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What to do if your child doesn’t get the primary school place you want

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Today parents across Sussex and the rest of in England discover the primary school where their child has been offered a place for the start of the new academic year in September.

All children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for a September school place.

The Good Schools Guide predicts that although the majority of children will be given a place at their first-choice school, many will still miss out.

Parents who are disappointed with their allocated school may consider the appeals process.

However, according to the most recent government data, the success rate of school appeals varies greatly throughout the country.

In the 2017/2018 academic year, 12.2% of infant class appeals heard in England were decided in the child’s favour, but in London the success rate was only 3.5%, with many local authorities not recording a single successful appeal.

Elizabeth Coatman, a state education consultant at The Good Schools Guide, says that despite a levelling off in applications, primary schools are still being stretched.

“The large year on year increases in pupil numbers which primary schools were experiencing have now graduated to secondary school.”

But places at the most popular primary schools in many parts of the country are still in short supply and parents are fearful of having to send their children to less desirable schools.

The Good School Guide says: “We know the education funding crisis is compounding things for schools which were already struggling. For parents whose children will be expected to take the first steps of their education career at one of these underperforming schools, it is extremely concerning. Appealing is an option, but however unfair it may feel, siblings attending other schools, super-sized classes and poor OFSTED reports are unlikely to be successful grounds for appeal.”

A free pdf containing advice on what to do after receiving a disappointing Primary School offer is available to download from The Good Schools Guide’s homepage. Ms Coatman recommends the following to parents who don’t get their preferred choice of school:

- You must accept the place you’ve been offered. Tracking down an alternative over the next month is not out of the question, but if the initial offer is not accepted, there’s a chance that your child won’t have any school to attend come September;

- Once you’ve accepted the place, write down the schools you would have preferred and attempt to get onto their waiting lists – this can even be schools not on your original application. Between now and the beginning of the new academic year all kinds of moving around happens and some places are bound to materialise.

- Have a closer look at the school you’ve been allocated. There’s a chance that you have been making a judgement based on out of date information. When was the most recent OFSTED inspection and have things improved since? Perhaps the local reputation of the school is based on a previous headteacher or board of governors and is now unjustified. Go to the school gates at pick-up time and talk to parents with children already at the school.

- Try not to let on to your child how much you hate the school at which they’ve been given a place. If you’re negative about the school but then fail to find another one, your child may start at the new school feeling they’re starting a seven-year sentence.

- If you feel you have no choice but to appeal, you must remember that you can only appeal to the schools to which you previously applied. Each school will require a separate appeal. The grounds for a legitimate appeal will be published on your local authority website: the bar for success is very high. You’ll need to prove a mistake was made when the admissions process was carried out, that the admissions policy is unlawful or that no reasonable person would come to that admissions decision – ‘reasonable’ being used in the legal sense.

This entails proving the negative impact on the school caused by going over numbers is out-weighed by the potential disadvantage to your child, and that only this particular school can meet their needs. This may require supporting professional evidence.


Bomb squad called to Mid Sussex

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A road was closed and a cordon was put in place for several hours as the bomb squad investigated an item found in a Mid Sussex field.

Police said a shell was discovered in a field off Ditchling Road at about 5.35pm yesterday evening (April 15).

The road was closed in both directions between Coldean Lane (Old Boat Corner) and Ditchling Beacon Car Park and a 50 metre cordon was put in place in the area.

Officers said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit attended at about 7pm. It was confirmed the item was a smoke shell.

The road has since re-opened.

Sexual assault, stalking and domestic violence - Crawley Police arrested 26 people over the weekend

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Police officers in Crawley arrested 26 people over the weekend for a range of offences.

Individuals were arrested for a variety of offences, including sexual assault and possession of a knife.

A Crawley Police spokesman said on Twitter: "There were 26 arrests in Crawley over the weekend.

"Some of the offences include drink and drug drive, assault, theft from a person, domestic violence, disclose photos or films with intent to cause distress, sexual assault, possession of a knife, stalking without fear/alarm/distress, theft from a vehicle, possess a prohibited image."

This follows the arrest of 24 people the previous weekend.

READ MORE: Drug addict released on bail from Crawley Magistrates' Court walked straight into Debenhams to shoplift

Horsham station lifts forced to close due to ‘temporary fault’

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Visitors to Horsham station were forced to take the stairs after the lifts were declared out of order.

Passengers were left facing a climb up two flights of stairs when the lifts between the entrance and platform one and two were shut at the busy station.

A message on the Network Rail website read: “The lifts will be out of order between the main entrance and platform one and two until further notice at Horsham station.”

However the lifts have now reopened according to Southern.

A spokesman for the firm said: “The lifts at Horsham station were out of order in the late afternoon and early evening yesterday.

“Network Rail’s lift engineers fixed the temporary fault and the lifts have been working again since yesterday evening.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience to passengers.”

Drink-driving, GBH and robbery – 17 people arrested in Mid Sussex

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Seventeen people were arrested in Mid Sussex over the weekend for a variety of offences.

Mid Sussex Police revealed the arrests on Twitter.

A spokesman said: “There were 17 arrests in Mid Sussex over the weekend. Some of the offences included drink-driving, grievous bodily harm, burglary, possession of cannabis, criminal damage, wanted person, theft from shop and robbery.”

Over the past week, officers have been conducting operations in the area.

Yesterday (April 15), PCSO’s were out on rural crime prevention visits in Balcombe and Ardingly, Mid Sussex Police said on Twitter.

On Thursday (April 11), patrols were out in Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint targeting anti-social behaviour, said a spokesman.

And on Friday (April 12), officers were letter dropping in Lindfield following reports of windows being broken into.

To report a crime, please visit www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime.

READ MORE: Bomb squad called to Mid Sussex

Cuckfield among ‘best places to live’ in the South East

Man arrested on suspicion of rape in West Sussex

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A man has been arrested after a woman reported she had been raped, according to Sussex Police.

Police said a woman reported she had been raped in an alleyway in Bognor Regis on Sunday (April 14).

A spokesman added: "A 30-year-old Littlehampton man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and enquiries continue."

Taste of the Terrace: Morais strike brings Crawley Town salvation

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It wasn’t easy to enjoy this tense encounter at Huish Park but this time the 141 intrepid travelling fans were able to celebrate the result.

A basement clash in the relegation dogfight was never going to be pretty but that aspect counted for little as the points were all important.

Not only did Crawley Town take the spoils in this six-pointer but all around them their fellow strugglers crumbled.

Notts County were brushed aside at Crewe and Forest Green Rovers’ win against Macclesfield may well have been more deserved than the three points they had gained against the Reds a week previously.

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In addition Cambridge United lost, allowing the Reds to climb above them in the table, whilst Morecambe and Port Vale joined in with poor results improving chances of a further rise in the rankings.

What an amazing turnaround in the space of seven days.

Some things remained familiar however. Glenn Morris was at his brilliant best and pulled off five vital saves including a brilliant double save in added-time. Ollie Palmer looked sadly out of touch again yet still delivered the crucial pass that led to the winning goal.

