A Spalding man who was seen interfering with motor vehicles in broad daylight, suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, a court has been told.

Victor Ford (37), of Pinchbeck Road, admitted two offences of interfering with motor vehicles in Spalding, as well two offences of assault, one against a police officer, when he appeared in custody before magistrates at Skegness.

Paul Wood, prosecuting, said that at 1.15pm on January 16, he was seen pulling the door handles and prodding the sills of a parked Audi.

He said that he appeared to be drunk to pedestrians in the area and, when challenged, said he had lost his car keys.

Two days later, on January 18, again in the day time, he was seen on a private driveway doing the same thing with a Citroen car and, when challenged by the owner and her female friend, said that it was his sister’s car and then pushed the friend, although she was not injured.

Mr Wood said that the ladies followed him in the car and, when they saw him speaking to a police officer, told the officer what he had been doing and he was arrested.

Mr Wood said that when he was arrested, Ford threw his jacket into the face of a police officer.

Mitigating, John Storer said that they were unusual offences carried out in broad daylight and in full view of people in the area.

He said Ford had received a custodial sentence in January 2014 and a community order in July, which was still running.

He said Ford was a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic and the Probation Service said that they did not think there was anything else they could offer him.

The magistrates fined Ford £50 on each of the four charges and ordered him to pay £75 in compensation, a £20 victim surcharge and £50 towards the costs.

A crooked car dealer, given 10 years in jail for conning trusting customers, had his sentence for frauds totalling £1million slashed by top judges yesterday (Wednesday).

Paul Johnathon Moyse (39) was put behind bars at Peterborough Crown Court in August last year after admitting assorted counts of fraud, false accounting and fraudulent trading.

Moyse, of Boston Road South, Holbeach, hoodwinked customers by selling off their high-end vehicles but failing to pass on the cash he owed.

He was also involved in dubious hire-purchase agreements, and sold vehicles on behalf of a car firm without paying them back.

He became “addicted to a lifestyle” involving power and prestige, Mrs Justice Swift told London’s Appeal Court today.

He even had himself photographed alongside professional boxers he had sponsored.

“He enjoyed that lifestyle at the expense of the hard-working people who had put their savings into buying their vehicles,” she added.

The judge who jailed Moyse said he had “never seen a case which caused such pain and heartache”.

Moyse’s case reached the Appeal Court yesterday as his legal team argued his 10-year sentence was far too tough.

And Mrs Justice Swift, sitting with Lord Justice Beatson and Mr Justice Globe, allowed his appeal, cutting the term to seven years.

The judge noted that Moyse had not set out with fraud in mind, but succumbed to temptation when his business began to unravel.

Although his total profits from the frauds amounted to around £1million, he had repaid at least some of the cash, she added.

His crimes had “very serious and distressing consequences on his many victims”, she said.

But she concluded: “The total here was too high... to reflect fully his criminality, the appropriate sentence would have been seven years.”

The quirkiest party in the political arena, The Eccentric Party of Great Britain, has more stated policies than some of its more mainstream rivals.

Moulton Seas End madcap inventor John Ward broke the news about the new party in this week’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

John, who gained fame for his various quirky inventions, has taken the roles of party chairman and Minister for Inventions.

His account of the party’s first meeting makes for slightly easier reading than the typical political news output.

He says: “On the matter of wasting public money, it was agreed there would be no more missions to Mars due to the high costs – it would now be a case of making do with Snickers instead. This motion was carried although Lulu Lush-Bouquet did say the Snickers had nuts in that got stuck in her teeth although this did not affect her whistling in any way.

“Approaches would be made to the Heinz food company to change their product range to Heinz 60 so as to go to the nearest square figure as this would help with auditing processes and save a small amount of ink. This motion was carried although the Very Reverend Pedro Perrnackerpan wondered if it was possible to enquire at the same time if they were considering manufacturing tins of beans on toast as his grill was in need of repair.

Guest speaker Giles Fromhome of the Spalding and District Mountain Climbing Club enquired about the Party’s feelings about handrails being fitted on the local mountains and after much discussion it was agreed in principle that this would be possible but only on the left-hand side going up, due to lack in resources, but it would be possible to use this facility coming back down by walking backwards, but using caution with respect of possible bumping into those going up.”

The husband of an 87-year-old woman who died just two days into the new year after a road crash has paid an emotional tribute to her.

Vera Ball of Spalding was travelling in a Renault Clio with her husband John (84) when it left the road in Fulbeck, near Sleaford, on December 27.

