A man who absconded from an open prison in Lincolnshire for almost two months has been charged with 13 offences, including indecent exposure in the county, burglaries and knifepoint robbery.

Ivan Leach (48), also known as Lee Cyrus, of no fixed address and originally from the Preston area, absconded from North Sea Camp open prison in Boston in October 2012. He was serving a life sentence for assaulting and robbing a 90-year-old woman in Ribbleton, Lancashire.

After a nation-wide manhunt, Leach was arrested in December in the Camden area of London. Metropolitan Police charged Leach on May 16 with offences including indecent exposure, GBH, aggravated burglary and knifepoint robbery.

He will appear in court in London on May 22, charged with six incidents of indecent exposure, two of which occurred in September 2012 in Lincolnshire and four in October in Camden.

Leach was also charged with a knifepoint robbery in Haringey in November, as well as two counts of grievous bodily harm and one of actual bodily harm in Camden, plus a residential and aggravated burglary.

Criminal history

• Jailed in 1984 for seven years for robbing and burgling a 79 year-old woman in her sheltered accommodation flat, and striking her in the face and body with his fists;
• Jailed in 1999 for 14 months after admitting unlawful sex with a 13 year-old girl who said he had spiked her drink and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the incident;
• Jailed in 2005 for robbing a 90 year-old woman. He was given a life sentence with a minimum tariff of five years. He also has convictions for burglary and robbery and assault.

Lincolnshire County Council will be using Waddington to test local emergency services and other public sector organisations in a serious incident.

The exercise, as part of Exercise Georgiana, will take place on May 21 and 22 just off the A15 to test the council’s large scale emergency plans.

It aims to test personnel and systems of contingencies in coping, containing and resolving a major incident.

The exercise will involve services such as Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, East Midlands Ambulance Service, local authorities, the Environment Agency and health agencies, plus voluntary and private agencies.

The council said the exercise will not disrupt the public, but motorists may see more emergency vehicles in the area.

The exercise runs between 8am and 9pm.

Councillor Ray Wootten, Chairman of the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel, said he will step down from his role following intense scrutiny from MPs over PCC Alan Hardwick’s decision to suspend Chief Constable Neil Rhodes.

He will stand down next month after he has been in the role since the first PCC elections in November 2012. The announcement comes after MPs questioned him and PCC Hardwick on the overturned suspension of Lincolnshire Police’s chief constable Neil Rhodes.

Ray Wootten was asked why it took 72 days for the panel meant to scrutinise PCC Hardwick to hold an extraordinary panel meeting. He blamed incorrect legal advice and said a new task group was set up to deal with the aftermath of the decision.

The Police and Crime Panel has the power and responsibility to scrutinise the actions and decisions of the Police and Crime Commissioner and review the draft Police and Crime Plan to ensure local priorities have been considered, among others.

Councillor Wootten said in a statement: “I believe that I inadvertently gave the incorrect impression that I was not allowed to hold an extraordinary meeting of the Police and Crime Panel. I now accept that this was incorrect.

“The correct position is I was given advice that it was not desirable to hold a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel to discuss the suspension of the acting chief constable, whilst various legal and HR issues were still under investigation, for example the Judicial Review and the Sir Peter Fahy investigation, which is still ongoing.

“It was important that we did not compromise those reviews. Following careful consideration, as chairman, I decided not to hold a meeting, which I still stand by.

“However, I did decide to hold a meeting on May 9 to appoint the task and finish group which will start work once the Sir Peter Fahy report is completed.

“I have already apologised to the legal officer I referred to at the Select Committee and will be sending a correction to the Select Committee Chairman, Keith Vaz MP.

“I am very sorry that this misleading impression was given, my only explanation was I felt under excess pressure at the hearing and did not explain the situation clearly enough.

“I acted in good faith throughout. I gave evidence to the Select Committee in order to assist the matter. I held a meeting of the PCP on May 9 2013 for the purpose of arranging a task group so that we are able to respond to the wider issue of performance as efficiently as possible at the correct time.

“I will be standing down as chairman of the Police and Crime Panel at the annual general meeting in June.”

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan hardwick said: “I am sorry to hear of Mr Wootten’s resignation.

