Honiton man arrested after police seize thousands of pounds worth of suspected cannabis plants

December 22, 2013, 3:23 am

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A 48-YEAR-OLD man from Honiton has been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis after police officers found dozens of plants thought to be worth several thousand pounds, in his attic. The raid, which took place at a residential property in the town on Wednesday, December 18, is the third to be conducted by neighbourhood beat officers in the area in four weeks. Seven officers stormed the semi-detached house at 9.30am and found 44 suspected cannabis plants, thought to be worth in the region of £4,000 – £5,000, and a sophisticated hydroponics set-up. The haul was seized along with a stash of what officers suspect to be cocaine. Police obtained a warrant from the court following information received from a member of the public. A 48-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of class B drugs with intent to supply. He was released on police bail until February. The operation was once again led by PC Steve Lee who previously issued a warning that officers will continue to crack down on anyone suspected of possessing or cultivating illegal drugs. "When we arrived at the house no one was there so we had to force entry," he explained. "We rang the suspect and asked him to come home, which he did and we subsequently arrested him." It took the officers around four hours to remove all the plants which have been sent off for forensic testing. "It took a long time to dismantle the hydroponics set-up and remove the plants and all associated equipment from the property," added PC Lee. "This is always by far the longest part of an operation like this. "We also found a quantity of what we suspect to be cocaine but this too has been sent off for testing. "This was a substantial discovery and we would like to thank the public for letting us know about their concerns which led to the arrest." He added: "Through the various police surgeries we hold in the town, drugs is one of the main concerns residents have and it is something we are committed to dealing with. "Future warrants will be conducted as intelligence comes in. "We would urge the public to come forward with any information they may feel would be helpful to us and this will always be treated with the strictest of confidence." Police can be contacted by phoning 101.

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Owner of a dog mauled to death in an Exeter park welcomes the death sentence given to a pit bull which carried out the attack

December 22, 2013, 3:28 am

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The owner of a dog mauled to death in an Exeter park has welcomed a decision by a judge to destroy the pit bull terrier which carried out the attack. The five-year-old pit bull called Riley was made subject of a destruction order after he attacked and killed the much smaller dog called Folly. Pensioner Diana Walton, 90, was left heartbroken after nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier Folly was mauled to death by Riley, which was being walked off the lead in Belmont Park in Exeter in August. Magistrates made an order for Riley to be put down after police experts certified he was a pit bull type dog and subject to the Dangerous Dogs Act. Owner Kimberley James appealed the decision to Exeter Crown Court and asked for the order to be made contingent, meaning it is not carried out so long as strict safeguards are put in place. Speaking after the hearing Ms Walton said: she still has nightmares four months after witnessing the attack. She said: "I can bury it during the day but it comes back at night and it is the last thing I see and I wake up at night seeing Folly's poor little body. "It was a very traumatic experience and I do think the dog should be destroyed. "It could so easily have been a small child. I also think that dogs should be kept on the lead in parks." During the case Miss James told Judge Erik Salomonsen at the time of the attack Riley was being walked by a boyfriend who ignored her request to keep him on a lead. She said she would ensure he is always muzzled and kept on a lead in the future. She works as a part time carer and said she would make sure no-one else took Riley out. Her plea failed to persuade Judge Erik Salomonsen, who dismissed the appeal and ruled that Riley must be destroyed. He said: "Riley is a pitbull type terrier and this matter comes before the court because when the dog was being walked off the lead in Belmont Park it killed a Yorkshire Terrier by continually shaking it by the neck in a way one witness said was like a rag doll. "We are urged to make a contingent order. We have to uphold the destruction order unless we are satisfied the dog would not constitute a danger to public safety. "The dog displayed an extreme and unusual tendency when it killed another dog. We note the owner of the Yorkie was a lady of 90. "It is with very great regret we find we cannot be satisfied this dog would not constitute a risk and therefore we dismiss the appeal." The judge, who sat with two lay magistrates, imposed £750 costs. Eleanor Perkis, prosecuting, said the destruction order should be enforced because it was the only way to ensure the safety of the public and there was a risk someone else may take Riley out without the muzzle. She said other owners may be put at risk if there was another attack and they intervened to try to separate the dogs. Police dog expert Pc James Johnson said: "In my experience it is very rare for one dog to kill another and I do not believe a contingent order is sufficient to deal with the extreme mode of behaviour." Former police dog trainer Ian McParland showed the Judge a six minute video of behavioural tests he carried out with Riley and claimed the dog had no aggression.

Police appeal after man is seriously assaulted in Honiton

December 22, 2013, 3:31 am

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Police in Honiton are appealing for witnesses after a man was viciously attacked in the town centre and left with a broken cheek bone. A 32-year-old man from the town required six stitches to his face after he was punched while on the ground in the attack. The incident occurred at around 9.20pm – 9.30pm on Friday, December 20, on the High Street. Police are urging anyone with any information about the incident to contact them as soon as possible. Currently they do not know if one or more people were responsible for the assault which they are describing as "serious". Contact police on 101, quoting crime reference, KH13/1011.

