Kenniford Farm Shop scoops Sausage of the Year award

October 16, 2014, 2:19 am

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Kenniford Farm Shop in Clyst St Mary has scooped a prestigious Gold Award in the BPEX Foodservice Pork Sausage of the Year 2014 competition for its outstanding bangers. More than 230 sausages were entered into the highly contested competition which has been recognising and rewarding the very best sausages served in pubs, restaurants, hotels and canteens for more than decade. There were five categories for entry: Traditional Pork Sausage, Speciality Pork Sausage, Best Innovative Pork Sausage, Best Export Sausage and Best Hot Dog. Kenniford Farm Shop received a Gold Award in the 'Speciality Pork Sausage' category for its 'Pork and Cider Sausage', earning high praise from the judging panel. Meanwhile, Westaway Sausages Ltd, based in Newton Abbot, is now in the running to be crowned 'Foodservice Sausage of the Year Champion 2014' at this year's Grand Final. Westaway entered the Export Pork Sausage category with its Old English Pork Sausages which initially received a Gold Award, before going on to be selected as one of 15 finalists to go forward to the Grand Final and battle it out for the highly contested Overall Champion title. The sausage maker also scooped another six silver awards in the competition. The 15 sausages that made it through to the final will be put to the taste test once more in order to determine which company will take home the Overall Champion title. The final will take place at Butchers' Hall in London on October 31. Tony Goodger, BPEX's foodservice trade manager, said: "The prestigious BPEX Foodservice Pork Sausage of the Year Competition is a great way to kick start the celebrations for this year's British Sausage Week 2014 (3-9 November) and highlights the incredible variety of quality assured sausages available on menus. "These accolades are highly sought after and Kenniford Farm Shop has done exceptionally well to walk away with a prestigious Gold Award. Judging the competition was particularly challenging because of the high standard of entries; it is clear there has been much innovation in the sector, with some really unusual flavour combinations and interesting new ideas coming through." He added: "To be chosen as one of the top 15 and to make it to the grand final is a tremendous effort. These awards are highly sought after so it is a great achievement for Westaway Sausages Ltd to be selected to go through to the final – we wish them luck."

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East Devon event highlights efforts to tackle isolation

October 16, 2014, 2:34 am

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Members of East Devon voluntary organisations and community groups turned out in force for the annual district council run Working Together for the Future of East Devon event. This year's focus was on 'Isolation'. After the conference, Councillor Jill Elson, EDDC Cabinet Member for Sustainable Homes and Communities, said it had been good to hear about the excellent work being done in our local communities. She went on: "There is a lot of good work taking place in East Devon. It was a great opportunity to meet and hear about the many voluntary organisations all doing such excellent work and listen to their views." About 100 representatives of voluntary organisations, community groups and town and parish councils packed into the Council Chamber at EDDC's Knowle offices in Sidmouth for the event, which aimed to improve communications between the voluntary and statutory sectors. East Devon MP Neil Parish visited midway through and stayed on to address the delegates about the theme of the day. He also thanked delegates for everything their organisations are doing to help isolated people in the district. Also speaking at the event was Sophie Andrews, chief executive of Esther Rantzen's new free helpline for older people called The Silver Line (0800 4 70 80 90). Delegates were able to find out more about the great work done in East Devon to combat isolation by Liz McQuiston from Devon Young Carers who support young carers aged 4 to 18, EDDCs Home Safeguard Service, EDDC Housings 'Let's go Digital' workshops for tenants in sheltered housing, and learn about isolation and the health implications for older people from Dr Anthony Hemsley, Consultant Geriatrician at the RD&E Hospital in Exeter. Attendees also brought with them items of non-perishable food, which were collected by Exmouth Foodbank for handing out to needy families in the area.

