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Bestwood woman sentenced for publishing name of sexual assault victim on Facebook

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Bestwood woman sentenced for publishing name of sexual assault victim on Facebook

A woman from Bestwood has been sentenced after she published the name of a sexual assault victim on Facebook after her brother had been jailed for the offence.

Temma Bickley, 28, was found guilty following a trial at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced yesterday (October 11).

It was claimed that Bickley, of Belconnen Road, posted malicious messages on Facebook which identified the victim, despite knowing there was legislation in place protecting her anonymity.

Bickley showed a screen shot of the victim’s Snapchat account and wrote a post which included details identifying her.

It followed the sentencing of Bickley’s brother, Teon Bickley, 27, in May 2018, for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. He admitted four counts of sexual activity with the girl.

Under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act, victims and alleged victims of sexual offences, including rape, are given lifetime anonymity.

This means that nothing should be published by anyone, including members of the public, which could lead to the victim or alleged victim being identified.

This ban includes publishing the victim’s name, address, name of educational establishment they attend, place where they work or any picture of them.

In this case the victim identified by Bickley is also a child so her anonymity is also automatically protected under the Children and Young Persons’ Act.

This states that nothing should be published which could likely lead to any juvenile (aged under 18) who is involved in court proceedings being identified.



This ban would again include publishing the victim’s name, address, name of educational establishment they attend, place where they work or any picture of them.

Bickley was given a one-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £200 fine.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Quinn, from Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection Department, said: “Temma Bickley was present throughout the court hearing. She knew there was a court order in place banning the publication of any details which could identify the victim in her brother’s case.

“Despite this she deliberately tried to discredit the victim by publicly identifying her using social media.

“Her actions were malicious and have caused the 13-year-old victim a lot of additional distress and anxiety.

“This case shows that we continue to treat victims with respect, properly investigate crimes and do whatever we can to protect them from further abuse.

“We hope this case makes it clear that we will work tirelessly to secure convictions against those who take the law into their own hands and cause misery to innocent members of the public, both in person and via social media.

“We also hope it reminds members of the public that they should be very careful when posting comments publicly on social media sites, like Facebook.

“Anyone who makes prejudicial comments during an active court case could also be found in contempt of court. The Contempt of Court Act applies to any publication, not just the mainstream media, so also includes members of the public using social media to comment on a live case.

“We don’t expect people to be media law experts and we do not seek to deprive people from expressing their views but we need to remind people that there can be serious consequences for making inappropriate comments online, especially in relation to any court proceedings.”

OPINION: Selective licensing scheme is ‘clearly a stealth tax’

Gedling Eye Reporter
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OPINION: Selective licensing scheme is ‘clearly a stealth tax’

James Stephenson from the Woodthorpe Ward Conservatives writes that he thinks the council should target rogue landlords and not punish the good ones.

Gedling Labour’s Selective Licensing Scheme risks, according to their own consultation, increasing rents. The scheme which was recently implemented by Nottingham City Labour, also highlights the ever increasing policy influence the £1 billion debt-ridden City Council has in Gedling’s affairs.

Since being implemented in the city, selective licensing has according to residents, resulted in people being kicked out of their homes as landlords charge more or simply sell up and leave altogether. Nottingham residents have shared stories of families being made homeless by landlords selling up and rents increasing by £25 and £35 per month to cover the licensing scheme costs.

It is common sense to most people that landlords will pass on the costs to renters and not absorb the cost as a gesture of goodwill.

Gedling Labour have shown a lack of understanding or sensitivity towards how the private rented sector or business works. Hit with an unexpected up-front license cost of either £490 or £640, it is common sense to most people that landlords will pass on the costs to renters and not absorb the cost as a gesture of goodwill.



Once you factor in the other costs of mandatory licence holder training, six monthly inspections, anti-social behaviour reporting requirements and the myriad of on-going management costs, it is difficult to see how Gedling Labour believe that rents wouldn’t be affected. Granted, if the scheme allowed landlords to pay £2.50 a week, which Gedling Labour constantly state in their literature, online and in their consultation responses, there may be an argument to say rents shouldn’t go up.

However, Gedling Labour’s two-part fee, which they say is to mitigate any potential rent increases are charged firstly, when someone applies for the scheme and secondly, when the application is processed. Effectively making it an up-front cost.

Gedling residents deserve better than a scheme which clearly is a stealth tax and has led to increased rents elsewhere when implemented. Gedling Conservatives believe that it is better to target rogue landlords individually and enforce the current laws, instead of punishing good landlords and by extension increasing the cost of living for Gedling borough residents.

