A MAN has been jailed for three and a half years for threatening and robbing a shop work in Harlow with a steak knife.

Richard Wright, 45, of Commonside Road, Harlow, received 42 months for robbery and 12 months concurrent for possession of a knife at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday, May 22.

He previously admitted the offences at the same court on Monday, May 13.

At around 7.45pm on Monday, March 26, 2018, Wright entered Co-Op in Bush Fair and asked a woman for a box of cigarettes.

As the worker opened the till to take payment, Wright pulled out a knife and held it against her stomach.

Fearing for her safety, the woman handed over a three-figure sum of cash.

Wright left the store but left his fingerprint on the cigarette packet.

He was identified through forensic and CCTV enquiries and he was arrested the following day.

Investigating officer DC Lauren Strangward, of Harlow CID, said: “Wright walked into a shop armed with a knife, asked for a packet of cigarettes and pulled out his weapon once the till was open.

“He then threatened to harm the woman before leaving, not realising he’d left his fingerprints on the cigarette box.

“Wright is well-known to our officers and it didn’t take us long to identify, locate and arrest him.

“His actions that day were calculative and left innocent shop worker, who was simply doing her job, extremely shaken. I hope Wright’s sentence offers some comfort to her.”

THE Changing Lives Project based in Harlow has successfully secured £10,000 of funding from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to support young people and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Harlow.

The Project was established in 2018 by David Simmons (Flick Trick Sports) and Ben Doyle (SK Sports) and aims to provide positive, sports based activities to engage young people and keep them away from a life of crime. The Project works across different schools in Harlow and with Essex Police and Harlow Council to identify young people that are vulnerable to criminal exploitation. The project offers them free sports taster sessions combined with focused mentoring.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: “Providing engaging and tailored activity to young people, who are vulnerable to being exploited by criminal gangs can drastically reduce the risk of them getting involved in criminal activity. With less people involved in gangs it is harder for them to commit crime, cause anti-social behaviour and exploit the vulnerable. Tackling the root causes of these problems will help create the safer and more secure communities we all want.

“This project will help to support vulnerable children and crack down on gangs and organised crime both of which are key priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.”

The sessions provided are allocated based on a young person’s needs with a variety of local groups involved including Flick Trick Sports, Harlow Rugby club, SK Sports, Integrity, Canons Brook Golf Club, Essex Cricket and Kazen Kai Martial Arts. Changing Lives also works closely with the NHS Harlow to run educational workshops involving dental care, eating healthily and keeping safe. Students that are involved in the project also engage in First Aid workshops as well as apprenticeship opportunities and employment after education.

David Simmons and Ben Doyle Directors of Changing Lives said: “Since we set up the project in 2018 we have worked with over a thousand young people across the district providing a range of different sporting activities, educational assemblies, sports camps, mentoring sessions and 1:1 workshops. It is really positive that many of the vulnerable young people we worked with early on in the project are now living safer lives, changing other people’s lives and becoming mentors within the project. This extra funding, along with the support from Essex Police, will help us to reach even more young people over the coming years.

“A key focus for us is ensuring we are reaching the right children and offering the right support. The more we can work with schools, councils, NHS and the police the better targeted we can make our services and the bigger difference we can make in Harlow and surrounding areas.

“We collect children that have been referred to us from the schools by mini bus so gang members cannot recruit from outside school, we also drop the children home or back to school after the project to provide a safe environment for the children.”

Vic Butler, Co- Principal of Mark Hall Academy said “Since arriving at Mark Hall Academy, Changing Lives have continued to do just that. Their main strategic role, includes every single aspect of behaviour management, intervention, alternative curriculum planning, delivery and quality assurance.”

CAN you help Essex Police find wanted William O’Reilly.

The 30-year-old is wanted for failing to appear in court to face a charge of harassment.

O’Reilly is around 5ft 9ins tall, of large build with blue eyes.

