East January 2016

News

Police ‘left us with no money’

A LANDLADY from Otham says she has been “legally robbed by the police” after her pub was raided and more than £89,000 – said to be the proceeds of crime –was seized. Catherine McCann (57) hit back

after a civil case in Maidstone lasting three days. She claims the police took savings, takings from The White Horse Inn and her husband Jerry’s car sales and scrap business, moneyfrom her handbag and rent. She says savings belonging to her son-in-law, who was staying at the pub, were also seized. She said:“We endured three separate raids lasting more than four hours each. They didn’t leave a penny on the premises.” However, at the civil hearing, it

was maintained that the money seized was the proceeds of crime and the result of burglaries in the area; the family had also failed to pay tax from 2003 to 2011. Mrs McCann said: “Only my son

Jerry Jnr was charged. He was locked up in Elmley Prison for three months with no bail, only for the charges to be dropped two days be-

fore coming to court.” Although no onewas convicted of

a crime and no stolen items were found, the court heard about a “black hole” in the family’s finances and described a “lavish lifestyle” that could not be accounted for. Mrs McCann said: “It is amazing

what they can do in the civil court and people with savings in their home should be aware of that. We showed them evidence of our ex- penditure, including receipts for such things as the pub curtains, but they still took it. Surely, if they had any evidence they would have pros- ecuted us.” She said in spite of losing the case,

the family has no plans to sell the pub – which villagers previously campaigned to buy – and did not have the money to appeal the deci- sion. She added: “The support we have received from people since the court case has been overwhelming. However, if there is a villager wish- ing to approach us with a sensible offerwe might consider selling it.” The family must also pay Kent Po- lice £10,020 in costs.

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downsmail.co.uk Make a date to save meadow

A CALENDAR featuring pictures of Hollingbourne is being sold to raise money for a piece of land bought by the community to protect it from potential development. The Hollingbourne Meadows

Trust, which has saved two meadows to the East of the village, between the two railway lines, is about to sign the deeds on another four acres behind the village hall. The charity, which relies on donations to buy and maintain the meadows for recreation and wildlife, needs to raise £60,000 to buy the land. The charity’s Peter Lee (pictured),

one of three amateur photographers whose work is featured in the calendar, says that while some savings will assist the purchase and a loan could be available, donations are still needed. Other photographs featured are by former resident Ian Talboys and

Jack Wilson, a student at Hadlow College, who is spending his placement working to maintain the Hollingbourne Meadows. The calendar can be bought from the village shop, Christopher’s, or

from Peter on 01622 880580. It costs £6, with free delivery in the village or £1 for addresses out of the area. To become a Friend or make a donation go to www.hollingbournemeadowstrust.co.uk.

Grove Green charity quiz

MAIDSTONE Macmillan fundraising group is hosting a quiz night at the Grove Green Community Hall on Saturday, February 27. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, and guests are invited to bring

theirowndrinks and nibbles. Tickets are £5 per person, with up to eight people in a team. To book a table call Helene Poursain on 07764 503484 or email hpoursain@macmillan.org.uk.

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