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Gedling man jailed after assaulting woman and hitting man with baseball bat

Emily Sanchez
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Gedling man jailed after assaulting woman and hitting man with baseball bat

A violent offender who assaulted and threatened to kill a woman he met in the pub was arrested after punching and hitting another man with a baseball bat outside a hotel.

Luke Hancock attacked the woman on December 3, 2022 – just days after meeting her. 

The 33-year-old went on to send her numerous threatening messages, between 3 December and 31 December, despite being told that she didn’t want to continue a relationship. These included threats to harm her and her children. 

Nottingham_Crown_Court
PICTURED: Nottingham Crown Court

Hancock, of Waldrom Road, Gedling, also caused damage to her car windscreen on December 3 before making further threats. 

He was arrested on New Year’s Eve after police were called to reports of a fight in the Mapperley Park area of Nottingham. 

Following an argument, Hancock punched and hit a man with a baseball bat, striking him on his head, body, and legs causing him pain and bruising. 

He had been handed the bat by 35-year-old Ricky Wilding. 

Both men were arrested, interviewed, and subsequently charged. 

Hancock was jailed for a total of two years and made subject of a five-year restraining order after pleading guilty to charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, assault by beating, malicious communications and criminal damage. 

Wilding, of Wigman Road, Bilborough, was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He must also complete 120 hours’ unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Both men appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing yesterday (Tuesday 28 March 2023). 

Detective Constable Jodie Turton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These were nasty and serious offences which must have been extremely frightening ordeals for the victims. 

“Hancock became obsessed with the woman and his repeated threatening behaviour made her extremely feel scared and worried he would harm her and her children.

“He then went on to commit a serious assault on a man with a baseball bat, delivering multiple blows to his head and body. The victim is lucky he didn’t sustain more serious injuries.

“I’m pleased that this sentence has now taken a dangerous individual off the streets, and I hope it brings some comfort to his victims that he has now been locked up for his violent behaviour.”

Man arrested after car stolen from Woodthorpe smashes into pub

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Man arrested after car stolen from Woodthorpe smashes into pub

A man has been arrested after a reported stolen car from Woodthorpe smashed into the side of a pub.

Officers were alerted to a vehicle being taken from Thackeray’s Lane, Woodthorpe, shortly after 8pm yesterday (Monday 27 March).

Responding cops were able to track the car’s movements as it sped through the county and made its way into Worksop.

After the vehicle failed to stop it then crashed into the side of the Lockside pub, Victoria Square, Worksop.

A man was arrested at the scene after quick working officers tracked a man down who had gone into the canal in a bid to escape.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, and driving a vehicle dangerously.

He remains in custody as inquiries continue.

Sergeant Clint Gloyn, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured during this incident.

“This manner of driving placed not only the people inside the pub at risk of harm but the driver themselves, our officers, and members of the public in the area.

“I want to thank motorists and the community for their patience last night while we dealt with the incident and worked with our partners to make sure the area was safe.

Burton Joyce Library revamp works to begin next month

Justin Doddy
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Burton Joyce Library revamp works to begin next month
Aspire has formally announced that Burton Joyce Library will close on April 8 for refurbishment.

The village’s library is one of six to have received investment from the Libraries Investment Fund (LIF). The other libraries include Bilsthorpe, Harworth & Bircotes, Blidworth, Langold and Woodthorpe libraries.

The Libraries Improvement Fund is part of the Cultural Investment Fund, a programme of work funded by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) delivered by Arts Council England. 

Nottinghamshire County Council, partnering with Inspire were awarded £170,000 to create community hubs within these six libraries in Nottinghamshire, two of which are in the borough, transforming the buildings into flexible welcoming spaces for communities to use and enjoy.

The works are expected to take approx. eight weeks with the library closing at 1pm on April 8.

The refurbishments will deliver:

·         New flexible layout

·         New community gathering area

·         New furnishings

·         Gallery display space

·         Tea & coffee station

·         Exciting internal decoration

·         A selection of new books for all ages and interests

Inspire further advise that in addition, and following the recent community consultation exercise, planning is underway to tailor the library’s events and activities to reflect the needs of the community and to offer a programme of exciting learning and cultural events following the library’s reopening. 

