A robbery gone wrong led to a teenage drug dealer chasing a Crawley man down the street and stabbing him to death, a trial has heard.

Arnold Potter, 24, died from two deep chest wounds he suffered near Watson Close on November 15 last year.

A 17-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – is charged with his murder and possessing a bladed article. He denies both charges.

Prosecutor Kevin Jenkins told Hove Crown Court this morning: “This was a deliberate attack with a lethal weapon. It is a fast moving event with a shocking outcome.

“The real focal issue perhaps in this case is self-defence and whether he was acting in lawful self-defence of himself or another. The crown’s case is that he was not.”

Defendant showed friends knives he owned

Opening the case to the jury, he said: “The defendant may have been 17 but he was a drug dealer.”

The court heard that in the months before the incident the boy showed friends knives that he had.

Mr Potter had been on his way home from work with a friend that evening and was observed to be ‘somewhat agitated’.

A robbery gone wrong?

He asked his friend if he ‘wanted to help him rob someone’, but his friend said he wanted nothing to do with it, the court heard.

The prosecutor continued: “The defendant’s friend says Arnold approached from behind a van and grabbed the defendant by the clothing at the back of his neck.

“He remembers Arnold say to the defendant ‘you are going to take me to your house and give me everything you have got’.”

Mr Potter and the defendant walk down the road a short way before the altercation.

“The defendant’s friend says that after the two had walked up the road a bit the defendant suddenly stepped forward and freed himself.

“He turned and punched Arnold Potter in the chest.”

Mr Jenkins said that Mr Potter fell to the floor, and it is the prosecution’s case that the punch was actually a stab with a blade.

Defendant chases Mr Potter down the street

Mr Potter did not fight back and ran off, with the defendant then giving chase around a corner and into an alleyway, the court heard.

The prosecutor continued: “There are no witnesses as to the events just going into the little alleyway.

“We say that is likely that it is here that the defendant caught up with Arnold and struck out with that knife, this time right into his upper back, deep enough for him to penetrate the lung for a second time.

“He just left Arnold Potter there and went home.”

Paramedics were called to the scene but were unable to save Mr Potters life.

The trial, which is expected to last three weeks, continues.

Therapist Steve McKeown wants people to join him for a chat as he steps out on a mental health walk across Sussex.

The aim is to encourage people to walk and talk, to help them deal with their problems.

Steve is a psychoanalyst and hypnotherapist from Littlehampton who has helped a list of international celebrities. He also runs The McKeown Clinic in Salvington Road, Worthing.

He will be walking from Eastbourne to Southampton and will be joined by sports commentator John Gooden, Harman International vice-president Chris Smith and former mental health sufferers Phil Burman and Sarah Brown.

Steve said: “Our primary aim is to help remove the stigma associated with mental health and talking about it. Nobody should ever feel alone and isolated.

“We feel that fundraising for YoungMinds is best place start. Young people are our future and by educating them now it will help prevent further heart ache and loss.”

During the 90-mile trek, Steve and his team will be inviting celebrities and others to walk and talk about their own mental health issues. They will be providing therapy and support along the way, making it available for those who need it most and for as far as their feet will take them.

The walk will start in Eastbourne on Friday at 9am and end in Southampton on Monday between 4pm and 5pm. The route plan includes Brighton Pier at 9am on Saturday, Littlehampton Pier at 9am on Sunday and McDonald’s in Havant on Monday at 9am. People who want counselling along the way can contact Steve in advance or join the team on the walk.

Steve said: “Please help us raise the necessary money for our future generations to free them of the stigma that is causing so much pain and loss.”

The target is to raise £10,000 and help hundreds of people deal with their problems along the way.

A Horsham town centre eatery has been crowned County Times Takeaway of the Year 2019.

Family run takeaway, Eastern Tandoori, gathered the most votes after it was named one of the top ten finalists in this year’s West Sussex County Times series Takeaway of the Year competition.

Foyaz, manager of the outlet, said: “It’s an amazing achievement.

“It’s nice to be recognised through customers’ feedback.

“You get reviews and everything online but when you win an award its a different feeling.

“We would like to thank everyone who voted for us, including our amazing customers who have been supporting this small independent family business of ours which has been established for over 20 years.

“We decided to embark on a journey and open the doors of Eastern Tandoori due to our love for Indian cuisine.

“Throughout the years we have been designing our menu to provide new and innovative dishes, not previously seen in any other local menus.

“We just want to stand out from the crowd.”