Mrs Ball was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, with critical injuries but she died on January 2.

Mr Ball, who was driving the Renault and suffered less serious injuries, had been married to his wife for 58 years and he admitted that her death had “left a big hole in his life.”

“We moved from Peterborough to Spalding in 2008 and really did get on very well,” Mr Ball said.

“We did everything and went everywhere together, so losing her has left a big hole.”

A date for an inquest into Mrs Ball’s death has not yet been set.

In its drive to improve the skills of car drivers and motorcycle riders, registered charity Boston 
Advanced Motorists (BAM) is continuing its successful Be Better – Be Safer campaign throughout 2015.

This year, the charity – which also covers Holbeach, Long Sutton and Spalding – is giving the first ten drivers and the first ten riders who join the 
Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Skill for Life programme 50 per cent of the £149 programme fee back once they have passed the IAM test.

They’ll also get one year’s RAC Roadside and Recovery breakdown cover (single, personal cover).

The Group’s chairman, Nigel Bean said: “Although there has been a dramatic fall in Lincolnshire road casualties since 1999, 2014 wasn’t a good year.

“Provisional figures show a 14 per cent increase in the number of people killed compared with 2013.

“Thus our campaign focusses on helping drivers and riders to be safer, happier and less stressed when driving, improving their confidence and their ability.”

“By passing the IAM test, you halve your chances of being involved in own-fault accidents. What’s more, 93 per cent of IAM members over 19 can get cheaper car insurance.”

Boston Advanced Motorist has an excellent record. In 2014, BAM achieved almost twice the number of test passes compared with the average for the IAM Central and Wales Region. BAM also achieved three time the region average for F1RST passes, the IAM’s highest possible test grade. This is all thanks to BAMs team of qualified and hard-working volunteers.

For more information about Skill for Life and to secure the special offer, contact Nigel by email at chairman@boston
advancedmotorists.co.uk. Alternatively, visit their stand at the Springfields Motorbike Show this weekend at the Springfields Events Centre in Spalding.

Two students from Spalding Grammar School have been offered places to study law at Cambridge University.

Luke Cowdell came to the sixth from Thomas Cowley High School in Donington and Alexander Dormor has come through the Grammar and is also deputy head boy.

Luke told the Free Press: “I applied to Christ’s College to study Law, and was pleasantly surprised by the interview process.

“I was expecting it to be rather tense. However it was not like that. I met with students applying for various courses, all in a similar situation to myself which helped me relax.

“I was more than overjoyed when I found out.”

Alex said: “I applied to Trinity College to study law 
because of its architecture and prestige, and also because I’d written an essay for a prize at that particular college.

“The interview process was a lot more relaxed and friendly than I was expecting, and not in line with some of the stories of other peoples’ experiences; I just sat with my two interviewers on sofas and chairs and discussed a legal scenario for about half an hour.

“It’s great to have been offered a place and to have friends who received offers as well. Now I’ve just got to get the grades.”

Spalding firm Maples Solicitors LLP has promoted Gemma Turton to become a partner in its growing commercial and commercial property department.

Gemma said of the appointment: “I am very pleased to have joined a partnership that is so well known and respected locally and at a time when the department is growing and going from strength to strength.”

A solicitor of great experience, after gaining a first class law degree and commendation on the LPC, Gemma joined Maples as a trainee.

Since qualification she has worked in the commercial department, assisting David Hicken, the firm’s head of commercial property, and Richard Lewis and Grant Shackleston in general commercial work. Gemma has gained a wealth of knowledge during her time with the firm and lives locally .

Partner Daven Naghen said: “We are delighted to welcome Gemma as a partner.

“She has all the attributes to succeed in the modern legal profession and has proved to be extremely popular with her clients.

“Her experience, together with her boundless enthusiasm will be an asset to the firm. It is particularly pleasing when someone who originally trained with the firm progresses to become a partner, rewarding their hard work and commitment.

“We look forward to Gemma being able to assist and advise clients for many years to come.”

