- Dave Dawson threatened to remove travellers by force himself after declaring: 'I won't tolerate it.'
- Police say travellers left of their own accord in two hours 50 minutes after Mr Dawson's intervention
By Luke Salkeld
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Not having it: Dave Dawson, left, responded to travellers moving on to his land by leaping into his digger and threatening to move them by force
When he found travellers’ caravans had arrived on his land, Dave Dawson had two options.
He could either alert the authorities and wait for the slow turning of the wheels of justice and officialdom.
Or he could rely on the somewhat quicker wheels of his digger – and remove the caravans by force.
Taking the second course of action, Mr Dawson put in a call to the police to inform them of his intentions, which risked leading to his arrest.
Officers arrived to oversee what appeared to be a few heated exchanges before – remarkably – the travellers left of their own accord.
His swift action stands in stark contrast to the decade-long battle to shift travellers from the notorious Dale Farm site in Essex, which only came to an end in October last year.
Mr Dawson, whose farm is near Shoreham in West Sussex, discovered the intruders early yesterday morning. ‘I would have used any force possible to get them off my land,’ he said. ‘I got down here about 6am and told them to move off. There were four vans there at the time and more parked up outside.
‘I came down with the digger and tractor and told them if they didn’t move I was going to move them.
‘I just won’t tolerate it. It is my land. I bought it and I have worked hard for it. I called the police and told them I was going to get the digger and move them.
‘I didn’t care if they got squashed, flattened or left on their own, but one way or another I was going to get them off my land.’
'It's my land': Undeterred by the sudden arrival of the travellers, Mr Dawson called police and told them he was prepared to remove the intruders by force
'I would have used any force possible': Officers were forced to stand between Mr Dawson's digger and the travellers' caravans to prevent him from carrying out his threats
He said that at one point in the clash the officers had to stand between the two sides.
‘The police told me that once they are on the land they have rights. But what about my rights?’ Mr Dawson added.
‘If I had left it to the authorities they could have been on my land for weeks. I wasn’t going to wait for a court order to get rid of them.
‘As it was, the police threatened to arrest me. It has already cost me a day’s work and about 500 to repair the damage. They cut through a metal gate and put their own lock on it.’
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: ‘Six caravans turned up on land at 6.45am. The landowner also turned up and threatened to evict the travellers.
Furious: Officers oversaw what appeared to be several heated exchanges between Mr Dawson and his uninvited guests
A traveller talks to officers: Mr Dawson feared that if he left the eviction to the authorities, the caravans could have been left on his land for weeks
‘Police attended and remained on scene to prevent a breach of peace. The travellers left the site of their own accord at 9.35am.’ Removing travellers who have occupied land without permission is usually a much more costly and time-consuming exercise.
At Dale Farm, the decade-long legal battle cost taxpayers an estimated 18million.
A total of 43 people were arrested and several injured after protesters fought running battles with riot police over the eviction of about 80 families from what was the UK’s largest illegal traveller settlement.
As soon as Basildon council had declared a final victory, there was a massive leap in the number of caravans pitched on the legal Oak Lane site next door – and an adjoining road – prompting more expensive legal action.
In 2009, a convoy pitched up at another controversial travellers’ site just hours after a group had been evicted following a six-year legal battle costing 400,000.
The new arrivals rolled on to a field adjoining the notorious Smithy Fen site at Cottenham, Cambridgeshire, where travellers had set up an illegal camp.
Bye bye: The travellers eventually moved off Mr Dawson's land at 9.45am - three hours after they had arrived
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Libya revokes Muammar Gaddafi praise law - BBC News
Libya's supreme court has overturned a law that criminalised the glorification of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, his regime, his ideas or his sons.
The court ruled that the law, known as Law 37, was unconstitutional.
Law 37 was originally passed in May by the National Transitional Council's Legal Committee.
Libya's Human Rights Council and civil society groups appealed against the law, which was also condemned by international human rights watchdogs.
Under the original law praising or glorifying Muammar Gaddafi was punishable with a prison sentence.
New judiciaryThere were also articles in the law criminalising any attack on the 17 February revolution that toppled the former regime, as well as insulting Islam or offending the state and its institutions.
