Two women were punched by a thug who accused them of “starting on” his mum inside a Northampton pub, police have revealed.

Officers are appealing for information following the assault in Wellingborough Road, between The Fiddlers pub and Bar Serengeti, between 11.30pm and midnight on Saturday night.

Detectives say the attack arose after an exchange of words in The Spread Eagle pub, further along Wellingborough Road, between two groups of women.

One of the groups - three women all aged 25 - then left the pub, however, a man then caught up with them and accused one of “starting on” his mother in the Spread Eagle.

He then punched her, causing her to fall back, and then together with another woman attacked the second victim, kicking her while she was on the ground.

The man also punched the third woman.

Police say members of the public intervened and the three women ran across the road to hide.

The attacker is described as white, 5ft 4in, aged in his 20s and was of thin or average build. He had messy straight black hair down to his ears and was wearing a salmon-coloured short-sleeved t-shirt.

The woman who joined the attack in the street is described as white, aged in her 40s, with short blonde hair and was wearing light coloured print top and black trousers.

A decision on whether a £50 million shopping and leisure development which Northampton Borough Council objects to can be built may not be made until next year.

A final decision on Rushden Lakes had been expected by the end of the year following the recent three-week long Rushden Lakes planning inquiry.

But Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, now says a decision on the application could be announced as late as January 30, 2014.

At the planning inquiry, much of the proceedings were dominated by talk of Northampton, and fears that the creation of Rushden Lakes would have an adverse impact on trade and future investment in the Grosvenor Centre.

Barristers for the applicant, LXB Retail Properties, and East Northamptonshire Council both argued in favour of the development being given the go-ahead.

But while representatives employed by the Grosvenor Centre and the consortium of Corby, Kettering and Northampton councils argued against the development being approved.

The proposed development would provide more than 1,500 jobs, and has proven to be popular with residents in the Rushden area.

The case of a landlord fined £38,000 for illegally renting rooms to students in Northampton has been re-opened.

At a hearing last month, Jason Berrington was found guilty of letting rooms to 31 students in five properties, despite not having a licence for multiple occupancy in any of them.

Berrington was convicted in his absence at Northampton Magistrates’ Court – but it has since emerged that he pleaded not guilty by post and this plea failed to reach the court because of an administrative error.

Last month’s case heard Berrington, aged 29, of Woolston Close, Manfield Grange, Northampton, was repeatedly given a chance to file the correct paperwork for the licences but he failed to do so. He was acting in his role of director of Student Housing Northamptonshire Ltd.

The court heard six people were living at properties in Derngate, Colwyn Road, Hester Street and Lutterworth Road, while seven were living at a property in St Michael’s Avenue.

Berrington applied to have the case re-opened, and this request was granted at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Mohammed Rahman, prosecuting for Northampton Borough Council, said: “It transpired Mr Berrington pleaded not guilty by post and hand-delivered the letter.”

The court heard the plea was only processed on July 8, the day of the case, and was then mistakenly sent to Northampton Crown Court.

Berrington, who was not required to be in court, was unrepresented at the hearing.

A HMO Licence (House of Multiple Occupancy) is required in any property over three storeys with five or more occupants. It costs £682.63 for up to five people, plus £20 per extra room.

At July’s hearing, Mr Rahman said Berrington had repeatedly assured the council he would submit the paperwork, but missed deadlines or sent in incomplete forms. The case will return to court later this month.

An average of almost two petrol thieves a day drive away from forecourts in Northamptonshire without paying for their fuel, police have revealed.

New figures show the number of so-called ‘bilking’ offences across the county have fallen over the last three years.

Between April 2012 and March 2013, 753 drive-offs were reported, compared to 988 during the same period in 2010/11.

The latest figure represents a fall of 26 per cent.

Police say they are working closely with petrol stations affected by fuel thieves and are trying to gather evidence and catch drivers who are committing the offences.

They are also visiting petrol stations where there have been recent incidents to give advice and discuss prevention tactics.

Sergeant Paul Valentine said: “It’s good to see this type of crime is falling but there are still too many incidents being reported. Most people are honest and wouldn’t dream of not paying for their fuel – after all, it’s stealing and we will investigate and prosecute offenders as we would with any other crime.

“Occasionally, some people do forget and drive away without paying – if you do this, please make sure you return to the petrol station as soon as possible to pay for your fuel.

“Police and forecourt managers share information and use CCTV and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to identify the people committing these crimes – we know who the repeat offenders are and will target them.

“If anyone sees any suspicious activity on petrol forecourts, they should report it to member of staff straightaway.”

A 30-year-old man suffered a fractured jaw after he was the victim of an unprovoked attack in Northampton town centre.

