TWO LIFE SENTENCES FOR EX LONG EATON HEAD TEACHER

A former Long Eaton head teacher has been given two life sentences after killing his wife and her lover. Officers found Helen Hancock (nee Almey), 39, and Martin Griffiths, 48, from Derby, at her home in New Zealand Lane, Duffield, in the early hours of New Year’s Day. They had suffered fatal stab wounds. Rhys Hancock was sentenced at Derby Crown Court on October 1st, where Her Honour Judge Nirmal Shant QC told him he will serve at least 31 years before he can be considered for parole. The court heard that Hancock inflicted over 6o injuries on his wife and 37 wounds on Mr Griffiths. A paramedic said it was the most violent incident he had ever seen and described it as a bloodbath.

Hancock called the police after the attack and told them, “I’ve just murdered my wife in her bed.” He admitted to the murders when he appeared at court in July.

Her Honour Judge Nirmal Shant QC, sentencing Hancock, said: “What you did that night has deprived two families of the people they love and no sentence I impose will seem adequate to them and nothing I do can fill the undoubted void that the deaths of Helen Hancock and Martin Griffiths have left in their lives.

“Your actions that night left your three children without a mother and you left Martin’s family without a son and his children without a father.”

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Steve Shaw said: “What was apparent throughout our investigation was just how popular Helen and Martin were.

“They were much-loved by not only their families but by friends, neighbours and colleagues and I know their deaths have devastated everyone who knew them.”

 HAPPIVALE TO REOPEN

Councillors Kewal Singh Athwal, Alan Griffiths and Garry Hickton were requested by Mr William Robins of Happivale for grant assistance of £300 to install hand sanitizer dispensers and gel so that they could open their premises safely. Mr William Robins, Happivale Secretary said;

“ It is with great appreciation that we welcome and acknowledge the grant of £300 received from Derbyshire County Council which will help Happivale re-open its doors by providing essential sanitising dispensers and gel.

This will ensure when we invite our members back (all with learning difficulties) to their social club, we can provide the protection that is so vital to help combat the COVID 19 pandemic”

Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal said;

"Myself and my colleagues, Cllrs Griffiths and Hickton are very pleased that we could assist this worthwhile organisation with £300 Grant funding from the Members Leadership Scheme to install the dispensers. We all need to stay safe in the current Covid - 19 pandemic" 

TEENAGER BAILED

A teenage thief entered the house of a Sandiacre pensioner after saying he would do some work for her. He then stole £170. The incident occurred in Beech Avenue, Sandiacre on July 15th. Johnny MacDonald, 18, of Gables Close, Solihull, pleaded guilty to one count of burglary when he appeared at Derby Crown Court via a video link. Judge Shaun Smith QC gave him bail on the conditions that he lives and sleeps each night at the Solihull address. He will be sentenced over a link on October 15th.

CHARITY CAKE STALL

Councillor Mike Powell, Betty, Deputy Mayor Donna Briggs, Sue and Val.

A Charity Cake Stall raises £655.00 for Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 25th September, hosted by Betty and Nigel Thompson assisted by Val Glover, Sue Haley and Michelle Adcock.

The Erewash Deputy Mayor Councillor Donna Briggs together with her consort for the day Councillor Mike Powell attended and met other visitors also using face masks, hand jel and social distancing.

We would like to thank all who supported such a worthwhile charity and to the friends and family who supplied such delicious cakes for the stall.

FA CUP WINNER DIES

The oldest living FA Cup winner who played for Long Eaton United has died at the age of 97. Reg Harrison was in the Rams side that beat Charlton 4-1 at Wembley in the first FA Cup Final after the war. He joined Derby aged 16 and spent 11 seasons with the Rams between 1944 and 1955 scoring 59 goals in 281 appearances. During the war he turned out for Sheffield United, Notts County, Charlton Athletic and Hartlepools United. He later played for Boston United and Long Eaton United.