Archive

  • How Sarah's killer was caught

    Sarah Payne placed a tiny milk tooth under her pillow on the evening before she was kidnapped and murdered. It was meant for the tooth fairy. Instead, detectives came to take it. They used DNA extracted from the root to obtain a genetic profile of the

  • Lib Dems welcome Tory defector

    Liberal Democrats have welcomed the defection of former Euro MP Brendan Donnelly to their party. Mr Donnelly represented South Sussex and Crawley for the Tories for five years, from 1994. But he resigned before the last election because he did not agree

  • Stuffing for the sage

    I was always led to believe a sage was a wise person. But the Sage of Sussex (The Argus, December 6) has lost the plot. To suggest the Lib Dems are on the verge of a comeback in Adur (or anywhere else on the South Coast) would be laughable if it wasn't

  • 'Evil' Whiting caged for Sarah killing

    Roy Whiting was today found guilty of the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne and sentenced to life. The 42-year-old killer, who had a previous child sex conviction, was told by trial judge Mr Justice Richard Curtis that he was "every parent's

  • Fast action

    I have every sympathy with Dave Strong, who has had to wait two weeks for the police to make contact about vandals causing damage to vehicles, even though caught on CCTV (The Argus, December 8). What you should have done, Mr Strong, was to have told the

  • Middle earth

    The debate on a proper bus and coach station for Brighton and Hove has been going for well over 50 years. No suitable site has yet been found and any proposal put forward has been quickly dropped in the face of opposition - a common phenomenon in the

  • Caring coach

    With the cancellation of train services on Boxing Day, we owe great thanks to the staff of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company for volunteering to work on this day (The Argus, December 5). Although a full service will not run, Roger French and his

  • Trustier trains

    The article "Executive mugged on night train" (The Argus, December 7) brought to mind the South East Region Rail Passengers' Committee meeting at Maidstone. A committee member proposed an AA-type railway emergency service to speedily locate and rescue

  • Why don't the police crack down all year?

    I read with great interest the story "Police crack down on street villains" (The Argus, December 5). Then, reading on, I saw the police have launched "Operation Frosty", described as a pre-Christmas crackdown on shoplifters, drunks, beggars and thieves

  • Second pier rescue plan emerges

    A consortium including boxer Chris Eubank believes it has the answer to save Britain's only Grade I listed pier. The Eugenius consortium, named after West Pier designer Eugenius Birch, was, at one time, working to restore the historic structure on Brighton

  • Fine time in the Big Apple

    If anyone is thinking of visiting New York but is feeling apprehensive because of September 11, don't be. I and four friends have just had an absolutely fabulous five days there. Everyone was so welcoming and caring and at our hotel was a letter from

  • Driver hurt in rush-hour smash

    A Parcelforce van driver was seriously injured in a rush-hour crash on the A27 at Brighton today. His van was involved in a collision with an 18-tonne tipper lorry carrying three tonnes of bricks on the eastbound carriageway between the A23 junction at

  • Pier ban for Percy the archer

    An archery expert has been banned from a pier because he keeps on winning a bow and arrow game. Sharpshooter Percy Goonewardene, 75, is so accurate, the Palace Pier was forced to limit him to one game a week, to stop him clearing its entire stock of cuddly

  • Amex jobs axe swings again

    One of the biggest employers in Sussex is to axe 15 per cent of its workforce. American Express, which employs hundreds of people at its European and Middle East headquarters in Edward Street, Brighton, announced today it would be cutting 6,500 more jobs

  • Where are the lights?

    I must say I am with Stephen Prince as far as the lack of Christmas lights in Brighton and Hove is concerned. I was in New York three weeks ago. Even with all they have been through there, the feeling of Christmas was all around. The streets and shops

  • 'Evil' Whiting caged for Sarah killing

    Roy Whiting was today found guilty of the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne and sentenced to life. The 42-year-old killer, who had a previous child sex conviction, was told by trial judge Mr Justice Richard Curtis that he was "every parent's

  • Introverted exile

    In Hamburg in 1925, a young Russian pianist was given 45 minutes' notice to deputise for a sick soloist. Running to the concert hall, he gave a performance of Tchaikovsky's piano concerto that left the conductor staring and the audience erupting with

  • Health secret

    How is it we have read nothing about the latest cancer-prevention treatments announced by medical researchers, especially since they are "off the shelf"? The treatment employs the use of an angiostat, which inhibits the minute cancer cells, when they

  • Wrong date

    Has it not occurred to the young woman whose doctor talked of devils and demons that he was being highly but inappropriately flippant or heavily sarcastic? The Reverend John Webster is entitled to his views on the matter, of course, which do not surprise

  • Strong stuff

    It would appear the Reverend John Webster (Letters, December 6) believes in demons. Does he also believe in the Devil? If he does, which does he believe is the more powerful? It cannot be his God because all he seems to want is to be with victims rather

  • Bowing out

    Archery expert Percy Goonewardene was restricted by the Palace Pier in Brighton two years ago to limited sessions on a bow and arrow game because he always won. But the 75-year-old sharpshot broke the agreement and has now been banned. It's a pity Percy

  • Sick hurt

    I was absolutely appalled to read (The Argus, December 8) that US crime fiction writer Patricia Cornwell has had the temerity to smear the good name of Walter Sickert - who is to English art what Edward Elgar is to music - by suggesting he might be responsible

