Police who searched a man carrying wraps of crack cocaine and heroin were told “you’ve caught me”.

Andrew Robinson, of Water Lane, Ancaster, admitted possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin.

The 25-year-old was stopped by police in Harlaxton Road in Grantham. Police checked his phone and found that he had just sent a text message which said: “being stopped and got everything”.

The officers searched Robinson and found nine 
bags in brown and white paper.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said that after Robinson was cautioned he told officers: “You’ve caught me.”

Rory Macmillan, defending, said Robinson, who lives with his parents in Ancaster, was not intending to supply drugs to make a commercial gain, but merely to share with friends.

Mr Macmillan said: “He said he was going to share it with his mates. It was not for financial gain.”

Magistrates asked for a report to be completed on Robinson before passing sentence.

Chair of magistrates Ian McDonnell said: “You obviously have a drug problem and we want to know more about that.”

A Nottingham man was found to be over the drink-drive limit after being stopped driving along Barrowby Road in Grantham.

James Schofield, of Norton Street, Nottingham, was found to have 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Rory Macmillan, defending, said: “He says that because of what happened he has learnt his lesson on the impact of alcohol on an empty stomach.”

Mr Macmillan added that Schofield, 29, was “very sorry” for what happened.

Schofield, who is out of work and in receipt of job seekers’ allowance, was banned from driving for a year and ordered to pay a fine of £110. He must also pay a £20 surcharge and £40 in costs.

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

Premier Division

Grantham Town 1

AFC Fylde 2

Grantham Town lost to higher placed opposition but gave a fair account of themselves and, once again, probably deserved at least a point from the game.

But it was all AFC Fylde going forward in the opening quarter of an hour. Michael Barnes’s second minute shot was headed over by Adie Hawes for a corner kick, and the Grantham number five did the same again four minutes later to clear Sean Cooke’s free kick.

The visitors continued their assault with Adam Sumner forcing a nervy catch from Town keeper Jake Turner. Turner was well placed to save Adam Farrell’s low, curling free kick on 15 minutes, and also did well to smother the ball after Barnes’s shot was touched on.

Grantham finally conceded in the 23rd minute. Sean Cooke put a fine ball through to Farrell who ran to the near post and managed to fire in past Turner from the tightest of angles.

Barnes fired just wide of the Grantham goal after half an hour and Farrell missed out on doubling his and Fylde’s tally when he somehow managed to head over from close range just before half time.

The Gingerbreads had the advantage of the wind at their backs in the second half and equalised within five minutes when a glancing header by Greg Smith sent Hawes’s throw-in into the back of the Fylde net.

Four minutes later, Jamie McGhee’s low drive forced a save from visiting keeper Ben Hinchcliffe. At the other end, Turner rose well to pluck Barnes’s curling cross-cum-shot from the air.

Grantham missed a perfect opportunity to go in front on 62 minutes when McGhee fired a sitter over the bar from close range.

Fylde went back in front three minutes later with skipper Bradley Barnes heading in Joe Booth’s cross with aplomb.

A 69th minute goalmouth scramble after a Grantham corner kick looked likely to produce a second equaliser, but the visitors managed to clear the danger

New signing Jordan Smith’s 77th minute effort was a bit on the wild side as Town looked to close the deficit. Fylde keeper Hinchcliffe did well to pluck Sam Purcicoe’s searching cross from danger two minutes later.

The visitors missed a good chance to extend their lead in the 81st minute when substitute James Dean headed wide with a virtually open goal in front of him. Dean embarrassed himself further when he fired wide another easy chance two minutes later.

With four minutes remaining, Grantham had another equalising opportunity but sub Nathan Watson knocked Greg Smith’s cross over from close range. At the other end, Harry Winter forced another nervy stop from Turner on the stroke of full time.

The Gingerbreads continued to chase a share of the points in added time. Rhys Lewis tried his luck from distance but his shot rose over the Fylde bar, and a dramatic volley from Purcicoe drifted wildly in the wind but Hinchcliffe managed to pluck the ball to safety any deny the Gingerbreads any reward for their efforts.

