Day: July 5, 2016

CONTRACTORS were yesterday (Monday) removing incorrect no-trespassing signs on Somers beach. The signs had caused concern among regular beach users, but it seems they were meant to warn of danger further inland not on the beach. The signs, put up by HMAS Cerberus on 30 June, are 1.7 kilometres north-west of the 100 steps, below the high water line and above the low water line in the tidal zone. The warnings could have affected elderly activity groups, bird watchers, joggers and dog walkers who regularly use the foreshore. Beachgoer Barry Hodder, of Bittern, said he had been exercising at Somers…

NEARLY three years after the brutal murder of Hastings jeweller, Dermot O’Toole, three justices of the Court of Appeal have dismissed an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions against the leniency of the jail sentence handed down to his murderer, Gavin Perry. Also dismissed was Perry’s application for leave to appeal the severity of his 27-year sentence. This leaves the sentences in place after the appeal hearing of 20 July last year, and an 11-month deliberation by the three justices. “We were very disappointed with the outcome”, Trent O’Toole, one of Dermot’s sons said. “The justices acknowledged it was…

SHOPS in High St, Hastings, are being urged to use a green theme in their windows to mark the murder three years ago of Dermot O’Toole. A candle vigil will also be held on 12 July. Mr O’Toole was stabbed during a robbery of his High St jewellery shop by Gavin Perry, who was convicted and sentenced to 27 years’ jail. An appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions over the leniency of the sentence were dismissed by the Court of Appeal last week. The family wanted his sentence lengthened while Perry was seeking a reduction. Perry, who was on…