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Carer engineered £400,000 burglary from elderly couple

12:00pm Tuesday 27th November 2007

comment Comments (54)   Have your say »


IT was the ultimate betrayal.

When Jewell Ryan moved into an elderly couple's Hampshire home to become a live-in carer she was meant to make their lives easier.

But just nine months later she faked a massive burglary and arranged for the theft of 200 highly valuable items from her employers.

The haul was estimated to be worth up to £400,000.

The 59-year-old used a glossy brochure produced by Winchester auctioneers Bonhams to select the most valuable items from Leeland House in the High Street, Twyford.

She even stole treasured personal possessions by rifling though drawers in the room where the elderly woman she was meant to be caring for was lying in bed suffering from dementia.

However, her despicable actions involving two accomplices were exposed after police became suspicious about her allegation of a burglary and subsequently found Ch'ing dynasty porcelain in her suitcase.

Today Ryan, of Alexander Road, Hemel Hempstead, is beginning a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence after a Winchester Crown Court jury found her guilty of conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to obtain property by deception.

She was found guilty of using a stolen credit card to obtain goods worth £2,271 and £2,200 in cash.

Co-accused Lionel Sime, 51, of Eagles Close, Merston, Kent was also found guilty of conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to obtain property by deception and jailed for five-and-a half years.

Henry Messenger, 65, of Stone Street, Faversham, Kent, was also found guilty of conspiracy to handle stolen goods and jailed for six years.

A fourth man, Robert Moys, 57, of Old Tree Road, Hoath, Canterbury, was acquitted of conspiracy to handle stolen goods.

Sentencing, Judge Andrew Barnett said the breach of trust was among the worst he had seen.

The trial heard that in January, 2005, Ryan got a job as a live-in carer with Major General Giles Mills, now 85 years old, to help look after his wife Emily who had dementia.

Maj Gen Mills served in the Second World War.

He and Emily had been married for 58 years and had three children.

Ryan and her boyfriend Sime faked a break-in and arranged for scores of items to be stolen.

The haul included paintings, objets d'art, jewellery, furniture, including ten chairs and six tables, silver, medals and many simpler items of sentimental value.

Mrs Mills was unaware of what was going on and Maj Gen Mills was away visiting family.

The trial heard that in the early hours of September 22, 2005, Ryan rang 999 to report a burglary but the police were suspicious as there was little evidence of a break-in. She was arrested five days later and the Ch'ing dynasty porcelain was found in her suitcase.

Charles Gabb, prosecuting, said: "This was a vicious and spiteful selection by Ryan of this old lady's property, including her most treasured personal possessions."

Within two months of the burglary Mrs Mills had died, although it was not related to the theft. Maj Gen Mills was so upset that soon afterwards he sold the house and moved away, the court heard.

Robert Grey, mitigating for Ryan, said: "It's surprising she finds herself here. She is a lady of 59 of previous good character."

Adam Morgan, for Sime, said he was an alcoholic whose life had been devastated by drink.

Rupert Bowers, for Messenger, accepted his client was a career criminal who would find it difficult to spend time in jail.

Sentencing Judge Andrew Barnett told Ryan: "This is one of the most appalling breaches of trust I have ever heard.

"You used your position to gain knowledge of the house, the whereabouts of the alarms, the whereabouts of the underfloor safe, the whereabouts of the keys and hence the ability to attack from the inside that house, filled as it was with many antiques which were prized not just for their value but their sentimental effect."


Your Say YourDaily Echo

Hiram Hackenbacker, Tracey Island says...
9:12am Tue 27 Nov 07

Would CRB checks by the employer have prevented this crime?

hmm, says...
9:17am Tue 27 Nov 07

Hiram Hackenbacker wrote:
Would CRB checks by the employer have prevented this crime?
Did she have a history of being a thief?

Denzil, Romsey says...
9:30am Tue 27 Nov 07

These people are greedy beyond belief. Maybe they should have become bin men if they needed so much money so badly.

Cynic, says...
10:36am Tue 27 Nov 07

Three stupid, inane comments in a row !

The employer was suffering from dementia, so would not have been able to request a CRB.

A history of being a thief ? You mean did she mention it in her CV ?

And then the snide remark at the bin men. People put all kinds of filth in their bins without wrapping it up, so I would say emptying the average bin is only slightly less unpleasant than unblocking their toilet.

