A mum’s burglary and theft of a £400 iPad came to light on Apple iCloud technology which showed photographs taken in her home.

But the loser still didn’t get her device back because it was thrown in the river.

Victoria Richards (25), of Two Sisters Close, Sutton Bridge, took part in a house exchange and kept one set of keys to her former home in the village’s Railway Lane South.

Richards visited that house with a friend and they went inside to see what the new occupiers had done with the decor.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said the occupier later discovered the iPad had gone and used the Where’s My iPad application to locate it. Addresses including Richards’ home came up.

Richards voluntarily allowed police to search her home, but they found nothing.

The iPad owner then saw photographs taken after the iPad went missing – photographs taken at her old home.

Miss Stace read from a statement from the friend who was with Richards at the time of the burglary who said she had driven Richards to the riverbank at her request so the iPad could be disposed of in the river.

Richards was sentenced to a 12-week, 7pm-7am curfew by Spalding magistrates on Thursday and ordered to pay £400 compensation.

She must also pay a £60 victim surcharge but no costs because of her limited means.

Richards pleaded guilty to burglary and theft.

Solicitor David Lee, mitigating, said it was an unplanned and unsophisticated burglary.

Richards went to the house to return the key and pick up mail, but the friend used the key to open the door – the friend handed her the iPad and they left with it.

A judge ordered a psychiatric report on a Sutton Bridge woman because he was worried over her possession of a ceremonial dagger and “cult beliefs”.

Elaine Bunn (46), admitted assaulting Caroline Wright in Sutton Bridge after ringing the police and confessing: “I’ve stabbed somebody.”

Lincoln Crown Court heard Mrs Wright suffered a small puncture wound and two superficial injuries after being struck with two blows from Bunn while she was holding a knife.

The court heard Mrs Wright’s daughter had earlier received a text message stating “your mum is dead.”

Bunn was also heard shouting in the street: “I’m going to get her.”

When police searched Bunn’s home in Princes Street they recovered a ceremonial dagger and two knuckledusters.

Seven cannabis plants were also found growing in a locked room.

During interview Bunn admitted producing a small amount of cannabis for her own use but denied being responsible for the attack on Mrs Wright.

Bunn later pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm to Mrs Wright and possessing an offensive weapon on September 14, 2011.

Jon Dee, prosecuting, said: “The motive if there is any motive is her belief that something was going on between Caroline Wright and her boyfriend.”

The court heard at the time of the attack Bunn was taking a combination of anti-depressants and painkillers.

Judge Sean Morris told Bunn that before passing sentence he would require a psychiatric report to be prepared on her because he was worried about her possession of the knife and hand written notes which disclosed her cult beliefs.

Bunn was granted bail 
until she is sentenced next month but Judge Morris told her: “I want to know everything that is going on in your life.”

A Sutton Bridge based company will face trial at Lincoln Crown Court after they denied failing to ensure the safety of an employee.

Dagless Ltd is charged with failing to ensure the safety of an employee at the Pine Lodge factory in Sutton Bridge between January 10 and September 7, 2010.

The company entered a not guilty plea to the offence during a plea and case management hearing at Lincoln Crown Court.

Judge Michael Heath adjourned the case for trial at Lincoln Crown Court in February next year. The trial is expected to last two weeks

Spalding magistrates issued a warrant for the arrest of a woman who failed to attend court to be sentenced on theft of two bottles of champagne.

Claire Dunne, of Sprignall, South Bretton, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to theft of the drink worth £62.98 belonging to Tesco in Market Deeping when she appeared in court on May 9.

She was due to be sentenced on Thursday for theft and breach of a conditional discharge.

Night time patrols are being stepped up in an area of Long Sutton after a spate of incidents where gardens have been vandalised.

Plants, fence panels and coping stones have either been smashed, damaged or destroyed at a number of gardens in Little London, with the majority of incidents taking place during the early hours of the morning.

Police are increasing their presence in the area and residents are urged to report any suspicious activity they see straight away by calling 101.

Police Community Support Officer Fylippa Bennett said: “Many of the residents in this area are elderly so anti-social behaviour like this will not be tolerated.

“Damaging another person’s property is a criminal offence and we are focusing our efforts on identifying those responsible.”

Police are arresting more than two people a day for drink-driving in a summer campaign designed to crackdown on barbecue boozers.

Some 43 drivers are destined for Lincolnshire’s courts – and mandatory driving bans – and the campaign only started on June 1.

John Siddle, from Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, said arrests average at 2.5 per day compared to three for the weeks around Christmas.

But 21 of the arrests came in the first seven days of the campaign, called Operation Blackwater.