Grantham Town: Turner, Purcicoe, Ridley, Meikle (Hannigan, 43), Hawes, Lewis, Carchedi (Watson, 77), Nwadike (c), J. Smith, G. Smith, McGhee (Elliot, 63). Subs not used: MacVicar, K. Smith. Att: 198.

The second Mike Bundy Sportshall Athletics match for small primary schools was held at The Meres leisure centre last Monday.

The event was organised by Grantham Athletic Club with the assistance of student sports ambassadors from the School Games Team.

Presentations were made by Laura Graves who was a torch bearer for the 2012 Olympic Games and has helped as a student sports ambassador for a number of years.

Year 5 boys was won by Claypole with 65 points, with Grantham Prep runners-up on 53. Grantham Prep triumphed in Year 5 girls with 59 points, while Allington and Sedgebrook were second with 52½.

A very close competition in the Year 6 boys saw just 1½ points separating winners Grantham Prep (56) and runners-up Marston Thorold (54½). Claypole won Year 6 girls with 62½, ahead of Grantham Prep on 58½.

Also taking parts were pupils from Harlaxton.

Results: Year 5 boys, 2 lap A - 1 E. Lea (Claypole), 2 A. Bartlett (Prep), 3 D. Smith-Rasmussen (Allington); 2 lap B - 1 A. Hodgkiss (Claypole), 2 T. Barnetto (Allington), 3 G. Wightman (Prep); 4 lap A - 1 H. Campbell (Claypole), 2 G. Whinney (Harlaxton), 3 H. Clough (Prep); 4 lap B - 1 J. Ashe (Claypole), 2 M. Knight (Harlaxton), 3 J. Price (Allington); vertical jump - 1 A. Hodgkiss (Claypole), 2 S. Bradshaw (Allington), 3 A. Bartlett (Prep); long jump - 1 H. Campbell (Claypole), 2 J. Prince (Allington), 3 G. Wightman (Prep); speed bounce A - 1 E. Lea (Claypole), 2 H. Clough (Prep), 3 M. Knight (Harlaxton); speed bounce B - 1 A. Sanderson (Prep), 2 J. Ashe (Claypole), 3 A. Tuck (Harlaxton).

Year 5 girls, 2 lap A - 1 O. Sharp (Claypole), 2 A. Marvin (Allington), 3 S. Mihill (Prep); 2 lap B - 1 A. Dench (Allington), 2 L. Wheeler (Prep), 3 E. Lee (Harlaxton); 4 lap A - 1 L. Kempster (Claypole), 2 H. Braybrook (Prep), 3 J. Ambrose (Harlaxton); 4 lap B - 1 H. Underwood (Allington), 2 L. Chow (Prep), 3 S. Davis (Harlaxton); vertical jump - 1 S. Mihill (Prep), 2 A. Marvin (Allington), 3 V. Bravo (Marston); long jump - 1 L. Chow (Prep), 2 G. Burns (Marston), 3 H. Underwood (Allington); speed bounce A - 1 O. Sharp (Claypole), 2 H. Braybrook (Prep), 3 S. Davis (Harlaxton); speed bounce B - 1 A. Dench (Allington), 2 L. Wheeler (Prep), 3 A. Rimmer (Marston).

Year 6 boys, 2 lap A - 1 O. Howgill (Marston), 2 T. Whiting (Prep), 3 L. Hinton (Allington); 2 lap B - 1 D. Silvester (Harlaxton), 2 S. Tattershall (Marston), 3 N. Briggs (Claypole); 4 lap A - 1 S. Wright (Marston), 2 J. Bishop (Prep), 3 G. Lee (Harlaxton); 4 lap B - 1 A. Bravo (Marston), 2 J. Baker (Prep), 3 A. Jefferson (Harlaxton); vertical jump - 1 J. Lyle (Prep), 2 T. King (Claypole), 3 O. Barry (Allington); long jump - 1 S. Wright (Marston), 2 J. Bishop (Prep), 3 W. Spencer (Allington); speed bounce A - 1 T. Whiting (Prep), 2 L. Rozlen (Claypole), 3 O. Howgill (Marston); speed bounce B - 1 J. Turner (Claypole), 2 J. Baker (Prep), 3 A. Bravo (Marston).

