A nightshift worker who was jailed after finding
a stun gun lying in a bush has had his prison sentence more than halved by top
judges.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Jaroslaw Daniel Tuka, 25, of Bishop Road, Chelmsford, said he kept the weapon, which was disguised as a torch, for protection during lonely walks home from work.
But after he was spotted showing friends the weapon at Harlow's Water Gardens shopping centre last December, he was arrested.
He pleaded guilty to having the disguised firearm at Chelmsford Crown Court and was jailed for five years in April.
Court of Appeal judges said his jail term was "disproportionate" and slashed it to two years.
Appeal to find Southend petrol bomb killer
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information on an arson attack which killed a mother-of-two 12 years ago.
Richard and Stuart, then aged 20 and 17, were forced to jump from a first floor window.
But Andrea, 40, became trapped in her bedroom and died as a result of inhaling smoke.
Police are yet to discover who was responsible. Det Insp Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Someone knows who is responsible for Andrea's death and we will not stop until we find them."
Essex PoliceCopyright: Essex Police
Multiple lead thefts from schools
Four schools in Great Yarmouth have been targeted by lead thieves in the last month.
The most recent was this week, when lead was taken from Great Yarmouth High School's roof sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Other schools that have had lead taken include Caister Infant, North Denes Primary and Great Yarmouth Primary Academy.
With schools often left unoccupied at weekends and overnight, Norfolk police are asking local communities to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.
The Wolfpack have jumped up to sixth in the table after winning their last three matches.
"We know every single team on their day can beat anyone so we can't underestimate anyone. We've fallen foul of that already this season and I'll be damned if it happens again," said Smith.
"If we turn up with the right mindset then we are a match for anyone, but if we turn up and we're not on it that day then there's a good chance we'll get beaten.
"It's the way this level of rugby seems to work - it's as much about the attitude and mental preparation of players as the actual on-pitch technicalities and tactics."
'Clever' Lizzy key to Ipswich title ambitions
Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
Ipswich women's hockey players take on Wapping this weekend in a top-of-the-table clash at Tuddenham Road.
Stephen WallerCopyright: Stephen Waller
Mariette Rix hopes striker Lizzy Wheelhouse (left) can continue her excellent form and inspire the Suffolk side to a win that would see them reach the summit of the East Premier League.
Wheelhouse has six goals from her last four matches alone, and the Ipswich head coach has described her as being vital to the team.
"She started the season playing in defence due to necessity," Rix told us.
"She has lots of experience in that position and is technically very gifted.
"But moving her back into the forward line has been beneficial to the team, due to her ability to create something from very little."
FA Trophy: Suffolk sides to clock up the motorway miles
Brenner Woolley
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
All four of the county's remaining FA Trophy clubs have away trips in the second qualifying round tomorrow.
Our favourite Time Lord has been around for 54 years, but in all that time there has never been an adventure set in Norfolk - until now.
Big Finish Productions has had a licence from the BBC to make Doctor Who audio dramas for nearly 20 years. In its latest series, out on CD and download later this month, David Tennant and Billie Piper reprise their TV roles as the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler to defend Norwich in a story called "Infamy of the Zaross".
Writer John Dorney used to live at Beachamwell, near Swaffham, and told BBC Radio Norfolk that he chose the county to feature in the drama as it was an unlikely target for alien invasion, so put a different spin on the usual format.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Billie Piper and David Tennant, as Rose and the Doctor, will save Norwich in a new Doctor Who audio dramaImage caption: Billie Piper and David Tennant, as Rose and the Doctor, will save Norwich in a new Doctor Who audio drama
Quote Message: I needed the story to be contained, so I wanted to set the story in something a little bit smaller, a little bit more removed. And I just thought we'd seen London a lot, I'd been to Norwich quite a bit, it's a beautiful, beautiful city. I just thought it felt a little bit more quirky and individual for the story idea." from John Dorney Writer
I needed the story to be contained, so I wanted to set the story in something a little bit smaller, a little bit more removed. And I just thought we'd seen London a lot, I'd been to Norwich quite a bit, it's a beautiful, beautiful city. I just thought it felt a little bit more quirky and individual for the story idea."
