A Bournemouth man has pleaded guilty to forgery, after a barmaid refused to accept one of his homemade pound coins, a court heard today.
Unemployed Donald Stuart of Folkestone Close, Winton, was at the Madison Bar in Bournemouth when Mandy Rogers noticed that one of the coins he handed her was “too light, and a strange colour”, magistrates heard from prosecutor Duncan Smith.
At this point the tills were checked and no fewer than 31 similar coins were found.
Upon arrival at Stuart’s home, police found a whole array of forging equipment and materials, claimed to have been given to him by friends.
Mr Barry Stewart, defending, said:
“My client does not know what came over him or why he should have taken such stupid advice.
He went out for the night intending to enjoy himself.
This is the first time he has been in trouble, and, as I say, he deeply regrets the affair.”
Stuart has been sentenced to six months in jail for forgery and possession of substances used to forge counterfeit coins.
Friday 20 November 2009
Profile Feature Practice- Ten Minutes Stalking a Librarian
An arm swings at her side as she walks purposefully over to a colleague, throws her head back in whispered laughter, then listens with eyebrows raised and mouth slightly open, an attentive hand on his wrist.
The step back and firm nod indicates her distraction- she must get back to work.
Squinting hard, she picks up a book and chews on a hangnail painted black, like her uniform.
Looking up, she whispers:
“Can I help you?”
The sentence betrays a brusqueness not seen in her smiling face.
Her brow furrowed in concentration, she smoothes out the wrinkles in a laminated paperback, scans its spine and slots it firmly between two others. Dyed blonde hair falls forward and she tucks it back revealing hooped earrings, made up eyes moving quickly over the scattered books.
In the silence, she looks up and mimes something to a co-worker, her lips form words she doesn’t sound and make big shapes distorting her face.
He shrugs and shakes his head, undaunted. She waves it away; then rocks back on her heels, blowing air between her teeth in a syncopated rhythm. A pop tune? But her full attention remains on her work, her face calm and concentrated. A woman’s work is never done.
The step back and firm nod indicates her distraction- she must get back to work.
Squinting hard, she picks up a book and chews on a hangnail painted black, like her uniform.
Looking up, she whispers:
“Can I help you?”
The sentence betrays a brusqueness not seen in her smiling face.
Her brow furrowed in concentration, she smoothes out the wrinkles in a laminated paperback, scans its spine and slots it firmly between two others. Dyed blonde hair falls forward and she tucks it back revealing hooped earrings, made up eyes moving quickly over the scattered books.
In the silence, she looks up and mimes something to a co-worker, her lips form words she doesn’t sound and make big shapes distorting her face.
He shrugs and shakes his head, undaunted. She waves it away; then rocks back on her heels, blowing air between her teeth in a syncopated rhythm. A pop tune? But her full attention remains on her work, her face calm and concentrated. A woman’s work is never done.
Online Journalism Assignment
ONLINE JOURNALISM STORY
Bournemouth residents are being given the chance to choose where their councillors spend the budget, in light of a £6m cut in government funding.
The poll will be available until December the 8th, and will come into effect for two years from 2010.
Cllr John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“To help us make these difficult but necessary decisions, we’re consulting the public on a range of proposals.
“This is about finding solutions that are the least unacceptable to our residents, so it’s important that people take part and make the most of this chance to influence our decisions.”
In what has been referred to as a ‘virtual budgeting hot-seat’, those who take part will decide where they would reduce costs on various public services.
Options available in the multiple-choice survey known as SIMALTO (Simultaneous Alternate Level Trade-offs), include cutting down on CCTV cameras, road and pavement repairs, grass-cutting, street-cleaning and closing youth centres or day centres for older people.
Mr Darren Mentry, manager of Castlepoint Town Centre in Bournemouth, highlighted the recent increase in crime on the Rossmore estate.
“If they decrease CCTV I don’t know how on earth we’ll keep vandalism and night-crime down- look at Rossmore.”