  • Do you agree with James’ view on the Selective Licensing Scheme? Have your say in the comments section below

ELAINE BOND: Shedding some light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gedling Eye
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ELAINE BOND: Shedding some light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

Goose Fair has gone, Halloween is on its way and yep, it’ll soon be Christmas…

The nights are drawing in and for most of us it’s time to get the warm clothes out, watch TV a little more and enjoy the changing seasons. But for some people this time of year brings a feeling of impending doom, not just because the sunshine and warm weather has gone, but because they have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The change in seasons affect people with SADs with a depression that has a significant impact on their life, and if they suffer from depression throughout the year, this will worsen as the seasons change.

In the UK people with SAD mostly suffer more with the change from summer to winter as there is the major change in daylight hours light, especially when the clocks go back. So, the suffering will feel worse between September and November and it may continue until March, April or May in the following year.

Although there is no real proven reason for SAD, one of the main theories is that as humans, the majority of us worked outside up to a couple of hundred years ago but now only approximately 10% of us do. In summer when the days are longer we can get the light we need from the time we spend outdoors, but in winter we are simply not able to absorb the amount of sunlight we need.

Elaine-Bond
PICTURED: Elaine Bond is a counsellor based in Gedling

The way we live has made changes to the brain’s ability to pick up on natures cues. Our day no longer starts at dawn and finishes at sunset, we work nights or start when its dark in winter and walk out of the office when its dark. Electric lights allow us to work and go out late into the night and we have therefore lessened our brain’s ability to regulate our body clock and so we get a level of light deficiency in Winter.



All of this affects our circadian rhythms, which regulate food digestion, appetite, energy levels, sleep quality and length, and our mood. Our Circadian Rhythms are our body’s internal clock and if these rhythms are disrupted it can result in suffering from SAD. The ability to wake up feeling refreshed is reduced  and there is a feeling of lethargy throughout the day, possibly with mood swings and insomnia.

The levels of our serotonin are affected by the light taken in to the body and low light levels often mean low serotonin levels which then affect how well we can regulate our mood. Melatonin is produced by the brain when it is dark in order to send us to sleep, In fact hibernating animals have very high melatonin levels. These high levels of melatonin make us sleepy and want to hide away. Why some people are affected, and others are not remains a mystery.

SAD symptoms include –

  • Lack of energy
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Sleep issues – too much or too little
  • Depression the feeling of low mood, hopelessness and despair
  • Social issues – not wanting to talk to or be with friends and family
  • Craving for carbs and sugar leading to weight gain
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of libido
  • Mood swings
  • Drug and alcohol use

There are some things we can do to alleviate the symptoms of SAD such as spending as much time in the day light as is possible, try to take a holiday to somewhere warm and light when it is darkest here in the UK, eat well, exercise regularly (preferably outside) and there are natural light boxes you can buy which will produce very high intensity light to stimulate the areas of the brain that are missing the light intake. http://www.sad-lighthire.co.uk/

If self-help does not work there are some anti-depressants that can help, SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help in severe cases and the herbal remedy St Johns Wort can also alleviate some symptoms. Talking therapies like CBT or psychotherapy can help, helping us to deal with some of the other factors including in our feelings of depression at this time of year.

Calverton girl who bravely beat the bullies realises her dream of becoming a chef

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Calverton girl who bravely beat the bullies realises her dream of becoming a chef

A teenager from Calverton who beat the bullies to realise her dream of becoming a top chef will be amongst those being recognised at a prestigious youth bravery awards evening later this month.

Caitlin Orchard ,17, is among the ‘super seven’ of young people from across the county who have been named as the district winners of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Award for 2018.

The 4Uth awards are a Nottinghamshire County Council initiative to celebrate the achievements of young people across the county. District winners will be celebrated at a ceremony at County Hall on October 26 and the overall county-wide winner will also be announced on the night.

There were approximately 80 nominations for this year’s awards – with entries received from friends, family members, youth workers and people who work in a range of voluntary, public sector and other organisations. Judging panels in each district decided the winners from three nominations in each district, and a separate judging panel assessed the final seven.

Caitlin was nominated for an award by Mohammed Yaseen, a youth worker at Calverton Young People’s Centre. He said he nominated Caitlin because of the way she has overcome problems with bullying and intimidation to learn new skills and begin a career as a chef.

Mohammed said: “Caitlin is a long-time member of Calverton Young People’s Centre who has faced immense obstacles for a 15 year old and became reclusive and socially and emotionally isolated in her family, peer groups and community.