Clyst Vale Community College shows off its new £2.4m teaching block

October 16, 2014, 3:11 am

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Clyst Vale Community College is celebrating the official opening of its new £2.4m teaching block. East Devon MP Hugo Swire officially opened the new building and enjoyed a tour of the eight classrooms, three science labs and new changing rooms. He spent some time with an A-level Politics group discussing their thoughts on a recent by-election and next year's General Election. The new building replaces several temporary classrooms. Principal Dr Kevin Bawn said: "Six years ago we had 23 temporary classrooms, and more lessons took place in them than in proper buildings. "Now we have none, and all lessons are taught in a good environment for learning. The new building is gorgeous, with spacious rooms and wide corridors. It is also a symbol of Clyst Vale's ambition and recent improvement". Following the event, Mr Swire said: "I was absolutely delighted to officially open this new classroom block and thoroughly enjoyed being shown around the new facilities. I was so impressed by the new building along with the school's exemplary students". "A group of the school's A-Level Politics students recently came to visit me at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and I have asked their teacher, Heather Padden, to bring up another group soon". The building was funded by the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund after Clyst Vale's bid was approved by the Education Funding Agency. Dr Bawn paid tribute to everyone who had contributed to the building being delivered on time and on budget, including Grainge Architects, Hills' Project Management, and Devon Contractors.

Devon Air Ambulance Trust celebrates 30,000 people playing its lottery

October 16, 2014, 4:11 am

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It's been quite a week for Devon Air Ambulance Trust's in house Lottery, who is celebrating 30,000 playing members. The charity funded service started its own in house lottery in September 2001 and since then it has gone from strength to strength. The amount raised by DAAT Lottery members effectively this year will pay for 330 life-saving missions. A huge achievement. In 2013 sales of the Lottery equated to £1.35 million with over £900,000 donated back to the Trust (272 missions) after the deduction of the prize fund and minimal administration charges. Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said "Our first year's sales were £252,308. This year predicted sales are set to be £1.56 million!" She added "In the last week we have celebrated 30,000 playing members. This is a huge achievement for us. 88% of our members play by standing order which is the most cost effective way to pay as it keeps our administration costs as low as possible. However our members also play by cheque or at a local agent, popping in to pay their £1 a week." If you are over the age of 16 why not join our lottery now? It's just £1 per lucky number a week (with an average of 70p in the £1 going back to the Charity) and gives you the chance to win one of 13 cash prizes every week, the top being £1350! The Charity also has a small group of canvassers who sign up people to their Lottery either door to door or at local stores.

Annual shoebox appeal to help poorest families in Eastern Europe launched by charity near Exeter

October 16, 2014, 4:23 am

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The generosity of Echo readers is being called on once again to help spread some festive joy among thousands of eastern Europe's poorest people this Christmas. Last year a staggering 5,500 shoeboxes containing gifts such as sweets, small toys, jewellery, hats and gloves were sent to children and adults in Moldova who would otherwise receive nothing. Poverty is widespread in Moldova, which became an independent country in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The lack of employment opportunities and widespread corruption that ensued has forced many adults to leave the country, and their children, to find work elsewhere. The annual campaign is run by Kenton charity Christian Response, which is celebrating its 24th anniversary this year and has been sending the boxes to eastern Europe for 15 years. Charity director Hugh Scudder said many contained letters or cards which would be kept and treasured for years. The charity also organises Christmas parties in various areas of Moldova, at which children receive a shoebox after having a meal. The charity delivers the gifts by lorry to children in orphanages, ghettos and soup kitchens in time for Christmas. Hugh explained that Moldova was one of a few Eastern European countries to sign a trade deal with the west this year, since which, Russia refused to import its produce. Due to the blow to the country's economy, poverty has been exacerbated. Hugh has visited the country three times this year and explained that whereas on the surface, things may appear to be better, in fact the situation for many Moldovans is getting worse. "Around a third of the population move away and work abroad and send money home, so what you're left with, particularly in the rural villages, are just children and the elderly," he said. "Superficially, things look better – there are more cars and more hotels. "But things are immensely worse in the villages, which are dying because there's no one there. "The situation for ordinary people is grim, people are really quite desperate, with very little hope. "Something I say every year and which sounds a bit soppy but which is absolutely true, is that the gift of a shoebox at Christmas, to know someone they don't even know, cares, really gives people hope. "I'm always so impressed by people's generosity." People should fill the boxes with new items if possible, rather than secondhand. As many of the boxes are opened together, some consistency is necessary. Packages are for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers, as well as adults, mainly grandparents or elderly people in homes. Shoeboxes should be wrapped in Christmas paper and marked with the gender and age they would be suitable for. Basic items like toothpaste, hairbrushes and sweets and chocolate are also well received. Shoeboxes can be dropped off at Langmaid News in Fore Street, Robert Williams estate agents in Southernhay West, Cartridges Solicitors on Cowick Street or Sweet Tooth, Wellington Street, Teignmouth, until November 30. Those with large loads, or anyone who can't make the deadline, should contact the Rotary Club of Dawlish Water on 01626 891680 or Hugh on 01626 891945.

