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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 17
January, 2013. 70p.
DOING THE ROUNDS ON TRAIL OF FINE ALE AND PERFECT PINTS.
Stroll uncovers some of the area's best inns.
 AS part of his new year's resolution, ale aficionado and digital guru
Rhys Griffiths, right, enjoyed a pub crawl around Deal and Walmer this
weekend. Here the former Express reporter tells of his favourite
tipples...
NEW year, and time for resolutions. In 2013 I have vowed to get outside
and take far more exercise. Nothing too strenuous, mind, just a regular
stroll and a chance to stretch the legs.
And what better excuse to get out and about than the promise of tracking
down the very best real ale pubs the South East has to offer.
Our walk began at Walmer station, continued past the castle and on to
our first stop in King Street. Opened in December 2011, The "Just
Reproach" is one of many micropubs that have sprung up across east Kent
in recent years: The philosophy is clear: great beer, good company and
none of the distractions that have come to blight so many pubs.
Entering the one-room ale house, we were greeted by a crowd of about ten
drinkers and landlord Mark Robson. Taking a seat on a raised bench
against the far wall, we began our afternoon's drinking with halves of
Ripple Steam Brewery's Black IPA (5.8 per cent)
and Plain Ales Brewery's Sheep Dip (3.8 per cent).
I enjoyed the Black IPA, but would normally prefer something a little
maltier. But both were excellent brews - as one would expect in a
micropub where the emphasis is on decent beer. As our first round came
towards a close the bell for last orders was rung, and a combination of
our lie-in and Mark's 2pm Sunday closing time meant we had to act fast
to get in halves of Hopdaemon's Skrimshander (4.5 per cent) and
Old Dairy Brewery's Red Top (3.8 per cent).
We enjoyed our drinks with a plate of Canterbury Cobble, an
unpasteurised British Friesian cows-milk cheese. And this was
accompanied by some locally-sourced pickled onions - which were offered
on the house for a small donation to a local charity.
Crowd
By this point the crowd had thinned out, and we headed onto Canada Road,
where we turned left and soon reached The "Berry."
It shames me to say this was the first time I had visited this pub,
which is rightly known as a leading light of the local real ale and
cider scene. Run by Chris and Harriet, The "Berry" is a true neighbourhood
pub that prides itself on offering the very best brews from Kent and
farther afield.
It has won the local Camra branch Pub Of The Year award for five years
on the bounce, so we knew we would be enjoying some great beers. We were
certainly not disappointed. Approaching the bar we were welcomed by a
row of handpumps promising a full ten
guest ales, not to mention numerous real ciders.
We opened with halves of Liverpool Craft Beer Company's IPA (5 per cent)
and Dark Star's American Pale Ale (4.7 per cent). Both were crisp and
flavourful.
The bar was comfortably full when we arrived shortly before 3pm. The
atmosphere was welcoming, with regulars happily striking up conversation
with first-timers such as ourselves. We stayed for a few more rounds,
and particularly enjoyed a malty Harveys Old Ale (4.3 per cent) and a
Canterbury Brewers' Loco IPA.
In all, we probably covered about six miles over flat ground on street
and footpath.
The route
OUR walk began at Walmer station. Turning left onto Station Drive, we
took a short footpath onto Court Road, where we passed Deal Victoria &
Barns Close Cricket Club before meeting the junction with Salisbury
Road. We turned right onto Salisbury Road, then Granville Road, which we
followed across the main Dover Road and on towards the sea. Here we met
the main seafront path along the shore to Deal.
Passing Deal Pier, we then took a turn inland on King Street and
after about 100 yards reached our first stop, The "Just
Reproach." From there we headed onto the High Street and south back
to Walmer. We followed Victoria Road to Deal Castle before veering right
onto Gladstone Road. Passing the former Royal Marines barracks, we
reached Canada Road and The "Berry."
Leaving The Berry we turned left on Canada Road before taking another
left on Gladstone Road. Ducking under the railway bridge, we headed
along Telegraph Road to Salisbury Road, passing the cricket club to the
footpath to Walmer station and our train.
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From the Dover Mercury, 24 January, 2013. 80p.
IN THE DARK OVER DRINK-DRIVE FIGURES
POLICE say they are unable to reveal how many of the 211 people
arrested in Kent as part of the Christmas anti drink-driving campaign
were from Dover.
They have announced that between December 1 and January 1 officers carried
out 681 breath tests.
One man, a 47-year-old from Thanet was found to be more than five times
over the legal drink drive limit.
The figures showed 39 offenders were dealt with in Canterbury, 37 in
Gravesend, 34 in Maidstone, 32 in Medway, 30 in Tonbridge, 22 in Margate
and 17 in Folkestone, which seemed to indicate there were none in Dover.
But after further enquiries by the Mercury, the police said that these
figures related to the custody centre which the motorists were taken to,
and the statistics had not been broken down into the locations where the
arrests took place.
Since the Dover custody suite has been closed, most people arrested in
Dover are taken to Canterbury with some going to Folkestone.
The re-opening of Dover custody is one of the issues which was raised with
police commissioner Anne Barnes during her visit to the town.
Roads Policing Traffic Sergeant Hannah Brown said: “Driving under the
influence of drink or drugs risks lives. If the worst was to happen and
someone dies in a drink drive related collision, there are catastrophic
consequences for the family or families left behind.
“In addition, the offender will have to live with what he or she
has done forever and may spend time in prison too. At best, they will have
a criminal record which can affect their job or promotion prospects;
ability to get a visa to visit certain countries; their insurance premiums
go up; they have to find alternative ways of getting around which can be
inconvenient and expensive. Their personal relationships may even be
affected.
“Thankfully, only a minority of motorists think that it's acceptable to
put the lives of others at risk. Most drivers take appropriate measures to
ensure that they don't have to get behind the wheel after an alcoholic
drink.
“Although Christmas is behind us our work to keep people as safe as
possible on our roads will continue all year round.”
In the 2011 Christmas campaign, 222 people were arrested (out of 1,126
given breath tests), with 211 in 2010 (1,122 breath tests) and 244 in 2009
(2,065).
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 24
January, 2013. 70p. Report by Phil Hayes and Simon Finlay
WHAT'LL THEY DO WITH THE DRUNKEN SAILORS?
17 DFDS staff suspended after shipyard 'fisticuffs'
SEVENTEEN crew members have been suspended from duty by DFDS while
the Dover ferry firm investigates a drunken disturbance in Dunkerque.
The rumpus took place at the Arno shipyard in France where a vessel was
undergoing a refit on the night of January 16.
An industry insider suggested there were “fisticuffs” during the
incident, and a man claiming to be a crew member said a DFDS officer had
“started” on a man of lower rank.
Company vice-president Carsten Jensen told the Express: “We have zero
tolerance around having a drink whether on duty or off duty.
QUICK TO ACT:
DFDS
vice-president
Carsten
Jensen (left)
“They were off duty, but they breached our clear policies.”
Mr Jensen said he would not comment “at this stage” on reports claiming
that some of the offending crew members were officers, adding: “ It
doesn't matter - the policy is the same.