Year 6 girls, 2 lap A - 1 K. Pilgrim (Claypole), 2 T. Bell (Prep), 3 P. Leach (Allington); 2 lap B - 1 E. Foster (Prep), 2 H. Camm (Claypole), 3 K. Humphries (Allington); 4 lap A - 1 L. Smith (Claypole), 2 A. Spicer (Prep), 3 S. Lyle (Harlaxton); 4 lap B - 1 L. Baker (Prep), 2 M. Wightman (Claypole), 3 J. Davis (Harlaxton); vertical jump - 1 H. Skinner (Harlaxton), 2 L. Smith (Claypole), 3 A. Spicer (Prep); long jump - 1 E. Foster (Prep), 2 H. Camm (Claypole), 3 S. Lyle (Harlaxton); speed bounce A - 1 T. Bell (Prep), 2 K. Pilgrim (Claypole), 3 K. Humphries (Allington); speed bounce B - 1 M. Wightman (Claypole), 2 L. Westrop (Harlaxton), 3 L. Humberstone (Allington).

ADD PIX

Year 5 girls winners Grantham Preparatory are, from left – Lilley Chow, Libby Wheeler, Helen Braybrook and Sophie Milhill. Photo: 032D

Year 5 boys winners Claypole are, from left – Ewan Lee, Josh Ashe, Aiden Hodgkiss and Harris Campbell. Photo 032D.

Year 6 boys winners Grantham Preparatory are, from left – Jacob Baker, Jamie Bishop, Thomas Whiting and Archie Lyle. Photo: 032D

Year 6 girls winners Claypole are, from left – Harriett Camm, Millie Wightman, Katie Pilgrim and Libby Smith. Photo: 032D.

I think we can all agree that Grantham isn’t as ‘great’ as we would like it to be.

We’d love to have a thriving high street, more employment and we generally want it to be a better place to live. However, we shouldn’t forget about the things that do make Grantham great.

We had the inspirational Gravity Fields event last year, which I’m sure many of us would like to see return again at some point.

We saw the return of our museum, which despite the controversy around the Thatcher statue seems to have been welcomed by all.

Some of our local businesses have been able to expand, like Moy Park and Belvoir Fruit Farms, despite the downturn in the economy.

We’ve also had the tireless campaigning from local people to save our A&E department and the ambulance station.

If there’s one thing that makes Grantham great, it’s the sheer determination and willpower of local people to make sure their voices are heard and that the things that are most important to us are retained.

Local people are not afraid to speak up when they don’t agree with something and they’re certainly not afraid to fight for the things they believe should remain here. It’s brilliant to see a community still very much involved in local life.

We might not have much in the way of shops or jobs, but I’m certain that with such a powerful voice, the future of Grantham is looking good. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for our little market town.

It’s been a pleasure to write for the Grantham Journal column over the past year. Although people have not always agreed with my views, it’s been a great experience and I’ve learned a lot. Thanks for reading.

* The Journal would like to wish Alison all the best for the future and thank her for her contribution.

Notts, Lincs & Derbys Shield semi-final

Kesteven 12

Glossop 37

Kesteven were expecting a hard match from their visitors who play in the South Lancashire and Cheshire League and Glossop showed their strength in the opening minutes.

They fielded the kick-off and used their forwards to trundle the ball upfield. Despite valiant efforts from the home defence, Glossop went over for the first try after just two minutes. The conversion just squeezed inside the post.

Kesteven set about running the ball when they could and opened their account with a fine try after 10 minutes.

Wood broke away from a ruck and found support from Hayward. The hooker had Turner screaming up on the outside to take the pass and make great strides for the line. Turner showed great presence in looking for the inside man and Odams was on hand to score the try. Chris Galloway kicked the extra points to level the scores.