PHOTO : Courtesy of Inspire

Aspire has confirmed that during the period of closure, membership cards can be used at any library across the County.  The nearest libraries are Carlton Library, 2.6 miles, Lowdham Library 2.6 miles, or Arnold Library 5.5 miles.

Books can also be renewed online at www.inspireculture.org.uk/catalogue by calling 01623 677200.

The official reopening day is still to be confirmed.

Gedling borough pre-schools warn of more closures amid free childcare expansion plan

Olivia Beeson
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Gedling borough pre-schools warn of more closures amid free childcare expansion plan

A key plan to expand free childcare has created fears for many preschools across Gedling Borough.  

The huge expansion of free childcare was a main feature of Jeremy Hunt’s budget last week and whilst it is great news for parents it has created further financial worries for early years settings.  

Trustee of Arnold St Mary’s Pre-School, Francine Leary, said: “The budget announcement is great for parents.  

“More places, more free hours.  

PICTURED: Children at St Mary’s Pre-school (PHOTO: St Mary’s Pre-School)
PICTURED: Staff at Carlton Preschool Playgroup. (Credit: Carlton Preschool Playgroup)

“But the Government needs to fix the funding crisis before making promises to parents.” 

Many preschools have already shut in recent years and this new plan may lead to the closure of more establishments if there is not an increase in central funding.  

Arnold St Mary’s relies on fundraising and volunteers to break even due to funding levels not meeting increasing costs and the addition of free childcare for all would increase this need to raise money to remain open.  

Francine added: “The devil is in the detail here, what will the hourly funding increase be and when as we need more investment now?” 

The announcement stated that 30 hours a week of free childcare would be given to all children aged from nine months to four years, with a staggered introduction.  

Hunt did promise an increase of free hours funding of £204m from this September but this will not cover costs nurseries face.  

Currently, settings rely on the fees paid by parents who do not receive funding to cover the underfunding of others but this will no longer be the case.  

Francine fears that the changes announced in the Spring Budget may mean that Arnold St Mary’s, which has been around since 1969, “may not be sustainable” to run anymore.  

Maxine Payne, manager of Carlton Preschool Playgroup also shared the same worries about balancing the books.  

She said: “I think it’s a very good thing for families to be able to return to work but unfortunately I also think it’s quite scary as a preschool manager because the funding rates are not high enough.”  

Carlton Preschool Playgroup is also a registered charity that relies on fundraising to buy resources.  

Maxine added: “Every September we worry whether we are going to make it through the next year. 

“It’s always been a struggle, but it is more now because the funding rates have only gone up by pence in the last few years. 

“There needs to be a more substantial rate of increase.” 

The sector is struggling and that means that many practitioners are underpaid.  

Maxine said: “The staff work really really hard, and they are worth so much more money but unfortunately most of our staff are only on minimum wage.”  

The plan to give free childcare to all may implicate workers’ pay and lead to staff in the profession losing their jobs.  

Although there are clear benefits to this part of the budget it has also created fear amongst preschools about their survival in the coming years.  

Driver led cops on 95mph chase after being spotted mounting grass verge to overtake car in Calverton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Driver led cops on 95mph chase after being spotted mounting grass verge to overtake car in Calverton

A dangerous driver was brought to a halt after taking cops on a high-speed chase through five villages after being spotted dangerously driving in Calverton.

Ondrej Kralik, 30, reached speeds of 95mph during the pursuit, which lasted for ten minutes.

The pursuit began when officers spotted him mount a grass verge as he recklessly overtook another vehicle on a roundabout along Old Rufford Road.

Police chased Ondrej Kralik for ten minutes

He then accelerated away at speed, prompting the officers to turn around in order to catch up with the silver Kia Ceed.

Upon nearing the Kia and activating blue lights and sirens, Kralik increased his speed and failed to stop.

The ten-minute footage was played at Nottingham Crown Court and included:

  • Kralik reaching 86mph in a 50mph zone;
  • Officers flashing headlights in a bid to get him to stop – only for Kralik to go even faster, hitting 95mph (almost double the speed limit) in an effort to evade capture;
  • Kralik veering onto the wrong side of the road at high speed overtaking vehicles, risking a head-on collision;
  • He then sped over the brow of a hill while on the wrong side of the road;
  • Upon reaching a roundabout, he went the wrong way round before reaching a staggering 85mph in a 30moh zone;
  • After tearing through Farnsfield, Edingley and Hallam, he reached Southwell where he tried to head down a one-way system in Queen Street. However, his Kia became wedged between a BMW and a sign post, enabling officers to pull him out of the car and arrest him.

