the isle of wight gazette issue 80

THE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPERGazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPER

REGISTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO RECIEVE WEEKLY NOTIFICATIONS

READ THE NEW E-GAZETTE EVERY FRIDAY FROM YOUR INBOX

L i s t e d as one of the largest villages in E u r o p e ,

COUNCIL TOLD TO ‘BOGGER

OFF’See page 8

FIRE ALARM SAVES

PENSIONER’S LIFE

See page 6

CRASH CAUSES RUSH HOUR

CHAOSSee page 4

NEWPORT MAN DIES IN ALPS FALL

See Page Three for full story

ISLAND EXCLUSIVEBY JASON KAY

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 898340 www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 20112

NEWS

MAN ATTACKED OUTSIDE SCHOOL

Police have launched a probe after a man was viciously attacked with a shovel outside an Island primary school in Godshill.

The vicious attack was carried out shortly before 2.50pm on Monday (January 24), and was witnessed by many parents waiting to collect their children from Godshill Primary School.

The traumatized parents spoke of their fears as a man, armed with a shovel, throttled another man causing him serious head injuries.

A Godshill mum-of-two, who did not wish to be named, told “The Gazette” “I saw the victim lying on the pavement with some serious head injuries. I believe he had been struck with a shovel”.

A 31-year-old man was given emergency first aid by Police officers shortly after the attack.

Police cordoned off an area between the Old School House and two further properties. Staff at the school arranged for the 120 pupils to be let out by an alternative

exit.A police source confirmed to “The Gazette”

that a man is still outstanding in relation to the incident.

CID officers from Newport removed a shovel from a property near to the school, on School Road, Godshill.

Paramedics attended and took the man to St Mary’s Hospital, where he received treatment for an injury to the side of his head.

Callous thieves attempted to break in and steal life saving equipment from a lifeboat station in Sandown, Isle of Wight overnight on Friday (January 21).

Burglars attempted the raid on Sandown and Shanklin’s independent station by forcing the metal doors, which is home to the station’s all weather lifeboat.

The attempted burglary is believed to have happened sometime between Friday evening (21 January 2011) and Saturday morning (22 January 2011).

Lifeboat operations manager for Sandown and Shanklin’s Independent Lifeboat, Mark Birch, said: “The attempted burglary cost an estimated pounds £900 in damage that could have been put to better use.

“As a charity, we are shocked and saddened that the lifeboat station was targeted in such a way.

“We rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income and are frustrated that money which should have been spent

on saving lives at sea, had to be spent on repairing mindless damage.”

Apart from the cost implications, Sandown’s all-weather lifeboat had to be put on restricted service for most of the day, while the volunteer crew cleared up and attempted to repair damage.

“This could have put lives at risk, as the lifeboat may well have been needed to save someone’s life”, Mr. Birch added.

Mr. Birch urged anyone with information to contact police.

A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said: “Police can confirm they received a report at 11.36am on Saturday, January 22, 2011 of an attempted burglary at the lifeboat station in Sandown”

Anyone with information can contact police by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000.

Information can be given anonymously by calling the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

VITAL LIFE SAVING CASH SPENT ON REPAIRS

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 898340 www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011 3

NEWS

PARENTS PAY TRIBUTE TO FREE-SPIRITED SON

A man in his 20s from Newport has been killed falling down a ravine after a party at a ski resort in the French Alps, ‘The Gazette’ can reveal.

The body of James Rolfe, 27, was found in Courchevel near the village of St Bon, after he plunged 320ft to his death.

Mr Rolfe was working at the resort for the winter season.

He is believed to have fallen some time after leaving a party at around 5.30am yesterday morning (Thursday). Sources claim Mr Rolfe appeared to have taken a wrong turning as he headed back to his accommodation.

Worried friends reported him missing 12 hours later

after he failed to turn up for his shift.

It is thought he had been out drinking at the Avalanche nightclub in La Combe De Venosc at an all night party.

Search parties spent most of the day scouring the area with dogs and a helicopter.

His body was finally spotted by the chopper crew at the bottom of a ravine, dubbed “The Edge of The World”.

Police have launched an investigation into the death of Mr Rolfe - known to pals as Jamie.

A post mortem is due to be carried out in a bid to determine what happened.

The devastated family of Jamie have paid an emotional tribute to him.

His parents - who asked not to be named - said: “We’ll remember Jamie as a lively free spirit with a zest for

life and an enthusiasm for

travelling. “He taught English

to university students while living in China and

also visited Africa and

South-East Asia. “Jamie was a bright and talented son who was sociable with many friends in different parts of the world.”

He was born in London but moved to the Isle of Wight with his family when he was just two-years-old.

The family continued, saying: “His creative and artistic character meant he had an affinity for learning and playing music, and studied film at Falmouth University. “He loved outdoor sports and it was a dream job to work as a chalet rep in the Alps, where he could also pursue his passion for snowboarding.

