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Five-car A12 crash halts commuters

June 5, 2014, 3:19 am
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A car crash on the A12 motorway involving five vehicles has caused severe commuter delays this morning (June 5). The collision happened near junction 20B at Hatfield Peverel heading London bound. The crash, which occurred just before 7.30am this morning, involved a Range Rover Vogue, a Volkswagen Polo, a Mercedes E220, a Fiat 500 and a Ford Fiesta. Ambulances and paramedics were at the scene although no one is thought to have required hospital treatment. A police spokesman said: "Police were called at 7.30am this morning to reports of five-vehicle road traffic collision on the A12 London bound carriageway. "Ambulance and paramedics were in attendance with one lane being blocked and a road closure was put into place while the scene was cleared – the road reopened at 8.24am." Also on the A12 this morning, heading north bound, a car accident involving four cars slowed traffic at the Brook Street roundabout.

Five-car A12 crash halts commuters

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Police helicopter called to Chelmsford after 'stolen' Peugeot spotted by officers

June 5, 2014, 3:50 am
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Two men were arrested after the police helicopter was dispatched above Chelmsford to help track suspects who drove off in a suspected stolen car. Officers spotted the yellow Peugeot 106 on the A138 yesterday (June 4) and it failed to stop after being approached. The car was later found abandoned in Chelmer Valley Road amd two suspects, aged 20 and 21, arrested shortly after in Arun Close on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent. A police spokesman said: "Police monitoring an automatic number plate recognition camera in the Chelmsford area were alerted at 11am yesterday. "The vehicle failed to stop for officers and the police helicopter was called to assist. The pair ws subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries to report back on June 19.

Police helicopter called to Chelmsford after 'stolen' Peugeot spotted by officers

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Essex star James Foster misses out on England Test call

June 5, 2014, 4:09 am
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Essex captain James Foster has missed out on a spot in the England squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka. Some stunning glovework and excellent batting in the early stages of the season had seen many observers tipping the 34-year-old to make his first Test appearance for 12 years. But the selectors have plumped for Matt Prior after the Sussex man proved his fitness against Nottinghamshire this week. Alastair Cook is therefore the only Essex player to make the squad, the first named under new coach Peter Moores. Uncapped Sam Robson, Moeen Ali and Chris Jordan are all in the squad for the game at Lord's next week.

Essex star James Foster misses out on England Test call

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Work to protect Chelmsford homes from flooding begins

June 5, 2014, 4:50 am
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WORK to protect more than 1,200 homes and businesses in Chelmsford from flooding has begun. The measures contained in the Chelmsford Flood Alleviation Scheme includes work at Margaretting such as passing bays, a temporary 30mph speed limit, pothole repairs, drainage, and timber bollards around the village green. The scheme is being jointly funded by Chelmsford City Council, as part of the European funded Floodcom project, and the Environment Agency. It is hoped the changes will protect homes and businesses in high-rish areas of the city, in particular those vulnerable to River Chelmer, Can and Wid. An embankment on the River Wid, on which construction work is scheduled to start this summer, will hold back flood water, allowing the waters from the Can and Chelmer to stay within their channels and banks for longer.

Work to protect Chelmsford homes from flooding begins

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Arsenal plot move to make French wonderkid the next Anelka

June 5, 2014, 5:36 am
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Arsenal have made a bid for highly-rated French teenager Kingsley Coman. The 17-year-old PSG winger has snubbed a new contract at the French giants and could be available. The move would echo the deal Arsene Wenger pulled off in 1997 when he snapped up Nicolas Anelka from PSG for just £500,000. Juventus and Newcastle are also interested in the player, but the Gunners are the front runners for the player whose pace and power have seen him compared to Paul Pogba.
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Chelmsford man allegedly stabbed in Great Baddow 'failed to notice injury until later'

June 5, 2014, 6:25 am
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A 22-year-old Chelmsford man claims he was robbed before being rushed to hospital with stab wounds. The victim claims he was injured by an implement between 1.30am and 2.30am on Friday, May 30, on Meadgate Avenue, Great Baddow. He claims the suspect emerged from a footpath leading past the allotments and The Royal British Legion club to Baddow Road before stealing his phone. The victim was not immediately aware of his injury and it was only once at a friend's house that an ambulance was called. The suspect is described as 6ft tall, medium build, wearing dark clothing, a hooded top and as speaking with a local accent. DC Ray Hull is asking the public to contact police if they have picked up the victim's old-style Nokia phone. Anyone with any information should contact DC Hull at Chelmsford CID on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Chelmsford man allegedly stabbed in Great Baddow 'failed to notice injury until later'