Young Officers pass out after months of gruelling training, at Lympstone Commando Training Centre

December 22, 2013, 4:21 am

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A contingent of Royal Marines have passed-out as Young Officers after completing months of one of the toughest military training courses in the world. The Young Officer Training course at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, takes 15 months and is considered to be the longest and most arduous officer training among NATO members. This month, 33 Young Officers passed out following 60 intense weeks of training to become Troop Commanders now capable of leading 30, highly trained commandos in any environment, anywhere in the world. Throughout the course the men were pushed to the limits of their mental and physical endurance. Exercises lasted for up to three weeks at a time, during which they had to carry loads on their backs that at times weighed over 100lbs across vast distances of some of the toughest terrain in the UK. Despite often working at the point of exhaustion, they still had to be able to command and lead while learning their trade. The pinnacle of the course is the Young Officer Commando Course which culminates with the four Commando tests which the prospective officers are expected to complete in faster times than recruits – the ultimate demonstration to prove they can go to limits beyond what those they will be commanding can. Officer Commanding of Royal Marines Initial Officer Training, Major Mike Scanlon, said: "The training of Young Officers remains one of the key activities conducted at CTCRM. "The fact that officers train alongside their recruit counterparts is unique within defence and allows the forging of a common Commando mindset and spirit during the foundation of their careers. "They have endured what is generally acknowledged as the most demanding basic military training syllabus in the western hemisphere and have flourished into capable Young Officers ready to take their place in the Royal Marines." The Pass Out parade includes a drill display on the parade square by the Young Officers in front of staff and their proud families.

New weather warning issued by Met Office in Exeter for "severe disruption" in storms and heavy rain

December 22, 2013, 5:01 am

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The Met Office in Exeter has issued a new weather warning for rain, snow, wind, fog and ice. A spokesman said Monday and Tuesday and likely to be wet and stormy, with the possibility of flooding. They said it could lead to some "severe disruption". The bad weather eases on Christmas Day. He said: "A spell of heavy rainfall is expected to affect parts of southern England during Monday. "This will fall onto saturated ground and lead to a risk of some flooding. Gale to severe gale force winds will be an added hazard, with the potential for very strong gusts across coastal areas. "The public should be prepared for the likelihood of some significant disruption due to the combined hazards of heavy rainfall and high winds." The rainfall should clear on Tuesday morning, with the winds moderating. He added: "A deep area of low pressure will sweep an active frontal system across England and Wales on Monday. This will bring 20-40 mm rainfall quite widely, with over 60 mm likely across parts of the high ground of southern England and South Wales. Falling onto saturated ground, this will bring the risk of both surface water and river flooding." Meanwhile, winds will increase with gusts 70-80 mph likely around exposed coasts, particularly along the English Channel.

Motoring menace jailed for Christmas for driving while banned - for the 69th time

December 22, 2013, 6:19 am

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Motoring menace Jeremy Hector has been locked up for Christmas – for driving while banned for the 69th time. The 47 year old had only been given a four year driving ban last month after he stole a car with the owner's toddler strapped in the back seat. A court heard yesterday that Hector had 39 previous convictions for taking vehicles without as well as 69 convictions now for driving while disqualified. Prosecutor Sean Tipton told Exeter magistrates court:"His records speaks for itself. I Have counted 39 convictions for taking without consent, it may be one or two either side. "I have never seen a record with so many driving while disqualified." Hector was spotted by an off duty policeman in Taunton, Somerset, driving a Ford Transit minibus and it turned out he had stolen it from a coach company compound in Tiverton, Devon. Miss Vanessa Francis, defending, said police target Hector because 'he is that kind of person' and each time an officer sees him the information is put on the police national computer. She said he was homeless and took the minibus to keep out of the cold and wet 'out of desperation'. "He has hit a true low. He does not want to be homeless and reverted back to a pattern of offending." Hector, from Sampford Peverell, Devon, admitted driving while banned, taking a vehicle without consent and no insurance. The magistrates jailed him for 16 weeks in total and banned him from driving for four years again – so he cannot get in a vehicle legally until December 2007. Last month at Exeter Crown Court he admitted taking a car with a 14 month old boy strapped in the back on a mile long journey in Tiverton, Devon, before returning and dumping the child on the pavement and driving off again. The judge then described the maximum available sentence open to him as a farce and said he should have been locked up for a few years rather than a few months. ends

Torquay United v Exeter City: Matchday live

December 23, 2013, 5:12 am

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Follow live updates from Plainmoor as Exeter City take on Torquay United. The Grecians will be looking to make it two Devon derby wins from two this season having already beaten Plymouth Argyle earlier this campaign. Live updates to start in the box below from 2pm.

 

