Seven men have been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court today (21/5) to more than 23 years’ imprisonment between them after a lengthy investigation into the commercial production of cannabis.

As part of the operation SEROCU conducted investigations into a number of premises in the South East that were being used or had been used for the purposes of producing cannabis on an industrial scale

Following a four week trial at Brighton Crown Court, Carl Lee, aged 32, from Balcombe in Sussex was found guilty on 7 March of three counts of conspiracy to produce cannabis on a commercial basis. He was also found guilty of production of cannabis at Michaelmas Barn, Bolney on a commercial basis.

Six other defendants, listed below, had already pleaded guilty to various other conspiracies to produce cannabis on a commercial basis at a previous hearing and have also been sentenced today.

It was estimated during the course of the trial that the various grows would have had an annual turnover of approximately £1.5 million.

Det Insp Simon Harsley said: “This was an investigation by the Criminal Finance Team that targeted a number of commercial cannabis factories and had a potential turnover of millions of pounds.

“As the investigation developed, it became clear that a shop selling hydroponics equipment and fertiliser was at the centre of this industrial and commercial enterprise.

“The men at court today probably thought that their seemingly lucrative business would go unnoticed by the police, but it didn’t and now they must pay the consequences of their actions with a prison sentence.

“The investigation will not conclude when those before the court are convicted and investigators will seek to recover the proceeds of their criminal activity utilising the proceeds of crime act.

“An order was also granted at court today enabling the team to donate some of the hydroponics equipment seized from this business to worthy causes such as community based projects and National Trust Gardens.”

Detectives are investigating after a man was dragged from his car and robbed of a quantity of money in Horley last night (23 May).

The victim was robbed after visiting a betting shop in Victoria Road. He left there around 10-15pm and drove to a kebab shop in Station Road. After collecting his food, he drove his blue Fiat along Smallfield Road towards Smallfield. As he drove across the first roundabout at the junction with Wheatfield Way, he noticed three men standing in the middle of the road, flagging him down and causing him to stop.

The men dragged him out of his car and punched him repeatedly in the face, causing a small cut to his right eye, and kicked him in the chest. One of the men then took the cash from the passenger seat before all three made their escape.

The victim was taken to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill where he was treated for injuries to his face and neck.

Detective Constable Hannah Millyard, who is investigating the incident, said: “We are trying to ascertain exactly what has taken place, and would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who has any information. We would particularly like to speak to anyone who was in the betting shop last night between 8 and 10-15pm or anyone who saw the victim in the kebab shop.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, would be extremely helpful.”

If you can help, please contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference 45140042314 or, if you prefer not to leave your name, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for the public’s help in finding a missing boy from Slough.

Lemar Roberts, aged 12, was last seen on Friday morning (23/5) leaving Buckingham Avenue, Slough.

It is believed he may have been seen by friends on Saturday (24/5), but has not been seen since.

Lemar is black, about 5ft 4ins and of a stocky build. He has short black hair and a stud in his left ear. When he was last seen, he was wearing a grey hooded top and jeans and may be on a black BMX bike.

Investigating officer, Det Insp Nicola Hurdley said: “Although Lemar may have been seen by friends over the weekend, we remain very concerned about his welfare and his parents have not heard from him since last week.

“If you know where Lemar is, please let us know so we can tell his family he is safe. And if you read this message Lemar, just get in contact. You’re not in any trouble.”

Anyone with information can contact police via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101, quoting URN 68 of 27/5.

Police are appealing for help from anyone who knows where 54-year-old Kevin Brown could be.

Brown absconded from Ford Prison on 10 April but despite officers searching for him there have been no reported sightings of the prisoner.

Brown is white, 6′ 1″ and muscular with short dark cropped hair.

He was serving a life sentence imposed at the Old Bailey in 2007 for conspiracy to rob and firearms offences.

Detective Inspector Dave Wardley-Wilkins said: “It has been more than a month since Brown walked out of Ford and we still do not know where he is.

“He may not be in the county at all or he could be hiding with someone in Sussex. He has friends and family across the south east.

“We need to speak to anyone who might have seen him or who has any idea where he could be.