Do you three really feel you ought to be left alone with a computer ?

King Mush, Woolston says...
11:18am Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic is feeding the trolls. Thought he would have been a bit more perceptive after so long on this forum.

This story is just the tip of the iceberg as the world is infested with scum like this. I label them as advance grave robbers taking advantage of a helpless invalid.

5/6 yrs in nick? Nah - they'll be out in half that time and will be looking for the next victim.


Tornadobabe, On this planet says...
11:19am Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic..
At last someone who doesn't make idiotic comments about what they read.

As for the rest of you.. surely you have something better to do with your time

King Mush, Woolston says...
11:21am Tue 27 Nov 07

Tornadobabe wrote:
Cynic.. At last someone who doesn't make idiotic comments about what they read. As for the rest of you.. surely you have something better to do with your time
and YOU have nothing better to do with YOUR time by posting this response?

lol

Cynic, says...
12:52pm Tue 27 Nov 07

A genuine forum is where real people gather, in person, to discuss and debate matters of public concern. One would choose one's words carefully, as one has to look the oppositon in the face. And if you become negatively hostile, you would be expected to leave.

Here, one encounters ludicrous nicknames, false locations, and antagonistic remarks that are designed solely to cause distress. It can be quite phoney.

Although the King Mush character has been tempered of late, it still has to accept responsibility for creating the original tension here. Other forum users have created similar roles, and there have been some quite amusing spontaneous impros that would have delighted a Drama specialist !

So this is where the cyber forum hangs, in some "otherplace", that is at once reality and fantasy.

Watch King Mush now assume denial mode, and back away with a few well-chosen snipes. Always the grubby guerilla, never the leading light.




Denzil, Romsey says...
12:52pm Tue 27 Nov 07

OK fine I admit it some of my comments are stupid, and I say controversial things to annoy you lot, but it keeps me going!

Cynic, says...
12:58pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Yes, Mush, you couldn't resist coming back to see what I'd said.

Now, I bet you have to say something. You just lack the guts to back-button away without comment.

George, says...
1:00pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Denzil wrote:
OK fine I admit it some of my comments are stupid, and I say controversial things to annoy you lot, but it keeps me going!
Is this you outing yourself as a King Mush sock puppet, then, Denzil?

Cynic, says...
1:02pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Denzil -a general apology might go down well. It would put you in a better league than the Mush character.

Denzil, Romsey says...
1:04pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:
Denzil -a general apology might go down well. It would put you in a better league than the Mush character.
What's in it for me?

Denzil, Romsey says...
1:09pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:
Denzil -a general apology might go down well. It would put you in a better league than the Mush character.
I have nothing to apologise for. However, united dunce should apologise, he adds nothing to debates tries miserably at impersonating me clogging up these pages. A troll some might say.

toxteth o'grady, says...
1:10pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Denzzzzzzzzzzzil's up early today !

Why, oh why? says...
1:12pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:
A genuine forum is where real people gather, in person, to discuss and debate matters of public concern. One would choose one's words carefully, as one has to look the oppositon in the face. And if you become negatively hostile, you would be expected to leave. Here, one encounters ludicrous nicknames, false locations, and antagonistic remarks that are designed solely to cause distress. It can be quite phoney. Although the King Mush character has been tempered of late, it still has to accept responsibility for creating the original tension here. Other forum users have created similar roles, and there have been some quite amusing spontaneous impros that would have delighted a Drama specialist ! So this is where the cyber forum hangs, in some "otherplace", that is at once reality and fantasy. Watch King Mush now assume denial mode, and back away with a few well-chosen snipes. Always the grubby guerilla, never the leading light.
Thats what I like about this forum and others do to.

Why do you get to act as judge and juror on this? And why are bringing it up anyway?

this is not school and you are not head master.

George, says...
1:24pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic: Don't bother. Trolls are a fact of life in online forums, there's nothing you can do about them. No amount of reasoning, threatening, bullying, pleading, extortion, insulting or anything else will convince them to stop. The only way to tackle them is to lower your expectations of a troll-free Internet
<back_to_topic />

Judge Barnett thinks this is one of the worst breaches of trust he's ever seen? Has he not been following party politics for the last few decades??

