THE landlord and landlady who quit a borough pub in the wake of allegations of racism against them, and a police 'raid' on their premises to take away a number of golly dolls, have spoken of their disappointment, anger and frustration after police and the Crown Prosecution service have found they had no case to answer. 

However, a leading Thurrock figure says the police followed appropriate procedures and are to be commended for investigating the complaint as thoroughly as they did.

Neil Woodbridge, chair of the Thurrock Independent Advisory Group which works with Essex police on issues affecting communities, said: "We feel Essex Police took the correct actions in investigating this matter fully. We thank them for taking all potential hate crimes seriously and we would urge all the communities of Thurrock to report anything they have concerns about."

Thurrock Nub News broke the story of the police raid on the White Hart pub in Grays in April this year and it developed into a major news story covered by the national media. 

In the wake of the police visit and the allegations that landlords Chris and Benice Ryley had committed a hate crime, the pub was attacked and windows smashed. 

Ultimately Mr and Mrs Ryley left the pub and went into retirement, saying they were victims of an overreaction by the police that had irrevocably damaged their business. Nub News understands the couple were also in troubled negotiations over the lease with the pub's owners and the golly incident was 'the final straw'.

It was the second time their collection of golly dolls, displayed behind the bar, had come under investigation.  

In 2018 they were also investigated by police and Thurrock council's licensing team and it was found they had not broken any rules, nor was there any legally enforceable restriction about displaying the dolls. 

In an emotional farewell, Mrs Ryley spoke to Nub News about the distress the police action had caused her, her husband and regular, loyal customers at the popular Grays town centre pub.

Now the couple have been told they face no further action by the police – leaving them angry, and short of any form of apology. 

Mr Ryley told Nub News: "We learned about this in a short email from the police. After all the hassle they caused us, losing our business and our home after 17 years, I would have expected a bit more than a short email. 

"We have done nothing wrong yet we have become the victims. 

And what happened about the criminal damage that occurred at The White Hart? 

"The police were given suspects' names and the police even examined CCTV footage and got a car registration number, but no further investigation took place apparently. 

"We were treated as potential criminals and had done nothing against the law, yet clear lawbreakers are not being chased. 

"It just leaves us feeling so angry." 

Mr Ryley has confirmed that he has now found a voice recording on his phone from the officer dealing with the case, left 20 hours after the initial email. 

And Essex Police have responded to his comments about the vandalism and say it remains an ongoing enquiry.

A statement issed today (Wednesday, 6 September) says: "Following an allegation of criminal damage on Sunday 16 April, we conducted a timely and thorough investigation which included speaking to the victims, review of CCTV and forensic examination of the scene, followed by a proactive appeal asking for the public's help and to contact us with information that would further our investigation.

"To ensure the safety of those at the property and reassure the community, we conducted extra high visibility patrols in the area in the days that followed which allowed the public direct access to officers and the investigative team.

"Despite extensive enquiries and our best efforts, no suspects were identified.

 "As with all cases, we continue to ask for the public's assistance and would ask anyone who has any information, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, to please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote crime reference 42/68814/23 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."

The email from the sergeant who was supervising the investigation read: "I am sorry for emailing you and not speaking in person but I have one mobile number for you both and am unable to get through. I have received back from the Crown Prosecution Service that no further action is to be taken against you. 

"I thank you for your patience while this decision has been made, you are now welcome to collect your property which was seized from the White Hart Pub. 

"This can be collected from Grays Police Station during office hours." 

Police taking the golly dolls from the pub shelves.

A further statement has now been issued by Essex Police which reads: "Two people who were interviewed voluntarily as part of our investigation into an allegation of hate crime at a venue in Grays, have been told they will face no further action.  

"A member of the public contacted us on 24 February after items displayed at a public house in Argent Street, Grays caused them alarm and distress. 

"Essex Police carried out a thorough investigation, following reasonable lines of enquiry, because the force wants everyone to feel safe in our county. 

"The investigation was carried out under Section 4(a) of the Public Order Act 1986 and Section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Officers remained in consistent dialogue with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) throughout as well as working closely with our Thurrock Independent Advisory Group.  

"Two people, a man and a woman, were interviewed voluntarily and a file was submitted to the CPS. 

"Taking into account all of the evidence gathered by Essex Police and our exhaustive investigation, the CPS have taken the decision that the individuals spoken to in connection with this matter will face no further action. We have updated the person who, rightly, reported their concerns to us." 

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: "We investigate crimes reported to us without fear or favour. 

"This means we are sometimes faced with allegations of crime where people have strong opposing views, but it is the role of policing to remain impartial and investigate allegations raised to us." 

"It's our job to support victims, investigate allegations of crime, ensuring we follow all reasonable lines of enquiry, interview suspects and witnesses and present the evidence to the CPS to build a case for prosecution. 

Neil Woodbridge, Chair of the Thurrock Independent Advisory Group – which is a panel of community members who provide Essex Police with a critical opinion from outside policing on key policing issues affecting communities - said: "Thurrock Independent Advisory Group have worked closely as critical friends of Essex Police. We are rightly proud of our relationship and have offered them many challenges over the years. When an allegation is made, we need to feel confident that Essex Police will show due diligence and act in upholding the law and indeed be in-tune with the concerns of the community, we feel they routinely do that.  

"We feel Essex Police took the correct actions in investigating this matter fully. We thank them for taking all potential hate crimes seriously and we would urge all the communities of Thurrock to report anything they have concerns about. Thurrock is a safe and community minded place to live and work in. We welcome this continuing to be so as we all work together as one community. 

"We urge all victims of crime to continue to come forward and to report crimes. We continue to work hard to ensure our county is a safe place to live and work, for all our communities."