“Brown committed very serious offences so has to be considered dangerous. If you see him, don’t approach him but instead find somewhere safe and call 999.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 732 of 10/4, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a man who was attacked at a property in Elmore Road, Brighton.

The attack happened around 10.30pm on Wednesday, May 21 when three men came into the property and the 23-year-old vicitm was beaten up and stabbed in the head.

Detective Constable Andrew Beaumont of Brighton CID said: “Fortunately the victim did not receive any life threatening injuries and was able to leave the hospital soon after being treated.

I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen three man entering or leaving Elmore Road that night or any suspicious behaviour in the area.

I would also urge anyone who has any information about this incident to contact the police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1651 of 21/5 or anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Surrey Police was called to a doctor’s surgery in Station Road, Frimley just before 11am this morning (Monday, 2 June) following  reports of a sudden death.

Officers and other emergency services attended the location after reports that a firearm had been discharged inside the building.

The body of a man, believed to be in his 80′s, was discovered at the scene, where he was pronounced dead.

Officers are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death but at this stage there is no indication of any third party involvement or wider risk to the local community.

A post mortem examination will take place in due course.

A 36 year old bouncer has been jailed for six years for the manslaughter of a man attending a Christmas work party.

Brent Wright was working as a member of a security firm employed to provide door staff for a SAGA work party at the Leas Clffe Hall in Folkestone on 13 December, 2012.

The policy at the venue had stipulated no re-admittance for guests after 9.30pm – something victim David Ivin was unaware of when he left the hall shortly after for a cigarette.

When he attempted to re-join the party, he was denied entry by Wright and fellow bouncer Martin Barnwell. After a brief argument, the victim was forcefully escorted out of the entrance hall.

Mr Ivin, 36, tried to return again and a minor altercation ensued between him, Barnwell and Wright.

Within seconds the victim was taken to the  floor face down by Barnwell, while Wright held him in a headlock. The pair held him in this position for about 10 minutes, during which time Wright was heard saying: ‘Stop messing about or I will choke you out’.

When police arrived on the scene, officers received no response when speaking to Mr Ivin. Realising he was unconscious; they attempted to resuscitate the victim and used a defibrillator.

Ambulance staff arrived and took Mr Ivin to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

A post-mortem revealed he had suffered injuries which were consistent with the application of pressure to the neck.

Wright, 36, of Broomfield Road in Folkestone, and Barnwell, 30, of Grange Road in Ramsgate, were charged with manslaughter.

Following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, Wright was sentenced to six years imprisonment on Friday 30 May while a jury deliberated for more than 13 hours before acquitting Barnwell.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Chris Rynston of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: ‘What started out as an evening to look forward to – a Christmas party with colleagues and friends – ended in a tragic incident.

‘It is clear that Mr Ivin was not made aware of the no re-admittance policy and was therefore upset at not being allowed entry back to the party. After an argument and a brief scuffle, he was forced to the ground and held in what proved to be a lethal neck hold for a considerable length of time.

‘When officers arrived they did all they could do resuscitate the victim, but despite their best efforts they proved unsuccessful.

‘After a thorough investigation, which involved taking a number of detailed accounts and statements from witnesses and those at the party, it became clear that Wright was negligent in his actions. He neither sought help nor checked on Mr Ivin’s wellbeing while keeping him in a neck hold.

‘On behalf of all at Kent Police, our thoughts remain with Mr Ivin’s family at this difficult time.’

A van driver has been jailed for more than 13 months for causing a crash that left three members of a family seriously ill.

Ales Vesely was travelling westbound in Udimore Road, Udimore, when he tried to overtake a car on a blind right hand bend and crashed his van head on into the family’s Ford KA coming the other way.

The 67-year-old driver of the Ford, from Seaford, suffered fractures to his chest and ribs and bruising around his heart.

The 23-year-old man who was a passenger in the Ford suffered a broken back and ribs and cuts to his head. The 19-year-old female passenger suffered cuts to the head.

Vesely escaped with whiplash and grazes to his arm.

The 46-year-old, who was filling in for a colleague who was ill, was driving a 7.5-tonne foreign-registered Renault van when he decided to overtake a Toyota Yaris on a bend at 1.25pm on 24 February and struck the Ford.

vesely, of Dunkelska Brana, Prestejou, in the Czech Republic, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court. He was jailed for 13 months, banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge.