Clarkson gives season eight out of 10

December 23, 2013, 5:15 am

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John Clarkson says Tiverton Town deserve an eight out of 10 for their efforts over the first four months of the season. The Yellows squad underwent an extensive summer overhaul following Clarkson's arrival from Spanish Division 2B side Ontinyent. A turbulent start saw Tivvy pick up just one point from their first three games of the season, but they have recovered well since then and now find themselves hovering just outside the play-off spots with at least one game in hand over the sides above them. And Clarkson feels that, bearing in mind the squad upheaval in the summer and their tricky fixture list, things have gone well at Ladysmead. "On a grade from one to 10, I would give us about an eight so far," he said. "That is considering it is a brand new team and a brand new squad of players. "We had a very tricky start – I don't realise how tricky it would be and nor did the players – but we have progressed. "It was always going to be tough. We came up against three of the best teams at the start of the season and that is shown by them being at the top of the league. "I think if we had played them down the road a bit I think it would have been different though. "We had a good cup run in the FA Trophy and were unlucky to go out of that, although that is what happens sometimes. "We are still in the quarter-finals of the Red Insure Cup, the semi-final of the Devon Bowl and we are sixth in the league with a couple of games in hand. I would say we are doing okay." The fixture list did not favour Tivvy early on, throwing up an opening-day contest against table-toppers Cirencester Town before trips to Paulton Rovers and Merthyr Town. Tivvy only picked up one point from those three games, but a 10-match unbeaten run – which encompassed a run to the FA Trophy third round qualifying stage – has helped salvage the campaign. And Clarkson conceded that the first few weeks of the season were a learning curve – both for him and his players. "As the season has progressed, I think we have got better and better," he said. "The backroom staff are great – Mo (Hopkins – assistant manager), Mike (Hawkins) the kitman and Dave (Williams) the physio. Everything is geared up. "The boys have gelled and they know exactly what I want from them. "A good example is both Sam Malsom and Dan Smith. When they arrived, they didn't track back, but now they do everything and they know what's required of them. "Quite a few players came from higher leagues and maybe thought it was an easy touch coming into this level but I have found that eight or nine teams are really decent teams and would be comfortable in the Premier Division. "They have realised it won't be a walk in the park – and that includes myself also. It took about a month for me just to adapt to things and learn how to play football in Britain again." The last few months of the Clarkson era have seen plenty faces come and go. The likes of Steve Tully, Bertie Cozic, Jon Viscosi, Adam Carter and Chris Wright all signed for Tivvy under Clarkson only to move on as the manager has sought to refine his squad. And the Scotsman confirmed that such action was necessary when a player failed to gel with his desired system. "Sometimes when you come in to a club, people just don't fit in the right way – it happens," said Clarkson. "That happened here so we changed things around just a little bit. It is a different way of playing football between leagues and between clubs and you have to adapt to it." The Yellows do face a taxing series of fixtures in the next few weeks, with the visit of second-placed Merthyr Town following on the heels of the Boxing Day derby with Taunton Town. Ninth-placed Wimborne visit Ladysmead on New Year's Day, before a trip to Cirencester Town. But Clarkson is optimistic about Tivvy's chances this season – particularly if they can avoid major injury problems. "If we can stay injury-free then I am sure we will be there or thereabouts," he said. "We know all the teams in the league now so it is not a case of being new now – I know what is in front of us."

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Hundreds expected at Exmouth Christmas Day swim 2013

December 23, 2013, 5:48 am

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As anybody who lives in East Devon will know Christmas day means a dip in the sea for hundreds of brave souls. This year the Exmouth Christmas day swim will start at 11am on the beach in front of the clock tower. Hundreds are expected to attend the event including our own Express and Echo photographers who will be there taking snaps and videos to go online that day. The event began in the late 1960s when local resident Ken Cunningham and friends dived into the sea at Exmouth. Nearly 50 years later, hundreds now take up the challenge annually, many raising funds for charity. Last year mankinis, film crews and Father Christmases all attended the event, watch a video of the 2012 swim below.

Clyst Vale teenagers prepare for 'trip of a lifetime' to Cambodia

December 23, 2013, 5:50 am

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A group of schoolchildren are preparing for the 'trip of a lifetime' when they will leave the comforts of a classroom to spend a summer in one of south east Asia's poorest countries. Some 17 teenagers from Clyst Vale Community College near Exeter have signed-up for a month-long expedition to the heart of Cambodia where will strive to improve living standards within a rural community. Tom Trott, 14 from Broadclyst, said: "It's a big challenge and a great opportunity to visit a very different and poor part of the world and help to improve people's lives." The team of current year 10 and 11 pupils will live as part of a community and work on a range of projects including helping to build a school, planting sustainable crops and improving infrastructure. In their alternative surroundings, the team will battle searing heat of 40 degrees, high humidity levels and monsoon rains. One part of the trip will involve a five-day trek in the Cambodian jungle during which the group will sleep in hammocks instead of the buildings they will reside during the rest of the trip. Lisa Money, an English teacher who is organising the trip, said: "It is going to take a lot of hard work, perseverance and personal time management - but they are all determined to see it through." Before they bid farewell to their friends and family and embark on the adventure in summer 2015, the group are undertaking 18 months of fundraising to enable them to pay the £3,500 per-person for the trip. Tom has raised £1,500 through an arts stall of his own work in the local supermarket, a car boot sale, a part-time gardening job and a Christmas fair. Local companies including estate agents have bought advertising space on a special T-shift for the trip that is being arranged and run by Camps International. Tom said: "I'm hoping to raise the remaining money over the next year before I take my GCSEs. So far I've been really grateful for lots of donations from friends and family." Last summer Ms Money helped run a trip to the same country with a group of four students from the secondary school. She said: "We learned an awful lot about ourselves, other people and a different way of life. It became as much about what we could change for the better back home as it was about helping to improve the lives of others. This was the trip of a lifetime and one I'm sure [the teenagers] will not forget in a hurry." For more information or to sponsor the trip contact Camps International on 01425 485390.

Do you recognise these items? Exmouth police appeal after burglary

December 23, 2013, 5:54 am

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Police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Exmouth. Officers are investigating the burglary of jewellery, commemorative coins, and foreign currency stolen from a house in Portland Avenue while the occupants were away on holiday sometime between the 23rd and 28th November 2013. Police are also appealing for help in identifying items left behind in the break-in - believed to belong to the offender. Officers found a blue and grey patterned purse attached to a key ring with a silver coloured metal clasp. Attached were two Yale keys (one silver coloured and one bronze coloured) and a plastic Audi vehicle key. Inside the purse was a distinctive Indian coin. All of the items are pictured. Police are also appealing for help from members of the public to attempt to recover the stolen property and return it to the owners. The stolen property includes the following distinctive items: - A man's signet ring with the initials JDP engraved on it, this was damaged as it had previously been cut off a finger. - A silver cross pendant on a silver chain necklace. This had the Lord's Prayer written on it viewed from a central hole. - A white and pink cotton jewellery box with a female name embroidered on. - Currency from Barbados (Trinidad, St Lucia and Trinidad) - a deep red heart shaped box containing a watch. - two coronation tins, one containing a commemorative spoon from 1953, and one containing coins and jewellery from the early 1950s. Exmouth police are asking anyone with any information on the stolen items, or the items found by police, to please contact them by phoning 101 quoting crime KE/13/2840. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.