“The important thing for me is our staff were very clearly informed -
the policies are in place for a reason. As soon as we were aware of the
breach they were suspended.”
Mr Jensen said he did not know whether Arno shipyard staff were involved
in the incident. “We are looking into that,” he added.
With regard to the reported “fisticuffs”, Mr Jensen said: “We are
investigating what was happening.”
Crew 'let off for drinks'
THE Express received a call on Monday from a man claiming to be one of
the 17 crew members suspended by DFDS.
The man, 28, from Folkestone, said he had worked for DFDS for ten years
but did not wish to give his name.
He explained: “The ship let a few people off for a drink. We were told
we could go off - wink, wink.”
He added that during the night one of the officers, a British man,
“started on another crew member'' from DFDS, ended up in hospital and
failed to
report for duty next day.
“There is a divide between the officers and other ranks,'' he said. “I
only found out the next day. One person has f***** it up for everyone.
“Everyone's having to look for a new job.”
The caller said he was not with the officer when the fight broke out but
was suspended because he “went out in town with everyone else.”
“When they're doing a refit we can't do any work,” he added. “So what's
the problem of having a little drink?”
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From the Dover Mercury, 31 January, 2013. 80p.
THREE-YEAR BAN FOR DRINK-DRIVERS
TWO Dover men who were over the drink-drive limit when they were
stopped have been banned from driving for three years.
Brendan Kent, 31, of Shipmans Way, admitted drink-driving, driving with
no insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence following
an incident in Maison Dieu Road, Dover, on December 20.
Kent drove a Ford Fiesta and when stopped gave a breath test of 47
microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is
35 microgrammes.
He was banned for three years, fined £110 and ordered to pay £85 costs
and a £22 victim surcharge.
Barrie Gliddon, 34, of Parfitt Way, Dover, also admitted drink-driving
after being stopped while driving an MG ZR in Cannon Street on December
28.
He gave a breath test of 42 microgrammes.
Magistrates disqualified Gliddon three years but said it could be
reduced by 275 days if he completed a course approved by the Secretary
of State by February 2015. He was also fined £350 and ordered to pay £85
costs and a £35 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Mercury, 31 January, 2013. 80p.
DRINK-DRIVER RACES STRAIGHT TO JAIL
FOR one brief glorious moment Gary Smith thought he was his hero
Lewis Hamilton.
There he was sitting at the wheel of a fast car, with a beautiful girl
by his side, and an open road ahead.
Unfortunately, the 21-year-old was not the Formula One race ace and
hadn't even passed his driving test. He was also drunk.
And within minutes his fantasy world came crashing down, when he managed
to smash into
three cars, hitting one of them so hard he flipped it onto its roof.
Smith also wrote off his mother's stolen Peugeot and landed himself with
a two-year prison sentence for his moment of drunken madness. He was
also disqualified him from driving for two years.
Smith, of St Martins Emmaus, Archcliffe Fort, Dover, later told a police
officer: “I felt a bit like I was Lewis Hamilton.”
He admitted aggravated vehicle taking and driving without a licence and without insurance.
Wayne Cleavor, prosecuting, told Canterbury Crown Court how Smith had
been subjected to ridicule because he hadn't past his driving test.
He took his mother's car keys from her handbag during an event at a village
hall event without her knowledge and drove along The Street in Adisham
in April last year after drinking.
“Police were called and Smith
claimed to have been alone in the car although witnesses report at least
one other person in the car.
“After taking the car Smith hadn't driven far before he hit a Skoda
which had been parked in a bay for the disabled.
“That was written off at a cost of £4,000.
“However, he just continued on his way down The Street and hit a Nissan,
striking it with such force it flipped onto its roof,” he added.
Even then Smith carried on, hitting a Ford Ka and causing £945 worth of
damage and then he wrote off his mother's Peugeot at a cost of £6000.
Despite the havoc Smith was neither breathalysed nor arrested at the
scene after claiming someone else was responsible.
He went home to face the music, confessing his crime to his mother, and
“she brought the matter to the attention of the police”, the court
heard.
He later told police he had downed 13 cans of lager.
Philip Rowley, defending, said at the time of the offence Smith had been
“drinking a great deal and using recreational drugs” but has changed his
behaviour.
Judge Simon James told him: “Your driving posed a clear and present
danger to other road users and you showed a lack of concern to others.
“Anyone who drives on a public road and puts innocent people at risk
crosses a line and must expect to go to custody.”
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 31 January, 2013. 70p. Exclusive Phil Hayes
PUBLICANS CALL FOR MORE POLICE NUMBERS AT NIGHT
Four landlords express concerns over lack of cover
‘IT'S GETTING RIDICULOUS': Paul Lynch, landlord of "Hole in the Roof,"
in Queen Street, Deal, is one of four publicans concerned over lack of
policing
PUBLICANS in the Dover district have added their voices to the growing
clamour over the level of night-time police cover.
Yobs are taking advantage of the “ridiculous” situation, according to
the landlords, who feel “as if we are policing the town”.
Concerns were raised earlier this month by Charlie Elphicke MP,
solicitor Hugh Roberts and a serving officer over the number of response
cars available between the hours of 10pm and 6am.
Satisfaction
Kent Police chiefs have defended their record of fighting night-time
crime and have said antisocial behaviour is falling and that public
satisfaction with the force has grown.
But now four pub bosses have expressed their fears over a lack of
nocturnal police presence.
“There is no policeman power around this town on weekends after 10pm,”
said Paul Lynch, landlord of The "Hole in the Roof" in Queen Street, Deal.
“It's getting ridiculous now.
“The yobs know there is no policing and they can get away with it.
“No matter what cutbacks they have, they can't get away with not having
policing in this town - especially with a big nightclub ["Rivals"].” His
view is echoed by fellow landlord Buzz Burrows, who runs the "Bohemian" in
Beach Street.
“There is no police presence in Deal at night,” he said. “It's easy for
trouble to start and hard to quell it quickly because the average police
response time is 40 minutes.
“As publicans it puts us in a really difficult position. It seems as if
we are policing the town.”
Kenny Birmingham, manager of The "Eight
Bells" in Dover, whose brother is a serving officer, said: “One incident before Christmas we had a
40-minute wait for ambulance and police.
Home Secretary Theresa May announced earlier this month that the
starting salary for police officers is to be cut by £4,000.
On the line
“They're putting their lives on the line for £19,000 a year,” said Mr
Birmingham.
Another pub boss, who asked not to be named, said police had responded
quickly to an incident in December.
But the landlord said that, in another incident about a year ago, only
one policeman had turned up after a wait of more than half an hour.
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From the Dover Mercury, 7 February, 2013. 80p.
SHOPLIFTER IN COURT FOR ALCOHOL THEFT
TWO counts of shoplifting from businesses in Deal and Dover ended
with Storm John Kennedy, aged 20, appearing at Thanet Magistrates Court.
He was sentenced to 90 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, and
was ordered to pay £18 in compensation.