Glossop were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and kicked the goal to regain the lead.

Again Kesteven tried to keep the game alive. A deep kick to the corner was chased down by Turner who forced the wing to put the ball into touch near the line. He snatched the ball and threw it in from touch quickly to Sheardown who went over for the try to give Kesteven the lead.

The visiting pack continued to dominate and forced their way over for two more tries just before the break to take the score to 20-12.

The second half saw Kesteven turn with the benefit of the wind but the game was taken away from them inside two minutes. A kick deep into the home corner found touch as the Ks defence tried to keep the ball alive. Glossop won the line-out and a simple move allowed their centre to go over for the try.

Glossop added two more unconverted tries to seal a convincing win.

Kesteven: Galloway, P. Jordan, J. Hughes, Hudson, Taylor, Parker, Wood, Sheardown, Hayward, Purvis, Pert, Cowley, Peabody, Odams, Turner. Reps: O. Hughes, Flear.

Families stuck for something to do over the Easter holidays might consider taking on Easter egg trails organised in the grounds of some of the area’s stately homes.

Belton House, Woolsthorpe Manor and Tattershall Castle will be hosting the activities and offering participants the opportunity to track down a chocolate prize.

The event at Belton House runs from Saturday, March 30, through to Easter Monday and will feature a pushchair-friendly ‘Mini Chick trail’ and prizes for everyone. It costs £2 to enter and will run from 10.30am until 4pm. Family activites will also be held in the Discovery Centre from 12.30pm to keep the younger children entertained.

The Woolsthorpe Manor trail costs £1.50 to enter, it is on from Friday, March 29, until Easter Monday, 11am until 4pm, with an Easter egg prize up for grabs.

As well as its Easter egg trail, Tattershall Castle’s event will include arts and crafts and the opportunity to have your face painted. It will be on from March 29 to Easter Monday, 11am to 5pm, and costs £2 to attend.

The National Trust has again teamed up with Cadbury to organise the family activities.

Beccy Speight, regional director for the National Trust in the Midlands, said: “Easter is a great time of year for families to get together and have some fun.

“By Easter weekend our places in Lincolnshire are starting to bloom again after the winter, providing a gorgeous backdrop for games and Easter egg trails.

“Easter is always a popular time for families to visit our places and we look forward to greeting as many people as possible again this year.”

A former Grantham man now living in the north-east admitted using electricity without authority and possession of cannabis.

Both of the charges relate to when Matthew Templeton, now of Rutland Street, Seaham, was living in Alexandra Road, Grantham.

However, despite the guilty pleas, Templeton faces a Newton Hearing as the prosecution and defence disagree about the amount of electricity used. The prosecution says £1,245 worth of electricity was used but Templeton denies it was that much.

The court heard Templeton could be made to pay for the damage to an electricity meter which he bypassed to make a gain. The hearing will be held on April 26. Templeton told the court he expects to return to live in the Grantham area soon.

A driver who failed to appear at court was fined £400 for causing an accident in Harrowby Lane.

Andrew Whalley, of Dale Road in Grantham, was found guilty in absence of driving without due care and attention following an accident in November of last year.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, told the court Whalley drove into the back of a car waiting for pedestrians to cross the road at a zebra crossing in Harrowby Lane.

Miss Stace read a statement from the driver of the other vehicle who said she was left “dazed and shocked” following the crash, saying Whalley’s car “came from nowhere”.

The woman said Whalley admitted to her the accident was his fault as he “had not been paying attention”.

Magistrates found the allegation proved in absence.

Whalley was fined £400 and ordered to pay costs of £85. He must also pay a £40 surcharge and will be given six penalty points.

A trial date was set for a man accused of committing an assault on the A1 at Stoke Rochford.

Jamie Winnard, of Pinewood Drive in Grantham, is also accused of failing to stop after a road accident.

No plea has yet been entered to either charge.

Winnard, 27, was told his next court date will be on April 5 or April 22. He was given unconditional bail.

Grantham and District Indoor Bowls Club held its annual Memorial Trophy get-together to remember past members.

