The Poynings burglars

Michael Griffiths murder police poster
The Chichester Observer has extended reports on a murder trial with a local connection. Here are some extracts:

Penton, 43, of Markway, Sunbury, denies murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, but has admitted conspiracy to burgle homes in Loxwood, Poynings and a home near Godalming as well as Mr Griffiths’s home.

The jury also heard how the burglary at Poynings on May 24, 2103, to which Penton has pleaded guilty, came after he found the house in Country Life magazine.

John Bartholomew, 72, of Cross Street, Portsmouth, denies murder and conspiracy to commit burglaries in Loxwood, Fernhurst and Poynings.

Harvey Munford, 23, of Monks Way, Staines, has admitted conspiracy to burgle homes in Loxwood, Poynings and Godalming, conspiracy to burgle Mr Griffiths’ home and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. He denies murder but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The murder of Michael Griffiths has been described by both a forensic pathologist and a police inspector as the ‘most complex’ case ever seen.

Much more here and here.

Under-age moto-cross

Golding Barn Raceway in Small Dole
The Shoreham Herald reports:

Dan Beamish, who co-runs Golding Barn Raceway in Small Dole, visited key stage one children at Upper Beeding Primary School to talk about the extreme sport .. He took along a moto-cross bike, which is used in races, together with the equipment worn while racing. ..

Golding Barn Raceway is a professional moto-cross practice and race facility in Henfield Road. It was built by Danny and Steve Beamish, an ex professional moto-cross racer.

Beginning Nature Photography

David Plummer Beginning Nature Photography
Tutor: David Plummer
Venue: Woods Mill
Date: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April
Time: 10:00 – 16:00 both days

A two day course for beginners with digital SLR cameras only. Day 1: Camera basics, manual control, manual metering, aperture priority and depth of field control. Day 2: advanced metering, composition, making a good shot better, fieldwork and supports, focussing and where it goes wrong, putting it all together.

** Booking and course information **

Cross the A283 and live! [update 2]

Bridleway crosses A283
The Shoreham Herald reports that WSCC Rights of Way Committee has now agreed to the new bridleway that will allow users of the Downs Link to avoid having to cross the A283:

It will run close to the River Adur, passing under the A283 road bridge, through a field, across a ditch and through a wooded highway verge to rejoin the Downs Link at its existing crossing point. It adds 970m to the length of the route.