Kennedy, of Gordon Road, Margate, admitted stealing alcohol worth £8
from the Co-op store, Park Street, Deal, on November 12, and alcohol
worth £11.85 from a service station in Folkestone Road, Dover, on
November 28. One other shoplifting offence was taken into consideration.
He must also have treatment for his alcohol dependency and pay £60
costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 7 February, 2013. 65p.
DRINK-DRIVER IS BANNED BY COURT
DOVER: A man caught drink-driving and driving with no insurance has
been banned from getting behind the wheel for three years.
Brendan Nathan Kent, 31, of Shipmans Way, was sentenced on January 14
at Channel Magistrates' Court. He pleaded guilty to drink-driving and
driving with no insurance when stopped on Maison Dieu Road, Dover, on
December 20, 2012. Kent drove a Ford Fiesta and when stopped gave a
breath test of 47 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit is 35 microgrammes. He also had no insurance and was
driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. Magistrates
disqualified Kent from driving for three years, fined him £110 and
ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £22 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 7 February, 2013. 65p.
DRINK-DRIVER IS FINED AND BANNED
DOVER: A man has pay out a total of £470 in fines and
costs, and was banned from driving for three years after pleading guilty
to drink-driving in Cannon Street, Dover, on December 28.
Barrie Ian Gliddon, 34, of Parfitt Way, was sentenced on January 17 at
Channel Magistrates' Court. Gliddon gave a breath test of 42
microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit is 35. Magistrates fined him £350 and he must also pay
£85 costs and a £35 victim surcharge.
Disqualification can be reduced by 275 days if, by February 16, he
satisfactorily completes a course approved by the Secretary of State,
the cost of which will not exceed £250.
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From the Dover Mercury, 14 February, 2013. 80p.
INQUEST TOLD SACKED IMMIGRATION OFFICER HAD BEEN DRINKING HEAVILY
Man found hanged may not have intended suicide
A SACKED immigration
officer who built up £25,000 debts hanged himself.
But Stephen Dews
had been drinking so heavily a coroner couldn't be sure that he intended
to commit suicide.
Rachel Redman told an inquest last Wednesday:
“Because of the high level of alcohol I cannot say that he was thinking
clearly.
“I cannot determine his mental state at the time.” She
recorded an open verdict.
Unemployed Mr Dews, 57, was found hanged at
his home in Redlands Court, London Road, River, on September 2, last
year.
Tests showed he had consumed four times the drink-drive limit.
His son Paul, stated that his father had been an immigration officer
from 2001 to 2008.
Mr Dews said: “He lost his job and since then was
found to have amassed £25,000 debts.
“He loved his job but just before
Christmas 2008 he had a minor accident in a car park, was found to be
over the drink-drive limit and was sacked.”
The inquest at Dover
Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Dews' body was found when a neighbour,
concerned that he had not been seen for days, let himself into the flat
with a key.
Mr Dews was found in a slumped/sitting position in the
hallway, hanged with a copper wire going over a cupboard door. There
were several empty cans and bottles of alcohol in the flat.
Acting Det
Sgt Richard Lown said that no one had seen Mr Dews for days and added:
“We investigated his last movements but it was not possible to determine
the last person who saw him alive.
“But at the flat there was no sign
of disturbance or anything missing.”
DS Lown said paperwork, including
a number of credit card bills, showed he was in debt and his son had
confirmed the figure.
Pathologist Dr George Vittay said death was by
hanging and that he believed that Mr Dews had been dead for two to three
days before being found.
Dr Vittay added: “He was severely intoxicated
at the time of death.”
Mr Dews was found to have 320 milligrammes of
alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood and 107 for the same quantity of
urine.
Both would be four times the legal limit for drinking and
driving.
Mr Paul Dews also believed that his father appeared to have a
“major drink problem” and paperwork at the flat showed that he had been
undergoing counselling.
A GP's report also said Mr Dews had a history
of alcohol abuse, was receiving counselling and given anti-depressants
but was not thought to be suicidal.
Mrs Redman, Central and South East
Kent Coroner, heard that Mr Dews' drinking had made him increasingly ill
and the post mortem examination showed liver enlargement.
But when he
was last seen at the surgery last May he was no longer drinking
excessively.
Mr Dews had married in 1976, divorced in the early 1980s
and never remarried.
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From the Dover Mercury, 28 February, 2013. 80p.
DRINKER'S PUBS BAN AFTER HITTING MAN WITH GLASS BOTTLE A MAN has
been barred from entering pubs for a year after launching an unprovoked
attack. Nathan Clubb smashed a bottle over the head of his victim in a
Canterbury bar after drinking seven pints of lagers, up to six bottles
of beer, a vodka and lemonade, a sambuca and five Jagerbombs! But now
the 24-year-old has been told he is not going straight to prison on
condition he stays out of pubs for the next year. Clubb, of Mount
Road, Dover, had admitted attacking Kieran Vincent last March outside
the "Picture House Bar" in Canterbury, causing him serious harm.
Prosecutor Jim Harvey told Canterbury Crown Court how a pub manager
watched Clubb lift the bottle in the air before bringing it down on his
victim's head as he lay on the ground, leaving Mr Vincent covered in
blood. Mr Harvey said: “He described the blow made ‘an awful knocking
sound' as it made contact with Mr Vincent's head, although the bottle
did not break. 'You were extremely drunk that night and became
involved in this confrontation' “He then saw Clubb go back into the
crowd as the fight spilled into the street and police called. The
manager pointed out the attacker and he was arrested and taken to the
police station.” Mr Harvey said Clubb told officers he could not
remember what had happened because of the amount of alcohol he had
consumed. One of his friends, Darren Meredith, 23, a Canterbury City
Council buildings control officer, told the court: “I have known Nathan
for seven-and-a-half years. He is a trustworthy man and also a very
loyal friend. “Since this incident he has become very humble and is
just a fraction of the character that he was previously. He hasn't
touched a drop of alcohol since this incident.” Simon Taylor,
defending, said Clubb “was absolutely petrified by the thought of having
to go to prison”. Judge Heather Norton gave Clubb a 10-month jail
sentence suspended for a year and ordered him to do 100 hours of unpaid
work. He will also be under partial house arrest for three months,
forbidden to leave his home between 8pm and 7am. She told him: “You
were extremely drunk that night and as a consequence you became involved
in this confrontation. “Mr Vincent had done nothing to antagonise or
intimidate or harm you in any way. The use of a bottle is a very serious
offence.” She said the pub ban was aimed at “punishing you, deterring
you, rehabilitate you and also to protect the public”. Mr Vincent need
treatment for a 7cm cut to his head, and was awarded £135 compensation. |
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From the Dover Mercury, 21 March, 2013. 80p.
MAN ON DRINK DRIVE CHARGE
A MAN who is alleged to have been more
than three times the drink-drive limit is due in court today (Thursday). Aaron Dunbar, 30, of Beaufoy Road, Dover, was arrested on February 8
in St Radigund's Road. It is claimed he had 115 micrograms of alcohol
in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. |
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From the Dover Mercury, 4 April, 2013. 80p.
DRINK DRIVERS PAY PENALTY
ROBERT Driver, 51, of Lowther Road.