Police publicised the campaign before it started and said roadside checks for drink and drugs would be carried out at all hours of the day across the county.

Mr Siddle said: “There’s still a significant number of people out there who are willing to risk this.

“These people are not low-life criminals and would not commit a crime in any other way but suddenly they think it’s OK to drink and drive.”

He said most people these days believe it is socially unacceptable to drink-drive.

He said it’s an easy offence for members of the public to report because they only have to call the police and the police do the rest.

“All they have to do is ring the right number and it will be done for them,” he said.

“It’s not as if they have to stand up in court.”

As well as carrying out breath tests, trained officers are also focusing on drug users.

Anyone suspected of taking drugs must carry out field impairment tests involving things such as walking in a straight line or counting for 30 seconds with their eyes closed.

That test can be followed by blood tests at a police station.

More big brands will have the confidence to come to Spalding now Costa Coffee is set to open in the former Burton Menswear store in Hall Place.

After Burton’s closed their doors on Saturday, news of Costa’s interest emerged – and it’s likely the shop employing 12 people will be up and running by the end of September.

Phil Scarlett, president of Spalding and District Area Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s absolutely wonderful – I think it’s exceptionally good news.

“Brand names bring other brand names essentially.

“It will be good for the town – a lot of people enjoy drinking Costa coffee – but from a business point of view it will give other big retailers the confidence to come into town.”

Applicants Acca Ltd have applied for planning consent to change the use of the building and a spokesman for the company’s agents said the shop will open five weeks from the date consent is issued, and the opening is anticipated to happen by the end of September.

The ground floor only will be used, but the spokesman was not certain whether the company will ask to have tables outside as many Costa Coffee outlets do.

Mr Scarlett said it can only be good for the town if the council allows Costa and other outlets to have tables outside.

Acca’s agents, Walsingham Planning, say a survey in April this year showed six per cent of units in Spalding town centre were vacant.

The agents say: “A Costa Coffee in this location would support the vitality and viability of Spalding and bring associated economic benefits through linked spending in the surrounding area.”

A woman jointly accused of robbing Charlene Blackbourne of her handbag and contents, worth a total of £50 in Spalding’s Winsover Road on May 16, has been sent by magistrates for trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

Chantelle Learmonth (21), of Silverlands Avenue, Birmingham, is due to appear at the crown court on July 8. She was given bail.

A man denies begging in a public place, Winfrey Avenue, Spalding, on May 31, a charge brought under the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Criminal Justice Ace 1982.

James Waxman (28), of The Tenters, Holbeach, will be tried at Spalding court on October 10.

A half-mile drive under the influence of drink will cost a self-employed carpenter his livelihood.

Matthew Wood (28) chose to drive instead of walking back from a family party in the early hours of the morning on June 2.

Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said police spotted Wood’s VW Golf “accelerating hard” along New Road towards Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge shortly after 1am.

An officer followed and was of the opinion the driver was “trying to get away from him”.

The officer breath-tested Wood and the evidential test at the police station showed 58 microgrammes of alcohol in breath, 23mcgs above the legal limit.

Wood, of Tycho Close, Sutton Bridge, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Spalding magistrates will allow him to cut three months off a year-long ban if he completes a rehabilitation course.

Solicitor David Lee, mitigating, said Wood relies on his licence for work.

He said: “It looks as though he is going to lose his employment, his livelihood.”

Mr Lee said Wood attended a family party and was going to walk the half mile home, but that changed.

He said Wood was not trying to evade the officer and was not aware he was being followed.

A man went a step too far by swearing in the street at police who had arrested his friend – and ended up under arrest himself.

Jose Barbosa (35), of Royce Road, Spalding, followed police when they arrested his friend in Horseshoe Road, swearing at them and making threats.

Speaking through an interpreter, Barbosa told magistrates: “I have to apologise because I don’t remember that I called those people these names.”

He admitted being drunk and disorderly on June 3 and magistrates imposed a six month conditional discharge. Barbosa must pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said police were called in response to a domestic incident and Barbosa became involved after they had arrested a man.

Magistrates added ten hours to a man’s unpaid work order after he failed to show up on two days and warned him he may be facing prison unless he starts attending.

Gregory Bailey (28), of South Drove, Spalding, was given 100 hours for ten counts of making off without payment for fuel when he appeared in court in April this year.

Probation officer Kiran Patel told magistrates on Thursday that Bailey has so far completed only 30 minutes of the order by attending an initial interview and failed to attend unpaid work sessions on May 4 and 25.

Presiding magistrate Jane Tidswell told Bailey: “If it comes back again, we will have to review it and I have to tell you the alternative is custody.

