Border Cumbria Police News

Cumbria's temporary Chief Constable Stuart Hyde will remained suspended for a seventh month after the latest review by the county's police comissioner.

He was suspended in September following allegations of serious misconduct.

Mr Hyde has issed a statement saying, "Whilst this remains a very stressful and difficult time for my family and myself, I am extremely disappointed that my suspension will now be entering its seventh month.

I am given to understand that to date nothing of concern has been found.

That said I remain absolutely committed to co-operate fully and voluntarily with, the South Wales Police investigation team, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the IPCC when, or if, required.

I have already voluntarily supplied substantial information to this enquiry. I understand the investigation is still yet to be completed; I await the opportunity to see, in detail, the allegations and to have the opportunity to respond to them.

I am aware that some allegations have already been shown to be without foundation and believe this will be the outcome for the remainder."

• UK
• Cumbria Police

A campaign is being launched to raise awareness of the devatasting impact illegal off-roading is having on the environment.

There has been a rise in the number of incidents reported in Cumbria with environmental experts warning it can take years to repair damaged landscapes.

Hannah McNulty has this report:

• UK
• Off-roading
• Cumbria

• UK
• Off-roading
• Cumbria

"We work tirelessly to protect the Lake District National Park so that it can be conserved and enjoyed by all, not only at this time but also in the future.

"This type of antisocial behaviour is damaging to the environment and is a drain on financial resources for the Authority."

"This is totally unacceptable behaviour with a huge potential to cause damage and destruction to our heavily protected rural environments that can take many years to recover.

"By working in partnership with the LDNPA and FC we can tackle this issue robustly.

"We also appeal to members of the public who visit these areas to enjoy the beautiful surroundings that the Lake District as to offer.

"This activity causes a substantial amount of damage and can ruin an area."

• UK
• Off-roading
• Cumbria

Several forces across Cumbria are teaming up to crackdown on 'off-roading'.

Cumbria Police, the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) and the Forestry Commission are taking action, following an increase in reports of abandoned vehicles and 'off-road' driving in the county.

There are strict guidelines in place regarding the use of vehicles on rural land throughout Cumbria and what type of activity is permitted in the area.

Anyone found in breach of these guidelines could face up to three months in prison or a £2500 court fine.

• UK
• Cumbria
• Off-roading

Nine men have been sentenced to a total of just over 60 years in prison, in connection with a conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

'Operation Chamonix' began in April 2012, with detectives from Cumbria Police investigating Cumbrian criminals, believed to be at the centre of the drug supply network.

The ring leader, 47 year old Aaron Giacopazzi from Carlisle, was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Detective Superintendant Paul Duhig told reporter John Bevir what he thought about the outcome of the case.

• UK
• carlisle
• drugs

Nine men have been sentenced to a total of 60 years and six months in prison, in connection with a conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

'Operation Chamonix' began in April 2012, with detectives from Cumbria Police investigating Cumbrian criminals, believed to be at the centre of the drug supply network.

All defendants admitted the charges and were sentenced to:

• Aaron Giacopazzi, 47, of Raffles Avenue, Carlisle was handed 16 years
• Shabaz Choudrey, 34, of Rushton Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire was handed 10 years
• Ayub Khansia, 54, of Tintern Crescent, Blackburn, Lancashire was handed 10 years

• Christopher Drew Brookes, 53, of Albany Road, Blackburn, Lancashire was handed 9 years
• Curtis Blue Waite, 24, of Imperial Road, Billingham, Cleveland was handed 6 years
• John Carney, 56, of Raffles Avenue, Carlisle was handed 4 years

• Benjamin Morris, 36, of 21 Peel Mount Blackburn, Lancashire was handed 2 years
• Thomas Robert Martin, 36, of Tarbert Crescent, Blackburn, Lancashire was handed 2 years
• Paul Bartholomew Carney, 52, of John Street, Carlisle was handed 18 months

"These criminals were responsible for the large scale supply of drugs throughout Cumbria and the North of England.

"The CPS and police have dismantled this supply chain and removed a prominent source of drugs from the region.

“The amount of hard work that went into building the strong case against them can be demonstrated by the fact that the defendants had little option but to plead guilty.

“Let today’s sentencing be a message to other criminals out there. We are determined to keep our streets safe by putting those who are involved in the supply of drugs behind bars.”

• UK
• Drugs ring
• Cumbria Police

Eight people have been sentenced to a total of 49 years in prison for their part in a large-scale drugs ring.

The seven men and one woman from Carlisle, Kendal, west Cumbria and St Helens, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court.

'Operation Adder-Silkworm' began in April 2012, with officers from Cumbria Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit investigating a drug supply network.

The following defendants were sentenced :

• Luke Anthony Babester,39 years old of Milnthorpe Road Kendal sentenced to 12 years imprisonment
• Roger Fox, 38 years old, of Greta Avenue Carlisle, sentenced to nine years, nine months
• Stephen James Neill 32 years old of Castle View Kendal sentenced to five years, three months

• Steven John Smith, 32 years old of Town Croft, Dearham, sentenced to 10 years, six months
• Martin Andrew Smith 31 years of Grange Avenue, Flimby, sentenced to two years, six months
• Michael John Britland 30 years old of Billinge Crescent, St Helens, sentenced to three years, four months

• Grant Joseph Robertson 28 years old of Lingla Bank Frizington, sentenced to three years
• Angela Marie Clark 52 years old of Robert Owen Avenue, Cleator Moor, sentenced to three years

"Today’s sentences are the result of a great deal of hard, painstaking work by detectives and officers across many departments who are 100% committed to targeting the supply of controlled drugs.

“Although crime is low in Cumbria, we know that there are some people who set their sights onbeing “kingpins” in the drugs trade.

“Criminals often think they are clever and can escape the law. It’s not true. If you get involved in drugs supply you will end up in jail.

“The communities of Cumbria expect us to target serious criminals and that’s what we will continue to do.”

• UK
• Drugs
• Cumbria Police

A man who is wanted in connection with a number of burglaries at various churches in Cumbria has been named as 50-year-old Christopher John Coulthard from Bedworth.

Cumbria Police say the burglaries were carried out between 27th January and 18th February.

Mr Coulthard, who has also been recalled to prison, was last seen at Watermillock in west Cumbria on 12th February.

Anyone who has any information on Mr Coulthard is asked to contact Carlisle CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• UK
• Church burglaries
• Cumbria Police

A new campaign has been launched to try to combat the problem of disability hate crime.

Fewer than 20 crimes were reported across all of Cumbria last year - but police think that is because many are too scared to come forward.

John Bevir reports:

• UK
• Cumbria Police
• Disabilities