Dover, has been banned from driving for more than three years after
admitting drink-driving.
He was driving a Ford Transit in Dover High Street when stopped.
He gave a breath test of 73 micrograms of alcohol in 100 ml of breath.
The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 42 months and fined him
£500, with £85 costs and £50 victim surcharge.
Stuart Foxall, 35, of Kinson Way, Dover, admitted drink-driving in
Aspen Drive, Whitfield.
Foxall gave a blood test of 158 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. The
legal limit is 80 mg.
Magistrates disqualified him for 20 months and fined him £680, with £85
costs and a £68 victim surcharge. Disqualification can be reduced by
five months if, by April 10 2014, he satisfactorily completes a course.
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From the Dover Mercury, 4 April, 2013. 80p.
DRINK-DRIVER WAS UNINSURED A DOVER man was due in court yesterday
(Wednesday) to be sentenced for drink-driving and having no insurance.
Gary Wilson, 48, of Primrose Road, was arrested on October 2 when he was
driving a Citroen car at Belgrave Road, Dover.
He had 102 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, nearly
three times the legal limit of 35.
Wilson pleaded guilty at a hearing on March 1 when the case was
adjourned for pre-sentence reports.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 11 April, 2013. 70p.
DRINK-DRIVER FINED £600
A drink driver must fork out more than £600 for his crime.
Robert Edward Driver, 51, of Lowther Road, was sentenced at Channel
Magistrates' Court.
He pleaded guilty to drink driving following an incident in High
Street, Dover, on February 22.
When stopped, Driver gave a breath test of 73 micrograms of alcohol
in 100 millilitres of breath. 'The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 42 months and fined him
£500. He must also pay £85 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 11 April, 2013. 70p.
DRINK-DRIVER'S BAN AND FINE
EASTRY: A drink driver has been disqualified and fined.
Keith Roberts, 54, of Mill Lane, Eastry, was sentenced at Canterbury
and St Augustine Magistrates' Court.
He pleaded guilty to drink driving on the A256 Sandwich Road at
Eastry on December 5.
Roberts drove a Vauxhall Astra, and when stopped gave a blood test of
203 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit
is 80 milligrams.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 22 months and fined him
£240. He must also pay £85 costs and a £24 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Mercury, 11 April, 2013. 80p.
DRINK-DRIVER IS BANNED
A MOTORIST who admitted being more than three
times the drink-drive limit has been banned from driving for 28 months.
Aaron Dunbar, 30, of Beaufoy Road, Dover, was sentenced at Channel
Magistrates' Court.
He was arrested in St Radigund's Road on February 8 when a breath test
revealed he had 115 micrograms of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath.
The legal limit is 35.
Disqualifying him from driving for 28 months, magistrates also ordered
him to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
The driving ban can be reduced by seven months if, by October 20 2014,
Dunbar satisfactorily completes a course approved by the Secretary of
State, the cost of which will not exceed £250.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 18 April, 2013. 70p.
Report by Mike Sims
LICENSE EXTENDED AMID FEARS OF BINGE-DRINKING
“WE ARE RESPONSIBLE”: Niruban Naveenachandiran can now sell alcohol from
6am
Owner defends decision to agree longer trading hours
A SHOP trader who can now sell alcohol from 6am has defended accusations
the new licence will fuel binge-drinking and antisocial behaviour.
The owner of Modern Moon Mini Mart, on Castle Street, has won his fight
to extend its licence from the current trading hours of 9am to 10pm, to
open at 6am.
A rule that allowed the store to sell single bottles of booze but not
single cans has also been lifted, enabling it to shift individual units
regardless of the packaging.
Niruban Naveenachandiran, who runs the store, said it would boost his
business at a time when small shops are struggling in the economic
climate, and he argued there was demand for alcohol at that time of the
morning.
Mr Naveenachandiran, who has run the shop for 10 months with his wife,
said: “Other shops in the area sell alcohol at that time, and we're
confident it won't lead to any problems.
“We don't want problems and always ask customers, in a friendly way, to
be responsible.
“It was hurting our business. People would come in for milk or bread or
sugar and wanted to buy an individual can of beer as well but we
couldn't sell it, so we'd lose the custom from the milk, bread and sugar
as well.”
Mr Naveenachandiran, who
lives in Ramsgate, insisted there was demand for alcohol at 6am from
tourists and night workers.
He said: “They want miniature vodkas and whiskys, that kind of thing.
We're a responsible business, have never had any problems and just want
fairness. The council should be supporting businesses.”
Mr Naveenachandiran's landlord, Simon Crowley, backed the new alcohol
licence.
Mr Crowley, director of estate agent Tersons opposite the premises, said
in a letter that all the mini mart wanted to do was “be able to offer
for sale all the stock they have available for the whole time they are
open”.
Susan Brading, owner of the nearby Splitenz salon, also supported the
extended alcohol hours.
Objected
But Dover Town Council objected to the plans due to fears over
antisocial behaviour and “binge/inappropriate consumption of alcohol”.
It added: “There is an issue with public, binge and antisocial drinking
in Dover town centre.”
Dover District Council's licensing sub-committee approved the
application earlier this month and the new hours have now come into
effect.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 18 April, 2013. 70p.
DRINK-DRIVER IS DISQUALIFIED
DOVER: A boozy motorist caught at more than three times the
drink-drive limit has been disqualified for 28 months.
Aaron Martin Dunbar, 30, of Beaufoy Road, was sentenced at Channel
Magistrates' Court. He pleaded guilty to drink-driving following an
incident in St Radigund's Road, Dover, on February 8.
Dunbar gave a breath test of 115 micrograms of alcohol in 100
millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Magistrates ordered him to pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Mercury, 18 April, 2013. 80p.
DRINK-DRIVER BANNED
A WOMAN has been given a suspended prison sentence
and ordered to have treatment for alcohol dependency after being more
than three times over the drink-drive limit.
Leanne McCairn, 43, of London Road, River, admitted the offence
following an incident on Whitfield Hill on March 7. McCaim drove a Vauxhall
Tigra and when stopped gave a breath test of 122 microgrammes of alcohol
in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Folkestone magistrates sentenced her to 56 days in prison, suspended for
12 months, and disqualified her from driving for three years. She must
also pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 25 April, 2013. 70p.
DRINK-DRIVER IS SENTENCED
DOVER: A motorist caught at more than three times the legal limit for
alcohol has been given a suspended jail term.
Leanne McCairn, 43, of London Road, was sentenced at Channel
Magistrates' Court.
She pleaded guilty to drink-driving following an incident on Whitfield
Hill on March 7 when she gave a breath test of 122 micrograms of alcohol
in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Magistrates sentenced her to 56 days in prison, suspended for 12 months,
and disqualified her from driving for three years.
She must also pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge, and have
treatment for alcohol dependency.
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From the Dover Mercury, 2 May, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
HIJACKER FOILED BY BRAVE DRIVER
AN ALCOHOLIC father-of-three pointed a gun at a prison officer in a
bid to hijack his car and leave Dover.