The former Odeon cinema on Major's Corner could become Ipswich's newest church, if talks between a Christian group and its owner bear fruit, reports the Ipswich Star.
Michael Palin opens Norwich Film Festival
Monty Python star Michael Palin was in Norfolk last night for the launch of Norwich Film Festival.
Now in its seventh year, the festival focuses on short films, with 100 to be shown over 10 days.
The globetrotting actor, comedian, writer and broadcaster gave a talk to a packed audience after the screening of "A Private Function", in which he starred alongside Maggie Smith.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Michael Palin is in favour of short films and says they're "very important to a lot of people who can't raise enough money to make the film they really want to make".
"A festival of short films gives people the chance to get their film shown. People have very little money at the start of their careers and a festival like this is useful for them... they can meet other film-makers and hopefully someone will see it and say 'hey, that's good'."
BBCCopyright: BBC
Palin, who's currently starring in movie "The Death of Stalin", spent many years as a child on holiday in Sheringham, and later filmed several episodes of Monty Python in and around Norwich.
Earlier this year he donated 50 Python notebooks, along with other written archives, to the British Library.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Two injured as BMW 'lands upside down in tree' at Holton
Two people have been seriously injured after a car ended up in a tree, according to police.
The crash happened on the B1124 Beccles Road at Holton, near Halesworth, just before 01:00.
Suffolk Police said there were five people in the BMW 320 which had left the road on a bend and landed upside down in a tree.
Two people have been taken to the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston.
The road was closed for four hours while investigations took place.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Big day in Brazil for Norfolk racer
Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk sport
West Norfolk driver George Russell gets an opportunity to impress in a Formula 1 car today when he drives in first practice ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old will be behind the wheel of the Force India car usually driven by Sergio Perez.
Russell is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in British motorsport.
BBC F1 commentator Jack Nicholls told me: "Lewis Hamilton made his F1 debut at the age of 23. George is very much on track to be hitting Formula 1 when he gets to his early 20s, which would be very exciting."
Holt explains King's Lynn departure
Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk sport
Grant Holt has told BBC Radio Norfolk the offer that attracted him away from King's Lynn Town after just four matches was too good to refuse.
The former Norwich City striker left The Linnets earlier this week and has now been confirmed as the new player/coach of National League side Barrow.
Barrow AFCCopyright: Barrow AFC
"It was a fantastic opportunity, I spoke to the relevant people at King's Lynn and they gave their blessing.
"It came a lot quicker than I thought it was going to," Holt said.
Man dies in fire 'after falling asleep while smoking'
A man has died after he fell asleep while smoking, the fire service has said.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The fire happened at Crowhurst Court, Colchester, at about 19:55 yesterday.
Fire investigator Lee Lucas said: "Following a joint fire and police
investigation we believe this incident to be accidental, caused when the man
fell asleep on the sofa with a lit cigarette which fell onto the sofa, setting
it alight.
"This tragic accident serves to
highlight the dangers of smoking of the home, and the devastating consequences
they can cause."
Nydam agrees new Ipswich deal
Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
Not long after Ipswich Town confirmed that striker Ben Morris had agreed a new contract with the club, the Blues have also tied up midfielder Tristan Nydam to a long-term deal.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Nydam, who turned 18 earlier this week, has enjoyed an impressive campaign with Ipswich this season, making 13 appearances in all competitions.
The youngster has agreed terms on a deal that is due to expire in 2021, with the option of a further 12 months.
Thieves take £20,000 of copper cabling in Happisburgh
A police investigation is under way after £20,000 of copper cabling was stolen in Happisburgh.
Approximately 765m (837 yds) of the cable was taken from a field off North Walsham Road sometime between Tuesday, 24 October and Tuesday, 7 November.
