A 21-year-old from Bedfordshire denied a charge of driving whilst unfit through drugs.

Callum McCoy, 21, of Station Road, Longford, was stopped by police in Stone Drive, Castle Bytham on July 29.

McCoy, defending himself, denied the charge. He was given unconditional bail and told his case will next be heard at Grantham Magistrates’ Court on the afternoon of October 26 where there will be a case management hearing.

A man who gave a false name to police must pay £435 in fines and costs.

Wojciech Balcerowicz, 20, of Norton Street, Grantham, admitted driving without a licence, driving without insurance and obstructing a police officer.

He was fined £200 and given six penalty points for the insurance offence, and fined £135 for obstructing the officer.

He must also pay £85 costs and a £15 surcharge.

A burglar who broke into a house and stole copper piping was told he must attend a ‘thinking skills programme’ as punishment for his crime.

Dale Moore, of Hobart Road, Grantham, admitted burglary after breaking into a house in Princess Drive in the town.

The 20-year-old was arrested after blood was found at the property, which was unoccupied at the time of the break-in.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said: “When the blood was examined, it was found to have come from Mr Moore.”

Initially, Moore denied having anything to do with the burglary, explaining the presence of blood by saying he had visited the house when it was previously occupied. However, he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to burglary of a non-domestic dwelling.

Chris Pye-Smith, defending, said Moore had no memory of the crime, despite admitting his guilt in court.

Mr Pye-Smith said: “Mr Moore has little or no recollection of the incident.

“At the time he had had a falling out with his partner and had been drinking. He was probably intoxicated at the time he committed the offence.”

As well as the stolen copper piping, there was further damage to the house roof - both at the front and at the rear of the property.

Compensation of £100 was claimed by the owner of the house to cover the insurance excess.

Chair of magistrates Jenny James said: “This was a serious offence, even though it was unoccupied and you knew it was unoccupied.”

Moore was sentenced to an 18-month community order which requires him to attend appointments with the Probation Service and attend 19 sessions of a thinking skills programme.

Mrs James told Moore he was fortunate to avoid prison.

She said: “We have reduced your sentence as you pleaded guilty.

“Had you not pleaded guilty it is likely you would have gone to prison.”

Moore must pay £100 compensation and £85 costs.

A Navenby teenager who carried out a vicious and unprovoked attack on a Norwegian air force officer who was visiting Lincoln has been sentenced to 12 months in a young offenders institution.

Aaron Riley, 19, was caught on CCTV as he punched and kicked helpless Andreas Johansen during a two-minute attack in Lincoln High Street.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Mr Johansen suffered injuries including a bloody nose and was left “shocked and appalled” by the experience.

The court was told Mr Johansen had been socialising with a friend in the city and was returning to his hotel at around 2am when Riley launched his attack.

Andrew Scott, prosecuting, said: “Mr Johansen was walking towards the Stonebow when felt a sharp blow to the face come out of nowhere.

“That was the last thing he recalled until a police officer approached him and noticed his bloody nose.”

CCTV footage from north of the Stonebow showed Riley punching Mr Johansen to the ground, and then aiming further blows, kicks and stamps to his body.

“There were numerous kicks and stamps, and around 20 punches,” Mr Scott added.

Mr Johansen suffered a bloody nose, sore jaw, back pain and headaches but did not seek medical attention until he returned to Norway.

In a victim impact statement which was read out in court, Mr Johansenn, who serves with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, said he did nothing to provoke the attack.

Mr Johansen said: “I am a professional person. I am appalled at the behaviour of the other male and did not expect it to happen in Lincoln.”

In mitigation the court was told Riley helped to look after his elderly grandmother and was a hardworking apprentice mechanic.

Riley, of Addison Close, Navenby, admitted a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm on May 23.

Passing sentence Judge Michael Heath said it was miracle that Mr Johansen did not suffer more serious injuries.

Judge Heath said: “Mr Johansen was over here on business and making his way back to his hotel, acting peaceably.

“He found himself on the High Street just after 2am and was then subjected by you to a vicious, sustained and entirely unprovoked attack.”

Sudbrook Moor’s under-19 Tigers contested the Junior Championship for gross and net titles from the championship tees.

The best net prize was won by 37-handicap Adam Tomlinson by nine shots and was the only competitor under CSS. Runner-up on countback was Aiden Hotchin, from Harry Glenn, who were both one over CSS.

The gross championship was secured by 14-year-old Harry Glenn who beat his nearest rival and previous champion Joshua Smith by six shots..