FOUGHT BACK: Sam Coleman was on his way to work when a man threatened
him with a gun and tried to take his car.
Picture: Paul Amos FM2399255.
But a court was told how the driver foiled Bryan Shearer's “absolutely
terrifying” crime, fighting back and disarming him.
The robber struck following his partner's ultimatum of “give up drink or
us.”
Canterbury Crown Court was told that Shearer, 30, of Old Park Road,
Dover, had accepted full responsibility although he had little memory of
his actions.
He had admitted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm and a knife.
Judge Andrew Patience QC described the case as “very, very
troubling and sad”, sentencing Shearer to three and half years in prison
for robbery, two years for possessing the gun and one year for
possessing the knife, to run concurrent.
James Bilsland, prosecuting, said prison officer Sam Coleman had been
driving to work in Dover on January 6 this year. At about 7.25am, he
stopped at traffic lights at the Maison Dieu Road/Castle Street
junction.
He noticed a figure with a rucksack crossing the back of his car.
The man opened the driver's door and pointed a pistol at Mr Coleman,
saying: “Get out of your car, I am having your car.”
Mr Coleman had done so, leaving the keys in the ignition and the
engine running.
He had said later: “I don't know what came over me, but I decided to
stop him.”
The prison officer had grabbed the gun and the pair had wrestled in
the car. Mr Coleman had hold of the gunman's throat and chest. The gun
had come loose and Mr Coleman had thrown it out of the car “as hard as I
could.” He continued to struggle with Shearer, who then calmed down and
told him the gun was fake. Mr Coleman said his attacker had not been
aggressive but looked “miserable and upset.” Mr Coleman had later
spotted a large knife lying on his car seat.
The judge said Mr Coleman had not known the gun was not real and had
been very brave.
The court was told that Shearer's partner had found him very drunk
and told him: “You have chosen alcohol over us”. She had gone to collect
her things from their home.
Paul Hogben, for Shearer, said after a row with her, he had left
their home with a sleeping bag and knife “for protection” and set off to
sleep in the woods, stopping to buy lager and cider. He had tried to
sleep on the beach.
He had no recollection of what had happened.
There were 17 letters of support and references for Shearer to the
judge, from his partner, family, friends, employers, and the alcohol
rehabilitation team in prison.
The judge acknowledged Shearer's “very, very difficult upbringing”,
his “excellent side” and his “appalling alcohol problem.”
HE'S A LOVING AND KIND FAMILY MAN
SHEARER was shy, anxious and suffered from panic attacks and
depression, said Paul Hogben, defending.
"He is a dedicated father to three very young children and has been in
constant employment for many years.
"He has a loving and caring relationship with his partner and children,
who adore him."
The barrister said as a child Shearer had suffered physical and mental
abuse at the hands of his stepfather.
He had had an "appalling" childhood.
"Mr Shearer is not a dangerous man, he is a troubled man who needs help.
Shearer's partner, who was in court with his parents, sisters and a
friend, had written to the judge: "I would not still be with him if he
was not a loving and kind hearted man.” The offence was totally out of
character.
Their relationship was not over. She and the children had visited
Shearer and she had told him that after his imprisonment she and the
children would be waiting for him.
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From the Dover Mercury, 2 May, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
DRINK CHARGE
A MAN accused of driving dangerously and with excess alcohol is due
in court in Folkestone today (Thursday).
Jason Martin, 41, of Terrace Road, Elvington, is charged with having 58
micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath on March 5. The limit
is 35. It is claimed he drove dangerously on the same date, failing to
stop after an accident in Fern Bank Crescent and failing to stop when
required by a police officer.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 16 May, 2013. 70p.
Report by Mike Sims
SHOPS PAY PRICE FOR STREET DRINKING BAN
Stores not selling super-strong booze lose out
SEVERAL shops have banned street drinkers from buying super-strength
booze - but are now losing hundreds of pounds in weekly takings to the
traders who have refused to join the scheme.
From May 1, six newsagents and convenience stores barred the sale of
lagers and ciders of 6.5 per cent volume or greater to punters who may
then swig their cans in Dover town centre.
It affects products such as K cider (8.4 per cent), Tennent's Super (9
per cent) and Carlsberg Special Brew (9 per cent).
The scheme, designed to curb binge drinking and antisocial behaviour,
will operate on a six-month trial, and council bosses
hope it continues for longer.
But it is optional and the Express has been told two outlets in the town
centre have refused to sign up.
Those which are taking part say their efforts to help reduce drunken
behaviour are costing them hundreds of pounds a week
in lost revenue, while those who snubbed the initiative rake in the
extra cash.
Jonathan Sathish, who runs Dover Convenience Store in Market Square,
said he was losing £200-£300 a week.
Responsible
He said: “We're a responsible business and agreed to sign up for this,
but we're just losing trade to those who aren't taking part.
“Drunken behaviour is a real problem in the town centre. There are
people who drink and scream and shout, and it's not good for tourists.
“It would be much fairer if we all took part in it.”
The scheme is being run by Dover District Community Safety Partnership
in conjunction with
several other agencies, and signs have now gone up in shops promoting
it.
The majority" of customers can still buy super-strength items, but
others will be refused if they are known to cause problems.
Allan Rooke-James, community safety officer at DDC, confirmed it was a
voluntary scheme. He said the council was “working on” those who had not
signed up, and said other initiatives were in the pipeline to tackle
antisocial behaviour.
Councillor Sue Chandler, DDC cabinet member for community, said: “Street
drinking needs to be controlled and, working together, steps have been
taken to make sure that Dover continues to be a welcoming place to
residents and visitors.”
A similar project recently run in Suffolk was a success, with alcohol related street crime dropping by nearly 20 per cent in six
months.
In other parts of the country retailers have been asked to put
stickers on each can over 6 per cent saying where it was purchased, to
help “pinpoint” problem areas.
Carlsberg Special Brew was the only super-strength lager on the market
prior to the 1980s.
Lobbyists say super-strength drinks contribute to premature deaths and
the phenomenon of “young-olds” where people suffer the health problems
of someone 20 to 30 years older than they are.
Homelessness charity Thames Reach has
previously called for a 6 per cent strength ceiling on the alcohol
content for any canned and bottled lagers and ciders.
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From the Dover Mercury, 16 May, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
DRINK DRIVER WHO WAS TWICE LEGAL LIMIT BANNED AND FINED
A WOMAN who admitted being over the legal limit for alcohol when she
tried to drive her car has been banned for 18 months.
Wendy Watson, 65, of Wycherley Crescent, Dover, was sentenced at Channel
Magistrates'
Court at Folkestone.
She admitted attempted drink-driving after an incident in Stem-brook car
park, Dover, on March 28.
Watson attempted to drive a Citroen Saxo and, when stopped,
gave a breath test of 73 micro-grammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of
breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
As well as the driving ban, she was fined £110 and ordered to pay £85
costs and a £20 victim
surcharge.
Disqualification can be reduced by 139 days if, by April 11, 2014, she
satisfactorily completes a course approved by the Secretary of State,
the cost of which will not exceed £250.
