The Met Office has issued a ‘yellow’ weather warning for snow and ice across the East Midlands today (February 15).

Showers of sleet, snow and rain affected most of the region last night, leaving patches of frost and ice on the ground.

A spokesman for the forecasters said the ice will be a hazard in some places.

He added: “Please be aware of the potential for difficult travelling conditions.”

It is expected to snow again in some parts of the East Midlands throughout today - but not everywhere will see these showers.

Strong winds are also expected across the region.

A parking company which covers a busy Mansfield retail park has agreed to refund motorists fined for being caught up in Christmas traffic.

An agreement between Parking Eye and the agency which runs St Peter’s Retail Park has been reached after the issue was first raised by the Chad.

Several motorists complained they had been hit with the penalty notices after overstaying the free 45-minute period in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The park became busy with Christmas shoppers and there were often queues of traffic to leave – meaning many were unable to leave within the 45 minutes, even after returning to their car in time

With Parking Eye’s cameras only picking up when vehicles enter and leave the park, many were shocked to receive a £50 penalty charge notice.

However, after Bilsthorpe couple Angela and David Burditt raised the issue with the Chad, they were given a refund.

Dennis Copeland, regional manager of British Land – which manages St Peter’s – said the opening of Toys ‘R’ Us late last year had led to a rise in customers visiting the retail park throughout December.

He said: “Following the opening of Toys ‘R’ Us in November, we saw an increase in traffic, which added to congestion in the run-up to Christmas.

“We are working with Parking Eye to retrospectively cancel parking charges where it is clear extra time was needed to allow for this.

“The affected customers will receive refunds on paid parking charges and charges which are still open will be cancelled.

“Letters will be issued to all to confirm.”

Former Ashfield District Council member Linford Gibbons was hit with the penalty notice prior to Christmas.

He said;: “It’s good news and well done to the Chad.

“It’s the busiest time of the year .

“If people are getting hit by penalty notices it would put people off going there, and that would have a knock-on effect for the town.”

Customers who believe they have been issued with a parking charge in error should contact Parking Eye who will look into their case.

All information on how to make an appeal is detailed on the back of the parking charge and on the ParkingEye website - www.parkingeye.co.uk/contact-us/

A 23-year-old man has been arrested following a multi-vehicle crash in Nottinghamshire which left six people in hospital, including a 22-year-old woman who is in a critical condition.

The A60 Mansfield Road was left blocked off after the serious collision took place on the stretch of road between Ravenshead and the Seven Mile Inn at around 10.05pm on Saturday night.

A police spokesman said: “Six people were taken to hospital following the collision including a 22-year old woman who remains in a critical condition.

“A 23-year old man has been arrested following the collision.”

The man has now been bailed pending further investigations.

Police crash investigators are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a dark-coloured people carrier or dark-coloured car with distinctive chequered roof as they travelled along the A60 between Nottingham and Mansfield in the time leading up to the collision.

Anyone who saw either vehicle is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.

THEFT

Peter Downs, 42, of Winifred Street, Worksop. Stole an iPhone 5, of a value unknown, belonging to Nottinghamshire Police. Committed to prison for nine weeks, suspended for 12 months. Also ordered to pay court costs of £200 and £198 in compensation.

Robert Sime, 35, of Raines Avenue, Worksop. Having entered a building as a trespasser, stole therein petrol of a value unknown. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15.

Gary Storey, 34, of Kilton Crescent, Worksop. Stole two jars of coffee, to the value of £12.20p, belonging to Marks and Spencer. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15.

Ann Fitzpatrick, 43, of Chapelgate, Retford. Stole groceries, to the value of £164.68, belonging to Morrisons. Fined £120. Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

Amy Bainbridge, 36, of Queen Street, Worksop. Stole five jars of coffee, to the value of £24.99, belonging to Farmfoods. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Also ordered to pay £40 in court costs, a £15 victim surcharge and £24.99 in compensation.