Stunning shots of International Space Station over castle near Exeter

December 23, 2013, 6:13 am

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They would both make stunning pictures in their own right. But in the brief few moments the International Space Station passed over Haldon Belvedere near Exeter in clear skies on Sunday, they combined to create this awe-inspiring visual. Captured by photographer John Baker at the 18th Century tower, also known as Lawrence Castle, near Exeter, the picture documents the short period the space station was in orbit over the South West. The station, in the picture, appears as a streak in the sky but is also visible to the naked eye due to its size and low orbit and can be viewed in the region up until December 31. The Teignmouth-based photographer said: "I have been a photographer for a long time, and I have been trying to find things to challenge and stimulate me. "This space station has been up for a long time and I got a notification that it was going to be overhead and quite clear in the sky. "I set myself the challenge of trying to get it with something interesting in the background. "I managed to catch the station shooting across the sky and thought it was absolutely wonderful."

Onesies and perfume top Exeter John Lewis Christmas gift habits

December 23, 2013, 6:39 am

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The Echo does not want to give away any secrets – but... it seems there will be a lot of onesies being paraded around homes in Exeter once the wrapping paper comes off on Christmas Day. John Lewis Exeter has revealed the festive shopping habits of its customers during its busiest time of the year. It has compared sales of gifts in each of its 40 shops across the UK against the national average to reveal regional trends. In Exeter sales of the women's Joules Jersey Onesie and the women's Rampant Sporting Onesie are 376 per cent higher and 191 per cent higher respectively than the national average. Sales of perfume gift sets have also been flying off the shelves in the city. Marc Jacobs Honey gift sets have sold 12 per cent above the national average and Penhaligons mini gift set gift sets are 71 per cent above. Also selling well in the city is the LG Homebot robotic vacuum with sales 155 per cent higher than the national average and sales of the stylish red Wesco Breadboy breadbin are 74 per cent above. Sales of the Wesco salt and pepper grinders are seven per cent above the national average. And there are likely to be quite a few stockings containing the Logo What Am I? board game with sales 22 per cent above the national average. Kate Connock, head of branch at the store, said: "Women look set to be pampered this Christmas after a large increase in the sale of luxury perfume sets and stylish onesies. "With homes in the South West all organised and ready for the Christmas break, there will be nothing left to do but get that cosy onesie and relax."

Stately home that is fit for a king

December 23, 2013, 6:53 am

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I COULD forgive the doorman looking slightly confused when I pulled up in front of the inspiring Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire. He probably doesn't see too many people arriving to stay at this posh hotel and spa in a slightly battered 54-plate Vauxhall Astra, carrying their luggage in an even older and battered Adidas hold-all. Ever the pro though, he treated us with the same grace and good manners as he no doubt demonstrated to those clambering out of the array of brand-new Porsches, Land Rovers and Mercedes we saw arriving throughout our weekend at the grand 17th century stately home. Yes, this place is expensive, but one night of luxury was enough to convince us it was well worth the price tag. The service was second to none, facilities fantastic and setting perfect. Fit for a king in fact. Just ask Louis XVIII of France. Or, at least, you could have done if he was still alive at the age of 213 and hadn't died of obesity, gout and gangrene in 1824. I'm digressing. Before that rather rancid-sounding end, Louis spent five happy years at Hartwell House in exile following the French Revolution. We were lucky enough to stay in the room he used during the summer months (his Highness retired to a warmer wing of the building in winter) and it was easy to see why he was so happy in England. It was glorious. Decorated in an 18th-century style with more colour clashes than you could shake your Napoleon voodoo doll at, there was a wonderfully-comfortable four-poster bed to dream about the restoration in and an elegant dressing table at which to work out which angle your crown looks best at. Add to that sweeping views across the extended grounds and the awe-inspiring portraits adorning the walls and it was difficult to not feel like royalty. The feeling of having been thrown back in time continued as we got a chance to explore the house and its vast grounds. The Great Hall, with its roaring open fire, was the perfect spot in which to take an early afternoon tea, while in the cosy and quaint library you could picture Louis himself settling down to read the latest Jane Austen novel while a casual game of croquet commenced on the lawn outside the window. The grounds themselves do little to dispel the feeling that Mr Darcy could pop up from behind the nearest obelisk at any moment. There is a large lake in front of the house, home to hundreds of Canada geese and some footpaths offering grand views of the house, while there are plenty of garden buildings and an orchard to explore. Next to the statue which welcomes you to Hartwell is a handy helipad, for those who want to make a flying visit. There was a party of people at the house celebrating an 80th birthday the afternoon we checked in, the guest of honour having been dropped off by a chopper. After a quick brew in Louis' room we headed out again to see what the spa had to offer, accompanied by a huge golf umbrella the doorman thrust into my arms upon seeing we were heading out in light drizzle. The spa is probably the one place on the National Trust-owned premises that you feel in the 21st century, even though the indoor swimming pool has been decorated in the style of ancient Roman baths. Here there are all the modern luxuries you would expect, and the service with a smile continued as my wife went off for a massage, while I took the chance to have a coffee in the cafe overlooking the pool and subtly check the football scores. *Disclaimer: The fact Yeovil Town destroyed Nottingham Forest 3-1 the weekend we stayed at Hartwell House has no bearing on this review. After the Mrs returned we went for a dip in the pool. Not a lot of swimming went on, but we made the most of the jacuzzi and the steam room – the perfect places to unwind after a long day of doing nothing. My stress levels did rise slightly upon returning to the room when I realised I hadn't packed anything 'smart' to wear for dinner. A shirt, pull over and dark jeans don't really cut the mustard in this part of Buckinghamshire and, although no one seemed to mind, I did feel a little out of place among the blazers, ties and chinos on show. Lesson learned. However my mild discomfort soon evaporated when we got down to the eating. My crab and avocado starter was superb and the duck – what else are you going to order, so close to Aylesbury? – main was so tasty I almost did an Aylesbury United 'quacking duck'-style goal celebration around the dining room. As the parents of a one-year-old our enjoyment continued the following morning – the clocks had gone back overnight and so not only did we get a full night's sleep and the chance to live like a king for an extra hour, but there was news from home that we had missed our boy waking up at 4.30am. A not-too-guilty smile crept across my face. After a hearty breakfast and a final dip in the baths we bid adieu to Louis and the King's Room and headed back to our own castle – every Englishman's home – with the queen quick in demanding to know when we might next escape for another spell of self-imposed exile as relaxing and refreshing as this trip had been. Travel facts Address: Hartwell House, Oxford Road, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8NR. Phone: 01296 747444, email: info@hartwell-house.com or visit www.historichousehotels.com Room rates for two people sharing a double/twin start at £205 per night. Seasonal deals and packages are also available. A two-course a la carte lunch at Hartwell House costs £24.50 (Monday to Saturday), while a three-course dinner costs £31.95 (Sunday to Friday). There is also a six-course tasting dinner menu, priced at £72. For more information and to check out the latest offers visit www.hartwell-house.com/ Winter-breaks/

