A BRENTWOOD sex attacker who kidnapped a woman and raped her in the grounds of a disused hospital has failed to convince judges that his nine-year jail term was over the top.

Billy James Bennett, from Kelvedon Hatch, forced his victim into a car, threatening to stab her, and drove to the former St John's Hospital site in Chelmsford where he subjected her to a horrific ordeal.

The 22-year-old, of Great Fox Meadow, was jailed at Chelmsford Crown Court last September, after admitting three counts of rape, one of sexual assault and another of kidnap.

He challenged his sentence at London's Criminal Appeal Court last month, with his lawyers arguing it was "too long" for his crimes.

At that hearing, Bennett's victim spoke directly to the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge – the nation's top judge – telling him and two other senior judges how her ordeal had left her "no longer an adult, but a dependent child".

As part of a test case appeal on the weight to be given to victim impact statements, Bennett's legal team said the fact his victim was allowed to speak directly to the judge sentencing him created "unfairness" in his case.

However, at the same court on March 26, Lord Judge dismissed the appeal, saying the sentence handed to Bennett was "not excessive" in light of the horrifying experience suffered by his victim.

Sitting with Mr Justice Simon and Mr Justice Irwin, he said victim impact statements provide "real assistance" to judges passing sentence and that, while it will be "very rare" for a victim to give a statement in person, this can be allowed in appropriate cases.

He said that hearing the live evidence from Bennett's victim was also "essential" to the Appeal Court's understanding of the impact the crime had upon her.

The court heard Bennett approached the 26-year-old victim in Chelmsford, in his Ford Focus as she was making her way home.

He threatened to stab her and, although the victim never saw a weapon, she believed he had one and was terrified.

She was sexually assaulted and then driven to the former hospital site, in Wood Street, where further sex attacks took place before she was allowed to go.

Despite her ordeal, the victim remembered the registration number of the car and Bennett handed himself into police the following day, after police visited his home while he wasn't there and said they wanted to speak to him.

His lawyers told the Appeal Court he had taken cocaine before the attack and, when he realised what he had done, he felt "nothing but remorse and self-loathing" at the harm he had caused.

Arguing Bennett's sentence was over the top, his barrister, Pavlos Panayi QC, questioned whether the victim should have been given the chance to elaborate on her statement by speaking to the judge in open court.

He said the sentence eventually passed by the crown court judge was too long in light of his admissions of guilt, his genuine remorse and his lack of any previous convictions.

But, dismissing the appeal, Lord Judge said the sentence – though high – was "not excessive" in all the circumstances.

He added: "This was indeed a quite horrifying experience, and the impact on the victim is severe and she will be emotionally scarred for the rest of her life.

"Allowing for the genuine mitigation, our conclusion is that the sentence was at the high end of the appropriate range, but not excessive."

FOOTBALL'S a cruel game and doesn't Craig Edwards know it after Tonbridge Angels struck with the last kick on Monday.

Billericay Town were seconds from making it the perfect Easter – they beat Hayes and Yeading 4-1 on Saturday – when David Ijaha fired home an equaliser they scarcely deserved.

It meant the hosts escaped with a 1-1 draw in the relegation battle and it leaves the Blues with a huge mountain to climb.

"The last kick of the game – the 95th minute – I can't believe it," Edwards said. "We were 3-1 up against them at our place with five to go and they got back to 3-3.

"We had three opportunities to clear that ball. It was a silly free-kick to give away in the first place. We've only ourselves to blame.

"Their fella has struck a ball like he's not struck one all season and it's arrowed in. Sometimes it is not meant to be. People are always going on about football being a cruel game and it was today (Monday).

"We were so comfortable. It's really, really disappointing."

Edwards added: "It would have been a massive three points. It was a six-pointer. It would have got us level with them. They've got out of jail, but we're a better team than them.

"But I suppose that will be proved by the amount of points we get at the end of the season.

"I'm just so disappointed. We had three chances to clear the ball and paid for it."