Cameron-award
PAST VICTORY: Cameron Lei-Ford from Calverton won the award back in 2016

“However, Caitlin remained connected to the centre where she maintained a positive, supportive relationship with her youth worker, Jill, who suggested that she should focus on things she really enjoyed. This led to Caitlin supporting activities in the coffee bar. It wasn’t long before she decided to put together a menu of food and recipes from around the world for young people to try out.”



Caitlin started with simple foods but soon developed her ideas, her piece de resistance being paella. This involvement encouraged young people who began to develop a new found respect for Caitlin which in turn enabled her to experiment with food.

Soon she began to teach other young people in the club to make food from around the world, challenging prejudices about food from abroad in the process, and thus enabling staff to facilitate conversations about equality and diversity in the young people’s centre.

Mohammed added: “Caitlin found her passion and began dreaming about a career in the food and hospitality industry. She soon found part time work in local pubs but was disappointed with the lack of professionalism and desire to cook high quality food.

“Having struggled at school with bullying and discrimination in her community Caitlin never lost sight of her ambition to work in high quality kitchen with real chefs. In March 2018 Caitlin secured a job as a chef at the World’s End Restaurant in Lowdham.”

“Caitlin has said that although she feels like she has finally made it at nearly 17, she will never forget the youth club where she has continued to steam up the kitchen and produce finger licking food for all the young people to try as a volunteer alongside Jill and other youth workers.”

Caitlin lives at home in Salterford Avenue, Calverton with mum Barbara and dad Nigel.

Dad Nigel said: “Caitlin goes to the young people’s centre most nights of the week. Attending the sessions has really given her a lot of confidence and she has a lot of friends there. News of this award has also really boosted her morale. We are so proud.”

Caitlin said: “The last five years at the youth club helped me get through all the sadness I was feeling outside.  I realise now that this is an amazing place where young people can go to get help with their problems and maybe find something they love. I think the club is just great.”

Cllr Tracey Taylor, is vice-chairman of the Children and Young People’s Committee, at Nottinghamshire County Council.

She said: “Caitlin has been on a real journey and her involvement with the young people’s centre has clearly helped her to develop as a person as well as learn vital new skills. It is great to hear that she is following her passion to enter the catering and hospitality industry and she is a very worthy recipient of the Gedling district 4Uth award.”

Do you have a local story for the Gedling Eye online news team? Email us at news@gedlingeye.co.uk or you can WhatsApp message us on 07958532672

VIDEO: Arnold man hopes to smash world record with jet-powered bike built in garden shed

Gedling Eye Reporter
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VIDEO: Arnold man hopes to smash world record with jet-powered bike built in garden shed

A self-confessed petrolhead from Arnold is hoping to smash a world record with a jet-propelled bike he built in his back garden.

Amateur engineer Andy Morris has already broken the record for the fastest speed recorded in a jet-propelled go-kart.

(Video courtesy of BBC East Midlands)

He is now gearing himself up for his second record attempt on the jet-powered bike he is building in his back garden shed.



He said: “It’s going to get a bit tight in the shed, I might have to build an extension, but I haven’t told the girlfriend yet.”

Mr Morris said he was first inspired to build vehicles with jet engines after watching an episode of Channel 4 show Scrapheap Challenge.

Do you have a local story for the Gedling Eye online news team? Email us at news@gedlingeye.co.uk or you can WhatsApp message us on 07958532672

Warning over fake mattresses being sold door-to-door in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye
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Warning over fake mattresses being sold door-to-door in Gedling borough

People in Gedling borough are being warned following reports of rogue traders flogging fake mattresses in the area.

Trading Standards say they have received reports of uninvited callers going door to door offering the mattresses for sale.

These are marketed as being luxury mattresses offered at a “bargain” price.  In reality they are cheap mattresses of poor quality.  Officers also say they have concerns that they may not meet fire safety standards.


Trading Standards strongly advise residents never to buy at the door from a ‘cold caller’.

If you are approached at your door by anyone offering mattresses for sale, or are suspicious about any doorstep caller,  please report this to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 04 05 06.  You may also call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice on goods which you are looking to purchase.

Gedling Borough Council to remove burial fees for all children under 18.

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council to remove burial fees for all children under 18.

Gedling Borough Council has today approved plans to remove burial fees for children under 18.

The plans were approved by Cabinet members today (October 11) and will come into force with immediate effect.

The increase in the exemption from paying a burial fee, which is currently offered for burials of anyone aged up to 12 years old, aims to help reduce the burden of a sudden and unexpected cost to families trying to cope with the tragedy of losing a child.

Child burial fees have already been rescinded in Wales and Scotland and the UK Government has expressed intention to look at similar options, though there is no definitive plan in place at present. Gedling Borough Council has decided to remove these costs now so that they can begin to help families right away.



