A wife has paid tribute to her “gorgeous husband” of eight weeks, who died after being assaulted in Harlow.

Police were called with reports of a fight at the Poplar Kitten pub in Tawneys Road just after 10.40pm on Thursday, August 17.

A 48-year-old man from Harlow suffered a head injury and was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge where he sadly died on Saturday, August 19.

Police are now able to identify him as Andrew Watt, of Bush Fair.

His wife Sarah Watt said: “Tragically my best friend and gorgeous husband was taken away from me.

“We had only been married for eight weeks. Our wedding day was the most amazing day of our lives. He was the love of my life.

“Andy was the most infectious person I have ever known. He was loving, caring, funny, and a fantastic friend, brother, nephew and son. His friends and family are devastated, as am I, and we are going to miss him dearly.

“He was a popular figure who was loved by all. But most of all of he was my husband, who I miss more than words can ever say.

“I am absolutely heartbroken.

“I wish for privacy at this time so please give me time to grieve.”

Two men aged 23 and 26 from Harlow were arrested on suspicion of GBH and released on bail until September 15, pending further enquiries.

POLICE are investigating an incident after a football match where a player is alleged to have threatened his opponents with acid.

The incident occurred at a match on Saturday August 19th between Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves and Thurrock Reserves in the Essex Senior League.

A scuffle took place at the end of the game. A player is then alleged to have gone to the changing rooms and returned with a bottle of liquid, threatening to spray it in people’s faces.

It has yet to be established which team the suspect represented.

Chief Inspector Gerry McDonald said: “We believe there was an inference that the bottle contained a harmful substance. We are currently investigating this serious allegation, and we would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the disturbance after the match or who may have captured it on their phones.

“We’ve sent the bottle to be analysed by the chemical, biological, radiological nuclear explosive team (CBRNe).”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting A4/17/550. You can also report information using our online form at www.contacthertspolice.uk/Report

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.

YT understands that no-one was injured during incident.

YT has contacted representatives of both clubs and am awaiting a substantive reply.

AN additional crackdown, aimed at targeting offenders downloading taking and distributing indecent images of children online will be extended for another six months.

In November last year, using an intelligence-led approach, a dedicated team of specialist officers have targeted those involved in the downloading taking and distribution of indecent images of children.

The team, working alongside and in support of Essex Police’s existing specialist Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) and Child Abuse Investigation Teams (CAIT), executed 44 warrants and arrested 43 people.

A total of 29 suspected offenders have now been charged and a further 11 have been sentenced. Through the operation other offences such as voyeurism, possession of controlled substances and possession of ammunition have been discovered. In total 46 children have been safeguarded throughout the course of the crackdown.
Essex Police can now announce that the additional officers will continue their crackdown on these offenders until March 2018. Their work will continue to support the ongoing work of our existing specialist teams.

In recent days five suspects, who were all arrested during the crackdown, have admitted possessing hundreds of indecent images of children between them and have been sentenced.
Det Chief Insp Jon Burgess, of Essex Police’s Crime and Public Protection Command, said: “I am delighted that this crackdown will continue for another six months.

“It’s important to remember that this team of specialist officers are an additional resource, working in support of our existing POLIT and CAIT teams, to bring even more offenders of this heinous crime to justice.

“The continuation of this crackdown demonstrates our force’s continued and tireless commitment to identify those involved in the viewing, making and distribution of indecent images of children so that we can bring them to justice.

“Nothing is more important than protecting our children, and every child in every indecent image has been abused and exploited.”
Det Sgt Ashley Howard, who has led the team of extra officers, added: “The offenders we have brought to justice so far have seen their lives changed forever.

“They have been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for several years – affecting their future ability to gain employment – they have been made the subject of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPO) and ordered to carry out unpaid work and rehabilitation programmes.

“Our knock on the door of suspected offenders has also changed their family lives beyond recognition.