Billericay need to bounce back this weekend when they travel to Sutton. They shouldn't need much motivation, Sutton beat them 4-2 just a few weeks ago, a performance and scoreline Edwards does not want to see repeated.

"We drew a line under it after that Sutton debacle," Edwards said. "I brought in three new players with ten games to go.

"We are looking to be in the top three over those ten games.

"We'll be out to right a few wrongs against Sutton. We were awful against them and we will get an improved performance, I'm sure of that."

Town held a benefit night for Edwards' son, Craig Edwards junior, on Saturday and the Blues boss said it was a great evening.

"It was fantastic and I'd really like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped out," he said. "It was a brilliant night and we had a great turnout.

"We haven't got a final tally yet, but Craig did very well out of it."

A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered following the murder of a Lithuanian man in Romford.

The Metropolitan Police Service is now offering up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the anyone responsible for the murder of Evaldas Svolkinas.

The 34-year-olds body was found in a stream near Wincanton Road, Romford on Sunday 16 December 2012

Mr Svolkinas of Dorking Rise, Romford, died from severe head injuries.

It is believed he could have been murdered after owing significant amounts of money in gambling debts.

Mr Svolkinas is believed to have left his home address at around 6am on Thursday December 13 2012.

He failed to attend work that day and was reported missing to police the following day. He was wearing grey combat style trousers, a dark blue coat and blue trainers.

Police made extensive enquiries as his disappearance was totally out of character.

Investigating officer DCI Chris Jones said: "We are anxious to trace the victim's movements between the Thursday morning and when he was found on Sunday.

"Did you see him? Do you have any information? If so, please come forward."

In January 2013 detectives released an image of a rucksack identical to the one owned by Mr. Svolkinas.

The bag is yet to be traced and officers believe tracing it may hold valuable information about what happened to Mr Svolkinas

DCI Jones said: 'We believe the victim was in possession of his rucksack at the time of his death.

"This has not been located and we would appeal to any person who may have seen or have information as to its current whereabouts to contact the investigation team.

"The rucksack has three small silver images of 'power tools' at the top of the bag and the word 'Festool' embossed in the black section toward its base.

"Mr Svolkinas was a well-known member of the Lithuanian community in East London. He worked within the construction industry and employed members from his community to work on projects in the South East.

"Investigations have established that he was a frequent gambler which led to him experiencing significant financial troubles, owing monies to numerous persons. This is a line of enquiry we are exploring and I would appeal to any person, specifically members of the Lithuanian community who may have information on what happened to Mr Svolkinas, or his lifestyle, to contact the investigation team."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3734; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detectives are hunting for thieves who stole the keys to an Audi and caused £500 worth of damage when they broke into a Chelmsford house.

And now the investigators have released an efit of one of the men suspected of burgling the Sidney Place house at 5.30pm on Saturday, March 2.

A witness said the suspect was wearing a black top, is white, in his late teens or early 20s and has pale blonde hair.

The second man is described as being of mixed heritage, also in his late teens or early 20s and as wearing an Adidas tracksuit at the time.

Anyone with information in connection with this burglary or who recognises the men in theefit or descriptions provided is urged to contact detectives at Chelmsford police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Pubs and clubs in Brentwood may be asked to pay for policing in the town centre.

Late-night levies – an annual fee charged to licensed premises – is one of three powers that Brentwood Borough Council could adopt to mitigate the problems associated with late night drinking.

The council is set to discuss the possibility of adopting the power, along with early morning restriction orders, which could restrict the sale of alcohol in certain areas, and the cumulative impact policy, which could restrict any further expansion of licensed premises, at a date in early June.

The Government say that the three measures – introduced as part of its Police, Reform and Responsibility Act – could help pay for the annual cost associated with alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Calls have increased for following two violent incidents between late-night revellers. In the early hours of Easter Monday a 19-year-old from Brentwood had the top third of his ear bitten off in a fight that broke out near Eclipse nightclub.