Foyaz told how Eastern, which is in Bishopric, was the first Indian takeaway in Horsham to feature a mobile app, allowing everyone to experience its handcrafted delicacies. He added: “We also offer online, telephone and in-store ordering.

“Placing an order with us has never been easier.”

Several recent creations from the eatery have received a great customer response according to Foyaz.

He said: “Our most recent creations which have had positive feedback and a great response from our customers include our Railway Lamb Curry, inspired by a dish once served on first class railway carriages in India, it is an earthy dish with lamb, pickled spices and potatoes.

“Also, our Masala Chips and Cheesy Chicken Samosas have been very well received, we have been told they are very addictive!”

To cater for ‘all of the hot and spicy food lovers’ Foy told how the outlet has introduced an exclusive Naga section (Bengali naga chilli being known as one of the hottest chillies) with plenty of choice including Naga Biryani.

He added: “With support from our customers, we will continuously strive to bring new dishes whilst keeping some traditional and loved classics.”

To keep up-to-date with the takeaway’s exclusive offers, download the Eastern app and follow it on social media @easterntakeaway and tag your meals with #muncheastern to share your favourite combinations.

Foyaz said: “We look forward to welcoming you very soon.”

For more call 01403 275526/275506 or visit www.easterntandoori.co.uk

Six men have been sent to prison for a total of almost 30 years for their part in the supply of Class-A drugs in Crawley.

Detectives from the West Sussex Community Investigation Team started investigating the men supplying Class-A drugs in Crawley in November 2016.

A police spokesman said: “The group were caught after officers spotted two people, Syed Hussain and Sarder Bashir, going back and forth to a taxi parked in Horsham Road, Crawley on November 24, 2016.

“Officers were suspicious about the account the pair provided and they were both arrested.

“Officers were able to link this taxi to drug offences and further enquiries over the following months led detectives to identify others involved in the supply of class A drugs in the Crawley area.”

Four other men were subsequently arrested and drugs, cash and stun guns were recovered from their homes.

The six appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, (March 29) for sentencing.

Police said the following four were sentenced after a six week trial:

Francis Gomez, 41, of Yeats Close, London, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply Class-A drugs (cocaine, crack cocaine) and the supply of both Class-A and Class-B drugs from September 2016 until October 2017. Gomez was given a 15-year-prison sentence.

Laeek Ahmed, 27, of Denchers Plat, Crawley, was convicted of four counts of conspiracy to supply Class-A drugs (crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine) and one count of possession with intent to supply Class-A drugs (heroin) between September 2016 and January 2017.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Jamal Sultan, 33, of Redditch Close, Crawley was convicted of possession with intent to supply a Class-A drug (cocaine) and was handed a four-and-a-half year imprisonment and a victim surcharge of £170.

Sarder Bashir, 37, of Martyrs Avenue, Crawley, was charged with one count of perverting the course of justice from 22 to 25 November, 2016 and was sentenced to four months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 150 hours of unpaid work and a victim surcharge of £115.

Police said the following two defendants entered earlier guilty pleas:

Robert Smith, 35, of Burwash Road, Crawley was charged with permitting his premises to be used in the supply of Class-A drugs, possession of a Class-A drug (cocaine) and possession of criminal property.

He was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work and a victim surcharge of £140.

Syed Hussain, 40, of Heron Close, Crawley, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply Class-A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and one count of money laundering from 1 to 24 November, 2016.

Hussain was given a 32 month sentence and a victim surcharge of £170.

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Detective Constable Dave Wadley said: “This investigation was lengthy but we were determined to bring these men to justice.

“I hope this serves as a warning to others that we take this criminality extremely seriously and no matter how long the investigation will be, we will continue to strive for justice to be served.”

Detective Inspector Alan Pack of the Community Investigation Team said “These sentences reflect the hard work my team undertook to secure sustained disruption to the illegal supply of drugs and only now, following the trial and sentencing, can we publicise this. These investigations are largely unseen until we reach these successful conclusions and I hope our communities take reassurance from this example of our continued work.”

The owner of retail chain Boots has warned over UK store closures as it looks to slash costs amid the ‘most difficult’ quarter in the group’s history.

US-based Walgreens Boots Alliance said it had started taking ‘decisive steps’ in the UK to cut costs, including reviewing its near-2,500 retail stores.

The group has said it is looking at poor performing shops as well as ‘opportunities for consolidation’.

Boots has approximately 43 sites in West Sussex and approximately 38 in East Sussex.

The news follows the group’s announcement in February that 350 jobs are at risk in its Nottingham head office amid plans to trim HQ staff costs by 20 per cent.

