FATHER AND SON JAILED FOR ATTACK ON BUSINESSMAN WISBECH: A father and son who viciously kicked Wisbech businessman Andrew Woods unconscious in the street have been jailed. Michael Robinson, 43, was sentenced to two years in prison, and Martin Robin

FATHER AND SON JAILED FOR ATTACK ON BUSINESSMAN

WISBECH: A father and son who viciously kicked Wisbech businessman Andrew Woods unconscious in the street have been jailed.

Michael Robinson, 43, was sentenced to two years in prison, and Martin Robinson, 24, was jailed for three years and 18 weeks by Cambridge Crown Court, sitting at Wisbech on Friday.

Back in February, the two men, both of Mount Pleasant Road, Wisbech, admitted causing actual bodily harm to Mr Woods, and Martin Robinson further admitted assaulting Mr Woods' friend Peter Turner during the incident on December 21.

At that first hearing, magistrates watched CCTV footage the attack, which left Mr Woods lying unconscious on the ground outside the Rose and Crown Hotel in Wisbech for seven minutes.

Mr Woods' wife, Elaine shouted out in anguish as she saw the footage for the first time, and other people in Wisbech courthouse were visibly shocked.

Mr Woods, the managing director of a welding and fabricating firm, suffered extensive facial bruising, and bruising to his arms and legs.

Representing the father and son, solicitor Ben Pearson told Fenland magistrates at the earlier hearing: "In no way do they seek to excuse what happened, and both have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity."

STUNNING VICTORY FOR TORIES IN FENLAND POLL

PARSON DROVE/WISBECH ST MARY: Conservatives described their victory in last night's Fenland District Council by election as a "stunning endorsement of everything we have done and are doing to improve this district."

The comments came early today from Council Leader Geoff Harper who was celebrating after the Conservative victory in the Parson Drove and Wisbech St Mary poll.

The by election, caused by the death of Councillor Cliff Edwards, saw driving instructor Phil Wait top the poll with 646 votes- 61.75 per cent share of the vote.

Labour's Dave Goode came second with 191 votes and independent Paul Carpenter came in third with 119 votes.

Liberal Democrat hopeful Chris Howes came bottom of the poll with just 35 votes - 20 less than the fourth placed candidate, UKIP's Paul Clapp.

It means the Conservative controlled district council reverts to 39 seats, with one independent.

RESIDENTS TO GET THEIR SAY ON IMPROVING THEIR ENVIRONMENT

MARCH: Residents are being invited to give their ideas on environmental improvements that could enhance the appearance of the areas where they live.

Roddons Housing Association is asking people in the March area to go along to Fleming Court on Wednesday, April 16, and say how they would like to spend £1,000 on improving the appearance of their community.

Roddons' neighbourhood team is organising the day to raise awareness of their annual estate inspections, where they look at how areas can be enhanced. Roddons will be spending up to £40,000 on environmental enhancements over the next year.

Roddons Housing Association was formed last year and the houses transferred from Fenland District Council. This month's estate inspection roadshow is the first of a number due to be held this year across Fenland.

Members of Roddons' residents' forum and Association members will also be on hand to discuss any issues.

As well as visiting the Roddons trailer to discuss any housing issues, residents can also enjoy free refreshments, a raffle and children's activities. The local police and fire services will also be there along with other organisations.

The open day runs from 12.30pm until 5.30pm and everyone is invited along.

Roddons managing director Pauline Ford said: "We hope that residents will take the opportunity to find out more about Roddons and also tell us where they would like to see this money spent in their community."

Previous environmental improvements through similar Fenland schemes have included extra lighting and landscaping.

Anyone wanting more information about this month's event can call Roddons' neighbourhood team on 01354 660789

WITNESSES SOUGHT FOR BURGLARY

MARSHLAND ST JAMES: Norfolk Police are appealing for witnesses to a burglary in the village.

It happened between Saturday March 29 at 10am and Tuesday April 1 at 4pm at a property in Smeeth Road. The offenders broke in using causing damage to the patio doors to the back of the property. They stole various items including a Sony 37-inch plasma television, a Technika 20-inch television, a Sony PlayStation 2, various PS2 games and a Phillips Hi-Fi.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident should contact DC Paul Chapman at Downham Market Police Station on 0845 4564567 or cal Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

CIGARETTES STOLEN FROM TOWN STORE

LONG SUTTON: Police are appealing for witnesses to a burglary at the town's Co-op store.

Police were called to the West Street store at 9.55pm Wednesday, after the alarm sounded. The side door had been forced and entry gained to the premises.

A large quantity of cigarettes were stolen and carried away through the cemetery, next to the premises.

Four offenders were involved, all had their faces covered and wore gloves.

Anyone with any information should contact Spalding police station on 01775 722233, quoting incident number 438 of 2 April 2008 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.