Dangerous driver told medics 'please don't let him die'
Plus: Cannabis factory shut down by police
Good morning, readers, and welcome to your Monday briefing from Ashfield News. Today, plans to create new affordable homes in a village, a cannabis factory is shut down and more.
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Dangerous driver pleaded with medics after crash
A “reckless” van driver told medics “please don’t let him die” as they treated a motorcyclist he had hit with his vehicle.
Jake Searson, 27, was driving along the A608 Alfreton Road, Underwood, on 14 December 2023 when he veered on to the wrong side of the road while attempting to turn into Mansfield Road.
He failed to notice a 40-year-old motorcyclist, who was riding with his lights on and wearing a high-visibility jacket.
The collision left the motorcyclist with severe, life-changing injuries.
He suffered a bleed on the brain and had to have his right arm and leg amputated. He now requires 24-hour care and remains in constant pain, prosecutors told Nottingham Crown Court, and has been unable to return to work.
In court, CCTV footage of the incident was shown, with the prosecution describing Searson’s driving as "reckless."
Following the crash, Searson was seen pleading with medics, saying, “You’ve got to save him, please don’t let him die.”
Searson, of Main Road, Jacksdale, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 21 months, with the sentence being suspended due to Searson’s lack of previous convictions.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Searson was disqualified from driving for three years, ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work, and pay £750 in court costs.
Judge James Sampson acknowledged Searson’s remorse but stressed that the victim would carry the physical and emotional consequences of the crash for the rest of his life.
Sergeant Mark Baker from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit reminded drivers of their responsibility to ensure road safety and prevent similar incidents.
Affordable homes plan for village land
New affordable homes could be built on land in a Nottinghamshire village.
A total of 16 properties are planned for the site off Church Lane in Selston, with eight of the homes designated as being affordable.
The outline application submitted to Ashfield District Council states the area is currently pastureland and contains disused buildings.
It adds the development would “round off the existing settlement”.
Further details of the plans have yet to be announced.
However, a planning statement from the developer says: “Currently, the site contains disused buildings and structures, which contribute to an unkempt and visually detracting appearance.
“The proposed scheme will replace these unsightly outdated structures with well-designed homes, ensuring the site positively contributes to the character of the area.”
A decision on the application is expected by June 26.
Robin Hood statue repaired
A statue of Robin Hood and Lady Marian has been restored to its original condition following extensive repair work.
The bronze statue in Edwinstowe High Street, near Sherwood Forest Country Park, had suffered significant damage, particularly to Robin Hood’s hand, which had become disconnected from Marian’s.
This required skilled and intricate restoration to ensure the statue's integrity was fully restored.
Rob Brackley and Katie Ward, known for portraying Robin Hood and Lady Marian with Notts Outdoors, part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s outdoor and environmental educational services, praised the statue as an important landmark for both locals and visitors.
Ms Ward said: “It’s wonderful to see this much-loved statue back to its original condition with Robin and Marian reunited hand-in-hand.
“This statue is a real asset to the county’s visitor economy, attracting both locals and the many tourists who come to Edwinstowe.
“People love to get a selfie here, especially with Robin’s home, Sherwood Forest, just a stone’s throw away.”
She added: “We always encourage visitors to explore the village when visiting Sherwood Forest, so we’re pleased they’ll now be able to see the statue in all its glory once again.”
The restoration work was completed on Thursday, 27 March, by Antique Bronze Ltd, who were commissioned by Arc Partnership, a collaboration between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE.
Cannabis factory shut down
Police closed down a cannabis factory which was discovered while carrying out plain-clothed patrols.
Officers the Mansfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team discovered 170 plants in Smith Street, Mansfield, on Saturday, 29 March.
One person was arrested at the scene.
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Police said: “Cannabis grows pose high risk to the community, the bypassed electricity and shoddy electrical work pose a high risk of fire especially on terraced streets such as this one.
“If a fire was to occur the flames could spread to multiple other addresses.
“The electrics have since been made safe and the grow itself dismantled by officers.”