Palmer was hugging the left touchline when he produced a deep and precisely weighted cross to the unmarked Filipe Morais.

He struck the ball first time beyond Nathan Baxter to make up for his error the week before that allowed Forest Green Rovers to poach all three points.

The midfield saw a battle royal which neither side able to dominate and as a result goalmouth action was at a premium.

Crawley’s effort was very much a credit to the team ethic.

There was no doubting the lads’ intent to mount a serious attempt at saving their season.

They’ve tried that before without success but this time they were not hamstrung by bad luck or weird refereeing decisions.

They just managed to get the edge over a Yeovil side that is battling equally as hard to avoid the drop.

Crawley Town this season is a team that has lost its way. Underperformance has been common and our true position is, I regret to say, where we are now – just above the relegation places.

With the immediate pressure reduced we can ask again whether this victory heralds a real change of fortune.

The Easter fixtures should provide a better indication as the match at Exeter on Good Friday is winnable.

The Grecians have been inconsistent and we often raise our game against them.

The real crunch may well come on Easter Monday with the visit of Notts County.

They could be in last chance saloon by then and the Reds rarely seem to cut it when facing the Magpies.

All in all I think our campaign remains in the balance but it is a very welcome change that sees us taking on these crunch games with our spirits high.

Notre-Dame fire in pictures: 850 years at the centre of French life

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A huge fire swept through the roof of the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris last night, sending flames and huge clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky.

It took firefighters hours to control the blaze. which resulted in the collapse of the famous spire to collapse. The cause is unknown but officials have said it was possibly linked to ongoing renovation work.


Staff member at West Sussex railway station assaulted by three men

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British Transport Police (BTP) has released CCTV images after a staff member at Barnham's railway station was punched and kicked by three men.

BTP said officers are investigating an assault at Barnham station at 12.45am on Sunday, March 10.

"Three men are reported to have punched and kicked a male member of station staff," a BTP spokesman said.

"The victim suffered cuts, bruises and swelling.

"Officers believe the men in the images may have information that could help their investigation."

Anyone who recognises the men are asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 and quoting reference 54 of 10/03/19.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Burgess Hill care home put in ‘special measures’ pledges to improve

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A Burgess Hill care home which has been put in special measures after being rated inadequate by a health watchdog has pledged to improve.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said Hilgay Care Home in Keymer Road, which supports people with complex needs and dementia, was ‘not safe’ or ‘well-led’, following an inspection in January.

The CQC said standards had deteriorated following its last inspection in April last year, when it was rated ‘requires improvement’ for the third time.

It added: “Staff could describe signs that would indicate that people were being abused.

“We received information from the local authority about a number of safeguarding concerns. This indicated potential issues with the management of risks of people falling. We identified serious concerns which put people’s health and well-being at risk.”

In response to the report, Raechel Davies-Jones, director at the care home, said: “We were disappointed to receive the report. We have made several improvements to the home recently. We have a new call bell system, new boilers, new lift, new wet rooms, new carpets for most bedrooms and refurbished several bedrooms.

“We have immediately taken the report into full consideration. We have had consultants in to help us and, since the report, we have appointed a new interim manager, deputy manager and care manager/senior.

“We aspire to be an outstanding care home. We are focusing on the areas highlighted in the report and we are addressing them.

“We have looked at training and changed the training company, we have moved to a new care planning system which is computerised to help us with care management.

“We have moved to a new computerised management system to help us evidence the main areas of what CQC inspects on, safe, caring, responsive effective and well-led. We are also moving to a computerised medication system.

“We wish to thank the members of staff, the residents and their families and friends, and other healthcare professionals who work with Hilgay.”

The care home has been told to make improvements within six months.

READ MORE: Drink-driving, GBH and robbery – 17 people arrested in Mid Sussex

Bomb squad called to Mid Sussex

Primary school applications - how West Sussex parents fared

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Ninety-nine per cent of West Sussex children have been offered a place at one of their three preference primary schools for this year.

West Sussex County Council says its Admissions Team handled 9,029 applications for children to start primary school in September 2019.

In total 99% were offered a place at one of their three preference schools, with 91.1% offered their first preference school.

The council says that emailed offers are being sent today (Tuesday April 16) and should be received by 5pm.

Parents are advised not to be concerned if they haven’t been emailed yet.

Richard Burrett, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This is an exciting time for children and their parents and carers, as they look forward to starting school this September.

“My thanks go to schools for working so well with our planning and admissions team and for all the effort that has gone in to ensuring every child starting school this year has a place.”

The Admissions Team also handled a total of 1,539 applications for children transferring to junior schools, with 99.9% today offered their first preference and every applicant (100%) offered one of their three preferences.

Parents/carers looking for school offer advice or information should go to https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/schools-and-colleges/school-places/

Chocolate eggs are not the only thing that could be harming your dog this Easter: Make sure you know how to protect your pet

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Easter is the second busiest time of the year for vets, just behind Christmas, but it’s not just pets getting their paws on chocolate that causes the problem.

Vets are warning pet owners to keep the human’s Easter treats away from their pets, after revealing it is the main cause of poisonings in dogs. But it’s not just the chocolate that can make dogs ill, as one dog owner found out recently.

Rebecca Harding feared the worst after her pet was found to have a lump in his stomach. This cam shortly after the death of the dog’s sister from cancer in 2017.

Chester, an eight-year-old cocker spaniel, had been unwell for weeks, giving vets serious concerns about the cause, before a scan finally revealed the problem.

After undergoing an operation to investigate at Vets4Pets, Chester had a surprise in store for his owners..

His vet and owner of the Vets4Pets practice, Jenny Millington, revealed the lump was in fact the toy package from a Kinder Surprise Egg, still whole, which she presented to a relieved Rebecca. Chester had found the chocolate egg and devoured the lot.

Rebecca, Chester’s owner, said, “As a family we were so worried about Chester, particularly as we had lost his sister last year.

“We’ve had him since he was a puppy and he’s part of the family, so losing him would have been devastating.

“After the operation, I was expecting the worst, but when Jenny told me it was a Kinder Surprise toy, and I was speechless.

“My children hadn’t eaten Kinder Surprise eggs for years, but then I remembered my eldest had bought one about six weeks before his operation.

“Chester, like most spaniels, is a very inquisitive dog, so he must have sniffed it out from somewhere and eaten it while no one was around.”

Following the operation, Chester spent a couple of days in the recovering at Vets4Pets Northampton, before being allowed home.

The Cocker Spaniel then had two weeks recuperating at home, helped by the company of Rebecca’s two other dogs – a pair of Coton de Tulears.

Vet Jenny, said, “We’ve known Chester and Rebecca for many years, so it was worrying to see him so unwell, and the scan showing the obstruction was obviously a concern.

“During the operation it was quite a surprise for the surgical team to see the reason for his illness, but also a relief knowing the long-term prospects for him were better than previously thought.

