The King's Speech: Coronation Chief Duke Of Norfolk Banned From Roads

Court On The Phone: The Duke of Norfolk

An aristocrat responsible for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was yesterday banned from driving for six months after police caught him chatting to his wife on his mobile phone.

His Grace The Duke of Norfolk, Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, 65, failed to convince magistrates he should not be disqualified to allow him to organise the coronation of King Charles III.

Lavender Hill Magistrates Court heard the officers suspected him of jumping a red light as he crossed a junction in front of them.

In his hereditary role as Earl Marshal he told the court he is also in charge of the coronation and asked successfully for part of the hearing to be held in private in the interests of “national security.”

He pleaded guilty to one count of driving his six year-old blue three-litre diesel BMW while using a hand-held device in Battersea Park Road, south-west London on April 7.

He was fined £800, with £350 costs and ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.

The six penalty points imposed by the magistrates on His Grace, added to the nine already on his driving licence after two speeding convictions automatically triggered the six-month disqualification under totting rules.

He unsuccessfully argued the disqualification would cause him “exceptional hardship” in organising the coronation and running his estate, which employs 150 people.

Magistrate Judith Way announced: “We accept this is a unique case because of the defendant’s role in society and his role in the King’s coronation and even though inconvenience may be caused we do not find exceptional hardship.

“We know the need for security clearance for any driver and we do not think this is insurmountable for his high-profile role.

“We believe the defendant has the means to employ a driver.” 

Court of the King: Arriving at Lavender Hill

Apparently still respecting a period of mourning His Grace, of Arundel Castle, Arundel, Sussex wore a solemn dark grey suit, white shirt and plain black tie.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan told the court: “The time was just before 4.15pm in the afternoon.

“Police officers were in a vehicle on Battersea Park Road when they saw a BMW.

“They were stationary at traffic lights and their light turned green and the BMW cut across them and they assumed he must have jumped a red light. and noticed the driver was using a mobile phone and not paying attention.

“They drove up to the driver and looked through the window and saw the driver was using a mobile phone.

“The driver was His Grace and he said he did not know he went through a red light and was in conversation with his wife and that is why he was using the phone.”

The court did not hear any prosecution regarding a red light offence.

Initially His Grace fought the case, submitting a not guilty plea and was scheduled to stand trial before his late change of plea.

“He stands to be disqualified as a totter for a period of at least six months,” added the prosecutor.

Applying for the press to be excluded from His Grace’s “exceptional hardship” application his lawyer Natasha Dardashti said details of the coronation of King Charles III would have to be revealed.

“This is an extremely peculiar submission. His Grace the Duke of Norfolk, as Earl Marshal was responsible for the preparations of the funeral of her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and is now the person in the country responsible for the coronation of his Royal Highness King Charles III.

“His Grace will need to provide some information and details of the coronation of his Royal Highness.

“The reason for this to be in camera is for reasons of national security and there are details that have not yet been discussed with his Royal Highness; the Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

“The application for exceptional hardship should be in camera to prevent the escape of that information, which is of an exceptionally sensitive nature.”

He is the current 18th Duke of Norfolk and a member of the House of Lords and as the Duke of Norfolk is the most senior peer in the peerage of England.

He is a member of the House of Howard and inherited his title from his father Miles Francis Stapleton Fitzalan-Howard, the 17th Duke of Norfolk.

He was educated at Ampleforth private boarding school and Lincoln College, Oxford and is married to Georgina Susan Gore and is the father of three sons and two daughters.

“Once the coronation of his Royal Highness has taken place there will be no need for these details of the coronation to remain private,” added Ms Dardashti.

“The organisation of state occasions takes years of planning and involves issues of security for world leaders attending the UK, the public and other people attending, which will require his grace to go into details .”

Lavender Hill did explore transferring the case to Westminster Magistrates Court to be heard before the Chief Magistrate of England and Wales Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring due to issues of “national security” but his office was happy for it to be dealt with “locally.”

Regarding the application for a part-private hearing Mr Bryan said: “We take a neutral position on that. It is not for the Crown to take a view one way or the other.

