Things did not go well on Thursday. I had a busy day lined up, visiting clients in Nottingham. The day started fairly badly as the first call there was no one in. As that meant I had a little more time than originally planned I decided to visit a garage that is under investigation for involvement in fraud.

I found that the garage was closed down and a sold sign was over the roller shutter doors, so I relayed this to the office and asked them to telephone the agent to find out who sold and to whom. They came back and just said leave it, take a photo and move on, that they will pay a fee anyway.

My next port of call was to a family suspected of a fraudulent claim, 'Cash for Crash' as it is know. This is where an accident is staged between two parties and they then make fraudulent whiplash claims. This particular cash is just such an example where an engineers report has shown that one of the vehicles, that was claimed to have been moving, was actually staionary at the time. Anyway, third strike, they were out, so I decided to go to the address that they are allegedly colluding with.

Bingo! I arrive to find that this is being run as a garage. I drive away from the property and I ring the office for instructions. They say, "Take a photo, but don't put yourself at risk". So, I slowly turn the car and park across the road from the property and wait for activity. It comes soon so I bang off a couple of photos and drive off.

Some half a mile away I have to stop at traffic lights with the intent of turning right when I notice an angry looking Asian guy in a car behind. His mobile phone is to his right ear. The lights change and I make my manoeuvre. I then note that Asian man is in a black VW Golf, lights flashing and horn sounding behind me. Me, oblivious to what he wants, continues along the road.

Next thing, Golf is level with me and Asian guy is screaming at me to stop and that he wants to talk to me. I shout back no and continue driving. We then have a Starsky & Hutch moment from Asian man, he cuts in front of me at an angle, forcing me to brake sharply and steer to the side of the road to avoid a collision. At this point it dawns on me that this is probably our suspect from the garage. I wait for him to exit vehicle and reverse away, manoeuvre around his car and drive off.

A short distance up the road he appears again, driving at high speed and forcing me to the side of the road. At this stage I note he is again using his phone. I lock my doors and close the window and take out my mobile. I dialled 999 and asked for help. Asian man comes towards me saying, get out of the car, who are you, why are you taking photos of my house. It is now confirmed, he IS the suspect. I get frightened because he is jabbering away in his language, I think getting back up.

Asian man crosses in front of me and onto the pavement, banging on my passenger window. I restart my stalled car and reverse over a small portion of the pavement intent of getting away. The police call me back and say stay where you are. They had three cars on route, exactly where was I?

I look at SatNav and it does not tell me the name of the road, but I can detrmine I am close to a junction so relay this. Meanwhile Asian male has caught up again. I am extremely concerned and fearful of what will happen. Then the cavalry arrive. I tell him that he is in big trouble now, I can see blue lights in the distance. He jumps into his car and speeds off.

The outcome is he is charged with threatening behaviour and dangerous driving.

Did the police seize his phone for the proof he was using it throughout? No. Now they say they may not have a good case because it will be his word against mine. So, says I, “Why call the police if he just wanted a calm chat at the side of the road?”, I went on, “Why drive away if there is nothing to hide?”

All this and more will no doubt be answered if it does get to court, which I do hope it does. Of course, he may just plead guilty, but I doubt it.

In these fraudulent cases there are, unfortunately, bent solicitors too who knowingly help with fraudulent claims on a no win, no fee basis. A lot of them involve, as this allegation does, phantom passengers and cars that have been seriously damaged in other accidents being insured so that claims can be staged. Unfortunately for the UK too, lots of this type of crime has been imported from Eastern Europe and Asia and facilitated by the no win, no fee claim culture.

Giving the statement to the police was OK, but I hope the investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities is concluded prior to the court date, I have to tell the truth and that will tip him off. Especially as a good brief will want to get ‘behind’ the reason for the photo. What I do know is that he has previous offending history, that was public from his last appearances, it may not go down too well if I am asked the reasons and I have to tell the court about his client’s offending history.

All in all a bad day Thursday, on top of which I lost income too and did not arrive home until 9pm after leaving the house at 8am.

Well, have gone through the new sentencing guidelines, took all day, but I have to say I am a little more impressed than I thought I would be. They appear to inject a level of equilibrium into the sentencing process.

As with all new processes, there is good and bad, but this is predominantly good, from my humble perspective.

Was at training with some fellow colleagues from the Sutton bench, also met Julie, from Birmingham, now that was a good encounter. I would like to co-opt her to our bench, she is THAT good. Cynical, witty and irreverant, just what we need.

Have spent the evening alone as my good lady has gone out for dinner with her yoga class at the Old Irish Harp on Aldrige Road. Currently I am quaffing a nice Valpolicella.

On the way back from the offy with aforementioned goods I noticed a body, yes, body, laid on the pavement. Stopped the car and went across to find an old lady, head bleeding and soaking wet. Poor dear was befuddled, could not tell me her first name or where she lived. Got my flouro' jacket from the car and put it under her head, until ambulance arrived. I suspected a stroke, but am no doctor. She was talking throughout, albeit gibberish. I just know there is the same possibility for us all, so do not baulk at helping, in the vain hope we will get the same help when it is our turn.