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From the Dover Mercury, 16 May, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
TRADERS SIGN UP TO SCHEME IN BID TO CUT STREET DRINKING
Shops to restrict the sale of strong alcohol
A CRACKDOWN has been launched on anti-social drinking in the town centre
with off-licences agreeing not to sell strong booze to street drinkers.
The Dover District Community Safety Partnership has joined forces with
other agencies to launch the Reduce The Strength project in an attempt
to cut down on drink-related antisocial behaviour in the town.
It follows complaints about drinkers in the town and the impression that
it creates for visitors, as well as upsetting townsfolk and business
people.
The project will be for a six-month trial period and aims to stop
alcohol over 6.5% being sold to street drinkers.
It is hoped that the project will continue after this period.
It has already worked well in
Ipswich where the first trial took place.
Six shops have already signed up to the project in Dover, and others are
being asked to join.
Police officers are frequently called to deal with problems caused by
drinkers in the town centre, and particularly the Market Square, which
is an alcohol control zone.
If they refuse to stop drinking in public, their alcohol is often seized
and poured away.
Dover District Council, Kent Police, Turning Point, Port of Dover
Police, Dover Partnership Against Crime and Dover Town Council are
backing the scheme.
Cllr Sue Chandler, district council cabinet member for community, said:
“We welcome this initiative, and are very pleased that shop keepers in
Dover are
working closely in partnership with us on this issue.
“Street drinking needs to be controlled and, working together, steps
have been taken to make sure that Dover continues to be a welcoming
place to residents and visitors.”
Karen Griffiths, co-ordinator of the Dover Partnership Against Crime
which runs the Shop-watch scheme, said: “Alcohol plays a big part in
anti-social behaviour and some crime in town centres.
“We are working with the other agencies to prevent stronger drinks from
being sold to those who behave anti-socially.
“Our members want to make sure Dover remains a pleasant place to live
and work, and we will do all we can to support this scheme.”
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 23 May, 2013. 70p.
LICENSE IS LOST
A woman who pleaded guilty to attempted drink-driving has lost
her licence.
Wendy Watson, 65, of Wycherley Crescent, Dover, was sentenced on April
29 at Channel Magistrates' Court.
She pleaded guilty to attempted drink-driving following an incident in
Stembrook car park, Dover, on March 28.
Watson attempted to drive a Citroen Saxo and when stopped gave a breath
test of 73 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The
legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Magistrates disqualified her from driving for 18 months and fined her
£110. She must also pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Mercury, 29 May, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
DRINK THEFT MAN SENT TO PRISON
A DOVER man has been jailed after
admitting theft, criminal damage and taking a car without consent.
Derrick Freeman, 25, of Durban Crescent, was sentenced at Channel
Magistrates' Court in Folkestone after pleading guilty to stealing
alcohol worth £8 from a supermarket in Bridge Street, damaging a Ford
Fiesta in Ramsgate Road, Margate, and damaging four other cars in
Pencester Road, Dover.
He also admitted taking a Ford Ka from Pencester Road without the
owner's consent, and damaging the door of a shop in Pencester Road. All
the offences took place in April.
Magistrates sentenced Freeman to 120 days in prison and ordered him to
pay a £60 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Mercury, 30 May, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
MAN ACCUSED OF DRINK-DRIVING
A DOVER motorist was due in court yesterday (Wednesday) charged with
drink-driving.
Roman Samko, 24, of Primrose Road, was accused of driving a Vauxhall
Corsa in Folkestone Road, Dover, on April 27, when
he had 75 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more
than twice the legal limit of 35. He is also charged with driving with
no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 6 June, 2013. 70p.
DRINK-DRIVE BAN OF TWO YEARS
SANDWICH: A man caught more than twice over the drink-drive limit has
been disqualified from driving for two years.
John Derek Lazenby, 43, of Poulders Gardens, Sandwich, was sentenced
on May 23 at Channel Magistrates' Court in Folkestone.
He pleaded guilty to drink-driving following an incident in Drainless
Road, Sandwich, on April 28.
Lazenby drove a Ford Transit and when stopped gave a breath test of
94 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit
is 35 micrograms.
Magistrates disqualified him and ordered him to complete 150 hours of
unpaid work within 12 months.
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From the Dover Mercury, 20 June, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
DRINK-DRIVER GIVEN A BAN
A motorist who was more than twice the drink-drive limit when he was
stopped in Folkestone Road, Dover, in April has been banned from driving
for 18 months.
Roman Samko, 24, of Primrose Road, Dover, was sentenced at Channel
Magistrates' Court in Folkestone after he admitted drink driving,
driving with no insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a
licence.
Samko was driving a Vauxhall Corsa when stopped and gave a breath test
of 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal
limit is 35 microgrammes.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 18 months and fined him
£150 for drink driving and having no insurance. He must also pay £85
costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Mercury, 27 June, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
DRINK-DRIVER IS DISQUALIFIED
A Lydden man has been banned from
driving after being caught over the alcohol limit.
Christopher David Morgan,
28, of Stonehall, admitted the offence when he appeared before
magistrates in Folkestone.
He was driving a BMW at London Road, Lydden, when he was stopped and
gave a breath test of 63 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of
breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 18 months and fined him
£450.
He must also pay £85 costs and a £45 victim surcharge.
Disqualification can be reduced by 139 days if, by May 27 next year, he
satisfactorily completes a course approved by the Secretary of State,
the cost of which will not exceed £250.
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From the Dover Mercury, 4 July, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
MAN BANNED FOR DRINK-DRIVING
A man has been banned from driving
after being caught more than twice over the legal drink-drive limit.
Peter Williams, 35, of Kohima Place, Guston, was sentenced at Channel
Magistrates' Court in Folkestone after pleading guilty to drink-driving
in Valley Road, River, on May 25.
Williams drove a Peugeot 406 and when stopped gave a breath
test of 96 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The
legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 24 months and ordered him
to pay £85 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
Disqualification can be reduced by six months if, by October 22 2014, he
completes a course, costing no more than £250.
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From the Dover Mercury, 4 July, 2013. 80p. Exclusive by
Mary Louis
BEER ON THE ROCKS
A pint of lager is projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover
Picture: David Parry/PA
To mark the launch of a movement called Let
There Be Beer, the image of a pint of lager was projected on to Dover's
White Cliffs at the weekend.
The organisers said their aim was to reignite the public's love of beer
and restore lagers, ales, bitters, pilsners and stouts firmly in the
nation's heart.
A spokesman for the group said: “For centuries, Kent has been one of the
chief homes of the hop, and therefore Dover has a great relationship
with beer.
“Breweries have been in the town for hundreds of years.”
Other landmarks that have been lit up as part of the movement include
Cardiff Castle, Norwich Castle and Hadrian's Wall.
The Let There Be Beer movement, is a collaboration comprising some of
the world's biggest brewing companies, national brewers, publicans,
retailers, organisations such as the British Beer and Pub Association as
well as being supported by the Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of
Independent Brewers.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 11 July, 2013. 70p. By
Jamie Rose
KICK THESE LOUTS OUT OF TOWN
Council calls for police action on abusive street boozers
ABUSIVE drunks should be booted out of the town centre by police,
according to the council.