The man was outside a kebab shop on the corner of Gold Street and Horsemarket at 5.15am on Sunday and was punched in the face.

The victim required hospital treatment for a fractured jaw.

The offender is described as a white man, 5ft 8in, aged about 25 with a slight build and light brown hair. He was wearing a light brown or grey T-shirt.

Witnesses to this incident, or anyone with information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 - alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thugs chucked a drink at restaurant staff, stole a charity tin and threw a traffic cone across a KFC in Northampton town centre, police have said.

Officer are appealing for information following the robbery and attack inside the fast-food chicken outlet in Abington Street, last Friday, between 10.30pm and 11pm.

Four men entered the restaurant and placed a food order.

Two of them began to argue with staff about their food, however, they became aggressive and abusive and threw a drink at staff.

Both men then climbed over the counter and went into the kitchen where they assaulted a member of staff.

The staff member ran out of the restaurant and was initially followed by the men, who then returned to the restaurant, climbed back over the counter and demanded money.

A charity tin was then stolen from the till and one of the men threw a traffic cone across the restaurant.

One of the men was described as white, aged 20 to 25, 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in and of slim build.

He had short blond hair and was wearing a white t-shirt, trousers and had a large black tattoo on his left forearm.

A rugby fan who kicked a passenger in the face on a Northampton-bound train after a day out at Twickenham has escaped prison after the judge ruled the attack was “completely and utterly out of character”.

Colin Goldring, aged 57, of Shelford Close, Northampton, who had previously served with the army, was handed a 12-month prison sentence at Northampton Crown Court yesterday.

However, Recorder Nicholas Syfret QC suspended the sentence for 12 months after accepting he had kicked the fellow passenger, who suffered a hairline fracture to his eye socket, in a moment of “unbelievable stupidity”.

The court heard the attack happened on a Euston to Northampton train, at around 1am on February 24, as Goldring and the victim, who is a serving police officer, both travelled home from an England v France Six Nations match.

After an altercation about noise on his mobile phone, Goldring, who later told police he had drunk about 11 pints during the day, kicked the victim in the face, prompting a fracas that was captured on CCTV and played in court.

After watching the footage, Recorder Syfret said: “This is a thoroughly decent man who has done something unbelievably stupid at the age of 57.

“He has to be sentenced for what he had done, but it can not be sensible to send him to prison.”

Instead he handed Goldring a suspended sentence, ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and ruled he should pay £150 in court costs.

Thousands of fans packed into Wantage Road last night – and pronounced themselves delighted with Northamptonshire’s 36-run win over Durham.

The victory means the Steelbacks head to the T20 finals day at Edgbaston next weekend.

More than 5,200 watched a man-of-the-match display from Australian batsman Cameron White, who smashed 58 from just 32 balls.

Fan John Rigby said White’s innings was suberb, adding: “He led from the front and put us in a really strong position.”

With Northants in control for much of the match, a lively atmosphere ensued at the County Ground.

Mr Rigby added: “It’s really nice to see the crowd up here.”

Fellow Steelbacks supporters agreed, with one, Oliver Guilford, saying: “This is the first game I have been to this season.

“It was a good atmosphere and turnout – it’s what you want to see.”

His friend Simon Cooke added: “We haven’t been the best at this type of cricket recently, but we excelled [last night].”

Meanwhile, another fan said the win would be a boost to cricketers across the county.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere,” said Graham Speechley.

“I was really impressed with how it was all organised. It was great to see the ground full.”

As you may know, I’m Northampton born and bred and proud of it too. I’ve spent the greater part of my life living in the town but moved away for a few years in 2005. Three years ago I moved back to the town of my birth and did so initially by living in a flat.

I’d not lived in one before and found that the experience of having neighbours there was very different to that of living in a street of houses. Strangely, although a couple 
of them became friends, I hardly saw my neighbours in the block where I lived, 
pleasant enough though I found everyone to be. I think the reason for that is that 
we all had very different 
working hours, so were 
rarely around to see each 
other. The fact that the only place we did see each other was on a communal staircase as we headed to and from our front doors didn’t exactly 
help.

GET TO KNOW YOU DRINKS

When I moved into my current home at the end of last year I invited all my new neighbours round for a “get to know you” drink and to introduce myself.

During the evening the subject of having a street party came up in conversation. As it turned out street parties had taken place before and had developed into something of a tradition over a number of years, but had then fallen off the calendar for a variety of reasons.

The suggestion was made that with the arrival of summer this year we should start having a street party again – and with unanimous approval the plans were made.