Anyway, ambulance arrived in literally 4 minutes and took control. I left them after she was stretchered inside. I have scrubbed the blood from my jacket, I have no qualms about AIDS etc. She is an old dear of the old school and unlikely (although I accept a minor possibility) to have AIDS, HEP A, B or a myriad of other potentially life-taking illnesses. God forbid we stopping helping each other for fear of what we may end up with. Anyway, Demestos kills all 99% of all known germs, DEAD! Suppose you could sue the manufacturers if you could show a direct link between infection and the use of their product!

Tomorrow I have an interview for the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee, it has been brought forward, due to a cancellation, some 3 hours. This buggers up my earnings potential for tomorrow, but I want the job, so am prepared to 'bite the bullet'. If I do not get the position I will not be a happy bunny.

My two daughters do me proud.

The eldest, Heather, has undertaken a professional photo shoot, of all the photos, this is the one she hates the most.

I just love it;
Heather is rarely seen without a smile, so this is a first.
It is also reminiscent of a 1930's film star, but who?

To balance things and keep Claire from feeling left out, here she is with Will, ready to leave for the prom'.

If this worked..........

I could not possibly insert the required expletive, but I think we all know which one fits in respect of Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, the Lord Chief Justice, when he states that aspects of Sharia law should be permitted within the UK. Oh! That goes for Rowan Williams, the Archsh*thead of Canterbury too.

How irreverant I hear you say, "TOUGH", I say!

If you wish to live under Sharia law then the UK is not your chosen country. you may wish to take a swift hike now.

Thin end of wedges spring to mind and these liberal, woolly-minded tossers will be the end of our culture and way of life, forever, if we let them get away with this.

Remove these heretical, traitors from office now. These scumbags have sworn an oath of allegiance to the Crown and here they are directly opposing the appointed head of the Church of this fair land. Phillips is also in breach of his oath of office.

Stop the rot now!

The logistical nightmare has been solved and Claire and Will are now joining us for a week in France.
I have booked them with us on the outward journey, Portsmi=outh to Le Havre on the Friday night sailing. They will return from Boulogne sur Mer to Dover on the following Friday lunchtime. They will probably get the train from Dover via Victoria, Euston then Birmingham International.

Their crossing with us has added £54 to the outward journey via LD Lines. The return via Speedferries as foot passengers is £15 altogether and I priced the rail journey for both at £43! All in all, given the fuel costs this is remarkable.

I have yet to tell them the good news.

Well, got up in a better mood today, had a nice leisurely breakfast too, for a change.

My plan for the day was to make lots of money, yippee!

FAIL!

In the car travelling down the M6 towards job one phone goes. Cancellations really cheese me off, especially at the last minute. This particular one robbed me of £135, so I was not happy. Changed direction and went to Leicester to take a statement, planning to cover another two jobs and save the day.

FAIL!

Leicester interview lasted over an hour and a half and then I waited more than an hour for a call from the office before deciding to cut my losses and head home.

Slightly poorer than intended but what a nice day out there.

Had a mooch around ASDA at Minworth on the way home, picked up a natty little Wi-Fi internet phone for £8.98, it is installed and works a treat, all I need now is someone to talk to! I passed my old Maplin USB phone to Claire, she is pleased, she can now converse with Will for free, rather than use all her credit up.

Starving when I got in, so made a nice boiled egg sandwich, haven't had one for absolutely yonks, enjoyed every morsel too.

On about eggs; I have started preparing the garden for an influx of chickens. I have yet to construct the henhouse, dependant on weather that may take place this weekend. I have tracked a chicken supplier to Wychbold in Worcester, probably get 4 to 6 layers.

Need to find a way of keeping the hordes of cats away. I hate cats. They have decimated the fish stocks in the pond and generally use my garden as a toilet. Hopefully I can stop thenm from harassing (or worse) my chickens when they arrive. What use are cats anyway? You can't train them to do much, they scratch furniture and leave hair everywhere and you can't eat them..........or maybe!

I was out last night with a carton of salt wreaking havoc amongst the slug population that had set sights on my vegetable crop. I prefer salt, at least it is an organic approach and there is no chance of spoiling the vegetables. Although the Rocket I planted does seem to work, slugs and snails do not like it and, as I have planted it amongst a large part of the crop, it seems to be keeping the blighters at bay.

Managed to clear the tree of all the ripe cherries last night too, the birds have certainly had a good feed.

Right, early dinner today. Chillie con carne.

