A Grantham man who failed to comply with the requirements of a Sex Offenders order by not disclosing a new bank account to the police was today (Tuesday) given a suspended jail sentence.
Mark Foulston, 29, of Commercial Road, was given a suspended prison sentence of 12 months custody suspended for two years at Lincoln Crown Court in January 2020 for breaching the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
However, in February 2021 Foulston opened a new NatWest bank account and received a debit card but failed to give the details to the police or probation service, which he was obliged to do within three days.
Lincoln Crown Court heard the failure only came to light in September 2021 when Foulston confided in a support worker on the same day he appeared before Judge Simon Hirst for a second breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Thomas Welshman, prosecuting, said Foulston also received a replacement bank card in July 2021 which he failed to tell the authorities about.
Foulston was voluntarily interviewed by the police after making the admission to his support worker, and admitted there were three occasions on which he could have informed the authorities about his new bank account.
He pleaded guilty to an offence of failing to comply with a notification requirement.
Mr Welshman said Foulston’s failure to comply with the terms of his order had occurred over several months.
Hal Ewing, mitigating, said Foulston had been suffering mental health problems during 2021 and had sought help from both the Crisis Team and a clairvoyant.
Mr Ewing told the court Foulston found the assistance of the clairvoyant helpful and told the authorities he left his last address because it had “bad spirits.”
The court heard Foulston had an IQ of under 70 and was also dyslexic.
“He thinks in a different way to most people,” Mr Ewing explained. “He knew he had to tell the police, but he didn’t.”
Mr Ewing added Foulston was “desperate to avoid jail,” and now had support from his father who was present in court.
“He hopes soon to get new accommodation, start a college course and learn to drive.”
Passing sentence Judge Simon Hirst told Foulston he did not accept that he did not know what he was doing when he failed to notify the authorities.
“On the last occasion we met I told you to bring a bag for prison,” Judge Hirst warned Foulston.
“I can’t imagine I will give you another chance.”
Foulston was sentenced to ten months imprisonment suspended for two years, a two year community order and must complete 100 hours unpaid work.
Thousands of metres of underground cable were stolen in the village of Harby near Lincoln, leaving residents without the use of their landline telephones and, in several cases, broadband too.
Residents in Broadholme have also been impacted and Openreach engineers are working hard to resolve the issue, with repairs “likely to run into next week”.
More than 4,000 metres of underground telecommunication cable was stolen from an area stretching from the A156 junction near to Broadholme village towards Harby in the early hours of May 22.
It is believed the offenders accessed the cable via manhole covers and dragged out hundreds of metres of copper core cable, destroying fibre optic cable in the process. This caused damage to the network and disruption to phone and broadband services for around 200 local homes and businesses.
This isn’t the first incident this month. A Harby resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The Lincolnite he believes 2km of underground cable was also stolen two weeks ago and then “whilst it was being relaid last week another 1500m went missing”.
He said: “As you can imaging residents of the village are running out of patience. It is affecting the whole village.
“The biggest concern is that my wife is disabled and we often need medical assistance. Considering the poor mobile phone signal in the village, getting in touch with emergency services in the event of an issue could be life threateningly difficult.”
A spokesperson for Openreach said: “We’re really disappointed that villagers in Harby are having to bear the brunt of criminal behaviour and theft from our network.
“More than 4,000 metres of underground cable was taken earlier this week and damage to the network is causing disruption to phone and broadband services for around 200 local homes and businesses.
“Engineers are already on site and have been working overnight to restore phone and broadband to those impacted as quickly as possible. We’ve also brought in extra resource from as far away as the West Midlands.
“However, this is a huge job and despite our best efforts, repairs are very likely to run into next week due to the extent of the damage.
“We urge people to report any suspicious activity that they spot in and around our infrastructure to the police.”
Lincolnshire Police said the incident refers to the theft of cable from the Harby area of around 4,000 metres of underground cable and was reported to them at around 6am on May 22.
Police said: “Our investigation continues, no-one has been arrested at this stage.”
Today, 24 May, the NPCC and College of Policing have launched the Police Race Action Plan, designed to improve policing for Black people.
The plan aims to address race disparities affecting Black people and change the distrust that some Black people have in the policing service. It sets out several commitments that are aimed at helping to build an anti-racist police service.
Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward has voiced his support for the plan and described how it will be brought into the force.
“We are fully behind this plan in Lincolnshire, and I am committed to working to ensure its ambitions become a reality. It’s not enough that we simply do not tolerate racism, we must actively seek it out, stand up to it, and drive it out, wherever we might find it. We want to make sure we are an anti-racist force that serves all our communities with fairness and impartiality and that it is one which Black people can trust.