Students from a youth theatre group were the latest to run Market
Square's “gauntlet” of antisocial behaviour last week when they were
threatened by foul-mouthed men reeking of booze.
Now the district council is calling for greater police presence to
tackle the issue.
Blackfish Academy has used the Discovery Centre for more than a decade,
but director Richard Esdale fears for their students due to “an obvious
increase in intimidating behaviour” over recent months.
Too busy
After making several phone calls and waiting hours for police to arrive,
the force later admitted that they were too busy to take immediate
action.
“On the evening of July 3, Kent Police was dealing with a number of
high-priority calls at the same time that Mr Esdale phoned,” said Chief
Inspector Steve Barlow, Dover's district commander.
“This included a domestic assault, youths fighting in London Road,
concern for youths who were on the roof of a derelict building and
concern about a suicidal person, to name but a few.
“This may explain why the police vehicles seen to pass did not stop.”
But Mr Esdale claims he saw three patrol cars drive slowly past the
drinkers and up the precinct, without their emergency lights flashing.
“While we were waiting there
was even one family who were clearly foreign tourists,” he said.
“They went to have a look through the window of the museum, until the
drunks started calling out to them. Then they turned around and walked
quickly away.
“Last week we even had to break up a fight. We came out of rehearsal and
two young girls were gobbing off to each other, drunk again.” Nigel
Collor, district councillor for Castle ward, has called on Ann Barnes to
start delivering on her promises.
“We gave the police specific powers to tackle this by making the area a
designated zone where alcohol can be confiscated and drinkers
are moved on,” he said.
“I don't see them use it often enough - not by a long way “It's time we
saw a more visible police presence in town.”
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 11 July, 2013. 70p.
DRINK-DRIVER'S 36 MONTH BAN
A man who pleaded guilty to drink-driving in Whitfield has
been fined.
John Dalzell, 25, of Milton Road, Dover, was sentenced on June 25 at
Canterbury and St Augustine Magistrates Court.
He pleaded guilty to drink-driving following an incident in Joyes Road,
Whitfield, on May 5.
Dalzell drove a Vauxhall Astra and when stopped gave a breath test of 85
micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is
35 micrograms.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 36 months and fined him
£250. He must also pay £85 costs and a £25 victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 18 July, 2013. 70p.
DRIVER BANNED
A 52-year-old man was banned from driving and hit with a fine after
being caught drunk behind the wheel.
John Halpin, of Mill Lane, Northbourne, near Deal, was nearly double
the legal limit when stopped by police after an incident in Great
Mongeham on May 14.
Folkestone magistrates disqualified Halpin from driving for 18 months
and fined him £100 on July 1. He must also pay £85 costs and a £20
victim surcharge.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 1 August, 2013. 70p.
POLICE TARGET DRINK-DRIVERS
Six motorists from the area were arrested for drink or drug-driving
in June, as part of a summer campaign.
Kent Police launched the month-long crackdown with its partner
agencies to help identify motorists impaired by alcohol and drugs on
June 1.
Nearly 170 motorists were arrested across the county, and 604 people
were breath-tested.
In addition to normal patrols, static road checks were used for the
first time at places where officers believed they were most likely to
catch offenders.
Roads Policing Unit sergeant Hannah Brown said: “This result will
spur us on to continue doing as much as possible to keep people safe
from harm.”
Steve Horton, from Kent County Council's road safety team, said:
“Even small amounts of alcohol will affect your ability to drive
safely.”
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From the Dover Mercury, 8 August 2013.
Alcohol thief sent to prison.
A Dover man has been sent to prison for stealing alcohol worth £5.29 from
a supermarket in Bridge Street.
Garry Remnan, 55, from Granville Street, admitted stealing the alcohol
when he appeared at Canterbury and St Augustine Magistrates’ Court on July
28.
He was sent to prison for 120 days.
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From the Dover Mercury, 8 August 2013.
Drunken antics anger pensioners at social centre.
Drunks are making the lives of elderly people using a social centre a
misery, according to a former town mayor.
Ken Tranter, whose wife Karen is manager of the Age Concern Riverside
Centre in Maison Dieu Gardens, said pensioners have to tolerate “the rowdy
antics” of drinkers who frequent the otherwise picturesque gardens, and
then throw their empty cans in the River Dour and in the gardens.
But their latest actions have really upset the old folk. Staff at Jollyes
pet food store, Charlton
Green, had donated three bird stands which were placed on the riverbank
outside the centre so that people using the centre could watch the birds.
Staff at the centre keep them topped up with food.
But on three occasions - the latest one on Friday - the feeders have been
pulled down and thrown into the river.
Mrs Tranter has retrieved them twice from the water, but on Friday they
were further upstream and in a difficult area to reach.
Staff from NT Rix scaffolders offered to help bring them back.
“Nothing is safe from the antics of these drunks,” said Mr Tranter. This
is the latest incident involving street drinkers who have been causing
trouble in the town.
Police and community support officers have been tackling the issue, moving
them on in areas where people are not allowed to drink in public, and
taking their alcohol away when their powers permit them to.
But government cuts to police numbers have led to increased pressure on
officers on the ground.
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From the Dover Mercury, 8 August 2013.
Alcohol theft charges.
Wayne Denham, 46, of Royal Victoria Place, Dover, has been charged with
two counts of shoplifting.
He is accused of stealing Special Brew from Morrisons store in Dover on
June 30 and stealing whiskey and Schnapps worth £31.50 from Iceland in
Dover on July 7.
He was due to appear before magistrates at Folkestone yesterday
(Wednesday).
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From the Dover Mercury, 15 August 2013. By Graham Tutthill.
More shops join fight to halt drink problem.
Niruban Naveenachandiran, of Modern Moon in Castle Street, receives the
two-way radio from Allan Rooke-James, with Karen Griffiths, co-ordinator
of the Dover, Deal and Sandwich Partnership Against Crime, and PC Ian
Belsey, from the community safety unit.
More off-licences are joining in the crackdown on the problems caused by
street drinkers and their anti-social behaviour.
And this week also saw the re-launch of the Three Strikes scheme which
aims to make drinkers face up to their behaviour and do something about
it.
Two-way radios, linking the shopkeepers with CCTV, the police and other
businesses in the town, have been given to five shopkeepers in the Market
Square area who have signed up to the Reduce The Strength initiative,
aimed at preventing those with drink problems from buying strong alcohol.
The initiative was launched by Dover District Council, Dover
Town Council, the police, Port of Dover Police, Turning Point and the
Dover Partnership Against Crime in May, following complaints about
drinkers in the town and the impression it creates for visitors, as well
as upsetting businesses and people.
Staff at off-licences have been given details and, in some cases, photos
of those who cause problems, and they are refusing to sell them alcohol
over 6.5%.
The two-way radios are linked to the Shopwatch scheme, which enables
information about offenders to be shared with other DP AC members in the
town, and can alert CCTV operators to incidents which are taking place.
Other stores can then be given advance warning of possible offenders
heading their way.