The attack comes 12 weeks after an 18-year-old front teeth knocked out in an assault on New Year's Day.

The 18-year-old university student from Hutton, was out with friends when he was attacked by a group of men at about 3.20am in the queue for the burger van near the Sainsbury's roundabout.

A FAMILY are devastated after their holiday-ready caravan, containing six years of memories, was stolen from their driveway just 24 hours before their departure.

Thieves towed away the 24ft-long white Fleetwood Colchester caravan from the Bradshaw family's driveway in Chelmer Road, Chelmsford, in broad daylight between 9.40am and 2pm last Thursday.

Inside were the childrens' DVDs, Nintendo DS games consoles, clothes, homemade jewellery, home movies and Sue Bradshaw's cherished holiday diary.

"We are completely and utterly devastated," she said.

"It was our pride and joy and a little bit of heaven that was taken away from us.

"The materials can be replaced but it's the memories that will never come back – and that really does cut you up."

Mrs Bradshaw bought the caravan in 2007 for £8,500, while the items inside – many of which were memories of their holidays in Ireland and Cornwall since – are worth about £1,500.

Mrs Bradshaw, 43, her husband Lyndon and their children, 14-year-old Liam and Hannah, 12, were at work and school when the vehicle was taken.

As a result, the family were forced to cancel their Easter holiday to Suffolk.

After the incident, Mrs Bradshaw said her daughter was very upset when she saw her mum distressed, while Liam now locks his door.

Speaking on Saturday, she added: "I'm waking up, like today, and remembering things that were in there. My nan is 87 years of age and gave me a glasses case.

"The thieves will chuck it away but it's mine – it's the little things that have had a big impact.

"It's a stone that's been dropped into a pool that has sent absolute ripples through the family – we are heartbroken, absolutely heartbroken."

Despite their troubles, Mrs Bradshaw thanked friends and family for their fantastic support.

Mrs Bradshaw said police told her the theft was the latest in a string of caravan thefts, including a case on March 5 in nearby Storms Way, Chelmer Village.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman said: "The caravan is a 24ft-long white and purple Fleetwood Colchester design. Various items were on board the caravan including Calor gas bottles, a 19in flatscreen TV and an awning.

"Any witnesses or anyone with information about the whereabouts of the caravan should contact officers at Chelmsford police station on 101."

The registration is S999 SNB.

PROTESTERS attempting to film a fox hunt claim they were attacked with sticks, kicked in the head, and had their camera equipment destroyed.

James Kapteanoc, 54, a veteran member of the Hunt Saboteurs Association, says he and two others were subjected to an attack on March 16 as they tried to film activities by members of the Essex and Suffolk Hunt.

"I was punched and beaten by three people who knocked me to the ground, while our cameraman was hit with a heavy metal handled cane from behind," claimed Mr Kapteanoc.

"He was in so much pain that he had to pass over the equipment but they started jumping on that person's hand to force its release.

"The worst thing is that our camera is smashed, destroying all the evidence," added Mr Kapteanoc, who has been campaigning with the HSA for a decade.

The saboteurs claim that the initial attack occurred on a public footpath at Breton Heath, near Tiptree.

Mr Kapteanoc, a full-time carer, was left with bruises to his ribs and legs, he says.

The group also allege that just a short while later an attempt to intervene on a private estate as members dug out a badger sett, where a fox had sought refuge, led to further attacks.

"People tried to force the group off the land using spades and walking sticks as weapons," claimed Mr Kapteanoc.

"We're at the coal-face of those in opposition to the hunt by going out into the field. We're not afraid to intervene if an animal is in danger. But as a result of that we provoke a lot of hostility and that's the risk."

However, James Buckle, a senior master with the Essex and Suffolk Hunt, strongly denies that any of its members had anything to do with an assault.

"If this involved anybody associated with the hunt then I would be absolutely furious but I'm certain that is not the case," he told the Chronicle.

"I was told by the landowner on the day that things got quite heated and confrontational as the people filming refused to leave their land but this didn't involve people in our group.