Police cars rammed and two men held after M5 pursuit near Exeter

October 16, 2014, 4:40 am

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Police have arrested two men following a pursuit on the M5 Motorway. At around 11.45pm on Wednesday, October 15, traffic officers attempted to routinely stop a Ford Fiesta motor vehicle travelling into Devon on the M5. The vehicle failed to stop and continued at speed southbound along the M5. Traffic officers supported by the force helicopter pursued the vehicle and boxing tactics were used in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to stop and rammed police vehicles in an attempt to escape. During the pursuit items were thrown from the vehicle. Eventually a 'stinger' device was utilised and the vehicle was brought to a controlled stop. No one was injured as a result of the incident. Two men aged 27 and 24 years from Liverpool were arrested on suspicion of being in possession of controlled drugs. They remain in custody at Exeter police station awaiting interview.

Pictures: Schoolchildren learn where food comes from at Farm Wise event near Exeter

October 16, 2014, 4:44 am

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Schoolchildren exchanged the classroom for a farming showground near Exeter as they were taken on a food journey from field to fork. Around 1,400 youngsters from primary and special schools in the city and across the county attended the Farm Wise Devon at Westpoint Arena. At the event, organised by Devon County Council, the children learned where food comes from and how it is produced from raw materials through to manufactured products. Lord Mayor of Exeter Percy Prowse, who attended the event, said: "Primary school children were recently asked the question: Where does bacon come from? The answer given was Tesco. That's why it's important to stage events like these." Farmers and exhibitors passed on their knowledge and expertise about a wide variety of produce including dairy, poultry, pigs, fruit and vegetables. Councillor Jeremy Yabsley, of DCC's farms estate committee, said: "This is all about allowing the children to get a real touch, feel and smell of farming and farm production in a safe and fun environment." Councillor James McInnes, DCC cabinet member for children schools and skills, added: "It's vitally important that children learn all about food and the environment that it comes from to educate them and enhance their enthusiasm for our local produce." During the practical demonstrations the youngsters were shown how to milk a cow, how the wool of a sheep is removed, as well as how to make jam and bake bread. Marguerite Tait, a teacher at Drake's Primary School in Budleigh Salterton, said: "The whole school is here today, and everyone is having a great time." James Bennington, a teacher at Marpool Primary School in Exmouth, said: "We've just made strawberry jam and everyone really enjoyed it. Once they are back at school, the children will write a report about what they've learned as part of our healthy living project." The youngsters were also shown about how farming is expanding and diversifying into other industries including tourism and events. Johnny Ball, of the National Farmers' Union, said: "We are world leaders in animal husbandry, and these children are our next generation of consumers. It's imperative that we teach them where food comes from and how it's produced. A lot of them will come away with more knowledge than mum and dad have."

Fire crews called to M5 McDonald's near Exeter

October 16, 2014, 4:47 am

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Three fire appliances were called in to McDonalds, at the Cullumpton Services on the M5's Junction J28 following multiple calls from staff reporting smoke issuing from the restaurant. Shortly after arriving crews confirmed the smoke had issued from an above door heating unit but that it was out on arrival. Crews carried out an inspection only using a thermal image camera, before leaving duty of care with staff.