“There has to be a compelling reason for that course. Is it really necessary for the defence to go into such details that would compromise those arrangements?”

The magistrates agreed to hear details of His Grace’s role in the coronation in private and afterwards Ms Dardashti said: “This is a huge and very, very peculiar responsibility.

“His huge responsibility for the coronation means he needs to drive to all parts of the UK for meetings and to arrange what will be another huge world spectacle.

“The Royal Family are loved throughout this country and all over the world and are economically very, very important to the economy of this country.

“The coronation of a King is financially important to all of us.

“He does not get paid for being Earl Marshal and is working with a huge amount of responsibility and must be available at short notice.

“The logistics of having four drivers with security clearance to drive him around if he needs to go anywhere, even at 3am are not workable.

“It would be a huge extravagance to have a team of drivers. It is not workable and is not realistic.

“This is a particular point in the history of this nation. The coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

“It is a huge responsibility for this one man.

“It is because of this timing it is so crucial that he keeps his licence.”

His Grace stepped into the witness box and appealed for the magistrates not to impose six penalty points, claiming “exceptional hardship” to his livelihood and his 150 full-time and part-time staff if he was disqualified.

“I am the Chief Executive of the Dukedom, farming, forestry, our business assets etc. That is my job.”

Explaining his Peppering Project, a conservation initiative on 3,000 acres of his estate, His Grace insisted he needed his driving licence to use the public roads to access the area.

“For twenty years we have been trying to find a way to save nature and to feed the world,” he told the court.

He was trying to save at least ten “red-listed”endangered species and needed his licence to drive, sometimes at 4am to the South Downs, to monitor this progress.

“I spend an enormous amount of time in my spare hours witnessing the revival of nature and managing bringing this change about.

“Dawn and dusk are the crucial times to count the species and I need to use the public roads to do this,” His Grace told the magistrates.

He claimed he was £45m in debt after buying back 14,000 acres of his Dukedom’s original land. “That, in effect, is my life’s work done.”

His Grace said continuing to be allowed to drive was vital to the health of his estate and its ability to repay increasing interest charges.

“The interest burden has doubled and will put enormous strain on our income flow from the Dukedom to meet the burden.”

He also owns lands in Norfolk, Yorkshire and industrial units in Sheffield.

“If there is a problem I have to be able to react and I do not know where I will be. I may go to Yorkshire and drive  or to Norfolk and the only way to get there is to drive.

“Also my office in Arundel is four miles away from where I live.”

Hiring a chauffeur would be challenging to his “chaotic schedule” the court heard.

“Obviously I have the means to hire a driver, but the trouble is life is not that simple. I do not know if I have to drive at four in the morning to see the Curlew.”

His Grace also said he preferred the informality of arriving for work in “my old BMW” than be chauffeur-driven. “I like to be straightforward and being accessible to people.”

Regarding any ban he added: “It will curtail my manoeuvrability to an extent. It could be very, very serious and my responsibility is to those 150 people and those 150 families.

“Even if one family was effected and some have been with us forty, thirty years. If Gary the tractor driver were to lose his job I’d feel responsible. If I lost twenty to thirty people that way I’d be mortified.”

The magistrates dismissed the Duke of Norfolk’s application not to be disqualified on the grounds of ‘exceptional hardship’, indicating they did not believe a ban would put the jobs of employees in jeopardy.

They also concluded he could employ a driver if necessary.

Outside court the Duke indicated he did not want to answer any questions.

Vaping Assault On Overground Train

An Overground train passenger was punched by two unknown males when he complained about a group of young men vaping on the service.

It was just before midnight on July 10 when the passenger was attacked in response to his complaint, which escalated when a second group of young men boarded and a melee ensued.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these images of two suspects and are appealing for the assistance of the public in identifying them.

The train was travelling north via Harrow and Wealdstone station when the group were challenged by the male passenger.

Two of the men then punched the passenger before a second group of young men boarded the train and a disturbance occurred between the groups. 