  • Talks granted

    There are always disappointed groups after Brighton and Hove City Council distributes grants. Organisations want far more than they are going to get. But this year's row was bigger because the council changed the criteria. As a result, some groups got

  • Unfit to be a cabbie

    Taxi drivers, more than anyone else running public transport, are in a position of trust. Bus or train drivers are seldom alone with their passengers late at night but it is often the case with cabbies. They are responsible for protecting their passengers

  • Freethinker

    Mary Whitehouse had no need to see The Romans In Britain (Letters, December 4) because it was well publicised for the sexual content of some of its scenes. The National Theatre's chaplain, the Reverend Eric Mathieson, was almost bound to say Mrs Whitehouse

  • Poverty is the root of under-achieving

    Being 17, I cannot comment directly on Mary Whitehouse but, judging from what Alan Nunn wrote (Letters, December 6), she did no good. Sexual liberation is important. It is naive and dangerous to keep young people in the dark about sex. Most children don't

  • Ryman League: Francis hat-trick as Rooks recover

    Lewes gained three more precious Division Two points when they came from behind to beat Hungerford Town 3-2 at the Dripping Pan. This was after a second half hat-trick from Sam Francis. Hungerford went ahead three minutes before the break when a free-kick

  • Taylor: Let's jump ahead

    Albion boss Peter Taylor wants his table-toppers to exploit the chance to jump further ahead of their promotion rivals. Restrictions at Withdean prevent the Seagulls from playing at home on the next two Saturdays. Instead they entertain fifth-placed Reading

  • Tragic student's legacy of learning

    An educational memorial has been created in honour of University of Sussex student Nicola Anderson, who died while studying there. The Nicola Anderson Memorial bursary has been created by Nicola's family more than 20 years after her death on her 22nd

  • Benefits strike starts

    Hundreds of workers at Sussex Jobcentres and Benefits Agency offices went on strike today. Services in Brighton and Hove were disrupted as staff joined a national protest against plans to remove safety screens protecting them from attack. The strike is

  • Library shut in rent wrangle

    Bailiffs have shut down a town's library service amid confusion over whether the rent has been paid. Staff and borrowers found themselves barred from entering Peacehaven library after the locks were removed and the premises sealed. East Sussex County

  • Cinema set for opening

    An eight-screen cinema will open ready for the latest blockbuster Lord Of The Rings, set to be the Christmas hit movie. After a £2 million refit and three months of refurbishment, the revamped Odeon centre in West Street, Brighton, will open its doors

  • £600,000 of culture projects shelved

    Spending of more than £600,000 on leisure and cultural schemes in Brighton and Hove has been postponed. The city Council has delayed spending £240,000 on completing renovation work on the museum in Church Street, Brighton, because of problems with water

  • Policing levels concern

    Police officers in Sussex have to look after more than 600 people each, according to Government figures. The county has 613 residents for every operational police officer, significantly more than the national average of 472. The figures were revealed

  • Jailed cabbie's licence snub

    A former taxi driver jailed for sexually assaulting a passenger has been told he is not fit to hold a licence. Magistrates said the public was entitled to complete confidence in the taxi service and threw out his appeal to get his licence back. Amir Fikri

  • Convict tried to offload blame

    Child sex fiend Russell Bishop tried to blame Roy Whiting for crimes he committed. The Brighton roofer contacted the Sarah Payne inquiry team from prison saying: "I told you I'm innocent." The 35-year-old paedophile was cleared of murdering nine-year-olds

  • Thief put trial at risk

    Roy Whiting's trial was put in jeopardy before it began when a drug addict stole his defence papers and sold them for £5,000. Cocaine user Christopher Branscombe, 20, of Milton Road, Haywards Heath, pinched the documents while working on a computer programme

  • Timeline: The search for Sarah

    For two weeks, the hunt for missing Sarah Payne dominated the national news. JULY 1, 2000: Sarah vanishes after leaving a field in Kingston Gorse, East Preston, where she has been playing with her brothers and sister. She was last seen at 7.45pm, 150

  • Laywers' bid to halt the trial

    Defence lawyers tried to have Roy Whiting's case thrown out before it had begun, claiming media coverage would stop him getting a fair trial. Sally O'Neill QC handed Judge Richard Curtis a file containing dozens of clippings from national and local newspapers

  • Case put police under pressure

    The policeman said to Sarah Payne's parents: "I'm sorry to have to tell we have found a body. We believe it is Sarah." At that moment Sarah's brothers and sisters Lee, 13, Luke, 11, and five-year-old Charlotte came running in from the lounge in floods

  • Agonising wait as jury talks continue

    Sarah Payne's parents today faced a further tense wait as the jury in their daughter's murder trial continued its deliberations. The jury was sent to a hotel for a second night yesterday after failing to reach a verdict following more than five hours

  • Killer had kidnapped before

    Sarah Payne was not the first schoolgirl whom paedophile Roy Whiting abducted and sexually assaulted. However, the nine-year-old he bundled into the back of his car in 1995 was lucky enough to escape with her life. Roy William Whiting, born on January

  • Leaves are a menace

    I had an enjoyable bus journey from Eastbourne to Hove last Sunday. I visited my sister-in-law in Selborne Road but was disgusted at the state of the pavements on the west side of the road. May I suggest the sweepers use a spade to remove the solid leaves