It is also looking at ways to overhaul its pharmacy business.

Following the news, Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) – the UK’s fifth biggest trade union – has called on Walgreens Boots Alliance to enter into talks.

Daniel Adams, Usdaw National Officer, said: “This is clearly very worrying news for the staff in all Boots stores and the union will be doing all it can to support members during this difficult time.

“We would urge the company to engage with Usdaw as the trade union for Boots staff to ensure that all avenues to minimise job losses are explored during this critical time.”

Walgreens Boots Alliance has reported a 2.3 per cent drop in like-for-like UK retail sales in its second quarter to February 28, while comparable pharmacy sales dropped 1.5 per cent.

Tough trading in the US also saw the wider group warn over full-year earnings, with boss Stefano Pessina branding it the ‘most difficult quarter we have had since the formation of Walgreens Boots Alliance’.

Walgreens Boots Alliance was formed in 2014 after Walgreens bought the 55 per cent stake in UK and Switzerland-based Alliance Boots that it did not already own.

READ MORE: Bonmarché takeover puts jobs and stores under threat

Big names that went out of business or closed stores last year include Maplins, Morthercare, House of Fraser, and Toys R Us.

An EasyJet passenger subjected cabin crew to a violent homophobic attack at 9.30am after drinking four pints of Stella.

Michael Cunnett and his wife were sitting on plane at Gatwick waiting to fly to Egypt for their honeymoon when he decided to try and smoke his e-cigarette, a court heard today.

When politely asked to stop by airline crew he became aggressive and started attacking staff and shouting homophobic slurs.

Holidaymakers keen for some February sun were delayed 45 minutes while cabin crew dealt with the abusive man and got him off the flight.

Cunnett, 38, of Tonstall Road in Epsom, pleaded guilty to intentionally interfering with performance of aircraft crew member's duty, two charges of common assault and one count of criminal damage.

Cunnett attacked cabin crew and called them 'queer'

Prosecutor Ryan Richter told Hove Crown Court today that Cunnett started swearing and calling members of the cabin crew ‘queer’.

He said: “The captain decided that it would be best if he was to be offloaded.”

However Cunnett – apparently furious – began punching one member of cabin crew, knocking him to the floor.

“Another member of staff saw the blow being struck towards his colleague and thereafter took hold of the defendant in a bear hug and told him that he was to be offloaded.

“Cunnett turned around toward the man and punched him to the left hand side of his face.”

The victim felt ‘excruciating pain’ and reeled away from the defendant, the court heard.

Arrested by police but incident continues

“A retired couple [sitting nearby] described this as being the most violent event that they had ever witnessed.”

Eventually staff managed to push Cunnett off the plane and he was arrested by police.

“He was swearing and complaining that he had done nothing wrong but had been ejected from the flight.

“The officers tried to ask him to calm down.”

Cunnett was put in a police van where he began bashing his head against the vehicle and kicking the cage, damaging it.

'No one deserves to be discriminated against for their sexuality'

In a powerful statement one of the cabin crew that was attacked said: “I am a gay male and I am extremely proud of it.

“No one deserves to be discriminated against for their sexuality, religion or race. Living in a diverse society is something to be embraced, not ridiculed.”

Defence barrister David Forsyth said that the behaviour was ‘out of character’.

He added: “He accepts that his behaviour must have been very frightening and alarming for all travellers and that his abusive and obnoxious behaviour was utterly deplorable.

“He accepts that he used homophobic language. He denies that he has homophobic opinions.”

Judge: 'Attack on sexuality of the cabin crew is utterly shameful'

Judge David Rennie said Cunnetts’ abusive attack was ‘absolutely disgraceful behaviour’ and ‘like a child having a tantrum’.

He said: “We do have to ask what airports are doing selling alcohol at that time of the morning.

“Your attack on the perceived sexuality of the cabin crew is utterly shameful

“The gay community is an integral part of our community. We are all one.”

Cunnett was jailed for seven months and ordered to pay £500 compensation to each of his victims.

The fire service has been called to a large fire in Stane Street, Chichester this evening.

Six pumps and an aerial platform ladder are in attendance according to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Residents living nearby have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

Posting on social media, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are currently dealing with a large fire at Stane Street, #Chichester. 6 pumps and the aerial ladder platform are in attendance. Please avoid the area and if you live nearby, remember to keep your doors and windows closed."

The fire is at Chichester's amenity tip, it has been reported.

Firefighters are continuing their work to extinguish a large fire at a West Sussex tip which broke out yesterday evening.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to a large fire at Westhampnett amenity tip in Stane Street, Chichester, at 8.25pm yesterday (Tuesday, April 2).