“Our message has and always will be clear – do not download or view indecent images of children. It is a crime and we will continue to target those who participate in the abuse of children by viewing this imagery.”

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which is the only UK-wide child protection charity focused solely on preventing child sexual abuse, offers support to adults concerned about their sexual thoughts and behaviour towards children.

The charity runs Stop it Now! – a child sexual abuse prevention campaign and helplineFor more information on how Stop it Now! helps people address their online behaviour, please visit the website www.stopitnow.org.uk or call the confidential Stop it Now! Helpline on 0808 1000 900.

HARLOW police appear to be no further forward in getting to the bottom of four serious assaults that took place in July.

YH asked Essex Police for an update at the weekend and will continue to keep tabs on the investigations.

The four assaults were as follows:

1. July 3rd: Man found with serious head injury in Harlow.

http://www.yourharlow.com/2017/07/04/man-found-with-serious-head-injury-in-longfield/

A man in his 20s, was arrested in connection with the incident, but faces no further action. Enquiries continue.

2. July 18th: Liquid attack in Longfield

http://www.yourharlow.com/2017/07/18/man-sprayed-with-chemicals-in-road-rage-attack-in-harlow/

3. July 18th: Aggravated burglary in Glebelands

http://www.yourharlow.com/2017/07/19/armed-robbery-in-glebelands/

4. July 23rd: Stabbing on Post Office Walk.

http://www.yourharlow.com/2017/07/23/man-in-serious-condition-after-stabbing-near-post-office-walk/

A CAR was stolen between 11pm and 6.30am in Hookfield overnight (Tuesday).

A red Citroen Grand Picasso C4 reg number AU59 YNV with three children’s car seats and a pram.

If anyone knows where it is please e mail us at newsdesk@yourthurrock.com

EMERGENCY services staff will be holding a 999 open day this weekend to give visitors a unique insight into their work.

Ambulance, fire and police will be at the free event, at Harlow Fire Station on Saturday (2nd September) between 10am-4pm.

The open day will give people the chance to find out more about the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), meet ambulance staff and volunteers, and explore inside an ambulance and other emergency services vehicles.

There will also be a road traffic collision mock up, fire safety games, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sessions and a cake sale.

A HARLOW man has detailed his movements on the day he is alleged to have attempted to murder a man in The Downs.

Osa Akapta, aged 21, was charged with attacking Robert Summerville on Thursday January 26th, 2017.

Akapta described how he and Charlie Knight took the train from Bishops Stortford (where he lived) to Harlow Town.

They walked to the Greyhound Pub in the town park, where they met a friend called Tanishia Burkson.

From there she drove them to her house in The Gardiners in Church Langley area of the town.

After an hour the two males walked to the Co-Op at Manor Hatch on Tumbler Road.

The court had earlier heard that CCTV had identified them at the shops.

The two then walked down Nicholls Field. Akapta then told the court that he informed Knight that he had to go and see his grandparents, Clive and Marie Shaw in Abbotsweld.

They split up. He went there, let himself in with a key but no-one was home. He tidied up, had something to eat. He rang his grandparents but they told him they would not be back until 6pm.

He then received a call from Knight who informed him that he had been involved in trouble. They agreed to meet up at the back of Nicholls Tower.

When they met, Knight explained to him that he had gone to The Downs area to buy some cannabis and there had been an altercation between men called Paul Stallman, Abdul and Robert Summerville.

Knigh further detailed to Akpata that he pulled out hammer and Abdul possessed a screwdriver. Throughout the testimony, Akpata did not give a surname to Abdul but at the end he called him Abdul Qufer

Akpata arranged for Knight to stay at Tanishia Burkson’s place in Church Langley.

Defence counsel asked Akpata if he had made attempts, in the eight months he had been in custody to trace Ms Burkson but he stated that he could not get hold of her.

The court heard that the police had not traced Tanishia Burkson. They were also informed that Akpata’s grandparents were not called due to the accused’s concerns for his grandfather’s health.