MONEY MATTERS: By Scott Woods

The importance of taking advice and shopping around, as pointed out by Pensions Minister Steve Webb MP, became very apparent again this week. 
A gentlemen looking to retire and take his pension with his existing provider came to us for some advice. 
In this instance, the company didn’t offer annuities but they did refer clients to a “panel” of reputable annuity providers who could quote and make it easier for the client to see the highest level of income available. 
Half a dozen companies quoted and the highest provider was just under £1,200 per annum. 
Two things spring to mind in this case – firstly, the client received no advice about the best way to structure the annuity income. 
Apart from ensuring that any valuable benefits wouldn’t be lost by going to an external provider, very important options such as indexation, spousal benefits, guarantee periods and tax free cash options were not explained or discussed. 
Secondly, health considerations were included as the providers on the panel do offer “enhanced” annuities. 
But when we used our research and market evaluation tools, the same provider offered over £1,400 per annum. 
The moral of the story is that better rates are often obtained by going through an independent financial advisor and with more options now available, the need for help to make the right choices is of paramount importance. 
In the case above, the client will be many thousands of pounds better off assuming a normal lifetime and that money is better off in his pocket. 
Taking pension benefits should be an exciting time as it often coincides with a huge change in people’s lives. Whether it means a full scale complete retirement or perhaps just a reduction in hours, you should still get the best outcome you can from your existing plans.

A Spalding mum is helping a charity run by bereaved mothers offer support to the maternity unit at Peterborough City Hospital.

Lucy Twelves, whose daughter Darcey was stillborn in December 2011, is a volunteer with Aching Arms, which provides Teddy bears that have been donated in memory of another baby’s life to newly-bereaved mothers.

The bear is seen as a gift from one bereaved mother to another.

She contacted Peterborough City Hospital’s bereavement midwife Lesley Carline to offer these bears to the maternity service to help support other women who experience a pregnancy or baby loss. So far she has donated 36 bears to the maternity service – all have been donated by women who have lost a baby.

She said: “The bears do bring some comfort and to know it has come from a mother who has experienced the same loss, makes it all the more special. It is something you can keep forever, and maybe share with your other children, or family, when you are ready.”

Lesley Carline, bereavement midwife, added: “I am really pleased to be working with Lucy and Aching Arms. Sadly we have already given bears to women, but I can see how they can help them get through such a devastating time. It is a lovely gesture and one that I hope will improve the support we give to women.”

For more information visit www.achingarms.co.uk or email info@achingarms.co.uk

Bourne Motor Racing Club kicked off its 20th year in style when motoring journalist and renowned 
racing driver Tiff Needell entertained members and guests.

Bourne Motor Racing Club kicked off its 20th year in style when motoring journalist and renowned 
racing driver Tiff Needell entertained members and guests.

Speaking in front of a capacity audience of 220 people, Tiff spoke passionately about how his motor racing career began, and about his experiences working with Murray Walker and Nigel Mansell.

He also reflected upon his time as a journalist, working alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson in the early days of Top Gear, and more recently with Jason Plato and Vicki-Butler Henderson in Channel 5’s Fifth Gear.

Steering Committee member Richard Bostock was pleased with how the evening went, adding: “Never before have we seen so many people at oneof our club nights.

“We’re really gratefulof the support of both Tiff Needell and compere Tracie Hughes, and the

event acted as a great way to start Bourne Motor Racing Club’s 20th year.”

The second half of the evening saw Tiff take questions from the audience, and afterwards the audience were given the opportunity to purchase signed copies of posters, and of Tiff’s new autobiography, Tiff Gear.

Bourne Motor Racing Club’s next meeting takes place on Thursday,

February 12 when Chesterfield rally driver Steve Perez will talk to members and guests. More details can be found at www.bournemotorclub.co.uk

A council that plonked a lamppost on the pavement – with its lamp hidden in the middle of a huge horse chestnut tree – is forcing a resident to pay to have the tree cut back.

Chris Wilcox (64), of Surfleet Road, Surfleet, has lived in his home for a little over 11 years, but used to live on the other side of the road and remembers the lamppost being installed some years earlier.

He said: “Nobody in their right mind is going to put a lamppost there because it’s a massive tree. It didn’t used to bother me too much because the council used to come and chop it back at their expense.”

In the last five years, he’s twice paid bills of around £200 for the tree to be lopped. The latest was in September when the council asked him to cut back the tree within 14 days, backed by a warning that the authority would do the job and recover the costs from him if he failed.

Mr Wilcox spoke out after a story in our sister paper, The Lincolnshire Free Press, revealed the county council had partly hidden a new 30mph speed limit warning behind tree branches at Pinchbeck.

He says his horse chestnut is about 40-years-old and the lamppost could have been put on another spot – and he doesn’t believe the council’s explanation that it was the only place they could connect to the electricity supply.