New deal for Town youngster
Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
Ipswich Town striker Ben Morris has agreed a new contract with the Blues.
itfc.co.ukCopyright: itfc.co.uk
The 18-year-old's latest deal runs until 2019, with the option of a further 12 months.
Morris, an England youth international, made his debut for the Ipswich first team earlier this season, as a substitute in the 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Crystal Palace.
He's previously spent time on loan at National League side Woking.
Norfolk Police is good at planning for the future, but needs to do more to develop an understanding of what leadership skills will be required in the future.
That's according to the latest inspection report into effectiveness and efficiency by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services.
The force received an overall rating of "good" and was judged "outstanding" in how well in understands current demand.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The report also covered how well the force is planning for the future.
HMICFRS spokeswoman Zoe Billingham said the force understood the demand for its services and had an "impressive range" of working arrangements with other police forces and local partners.
Chief Constable Simon Bailey said the report was "extremely gratifying".
Quote Message: The findings are a reflection of the outstanding work and dedication of officers and staff who work tirelessly to keep the public of Norfolk safe. " from Simon Bailey Chief Constable, Noroflk
The findings are a reflection of the outstanding work and dedication of officers and staff who work tirelessly to keep the public of Norfolk safe. "
Burglars take sentimental photo album in Reedham
A photo album containing images of an elderly man's entire Navy career has been stolen from his home in Reedham.
The album, which has a black shellac cover, includes images of the atomic bomb on Christmas Island in 1957, along with pictures of the victim in his Navy uniform and on the ships he served:
HMS Perseus
HMS Saint
HMS Comus
HMS Cossack
HMS Undine
HMS Rocket
HMS Carysfort
HMS Indefatigable
Cash was also taken from the property, on Station Road, in the theft which happened sometime between 10;00 4 November and 11:00 on Monday, 6 November.
Det Con Gill Dawson says the burglary is "devastating for the victim" and is appealing for anyone with information to contact Norfolk police, or Crimestoppers.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Chelmsford stun-gun carrier's prison sentenced reduced
A nightshift worker who was jailed after finding a stun gun lying in a bush has had his prison sentence more than halved by top judges.
Jaroslaw Daniel Tuka, 25, of Bishop Road, Chelmsford, said he kept the weapon, which was disguised as a torch, for protection during lonely walks home from work.
But after he was spotted showing friends the weapon at Harlow's Water Gardens shopping centre last December, he was arrested.
He pleaded guilty to having the disguised firearm at Chelmsford Crown Court and was jailed for five years in April.
Court of Appeal judges said his jail term was "disproportionate" and slashed it to two years.
Appeal to find Southend petrol bomb killer
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information on an arson attack which killed a mother-of-two 12 years ago.
Andrea Daly and her two sons were asleep when a petrol bomb was put through the letter box of their home on Rochford Road, Southend, at 03:30 on 10 November 2005.
Richard and Stuart, then aged 20 and 17, were forced to jump from a first floor window.
But Andrea, 40, became trapped in her bedroom and died as a result of inhaling smoke.
Police are yet to discover who was responsible. Det Insp Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Someone knows who is responsible for Andrea's death and we will not stop until we find them."
Multiple lead thefts from schools
Four schools in Great Yarmouth have been targeted by lead thieves in the last month.
The most recent was this week, when lead was taken from Great Yarmouth High School's roof sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Other schools that have had lead taken include Caister Infant, North Denes Primary and Great Yarmouth Primary Academy.
With schools often left unoccupied at weekends and overnight, Norfolk police are asking local communities to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.
Rugby union: Bury coach warns about complacency
Brenner Woolley
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
Bury St Edmunds head coach Ollie Smith says his side will be taking nothing for granted when they head to Henley Hawks in National League Two South tomorrow.
The Wolfpack have jumped up to sixth in the table after winning their last three matches.