Willand receive a boost as Veal turns down move to Taunton

December 23, 2013, 7:00 am

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Scott Rogers has received a boost ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Buckland Athletic after in-form striker Craig Veal turned down a move to Taunton Town to stay at Willand Rovers. The striker has been in superb form for Rogers' side this season, taking just eight games to reach double-figures and bagging 12 in all competitions this campaign since his move from Bridgwater Town. Rogers says he would not begrudge the striker a move to a bigger club, but feels a full season at Silver Street would be beneficial for both parties before moving on. "The club had a good bit of news in that Craig Veal turned down a move to Taunton. He has decided to stay with us until the end of the season," said Rogers. "He is playing well and works really hard for us. "I think he has had a few injuries over the years so he is happy just to be playing and scoring goals. "On and off the pitch he has been brilliant for us. He trains hard and the lads all love him too. "I have no problem with the idea of him moving on and up the leagues in the summer but I think it is better for him if he stays, gets some more games under his belt and moves on in the summer – if he wants to. "I am sure he will have a number of offers if he chooses to leave, but it is a great credit to Willand that he has decided to stay." On the pitch, Willand take on Buckland after Saturday's match against Sherborne Town was postponed. The last time the two sides met, Buckland scored an extra-time goal to knock Willand out of the Les Phillips Cup in the first round. That was the last match Willand lost, having won two and drawn one of their last three. "They knocked us out of the cup by the odd goal," said Rogers, who will be without the suspended Simon Hill and midfielder Bobby Hopkinson for the upcoming match. "We had some good games against them last season which I think were quite feisty and saw some players sent off so it should be an entertaining game."

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Exmouth Chinese restaurant owner ordered to pay almost £50,000 for employing illegal immigrants in Exeter

December 23, 2013, 7:29 am

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A Crown Court Judge has ordered a Chinese restaurant owner from Exmouth to pay almost £50,000 after he was found guilty of employing illegal immigrants at his Exeter restaurants. Two years ago, Martin Lai, 48, was convicted of employing two illegal workers, one at the Imperial China on Cowick Street, and the other at the Oriental City in Pinhoe, following raids at the premises in January 2006 and January 2007 respectively. His cousin Kevin Lai, 40, from Torquay was also convicted of employing two illegal immigrants at his Torquay restaurant, China Blue, which was also raided twice from 2006 – 2008. The cousins originally faced 11 charges, one per illegal immigrant found during the four raids. Both men denied all 11 charges of assisting unlawful immigration by employing illegals. The case has taken two years to return to Exeter Crown Court for sentencing today, due to the complex financial investigation which involved the calculation of how much both men benefitted financially, by employing the illegal immigrants. Martin Lai, of Cranford Avenue, who also owns the Bamboo in Exmouth, was fined £20,000 – £10,000 per illegal employee – plus a confiscation claim figure of £27,787.51 which is what the court judged him to have benefitted from through employing the illegal workers. He was ordered to pay the total within three months. Following investigations by the UK Boarder Agency, it was discovered that the workers were not permitted to work in the UK but they were included in Mr Lai's accounting records. The court heard that the illegal workers had been "deceiving staff at the point of entry into this country". Earlier in the sentencing hearing the court heard how in some cases the employees weren't paid the national minimum wage. During the trial in 2011, the prosecution accused the cousins of being aware of the dangers because of earlier raids but chose to flout the law. But their defence barristers said they had both been confused by the chaos in the immigration service which led to some illegals being returned to work rather than deported. Sentencing this morning, Judge Phillip Wassall described the original presentation of the case as "very different" to how it has concluded. He described Martin Lai as "reputable" businessman and said he did not believe that he set out to flout the law. "You have been a reputable businessman with restaurants across the South West of a very high standard and you have behaved in a way that was reputable and proper throughout that time," he said. "What this shows is that your accounting records and records were poor. "The onus is very highly on the employer to ensure they are employing legitimate employees," he continued. "You fell below the standards required on two occasions and we have heard how you will change your business methods to ensure this doesn't happen again. "I accept that a slip through the net was what this was and it wasn't a case that you set out to flout the law. "But this was a very serious slip and this is a serious case." The sentencing of Kevin Lai is due to be concluded this afternoon.

