FIBS NEWS DIRECT: THURSDAY, 24 APRIL 2003
Some Public Meeting items covered separately.
PARKING WOES:
John Street residents have reacted angrily to comments made at Tuesday night’s public meeting, after one person complained about vehicles now being parked on both sides of John Street, causing drivers to dodge stationary vehicles right outside the school. But it’s not their fault. It seems that the phantom yellow line painting maniac has been on the loose again. Residents reacted to the comments by saying that since the school has been built, yellow lines 15 metres up by the side of the road had been painted on, meaning that some of them can’t even park outside their own homes and so park on the other side. But, to make matters worse, they can only park in certain places as driveways get blocked. There might be a small glimmer of hope on the horizon, though, as one couple is building off-street parking.
GIBRALTAR FLIGHTS FROM SPAIN:
It seems that it’s not just the Falklands that have been involved in flight controversy recently. The Mayor of a Spanish city has issued a statement claiming that an aviation agreement is about to be finalised between Britain and Spain for three daily flights to Gibraltar. He says that the break-through has been possible because of new aviation regulations, which have been put into force this month. These give the CAA wider powers to establish new flight routs to overseas territories. A spokesman from the Gibraltar Government, though, says that they have no knowledge or involvement in the plan for the two daily flights between the Rock and Madrid.
MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULT CHARGES:
Jason Mark Henry has pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault. The Court heard yesterday how, on more than one occasion, he had harassed one of the complainants for sexual favours. And, it was only when one of these went a bit far and became a bit more serious that she became scared and reported the matter to her supervisor.
The prosecution said that the defendant had knocked on her door and had entered the cabin she lived in with her boyfriend, who was away on holiday. He was carrying a duvet, which he said was a present, and followed her into the bedroom. The prosecution described the incidents that followed as distressing and frightening for the complainant. After the investigation started, a second complainant came forward and said that she, too, had been subject of the unwanted attentions of the defendant, also on more than one occasion.
But there then became some confusion in the mitigation, with defence barrister Richard Marlor saying in the incident in the first woman’s cabin was not quite as bad as it was made out. Court was adjourned for a short period for the prosecution and the defence to come to an agreement about what facts the defendant was pleading guilty to.
When Court re-convened, Senior Magistrate, Nick Saunders, said that in a case like this the facts need to be clear for a sentence to be given. If they weren’t then the only option was to hold a hearing, which would allow the matter to be cleared up. That was held this morning. The case continued just after 1100, with the Senior Magistrate’s decision that he was basing the facts of the case on the Crown’s evidence.
The case then moved on to the immigration charge relating to supplying false information on his work permit. The matter of a spent criminal conviction was brought to the Court’s attention from 1996. It was noted in court that the defendant did have some difficulty reading and didn’t see the part on the form that said that spent convictions should also be declared. The defence told the Court that there was nothing sinister about the non-declaration. He also pushed the point that his client was booked to leave the Islands on the 1st of May to go back to St. Helena to look after his mother, who now needed full time care.
Nick Saunders said that the first offence was, in his opinion, was so serious that only custody was an option and called for a shortened version of a pre sentence report to be prepared. He said it would benefit the defendant to be remanded in custody so that he starts serving some of his sentence.
Court was adjourned until next Thursday morning at 0830.
NEW VENTURE OPEN FOR BUSINESS:
Stanley’s newest venture is open for business. Shorty’s Motel opened its doors this morning. The building sprung to life in just over 4 months with owner, Richard Short and builder, Paul Phillips carrying out the work. The Motel boasts 2 double rooms and 4 twin rooms, all with en-suit facilities, TVs and hot drinks available. The rooms, which are now waiting to be filled, are being aimed at either long or short stay guests, with prices ranging from £30.00 to £35.00 a night. Owner, Marlene Short said that the venture was her husband, Richard’s idea, as he wanted something to complement the Diner. That will be opening at 0800 to serve breakfasts until 1000. She explains that they will be running the Motel as a family business to start with. But if demand is good then will take on extra staff.
THE DELAYED ELIZABETH BOYE:
There have been signs of dismay this week from people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the delayed Elizabeth Boye. Speaking on behalf of Darwin Shipping, Roger Spink says that the vessel is still in Brazil. He says that an engineer flew in from Europe and fitted a new clutch but once he started the engine, he decided that further spares were needed to enable the vessel to make the trip to the Islands. Those spares should have arrived today. Roger says they are expecting news tomorrow on the estimated time of departure and, as soon as they know, they will let all of their long-suffering clients know. They would like to apologise for any inconvenience and that the unfortunate incident was out of their hands. He also added that for over 30 years, this is the longest delay and steps will be taken in the future to minimise any more delays like this.
ANZAC DAY:
ANZAC Day is on Friday. That’s the day that Australians and New Zealanders set aside their rivalry and get together to commemorate the Forces that have fought for their countries. A dawn service will be held at the Cross of Sacrifice at 0700, which the Governor will attend, along with members of the KIWI and Australian Communities in the Islands. In the evening at 2000 there is to be a meal at the Malvina and some games of 2-up, a traditional antipodes game.
(100X Transcription Service)