===========

Before he took to the witness box, the jury were presented with a “Statement of Facts”.

The court heard a statement from the man who was attacked, Robert Summerville.

Mr Summerville did not attend court to give evidence and so his statement was read out.

He described how on Thursday January 27th, he had walked from Wetherspoons in Harlow Town Centre to The Downs area.

He saw two males at a phone box, a comment was made and he was the aware of being struck from behind. He recalled that the next thing he remembers was waking up in the hospital.

The court heard that Mr Summerville suffered a number of injuries including a laceration to the nose, a punctured lung and a number of breakages.

=================

The court the heard from Detective Constable Canning who gave details to the court of the arrest and subsequent interview under caution of Akpata.

He also detailed the search of Akpata’s flat at the YMCA in Bishops Stortford. During the search, six mobile phones were found plus four knives.

DC Canning revealed that during the interview, Akpata was asked a number of questions but remained silent throughout.

=====================

On the first full day of the trial, the co-accused, Charlie Knight pled guilty to wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

Charlie Knight, 19, of Broadgate in Sutton St, Edmund, Spalding will be sentenced at a further date.

===================

A man in his 20s has suffered ‘life-changing injuries’ following a fight in Harlow.

It’s believed he was stabbed in the arm with a glass bottle during the incident which happened on Post Office Walk just before 5am on Sunday morning.

Another 21-year-old man was also taken to hospital with minor injuries, while an 18-year-old woman didn’t require any treatment.

Witnesses or anyone with information relating to the incident are asked to contact Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A MAN has been charged for driving on the hard shoulder on the M11 near Harlow.

Yaroslav Orishko, aged 47, of Jervis Avenue, Enfield was charged with the following.
Middlesex

On 21/05/2017 at Stansted drove a vehicle, namely VOLVO S40, on the hard shoulder or emergency refuge area of the M11 Junction 7 towards 8.

He was fined at total of £767.00

A DRUG dealer, found with 24 wraps of heroin and a combat knife, has been jailed for six years.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how members of the Harlow Council Community Safety Team spotted 20-year-old Bradley Boateng in Harlow on May 25 this year. They contacted Essex Police after becoming suspicious that he was dealing drugs.

Officers from the force’s West Operation Raptor team went to the area and spotted Boateng leaving a house in The Briars, Harlow. He was stopped by officers and searched and found to be in possession of a five-inch combat knife.

Officers then carried out a search of the house Boateng had come from where they found £430 in cash, 24 wraps of the Class A drug heroin and various items of drug paraphernalia including scales and a grinder.

A warrant was also executed at Boateng’s home in Fairview Close, Walthamstow where officers found a further £300 in cash, six bags of cannabis and letters making references to gangs.

Boateng was charged and pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug, possessing a knife in a public place, possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.

He was given a total of six years in prison and the court ordered the forfeiture of the cash, knife and drugs.

Following the sentencing Sgt James Paget of the West Operation Raptor team said: “This case demonstrates partnership working at its best.

“Our colleagues from the Harlow Council Community Safety Team were rightly suspicious of Boateng and told us straight-away enabling us to search him, arrest him and seize a sizeable knife and Class A drugs.

“We have now succeeded in removing a drug dealer, Class A and Class B drugs and a dangerous weapon from the streets of Essex.

“Whether it is our partners or members of the community, we will act on tip-offs about gang and drug-related crime in the community.”

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle drug and gang-related crime.

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community contact Essex police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NOTES TO EDITORS

A MAN from Harlow has been found guilty of attempted murder of a man in The Downs.

The jury of six men and six women returned a unanimous verdict at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday morning.

Osa Akapta, aged 21, of YMCA, Bishops Stortford, was charged with attacking Robert Summerville on Thursday January 26th, 2017.

His accomplice, Charlie Knight pled guilty to wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon at the beginning of the trial.