"It is also completely out of the question that anyone was attempting to dig out a badger sett. If I was aware of that I would have reported it to the police myself," added Mr Buckle.

Police were called to the scene but as yet no action has been taken, although the HSA protesters say this is typical.

Lee Moon, a committee member of the HSA, said: "Faced with a clear breach of animal welfare law and numerous assaults to hunt saboteurs, Essex police responded by blaming the victims and ignoring crimes against wildlife. They seem to be acting in the time-honoured stance of turning a blind eye to hunt violence and animal cruelty."

A police spokesman said: "Police are investigating the circumstances around allegations of an assault at an organised hunt in Layer Breton.

"Officers had initially been called at 1.30pm on March 16 following reports that a man had been attacked.

"A 54-year-old man from Dalston in London was found to have suffered minor leg injuries after allegedly being assaulted by two men. Our investigations are continuing."

BAE SYSTEMS Chelmsford employees are celebrating after their 55 mile charity bike ride raised £3,090 for the Royal British Legion's recovery centre for wounded soldiers.

The money raised will go towards the operating costs of the Chavasse VC House Personnel Recovery Centre at Colchester Garrison.

Tracey Hall, a spokesperson for the Legion, said: "It was wonderful watching the bikers set off on their ride and we were amazed at how much they raised. It is very heart-warming for an entire company to pull together to support our cause and our thanks go to all the BAE staff."

The Personnel Recovery Centre, which opened in February 2011, provides a programme of support for wounded, injured and sick soldiers in their successful return to duty or transition into civilian life.

A cheque was presented to the charity on March 28 at BAE Systems in Chelmsford.

ENGLAND Test captain Alastair Cook believes he has a big role to play in his early-season appearances for Essex, writes Sam Balls.

The Three Lions opener is available for selection for Essex's first two County Championship games at home to Hampshire and away to Lancashire before a busy international summer begins.

Cook will lead his international colleagues against New Zealand before the ICC Champions Trophy and back-to-back Ashes series.

But for the time being, Cook is focused on passing on his knowledge to the squad's younger members – rather than chipping in with any captaining advice for James Foster.

He said: "Part of my role when I come back to Essex is to pass on my experience.

"Not so much to Fozzy [Foster], but to the young guys – certainly the young batters – who are trying to make their way in first class cricket.

"Now I've got quite a different experience, that's probably where I'm looking to those two games to help, rather than to worry too much about helping Foster.

"That's where I see my role. And that might just be the odd conversation here and there."

Cook earmarked Tom Westley and Jaik Mickleburgh as players who he hopes will mature into reliable senior figures following his return to Chelmsford.

He said: "These players have now had the experience of a fair few games for Essex and I'm keen to have a really good look at seeing how they progress in making that next step from a potential player to a player who is delivering runs every year."

Speaking as a captain himself, Cook suggested that Foster has done remarkably well to captain the side from behind the stumps.

He said: "I think he's done a very good job; he's got his hands full. I know how hard it is to captain just standing at a first slip so to do it keeping as well is a tough task."

CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform a disused pub into an equestrian centre were given the go-ahead on Tuesday evening.

The proposals will see the derelict Wheatsheaf in Rettendon turned into a riding centre, as well as provide the community with a restaurant, a post office and two shops.

At the packed-out planning meeting at Chelmsford's Civic Centre residents spilled into another room to watch it on a TV.

Multi-millionaire David Bishop, 62, says he will spend £500,000 of his own money transforming the pub, on Main Road, which ceased trading in 2006 and was sold at auction two years later.

Mr Bishop wants to hand over the running of the equestrian centre to a charity after it is built and said it was a "great move forward" for the village of 600.

"Thank God it's through now," said Mr Bishop. "Let's get on and build it.

"We've had such a lot of support from the village.

"I was at the point of giving up because it all got very nasty but I'm delighted now."

The proposal was originally refused planning permission back in June 2012. Although planning bosses acknowledged that the scheme would "provide benefits to the local community", the scale was considered harmful to the character of the area.