Gemma Kinsella, 33, of Garside Street, Worksop. Stole various items, to the value of £89, belonging to Matalan. Committed to prison for four weeks suspended for 12 months. Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80.

breach

Anthony O’Callaghan, 28, of Sycamore Avenue, Worksop. Failed to comply with the requirements of a community order by failing to attend appointments as instructed. Defendant must carry out 30 hours of unpaid work. Original order to continue.

disorder

Abbey Teale, 20, of Saffron Crescent, Tickhill. In Worksop, use towards two people threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause those persons to believe that immediate unlawful violence would be used against them. Community order made with 80 hours of unpaid work. Also ordered to pay £150 in court costs and £100 compensation.

fraud

Kimberley Newton, 28, of Albert Road, Retford. Failed to notify an authority, namely Bassetlaw Council, of a change of circumstances which would affect entitlement to housing benefit. Fined £500. Also ordered to pay court costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £50.

tv licence

Fatima Bidonkas, 49, of Norfolk Road, Bircotes. Used a colour television receiever without a licence. Fined £120. Also ordered to pay court costs of £60 and a £20 victim surcharge.

Glynn Bradley, 45, of Furnival Street, Worksop. Used a colour television receiever without a licence. Fined £145. Also ordered to pay court costs of £60 and a victim surcharge.

Ian Brammer, 43, of Chatsworth Court, Bircotes. Used a colour television receiver without a licence. Fined £85. Also ordered to pay £60 in court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

drugs

Natalie Morris, 27, of Hannah Park View, Worksop. Had in her possession a quantitiy of cannabis, a controlled drug of Class B. Fined £80. Also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

damage

Dane Walker, 25, of Littondale, Worksop. Without lawful excuse, damaged a car wing mirror, to a value unknown. Fined £200. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs, a £20 victim surcharge and £150 in compensation.

Andrew Hurns, 26, of NFA. In Retford, damaged furniture belonging to a woman, to a value unknown, intending to destroy or damage such property. Community order made with rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work. Restraining order imposed. Also ordered to pay £85 in court costs, a £60 victim surcharge and £100 in compensation.

other

Derrick Emmerson, 51, of Cavendish Road, Worksop. At Old Clipstone, fished or took fish otherwise than in accordance with a licence by means of rod and line. Fined £200. Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and £17 in court costs.

Ian Mullen, 32, of John Street, Worksop. In Worksop, fished or took fish otherwise than in accordance with a licence by means of rod and line. Fined £400. Also ordered to pay £127 in court costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

Police are investigating following reports of gunshots in Nottinghamshire.

Armed response officers attended at a property on Comet Close, Eastwood, at about 8.10pm on Sunday, February 14.

A police spokesman said a window had been damaged but no-one was injured.

No weapons were found.

Anybody with information about this incident should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Sir Edward Leigh, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Gainsborough, has welcomed the concessions on local government funding.

Sir Edward Leigh said: “I have been shouting from the rooftops on behalf of our taxpayers and local councillors.

“I’ve written to the Secretary of State, pointed out in debates, and raised at question times the disgraceful disparity in cuts between rural and urban areas.

“I’m very pleased that we have made our voices heard. The Government is listening to rural taxpayers and these concessions go a long way towards closing that gap.”

In a statement to the Commons, DCLG Secretary of State Greg Clark MP announced that the Rural Services Delivery Grant would be increased fivefold from £15.5 million this year to £80.5 million in 2016/17.

He said: “With an extra £32.7 million available to rural councils through the transitional grant I have described,” the Secretary of State told MPs, “this is £93.2 million of increased funding compared to the Provisional Settlement available to rural areas.”

The Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner has announced the intention to award major new contracts to improve domestic abuse and sexual violence support services across Nottingham.

Paddy Tipping, along with Nottingham City Council and Nottingham City Clinical Commissioning Group, unveiled the details of three specialist providers who will deliver cope and recover services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse in the city and a prevention service to prevent further domestic and sexual violence.

The announcement follows an innovative and robust multi-agency tendering process, which was led by the Crime and Drugs Partnership on behalf of all three organisations, and which is designed to integrate funding and provide more holistic services to survivors of violence.

A £447,714 contract is intended to be awarded to domestic violence campaign organisation Equation to reduce abuse as part of the Commissioner’s prevention strategy.

The intended contract, which is jointly funded and will run from April until March 2019 with the possibility of an additional two years in one year extensions, is aimed at empowering survivors to improve their safety and help them cope and recover from the harm they have experienced.

It is part of a funding pot worth £1.8m over the three years, £330,638 of which has been funded by the PCC per year.