Bournemouth PC Mike Brett, said:
“We all want the town to look inviting, but safety is the issue.
“I hope people will realise that the CCTV cameras need to stay, and pick another option.
“The police are working really hard to make Bournemouth completely crime-free.”
Robert Eldridge, 83, of Pitwines Close argued:
“I should think that day centres are the only contact some people make outside their homes.
“It would be such a shame to close one.”
Young mother Amelia Moore, of Wimborne Road, asked:
“Does it really cost that much to keep the youth centres open?
“We need somewhere to keep the kids off the streets.
“Who cares if the grass is too long?”
SIMALTO takes about twenty minutes to complete online at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/budget, and thirty face-to-face sessions will take place in local community centres for people who need assistance. Call the Consultation team on 01202 454959 for more information.
END
Press release, www.bournemouth.gov.uk
Can the town get by with less CCTV cameras? What if we need to make road and pavement repairs less of a priority? Do we really need to cut grass verges so frequently? Should we clean the streets and pick up litter less often? Or close a youth centre or a day centre for older people?
These are some of the hard – and real – options that Councillors have to consider over the coming months, as we prepare for a huge squeeze on Council budgets for the next two years and beyond.
But before we decide, we want to hear from the public.
Cllr John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources said, “To help us make these difficult but necessary decisions, we’re consulting the public on a range of proposals. Their opinions will influence our decision-making when the budget is set next February.” He continued, “Some people may be surprised at the range of services we are having to consider reducing. We understand that some residents may not be happy with the proposals, but I must stress that these options are only being considered as a result of the expected significant cut to our grant from central Government. This is about finding solutions that are the least unacceptable to our residents, so it’s important that people take part and make the most of this chance to influence our decisions.” Cllr Beesley also said, “We are taking a two-year approach to enable the Council to cope with the anticipated cuts in government grant and increased demand for services. With so many people struggling with their finances during the recession – particularly young families and the elderly - we are determined to keep rises in Council tax down to an acceptable level. To emphasise this, we have made efficiency savings of over £7million in the past two years.”
The consultation, known as SIMALTO (Simultaneous Alternate Level Trade-offs), is taking place both online at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/budget , and in community venues, from 12 November until 8 December. It gives participants a range of options for cost savings by reducing certain services and puts participants in a ‘virtual’ budgeting hot-seat, asking them to prioritise various services over others. It will take about 20 minutes to complete online.
Thirty face-to-face sessions will take place in local community centres for people who need assistance or have difficulty using a computer. Pick up a leaflet in your local community centre or library for details, or call the Consultation and Engagement team on 01202 454959 for more information.
Young mum Amelia Moore, age 27, 01202 421233, Wimbourne Road
CLLR John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources
Address: 7 Elm Gardens, Bournemouth, BH4 9JL, Telephone (01202) 762403 Mobile 07860 391219 mEmail john.beesley@bournemouth.gov.uk
PC Darren Brett, 01202 481248
Robert Eldridge, age 83, 01202 564830, Winton Road
Manager of Castlepoint Mr Darren Mentry, 01202 510050
Bournemouth residents are being given the chance to choose where their councillors spend the budget, in light of a £6m cut in government funding.
The poll will be available until December the 8th, and will come into effect for two years from 2010.
Cllr John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“To help us make these difficult but necessary decisions, we’re consulting the public on a range of proposals.
“This is about finding solutions that are the least unacceptable to our residents, so it’s important that people take part and make the most of this chance to influence our decisions.”
In what has been referred to as a ‘virtual budgeting hot-seat’, those who take part will decide where they would reduce costs on various public services.
Options available in the multiple-choice survey known as SIMALTO (Simultaneous Alternate Level Trade-offs), include cutting down on CCTV cameras, road and pavement repairs, grass-cutting, street-cleaning and closing youth centres or day centres for older people.
Mr Darren Mentry, manager of Castlepoint Town Centre in Bournemouth, highlighted the recent increase in crime on the Rossmore estate.