The rink comprising L Appleyard, H Whatley, M Appleyard and N Smith ran out the winners by one shot from runners-up C Pridmore, J Bundy, S Dawes and M Eurich. The winners’ trophy was presented by Ruth Pacey.

Sencit League

Bottesford 55

Grantham 58

Bottesford names first: P Palmer, M Parsons, J Parsons, A Palmer lost to Do Lester, L Appleyard, M Appleyard, H Whatley 8-35; P Hewitt, C Richardson, R Payne, W Shores beat Da Lester, G Stafford, D Pimm, K Solesbury 17-12; P Bennett, M Payne, R Murphy, R Turnbull beat J Beardsley, M Cardwell, Merv Cardwell, S Beardsley 30-11.

Long Bennington 55

Arnoldfield 43

Long Bennington names first: J Hoole, R Williams, C Tuckwood, B Garton lost to H Housley, A Alexander, M Goodchild, B Goodchild 12-20; E Eggleston, E Hoare, T Hoole, Jo Morris beat D Church, A Curtis, J Hanbury, K Smith 25-11; J Woods, Ju Morris, S Marris, D Woods beat G Bland, J Gowler, B Marston, D Gowler 18-12.

Barnstone 60

Arnoldfield 45

Barnstone names first: H McCandless, A Parker, B Hogg, R Smith beat H Housley, A Alexander, M Goodchild, B Goodchild 22-11; J Hogg, E Plowright, J Parker, A Murray lost to D Church, A Curtis, J Hanbury, G Lloyd 14-18; P Greer, B Perkins, D Sykes, K Perkins beat G Bland, J Gowler, B Morton, D Gowler 24-16.

Dysart Park 50

Bottesford 53

Dysart Park names first: L Lord, L Bainbridge, A Briggs, I Lord lost to P Hewitt, P Pearson, R Murphy, R Turnbull 12-21; G Kemp, L Thompson, A Collins, F Evans beat R Barnes, C Richardson, P Bennett, W Shores 26-12; J Waterall, C Bland, M LeHair, B Roberts lost to P Palmer, M Payne, R Payne, A Palmer 12-20.

MasterFoods Challenge Cup

Grantham 77

Melton Mowbray 63

L Appleyard, M Sharp, M Appleyard won 14-13; J Gowler, M Cardwell, D Gowler drew 10-10; J Asher, M Cardwell, T Asher lost 6-19; M Deaker, Da Lester, F Evans won 12-9; Do Lester, A Briggs, I Lord won 14-11; R Moore, P Hewitt, D Pimm won 21-1.

The Imps Cup

Grantham 113

The Imps 111

A Woodward, D Rainsford, I Cole, Jay Lewis lost 20-21; R Moore, D Pimm, E Ward, D Woods won 14-12; J Morris, T Hoole, M Appleyard, R Payne lost 18-20; G Caunt, D Abernethy, N Baxter, W Shores won 19-18; P Hewitt, W Tilley, B Goodchild, I Lord lost 19-22; C Tuckwood, B Roberts, M Cardwell, T Asher won 23-18.

Children from Huntingtower Primary School experienced a day as an evacuee during wartime, from dressing the part to eating a typical lunch.

The Year 3 and 4 pupils began their day at an unfamiliar train station armed with just a few personal items and gas masks. They were heading for Stibbington Hall in Peterborough.

After walking through countryside to get to their new school, the youngsters were introduced to their new homes. On arriving at school, they ate a typical evacuee’s lunch of spam sandwiches and a piece of spiced cake.

Then before heading outside to play with old toys and hiding in an Anderson Shelter, the ‘evacuees’ filled in identity cards.

Later, during a spelilng lesson, the youngsters heard an air raid siren and raced to the safety of the shelter, a “narrow, dusty corridor with little room to breathe”.

Senior administrator Margaret Lockwood said: “Our trip to Stibbington allowed us to really empathise with the real evacuees and experience a little of their lives.”

Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School under-14s secured the bronze medal place at the English Schools Finals at Walsall last week.