READ MORE: Large fire in Chichester
Four engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to the scene, the spokesman said.

Crews worked throughout the night to tackle the fire.

This morning, two crews remain at the scene. The spokesman said the incident had been scaled down but said: "It's still smoking a lot, it's still going."

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

A fire service spokesman said on Twitter this morning: "Crews are still on the scene of the fire at Stane Street, Chichester.

"It is under control but is likely to burn for a number of days.

"The site is closed to the public for the foreseeable future."

This morning, a spokesman from Petworth Fire Station advised that residents kept their doors and windows closed.

A spokesman wrote on social media: "The incident is still ongoing with a large volume of rubbish burning.

"We recommend that local residents keep doors and windows closed.

"The facility will remain closed today as the fire fighting efforts continue."

SEE MORE: Large fire in Chichester

Daffodils at Steyning Horticultural Society’s spring show were of the highest quality and highest standard in the area, according to one regular exhibitor.

Chairman Charles Ashby, who appreciated the remark, was one of those who amazed visitors with his wonderful blooms. He won the R.H. How Cup for best vase of nine blooms of any narcissi, one variety, and The Daffodil Society’s bronze medal for best vase in show.

The Daffodil Society’s certificate for best bloom in show went to Val Hodges, with her magnificent double bloom named Sherborne, and Alasdair MacCulloch won the K. Heryett Cup for most points in the daffodil and narcissi classes.

The cooking section was well supported, with first prizes awarded to Stella Lindfield for marmalade, Ann Taylor for cheese straws, Helen Cosham with her victoria sandwich, Carol Killick with her vegetable cake and Jenny O’Hagan for raspberry and coconut tarts.

There was several children’s exhibits and each one was rewarded with a special prize of an Easter egg.

Steyning Flower Club members exhibited 11 wonderful floral arrangements and Steyning Camera Club had examples of their recent work on display.

Mr Ashby said it was a very interesting and entertaining afternoon for the many visitors. He thanked the committee and other volunteers for their hard work on the day.

“Without their contribution, we would not have such a wonderful flower show,” he added.

A free, family-friendly roadshow is touring our county over the Easter holidays to showcase everything that is special and unique about the South Downs National Park.

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) roadshow aims to bring the national park to towns and cities around the South Downs.

It coincides with the UK-wide Discover National Parks Fortnight, from April 6 to 21,

Plans are to celebrate all that is special and unique about the South Downs with a series of fun-filled family activities, including a giant colouring wall, a range of virtual reality experiences and woodcrafts.

Led by SNDPA rangers, the events also provide an opportunity to find out more about wildlife conservation in the national park.

Roadshows are being arrange in venues in both West and East Sussex.

They take place on Tuesday, April 9 in historic Newhaven Fort; on Wednesday, April 10 in the market and Carfax area of Horsham; on Thursday, April 11 in Jubilee Square, Brighton; on Tuesday, April 16 in Montague Square, Worthing; and on Wednesday, April 17 in Queens Square, Crawley.

Further afield, roadshows are being held in the Forest Community Centre, Bordon; the Canoe Lake in Southsea in Portsmouth; and the Rotunda, Guildford.

All of the events run from 11am to 3pm and there is no need to book in advance.

SDNPA events and engagement officer Laura Warren said: “The South Downs is such a special landscape and we want to encourage people of all ages to get out and discover it for themselves.”

Laura said: “Our roadshow will have lots of activities for children and we’re hoping it will inspire them to want to find out more about this wonderful place.

“We’ve chosen urban locations on the fringes of the national park because we’re keen to raise awareness of the opportunities the South Downs offers, not only for those living within it, but also those people who might not have been before.”

Among other elements, the roadshow will offer plenty of tips and ideas for family days out over the Easter holidays, including wildlife-related activities.

Laura said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and showing people how easy it is to get out and discover their national park.”

For further details, see www.southdowns.gov.uk/enjoy/events/discover-national-parks-2019

April events

* Easter Giant Duck Trail at the Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex. April 6 to April 22.

* Reptile Ramble (for adults) at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. April 6.

* South Downs Spring Foraging Courses at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (Visitor Centre). April 7.

* Vintage Car Show at Amberley Industrial Museum. April 7.

* Dawn Chorus Walk at Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel. April 8.

* South Downs National Park Roadshow at Newhaven Fort. April 9.

* South Downs National Park Roadshow at Horsham market area, Carfax. April 10 and 11.