Hiram Hackenbacker, Tracey Island says...
2:04pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:
Three stupid, inane comments in a row ! The employer was suffering from dementia, so would not have been able to request a CRB. A history of being a thief ? You mean did she mention it in her CV ? And then the snide remark at the bin men. People put all kinds of filth in their bins without wrapping it up, so I would say emptying the average bin is only slightly less unpleasant than unblocking their toilet. Do you three really feel you ought to be left alone with a computer ?
So how did someone with dementia appoint Ryan in the first place? It was a valid question about the CRB and you have simply increased my interest in who might have acted for this person.

Hiram Hackenbacker, Tracey Island says...
2:06pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:-

"Here, one encounters ludicrous nicknames, false locations, and antagonistic remarks that are designed solely to cause distress. It can be quite phoney."

Mr Pot meet Mr Kettle.

saddened, Southampton says...
2:39pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Why do so many women abuse the elderly by pretending to be a carer? It is so sad that the elderly can really trust no one in our society.

Jeff Le Taxi, southampton says...
3:17pm Tue 27 Nov 07

I love the comments as most are extremely funny, especially Denzil who cracks me up, its the only site other than saintsfun banter that i find remotely funny, its the moaners that should get a life, you dont own the internet you know!

bingolover, at my desk says...
3:53pm Tue 27 Nov 07

To answer Mr Hackenbacker, a CRB check would only have been of any use if Ms Ryan had a previous criminal record. Also, the couple that employed her would've had to pay to have this done- and they would've needed to know how to go about getting hold of the paperwork in the first place....

King Mush, Woolston says...
4:15pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Dear oh dear. I pop out around noon, then back at 4 to check emails and have a look through my favourite news forum.


Cynic has popped up again, and still banging on about the naughty boys who dare to 'spoil' his personal webspace.

I note that he still falls for the assorted trolls that join in and incorrectly assumes that it was me! Hilarious and part of the fun.

George and others try to 'educate' this misguided deluded fool who somehow blames ME for the irreverent nonsense that blows in.

Who gives a toss about being on or off topic? I do admit to posting silly stuff but often input what I consider to be reasonable debate.

Cynic - you must realise that this is NOT A REAL FORUM. I understand your points but you still can't a grip on the way in which any unmoderated web forum works.

With every post, you bury yourself deeper and seem to be wasting your intellect, as I am fairly aware of how your mind works. It's a shame that you cannot get rid of your paranoia and Mushophobia.

Surely you take some notice of what others say?

I will answer your latest diatribe in my own good time and will take no notice of your rather lame attempt to claim that I have 'no guts' and quickly bang the 'back' button whenever getting some cyber flak from a very sad person.

I'm not sure how long I have actually joined in this forum, and ma wondering what was its content before I rolled into town with my guns a blazin?


Do tell

Christoff, says...
5:04pm Tue 27 Nov 07

King Mush wrote:
Dear oh dear. I pop out around noon, then back at 4 to check emails and have a look through my favourite news forum. Cynic has popped up again, and still banging on about the naughty boys who dare to 'spoil' his personal webspace. I note that he still falls for the assorted trolls that join in and incorrectly assumes that it was me! Hilarious and part of the fun. George and others try to 'educate' this misguided deluded fool who somehow blames ME for the irreverent nonsense that blows in. Who gives a toss about being on or off topic? I do admit to posting silly stuff but often input what I consider to be reasonable debate. Cynic - you must realise that this is NOT A REAL FORUM. I understand your points but you still can't a grip on the way in which any unmoderated web forum works. With every post, you bury yourself deeper and seem to be wasting your intellect, as I am fairly aware of how your mind works. It's a shame that you cannot get rid of your paranoia and Mushophobia. Surely you take some notice of what others say? I will answer your latest diatribe in my own good time and will take no notice of your rather lame attempt to claim that I have 'no guts' and quickly bang the 'back' button whenever getting some cyber flak from a very sad person. I'm not sure how long I have actually joined in this forum, and ma wondering what was its content before I rolled into town with my guns a blazin? Do tell
Well said Mush. I have been on the 'forum' for about the same time as you but I admit I have had to change my name as I used to work for the Daily Echo...the content was about the same 'pre Mush' but not as much. I wouldn't be as sad to say I'm a fan but I have no problem with most of what you say and if I did, wouldn't get my nickers in a twist. Just who does Cynic think he is?

pure twaddle, says...
5:27pm Tue 27 Nov 07

I don't mean any harm but may I suggest Denzil, Cynic, King mush & co
hold hands and take a hike off the highest bridge they can find. We can then write about their poor,lonely,pathetic lives on this site.
I'm sure they would appreciate that.

shylock, on up an uperkye says...
5:49pm Tue 27 Nov 07

pure twaddle wrote:
I don't mean any harm but may I suggest Denzil, Cynic, King mush & co hold hands and take a hike off the highest bridge they can find. We can then write about their poor,lonely,pathetic lives on this site. I'm sure they would appreciate that.
Lol.I would jump at the chance to say something.

