Four local men from West Sussex appeared at Chichester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 30 March) for possession with intent to supply £9,000 worth of cannabis from 13 January 2009 in Arundel.
Aaron Benson, 20, formerly of Lloyd Goring Close, Angmering, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and received a 26 week suspended sentence and ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation program. Credit was given to Benson for pleading guilty at the first opportunity.
Warren Damerel, 20, formerly of Shaftesbury Road, Rustington and Tony Jackman, 23 and James Perilli 25, both formerly of Howard Road, Arundel, all denied the offence and a six day trial took place in which all three were found guilty.
Warren Damerel, received a 33 week suspended sentence. Tony Jackman was jailed for 12 months and James Perilli for 14 months.
The four men were arrested when a police dog unit on routine patrol stopped a BMW on the Lyminster Road, near Littlehampton, last January. The officer spoke to the occupants and noticed an overpowering smell of cannabis from inside. The car was searched and several bags of cannabis were recovered along with a large amount of money. All four men were arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply, with further searches taking place at several identified addresses. Further cannabis was seized at two other addresses in Littlehampton and Arundel. In total, cannabis with a street value of around £9,000 was recovered with cash totalling just under £3,000 being seized through the Proceeds of Crime Act.
DC David Midgley of Arun CID said: "This proactive stop has resulted in £9,000 of cannabis being removed from the streets of Sussex. The four men have received sentences to reflect their criminality and history. The £3,000 seized from the offenders will no doubt be missed by them. This money will be put back into the residents of Sussex, who we serve, through various schemes to reduce crime and target criminals. This case goes to show the offenders who travel on our roads, who commit crime on our streets, will get caught and dealt with robustly by the Criminal Justice System. It hammers home the message that crime does not pay."
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Littlehampton husband and wife sentenced for catalogue of sex offences
A husband and wife who subjected young girls to horrific sexual abuse have been jailed for a total of 19 years for their crimes.
The woman in her 30s and man in his 50s from Littlehampton appeared at Chichester Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to offences including rape, indecent assault, aiding and abetting buggery and witness intimidation.
The complex case was investigated by the Child Protection Team at Bognor following a report from a young woman in March 2008 to a rape crisis centre that she had been abused by the couple in 2003 when she was aged just 12. At the time, she did not wish to make a report to police.
Just over a year later, a second teenager disclosed to her school that she had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of the couple when she was 14 and a third victim - who was 13 at the time - was then identified by police.
Whilst enquiries were continuing into the pair, the first victim bravely decided that she would support a police prosecution.
In total they were charged with a total of 27 offences. They pleaded guilty to 12 - three against the wife and nine against the husband - and the remaining offences remain on file.
DC John Dudley, who investigated the case over 11 months, said: "This man was a sexual predator who preyed on young girls for his own gratification, aided by his own wife.
"The victims were groomed by the pair over a period of time before the offences started, and they got progressively more serious. The couple were very insistent that the girls were welcome round their house at any time before they were encouraged to sleep over. This then lead to them staying in their bedroom where the majority of offences took place.
"There is no doubt in my mind that if they had not been caught they would have continued their abuse."
At Chichester Crown Court on Friday (26 March) the man was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for his crimes; he was also made subject of an IPP (imprisonment for public protection) and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. His wife was jailed for five years.
Detective Sergeant Jez Prior, who runs the Child Protection Team at Bognor, said: "The seriousness of these offences shocked everyone who was involved in the enquiry and I'm pleased to see that this couple have been jailed for a considerable length of time for their despicable crimes.
"The girls who came forward and spoke to police about what had happened to them showed extreme bravery and courage.
"Officers working in the Child Protection Team have a difficult job but they are all specially trained to deal with sensitive cases such as this. We will continue to fully investigate any allegation that is reported to us and to get justice for victims, as we have done in this case."
The woman in her 30s and man in his 50s from Littlehampton appeared at Chichester Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to offences including rape, indecent assault, aiding and abetting buggery and witness intimidation.
The complex case was investigated by the Child Protection Team at Bognor following a report from a young woman in March 2008 to a rape crisis centre that she had been abused by the couple in 2003 when she was aged just 12. At the time, she did not wish to make a report to police.
Just over a year later, a second teenager disclosed to her school that she had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of the couple when she was 14 and a third victim - who was 13 at the time - was then identified by police.
Whilst enquiries were continuing into the pair, the first victim bravely decided that she would support a police prosecution.