“If they decrease CCTV I don’t know how on earth we’ll keep vandalism and night-crime down- look at Rossmore.”
Bournemouth PC Mike Brett, said:
“We all want the town to look inviting, but safety is the issue.
“I hope people will realise that the CCTV cameras need to stay, and pick another option.
“The police are working really hard to make Bournemouth completely crime-free.”
Robert Eldridge, 83, of Pitwines Close argued:
“I should think that day centres are the only contact some people make outside their homes.
“It would be such a shame to close one.”
Young mother Amelia Moore, of Wimborne Road, asked:
“Does it really cost that much to keep the youth centres open?
“We need somewhere to keep the kids off the streets.
“Who cares if the grass is too long?”
SIMALTO takes about twenty minutes to complete online at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/budget, and thirty face-to-face sessions will take place in local community centres for people who need assistance. Call the Consultation team on 01202 454959 for more information.
END
Press release, www.bournemouth.gov.uk
Can the town get by with less CCTV cameras? What if we need to make road and pavement repairs less of a priority? Do we really need to cut grass verges so frequently? Should we clean the streets and pick up litter less often? Or close a youth centre or a day centre for older people?
These are some of the hard – and real – options that Councillors have to consider over the coming months, as we prepare for a huge squeeze on Council budgets for the next two years and beyond.
But before we decide, we want to hear from the public.
Cllr John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources said, “To help us make these difficult but necessary decisions, we’re consulting the public on a range of proposals. Their opinions will influence our decision-making when the budget is set next February.” He continued, “Some people may be surprised at the range of services we are having to consider reducing. We understand that some residents may not be happy with the proposals, but I must stress that these options are only being considered as a result of the expected significant cut to our grant from central Government. This is about finding solutions that are the least unacceptable to our residents, so it’s important that people take part and make the most of this chance to influence our decisions.” Cllr Beesley also said, “We are taking a two-year approach to enable the Council to cope with the anticipated cuts in government grant and increased demand for services. With so many people struggling with their finances during the recession – particularly young families and the elderly - we are determined to keep rises in Council tax down to an acceptable level. To emphasise this, we have made efficiency savings of over £7million in the past two years.”
The consultation, known as SIMALTO (Simultaneous Alternate Level Trade-offs), is taking place both online at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/budget , and in community venues, from 12 November until 8 December. It gives participants a range of options for cost savings by reducing certain services and puts participants in a ‘virtual’ budgeting hot-seat, asking them to prioritise various services over others. It will take about 20 minutes to complete online.
Thirty face-to-face sessions will take place in local community centres for people who need assistance or have difficulty using a computer. Pick up a leaflet in your local community centre or library for details, or call the Consultation and Engagement team on 01202 454959 for more information.
Young mum Amelia Moore, age 27, 01202 421233, Wimbourne Road
CLLR John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources
Address: 7 Elm Gardens, Bournemouth, BH4 9JL, Telephone (01202) 762403 Mobile 07860 391219 mEmail john.beesley@bournemouth.gov.uk
PC Darren Brett, 01202 481248
Robert Eldridge, age 83, 01202 564830, Winton Road
Manager of Castlepoint Mr Darren Mentry, 01202 510050
Court Story Practice
You are reporting court proceedings at Weymouth Magistrates, and note down the following case where the defendant Watson has admitted the charges against him. Write a court report news story (250 – 300 words) from your notes as outlined below.
Remember – you are looking for a NEWSY* intro paragraph; removing jargon but remaining accurate; not introducing or implying any new information other than that which is given during the proceedings.
You should use at least one full quote from both prosecution and defence.
Fact sheet
Name: Joseph Watson
Age: 19
Address: Wesley Close, Charminster
Occupation: mechanic
Charges: 1 x assault; 1 x causing criminal damage
Plea: guilty
Result: ordered to carry out an 18-month community rehabilitation order and aggression replacement training. Also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Michael Colman.