  • Lib Dems welcome Tory defector

    Liberal Democrats have welcomed the defection of former Euro MP Brendan Donnelly to their party. Mr Donnelly represented South Sussex and Crawley for the Tories for five years, from 1994. But he resigned before the last election because he did not agree

  • 'Evil' Whiting caged for Sarah killing

    Roy Whiting was today found guilty of the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne and sentenced to life. The 42-year-old killer, who had a previous child sex conviction, was told by trial judge Mr Justice Richard Curtis that he was "every parent's

  • Homeless survey is naive

    I am not happy with the figure of six homeless people in Brighton. You cannot have a fair report of the homeless by only counting people sleeping in shop doorways. I practise Christ's love in action by working for Project Antifreeze on the streets of

  • Warning call after child drowns

    A coroner has called for warning signs to be posted by harbour sandbanks after hearing how a boy drowned trying to reach one. Stefan Allen, seven, was swept away by a strong current and another boy passed out after they got into difficulties in the Prinsted

  • Old news

    The spectacle of British young men expressing solidarity with a national enemy is not quite so unprecendented as John Parry maintains (The Argus, December 7). But one has to go back to the 1790s for a parallel. At that time, many young people favoured

  • Fast action

    I have every sympathy with Dave Strong, who has had to wait two weeks for the police to make contact about vandals causing damage to vehicles, even though caught on CCTV (The Argus, December 8). What you should have done, Mr Strong, was to have told the

  • Caring coach

    With the cancellation of train services on Boxing Day, we owe great thanks to the staff of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company for volunteering to work on this day (The Argus, December 5). Although a full service will not run, Roger French and his

  • Trustier trains

    The article "Executive mugged on night train" (The Argus, December 7) brought to mind the South East Region Rail Passengers' Committee meeting at Maidstone. A committee member proposed an AA-type railway emergency service to speedily locate and rescue

  • Mum hit in gang ordeal

    A mother and daughter had to be escorted to their car after a confrontation with more than 20 teenagers. They were taking an evening stroll when they encountered the group on Brighton seafront. Now the mother-of-three says she will not return to the city

  • Fine time in the Big Apple

    If anyone is thinking of visiting New York but is feeling apprehensive because of September 11, don't be. I and four friends have just had an absolutely fabulous five days there. Everyone was so welcoming and caring and at our hotel was a letter from

  • Between You And Me, by Vanora Leigh

    An elderly man came up to me last week and said something I haven't heard in years: "Excuse me young lady ..." Unaccustomed as I am to that description I took no notice until The Mother nudged me. "He means you!" she hissed. And he did. Let me give you

  • Laser victim wins job back

    A bus driver who was almost being blinded by youths who shone a laser pen in his eyes has won his job back. Transport and General Workers' Union officials said Bob Lock, 49, was told by bus company Stagecoach that he had brought the firm into disrepute

  • Death crash victim named

    Police have named a driver who died when his car overturned on a West Sussex road on Saturday night. Christopher Peters, 34, was described as being of no settled address but had been living in the Worthing and Littlehampton areas for several years. The

  • Amex jobs axe swings again

    One of the biggest employers in Sussex is to axe 15 per cent of its workforce. American Express, which employs hundreds of people at its European and Middle East headquarters in Edward Street, Brighton, announced today it would be cutting 6,500 more jobs

  • Where are the lights?

    I must say I am with Stephen Prince as far as the lack of Christmas lights in Brighton and Hove is concerned. I was in New York three weeks ago. Even with all they have been through there, the feeling of Christmas was all around. The streets and shops

  • Health secret

    How is it we have read nothing about the latest cancer-prevention treatments announced by medical researchers, especially since they are "off the shelf"? The treatment employs the use of an angiostat, which inhibits the minute cancer cells, when they

  • Wrong date

    Has it not occurred to the young woman whose doctor talked of devils and demons that he was being highly but inappropriately flippant or heavily sarcastic? The Reverend John Webster is entitled to his views on the matter, of course, which do not surprise

  • Bowing out

    Archery expert Percy Goonewardene was restricted by the Palace Pier in Brighton two years ago to limited sessions on a bow and arrow game because he always won. But the 75-year-old sharpshot broke the agreement and has now been banned. It's a pity Percy

  • Talks granted

    There are always disappointed groups after Brighton and Hove City Council distributes grants. Organisations want far more than they are going to get. But this year's row was bigger because the council changed the criteria. As a result, some groups got

  • Sight-lines

    When my old TV set conked out recently, I decided to be up-to-date and buy a digital set, with the better reception and extra channels promised. But be warned, in Brighton and Hove at least, it is a postcode lottery as to whether one can receive digital

  • Youth Football: Silverdale book a Premier date

    A Sussex primary school's reward for winning a six-a-side tournament is a date on a Premiership ground. Silverdale, of Hastings, will play in the South East under-11s final at Portman Road, Ipswich, in February after winning the Sussex title at St Philip's

  • Hart of the Matter with Ian Hart

    The ongoing Bobby Zamora story is panning out like something from the pages of Roy of the Rovers. It was not that long ago Zamora was a teenager kicking his heels in Bristol Rovers' reserve team, frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities. Now