Baxter thinks Twickenham trip could be a real cracker

December 23, 2013, 10:00 pm

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The lull between Christmas and the New Year's Eve celebrations could be alleviated by one of the games of the season, according to Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter. He thinks this weekend's clash with Harlequins in front of a capacity crowd at Twickenham has the potential to be a cracker. With his Chiefs and Harlequins, who stage a match at Twickenham every festive season, both preferring to play an expansive game, Baxter expects there to be plenty of attacking rugby on show. And after both were involved in tight tussles last weekend – Exeter beating Newcastle 16-3 and Quins losing 14-3 at Bath – they are likely to want to make amends and throw caution to the wind. "We've got to look forward to the game and look forward to showing what's best about what we do," said Baxter. "I'm sure Harlequins will be very much the same, there's a lot of ingredients to make it one of the best games of the season because Harlequins are brave and want to go for it and so do we. "I think Harlequins will be a bit stung by Saturday, they'll be looking to put in a big performance in front of a very big crowd and show the way they play, but we'll be looking to do the same. "One thing I think you can guarantee is that both sides will want it to be a better game of rugby than both matches were for both teams last weekend. "Hopefully the weather will be good and 80,000 people can enjoy a decent game of rugby." Harlequins officials are expecting Saturday's match to attract a crowd in excess of 80,000, with last season's corresponding fixture against London Irish attracting a gate of 82,000. It will be the biggest crowd the Chiefs have ever played in front of, but Baxter said the best way for the players to enjoy it will be to get a win. There has also only been a minor tinkering with the training week to accommodate the festive season as the head coach knows it is a match Exeter have to win if they want to be in the mix at the end of the campaign. Baxter said: "It's not just about playing in front of 80,000 people but doing yourself proud. "It's about getting yourself well prepared in training and making sure you're ready to put in a big performance. "The guys have got Christmas Day off. It's tough at Christmas time but professional sport is about playing games of rugby and playing well. As I keep telling the lads, they have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas when they finish playing. "We'll lighten training a little bit to make it crisp and sharp so the guys can get away from the club pretty easily, but it's a very tough game of rugby and we want to be at the right end of the Premiership table so we need to get points out of these games." It is not the first time the Chiefs have played at Twickenham, as they lost four cup finals during their time in the second tier. Baxter played in two of those and was assistant coach for the other two – the most recent of which was in 2008. He knows better than most the pain Exeter have suffered at the home of English rugby, but also knows this weekend's match comes in very different circumstances to the previous outings to the ground in west London. "This is a slightly different game – it's not a cup final and not in the Championship," he said. "One of us will be one spot above the other in the league after the game whatever happens, and that's a nice situation to be in." It will be a grand stage for Haydn Thomas to make his 150th league appearance for Exeter, if he is selected. Gareth Steenson is also just five points away from going second on Exeter's all-time list of points scorers in league rugby. He is currently four points behind Andy Green's tally of 1,085, although Tony Yapp is way ahead on 1,526.

OPINION: Exeter Chiefs out to prove they have the X Factor at Twickenham

December 23, 2013, 10:00 pm

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Harlequins officials are doing everything within their power to drum up a lot of interest in this weekend's game at Twickenham. As well as taking out adverts on national TV, they are promoting the fact that Teignmouth singer Luke Friend will be among the entertainment on the day. And such has been the desire to create interest that a woman from a marketing firm hired by the club contacted the Express & Echo sports desk to ask if we would be doing anything to cover the match. She very excitedly told me that "it will be a big deal for Exeter as they have never played at Twickenham before." The lady was most taken aback when I pointed out that the Chiefs have indeed played there before, not once but four times, and have lost on every occasion. This weekend's trip to the famous old home of English rugby promises to be very different to those experiences before, however. This will be the first time Exeter have played in the top-of-the-bill match at the ground, with all four finals they contested in the past merely being the warm-up to the showpiece event. The first was the inaugural Powergen Shield final against high-flying Rotherham in 2002, with Exeter putting up a great display before going down to a 35-26 defeat. A year later they returned, only to be beaten 26-20 by Chris Bentley and his Orrell teammates. The Twickenham torment continued in 2007 in the final of the EDF Energy National Trophy. That was probably the hardest defeat to take of the four, as Exeter led the Cornish Pirates 16-6 after 62 minutes but lost 19-16 on a scorching day. The following season it was no surprise that Northampton won 24-13 to complete an unbeaten record in the league and cup. Rob Baxter was involved in all those matches, either as a player or a coach, and also took charge of the University of Exeter side – which included the likes of Haydn Thomas, James Hanks and Neil Clark – that lost 31-24 against Durham at Twickenham in 2004. However, the Exeter head coach does know what it's like to win at the ground – his first taste of action there, for England colts, ended in victory. Twickenham is also the scene of probably the stand-out moment from assistant coach Ali Hepher's playing days – Northampton's Heineken Cup win against Munster in 2000. Baxter and Hepher will be hoping they can now guide Exeter to success at one of the most famous stadiums in the world. A win would not only end the Chiefs' losing sequence at Twickenham but also leave Exeter fourth in the standings going into 2014 and the second half of the domestic campaign. With their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup already gone, it would free them up to mount a challenge at the top of the table in the spring. That, rather than Luke Friend, would certainly be something for all of the Exeter fans who make the trip to London to celebrate on the big stage.