He has links to the Harlow and London areas.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

OFFICERS in Harlow are investigating following reports of cars being broken into in Rundells.

They were called to the road just before 3.30am on Friday, May 24.

Four men in dark clothing were seen on the estate at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101 and quote incident 100 of 24/05.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

TWO men who were found in possession of knife following a disturbance in Harlow have been jailed for a total of three years and one month.

At Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday, May 28, Ronnie Bromley, 25, of Berecroft, Harlow, received 18 months and Tevin Christy, 23, of Hookfield, Harlow, received 15 months for one count of possession of a knife.

They both pleaded guilty to the offence at previous hearings.

On Saturday, November 24, 2018, we received a call at 2.55am after Bromley attended hospital with a stab wound to the buttock following an incident in Market Square.

We reviewed CCTV of the incident and saw that Bromley, Christy and other men were involved in an altercation with a group of teenagers in an alleyway.

During the scuffle, Bromley and Christy passed a knife between them, however, Bromley was injured after being attacked by a 17-year-old boy.

Bromley was arrested that day, the 17-year-old was detained two days later and Christy was arrested on February 2.

Investigating officer DC Ryan Burgess, of Harlow CID, said: “This was an extremely serious incident in which Bromley was stabbed.

“It was only fortune that he survived his injuries.

“Bromley was not an innocent party in the incident and was armed with a knife. This knife was also passed to Christy during the disturbance.

“Both men insisted they were simply defending themselves, however, it is clear they were aggressors in a scuffle that saw one of them seriously injured.

“They will face the consequences of going out armed with a knife with their prison sentences.

“In relation to the 17-year-old, he has spent time in detention on remand and will have to abide to requirements of a community order, unpaid work, electronic tagging and a Criminal Behaviour Order.”

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in custody until appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, May 24, where he was made the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

He was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, threatening a person with a blade and violent disorder and was given a 30-month supervision order, 91 days of unpaid work and was made the subject of an electronically monitored curfew for six months.

The court also imposed a criminal behaviour order which prevents him from: entering Harlow town centre unless with an adult of for a pre-arranged appointment; carrying any knife or bladed article in public; and from associating with anyone named on the order. The order will last for 15-months.

A DRUG dealer has been ordered to pay back more than £34,000 or face an extra year in prison.

Craig Willis, 49, was jailed for four years at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 6 after pleading guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Officers had found cocaine, MDMA, ketamine and cannabis during a search of his home in Woodcroft, Harlow, in December last year.

A hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act was held at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, May 23, where a judge declared Willis had benefited from his crimes to the tune of £124,648.10.

Based on his available assets, a confiscation order was made for £34,644.59.

He must repay the money within three months or face an extra 12 months in prison.

A LARGE number of police vehicles descended on Arkwrights on Sunday afternoon.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called shortly after 3.30pm on Sunday, June 2 with reports of two men fighting at an address in Arkwrights.

“A 36-year-old man from Harlow was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) and remains in custody for questioning.

A WOMAN has been charged with assaulting seven police officers.

Officers were called to a disturbance at the Travelodge in Edinburgh Gate, Harlow, shortly after 7.55pm on Sunday, June 2.

Morrell Elliot, 21, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged this afternoon, Monday, June 3 with seven counts of assaulting an emergency worker, one count of assault by beating, and one count of criminal damage.

She is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

DRUG driving arrests have more than doubled this year, providing a clear focus for this summer’s drink and drug driving crackdown.

Between January and March 2018 there were 224 drug driving arrests but that figure has more than doubled to 470 during the same period this year.

That’s contributed to a 50 per cent rise in all drink and drug driving related arrests during the first three months of this year.

Acting Chief Inspector Sharn Taylor, Head of Roads Policing, said: “We’ve seen a big rise in the number of people arrested on suspicion of drug driving in recent months and it’s a real concern.

