VOLUNTEERS are being invited to be "tourism ambassadors" for the county.

As Visit Essex launched its 'Live Local, Love Local' campaign, more than 250 local volunteers were invited to the launch of the new Tourism Ambassador scheme, which strives to give the 41 million visitors coming to the county each year the very best experience.

Essex County Councillor Kevin Bentley, cabinet member for economic growth and vice chair of Visit Essex, said: "Volunteering played a pivotal role in the success of the 2012 Games, not only in Essex but throughout the UK.

"I am delighted to see that we will continue this legacy, whilst focusing on specific areas such as tourism, where it will have such a great impact."

At the one day conference the volunteers were given customer care training from expert Jo Beard, as well as destination training from Visit Essex.

Much like the Essex Ambassadors during the 2012 Games, the Tourism Ambassadors will become greeters at key gateways including ports, airports and train stations, where they will hand out visitor maps. They will also assist on the Visit Essex stand at local shows including, Clacton airshow, Tendring show and Essex Country show.

George Kieffer, chairman of Visit Essex, added: "I am delighted that we are able to launch a scheme like this. The tourism industry brings in £3 billion to the Essex economy and it can only do that by offering a quality service to visitors.

"These volunteers will bring that extra added value to our customer service, offering a great welcome and advice. That will bring people back to the county year after year."

For volunteering opportunities visit www.goodforessex.org

A DAY of fundraising with a literary theme by pupils and staff at a Chelmsford school raised more than £1,000 for charity.

Teachers and students at Hylands School dressed as characters from fiction and non-fiction books in exchange for a donations, while a raffle of book-themed cakes also boosted funds.

A total of £1,069.66 was raised, half of which will go to the World Book Day Organisation which provides reading materials for children in Tanzania. The other half is to be presented to a local charity yet to be decided.

Leena Dave, the school's literacy co-ordinator, said: "The aim of the day was to celebrate reading and there were a range of activities such as a 'live stream' about favourite authors and online book-based games.

"We also had a Drop Everything and Read session on the day. This was an idea introduced to the school in October whereby at the sound of a bell all our students and staff drop everything to read silently for 10 minutes.

"This has raised the profile of reading in our school as all our pupils now carry a book at all times and a number of our students are now reading more."

Neil Dunn, head teacher, added: "This is just a small part of the Hylands drive to promote literacy in our school."

A YOUNG man died of swine flu and pneumonia after being advised by a call centre nurse to self-medicate instead of going to A&E.

Fadzai Jaravaza was working for NHS Direct in the Chelmsford call centre when she advised the man, who called twice on Christmas Day 2010, complaining of diarrhoea, vomiting, a chesty cough and discoloured phlegm, to visit a pharmacist.

Instead of following the advice on the computer, which said the man should go to accident and emergency, Jaravaza, of Wickford, told him to take warm drinks and cough syrup.

The unnamed man, aged 20, was admitted to hospital on Boxing Day 2010 and died hours later after being diagnosed with pneumonia secondary to H1N1 influenza – swine flu.

He had been suffering with diarrhoea and vomiting for six days. The 59-year-old nurse, qualified for more than 30 years, will be struck off the medical register following a Nursing and Midwifery Council meeting of the Conduct and Competence Committee.

Jaravaza, who was employed for nine years at NHS Direct, took the first telephone call from the patient in the early hours of Christmas Day 2010.

The nurse received a second call on Christmas Day morning, this time from the patient's concerned mother.

But "on both occasions, Ms Jaravaza advised that Patient A should seek pharmacy advice and self-medicate", the panel found.

The case of Patient A was one of seven counts of misconduct taken into consideration by the panel.

Other accusations included failing to provide the correct care to patients complaining of chest pain, palpitations and breathing difficulties.

The panel found the failings of the nurse were "serious and put Patient A at risk".

The panel concluded Jaravaza "continues to present an unwarranted risk to patients and is liable to bring the profession into disrepute".

She has been given 28 days to appeal the decision.

Tricia Hamilton, NHS Direct Clinical Director, said: "The assessment carried out by Fadzai Jaravaza was completely unacceptable and does not reflect the high standard of care that NHS Direct's nurses provide to their patients."