Despite the plans being tweaked, Rettendon Parish Council continued to push the city council into refusing the proposals – citing traffic and aesthetic concerns.

But throughout the meeting many residents expressed their excitement at the prospect of nearby shops, while local horse riders were keen to use the centre.

The chief executive of Essex Nursing Services, Suzanne Dakers, said her patients would benefit from riding at the centre.

After the meeting she told the Chronicle: "It's brilliant, it was the right decision."

Last month, the Chronicle revealed the plans had generated a lot of animosity in the village.

Roy Hart, 67, a Rettendon parish councillor in opposition to applicant David Bishop's development, said the transformation looked like a "stepping stone" to a bigger complex.

"In five years' time we think it's going to be a sprawl of retail on the site," he said.

But he added: "We did fight a long and hard campaign and we lost – and if you lose you lose. I wish them well. I don't bear any animosity to Mr Bishop – he fought a very hard campaign."

A CROOKED jeweller has been told to pay a quarter of a million pounds or face another three and a half years in jail.

Alexandros Kyriacou, 47, was jailed for three years in 2010 for a £250,000 tax fraud and handling stolen goods, after attempting to buy stolen Rolex watches at his shop in central London from an undercover police officer.

Now the father of five from South Woodham Ferrers was told by Southwark Crown Court to pay HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) £271,000 or face another term behind bars.

Gary Forbes, of the Criminal Taxes Unit at HMRC, said: "Alexandros Kyriacou had no hesitation in cheating his way to a lavish lifestyle by deliberately evading his tax liabilities.

"Similarly, HMRC has no hesitation in pursuing Kyriacou both for his crime and for the proceeds of that crime.

"Our work does not stop at conviction, but continues until we have recovered the ill-gotten gains of those who cheat the honest taxpayer."

Kyriacou courted publicity in June 2009, shortly before his arrest, when his photograph was published in The Sun.

Bedecked in bling, he was quoted as saying: "The rush to sell gold is on the TV and in papers, loads of adverts asking people to sell off their gold.

"It's an effective way to raise some cash, but I do sometimes wonder just how hard up these people really are – the other day we had some gold teeth brought in."

The court had previously heard how police searched his Greville Street shop and found a new laptop recently stolen from a hospital, and a £1,095 Cartier watch taken from a raid on a Kilburn pawnbrokers.

Detectives also discovered papers leading to a safety deposit box where Kyriacou had stashed £60,000 cash.

He had also cheated the taxman out of nearly £200,000 when he applied for a second mortgage on a luxury manor house in Cold Norton.

Gerard Pounder, prosecuting on March 27, said Kyriacou was the sole director of an instant liability company called Go 4 Gold Ltd.

He had set up the business in 2002 after years working as a van driver and bouncer.

Police put the shop under surveillance in 2008, sending in an undercover officer.

And over the next few days, Kyriacou bought a number of items, including a Rolex and a Jaeger LeCoutre Reverso watch worth £2,750, before agreeing to pay £14,000 for eight stolen Rolexes.

At the 2010 trial Judge John Price had told Kyriacou: "You bought and sold stolen jewellery and watches.

"You rose from being a van driver to running a quite successful business but you cheated the revenue of £191,000.

"The police sent in an undercover agent and you were prepared to deal in goods worth around £80,000."

NEARLY 200 children braved the cold weather to hunt out chocolate eggs for Maldon Carnival's first ever Easter Egg Hunt.

The event took place at Promenade Park, Maldon, and children were asked to find hidden eggs in a maze, and solve the Easter puzzle using the treats collected.

If they managed to solve the riddle they were awarded an Easter egg donated by Asda or Morrisons.

Sarah Haylock, of the carnival committee said: "What a great success our first ever Easter Egg Hunt was. Thanks to everyone."

The carnival members decided to revive the event on Easter Sunday, previously organised by Maldon District Council, after it had lapsed over the previous two years.