“Policing has come a long way, it is more inclusive, diverse and representative of our communities than ever, but there is more to do, and this national plan helps set the challenge and the standard. This is a vital piece of work in policing because it demonstrates our zero-tolerance approach to racism in the service. This is more than just looking at policing culture and overt behaviours, which we are already doing, – we need to examine our policies, practices and procedures to look at where pockets of discrimination might exist against Black communities and understand how they got there. By doing that we can eradicate them from the service and make sure they don’t creep back in.
“Since becoming Chief Constable I have made clear to the entire workforce of Lincolnshire Police my beliefs and subsequent expectations around inclusion and diversity. They are that we make sure that race, diversity, and inclusion is something that runs through the very heart of our culture and is just who we are. I want to ensure that we treat everybody fairly and with respect, regardless of their background, their religion, their beliefs, their race, their sexuality, their gender, the colour of their skin, and that we make sure we are the people who uphold the highest standards in society.
“We are moving forward positively. In the last few months alone, we have started taking a renewed look at our internal culture, practices, behaviours and values, and have been encouraging and having challenging conversations about these issues. We know that the vast majority of police officers and staff do not tolerate racism and come into work every day determined to deliver a high standard of policing to people in Lincolnshire, and we want to make sure that is replicated in all areas of the organisation.
“Now, the next steps for us are that we begin to look in detail at the actions set out in the plan and start to devise our own delivery and development plan.”
Encanto, Harry Potter and West Side Story will all be shown during a three-day outdoor cinema experience at Lincolnshire Showground in September.
Tickets are on sale for West Side Story (2021) (September 16, gates open 6.30pm), Disney’s Encanto (September 17, gates open 6pm), and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (September 18, gates open 6.30pm) priced at £14.50 for a standard adult ticket, with customers advised to bring their own blanket and camping chair.
A VIP ticket priced at £20.50 includes a ‘luxury deck chair in a prime position’ and a 90g bag of sweet and salty popcorn, while child tickets cost £9.50.
Standard tickets are available for all three film showings at the time of publication, but the VIP tickets for Harry Potter have sold out, so it is advised to book quickly. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hot food, snacks and a bar will be available on site, as well as toilets including accessible facilities. Picnics are welcome, but alcohol must be purchased on site only.
There will be music to enjoy before all three films with soundtracks of specially curated songs for Harry Potter and Encanto. There will be a soundtrack of songs from musicals over the years before the showing of West Side Story.
The events are run by Adventure Cinema and will go ahead even if it’s raining, but the organisers are hoping for a nice dry weekend.
An overnight road closure will be in place next month as a level crossing in Boston is upgraded to improve reliability for key freight services travelling to and from the town’s port.
A section of the A16 (Spalding Road) will be closed from 7pm on Saturday, June 11 until 2pm on Sunday, June 12 to allow engineers to safely replace over 140 metres of rail through the Boston Bypass level crossing.
Teams will work through the night to get the road ready to reopen for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists as soon as the upgrade is complete.
A signed diversion will be in place throughout to help people get to their destinations.
Vincent Briggs, East Midlands Route Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said: “This essential work will allow us to reliably transport vital freight goods to and from the town’s port for many years to come.
“We will need to close a major road into Boston to complete the upgrade safely, and I’m sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
“We’ll be doing the work overnight and have worked with Lincolnshire County Council to keep the impact as low as possible.”
Andy Lawrence, Port of Boston Director for Victoria Group, added: “The Port of Boston are delighted that the upgrade is taking place. It is great for the network connection we have from the Port of Boston and the 260,000 tonnes a year of cargo that we put over it.
“This enables us to keep lorries off the road and dramatically reducing our carbon footprint by utilising rail.
“Rail Freight was important for the Port in 1884, when it was built, and it remains equally, if not more important in 2022, and the future, as we strive to divert even more cargo to the rail mode of transport, direct from a seaport.”
The country is set to embark on a weekend-long celebration of Queen Elizabeth II, as Her Royal Highness reaches her Platinum Jubilee – marking 70 years at the front of the British monarchy.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations will take place from June 2 to 5 this year, and she will be the first British monarch to reach 70 years of service once the date arrives.
In anticipation of the momentous occasion, communities across Lincolnshire have been making big plans to celebrate our longest serving monarch in a variety of ways.
From street parties to free rollercoaster rides, these are some of the exciting events planned across the county for the Platinum Jubilee.
Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway
Commemorative headboards will be on board the trains at the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway on the jubilee weekend. | Photo: Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway
Heritage trains on the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway will join in with the celebrations for two days of the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend.
On Thursday, June 2, one of the line’s heritage diesel locomotives will operate services, and the 1903 vintage steam locomotive Jurassic will pull trains for most of Saturday, June 4.