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Man found collapsed at side of M5 near Exeter by fireman on way to crash

October 16, 2014, 4:52 am

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A fire officer heading for a reported car crash on the M5 found a man collapsed at the side of the road. Emergency services were first called out following reports a car had gone into the back of a lorry between Junctions 28 Cullumpton and 29 Sowton. It was believed that persons were trapped within the car. However, while en route a fire service officer, who had also been mobilised, came across it first and confirmed the location was in fact between Junctions 27 & 28. No persons were reported to be trapped or injured but the male driver of the car had collapsed at the side of the road. When fire crews arrived they made the vehicles safe and left the incident in the hands of Police and the driver in the care of Ambulance paramedics.

Devon police warn against "unscrupulous" door-to-door salesmen

October 16, 2014, 5:00 am

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Police are warning residents to be on their guard for "unscrupulous salesmen" operating in the area. It follows a number a number of calls relating to door to door salesmen operating in Mid Devon and East Cornwall. The people involved often wear home -made ID badges and purport to be part of a scheme aimed at helping ex–offenders. When challenged they are unable to provide any verifiable evidence that a scheme exists. Essentially they go from door to door, often targeting elderly residents and state that they are ex prisoners having been reformed. They use pressure tactics on the homeowner to purchase household items at inflated prices. If the homeowner refuses to buy items, the salesman often becomes abusive. Police are advising the public to report any incidents in their area and ask that they call police on 101 quoting police reference CR/113283/14.

Exeter Cathedral's amazing organ is tuned for Christmas after £1million restoration

October 16, 2014, 5:00 am

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The refurbished Exeter Cathedral organ is being 'tuned' up for Christmas from this week after its £1 million restoration. The Cathedral organ was taken up to Durham last year for a major overhaul by renowned organ builders Harrison & Harrison, which included the cleaning and checking of its 5,000 pipes. The internal workings of the organ have now been built back into the iconic 350 year old John Loosemore case but each pipe has to be adjusted to produce the best sound – a process known as 'voicing'. Andrew Millington, director of music at the Cathedral said: "Visitors to the Cathedral will hear some interesting noises coming from the organ for the next month or two! It will take several weeks to finish, but the organ should be tuned and ready for our Christmas services." More than 22,000 people go to the Cathedral's Christmas services and concerts each year.

Devon police host slavery and human trafficking conference

October 16, 2014, 5:10 am

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Devon and Cornwall Police are hosting a regional Modern Slavery Conference today to coincide with Anti Slavery Day later on Saturday. The conference is the first wave in building awareness for partners to try and combat the growing issues of slavery across the South West region. The purpose of the conference is to outline the current national context in respect of Modern Slavery and gather ideas on how the national action plan can be implemented regionally and locally. It is also an opportunity for practitioners to share best practice and identify the opportunities to work together. The conference will hear from migrant worker and Victim Support experts who will be able to offer advice on how criminal gangs operate, and succeed in ruining people's lives. The detectives who were involved in the recent Operation Triage will also be on hand to recount how their investigations succeeded in rescuing eight victims from a house in Plymouth. Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, who is the National Policing Lead for Modern Slavery, says; "The shocking truth is that centuries after the abolition of slavery, the country still plays host to it, in agricultural and industrial settings, in brothels and in private homes. It is only through a mixture of thorough investigation and public education that we will tackle this scourge. "I hope this conference will be a chance for us to share the hard work that our officers put into combating modern slavery whether it be through supporting victims, bringing offenders to justice, providing training, and generally working more effectively together." The very nature of human trafficking means that victims feel too afraid to come forward and report their situation to the police. It is estimated that nearly three thousand people, including 600 children are exploited in the UK, and this number is sadly increasing. PSCO Bev Faull, who works with Cornwall migrant workers says; "The largest obstacle to modern slavery is confidence in reporting it and the fear of repercussions but we have a team who are listening and willing to discuss anyone's concerns". If you have been affected or suspect a case of modern slavery, you can get help via this website www.modernslavery.co.uk which shows how to spot the signs of modern slavery, report cases and provide information about how to refer suspected victims. You can call the police on 101 in a non-emergency, 999 for emergencies or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Exeter's new waste-to-energy plant opened