Hiram Hackenbacker, Tracey Island says...
5:50pm Tue 27 Nov 07

bingolover wrote:
To answer Mr Hackenbacker, a CRB check would only have been of any use if Ms Ryan had a previous criminal record. Also, the couple that employed her would've had to pay to have this done- and they would've needed to know how to go about getting hold of the paperwork in the first place....
Thank you.

When the story was first posted online this morning there was no mention of Mr Mills - only Mrs Mills (with dementia). There was also no mention of their three children.

Cynic, says...
5:52pm Tue 27 Nov 07

I'm beginning to realise that I am the only one who reads other people's comments carefully.

The criticisms made of me are a bit baffling - I am simply giving my opinion, like everyone else.

The Mush character seems to be adopting a more reasoned approach, which is quite interesting.

As Mush has said, one should not take things too seriously here. But sometimes it is good fun to approach things like a solicitor, building a case for the defence or the prosecution just for the hell of it.

I actually have just about enough integrity to realise that I wouldn't be able to run this forum the way I'd like to. No one can. How can you control a situation were you cannot see the others, and they call themselves things like "pure twaddle". I think that character has scored something of an own goal.

Simon, Romsey says...
6:27pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:
I'm beginning to realise that I am the only one who reads other people's comments carefully. The criticisms made of me are a bit baffling - I am simply giving my opinion, like everyone else. The Mush character seems to be adopting a more reasoned approach, which is quite interesting. As Mush has said, one should not take things too seriously here. But sometimes it is good fun to approach things like a solicitor, building a case for the defence or the prosecution just for the hell of it. I actually have just about enough integrity to realise that I wouldn't be able to run this forum the way I'd like to. No one can. How can you control a situation were you cannot see the others, and they call themselves things like "pure twaddle". I think that character has scored something of an own goal.
So why don't you use your own name? Cynic? Come on... give it a rest.

I read these forums, have a laugh, post some silly but hopefully genuine remarks and appreciate the Daily Echo for allowing users to do so.

You, however, are a hypocrite.

Cynic, says...
9:20pm Tue 27 Nov 07

You can't just allege that I'm a hypocrite without backing it up. Unless you are playing "Simon Says" !

I have little trust in the people that haunt these columns. If everyone had to publish their correct name, then I would. But I'm not going to be the only one to publish my name, am I ?

Stop taking the
p iss, Simon of Romsey - auditioning for "Robin Hood" are we ?

Like certain other alter egos that visit this forum, I make sme very telling and forthright comments, sometimes. Again, like some other characters here, I happen to have been well-educated, and can probably give a good account of myself as required.

But I reserve the right to tear up and spit out, verbally, any half-wit with a gob and two GCSE's who thinks he or she can libel me, or just be plain offensive.

I look, first of all, for lively discussion. As soon as the chavs turn up, I tell them to fu ck off. It's the language they understand. But, oh dear, how hurt they are when told ! They want to dominate the forum with their ill-considered, half-baked musings, and resent it when others say someting more intelligent.

By the way, this is not pompous
bulls hit, it is fact. Tough, if it hurts.