Mr Wilcox doesn’t want to carry on paying bills when it was the council that created the problem.

Council principal engineer Stan Hall said: “The tree in question is on private land and therefore is not the responsibility of the local authority. If a tree is obscuring a light, we send out our street lighting teams to carry out minor pruning but the main responsibility for maintenance belongs to the property owner. When considering cases, we do look at individual circumstances and decide on the best possible action.”

Qualified chartered accountant Chris McKenna is enjoying success on and off the pitch with a promotion from his employers.

Bulley Davey, chartered certified accountants and tax advisers with offices in Spalding and Holbeach, has appointed Chris as an Associate, with responsibility for specialist management information, tax credit claims and academy schools.

Directors Andy Atkins and Peter Wright said: “Chris brings a wealth of experience and a strong set of skills to the firm.

“He is an invaluable member of the team and therefore Chris is the perfect choice to be promoted to an Associate.”

After joining Bulley Davey as a trainee accountant in 2007, Chris qualified as a chartered accountant four years later and was appointed manager of the firm’s Holbeach office in July 2012.

“At Bulley Davey we pride ourselves in identifying and developing gifted individuals by rewarding outstanding performance and growth with well-earned promotions,” the directors said.

Outside of the office, Chris is an active member of Spalding Hockey Club which was named Lincolnshire Sports Club of the Year last month.

As well as being a member and former captain of the Men’s second XI team, Chris is also the club’s treasurer.

Speaking to Spalding Today in 2013, Chris said: “Businesses are looking now at changing systems and improving efficiencies and through the use of research and development we can advise on the tax savings available.”

A former businessman is warning fellow Brits to think twice about retiring to dream villas in the sun after his marriage fell apart and he lost almost everything he owned.

Peter Bubb (65), of Holbeach, retired with his then wife, Anne, to Ovacik on the western side of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast in 2003.

But their marriage collapsed in 2009.

Peter, who was in the transport and music businesses, claims armed police arrived at the villa to evict him – saying there had been a court case and he had been found guilty as a result of something he said being termed as “mental abuse”, but he hadn’t known anything about the hearing and therefore could not attend to put his side of things.

A family order prevented him going to the villa.

Peter obtained a divorce at Lincoln County Court, which was finalised on March 23 2012, but it still hasn’t been recognised by the Turkish courts.

He had belongings worth around £30,000 in the villa, which he’s never recovered.

“It was mostly jewellery, my grandmother’s jewellery,” he said. “There were some very valuable items. I had a Rolex watch worth £5,000. Even my clothes, I didn’t get anything back.”

Anne died on August 5 last year. She had been allowed to remain living at the villa which the couple jointly owned.

Peter says the Turkish courts now think they should “auction the house off for probably 40 per cent of the value” and it’s worth £160,000 to £180,000.

He said there have been 75 court cases in Turkey and, throughout, his divorce hasn’t been recognised despite documents being further officially certified by a British judge.

The former businessman, who has since remarried, said: “It’s been worse than a nightmare. We reckon we have spent £30,000 on this nonsense.

“It is absolute nonsense.

“I have spoken to a Turkish lawyer in London. He said Turkey’s got nothing whatsoever to do with this case and asked ‘why is it even in a Turkish court’?”

Peter has highlighted his case with South Holland and The Deepings MP John Hayes and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

He said: “I am retired and live with my wife on a pension only and want this story publishing as a warning to others that are contemplating moving overseas and retiring that you can lose everything you have had as I have.”

He’s now writing his story for a book.

CABINET CALL: A weekly column written by members of South Holland District Council. This week with Councillor Roger Gambba-Jones, Portfolio Holder for Waste Management, Green Spaces and Operational Planning

The local press produced positive coverage of our work to clean up the old Bull and Monkie pub site, however our Pride in South Holland campaign is not just about Spalding.

Dealing with such neglected sites across the district is a key part of the project, but by no means the whole story.  

A dedicated street cleansing team has been set up to deal with areas that have become local hotspots for litter, graffiti and fly tipping.

As well as litter picking, the team has made excellent use of the extra road sweeping machine we now have, with nearly 140 tonnes of waste collected so far.  

Naturally our main towns generate the most need, with Spalding having over 35 different locations dealt with.  To date, Holbeach has had seven visits from the team, Sutton Bridge four and Long Sutton two.  

The road sweeper spent four days in Crowland and a further five days in Donington.  