Although the prison terms were unspecified they could range from three to 15 years under Libya's penal code, according to AFP news agency.
The head of Libya's Human Rights Council told the BBC the ruling would instil more trust in the local judiciary.
The BBC's Rana Jawad, in Tripoli, says that the latest ruling is seen by some as a rare example of what they hope will be Libya's new independent judiciary.
Not long ago, our correspondent says, the former regime and the country's judiciary were seen by Libyans as one and the same.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Essex batsmen strangled by Surrey spin - Romford Recorder 24
Surrey's Gareth Batty celebrates the dismissal of Warwickshire's Ian Westwood
Tom Moore, at the Kia Oval
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
9:19 PM
FriendsLife Twenty20: Surrey (128-8) beat Essex (111-9) by 17 runs
Surrey came from staring defeat in the face to picking up a comfortable victory Essex lost eight wickets for 44 runs as they collapsed from 44 without loss to 88-8 chasing Surrey’s originally modest 128 off their 20 overs.
The Eagles recovered slightly but finished 17 runs short of their target.
Despite their powerful batting line-up Surrey only hit 15 fours in their innings and Essex only managed eight fours with Tim Phillips hitting the first and only six of the match.
Rory Hamilton-Brown won the toss and elected to bat and the skipper opened up with Steven Davies.
The wicketkeeper moved off the dreaded duck with his third ball and Hamilton-Brown thumped a four from Phillips’ last delivery of the opening over.
David Masters was the other opening bowler and Davies hit him for three fours in the over.
But the stumper was out, stumped by former England keeper James Foster, off the bowling of Phillips.
Graham Napier came into the bowling attack in the fourth over, replacing Masters and the all-rounder removed the captain, caught and bowled, for nine.
Zander de Bruyn came and was walking back the very next ball with his middle stump knocked out of the ground to leave Napier on a hat-trick.
Ryan ten Doeschate struck next, taking the wicket of Spriegel, clean bowled for 13.
Jason Roy was the next man to depart, skying James Franklin to long on where Masters claimed the catch.
Zafir Ansari and Gary Wilson looked to steady the ship, passing the 100 mark but the former edged Phillips behind to leave Surrey 108-6.
Gareth Batty tried to increase the rate but he was clean bowled by Napier to leave the hosts struggling on 115-7 going into the end of the innings.
Murali Karthik and Wilson added 12 but with two balls remaining Bopara clean bowled the latter.
Jade Dernbach came out for the last ball and picked up a single meaning Essex need 129 to win at just under six and a half an over.
Out came Bopara and Mark Pettini to open the innings and the England international hit Dirk Nannes for two fours in his first over, the second of the innings.
The pair put on 44 before Dernbach forced Pettini to edge behind to Davies for 20.
Greg Smith was the new man but he was run out for nine bringing Owais Shah to the crease.
But with the former England man was out for the same score, LBW to Batty.
Ryan ten Doeschate entered the action but he lost Bopara soon after as he was caught by Spriegel off the bowling of Batty.
And the Dutchman departed off the bowling of Spriegel, skying the ball to Roy.
Essex keeper James Foster came and went without scoring, LBW to Ansari, as the collapse continued.
Graham Napier could not stop the slide as he was run out by Jason Roy and Essex had lost seven wickets for 42 runs when they were cruising.
Franklin was the next man to depart two runs later with a leading edge to Hamilton-Brown off the bowling of Gareth Batty.
Phillips finally gave the crowd some entertainment as he launched Spriegel into the crowd to inject life into the Essex innings again that had looked rudderless since Bopara was dismissed.
Dernbach came back on and Masters could not score with the paceman bowling him for three leaving Essex needing 24 off nine balls.
The Eagles needed 22 off the final over to win and 21 to tie with Nannes to bowl the last over.
Phillips hit a single off the first ball leaving Tymal Mills on strike, who edged the second ball doen to third man for a single.
With three balls to go Essex needed three sixes to tie the match and send it into a Super Over.
But the next ball was a dot ball removing any chance of a win as Surrey claimed the spoils.