He was also told he would have to take an extended driving test before he would be allowed to drive again after his ban is complete.

PC Phillip Edwards said: “Vesely maintained in interview that he could see far enough ahead to try to overtake the Toyota and refused to accept that it had been dangerous to try to pass the car on a blind bend.

“If this is how he drove regularly, it is clear that he was an accident waiting to happen.

“His actions left three members of a family with serious injuries but could have cost all three their lives.”

If you see someone driving antisocially call 101 or report them at www.operationcrackdown.co.uk, giving the full details of their vehicle so police can investigate.

If you see someone driving dangerously call 999.

A teenager has been jailed for 18 months for possessing and distributing indecent images of children following an investigation by Surrey Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team.

Maximillian Coughlin of Holmesdale Road, Reigate was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court sitting at  Guildford Magistrates Court on Thursday 5 June for making and distributing 154 pictures, and inciting a boy aged under 16 to commit a sex act.

The 19-year-old was identified through his account on the web chat program Skype which he used to communicate and share indecent images with other users.

It was on Skype that he persuaded the teenage boy to commit a sex act.

Officers from Surrey Police subsequently conducted a search of his home in August last year and seized a laptop computer which held information about his Skype account and files of indecent images ranging from the most indecent being category A to the least category C.

He previously pleaded guilty to:
- Ten counts of distributing indecent images which included 76 images
- Ten counts of making 87 images
- One count of attempting to distribute 18 images
- One count of inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

Coughlin was ordered to sign the Sexual Offenders Register for ten years and was made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order which prevents him using the internet to contact any child under the age of 16 or to be in contact with anyone under the age of 16 unless supervised.

Detective Sergeant Chris Greatorex from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team said: “Thanks to the work of our officers and cooperation from other forces we have thankfully brought another offender to justice.

“The victims in these cases suffer untold damage as a result of the redistribution of images around the internet of which Coughlin was guilty of partaking in.

“His actions are a clear reminder that the internet can be a dangerous place and any interaction online with strangers should be treated with extreme caution.

“This investigation and sentence shows our commitment to safeguarding children from serious harm and targeting criminals who use the internet to prey on them.”

Anyone with concerns around someone they know who is a victim or offender can contact Surrey Police’s POLIT on 101 (999 in an emergency) or by using our online reporting system found athttp://www.surrey.police.uk/.
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detectives in the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate investigating 144 reports of courier fraud have charged eight people.

Between 3 June 2013 and 15 February 2014 police in Kent, London and Hampshire received reports of suspicious telephone calls from people attempting to obtain banking details and the bank card itself.

Each person has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and bailed to appear at Dartford Magistrates’ Court on 21 July 2014. Those charged are:

Tahera Chowdhury, aged 19, of Vale Road, Dartford

Billy Bruce, aged 21, of Watling Street, Dartford

Mohid Chowdhury, aged 20, of Chestnut Road, Dartford

James Darren McGill, aged 23, of Manor Road, Gravesend

Zinaul Hoque, aged 20, of Cornwallis Square, Holloway, London

A 17-year-old boy from Holloway, London

Mohammed Naim Chowdhury, aged 19, of Munster Square, Camden Town, London

Hasan Butt, aged 19, of Elmcroft Street, Hackney, London

Police are appealing for help to find a convicted murderer who is missing from Ford Prison.

Robert Donovan, 57, was jailed after he stabbed to death a man in the street in London’s West End when he was 17.

In December 1974 he was jailed for life for the murder.

He was later moved to Ford Prison near Arundel and left there on day release on 19 June 2010. He did not return and officers have been unable to trace him since.

Donovan has links to London and the Midlands and may have family living in Portsmouth. He may also be using the alias David Green.

PC Steve Reed said: “We have been looking for Donovan for several years without success which suggests he has left Sussex and could be elsewhere in the country.

“We need to speak to anyone who could have any idea where he is or where he could be.

“There is nothing to suggest that Donovan is currently a danger to the public but he has not served his sentence so we want to get him back into custody so justice can be done.”

If you see Donovan, do not approach him but instead call 999 immediately .