“Drug driving arrests outstripped drink driving arrests for the first time ever last November and since then we’ve regularly seen more arrests for it.

“It is totally unacceptable. Taking drugs like cocaine and cannabis is illegal anyway but to then get behind the wheel of a car, putting your life at risk as well as other road users, is reckless and we won’t stand for it.

“Could you live with yourself if you had a crash because you were drunk and you seriously injured or killed someone?

“More officers than ever are trained and equipped with drug wipes meaning if you drug drive we’re even more likely to catch you, arrest you, and get you off the road.

“My officers will be carrying proactive operations throughout the summer as well as acting on intelligence and stopping people driving erratically.

“If get caught drink or drug driving you could lose your licence. You could lose your job as a result and that could have a huge impact on you and your family.

“Simply, don’t do it. Our message this summer is drive safe, drive sober.”

Market Street covered to protect residents from antisocial behaviour

NEW CCTV cameras have been installed by Harlow Council in a part of Old Harlow that has previously been affected by antisocial behaviour.

Market Street is now covered by 27 high-definition cameras that can be used to identify anyone engaging in antisocial behaviour or criminal activity in the area.

The cameras, which have motion detection features, optical and digital zoom and infrared technology, cover the Market Street/Station Road junction and High Street. They are monitored by the Council’s Community Safety Team. CCTV also covers the Town Centre and shopping hatches around Harlow, as well as flat blocks.

Commenting on the new cameras, Alan Howick, Director of Howick & Brooker Partnership in Old Harlow, said:

“We are pleased with the Harlow Council investment with CCTV for the Old Harlow neighbourhood. We have been at the corner of the High Street since 1978 and have sadly witnessed the decline in social behaviour in recent years that has triggered this initiative.

“I dearly hope it helps to restore common sense and respect for others and their property but most important, those families who live here that make up the Old Harlow Community.”

Councillor Eugenie Harvey, Portfolio Holder for Community and Wellbeing, said:

“I am pleased we have found the resources to take strong action to combat an issue that has been having an impact on the residents of Market Street and the surrounding area.

“The safety or our residents and visitors to Harlow is important to us and we hope that the installation of these cameras will help to reassure the public. I am confident that the cameras will prove to be a valuable asset in helping to prevent antisocial behaviour and criminal activity, and assisting with the detection of crime if it does occur.”

2300 hrs

A Section 60 has been authorised in Harlow.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called shortly before 9pm, this evening, Friday, June 7 with reports that a man had been stabbed near to the bus terminal on Terminus Street, Harlow.

“Officers and paramedics arrived and a man in his late teens was taken to hospital by air ambulance with serious but non-life-changing injuries.

“In order to prevent any further violent incidents from occurring, a Section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 authority has been authorised across Harlow town centre.

This means that until 3.45am on Saturday, June 8, Constables in uniform can use this power to stop and search anyone, specifically to prevent and detect the carrying of dangerous instruments or offensive weapons. Reasonable grounds for suspicion are not required to exercise a Section 60 search.

The map attached outlines the area which is covered by the Section 60.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or any suspicious behaviour in the area around this time are asked to contact Harlow police station on 101, quoting incident 1167.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

2230 hrs

A number of police officers stand guard at a sealed off area on Terminus Street.

2200 hrs

EMERGENCY services have been in attendance on Terminus Street, Harlow.

Air ambulance as well as land ambulances plus police vehicles attended.

YH has contacted the relevant press offices.

More follows.

ESSEX Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the death of Stuart Lubbock to come forward.

Father-of-two Mr Lubbock was found in the swimming pool of a property, belonging to Michael Parker (also known as Michael Barrymore) in Roydon on March 31 2001.

The 31-year-old from Harlow was taken to hospital where he sadly later died.

Mr Lubbock had suffered multiple injuries and his death remains unexplained.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Smith, head of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “The investigation into Stuart’s death, and how he sustained such serious injuries is still open.”

