"Behind Closed Muffs: When reputation trumped the dock"

In a fascinating historical account from the "Saint James's Chronicle" newspaper, dated December 20, 1842, we transport you back to a different era. We delve into an incident that unfolded within the revered halls of the Marlborough Street Magistrates' Court in London, England. A Prisoner's Refusal to Enter the Dock for Sentencing: TheBigRetort...

One hundred and eighty-one years ago, Anne Maria Fenton, (not pictured), a woman said to possess a substantial fortune, found herself thrust into the spotlight due to an unfortunate circumstance.  Her story presents a captivating exploration of a woman's fashion sense and the intricate dance between public image and the legal consequences of her refusal to enter the dock for sentencing. Faced with the seemingly mundane charge of being "very drunk and incapable" in the early hours of the morning.

What might have appeared to be a straightforward case, the unfolding events within the courtroom took an unexpected turn and led to greater reporting. Anne Maria's arrival was marked by her determination not to leave her private cabriolet unless compelled. Dressed impeccably, she eventually entered the courtroom with an aura of exclusivity.

Yet her reluctance to subject herself to public scrutiny was palpable. Anne Maria adamantly declined to step into the dock, displaying an aversion to being exposed to the gaze of curious onlookers.

After persistent efforts, Anne Maria finally stood at the bar—her face hidden behind a muff. Not that one, but a popular furry fashion accessory of the time into which a lady’s hands were placed for warmth. This deliberate act of concealment mirrored her desire to evade the inevitable spotlight that accompanies a courtroom appearance.

The narrative takes an unforeseen twist as Police-constable Allen, bearing badge number 154A, offers testimony regarding the charges against Madame Fenton.

At this juncture, the magistrate, Mr. Maltby, steps in to deliver judgment. With practicality in mind, he proposes a fine for Anne Maria's state of inebriation.

However, her companion intervenes. A fashionable mercer from Regent Street, he suggests an alternative: contributing to the poor-box. This alternative option's motivation is clear—to shield the defendant from the unyielding glare of public notoriety that a published fine might bring.

However, Mr. Maltby remains resolute in his decision, imposing a fine of 5 shillings upon Anne Maria for her intoxicated state.

This conclusion encapsulates the intricate interplay between legal procedures, societal norms, and the immense value placed on reputation in an era where appearances held paramount importance—especially for those refusing to enter the conspicuous dock. Made all the more so by their refusal to enter it.

In a world where legal proceedings intermingled with social standing and the preservation of one’s image, this 1842 account offers a captivating glimpse seen in the present. Anne Maria's steadfast refusal to step into the dock, her visage concealed behind her muff, and the delicate dance around public perception, all stand as a testament to the enduring theme of reputation management—a theme as relevant in the 19th century as it is during the modern-day sentencing. 

 Copyright (c) TheBigRetort

 

The Cycledrama Chronicles: Lime Bikes' audacious urban artistry

As Lime bike riders continue to reshape the urban landscape one audacious parking spot at a time, many Londoners are left wondering: is this a playful trend or a quirky two-wheeled rebellion? 

 

TheBigRetort

A new mania earns its place in London's ongoing saga of eccentric ways to park. In a city that prides itself on artistic expression, this new form of urban artistry has taken London by storm: It’s called, "Cycledrama."  Not to be confused with the more mundane art of acting on a bike, this particular mania involves riders of Lime green bikes channelling their inner da Vinci, strategically placing their two-wheeled masterpieces in spots that redefine the concept of "parking”. 

Move over, conventional bike racks – here are some of the most audacious Lime bike placements that'll make you do a double-take when you visit London:

The Vulcan: What’s he got for blood, green slime?

A cycling-inspired architectural masterpiece? Move along people, nothing to see here. 

However, be warned: "Captain Cyclist" is ready to pedal to the rescue at a moment's notice.

Actually, these Parking Picassos are arranged in abstract yet eerily captivating pattern as passers-by wonder if they have stumbled upon a modern art installation.  Is this Two Wheeled Cubism?

The Pub Perch is an understandable installation but I am yet to capture one strategically parked outside a pub. Now that’s really the ultimate pub crawl, ensuring riders would never be far from their trusty steed. Happy with a pint?

Keep pedalling, keep parking, and keep us entertained, with your two-wheeled artistry. Lime green with envy.