Officers believe the men in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise them, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 637 of 10 July.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Train Passenger Exposed Himself To 14 Year-Old Girl

Transport cops are hunting this suspected train pervert after a man exposed himself to a 14 year-old girl, who was travelling with her mother.

British Transport Police have released this image of the male they wish to speak to and are appealing for the assistance of the public to identify him.

The teenage girl and her mother were travelling between Gatwick and Hitchin railways stations on Saturday, August 27.

At approximately 7.00pm a man sat near them.

During the journey the man exposed himself inappropriately to the 14-year-old girl, while staring at her. 

The victim’s mother confronted the man, who then got up and walked away.

Officers believe the man in the image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 548 of 27 August.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bus Sex Pest Hunted In Heart Of Square Mile

Police in the City of London are hunting this suspected bus sex pest after two lone females were molested while travelling through the Square Mile.

One woman was even followed from one bus to another by the suspect to continue sexually assaulting her.

Both women complained that the unknown male would sit next to them and deliberately push his elbow into their breast before apologising and attempting to engage them in conversation.

City of London Police have released this CCTV image of their suspect and are appealing for the assistance of the public in identifying him.

The first sexual assault occurred on the number 35 bus, between London Bridge and Liverpool Street, travelling north at around 12:10pm on October 10, last year.

The second sexual assault occurred on the number 149 bus, between Dalston and Fenchurch Street and the 344 bus, between Fenchurch Street and Southwark Bridge, both travelling south between 9:30am and 10.00am on March 17, this year.

The man involved in the assaults is believed to look for lone women on buses before sitting extremely close to them.

On the second occasion in March the man followed one victim from the first bus onto her connecting bus to continue the assault.

Detective Inspector Kelly Fisher, from the Public Protection Unit at the City of London Police, said: “We want to speak to the man pictured about these assaults which have left the victims feeling extremely vulnerable.

“This behaviour is unacceptable and nobody should be made to feel unsafe or anxious travelling on public transport. 

“It is vital we gain as much information as possible to help ensure this does not happen again so I would urge anyone with information to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask to speak to the City of London Police, quoting reference 21000589913. 

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or via phone at0800 555 111.

Train Passenger Violently Mugged For Mobile

Police are hunting a pair of violent muggers after a train passenger was attacked for his mobile phone.

The victim, a male, was grabbed around the throat and wrestled to the floor as he tried to get away from the duo.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying their suspects.

At approximately 2.45pm on Thursday, August 11 two men approached the victim on a train service as it approached Dartford station, Kent and demanded his mobile phone.

The victim tried to move away from the men, who then grabbed him by the neck, grappled him to the floor and made him unlock his phone.

Both men ran off the service at Dartford railway station.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 322 of 11 August.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Banter" Bottling In Kingston Pub

A customer services manager bashed another woman over the head with a bottle during drunken over-the-top behaviour she dismissed as “banter”, a court heard.

Tamagin Mellor, 48, touched the chest of another female pub customer during a rowdy drinking session, which descended into a mass brawl when she also struck out with the bottle.

The following month she left her role with Merlin Entertainments, whose theme parks include Alton Towers; Chessington World Of Adventure and Legoland.

Mellor, of Chesfield Road, Kingston-upon-Thames pleaded guilty to inflicting actual bodily harm to Rosie Tune at the nearby Kings Tun pub on May 7.

She also pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, namely a bottle, on the same occasion.

Prosecutor Timothy Fulford told Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court it was midnight when the lone defendant joined the victim and her friends, who were drinking at a table.

“The victim noticed the defendant started to touch one of her friend’s breasts in ‘banter’ and he friend asked her to stop, which she did for a time.

“It then started again and Mellor was challenged, at which point she started getting very angry and the victim heard her say she was going to: ‘Bottle her.’

“Before she could react she felt an impact to the left side of her head, a sharp pain and fell to the floor.

“She says everything was a blur and she felt confused and people were asking her if she was okay and police were called to the scene.”

Officers questioned Mellor. “She accepted she was intoxicated and that she was deeply ashamed.”