"We know every single team on their day can beat anyone so we can't underestimate anyone. We've fallen foul of that already this season and I'll be damned if it happens again," said Smith.
"If we turn up with the right mindset then we are a match for anyone, but if we turn up and we're not on it that day then there's a good chance we'll get beaten.
"It's the way this level of rugby seems to work - it's as much about the attitude and mental preparation of players as the actual on-pitch technicalities and tactics."
'Clever' Lizzy key to Ipswich title ambitions
Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
Ipswich women's hockey players take on Wapping this weekend in a top-of-the-table clash at Tuddenham Road.
Mariette Rix hopes striker Lizzy Wheelhouse (left) can continue her excellent form and inspire the Suffolk side to a win that would see them reach the summit of the East Premier League.
Wheelhouse has six goals from her last four matches alone, and the Ipswich head coach has described her as being vital to the team.
"She started the season playing in defence due to necessity," Rix told us.
"She has lots of experience in that position and is technically very gifted.
"But moving her back into the forward line has been beneficial to the team, due to her ability to create something from very little."
FA Trophy: Suffolk sides to clock up the motorway miles
Brenner Woolley
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
All four of the county's remaining FA Trophy clubs have away trips in the second qualifying round tomorrow.
Leiston head to Dorking Wanderers, Needham Market are at Brentwood Town, Mildenhall Town go to Barwell while Bury Town will be trying to cause an upset at Billericay.
In the Bostik Premier Division, Lowestoft Town entertain Merstham while AFC Sudbury are at home to Tilbury in the North Division.
Doctor Who defends Norwich from alien invasion!
BBC Radio Norfolk
Our favourite Time Lord has been around for 54 years, but in all that time there has never been an adventure set in Norfolk - until now.
Big Finish Productions has had a licence from the BBC to make Doctor Who audio dramas for nearly 20 years. In its latest series, out on CD and download later this month, David Tennant and Billie Piper reprise their TV roles as the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler to defend Norwich in a story called "Infamy of the Zaross".
Writer John Dorney used to live at Beachamwell, near Swaffham, and told BBC Radio Norfolk that he chose the county to feature in the drama as it was an unlikely target for alien invasion, so put a different spin on the usual format.
Ex-cinema set to become faith centre
Ipswich Star
The former Odeon cinema on Major's Corner could become Ipswich's newest church, if talks between a Christian group and its owner bear fruit, reports the Ipswich Star.
Michael Palin opens Norwich Film Festival
Monty Python star Michael Palin was in Norfolk last night for the launch of Norwich Film Festival.
Now in its seventh year, the festival focuses on short films, with 100 to be shown over 10 days.
The globetrotting actor, comedian, writer and broadcaster gave a talk to a packed audience after the screening of "A Private Function", in which he starred alongside Maggie Smith.
Michael Palin is in favour of short films and says they're "very important to a lot of people who can't raise enough money to make the film they really want to make".
"A festival of short films gives people the chance to get their film shown. People have very little money at the start of their careers and a festival like this is useful for them... they can meet other film-makers and hopefully someone will see it and say 'hey, that's good'."
Palin, who's currently starring in movie "The Death of Stalin", spent many years as a child on holiday in Sheringham, and later filmed several episodes of Monty Python in and around Norwich.
Earlier this year he donated 50 Python notebooks, along with other written archives, to the British Library.
Two injured as BMW 'lands upside down in tree' at Holton
Two people have been seriously injured after a car ended up in a tree, according to police.
The crash happened on the B1124 Beccles Road at Holton, near Halesworth, just before 01:00.
Suffolk Police said there were five people in the BMW 320 which had left the road on a bend and landed upside down in a tree.
Two people have been taken to the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston.
The road was closed for four hours while investigations took place.
Big day in Brazil for Norfolk racer
Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk sport
West Norfolk driver George Russell gets an opportunity to impress in a Formula 1 car today when he drives in first practice ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old will be behind the wheel of the Force India car usually driven by Sergio Perez.