“We are shocked and devastated by the death of Jamie, who brought so much joy and happiness to

our lives, and lived his life to the full by embracing exciting opportunities and adventures.”

A source revealed to ‘The Gazette’: “It seems the victim may have left an apartment and told friends he would walk back to his own accommodation.

“But it looks like he has become disorientated and headed in the wrong direction.

“His own accommodation was less than 15 minutes away but he has gone back towards the nightclub.

“The club is only a short walk from the ravine where his body was eventually found.”

In the past 13 years, eight people have fallen to their deaths in the area.


NEWS

Island Police have renewed their appeal for further witnesses following a crash on Medina Way in Newport on Tuesday January 25, which brought rush hour traffic to a stand still.

Police Officers were called to the dual carriageway at 3.29pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 to a report of a collision involving a BMW and a Morris Minor.

Both lanes of the carriageway were closed for over five hours whilst forensic crash scene investigators from the collision investigation unit where called in to recover evidence, to help build a picture of how the collision occurred.

Police have now released details of the five people involved and the extent of their injuries.

The front seat passenger in the BMW, a 17-year-old woman from Newport, Isle of Wight received shock and whiplash. She went to hospital and was later discharged.

The Morris Minor driver, a 66-year-old man from Newport, Isle of Wight, was taken to hospital to be treated for serious internal injuries.

A passenger in the Morris Minor, a 69-year-old man from Newport, was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries, including multiple broken bones to the man’s face.

Another passenger in the Morris Minor, a 64-year-old woman from Newport, was taken to hospital and later discharged.

A Piaggio Vespa scooter stopped at the scene shortly after the collision. The rider, an 18-year-old woman from Ryde, suffered shock. She went to hospital as a precaution and was later discharged.

Initial police enquiries show the scooter made no contact with the BMW or the Morris Minor.

The BMW driver, a 25-year-old man from Cowes, Isle of Wight, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was taken to Newport Police Station for questioning, and later bailed until March 26, 2011 pending further enquiries. It is believed he was not injured in the collision.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “Some of the injuries were

initially classed as potentially life threatening at the collision scene, but after several hours it became apparent that none of the injured motorists or passengers were at risk of dying.

“This was a serious collision that meant one of the Island’s main roads had to be

Send your news and pictures to us at [email protected]

or call our 24hr News Hotline 01983 898349DO YOU HAVE

NEWS FOR US?

RUSH HOUR CRASH CAUSES ISLAND CHAOS

closed completely for several hours. This caused considerable disruption to traffic in Newport and other parts of the island. Police would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience while emergency services helped the casualties and carried out enquiries at the scene”.

Sergeant Paul Bailey from the RPU said “We’re also grateful to all those people who’ve provided information to the police so far. Officers remain keen to hear from anyone else who saw the collision or the BMW and Morris Minor in the moments beforehand at approximately 3.20pm on Tuesday”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit (RPU) at Shanklin Police Station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Quoting operation Vogue

Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000.

Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on

0800 555 111.


NEWS

An Isle of Wight College student from Godshill remains in a critical condition in Southampton General Hospital after a crash on Main Road, Rookley.

Ashley Denham, 19, who was thrown from what is believed to be his Dad’s Suzuki motorcycle, has been transferred to the specialist Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Southampton General Hospital, were his condition is described as critical, with life threatening injuries.

The crash happened at around 1pm near Pagham Place, Main Road, Rookley on Thursday, 20th January.

Ashley had only celebrated his 19th birthday two days prior to the collision.

Police arrested a 55-year-old man from East Cowes on suspicion of driving without due care and attention on Monday

(January 22), and have bailed the man pending further enquiries.

Ashley’s mother, Julie Denham, placed messages on the social networking website Facebook, keeping the popular teen’s friends up-to-date on the biker’s condition.

In one message she wrote about her “lovley son” and gave an update on Ashley’s condition.

“Ash is going to stay sedated until probably Monday now, the pressure in his head looks to be ok, the reading is 17 and for normal it should be below 20 and for head injury below 25”

Ashley’s mother went on to say that two bleeds to the front of Ashley’s brain had stopped, and that a collapsed lung had been drained.

Girlfriend of the injured biker, Shannon Hardy said, “You’re looking beautiful babe. I love you millions

and millions”. Bronty Debenham said

“Keep fighting and stay strong Ash, my thoughts are with you”.

Leaonie Holme said, “Hope your ok - stay strong”.

Jodie Hornby also added, “You’re a fighter Ash and we all know it, stay strong sweet cheeks! Xxx”.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and have issued an appeal for further witnesses to contact them.

Anyone who saw the collision, or either vehicle prior to it, are asked to contact PC Geoff Turner at the Shanklin Roads Policing Unit by calling 101, quoting Operation Oarfish.

Information can also be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity, by calling 0800 555 111

FRIENDS SEND WISHES TO GODSHILL BIKER


NEWS

A pensioner owes his life to a smoke alarm installed at his property in Niton, Isle of Wight.