Copyright (c) TheBigRetort

ICO verdict On Lewisham Council's FOI “delinquency”

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has wielded its authority, issuing an enforcement notice against London’s Lewisham Council in response to its abysmal failure to address numerous overdue requests made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. TheBigRetort was the lead complainant...

The alarming discrepancies came to light as the Council's dismal performance on information access requests was revealed to the ICO, far surpassing the figures it displayed online. As of the close of 2022, the Council had amassed a staggering 338 requests for information that remained unanswered, with a staggering 221 of these lingering for over a year. The most disconcerting case dates back over two years to December 3, 2020.

The Council prioritised handling new requests within the statutory time limit of 20 working days, intentionally neglecting its burgeoning backlog of older requests. Under the scrutiny of the ICO, it became painfully evident that the Council lacked a definitive strategy to remedy this mounting issue.

The enforcement notice compels a Council which itself is fond of serving enforcement notices on its constituents, to promptly respond to all outstanding requests over 20 working days old, ensuring resolution within a six-month timeframe from the notice's issuance. Additionally, the Council must swiftly formulate and disseminate an action plan, aimed at averting future delays in handling FOI requests, within 35 days of the notice's issuance.

"By evading responses to these requests, Lewisham Council is plunging hundreds into the abyss of uncertainty, denying them the information rightfully theirs to seek. Confidence in local authorities' decisions hinges on transparency, and the Council's failure to uphold this principle undermines trust in the foundations of democracy and open governance."

Powerful words spoken by Warren Seddon, Director of FOI and Transparency at the ICO, underscore the seriousness of the situation. This is the second Freedom of Information enforcement notice within a short span, underscoring the ICO's unwavering commitment to ensure transparency and accountability within public authorities. We hope it continues.

Copyright (c) The Big Retort

Unveiling Lewisham Council's FOI enigma

A recent communication from Lewisham Council peels back the layers of secrecy shrouding its operations. A two-year delay in addressing crucial Freedom of Information (FOI) Act requests. An Enforcement Notice from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) followed.  A move that has left the council red-faced and motivated. TheBigRetort...

Unearthing the Cryptic Email

Recently, an unexpected missive from Lewisham Council's FOI team landed on our desk, triggering waves of surprise within our Room 300 command centre. Amid the confusion, we pondered whether we had filed an FOI request. Only to uncover a jolting detail. Not in the email's timestamp, but in its date: "2021." Two full years had passed since our FOI query. The question looms: why?

Penetrating the Enigma that is Lewisham Council

In response to mounting concerns, the ICO wielded its Enforcement Notice—a figurative hammer blow—and the departure of Lewisham Planning head Emma Talbot followed. Was this emblematic of a council grappling with a disconcerting backlog of FOI responses after years of unhelpfulness? Unfortunately we shall probably never know. However, one thing is certain, the censure emerges amidst a backdrop of financial and moral distress, underscoring a council at the very brink.

A Plea for Clarification Resounds at Catford Town Hall

Remarkably a twist of fate finds Lewisham Council reaching out to TheBigRetort for guidance. What shall we do, they ask. An unusual departure from the norm. Be that as it may, the plea underscores a reversal of roles. As Lewisham Council seeks our input on whether our long-standing FOI request remains of interest - to us? Err...let me see now. The urgency in their words hints at a genuine attempt to rectify past oversights. We of course still hold unwavering interest in all things Shambolic. But the pivotal question arises: How did this backlog of information fester unchecked, tarnishing the council's commitment to transparency still further?

Unveiling a Wider Malaise

In an upcoming exposé, TheBigRetort delves into a systemic affliction transcending mere information requests—an affliction that has systematically transformed legitimate concerns into "complaints". Thereby evading scrutiny. This shadow veils the council's proclaimed dedication to open governance. Underscoring an avoidance that extends from junior officers to the senior echelons and beyond. Right up to the elected representatives who stand as proud stewards of their communities. Within this narrative, the council’s HQ’s resemblance to the Kremlin does not go amiss. Symbolic of receding accountability and a tightening grip on falsehoods—a reality that can no longer remain hidden.

Peering into the Abyss

Our journey takes us into the abyss. A realm of questionable dealings and thriving falsehoods. As we expose a council investigations team that paradoxically fails to investigate. Especially when implications reach higher levels. As our investigation deepens, layers of intrigue unravel. Revealing the motivations behind the council's demotivation tactics and the ramifications this brings for constituents reliant on transparent access to information. These pressing queries prompt a reconsideration of where constituents should cast their votes—in favour of inflated egos, or those candidates with genuine intelligence and compassion.