“It must have been really uncomfortable for him and, of course, the implications for Chester could have been really serious, if we’d not operated when we had done.

“It took just over an hour to remove the ‘tumour’ and it was amazing to see it intact after potentially weeks inside Chester.

“We’ve helped a number of dogs after they have swallowed something they shouldn’t have, but this was the first Kinder Surprise toy we’ve found.”

The toy was not the first non-food item that Chester has eaten though.

Rebecca added, “He’s previously munched on a large foam letter A, that my children used to have in the bath, but he managed to get rid of that himself.

“The Kinder Surprise toy was a different story and we can’t thank Jenny and her team enough for helping Chester, they were all brilliant.

“Luckily, he’s made a full recovery, but the incident has not dented his inquisitive nature and he’s still always on the hunt for new things to try and eat.”

Chocolate is particularly toxic to dogs, as it contains caffeine and theobromine, two substances that dogs are incredibly sensitive to.

Theobromine and caffeine are present in roasted cocoa beans which chocolate is derived from. If ingested by dogs, it affects the heart, central nervous system and kidneys.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said, “Unlike humans, dogs find it difficult to break down and excrete these substances. This means they can easily build-up in the dog’s system and lead to poisoning,” added Dr Stacey.

“The higher the level of cocoa in the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains and the more hazardous the chocolate becomes to pets.

“Therefore, dark chocolate is the biggest danger to dogs, and is more likely to cause medical complications than white or regular milk chocolate.

“The level of toxicity also depends on the size of the dog, but for most dogs even small amounts of chocolate can trigger unpleasant reactions.”

The usual signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased body temperature and heart rate, rapid breathing and can even lead to seizures and cardiac failure.

Dr Stacey added, “We want to make sure that the 8.5 million dogs in the UK are safe from chocolate this Easter.

“Whether it’s caused by owners giving their pet an Easter egg as a present or, as in Chester’s case, the chocolate is accidentally left within their reach, we see an influx of pets suffering from chocolate poisoning at this time of year.

“In order for owners and their pets to enjoy a happy Easter together, the best option is to keep all chocolate out of their reach and give them an animal-friendly treat instead, like a dental chew or even special dog friendly ‘chocolate’ treats.

“Although there aren’t as many cases of chocolate poisoning for cats, rabbits and rodents, they can all still suffer from health issues after digesting chocolate.

“If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, then it is always safest to take them straight to the nearest veterinary practice for a check over.”

Spate of vehicle crime in Lindfield and Haywards Heath

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Residents in Mid Sussex are being urged to remain vigilant following a spate of vehicle crime in the area.

Sussex Police said officers have received a number of reports of vehicle damage in the Lindfield and Haywards Heath areas since November.

Prevention Inspector for Mid Sussex Pete Dommett said: “We are aware of a number of vehicles having their windows smashed and this normally happens overnight.

“We believe the culprit(s) are using a catapult or BB gun due to the damage being caused.

“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and is greatly affecting the communities.

“We would like to put out a stark warning to those conducting this behaviour that we are investigating this matter and you will be dealt with accordingly when caught.

“These random attacks against residents cars occur across the county and their isolated nature makes catching the offender(s) difficult.

“But we have increased high visibility patrols within these areas and are using powers such as automatic number plate recognition for vehicles we believed are linked to the culprits.

“We are urging residents to remain vigilant and report matters of vehicle crime to us without delay. If you have any information on who is behind this behaviour please get in contact with us immediately and if you see a crime in action dial 999.”

To report matters of vehicle crime please report online or call 101.

READ MORE: Burgess Hill care home put in ‘special measures’ pledges to improve

Drink-driving, GBH and robbery – 17 people arrested in Mid Sussex

Minister hears plans to improve Mid Sussex’s digital infrastructure

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The work being done in Mid Sussex to roll out full fibre digital infrastructure was backed by a Government minister on a visit to Haywards Heath earlier this month.

Margot James, minister for digital and the creative industries, received an update on two projects to boost digital connectivity which have received enthusiastic support from the Government.

A total of £2.2 million has been secured by Mid Sussex District Council to install a full fibre network in Burgess Hill as part of the holistic growth of the town.

This will ensure that new homes in the Northern Arc development will have fibre to the property as well as installing high speed connections to new business parks.

The infrastructure will also bring thousands of households within close reach of a connection, making it easier for private providers to connect homes.

Councils across West Sussex have also won the Government’s agreement to retain some business rates revenue in 2019/20 which will be pooled to create a full fibre network across the county.

This funding could reach £19 million. Part of this network will run down the Brighton Mainline, allowing connections to be taken into towns and villages throughout the Mid Sussex district.

Sir Nicholas said: “I am very grateful to the minister for taking the time to visit Mid Sussex and to hear how the investment in infrastructure being made by the Government is being delivered by our local council.

“The minister was very impressed by the work being done by the council to make this happen quickly. Improving access to full fibre infrastructure will be a big boost to our local economy and people’s everyday lives.”

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, deputy leader of the Conservative Group at MSDC, added: “Mid Sussex is about to see the biggest upgrade in its infrastructure for a generation and these investments in full fibre connectivity are a key part of the package.

“In the modern day and age, a reliable high speed connection is essential for work, entertainment and business.

“Bringing a full fibre network to Mid Sussex will allow more towns and villages to be connected and stimulate the market so that private providers invest as well.”

Hassocks cyclist airlifted to hospital with serious injuries

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A Hassocks cyclist was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a collision in Barcombe, police said.

Officers are seeking witnesses to the collision which happened in Spithurst Road on Friday (April 12).

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Shortly before noon on Spithurst Road a cyclist and a black Honda Jazz collided. The cyclist, a 53-year-old woman from Hassocks, was airlifted to St George’s Hospital, London with serious injuries.

“Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact police online quoting Operation Crouch.”

READ MORE: Spate of vehicle crime in Lindfield and Haywards Heath

Burgess Hill care home put in ‘special measures’ pledges to improve

Drink-driving, GBH and robbery – 17 people arrested in Mid Sussex


Burgess Hill school receives £1,000 funding to refurbish environmental pond

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South East Water has donated £1,000 to help refurbish an environmental pond at a Burgess Hill school in recognition of the school’s help planning a new pipeline.

An old water main that ran across Southway Junior School’s grounds is being replaced with a new one that follows routes used to get to the school. This section is part of an 800m replacement pipeline for the Southway, Weald Road and Cromwell Road areas and the most disruptive work will occur in the summer holidays. School staff distributed information to parents and hosted a drop-in session in the school hall. Jeremy Dufour, project manager at South East Water, said: “We are pleased to play a part in helping the school to refurbish its environmental pond.” South East Water staff will be offering pupils talks about the water cycle and the environment.

Vintage cars join tractors to trundle into Lewes to raise charity funds

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Vintage cars and classic tractors trundled into Lewes to raise charity funds.

