News in Thurrock

A MAN who breached a court order to enter Grays High Street in order to steal was hailed for 18 weeks by Basildon magistrates.

However, just five days later he entered the town's Poundstretcher store and stole multiple packs of shower gel and bodyspray.

Pub boss says State cinema project is still a goer and it will happen to support Grays' regeneration.

A CZECH man living in Thurrock changed his plea to guilty and will now face sentence after admitting stalking and harassing a woman in Grays.

Included in his litany of offences was sending her handwritten notes - one which had his fingerprint in blood inside a heart on it.

TONY Burgess, 37, of Southey Walk, Tilbury, will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Monday, 20 January 2020 after admitting carrying out a theft while serving a suspended sentence for previous offences.

Jeffrey, of Mellow Purgess Close, Basildon, was jailed for six weeks by Basildon magistrates who heard he has committed the offence shortly after being released from prison and while subject to licence conditions. He has a record of previous similar offences.

A PERSISTENT thief, of no fixed abode, found herself behind bars for Christmas after being jailed by Basildon Magistrates.

Jodie Powell, 36, admitted stealing packs of meat valued at £50.84 from Aldi in Grays. The offence took place in April but took nine months to come before magistrates, who heard there was wilful and persistent failure by Powell to comply with the probation service and to continue to commit offences.

MOTORISTS and bus users in Thurrock once more face delays and diversions as a troubled road is once more closed.

Stifford Hill between South Ockendon and North Stifford, which also offers access to Chafford Hundred, is once more closed.

MORE than 120 people have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving so far this month.

Officers made 126 drug driving arrests in the first 23 days of December, compared to 119 drink driving arrests and 44 failing to provide a specimen arrests.

VILLAGERS turned up in force to welcome Father Christmas on the last leg of his fundraising tour of Thurrock this afternoon.

The Rotary Club of Mar Dyke Valley have been taking their sleigh around the region's streets for the last three weeks and traditionally they end up with a tour of Bulphan and the Bonners Estate in Orsett.

NEW Year is fast approaching and therefore the annual Gateway Cycling's 'first day of the year' ride out…

This has been running for a few years now and has been enjoyed by many and is especially geared towards youngsters, families and those who may not be regular bike rides.

WORK has now begun on a new logistics park in Purfleet.

Planning permission for the site was not without a considerable amount of controversy and was opposed by a significant number of local residents - but its developers are hoping delivery of the project in the new year and the jobs it will create will sweeten people's thoughts.