Off-licences keep a record of the occasions when they refuse
to serve people with strong alcohol, and this information is being
collated to build up a picture of each individuals behaviour.
Police officers are ordering the drinkers who consume alcohol in the town
centre to stop, and if they refuse they confiscate their booze and can
issue them with notices to stay away from the area.
Community safety officer Allan Rooke-James said it was a voluntary scheme
but he was pleased with the support most shopkeepers had given.
“Street drinking is a problem, and we are determined to do something about
it,” he said.
Police Sgt Sam Parker said officers were taking a tough stance over
consumption of alcohol in the town centre, and the anti-social behaviour
which it could lead to.
THREE STRIKES SCHEME.
The Three Strikes scheme, which was launched in Dover in November 2005,
involves those who commit alcohol-fuelled offences being given a yellow
card with a warning as to the consequence of a further arrest. They are
also given advice on how to address their behaviour.
After a second offence, a red card is issued and they are banned from
licensed premises in the scheme for six months. Further advice is given on
the
need for them to take action to curb their drinking problem.
A third offence will result in an application being made to the courts for
an anti-social behaviour order with all the restrictions and conditions
which that brings with it, including a ban from all licensed premises for
at least two years.
Hundreds of yellow cards have been issued since the scheme was launched,
but fewer than 20 of the offenders have gone on to commit a second offence
and receive a red card.
One 17-year-old Dover boy was given an ASBO following a third incident.
"The rest have all seen the error of their ways and have amended their
behaviour," said DPAC co-ordinator Karen Griffiths.
"We are now re-launching the scheme and officers will be providing details
of offenders who end up in the cells for this type of offence. We will
then send them the yellow cards."
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From the Dover Express, 22 August 2013. By Amy Woodland.
Drinker is fined for disorderly behaviour PCSO was verbally abused.
A 61-YEAR-OLD Dover man arrested for being drunk and disorderly told the
chairman of the bench at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court “I am guilty,
ma’am”.
Phillip James Llewellyn, of Sheridan Road, appeared in court last
Wednesday after his arrest on July 10 when he had been a little less
courteous.
Prosecuting, Maria Davis told the court that Llewellyn was among a small
group of men drinking at the bus station in Pencester Road at about 11am
when they were approached by a Police Community Support Officer.
She said: “It is a local alcohol control area and he was asked to pour
the alcohol away, but he refused.”
She said that a PC also attended and because Llewellyn had a bus pass he
was given the chance to get on a bus and leave the scene, but declined to
do so.
Aggressive.
She continued: “He was aggressive and calling the officers abusive names,
including the C word.
“Due to the time of the incident, there were a lot of elderly people in
the area.”
Llewellyn appeared at court unrepresented and when magistrates asked if he
had anything to say he said: “I do drink a lot in Dover, but this is a
one-off.
“I must have been depressed or something and must have been abusive.
“I am very sorry I have never been rude to a lady before.”
Chairman of the bench Diane Showan said: “Mr Llewellyn, you have not been
in trouble for a long time so we’re going to give you a conditional
discharge of three months.”
She also ordered him to pay £45 of court costs and added: “No more trouble
for three months.”
Mr Llewellyn said: “I do try to behave myself. Thank you ladies.”
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From the Dover Express, 22 August 2013. By Amy Woodland.
Spotlight on booze and bad behaviour.
Several stories in recent Express editions have sparked healthy debates
on our Facebook page. Here we round up the arguments surrounding the
biggest talking points...
■ 1. “Teen attacked two days after return to town”
Andrew Stucken: “Dover is indeed horribly rough, although I dare say
there are worse places.”
Christina Mitchell: “You say Dover’s bad. I lived in Hastings and you
see and hear about more things happening there than you do here. I’ve been
here five years now and it’s a nicer place than Hastings by miles.”
Bernie Mayall: “The police response falls far short of acceptable.”
Vanessa Mutch: “I left Dover, my birth place, after 45 years for the
same reason. I visit Dover at least once a week to visit family and my
drive through into town usually involves either mad boy racers who think
they own the road, or seeing drunks swaggering up the town or gangs
hanging around Folkestone Road. Dover, for me, is no longer a place I
recognise as it once was. It’s a bloody awful place to live."
Cheryl Elexa Stead: “I left Dover six years ago, also my home from
birth. Best thing I ever did. I enjoy seeing my family and friends when I
occasionally visit, but then I can’t wait to leave. Sad really.”
Chris Kirby: “Sadly there are a lot worse places. I’ve never
experienced any trouble here, and always found the community spirit far
stronger than other places.”
■ 2. “Council makes a million from parking fees"
Andy Stevens: “What is the council going to do with the surplus?
Reinvest it in Dover and Deal town centres?”
Nathan Sutton: “Car parking in town is too expensive and is creating a
barrier against our town centre prospering.”
Dene Robertson: “Come on DDC, do something for the people of Dover with
this money.” Martin Turner: “Bleedin’ outrageous.”
Anne Stepney: “Thousands are paid each year and we never see anything
of it that benefits the people who have slogged their guts out to pay an
exorbitant bill.”
Bernie Mayall: “I am not confident that we benefit appropriately when
our hard earned money is taken from us, especially in this way.”
■ 3. “Booze crackdown hits shop takings, not bad behaviour”
Alan Faulkner: “Stupid scheme. How did anybody think it would ever
work? Enforce the no drinking zone rules (of which the Eight Bells sits in
bizarrely, the waft of BO is more offensive by the way).”
Jason Gilbert: “Market Square still the same with all the
waifs/strays/druggies and alkies. Pencester Park no better. Doesn’t really
matter if they move on from one area, they just go somewhere else.”
Andy Stevens: “Appalling that Dover has come to this. I barely
recognise my home town any more, and certainly don’t like it - apart from
DAFC.”
Andy Cooper: “No is the simple answer to that question. I have a friend
who lives in Market Square and whose life is made a misery by the failure
to deal with the lowlifes who frequent the place. The police don’t give a
s***, either. Step forward Ann Barnes and justify your mighty words at
election time, because frankly they look might hollow at the moment.”
Roy Keith Trawick: “I feel sorry for people in the neighbourhood. Only
two ways to deal with it - the merchants refuse to sell the alcohol to
them, and the police cart them away Anything else is mere socialist
tinkering.”
Alan Taylor: “It amazes me how these people can drink every day outside
the Eight Bells and I am finding it hard to live on my pension. Don’t they
buy food, gas, electricity for their homes?
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From the Dover Mercury, 14 November 2013.
Drink-driver given two-year ban.
A man who was caught drink-driving on the Dover to Deal road in September
has been banned from driving for nearly two years.
Philip Goldstone, 52, of St Andrew’s Close, Folkestone, appeared at Medway
Magistrates’ Court on October 30 and pleaded guilty to the offence which
happened on September 26.
He was driving a Renault Kangoo and when stopped gave a breath test
of 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal
limit is 35 microgrammes.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 22 months and fined him
£110. He must also pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
Disqualification can be reduced by 165 days if he completes a
government-approved course, costing no more than £250, by February
14,2015.
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