At the time of the offence Mellor was under a court-imposed Community Order for an offence of failing to provide a breath-test when suspected of drink-driving.

“She has very little recollection of the incident and there is a suggestion this was not a completely unprovoked assault,” said Ms Ros Olleson, defending. “There was a bit more going on.

 

“She expresses remorse for her behaviour. This was not so hard that the bottle broke, but it clearly caused a bump, causing the woman to fall to the floor.

“What followed was a melee and Ms Mellor did receive a blow to her head, contributing she thinks to having little recollection of the events.

“She is a binge drinker and when she does drink it is to excess.

“Her behaviour on the day was so shocking to her she has taken steps to address that and has not drunk alcohol since.

“She works as a customer services manager, dealing with the public and this behaviour was out of character and unlikely to be repeated.

“Luckily little injury was caused.”

Magistrate David Charnley announced: “This offence is so serious a term of custody is appropriate, but it will be suspended.

“There was use of a weapon by the defendant, aggravated by being intoxicated and under a court order.” 

Mellor received twenty-four weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and must comply with a three-month Alcohol Treatment Requirement and attend twenty days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

She was not ordered to pay any compensation to the victim, but must pay £85 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.

Suspected Fare-Dodger Wanted For Wine Bottles Assault

Transport cops are hunting a suspected fare-dodger, who swung a carrier bag containing wine bottles at a member of station staff when challenged.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of their suspect and are appealing for the assistance of the public to identify him.

At 10.05pm on Thursday, August 25 at busy Holborn Underground station in central London the staff member challenged a male for pushing through the ticket barrier behind another passenger.

The man began to shout abuse at the tube station worker, swearing at him and using threatening language.

He then said: “I’m going to do something that will make you mad,” before throwing a plastic bag containing bottles of wine towards the victim’s head. 

The victim held up his hand and the bottles hit him, causing a cut to his thumb.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 168 of 25/08/22.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Romanian Pickpockets Jailed For Targeting Ten Year-Old Boy

Bobocel (L) & Iancu (R)

Two professional pickpockets were caught preying on a ten year-old boy as they targeted passengers at busy Tottenham Court Road Underground station.

Romanian pair Daniela-Catita Bobocel, 35, and accomplice Narghita Iancu, 41, covered the youngster's bag with a scarf to hide what they were up to, but were caught by watching police.

Both pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to one count of attempted theft at the West End tube station on July 12.

Bobocel (L) received eighteen weeks imprisonment and Iancu (R) fourteen weeks imprisonment.

British Transport Police in plain clothes were on patrol when Bobocel and Iancu caught their attention. 

They noticed they were looking closely at other passengers and their property as they entered and exited the station.

The officers, who are specially trained in identifying those with criminal intent, observed as Bobocel and Iancu approached an elderly woman and attempted to move towards her rucksack. 

On that occasion, the woman moved away out of their reach before an offence could take place.

They unsuccessfully targeted two further women before setting their sights on the ten-year-old boy. 

Officers watched as they used a scarf to cover his bag and Bobocel put her hand in to steal from it. 

At this point an offence had been committed and officers were able to immediately arrest them on the spot.

Inspector Sharon Turner said: “Bobocel and Iancu are professional criminals who quite sickeningly, deliberately preyed on a young child after unsuccessfully attempting to steal from adults.

“Thankfully our specially trained plain clothes officers were able to intercept them in the act and ensure they are now behind bars.

“Passengers should feel reassured to know we have plain clothes patrols like this taking place across the Underground day and night to keep everyone safe. If you ever have any concerns while travelling please do text us on 61016.”

"Predatory" Pervert Jailed For Preying On Female Tube Passengers

A “predatory” tube train pervert, who flouted a Sexual Harm Prevention Order when pleasuring himself in front of a female passenger, has been locked up for sixteen months.

Terence Emberson, 55, of Church Road, Hertford boarded a Victoria Line train at Tottenham Hale, stared at two woman and exposed himself to another.