Osa’s defence hinged on identification. He had claimed that he was at his grandparents house in Abbotsweld whilst the offence took place.

It appears he was depending on whether anyone could without a doubt identify him from CCTV footage of him running away from the scene.

Atapak will be sentenced at a later date.

HARLOW: Drug dealer found with 42 wraps is jailed; 06/09/2017

A DRUG dealer found with 42 wraps of Class A drugs hidden in his boxer shorts has been jailed for three years.

Acting on information, officers from the West Operation Raptor team searched a house in The Dashes, Harlow on Sunday June 25 this year.

Once inside they found 19-year-old Jeff Pindi-Camara asleep on a sofa. They searched him and found he was concealing 42 wraps of crack and heroin in his boxer shorts. He was also found with cannabis and cash.

Pindi-Camara of Blackshaw Road, London was charged with two counts of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and possessing a Class B drug.

He admitted both charges at Chelmsford Crown Court and was jailed for three years. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and cash.

Following the sentencing Sgt James Paget of the West Operation Raptor team said: “We welcome yet another positive result from the court.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness with which Class A drug dealing is treated by both Essex Police and our criminal justice partners.

“Those involved in the supply of Class A drugs thrive on exploitation and perpetuate lives of misery for drug users and their families, but also for their wider public, whose communities are blighted by the effects of drug use.

“As shown in these cases, it is common for the supply of Class A drugs to go hand in hand with the routine carrying of weapons and the use of violence.

“Operation Raptor officers are on the street every day and are tireless in their pursuit of Class A drug dealers. It is only a matter of time until they are caught and are subjected to the full weight of the law.”

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle drug and gang-related crime.
Anyone with information about drug or gang-related crime in their community can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A MAN will appear in court today (Friday, September 8) to face a number of charges, brought in connection with an incident in Post Office Walk, Harlow, on Sunday, September 3.

Thokozani Shiri, 19, of no fixed abode, was remanded in police custody to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

He has been charged with two counts of assault, and a public order offence.

A TEENAGER, found guilty of killing Arek Jozwik in Harlow has been sentenced to three years in detention.

The sixteen-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, killed Arkadiusz Jozwik with a single punch in The Stow area of the town in August 2016.

The sixteen year old appeared in the dock at Chelmsford Crown Court in front of a packed gallery that included members of his family, friends as well as a large press gallery.

The youth was dressed in black trousers and a white shirt.

In front of Judge Patricia Lynch. QC, sentencing proceedings were opened by prosecutor, Rosina Cottage QC.

Judge Lynch had made it clear to the press that all details except the defendant’s name could be referred to.

Reference to two previous convictions by the defendant were made. Both committed since the killing of Mr Jozwik. They also detailed that he was on bail at the time of the killing.

The two offences were: the possession of an offensive weapon and threatening and intimidation of police officers. But later on, Judge Lynch said she had “disregarded them” in sentencing.

Two victim impact statements were read out in court. One from Arek Jozwik’s brother, Radek, and one from his mother, Ewa.

His brother’s statement spoke of the overwhelming loss and sense of grief for his brother. The statement described a loving uncle who played football with his nephew.

Radek Jozwik detailed his health problems since the killing as well as sense of fear that prompted him to install CCTV in his house.

Arek’s mother’s statement was read out as well. Ewa Jozwik referred to seeing her son in the hospital and wishing he would wake up. Her statement said: “I just want to hug him again.”

Mrs Jozwik said that she still visits The Stow, where his portrait remains.

“He wanted to stay here and he is buried here. At his funeral, people who knew him remembered him as a good, calm person. ‘You were a dream, now you are a memory’ are the words we placed on his gravestone.

=============

Ms Cottage QC then referred back to the case and sentencing guidelines. She said the case showed “no serious harm was intended by the punch but harm was likely”.

But reference was once again made to the effect of alcohol had on the behaviour of Mr Jozwik and the other Polish male at the scene.