ESSEX County Council has won an award for corporate governance and has been highly commended in the Public Sector Partnership Award for the Essex Countrywide Traveller Unit.

The authority won the accolade at the Local Government Chronicle awards last Wednesday, after making the shortlist in five categories, including a nomination for Council of the Year.

Essex County Council leader Cllr Peter Martin, said: "Being given the award for corporate governance and being highly commended for our public sector partnership working clearly demonstrates the outstanding work and innovation of staff at the county council.

"It is great to see Essex continuing to be recognised on the national stage as a leading organisation. I would like to congratulate all ECC staff for their efforts that have enabled the authority to gain this national award.

"We have strengthened our corporate governance in recent years, which has been recognised by the Audit Commission."

Nick Golding, acting editor of the Local Government Chronicle, said: "It is increasingly important for councils to demonstrate accountability, responsibility and transparency.

"Essex's work in corporate governance shows the council is in the vanguard when it comes to achieving this. The council thoroughly deserved its award."

Being 'highly commended' for public sector partnership working, the council said, demonstrates the authority's desire to improve the health, education and social needs of the county's travellers.

AN ESSEX County Council spokesman said: "Essex County Council has changed a lot since 2008, and expenditure which would have been considered appropriate at that time would not be now.

"We're proud of all that the council has achieved in the past years and the fact we're in a solid financial position is very important to remember – the council has managed to not increase Council Tax, kept libraries open and continued to deliver meals on wheels.

"As part of our promise to be open and transparent about the time Lord Hanningfield spent at the council we have released information relating to him and his office.

"This does not mean that any of the transactions were inappropriate.

"Policies and processes were in place and these have now been strengthened.

"Indeed, Essex County Council recently won a national Corporate Governance Award as recognition of the work that members and officers have done in this area."

"The council has been attempting to negotiate with Lord Hanningfield regarding the amount that the authority feels is appropriate he pay back.

"It had been hoped we would be able to do this without spending more taxpayers' money on extra legal fees, but unfortunately this is not proving the case.

"We are committed to recovering what has been identified as inappropriate or excessive expenditure."

THE first Indian to move into Maldon has died at the age of 80 years old.

Kali Gazi, who came to the town with his wife nearly 50 years ago from Mumbai, died at Broomfield Hospital after falling ill with pneumonia on March 9.

Granddaughter Zenobia Hoare said: "Our granddad was a scary man – even our mum's teachers were in awe of him. But he wasn't scary really. He was just a fiercely independent, proud and stern man who looked after his family to the very end. We will miss him very much."

Mr Gazi first arrived in the UK in the 1950s to study electrical engineering at Norwood College, London.

He returned to India for a short spell to court and marry his young wife Zarin.

But the couple returned in 1964 to set up home in Essex so Mr Gazi could build a career with Marconi.

Mel Willis, a neighbour of Mr Gazi's in Essex Road, Maldon, said: "Kali was always a good academic and took the opportunity to make his mark as a person coming from India to England, by mixing with different people."

While working as a technical engineer at Marconi, in Chelmsford, Mr Gazi quickly became well-known in the Dengie as an active member of local groups.

These included Wentworth School PTA, Maldon Carnival and the Horticultural Society.

Len Wakeling, chairman of the MHHS, said: "Kali was a highly respected member of Maldon and Heybridge Horticultural Society for over 25 years and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

"As treasurer for many years, he worked tirelessly for the society and was responsible for reorganising the society's accounts and putting them in good order.

"He loved his garden, greenhouse and fruit trees."

Mr Gazi, who leaves behind his wife, three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 20 years ago, and became an active member of the Parkinson Society.

One of his friends, Ron Dixon, who regularly drove him to meetings said: "Kali was always a courteous man and we very much appreciated his membership of the local Maldon branch, which he supported to the very best of his ability."

Following his death last weekend, just a few months after his 50th wedding anniversary, his family organised a burial to be held at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey just four days later, in accordance with his Zorastrian religious beliefs.