Two officers, 24 firefighters and four pumping appliances from Newport, Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown, supported by the Command and Control Unit, averted tragedy at the Rectory Lane property on Monday evening (January 24).

Duty officer, Station manager Mark Deacon for Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue

Service praised the swift attendance, which was critical in gaining control of the serious blaze.

The pensioner, in his 70s, is believed to have jumped out of a window in the property before the arrival of fire crews.

He was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by a Rapid Response Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance service, and was taken to St Mary’s Hospital for further treatment.

The elderly pensioner raised the alarm shortly before 11pm.

Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, using three hose reels, fought to gain control of the furious blaze that has destroyed 80% of the property.

Mr. Deacon highlighted the importance of smoke alarms being fitted in properties – “had working smoke alarms not been at the property, we could have been looking at a totally different situation”.

Crews remained at the incident checking for hot spots and damping down for a number of hours.

Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service offer the fitting of ten-year smoke alarms for any household on the Island. This service is free and can be arranged by contacting the Community Fire Safety Department on 01983 533834 or by visiting their website, http://www.iwfire.org/

SMOKE ALARM SAVES PENSIONER’S LIFE

Isle of Wight fire crews from Newport and Freshwater, including the rescue tender, were called shortly after 9.15am this morning to Tapnells Farm on the Middle Road near Freshwater, after a women lost control of her vehicle and ended up in a ditch.

Firefighters freed the women by cutting away bushes after the women became entrapped.

The woman suffered minor injures, and was treated at the scene by a solo paramedic.

WOMAN RESCUED

FROM DITCHDO YOU

HAVE NEWS

FOR US?


NEWS

A professional gambler with debts of around £380,000 had a confusing personal life, an inquest heard this week.

The inquest court in Newport heard Alan Park, 47 of Beckenham, had been using a Betfair account to earn a living from on-line gambling, before throwing himself off a West Wight cliff.

Alan’s former partner, Helen Wild, who had made a number of public appeals for help in trying to locate him since he went missing on May 16 2010, sat intently as the evidence was presented to Isle of Wight Coroner, John Matthews.

The court heard how a rambler from Freshwater located clothing at the top of a rock face on Tennyson Down in June last year. The rambler reported the find to police after seeing a missing person poster in a local chemist.

Police officers carried out a search of the cliff face and the body of Mr. Parks was recovered at the foot of Pepper Rocks.

Coroner Mr. Matthews recorded a verdict of suicide.

MISSING MAN SUICIDE VERDICT

EX HOSPITAL BOSS TO RUN

ISLAND HOSPICEFormer hospital

Chief Sheila Paul has been appointed the interim Chief Executive of the Island’s Hospice.

The former Deputy Chief Executive at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, who retired in November after more than 33 years service, was selected to fill the temporary post from a number of quality candidates.

The appointment is for 6 months whilst a permanent replacement is found to fill the

£80,000 a year position.

The current Hospice Chief, Graham Elderfield,

announced in February 2010 that he was leaving to take on a post with Guy’s Hospital in

Germany.Ms Paul said that

she is delighted to be given a chance to work with patients, volunteers and staff at the hospice, which costs over £8,000 a day to run.

Chairman of the hospice, Dr John Rickard said: “I’m sure Ms Paul will bring some excellent m a n a g e m e n t experience and skill”. He went on to wish Mr. Elderfield all the success in his new job.

Island Police are seeking help from the public to recover a rare mountain bike, valued at around £6000 taken from a Cowes Car Park.

The bicycle was taken from the back of a red Renault Clio parked in the Co-op car park off Denmark Road in Cowes sometime between 4.30pm and 11.50pm on Saturday, January 15, 2011.

It is described as a white framed ‘Intense Socom’ mountain bike, which was purpose-built to the owner’s specification with specialist components with the following specialist accessories.

A black and white cow print SDG saddle with Pink Burg Tech pedals, Shimano Saints brakes the seat pos t is a Thompson Elite

The stolen bike also has a large number plate with 694 in bold print on it.

The total value of the bike and its accessories is estimated at approximately £6,000.

PC Justin Pringle is appealing to bike dealers around the Island to be on the lookout for the custom-built machine, which is used for racing.

Investigating officer PC Pringle of the Cowes Safer Neighborhoods team said: “This theft has severely disrupted the

ambitions of a semi-professional cyclist who had plans to compete abroad this year.

“We’re pursuing several lines of enquiry and would like to thank staff in bike shops across the island for their help with our investigation so far.

“I’m keen to hear from anyone with information about the whereabouts of this distinctive bike or the identity of the thief who stole it.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Justin Pringle at Cowes Police Station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45.

Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

RARE MOUNTAIN BIKE WORTH FOUR FIGURES STOLEN


NEWS



NEWS FOR US?

A scene out of a Starsky and Hutch film was played out on the Island on Wednesday (January 26), as police officers where put through their paces during a high speed driver training exercise on the Isle of Wight.

The Police convey of three Volvo XC90s and two BMWs were spotted by a number of Islanders who contacted ‘The Gazette’ believing that something serious was unfolding on the Island.