* Wild Families – Mousehunt! at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. April 10.

* South Downs National Park Roadshow at Jubilee Square, Brighton. April 11.

* Spring Industrial Trains at Amberley Industrial Museum. April 14.

* Lynchmere Common Health Walk. April 15.

* Wild Families – Brilliant Birds at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. April 15.

* South Downs National Park Roadshow at Montague Street, Worthing. April 16.

* South Downs National Park Roadshow at Queens Square, Crawley. April 17.

* Chapel Common Health Walk, Rake. April 18.

* Night-time Safari – a watch of nightingales at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. April 18.

* Evening Bat Walk at Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel. April 25.

* ‘Inspired by Nature’ creative weekend at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. April 26 to 28.

* Begin Wood Carving Workshop at Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel. April 27.

* Batty About Bats at Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel. April 27.

* Spring Bus Show at Amberley Industrial Museum. April 28.

‘Nine easy ways to care’

The South Downs National Park was born in 2010 after years of campaigning, ensuring 1,600 square kilometres of breathtaking views, unique heritage and hidden gems were protected for the benefit of the nation.

Nine years on, the national park is a thriving community.

SDNPA media and public relations officer Jeff Travis said: “From farmers to residents, to walkers, to visitors, to volunteer groups – each one is playing their part as custodians of this amazing place.

“Our ninth birthday also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the laws creating national parks as the UK’s breathing spaces.”

Jeff said: “Fittingly, it’s also the Year of Green Action, a government-backed initiative aiming to encourage people to take action that is beneficial to the environment.”

To celebrate the anniversary, the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) has put together nine tips to help us all become active custodians and care for our beautiful national park:

1. Experience it: get out and enjoy the beauty of the national park – ‘we promise it will inspire you’.

2. Save water: the South Downs is home to a huge aquifer that provides clean water to 1.2 million of us, so have a shower instead of a bath and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

3. Volunteer: dozens of local conservation groups help protect and enhance biodiversity - see www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/volunteering/conservation-groups/ for more

4. Buy less plastic and, if you must buy it, recycle or bin it.

5. Eat local: enjoying the food and drink produced in the South Downs helps support the network of businesses that are the lifeblood of the national park’s economy.

6. Reduce chemical use in your garden: excess fertiliser and pesticides run through the soil and can end up in our groundwater, rivers, streams and wetlands, so consider organic methods for pest, weed and disease control.

7. Pick up litter: wherever we are in the national park, we need to ensure we bin litter or take it home.

8. Travel sustainably: walk, cycle, use public transport and car share where possible.

9. Share it: be sure to capture the beauty of the South Downs and share those images on social media to raise awareness of why this area is so special.

Dramatic aerial drone footage of the large fire at a West Sussex tip has been released.

Photographer Eddie Mitchell, who took the shocking footage on his drone, said the flames were 'leaping' from the building.

Resident Gavin Argent lives only a few hundred yards from the tip. He said: "What happened, in fact, funnily enough our daughter at university sent a test down saying there was a fire at Westhampnett tip. She'd seen it on Facebook or something, West Sussex fire brigade Facebook page.

"We looked out of the window and saw this enormous conflagration. It seems as thought there were two seats of fire — one over to the left and one over to the right — massive smoke on the right and a hellish inferno on the left."

A fire service spokesman said on Twitter this morning: "Crews are still on the scene of the fire at Stane Street, Chichester. "It is under control but is likely to burn for a number of days.

"The site is closed to the public for the foreseeable future."

Ofsted says Crawley College has made significant progress in all areas over the past 12 months.

Inspectors visited the college on February 27 and 28.

Crawley College’s last full Ofsted inspection took place in October 2016 when the college was Central Sussex College and was judged as ‘requires improvement’.

The Chichester College Group acquired the college in August 2017 and renamed it Crawley College.

A spokesman said: “Since then the college has become part of the Chichester College Group, with a focus on improving teaching and learning and the student experience at Crawley College.

“The inspectors were impressed with the work that has been carried out, rating the college as showing ‘significant progress’ in all aspects of the Ofsted report, including leadership and management, teaching and learning and cultural change.”

The report highlighted improvements in student achievement since the merger in August 2017, attributing this to the more active support given to students.

The report said: ‘Leaders, managers and teachers are focused on improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. They consider the needs of students in every aspect of their work.

‘Communication across the college has greatly improved and teachers feel valued, and this is in turn having a positive effect on students.

‘Students are more engaged in all aspects of their studies because good support is readily available.’

The report concluded that ‘Students value the caring and supportive learning environment created by staff at the college. As a result, they express a strong sense of belonging to the college community.’