The total amount of available funding could potentially be worth £3.74m if extensions to the intended contracts are granted for the full five years.

Paddy Tipping said: “We are determined victims of domestic and sexual violence in Nottinghamshire receive the help they need when they need it and these new contracts will go some way to improving this recovery process as well as ensuring survivors of violence are protected from further harm.

“A large part of our agenda is developing awareness and challenging attitudes towards domestic and sexual violence within society but particularly among children and young people who are more vulnerable to abuse. We must also not forget the perpetrators of these horrific crimes and we will continue to tackle domestic violence at its source.”

A plumber from Meden Vale armed himself with a hammer during a ‘frightening’ confrontation in the street with his ex-partner over their child, a court heard.

Scott Harrison, 25, of Caunton Close, Meden Vale, near Mansfield, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon and affray at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard that on October 4, 2014, Harrison had collected their young child from his ex-partner, but later texted her to ask why the child had a ‘slight bruise’ on the leg.

Harrison’s ex-partner and her new boyfriend drove to an address in Chesterfield where they were challenged by Harrison and an altercation ensued.

Sarah Knight, prosecuting, said: “The defendant appeared with a hammer. He said - ‘Here we go. Who are you then?’

“As the defendant was being pulled away he made threats along the lines of ‘I am going to kill you.’”

The court heard the child was taken away by Harrison’s ex-partner and the police arrived to arrest Harrison. He told police he had been put in a headlock and denied he had swung out with the hammer.

Two others were charged with common assault during the affray and were dealt with in a separate court.

Dominic Shelley, mitigating, said: “This occurred, undoubtedly fuelled by a couple of cans of beer and a relationship that fell apart. It happened during a highly-charged emotional time in their lives.”

The court heard the relationship had fallen apart in April of that year and that Harrison was of previous good character.

Since the incident he had started a relationship with someone else and they were expecting a child.

“If Your Honour can take an assurance from me,” said Mr Shelley. “We won’t see Mr Harrison again.”

Recorder Christopher Donnellan told Harrison: “You deliberately armed yourself with a hammer. You were the one who was aggressive and had to be restrained.

“You were the one who was causing the most fear. Not just by what you were doing but what you were saying.

“This was an incident in public and it was frightening for those involved. You need to learn how to cope with situations like this.”

Recorder Donnellan imposed a community order for 12 months on Harrison and ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 costs. He also banned Harrison from directly contacting his ex-partner.

A ‘Walter Mitty’-styled fraudster who conned money from his ex-partner in an eBay scam and stole scaffolding from his boss told a court he had mental problems after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Paras.

Nathan Johnson, 30, of Shelley Street, Worksop, told Nottingham Crown Court he had served with the 4th Battallion of the Parachute Regiment between 2002 and 2006 before he was forced to leave for mental health reasons.

But neither he, nor his defence team, were able to provide any proof of his army career, or any acceptable evidence of his problems, even though the case had been adjourned twice for those very reasons.

Judge Michael Stokes said: “The army keep impeccable records - they can tell you the name of every soldier in World War One. I don’t believe he served for four years in a unit of the parachute regiment without a record.

“I am going to have to form the conclusion that he was never in the army and this was an attempt to deceive the court.

“He was admitted into the Paras at the age of 16. That was very clever of him.”

Caroline Bradley, mitigating, said: “He maintains that he was in the army. He gave me a detailed history of when he joined. He said he wasn’t a life-style soldier.”

Johnson then claimed he had pictures of himself in Basra and Helmand province on his phone, but was unable to produce them.

An email from Johnson’s therapist claimed he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ‘mild Peter Pan syndrome.’

“It seems to me he has got very mild Walter Mitty syndrome,” said Judge Stokes. “No qualified therapist would send an email. They would send a report.

“If he is suffering from PTSD then that would be a very significant factor - but since before Christmas he has done nothing practical to establish any diagnosis by any qualified person.

“There is not one iota of evidence to support anything he says.”

Johnson had previously admitted defrauding a friend of over £4,000 and stealing scaffolding from his employer.

Almas Ben-Aribia, for the prosecution, said Johnson persuaded an ex-girlfriend to sell £4,093 of fishing equipment for him on her eBay account in December 2013.