Commemorative jubilee headboards will be carried on the trains, and you can get a £2 return or a £5 ticket for a family of two adults and three children.
Metheringham
Metheringham playing field. | Photo: Metheringham Football Club
Starting with a parade from Fen Road up to the playing field where the festivities are planned, the Metheringham community has arranged a jubilee event that boasts something for everyone, rounded off with fireworks of course.
There will be celebrity guest appearances from James Hooton and Jeff Hordley, who play Sam and Kane Dingle on ITV soap opera Emmerdale, as well as cream tea taster sessions, have-a-go sessions at the Bowls club, tug of war competitions and even a pet show to display your adorable animals.
The Odyssey at Fantasy Island. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The theme park in Ingoldmells on the Lincolnshire coast is providing a wonderful offer to mark the Platinum Jubilee weekend, allowing free rides on a temporarily-renamed attraction.
On Thursday, June 2, Fantasy Island-goers will be able to go on the Platinum Jubilee Odyssey ride free of charge, so long as you are tall enough and the weather behaves on the day!
Reaching speeds of 62mph on board, it is surely the most adrenaline-fuelled way to celebrate the milestone of Her Royal Highness.
Lincoln Castle
| Photo: Lincoln Castle
Celebrations will also be coming to one of the most picturesque areas of Lincoln this jubilee weekend, as Lincoln Castle plays host to a beacon lighting event on Thursday, June 2.
There will be live entertainment courtesy of a piper and the Lincoln Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, as well as the lighting of two beacons from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Mayor of Lincoln.
It is an action-packed weekend for the people in Boston, with everything from a Royal Coffee Morning at the library to a chariot or palace Lego design competition.
Family fun days are in order, as well as a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral, a picnic in the park at Kirton, and a screening of the trooping of the colour.
To find out the full list of events taking place in Boston, visit the Platinum Jubilee website and search for your local area.
Belton House
Belton House. | Photo: Belton House NT Facebook page
The Grade I listed country house near Grantham will be opening its doors for a free celebration of the Platinum Jubilee on Sunday, June 5.
There will be lawn games, jubilee-themed crafts and even a royal picnic for all the family to enjoy.
You can discover the long history of the royal connections of the Brownlow family inside the mansion, as well as a new exhibition of coronation outfits. Check the Belton House website for availability.
Lincoln BIG Augmented Reality trail
The characters can be scanned with a QR code on a smartphone. | Photo: Lincoln BIG
Lincoln Business Improvement Group often put on citywide events for big occasions, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is no different, with a free story trail placed across Lincoln for any and everyone to take part in.
An innovative augmented reality trail, running from April 30 to June 12, will see cute characters placed at seven different stops in Lincoln, all being part of a story that you can choose from your smartphone. Visit the Platinum Jubilee Beacon Trail website for more information.
Once you find these characters and log it on your phone, they will be brought to life on your screen and you can take selfies with them! It takes around 45 minutes to complete the trail and is free to take part in – with a digital fun pack for all who finish it.
Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k
A picture taken from the 2017 Great Grimsby 10k. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
It may not be to everyone’s tastes, but the Great Grimsby 10k race will coincide with the jubilee weekend, taking place on Sunday, June 5. Entries are still open as well for anyone who wants to celebrate with some exercise.
Those living along the race route are being invited to celebrate with neighbours and cheer on runners, while a jubilee picnic in the park event is also being held at People’s Park.
Tasty food and drink stalls will be at the picnic, as well as live music and walkabout entertainment, plus the chance for children to design their own crowns and take part in a procession around the park.
Market Rasen Racecourse
Market Rasen Racecourse. | Photo: Market Rasen Racecourse / On Track Media
A day at the races can be great fun in its own right, but Market Rasen Racecourse is taking it to the next level with a jubilee themed garden party.
Taking place on Friday, June 3, there will be a full headline concert from rock orchestra the Queen Symphonic immediately after the racing.
Queen Symphonic celebrate and perform the greatest hits from legendary rock band Queen, bringing together stars from the We Will Rock You musical in the form of a band and symphony orchestra.
Horncastle
Taken at celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday, and something similar has been planned. | Photo: Horncastle History & Heritage Society
Horncastle Town Council has planned an extra special lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon at the historic deer park in Scrivelsby on Thursday, June 2, complete with a firework display.
The council will create an enchanted park thanks to a grant from Lincolnshire Community Foundation and Arts Council England, with the park being decorated with lights and illuminated with colour.
There will also be a free light-based craft activity, a lion fire sculpture created by artists, live music, a bar and space for picnics. Gates open at 7pm and entry to the event will be £5, with booking made essential via email at [email protected].