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Vicki Illingworth, Crawley College principal , said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our latest monitoring visit, which show an amazing amount of progress over a short period of time.

“It is a direct reflection of all the hard work, passion, determination and dedication that the staff have displayed in ensuring we are making great strides in raising progress and performance across the board.

“We endeavour to put the students at the heart of everything we do, and it is rewarding to see this has been recognised in the feedback we have received from Ofsted.

“I am very proud of our staff and students for all they have achieved, and inspired by their determination to keep improving.”

Shelagh Legrave, chief executive officer of the Chichester College Group, added: “It is very rare for colleges to receive four ‘significant progress’ grades in monitoring visit, so I think everyone at the Group should be very proud of this achievement.

“A lot has been achieved in the 18 months or so since we merged, and we know there is still work to do but it is important to see that we are moving in the right direction.

“We will continue to invest our attention and effort into ensuring our students – at all of our colleges across the whole Group - receive the very best education that we can deliver, to ensure they are given the tools they need for a bright future.”

The report of the February 2019 monitoring visit can be viewed at: www.ofsted.gov.uk

Two Crawley men have been jailed after taking part in a ‘car ringing’ conspiracy which defrauded owners of high-value cars of around £100,000.

Imran Raja, 38, of Langley Drive, Crawley, and Arran Khan, 28, of West Way, Three Bridges, were sentenced at Hove Crown Court yesterday to three years and six months, and to three years and ten months, respectively, for conspiracy to defraud.

Both had been convicted on February 7 after a five-week trial.

Police say that Raja and Khan each had their own car trading or car repair businesses in Crawley, through which they channelled their illegal activities.

Detective Constable Nick Tinley of the force’s Serious Organised Crime Unit said; “The defendants bought badly damaged and written off cars, mainly top of the range BMWs, repaired them, often with stolen parts, and then sold them on. The sales were fraudulent because the buyers were deceived as to the true previous history of the cars.

“Most of the cars that they repaired were deemed by the insurance industry to be beyond repair. They should have their bodyshell crushed and should not go back on the road. The defendants took advantage of then-existing procedural loopholes in the insurance and salvage industry processes, and the processes of VOSA and the DVLA to put a number of these vehicles back on the road.

“It is fair to say that some of those loopholes have since been addressed and procedures tightened, since our investigation - we made the arrests in 2015.

“Several vehicles were purchased for export using an account registered in Belgium. These vehicles however did not leave the UK, instead they were acquired by the defendants and repaired in Crawley.

“By restoring damaged vehicles using stolen parts, altering the mileage or by producing replicas of limited editions using stolen parts, the defendants conspired to defraud the purchasers and make a greater profit from their operations.

“The defendants produced a number of replicas of the limited edition BMW 1M model. Only four 1Ms have been stolen in the UK and the defendants were found to have handled parts from three of them.

“Our enquiries centred on Arran Khan’s ebay-based business ‘Affordable Performance’ and Imran Raja’s company, Customize Bodyworkz in Three Bridges, Crawley, and another location also in Three Bridges which was not the subject of any convictions.

In sentencing the pair, Judge Christine Henson assessed the loss to victims in respect of seven cars which formed the basis of the prosecution evidence, at between £90,000 and £100,000.

Judge Henson said; “both had the highest level of culpability in the fraud, which involved significant planning over a sustained period of time.

“I consider it to be a real aggravating factor that the defendants were prepared to carry out cosmetic repairs with no consideration of the safety of the victims or other road users. If a structurally compromised vehicle had been involved in a collision the consequences could have been fatal.”

She also disqualified both men from being company directors for seven years, describing them as unfit for the role.

Nick Tinley said: “Members of the public in the market for a second hand vehicle are advised to carry out diligent checks before making a purchase. This case has shown that there are dishonest individuals out there who are capable of making wrecked cars look ‘showroom’ again, while conducting only superficial repairs”.

Khalid Khan, 54, of Martyrs Avenue, Crawley; Jose Teixeira, 38, of Ramsey Close, Horley; and Ian McMurray, 49, of Pelling Way, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, were all found not guilty of conspiracy to defraud, and Scott Bolger, 45, of Chadwick Close, Horley, was found not guilty of perverting the course of justice.

If you are unsure which airline is the best of the bunch, TripAdviser has revealed its winners for a range of categories as part of its annual Travellers' Choice Awards. The winners have been decided on traveller's favourite carrier with the best value, class of service and overall experience. Here are all the winning airlines for each category.