dave, says...
9:34pm Tue 27 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:
You can't just allege that I'm a hypocrite without backing it up. Unless you are playing "Simon Says" ! I have little trust in the people that haunt these columns. If everyone had to publish their correct name, then I would. But I'm not going to be the only one to publish my name, am I ? Stop taking the p iss, Simon of Romsey - auditioning for "Robin Hood" are we ? Like certain other alter egos that visit this forum, I make sme very telling and forthright comments, sometimes. Again, like some other characters here, I happen to have been well-educated, and can probably give a good account of myself as required. But I reserve the right to tear up and spit out, verbally, any half-wit with a gob and two GCSE's who thinks he or she can libel me, or just be plain offensive. I look, first of all, for lively discussion. As soon as the chavs turn up, I tell them to fu ck off. It's the language they understand. But, oh dear, how hurt they are when told ! They want to dominate the forum with their ill-considered, half-baked musings, and resent it when others say someting more intelligent. By the way, this is not pompous bulls hit, it is fact. Tough, if it hurts.
Go **** youself, you pompous ****. I think you understand that

ron, says...
9:55pm Tue 27 Nov 07

dave wrote:
Cynic wrote: You can't just allege that I'm a hypocrite without backing it up. Unless you are playing "Simon Says" ! I have little trust in the people that haunt these columns. If everyone had to publish their correct name, then I would. But I'm not going to be the only one to publish my name, am I ? Stop taking the p iss, Simon of Romsey - auditioning for "Robin Hood" are we ? Like certain other alter egos that visit this forum, I make sme very telling and forthright comments, sometimes. Again, like some other characters here, I happen to have been well-educated, and can probably give a good account of myself as required. But I reserve the right to tear up and spit out, verbally, any half-wit with a gob and two GCSE's who thinks he or she can libel me, or just be plain offensive. I look, first of all, for lively discussion. As soon as the chavs turn up, I tell them to fu ck off. It's the language they understand. But, oh dear, how hurt they are when told ! They want to dominate the forum with their ill-considered, half-baked musings, and resent it when others say someting more intelligent. By the way, this is not pompous bulls hit, it is fact. Tough, if it hurts.
Go **** youself, you pompous ****. I think you understand that
Is the missing words rodger and di ck by any chance?

Cynic, says...
12:43am Wed 28 Nov 07

I guess it hurt, then.

LOL !

nite worker, says...
1:02am Wed 28 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:
I guess it hurt, then. LOL !
It depends who's getting rodgered.....I suppose.

Cynic, says...
10:19am Wed 28 Nov 07

No discussion works where people deliberately choose to misinterpret opinions and comments, something you could not get away with face to face.

Coming late to computer social communication, I've often been intrigued at the way people quickly turn to verbal abuse on these open forums, simply, I suppose, because you can do so with impunity.

We've got a bullying element here who don't like to be challenged. As I have said before, it defeats the object of a forum. If someone can make a comment, albeit controversial, and another can repond with "you're a tw at" and still remain on the forum, we don't really have free speech.

Free speech, as you know, does not mean the freedom to yell abuse at the top of your voice whenever you feel like it. The freedom to express your opinion, no matter how controversial, comes at a high price. There has to be some sort of code that everyone agrees to adhere to, otherwise some people will not state their views for fear of intimidation.

There are a number of us who have posted here, and have had to tolerate torrents of abuse and read offensive material because the Echo will not set up an accountable forum ( I mean one where you have to give your full identity to be able to join ). When I first came here, I expected to find ordinary people chatting about local events. Obviously, I didn't find that. But I objected to being told to pi ss off if I didn't like it ! Why should reasonable people have to leave a forum just because other unreasonable people say so ? So I joined the fray, and can see what a buzz some people must get out of it.

However, as with all free-for-alls, quality suffers.

Like a perverse "Trueman Show", this forum is phoney. But it must be forfilling some requirement, otherwise it wouldn't be available.

I've come and gone several times, hoping, each time I come back, to find things more civilised. But they never are, and no one seems interested in achieving that state.

What a shame that it is a fact of life that a few bad apples turn the good ones bad, instead of the reverse. I have campaigned for fair play here, and lost. Every re-newed attempt to change the mood here has failed, despite the fact that many people have supported it. Obviously the Echo want a bear pit, and that is what they've got.

So, to quote those immortal "Dragon's Den" words : "for those reasons, I'm out".

George, says...
12:01pm Wed 28 Nov 07

Cynic: in my experience if an online forum starts getting to you, it's time to take a break from it for a while. You're beating your head against a brick wall trying to instigate change, or regulate how it works. In all honesty, though, if you think about it for a minute, it's virtually impossible to be offended by insults thrown by people who do not know you, cannot see you and have no basis for those insults, unless you are actively looking to be offended

For all those who are crying out for the boards to be regulated, or to require registration: rest assured that that won't cure the problem whatsoever. Getting another email address is trivially simple if yours gets banned, IP addresses can be faked with similar ease, it's a losing battle, and the only way to deal with the problem is to tolerate it and not get hot under the collar about it

Sorry for wandering so far off-topic!