“We owe it to him and to his family to piece together exactly what happened in the swimming pool at Mr Barrymore’s home in March 2001.”

Although it has been 18-years since Stuart’s tragic death, the pain of his loss and not really knowing what happened to him is no less painful for his father and family – they still want and need answers.

The passing of time can mean that loyalties change and we would urge anyone who now wishes to come forward to us with information about Stuart’s death, to do so – it’s never too late to do the right thing.

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A THIRD Section 60 Authority has been authorised in Harlow town centre from 2pm today, Sunday, June 9, until midnight, to continue our work in preventing further violent incidents from occurring in the area.

A Section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 Authority allows Constables in uniform to use this power to stop and search anyone, specifically to prevent and detect the carrying of dangerous instruments or offensive weapons. Reasonable grounds for suspicion are not required to exercise a Section 60 search.

Since Friday, June 7, officers have conducted more than 150 searches under the Section 60 Authority and four people have been arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

“A Section 60 Authority is an effective tool to help my officers disrupt crime, take weapons off the streets and keep you safe” said Superintendent Craig Saunders.

“On Friday evening, a young man was stabbed and we are doing everything in our power stop this from happening again.

“The Section 60 allows officers to not only search for dangerous instruments and offensive weapons, but also acts as a deterrent to anyone thinking about carrying a weapon, such as a knife.

“I would like to thank members of the public and our local community in Harlow for their co-operation and support and will continue to work hard to ensure violent crime is prevented in our community”

Superintendent Saunders added: “Detectives continue to investigate the stabbing of an 18-year-old man on Terminus Street on Friday night, June 7 and are still appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to come forward.

“Please call the team at Harlow CID on 101 or alternatively information can been given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.”

Dear Editor,

I am a disabled resident of Harlow and have lived here for 50 years. It used to be a town to be proud of. Sadly it’s fast becoming a dirty, run down and unsettling place.

I rely on public transport due to my disabilities and over recent years the bus station has fallen further and further into a state of neglect. Drunks and drug addicts congregate on and under the steps to Terminus House often blocking access to the bus station. Shop doorways are being used as toilets with faeces and vomit being left for months on end. The pathways are filthy and poorly lit and more often than not large groups of young men hang around most of the day blocking the pathways arguing and shouting across walkways.

Given public transport is primarily used by the most vulnerable in society such as the elderly, disabled or young children who have no choice but to rely on buses this is unacceptable. I fear it is only a matter of time before there is a serious incident. Access is poor to these areas and there is no visibility to what is happening in the walk ways between the bus shelters and mostly run down or empty shops.

I rely on my bus pass to get my shopping but I and many many others are seriously concerned about the safety of these areas. Can you please raise this issue so that police presence can be increased to enforce the alcohol free zones which are supposed to be in place. Something needs to be done to clean up this area and improve access, lighting and visibility. Groups that loiter in the area need to be moved on to discourage the drug dealing that also goes on. You can see the trades bring made. It’s a crime hot spot and someone will be injured or worse if this is not cleaned up and allowed to escalate.

This town needs to be returned to something people can be proud of. Lack of cleanliness, safety and general policing can not be excused by difficult times or lack of funding. People deserve the right to feel safe going about their daily business, not living in fear and dread of what they might have to deal with just going to the shops.

Name and address supplied

This letter was sent to YourHarlow on Thursday.

A MAN has been charged after a taxi driver was assaulted in Harlow.

Anthony Olive, 27, of Cozens Lane West, Broxbourne, has been charged with assault by beating, following an incident in Red Lion Lane on February 14.

He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on May 1 and is due to stand trial at the same court on August 27.

HARLOW officers dealt with 18 people for suspected offences including possession of weapons and drugs after using stop and search powers over the weekend.

They were authorised to use powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 after a man was found with stab wounds in Terminus Street shortly before 9pm on Friday, June 7. The legislation gives officers the power to search people for dangerous objects and weapons without the need to have a reasonable suspicion, and was used to prevent further serious violence.