Hill excited about Exeter Chiefs clash with Quins at Twickenham

December 23, 2013, 10:15 pm

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Centre Sam Hill is relishing the chance to run out at Twickenham for the first time when Exeter Chiefs tackle Harlequins this weekend. The 20-year-old has not had the opportunity to play at the home of English rugby before, so he is keen to get a taste of the atmosphere in front of an anticipated 80,000 people on Saturday. With the Chiefs going into the match sitting just one point behind the Londoners in the table after Saturday's 16-3 defeat of Newcastle, whoever wins will be fourth in the standings going into 2014. But Hill insists that will not be a motivating factor for Exeter's players. "I've never played there before so I'm looking forward to that, it will be a great atmosphere," said the former Crediton player. "We don't look too closely at who is around us in the table, we want to get a win in every game and take things step by step. "We've got to build on our performances in every game we play and try to get better in each one." Saturday's success against Dean Richards' men ended a five-game losing sequence for the Chiefs. Hill said he and his teammates will now look to string some results together, with a trip to Wasps the following weekend before Exeter return to Heineken Cup action. "We've got to try to build some momentum now," he said. "It's going to be a big game this weekend and a big training week, with not much time off. "We've got to work on what we need to improve and then give it all we've got against Harlequins." Although Exeter had not won since a 19-5 victory against Harlequins in the LV= Cup in early November, they had been in decent form. They ran league leaders Saracens and European champions Toulon close and Hill thinks they are improving as a side. "We've been playing well but the most important thing is to get the wins," he said. "We need to be clinical and also play in the right areas. "We're trying to make the right decisions – if it's on we'll run, but if it isn't we'll kick. "I thought we did that quite well at times against Newcastle but we still need to improve it for this weekend because it's another big game." Hill, who partnered Ian Whitten in the midfield last weekend, has started eight of the Chiefs' 10 league games this season. And the former England under-20s ace said he was feeling more settled with every match. "I'm really enjoying it and trying to take it step by step and improve in every game," he said. "There are still a lot of improvements to be made but you feel more confident in every game."

List: Devon and Somerset Fire and rescue crews called to 250 weather-related incidents

