News Lawyer makes
book debut AN EMPLYOMENT lawyer has just published his first crime thriller book.
The book, which is set in Maid- stone, is called Danger and is packed with plot twists, hidden clues, and Kent locations. Although writer Robin Nye has
never worked in the police force, the storyline follows DI Sarah Hunter and DS Ted Selitto, who join forces to unravel the truth about young girls being trafficked from Eastern Europe. The author said: “I have always been a bit of a scribbler. I often start a story and then forget all about it. I can write the first few chapters very quickly, but then I seem to lose some interest. “Danger was a bit different be- cause I had actually written the ending of the book back in 2013. “I am sure there are a lot of budding writers amongst the Downs Mail readership, so my message to them is keep writing, because one day you will achieve your dream.” Robin is now well into writing book number two. Danger by Robin Nye is avail- able in paperback for £9.99.
Players appeal LEYBOURNE Cricket Club is
looking for new players. Like most sports clubs, Ley- bourne CC has found 2020 diffi- cult, but planning is already underway for 2021 and the call is out for new players to reinforce the squad.
The club play on Saturdays in
the Kent Regional Cricket League, Division Two Central and boast a clubhouse, modern facilities and a licensed bar. Email ley-
bournecc@gmail.com.
downsmail.co.uk
Murder trial halted as COVID-19 infects jury
THREE jurors in the murder trial of Kieron Nicholson have tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the case being temporarily suspended.
Officials from Public Health England (PHE) inspected the crown courts at Maidstone on November 12.
Mr Nicholson (29), of Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh, allegedly stabbed devoted father-of-three Jamie Simmons (pictured) to death on the Shepway estate in May. At first, three members of the jury reported being COVID-19 postive and two days later another complained of feeling unwell. Those affected are self-isolating but the trial is unlikely to resume until November 25 at the earliest. The case had just two and half days to run before the jury was sent out to consider its verdict. Suspending the hearing, Judge Philip Statman said PHE would
been uppermost in my mind, and has been since the start of the trial, is the welfare of the jurors, counsel and court staff." None of the lawyers, staff, mem- bers of the press and public inside court two wore masks, although the jury was screened off from one another and observed a strict entry and exit procedure. Mr Simmons (29) was killed on
determine if the court is COVID-19 compliant.
He said: “I am very keen to keep this case up and running, as it is such an important case. We live in extraordinary times and what has
Drive-thru Wonderland
PHOENIX Events will be bringing some sparkle to Maidstone this Christ- mas with the first ever Drive-Thru Christmas Winter Wonderland. Running from December
18 to 20, the event at Kent Show Ground will include a visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer, as well as on screen entertainment by West End singers. Gates open from 4pm
and a firework display will take place at 8pm. The event is being man-
aged according to rigorous safety standards designed to allow visitors to enjoy themselves in a COVID-19 safe, socially distanced environment. To book, visit
www.ticketsource.co.uk/phoenixevents.
May 4 after an argument at a house in Cambridge Crescent after an- other man, Jack McCann, made a crude remark about his partner. Mr Nicholson denies murder. Another judge decided to send- potential jury members home be- fore a death by careless driving case began in another court in the same building.
Show cancelled THE Hazlitt’s production of The Lost Christmas has been can- celled. The show was due to run from December 4 to December 24 to replace the much-loved panto, which was also cancelled earlier this year. The Hazlitt Theatre posted on Facebook: “There are a number of reasons for the decision and we can assure you it wasnt a de- cision made lightly, but under the new restrictions we feel it is the right thing to do. “For those of you that have booked we will be in touch with you shortly to offer refunds.”
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We can post the newspaper to you for an annual subscription of £25 for 24 editions. For details, email
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