  • Ryman League: Francis hat-trick as Rooks recover

    Lewes gained three more precious Division Two points when they came from behind to beat Hungerford Town 3-2 at the Dripping Pan. This was after a second half hat-trick from Sam Francis. Hungerford went ahead three minutes before the break when a free-kick

  • Library shut in rent wrangle

    Bailiffs have shut down a town's library service amid confusion over whether the rent has been paid. Staff and borrowers found themselves barred from entering Peacehaven library after the locks were removed and the premises sealed. East Sussex County

  • Cinema set for opening

    An eight-screen cinema will open ready for the latest blockbuster Lord Of The Rings, set to be the Christmas hit movie. After a £2 million refit and three months of refurbishment, the revamped Odeon centre in West Street, Brighton, will open its doors

  • Danger on road to market

    A lorry without front brakes was driven to a West Sussex market from Hertfordshire. It was one of five market traders' vehicles taken off the road after a police check discovered they had serious mechanical faults. The vehicles were stopped and examined

  • Biker hurt in crash

    A motorcyclist is in hospital with serious injuries after an accident on a West Sussex country road. The rider was in collision with a Ford Mondeo on the A286 at Birdham, near Chichester, and is being treated in the city's St Richard's Hospital. Police

  • Murder charge man in court

    A Mid Sussex man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a teenager. Steven Wright, 34, of Orchard Way, East Grinstead, was remanded in custody by Horsham magistrates yesterday. He is accused of killing 18-year-old David Elwood, of Dormansland

  • No payout over bedroom ivy

    A disabled woman who says her home was ruined when ivy started growing through her window has lost her claim for compensation. Lesley Knox, of Brunswick Square, Hove, took legal action against freeholder Don McMurray at Brighton County Court to claim

  • Timeline: The search for Sarah

    For two weeks, the hunt for missing Sarah Payne dominated the national news. JULY 1, 2000: Sarah vanishes after leaving a field in Kingston Gorse, East Preston, where she has been playing with her brothers and sister. She was last seen at 7.45pm, 150

  • Brave Lynn loses cancer battle

    Cancer campaigner Lynne Charman, who conquered breast cancer eight years ago, has died. The 52-year-old mother, who set up Butterflies, a Worthing-based support group for men and women, lost her fight for life in St Barnabas' Hospice, Worthing, on Friday

  • Laywers' bid to halt the trial

    Defence lawyers tried to have Roy Whiting's case thrown out before it had begun, claiming media coverage would stop him getting a fair trial. Sally O'Neill QC handed Judge Richard Curtis a file containing dozens of clippings from national and local newspapers

  • Case put police under pressure

    The policeman said to Sarah Payne's parents: "I'm sorry to have to tell we have found a body. We believe it is Sarah." At that moment Sarah's brothers and sisters Lee, 13, Luke, 11, and five-year-old Charlotte came running in from the lounge in floods

  • Life and times of a serial defiler

    Police have been able to find little in the family life of Whiting to explain his horrific actions. He grew up in a three-bed end-of-terrace house in Martyrs Avenue in Langley Green, Crawley. His mother Pamela left the family home when he was in his teens

  • Killer had kidnapped before

    Sarah Payne was not the first schoolgirl whom paedophile Roy Whiting abducted and sexually assaulted. However, the nine-year-old he bundled into the back of his car in 1995 was lucky enough to escape with her life. Roy William Whiting, born on January

  • The hidden perils of Christmas

    It looked like an ordinary can of snow spray used for a final festive touch to the Christmas tree. But, on closer inspection, trading standards officers noticed there was nothing in the instructions to warn the contents were highly flammable. When the

  • Leaves are a menace

    I had an enjoyable bus journey from Eastbourne to Hove last Sunday. I visited my sister-in-law in Selborne Road but was disgusted at the state of the pavements on the west side of the road. May I suggest the sweepers use a spade to remove the solid leaves

  • Fine careless dog owners

    It's a pity Brighton and Hove City Council does not use our taxes better ("Seafront promenade cyclist fined", City News, December 2001). What about fining people who allow dogs to mess the promenade and beach? If dogs are allowed on the promenade and

  • Homeless survey is naive

    I am not happy with the figure of six homeless people in Brighton. You cannot have a fair report of the homeless by only counting people sleeping in shop doorways. I practise Christ's love in action by working for Project Antifreeze on the streets of

  • Warning call after child drowns

    A coroner has called for warning signs to be posted by harbour sandbanks after hearing how a boy drowned trying to reach one. Stefan Allen, seven, was swept away by a strong current and another boy passed out after they got into difficulties in the Prinsted

  • Wake-up call

    Whoever was it that came up with the slogan "Brighton and Hove - the Place To Be?" For the past two years, we have seen a decline in the level of services in the city and now hear predictions by Brighton and Hove City Council of a steep, inflation-busting

  • Cash blow for firefighters

    Firefighters said lives would be at risk after they were left £200,000 short of the money they said they needed. They may refuse to attend some rescue tasks which do not fall into their official duties because they feel they are lacking adequate training

  • Old news

    The spectacle of British young men expressing solidarity with a national enemy is not quite so unprecendented as John Parry maintains (The Argus, December 7). But one has to go back to the 1790s for a parallel. At that time, many young people favoured

  • Murder charge man in court

    A Mid Sussex man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a teenager. Steven Wright, 34, of Orchard Way, East Grinstead, was remanded in custody by Horsham magistrates yesterday. He is accused of killing 18-year-old David Elwood, of Dormansland

  • Mum hit in gang ordeal

    A mother and daughter had to be escorted to their car after a confrontation with more than 20 teenagers. They were taking an evening stroll when they encountered the group on Brighton seafront. Now the mother-of-three says she will not return to the city

  • Take it easy

    Peter Bartram's criticism of the lack of local government devolvement (Letters, December 10) seems to have forgotten the East Brighton elections under Labour's New Deal. These had a high turnout and occurred at the same time as the mayoral referendum.