King Mush, Woolston says...
1:18pm Wed 28 Nov 07

George sums it all up.

I've been too busy of late and havent always got time 'to waste' on brick wall mentalities.

Cynic's expectations are sadly under achieving and I really hope that he can either move on or try and enjoy the fun of the fair as most of us do.


dave, says...
1:37pm Wed 28 Nov 07

Cynic wrote:
No discussion works where people deliberately choose to misinterpret opinions and comments, something you could not get away with face to face. Coming late to computer social communication, I\'ve often been intrigued at the way people quickly turn to verbal abuse on these open forums, simply, I suppose, because you can do so with impunity. We\'ve got a bullying element here who don\'t like to be challenged. As I have said before, it defeats the object of a forum. If someone can make a comment, albeit controversial, and another can repond with \"you\'re a tw at\" and still remain on the forum, we don\'t really have free speech. Free speech, as you know, does not mean the freedom to yell abuse at the top of your voice whenever you feel like it. The freedom to express your opinion, no matter how controversial, comes at a high price. There has to be some sort of code that everyone agrees to adhere to, otherwise some people will not state their views for fear of intimidation. There are a number of us who have posted here, and have had to tolerate torrents of abuse and read offensive material because the Echo will not set up an accountable forum ( I mean one where you have to give your full identity to be able to join ). When I first came here, I expected to find ordinary people chatting about local events. Obviously, I didn\'t find that. But I objected to being told to pi ss off if I didn\'t like it ! Why should reasonable people have to leave a forum just because other unreasonable people say so ? So I joined the fray, and can see what a buzz some people must get out of it. However, as with all free-for-alls, quality suffers. Like a perverse \"Trueman Show\", this forum is phoney. But it must be forfilling some requirement, otherwise it wouldn\'t be available. I\'ve come and gone several times, hoping, each time I come back, to find things more civilised. But they never are, and no one seems interested in achieving that state. What a shame that it is a fact of life that a few bad apples turn the good ones bad, instead of the reverse. I have campaigned for fair play here, and lost. Every re-newed attempt to change the mood here has failed, despite the fact that many people have supported it. Obviously the Echo want a bear pit, and that is what they\'ve got. So, to quote those immortal \"Dragon\'s Den\" words : \"for those reasons, I\'m out\".
The topic was about a carer who engineered a burglary.
There are 36 comments here and only the first 2 are about the subject. I don't wan't to read long boring speeches from you ( and the likes )about you, you, you, you and you.

Give it a rest, it is so dull. Don't go away in a huff, just stick to the issues.

King Mush, Woolston says...
2:24pm Wed 28 Nov 07

Cynic:
Watch King Mush now assume denial mode, and back away with a few well-chosen snipes. Always the grubby guerilla, never the leading light"

lol-
'Grubby Guerilla'

That's a new name for me!! I'm now looking up at my Che Guevara poster on the wall and giving the V sign. I could give the same sign to Cynic but I am not prepared to stoop to such levels and will maintain a semblance of dignity and restraint"

PS Back on topic:

This 'carer' in the thread is a scumess!! OK?



her indoors, eastleigh says...
5:38pm Wed 28 Nov 07

Jeff Le Taxi wrote:
I love the comments as most are extremely funny, especially Denzil who cracks me up, its the only site other than saintsfun banter that i find remotely funny, its the moaners that should get a life, you dont own the internet you know!
little things please little minds

Theresa, Shirley says...
9:32pm Wed 28 Nov 07

I read these chat room things quite a lot but I dont usually write anthing. I know Cynic ( and all the other things she calls herself )quite well personally. She does take it too seriously, but like she says everything in life cant just be for a laugh.
The reason you lot get narked is because shes clever with words and makes you look stupid all the time.

King Mush, Woolston says...
9:52pm Wed 28 Nov 07

Theresa wrote:
I read these chat room things quite a lot but I dont usually write anthing. I know Cynic ( and all the other things she calls herself )quite well personally. She does take it too seriously, but like she says everything in life cant just be for a laugh. The reason you lot get narked is because shes clever with words and makes you look stupid all the time.
Cynic is an old bird?

lol That's made my day.

