Latest news with #Dorset
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Wiltshire PCC supports calls to reclassify cannabis as Class A
A Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) says he "fully supports" calls to reclassify cannabis as a Class A forces in the west and south west of England have been cracking down on people using recreational drugs, with Dorset PCC David Sidwick this week reiterating calls for cannabis to be PCC Philip Wilkinson says he has seen "first-hand" how cannabis cultivation and use are "deeply intertwined with a spectrum of criminal activities" in his Home Office said it has "no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act". "From anti-social behaviour and retail theft to more serious offences like modern slavery and human trafficking, cannabis often serves as a gateway drug and funding source for organised crime groups," said Mr operations targeting organised crime groups in Wiltshire resulted in more than 100kg (220lbs) of cannabis being took place as part of Operation Scorpion, a joint initiative by Avon & Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire forces, aimed at disrupting drugs networks around the west and south west of England. Mr Wilkinson added: "The idea that cannabis is a harmless drug is a misconception. Its cultivation and distribution are often controlled by organised crime networks that exploit vulnerable individuals and perpetuate violence."County lines operations are the clearest example of how drug-related crime has extended its tentacles into our rural towns and villages. The notion that drug-related crime is only an urban issue is outdated and dangerously naïve."He said a national drug policy "that recognises cannabis as the deeply harmful drug it is, and supports prevention, education, and treatment alongside policing" would "send a clear message about the seriousness of its impact on our communities".Mr Wilkinson asked members of the public to continue reporting "any crimes and intelligence from their communities" so action can be taken. A Home Office spokesperson said: "We will continue to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our streets and communities safer.
Telegraph
12 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Sacked Dorset policeman ‘thrown under a bus' after arrest of teenager
A highly-experienced and decorated police officer has been dismissed for gross misconduct for a momentary loss of self-control during the arrest of a knife-carrying 15-year-old. Lorne Castle was found to have behaved aggressively and used unreasonable force during the incident in January 2024, after a three-day disciplinary hearing at Dorset Police HQ. During the incident, Castle allegedly told the youth, who was found to be in possession of a knife, to 'stop screaming like a b---h' and threatened to 'smash him' before putting his hands around the boy's neck. At the time of the arrest, the youth was wanted in connection with an assault on an elderly member of the public on Bournemouth seafront and for being part of a gang attack at a McDonald's restaurant. As three officers struggled to restrain him and handcuff him, a three-inch knife fell out of his pocket. One end was a lock knife and the other a Stanley knife. The teenager claimed it was for use at his work. A large gang fight had occurred in the area a few days before the incident. Two potential suspects from the fight were still at large on the morning when Castle went out on patrol with Pc Susannah Justice, and the shift had again been given a warning about the possible dangers from the outstanding offenders. Castle, a former martial arts instructor whose wife Denise is a world champion Muay Thai kickboxer, was encouraged to join the force after his effective work as a community safety patrol officer working in the Boscombe area. In a decade as a Pc, he has twice been commended for saving the lives of members of the public. In one incident in 2023, he put his own safety at risk to rescue a woman from being swept away in a flooded river. In 2021, Castle was made Dorset Police's officer of the year for his 'outstanding service' and for undertaking every shift 'with the personal commitment to make a difference and do the right thing'. On Thursday evening, he was found guilty of the more serious gross breaches of professional conduct after a ruling from a three-person disciplinary panel chaired by Deborah Smith, another assistant chief constable. Castle, a 46-year-old father of three, admitted his conduct had amounted to misconduct and tearfully apologised during his evidence. 'Bloody madness' Norman Brennan, a retired police officer and founder of the police wellbeing campaign group Protect the Protectors, accused Dorset Police of throwing PC Castle 'under a bus'. He said: 'Senior officers at Dorset Police have taken leave of their senses. This decision epitomises how they have lost touch with the danger and reality of frontline policing. 'It is bloody madness.' He added: 'I'm sick and tired of officers being disciplined for things like this, and I think the majority of the public would think this is absolutely bonkers. 'Many senior officers kowtow to the constant criticism of the police in a sort of appeasement and often throw officers under the bus or to the wolves as sacrificial lambs. 'Cases like this are more likely to deter people from joining the police.' 'Excessive, aggressive and inappropriate' Despite the ruling, the panel concluded he genuinely believed the 15-year-old, who was hooded and covering his face when Castle spotted him walking along a city centre pavement with two associates, was a potential escapee and high risk. As the situation unfolded, the panel also accepted he genuinely thought the boy was resisting arrest and trying to break free and that these beliefs were those of any reasonable officer. Taking the suspect to the ground and putting him in a headlock were also acknowledged to be 'necessary, reasonable and proportionate' in the circumstances. But body worn footage recorded him shouting and swearing at the teenager saying 'show me your f---ing hands' and to 'stop being a little b---h' as the suspect repeatedly shouted and screamed in a high-pitched voice. And the panel felt the level of force used, including putting the suspect in leg restraints, was not justified, despite acknowledging these actions were born out of a genuine fear for the officer's own safety. Ms Smith said Castle failed to act with self-control and did not treat the teenager with courtesy or respect. No further action was taken against him as a result of the two assaults because no complaints were made, and his arrest for suspicions of possession of a knife was dealt with using an out of court disposal. After the hearing, Ms Smith, in a prepared statement, said she had the 'utmost respect for the vast majority of officers who have to use force when making an arrest and do so appropriately and with professionalism, even when they are exposed to risk and violence' She said officers do a 'tough job' and where their actions are proportionate, 'they will always be supported'. She added: 'We recognise the risks they place themselves in every day and we ensure they receive the necessary training so they can correctly and safely arrest suspects while understanding the importance of treating the public with dignity and respect. 'I have never been in any doubt that Pc Castle's actions were excessive, aggressive and inappropriate, and I can understand the communities we serve will be concerned about this case.'