If you have information about where Donovan could be please call 101 quoting his name, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55511

Two 15-year-old youths are to appear in court accused of a homophobic assault in Battle.

Police were called to High Street, Battle at around 8.30am on Friday 14 March to a report that a man had been assaulted.

The two boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Both youths from Battle will appear at Eastbourne Youth Court on Tuesday 17 June.

Eight more people have been arrested today (Wednesday 11 June) by Kent Police during another round of early morning warrants in West Kent.

The raids come a day after approximately 200 officers carried out a series of co-ordinated dawn searches in and around the Tunbridge Wells area as well as at properties in Gravesend, Sutton and Enfield.

The latest warrants mean a total of 29 addresses have been searched and 24 people have been arrested over the two days. In addition, quantities of cash, jewellery, an imitation firearm and several cars have been seized by officers. A quantity of what detectives believe to be class A drugs has also been recovered.

Deputy Chief Constable of Kent Police Paul Brandon said: ‘These pre-planned warrants come as a result of a long-standing and complex investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate into the supply of class A drugs in the county.

‘Detectives identified a sophisticated crime group and the warrants over the two days have disrupted the trafficking and supply of drugs destined for the streets of Kent and possibly further afield.

‘The message is clear – drugs will not be tolerated and crime does not pay.’

Chief Inspector Dave Pate, District Commander for Tunbridge Wells, said: ‘I want to stress that the local police and our partners are here for the long haul.

‘These raids may have been carried out in the space of two days but the knock-on effects will be far-reaching and will have a positive impact on the quality of life for the people of Kent for many months to come.

‘Local policing will play a pivotal role in reassuring residents of Tunbridge Wells that it is a safe place to live and work. The positive impact an operation like this can have on our communities is huge and I hope it clearly demonstrates how committed we are to dealing with drug crime and providing a first class service to the people of Kent.’

A pensioner from Dymchurch has been jailed for 18 years for the historic sexual abuse of two young girls more than 35 years ago.

Sydney Head, 84, of Green Meadows, was found guilty by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court of seven counts of indecent assault, one of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and two counts of rape.

The catalogue of abuse, which began in the 1970s when one of the two victims was as young as six years old, was reported to Kent Police in September 2012.

Detectives carried out a thorough and detailed investigation and charged Head on 22 August last year.

After denying the offences, he was found guilty by a jury and sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 6 June to 18 years imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Matthew Jones of Kent Police, said: ‘Sydney Head targeted these two young girls when they were at their most vulnerable. From as young as six, they were subjected to what amounts to a horrific and vile campaign of sexual abuse.

‘Not content with the physical and mental abuse his actions no doubt caused to his victims, Head continued to lie and forced them to relive the events in public during a trial. At no time during interview or at court did Head show any sign of remorse for his actions.

‘On behalf of Kent Police, I would like to praise the two victims for coming forward and displaying the strength of character to talk about what happened to them. The length of the sentence reflects the serious nature of the offences and I hope at long last these two victims will feel a sense of justice having been done and can move on with their lives.’

The festival of football kicks off in Brazil on Thursday, 12 June and England begin their campaign with a match against Italy on the evening of Saturday, 14 June.

The force traditionally sees an increase in reports of violent offences and anti-social behaviour over the summer months (May, June and July) particularly when large sporting events are taking place.

During the 2010 World Cup recorded public place violence went up by 14.5 per cent, which included a 33.7 per cent increase in alcohol related violence, and domestic violence levels rose by 26.2 per cent.

Police and partner agencies are taking a number of positive steps to tackle this issue – including the introduction of Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs).

The protection notices ban anyone suspected of committing a domestic violence offence from returning to their victim’s home address and from having contact with the victim for 48 hours.

The aim of the notices is to allow the victim to have the required time and space away from the offender to make positive decisions regarding further action and is part of Surrey Police’s commitment to providing the highest quality victim care.

During the 48-hour period when the notice is in place Surrey Police will seek to obtain a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) from a magistrates court to extend the ban for a further 28 days, giving the victim an extended period of time to consider their options and seek help from a range of support services.

Anyone who breaches the order or any of the associated conditions could face arrest, a possible £1,000 fine and two months in prison.

The force will also have additional high visibility patrols in town centres across Surrey both during and after high-profile matches to respond to any public disorder incidents and to prevent increases in public place violence during the tournament.