As a new team and entering the ESSA competition for the first time, KGGS qualified in superb style, winning all of their matches, most very convincingly.

The finals were last week in Oundle and the girls first faced the eventual winners, Alleyn’s, to whom they lost 4-0.

Undeterred, they dug deep and secured a fantastic 4-0 win over Bedford in their second match. Their final match, against Manchester, was a fiercely and closely fought contest. A couple of disputable decisions and some very hard play by the opposition led to a 5-3 defeat.

The overall result of the day was a tremendous third-placed under-14 girls’ team in the country.

KGGS under-14s were (goals): Naya Patel, Rose Bitowt (1), Ellie Robinson, Giorgia Bosworth (4), India Wilkinson (1), Kate Davis, Georgia Coyle (1), Ellie Kirke, Kate Knott, Lily Jackson, Sian Jolly, Charlotte Woodward and Harriet Underwood.

l If you are a competent swimmer and interested in playing water polo, pop along to The Meres leisure centre on a Friday afternoon, 4pm-6pm, to arrange a taster session. Alternatively e-mail membership@granthamwaterpolo.org.uk for more details.

A young man went to the cinema to see the same film twice in just a few hours.

But it wasn’t the film Derek Young was keen on, but the attractive young girl who accompanied him on the second visit to the Granada in Grantham.

Derek had been introduced to Brenda Watson by his bother’s girlfriend when the two girls ran into Derek in town.

A joint date was arranged, and although the name of the film is now lost from memory, the seeds of romance were sown.

Derek and Brenda were married after a year-long engagement at the Congregational Church in Grantham on March 21, 1953.

Derek, 82, and 79-year-old wife Brenda will celebrate their diamond wedding with a party at their home in Brittain Drive, Grantham, attended by family including son Colin, daughter Diane, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The couple had both been working at the giant Aveling Barford engineering works in Grantham when they met, although neither knew of the connection.

After the couple married Brenda stayed at home to raise the children, and later also worked for Barfords of Belton.

Derek continued with Aveling Barford until he took redundancy in 1980 and switched to South East Lincs Engineering, from where he retired aged 65.

Brenda, born one of six girls and with three brothers, was born in Hull and evacuated with her sister to Market Deeping when the city became a bombing target in the war.

Her parents Elsie and George Watson moved to Grantham, where George became a Co-op milkman.

Derek was born in Martson, the son of Violet and Bill, a farm worker.

Brenda had a stroke six years ago and has had two knee and one hip replacements, but remains spritely and takes great delight in the family, pictures of whom fill the house.

Derek played bowls at Aveling Barford and enjoyed doing decorating jobs for friends and family after he retired.

Now he stays active by walking the couple’s pet dog three times a day.

Brenda said: “Of course we have had arguments from time to time, but we have soon got over them. We have made it work with give and take and are very family orientated.”

Grantham Tennis Club’s mini matches at Boston concluded with the Reds winning against Boston B.

The team of Cameron Anderson, Aaron Fleckney, Matthew Barry and Jake Cullen triumphed 12-6.

The Orange team did not fare as well against Boston B, with Martha Patton and Nitesh Shyam losing 4-1. In the Green match, Daniel Smith-Rasmussen and Madison Cook also lost 3-1.

The minis county trials took place at Boston over the weekend with Heidi-Louise Roberts, Martha Patton, Jake Gibbons and James Peace taking part in the Orange age group and Madison Cook in the Greens.

The Red, Orange and Green teams in the Nottingham Caunton league have progressed into tomorrow’s play-offs at Nottingham Tennis Centre.

In the adult leagues, the mixed winter team of Sarah Patton, Joe Patton, Neil Robertson, Sue Cox, Simeon Cook and Pip Jones drew at Lady Bay B. In another mixed Nottinghamshire match, away at Caunton, Grantham narrowly lost with the team of Liz Stokes, Nishanth Shyam, Angela Anderson, Daniel Mole, Jackie Edgley and Pete Smith.