British Transport Police (BTP) tracked him down to his home and arrested him for the offence, which breached an existing SHPO, prohibiting him lowering or unzipping his trousers in a public place.

The SHPO had been imposed for a similar previous offence of exposure in 2020.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court Emberson pleaded guilty to one count of indecent exposure and breaching the SHPO.

He was committed for sentence to Inner London Crown Court, where he received sixteen months imprisonment and was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

The court heard it was around 7.00pm on Wednesday, June1, when Emberson boarded the train and the victim noticed him staring in the direction of two other women on the carriage.

He then turned towards her and exposed his genitals, staring at her while he masturbated in front of her.

BTP Detective Constable Emma Martin said: “I’m pleased to see Emberson behind bars for his sickening actions which left the victim horrified.

“Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are given to protect the public, and Emberson’s blatant disregard of this proves his predatory mindset.

“No one should be subjected to this behaviour as they travel, and we are absolutely committed to stamping it out.

“I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on the railway to report it to us by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. 

“We will always take you seriously. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

Seven Sisters: "Covid" Spitter Hunted

Transport cops are looking for this suspected spitter after a woman was spat in the face at a north London tube station and told: “I have Covid.”

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image and are appealing to members of the public for assistance in identifying her.

The victim was walking onto the platform at Seven Sisters Underground Station at approximately 9.10pm on Sunday, July 10 when she was involved in the nasty confrontation.

An unknown woman approached her and spat a large mouthful of water at her face and over her clothing.

The spitter told the victim: “I have Covid” before walking away.

Officers believe the woman in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise her, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2200069149.

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

Romford Railway Station Robbery: Do You Recognise These Suspects?

Police are hunting these two suspected railway station robbers after a passenger was forced to hand over his iPhone and bank card.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released the CCTV image and are appealing for the assistance of the public to identify them.

The victim was seated on a platform bench at Romford railway station, east London between approximately 6.45pm and 6.50pm on Sunday, July 10 when he was approached by two males.

The victim was threatened by the two individuals.

Fearing for his safety the man handed over his iPhone and bank card and the two men left the station.

If you know the identity of the men, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 and quoting reference number 470 of 10/07/22.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Magic Mushrooms Man's Threat Of Spell Behind Bars

Wimbledon Magistrates' Court

A convicted cocaine dealer, under a suspended sentence, was caught in a police traffic stop with magic mushrooms in his car.

Shahjan Abdul, 37, of Brookside Avenue, Ashford, Surrey was pulled over for speeding and questioned by police about drugs when they discovered his previous convictions.

He admitted having a small amount of magic mushrooms for personal use and was arrested.

At Wimbledon Magistrates Court he pleaded guilty to possessing 10.2 grammes of hallucinogenic psilocin on January 19 in Hampton Court Road, Hampton Wick.

This was exactly five months to the day he received 19 months imprisonment, suspended for two years at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

That sentence was for offences of possession of cocaine and crack, with intent to supply and possession of cannabis and ecstasy.

Abdul's defence lawyer told magistrates the latest offence was for a relatively small amount of mushrooms for personal supply.

He made admissions to police at the scene and has completed the community service hours he received at the Crown Court and complied with the curfew that was imposed on him.

Magistrate Vanessa Weguelin announced: “Having listened to the representations, we are not going to deal with this by way of a financial penalty.

“The defendant received a suspended sentence in the last year for serious offences and we are not going to deal with this today.

“Having received a suspended prison sentence for four offences it will be dealt with by Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on a date to be fixed.”

Cannabis Dealing At Teddington Property

A young man caught dealing cannabis during a police co-ordinated drugs raid on a smart property in south-west London has pleaded guilty.

Curtis Heighes, 27, had incriminating messages on his mobile phone, indicating he was selling quantities of the drug for £70 and £50 a time, Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard.

He appeared on videolink from Glasgow, where he now lives in Norwood Park, Bearsden and pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in the supply of cannabis on July 16, last year.

The court heard multiple suspects were targeted by police, who executed several search warrants on the day.