A few days ago we had the party. We moved all the cars off the road where we 
normally park, put tables and chairs in their place and all brought food and drink 
contributions for everyone 
to share. People did what 
they could for the general 
good with cooks baking, 
chefs barbecuing and everyone helping to set up and clear up.

It was great fun and over the greater part of the day everyone came along to eat, drink and chat. The party went so well and for so long that by 
the time we came to clear up we had to do it using the illumination of car headlights – 
and mercifully it not only stayed dry but warm and sunny too.

FEELING PART OF COLLECTIVE

Having events like the party help to cement the feeling 
of being included in a 
community – it’s something I was keen to establish for 
myself when I moved into my new home. We are, of course, all individuals but it is, I 
think, one of our most basic needs as human beings to want to feel part of something collective.

I have known the sense 
of isolation that comes 
from NOT being part of a 
recognised group or team 
and I am sure that most 
people can feel the difference, either at home or in working life. It is an entirely personal and human thing – one person’s act of welcoming 
another person into a circle 
of peers can be such an enabling thing.

We are emotional creatures and in using the term “community” you could easily read the word “family” instead.

I am now the newest family member in the place 
where I live and I am the 
fortunate enough to have, without exception, fabulous neighbourhood relatives.

CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITIES

The extension to all this is what goes on beyond the immediacy of where we live. In a way we’re already neighbours, so aren’t we all part of a bigger family?

If so, maybe we 
should be celebrating it in some way.

Three men have today been jailed at the Old Bailey for their roles in the kidnap, brutal torture and murder of a Polish man, whose body was found dumped in a field in Northamptonshire.

The remains of Andrzej Kulesza, aged 27, were discovered in a field near Rothersthorpe on April 25, 2011, by a dog walker. A ligature was found around his neck.

Police believed he was hunted down by his killers because he owed a drug debt, before he was then kidnapped, beaten with a metal bar, spat on and force fed amphetamines.

Kamil Dreszer (pictured, above right), aged 27, of Greenhill Park, Willesden, was yesterday found guilty of murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment and preventing the lawful burial and disposal of a corpse. He was jailed for life to serve a minimum of 22 years

Artur Janik (pictured left) aged 27, of Willowmead Close, Goldsworth Park, Woking, was found guilty of manslaughter, kidnapping, false imprisonment and preventing the lawful burial and disposal of a corpse and was today sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment.

Daniel Kosowski (pictured centre), aged 40, of Henry Adlington Close, London, was found guilty of preventing the lawful burial and disposal of a corpse and was today jailed for 30 months.

Mr Kulesza was reported missing by his girlfriend after leaving home in Stamford Hill, London, at about 8am on September 19, 2010. He said he was going out to buy milk and bread at the local shop but never returned home.

The court heard Mr Kulesza was a drug dealer who sold cannabis and amphetamines and was in debt to a man called Grzegorz Misiak. He “feared for his safety” before his disappearance.

A group of men, including Dreszer, then forced their way into the home of a friend of Mr Kulesza’s at around 4am on September 19, 2010, where they beat him with a bicycle lock, knocking out two teeth and threatened him with a knife as they tried to hunt down Mr Kulesz.

The men stole the friend’s mobile phone and used it to call two more people in the hunt.

They finally sent a text message to the victim, luring him out, before he was kidnapped and taken to a property in Greenhill Park, London.

Police evidence indicated Mr Kulesza was then beaten with a metal bar, spat on and force-fed amphetamines and alcohol while inside the address.

He was ordered to do press-ups and when he couldn’t, he was beaten again.

The victim’s girlfriend was finally told he had been kidnapped and a ransom was demanded.

The court heard she was then contacted by Mr Kulesza, who pleaded with her to help him and provide cash. He was crying and screaming and said his kidnappers were threatening to kill him.

The victim’s girlfriend borrowed £300 from a friend and handed over the cash to another man at a rendezvous point off the North Circular, in Edmonton.

Promises were made that Mr Kulesza would be released but more demands for cash were then made and a further £500 was demanded but then the calls abruptly ended.

In the early hours of September 21, 2010, detectives believe Janik, Kosowski, Dreszer and another man collected the victim’s body and travelled to Northamptonshire, where they dumped it before returning to London.

A member of the public walking her dog found his remains in a field near the A43 at Rothersthorpe more than six months later, on April 25, 2011, hidden by elephant grass.

An entire skeleton was pieced together and DNA tests proved it was Mr Kulesza.

A post mortem examination failed to establish a cause of death but there were several fractures to the bones and a ligature - a black webbing strap - was round the neck.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers, from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: “The three defendants, seeking revenge for a debt, kidnapped and tortured the victim before dumping his body in a remote location, presumably imagining it would never be found.