The mixed second team comprising Paul Kennedy, Sheena Gordon, Johnny Ng, Elaine Pulfree, Lorraine Walton and Dale Wright lost at home to David Lloyd West Bridgford.

The ladies’ winter team of Jo Carstairs, Megan Jones, Jill Pindar, Katie Dines, Sarah Isaac and Claire Marris triumphed 82 games to 26 over Lady Bay to win their league with four wins from four.

l For coaching enquiries contact Richard Edgley on 07960 380243

Two Sixth Form boys at Grantham King’s School organised a Harlem Shake dance to raise funds for Comic Relief.

Calvin Wright and William Young thought of the idea and Maths teacher Mr Roberts started the dance in school on Friday. The boys raised £278 for Red Nose Day and the school thanked all those who had donated their time and money.

Head Master Frank Hedley said he was delighted the boys continue to go ‘beyond self’ in order to help others.

A taxi driver caused a head-on collision when he drove on the wrong side of the road just hours after returning from a visit to his home country of Poland, a court heard.

Zbigniew Niewiadomski temporarily forgot which country he was in as he negotiated a blind bend on New Beacon Lane in Grantham and drove in the wrong carriageway.

Lincoln Crown Court was told he collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. The other driver and passenger were injured and their car was badly damaged.

Niewiadomski, 51, of Calder Close, Grantham, denied dangerous driving as a result of the incident on April 29 2011 but was found guilty by a jury following a trial.

He was given a 12-month community order with 150 hours’ unpaid work and banned from driving for 15 months.

Recorder Steven Gasztowicz QC said: “Although it wasn’t deliberate what happened here could have been very serious indeed in terms of its consequences. You have to be aware that a car is a lethal tool. Everyone, particularly those who drive taxis and public service vehicles, has to be very careful to maintain their standards of driving.”

The court heard that South Kesteven District Council has revoked Niewiadomski’s taxi licence and he will not be able to apply to drive taxis in the district until at least three years after his ban expires.

His barrister Jonathan Eley said that Niewiadomski is now unemployed as a result of losing his licence. He added: “He has reference which show this man is an extremely respectable, hard-working and honest man.

“The driving ban will have the effect of depriving him of his livelihood. The council has revoked his licence to practice. The future for him in terms of employment is bleak at the moment. He has made 67 job applications and has had no reply at all.

“This was not a deliberate piece of dangerous driving. Having returned recently from the continent his mind simply slipped into continental driving mode for a few seconds. No-one would deliberately drive on the wrong side of the road as they approached a sharp, blind, right-hand bend.

“He is extremely sorry that people were injured in this accident.”

Tickets are on sale to a choral music spectacular at Harlaxton Manor in April, in aid of the St Wulfram’s Church Spire Appeal.

Entitled ‘Crossing Borders’, music will be by the church’s chamber choir and the manor’s collegiate choir, directed by director of music at St Wulfram’s Tim Williams.

It is described as a mixture of American and British choral music. As well as enjoying choral music, the evening is a chance to see imposing Harlaxton Manor and its grounds.

The concert will take place at the Manor on Wednesday, April 3, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, available from the Journal office, The 
Nottingham Building Society and Yorkshire Bank, all in High Street, Grantham.

ChromaSport United Counties League

Division One

Thrapston Town 4

Harrowby United 2

Harrowby United were beaten for the second time this season at Chancery Lane on Tuesday night, having suffered a cup defeat there back in November.

The game’s first chance came two minutes in from a quickly taken throw by Scott Webb which released Craig Wilson whose shot was blocked. After 12 minutes, Thrapston’s new midweek signing David Sheridan was unfortunate to see his shot hit a post. Two minutes later, Wilson curled a shot just past the right hand upright in an opening period of end-to-end play.

On 20 minutes, Webb produced a sweet through ball for Simon Bolland to run on to, but his shot went narrowly wide.

Thrapston took the lead after 29 minutes when a cross from the left by Luke Cummings was swept home by Sheridan. Just after the 40-minute mark, Harrowby Jack Drury keeper produced three saves within a minute as Thrapston finished the half strongly.