Mum of Two Claire Musdale was driving home to Shanklin after tending to her horses when she saw the convey with blue lights and sirens sounding, which she likened to something out of a Starsky and Hutch film.

She said: “I was driving in Shanklin on Victoria Avenue, when a Police car flew past me in the middle of the road. It was screaming down the road and was followed by four police cars.

“I really believed it was a proper police

chase, but to think that it was a police exercise it really looked like the real thing”.

A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said that the drivers of the cars would have been under the supervision from one of the forces best trained instructors, with safety being a key priority. He added: “Training is regularly carried out on roads in the country, in real conditions, to ensure police drivers are used to and qualified in safe and effective driving techniques.

“Pursuit training is an important part of this, to ensure drivers are adequately prepared to deal with criminals who use out roads.

“Public safety is our priority at all times. All our drivers are highly trained in full accordance with national police driver training guidelines, and the utmost is done to minimise any risk.”

ISLAND PLAYS HOST TO POLICE DRIVER TRAINING

COUNCIL TOLD TO “BOGGER OFF” BY

BUSINESS CHAIRMANListed as one of the largest villages in

Europe, Bembridge could be left with nowhere for anyone to spend a penny if proposals, that were announced last month by the Isle of Wight Council, go ahead.

The Council intended to close every public convenience in the village of Bembridge, Isle of Wight. This will leave residents and visitors with nowhere to go to spend a penny.

Bembridge is not the only area to be affected by the proposed cuts, but Chair of the Business association said “To lose all five loos seems a bit harsh.”

“When we first heard of these proposals we were shocked. It is unbelievable that any rational appraisal of the needs of this area would lead to all of the toilets being closed.

“Throughout the year, but particularly in the summer months, we have large numbers of visitors who come to enjoy the beaches and sights of Bembridge. We are extremely concerned about the impact the closures will have on these visitors. The effect of the closures will also be felt by the residents of the village, a high proportion of whom are elderly.”

The Business Association has carried out an appraisal of the Council’s basis for their decision-making and has identified a number of problems with the analysis. Mr Groom commented “the so called ‘detailed study’ carried out by the Council is incredibly flawed. I am appalled that anyone would remotely consider basing

any decision making upon it – the reports’ production has just been a waste of scarce council resources.

“One particular concern is the inbuilt bias given to toilets located in towns irrespective of actual usage. Surely council tax payers in the villages have aright to expect a level playing field in any analysis, yet we have been disadvantaged, and will end up supporting the residents of the towns by paying for their toilets.”

The business association is not the only organization to be concerned about these proposals, Bembridge Parish Council has expressed concerns, as have many local residents in the Bembridge area.

Isle of Wight Council Head of Highways and Transport Peter Hayward said “The council carried out a review of public convenience provision on the Island, including frequency of use, location and proximity of other facilities.

“This applied to toilets in both rural and urban locations. While we do appreciate that the Bembridge Business Association has concerns over the future of toilet provision in the village, the public consultation is still active until the end of the month and no final decisions have been made.

“I would encourage anyone who has not yet done so to send in their comments to the council and share their views and these will be considered before any final decisions are made.”


NEWS

Send your news and picturesto us at [email protected]

or call our 24hr News Hotlineon 01983 898349

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR US?

The £1.2 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital was officially opened by the Island’s High Sheriff, Peter Kingston, on Friday (January 21).

A ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Hospital to celebrate the completion of the relocation, and acknowledge the hard work and generosity of all those who have supported the unit over the years, and contributed to the Barely Born fundraising appeal which was launched by Former High Sheriff, Alan Titchmarsh in April 2008.

All those who attended the opening were able to meet the staff and take a tour of the facilities followed by afternoon tea on the unit.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gill Kennett, Associate Director for Community, Family and Therapy Services, said “The staff have

waited a long time for these great facilities and we are thrilled to be able to provide our staff, mothers and babies with the space they need. No longer are mothers isolated from their babies in a ‘downstairs’ unit. Mothers can now be close to their babies on a new unit that also links directly with the Maternity Ward. We acknowledge and appreciate all the wonderful contributions to the appeal from staff, sponsors and particularly Isle of Wight residents.”

The unit is spacious and modern and accommodates the needs of mothers, babies and their families. There are play facilities to entertain brothers and sisters whilst parents take care of the new baby, and overnight accommodation for parents wanting to spend time on the unit near to their baby. For families who need a quiet space in which

to come to terms with their baby’s illness, a quiet/counseling room has been provided to offer support.

The unit also gives doctors and nurses the space they need to work alongside each other to provide specialist and family centered care for up to 11 babies.

Sister Pamela George of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, said “Since we have moved to the new unit we have looked after 314 babies. The new location has made a huge difference in the way we can care for some of the Island’s premature and unwell babies. Figures since June 2010 have shown that the neonatal staff have been able to work closely with the midwives and nurse 139 babies next to their mothers bedside.”

