This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Police

Message sent by Janice Brown (Police, Prevention Support & Engagement Officer, Sussex)

15th September 2017

News and appeals Ex-priest charged with non-recent sex offences against girl in A man has been charged with sex offences against a young girl while he was a priest in .

On Wednesday (13 September) Brian Spence, 78, also known as Macduff, a former Church of priest of Sutton Road, Shrewsbury, appeared at Magistrates' Court to answer a summons alleging that he committed four offences of indecent assault on a girl then aged between 10 and 11 in Warnham, West Sussex, between 1978 and 1980.

He pleaded not guilty to all offences, and the case was committed Lewes Crown Court for a preliminary trial preparation hearing on 11 October.

The summons alleges that he indecently assaulted the girl at two locations in Warnham, one of which was Warnham parish church where he was the priest at the time.

Sussex Police officers who investigated the allegations

1 which were received for the first time in September 2016, have worked closely with the Diocese of ’s Safeguarding Team, who have actively supported the investigation.

Police emphasise that there are no current safeguarding issues for the church or the local Warnham community in relation to the investigation. https://sussex.police.uk/news/ex-priest-charged-with- non-recent-sex-offences-against-girl-in-warnham/

Taxi driver threatened in

A taxi driver was threatened while he was working on in the early hours of Sunday morning. The driver was sat in his taxi on Station Road on Sunday (September 10) around midnight when someone banged on his window and he opened the door. The suspect threatened the driver with a knife and racially abused him before walking off. The victim, a 33-year-old man from Lancing, was unhurt but extremely shaken up.

Officers are investigating. Anyone with information or saw what happened is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 38 of 10/9. Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. https://sussex.police.uk/news/taxi-driver-threatened-in- billingshurst/

Crime summary

2 Burglary

Reference: 0501 8th September Location: Road, Date and time: Between 0830hrs – 1030hrs 8th September Details: House broken into and painting stolen.

Reference: 0659 10th September Location: Riverside Caravan Park, Date and time: Between 9th September – 1300hrs 10th September Details: Window broken, someone has entered, unsure if anything has been stolen.

Reference: 1109 14th September Location: Carter Drive, Date and time: Between 8th September – 14th September Details: Broke window and entered the property, unsure if anything has been stolen.

Other than Dwelling

Reference: 0240 8th September Location: Pound Lane, Date and time: 7th September – 8th September Details: Garage broken into and pedal cycles stolen.

Reference: 0156 10th September Location: Church Road, Mannings Heath Date and time: Between 2300hrs 8th September and 0600hrs 9th September Details: Garage broken into and pedal cycle stolen

Reference: 0769 10th September Location: Truleigh Road, Upper Beeding

3 Date and time: Between 1330hrs – 1445hrs 10th September Details: Someone has attempted to break into a garage. Damage caused to garage door

Reference: 0497 13th September Location: 64 Forest Road, Date and time: Between midnight and 0700hrs on 11th September Details: Garage entered via insecure side door lawn mower stolen

Reference: 1182 14th September Location: Thelton Ave, Broadbridge Heath Date and time: 12th – 14th September Details: Garage broken into, pedal cycle and tent stolen.

Reference: 0322 14th September Location: Horsham Road, Date and time: Unknown Details: Broke into secure shed and stole pedal cycles and leaf blower.

Help us keep Sussex safe

If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about any incident in this message please contact us online, email us at [email protected] or call 101, quoting the reference number provided.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or

4 online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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