"; var end2 = "' data-send='false' data-width='460' data-show-faces='true'>Source: www.romfordrecorder.co.uk
Battle of the beach resorts – Skegness accused of putting down rivals Blackpool and Brighton - Daily Telegraph
Local newspapers in both resorts took the decision not to carry the new advert.
“Skeggy” or as it’s affectionately known “The Costa del Skeg”, also claims to be “England’s cultural coast” where “great art and coast come together”.
Blackpool attracts about 13 million visitors each year, with plans in place for a £220m transformation of the resort's centre, while more than eight million people flock to Brighton annually.
In comparison Skegness only welcomes around four million visitors each year, generating £450m for the local economy.
Last year it was described in the Lonely Planet guide as "good family fun if you immerse yourself in the whole tacky spectacle".
But James Gilbert, ELDC’s communications team leader, who commissioned the idea, said the campaign said that view was 30 years out of date
“We want to challenge people’s perceptions and showcase the amazing art, culture, dance, theatre and music that is staged in the town,” he added.
“These adverts are highlighting alternative views, we hope to entice people into having a look at what Skegness has to offer.
“Obviously, Brighton and Blackpool attract more visitors than Skegness and we are not seeking to insult anyone who lives there or visits there.
"We are not trying to upset anyone, it's a bit of friendly rivalry," he said.
Skegness is hoping to get publicity for an "amazing summer of events", which includes So Festival and the Olympic Torch Relay on 27 June.
But Claire Smith, from the guesthouse and hoteliers association Stay Blackpool, said it was a "dirty tricks" campaign.
She said: "Skegness is a lovely little place and this campaign isn't drawing me in, in fact it's making me think about Blackpool and Brighton.
"It is difficult times. Blackpool has an abundance of stuff going on all summer as well, as I am sure Brighton has, but I don't think this campaign is the way to attract visitors," she said.
Both Skegness and Blackpool are featured in a TV advertising campaign to encourage Britons to take their holidays at home in 2012.
Skegness once relied on The Jolly Fisherman with the slogan “So bracing” to promote the town in reference to the chilly north-easterly winds that whipped the beach off the North Sea.
A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “Good luck to them. It’s slightly hard to tell what they’re getting at, however.
“As Brighton is widely known as a successful, buzzing, cultural place, with England’s biggest arts festival, claiming to be dissimilar is a strange strategy.
“But if Skegness wants to remind thousands of people that Brighton is here, that’s fine.”
Former Brighton city council leader Mary Mears said: “There’s a big difference between the two.
“Those people that visit Skegness maybe would not want to go again whereas we get lots of repeat customers in Brighton and Hove.”
Robin Morley, of Brighton-based Magnetic Events, is directing So Festival later this month.
He said: “I do have cross loyalties as Brighton is my home but have worked with East Lindsey council for three years.
“I think the advert shows Brighton and Hove has two sides to it, like any town or city.”
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
Egypt court rejects law barring Ahmed Shafiq from presidential run-off - Daily Telegraph
The Supreme Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that a third of the legislature was elected illegally. As a result, it says in its explanation of the ruling, "the makeup of the entire chamber is illegal and, consequently, it does not legally stand."
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
Maria Fowler is right on trend in a bright red peplum dress but can't resist keeping it short and backless - Daily Mail
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She may have quit The Only Way Is Essex last year, but Maria Fowler will never forget her roots.
The 25-year-old blonde enjoyed a night out in London's Mayfair last night and although she tried her best to dress demure, her Essex style still managed to make an appearance.
Fowler showed off her slender figure in a bright red peplum dress that featured a fitted skirt and a high neck.
Almost demure: Maria Fowler arrives in Mayfair last night wearing a short and backless peplum dress
However, the former glamour model and Page 3 girl made up for this by ensuring the colourful garment was backless and also very short so that she could show off her tanned legs.
Fowler teamed the dress with a pair of nude suede heels and carried a large tanned handbag and a black jacket over her left arm.
The former TOWIE star must have been feeling a spot of dj vu as it was the only the night before that she had been out on the town in Mayfair once again.
Showing off: The blonde highlighted her slender figure in the colourful garment which she teamed with fake eyelashes
Yet again, Fowler dressed to impress for the evening in a rainbow bandage dress by Forever Unique.