THE Chief Constable of Essex Police has criticised the officers who let a burglar off with a caution, after reading about it in the Chronicle.

Ireneusz Blaszczyk escaped a criminal charge after he ransacked a Chelmsford home last November and stole jewellery, a games console and even unwrapped a family's Christmas presents.

He handed himself in after a police appeal but, despite confessing to the burglary, he was offered a caution earlier this month, meaning he would not face a judge or jail.

Chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle said he was "staggered" by the decision and referred three police officers to the force's professional standards department.

He said: "I was extremely concerned at the police decision. Professionally I was staggered. Every bone in my body, every cell in my body, said this looked like a very bad decision by Essex Police. I remain of that view."

The chief constable said there were rare occasions where a prosecution is not sought, such as when the burglar is a family member.

"But absolutely not in this case," said Mr Barker-McCardle, who also wrote to the Essex branch of the Magistrates' Association revealing how "startled" and "alarmed" he was.

Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston backed the chief constable's stance and confirmed that a review into issuing cautions to burglars would take place.

He said: "The key issue for me is whether this was an isolated incident or something more systematic."

He said the police were working hard to combat burglary, so the incident was "surprising" and "disappointing".

Monique Carson, the victim of the burglary, said she was "pleased" with the police's response to the Chronicle story on March 7.

The 23-year-old returned home with partner David Cable and their son Douglas on November 25 last year from a trip to Great Yarmouth to find their house on Plym Road, Galleywood, ransacked.

"I am really pleased that we've got a positive response from everyone," said Ms Carson, a part-time worker at Hylands House. "It shows that it is not acceptable that a burglar gets a caution when, in fact, they deserve a severe punishment.

"It is devastating to come home and find all your cupboards open and draws pulled to pieces. It was a real smack in the face to learn the burglar had been given caution. We are not the only victims of burglary and I hope this will not happen again."

A spokesman for Essex Police added: "Victims of burglary deserve to have confidence in the justice system and the police play a key role in this process.

"This is a very serious issue for the force and when the full facts are known then appropriate action will be taken."

The borough council's minority Labour leader Mike Le-surf lodged a complaint after the town's MP revealed that a conversation between residents and a rival Labour MP had been overheard and passed to him.

Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles made the revelation during a debate in the Commons on Monday involving his shadow minister Hilary Benn, who visited Brentwood on Thursday to meet victims of the so-called bedroom tax.

Mr Benn had asked Mr Pickles what he thought about the circumstances of one particular resident who says she has to move out of the borough due to the new policy.

Mr Pickles replied: "I have to say because the Honourable Gentleman mentioned the town hall in the very small room the Labour Party has, everybody heard what he had to say and everyone heard him planning this particular question."

Mr Le-Surf told the Gazette he is furious that someone had been "listening in".

He said: "It seems that Pickles knows more about the Labour group than the effect his cuts are having on Brentwood residents.

"I was shocked to hear Pickles say that our private conversation with residents in the Labour Group room at the town hall was being listened in on and I have demanded answers from the managing director of Brentwood Borough Council."

Mr Pickles said no one had divulged any information to him.

As for Mr Le Surf's complaint, he scoffed: "What a ridiculous and silly thing to do. I remember when Mike was a nice, fresh-faced person. It's such a shame that he has turned all pompous on us."

THE Chief Constable of Essex Police has criticised the officers who let a burglar off with a caution after reading about it in the Essex Chronicle.

Ireneusz Blaszczyk escaped a criminal charge after he ransacked a Galleywood home last November and stole jewellery and a games console, and unwrapped a family's Christmas presents.

He handed himself in after a police appeal but, despite confessing to the burglary, he was offered a caution, meaning he would not face a judge or jail.

Chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle said he had referred three officers to the force's professional standards department.

He said: "I was extremely concerned at the police decision. Professionally I was staggered.

"Every bone in my body, every cell in my body, said this looked like a very bad decision by Essex Police. I remain of that view."

He said there were rare occasions where a prosecution is not sought, such as when the burglar is a family member.

"But absolutely not in this case," said Mr Barker-McCardle. He also wrote to the Essex branch of the Magistrates' Association, revealing he was "startled" and "alarmed".