PROSECUTION: Tim O’Sullivan says: “On October 30 at approximately 2pm, Watson was driving his Mazda 323 along the A35 at Charminster when he pulled up alongside a Ford Fiesta, driven by Michael Colman. He proceeded to wind down his window and produced an iron bar. He then used this to strike Mr Colman’s Ford Fiesta several times. This resulted in a smashed window and also caused a small piece of glass to hit Mr Colman just below his right eye. This resulted in a small cut.”
DEFENCE: Simon Lacey says: “There has been for some time a degree of bad feeling between these two gentlemen, the root of which I am not privy to. However, the assault on Mr Colman with the piece of broken glass was not intentional but just a consequence of Mr Watson breaking the window. Mr Watson does have problems with anger management and now knows he needs to do something about it.”
Comment from magistrate James Long: “Your offence of assault was aggravated by the iron bar. I am of a mind to accept the submission of Mr Lacey regarding anger management therapy for you.
(Mr Long makes the orders as listed in ‘result’ above)
A Dorset mechanic has been ordered to attend anger management classes after he smashed up a car with an iron bar whilst driving down the A35.
Joseph Watson, 19, was forced to pay £150 compensation to Michael Colman, who was driving his Ford Fiesta through Charminster last month when the teenager pulled up beside him and struck the car.
Tim O’Sullivan, prosecuting, said:
“On October 30 at approximately 2pm, Watson was driving his Mazda 323 along the A35 at Charminster when he pulled up alongside a Ford Fiesta, driven by Michael Colman.
“He proceeded to wind down his window and produced an iron bar. He then used this to strike Mr Colman’s Ford Fiesta several times.”
Simon Lacey, defending, said:
“The assault on Mr Colman with the piece of broken glass was not intentional but just a consequence of Mr Watson breaking the window.
“Mr Watson does have problems with anger management and now knows he needs to do something about it.”
Remember – you are looking for a NEWSY* intro paragraph; removing jargon but remaining accurate; not introducing or implying any new information other than that which is given during the proceedings.
You should use at least one full quote from both prosecution and defence.
Fact sheet
Name: Joseph Watson
Age: 19
Address: Wesley Close, Charminster
Occupation: mechanic
Charges: 1 x assault; 1 x causing criminal damage
Plea: guilty
Result: ordered to carry out an 18-month community rehabilitation order and aggression replacement training. Also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Michael Colman.
PROSECUTION: Tim O’Sullivan says: “On October 30 at approximately 2pm, Watson was driving his Mazda 323 along the A35 at Charminster when he pulled up alongside a Ford Fiesta, driven by Michael Colman. He proceeded to wind down his window and produced an iron bar. He then used this to strike Mr Colman’s Ford Fiesta several times. This resulted in a smashed window and also caused a small piece of glass to hit Mr Colman just below his right eye. This resulted in a small cut.”
DEFENCE: Simon Lacey says: “There has been for some time a degree of bad feeling between these two gentlemen, the root of which I am not privy to. However, the assault on Mr Colman with the piece of broken glass was not intentional but just a consequence of Mr Watson breaking the window. Mr Watson does have problems with anger management and now knows he needs to do something about it.”
Comment from magistrate James Long: “Your offence of assault was aggravated by the iron bar. I am of a mind to accept the submission of Mr Lacey regarding anger management therapy for you.
(Mr Long makes the orders as listed in ‘result’ above)
A Dorset mechanic has been ordered to attend anger management classes after he smashed up a car with an iron bar whilst driving down the A35.
Joseph Watson, 19, was forced to pay £150 compensation to Michael Colman, who was driving his Ford Fiesta through Charminster last month when the teenager pulled up beside him and struck the car.
Tim O’Sullivan, prosecuting, said:
“On October 30 at approximately 2pm, Watson was driving his Mazda 323 along the A35 at Charminster when he pulled up alongside a Ford Fiesta, driven by Michael Colman.
“He proceeded to wind down his window and produced an iron bar. He then used this to strike Mr Colman’s Ford Fiesta several times.”