“They acted in an appalling manner and one can only imagine the physical and emotional trauma Andrzej suffered during the hours he was held captive. I am satisfied at today’s convictions.”

Coventry City’s first ‘home’ match in Northampton could yet be watched by the smallest league attendance ever recorded at Sixfields.

Since Northampton Town moved away from the County Ground in October 1994, the lowest league attendance recorded at Sixfields is thought to be 3,090 against Rochdale, in February 1996. However, Sunday’s match between Coventry City and Bristol City could yet be watched by as few as 1,500 people, as Coventry fans vow to stay away in protest.

The Sky Blues have currently sold around 400 season tickets at Sixfields, while a further 250 tickets have also been sold for the match. A spokesman for Bristol City last night told the Chron that 408 fans from the West Country club have so far bought a ticket for the League One game.

Speaking yesterday, Cobblers’ chairman David Cardoza said: “This is the first game and everyone has to make sure it goes smoothly.”

A man was dragged out of McDonalds and beaten up by a gang in an early morning assault in Northampton town centre.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place in The Drapery on Saturday, July 13, between 5.50am and 6.20am. A 20-year-old man was pulled out of McDonalds into the street by a group of young men, where he was assaulted.

Police believe there were a lot of people in The Drapery at the time of the incident, and would like to speak to them about what happened.

All of the offenders were young men. One was wearing a blue and white chequered shirt and a flat cap with blue trainers. Another was also wearing a long-sleeved chequered shirt but with blue jeans.

Another was wearing a yellow t-shirt, while another had an Afro hairstyle and was wearing a blue denim shirt.

Witnesses or anyone with information can call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A man attempted to rob a 10-year-old boy of his bike at Daventry Country Park this morning.

The incident took place some time between 11.50am and midday, when the offender approached the boy and demanded his bike from him, close to the Scout hut in the park.

The boy managed to get away and left the scene on his bike.

The offender was around 5ft 10in, with a thin, muscular build and he was wearing a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms, black gloves and black shoes.

Anyone with information can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A teenage girl was bitten on her thigh by a German shepherd in a dog attack in Thorplands, police have said.

Officers today appealed for witnesses following the dog attack, which happened last Tuesday, at 5.30pm, in Sulby Road, Thorplands.

A 16-year-old girl was walking through the wooded area in Sulby Road with some friends, when she noticed a man with a dog.

As they got closer, the dog bit the girl on her thigh, causing bruising. The owner then walked off with the dog.

The dog is described as a cream coloured German shepherd.

Thieves targeting precious metals have stolen catalytic converters from 11 vehicles in four days across Northamptonshire.

Northamptonshire Police said the thefts happened between Sunday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 7.

Vehicles targeted include Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, a Mitsubishi L200, a Mitsubishi Shogun and a Peugeot 406.

Catalytic converters are part of the exhaust system and contain a number of rare metals, which can make them valuable to thieves.

Sergeant Simon Moreton, who covers Wellingborough, said: “We’re warning people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around vehicles, particularly those with a high clearance.

“These are more likely to be targeted by thieves as they are easier to access from underneath. The catalytic converters can be cut or unbolted very quickly, in just minutes.

“The main types of vehicles targeted include vans, pick-up trucks and 4X4s. Wherever possible, we advise vehicle owners to reverse up to walls or fixed objects when parking or ensure their vehicles are kept in a locked garage.

“Please call police immediately if you notice anyone acting suspiciously around a vehicle, and if at all possible get vehicle registration details of any vehicles they might be using”.

The thieves have struck across the county.

A catalytic converter was taken from a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter parked on a drive in Knightscliffe Way, Northampton, sometime between 10pm on Tuesday, August 6 and 8am on Wednesday August, 7.

Another Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was targeted in Mendip Road, Northampton, where the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter, was stolen. The theft happened some time between 6pm on Tuesday, August 6 and 8am the following day.

Catalytic converters were also stolen from a Mitsubishi Shogun in Thrapston Road, Finedon, and a Mitsubishi L200, in Andrew’s Lane, Cranford. Both thefts took place overnight on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7.

A fifth theft happened in Chase View Road, Geddington, where a catalytic converter was stolen from a Peugeot 406.

Six previous catalytic converter thefts had alreday taken place overnight on Sunday, August 4 and Monday, August 5 – two in Irchester, three in Wollaston and one in Northampton.

Further advice can be found by visiting www.northants.police.uk/crimeprevention

Witnesses to any of these thefts can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are trying to reunited cyclists with 14 stolen bikes, after they were discovered following a search warrant in the Delapre area of Northampton.

The bikes were recovered following a search at a property in Salcey Street on Tuesday.