He said he would also look at whether a prosecution was still possible.

Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston backed the chief constable's stance and confirmed that a review into issuing cautions to burglars would take place.

He said: "The key issue for me is whether this was an isolated incident or something more systemic."

Monique Carson, the victim of the burglary, said she was "pleased" with the police's response to the Chronicle's story on March 7.

The 23-year-old returned home, with partner David Cable and their son, Douglas, on November 25 last year to find their house in Pyms Road, Galleywood, ransacked.

"It is devastating to come home and find all your cupboards open and draws pulled to pieces," said Monique, a part-time worker at Hylands House. "It was a real smack in the face to learn the burglar had been given a caution, so I'm very happy with the response to the Chronicle article.

"We are not the only victims of burglary, so I hope this will never happen again."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Victims of burglary deserve to have confidence in the justice system and the police play a key role in this process. Understandably the family in this case were disappointed by the outcome of the investigation.

"The chief constable has taken a personal interest in this case and has ordered an immediate review of the circumstances to establish what happened.

"This is a very serious issue for the force and when the full facts are known then appropriate action will be taken."

SUPPORTERS raced past their target at a thrilling go-karting fundraiser to usher in a new chapter at Brentwood Skatepark.

Teams made up of councillors, businesses and skaters roared around Brentwood Karting Circuit in Warley Gap on Thursday to raise a crucial £1,081.

The cash injection means phase two of the Brentwood Skatepark Association (BSA) development – building a street section – can now get under way.

It will improve the overall standard of the facilities at King George's Playing Fields, Ingrave Road, which is popular among skaters and BMX riders alike.

BSA vice-chairman Tina Hadjicostas, whose 19-year-old son Steve uses the bowl already, is delighted to have beaten their £50,000 phase two target.

She said: "It was a fantastic evening, we were pleased that so many people turned up on and were so enthusiastic."

Brentwood Skatepark re-launched in 2012 after the installation of a £72,000 bowl.

A MASS of balloons that would make the 1980s pop icon Nena proud were set free into the bright blue sky to promote a Hastingwood charity which provides special trips for disabled children.

The difference between the German singer's 1984 number one hit, 99 Red Balloons and last week's event was that 250 pink rubber bubbles were released, marking the launch of Share the Care week.

Michelle Jephcott, Shared Care co-ordinator at Accuro, the charity which provides trips for children with special needs, said: "It was a lovely sight and some of the children were quite excited to see so many balloons being released at one time."

Shared Care is free to all children with a disability who are a resident in West Essex and assessed as needing the service by Essex County Councils local Children with Disabilities team.

Staff at Accuro were joined by children from Harlow Fields School for the event on Monday.

Each balloon was allocated to a pupil or a child and family member supported by Accuro's Shared Care scheme and there a gift voucher prize is on offer for the finder and 'owner' of the balloon which travels the furthest.

Mrs Jephcott added: "We have been very optimistic and also added instructions in French and German to each balloon on what to do should the balloons be found.

"Hopefully the wind was blowing in the right direction and we get a good response."

As part of the week, an open drop-in networking lunch is being held at Accuro's offices, in Hastingwood Road, between noon and 2pm today (Wednesday).

It is open to local residents and businesses, parents, carers and anyone who would like to find out more about the charity's work.

Mrs Jephcott said: "This is an annual event to raise awareness and the profile of short breaks and shared care.

"We hope to encourage people to come forward and consider becoming a Shared Carer to children and young people with a disability.

"We also want to celebrate the wonderful work of our Shared Carers in Essex."

For more information on the charity visit www.accuro.org.uk

EXHAUSTED and broken after 35 days and 33 minutes at sea, Charlie Pitcher arrived in Barbados having smashed the world record for the fastest solo crossing of the Atlantic in a rowing boat.

The Felsted oarsman pulled into Port St Charles last Wednesday having knocked five days off the previous time – beating illness, capsizes and loneliness to arrive triumphant.

"As I pulled into the yacht club there was my wife Emma looking at me from 100m away – it was a complete surprise to see her there," said Charlie.