Daniel Hare and William Hopkins had successful scorecards, coming in third and fourth respectively. Aiden Hotchin was fifth, with Jack Dodwell and brothers Adam and Richard Tomlinson sixth, seventh and eighth respectively. Robert Eldred enjoyed an excellent first event.

BELTON WOODS

The first round of Belton Woods Winter Pairs League was contested on the Woodside Course, with white tees and a 3/4 handicap allowance.

Victors with a score of 43 were R. Elliott and G. Whewell. Runners-up were G. Bell and J. Seedhouse on 42, from R. Williams and S. McAndrew (42), N. Watson and R. Harris (41) and G. Weatherall and D. Fowler (40).

BELTON PARK

Seniors’ section

Last Tuesday’s stableford was contested by 36 players and won by Colin Farrington with a score of 37. Runner-up was Laurence Haselhurst with 36 on countback from Fred Williams and Tony Noble.

The back nine was won by Shaun Boney with 20 and Nick Craft had the best front nine with 20 on countback.

Stoke Rochford 6½

Belton Park 1½

Shaun Boney and Keith Brown halved, Peter Brooks and Manny Barker lost 1 down, Mike Monaghan and Alan Addis lost 2&1, Brian Mole and Ian Saunders lost 3&2, Tony Davies and Fred Williams won 4&3, Bill Brogan and David Martin lost 2&1, David Green and Michael Goodacre lost 5&4, John Alsbury and Keith Ball lost 8&7.

A multi-million pound Business Incubation Centre in the centre of Grantham has moved a step closer today.

Councillors on South Kesteven District Council’s development control committee voted by 10 votes to three in favour of the building after being shown a design created by architect Craig Duncan.

Mr Duncan saw off competition from seven other architects with his “Isaac Newton prism” design.

The proposal is for the building to be built off Wharf Road, with its western edge on the site of Tanvic Tyres and its eastern point at Grantley Street.

Tanvic, along with neighbour Jewson, were served with Compulsory Purchase Orders earlier this year as the county and distrcit councils seek to clear the way for the Station Approach redevelopment.

LOOK OUT FOR MORE ON THIS STORY IN THIS FRIDAY’S GRANTHAM JOURNAL.

The latest planning application for homes at Poplar Farm - between Gonerby Hill Foot and Barrowby Road - was passed by councillors today.

Earlier this month councillors accepted a proposal for 105 homes north of Balmoral Drive.

Today they accepted a proposal for 99 homes to be built next to the Muddle Go Nowhere pub in Grantham, on the pub’s western boundary.

Concerns were raised about the impact on wildlife and added increased traffic on Barrowby Road but the proposal was passed by 14 votes to two.

FOR MORE ON THIS STORY SEE FRIDAY’S GRANTHAM JOURNAL.

Bitesize stories telling you what’s been going on around town.

Results

Bridge Club

Last week’s winners were Eileen Cooper and Terry Hyde on Monday, and David Pimm and Martin Mellor and June Dixon and Stuart Ennals on Tuesday.

In the Leicestershire League, Division 1, Grantham A drew 6-6 with Loughborough A, and in Division 4, Grantham B lost 10-2 to Loughborough B.

The club meets at Harlaxton Bowls Club on Monday and Tuesday, with play starting at 7.15pm. Anyone interested in playing should contact Irene Pacey (Tel: 01949 843138).

Demonstrations

Grantham Flower Arrangement Club

In September, club members were invited to arrange the flowers for the Gravity Fields Festival Dinner, held at Harlaxton Manor.

Club members and their guests enjoyed a celebration dinner as part of the club’s golden anniversary, which took place at The Priory Business and Conference Venue.

The club’s September flower arranging demonstration was held at Grantham Christian Fellowship Centre, when area demonstrator, Val Duke’s theme was historical “naughty ladies”.

A practical flower arranging workshop of traditional and modern arrangements took place at the beginning of October with tutor Jen Bottomley.

At the next meeting area demonstrator, Elizabeth Bishop, will show how to create arrangements on the theme, Bring Me Sunshine, at Grantham Christian Fellowship Centre, 7.30pm. Visitor admission is £5.

For further details on the club and its current programme, e-mail flower14@btinternet.com or (Tel: 563139).

Annual meeting

Ladies Probus Club

The club held its annual meeting and luncheon at Belton Park Golf Club, attended by 37 members.

The committee for the new year 2012/13 will be: President - Ann Parsons, vice-president - Jenny Watson, junior vice-president - Jennifer Evans, secretary - Sue Whiting, minutes secretary - Angela McGown, attendance secretary - Pauline Hudson, programme secretary - Sheila Holland, other committee members - Jan Cronin and Jess Nix.