In total they were charged with a total of 27 offences. They pleaded guilty to 12 - three against the wife and nine against the husband - and the remaining offences remain on file.
DC John Dudley, who investigated the case over 11 months, said: "This man was a sexual predator who preyed on young girls for his own gratification, aided by his own wife.
"The victims were groomed by the pair over a period of time before the offences started, and they got progressively more serious. The couple were very insistent that the girls were welcome round their house at any time before they were encouraged to sleep over. This then lead to them staying in their bedroom where the majority of offences took place.
"There is no doubt in my mind that if they had not been caught they would have continued their abuse."
At Chichester Crown Court on Friday (26 March) the man was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for his crimes; he was also made subject of an IPP (imprisonment for public protection) and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. His wife was jailed for five years.
Detective Sergeant Jez Prior, who runs the Child Protection Team at Bognor, said: "The seriousness of these offences shocked everyone who was involved in the enquiry and I'm pleased to see that this couple have been jailed for a considerable length of time for their despicable crimes.
"The girls who came forward and spoke to police about what had happened to them showed extreme bravery and courage.
"Officers working in the Child Protection Team have a difficult job but they are all specially trained to deal with sensitive cases such as this. We will continue to fully investigate any allegation that is reported to us and to get justice for victims, as we have done in this case."
Friday 26 March 2010
Lighter nights and warmer days (we hope). Good time for burglars.
Following the coldest winter on record for over thirty years, this Sunday (March 28th) finally sees the start of British Summer Time.
While most people will welcome the longer evenings and (fingers crossed) warmer weather, it is also a time of year when burglars seek to take advantage.
Although the number of burglaries across Sussex are falling there is always a rise during the summer months because of people leaving doors and windows open or insecure.
Trevor Cox, Sussex Police Community Safety & Crime Reduction Advisor, said:
The clocks go forward this Sunday and, with this in mind, we ask you to be security conscious around your home and garden. Please lock all doors and windows when going out or working in the back garden, put all garden tools away and lock your shed or garage. Don't be careless with your wallet or purse, even around you home. Place it out of sight.
It only takes a few seconds for a burglar to make his mark, so take a few minutes to make your mark against them. Discouraging them from targeting your property will help ensure you enjoy your summer.
"Please ask for our information sheet, which you can display in an appropriate place as a reminder. You can obtain one at your local police station or by calling 0845 60 70 999 and asking to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.
Because the best defence against any burglary is prevention, Crime Prevention Officers will be distributing the 'Keep Cool This Summer' leaflets across Sussex. The leaflets contain the following advice:
When you go out, lock all the doors and windows.
Don't leave fanlight windows open.
When you leave a room unattended, close windows and doors especially on the ground floor.
If you want to leave your windows open whilst you are asleep, fit window restrictors to stop people opening them to climb in.
Double check fences and boundaries to make sure they keep burglars out.
Secure garden tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage to prevent them being used to break in to your or a neighbour's home.
Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.
Consider laying gravel on your footpaths or driveway, which can deter burglars from approaching your property.
Outside security lighting as well as a visible burglar alarm helps deter burglars.
For more advice on crime prevention visit www.sussex.police.uk or phone 0845 60 70 999 and ask for your local Crime Prevention Officer.
In an emergency, or if you see a crime in progress, always dial 999.
While most people will welcome the longer evenings and (fingers crossed) warmer weather, it is also a time of year when burglars seek to take advantage.
Although the number of burglaries across Sussex are falling there is always a rise during the summer months because of people leaving doors and windows open or insecure.
Trevor Cox, Sussex Police Community Safety & Crime Reduction Advisor, said:
The clocks go forward this Sunday and, with this in mind, we ask you to be security conscious around your home and garden. Please lock all doors and windows when going out or working in the back garden, put all garden tools away and lock your shed or garage. Don't be careless with your wallet or purse, even around you home. Place it out of sight.
It only takes a few seconds for a burglar to make his mark, so take a few minutes to make your mark against them. Discouraging them from targeting your property will help ensure you enjoy your summer.
"Please ask for our information sheet, which you can display in an appropriate place as a reminder. You can obtain one at your local police station or by calling 0845 60 70 999 and asking to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.
Because the best defence against any burglary is prevention, Crime Prevention Officers will be distributing the 'Keep Cool This Summer' leaflets across Sussex. The leaflets contain the following advice:
When you go out, lock all the doors and windows.
Don't leave fanlight windows open.
When you leave a room unattended, close windows and doors especially on the ground floor.