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Essex firefighters to go on strike for 24 hours in pensions dispute

June 5, 2014, 6:30 am
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ESSEX firefighters are set to strike for 24 hours later this month in a continuing dispute over pensions. Members of the Fire Brigades Union are set to stop work between 9am next Thursday to 9am Friday – the longest strike period in the three-year dispute over rising pension payments. In a statement, the union said that "between the two strikes firefighters will not carry out any voluntary overtime — which is routinely needed by many fire and rescue services to maintain fire cover — or conduct training of strikebreakers". Speaking about the reasons before the strike, the union said that before 2010, firefighters already contributed "one of the highest proportions of their salary towards their pensions (11 per cent), and in April this increased for the third year running". Now, it said that firefighters pay over £4,000 a year from a £29,000 salary, with increases inspected by 2015. The union also highlighted concerns that firefighters who are forced to retire before the age of 60 will have half their pensions taken away. Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "It is as ever a difficult decision for us to take strike action, but the only way for us to resolve this unnecessary and costly dispute is for the government to start listening to reason." Another strike has also been announced for Saturday, June 21 between 10am-5pm. The two strikes will be the 13th and 14th over pensions since September last year.

Essex firefighters to go on strike for 24 hours in pensions dispute

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Baby poisoning cases spread to two Essex hospitals

June 5, 2014, 7:30 am
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Two new cases of babies being diagnosed with blood poisoning from a suspected contaminated drip could emerge at two Essex hospitals. Public Health England said it was awaiting confirmation after further testing on one probable case at Southend Hospital after a baby showed clinical symptoms Meanwhile, experts are also waiting on one possible case at Basildon Hospital. A baby is showing clinical symptoms, but blood testing did not confirm the infection. Another case and a positive test for 'Bacillus cereus' has been confirmed at Peterborough City Hospital. The babies, who became unwell last week, are responding to antibiotic treatment. It was reported to Public Health England this week and the contaminated batches have since been withdrawn. It brings the number of cases to 18, including one death. They were diagnosed at three London hospitals, including Guy's and St Thomas's, where the fatality occurred on Sunday (June 1). A spokesman for Public Health England said: "Following the Class 1 drug alert by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to support the manufacturer's recall of the product on June 3, we are confident that any remaining stock of this medicine is not being used in hospitals. "The MHRA is continuing its investigation into this incident and the manufacturer is co-operating fully."

Baby poisoning cases spread to two Essex hospitals

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Chelmsford man Wesley Roche ran illegal skin piercing business from home

June 5, 2014, 8:00 am
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A MAN who ran an illegal skin piercing business from his home has been fined for the rogue operation. Wesley Roche, 36, of Meon Close, Chelmsford, was found guilty on Monday at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court of running an unregistered skin piercing business from his home address. Chelmsford City Council officers began investigating the matter last October following a complaint from a member of the public. Roche, who denied two charges of carrying out piercings without a licence, was fined £500 and £425 in costs. Chelmsford City Council cabinet member for safer communities, Councillor Ian Grundy said: "This sends a clear message to the industry that failure to register skin piercing activity will not be tolerated by Chelmsford City Council. "Registration is important because it means that Officers know where people are trading and can check that hygienic procedures are being followed. "Those visiting unregistered premises are at greater risk of infection, including infection with blood borne viruses." The council urges members of the public to make sure that they check that premises and persons carrying out skin piercing and tattooing are registered with the Council before going ahead. Visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/skin-piercing-tattooing for more information or contact 01245 606606.

Chelmsford man Wesley Roche ran illegal skin piercing business from home

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Almost 70 per cent of Essex parents say today's fairy tales 'too sanitised'