October 16, 2014, 5:30 am

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Exeter's new energy recovery plant was officially opened at Marsh Barton today. The new facility will recover energy from waste, turn it into electricity and export it back to the national grid. It is expected to produce over 1300 MW of renewable energy from 3.3million tonnes of waste. In time, it is also hoped to use the steam generated as part of a district heating network. Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Baroness Verma toured the plant and opened an education and visitor area to enable schools to view the process and understand more about waste recycling and management. She said: "Devon County Council has a good record of recycling waste. It has long been one of the top five authorities in the country and the opening of the EfW plant at Marsh Barton will help the council continue its important work in this area" "Energy is a vital resource and as we look to cut down on our use of fossil fuels, conserving and using waste as one alternative source is a sensible and clean option"

Exeter police dog handler in line for bravery award after city kidnap case

October 16, 2014, 5:42 am

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An Exeter police dog handler has been nominated for a police bravery award after she rescued a terrified kidnap victim. PC Alison Cruwys will be attending a reception at 10 Downing Street ahead of the 19th National Police Bravery Awards ceremony held at Plaisterers' Hall, London on the evening of Thursday 16 October 2014. On July 22 last year police received a report of a violent kidnap of a man in Exeter. The victim had been hit over the head with an iron bar and dragged into a car which then fled. Later that day the car was seen acting suspiciously and was stopped with two suspects but there was no victim inside. PC Cruwys and her police dog Bodie were deployed to where the car had originally been seen acting suspiciously. Bodie tracked deep into nearby woodland where he found the injured victim tied to a tree. Three further suspects were located nearby and PC Cruwys and Bodie chased down, confronted and detained a powerful and extremely violent man. PC Cruwys, alone in a remote area, searched for the victim, challenged and detained his attackers. The victim had endured horrific injuries and feared he would be killed. He later praised the officer for saving his life. PC Cruwys said: "Being nominated is a very proud moment for me. I'm representing all of the other dog handlers who would have done the same thing in that situation." Four men from Lebus Street, London, admitted kidnap and were given prison sentences at Taunton Crown Court in October 2014. Jerome James, 26, Claudio Diko, 20, and Cedric Lushima, 19, were jailed for four years while William Pugh, 22, was given three years after the judge accepted he was not involved in any direct violence. George Watts, 22, from Ladysmith Lane, Exeter, received a suspended sentence of 12 months suspended for two years, as well as a community order, a curfew, 180 hours' unpaid work and a victim surcharge of £100.

OPINION: Tiverton Town need forwards to find their shooting boots

October 16, 2014, 6:07 am

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There was one talking point above all others following Tiverton Town's defeat to Truro City in the Red Insure Cup on Tuesday night. It was not how close Tivvy had come to beating higher-league opponents, nor was it their expansive and free-flowing game – it was their inability to convert clear chances into goals. Despite a couple of missed opportunities – Tom Gardner flicked a header just wide before Kyle Moore superbly tipped over Owen Howe's effort – the early signs were promising for the hosts when Jimmy Hinds expertly headed home Ethan Phillips' corner 12 minutes in. But despite Tiverton continuing to more than hold their own against Truro, it was their finishing that let them down and allowed the Southern League Premier Division outfit to go on and win the game 2-1. I have written in the past about Tivvy's reliance on Howe, and I am sure I will mention it again in the future, because they have a serious problem when he is not finding the back of the net. Usually that is due to injury or suspension, but on Tuesday night the former Bideford man happened to be having an off-night, missing four glorious chances by my count. Everyone has off-days, and for someone who has contributed so much to the their season – Howe's goals have arguably won the Yellows six points and an FA Cup tie – it would be particularly harsh to criticise him. I am sure Howe more than anybody will admit that he should have finished Tuesday's game with at least one goal to his name, but he didn't, and when he does not score, it is up to others to step up to the plate. That simply is not happening at the moment. Jamie Mudge is a decent player, but he does need to start his goal-tally ticking over at a more prolific rate. When he re-joined Tivvy over the summer with an imperious strike-rate from his first stint, I worried that Martyn Rogers was signing another goal-poacher to play alongside Howe which would be a luxury Tiverton could not afford. Instead, almost the opposite has been true – Mudge usually puts in a decent shift, is happy to come short or drift wide, and holds up the ball pretty well. But it is his goal tally on which he will be measured and, barring his double against Wimborne Town, there simply have not been enough of them. Admittedly, on Tuesday he was unfortunate to be denied by a terrific one-handed stop by Moore, but more goals are needed if it is to take the pressure off Howe. A further issue for Tivvy is the news this week that Khaled Badavi has broken his foot and looks likely to be out for six weeks or so. Badavi is another player who has not scored enough this season, although admittedly he has largely been used as an impact sub by Rogers for much of the campaign. Nevertheless, if a forward line is misfiring, it is far from helpful to lose an impact player like Badavi. For the moment then, it is down to players like Hinds, Dan Western and even centre-backs Tom Gardner and Ed Weeks, to chip in if the forwards are having an off-day. What is for sure though is that Tivvy need all of their forwards to find their shooting boots – and sooner rather than later.