Heighes' former address in Somerset Gardens, Teddington, Richmond-upon-Thames (pictured)
was searched after officers forced entry and the defendant's phone also contained messages concerning drug drop-offs and quantities.

His lawyer Annie Fendrich told the court Heighes became involved via his “naivety and immaturity.”

Even though the potential sentencing powers for the offence extend to three years' custody the lawyer submitted a suspended sentence was the more likely outcome.

Heighes was bailed unconditionally to be sentenced at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Norwich City Fan Guilty Of Shouting "Black C***" At Player

Guilty: Michael Squires

A Norwich City away supporter, reported by fellow Canaries fans for shouting: ‘Black c***,’ towards a player during the team’s league fixture at Crystal Palace, was fined and banned today.

Technician Michael Squires, 57, attended Selhurst Park on December 28, last year for the Premier League game, which his team lost 3-0.

Croydon Magistrates Court heard he also loudly booed the players’ anti-racism message when kneeling before the kick-off.

Squires, of Castle Hill, Beccles, Norfolk was convicted after a trial of racially aggravated threatening behaviour and was fined £450, with £620 costs and ordered to pay a £45 victim surcharge.

He also received an immediate 12-month football banning order, prohibiting him attending any organised matches.

Norwich City fan Lucy Wallis, 49, an away fans’ member attended with her husband and two of her children, aged 14 and 12 years-old.

“We were four or five rows from the front in the away stand,” she told the trial. 

“There was quite a lot of shouting, jostling of men. It wasn’t a particularly nice atmosphere, I was worried about my children. It didn’t seem like a family-friendly game.

“He bumped into my shoulder when he came in. He said something to me, I didn’t reply.

“I thought at the time he probably had a couple of drinks prior to the game. He was swaying a little bit and said: ‘Alright?’ to me and his voice sounded a little bit slurred.

“He booed when the players took the knee at the beginning of the match. I didn’t like that behaviour.

“I felt disappointed and it was a shame because I thought it would be nice to have a chat because Norwich were not doing well at the time, but I thought this was not someone on my wavelength because I thought it was an important stand.

"Disappointed": Lucy Wallis

“I think Crystal Palace scored a penalty and the atmosphere in the away crowd got worse.

“There was a lot of swearing and the behaviour of the Norwich fans was very poor, far worse than the Crystal Palace fan.

‘Once Crystal Palace scored things started going downhill.

“I think the play on the pitch had moved to the left and came back towards us and one of the players, I don’t know if they were Crystal Palace or Norwich, but they were black and taking a throw-in and that’s when the man shouted a very abusive term at him.

“He shouted: ‘You black c***.’ I am 100% certain.

“I felt disgusted, so disappointed about what life is like at the moment. I just thought it was a horrible thing to say and a great shame.

“It was very aggressive. I shout, a loud aggressive shout.

“Immediately after that he got into an altercation with two people on the aisle and they had a row.

“A second man said something like: ‘Enough of that mate.’ It was abhorrent, totally unnecessary and offensive.

“We found it an increasingly horrible area to be in and not where you would want children to be and we left at half-time.”

The London-based Norwich City-supporting family continued being distressed by the events when they returned home.

“My children were quite upset by it and | felt it was too important to leave and I wrote to the club and filed a complaint about it.”

In her letter she said her “family tradition” of supporting Norwich had been negatively effected and her children no longer wanted to attend away games.

When cross-examined Mrs Wallis denied she “took a dislike” to Squires because he booed the kneeling, but conceded she was not directly looking at him when she heard the abusive words.

“I can’t say for sure I saw him say those words, but I am still absolutely certain.”

A second Norwich City fan, Anna Bond, told the trial: “The ball came towards us and a black player came to get the ball and as he did that the gentleman next to me said: ‘Black c***.’

“I am very sure that is what I heard. It was audible and aggressive.

“I was shocked, horrified, disgusted to be honest. It took a second to process and I told my husband what he said.

“My husband was equally horrified, offended and shocked and did speak to the man. He was angry with him and wanted to make it really clear to the man we were not happy with the language and wouldn’t tolerate it.