Next meeting is on Tuesday, November 13, when the speaker will be David Templeman with a talk entitled Lady Arabella Stuart - the queen who never was.

Any retired business or professional ladies interested in joining the club should contact the secretary, Sue Whiting (Tel: 565307).

Concert

Grantham Music Club

The club’s opening concert took place on Wednesday, October 3, given by Lincolnshire-born pianist, Richard Markham. His dazzling performance included works by Haydn, Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin.

Next concert is on Wednesday, November 7, in the hall of the Priory Ruskin Academy, starting at 7.30pm, given by Nivel Hinson (clarinet) with Nadia Hinson (piano). This will be preceded by the annual meeting at 6.45pm.

Tickets are available from the Guildhall Arts Centre box office (Tel: 406158) or at the door, priced £12 non-members (£10 concessions), students free. Alternatively, book online: www.guildhallartscentre.com. or contact the club secretary (Tel: 01400 250372).

Speaker

Photographic Society

Professional nature photographer, Gianpiero Ferrari, will be this week’s speaker.

The society meet in The Town and County Club, St Peter’s Hill, on Tuesdays at 7.30pm, between September and April. Entrance is through the rear car park.

For further details contact Joanna Mitchell (Tel: 07977 597452).

Cake decoration

St John’s Fellowship

At the September meeting there was a short communion service, followed by a pot-luck supper.

In October the annual meeting was well attended and the committee was re-elected. Speakers and events were planned for the forthcoming year and arrangements were finalised for the Teas for Disability Lincs on Monday, October 22. Christmas menus and venues were discussed.

Items for the tombola stall on December 1, in aid of St John’s Church, will be collected at the next meeting.

The next meeting is an Open Meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 7.30pm. There will be a practical session on cake decoration for Christmas. Members are invited to bring and share their favourite seasonal recipes.

Talk

Wildlife Conservation

At the recent meeting of the Grantham group, the speaker was the ranger of Grimsthorpe Park, Chris Howes. His enthusiasm for his job was revealed during his talk, when he explained he had been in charge of the conservation areas at Grimsthorpe for 14 years, with some considerable success. There has been an increase of scarce butterflies, including the Duke of Burgundy, and flowers such as the early Gentian, and Grimsthorpe is the only place in the county where they can be seen.

Next meeting is at Barkston and Syston Village Hall on Friday, November 9, when the topic is The Birds of the West Indies.

Music

Concert raises £8k

A charity concert at St Wulfram’s Church on Saturday raised £8,383.

Around 470 people attended the concert, in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. They were treated to an excellent evening of music by The Band of the Irish Guards, local musician Major Dennis Hannant and Grantham Choral Society.

Charity chairman Neil McCorquodale heaped praise on the performers, calling the choral society “fantastic” and Dennis “wonderful”. He added: “The people of Grantham turned out in force and gave us excellent support and we are very grateful to everyone who came to the concert. I hoped they enjoyed it.”

An aim of the event was to mark a spectacular year, from the Jubilee to the Olympics.

Grantham Town put on an electrifying first half performance to leave league leaders North Ferriby United trailing 2-0 after 45 minutes at The Meres on Tuesday night.

The Gingerbreads went in front after just six minutes when Rhys Lewis slid the ball past keeper Adam Nicklin.

Town sustained pressure throughout the half and cemented their lead a minute before half time. Martin Ball put in a beautiful cross-field ball to Conor Higginson who evaded defenders and keeper alike to practically walk the ball into the net.

But Grantham were unable to maintain their scintillating performance in the second half.

North Ferriby pulled a goal back through skipper Chris Bolder and drew level when substitute Ryan Kendall struck in the 69th minute.

Town deserved at least a point were denied that when Kendall bagged his second of the night with 10 minutes remaining.

Grantham Town: Lindley, Purcicoe, Magee, Lewis, Meikle, Watt (c), McGhee, Ball (Robinson, 88), Grimes, Higginson (Demidh, 68), Potts. Subs not used: Carchedi, Brindley, Nwadike. Att: 128.

+ Full match report in Friday’s Grantham Journal

Already planning for the 2013 season, Croxton Kerrial Cricket Club is seeking new players of all levels, with nets due to commence in January.

The club is also keen on anyone wishing to keep wicket.

If interested contact Leon Aylin on 07730578944 or email leonaylin@ntlworld.com

Kesteven looked to get off to a good start, playing to keep the ball alive, and were soon on the attack.

RFU Senior Vase

Northampton Men’s Own 21

Kesteven 40

Kesteven showed their confidence when an early penalty was pushed to the corner and perfectly executed the catch and drive, with Gavin Purvis getting the touchdown. Matt Harland added the conversion. Turner got the second following a neat pass from Parker. Again Harland converted and Kesteven had a clear 14 point lead.

