feels anxiety about the loss of life which features in cases like this."

Prosecutor Richard Stevens said: "Bolding was looking for a friend's house and was relying on SatNav.

"He had indicated turning and cancelled that once and a second time before turning the third time. It was momentary inattention."

Emma Davenport, mitigating, said: "He was looking for an address and was unfamiliar with the road. He expresses remorse and he's concerned for the family of Mr Marshall." 

A fantasist who posed as a military policeman at a Chelmsford hotel handcuffed a customer to a lift, manhandled a male receptionist and offered a female receptionist £50 to take her knickers off.

Now Miley Byrne, 25, who pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates Court to two offences of assault while impersonating a police officer and having police items in his possession has been made subject of a community order.

Magistrates ruled that Byrne, of 103, Challis Lane, Braintree, must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 legal costs.

The offences were committed by Byrne, who has a previous conviction for a similar matter, on 28 February this year.

As he sentenced him chairman of the magistrates, Brian King told him : "You may like to live this way and think its exciting. Your victims don't think it is."

The court was told that Byrne went to the hotel claiming to be protecting the 15 year daughter of a US ambassador and over the course of six hours fulfilled his "fantasy" involving staff and customers.

A female receptionist was persuaded to put her hands on the desk while he "used his feet to spread her legs" and told her : "I'll give you £50 if you take off your knickers."

He also placed a male night receptionist on the ground in a "sleeper" hold and handcuffed a customer to the inside of the hotel lift. When arrested, he had military police and a fire fighter's uniforms in his possession.

Andrew Andrews, mitigating, said: "He accepts living a life through a fantasy. He genuinely believed he was acting as a police officer and going about his business as a police officer."

He said that at the time Byrne was a hotel worker though he has now lost his job.

Mr Andrews added :"It was part of the persona he was following at the time. The offence was spur of the moment during his fantasy role as a police officer."

Kathy Wilson. prosecuting, said: "He made a booking at the Travel Lodge as Mr N. (Military Police) and on arrival he was dressed in what staff believed was a Military Police uniform.

"His T-shirt had written in white 'Military Police/Close Protection' and he wore police trousers, a belt, boots, and an ear piece and had handcuffs and a torch.

"He approached the counter claiming he was a protection officer for a 15 year old girl who was the daughter of a US Ambassador and said she was in room 221 being guarded by bomb disposal experts.

"He told staff not to enter the door of the room because they would get a bullet in the head and suggested that a sniper team had surrounded the building."

Miss Wilson added that Byrne, had previously claimed at  a hospital to have been guarding someone who had come in from Heathrow Airport.

end

MITCH Chittock was Chelmsford Amateur Boxing Club's only representative at the recent show at St Regent Hotel, Chigwell.

Mitch was against home boxer Mikey London of Gator ABC.

The first round saw Chittock throw some great combinations which completely overwhelmed his opponent. Round two saw Chittock's aggression push London back continuously. The Debden boxer tried to come back, but Chittock kept cool.

The third and final round saw the young Chelmsford lad's determination and great skill dominate a game opponent. There was no doubt when the referee raised Chittock's arm with a unanimous verdict from the judges.

Coaches Mark Siggers and Ben Cooke were proud of Chittock's display and state that with continued hard work, he will be one to watch next season.

Local fans will be able to watch some great boxing talent on May 11 when Chelmsford ABC host the All England Junior Aba Quarter-Finals at The New Marconi Club, Great Baddow. Doors open at 12.30pm and boxing will begin at 1.30pm.

The Eastern Counties champions will be boxing the Western and Home Counties champions. Three age categories will be competing with nearly 30 contests.

Club president Mick Hull said: "This will be a total feast of boxing talent and the locals will be watching a champion of the future for sure. The club are proud to be invited to host such an event and bring top-quality boxing to our city. Everyone at the club will be helping to make sure the boxing show is a success, so we are asked to hold such a spectacle again."