Anyone wishing to support the unit can still contribute to the Barely Born Appeal

by visiting www.barelyborn.co.uk or telephoning 552264. The ‘Windows of Life’ project continues to provide additional funds for the Unit. The concept of the project is around growth and the cycle of life. Those wishing to donate to the appeal can purchase leaves, apples or doves and have either their names or family member names inscribed on them. The windows will be a permanent part of the Neonatal Unit.

In October 2011, the Island’s Fire Service will be setting off on the Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenge 2011, which will see a team cycle an estimated 1,600 miles in 14 consecutive days from St Thomas’ Square, Newport, Isle of Wight, Great Britain to Casemates Square, Gibraltar in support of the Barely Born Appeal and the Isle of Wight Young Carers Project, YMCA.

SHERIFF’S SEALOF APPROVAL

Wightlink Islanders has announced the resigning of Nick Simmons on to the team for 2011.

Simmons, who first rode for the Islanders in 1997, is the first rider to put pen to paper after what seems a very long winter.

“Simmons is a very popular figure at the Smallbrook club and if he can maintain last season’s form, which featured several breath taking outside swoop passing, the fans will continue to love him, said Ken Burnett.

“We are in the process of putting together a very strong team for the new season.

“We want to start 2011 the way we finished 2010, picking up points and silverware on our travels”.

ISLAND SKIPPER FIRST TO

SIGN


NEWS

FLAT FIRE BREAKS OUT IN RYDE

Isle of Wight fire crews from Ryde battled to stop the spread of a fire to a convenience store, which has left a two-bedroomed flat severely damaged by fire and smoke.

The blaze is believed to have broken out in the kitchen of the property, above Premier Stores in Monkton Street, Ryde, shortly after 13.00 on Monday (January 24).

A customer who spotted smoke and

flames licking the window frame of the kitchen raised the alarm.

Eleven firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought the intense blaze by knocking back flames using two high-pressure hose reels.

Crews spent over an hour damping down hot spots within the property and removing fire damaged items.

RYDE GRANNY JAIL RAP FOR BENEFIT FRAUDA partially blind, diabetic granny who ‘systematically’ cheated the State out of £63,000 in benefits, by pretending she was unmarried and out of work, has started an eight month jail sentence.Thelma Grey, a 69 year old from Nodes Point Caravan Park, St Helens, Ryde, lied for nine years to get income support and benefits she was not entitled to from the Department of Work and Pensions and her local council, the court heard.Judge William Hart, sitting at Gloucester Crown Court, told the granny of four that despite her age, previous good character and poor health, she had to go to prison for such a serious abuse of the benefits system.“The public sometimes seem to think these days that benefit frauds are not considered by the courts to be serious,” said the judge.“That is quite wrong. Stealing significant sums of money from the State is a serious matter. It is a matter which directly or indirectly affects all of us.“I am very sympathetic to your personal situation as far as your health is concerned, however I would be failing in my public duty if I did not impose on you an immediate prison sentence, and that is what I am duty bound to do. Of course, it gives me no pleasure whatsoever to impose such a sentence on a lady such as you.”He told her that her health problems would be managed well in the prison during her 36 week sentence.“The sentence has to send out a warning to people of whatever age that benefit fraud of this size will lead to prison sentences. If that message does not go out then the offending will become even more widespread,” the judge said.Grey, formerly of Merlin Drive, Quedgeley, Gloucester, pleaded guilty to nine charges of deception over the nine year period between

1998 and 2007.She admitted obtaining income support, pension credits and council tax benefits by saying she was a single woman - when in fact she was married and living with her husband Dennis Dutton, who worked for an engineering firm.At an earlier hearing she had denied all the charges and a trial was scheduled to start, but she changed her pleas to guilty just days beforehand.The charges she admitted were: six of dishonestly; making false representations to obtain council tax by claiming she was single whereas she was in fact living as husband and wife with Dennis Dutton, two of dishonestly; obtaining income support books by deception from the Department of Work and Pensions by making the same false claim, and one of obtaining money transfers by deception from the DWP.When the case began in March last year, both Mrs Grey and her son, Andrew Stewart, 34, who lived with her in Quedgeley at that time, were charged with fraud.Grey failed to attend court, and last July, when she was still on the run, her son admitted three benefit fraud charges involving more than £33,000, and was given an 18 week jail term, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to do 250 hours of unpaid work.A few weeks after he was sentenced, his mother was arrested on the Island and transferred to Gloucestershire, in custody, to face the court.Prosecutor Simon Burns told the court “The Crown say this was a systematic syphoning of large amounts of benefits from the State by this lady. This fraud was extensive in its scale and was committed over a period of nine years.”He said Mrs Grey had married her husband

Dennis Dutton in 1993 and the couple had lived together and been involved within a property business and that Mrs Grey had used different names - Dutton, Grey and Yorwarth - to help cover her tracks.The total overpayment to her had been £62,910 and she had since repaid £9,035, he continued.Mrs Grey’s daughter in law, Angie Stewart, would have been a key prosecution witness against her because she had told the authorities of Mrs Grey’s dishonest claims in 2007, added Mr Burns.When she was questioned, Mrs Grey claimed her marriage to Mr Dutton had lasted only a week because he was an alcoholic and that he had lived in a camper van on her driveway, but did not enter the house.Jason Coulter, defending, said the marriage had been ‘difficult and turbulent’ and there had been periods of separation. There were also periods when Mr Dutton was unemployed and she would have been entitled to benefits, he said.Grey had no idea of the enormity of the offences she was committing, he added.He told the court she has serious diabetes, needing four insulin injections a day, and has lost the sight of one eye with the likelihood that she will soon go blind in the other.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS

FOR US?