The court heard the pursuit happened on 28 September 2022 – just six days after he committed another motoring offence that resulted in a £656 fine and his driving licence being endorsed with six points.

In relation to the police chase, he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 February 2023.

His sentencing took place on Tuesday (21 March) at Nottingham Crown Court, where a judge heard he had no previous convictions and committed the offence at a time when he’d gone “off the rails”.

The judge was told he was struggling following the breakdown of a relationship, loss of employment and loss of accommodation.

Sentencing Kralik to ten months in prison, suspended for two years, Judge Nirmal Shant KC told him: “This was a particularly bad piece of dangerous driving over a sustained period of time.

“I have no doubt that you only stopped because you tried to go the wrong way down a one-way route and collided with a vehicle.

“It’s only luck rather than good judgement that you didn’t cause a serious injury to someone else.”

In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Kralik, of Worksop Road, St Ann’s, was also ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Following the sentencing, Inspector Graham Clarke, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an appalling and dangerous display of driving that could very easily have ended up with someone being killed or seriously injured.

“By attempting to flee from the police he placed members of the public and himself at considerable risk. I am pleased that his pursuit was bought to a safe conclusion and would like to pay tribute to the skill and professionalism of the officers involved.

“I also hope that Kralik learns from this experience and resolves never to act in this way again.”

Suspects arrested after teenage boys assaulted in Arnold

Gedling Eye
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Suspects arrested after teenage boys assaulted in Arnold

Police have arrested four suspects after reports three teenage boys were assaulted in Arnold and another was robbed during incidents which officers are currently treating as linked.

A 13-year-old suffered a split lip and bruised eye after he was attacked outside a shop in Front Street, Arnold.

He was punched and kicked during the incident which happened around 5.15pm on Tuesday (21 March 2023).

Later that day, at around 6.50pm, a 14-year-old was assaulted by a group of youths in Redhill Road, Arnold. Police received a further report of a car being damaged In Calverton Road, Arnold, later that evening.

The previous day, at around 7.10pm, a 16-year-old was approached by teenagers in St Mary’s Park, Arnold. One of the suspects, who reportedly had a knife, is alleged to have threatened him before taking his bag. 

Another 13-year-old boy was assaulted and received injuries during this incident.

Following inquiries, including trawling through CCTV footage, police arrested three suspects on Thursday (23 March 2023) in relation to the reports.

A 15-year-old boy was detained on suspicion of robbery, causing grievous bodily harm without intent, affray, possession of a knife/sharply pointed article in a public place and criminal damage. 

A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm, affray, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and criminal damage.

Another 13-year-old boy was detained on suspicion of affray and a 16-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of affray and criminal damage.

Inspector Mark Stanley, District Commander for Gedling, said: “Violent disorder of this nature will not be tolerated, and we will always do everything we can to quickly investigate reports and apprehend suspects.

“As this is a live ongoing investigation I would urge people not to speculate on this case or share names of young people on social media. What might seem like an innocent post on social media to you could in reality disrupt an ongoing investigation and cause further distress.

“We would ask that if you did see something or have any information in relation to these, please come forward as pass this on directly to the police.”

The four suspects have been interviewed and were subsequently released on conditional bail as the investigation continues.

Council low-cost housing plan for ‘eyesore’ sites in Carlton

Justin Doddy
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Council low-cost housing plan for ‘eyesore’ sites in Carlton

A business case proposing the construction of affordable homes on two council-owned sites in Carlton was approved at a Gedling Borough Council Cabinet meeting on March 22.

In March 2021, Cabinet originally approved the re-development of the Burton Road and Station Road sites for the provision of Council owned affordable housing and temporary accommodation.

However since the approval of the original Business Case, there was a delay in progressing the development of the Burton Road and Station Road sites in part due to the Covid pandemic, as well as to the loss of key staff members.

The sites on Burton Road and Station Road are both owned by the council and existing structures have previously been demolished.