“I saw said. Really just horrified, in disbelief really that it happened. The whole thing has been really shocking and not pleasant.”

When cross-examined Mrs Bond conceded: “I was looking ahead at the game. I did not see the words. I was not looking at him, I heard him say the words from directly next to me.

“I am convinced that the words came out of that person.”

Stewards escorted Squires out of the stadium just before half-time and he told police: “I’m not racist. I didn’t say anything.”

He gave a “no comment” interview at the police station, but told the trial: “I’ve got an away season membership for quite a few years.”

Squires travelled to the game with a friend who sat elsewhere in the away end. “It was a long journey there, with trains cancelled and before we went into the ground we had a couple of pints.

“I was just watching the game and it wasn’t until a steward came and got me that I knew anything was going on,” he told the court.

“I never said those words. The only thing I was saying was some Norwich songs and that.

“That’s all I was doing. They weren’t playing that well, the mood wasn’t great, but I’ve been watching them a long time and am use’d to that.”

When cross-examined Squires denied booing the players kneeling before kick-off, insisting he did not utter the abuse or hear anybody else shout it.

Magistrate Alison Coussins announced: “Both Mrs Wallis and Mrs Bond were clear and credible witnesses. Mrs Wallis was sitting next to Mr Squires and Mrs Bond was the next nearest.

“Both heard the words ‘black c***’ loudly and clearly and their evidence was clearly corroborative and credible and both were alarmed and distressed by the language they heard.

“The defendant says he did not say ‘black c***’ and did not hear anyone else saying it. We don’t find Mr Squires to be a credible witness.”

Prosecutor Sudara Weerasena told the court Squires has multiple convictions for assault by battery; plus convictions for drink-driving; criminal damage and a public order offence.

“You must apply an uplift for the offence because it is racially-aggravated,” she told the magistrates. “Distress was caused to multiple people in the vicinity and children were present.

“It was a busy place, he is not of good character and distress was caused.”

"Decent Bloke" Jailed For New Year's Party Bedroom Grope

A New Year’s party guest, described by a judge as a “decent bloke” was jailed today for climbing into the drunken host’s bed and groping her between the legs.

Jamie Benjamin Hardman, 33, who has never been in trouble before, knew his neighbour had been put to bed by her boyfriend and sneaked into her flat as the party continued above.

“The influence of drink and drugs is so often the case when a decent bloke such as you behaves out of character,” Inner London Crown Court Judge Jane Rowley told him.

Hardman, of Eastbourne Road, Blackpool pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by penetration at the Tooting Bec address in south-west London in the early hours of January 1, 2021.

After his arrest he resigned from the company he co-founded, which brings puppies to businesses and workplaces for the mental well-being of staff.

Hardman sobbed throughout the hour-long hearing attended by his parents and sister and Judge Rowley told him: “I accept your remorse. Those are not crocodile tears, you are a decent fellow struggling to accept what he has done.

“I am going to pass the shortest sentence I can and I have followed the rock-bottom figure a judge can impose, but it is my duty to send you to prison immediately.”

Hardman received three years and four months imprisonment, must sign the sex offenders register for life and comply with a 15-year restraining order, prohibiting him contacting the victim.

He had always fought the case until police, urged by prosecutor Avantika Prakash, forensically examined the inside of the victim’s knickers and found his DNA.

“It was approximately 2-3am when the complainant, who was feeling ill, was put to bed by her boyfriend, who placed a plastic bowl next to her,” Ms Prakash told the court.

“Later, Mr Hardman went to the bedroom and got into the bed and the complainant felt a hand unbutton her jeans and go inside her knickers.

“She stirred, but when she heard this defendant say: ‘It’s alright,’ she realised it was not her boyfriend and got up and ran into her bathroom in a highly distressed state.”

Her boyfriend confronted an apologetic Hardman and twice punched him in the face as he broke down, claiming he did not know what had happened due to his intoxicated condition.