Unravelling the Enigma: The Path Forward

In the weeks ahead, TheBigRetort will navigate the labyrinthine enigma.Spotlighting the intricate interplay of forces within the council. We shed light on citizens' rights and delve into the ICO's role in safeguarding transparency. 

Stay engaged as we journey through corridors of power where secrets linger and truths eagerly await... the unveiling. You will soon be entering  the twighly zone.

COMING SOON… FENCEGATE: A TALE OF TARGETED MALICE? 

COPYRIGHT (C) THE BIG RETORT (thebigretort.com)

The Plastic Mayor? Damien Egan's track record under scrutiny

As the Plastic Mayor of Lewisham seeks higher office as the Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol North East, Damien Egan's political claims and actions during his tenure in the borough of Lewisham come under scrutiny. Despite his campaign touting dedication to "the people" and a better way of doing politics, Egan's track record in London paints a less rosy picture—one of overlooking serious allegations and failing to address residents' concerns.  TheBigRetort…

In Lewisham, constituents have begun questioning the consistency between the mayor's public persona and his off-camera inactions. Once the flashbulbs pop and Egan bares his Hollywood smile, there are also some doubts that this candidate will truly fulfil his promises to the people of Bristol. Just like the Wizard of Oz, putting on a grand performance, but hiding behind a curtain of inaction when faced with real challenges, Egan has been the sham in Lewisham.

The promise about protecting green heritage routes appears questionable when one examines the decisions taken under Egan's mayoralty. In Lewisham's Brockley Conservation Area for instance, shameless profiteering by "live-work" developers took precedence over the needs of the established community. Like a group of pretenders on their way to the land of Oz, these developers presented themselves as "creatives" while pursuing a property windfall site in the heritage mews that quickly became residential in all but name. 

"Meanwhile, Egan seemed to play the role of the fourth wise monkey, covering his balls whilst choosing to see no evil and hear no evil when it came to the concerns of constituents."

A brief foray in history... 

Ashby Mews, nestled between heritage housing, used to be a simple backland lane connecting two roads in leafy Brockley. However, under the guise of artists and creatives, a family of "live-work" property developers set their sights on it as a  property windfall site. Their guru, the wizard, presenting himself as a not-so simple sculptor - "internationally renowned" as he liked to spin it - began preventing access to the once-open mews and eroding public rights-of-way through what was a long-held heritage walk. 

The lack of planning enforcement to remove gates erected by the sculptor, coupled with Egan's seemingly distant approach, left residents questioning his commitment to their concerns. This included Lewisham's planning department and some of its officers.  Just like Dorothy questioning the true powers of the mighty Wizard of Oz, Toto quivered, and so did Damian. 

In his Bristol North East campaign, Egan portrays himself as a people-focused politician dedicated to making lasting change. However, residents in Lewisham impacted by his decisions remained unconvinced. Like the rainbow in the sky in that land that a little girl dreamed of, beautiful and promising, but always just out of reach, it wasn't Oz but Ashby Mews.

"Allegations of corruption within Lewisham's planning department have circulated for years, but no full and proper investigation has taken place."

Despite being warned about certain events during his time as mayor and councillor, Egan remained silent and took no decisive action to address these concerns. This lack of transparency and inaction has left some residents seeing him as a "plastic politician," raising doubts about his suitability to also represent the people of Bristol in Parliament.

As an elected mayor in Lewisham, Egan's responsibility was to lead and safeguard residents' interests. Unfortunately, when faced with serious allegations of corruption in the planning department, he failed to take decisive action. This disparity between Egan's inactions in Lewisham and the image he now publicly projects in his Bristol North East campaign raises critical questions about his integrity and commitment to public service.

"Just like Dorothy, they should seek the truth behind the curtain."

While commendable endeavours like turning schools around and leading on climate action are touted, they cannot overshadow the need for accountability and fairness. And yet, residents directly impacted by planning enforcement issues, not just at Ashby Mews, have yet to witness the promised positive changes materialise in Lewisham.

However, Lewisham constituents believe they deserve political representatives who prioritise transparency, accountability, and genuine care for the community. Rather than concealing ego and political ambition behind a plastic façade. The revelations of corruption within Lewisham and Egan's lack of action still demand answers. Bristol North East residents should carefully consider whether his claims align with his actions. 