“I can’t be more explicit than that.”

Bailey admitted failing to attend the work sessions and failing to provide an acceptable explanation within seven days.

A warning has been issued over two potential scams currently operating in Lincolnshire.

Residents have been warned against falling for a letter promising a council tax refund and being reeled in by unscrupulous fishmongers.

The warnings have been issued by Lincolnshire Trading Standards, which says it has received a number of calls from people who have been targeted by the conmen.

The council tax refund letter advises the target that their home has been rebanded and they are owed money as a result.

The company then offers their assistance to claim the money in exchange for the resident paying a fee.

Angela Kane, senior trading standards officer, said: “Worryingly, these scammers are using the promise of reduced council tax as a means of gathering personal details and conning people out of money.

“We would advise residents not to get involved with these companies.

“Scams like these are crimes and it is vital people report them.”

Also, over the past few weeks, Trading Standards has also received a number of complaints about dodgy door-to-door fish sellers.

Mrs Kane said: “We have been hearing from people who have been pressured into buying fish from door-to-door sales people.

“The fish is often overpriced, unlabelled, misdescribed and often out of date.

“Customers are initially told the fish costs just a few pounds, but on delivery are subjected to a hard sell and bullying tactics when the price generally increases.”

l Contact Trading Standards on 01522 782341.

Spalding Rotary Club brought cheer to good causes on Monday by presenting £1,750 cheques from the Two Lips fundraising campaign.

Spalding Age UK’s Liz Walmsley collected the donation for her charity – and it couldn’t have come at a better time because it is paying for a new cooker and washing machine at the day centre, which were delivered on Tuesday.

Liz (pictured front, second right) said: “It’s really nice that Rotary do this for local charities and keep the money in the town and they have covered so many different aspects with the young and the old, St Barnabas Hospice, St John Ambulance and the swimmers.”

South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club and Spalding Amateur Swimming Club will share a £1,750 payout and intend to spend the money on equipment.

Rotary Club of Spalding president Andy Prior said Rotary this year distributed a little under £9,000 – with some of the cash going to the club’s own good causes.

He said: “This is a bit below the £10,000 we had hoped for but I guess times are hard. We would like to thank everyone that participated and helped in any way and in particular the Spalding Guardian for all the support it has given.

“Two Lips will happen again next year and we are already starting to think about which charities we can involve.”

Rotarian and Two Lips stalwart Alan Porter said Rotary spends its Two Lips cash in the community on projects like buying mobility scooters and garden swings for disabled youngsters.

He said the Two Lips total is a little down on last year but people are taking the campaign to their hearts.

Alan said: “I think it will gain momentum as people realise that the money is spent locally in Spalding and district. At the end – when you get smiling, happy people collecting money – it’s all worthwhile.”

Tenant farmers in the Crowland area have been given a glimmer of hope in the battle to stop prime agricultural land being turned into an energy park.

Controversial plans have been adjourned by Peterborough City Council so archeological work can be carried out.

The planning committee met at the Town Hall on Monday evening to decide whether an application for the first solar farm at Morris Fen at Thorney should go ahead.

This is part of a wider plan for 3,000 acres of wind and solar farms on prime agricultural land in the area bordering Crowland.

Scores of protestors against the scheme gathered outside the town hall over an hour before the start of the meeting to make their feelings known, chanting and shouting against the scheme.

The plans had been recommended for approval, but following a letter from English Heritage stating that further archaeological digs could be required at the sites, council planning officers changed their advice to the committee and recommended the application be deferred.

And a further hurdle for the scheme emerged when the council confirmed it had received a letter from the Secretary of State Eric Pickles warning that he would call in the plans if they were to be approved.

Committee members unanimously voted to adjourn the application until a later date.

When the panel was also informed that the Secretary of State had contacted the council over the option of calling the scheme in, there were loud cheers from the packed public gallery.

John Harris is a tenant at Lodge Farm in Black Drove, Thorney, where a solar farm is also planned. He says he is delighted about the deferment.

He said: “The battle is not won yet but I am delighted this decision has been made.

“I have always said that it is madness for prime agricultural land to be used in this way.

“If we win and I can retire and a young farmer is able to take this farm on then I will be a happy man.”

Up to 20 new council houses will be built in South Holland over the next year and more will be added in years to come.

Work starts on Monday as Holbeach firm Langwith Builders begins constructing three two-bed terraced houses in Wright’s Lane, Sutton Bridge.

And Broadgate Homes, from Weston, will start work on four two-bed semi-detached homes at Coalbeach Lane, Surfleet on July 8.