"Then out popped my two little boys, James and Freddie. I couldn't hold my tears back and the flood gates erupted as I was reunited with them. It was just amazing.

"I stepped ashore and all behind me was forgotten, my exhaustion, my journey and my thoughts."

He added: "For the next few hours we all had a jolly good time, beer flowing, fantastic cooking from the kitchens and many kind words and laughs."

Charlie and his family, who were flown to the island by his sponsors, stayed in a luxury Caribbean villa while the record-breaker recovered.

He returns to the UK tonight (Thursday) but told the Chronicle before jetting back: "My body is really sore, but I'm so happy at the same time. I'm so pleased that I managed to fly the Essex flag as I was arriving in Port St Charles.

"Now we're staying in this incredible villa which is apparently 100m down from Simon Cowell's property and a few feet from the beach. We even have our own private chef – which is amazing."

The luxury surroundings are a stark contrast to Charlie's five weeks alone at sea in his 6.5m long boat, called Soma, the most technologically-advanced ocean rower ever built.

Just three weeks before his ecstatic arrival into Barbados, Charlie found himself pushed to the limit when the weather turned against him.

But he is no stranger to the inherent frustrations of the trip having already completed a record-breaking solo race in 2010. But this was beaten in 2012 spurring Mr Pitcher to row again to beat the record of 40 days, nine hours and 44 minutes

The 50-year-old said: "I was de-hydrated from bad vomiting and lying down in 36 degrees, trying to take in more liquid with electrolytes as I couldn't hold any food down.

"My body was pushed to the limit before I even hit the adverse conditions, but the brain took over, pumping the body with big pain killers and off we went into the night without stopping.

"Then my body crashed, the brain got upset and all I could do was recover. It took another 24 hours to get the painkillers out of my system and stop vomiting."

But illness and dehydration were not Charlie's only challenge as unpredictable weather conditions created further hazards on day 13 of the trip.

"My boat was rolled upside down, but immediately self-righted and a water bottle was all that was lost," he said.

IT WAS a great day for the U12 Blue Hornets Felsted players with both the girls and boys winning the Essex County Finals at Redbridge.

The girls started the success early in the day winning the final 1-0 against Colchester.

However, perhaps their major achievement was a stunning 3-2 victory over favourite's Chelmsford in an extremely exciting semi-final.

The team played fantastically well, raising their game when it really mattered, especially considering the horrendous weather.

The boys played some excellent hockey and received many accolades from opposing coaches and parents.

They topped their qualifying league, and then went on to beat Colchester 7-0 in the semi-final, then saved their best performance for the final, winning 4-0 against Old Loughtonians.

Perhaps the most impressive performance was the U12 Boys B team, who very narrowly missed out on getting to the semi-finals, only losing out on a goal difference.

The boys showed great spirit to become the fifth best team in the county.

Both girls and boys now go through to the East Regional Championships on April 20/21 at Harleston Hockey Club in Norfolk. The U14 also qualified for the Midlands Regional Finals last month, which takes place on April 13/14.

Visit www.bluehornetshc.co.uk for information on the club.

Squads: Girls: Minty Latham, Bella Francis, Leticia Douglas, Amber Aitken, Freya James, Catherine Levick, Eve McLennan, Kayley Morris (GK). Chloe Green, Amy Wickens.

Boys: Barnaby Stoner (capt), Ollie Stonham, Robbie MaClennan (GK), Henry Dean, Josh Smith, Tom Grove-Smith, Jonny Hoile, Kieron Roach, Peter Hall, Matthew Yeoman.

DIRECTOR of coaching Eddie Gooby admitted his side are lacking a bit of nous after they were beaten by Ipswich in this rearranged clash.

Ipswich took the lead after 28 minutes with a well-worked try, which was converted.

However, Chelmsford quickly reduced the arrears with a 33-metre penalty from full-back Simon Hoult after their opponents failed to release the ball after a tackle.

And Chelmsford turned it around a minute before half-time when they secured possession in a ruck and the ball went down the back line to Hoult, who went through a gap and rounded the cover defence to score an excellent try.