  • Buy fish

    I hope lots of people buy fish and chips at Demetrios Photiou's chippie (The Argus, December 6) and all the others. It reminded me of when I was a child. Whenever a gale blew, my dear old nan always said: "Pray for the sailors on the sea, little maid.

  • Between You And Me, by Vanora Leigh

    An elderly man came up to me last week and said something I haven't heard in years: "Excuse me young lady ..." Unaccustomed as I am to that description I took no notice until The Mother nudged me. "He means you!" she hissed. And he did. Let me give you

  • Sight-lines

    When my old TV set conked out recently, I decided to be up-to-date and buy a digital set, with the better reception and extra channels promised. But be warned, in Brighton and Hove at least, it is a postcode lottery as to whether one can receive digital

  • Tennis: Lee puts GB back in top flight

    Martin Lee led Great Britain to promotion back to the Champions Division of the European Men's Team Championships in Istanbul. The 23-year-old from East Preston was unbeaten on his return to the side. The left-hander was part of the team which won the

  • Youth Football: Silverdale book a Premier date

    A Sussex primary school's reward for winning a six-a-side tournament is a date on a Premiership ground. Silverdale, of Hastings, will play in the South East under-11s final at Portman Road, Ipswich, in February after winning the Sussex title at St Philip's

  • Youth Hockey: College taste hockey glory at first attempt

    A Sussex college have tasted national glory at the first attempt. Park College (Eastbourne), who only formed the team this season, lifted the England and Wales Sixth Form and Tertiary Colleges Cup at Bedford. They defeated holders Havant in the final

  • Hart of the Matter with Ian Hart

    The ongoing Bobby Zamora story is panning out like something from the pages of Roy of the Rovers. It was not that long ago Zamora was a teenager kicking his heels in Bristol Rovers' reserve team, frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities. Now

  • Dr Martens League: Andy makes a difference on debut

    Goals from debutant Andy Walker and Matt Smart gave Eastbourne Borough a 2-1 win over Tonbridge Angels in the Second Round of the Dr Marten's League Cup. In freezing conditions, Borough dominated from the start and looked like the only team that were

  • Lib Dem mayor for city

    Brighton and Hove is likely to have its first Liberal Democrat mayor next year. The party, which has only three members on the 78-strong city council, is expected to be offered the choice of first citizen by the ruling Labour group. Current mayor Harry

  • Cycle safety drive

    A campaign has been launched to reduce the number of cyclists killed or injured on the roads. A city councillor is calling for cycle manufacturers to be forced to fit lights and bells to bikes before they are sold. Peter Willows has won backing for his

  • Direct rail link to North

    A revolution in long-distance train services will open up the rest of the country to Sussex rail travellers. The ordeal of taking a crowded Tube across the capital to connect with trains heading to the North will be replaced by frequent 125mph straight-through

  • Stabbing probe man in hospital

    A man held by police in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 44-year-old woman remained too ill to be questioned today. Police said a 46-year-old painter and decorator arrested in Eastbourne on Sunday was still in protective custody at an unnamed hospital

  • New hope for plane spotter

    A Sussex man and 11 other British plane spotters accused of spying in Greece were told today they will be released on £9,000 bail. Yannis Zacharias, lawyer for the 12, said: "We are very pleased as this was our objective all the way through." One of the

  • Green town's bronze medal

    Worthing has won the bronze medal in an international environmental competition in China. The town was represented by Mayor Valerie Sutton and two council officers on a three-day trip to the Nations in Bloom final in Shenzhen last week. Hywel Griffiths

  • Memorial day for Megan

    A pub is to host a fund-raising day to help provide a memorial gravestone for leukaemia victim Megan Cobby. Eight-year-old Megan, from Meadowview, Brighton, died in September, after a six-year battle against cancer. She is buried at Angel Corner, an area

  • Shooting horror on estate

    A man is recovering from emergency surgery for chest wounds after he was gunned down on a Sussex housing estate. Three gunshots were heard in Ivory Walk, in the Bewbush area of Crawley, at about 8.30pm yesterday. The 30-year-old victim, who lives locally

  • Agony that won't go away

    From the day their daughter went missing Sarah's family have rarely been out of the media spotlight. They have had two specially-trained officers assigned to support them and their family. When the blaze of publicity following Whiting's conviction dies

  • Timeline: Roy Whiting on trial

    A day-by-day round-up of the case at Lewes Crown Court. NOVEMBER 13 2001: Sara and Michael Payne pose briefly together for massed ranks of photographers on the court steps, both wearing For Sarah campaign badges, before stepping inside. The day is taken

  • No payout over bedroom ivy

    A disabled woman who says her home was ruined when ivy started growing through her window has lost her claim for compensation. Lesley Knox, of Brunswick Square, Hove, took legal action against freeholder Don McMurray at Brighton County Court to claim