Officers found 14 bikes, which are all believed to be stolen,

The bikes were:

A grey TREK;

A red and white Ammaco;

A blue and silver Marin;

A blue and white GT;

A purple Merida;

A green Zest;

A silver Specialized;

A white and blue Emelle;

A silver and yellow G-Force 7;

A pink Roxz;

A black Salcano;

A blue Muddy Fox.

Sergeant Craig Johnson, who led the search, said: “We found 14 pedal cycles at the property. We’ve already been able to return two of the bikes to their rightful owners and would really like to find out who the others belong to.

“Anyone who has had a bike stolen recently, and it is one of the makes and colours listed below, should get in touch with me on 101. Even if you haven’t already reported it to the police, if you think one of them may be yours, please give me a call.”

Shoppers will be able to roll up their trouser legs, tie a handkerchief around the head and enjoy a day on the beach in Northampton’s Market Square next week.

From Tuesday, an area of the Market Square will be covered in sand and transformed into a beach, allowing children to play in the sun while parents relax on a deck chair.

The idea, which follows a similar event last year, is being backed by the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), which is hopeful the proposal will bring more people into the town.

The beach will be in the town centre until the end of the month.

BID chairman Sue Roberts said: “The weather we’ve been enjoying this year has been amazing and there’s nothing like enjoying a day out at the beach when the sun’s shining.

“We’re a long way from the seaside in Northampton so we thought if we can’t get people to the beach, we’ll bring the beach to the people.

“It’s a great chance for families to spend time together, build sandcastles, have an ice cream and enjoy themselves.

“We hope it will bring lots of people into the town centre and see some of the fantastic retailers we have.”

The beach is being managed by a third-party company and will be free to all members of the public, families and shoppers. It will be open from 10.30am to 5.30pm every day, weather permitting.

Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “We’ve had a great summer of events in Northampton so far and now thanks to Northampton Town Centre BID, the beach on the Market Square will provide great free entertainment for children and give their parents the opportunity to spend some time in the town.”

Free parking will also be available in the Mayorhold, St Michael’s and St John’s car parks for two hours on weekdays and all day on Saturdays throughout August.

Earl Street in The Mounts area of Northampton will be closed for a fortnight from Monday because of sewer upgrades.

Anglian Water is continuing its £2.5 million project in Northampton to reline sewer pipes.

Sections under Earl Street are the latest to be addressed, and trenches will be dug along the road while the work is carried out.

Emma Staples from Anglian Water said: “In total, we’re fitting state-of-the-art liners to five-and-a-half kilometres of pipes in the town centre to protect the ageing brickwork and keep them flowing for decades to come - 70-metres of which is on Earl Street.

“The upgrade does mean there will be some unavoidable traffic disruption in the nearby area, and we’re sorry for that. However, we hope people will understand the importance of carrying out these improvements.

Earl Street will be closed, in two stages, for two weeks from August 12.

The junction between Earl Street and Robert Street will be closed for the entire duration.

The section of Earl Street north of this junction will be closed in week one, while the section south of the junction will be closed in week two.

Traffic moving west on Campbell Street will be able to turn onto Bailiff Street and Robert Street as normal. Road users travelling westbound on Campbell Street will be diverted via Overstone Street, Duke Street and Bailiff Street to access Robert Street.

Mrs Staples said: “Access to the rear of the fire and police stations will be maintained via this same diversion.

“However, emergency vehicles will continue to exit at the front of the stations, directly onto Campbell Street as normal.”

Anglian Water originally gave notice of work on April 7 and follow-up letters were sent to customers on July 29. A further letter to customers is being sent this week.

The gutted remains of a deer carcass, believed to have been shot by poachers, has been discovered in a field in Northamptonshire.

Officers say they believe the animal was shot by poachers and butchered in the field, near the county border with Warwickshire, overnight.

The remnants of the animal were found in a field between Priors Marston, in Warwickshire, and Hellidon and Lower Catesby, across the Northamptonshire border.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said deer poaching is “fairly unusual” in the county and urged people living in rural areas to be vigilant, especially at night.

A woman was spotted performing a mid-afternoon sex act on a man by passers-by in a rural Northamptonshire street, police have said.

The couple were seen carrying out the suspected indecent act in Crick Road, Yelvertoft, between 4.10pm and 4.30pm, on Tuesday.

The man is described as white, short, balding, around 5ft 8ins, in his late 40s, of medium build, with grey hair, with a dark blue polo shirt and light blue jeans.

The woman was white, around 5ft 9ins, in her late 50s, of slim build, with shoulder length dark, greying hair, with a knee-length blue cardigan with a white top underneath.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.