Burial charges will still apply to non-residents who do not contribute to services in the borough by paying Council Tax.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Payne said: “Losing a child at any time is absolutely heart breaking and the last thing families should worry about is the financial burden of burying a child. Removing these costs is the right thing to do, we are a compassionate council whose ethos is serving people, improving lives and this is an example of how we can support residents during their darkness moments.”

Get into spirit of Hallowe’en by picking up a pumpkin from Brooke Farm in Linby

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Get into spirit of Hallowe’en by picking up a pumpkin from Brooke Farm in Linby

Fright fans can now get into the spirit of Hallowe’en by picking up a pumpkin from a farm in Linby.

An abundance of pumpkins freshly grown at Brooke Farm are now available for sale ready for the annual fright festival.

Smaller pumpkins are priced at £1.50 and £3 for a large pumpkin at the farm shop on Main Street, Linby, which is open Monday to Thursday 8am to 3.45pm, Friday 8am to 3.15pm and Saturday 8am to 3pm.

The farm is run by Nottinghamshire County Council and employs staff with mixed abilities and offers training to people with disabilities.



Councillor Stuart Wallace, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said: “Although the lack of rain over the summer prevented us from growing giant pumpkins, this year has been a good year for quantity as we have around 200 small and 150 large pumpkins ready to be made into Hallowe’en lanterns.”

The farm shop also offers a range of home-grown produce for sale including free range eggs, seasonal vegetables, salad and fruit, flowers and plants along with locally-sourced products such as bread, milk, preserves, pickles, cakes and biscuits.

For more information visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/brooke-farm

Balsam bashers wanted in Netherfield this Saturday

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Balsam bashers wanted in Netherfield this Saturday

Volunteers are being invited to help win the battle against an invasive plant which has attempted to take hold of a section of Ouse Dyke, near Netherfield Lagoons.

Gedling Conservation Trust are organising the ‘balsam bashing’ session on Saturday (October 13) in a bid to finally rid the area of Himalayan balsam.

The pink-flowered non-native species smothers riverside habitats, harms native plants and leaves banks bare and subject to erosion when it dies down. It has to be pulled up before seed pods explode and spread along the river.

The group will also be litter picking along the banks and the water during the event.



Event organiser Mark Glover, from Gedling Conservation Trust, said: “There are some stragglers in flower along the stretch of the ouse dyke we have been concentrating on this year. We have a chance to catch them and prevent as many seeds as possible creating new plants at Netherfield Lagoons next year. If enough of us can come along on Saturday we should be able to finish the job in a short time.

He added: “All our hard work this year has really paid off as there are so few plants there compared to previous years.”

Those interested in taking part are being asked to meet at the end of Teal Close on Victoria Retail Park, at 2.30pm. For more information contact Gedling Conservation Trust’s Mark Glover on 07850 768337, or email markglover2010@gmail.com

Newstead Abbey to celebrate Ada Lovelace Day this weekend

Gedling Eye
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Newstead Abbey to celebrate Ada Lovelace Day this weekend

Newstead Abbey will this weekend celebrate the life of Ada Lovelace – the world’s first computer programmer and also daughter of it’s most famous inhabitant.

Ada Lovelace was the daughter of poet Lord Byron and mathematics-loving Annabella Milbanke. She became a mathematician and writer, publishing her notes on ‘Sketch of the Analytical Engine’ in 1843, but died at the age of 36 in 1852.

She was buried, at her request, next to Lord Byron at St Mary Magdalene in Hucknall.



As the first person to publish elaborate, complex and complete mathematical codes for inventor Charles Babbage’s early mechanical computer, the analytical engine, which made Lovelace the first computer programmer.

When Ada was 12 she decided she wanted to fly and set about working out how; writing a book of ‘Flyology’. This was a summary of studies carried out on birds and investigations on various materials that could serve as wings including feathers, paper, and silk.

Ada will be remembered at Newstead Abbey this weekend with flying and number activities for the family. Guides in the house will be dressed in Victorian costume and will be happy to talk about Ada Lovelace and Lord Byron. Creative activities based on the Flyology theme will also offer flying fun for the whole family.

Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said: “Why not pop to Newstead this weekend and find out more about this intriguing character in the story of Lord Byron and the Abbey. Ada Lovelace is also a key figure in the development of mathematics and a fantastic role model.

“It’s a great opportunity to encourage the family to be creative and to explore ideas about flying. You may even find you have another budding mathematician or scientist on your hands.”

  • Take part in creative activities themed on Ada Lovelace and Flyology at Newstead Abbey on October 13 and 14 between 10am and 4pm. Usual charges apply.
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