  • Brave Lynn loses cancer battle

    Cancer campaigner Lynne Charman, who conquered breast cancer eight years ago, has died. The 52-year-old mother, who set up Butterflies, a Worthing-based support group for men and women, lost her fight for life in St Barnabas' Hospice, Worthing, on Friday

  • A young life cruelly snuffed out

    If Sarah had lived to realise her dream of becoming a teacher, the first lesson she taught would have been: "How to laugh." A "little princess with a smile that could melt ice", Sarah will be remembered for her infectious happiness and the joy she brought

  • Day three for Sarah jury

    The jury in the Sarah Payne murder trial retired today to continue its deliberations. The jury retired on the direction of Mr Justice Richard Curtis to begin its second full day of deliberations. Jurors have so far been discussing their verdicts for a

  • Whiting: The interview tapes

    Roy Whiting maintained a stony silence when questioned by police desperate for information to help trace missing Sarah. He was interviewed over three days in the week following the schoolgirl's disappearance. Despite pleas for help from Detective Inspector

  • Life and times of a serial defiler

    Police have been able to find little in the family life of Whiting to explain his horrific actions. He grew up in a three-bed end-of-terrace house in Martyrs Avenue in Langley Green, Crawley. His mother Pamela left the family home when he was in his teens

  • A monster who would kill again

    Retired detective Peter Kennett prays Roy Whiting remains behind bars and never sees the light of day again. The ex-superintendent, who co-led the Sarah Payne inquiry, said: "Whiting is a disgusting, psychopathic monster, an evil, evil man who should

  • Case prompted changes in the law

    A wave of anti-paedophile vigilante action swept Britain in the weeks following Sarah's murder. Crowds of angry protesters gathered outside the homes of convicted paedophiles - and, in one case, an unfortunate paediatrician. Police condemned the action

  • The hidden perils of Christmas

    It looked like an ordinary can of snow spray used for a final festive touch to the Christmas tree. But, on closer inspection, trading standards officers noticed there was nothing in the instructions to warn the contents were highly flammable. When the

  • How Sarah's killer was caught

    Sarah Payne placed a tiny milk tooth under her pillow on the evening before she was kidnapped and murdered. It was meant for the tooth fairy. Instead, detectives came to take it. They used DNA extracted from the root to obtain a genetic profile of the

  • Stuffing for the sage

    I was always led to believe a sage was a wise person. But the Sage of Sussex (The Argus, December 6) has lost the plot. To suggest the Lib Dems are on the verge of a comeback in Adur (or anywhere else on the South Coast) would be laughable if it wasn't

  • Fine careless dog owners

    It's a pity Brighton and Hove City Council does not use our taxes better ("Seafront promenade cyclist fined", City News, December 2001). What about fining people who allow dogs to mess the promenade and beach? If dogs are allowed on the promenade and

  • Wake-up call

    Whoever was it that came up with the slogan "Brighton and Hove - the Place To Be?" For the past two years, we have seen a decline in the level of services in the city and now hear predictions by Brighton and Hove City Council of a steep, inflation-busting

  • Cash blow for firefighters

    Firefighters said lives would be at risk after they were left £200,000 short of the money they said they needed. They may refuse to attend some rescue tasks which do not fall into their official duties because they feel they are lacking adequate training

  • Middle earth

    The debate on a proper bus and coach station for Brighton and Hove has been going for well over 50 years. No suitable site has yet been found and any proposal put forward has been quickly dropped in the face of opposition - a common phenomenon in the

  • Murder charge man in court

    A Mid Sussex man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a teenager. Steven Wright, 34, of Orchard Way, East Grinstead, was remanded in custody by Horsham magistrates yesterday. He is accused of killing 18-year-old David Elwood, of Dormansland

  • Why don't the police crack down all year?

    I read with great interest the story "Police crack down on street villains" (The Argus, December 5). Then, reading on, I saw the police have launched "Operation Frosty", described as a pre-Christmas crackdown on shoplifters, drunks, beggars and thieves

  • Take it easy

    Peter Bartram's criticism of the lack of local government devolvement (Letters, December 10) seems to have forgotten the East Brighton elections under Labour's New Deal. These had a high turnout and occurred at the same time as the mayoral referendum.

  • Buy fish

    I hope lots of people buy fish and chips at Demetrios Photiou's chippie (The Argus, December 6) and all the others. It reminded me of when I was a child. Whenever a gale blew, my dear old nan always said: "Pray for the sailors on the sea, little maid.

  • Second pier rescue plan emerges

    A consortium including boxer Chris Eubank believes it has the answer to save Britain's only Grade I listed pier. The Eugenius consortium, named after West Pier designer Eugenius Birch, was, at one time, working to restore the historic structure on Brighton

  • Nursery's growth is barred

    Residents were celebrating today after winning their battle against an Eastbourne nursery's expansion plans. Borough planners last night threw out an application by Meadows Nursery to cater for 18 more children, extend opening hours and create off-street

  • Green town's bronze medal

    Worthing has won the bronze medal in an international environmental competition in China. The town was represented by Mayor Valerie Sutton and two council officers on a three-day trip to the Nations in Bloom final in Shenzhen last week. Hywel Griffiths

  • Driver hurt in rush-hour smash

    A Parcelforce van driver was seriously injured in a rush-hour crash on the A27 at Brighton today. His van was involved in a collision with an 18-tonne tipper lorry carrying three tonnes of bricks on the eastbound carriageway between the A23 junction at