HOW TO CONTACT THE IW GAZETTE

SEND YOUR NEWS TOAddress: Unit B18, Spithead

Business Centre, Newport Road, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH

Tel: 01983 898340Fax: (01983) 404819

THE NEWS EDITORWrite to: Jason Kay, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre,

Newport Road, IW, PO36 9PHTel: 01983 898341

Email: [email protected]

OUR NEWS TEAMJohn Coles

Tel: 01983 898347Email: [email protected]

Penny NewnhamTel: 01983 898347


OUR ADMIN TEAMDella Harris


OUR SALES TEAM

Diane GrayTel: 01983 898348


OUR DESIGN TEAMColin Clarke


OUR WEB TEAMDavid Marshall


GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPERTHE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPER


NEWS

MAN’S BODY FOUND IN GARAGEPolice were called to Slade Road, Oakfield,

shortly after 8am yesterday morning (Thursday January 27) after a 70-year-old man was found deceased in his garage.

The father of two is believed to have gone into the garage block in Slade Road to start his car, and found that his battery was flat.

Neighbors made the grim discovery and called the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.

Paramedics were unable to revive former milkman who had moved back to the Island.

A relative of the former milkman paid tribute at the scene and said “He was a caring family man who always put others first. He will be greatly missed”.

Police cordoned off a large area of Slade Road, with scene tapes. Scene of crime officers carried out forensic examinations and took photographs.

A police source confirmed to ‘The Gazette’ that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police confirmed that the Isle of Wight Coroner, John Matthews, has been informed of the death, and a post-mortem is due to be held today at St Mary’s hospital.

The Island’s favourite radio station will be battling it out for top honours at the prestigious Independent Radio News (IRN) Awards after being shortlisted.

The Isle of Wight Radio news team is among the nominees for the event, which celebrates the best in UK commercial radio news.

The station has been nominated for Best Original News Story: Legal Highs, in which the station reported on effects of Legal Highs on the Island.

‘The Gazette’ broke the tragic story after the body of a Ryde man, who had taken the legal highs, was

recovered by lifeboat crews.The news team at Isle of

Wight Radio carried out an in-depth investigation on the effects of taking legal highs, and interviewed young people who had taken or had been effected by the new mind-bending drug.

The radio station has three full-time journalists who produce their own local bulletins and around 80 original stories every week.

Station Director for Isle of Wight Radio said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognized in this category alongside some of the biggest commercial radio stations in the country. We look forward

to the event on March 7th”.IRN Managing Director

Tim Molloy said: “The nominations illustrate

commercial radio’s ability to not only communicate important local news but also to convey national stories in a highly relevant way”.

The winners will be announced on March 7th at a ceremony in London, hosted by Sky News Presenter Charlotte Hawkins.

The presenter began her broadcasting career in radio as a newsreader. She was one of the first journalists at the Paddington rail crash and reported live from the scene.

ISLAND RADIO STATION SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD



NEWS FOR US?


ENTERTAINMENT


ADVERTISEMENT

On the 17th of December 2010 at the Royal Court of Justice in London, Mr.Phillips of the ECHR and his Tax-Payers paid gang of lawyers attempted once again to have Mr Nick Griffin, the British National Party’s Chairman and two other Party Officials arrested and Jailed, for apparently committing Contempt of Court, in that the Party had not complied with Mr.Phillip’s demands. The Judges found that Mr.Griffin had complied and found in favour of Mr.Griffin, and because of this the Party is now seeking costs and compensation from Mr.Phillips and his UN-EQUAL ECHR, in fact this is, as we speak, being worked out in our favour.

Though all the controlled media on that day childishly called it a Propaganda Victory for the BNP, the significance of this Victory is very important to the British People, our Country and for Democracy, Because of this victory, Mr.Phillips and the communist ECHR organisation was forced to admit that there are such things as Indigenous ethnic groups called English, Welsh, Irish and Scots and we do have a right to call ourselves such names, Names Mr.Phillips wanted to ban, and because of this they now have to stop the Discrimination against us by law.