Simon Lacey, defending, said:
“The assault on Mr Colman with the piece of broken glass was not intentional but just a consequence of Mr Watson breaking the window.
“Mr Watson does have problems with anger management and now knows he needs to do something about it.”
Thursday 19 November 2009
ASBO Parents and The Queen's Speech
An issue in the Queen's Speech coincided with an interview I conducted this morning and was touched upon by the Guardian- kids with ASBOs, and their parents. Admittedly, I was a problem child (to nowhere near that extent fortunately) and I thoroughly believe that it was my self-righteous stuck-up C of E school which led me to go off down the path to Hell... well, not so much Hell as down to the bottom tennis courts to smoke.
But is it the parents' fault? Yes, they should definitely receive what the Queen referred to as "help", but help to accomplish what exactly? To gain the authority in the home to prevent their children from becoming little eejits; help with coping with the ones that are unsalvageable; or with "good parenting"? T'was unclear.
The interview I mentioned was with Ian Cooke, who heads various Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group schemes at Poole Council where they've recently had to extend the dispersal order to quite a larger area of the town. I discussed with him where he thought the problem fundamentally stems from and he was vague on the subject (the camera was on him) and he didn't seem to want to place blame. Of course, in some cases the parents Will be to blame but in others they will be at their wits end and it's really very sad. When asked about the relevance to the current economic climate he brushed somewhat over it, saying "Well, people will steal if they don't have the money to buy the things they need."
Either way, it's an impossible situation, what with the huge budget cuts in government funding which are expected for both Poole and Bournemouth- 10%, Cooke quoted. How on earth will the Councils afford to keep the youth centres and the CCTV running, the police patrolling, and ultimately the kids off the streets?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/queens-speech
But is it the parents' fault? Yes, they should definitely receive what the Queen referred to as "help", but help to accomplish what exactly? To gain the authority in the home to prevent their children from becoming little eejits; help with coping with the ones that are unsalvageable; or with "good parenting"? T'was unclear.
The interview I mentioned was with Ian Cooke, who heads various Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group schemes at Poole Council where they've recently had to extend the dispersal order to quite a larger area of the town. I discussed with him where he thought the problem fundamentally stems from and he was vague on the subject (the camera was on him) and he didn't seem to want to place blame. Of course, in some cases the parents Will be to blame but in others they will be at their wits end and it's really very sad. When asked about the relevance to the current economic climate he brushed somewhat over it, saying "Well, people will steal if they don't have the money to buy the things they need."
Either way, it's an impossible situation, what with the huge budget cuts in government funding which are expected for both Poole and Bournemouth- 10%, Cooke quoted. How on earth will the Councils afford to keep the youth centres and the CCTV running, the police patrolling, and ultimately the kids off the streets?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/queens-speech
Monday 2 November 2009
Talbot School for Special Needs
Parents of disabled children are angry and worried today after it emerged that the Talbot School for Special Needs is to be moved to a new site over ten miles away.
The school is to be merged in part with Bournemouth High School, a comprehensive school in the next town.
Sarah Jane Smith, mother of 12-year old Jamie who suffers from Down’s Syndrome, said:
“I’m not okay with it, and my biggest concern is bullying.
I’m worried Jamie will come back with a black eye, or worse.
Plus it takes time to adjust, he knows the local area well.”
Mrs Smith also expressed concerns about the cost and frequency of transport to the new town.
Adam Smith, Head of Children’s Strategic Services at Bournemouth Borough Council said in response:
“We’re thinking about the possibility of extra bus services to accommodate this change.”
The transfer was suggested after a review of the school brought its lack of space and crumbling facilities to light.
The children will spend break and lunchtimes in a communal playground, and use the same gymnasium as pupils from Bournemouth High, which is run by headmistress Tara Olivias.
“My school is very well-respected and bullying is rare.
A survey was carried out and the vote to integrate with the Talbot School was unanimous.
We think that it will benefit everyone.”
Mary Millingham, headteacher of the Talbot School said:
“There will be bigger opportunities, and lots of pros. I feel that this is a positive move for all involved.”