June 5, 2014, 10:39 am
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Almost 70 per cent of Essex parents believe that today's fairy tales are 'too sanitised', according to an education company survey. Explore Learning, which provides English and maths tuition in 90 centres across the UK, including one in the Chelmsford Springfield Sainsbury's store, announced their findings earlier this week. Head of Curriculum at the firm, Carey Ann Dodah, told the Chronicle: "I think what parents feel is that modern versions of classics which have been re-written are less scary. "I noticed that the tale of Peter Rabbit has changed from when I was younger. I still have the Beatrix Potter set I grew up with which told how Peter Rabbit's father was eventually put in a pie by the farmer. However, my daughters' modern copy of the story of Peter Rabbit skirts this issue." She believes that the tales are less engaging nowadays – and lose impact as a result. "It is important to have a happy ending. A little adrenaline in the course of the story adds excitement and makes the fairy tale memorable which is important because most carry a useful moral. "They are an important asset to a child's learning because they show children that when it comes to creativity, the sky is the limit. After reading fairy tales with children, we see such imagination reflected in their writing." The survey also showed that 67 per cent of parents did not read to their children every night, while 78 per cent of parents say their children either never write stories or only do when tasked to by their teachers. But the findings also show that 89 per cent of parents say that writing stories helps develop their children's imagination. Top three scariest fairy tale characters:
  1. Evil Queen from Snow White
  2. The witch in Hansel and Gretel
  3. The big bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood
Top three favourite fairy tales:
  1. Snow White
  2. Cinderella
  3. Jack and the Beanstalk
What are your favourite fairy tales?

Almost 70 per cent of Essex parents say today's fairy tales 'too sanitised'

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EDL thug Dean Kenney admits part in 2,000 strong battle with police

June 5, 2014, 10:00 pm
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A RIGHT WING thug who boasted of contaminating supermarket Halal chicken with bacon has admitted in court to committing violent disorder at a 2,000-strong English Defence League rally.

Dean Kenney, 41, from Bannister Green Villas, Felsted, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to taking part in a demonstration last July which saw EDL members, 300 anti-fascists and police clash in the town centre.

They marched to Centenary Square where then EDL leader Tommy Robinson delivered a speech outside the Symphony Hall.

Then the violence started between EDL supporters and police wearing full riot gear.

A portable toilet was tipped over spilling waste over the street and missiles were thrown, including bottles and cobblestones.

It was estimated around £6,000 of damage was caused to a sign at the entrance to the Hyatt Hotel as demonstrators again clashed with police.

In an appeal to BBC's Crimewatch, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Wallis said: "In one incident alone £150,000 worth of damage was caused to an office block in the city centre and violent protesters used items from the nearby construction site of the new Birmingham Library as missiles or weapons to cause damage."

In total 47 people were charged by West Midlands Police with offences relating to the protests, with 20 arrested following the Crimewatch appeal in January.

Kenney pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder, along with 15 other co-defendants, at a hearing in Birmingham Crown Court on May 21.

Each faced a charge of violent disorder from the July 20 demonstration, in which it was alleged they had threatened unlawful violence and that they acted in a group to make others fear for their safety.

All 16 spoke only to confirm their names and to enter their guilty pleas, one of which was Kenney who heads up the Stansted EDL division.

He has previously boasted on Facebook posts that he contaminated Halal chicken with bacon at his local Tesco.

Kenney will now have to appear at Birmingham Crown Court to be sentenced with his co-defendants.

EDL thug Dean Kenney admits part in 2,000 strong battle with police

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Couple calls time on ex-CAMRA pub of the year The Wheatsheaf in Writtle after 16 years

June 5, 2014, 10:00 pm
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A DEVOTED couple who run what is arguably one of the country's top real ale pubs are retiring after 16 years in Writtle.

Tony and Barbara O'Boyle, both 65, waved an emotional farewell to their regulars at the Wheatsheaf on Saturday night at one of the trademark folk music nights that has made their pub so popular.

"We lost a third of our trade after the smoking ban," said former maths teacher Tony, from Newcastle.

"But then we won all of the pub awards and we got all that trade back, plus a third more."

In 2009 the tiny pub on the corner of The Green and St John's Road was crowned "pub of the year" by the Chelmsford and Mid Essex branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Then it scooped the same award for the whole of East Anglia before going up against 16 other pubs vying for the title of national pub of the year, only narrowly missing out.

The couple, who have been married 40 years and will retire to the seaside town of Clacton, believe the pub's success is down to their love of folk music.

There are 'house guitars' for regulars to pick up for impromptu sing-a-longs, while the pub's monthly folk Friday event attracts musicians from far and wide, who turn up with their instruments hoping for a chance to join the fun.

Tony said: "We have musicians coming from all over to play and people were turning up outside by the busload.

"The key to a successful pub is you've got to have good beer, but you've got to have the staff and you have to acknowledge the customers and talk to them, not like some places where they don't give you the time of day."

The couple are hoping to recharge their batteries in Almeria, Spain, where they will be taking a touring caravan for the entire winter.