  • Pier ban for Percy the archer

    An archery expert has been banned from a pier because he keeps on winning a bow and arrow game. Sharpshooter Percy Goonewardene, 75, is so accurate, the Palace Pier was forced to limit him to one game a week, to stop him clearing its entire stock of cuddly

  • Stabbing probe man in hospital

    A man held by police in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 44-year-old woman remained too ill to be questioned today. Police said a 46-year-old painter and decorator arrested in Eastbourne on Sunday was still in protective custody at an unnamed hospital

  • Guests flee hotel blaze

    Guests shivered on the pavement in pyjamas after their Worthing hotel caught fire early today. The dozen occupants of the Garendon Hotel, Navarino Road, were evacuated when flames ripped through a bedroom at 5.30am. A fire investigation team were at the

  • Flats bid earmarked for refusal

    More than 400 people battling against plans to build a block of flats in Ferring have won the backing of council officers. Arun District Council received 418 letters of objection to the 30 flats on the village's seafront. Now planning officers are recommending

  • Day three for Sarah jury

    The jury in the Sarah Payne murder trial retired today to continue its deliberations. The jury retired on the direction of Mr Justice Richard Curtis to begin its second full day of deliberations. Jurors have so far been discussing their verdicts for a

  • 'Evil' Whiting caged for Sarah killing

    Roy Whiting was today found guilty of the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne and sentenced to life. The 42-year-old killer, who had a previous child sex conviction, was told by trial judge Mr Justice Richard Curtis that he was "every parent's

  • Introverted exile

    In Hamburg in 1925, a young Russian pianist was given 45 minutes' notice to deputise for a sick soloist. Running to the concert hall, he gave a performance of Tchaikovsky's piano concerto that left the conductor staring and the audience erupting with

  • Strong stuff

    It would appear the Reverend John Webster (Letters, December 6) believes in demons. Does he also believe in the Devil? If he does, which does he believe is the more powerful? It cannot be his God because all he seems to want is to be with victims rather

  • Sick hurt

    I was absolutely appalled to read (The Argus, December 8) that US crime fiction writer Patricia Cornwell has had the temerity to smear the good name of Walter Sickert - who is to English art what Edward Elgar is to music - by suggesting he might be responsible

  • Tennis: Lee puts GB back in top flight

    Martin Lee led Great Britain to promotion back to the Champions Division of the European Men's Team Championships in Istanbul. The 23-year-old from East Preston was unbeaten on his return to the side. The left-hander was part of the team which won the

  • Unfit to be a cabbie

    Taxi drivers, more than anyone else running public transport, are in a position of trust. Bus or train drivers are seldom alone with their passengers late at night but it is often the case with cabbies. They are responsible for protecting their passengers

  • Freethinker

    Mary Whitehouse had no need to see The Romans In Britain (Letters, December 4) because it was well publicised for the sexual content of some of its scenes. The National Theatre's chaplain, the Reverend Eric Mathieson, was almost bound to say Mrs Whitehouse

  • Poverty is the root of under-achieving

    Being 17, I cannot comment directly on Mary Whitehouse but, judging from what Alan Nunn wrote (Letters, December 6), she did no good. Sexual liberation is important. It is naive and dangerous to keep young people in the dark about sex. Most children don't

  • Youth Hockey: College taste hockey glory at first attempt

    A Sussex college have tasted national glory at the first attempt. Park College (Eastbourne), who only formed the team this season, lifted the England and Wales Sixth Form and Tertiary Colleges Cup at Bedford. They defeated holders Havant in the final

  • Dr Martens League: Andy makes a difference on debut

    Goals from debutant Andy Walker and Matt Smart gave Eastbourne Borough a 2-1 win over Tonbridge Angels in the Second Round of the Dr Marten's League Cup. In freezing conditions, Borough dominated from the start and looked like the only team that were

  • Broken rail halts trains

    A broken rail left commuters on some East Sussex trains stranded this morning. The damaged track, between Polegate and Hampden Park, Eastbourne, was discovered at 7.30am. A spokesman for rail operator South Central said: "Services were affected this morning

  • Taylor: Let's jump ahead

    Albion boss Peter Taylor wants his table-toppers to exploit the chance to jump further ahead of their promotion rivals. Restrictions at Withdean prevent the Seagulls from playing at home on the next two Saturdays. Instead they entertain fifth-placed Reading

  • Lib Dem mayor for city

    Brighton and Hove is likely to have its first Liberal Democrat mayor next year. The party, which has only three members on the 78-strong city council, is expected to be offered the choice of first citizen by the ruling Labour group. Current mayor Harry

  • Tragic student's legacy of learning

    An educational memorial has been created in honour of University of Sussex student Nicola Anderson, who died while studying there. The Nicola Anderson Memorial bursary has been created by Nicola's family more than 20 years after her death on her 22nd

  • Benefits strike starts

    Hundreds of workers at Sussex Jobcentres and Benefits Agency offices went on strike today. Services in Brighton and Hove were disrupted as staff joined a national protest against plans to remove safety screens protecting them from attack. The strike is

  • Cycle safety drive

    A campaign has been launched to reduce the number of cyclists killed or injured on the roads. A city councillor is calling for cycle manufacturers to be forced to fit lights and bells to bikes before they are sold. Peter Willows has won backing for his