The Chailey Classic and Vintage Tractor Club held its Mad as a March Hare spring tractor run, in conjunction with Tinkers Park Steam Charitable Trust, Hadlow Down. This year called the River Run, it tracked tributaries of the Ouse and Uck into Lewes. The run raised several hundred pounds.

With two stops at the Pig and Butcher in Five Ash Down for tea and coffee and then at the Laughing Fish, Isfield, the club and Tinkers enjoyed dances from affiliated Morris side, Spirimawgus.

The route led the procession of up to 40 tractors into Lewes, led into the town centre by the Tinker, a Fowler Gold medal award-winning traction engine owned and preserved by Tinkers Park. Smiling faces proved testimony to the fascination and enjoyment of the public who were thrilled to see the barking and hissing presentation of so many vintage machines, accompanied by a few vintage cars, proceeding through Cliffe High Street and into Harveys Brewery who hosted the event.

Howard Venters, Chailey chairman, said the event could not have been achieved without Harveys Brewery’s ‘huge amount of support’.

Once parked up for the night, there was live music from Newick Folk, a barbeque from Nose to Tail Butchers, Piltdown and more. The club’s charity, St Peter and St James Hospice was present.

There was a brewery tour for club members courtesy of Harveys and those who participated went home to the outlying villages in a vintage double decker bus.

For more see www.chaileytractorclub.org, email chaileytractorclub@gmail.com or call 07971 792449

Loneliness among young men highlighted by wellbeing charity Ben

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Men may find it harder to make friends and even harder to admit to being lonely, according to wellbeing charity Ben.

Founded in 1905, Ben works with people in the automotive industry and everyone involved shares the same passion, to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Statistics show eight million men feel lonely at least once a week, affecting their mental health, but pride and having no one to turn to mean one in ten would not admit it.

To save men from suffering in silence, Ben has top tips to help them widen their social circle, from fitness apps to hobbies.

Craig Lea, who received support when he and his wife moved from London to a rural area, said there was no shame in young men admitting they were feeling lonely.

“I do think there is a stereotype around loneliness, which is often only discussed in relation to old people, and certainly not young men,” he added.

“There is nothing wrong in feeling lonely at times and even though you have family around you, it is still possible to feel alone and to miss hanging out with your mates.

“I guess really its guys that need to start the conversation, by openly admitting that we can feel lonely at times.”

Craig, who is in his late-30s, had been living and working in London for many years and enjoyed a fruitful social life. When he and his wife moved to be near her family, he knew nobody else and missed his mates.

He said: “I would say there is no shame in owning up to feeling lonely, it doesn’t make you a loner or suggest that anything is wrong with you.

“It is often situational and so, naturally, when moving to a completely new area there will be a period of time where you are getting to know local people and, therefore, do feel lonely.

“If you are like me and love spending lots of time with friends, it can be especially difficult, so I would just say to make effort in making new mates and starting conversations, whether it’s at the gym or at work, and naturally you will start to make friends in no time.”

Craig decided to use his hobby of running to help him meet new, like-minded people and through joining Strava, a running and cycling social network app, he made a solid group of friends.

Craig said: “I didn’t struggle necessarily in owning up to my loneliness, as I think my wife could already see that I was missing living close to mates and socialising regularly.

“She knew that it was going to be harder for me, compared to her when we moved, as she had grown up in the area where she already has friends and family.

“So, I didn’t find it too difficult but I can understand how it may be challenging if you had no one to voice your feelings, too.”

His wife was completely understanding and suggested ways to meet new people, so Craig could feel at home in a new area.

Visit the Ben website for more information.

Manager abused trust and stole £4,100 from elderly residents at Sussex care home

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The manager of a Sussex care home spent two years fleecing elderly residents out of a shocking £4,000.

Bryony Treloar was entrusted with caring for 70 vulnerable people at Summerley Care Home in Southview Road.

However she admitted in court today that she abused the trust placed in her and stole for her own personal gain.

Treloar, 39, of Dorset Road in Bognor, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation at Worthing Magistrates’ Court this morning.

'She had formed a close bond with the residents while simultaneously taking their money'

Prosecutor Gaynor Byng said the offences came to light in November last year, but many of her victims will never be compensated as they have sadly died.

“She was away on holiday at the time of that discovery and the care home owner suspended her upon her return.

“She immediately admitted that she had been taking the residents’ cash for personal use over a two year period.”

The court heard that Treloar said she wanted to repay the money and has paid back over £2,000 of the £4,138.94 total amount stolen.

“She had been in the position for over seven years and I am told had formed a close and trusting bond with the residents while simultaneously taking their money from them."

MORE CRIME NEWS: Rustington man had 1,300 indecent images and 'chat concerning sexual assaults of young children'

Stole money to fund a new home

The court heard that Treloar started stealing the money after falling on hard times.

The prosecutor continued: “She said that she had recently been divorced, needed to find a place to live and started to take residents’ cash in order to help her out of her financial situation.

“Even when she was back on her feet financially she continued to steal from them.

“She was deliberately targeting them because they were an easy target.”

Treloar has paid back more than £2,000

Defence solicitor Rachel Roberts said Treloar is a ‘lady who has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, and has no previous convictions’.

“It is unarguable there was a breach of trust and those were vulnerable victims.”

She cited Treloar’s previous good character and pointed to the fact that she had repaid a substantial amount of the money.

Jailed for her long-running fraud

Treloar was jailed for a year for the offences, six months for each charge to run consecutively.

She was also ordered to pay £1,960.94 in compensation to Summerley Care Home.

Crawley murder trial - Prosecution says Arnold Potter was stabbed to death in 'deliberate attack' by teenage drug dealer

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A robbery gone wrong led to a teenage drug dealer chasing a Crawley man down the street and stabbing him to death, a trial has heard.

Arnold Potter, 24, died from two deep chest wounds he suffered near Watson Close on November 15 last year.

A 17-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – is charged with his murder and possessing a bladed article. He denies both charges.

Prosecutor Rowan Jenkins told Hove Crown Court this morning: “This was a deliberate attack with a lethal weapon. It is a fast moving event with a shocking outcome.

“The real focal issue perhaps in this case is self-defence and whether he was acting in lawful self-defence of himself or another. The crown’s case is that he was not.”

Defendant showed friends knives he owned

Opening the case to the jury, he said: “The defendant may have been 17 but he was a drug dealer.”

The court heard that in the months before the incident the boy showed friends knives that he had.

Mr Potter had been on his way home from work with a friend that evening and was observed to be ‘somewhat agitated’.

A robbery gone wrong?

He asked his friend if he ‘wanted to help him rob someone’, but his friend said he wanted nothing to do with it, the court heard.

The prosecutor continued: “The defendant’s friend says Arnold approached from behind a van and grabbed the defendant by the clothing at the back of his neck.

“He remembers Arnold say to the defendant ‘you are going to take me to your house and give me everything you have got’.”

Mr Potter and the defendant walk down the road a short way before the altercation.

“The defendant’s friend says that after the two had walked up the road a bit the defendant suddenly stepped forward and freed himself.