The 18-year-old victim was taken to hospital with wounds to his chest and abdomen. His injuries were not life threatening. A 21-year-old man who attempted to intervene and help him suffered a cut to his wrist.
The powers were authorised for use in Harlow town centre on Friday night through to the early hours of Saturday; Saturday night through to the early hours of Sunday, and on Sunday afternoon through to midnight.

Officers searched 267 people. Of those, four were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, one was arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft, and two were arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft.

Eleven were dealt with for drugs offences and one had their vehicle seized under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

District commander Chief Inspector Matt Cornish said: “The decision to use a Section 60 power is never taken lightly and we only used them for as long as we felt it was necessary.

“On this occasion, we had a man who was seriously injured and reports of up to eight suspects, at least one of them armed with a knife.

“We felt these extra powers were needed to keep people safe and swiftly deal with anyone intent on committing crime.

“Although those who were stopped were not found to be connected to the stabbing incident, we were able to deal with them for other matters.”

Enquiries remain ongoing into the stabbing on Friday night.

Investigating officer DC Ryan Burgess said: “From our early enquiries, we believe a fight ensued between the victim and a number of other people.

“We are reviewing CCTV and look for the suspects.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or can help us identify who was involved.”

Call Harlow CID on 101 quoting reference 42/89532/19.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

ESSEX Police would like to talk to Ryan Griffin, 35, from Loughton, who is wanted for breaching a court order.

Griffin is of a medium build, around 6ft 1ins and has cropped hair with a side parting and a short cropped brown beard.

He has links to Suffolk, Harlow and Loughton.

Anyone with information is asked to call Loughton police station quoting 42/65511/19 on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

THE ‘Parents, Did You Know?’ campaign is launching a number of events across Essex over the coming year which parents can sign up to, or just drop by on the day.

The events will be run by the Essex Safeguarding Children Board in partnership with Barnardo’s and The Children’s Society and will feature the topics criminal exploitation, gangs, sexual exploitation, missing children, trafficking & online exploitation.

They will provide an opportunity to have direct conversations with a range of services, including Essex Police, Essex Children’s Social Care, The Children’s Society, Barnardo’s, and other partner organisations.
If you are interested in attending any of our talks listed below, please pre-book your free place using the links below. Refreshments and goodie bags will be provided to all attendees.

Harlow Playhouse, Saturday 15th June 10am – 4pm

‘The Real World vs The Virtual World’ – 10:10-10:40 & 12:10-12:40
Gangs and youth violence awareness session – 11:10-11:40
Exploitation and Violence: A case study and Essex Police response – 13:10-13:40
Talking with your teenager about risks online ‘Brecks Last Game’ – 14:10-14:40
Exploitation and Grooming: What to Look Out For – 15:10-15.40

ESSEX Police are putting a dispersal order in place in Harlow in response to a planned car meet at the Oaks Retail Park.

The order will be in place between 6pm on Saturday, June 15 and 2am on Sunday, June 16 and is aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour connected to the meet.

Inspector Tony Walker, from the Harlow Community Policing Team, said: “Previous events like this have led to an increase in complaints to us about anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving.

“Preventing anti-social behaviour and ensuring road safety continues to be a priority for us which is why we’re taking this action.

“The dispersal order gives us the power to issue a direction to leave to anyone has committed, or is likely to commit, anti-social behaviour.

“They will not be allowed to return to that area for 48 hours and if they fail to comply they’ll face arrest.”

ESSEX Police were called to reports of a man found collapsed in Potter Street, Harlow at around 7.45pm on Friday, June 14.

When they attended we found the man had sustained facial injuries.

Through their investigations we believe he may have been assaulted in Carters Mead at around 5.40pm on the same day.

If you have any information about that incident please call us on 101 quoting incident 1084 of June 14 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.