If you want to leave your windows open whilst you are asleep, fit window restrictors to stop people opening them to climb in.
Double check fences and boundaries to make sure they keep burglars out.
Secure garden tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage to prevent them being used to break in to your or a neighbour's home.
Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.
Consider laying gravel on your footpaths or driveway, which can deter burglars from approaching your property.
Outside security lighting as well as a visible burglar alarm helps deter burglars.
For more advice on crime prevention visit www.sussex.police.uk or phone 0845 60 70 999 and ask for your local Crime Prevention Officer.
In an emergency, or if you see a crime in progress, always dial 999.
Thursday 11 March 2010
34yr old carer convicted of burgling former elderly client
34 year old Donna Fallon of Bayford Road, Littlehampton was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 2 years when she appeared at Worthing Magistrates Court charged with two burglary dwelling offences last week. Donna, who was previously a carer for the 92 year old Rustington victim was also ordered to undertake 200 hours of community service, as well as pay £120 in compensation and a further £120 in costs.
Littlehampton Police launched an investigation when the victim’s care company noticed that money was disappearing from the property that could not have been spent by the victim. The care company, West Sussex Adult Services and Littlehampton Police worked together to progress the investigation. Police used technical equipment to assist them in identifying the offender.
Detective Sergeant John Witt of Littlehampton CID, who led the investigation said, “I am pleased that we secured a conviction in this case and hope that it sends out the message that we will use a wide range of investigative tactics to identify offenders and hold them to account. It was particularly pleasing to achieve this result as the victim was very elderly and the offender had known him and previously worked for him.
“I would like to point out that Fallon has no connections with the victim’s current care company, indeed she was not connected to a company at all. I would urge those who are seeking carers, either for themselves or a family member, to use a reputable company that carries out the necessary checks on its staff.”
Littlehampton Police launched an investigation when the victim’s care company noticed that money was disappearing from the property that could not have been spent by the victim. The care company, West Sussex Adult Services and Littlehampton Police worked together to progress the investigation. Police used technical equipment to assist them in identifying the offender.
Detective Sergeant John Witt of Littlehampton CID, who led the investigation said, “I am pleased that we secured a conviction in this case and hope that it sends out the message that we will use a wide range of investigative tactics to identify offenders and hold them to account. It was particularly pleasing to achieve this result as the victim was very elderly and the offender had known him and previously worked for him.
“I would like to point out that Fallon has no connections with the victim’s current care company, indeed she was not connected to a company at all. I would urge those who are seeking carers, either for themselves or a family member, to use a reputable company that carries out the necessary checks on its staff.”
Sussex Police Report Card Assessments.
Sussex Police and Sussex Police Authority have welcomed Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC) police report card assessments published today (Thursday) and are looking forward to regular scheduled updates on the Force’s performance.
Deputy Chief Constable Giles York said: "The assessments are based on various data stretching back to 2007 and we believe that as updates become available, they will show that Sussex is already improving."
Sussex Police has been rated ‘Fair’ in all three overall categories, putting the Force in the equal top ten slot of 42 police forces across England and Wales for the Confidence and Satisfaction category, equal 15th for Local Crime and Policing and equal 17th for Protection from Serious Harm.
In the sub-categories, ‘Excellent’ ratings were given for reducing crime, suppressing gun crime and comparative satisfaction of the BME community.
Commenting on the figures, DCC York said: "Several areas of strong performance have been recognised by HMIC, including our excellent rating for reducing crime. This reflects the wishes of the police authority to concentrate on crime prevention, particularly with regard to vehicle crime. Our focus in this area has seen very good results, but we acknowledge that the number of solved cases in this category is directly bringing about the ‘Poor’ rating for solving crime. However, we are shown to be improving.
"Sussex Police works closely with other emergency services, local councils and other partners to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads. We all work tirelessly in a bid to educate and enforce. This is showing results and road KSI (killed and seriously injured) figures in particular have fallen by more than 7% over the last four years (964 in 2009 against 1034 in 2006). However, the way that we are assessed in comparison with similar forces, means that we have not moved position in relation to these other forces and we will continue to seek improvement.
"I am pleased that HMIC has recognised, in particular, the joint work that we have carried out with partners to make Brighton and Hove a safer place at night, which has been singled out as an example of exceptional performance and innovation. Our work on burglaries has also brought positive results and we lead the way in the south-east on reducing this type of crime. These are just two examples of the quality policing service that we deliver to the people of Sussex and I trust that the introduction of the My Police website will enable people to track our successes and our improvements."