“He turned and punched Arnold Potter in the chest.”

Mr Jenkins said that Mr Potter fell to the floor, and it is the prosecution’s case that the punch was actually a stab with a blade.

Defendant chases Mr Potter down the street

Mr Potter did not fight back and ran off, with the defendant then giving chase around a corner and into an alleyway, the court heard.

The prosecutor continued: “There are no witnesses as to the events just going into the little alleyway.

“We say that is likely that it is here that the defendant caught up with Arnold and struck out with that knife, this time right into his upper back, deep enough for him to penetrate the lung for a second time.

“He just left Arnold Potter there and went home.”

Paramedics were called to the scene but were unable to save Mr Potters life.

The trial, which is expected to last three weeks, continues.

Crawley murder trial - teenager claims Arnold Potter tried to rob him at knifepoint

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A boy drug dealer accused of murdering Crawley man Arnold Potter told police he was attacked and feared for his life.

The teenager told police: “All I wanted to do was stop him using a knife on me or robbing me.”

Arnold Potter, 24, died from two deep chest wounds he suffered near Watson Close on November 15 last year.

The 17-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – has been standing trial charged with murder and possessing a bladed article. He denies both charges.

Prosecutor Rowan Jenkins told Hove Crown Court last week that the incident was a ‘deliberate attack’ by the defendant with a ‘lethal weapon’.

He added: “The real focal issue perhaps in this case is self-defence and whether he was acting in lawful self-defence of himself or another. The crown’s case is that he was not.”

Click here to read more from the prosecution's opening.

Mr Potter was praised as a 'loving, caring and kind-hearted man' by his family after his death.

'He pulled out the knife and held it to my throat'

Today the jury were played a recording of the defendant’s police interview, in which describes the encounter with Mr Potter.

Appearing very distressed and crying in interview, the boy tells police: “I decided to walk down to the local shop to get a drink. I saw Arnold come out of the alleyway.

“Arnold is someone I know who had a violent record and is a lot bigger than me.

“He pulled out the knife and held it to my throat.”

READ MORE: Judge warns jurors in Crawley murder trial about knife crime as case begins

Boy claims he did not realise he had his knife

The boy said that Mr Potter spun him round and put the knife against his back, ordering him to take him to his home so that he could ‘take everything’, the court heard.

He told police that his phone had rung and he had reached into his bag to answer it when Mr Potter told him to leave it.

“I started to bring my hand out [when I] felt the knife. I have gone to answer the phone and realised it was there.

“[It was my] natural reaction to grab hold of the knife and get it out.”

The boy told officers that he did not know his knife was in the bag until that moment, the court heard.

MORE CRIME NEWS: Gatwick Airport 'meet and greet' director who deceived customers and dumped their cars in fields is jailed

'All I wanted to do was stop him using a knife on me or robbing me'

He continued: “I took a big step forward to get away from his knife in my back and I swung mine at him.

“As I swung my arms around the knife went into Arnold. All I wanted to do was stop him using a knife on me or robbing me.”

Mr Potter then ran off, the boy said, and he gave chase until he stopped near Watson Close.

“He turned round and I could see that he had blood on his shirt.”

At this point the defendant said he ‘stopped running, turned round and went home’, but quickly left again.

“I was very scared as I had seen so much blood on Arnold.

“I was in a complete panic so I stayed out all night.”

The boy handed himself in to police the following day and was taken to Brighton custody centre.

The trial continues.

West Sussex Tory association chairman claims Theresa May is ‘abusing’ party members over Brexit

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A Conservative association chairman in West Sussex has told Theresa May she is ‘abusing’ both party members and supporting voters over Brexit.

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Geoff Thorpe described how loyal members are continuing to ‘plough on’ despite being ‘frustrated, confused and just plain angry’.

Mr Thorpe, chairman of the Arundel and South Downs Conservative Association, said he had personally come to the conclusion that Mrs May was ‘now abusing both our local loyal party members and our supporting voters’.

He pleaded with her to change course or step aside in favour of ‘someone else who has the necessary resolve and commitment’.

He criticised the ‘flirtation’ with the Labour Party as ‘totally consistent with your whole approach to the whole Brexit process’ and ‘another scare tactic aimed at our hapless MPs’.

He suggested Mrs May was hoping that MPs out of a combination of fear, personal exhaustion and extra pressure from the membership will ‘capitulate and your unacceptable apology for Brexit will finally prevail’.

Mr Thorpe wrote: “Bad enough that the vast majority remain un-listened to, and by inference totally undervalued by both yourself and the party hierarchy, but additionally well beyond our ‘red line’ when we are considered ‘collateral damage’ in terms of those Westminster manoeuvres.

“Prime Minister you have now crossed the ‘red line’ of use to abuse.

“I am incredulous that a woman of your obvious intellect and loyalty to both country and party would so fundamentally risk, on the alter of a now blind belief in her own personal crusade, the on-going loyalty and active involvement of our precious membership. It reads like a Shakespearian tragedy. A tragedy which will inevitably end in both personal and party ignominy.”

He described how the majority of members who have contacted him want a ‘True Brexit’ that was promised.

His letter explained: “Not a ‘Sham Brexit’ but a clear and unequivocal Brexit. They, and I confess I, hold no fear of a ‘No Deal’ exit from the EU.

He concluded: “All I can do, from a position of an overview of our own association is to personally implore you to listen to the now radically stirring voice of the usually quiet, but now ‘abused’ and ever more annoyed majority. “Please please for the sake of us all, either change course and properly carry out our manifesto commitments or stand aside in favour of someone else who has the necessary resolve and commitment to do so.”

Nick Herbert, Conservative MP for Arundel and South Downs, has been approached for comment.


Teenager jailed for vicious bite attack at Burgess Hill pub

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A teenager enraged at being refused entry to a Burgess Hill pub bit a member of staff and then assaulted a police officer.

Jadine Hobden, 18, turned up drunk at The Windmill Inn in November last year and attacked a man who worked there, breaking his skin with her teeth, a court heard.

Hobden, of Brougham Road in Worthing, pleaded guilty to assault by beating (two counts), assaulting an emergency worker and theft from a shop and appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court yesterday for sentencing.

Already serving a prison sentence for a different offence, Hobden was produced from custody and sat in the dock flanked by two security guards.

Vicious headbutt attack on 17-year-old girl

The series of incidents on November 20 last year began when Hobden approached a girl and asked for a cigarette.

Still fearful of her, the girl told the court in a statement: “She grabbed hold of a chain that my friend was wearing.

“While still holding the chain she turned to face me and headbutted me above my right eyebrow.”

Since the attack she has been afraid of being attacked again by Hobden.

“I know she is capable of hurting me again. I feel like I need to go out with someone so that I feel safe.”

MORE CRIME NEWS: ‘There is lots you can do’ to help tackle crime in Mid Sussex

Pub staff member bitten after barring her entry

Prosecutor Gaynor Byng told the court that after this attack Hobden made her way to the Cooperative supermarket in Maple Drive, where she stole Cheesestrings and sandwiches.