A small Horsham bakery business, set up to provide long term work for young adults with learning disabilities, is hoping to win a share of a life-changing pot of £3million to help fund a permanent premises.

Community Interest Company JubyLee Bakes is one of five groups in the Meridian West ITV region in the running for funding through the National Lottery Community Fund People’s Projects Competition.

The JubyLee Bakes team will showcase their project on Meridian West ITV after the 6 o’clock news on Thursday (April 4) in the hope of gaining support to secure a dedicated base in Thakeham.

Ellen Tomlinson, general manager of JubyLee Bakes, said: “To date, we have been using rented kitchen facilities within QEII Silver Jubilee School in Horsham, but we are restricted to after school hours.

“This is now limiting our potential for growth to include greater numbers of learning disabled young people.

“We are asking for your vote to help us obtain lottery funding, to enable us to renovate and fit out a kitchen in Thakeham.

“Just £50,000 would get the job done, providing a dedicated base for this enthusiastic band of young people.”

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The JubyLee Bakes project was conceived just over three years ago when a group of young learning-disabled adults and their parents were discussing what to do when they left college.

After coming up with the idea to start a bakery, they began baking in a church hall for three hours a week.

Trading standards were consulted about regulations and labelling and the first bakes were made, sampled and finally the recipes were agreed upon.

Quickly three hours a week baking and packing time wasn’t enough, leading to the use of home kitchens and hiring of a school kitchen for a further three hours a week. All are five star rated by the Food Standards Agency.

Bakes by the team are now being sold at local offices, cafes and village markets as well as major outdoor events including Horsham Garden Music Festival, Cuckfield Bonfire Night and Gatwick Airport Fun Day.

Ellen said: “Our young people were winners of Young Start-Up Talent Gatwick Diamond in 2016, and their business has grown steadily since then, providing them with purposeful work which has benefitted other sectors of the community.

“It is recognised that over 90 per cent of young people with a learning disability do not manage to secure long term employment. These enterprising young people don’t want to join that statistic and in fact, want to grow their business offering meaningful employment to others.

“Please help these young people to continue to build their future.”

To vote for JubyLee Bakes visit the People’s Projects website at www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk. Voting opened at 9am on Monday April 1 and will end at 12 noon on Monday April 15.

For more about JubyLee Bakes, visit www.jubyleebakes.org.uk or find them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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Michael Cunnett and his wife were sitting on plane at Gatwick waiting to fly to Egypt for their honeymoon when he decided to try and smoke his e-cigarette, a court heard yesterday.

When politely asked to stop by airline crew he became aggressive and started attacking staff and shouting homophobic slurs.

Two members of air crew were injured in the nasty assault, in which Cunnett was swearing and calling people 'queer'.

Cunnett, 38, of Tonstall Road in Epsom, had drunk four pints of Stella before getting on the flight, the court heard.

Click here to read the full story.

easyJet welcomes sentencing

Following the court hearing, a spokesman for easyJet said: “easyJet is pleased that the court has realised the seriousness of the offence which is reflected in the custodial sentence that has been imposed.

“Whilst they are rare, easyJet takes all incidents of disruptive behaviour very seriously. We have a duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our employees.

“Our employees are trained to assess and evaluate all incidents and act quickly and appropriately. We do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour and always push for prosecution.”

Judge: 'Attack on sexuality of the cabin crew is utterly shameful'

Judge David Rennie said Cunnetts’ abusive attack was ‘absolutely disgraceful behaviour’ and ‘like a child having a tantrum’.

He said: “We do have to ask what airports are doing selling alcohol at that time of the morning.

“Your attack on the perceived sexuality of the cabin crew is utterly shameful “The gay community is an integral part of our community. We are all one.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has responded to news that a teenage girl was charged with possession of a knife in Burgess Hill this week.

Mid Sussex Police said on Monday (April 1), that a 15-year-old girl had been charged with possessing a lock knife and assaulting an emergency worker, after officers responded to a report of antisocial behaviour.

A spokesman said: “A 15-year-old girl has been charged with possession of a lock knife and assaulting a police officer after she was arrested in The Marlets, Burgess Hill, on Sunday (March 31).

“The girl who cannot be identified has been released on bail to appear at Worthing Youth Court on April 18.

“Luckily the knife was not used in the assault on our officers and no injuries were received.”

Responding to the news, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne reassured the community that Sussex Police was ‘determined to take knives off our streets’.

She told the Middy on Tuesday: “Like all forces across the country, Sussex Police is determined to take knives off the street and to encourage young people in particular not to carry knives.