Superintendent Duncan Greenhalgh said: “We want people to have fun and enjoy what promises to be a memorable summer of sport but the minority who ruin events through criminal behaviour or other unlawful activities will be dealt with robustly.

“I would like to stress that the World Cup and other sporting events taking place this summer are not an excuse for public place and domestic violence.

“We will not tolerate violent behaviour and will use all options available to crack down on offenders – including Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Notices – to ensure the best quality of care for victims of crime.

“We also recognise that Surrey has a large number of visitors from abroad and people from overseas who have made their homes here who will be cheering on their teams as they progress through the tournament and we want them to be able to enjoy it as well.

“We are also adopting a joint command structure with Sussex Police and each force will be able to provide extra officers to the other if the need arises.”

As part of the campaign Surrey Police will also be working closely with partner agencies including Surrey County Council, local borough councils and Surrey Against Domestic Abuse.

Neighbourhood officers have also worked with local authorities and licensees from pubs and clubs through Surrey to help prevent trouble and disorder before it occurs.

Members of the public will also be able to view a range of videos, artwork and other information on the campaign throughout the World Cup by visiting Surrey Police’s official Facebook page and Twitter account.

Surrey Police will also be using #TheHardCell to highlight examples of individuals who have flouted the law and been arrested by Surrey officers.

Detectives investigating the supply and trafficking of class A drugs in and around west Kent have charged a total of 18 people with associated offences.

On Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 June, a total of 29 addresses in West Kent, Gravesend, Sutton and Enfield were searched by officers from Kent Police during early morning warrants.

The two-day operation came following a 12 month investigation into the supply of drugs in and around the Tunbridge Wells area.

As a result, the following people have been charged and remanded until 27 June:

• Simon Khalil, 33, of High Street, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Clifton Fritz, 33, of no fixed abode, charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Beejay Gade, 37, Croft Court, Edenbridge, charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Alison Maria Lebbon, 47, of Lower Green Roadm Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Sonya Louise Leach, 27, of Palmer Avenue, Gravesend, charged with possession of firearms and ammunition and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Peter Thomas Gleeson, 30, of Palmer Avenue, Gravesend, charged with possession of firearms and ammunition, assaulting a police officer and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Ricky Samuel Moore, 22, of Monks Lane, Wadhurst, East Sussex, charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Hussain Shah, 36, of Durants Road, Edmonton, London, charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Terence John Maloney, 32, of Hawkenbury Mead, Tunbridge Wells, charged with driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified, conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Gary John Willis, 29, of Sandhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Brian Jamie Lebbon, 28, of Summervale Road, Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

The following people have been charged and released on bail:

• Jason Ronald Wild, 27, of Goods Station Road, Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Paul Guy Spittles, 44, of The Meadow, Pembury, charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Samantha Jane Prescott, 28, of School Rise, Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Robert Steven Dalton, 31, of Old Road West, Gravesend charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Daniel Peter Austin, 29, of Whitmore Street, Maidstone, charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
• Debbie Hamilton-Smith, 47, of Church Street, Edenbridge, conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
• Karim Zaman, 52, of Ramslye Road, Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.

A 49-year-old man from Edenbridge, a 26-year-old man from Tadworth, Surrey, a 43-year-old man from Whytleleafe, Surrey, a 28-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells and a 29-year-old man of no fixed abode have been bailed pending further enquiries. Another man arrested during the warrants is being investigated by the UK Border Force.

A man who raped a 14-year-old girl and sexually abused another has been jailed for 15 years.

Emil Dopson, 60, attacked the teenagers when he was living in Wisbech during the late 1990s.

One of the girls contacted police in 2012 to report the offences and Dopson was traced to an address in Surrey.

He was arrested and charged with a catalogue of offences including rape, indecent assault and gross indecency with a child.

He sent an email and letter to the victims’ relatives, in a failed bid to get them to withdraw the allegations.

Dopson, of The Keep, Kingston upon Thames, was convicted of the rape but acquitted of the other charge.

He was jailed at Cambridge Crown Court yesterday (Thursday).

Detective Constable Amanda Sylvester said: “Dopson is a violent man who preyed on young girls.