She continued: “She then attended The Windmill Inn.

“She was refused entry due to the fact that she was deemed to be heavily under the influence of alcohol.

“A member of staff tried to prevent her [getting in]. Miss Hobden bit him on the arm causing the skin to break.”

Police were called and Hobden was found vomiting nearby, the court heard.

“She then assaulted the officer who was in attendance by kicking him in the leg,” the prosecutor said.

Defence ask that her existing sentence remain unchanged

Defence solicitor Matthew Baines said that Hobden is a young girl who has suffered with mental health issues since the death of her boyfriend.

He asked that she be given credit for her guilty plea and that any sentence not affect her existing prison release date.

Chairman of the bench Jackie Casey sentenced Hobden to six weeks in prison for the offences, to be added on to the end of her existing jail sentence.

She was also ordered to pay £50 in compensation to each of the three assault victims.

West Sussex rape arrest - Man, 30, is bailed

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A man has been released on police bail after a woman reported she had been raped on Sunday, Sussex Police has revealed.

In a statement released yesterday (Tuesday), police said a woman reported she had been raped in an alleyway in Bognor Regis, and a man had been arrested.

Providing an update today (Wednesday), a spokesman said: "A 30-year-old Littlehampton man has been bailed until May 12 while enquiries continue."

Couple on mission to raise awareness of meningitis after loss of their son

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One-year-old Reggie de Silver died hours after developing pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia after suffering a bout of influenza.

A year on from his death his parents, Chantal Kingswood and Adam de Silver, have teamed up with UK charity Meningitis Now to organise a fundraising and awareness road trip, starting from Madeira Drive, Brighton on Saturday, April 20.

The Beep Beep tour will see six old bangers and a team of charity ambassadors travel from Brighton to the Isle of Man, stopping at various locations and completing challenges as they go.
“The tour is in the lead up to Meningitis Awareness day on April 24,” explained Chantal, who lives in Portslade.
“This whole event is about raising not just money for the charity but, more crucially, awareness of the signs and symptoms of Meningitis across the country.
“Meningitis and septicaemia does not discriminate and can affect any one at any age.
“People need to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and not wait for the rash as often this could be too late.”

On March 11, 2018 Reggie woke after a restless night, when he was sick after breakfast Chantal and Adam decided to call 111.
“He had never been a baby that was sick, we got an appointment but as he seemed himself at lunch we cancelled it,” she added.

A couple of hours later he dipped again and an appointment was made later that day.

The doctor told them it was a viral infection and to monitor him for 24 hours for any big changes.

At 8pm Monday, March 12 Reggie’s breathing changed and he became non-responsive. They rang 999.

After being admitted to Royal Alex Children’s Hospital in Brighton they could see a rash had developed on his groin area, legs and stomach.

Ten minutes after arriving he crashed and was put in an induced coma after a heartbeat was found.

A team from Evelina London Children’s Hospital was called and the plan was for him to be transfer him there once he was more stable.

He crashed a further two times.
“We left the room and spoke to the lead doctor. She said that if Reggie did pull through he would not be the same little boy that we once had and right now his organs were failing.
“I looked at her and I knew what she meant, she was saying that Reggie was not going to make it but the team will not give up till the very end.”

On the fourth time Chantal and Adam knew something was not right, and as they entered the room the doctors decided to stop.
“Adam was holding Reggie’s hand one side and I was holding the other and they stopped CPR,” Chantal said.
“I remember one doctor still continuing to do CPR and had to be told to stop.
“That was it, I saw his tiny little chest go down for the final time.
“I was in total shock, in silence, I couldn’t believe that had happened to me, but then again, what makes me so special that I am exempt of this.”

The tour is named after Reggie’s favourite toy a Little Tikes car he called his ‘beep beep’.

Steve Dayman, executive founder of Meningitis Now, said: “Reggie’s sad story shows how quickly meningitis can strike and the devastation it causes.

"We are 100 per cent behind the Beep Beep Tour and thank them for their efforts to fight back against this deadly disease.

“As a charity that receives no government funding we rely entirely on the generosity, energy and initiative of our supporters to raise the vital funds we need to carry out our lifesaving and life-changing work.

“Their efforts will make a real difference to those who are at risk from meningitis and those whose lives have already been changed forever because of it.”

The early symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps, rapid breathing or grunting, not wanting to be touched, fever with cold hands and feet.

In the UK, an estimated 22 people a day will contract the meningitis. Of those who contract the bacterial type 1 in 10 will die.

To donate to the tour visit, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beepbeeptour for more information, visit www.beepbeeptour.co.uk

READ MORE

These are the common signs and symptoms of meningitis you need to know about

Life after baby loss - the blog providing support for bereaved parents

Haywards Heath care home achieves ‘good’ rating in first inspection by health watchdog

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A Haywards Heath care home has been given a ‘good’ rating in its first Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report, grading good in all five categories of being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

The staff at The Goldbridge Bupa care home in Kleinwort Close were praised for their ‘kindness and compassion’ and providing ‘consistent, effective and timely care’.

The report indicated staff were well trained in safeguarding, equality and diversity.

Residents were treated with the appropriate amount of dignity and respect and are encouraged to be independent as possible.

Family members felt confident that staff made residents feel safe and welcome at the home. One family member said: “I have never seen people work so hard, the staff here are the right people.”

Another visitor commented on how they are ‘made to feel like part of a family’.

Residents, staff and family members are encouraged to raise any concerns or queries, the CQC report said. It was noted that people felt comfortable approaching the management team and that they were listened to.

The leadership team at the home actively encourage an ‘open door’ policy for all concerns and questions, the report added.

The care home provides great entertainment for their residents with a range of activities such as arts and crafts and local entertainers, the report said.

The home has an in-house hair and nail salon plus a cinema room. Residents told inspectors there is ‘always something on every day’.

Along with high standards of safety and effectiveness, inspectors noted resident nutritional needs were being met, with a chef capable of meeting all dietary requirements and requests.

One resident told inspectors: “You can’t fault the food.”

Inspectors also praised the home for rigorous infection control and excellent standard of hygiene in all areas of the home.

Karen Pryor, general manager at The Goldbridge, said: “This latest report is a true reflection of the amount of dedication and enthusiasm the staff bring to Bupa The Goldbridge.

“We believe at all times in putting the residents at the heart of everything we do.

“Here at The Goldbridge we continually strive to ensure our residents are happy, healthy and feel at home.

“Their welfare is our top priority and this result is a testament to both the hard work of the staff and the close relationships they form with the residents.”

The Goldbridge opened in April 2018, and provides nursing, residential, dementia, convalescence, palliative, Parkinson’s and short stay care to people in the local area.

READ MORE: ‘Overdevelopment’ in Burgess Hill road sparks road safety fears

Burgess Hill care home put in ‘special measures’ pledges to improve

Crawley cocaine users 'ignorant' of the harm it does to their community - police chief says

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People taking cocaine on a night out in Crawley are ‘ignorant’ of the damage it causes to the community, the town’s police chief has said.