Telegraph
13 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Pensioners sent angry letter for flying Union Flag in ‘insulting' way
A pair of pensioners who flew their Union Flag upside down have been branded 'insulting' in an anonymous letter posted through their door. Betty and Maurice Curtis, both aged 96, said they have flown the flag on a 15ft pole in the back garden of their home in Weymouth, Dorset, for years without any trouble. But they were left shocked when someone slipped the abusive note through their letterbox. The type letter read: 'To whom it should concern. Is it in ignorance or arrogance that you persist in flying the 'Union Jack' upside down? 'To do so, other than in genuine need to send an 'S-O-S', is an insult! 'For your education, please refer to the illustration below, which shows the correct way to display the flag of the union.' There is then an image of a Union Flag with the message: 'Prevalent part of white uppermost diagonal should be atop the red diagonal.' The couple, who have been married for 75 years, said it was a 'genuine mistake' and that they 'didn't know'. The couple added that they are big fans of the Royal family and have their anniversary card from King Charles proudly displayed on their lounge table. They have no idea who the author of the 'horrible' letter is, but have ruled out all the neighbours in their cul-de-sac who they know well. 'A genuine mistake' Mrs Curtis said it could have been an ex-services person who saw the flag while riding on a bus or train. She said: 'I know the person could have served in the services, but there is no need for that. 'They could have just knocked on the door, and we would have changed it around straight away. Why can't people just be nice? 'It's a real job for Maurice to get up and change the flags sometimes, especially when it's windy. 'We don't know who it could be. Our neighbours are all lovely so it may even have been someone passing on the main street or bus, but to take the time and trouble to come up the drive is horrible. 'It was a genuine mistake. We didn't know and we didn't persist. We all make mistakes; haven't they ever done so?' The couple, who met when Mrs Curtis was evacuated from London to Weymouth during the Second World War, frequently hang flags for various occasions such as national holidays and birthdays, and have done so for a number of years.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Huge £3m adventure park in popular UK seaside town suddenly SHUTS after ‘crumbling concrete' found in roof
POPULAR seaside town's adventure park has been forced to shut after "crumbling concrete" was found on its roof. Building repairs are set to occur on the site after the Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was discovered and raised safety concerns. 2 2 Flip Out Poole, which is located in Dorset's The Dolphin Centre, will close from Tuesday June 3 as building repairs are underway. A guest notice from The Flip Out Team has been shared on their website: "We know this isn't the news our amazing Poole community wanted to hear - and we want to say a huge thank you for all the energy, joy and epic memories you've brought through our doors up to now. "All guests with upcoming bookings will be automatically refunded in full, so there's nothing you need to do. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause." The Raac concrete which was found on the roof of The Hub is considered to be an unstable material. It is weaker than conventional concrete and susceptible to collapsing, particularly when wet or does not have adequate support from steel beams. The Hub also housed offices for BCP Council workers. It is understood affected areas are only isolated to the Flip Out section of the shopping centre. There is subsequently no imminent danger posed to visitors or staff, according to an investigation by building and structural engineers for The Dolphin centre. Centre manager for The Dolphin, John Grinnell, said: 'Legal & General are committed to a proactive approach to building maintenance. "These works are a proactive measure to avoid any potential unsafe conditions in the future. What is RAAC concrete? 'We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the closure. Our team aims to complete these works as soon as possible, which will provide a permanent solution and ensure Flip Out Poole can reopen for many years to come." With the Raac concrete found only in one area of the centre, the rest of The Dolphin will remain open as usual whilst the repair works are happening. A post by the general manager of Flip Out was shared on social media, but has since been removed. He wrote: "To be clear this is due to the roof of the facility having been made with Raac concrete. 'The landlord must complete refurbishment works to ensure the building is safe to occupy.' The essential maintenance is being carried out by the landlord of The Dolphin. Raac concrete schools, hospitals and court house buildings. Adventure parks have also been facing challenges this year in terms of closures, which has been send as a blow to children's entertainment sites.
BBC News
18 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Osprey pair near Poole Harbour hatch final chick of 2025
The only pair of breeding ospreys in southern England have hatched their fourth and final chick of ospreys, female CJ7 and male 022, laid a clutch of four eggs in their nest near Poole Harbour in Dorset for the second year in a row in chick emerged from its egg in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the previous three having hatched last of Poole Harbour, a charity leading the area's osprey breeding project, said: "It is exciting news, the fourth and final Osprey chick has hatched on the Carey nest." The charity added: "It's fantastic to see the whole family doing well, and CJ7 and 022 carefully distributing the fish to ensure every chick is well-fed."Ospreys typically lay three eggs, so the charity has previously said it would be "unprecedented" if all four hatch for the second year in a row.A webcam set up by the charity, monitors the nest in a walled garden near of settling down again together the pair of ospreys were embroiled in a love triangle when another female also arrived at the unwelcome visitor, who normally calls Rutland home in the spring and summer months, left after a few birds, part of a reintroduction scheme, became the first nesting pair on the south coast in 180 years in 2022 and are protected under UK law. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