The reviewed Business Case set out the rationale and evidence base for the delivery of affordable homes on the two sites.

Station Road: The Council owned the southern part of the site however in 2016, the Council applied for adverse possession of the northern part of the site and the Council is now the registered owner of the whole site.

Pictured: Station Road site plan (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council)
Pictured: The overgrown site at Station Road (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
Pictured: The Council owned site at Station Road (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

Burton Road: The Council acquired 23 Burton Road using powers under the Housing Act 1957 for the purposes of Housing. The adjacent shops 25, 27 and 29 Burton Road, were acquired in October 2018. In June
2019, demolition and site clearance was completed.

Pictured: Burton Road site plan (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council
Pictured: The Council owned site on Burton Road) PHOTO: Gedling Eye
Pictured: The rear of the Council owned site on Burton Road PHOTO: Gedling Eye
Pictured: Behind the fences: The overgrown Burton Road site PHOTO: Gedling Eye

The revised Business Case concluded that the most viable and deliverable option that mitigates against potential risk to the Council was to undertake a competitive tender exercise to secure a Registered Housing Provider (RHP) to develop the two sites through a disposal.

The tender process would include the requirement that a RHP ensures 100% nomination rights for the Council in perpetuity.

A number of benefits were identified in the business case including:

• Additional affordable housing in the borough
• Additional temporary accommodation will be available at the earliest opportunity to reduce number of households in B&B accommodation
• The temporary accommodation does not impact adversely upon
local communities and supports vulnerable households
• Enhanced appearance of the Carlton Road and Station Road areas
which supports the Council’s wider regeneration of Carlton Square
locality

The revised document further advises that the Council has experienced increased demand for its homelessness service with 733 homeless approaches during 2021/22, an increase of 187 cases since 2020/21. If this trend continues, it could result in 900 approaches for the financial year 2022/23 (as at December 2022 there had been 621 homeless individuals or families presenting to the Council). This is a further increase of 167 homeless approaches over the 2021/22 figure.

Whilst not all approaches require placing in temporary accommodation, the increase in presentations reflects the increased demands on the
service and results in the increased demand for temporary accommodation.

The gross cost of B&B placements in 2018/19 was £95,800, this increased in 2019/20 to £277,900, and again in 2020/21 to £391,800. There was a reduction in 2021/22 to £249,800. The estimated costs for 2022/23 are likely to slightly reduce again to £240,000.

The reduction can be attributed to the increased numbers of temporary
accommodation units available to the Council. However, the Council has not been able to secure all of the additional units included in the Temporary Accommodation Appraisal and this is compounded by the delay in the delivery of the Burton Road and Station Road schemes.

To further support the provision of affordable housing in the borough there are plans to purchase seven Temporary Accommodation properties in the next six months from the open market, all of which is expected to reduce the council’s reliance upon B&B accommodation and thereby reduce expenditure.

The published detailed GBC business case from which the above information has been sourced is available HERE

One resident who didn’t wish to be named said she was relieved something was being done with the sites.

“They are both eyesores,” she said.

“I’d rather have homes put on these abandoned sites than have more of our countryside taken away for housing.”

Gedling: Council’s bin lorry fleet switch from diesel to biofuel

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling: Council’s bin lorry fleet switch from diesel to biofuel

A council’s fleet of bin lorries will be using greener, biofuel instead of diesel, as part of a pioneering initiative that aims to reduce the CO2 emissions of the fleet by 90% and promote environmental sustainability.

Gedling Borough Council say the change of fuel use will provide a cleaner working environment for staff, reduce fuel usage and minimise pollution and waste.

In line with the council’s pledge to become net zero carbon by 2030, the scheme is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, Nitrous Oxide emissions by up to 27% and Particulate Matter emissions by up to 84%.

Bins Gedling Borough Council
Greener lorries will be used to empty our bins

The fuel replacement scheme involves the use of 100% renewable and sustainable paraffinic fuel, which is manufactured from waste products and has been approved by central government as an alternative fuel to diesel. The fuel is compatible with all modern diesel engines and existing fuelling structures, without any additional costs.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “We are very proud to launch this pioneering new scheme to replace the diesel used in our waste vehicles, with a cleaner more sustainable fuel, which aligns with our commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030 and our commitment to the environment and the health of our community.