This victory also means that the likes of Teachers, Police…etc, can now join the British National Party without the fear of losing their jobs, they can now use the Equal Rights laws to protect them from any intimidation from employers, but the anger of losing this battle has not stopped the Communist Lib/Lab/Con pact from trying other ways to make life hard for the BNP, as seen at the Oldham By-Election recently when our party’s Candidate Mr.Derek Adams was sitting quietly at a table in an organised Hustings in that town, The childish Labour councillor there told our candidate that he could not sit at the table and must leave, naturally being a legal candidate from a legal political party ,he refused, only to be forced to leave by six policemen. So Democracy Died in Oldham there and then, the Lib/Lab/CON/UKIP/EU pact at work again,( you can have

Democracy so long as you agree with what the real fascists say).

Just before this By-Election in Oldham, a strange thing happened, Mr.Jack Straw went public with (Shock Horror) there are Asian Gangs in certain areas of Britain who are Grooming young White girls for sex, why the establishment suddenly came out with this a few days before an election has yet to be understood, but this very same man(Straw) knew all about this 10 years ago and did nothing except have our Chairman arrested twice for daring to tell the public the truth about this very same problem. The Police have admitted they knew all about it ten years ago, but their excuse is that they were scared of being called Racists!,NO! it is because successive governments at the behest of Brussels, since even Thatcher, have told them to turn a blind eye, to hell with the white majority: Social engineering and money comes first.

You now have Cameron and all his EU puppets clambering to force us the People to have a Written Constitution,again at the behest of Brussels. If allowed to go through then our actual parliament will be useless, as all power will be given up into the hands of the judiciary, and as the majority of the judiciary has since 1997 been replaced with Bilderberg/EU/common purpose/one world government fascist puppets, you will most definitely be ruled by a dictatorship even more so than you are right now.

A Mr.Bob Lomas of the Magna Carta Society,recently stated a few home truths of what is actually happening to our once great country: I) sovereignty means complete self autonomy, ii) sovereignty is indivisible and therefore cannot be shared: iii) there can be no sovereign head of state in a nation that is no longer sovereign:

iv) when in 1972 the sovereign head of state, the national administration and legislature surrendered the sovereignty of the British People to the sovereignty of a foreign political power known then as the European Community and now the European Union of the Regions, by accepting the terms and conditions of the treaty of Rome, the Queen ceased to be

Constitutional Sovereign Monarch, there being no provision in the Treaty of Rome for such an office, thus the system of British monarchy was ended, there being no other form of monarchy recognised in this country(the Queen also secretly signing the Lisbon treaty at the behest of Gordon Brown );

v) it is inconceivable that the Queen as sovereign head of state and official Governor of the nation, her Ministers, advisors and Privy Councillors did not understand the terms,conditions and the principle of the treaty of Rome, particularly as they have also accepted the terms and conditions of subsequent European Union treaties over a period of forty three years;

vi) by accepting the terms and conditions of the Treaty of Rome the Queen and Parliament agreed to abandon the legitimate constraints of the British Constitution and so dismissed themselves from office, thus Parliament became an unlawful assembly and as such the ratification of the signing up to the Treaty of Rome by the European Communities Act 1972 had no lawful standing or legitimacy in British Law whatsoever.

So especially since 1997 our country has been handed over to a foreign power and all our governments and our Queen have been illegal, as they did not ask the people if they could do this, one intelligent American once said “We desire a government of the people, by the people and for the people”. In our country since 1972 we have been run by a Government of Criminals, by Criminals for Criminals, and people keep on voting these criminals into power when they vote for any of the Lib/Lab/CON/UKIP/EU pact, wake up people of Britain.

On and around the 24th of February will start the dismissal of staff within the Isle of Wight Council, you have already seen the closures of Public Toilets, the future closures of Public Libraries and other closures and cut backs of aid to the elderly and disabled. This is just the beginning of the wishes of the Lib/Lab/Con pact to turn our Island and our country into a third world dumping ground for immigrants, the

ending now of grants for our young A-Level students so that this money can be added to the £250 million we British will have to stump up for the education grants for Foreign students, by orders of the EU.

Qualified care workers on the island will receive dismissal notices in February, while Lithuanian and other non qualified eastern Europeans take their jobs for lower wages, and we all know that this will eventually end up with the elderly and disabled people’s lives being put in risk. All this and much more would be stopped if we were not within the EU, if we pulled out our brave troops out of all illegal and immoral wars that have got nothing to do with us, we could save at least a hundred billion pounds approximately each year.But this will never happen if you continue to vote these criminals into power, the only true British Party is the British National Party and we are the only party who would reverse all the troubles these criminals have forced on us.

In closing I would like to tell you that in a packed Parliament building in Brussels our Chairman and MEP Mr.Nick Griffin, made a speech( which by EU law can only be of two minutes duration) but in it he stated that “Come one fine day, Messrs.Blair, Brown and Cameron WILL be put before a court and tried for War Crimes”.

As of this month we will be continuing our outreach tabletops in town centres all over the island asking the public to give us your signatures for a Petition to demand that our Island Council immediately stop the building of 10,400 new houses and 27 Gypsy pitches, the majority of which will be built on Greenfield Sites, all so that the Island can be swamped with mainly immigrants, if allowed to happen then the Island will become the same as many of our mainland cities and towns, please sign below and forward to “Referendum” PO.Box.112, Shanklin, P0366BR.