Chief Inspector Rosie Ross said we need to ‘bust myths’ about drug dealing and the harm the cocaine trade causes to vulnerable people in Crawley.

Ch Insp Ross – who serves as district commander for Crawley and Mid Sussex – oversees the fight against county lines drug dealing in the town.

She said: “I am committed to targeting people supplying Class A drugs in this area, making sure they are held to account for their actions, and reducing the significant community harm which is caused.

“Listening to the concerns of the community around issues with drugs and violence in Crawley I have put a number of resources including plain clothes officers in place as a deterrent.

“We have been conducting house warrants on a regular basis where a number of arrests have been made and large quantities of drugs seized.

“We will continue to work hard to reduce the serious violence and harm related to the supply of Class A drugs following some of the incidents seen in the town centre last summer.”

READ MORE: Sexual assault, stalking and domestic violence - Crawley Police arrested 26 people over the weekend

County lines drug dealing in Crawley

County lines is a growing drug dealing tactic in which criminals from big cities move down to coastal towns and take over the homes of vulnerable people.

The term ‘county lines’ stems from the use of a dedicated telephone line used to take orders for drugs.

Asked about the extent of county lines crime in our area, Ch Insp Ross said there is evidence that county lines drug dealing is happening in Crawley.

“I’d be naïve to say this is not a bigger issue than we have evidence of. The number of lines has increased nationally with violence and control used by drug dealing networks continuing, and the exploitation of children and vulnerable adults increasing.

“Children aged between 15 and 17 make up the majority of the vulnerable people involved in county lines, and both girls and boys are groomed and exploited.

“So the work we are doing with key agencies and schools is really important to understand and prevent young people being exploited.”

People ‘ignorant’ of the harm caused by the supply of cocaine

Ch Insp Ross also hit out at people who take cocaine on a night out without considering the harm that drug supply does to our community.

“County lines is an evolving problem, but is very much dependant on demand in the drugs market and many people from all walks of life using cocaine for example are ignorant of the damage they are causing to young people and the wider community.”

She added: “We need to bust myths that being a drug dealer leads to a ‘celebrity lifestyle’ when the reality is that this is unlikely, or at least not without detriment.”

MORE CRIME NEWS: Bikes stolen in Crawley after hole in hedge cut to access garden

Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party holds rally in Sussex amid passionate protests

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Heckles, jeers and standing ovations greeted Nigel Farage on Monday as his latest venture, The Brexit Party, held its first south coast rally in Sussex.

Hundreds of supporters filled half a warehouse in Shoreham Airport, ushered through the front door by protestors brandishing EU flags and succinctly telling Mr Farage where he could stick ‘his Brexit’.

Inside, the former UKIP leader was met by backers whipped into a fervour by party chairman Richard Tice and his flagship candidate, the former director general of the British Chamber of Commerce John Longworth, with promises of a ‘peaceful political revolution’.

“What we are now fighting for is much, much bigger than Brexit,” he said.

“What we are fighting for is the very principle of democracy in this country. This is about who we are as a nation and how the rest of the world views us. This has been a total and utter humiliation and it simply isn’t good enough.”

An East Street meet and greet

Earlier in the afternoon, Mr Farage had met members of the public in Shoreham’s East Street – even dipping into East Street Barbers to help with a haircut.

Once again he was greeted with cheers and jeers in equal measure, from ‘go home, we don’t need you here’, to ‘we love you Nigel, you’re doing a great job’.

Wayne Green, a Shoreham resident, heckled Mr Farage throughout and had heated exchanges with some of his entourage.

“This man shouldn’t be here,” he said. “He is bringing up national identity and social revolution and you only have to look at the dangers of history with that.

“This man’s got to be challenged. Every word he says needs to be challenged.”

John Eaton, who voted for remain, said he thought Farage was a ‘very wise man’ and shared his view that the delay to leaving the European Union had caused chaos.

A pint in The Marlipins

After greeting well-wishers and posing for photographs, Mr Farage sat down with the Herald for an exclusive interview, over his customary pint of ale, in The Marlipins pub in High Street.

He reiterated the call for a political revolution and said Shoreham, which was chosen after the original Eastbourne venue cancelled at the last minute, was a perfect place to launch the south coast campaign.

“I came to Shoreham because where better?” he said.

“The things that are happening here are symbolic with what was going on during the referendum - it’s an import, export harbour, with trade and fishing.

“What the small and medium businesses want is resolution. They want this sorted out - we shouldn’t even be here.

“The rest of the world is looking on and we are a laughing stock. If this was an African country, we would be calling for the UN to come in.”

In an interview interrupted several times by members of the public offering handshakes and rebuttals, Mr Farage said it was time to transform the political landscape and challenge the two-party system.

The difference between The Brexit Party and his previous vessel, UKIP, he said, is the quality of the personnel. He pointed to private sector figures such as John Longworth, who under ‘normal circumstances’ would not have any interest in politics but had chosen to stand for the European elections.

The European elections are the first step and the party’s sole focus, he said, but by-elections and local elections would follow.

He stopped short of setting out any potential election manifestos, but said the idea of right and left wing was outdated, particularly when it came to Brexit.

“It’s not a right or left issue, it’s a right or wrong issue,” he said.

“The old establishment has let us down. The political system needs to be challenged. The problem is, the politicians don’t fear enough. There’s not a political threat. We need to tell our political parties ‘you can’t betray us in this way’.”

He said the 52-48 2016 vote in favour of leaving had to be respected and talk of a second referendum, or revoking Article 50, was a betrayal.

That position marks a turnaround for Mr Farage, who was famously quoted in the Daily Mirror one month before the referendum saying a 52-48 victory for the Remain campaign would be ‘unfinished business’ and, in those circumstances, he would fight for a second referendum.

But he did not rule out a second referendum a few years down the line once the UK had left the European Union. He said it made sense for the public to see how it was outside of the EU and make a more informed decision.

With that, he polished off the end of his pint and made his way to the awaiting Brexit bus, which would ferry him to that evening’s rally.

The Brexit Party rally, Shoreham Airport

In the heated atmosphere of the MEL Group warehouse, Mr Farage told an empassioned crowd that the Government’s delaying of the Brexit process was a ‘betrayal’ and the two-party system in the UK was no longer delivering the will of the people.

“What we have seen from our politicians and our cabinet is nothing less than a betrayal of democracy in this country,” he said.

“We are not here to once again go over the arguments about why we should leave the European Union. Personally, I don’t want us to be run by a bunch of old men in Brussels. I am sick of the condescension and the lying.”

The Brexit Party was officially launched on Friday, with its sole focus on the European Parliament elections on May 23.

Initially formed of former UKIP members, Mr Farage told the media at the party launch that there were now 70 candidates who wanted to stand for the European elections.

“Nigel Farage, stick your Brexit up your...”