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East Devon man jailed after turning to crime to pay off old drug debts

October 16, 2014, 7:31 am

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A reformed cocaine addict has been jailed after he turned to crime to pay off his old drug debts. Tim Strawbridge stole a set of wheels from a van on a garage forecourt in Honiton and was caught after his DNA was found on the jack which was used in the raid. He was on a suspended sentence at the time after being caught drug dealing in East Devon a few months earlier. In the meantime he had completed a drug rehabilitation course successfully but claimed he had been bullied into taking part in the raid by those he owed money to from his time as a cocaine dealer. Strawbridge, aged 25, of Old Orchard, Membury, Axminster, admitted theft and breach of a suspended sentence and was jailed for a total of 16 months by Judge Simon Carr at Exeter Crown Court. The Judge told him:"You offended again within weeks of the suspended sentence. You have reached the end of the line." Mr Brian Fitzherbert, prosecuting, said Strawbridge raided the Otter Vale Service Station in Honiton in June and stole four wheels from a Ford van worth £250. He was traced by DNA on the jack which had been used in the theft and told police he had been asked to drive two other men to the garage. He denied taking other wheels stolen on the same night. Mr FitzHerbert said Strawbridge was subject to a suspended sentence after admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply in February this year after he was stopped by police on the Axminster to Chard road. Mr Gareth Evans, defending, said Strawbridge had worked well with probation and had finished his drug rehabilitation successfully ahead of time. He has found work as a self employed plasterer and was pressured into taking part in the wheel raid by those who he owed money to from his past life as a drug user.

Exeter court hears two parents left young son alone for days on end

October 16, 2014, 7:50 am

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The sentencing of two parents who left their young son alone in his room for days on end has been delayed. The father, aged 51, and mother, aged 38, were due to be dealt with at Exeter Crown Court but the case was adjourned by Judge Simon Carr. He said that a basis of plea submitted by the mother minimised the offence to such an extent that it amounted to a denial of the criminal charge. The parents, from South Devon, have both admitted neglecting the boy from the ages of four to nine between 2007 and 2012. The case has been transferred back to the presiding Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, the Recorder of the City of Exeter, who had earlier ruled the basis of plea would make no difference to sentence. He will hear the case at a later date. The prosecution allege the parents held the boy captive in his room or left him freezing outside in wet weather. The boy is now aged 11 and with foster parents. Judge Carr decided he could not hear the case because he believed the mother's basis of plea amounted to a denial of any criminal conduct. He said:"I don't think it amounts to an admission of criminal conduct. I don't think sending a child out in inappropriate clothing, sending him to his room amount to the offence. "This basis of plea minimises the conduct to such an extent it is no longer a criminal offence." Mr Robert Linford, defending, said the Crown have never accepted the basis of plea but the case had been listed for sentence because on the last occasion it was in court Judge Gilbert had ruled it would not make any difference to sentence.