But Ipswich hit back straight away when Chelmsford gave away a penalty near their line and the visitors took advantage with a converted try to lead 14-8 at half-time.

Seven minutes into the second half the gap widened from a line-out which was worked to the blind side and over the line.

Chelmsford had three penalties within kicking distance but elected to kick to touch in a bid to get a crucial try, but they couldn't force their way over.

Hoult did add another three points from a penalty to make it 19-11, but the visitors snatched a fourth try after an interception to complete the scoring.

Gooby said after the game: "I feel we showed how far we have come as a squad, but we are just a little bit behind in our know how in key moments.

"We created more chances, but on too many occasions the ball carrier took the contact instead of giving the pass or we took the wrong options. We squandered at least four good opportunities."

DAN HOLMAN struck a superb goal six minutes from time as Braintree stretched their unbeaten run to five games.

The Iron had fallen behind to Jayden Stockley's strike for Woking, but Holman came up with the leveller to take the home side to within two points of manager Alan Devonshire's 50-point safety target.

Holman was a constant threat for the home side, and he was twice denied by goalkeeper Seb Brown.

But the home side were stunned when Stockley fired home against the run of play.

Braintree continued to press and showed great character to finally pull level with 84 minutes on the clock, Holman blasting into the top corner from distance to secure a point.

It followed another eye-catching win for Alan Devonshire's men on Saturday as they came back from Stockport with all three points.

The 3,250 crowd at Edgeley Park was the third-biggest Braintree have played in front of this season, but they were not intimidated and Holman opened the scoring before skipper Kenny Davis added a brace.

Stockport did pull one back late on, but Braintree were well worth the win.

Devonshire said: "We had at least two decent first half chances and we were well in command while their keeper had kept them in the game but I said to the players at half-time to keep their concentration and work rate and the goals would come.

"It's always a worry when you're still level after running the show because you can suddenly get caught with a sucker punch when the opposition score.

"But we kept our composure and killed off the game in that 15 minute spell.

"I'm just disappointed with the last ten minutes when they scored a consolation goal because we began to look tired not having played for two weeks - but I can't criticise the lads for their performance."

Braintree had the best of the first half and Holman, James Mulley, Sean Marks and Alan Massey all had good chances in the opening period.

And they carried on where they left off and took the lead in the 47th minute when Luke Daley slipped the ball through to Holman who drove the ball into the net past the stranded Richard O'Donnell.

Five minutes later Iron added a second with an exquisite chip shot from outside the area by skipper Davis which beat O'Donnell and on the hour home substitute Lee Bullock hauled down Iron defender Dean Wells in the area, leaving Davis to slot home the penalty spot. In the final minutes, tiredness did creep into some of the Iron players and the home side grabbed a consolation goal on 83 minutes through an Alex Kenyon header.

Braintree have three home games this week, starting tonight (Thursday) against Nuneaton, then Alfreton visit on Saturday before Lincoln City on Tuesday.

BRAINTREE manager Alan Devonshire is ready to rotate his squad this week as they face a punishing schedule of fixtures.

His side made it five unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against Woking on Tuesday night and have three more matches at the Amlin Stadium this week.

Firstly Nuneaton Town visit tonight (Thursday) before Alfreton Town are the opponents on Saturday and struggling Lincoln City complete a run of four home games in eight days on Tuesday.

The wet weather has wreaked havoc on the Iron in recent weeks, and Devonshire revealed it took a big effort to get the game with Woking on.

"It was a real effort," he said. "We've had the rain again, lucky it was dry during the day.

"A lot of work went into the pitch. It's not the best, but it's the same for both sides and all the players have to take a lot of credit because it was an excellent game.

"We've done ever so well. I'm very pleased with the lads. We showed a lot of character, we were 1-0 down for a lot of the game, a goal against the run of play really, but we kept going and got the goal we deserved in the end."

That point with the Cards followed another impressive win over a former League club as Stockport were added to the Iron's list of scalps with a 3-1 win at Edgeley Park.

Devonshire added: "There were three and a half thousand there on Saturday, they're a massive club and it's one of our best performances of the season.

