News In Brief

Leigh Dealer Spared Jail – A LEIGH victim of modern-day slavery who was forced to sell drugs by gang leaders was caught by police in possession of cannabis, crack, and heroin.

Daniel Perry, 20, of Woodside Leigh was under a referral scheme programme to protect potential victims of modern ay slavery, but was caught with drugs in January of this year.

Police were called to a disturbance in Shoebury when Perry fled the scene, but was found with wraps of drugs.

He was interviewed, but denied he was dealing drugs, but said he was under duress to do so.

He was later charged in April, and appeared at Southend Magistrate’s Court on June 5, where he entered a guilty plea.

His sentence was delayed due to the National Referral Mechanism process’ framework for identifying potential victims of modern-day slavery.

The prosecution alleged that Mr Perry withdrew himself form the process in January, but the defendant denied this, and said he did not know why the process was stopped.

Judge Samantha Cohen sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for 20 months.

He is required to do 100 hours unpaid work and complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

 

Series Of Damaged Cars – AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by Police after cars in the Rayleigh and Hockley areas were damaged, possibly with an “air weapon”.

Four cases of vehicles being damaged between August 1 and 17 have been reported and are being linked.

Two cases happened in Anchor Lane, Canewdon, a third at the Rayleigh Weir roundabout and a fourth in High Road, Hockley.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “A side panel of a car was damaged at the Rayleigh Weir roundabout at 6.55am on August 1.

“Then, four days later, the rear window of a vehicle was damaged at around 12.30am in Anchor Lane Canewdon.

“A day later, it was reported a vehicle in High Road, Hockley had been damaged and then last week, between 11.30pm on August 17 and 9am on August 18, a fourth vehicle was damaged, also in Anchor Lane.

“A day later, it was reported a vehicle in High Road, Hockley had been damaged.

“And then last week, between 11.30pm on August 17 and 9am on August 18, a fourth vehicle was damaged, also in Anchor Lane.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/146906/23.”

To submit a report on the force’s website. Alternatively, 101 can be dialled or anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling: 0800555111.

 

Wine Bar Forced To Close For A Month – A CHALKWELL wine bar was forced to shut down for a month following a single resident’s complaint about its licensing application.

Executives at The Cork Dork, located on The Ridgeway, appealed to the Southend Council’s licensing committee during a recent session.

Their aim was to swiftly secure approval for their application, urgently restoring their ability to resume operations.

It was revealed that the bar, known for offering a diverse selection of over 100 wines, had to initiate a fresh application for a premises license due to an unintentional “clerical error” that surfaced in a previously authorised application.

Under prevailing regulations, a solitary objection to an application mandates the matter to be subjected to committee deliberation.

Consequently, the wine bar found itself in a state of suspension while awaiting a verdict.

Benedict Hurley, the proprietor, participated in a session of Southend Council’s licensing subcommittee to advocate for his application.

Tim Rowe, a council officer, assured that he would make every effort to expedite the resolution process.

While the exact nature of the clerical error prompting the need for re-application was not disclosed by Mr. Hurley, a committee report indicated that a previous premises license had lapsed due to the dissolution of the licensing-holding company.

Mr Hurley spoke of the effect of the error on his business: “Unfortunately I had to close the business for three-and-a-half weeks waiting for today.

“It’s put a lot of the staff out of work, including myself.”

He added: “I’ve got a few staff lined up, but they won’t be the ones I had. We have 104 wines. That’s quite of lot wines to learn.”

 

Teen Robbed In Rayleigh Park – A BOY in Rayleigh was attacked and robbed by a gang of yobs at a park.

The victim, a 13-year-old boy, was reportedly “kicked in the head” and left with a “swollen face” during the assault, according to reports on social media.

It is reported that members of the public stepped in to intervene during the incident.

The victim had his headphones stolen, which took place at around 7.30pm on Monday August 28 at King George’s Park.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a Class B drug. The teenager arrested has now been released on bail.

Danielle Belton, councillor responsible for the Grange ward at Rayleigh Town Council, and Hockley and Ashingdon ward at Rochford Council, said: “We are aware of a number of anti-social actions that have happened in the park lately and have been working with the police to get an increased presence.

“It is just really sad, but we are doing what we can to make this park as safe as it can be.

“I urge all residents to report any incidents at all to police or via the Rayleigh Town Council website to enable us to continue to tackle these issues.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a reported robbery in Rayleigh.

“We received a call at 7.30pm on Monday reporting a 13-year-old boy had been approached by a group of people, assaulted, and had earphones stolen.

“A 14-year-old boy from Rayleigh was subsequently arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a Class B drug.

“He has since been released on bail until September 24.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/153689/23.”

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