The chants of the protestors filtered through from outside whenever speeches ended or the rounds of applause died down.

Alastair Reid held a sign that said ‘stop stealing my children’s future’ and said his objections were for his family. He said: “I’m doing this for my kids. They are kids and grandkids of immigrants who have come to this country and contributed. I want my kids to be able to work and go to college wherever they want.”

Norman Carreck stood next to a giant, painted effigy of Mr Farage. He said: “We’re protesting to show that Nigel Farage is not welcome here. His new party is as vile as UKIP was and the man has been the most useless MEP and not representing us.”

As the evening’s rally came to a close, Mr Farage concluded with a mantra repeated several times during the day. “I believe that Britain needs the Brexit party, and the Brexit party needs you,” he said, before departing on the open-topped Brexit bus, pursued by a gaggle of flag-bearing protestors.

Sussex Police Chief Inspector and Sergeant who had sex on duty guilty of gross misconduct

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A Sussex Police Chief Inspector and a Sergeant who had sex while on duty have been found guilty gross misconduct.

Former Chief Inspector Rob Leet also met a woman for sex while on duty who he knew was a victim of domestic violence, a hearing was told this week.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick May condemned Mr Leet and said his actions were a ‘fundamental betrayal’ of the public.

Leet was serving as district commander for Lewes and Wealden during the time of his affair with PS Sarah Porter.

Ms Porter was previously a sergeant on the Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team but had been based at the roads policing unit in Polegate up until today.

Ms Porter was dismissed without notice. Mr Leet resigned from Sussex Police prior to the hearing but as a result of the panel ruling will be placed on a barred list.

Pair denied their relationship was sexual

Mr Leet and Ms Porter had denied that their relationship was sexual but a panel today found they had breached professional standards of behaviour, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced.

Investigators revealed how the pair would travel to meet during work when there was no work-related purpose, and repeatedly used Sussex Police communications systems to exchange messages where there was no work purpose.

Officers 'ignored their duties to their community for their own personal gratification'

IOPC regional director Sarah Green said: “These two officers ignored their duties to their community and their colleagues to pursue a relationship for their own personal gratification during working hours.

“Our investigation found that this even led to PS Porter failing to be available to attend a fatal crash while she was on call.

“Ch Insp Leet was also in a relationship with a woman who he knew was a victim of domestic violence who he met for sex while he was on duty.

“The inappropriate behaviour of these two officers has brought Sussex Police into disrepute and I hope the decision of the panel to dismiss the officers will send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

MORE CRIME NEWS: Man wanted in connection with serious sexual offence in Hailsham

Pair found guilty of gross misconduct

As reported by the IOPC, the panel ruled that the pair did engage in sexual activity while on duty and this constituted gross misconduct. The panel ruled the misuse of police communications systems was misconduct.

The panel also found that Ch Insp Leet engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with Mrs A and met her to have sex while on duty and this was gross misconduct.

The panel ruled that PS Porter’s failure to be available to respond to a fatal road traffic collision was misconduct.

Senior Sussex Police officer condemns their actions

ACC Nick May said: “We expect the highest possible standards of our officers and staff and we take any report of inappropriate behaviour extremely seriously. The behaviour of both of these officers is a violation of the trust that the public put in the police to serve and protect them. They have let down the people of Sussex and their colleagues.

“Rob Leet has also let down a vulnerable woman who looked to him for reassurance and support. He chose to resign shortly before the hearing. When police officers or staff abuse their position of trust for a sexual purpose, particularly in respect of vulnerable people, such behaviour represents a fundamental betrayal of the public and the values for which the police service stands.

“We have a responsibility to recognise abuse of power as a distinct area of corruption, behaviour which deflects from the work of the vast majority of officers. Vulnerable victims must be able to trust those they turn to for help.

“We have adopted and implemented the National Police Chiefs' Council’s national strategy to address the issues of police officers and staff who abuse their position for a sexual purpose or to pursue an improper emotional relationship. We are ensuring that all staff are aware of appropriate professional boundaries and the serious consequences of any abuses of position.”

MORE CRIME NEWS: Manager abused trust and stole £4,100 from elderly residents at Sussex care home


Sussex Police seize large drugs and cash haul in raid

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Police seized drugs £50,000 worth of drugs, more than £80,000 cash and made two arrests during a raid at a flat in Sussex.

Police said detectives from the city’s Community Investigation Team (CIT) assisted by new police officer recruits from the dedicated tutor team carried out the warrant in Kings Road, Brighton, on Wednesday morning (April 17).

They seized a significant quantity of class A and class B drugs including cannabis, cannabis skunk and suspected cocaine as well as a significant amount of cash, police added.

According to police, a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis and supplying cocaine and a 24-year-old woman was detained on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cannabis. They are both currently in custody.

Detective Inspector Dee Wells from the CIT said: “This was a significant seizure of class A and class B drugs which have been taken off the city streets. We are continuing to work to make Brighton and Hove a hostile place to deal drugs.”

Sussex Police will be carrying out a 'surge' against serious violence after £1million boost from the Government

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A £1million boost for Sussex Police has been promised by the Home Office to help in the fight against serious violence knife crime.

The news was announced this evening by Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne, who secured the cash boost for the area.

Her office said the welcome funding - a share of the £51million promised for forces across the UK by the Policing Minister - would fund a 'surge' in Sussex to tackle serious violence.

Mrs Bourne said: "The Chief Constable assures me that Sussex Police is developing an operational plan that will mean the force will be ready to step up targeted actions across the county supported by this immediate funding boost.

This is great news for Sussex Police and Sussex residents and perfectly complements the work we have already begun through our Early Intervention Youth Programme- REBOOT- which in just two weeks has already engaged with 15 young people to steer them away from crime and violence.

"The detailed funding allocations follow high level talks between PCCs, Chief Constables and Ministers earlier this year and discussions within the Serious Violence Task Force which led to £100m being made available to tackle knife crime in particular."

Announcement comes after 607 knives recovered in Sussex in one week

The announcement follows the success of Sussex Police's crackdown against knife crime last month - Operation Sceptre.

During the week-long campaign a total of 607 knives were either seized by officers or handed into amnesty bins.

READ MORE: Knife crime in Sussex - pictures show knives and guns seized in zero tolerance police crackdown

£1million will make 'real difference' to Sussex community

Assistant Chief Constable Nick May said: "We welcome additional funding which has been secured through the Home Office. During the Operation Sceptre week of action for knife crime last month, we were clear this wasn't one week of action but continues to be part of everyday policing. The additional funding will allow us to build on this and make a real difference to communities across the county.

"We are carrying out patrols in hotspot areas, targeting repeat victims and offenders, using our stop and search powers, working with trading standards and with partners to prevent crimes and educate young people.

"Action on violent crime and knife crime cannot be tackled by police alone and we continue to work with other agencies to take positive action when knife crimes occur, focusing on engagement and prevention, especially with young people."

READ MORE: Knife crime in Sussex - controversial stop and search powers 'most effective' police tactic





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