Sutton St James, Holbeach St Johns, Surfleet and Deeping St Nicholas have all had comprehensive visits from the sweeper.

The team has also spent time cleaning up lay-bys, verges and roundabouts along two of the district’s busiest roads – the A16 and A17.

Holbeach Drove, Moulton, Weston, Weston Hills, West Pinchbeck, Gosberton and Quadring are all scheduled to be visited by the street sweeper.

At least seven of the district’s children’s play areas are to be repainted, as well as some landscaping and weed spraying in a number of areas.

Since being appointed, our Environmental Services Enforcement officer has also been working extremely hard to help improve our district.

Their work has centred on investigating fly tipping and those areas where residents have been putting out their refuse bags on the wrong days.

Whilst it’s too early to claim a lasting impact, December saw a reduction in fly tipping incidents from 50 to 25 and early bag presentation issues reduced from 14 to 8.  

Our Enforcement Officer is also trialling the use of covert camera equipment, for use in dealing with such issues.

Ludlow Gardens, Quadring – £225,000

This spacious, detached house benefits from replacement UPCV double glazing installed in 2012 and has the added benefit of solar photovoltaic panels providing savings upon the electricity bills.

The property also enjoys a larger than average plot with the bonus of a further garden area to the right-hand side.

Agent: Munton and Russell – 01775 722475

Moulton Chapel – £299,950

Sedge Estate Agents are delighted to offer for sale this executive detached house.

This property was built in 2000 has been extensively refurbished in the last 18 months to include replacement windows, kitchen, en-suite and family bathroom.

The property boasts four double bedrooms with an ensuite to master, 24ft lounge and a kitchen diner and benefits from an enclosed rear garden and a double garage. This home is immaculately presented and is being offered with no chain.

Agent: Sedge Estate Agents – 01775 713888

Jekils Bank, Holbeach St Johns – PRICE: £229,950

A wonderful opportunity has arisen to acquire this newly-refurbished detached bungalow with stunning endless views to the rear.

The three-bedroom bungalow with double garage offers extensive accommodation which has been tastefully improved to create a charming home within a quiet semi rural village.

The immaculately presented accommodation briefly comprises entrance hall, three bedrooms, bathroom, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, lounge, utility, cloakroom and integral double garage.

Further benefits include all upvc double glazing, soffits and fascias and a multi-fuel burner.

Agent: Pyogott and Chrone – 01775 717360

Welbourne Lane, Holbeach – £550PCM

This detached, two bedroom bungalow with front and rear gardens is on the outskirts of Holbeach.

It offers lounge, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms with single garage and enclosed rear garden.

No pets or smokers please. Applicants will need to pay £75 per person application fee and if successful £850 deposit plus one month’s rent in advance and £120 admin fee.

Agent: Ark Property Centre – 01775 766888

A vehicle parked in Water Lane, Bourne, had one of its windows smashed in a suspected attempt to steal items from it.

It happened overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, although nothing was reported as stolen.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 55 of January 22.

Meanwhile, a gang tried to steal from a car parked in Crowson Way, Deeping St James, during the same period.

The driver’s door window was smashed and, once inside, vandals damaged the ignition socket in a failed attempt to steal the car. When calling police on 101, you should quote incident 145 of January 22.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A council worker who dumped rubbish near a pumping station off the A17 between Cowbit and Crowland has been sacked from his job.

Richard Fiddes (40) of Weston Hills, appeared before Boston magistrates on Wednesday accused of dumping three mattresses, a large wooden plaque and several green bags of household rubbish on land in Cloot Drive, near Crowland, on October 18 last year.

South Holland District Council brought the case to court where Fiddes was fined £1,000 and order to pay total costs of £660.

Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, district council portfolio holder for waste management, said: “We treat all such offences seriously and will take action without fear or favour.

“The offender (Fiddes) was employed by the council but has now been dismissed.

“This successful prosecution sends a clear message that flytipping is a serious crime and we will act, whoever the offender is and wherever they work.”

Fiddes’ prosecution was revealed at a council meeting on Wednesday when it was revealed that an environmental enforcement officer was working to tackle flytipping.

Coun Gambba-Jones said: “We now have a part-time environmental services and investigation officer to concentrate on persistent flytipping and early presentations of black and green (rubbish) bags.

“The vast majority of flytipping appears to be in Spalding, with a few incidents in Holbeach.

“It’s a big problem and our enforcement officer has issued a number of fixed penalty notices, some of which have been paid instantly.”