“The next day Mr Hardman visited the victim and said he was sorry, that his behaviour was out of character and he did not know what he was doing and hoped everyone could move on,” said Ms Prakash.

When questioned by police Hardman claimed there was “consensual kissing on the bed,” but could remember little more, having consumed eight beers, a bottle of gin, cocaine and ecstasy.

In her victim impact statement the woman said she had suffered “intense anxiety” and “insomnia” since the assault.

She described “horrific night terrors” and flashbacks that required five months of therapy and medication as she struggled with her mental health.

“She was extremely drunk and the Crown say she can be said to be extremely vulnerable at the time,” added Ms Prakash. “The offence is also aggravated by Mr Hardman being under the influence of a mixture of alcohol and drugs.”

Hardman’s lawyer Steven Gosnell conceded the forensic results prompted the late guilty plea. “Up until then the defendant had a very limited memory of what happened in that room apart from some spooning and kissing.”

However, Judge Rowley disagreed: “Saying there was consensual kissing was a lie to cover up his reprehensible behaviour.”

Mr Gosnell told the court: “He has been brought up by his mother and father in an exemplary way and the remorse that he shows is genuine and he is clearly petrified about  what will happen to him today.

“In his own words he said: ‘These are not the actions of the person I thought I was.’ He could not get his head around the allegation and where he went that night.

“The mixture of the cocktail of alcohol and drugs led him to behave in the way he did. He comes from good stock to use an old-fashioned phrase.”

Judge Rowley announced: “It is an incredibly sad case and the guidelines call for an immediate custodial sentence.

“He has led a constructive life and can be said to be of exemplary character.

“I love my job and it is very hard to impose a sentence on you, but you know you must go to prison,” she told Hardman. 

“In those early hours you knew she was the worse for wear for drink and you followed her into her home. A woman in that condition cannot give her consent.

“You have studied, you are hard-working and you have made something of your life and I am touched by the references and letters from your mother and father and sister and the friends who hold you in high esteem.

“You have been a brave man admitting what you did and I am sure when you come out you will come out a better man.”

Bitter Ex-Missus Harassed Former Hubby's Wife

Wimbledon Magistrates' Court

A telephone and email harasser has been sentenced for waging a campaign against her ex-husband's current wife.

Barbara Nichols, 63, of Appleton Square, Mitcham, a full-time carer to her mother, made repeated silent telephone calls and sent emails under a false name to the victim.

She pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to one count of harassment between September 30, 2021 and January 27, this year.

Prosecutor Corran Helme told the court the victim thought it was “strange” Nichols 'liked' a post on her daughter's facebook page and a few weeks later she started receiving phone calls from a withheld number.

She would receive three such calls a day and then began receiving emails from an account in a man's name.

Email messages included: 'Changing profile pictures won't make him love you,' 'no good blocking me,' 'You better start looking for husband 3, 4 or 5.'

The victim felt the unknown harasser knew personal details about her husband's family history and their wedding anniversary.

The court was told the victim was “anxious, crying and depressed” as a result of Nichols' behaviour and was struggling to sleep at night.

She was confused by Nichols' campaign because her relationship with the defendant's ex began three years after the split-up sixteen years ago.

Nicholas told the court: “I feel ashamed. I cannot describe how I feel, I feel awful.

“I have come to terms now and don't have any issues.”

Magistrate Vanessa Weguelin told Nichols: “Your behaviour was bizarre in the extreme.”

She was sentenced to a twelve-month Community Order, which includes 120 hours community service and up to 25 days of a Probation Service-approved Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

Nichols was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, plus £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Teenage Girl Molested At Rochester Railway Station

Police are hunting this suspected pervert after a teenage girl was molested on the platform of Rochester station in Kent.

British Transport Police (BTP) are treating the incident as an offence of sexual assault.

Officers investigating the allegation have released this CCTV image and are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying him.

At 10.00am on Sunday, July 10 the victim was waiting on the platform when a man sat next to her engaged her in conversation.

He made inappropriate comments towards her before sexually assaulting her.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2200069048.

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