Straight from the restart, Harrowby pushed forward and were denied a penalty when referee Mr Marks gave a free kick on the edge of the area when Luke Peberdy was clearly brought down inside the box. Tom Vorley smashed the free kick into the wall.

Man-of-the-match Drury saved again on 51 minutes but Thrapston doubled their lead from the resulting corner, with Callum Noble heading home unchallenged.

The Arrows got back into the game after 69 minutes when Sam Kirton played a ball out to the left to Vorley whose teasing cross was turned into his own net by Thrapston’s Michael Keall.

The home side’s two-goal buffer was restored after 76 minutes when an attempted clearance in the Harrowby box rebounded kindly to Thrapston forward Iain Blaikie who had time to pick his spot and slot past Drury.

Two minutes later, Peberdy got Harrowby to within a goal again with the effort of the game when he fired home a super strike from 25 yards out.

With nine minutes left, Harrowby were reduced to 10 men when Bolland received his second yellow and was sent off, the card coming for a late challenge on the edge of the box. From the free kick, Drury produced the save of the match, tipping over Luke Cummings’ well struck shot.

Harrowby pushed for an equaliser and thought they had found one when a ball into the area found Webb. He was denied by Thrapston keeper Sam Cobley’s outstretched leg when the ball looked destined for the bottom corner.

The Arrows were punished two minutes into stoppage time when on the break, Jedd Whiteman’s cross was converted by Cummings.

There was just time for Harrowby’s Sam Hill to hit the post with a header from a free kick in the last seconds.

Thrapston’s victory in a fiery encounter sets up an exciting game on Saturday in the return league fixture at Dickens Road. Kick-off is 3pm.

Harrowby: Drury, Hill, Vorley, Hodgkin (c), Whyley, Webb, Peberdy, Bolland, Kirton, Wilson (Weatherstone, 45), Lee. Subs not used: Mayes, Harrison, Reidy.

SATURDAY (March 23)

Football

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

Premier Division – Stocksbridge Park Steels v Grantham Town (3pm).

ChromaSport United Counties League

Division One – Harrowby United v Thrapston Town (3pm).

Grantham & District Saturday League

Division One – Bottesford Reserves v AFC Three Gables.

HITS Consultancy Senior Cup, semi-final – AFC Ancaster v White Swan Barrowby.

Grantham Hospital Charity Cup – Cranmer Arms Bottesford.

Culverthorpe Cup – White Horse Sleaford v CK Dons.

Rugby

Midlands League 3

East (North) – Grimsby v Kesteven.

Friendly – Kesteven 2nd v Stamford 2nd.

Hockey

Peterborough 6th v Grantham, Peterborough 10th v Grantham 2nd, Skegness Ladies v Grantham Ladies.

SUNDAY

Grantham & District Sunday League

Premier Division – AFC Sleaford United v Three Gables Sunday, Ruskington v Ancaster Rams, Thurlby United v FC Osbournby Rangers.

Division One – Long Bennington v Nobody Athletic.

Charity Shield, quarter-final – Colsterworth United v Ropsley Fox, Helpringham Rovers v Lions.

FOOTBALL RESULTS

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

Premier Division – Grantham Town 1 AFC Fylde 2.

ChromaSport United Counties League

Division One – Thrapston Town 4 Harrowby United 2.

Grantham & District Saturday League

Premier Division – AFC Skillington 3 Caythorpe 5, Croxton AFC 1 AFC Three Gables 4.

Division One – Bottesford Reserves 2 Rippingale & Folkingham 4.

Grantham & District Sunday League

Premier Division – FC Osbournby Rangers 4 AFC Sleaford United 4, Three Gables Sunday 1 Helpringham Rovers 4.

Division One – Nobody Athletic 1 Caythorpe 0, Totemic 6 Colsterworth United 1.

Sunday Knockout Cup, quarter-finals – Lions 3 Grantham United 2, Ruskington 5 Ropsley 5 AET (Ruskington won 5-4 on penalties).