“Although the officers dealing with this 15-year-old girl were not harmed and thankfully the knife was not used, it will be disturbing for parents to see that a young person felt the need to carry a knife in public in the first place.

“Two weeks ago, OP Sceptre – the national knife crime awareness campaign – was successfully run in Sussex with hundreds of knives handed in and saw officers visit schools and colleges and talk to thousands of pupils about the dangers of carrying knives and the consequences of being caught in possession.

“Yesterday (Monday, April 1), saw the launch of REBOOT, a £900k early intervention youth programme funded by my office with Sussex Police and local services that will identify young people at risk of being drawn into violent crime.

“This approach – which was successfully trialled in Hastings – will target potentially troubled and vulnerable young people through one-to-one specialist support workers who will help them build on positive traits and interests to divert them away from crime.”

Readers told the Middy they were shocked by the report. Commenting on our Facebook page, Joshua Horscroft said: “More needs to be done on the sale of knives and the age of which we buy them.”

Linda Blaker said: “I think, although, under age, young people who commit these offences should be named, shamed and charged. Then they’d see how difficult life can be. This softly way is just adding to their ‘street cred’.”

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A Sussex MP spoke on Radio 5 Live yesterday (Tuesday, April 2) to explain how the stress of Brexit and abuse from some of his constituents has led to him losing weight.

Bexhill and Battle MP, Huw Merriman, told Anna Foster how he had gone from a 34 inch waist to ‘just under a 30’.

Speaking on air, Mr Merriman said: “It’s purely down to what is going on. I’ve had a heck of a lot of abuse because of the way I voted on Monday. I’ve tried to explain how I voted and been referred to as the ‘Chancellor’s tea lady’, according to Leave.EU, who are actually trying to get me deselected.

“You try your best for your constituents and work really hard and you get this vile abuse.

“Someone off that ‘tea lady’ shout was talking about those involved in treason used to be taken outside, lined up and shot, now they are paid vast salaries.

“I gave up a much bigger salary to come here because I believe in public service.

“It’s important that we stand up for ourselves. If we can’t stand up for ourselves then we will never stand up for our constituents.

“Equally I do worry that MPs when they struggle, they are the last people who will say they are struggling because they want to be big, proud and representing 100,000 people.”

Mr Merriman told Radio 5 Live that he had ‘started seeing a counsellor’ this year.

He said: “I’ve realised I need to get proper control in my life so that’s a good thing. If I can recognise that and try to do something about it then hopefully other people can do so.”

The MP said he had to attend a funeral of a friend on Friday (March 29), the same day he had to be in Parliament to vote on Brexit.

Speaking on the programme, Mr Merriman added: “I don’t want people to feel sorry for us. I’ve been very cross about Parliament in terms of failing to reach a decision that we should be doing for people. But I want people to realise that at the end of the abusive email is someone, a human being, who has to read it, as well as staff who work so hard for us and are committed.”

After the programme Mr Merriman said people had ‘every right to feel frustrated by MPs’ failure to deliver’.

He said: “To pretend that the anger and vitriol about Brexit leaves me unaffected would be untrue. I have always conducted interviews in an open manner albeit this one flowed to a personal area which I had not intended to mention.

“I thought it important to be honest rather than hide. If that helps others to get to a better place then it will be worth it.

“The responses I have had across from across the constituency and country have been very kind. There is a huge amount of frustration at Parliament.

“I have expressed it myself and am not without blame. Ultimately, we are all better as a democracy when we engage, debate and work together.”

Drivers faced long queues on the M23 around Gatwick this morning (Thursday April 4) following a traffic accident and recovery work.

Highways England said there were delays of around 35 minutes between junction 8 (M25 interchange) and junction 9 (Gatwick).

The problem was within the long-term roadworks and at one stage queues stretched back up to seven miles.

The incident has now been cleared and traffic running freely.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to Bognor Road, Chichester at 8.40pm yesterday evening following reports of a fire next to the railway line.

It is the third fire in recent days, following a tip fire and a fire in Chichester city centre.

Two fire engines from Bognor and Chichester were sent to the fire, which was confirmed to be a car valet centre '100 per cent involved in the fire', a single-storey building of 10m by 30m, according to a fire service spokesman.

The road was cordoned off when it was suspected that there could be gas cylinders at the site - but it was eventually established that there were none there.

Hose reels, jets and breathing apparatus were used to put the fire out.

Fire crews left the scene at just before 11.30pm, the spokesman said.

Today, investigators will be inspecting the scene to find out the cause of the fire and whether or not it was deliberate.