December 24, 2013, 1:59 am

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Devon and Somerset Fire and rescue crews were called to 250 weather-related incidents last night (23-24 December), including flooding of properties and rescues of motorists from floodwater.See a list of incidents at the bottom of this page: The Service has repeated calls for motorists to heed warnings not to drive through floodwater, as it could put themselves and others at risk. Area Manager Phil Martin said: "It is impossible for motorists to tell how deep water is or the condition of the ground beneath. There is a significant risk to life if motorists become stranded. "If they do see floodwater on the road, they should not attempt to drive through it but should try to find an alternative route. And if a road has been closed, it is for the safety of the public and closure signs should be respected." Motorists should also be aware of the possibility of tree branches and other debris on the roads due to high winds this morning. Attending incidents which could be prevented may also divert fire crews from other incidents where lives are at risk. Fire crews from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service will continue to attend incidents where lives are at risk during adverse weather conditions.ListIncident - Dangerous Structures due to Weather 21:38 hrs - Little Castle Street, Exeter - Collapsed scaffolding in roadway. Police closed the road and cordoned off the area. 21:48 hrs - Griffin Way, Elburton - One domestic trampoline blown by the wind, disassembled using small tools. 22:29 hrs - Morton Crescent, Exmouth - One canopy removed from hotel frontage to make safe. 22:46 hrs - Falcon Park, Totnes Road, Paignton - One summer house moved to a safety location to prevent damage to neighbouring properties. 22:47 hrs - Union Street, Torquay - Insecure roof of property made safe. 23:12 hrs - Milborne Port Junior School, The Meads, Milborne PortIncident - Flooding Incidents Service Wide Devon 00:26 hrs - Blackaller, North Bovey - Fire crews carried out extensive pumping to remove floodwater from inside property. 00:40 hrs - Running Moor Lane, Hatherleigh - Fire crews diverted water away from property affected by floodwater. 00:52 hrs - B3261 Kilmington towards Axminster - Two persons rescued from car stuck in floodwater and taken to a safe location. 01:02 hrs - Littlehempston, Totnes - Fire crews pumped advancing floodwater from property and away from property to reduce water levels. Western Power were requested to attend for one electricity transformer on a pole partially submerged in floodwater at this location. 01:05 hrs - Littlehempston, Totnes - Fire crews assisted with salvage from property affected by floodwater and pumped water from property and surrounding area. 01:52 hrs - Bickley Mill, Stoneycombe, Newton Abbot - Two males stuck in vehicle in floodwater assisted from vehicle and escorted to a safe location. 06:22 hrs - Way Hill, Chagford - Eighteen inches of floodwater pumped from cellar of property. 06:26 hrs - Whitford Road, Musbury, Axminster - Two males stuck in vehicle in floodwater rescued from car. Fire crews rendered oxygen therapy to one elderly male suffering from exhaustion and requested the attendance of Ambulance. Somerset 00:02 hrs - Mells, near Frome - Fire crews unable to assist with rising floodwater inside property but assisted with salvage. 00:11 hrs - Mill Lane, Stoke St Michael, Shepton Mallet - Floodwater inside property pumped out. 00:15 hrs - Bilbrook, Old Cleeve - Vehicles stranded in floodwater but no persons stuck inside vehicles. 00:41 hrs - Langport Road, Long Sutton, Langport - Floodwater inside property made safe. 00:47 hrs - Main Street, Walton, Street - Salvage assistance rendered for property affected by floodwater. 01:18 hrs - Eames Mill, Ashwell, Ilminster - Floodwater affecting property from burst river. Fire crews assisted with salvage. 01:26 hrs - White Post, Stratton On The Fosse, Shepton Mallet - Fire crews pumped out water from the basement of a church. 01:54 hrs - Upton, Long Sutton - Fire crews pumped out floodwater from property. 02:09 hrs - Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, Templecombe - Fire crews dammed and stemmed flow of floodwater into ground floor of property. Fire crews made attempts to pump large volumes of floodwater away from property. Fire crews requested the attendance of Police for traffic control at this incident. 02:38 hrs - Steanbow, Pilton - Fire crews pumped out water from around property and carried out salvage in property affected by floodwater. 03:07 hrs - Station Road, Ilminster - Two properties affected by floodwater, fire crews pumped away water to try to alleviate flood damage into an adjacent drainage ditch. The British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Services team also attended this incident to offer assistance. 04:38 hrs - Kilkenny Lane, Wraxhall, Ditcheat - Fire crews made attempts to pump water from a property and reduce floodwater levels but operations had to cease due to the volume of water coming from an adjacent field. Fire crew assisted occupants with salvage. 05:03 hrs - Wagg Drove, Langport - Fire crews pumped water from property affected by flooding. 06:40 hrs - North Street, Ilminster - Fire crews pumped two foot of floodwater from the cellar of a property. 07:07 hrs - Mells, Frome - Fire crews pumped out floodwater from property to make safe. 07:10 hrs - Three Bridges, Puckington, Ilminster - One female stuck in car in floodwater rescued from vehicle. Highways have been requested to close this road to prevent further incidents. 07:19 hrs - HAm Road, Ham, Creech St Michael - One female stuck in car in floodwater removed from vehicle using boat from local resident.Incident - Flooding Incidents Across Service Devon 21:58 hrs - Eastbury Avenue, Honicknowle, Plymouth - Flooding inside property made safe. 22:00 hrs - Moor View, Hatherleigh - Three properties affected by floodwater, fire crews pumped out and diverted water to reduce flooding levels. Highways attended this incident with a digger to clear a culvert to assist water drainage. 22:15 hrs - Park Road, Hatherleigh - Six properties affected by floodwater. Fire crews attempted to divert floodwater away. 22:16 hrs - Vicks Meadow, Hatherleigh - Flooding inside property made safe. 22:16 hrs - Petrockstowe, Okehampton - Flooding inside property made safe and floodwater diverted away. 22:18 hrs - Torrington Road, Hatherleigh - Flooding inside property made safe. 22:39 hrs - Park Road, Hatherleigh - Flooding inside property made safe. 22:39 hrs - North Lew Road, Hatherleigh - Elderly female removed from van stuck in floodwater. 23:25 hrs - Deckport Cross, Hatherleigh - Flooding inside property made safe. 22:52 hrs - The Strand, Starcross - Rising floodwater inside property pumped out. 22:53 hrs - Moorland House Hotel, Haytor, Newton Abbot - Floodwater affecting cellar, fire crews unable to stem floodwater as floodwater still rising. 22:57 hrs - Bittaford, Ivybridge - Persons trapped in car in floodwater rendered assistance. 23:14 - Fore Street, Kingsteignton - Flooding inside property made safe. 23:25 hrs - Deckport Cross, Hatherleigh - Flooding inside property made safe. 23:34 hrs - Torbryan, Newton Abbot - Flooding inside property made safe. 23:46 hrs - Staverton, Totnes - Fire crews made attempts to remove floodwater from inside a property but were unable to assist due to rising floodwaters. 23:59 hrs - North Tawton - Fire crews provided booms to divert rising floodwater which was affecting properties. Somerset 21:00 hrs - Sherborne Road, Yeovil - Burst river causing flooding affecting two properties, fire crews redirected the advancing river water and pumped out remaining floodwater from the properties. 22:17 hrs - Bampton Street, Minehead - Flooding inside property made safe. 22:21 hrs - Wellington Road, Taunton - Flooding inside property made safe. 22:19 hrs - Bradford On Tone, near Taunton - Persons in van stuck in flood water rendered assistance by fire crews and Police. 22:27 hrs - Periton Lane, Minehead - Floodwater inside property pumped out. 22:44 hrs - West Street, Dunster - Floodwater inside property made safe. 22:46 hrs - Woodtton Courtenay, Minehead - Floodwater inside property made safe. 22:49 hrs - Broad Close, West Hatch, Taunton - Floodwater affecting property and diverted away. 22:57 hrs - East Coker, Yeovil - Floodwater inside property made safe. 23:15 hrs - Carhampton, Minehead - Floodwater pumped out of property. 23:15 hrs - St Margarets Lane, Tatworth, Chard - Floodwater inside property pumped out and diverted away. 23:19 hrs - The Green, Stoford, Yeovil - Floodwater inside property made safe. 23:30 hrs - Middle Street, Misterton, Crewkerne - Floodwater inside property, fire crews made attempts to assist. The British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Services team also attended this incident to further assist an elderly occupant. 23:41 hrs - Thorne, near Yeovil - Floodwater inside property made safe and diverted away from property. 23:46 hrs - Stoke Road, North Curry, Taunton - Flooding inside property made safe.