“In my dealings with him I have always found him to be an honourable man of the highest integrity and I will miss working with him,” he added.

A Lincoln man has been charged with metal thefts from the city hospital.

Lincolnshire Police charged Barry Dawes (29), of Newark Road in relation to the theft of copper piping from Lincoln County Hospital between May 12 and 14.

He has been released on police bail to appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court on June 6.

Call Lincolnshire Police with information or to report crime on the non emergency 101 number, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Seven men from the Nottinghamshire area have been arrested in connection with a burglary and stolen car in Lincoln.

Police were called to a house in Fern Close, off Swallowbeck Avenue, on Sunday morning after reports that a burglary had taken place on the night of May 11.

Offenders broke in and stole a mobile phone, bank cards and a set of car keys. They then stole a gold BMW from the drive.

Enquiries took place throughout the day, leading to seven men being arrested in the Nottinghamshire area. They are currently assisting Lincolnshire Police with their enquiries.

A toddler from Lincoln was seriously injured after she became trapped underneath a car at a campsite whilst on family holiday in Cumbria.

The incident happened Lanefoot Farm campsite, near Keswick, at around 9.55am on May 12.

The 20-month-old toddler became trapped underneath a Volkswagen Touran people carrier.

She was air-lifted to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with serious injuries to her head, pelvis and leg.

Doctors say she is in a serious but stable condition, and the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Cumbria Constabulary say there are presently no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

Lincolnshire Police are trying to locate the owners of more than 40 mobile phones after they recovered a number of stolen phones in Lincoln.

In the last month police recovered 52 stolen phones. This led to the prosecution of two people, while another is on bail for the theft of phones.

This was after a sudden spike in thefts of smartphones from pubs and clubs around the city centre.

However, only 10 of these phones have been picked up by their owners. Police still have 16 Samsungs, seven iPhones, six LGs, four Nokias, four BlackBerry, four HTCs and one Sony handset.

PC Steve Parker said: “We are asking for people to register their property on immobilise.com, which is a free website linked to a national database of property.

“It allows police anywhere in the country to identify property when it’s located and return it to the owners. Anything with a serial number can be registered.”

To use services like this, it is recommended that a copy of the phone’s IMEI is stored safely. On any handset, the unique IMEI number can be found by dialling *#06#.

If anyone has lost or had their phone stolen in recent months, email stephen.parker@lincs.pnn.police.uk, or text 07939 896147 if it has not been reported, as one of the phones with Lincolnshire Police could be theirs.

Lincolnshire Police have charged two men in relation to a Lincoln burglary, resulting in the theft of a car.

Colin Patrick Marriott (33) of Lindum Avenue and Mark Anthony Paterson (35) of no fixed abode were charged in relation to a burglary in Colgrave Street in Lincoln, between May 6 and 9.

During the burglary, a Peugeot 206 worth £3,500 was stolen.

Patterson was additionally charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving with no insurance.

Meanwhile Marriott was charged with two counts of shop lifting.

Both were remanded in custody to appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court.

Lincolnshire Police have arrested two local people in connection with the recent robbery of a newsagents in Lincoln.

A 40-year-old local man and a 30-year-old local man were arrested over the robbery of McColls Newsagents in Lowfields Centre, off Brant Road on May 7.

The incident happened at around 4.40am, where 30-year-old man taking the daily newspapers inside was approached by the offender and threatened.

He was forced to open the shop. The offender stole several thousand pounds.

The man was reportedly threatened with a firearm, however officers now believe that no firearm was actually used in the incident.

The arrested pair are being questioned by Lincoln CID officers, and have been released police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should call Lincoln CID via the 101 police number, quoting incident number 50 of May 7, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel agreed to form a ‘task group’ to scrutinise the circumstances and implications resulting from the Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick’s quashed decision to suspend the Chief Constable Neil Rhodes.

After a brief meeting on Thursday at East Lindsey District Council’s Manby HQ, the panel decided the cross political party task group will be chaired by Chris Cook, an independent member.

Some members of the public have called the meeting a “shambles” after they were inadvertently excluded, because they were only brought into the chamber at 1.15pm — moments after the meeting finished.