Will Bristol voices be genuinely heard? Will their communities be represented with integrity and dedication? Will Bristol's current mayor Marvin Rees see off the sham pretender?

The choice is in the hands of the Labour Party in Bristol. Just like Dorothy, they should seek the truth behind that curtain.

Hannah's Ghosts - Unmasked

 

(Photo: Chris Floyd)

TheBigRetort pursues phantoms in the haunted mind of Journalist Hannah Betts, and comes up with a discovery about her ghosts.  

 

THE HAUNTED HOUSE

Make what you will of Hannah Betts, the journalist. She claims that her former family home was haunted throughout much of the family's time there. Hannah has appeared in both print and tv or blog extolling the belief that her former home was regularly visited by these poltergeists, a ghost or other supernatural being supposedly responsible for physical disturbances. 

She writes a haunting tale:  “Teenage fears or a more sinister presence? Make up your own mind as our writer reveals her haunting Hallowe'en story.” The Telegraph headlined in 2013, adding some weight to a very spooky tale indeed.

THREE SPECTRES

Betts claimed that the house, boasted three spectres: a woman, who paced the ground floor, an aged doctor, forever racing up the stairs searching for a dying grandson, and the ghost of a victim of a confrontation that had ‘spilled over into murder’.

Twenty-six years after the first spooky events, Betts described for the reader and the listener that this all took place at an unnamed street in Moseley. When I first heard these tall tales online, Betts had retold the story so many times that it had become very real, to her at least. TheBigRetort takes a little peak through the keyhole... 

THE HOUSE ON SCHOOL ROAD

Surprisingly, the house is not that three-storeys Victorian building seen in the copy produced in certain publications. Betts herself is careful not to provide the actual address. In fact, like the house on haunted hill, TheBigRetort can reveal, it actually sits in School Road, Moseley.  

STREET VIEW ARCHIVES

Street View Archives capture the property down the years as a seemingly much-lived-in Victorian villa. However, during the time the Betts family spent there, if the photos are anything to go by at least, it seems unlikely much improvement was made to it over that time. This adds to the eerie feel of the place. 

Built over a century ago, it seems likely that one or two or more people may have died there. 

HERE BE DEMONS

As the Betts family placed that key in the rusty lock for the first time and pushed back the door on creaky hinges, had the dearly departed that previously died there refused to vacate?

It seems unlikely that the sales particulars ever stated ‘here be demons’. Although Hannah is convinced of them. She wrote on this: “Oh, how we scoffed. And, yet, doors would shut of their own volition, footsteps could be heard. Every night at 4am, someone — something — would tear up the stairs, rattling and then thrusting open the doors in its wake (all of which required proper turning and forcing), until it reached the master bedroom, entering in an all-mighty, door-slamming storm.” Betts informs.

MURDER SHE WROTE

In another other-worldly X-Files incident, Betts claimed that the chimney suddenly caved in, and a newspaper fell down into the fireplace. 

It told of a murder… in that very house.

Other things happened, as they do. A mirror flew (fell?) off the wall and on its back “Victorian” writing read: “Your mother sows socks in hell Karras!”

 No, sorry, that was the 1973 film The Exorcist. One of its fictional characters Father Damien Karras. His mother didn’t sow socks in hell. After which she ‘Regan’ vomits green bile over the priests who attempt to exorcise her demons.

Father Karras : I think it might be helpful if I gave you some background on the different personalities Regan has manifested. So far, I'd say there seem to be three. She's convinced...

Father Merrin : There is only one.

 

THE GHOST TOLD HANNAH TO 'FUCK OFF'

However, like the little girl’s head in the film, Hannah’s head also does a compete 360. This ghost chillingly said: “Get out…” and other rude words.

Hannah elaborates: “We didn’t care. My parents had five children – me, 15-year-old Victoria, 12-year-old George, Flo, nine, and Tim, four – and we needed space; even space that everyone else was too afraid to occupy. Our new home was large, beautiful, surrounded by swaying greenery. However, there was something unsettling about it: a personality, almost, and sense that we were installing ourselves in a place already occupied. It never felt quite empty. Doors would shut of their own accord, footsteps echoed. It felt as if we were being watched, assessed.“

FOLLOWING EARTHLY LEADS

Hannah Betts herself does have an uncanny resemblance to Lucy Westenra, one of Count Dracula’s beautiful chalk-faced victims. "Why can’t they let a girl marry three men, or as many as want her, and save all this trouble?"     