Barbara, originally from Liverpool, added: "The customers have been smashing and made it for us, it was an emotional send-off and we got loads of presents.

"We will miss all of the people, but we won't miss the 80-hour working week."

New landlords Terry and Ursula Roberts took over on Monday.

Couple calls time on ex-CAMRA pub of the year The Wheatsheaf in Writtle after 16 years

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Delays after double-accident on London-bound A12

June 5, 2014, 11:26 pm
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AN ACCIDENT involving three vehicles is causing a build-up of traffic on the London-bound A12 between Three Mile Hill and Ingatestone. This has led to the carrigeway becoming partially blocked which has created problems for motorists this morning. And then further along the road, still in the southbound direction, a second multi-vehicle accident has left two lanes blocked between the junction for Hatfield Peverel and the Boreham Interchange. It is thought the incident involves five cars which have collided with one another. Update: The lanes between Hatfield Peverel and the Boreham Interchange have now been cleared after an earlier accident.

Delays after double-accident on London-bound A12

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Policeman arrested following allegation of sex offence

June 5, 2014, 11:50 pm
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A POLICE officer has been arrested following an allegation of a sexual offence. The unnamed officer was arrested on May 8 as part of ongoing investigations into the accusation. Essex Police have confirmed the man has since been suspended pending further enquiries, and bailed until later this month. It is not thought anyone else has been arrested at this time in connection with the offence.

Policeman arrested following allegation of sex offence

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10 great pubs and other places to watch the World Cup in Chelmsford

June 6, 2014, 12:30 am
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You might not have funds to jet off to Brazil, but you can still experience the best of the action from World Cup right here in Chelmsford it seems. Venues in and around the city will fling open their doors to the dozens of extra punters expected to flock to watch England - and the world's finest - battle it out to win the trophy. Many will shell out for extra big screens, hang up flags, and even put on special events between June 12 and July 13.We've rounded up 10 places to watch it in the comfort of the borough - in no particular order.Chelmsford City FC, Melbourne Stadium, Salerno Way, Chelmsford The club will be providing entertainment as it invites fans to cheer on England on the big screen at their home ground, with a show in the main bar on June 14 called 'Sound of Grease and Dirty Dancing'. The evening will run from 6.30pm until 10.30pm before England kick off against Italy at 11pm. For those who do not want to watch the show before the match, the Director's Bar will be open, it will host a golden goal competition as well as a raffle. A barbeque will be also be hosted before the matches against Uruguay on June 19 and Costa Rica on June 24 in addition to a golden goal competition and a raffle.
The Globe, Rainsford Road, Chelmsford The Globe will be showing all World Cup games, except those with an 11pm kick off. But don't fear England fans, they have been awarded a license to stay open until 2am on the morning of the big kick off against Italy on June 14. For the duration of the World Cup, the pub will offer food specials such as themed England burgers and also a mystery envelope prize draw. For the last stage of group games, there will be two separate TV areas to catch all the action on should more than one match be running.
The Golden Fleece, Duke Street, Chelmsford The Golden Fleece will be airing all matches with commentary throughout the World Cup and will be open for all late kick-offs, including those at 11pm. The matches will be showing on four televisions, in addition to the venue's large projector screen. And to tempt more punters, there will be drinks deals running on bottles of Budweiser and cider and food deals on selected meals.
The Endeavour, 351 Springfield Road, Chelmsford The Endeavour will be showing all World Cup games and will stay open until 1am on the nights that England's kick-off starts after 5pm. Although they only have one screen, it sits on an angled wall so it is visible to both bars in this small pub.
Hylands House and Estate, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford The World Cup final on July 13 will be shown during the Dukes Polo Weekend, while the venue will be hosting a party on what they describe as the biggest mobile screen in the world. A host of well-known faces and celebrities (currently unconfirmed) will take to the pitch for a charity match. Shane Richie, otherwise known Alfie Moon from EastEnders, will also be singing with his band, Shane Richie and The Prelude, on the night of the final, in aid of the Rhys Daniels Trust, a charity that provides free 'Home from Home' accommodation at hospitals across the UK, enabling families to stay close to their child whilst their child receives treatment for a serious or life-threatening illness.
The Royal Steamer, 1 Townfield Street, Chelmsford The pub is currently equipped with a 60 ins and a 45 ins TV screen, but for the upcoming cup there will be a third television added to the venue. Watch out for upcoming deals on drinks, we are told.
The Black Bull, 244 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford The Black Bull will be showing all World Cup games from their two 6ft television screens and four 32inch plasma TVs. The pub will stay open late for the England matches and offer food and drinks promotions throughout the World Cup, including deals on pitchers to save people getting up from tables and queuing at the bar during the match.
Theydon Oak, 9 Coopersale Street, Epping Just over the border from Chelmsford, The Theydon Oak will be showing live on a giant 13ft by 17ft screen. They will be showing every match of the cup while also providing an outside barbeque and bar with Heineken and Pimm's pumps. They will stay open for all the England games kicking off at 8pm or 11pm - but they will not be showing any other countries' 11pm kick-offs.
The Eagle and Hind, Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford It will remain open for all England games with 8pm or 11pm kick-offs. They plan to show all other World Cup matches throughout the day. These will be played not only on five televisions around the pub but also on a giant projector screen. It will also be running activities for the matches such as a World Cup sweepstake and a 'First Goal Sweep' alongside deals on food baskets.
The Plough, 28 Duke Street, Chelmsford The Plough will be showing all the live World Cup football from Brazil, on two televisions in the main bar and another television outside in the garden. A World Cup experience will also involve giant flags hanging from the inside ceiling and specials on exotic food and drinks with a Brazilian theme to mark the occasion.
The Wheatsheaf, Maldon Road, Hatfield Peverel The Wheatsheaf is promising a "quieter atmosphere" and will stay open for the late night England games, provided there is enough interest in the area. Locals can come to watch the game. Who have we missed off? Let us know by commenting below or email newsdesk@essexchronicle.co.uk