The chairman of Sussex Police Authority, Dr Laurie Bush, said: "Sussex Police Authority is very pleased with this report’s recognition for the areas in which Sussex Police excel. Being in the top ten in the country for confidence and satisfaction is of utmost importance and the Authority would like to praise the work done in this area.
"I also want to commend the work done to gain a rating of excellent for reducing crime, suppressing gun crime and in particular the comparative satisfaction of the BME community. This is an area that the Authority has long overseen and is reflected in the diverse nature of the make up of Sussex Police, its officers and its staff.
"We recognise the weak areas in this report but there is nothing new evidenced here. These areas are being addressed and are reflected in the Authority’s Local Policing Plan for 2010-11 and will continue to be scrutinised to ensure further improvement in these areas.
"The Authority is identified as delivering policing with a low/medium cost per household which means that policing in Sussex represents very good value for money particularly when Sussex is ranked as one of the lowest funded police forces in England and Wales. The Police Authority recently set a historically low precept rise of only 7 pence (2.7%) per week for the average Band D household. This means that for next year taxpayers will pay only £138.42 per household for the policing of Sussex, whilst still allowing us to invest in 31 extra neighbourhood police officers.
"I am very pleased to be able to say that this extra investment in neighbourhood policing follows detailed consultation with communities in Sussex and is possible as a result of extensive efficiency gains by the Authority and the Sussex Police."
Deputy Chief Constable Giles York said: "The assessments are based on various data stretching back to 2007 and we believe that as updates become available, they will show that Sussex is already improving."
Sussex Police has been rated ‘Fair’ in all three overall categories, putting the Force in the equal top ten slot of 42 police forces across England and Wales for the Confidence and Satisfaction category, equal 15th for Local Crime and Policing and equal 17th for Protection from Serious Harm.
In the sub-categories, ‘Excellent’ ratings were given for reducing crime, suppressing gun crime and comparative satisfaction of the BME community.
Commenting on the figures, DCC York said: "Several areas of strong performance have been recognised by HMIC, including our excellent rating for reducing crime. This reflects the wishes of the police authority to concentrate on crime prevention, particularly with regard to vehicle crime. Our focus in this area has seen very good results, but we acknowledge that the number of solved cases in this category is directly bringing about the ‘Poor’ rating for solving crime. However, we are shown to be improving.
"Sussex Police works closely with other emergency services, local councils and other partners to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads. We all work tirelessly in a bid to educate and enforce. This is showing results and road KSI (killed and seriously injured) figures in particular have fallen by more than 7% over the last four years (964 in 2009 against 1034 in 2006). However, the way that we are assessed in comparison with similar forces, means that we have not moved position in relation to these other forces and we will continue to seek improvement.
"I am pleased that HMIC has recognised, in particular, the joint work that we have carried out with partners to make Brighton and Hove a safer place at night, which has been singled out as an example of exceptional performance and innovation. Our work on burglaries has also brought positive results and we lead the way in the south-east on reducing this type of crime. These are just two examples of the quality policing service that we deliver to the people of Sussex and I trust that the introduction of the My Police website will enable people to track our successes and our improvements."
The chairman of Sussex Police Authority, Dr Laurie Bush, said: "Sussex Police Authority is very pleased with this report’s recognition for the areas in which Sussex Police excel. Being in the top ten in the country for confidence and satisfaction is of utmost importance and the Authority would like to praise the work done in this area.
"I also want to commend the work done to gain a rating of excellent for reducing crime, suppressing gun crime and in particular the comparative satisfaction of the BME community. This is an area that the Authority has long overseen and is reflected in the diverse nature of the make up of Sussex Police, its officers and its staff.
"We recognise the weak areas in this report but there is nothing new evidenced here. These areas are being addressed and are reflected in the Authority’s Local Policing Plan for 2010-11 and will continue to be scrutinised to ensure further improvement in these areas.
"The Authority is identified as delivering policing with a low/medium cost per household which means that policing in Sussex represents very good value for money particularly when Sussex is ranked as one of the lowest funded police forces in England and Wales. The Police Authority recently set a historically low precept rise of only 7 pence (2.7%) per week for the average Band D household. This means that for next year taxpayers will pay only £138.42 per household for the policing of Sussex, whilst still allowing us to invest in 31 extra neighbourhood police officers.
"I am very pleased to be able to say that this extra investment in neighbourhood policing follows detailed consultation with communities in Sussex and is possible as a result of extensive efficiency gains by the Authority and the Sussex Police."
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