The third try came as Hughes was tackled short, but Hudson did brilliantly to keep the ball alive and find Harland who popped the ball off to Whittaker who scored in the corner.

Just before the break, Odams was first through on to a loose ball on half way. He found Turner up in support and he raced away for the fourth try. Harland’s conversion made the half time score 26-0.

Kesteven went close to scoring on a couple of occasions before Cam Hudson sent Jake Hughes bursting through. Harland again converted before Northampton started to play some rugby. They found space out on the left and their wing ran in a good try from half way. The conversion was good.

Kesteven took a quick penalty and Hudson again made space for Hughes to run clear to score his second try. Harland’s conversion brough the Kesteven tally to 40. Northampton finished with two more late tries, both converted, to put a gloss on the score.

Kesteven: Harland, Whittaker, Hughes, Hudson, R. Jordan, Parker, Lines, Odams, Sheadown, Purvis, Pert, Cowley, Flear, Turner, Webster. Reps: Peabody, Carew, Martin.

Friendly

Grimsby 2nd 17

Kesteven 2nd 24

Scrum half Simon Morgan worked the opportunity to give Tyrone Miles a run at the opposition line. He took three players with him to open the scoring.

The flow of the game was stalled when Darren Blackley was taken to hospital with a cracked rib. It was decided to end the first half with Kesteven 5-0 to the good.

Joe Berry ran a great line to take the ball under the posts for a 12-0 lead following the conversion. Kesteven saw where the gaps were and had soon worked an overlap for Steve Smith to sprint in to the corner for a well deserved try.

Grimsby’s powerful centre smashed straight through Jack Danford for a try in reply, with Danford following Blackley to hospital.

Grimsby used two penalties well to work opportunities to score a couple of good tries and level the score with minutes on the clock.

With backs against the wall, Kesteven knew all they could do was defend and hope for the opportunity to come. Smelling victory Grimsby chose to run the ball wide for the first time in the game but a loose pass saw centre Olly Hughes intercept and run 60metres to devastate the Grimsby side and elate his own.

With the conversion kicked, the game was brought to a close for the most satisfying of victories.

Ks showed the spirit required at seconds level, with the belief that victory will come if you stick to your strengths

Kesteven: T. Smith, P. Dolan, Dent, Hayward, Miles, Windsor, R. Dolan, Dent, Morgan, Berry, S. Smith, Blackley, Hughes, Charles, Danford.

Talented artists from the Grantham area have been showcasing their work in the town centre this week.

Artwork created by members of art clubs in Grantham and beyond has been on display since Saturday at the George Centre.

The artists have been so pleased with the success of the display and the response of the public, they hope to be make such a gallery a regular or even permanent feature in the town centre.

Dennis Hobbs, a member of Grantham Art Club and the Belvoir Art Society, said: “We have had it open from Saturday (Oct 13) until this Saturday (Oct 20) and it has been fantastic so far. We ‘re so pleased with how well it has gone.

“It’s great to bring all this talent together.”

“We could do with a gallery as a permanent fixture really.

“I didn’t think we would get so many people in but it has been very busy - particularly on Saturday.”

All manner of artistic styles are on display. One of Mr Hobb’s most eye-catching pieces is a portrait of Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.

And practically all of the work on show is available to purchase (the Harry Potter painting is priced at £100).

Grantham artist Margaret Hayward said: “We have work from Vic Bearcroft who was Wildlife Artist of the Year and is from Newark.

“In total we have around 250 paintings and they are almost entirely all originals.

“All of the Grantham art groups are represented, along with Belvoir Oasby and more. Some artists have their own displays too like myself and Dennis.”

The artwork will continue to be on free display in a unit at the Westgate entrance to the George Centre until late tomorrow (Saturday). The gallery is open from 10am until 4pm.

For more on Grantham Art Club log on to their website: community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/GranthamArtClub where you can also view a gallery of work by members.

l Would you like to see a permanent art gallery in Grantham showcasing local talent? E-mail us your views on the subject to: comment@granthamjournal.co.uk

Firefighters freed a trapped person from a car following a crash in Barrowby Road this afternoon.

A Ford Fiesta collided with a Citroen C4 and firefighters were called to the scene. They released one person from the Citroen using man power.

Children at Isaac Newton Primary School marked World Sight Day in style last Thursday with special glasses and a variety of activities, including blind football and obstacle courses.

Grantham Lions Club helped organise the day. Member John Dickinson said the event was a great opportunity to raise the pupil’s awareness of people suffering from sight problems. The children raised money to support the cause and also are collecting their old glasses to send to people in need abroad.

