Essex Chronicle published Councillor In Chelmsford Magistrates Court over tree dilemma

A district councillor has been taken to court by her own council for allegedly destroying protected trees near her home.Sue White, councillor for Purleigh, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday last week to answer five charges brought against her by Maldon District Council.She is accused of willfully damaging and destroying trees near her Nipsells Farm Lodge home in Nipsells Chase, Mayland, on August 4 last year.But no plea was entered and the case was adjourned until next month...

JoeSturdy published Man jailed for life after sex offences against children under six

An Essex man has been jailed for life for sexual offences against children under the age of six.Darren Rolfe, of Northview Avenue, Tilbury denied rape, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.But the 42-year-old was found guilty by a jury following a nine-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, which concluded on December 10.Rolfe was sentenced last Monday (February 1) to life imprisonment and he must serve a minimum of 11 years...