And she ensured plenty of skin was on show so she could 'road test' hew new own brand of fake tan.
She headed to celebrity hotspot Funky Buddha with her friend, Capital FM DJ Greg Burns.
Colourful lady: Fowler was also out in Mayfair the night before wearing a rainbow bandage dress
Just friends: The former glamour model partied with Capital Radio DJ Greg Burns on Wednesday night
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Sussex chainsaw robbers who threatened to cut victims' fingers off are jailed - thisissurreytoday.co.uk
ROBBERS who threatened to cut victims' fingers off have been jailed for a string of offences across Mole Valley and the South East.
Dean Shade, 32, of Turpington Lane, Bromley, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 10 years and James Russell, 24, of Leybourne Close, Crawley, was sentenced to 11 years.
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CCTV footage from one of the raids. In every attack the gang were armed with weapons including knives, baseball bats, chainsaws and angle grinders
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James Russell was sentenced to 11 years in prison
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Dean Shade was sentenced to life in prison
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CCTV footage of the armed gang robbing Friday Ad in Sayers Common
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CCTV footage of the armed gang robbing Unity Media in Sevenoaks
Shade was the mastermind of an armed gang which stole computer equipment worth £415,840, including 169 Apple Macs.
The pair targeted businesses across the South East during 2010 and 2011, including Robert Dyas and Puma UK in Leatherhead, and a private address in Charlwood.
Detective Sergeant Dennis Phelan, of the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: "These offences were not committed with any great degree of sophistication.
"The gang simply relied upon brute force and numbers to threaten and terrorise their victims, many of whom were tied up and marched round their premises before being left alone, restrained in the premises until the alarm was raised.
"Due to the threats and level of violence used, many of the witnesses who gave evidence did so from behind screens. I would like to applaud their courage in doing so. Several remain traumatised to this day by these events."
The two robbers were sentenced on Friday along with Candice Fox, 29, of The Brindle Way, Purley, who was given 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months for converting criminal property for the gang.
Russell had pleaded guilty at Brighton Crown Court on April 10, and Shade was convicted on May 11 after a four-week trial.
In every case the robbers were masked and armed with a variety of weapons including knives, baseball bats, chainsaws and angle grinders, threatening to cut victims' fingers off if they did not provide their personal bank cards and PIN numbers.
In April 2011, police found crucial evidence linking Shade and Russell to the robberies.
Russell was arrested in May that year for an unconnected offence, and Shade was caught at the beginning of August.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Allen said: "There are others out there who were involved in these extremely violent offences who have not yet been brought to justice."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Source: www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk
Bopara laments injury woes - SkySports
The Essex right-hander was at the head of the queue to fill England's number six position against the Windies in this summer's Investec Test series, only to suffer a calf injury on the eve of the squad announcement for the first match last month.
That place was filled at Lord's, and in two subsequent Tests, by Yorkshire's Jonny Bairstow - and Bopara's calf trouble was the latest in a series of minor but untimely niggles over the past eight months.
The middle-order batsman is expected to be back at number four in the first of three 50-over matches against the Windies, at the Ageas Bowl on Saturday.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
"I haven't played a lot of cricket for England recently because of injuries. So it's exciting for me, and I'm in good form."
Frustration
Bopara returned to action at the start of June with a 50-over century, and then one in four-day cricket too, for Essex.
He is not about to start worrying unduly either about a run of injuries, which may be pure coincidence.
"It's very frustrating. It's only recently I've started to get a few injuries," he said.
"Before that, I very rarely missed games through injury ... it's probably a sign of me getting old.
"It is annoying. It is frustrating. But whatever's meant to be is meant to be."
Bairstow has endured a tough start to his Test career posting scores of just 16, 4 and 18 in his three completed innings to-date.
And Bopara, while aware others are profiting from his absence, knows that at 27, time is not on his side as much as it once was.
"I guess what it does is it gives someone else an opportunity to cement their place, and that's not ideal.
"But it means when I get my opportunity, I've got to cement my place. Let's hope I get it soon."
Source: www1.skysports.com
Fantastic, well done to this chap.
- Miss H, Up Norf', 14/6/2012 15:49
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