These are the first homes to be built by South Holland District Council in six years although its own housing company, South Holland Homes, has been building small numbers of houses.

Council portfolio holder for housing Christine Lawton said: “Over the first year we’re building between 16 and 20 homes and we have plans to develop more each year after that as part of a rolling programme.”

She said the council is now able to keep much more of its income from rents to invest in improving its existing stock of around 3,890 homes and also to build more new homes.

Richard Scorthorne, the council’s housing landlord manager, said: “The initial impact on waiting lists of these developments may be small but we have to start somewhere.”

Broadgate Homes chief executive Ian Canham said: “Each of the schemes is small enough that it attracts only local builders to bid for them, which means the money is being recycled within the district, which is very clever.”

Langwith Builders managing director Miles Foden also welcomed the council’s move in awarding contracts to local businesses, helping to secure existing jobs in a difficult climate.

Grants totalling £75,000 are hoped to soon have tourists flocking to Crowland to explore “one of England’s best kept secrets”.

Crowland Abbey has been awarded £72,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve facilities at the visitor centre.

An additional £3,700 has been donated from South Holland District Council members’ budgets to make up the £75,000 needed to complete the work after a request by Parochial Church Council member Ben Stoker.

Priest-in-charge of the parish of Crowland the Rev Charlie Brown is delighted about the funding.

He said: “Crowland Abbey is massively under visited. It is one of England’s best kept secrets. It is a unique building and deserves to be seen. This grant will help is to attract many more tourists.”

The project includes providing a touch screen computer to which the public will have access and display cases for artefacts.

The abbey, or the parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Bartholomew and St Guthlac, is a Grade I listed church of enormous historic, cultural, artistic and spiritual value.

Mr Stoker sold the idea for the additional funding in a letter to district councillors.

He said: “Our aim is to enhance the visitor experience at the abbey by improving our visitor centre with new interpretation (using the latest technologies) and exhibiting artefacts.

“We are working in partnership with The Collection Museum in Lincoln and Dr Rosie Mills of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in order to do this.

“We also aim to encourage and enable more local people to engage with the life of the abbey by forming a welcome team comprising local volunteers to greet, guide and converse with visitors.

“For those who do not live locally but would also like to support the Abbey, we will establish a Friends of Crowland Abbey.”

Coun Paul Pryzszlak said: “The new facilities will hopefully bring a tourism boost.”

A Spalding kebab shop that sold vodka contaminated with a paint stripper chemical has lost its bid to have its premises licence returned.

Zorba 3, in Winsover Road, had the licence revoked by South Holland District Council’s licensing committee in October last year.

On Wednesday, the council won a battle at Spalding Magistrates’ Court – and the shop’s appeal was dismissed.

Coun Malcolm Chandler, who chaired the licensing committee when Zorba 3’s licence was taken away, said after the court hearing: “We work closely with Trading Standards to make sure that where infringements are found we act to ensure the public are properly protected.”

At October’s licensing committee hearing, Zorba 3 licence holder Salman Pelit admitted buying vodka from a white Transit van because it was “cheap” and selling it to customers.

Trading Standards and police swooped on May 4 last year, finding vodka contaminated with the chemical T-butanol as well as smuggled bottles without UK duty-paid stamps.

Pelit was in court in February this year and had to pay more than £2,000 in fines and costs.

He admitted offences including not being able to identify his supplier – selling alcohol labelled as vodka when it was under strength and two counts of selling non duty paid alcohol.

Jo Furner, prosecuting for Trading Standards, said some bottles contained T-butanol.

She told magistrates then: “The risk to human health is a real one.”

Workers for an animal charity were upset when a debate about their work turned to religion.

Three women in the Rainbow car park at Market Deeping were running a stall for the WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature) when Evangelos Tsamtsakis engaged them in a discussion about people being helped rather than animals.

Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said one of the women was a Muslim lady and took offence at comments Tsamtsakis made about The Qur’an and The Bible.

Miss Ritson said the women felt insulted and threatened by his words.

But his solicitor, Mark Alexander, told Spalding magistrates: “Mr Tsamtsakis does not agree that he used any words that were racially or religiously aggravated.”

Tsamtsakis (50), of Campion Way, Bourne, admitted a complaint of breach of the peace and agreed to be bound over in the sum of £100 for six months.

He will not have to pay anything unless another matter goes to court.

The prosecution withdrew a charge of racially/religiously aggravated harassment.

A woman had pleaded not guilty to a charge of harassment by sending 31 Facebook messages to the same man.

Naomi Ward (27), of Churchfield Close, Deeping St James, will stand trial at Spalding Magistrates’ Court on August 15. She was granted bail at a hearing on Thursday.