“By reducing our CO2 emissions by 90% and promoting sustainable behaviour, we are setting an example for our borough and contributing to a cleaner, healthier and greener Gedling. 

“We must act now if we are going to meet the target we set when we declared a Climate Emergency in November 2019.”

Councillor Ron McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “This is a real game changer in terms of the council working toward its ambitious target to become net zero carbon by 2030 and it’s also setting an example for other businesses as, quite simply, we cannot do this alone.

“We believe we are the first council in Nottinghamshire to have converted to this type of biofuel and it shows just how committed we are to creating a cleaner, greener Gedling.”

For more information about the council’s commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030 visit www.gedling.gov.uk/climate-change

Multi-purpose industrial units proposed for Colwick site

Justin Doddy
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Multi-purpose industrial units proposed for Colwick site

An application to demolish an existing single storey office and two industrial buildings and erect of 5 multi-purpose industrial units is being considered by Gedling Borough Council Planning.

The application received on behalf of Radford Holdings Ltd. relates to a site at Park House Mile End Road, Colwick, Nottinghamshire, NG4 2DW

Pictured: Park House signage to the front of Park House (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
Pictured: The proposed site location (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council Planning)

The site is bound to the north by residential properties and to the east by industrial units. To the south is Mile End Road, across which is a narrow wooded belt and grassed area beyond which is further residential and industrial development. To the west is residential development accessed from Colwick Manor Farm.

The site is currently used as a mix of office and industrial use buildings.

If successful five multi-purpose industrial units will replace the existing mix of office and industrial use buildings
Pictured: Proposed visuals of new development (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council Planning)

Planning documents advise that the proposed development will increase the number of car spaces on site from 18 to 28 with provision for two disability spaces and two motorcycle spaces.

Access is proposed to continue to be from Mile End Road and there are no changes proposed to the existing access arrangements.

Pictured: Proposed site layout including parking (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council Planning)

Full details relating to planning application 2023/0183 can be accessed HERE

Gedling borough swimming pools recycle used flip flops and floats

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling borough swimming pools recycle used flip flops and floats

Swimmers in Gedling borough are being encouraged to recycle their pool accessories such as caps, goggles, floats and armbands.

The Leisure Loop Recycling Scheme makes it easier for swimmers to recycle many common items at their local centres.

The innovative scheme has now been launched at Arnold, Calverton and Carlton Forum leisure centres.

Carlton-Forum
PICTURED: Carlton Forum

The launch of this recycling initiative at Gedling Borough Council’s swimming pools is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. 

Most swimming products such as armbands, floats and goggles cannot be recycled by conventional methods which means that these items would normally end up in landfill or be incinerated. It is estimated that the average pool will generate roughly 15kg of waste every 2-3 months, which is potentially over 350 pairs of goggles.

If swimmers use the new recycling scheme at Gedling’s leisure centres, a significant amount of waste could therefore be recycled instead to create new products for the industry, such as flip flops.

Each recycling point holds up to 20kg, or 100 litres, of items which will be taken away to be processed where the items are separated and sorted. The materials are then shredded, cleaned and turned into small pieces of a new version of raw material which can be used to produce new products in the UK. 

Councillor Henry Wheeler, Portfolio Holder Lifestyles, Health & Wellbeing said: “Swimming products such as goggles, armbands and floats are very difficult to recycle and they require specialist recycling equipment due to the types of plastics and other materials used.

“Being able to offer residents the opportunity to recycle their old, unwanted or broken swimming gear in their local leisure centres is a hugely positive step in helping to reduce the amount of waste in the borough. 

The council is always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact and with our pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, it is smart recycling solutions like this which help to really make a difference”.  

Sim Duhra, Climate Change Officer for Gedling Borough Council, added: “This fantastic scheme provides a way for people to recycle some of the most hard to recycle materials, such as plastics. Recycling in this way also reduces the demand on new products being produced using raw materials, which in turn helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”. 

The recycling points are located near the reception areas in the Arnold, Calverton and Carlton Forum leisure centres.

Items accepted in the recycling scheme include plastic and foam armbands, swim caps, goggles, flip flops, foam floats and pool noodles. Wherever possible, swimmers are encouraged to use the recycling points to dispose of these items instead of putting them in their general household waste bins.

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