At the point, Judge Lynch spoke to refer to sentencing guidelines.

She said: “Each manslaughter case is taken on a case by case basis. For adults, a sentence between six and seven years is considered. Fo juveniles we may consider half to two-thirds.

“With juveniles, we have to take into consideration, the primary motive of rehabilitation”.

======

Defence councsel, Mr Upwood QC, then rose to speak. Again, he referred to the case and stated that “death was not due to the punch but the head of Mr Jozwik hitting the ground.”

“When the defendant was arrested, there were no marks on his hands”

He also referred to the conduct of Mr Jozwik and others in being “worse for drink, making racist remarks and they were considerably bigger and stronger than the youths.”

Mr Upwood made detailed reference to the family background of the defendant, describing a troubled family background. He also referred to the state of health of the defendant’s father.

Referring to psychological tests, Mr Upwood stressed that they detailed a youth that recognised what he had done and was remorseful. He was “polite and honest…he had a sense of disbelief at what had happened but also felt for Mr Jozwik’s family.”

==========

Judge Lynch then began her sentencing and once again referred to the guidelines.

She said: “Arek Jozwik’s death was a tragic event of a decent man in his prime of life.”

But the overarching principles of sentencing one so young as you, who was just sixteen in July is of rehabilitation.

“The reports refer to your remorse and sense of responsibility for what you did”.

(On both the occasions, the defendant nodded in response).

“Your psychological report describes a person much younger than fifteen years of age.

“But this is a crime so serious that I must impose a custodial sentence and it is of one of three years detention”.

As the judge rose, there were emotional outbursts from members of the guilty parties family.

=====

There will be further reaction to follow.

A teenager has been sentenced to three years in detention in connection with the death of a man in Harlow.

The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was convicted of the manslaughter of Arkadiusz Jozwik on July 31, following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Mr Jozwik, known as Arek, was assaulted in The Stow on August 27 last year.

He suffered a brain injury and a fractured skull. He never regained consciousness and died in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, on August 29.

The defendant, then aged 15, was arrested and later charged with manslaughter following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The teenager, from Harlow, denied the offence but was convicted by a jury. He was sentenced today, Friday September 8.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Jozwik’s mother, Ewa Jozwik, said: “I cannot come to terms that my loving son is no longer with us.

“All the time I can see in my mind the moment I saw him lying motionless in the hospital bed connected to the life support machine. I wanted him to wake up so badly.

“I think about him every day, I wish he could be with us. In moments like this I cannot hold back my tears. When I think about him, I always cry.

“He was healthy, a good person, and no-one had the right to take his life in such a way.

“The last year has been very difficult for our whole family.

“If not for my other son Radek, his wife and kids, I would not be able to cope.

“I came to England when my husband passed away. Arek followed shortly because he did not want to be in Poland alone. In the beginning we were living together and then my son found a place of his own nearby.

“He would visit often, come round for dinners and we would be inseparable.

“I know Arek was happy here. He felt at home in Harlow and he did not want to go back to Poland.

“He wanted to stay here and he is buried here. At his funeral, people who knew him remembered him as a good, calm person. ‘You were a dream, now
you are a memory’ are the words we placed on his gravestone.

“I do not wish upon any mother to have to bury her son and go through what I went through.

“Sometimes I think about the day he died. I remember our phone conversation when everything was fine, he was with his friends and finishing painting.

“The next day when I rang him, he did not answer. I deeply regret I did not even have a chance to say goodbye.”

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This has been a complex and difficult investigation and my thoughts very much remain with Mr Jozwik’s family, who have lost a dearly loved son and brother in the most tragic of circumstances. While nothing will ever bring Mr Jozwik back, now the court proceedings are over, I hope his family can somehow start to rebuild their lives.

“Essex Police, working in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service, has carried out a huge amount of work into trying to establish the course of events that led to Mr Jozwik’s death and to find the truth of what happened.