Russell is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in British motorsport.
BBC F1 commentator Jack Nicholls told me: "Lewis Hamilton made his F1 debut at the age of 23. George is very much on track to be hitting Formula 1 when he gets to his early 20s, which would be very exciting."
Holt explains King's Lynn departure
Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk sport
Grant Holt has told BBC Radio Norfolk the offer that attracted him away from King's Lynn Town after just four matches was too good to refuse.
The former Norwich City striker left The Linnets earlier this week and has now been confirmed as the new player/coach of National League side Barrow.
"It was a fantastic opportunity, I spoke to the relevant people at King's Lynn and they gave their blessing.
"It came a lot quicker than I thought it was going to," Holt said.
Man dies in fire 'after falling asleep while smoking'
A man has died after he fell asleep while smoking, the fire service has said.
The fire happened at Crowhurst Court, Colchester, at about 19:55 yesterday.
Fire investigator Lee Lucas said: "Following a joint fire and police investigation we believe this incident to be accidental, caused when the man fell asleep on the sofa with a lit cigarette which fell onto the sofa, setting it alight.
"This tragic accident serves to highlight the dangers of smoking of the home, and the devastating consequences they can cause."
Nydam agrees new Ipswich deal
Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
Not long after Ipswich Town confirmed that striker Ben Morris had agreed a new contract with the club, the Blues have also tied up midfielder Tristan Nydam to a long-term deal.
Nydam, who turned 18 earlier this week, has enjoyed an impressive campaign with Ipswich this season, making 13 appearances in all competitions.
The youngster has agreed terms on a deal that is due to expire in 2021, with the option of a further 12 months.
Thieves take £20,000 of copper cabling in Happisburgh
A police investigation is under way after £20,000 of copper cabling was stolen in Happisburgh.
Approximately 765m (837 yds) of the cable was taken from a field off North Walsham Road sometime between Tuesday, 24 October and Tuesday, 7 November.
New deal for Town youngster
Graeme Mac
BBC Radio Suffolk sport
Ipswich Town striker Ben Morris has agreed a new contract with the Blues.
The 18-year-old's latest deal runs until 2019, with the option of a further 12 months.
Morris, an England youth international, made his debut for the Ipswich first team earlier this season, as a substitute in the 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Crystal Palace.
He's previously spent time on loan at National League side Woking.
Could former Odeon become a church?
Ipswich Star
The Ipswich Star reports that the former Odeon cinema in Ipswich could be given a new lease of life... in the shape of a church.
Spooky happenings reported at Benfleet's sewage work
Anglian Water has tweeted this short film, all about strange lights and self-starting vehicles at its Benfleet sewage works...
Could Vikings slaughtered at the Battle of Benfeet be to blame?
Norfolk Police rated 'good' in latest inspection
Norfolk Police is good at planning for the future, but needs to do more to develop an understanding of what leadership skills will be required in the future.
That's according to the latest inspection report into effectiveness and efficiency by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services.
The force received an overall rating of "good" and was judged "outstanding" in how well in understands current demand.
The report also covered how well the force is planning for the future.
HMICFRS spokeswoman Zoe Billingham said the force understood the demand for its services and had an "impressive range" of working arrangements with other police forces and local partners.
Chief Constable Simon Bailey said the report was "extremely gratifying".
Burglars take sentimental photo album in Reedham
A photo album containing images of an elderly man's entire Navy career has been stolen from his home in Reedham.
The album, which has a black shellac cover, includes images of the atomic bomb on Christmas Island in 1957, along with pictures of the victim in his Navy uniform and on the ships he served:
Cash was also taken from the property, on Station Road, in the theft which happened sometime between 10;00 4 November and 11:00 on Monday, 6 November.
Det Con Gill Dawson says the burglary is "devastating for the victim" and is appealing for anyone with information to contact Norfolk police, or Crimestoppers.