Just like last week I suddenly had a bout of the blues last night, it has not diminished today either, so I have been a little unsociable today at work, speaking little.
Jackie, one of my work colleagues said, "You don't look happy today", she was right, but I did not answer. She persisted though and made me a nice cup of tea a little later and I did relent a little.
Slightly stressed driving to Solihull after work to collect Heather from Solihull Magistrates' Court where she was seeing a PA and also hot desking for the day. It was raining and all the moms were out in their 4X4s collecting their chubby offspring from school. All unable to drive the bloody things and ALL pavement parking.
Still, Heather was her usual bubbly self so she did cheer me a little. She asked for my Orange 2 for 1, which I duly forwarded and invited herself and Gareth for dinner tomorrow night.
I have statements to take tomorrow in Nottingham, I hope I feel a little better than today.
They still have not paid my invoice from May, so I have sent a strongly worded email to the boss.

Home alone currently, have just fished a single portion of risotto from the freezer I made last month for just such an occasion. Duly microwaved and consumed. Whilst rummaging in the freezer I recovered a large pack of minced beef from the icy bowels, this will make a fine Chilli con carne for tomorrow. Chillies will be primed and ready to go!

Just noticed a blackbird relieving our cherry tree of its fruit, must go and harvest some for us too.

TTFN

Fiddle? What me?

No, the Government. Remember the 10p in the pound scandal, how Labour promised to give it back?

Well they are officially liars, but is that such a suprise?

Moving on. I quite liked the answer Mugabe gave to the BBC about the sham election (although I hate the little prat). He pointed pointed out that Incapability Brown was also unelected! Ha Ha Ha! Hoist by his own petard.

Well, the rain is here, with a vengeance. Anyone living in Sutton Coldfield will testify that this is officially a storm.

Who cares anyway, glass of red and a nice chesse!

Discussions at table ce soir have been about getting Claire and her beau Will to France for August. We have a logistical problem in that Heather and Gareth, who were the original form of transport have cryed off. The are saving their powder for the September honeymoon.
As it stands it looks like Dad (for that is I) will take same to Normandy and despatch a fee to Heather and Gareth for the collection of one week later.
Logistically (I love that word) we have issues for week two as we have guests arriving in the form of Ron JP and wife Geraldine. So plans have to be precise.
Kids Eh!

Just got home from work, the aircon in the car having to work overtime at 26.6 degrees outside. Trouble is, with such a short journey it really does not cool down sufficiently to make a difference.
I would say it was barbecue weather, save for the wind, which would make it uncomfortable, the neighbours would probably complain about the smoke too.

Claire has just managed to get on to a BTEC foundation course in Art and Design at Sutton College, WooYay! She is pleased, I am pleased for her and no doubt Mom and sister Heather will be too.

Have just chased an outstanding invoice, due payed yesterday. Why is it big businesses make the little man wait? Still, the trump card is in my hands, although it has to be used carefully. I shall hold back work at the end of July and see how that goes down. I would not mind, but this is the first invoice for the Company, I would have thought that, like me, they would wish to make a good impression. I am not usually gullible.

Planning starts in earnest for my annual holiday in France. We have not been to our pied d'terre for a couple of months and I am suffering from withdrawl symptons, both from the house and also the fact that I have drunk all of my cheap red wine. I received a text message from Francoise this morning, my French neighbour, telling me my other neighbour, Colin from Heathrow way, will also be in France at the same time. This is good news, as we can have barbecues and quaff copious amounts of vin rouge, manger fromage and generally chill.
I have the swimming pool to fill too, so Colin's well will come in handy, as will Ricky's on the other side of our property. The last time I filled the pool it came to €600! Must remember to take an extra long hose and electric extension leads for the pump.

Francoise has also made a request for Bacon Anglais and Baked Beans, Heinz of course. They just love these, although their general approach to our English food is that it is generally merde.

On the court front, I have just had a phone call to say I have an interview on Tuesday 8th July for a position on the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee. This news come after the fact they told me they could not find my application. Fortunately it came to light this afternoon, a whole day after the deadline for applications. Still, it is done now. Meanwhile, Monday 7th brings the new sentencing guidelines training, all ably managed by my smart daughter, Heather. It will be a long day in Temple Court, but they lay on a nice lunch and I get my days pay too. Heather has kindly agreed to be taxi for the day and reserve parking too.

Just scanning the web and came across this disturbing soap from the US, made from goats milk and glycerine it is shaped like babies' hands, I also detect a foot in the picture. Apparently it is $20 for a 100gram bag.

Interesting I suppose, to see guests reactions when they find this in the bathroom. One wonders though what the idea is?

12 weeks to go to the wedding. Everything seems to be in order. Heather is a little bit of a control freak, when I mentioned this she smiled and said, "And where do you think I got that from Dad?"
What? Don't look at me!
Gareth is doing lots of overtime, partially to get some cash together for the wedding and also to address their holiday plans. They already have a fully furnished home, so they aim for holiday vouchers as wedding gifts. Heather's first target is New York. She has been before, but we were all transit passengers enroute to Florida. I believe she wants to walk in Central Park, down Broadway and just generally take in US life.

Finish on a humourous note I was told.

Take care, one and all!