"We played very, very well. The last five games have been terrific.

"We want to get to the 50 points as soon as possible, we've got three home games this week and I'm hoping we can get over the line."

First up in the bid to reach 50 points come Nuneaton, and Devonshire admits it will be a tough one for his side.

"They've had two great results," he said. "They've beaten Luton and they've beaten Grimsby on Tuesday, they've done what we did.

"It's going to be a tough game, and it's going to be tough after playing Saturday and Tuesday, especially on a heavy pitch on Tuesday.

"There will be a few changes to the squad."

Four home games in eight days can be tough on the pockets of supporters, but Devonshire is hoping to count on the continued support of the Iron's loyal fans.

"I hope the fans will be there," he said. "It is difficult in this day and age with four home games in a week but hopefully the fans will keep behind us but we understand if they don't."

A TAXI firm owner, who claims he was subjected to a vicious two-minute assault in his office, is furious that his attacker escaped with a caution.

John Ahmed says he was beaten up in the early hours of March 3 as he sat behind his desk at cab company Cars 4 U in Braintree.

The 5ft 5in 59-year-old was also punched in the face in the taxi yard after he ran to get help from one of his drivers leaving him badly bruised and frightened.

He says he is "disgusted" that his assailant was let off with a caution and only questioned 12 days after the attack.

The news comes as Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said he was "staggered" that a burglar, who ransacked a house in Galleywood, escaped a criminal conviction.

"I'm obviously disgusted," said married father-of-four Mr Ahmed.

"I have never been assaulted in my life – it was terrifying and humiliating.

"I thought the police were there to protect people – if someone gets assaulted and they do nothing about it, how can we all feel safe?"

Mr Ahmed said his taxi firm, just off Chapel Hill, had received at least six abusive calls from the man during the evening of the incident.

He claims the man was convinced that his company had stolen his mobile phone after he left it in the back of a cab earlier that night.

But Mr Ahmed told him that he did not have his phone and that a different cab firm had actually taken him home that night.

"He then walked 20 minutes to our yard, walked straight into the office and started beating me up," claimed Mr Ahmed.

Grainy CCTV footage shows the man stride into the taxi yard at 3.52am.

For two minutes Mr Ahmed said he was punched in the head and body as he tried in vain to protect himself.

"It was like being in a boxing ring," add Mr Ahmed, who has lived in Braintree for 47 years.

Mr Ahmed then said he managed to get up from behind his desk and ran outside to alert his drivers.

CCTV footage shows that the pair emerged at 3.54am where an argument ensued. The film seems to show the man shoving Mr Ahmed four times in the chest before punching him in the head.

Mr Ahmed, who is also the chairman of the Braintree Taxi Association, claims the police only went to question the man 12 days after the incident – but says that only happened after he pestered them with phone calls.

"If one of my drivers gets assaulted what signal does this send them?" said Mr Ahmed.

An Essex Police spokesman told the Chronicle: "Essex Police conducted an investigation into this case and considered all the available information.

"The use of Police Cautions for cases involving assault is a Home Office-recognised method of disposal to deal quickly and simply with less serious offences and to divert offenders from appearing in the criminal courts.

"Before a caution is authorised the offender must admit the offence and consideration must be given to any previous offending history.

"Once a caution is authorised by a police inspector the matter is recorded on the Police National Computer and fingerprints and DNA samples are recorded.

"Essex Police will be making contact with the complainant to discuss this case with him."

Nuneaton moved three points clear of the Blue Square Bet Premier relegation zone with a 2-2 draw at Braintree.

The mid-table hosts needed just 16 minutes to break the deadlock as Daniel Sparkes converted from close range.

But Nuneaton equalised four minutes later when Wesley York's right-footed 20-yard shot nestled into the bottom corner.

Sean Marks looked to have given Braintree a half-time lead with a 25-yard volley, only for James Armson to draw Nuneaton level again on the stroke of the interval.

The visitors, now unbeaten in five, pushed for a vital winner after the break but substitute James Dance saw a shot blocked.

Adam Walker almost won it for Nuneaton in stoppage time, only for Nathan McDonald to tip his effort round the post.