The school is to be merged in part with Bournemouth High School, a comprehensive school in the next town.
Sarah Jane Smith, mother of 12-year old Jamie who suffers from Down’s Syndrome, said:
“I’m not okay with it, and my biggest concern is bullying.
I’m worried Jamie will come back with a black eye, or worse.
Plus it takes time to adjust, he knows the local area well.”
Mrs Smith also expressed concerns about the cost and frequency of transport to the new town.
Adam Smith, Head of Children’s Strategic Services at Bournemouth Borough Council said in response:
“We’re thinking about the possibility of extra bus services to accommodate this change.”
The transfer was suggested after a review of the school brought its lack of space and crumbling facilities to light.
The children will spend break and lunchtimes in a communal playground, and use the same gymnasium as pupils from Bournemouth High, which is run by headmistress Tara Olivias.
“My school is very well-respected and bullying is rare.
A survey was carried out and the vote to integrate with the Talbot School was unanimous.
We think that it will benefit everyone.”
Mary Millingham, headteacher of the Talbot School said:
“There will be bigger opportunities, and lots of pros. I feel that this is a positive move for all involved.”
Rossmore Estate
Rossmore residents have learned that there is to be an extension of a Dispersal Order after a gang of wild youths stepped up their anti-social behaviour.
One local mother has reported increasing incidents of criminal damage, drunken and disorderly behaviour, littering, noise, intimidation and abuse.
“I called the police a number of times, and they haven’t even bothered to come round.
They’re completely useless.
They don’t seem to realise that up until now these kids have been ruining our lives.
I just hope that this extension does the trick.”
The order, which gives police the power to break up groups of two or more, was extended yesterday to cover, in total, much of the Bourne Estate.
Offenders could face arrest, a fine and even a prison sentence if they refuse to comply with police commands.
The news comes just days after the Daily Echo reported a new craze among youths of carrying chains on their backs to aid the infliction of vandalism.
Previous hotspots have included Tesco Express in Herbert Avenue and the grounds of the Church of the Good Shepherd since July.
Reverend Tim Gomm said of the situation:
“It is absolutely beyond me.
Youngsters these days just don’t have enough guidance, and contaminating a holy building is appalling, to say the least.”
The focus of the order is on a small group of “young adults”, according to Poole council and Dorset Police, who jointly agreed the order.
Inspector Adrian King, Poole North section commander for Dorset Police, said:
“I’m confident the extended order will continue to reduce anti-social behaviour and make residents safer and feel safer.”
Ian Cooke, the council’s acting community safety manager, said the known group “will not be tolerated”.
The order is due to run until April 23 2010.
One local mother has reported increasing incidents of criminal damage, drunken and disorderly behaviour, littering, noise, intimidation and abuse.
“I called the police a number of times, and they haven’t even bothered to come round.
They’re completely useless.
They don’t seem to realise that up until now these kids have been ruining our lives.
I just hope that this extension does the trick.”
The order, which gives police the power to break up groups of two or more, was extended yesterday to cover, in total, much of the Bourne Estate.
Offenders could face arrest, a fine and even a prison sentence if they refuse to comply with police commands.
The news comes just days after the Daily Echo reported a new craze among youths of carrying chains on their backs to aid the infliction of vandalism.
Previous hotspots have included Tesco Express in Herbert Avenue and the grounds of the Church of the Good Shepherd since July.
Reverend Tim Gomm said of the situation:
“It is absolutely beyond me.
Youngsters these days just don’t have enough guidance, and contaminating a holy building is appalling, to say the least.”
The focus of the order is on a small group of “young adults”, according to Poole council and Dorset Police, who jointly agreed the order.
Inspector Adrian King, Poole North section commander for Dorset Police, said:
“I’m confident the extended order will continue to reduce anti-social behaviour and make residents safer and feel safer.”
Ian Cooke, the council’s acting community safety manager, said the known group “will not be tolerated”.
The order is due to run until April 23 2010.
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