And he persuaded another friend to use his Paypal account to transfer the money from the sale to his building society account.

Johnson’s ex-partner received complaints from the buyers of the fishing gear and her eBay and Paypal accounts were frozen.

Miss Ben-Aribia told the court Johnson had been working as a manager at Inspired Scaffolding Services Ltd in Bilsthorpe when he made arrangements to sell a lorry-load of scaffolding for £2,000 over the weekend of August 8 to 10, 2014.

He admitted the theft on August 4, 2015 and told police he had a gambling habit and that his ‘head was in a bad place’ following the death of a relative, said Miss Ben-Aribia.

She said the theft was aggravated by the fact another employee had been involved and it was committed while Johnson was on police bail for the eBay fraud and another charge of taking a car without the owner’s consent, which he admitted in June 2013.

The court heard he had four previous convictions for five offences, including theft in July 2008.

The court heard he had re-paid his ex-girlfriend, who said she did not want him to go to prison.

Johnson also claimed he had saved money to repay his former employer, but attempts to find an email with his bank statements on the phone of a friend in the public gallery were also unsuccessful.

Miss Bradley said: “Mr Johnson has done nothing in his own defence. Why that is I cannot say.”

Judge Stokes sentenced Johnson to 16 months for the fraud and the theft, and an additional month for breaching his bail in January 2016, all suspended for 18 months.

Johnson must also pay £2,000 compensation to the scaffolding firm and £500 costs.

After sentencing, Judge Stokes ordered a police investigation into Johnson’s claims of military service and mental health problems.

He told Johnson: “You have been given many opportunities to tell the truth and you maintain that this is the truth.

“If it turns out to be false you will be prosecuted for perverting the course of justice.”

A Gainsborough man has been warned he could face jail after admitting making indecent images of children.

Billy Steven Middlemass pleaded guilty at Lincoln Crown Court to a charge of making seven indecent photographs of children between June 17, and 20, 2014.

Middlemass, 31 , of Lindrick Drive, Gainsborough, was placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Sentence was adjourned for the preparation of a probation report and Middlemass was granted bail to appear back at the Crown Court for sentence next month.

Judge Simon Hirst warned him: “The fact that I am adjourning your case for a report does not necessarily mean you won’t go to prison.”

Jobs have been secured at two branches of the shoe retailer Brantano after the company was bought out of administration.

Jobs have been secured at two branches of the shoe retailer Brantano after the company was bought out of administration.

Alteri Investors has bought 140 stores and concessions, safeguarding 1,372 jobs.

However, 58 stores and concessions have not been included in the Alteri sale and the administrators are continuing to trade these stores while seeking buyers.

Stores in Mansfield and Bulwell have been sold but buyers are still being sought for stores in Sutton and Newark.

Robert Moran, of administrators PwC, said: “From discussions held over the last few weeks, there was interest from a number of parties, both trade and private equity, for the Brantano business.

“Of this interest, the offer from Alteri represents the best outcome for creditors and employees.

“We are delighted that 1,372 jobs have been preserved through the transaction and thank the Brantano team for working closely and collaboratively with us throughout what has been a difficult period for the business.”

A gay rights campaigner and author has thrown his weight behind a documentary about the prejudices young LGBT people in Worksop and the surrounding area have had to face over the years.

Narvel Annable, who hails from Clowne and also taught at the old Valley Comprehensive School, worked with LGBT youth group WOW, Worksop Out Wednesday, on the documentary, Something About Us.

The documentary, funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund, aimed to research and record what it was like historically to be LGBT in Worksop and premiered at the Savoy Cinema on Wednesday February 3.

As part of the LGBT History Month, the group worked with Sheffield-based filmmakers EDEN to compare the past and present day for LGBT residents.

Narvel said: “In Something About Us, we heard from brave youngsters who had suffered appalling experiences.

“We walked in their shoes, endured the harsh realities, the trials and tribulations of LGBT life and felt their pain. We also learned that we can help by supporting WOW.

“Having taught history at the Valley Comprehensive in Worksop from 1978 to 1995, I’m well acquainted with prejudice against those who share same-sex attraction.

“WOW is a charity close to my heart and is one of the most successful groups of its type. Skilled specialists run an excellent service.