10 great pubs and other places to watch the World Cup in Chelmsford

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Essex Eagles welcome back quartet for Surrey trip

June 6, 2014, 3:02 am
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Essex Eagles will be able to call upon four key players for tonight's game with Surrey at the Oval. Ryan ten Doeschate is back to lead the team for the first time after his IPL exertions, while Ravi Bopara is also available for the game after the end of England's one-day series with Sri Lanka. And Essex's depleted bowling resources have also been boosted with the news that both David Masters and Tymal Mills are fit enough to be in the squad. Masters has been out since the drawn game with Gloucestershire at the end of April thanks to a quad injury, while Mills suffered a side strain in the game with Leicestershire the following week. A lot of eyes will be on Kevin Pietersen, who will make his first appearance in England since being sacked by the national team during the winter. But skipper ten Doeschate is confident his side will be able to focus on their own game. "He'll obviously attract a lot of attention but we'll just be focusing on making sure we are playing to the best of our skills to get past Surrey," he said. "It will be a proud moment for me when I lead the side out. "I've been at Essex for more than a decade now and it's an honour to have been asked to take on the captaincy in one-day cricket. "Mark Pettini did a great job while I was away and I'll be keeping close to him and Fozzy [James Foster]. "We've made a decent start but now we need to build on that."

Essex Eagles welcome back quartet for Surrey trip

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Solicitors in Essex call on people to dress as fairies in charity record-breaking attempt

June 6, 2014, 3:28 am
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A FIRM of solicitors is reminding people in Colchester to don their tutus, fairy wings and wands for a charity world record attempt this month. Kerseys solicitors, which has an appointment office in The Crescent at Colchester Business Park, is heading The March of 1,000 Fairies in aid of the Woolverstone Wish Appeal. Money raised will help refurbish the chemotherapy outpatient clinics and day unit in the Woolverstone Wing of Ipswich Hospital. And the event will take place Sunday, June 22, outside the Town Hal in Ipswich's Cornhill. Sharon Wragg, 45, a conveyancing executive at Kerseys, has been the driving force behind the record-breaking attempts. She said: "Colchester has a great community feel about it and it would be lovely if people from the town could join us to help break a world record. Hundreds turned out in Ipswich last year for the Flutter of Fairies, which briefly broke the Guinness World Record for largest number of people to dress up as fairies in the same place. Now Kerseys, who have already raised over £7,000 for the appeal, are working in collaboration with Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich Arts Festival (Ip-Art) and the Woolverstone Wish to attempt the record again. The charity is close to staff's heart at the law practice after colleague Judy Sykes was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma and treated at the hospital. Cheryl Thayer, chairman of the Woolverstone Wish appeal committee, said they were grateful of the ongoing support from Kerseys, various organisations and the general public. The charity has raised £629,471 to date and has a target of £800,000. Donations will be collected on the day. On June 22 of last year, a total of 821 people gathered on the Cornhill in Ipswich. They beat the previous record of 786 people. But the record was broken the previous day in Lichfield, Staffordshire, when 871 gathered in aid of St Giles Hospice (UK). To find out more about the appeal or to make a donation, visit http://www.woolverstonewish.org.uk/. For more information on the world record bid, follow Facebook at A Flutter of Fairies or on Twitter, @FairiesGather or call Sharon on 01473 407114.