On a dark night, reflected in that old dusty candlelit mirror, Hannah could appear quite ghostly herself. Could Hannah have been playing tricks on her younger siblings?

Be that as it may. Whilst a trawl of old Victorian newspapers uncovered no deaths or even murders in the house, TheBigRetort started to wonder if the answer lies elsewhere. 

A SUSPECT EMERGES 

Following the deaths of her parents, Hannah wrote that she refused to attend both funerals. ‘You’ll regret it,’ everyone warned me. But I never have, and am convinced I never will.” [I Refused To Go To My Parents' Funerals WOMAN - UK| June 26, 2017.]

Fortunately, though her dad’s obituary, available online, may solve the mystery of Hannah’s It relates mostly to a very special, kind man that his kids called “afro” due to his very bushy hair.sts.

 Photo: The Times

Tim Betts obituary reads…

“They lived in Moseley in a house also shared by six cats, five dogs and sundry other animals." 

So, a pretty busy house both day and night..? 

THE FINDINGS

Dad was an eminent “epilepsy” psychiatrist. As a result, he was also seemingly somewhat unsurprisingly overworked. In fact, a few things of relevance stand out. “Betts was a workaholic who often finished at 10pm, fell asleep on the sofa, then rose at 4am before heading back to his patients or students… “

Betts senior, the workaholic...? Who often finished at 10pm...? Who fell asleep on the sofa…?  Then arose… at 4am…?

Hannah's ghost: “Every night at 4am, someone — something — would tear up the stairs, rattling and then thrusting open the doors in its wake (all of which required proper turning and forcing), until it reached the master bedroom, entering in an all-mighty, door-slamming storm.”

Make of Hannah's ghost story what you will. She may simply be a teller of tall tales, a fantasist, or simply mistaken. But she certainly isn’t much of a paranormal investigator.

TheBigRetort

Andrew: the prince who turned into a frog - exclusive - His face WAS running with sweat

Virginia Giuffre, nee Roberts, claimed that she had been sex-trafficked across the Atlantic in 2001, to dance and later sexually pleasure a prince. The teen partied long into the night in a London nightclub with this handsome prince - “sweating profusely all over me”.  Decades later, the handsome prince turned into an ugly frog and denied sweating.  TheBigRetort... uncovers the truth.

In a now infamous interview with Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew was probed. Did he or didn’t he sweat? 

Andrew retorted: "There’s a slight problem with the sweating, because I have a peculiar medical condition which is that I don’t sweat or I didn’t sweat at the time and that was…was it…yes, I didn’t sweat at the time because I had suffered what I would describe as an overdose of adrenaline in the Falklands War when I was shot at and I simply…it was almost impossible for me to sweat… So, I’m afraid to say that there’s a medical condition that says that I didn’t do it, so therefore…”

The prince left the rest limply hanging. However, in the written reporting that followed this was represented by three dots after the “so therefore”. The ellipsis meant that it’s obvious to those reading (or viewers) what is not being said but could be said in the ensuing silence. 

In other words, therefore… she’s delusional, or lying.  

Sweating then became the rock on which the royal defence rested. 

But the interview left many British subjects doffing caps through niggling doubt. Was the monarch’s son seemingly clinging to sweaty discomfort as a defence against Giuffre’s further claims of wrongdoing? 

And, sweat or not, is it really relevant?

” Andrew was said to look pale and his face was running with sweat.”  

TheBigRetort reveals... the Sunday World is the second most popular newspaper in the Republic of Ireland. In November 2000, reporter Esther McCarthy wrote on page 50 of the World that whilst visiting New York’s trendiest bars, according to other party goers:” Andrew was said to look pale and his face was running with sweat.”  [Emphasis added.] #

The finding that the playboy prince regularly broke out into a sweat was not unearthed in any British newspaper. Make of that what you will. But the revelation revealed here upholds at least one part of Giuffre’s claim. Four months before the 2001 alleged non-sweating incident, Andrew was seen sweating in another nightclub.  

So, a once handsome prince kissed the Blarney Stone and turned into an ugly sweaty frog. And it’s the Blarney Stone that American lawyers may now throw at the former playboy prince during any cross-examination.

 For, as Paddy McGuinness once said: “I think blokes definitely sweat on most things when it comes to being questioned by women.”