“I salute the courageous girls and boys of WOW- they are the future. We should follow their lead and pull together to combat homophobia.”

The project provided training in archive research and filmmaking techniques for the young people of WOW, who meet at The Centre Place community centre on Wednesdays.

The group also went on several trips including to Nottinghamshire Pride and Nottinghamshire Archives.

WOW support worker Claire Bradley said: “The young people are sad to see the end of the project having learnt many new skills in media and production and having learnt about their own LGBT history.

“They are proud of their efforts and have seen their confidence build over the months, not just in using the equipment and different types of media, but also personally,” Claire added.

Morrisons in Gainsborough is reopening its garden centre on Tuesday, February 23.

Neil Swift, Store General Manager at Morrisons Gainsborough said: “The reopening of our garden centre will complement our store’s year round gardening range. It will make it easy for Gainsborough’s gardeners in to easily pick up what they need, while they’re doing their weekly shop.”

Mansfield pub landlords have released CCTV footage after two thieves ‘distracted’ them whilst stealing a charity collection box from the bar.

Landlord Carl Simmons, 50, was distracted by the two men when they asked for a description of each of the spirits on the top shelf at the back of the bar at the Pheasant Inn, on Chesterfield Road.

Whilst his back was turned, one of the men unhooked the John Eastwood Hospice charity box from around the beer pump and the men made a swift getaway - after telling the landlord they did not have enough money for the Martini he had just poured out.

And despite their strange behaviour, Carl said he and his wife Veronica didn’t notice the box had gone missing until a few days later when a customer asked to put their change in it.

Carl said: “We’re just angry that we didn’t see it - but if you’re not looking out for it, these things can happen.

“But it’s disgusting that this has happened because the money goes towards terminally ill people in the hospice.

“It’s not us who are the victims here, it’s everyone at the hospice because the charity box was for them.”

The amount of money in the charity box is unknown, but Carl said he knew it was ‘quite full’.

A few days later, the pub was contacted to say the box had been found empty on Frank Avenue, off Sutton Road.

Carl added: “It makes you so angry that people could do this. Especially because they might have done it for something that might only be a few quid.”

Diane Humphreys, the John Eastwood Hospice trust manager, said: “This is money that people have generously donated tor the benefit of patients in our hospice and we are all appalled by this lack of respect.”

Nottinghamshire Police have confirmed the incident, which took place around 2pm on February 8, was reported to them and are continuing to look into it.

Anybody with information should contact them on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

All Saints’ Parish Church in Babworth provided the ideal setting for nature to put on a magnificent display of snowdrops this week.

Around 600 people visited the church on Saturday February 13 and Sunday February 14 to walk the snowdrop trail and enjoy the homemade refreshments on sale in the church.

The guests were also treated to a wide range of paintings by Bassetlaw artist, Gerry Fruin.

Known as “the church in the woodland”, , All Saints’ is best known for its role in the separatist movement of the 17th century.

Gerry Fruin and Bassetlaw Christian Heritage will be returning to All Saints’ Babworth between May 28 and 30 2015 as part of the churches commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the death of Richard Clyfton, a central character in the separist movement.

The closure of several homelessness prevention services in Nottinghamshire could leave more than 2,500 people in the county “struggling to remain in their homes.”

Framework, which offers support for people at risk of homelessness in Bassetlaw and other areas of the county, announced that it will no longer be able to help people outside the city of Nottingham after the closures of five of its specialist centres.

This is due to a decision by Nottinghamshire County Council, who say they are facing budget pressures, not to renew contracts with the charity this year.

Framework’s chief executive, Andrew Redfern, said: “The council has a legal duty to help homeless people. The Care Act obliges them to address support and care needs and thus avoid the exacerbations that end in a crisis. We tried to save these crucial services by asking everyone who benefits to make a small contribution. Sadly, they were unable to pool their resources in this way. We just couldn’t make it happen.”

“Rough sleeping is on the increase across the country but to date we have been able to limit the damage in Nottinghamshire. I fear the upward trend will now accelerate. “

The closure of several homelessness prevention services in Nottinghamshire could leave more than 2,500 people in the county “struggling to remain in their homes.”

Framework, which offers support for people at risk of homelessness in Bassetlaw and other areas of the county, announced that it will no longer be able to help people outside the city of Nottingham after the closures of five of its specialist centres.