  • Direct rail link to North

    A revolution in long-distance train services will open up the rest of the country to Sussex rail travellers. The ordeal of taking a crowded Tube across the capital to connect with trains heading to the North will be replaced by frequent 125mph straight-through

  • Stabbing probe man in hospital

    A man held by police in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 44-year-old woman remained too ill to be questioned today. Police said a 46-year-old painter and decorator arrested in Eastbourne on Sunday was still in protective custody at an unnamed hospital

  • New hope for plane spotter

    A Sussex man and 11 other British plane spotters accused of spying in Greece were told today they will be released on £9,000 bail. Yannis Zacharias, lawyer for the 12, said: "We are very pleased as this was our objective all the way through." One of the

  • Green town's bronze medal

    Worthing has won the bronze medal in an international environmental competition in China. The town was represented by Mayor Valerie Sutton and two council officers on a three-day trip to the Nations in Bloom final in Shenzhen last week. Hywel Griffiths

  • Day three for Sarah jury

    The jury in the Sarah Payne murder trial retired today to continue its deliberations. The jury retired on the direction of Mr Justice Richard Curtis to begin its second full day of deliberations. Jurors have so far been discussing their verdicts for a

  • Memorial day for Megan

    A pub is to host a fund-raising day to help provide a memorial gravestone for leukaemia victim Megan Cobby. Eight-year-old Megan, from Meadowview, Brighton, died in September, after a six-year battle against cancer. She is buried at Angel Corner, an area

  • £600,000 of culture projects shelved

    Spending of more than £600,000 on leisure and cultural schemes in Brighton and Hove has been postponed. The city Council has delayed spending £240,000 on completing renovation work on the museum in Church Street, Brighton, because of problems with water

  • Policing levels concern

    Police officers in Sussex have to look after more than 600 people each, according to Government figures. The county has 613 residents for every operational police officer, significantly more than the national average of 472. The figures were revealed

  • Jailed cabbie's licence snub

    A former taxi driver jailed for sexually assaulting a passenger has been told he is not fit to hold a licence. Magistrates said the public was entitled to complete confidence in the taxi service and threw out his appeal to get his licence back. Amir Fikri

  • Shooting horror on estate

    A man is recovering from emergency surgery for chest wounds after he was gunned down on a Sussex housing estate. Three gunshots were heard in Ivory Walk, in the Bewbush area of Crawley, at about 8.30pm yesterday. The 30-year-old victim, who lives locally

  • Jailed cabbie's licence snub

    A former taxi driver jailed for sexually assaulting a passenger has been told he is not fit to hold a licence. Magistrates said the public was entitled to complete confidence in the taxi service and threw out his appeal to get his licence back. Amir Fikri

  • Convict tried to offload blame

    Child sex fiend Russell Bishop tried to blame Roy Whiting for crimes he committed. The Brighton roofer contacted the Sarah Payne inquiry team from prison saying: "I told you I'm innocent." The 35-year-old paedophile was cleared of murdering nine-year-olds

  • Agony that won't go away

    From the day their daughter went missing Sarah's family have rarely been out of the media spotlight. They have had two specially-trained officers assigned to support them and their family. When the blaze of publicity following Whiting's conviction dies

  • Timeline: Roy Whiting on trial

    A day-by-day round-up of the case at Lewes Crown Court. NOVEMBER 13 2001: Sara and Michael Payne pose briefly together for massed ranks of photographers on the court steps, both wearing For Sarah campaign badges, before stepping inside. The day is taken

  • Thief put trial at risk

    Roy Whiting's trial was put in jeopardy before it began when a drug addict stole his defence papers and sold them for £5,000. Cocaine user Christopher Branscombe, 20, of Milton Road, Haywards Heath, pinched the documents while working on a computer programme

  • A young life cruelly snuffed out

    If Sarah had lived to realise her dream of becoming a teacher, the first lesson she taught would have been: "How to laugh." A "little princess with a smile that could melt ice", Sarah will be remembered for her infectious happiness and the joy she brought

  • Agonising wait as jury talks continue

    Sarah Payne's parents today faced a further tense wait as the jury in their daughter's murder trial continued its deliberations. The jury was sent to a hotel for a second night yesterday after failing to reach a verdict following more than five hours

  • Day three for Sarah jury

    The jury in the Sarah Payne murder trial retired today to continue its deliberations. The jury retired on the direction of Mr Justice Richard Curtis to begin its second full day of deliberations. Jurors have so far been discussing their verdicts for a

  • Whiting: The interview tapes

    Roy Whiting maintained a stony silence when questioned by police desperate for information to help trace missing Sarah. He was interviewed over three days in the week following the schoolgirl's disappearance. Despite pleas for help from Detective Inspector

  • A monster who would kill again

    Retired detective Peter Kennett prays Roy Whiting remains behind bars and never sees the light of day again. The ex-superintendent, who co-led the Sarah Payne inquiry, said: "Whiting is a disgusting, psychopathic monster, an evil, evil man who should

  • Case prompted changes in the law

    A wave of anti-paedophile vigilante action swept Britain in the weeks following Sarah's murder. Crowds of angry protesters gathered outside the homes of convicted paedophiles - and, in one case, an unfortunate paediatrician. Police condemned the action