Exeter vagrant who took legal highs on Cathedral Green shocks home-owner by appearing in his kitchen

October 16, 2014, 7:53 am

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A homeless man was found in the garden of a house in Exeter after the owners heard someone moving around in the kitchen. Matthew Stamp claimed he had been drinking and taking legal highs and had got lost while looking for a mystery woman who he met on Exeter's Cathedral Green. He told a jury she had invited him back to her home in Magdalen Road in Exeter but he has no idea how he ended up in someone else's garden. Householder Vernon Lester called the police after a friend who was watching television with him in the evening heard footsteps upstairs and spotted a stranger in the kitchen. She fetched Mr Lester who found Stamp in his back garden, claiming to be lost and looking for another house. Stamp, aged 29, of Smythen Street, Exeter, denies burglary with intent to steal at the house in April this year. Mr Nigel Wraith, prosecuting, said Mr Lester had dozed off while watching television and a friend who was with him had woken him to say she had seen and heard an intruder in the house. He found Stamp in his garden, where he gave a false name and said he was looking for a different house. He escorted him out and called the police when he saw him hanging around outside. Mr Wraith said nothing was taken but the jury at Exeter Crown Court were told Stamp has two previous convictions for burglaries of private homes in similar circumstances in 2011 and 2012. Stamp said he had been drinking and taking legal highs on Cathedral Green when his group were joined by a woman who befriended him and invited him to visit her at her home in Magdalen Road. He said:"I had been drinking and been to a shop in the city centre to buy legal highs. I was with a group of people I had never met before and one was a woman who said she was staying in Magdalen Road. "My memory is a bit hazy but I ended up in Mr Lester's address. I had never been there before. I remember walking towards the shops but honestly can't remember what happened from there. "I just remember being in the back garden. I suppose I must have got over the wall at the back. I did not have any intention of stealing anything." Ends The trial continues

Fire crews tackle telescopic loader fire at Dunkeswell

October 16, 2014, 7:56 am

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Firefighters were called in a call from the driver of a telescopic loader on fire at Dunkeswell. The fire crew confirmed it was well alight and set to work with compressed air foam. Once extinguished they confirmed the fire, which started accidentally, had caused 50% damage.

Theatre review: 1984 at the Northcott Theatre

October 16, 2014, 8:30 am

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Tickets for 1984, currently showing at the Northcott Theatre are in high demand and it is not hard to see why. I went to the sell-out show on Tuesday night and already tickets for the rest of the performances – running up until Saturday, October 18 – have gone. The popular play is an adaptation on the George Orwell's famous novel which follows the life, and diary, of Winston Smith – a clerk in the Records Department of the Ministry of Truth who is trapped in a world of government surveillance and public manipulation. The directors Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan do an excellent job in setting the play beginning the play in the future where a group examine Smith's diary sometime and what it means to their society. It then follows Smith through his adventure as he rebels against Big Brother - the dictator of the totalitarian state that watches and controls every aspect of his life - falls in love with fellow protester Julia, gets caught by the party and tortured in the Ministry of Love and Room 101. I am massive fan of the book and could therefore follow the play quite easily. However, even if you hadn't read the classic novel the play is so well scripted – for example in its explanation of phrases such as newspeak and doublethink – that even someone completely new to the idea of Orwellian super state would not be left perplexed. Smith, played by Matthew Spencer, is brilliant as one of the lead actors and, like the play, his performance gets to its peak at the torture stage when the actor spits fake blood across the stage having had his teeth electrocuted. Tim Dutton's performance also reaches it high point here as he delivers a chilling portrayal of O'Brien - an interrogator of the thought police. Dutton has appeared in many theatre shows and on TV. He has a wealth of acting experience like many others in the production. However, a special mention must also go to the performance of Janine Harouni as Julia, who makes her professional debut in 1984 and is intense, lively and just as I would have predicted the character in the book to be. Added to that the lighting and sound is excellent as they regularly shock and dazzle the audience, while at the same time allowing the play to transition seamlessly between past, present and future. There is also a video aspect to the play, which helps expand the set and give allow the show to portray a room away from the watchful eye of Big Brother. It really is a must see play, but if you haven't already got your ticket you might be out of luck.