This is due to a decision by Nottinghamshire County Council, who say they are facing budget pressures, not to renew contracts with the charity this year.

Framework’s chief executive, Andrew Redfern, said: “The council has a legal duty to help homeless people. The Care Act obliges them to address support and care needs and thus avoid the exacerbations that end in a crisis. We tried to save these crucial services by asking everyone who benefits to make a small contribution. Sadly, they were unable to pool their resources in this way. We just couldn’t make it happen.”

“Rough sleeping is on the increase across the country but to date we have been able to limit the damage in Nottinghamshire. I fear the upward trend will now accelerate.”

Framework will continue to operate its council-funded emergency and supported accommodation services, which house people after they have become homeless.

These services, which had themselves been in jeopardy, will be sustained by funding from the Public Health Budget.

David Pearson, corporate director for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:“The County Council is continuing to allocate almost £1m to Framework from this April to support services in four quick access homeless hostels across the county.

“Due to significant funding reductions from central government we are having to prioritise our budgets and reduce back office costs and we expect organisations that carry out work on our behalf to do the same to make our reduced funding go further.

“The council has had to prioritise our statutory services – those we must do – over discretionary services such as homeless support services.

“The floating support service provided by Framework, which targets people still in their own homes but identified as being at risk of homelessness, will cease from April 2016.

“District and borough councils have the legal responsibility for homelessness and are working with us and Framework to identify alternative sources of support for affected service users.

“District and borough councils will continue to offer housing advice and support to residents to help prevent homelessness.”

Nottinghamshire County Council is supporting the national Be Clear on Cancer ‘Blood in Pee’ campaign which aims to highlight the key symptoms of kidney and bladder cancers, and encourages people displaying them to see their doctor immediately.

Early diagnosis of bladder and kidney cancer increases the chances of survival.

Other signs of bladder cancer include needing to pee very often or very suddenly, pain while peeing and signs of kidney cancer include a pain below the ribs that doesn’t go away and a lump in your stomach.

The campaign carries the message: “If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, tell your doctor.”

A rapist armed with a knife who barricaded himself inside a house resulting in a stand-off with police was jailed for eight years at Lincoln Crown Court.

Steven Saint had the large kitchen knife with him when police arrived at a house in Sutton Bridge to detain him.

Jonathon Dee, prosecuting, said the officer who initially arrived at the property retreated out of the building and called for back-up after being confronted by Saint holding the weapon.

Mr Dee said: “Other officers arrived in full riot gear. The defendant had barricaded himself in a bedroom.

“They tried to talk him round but he repeatedly told them to go away and said he was going to kill himself.”

Police forced their way into the room but as they entered Saint twice struck out with the knife only for both blows to be blocked by an officer’s riot shield.

Mr Dee added: “The officers withdrew and regrouped.

“He was told he was going to be tasered if he didn’t surrender himself.

“He didn’t surrender and ultimately the taser was deployed.”

Mr Dee said the rape occurred earlier in the day when Saint carried out a violent attack on a woman.

After carrying out the rape he then kicked the woman.

Saint, 37, of no fixed address, admitted two charges of rape involving the same victim on August 14, 2015.

He also admitted a further charge of assaulting a police officer on the same date with intent to resist arrest.

John McNally, defending, said Saint should be given credit for pleading guilty to the offences.

He said Saint has shown remorse and self-loathing for what he did.

After the hearing Detective Constable Jacquie Crozier of Lincolnshire Police, said: “Steven Saint has pleaded guilty and starts his sentence.

“My thoughts are with the victim who has shown particular strength and bravery against a violent man.”

A Retford man who “always dreamed” of owning a DIY shop has taken the plunge and opened his own business in the town.

Russ Smith opened Retford DIY Supplied Ltd with his cousin Karen Temple this month. Based on Cobwell Road, the store is open seven days a week.

Russ and Karen offer a wood cutting service, camping equipment, tools, painting and decorating items and lots more in their small shop.

Russ said: “It has been my dream for the last 18 months to open my own DIY shop and give the people of Retford what they have been asking for, without having to travel to Worksop. There is parking at the front so there is no need for customers to go into town.”

For more information contact the store on 01777 703873.