“Whatever the reason for the events of that night, the defendant deliberately used violence against Mr Jozwik.

“While he would not have intended for it to be a fatal blow, he made a decision to move deliberately behind the victim and take him by surprise with a forceful punch. He must have appreciated this would have caused harm.”

Harlow district commander Chief Inspector Matt Cornish said: “Mr Jozwik’s death last year left residents of our town deeply shocked and my thoughts remain with his family and friends.

“Tragic incidents such as these are extremely rare and Harlow remains a safe place to live, with a strong and resilient community.

“We have been working closely with residents, the Polish community and community leaders to listen to, and address, their concerns.

“A large amount of work has gone into tackling anti-social behaviour and crime, and this will carry on to ensure people feel safe and confident in reporting incidents to us.”

A HARLOW man is set to go to trial over an allegation that he possessed a false passport.

Chris Mensah, aged 37, of Coalport Close, Harlow is charged with the following.

Between 17/11/2016 and 22/11/2016, used or had possession of criminal property, namely £9750.00.

On 31/08/2017 at Harlow possessed or controlled an identity document that was false and that you knew or believed to be false, namely a false Netherlands identity card in the name of Chris Mensah, with the intention of using the document to establish personal information about you.

Mensah was remanded in custody until his next appearance in court on September 29th, 2017.

A MAN has received a suspended sentence and a fine after committing a hate crime in Harlow.

Matthew Browne, aged 33, of The Oasis Hotel, 2 Hart Road, Harlow pled guilty at Chelmsford magistrates court to the following

On 17/07/2017 at Harlow with intent to cause another harassment, alarm or distress used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress and the offence was racially aggravated within the terms of section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of assault.

Browne was given an 18 month suspended sentence, a supervision order and fined £205.

ESSEX Police have released an efit image of a woman they would like to speak with in connection to a burglary and a number of fraudulent incidents in Harlow.

It is believed that a woman has been targeting vulnerable people in their homes, claiming to be a charity representative collecting donations.

On Monday, August 28, the woman approached a house in Halling Hill, around 11am under the guise of a charity representative and asked to use the victim’s toilet. The victim, a woman in her late-80s, accommodated the woman’s request but then heard her in an upstairs bedroom. The victim confronted the woman and asked her to leave. Items had been disturbed in the bedroom, but it didn’t appear that anything had been taken.

Later, around 1.30pm, officers received reports that a woman matching the same description, had approached a number of houses in Long Ley, saying she was deaf and was collecting money for a deaf children’s charity. The woman didn’t have any ID on her or charity information.

Anyone who recognises the woman or has any information is asked to contact Pc Simon Roissetter at Harlow CID on 101. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For tips on how you can protect yourself, friends and family members visit www.essex.police.uk/advice.

POLICE investigating a fatal crash on the southbound M11 near Harlow are releasing CCTV footage to try and identify drivers who may have witnessed it.

A motorcyclist died following a collision with a car at around 11.35am on Thursday, August 31.

There are a number of drivers officers want to speak to whose cars were using that stretch of road in the minutes prior to the crash.

Acting Detective Sergeant James Lee, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It’s really important that we speak to these drivers as they may have seen the crash and have information that will assist the investigation team.

“The quality of the footage isn’t the best but if you know you were driving along that stretch of the M11 at that time and you think one of the cars highlighted is yours, then please get in contact.

“A man sadly lost his life and is crucial we establish what happened.”

Anyone with any information, or dash cam footage, is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.

POLICE investigating an assault in Harlow where a man was stabbed in the face are releasing a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to.

It happened in Bush Fair at around 10am on Sunday, June 25.

The victim, a man in his 30s, had been approached by a man who then attacked him, leaving him with life-changing injuries.

The attacker then ran off through the underpass at Southern Way towards Little Pynchons.

If you recognise the man or have any other information about this incident, contact Dc James Smith at Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.