Solicitors in Essex call on people to dress as fairies in charity record-breaking attempt

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'Remembrance Square' named to commemorate those on D-Day 70th anniversary

June 6, 2014, 4:54 am
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A SQUARE in Chelmsford was renamed this morning to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day – and Armed Forces members past and present. The square outside the library, which was previously called Public Square, was renamed Remembrance Square in a ceremony to also honour the centenary year of World War One and to remember those who had been killed in all conflicts. Cllr Norman Hume, Essex County Council's chairman said: "The ceremony today was an opportunity to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the centenary year of World War One, and to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts. "Remembrance Square is a space for residents and visitors to the county to reflect on the past and more recent conflicts in which the Armed Forces and communities gave so much." There was also an earlier event held two weeks ago to commemorate First World War victims in the French village of Beaumont Hamel where a stone was unveiled and laid into the wall of the local church to remember the 1st Battalion Essex Regiment and those soldiers lost in the 1916 Battle of the Somme. It was held after Essex resident Dr Ted Bailey was able to have a stone carved through fundraising and donations. Speaking about the village ceremony, Cllr Hume said: "This was a poignant and reflective ceremony where we were joined by many Hamel residents to remember those who gave their lives for others. "When the stone was unveiled I was impressed by the quality and workmanship of this lasting tribute to those who served in the Essex Regiment and who fell in the Battle of the Somme." In remembrance of the fallen there were speeches, the laying of wreathes the Last Post followed by a two minute silence and Reveille. The mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Bob Villa said: "It was a simple, moving and reflective ceremony, bringing to reality the many who gave their lives in the service of their country. It was a great honour to attend the ceremony and lay down a wreath in recognition of their sacrifice."

'Remembrance Square' named to commemorate those on D-Day 70th anniversary

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Benefit cheat Janet Curtis was caught skiing in Florida while she claimed £140k

June 6, 2014, 5:59 am
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A benefit cheat from Essex was caught skiing in Florida despite claiming that rheumatoid arthritis meant she was unable to walk more than two or three metres. Janet Curtis, of Clacton, fleeced the taxpayer of more than £140,000 in council tax and housing benefit payments. But in reality she was enjoying lavish foreign holidays, including a cruise on the QEII and the trip to Florida. The 64-year-old was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years and a six month curfew, to run between 7pm and 6am after earlier pleading guilty to nine offences. She will also have to repay all the money owed. Curtis also claimed she was unable to function independently and needed 24-hour care, claiming additional benefit as she said she had a live-in carer and therefore needed an additional bedroom. The receipts she submitted for care services proved to be fakes, after it was established that the person Curtis claimed was her carer had in fact never cared for her, and had not even seen her for several years. She also continued to falsely claim benefits for a house in Suffolk for more than a decade after she had moved out to live with her partner in Clacton. A joint investigation was then started between Suffolk Coastal's Corporate Counter-Fraud Unit and Department for Work and Pensions investigators, which resulted in her homes being raided by Essex Police – and evidence seized, including film and photographs of her enjoying an active life and holidaying abroad.
Speaking after the case, Cllr Doreen Savage, Suffolk Coastal's cabinet member with responsibility for Housing, said: "This was one of the most prolonged and serious cases of fraud which our investigators have ever had to deal with. "Curtis's web of deceit stretched back to the 1990s and only stopped when she was caught."

Benefit cheat Janet Curtis was caught skiing in Florida while she claimed £140k

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VIDEO: Amazing D-Day art on Normandy beaches

June 6, 2014, 6:32 am
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ARTISTS Jamie Wardley and Andy Moss include a team of international volunteers to help complete 9,000 fallen figures, raked in the sand to create a massive monotone image. The Fallen are without nationality, without names. They represent a lost life, contextualising the 9000 daily mortalities during the Normandy beach landings in 1944. A longer documentary is in production and this is an early teaser to commemorate 70 years since the Normandy beach landings of 1944. Lest we forget.

VIDEO: Amazing D-Day art on Normandy beaches

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