Geof Clynch…BNP.Organiser. www.bnp.org.uk



NEWS FOR US?


ADVERTISEMENT

PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION

JOB CENTRE PLUS REFERENCE NUMBER. HOW TO APPLY

Cleaner

Throughout the Island

Must have previous experience. Access to transport is desirable but not essential. Duties to include cleaning holiday homes to get them ready for a holiday booking this will involve stripping beds, remaking beds, cleaning bathrooms, kitchens and toilets, general cleaning duties throughout the property to include vacuuming and mopping and all other relevant duties as required. To start scheduled for March until approx end of September.

From £7 per hr

2-5 hrs per day Fri or Sat between 10am – 3pm

Seasonal

March – Sept

RFM/6881 -Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Software Developer

Cowes

Well established local company part of a large PLC are seeking a Software Programmer for in house software programming SCADA and PLC packages , integration and occasional on-site support of monitoring and control systems.

Wage is negotiable 38 hours per week Permanent

NIW/11692- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Chef

Ryde

Previous cooking experience for up to 24 meals preferred. Duties preparing and cooking Sunday lunch for elderly clients. Health and hygiene certificate preferred but training can be provided. Keeping kitchen clean and tidy

£25.80 per day

3 Hours on Sunday 10am to 1pm Permanent

RFM/6895- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Branch Manager

Isle of Wight

When you take charge of one of our branches, you take responsibility for everything: leading people, driving sales, hitting targets, meeting standards, auditing our performance against FSA regulations - and, of course, keeping customers happy. You’ll need to be flexible, versatile and able to prioritise effectively if you’re to cope with ever-changing demands. Supported by your senior team, you’ll make sure your staff are thoroughly trained and able to perform at their best.

Basic Salary £22,700 - £27,745 per annum

Full Time hoursPermanent

RFM/6894 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Support WorkerAcross the Isle of Wight

(Cowes, Freshwater, Niton and Newport.)

Must be 18+, due to personal care duties. Experience is desirable, however full training is provided. Duties include providing personal and domestic care to clients and support to people in the community, domestic help and administering medication. Must have a full drivers licence and access to a vehicle to visit clients.

£7.25 - £8.50 per hour10-48 hours per week, Monday to Sunday, between 7am-2pm and 3.45pm to 10pmFull time, part time and weekend work available

Permanent

NIW/11715 -Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Charity Fundraiser

Isle of Wight

To represent and support The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, work hours to suit and be well paid for your efforts. Canvassing locally and by in store promotions, your job is to introduce and sign up new members to this excellent and well received, life saving lottery. You must have excellent verbal communication skills. Previous utilities/sales/field canvassing experience preferred but not essential, just enthusiasm and commitment. Full training and uniform provided, Must have own transport.

Wage: Meets Minimum Wage

35 hours per week5 days over 7, between 9am and 6pm

Permanent

NIW/11691 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


NEWS

An East Cowes man is facing court on robbery and assault charges, ‘The Gazette’ can reveal.

The 18 year old is alleged to have attacked a bus passenger and then stolen cash and a mobile phone from his female victim, whilst she was traveling on a Southern Vectis bus last Friday (January 14).

Island Police are appealing for further witnesses who may have been on the bus,

or witnessed an argument between the pair, that happened between 1.20pm and 1.40pm on Friday, near to the Prince of Wales public house and the floating bridge in East Cowes.

Anyone who has information is asked to contact officers at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 or 08450454545.

Information can also be given anonymously by calling the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

WOMAN ROBBED ON EAST COWES BUS

The victim of a terrifying alleged gang attack has spoken out in hope that people will come forward with information.

Mum of two, 26-year-old Maria Sexton was attacked by a group of 20 people as she walked home through the Spring Hill area of Ventnor on January 15.

Maria recalls seeing a group of teenagers who suddenly rushed her in the middle of the road.

“I remember falling to the floor”, recalls Maria, after blows rained down on her in the unprovoked attacked.

“One of the group than stomped on her head and I blacked for a few seconds.

“As I came around people were kicking me in the ribs and back. It was terrifying”.

Maria is still recovery from injuries to her back, ribs and head that lead to a trip to St Mary¹s Hospital.

“Since the attack it¹s left me not wanting to go out, as I¹m afraid of seeing the group again”, said Maria.

Island Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to contact them however to date no one has yet been arrested. Anyone with information should contact PC Rob Quick at Shanklin Police station on 101 or Information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111

MUM APPEALS OVER TERRIFYING STREET ATTACK


FEATURE

To advertise in the next editionemail [email protected] call our sales team hotline

01983 898340

WANT YOURAD HERE?

the isle of wight gazette issue 80

Documents

lifeboat station

newport man

island primary school

godshill primary school

yearold man

police officers

shanklins independent

isle of wight police