October 2009 Archives

AN IRATE motorist has been found guilty of driving his car at another man after a row about swearing spiralled out of control at a garage.

Andrew Hrabovszky hurled abuse and became threatening at the BP garage, in Long Lane, Uxbridge, after another customer told him to tone down his language on April 20.

During the trial, which started on October 13, the jury heard how Winston Riley was working under the bonnet of his car at the petrol station when Hrabovszky arrived, letting out a volley of expletives during a lengthy row with his girlfriend.

Alexandra Felix, prosecuting, said: "This defendant, having argued with his partner, used unlawful violence towards Mr Winston Riley.

"He also, during the course of the incident, got a knife or multi-tool out, and what I mean by multi-tool is something which has various tools in it including knives, and so the crown says he had an offensive weapon, and having used that, he then drove at Winston Riley repeatedly."

The row erupted after Hrabovszky arrived and could be heard arguing and swearing in a loud voice while sitting in the car for a long period of time.

When he eventually got the petrol and went to pay, Mr Riley asked him to mind his language as there were children in the car.

The defendant then approached Mr Riley in an aggressive manner, causing him to fear for his safety.

It was then that he returned to his BMW saying "I'm going to do you, you black c**t," and was alleged to have got out the multi-tool.

After putting it back, another scuffle ensued before Hrabovszky left the garage, after driving repeatedly at Mr Riley on the way.

On Wednesday (21) the jury at Isleworth Crown Court found the 39-year-old, from West Ealing, guilty of affray and driving dangerously.

But after deliberating for a day and a half they failed to agree on whether the multi-tool constituted an offensive weapon.

Hrabovszky must now wait to hear his fate after Judge Georgina Kent adjourned sentencing until November 20.

THE founder of a special school for autistic children has been short listed in a radio competition to find fabulous over-40s who live life to the full.

Anna Kennedy, 49, director of Hillingdon Manor School in Harlington Road, Uxbridge, is one of six finalists in Smooth Radio's search for women who stand out from the crowd.

More than 280 hopefuls were nominated for the competition, with a panel including 60's supermodel, Twiggy, judging who would go through to the final round.

Mrs Kennedy, who was nominated by her mother, said: "I was surprised but pleased to have been short listed and I feel very proud to represent women over 40.

"The competition was set up following the furore after Arlene Philips was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing, and I think that women like her and Twiggy show that age doesn't have to be a barrier.

"A lot of people tell me I don't look my age and even though I'm 50 next year, I feel more like I'm in my 20's.

"I have so much energy, drive and determination, especially when it comes to promoting awareness of autism and setting up more schools and projects. Some people at the school even call me dynamo!"

The final decision rests with an online public vote, prompting mother-of-two Anna, along with the other five finalists, to recently visit their nearest regional Smooth Radio stations and record self-promoting jingles.

The winner of the competition will receive a makeover and fashion shoot by Twiggy's team, before being featured in a double page spread in Observer Woman magazine next year.

Voting ends next Thursday and Anna is currently in second place with 22 per cent. To register a vote for her, visit www.smoothradiolondon.co.uk.

SWAKELEYS EVENING TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD

Members provided a variety of food for a party, at the meeting hall to celebrate the Guild's 52nd Birthday in March Raffle Prizes for all and a quiz to keep brains active, helped to ensure that a happy evening was enjoyed by all. The annual general meeting took place in April. Mrs Margo Holman, Secretary read a resume of events of the past year, and new president Mrs Peggy Hallett, received her chain of office.

IT IS the time of year which sets parents nerves jangling, with the seemingly crucial decision to make of choosing a Secondary School for their children. Reporter DAN COOMBS spoke to Robert Lobatto, headteacher at Barnhill Community High School, in Yeading Lane, Hayes, about the process.

THE Hillingdon Foodbank made their first visit to a school this week and are making a second on Wednesday.

PROPOSALS have been lodged to convert a small bedsit into a 19 room hotel.

The hotel would be sited in Hercies Road, Hillingdon, and Hillingdon Council are currently considering the application.