The task group will consider the events surrounding the decision by PCC Hardwick to suspend Chief Constable Rhodes and focus on what lessons can be learnt.

Alan Hardwick’s decision was quashed in court earlier this year, labelled by a judge as “irrational and perverse”. Neil Rhodes returned to his post since.

An investigation into allegations about Neil Rhodes’ conduct set up by PCC Hardwick is still under review by Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy.

Chris Cook said: “There has been significant interest in the recent situation and I’ve been tasked with leading the working group to fully explore what has happened and how we can support the Commissioner in his role by helping to ensure such situations don’t re-occur.

“This work will be thorough and we will be asking challenging questions before reporting back to the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel later in the year.”

The working group is expected to report its findings back to the Police and Crime Panel meeting in September.

The Police and Crime Panel has the power and responsibility to scrutinise the actions and decisions of the Police and Crime Commissioner and review the draft Police and Crime Plan to ensure local priorities have been considered, among others.

A Lincoln man has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for a street robbery and stealing mobile phones in the city.

Shane Goss (33) of Kirkby Street in Lincoln, admitted robbery and theft and was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, May 3.

The charges related to a street robbery on December 30 last year in the city centre in which Goss used force to take an iPhone from a man.

He was also convicted for a further offence where Goss stole a Nokia Lumia from a 16-year-old boy having asked to borrow it.

Lincolnshire Police DC Nick Hakes said: “Mobile phone theft is a real issue in the city.

“The victim of one of these crimes did not report it to us and it was only after investigation into other matters that we were able to detect it and bring the offender to justice.

“We hope this conviction and sentence demonstrates to the public that we do take this type of crime seriously and we do get results when they are reported to us.”

Lincolnshire Police are urging Lincoln residents to lock their doors and windows at night after the first sneak-in burglary in the city since the warmer weather arrived.

The warning comes after a sneak-in burglary on Doddington Road on May 7 between 3pm and 5pm.

The offender got in through an unlocked back door, and stole a 26-inch Toshiba TV while the occupant slept.

When the weather warms up, people open windows and doors, but leave them unlocked at night or when they are in the garden.

Officers say this leads to a spike in burglaries over the summer months, as thieves know residents will do this.

Police advise locking all doors and downstairs windows at night and even lock them during the day if you are spending time in the garden or upstairs.

Police are also reminding students or those in shared accommodation not to leave doors unlocked for housemates who are out late at night.

To report burglaries or give information regarding burglaries, call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Stonebow on Lincoln High Street was taped of for police investigations following reports of an assault on Friday evening.

Police were called at just after 8.30pm on May 3, following reports that a man had been assaulted near the Stonebow.

It’s believed that this occurred just after 8pm. A man was on the ground and passers-by called the emergency services.

An ambulance attended and took the man to Lincoln County Hospital. His injuries are not believed to have been serious.

The man was kept in for observations and released from hospital on Saturday.

The injured man did not wish to make a complaint or confirm that an offence had taken place, and therefore police are unable to proceed with an investigation.

Lincolnshire Police are looking for witnesses after an armed robbery at a city newsagents in south Lincoln on Tuesday morning.

The incident happened at around 4.40am on May 7 at McColls Newsagent at the Lowfields Centre, off Brant Road.

A 30-year-old man taking the daily newspapers inside was approached by the offender and threatened. He was forced into the shop and threatened with a firearm. The offender then stole several thousand pounds.

The staff member is shaken but was not hurt in the incident.

The offender is described as white, around 6ft tall and of stocky build. He spoke with an Eastern European accent, and was wearing blue overalls and a balaclava.

Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the description of the man or saw any suspicious activity in the area around the time to get in touch.

Anyone with information should call DS Jen Lovett at Lincoln CID via the 101 police number, quoting incident number 50 of May 7, or call Crmestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lincolnshire Police temporary Assistant Chief Constable Roger Bannister will leave the force to move on in the same role for Leicestershire Police from June.

Roger Bannister held the role in Lincolnshire since October 2010, and in March 2012 graduated from the Strategic Command Course.

He joined Lincolnshire Police in 1988 and progressed through the ranks both in uniformed operations and criminal investigation roles.

Roger said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Leicestershire Police. I have worked with the force on a number of occasions over the years and always found its officers and staff highly professional and talented.”

Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Neil Rhodes said he was delighted for Roger, but would be sad to see him leave the county.

“I have worked alongside Roger since he was a sergeant and it will be a real loss to Lincolnshire Police when he moves on. However, I am confident it is the right thing in relation to his career development and Leicestershire is gaining a tremendous asset,” Chief Constable Rhodes said.

Phil Kay, currently a Chief Superintendent with West Midlands Police, will transfer to Leicestershire Police as Assistant Chief Constable.

Simon Cole, Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, said: “Over the past week we have carried out a competitive process involving a number of very strong candidates.

“I am delighted to welcome Roger and Phil to Leicestershire and am very much looking forward to working with them.

“I know they will bring new skills and experience to the force and am confident they will lead us through many of the challenges we face over the coming years,” Chief Constable Cole added.

Roger is married and has five year old twin boys. His many hobbies include mountaineering (which has included trips to Scotland, the Alps and the Himalayas) skiing, running and open water swimming.

Lincolnshire Police are looking for witnesses after a boy on his bike collided with a lorry in Lincoln on Thursday afternoon.

The incident reported to police at around 4.54pm on May 2 on Exchange Road outside Newport House.

The boy is believed to be around 12-years-old and has been taken to Lincoln County Hospital for serious injuries.

Exchange Road is currently closed off while investigations take place. Delays in the area are expected.

Anyone who saw the collision are asked to call Lincolnshire Police on 01522 558855.

— Update on May 3 @ 11.33am: The boy has been transferred to Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield with a serious head injury.

Lincolnshire Police charged a Lincoln man in connection with a number of thefts from cars and a burglary in Lincoln.

Officers charged Shaun Clive Overton (36), of no fixed abode, with stealing items from two cars and a house burglary in the West End of Lincoln.

He allegedly stole a sat nav from a car in West Parade Lincoln sometime between April 27 and 30, and cash from another in Charles Street West between April 29 and May 2.

He was also charged with stealing an iPod and headphones from a house in West Parade between April 29 and May 2.

Overton will appear before Lincoln Magistrates Court later on May 2.

A primary school in Lincoln has been burgled and a laptop has been stolen.

The incident happened at Our Lady of Lincoln School on Laughton Way between 5.45pm on April 30 and 6am on May 1.

The burglars gained entry by smashing through a fire door.

Police believe the offenders searched a number of classrooms, before stealing a Dell laptop.

Lincolnshire Police are appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area to get in touch as soon as possible.

There are also asking anyone who is offered a Dell Latitude E5500 laptop to get in touch too.

Call PC Rachel Lambourn via 101 police number, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lincoln BIG’s Evening Safety Wardens will only spend two days per week in the city centre due to cuts in funding for their services.

At present, the Evening Safety Wardens work in pairs four days per week, helping Lincolnshire Police patrol Lincoln streets at night.

Usually, they are out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends to support fast food outlets, bus stops and taxi ranks around the High Street and provide a presence to deal with issues before they escalate.

Wardens wear yellow and blue reflective jackets and carry Lincoln BIG radios linked to the City of Council’s CCTV control room.

However, due to the withdrawal of funding from Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership, the wardens will be able to patrol on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

‘Little impact on the city’

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Matt Corrigan said: “The wardens play an important role in ensuring that the city is a great place to be in the evenings. They have helped Lincoln to achieve its Purple Flag status.

“We will be exploring their future reinstatement at weekends. In the meantime, we are assured that the police will be stepping up their city centre cover.”

A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson told The Lincolnite: “Policing will continue as normal and the change to street wardens is expected to have little impact on the city.

“Lincolnshire Police continue to have a fantastic relationship with the City Council, Street Pastors and licensees in terms of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Lincolnshire Police are appealing for information after an alleged assault in Lincoln.

The incident happened on April 28 between 3am and 4am in the Hungate area of the city.

It is believed a 33-year-old local woman was approached by a man and assaulted. The woman was treated for minor injuries. There is no description of the man.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time who may have witnessed the assault, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously, to get in touch.

To report information, contact DS Tim Wilkinson on 101, quoting incident number 73 of April 28, 2013.