An Oxfam appeal aimed at helping the poorest communites around the world has proved a remarkable success.

The Grantham Market Place store aimed to raise £25 to send one goat to an African village but ended up raising enough money for five.

Students at Grantham College are gaining retail skills and experience through running a shop based at the college, in Stonebridge Road.

Little Gems originally opened in September 2010 and has gone on to do so well that it has expanded into the reception area of the college.

Students in first level learning run the shop. They are involved in the day-to-day activities of running the shop including ordering stock, sales, serving customers, handling money and displaying the products in an eye-catching way.

Little Gems sells a wide variety of gifts including jewellery, cuff links, tea light holders, scarves, gloves, handbags and trinkets. A variety of decorative hanging baskets in different shapes and sizes are available throughout the year with plants grown and produced on the college campus by the first level learning horticulture group.

Stock for Christmas is due to arrive from the end of October and will include cards, decorations, gifts and wreaths which proved to be highly popular last year.

Many products sold in Little Gems are produced by local artists.

Little Gems is open to the public Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm during college term time.

Fire crews were called to fight a major fire at a recycling plant in Caythorpe in the early hours of this morning.

Eight fire crews were called out to the blaze at around 1am in Caythorpe Heath Lane, Caythorpe with the building described by firefighters as being well alight.

Firefighters were still tackling the blaze at 6am this morning.

MORE TO FOLLOW

A village primary school received a cheque for £250 from the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society, based in Stamford.

The “amazing” donation was made to South Witham Community Primary School last term.

It will be used to support the development of the school Early Years outdoor learning environment.

The cheque was donated by Karen Morris, branch manager of the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society.

She handed it over on the school sports field, where members of the school’s governing body, the Friends of the School Association and staff were present.

Headteacher Ruth Taylor said: “South Witham Community Primary School, staff, pupils and parents wish to say a huge thank you to Karen and all the members of the building society for their generous and heartfelt support for the learning in the school.”

Is something exciting coming up at your school? Share your school’s news with readers of the Grantham Journal.

E-mail your news to comment@granthamjournal.co.uk or call the newsdesk on 01476 562291.

A former pub is set to become a Tesco Express within two months after the supermarket chain confirmed its intention to move on to the site.

Tesco has taken on the contract to run the Express store on what was The Cherry Tree pub in Harrowby Lane, Grantham.

The venture is expected to create 20 jobs, which will be advertised through Job Centre Plus.

Despite a significant difference between a pub and a store, Tesco does not have to apply for planning permission to change the use of the site. However, it will have to gain permission to carry out “minor changes” to the shop front, including putting up signage.

Louise Gosling, from Tesco, said: “Current planning law states that if a site is already operating under A1 use, which means retail, then any developer is free to make an application to run a retail operation from that site. New planning permission is usually needed to set up new signs and a shop frontage to show the change of use.

“On all public planning projects, members have a right to object and can do so by contacting the council directly.”

Express stores are Tesco’s smallest type of shop, aiming to be a place where families can ‘top-up’ their shopping.

Ms Gosling said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this new service to the Harrowby Lane area and we’re looking forward to becoming part of the local community.”

The Journal’s Facebook friends voiced their concerns for the nearby Co-op Store, which is located just a stone’s throw away at the top of Princess Drive. Emma Tudor wrote: “At least if it is making a few jobs then that has to be a good thing. I just hope it doesn’t send the Co-op out of business.”

Other concerns were over noise, traffic congestion, deliveries and gangs of teenagers.

Frankie Angeloni wrote: “Can’t wait for extra traffic and a gathering of teenagers. Yay!”

As reported in the Journal, The Cherry Tree closed in September. At the time, landlady Pat King told the Journal Tesco had already bought the site, but a spokesman refused to confirm or deny it. Pat said the community would miss the pub.

The six people bidding to become the public head of Lincolnshire’s police force will be quizzed in Boston tonight.

Haven High Technology College will host a hustings event at 7pm to allow voters to find out the views of the potential police and crime commissioners.

The event, at the Marian Road campus, will be in the style of BBC One’s political debate programme Question Time.

The hustings night was arranged by Anne Dorrian with support of the Boston Standard and will be chaired by Haven High head Adrian Reed.

The contenders for the position, which will be decided by a vote on November 15, are Mervyn Barrett (Independent), David Bowles (Independent), Richard Davies (Conservative), Elliott Fountain (English Democrat), Paul Gleeson (Labour), Alan Hardwick (Independent).

The eventual winner will take over the role of the Lincolnshire Police Authority - overseeing the budget and priorities of the police.