He/she is 'clever with words' but doesnt make all of us look stupid my little lurker.


It takes a lot more than a daft news forum to get me narked.

Anyway - perhaps 'Theresa' is really 'Cynic'?

Who knows?

Who cares?

This is getting like the original Psycho movie with 'Mother Theresa' sitting in the armchair gazing out at the Bates Motel......

Ssssh...Norman's creeping up the stairs......

Theresa, says...
11:37pm Wed 28 Nov 07

If you look back I dont think youll find a name or anything that gave away that she was female. She reckoned no one took much notice of anything a woman said here because its all mainly men here.
She didnt like you King Mush, making fun of travellers. Neither did I. What she often said was that you were really interesting and made good points, but sometimes you were nasty and offhand. I didnt understand some of the things she said, but she could be very nasty too.
This chat room meant a lot to her, but people really upset her. Anyway it wasnt your fault.

le chene, says...
1:01am Thu 29 Nov 07

Come back Cynic. Don't let a couple of people drive you away. Look at the "read comments" at the end of every bit of news. Not a lot of people posting is there. Look at the times of each post, almost instant one after the other. You are speaking to the same dumb people time and time again. There are probably only a dozen people on the entire site covering every topic. Don't stress yourself out mate get back on here and give it to them.
They were making a
sh*t sandwich and you were the mayonaise.
Cheer up mate for all I know you could be Denzil or king mush or UF or something.

Cynic, says...
11:01am Thu 29 Nov 07

"Theresa" has just told me about her postings, and of the comment from "le chene". So I'm here, solely out of courtesy to you, to thank you for your reassuring words. You are the first person to confirm what I have suspected all along : that this forum is rigorously patrolled by a small group of cyber yobs whose main purpose is to ambush unsuspecting innocent posters.

Unfortunately, this form of "Dungeons and Dragons" was not what I was looking for. I am interested in Southampton, and in local affairs, as I have lived here all my life. Now that I am retired I have time to spend on "dalliances" like chatting with people online. I realise a forum is not a chat room ( Theresa doesn't ! ) and that the postings are likely to be very abrupt, even aggressive. However, I have visited many local newspaper websites in other parts of the country, and can assure you that this local Echo forum is way out of line.

Why can't people play the game properly ? Genuine posters don't come back because of the "gang culture" here on this forum. And the Echo cannot be bothered to do anything about it.

Yes, I have fought, kicked and screamed my way along here, giving the yobs "whatfor" ! But as I say, this is not what I expected to find, and not what I originally came here for.

It is phoney, and quite pointless.

Too many people perpetrate the myth that the internet is a "runaway train", and that we have to put up with the characteristics of the "wild frontier" that it inhabits. This is just hogwash to mitigate offensiveness, deception and often criminal activity. Just like the real world, the internet right down to this little old forum needs policing to allow the majority to use it without fear.

I would like to see this forum functioning as it should, not as the back of a public toilet door. Until that happens, I and many other decent folk will not be posting here.




le chene, romsey says...
4:32pm Thu 29 Nov 07

I have only been reading these comments for 3 days and can only agree with you, cynic. This has been a very unpleasant experience.
The only genuine posters, unfortunately are the ones that leave sympathy messages after a tragedy. And what happens? The "cyber yobs" make a joke and sit back waiting for a reaction. After 3 days I too have had enough. I will let other forums know ( Digital Spy etc )of this Daily echo website and see if they can make sense of it.

LG, southampton says...
4:53pm Thu 29 Nov 07

I agree cynic has a certain way with words which leads me to believe he/she would be far more at home sending comments to the telegrapgh or observer where they would be on an intellectual par, instead of trying to impress everyone with their vocabulary.And please correct me were,nt the original comments supposed to be about the poor elderly couple who were robbed.The fact that this happens and all you lot want to do is upstage one another is beyond SAD !!

King Mush, Woolston says...
7:37pm today Thu 29 Nov 07

I and others will be surprised that Cynic is a lady although one's gender is irrelevant on many threads.

I guess that she and her pal are inferring that this is just another 'boys' club and just another male chauvinistic outlet?

I would actually miss Cynic as she is obviously intelligent and has a way with words. Why her vocabulary and grammar should 'upset' others, I feel that it makes a nice change from some of the trolling flame war drivel that gets excreted in this forum. Mind you - I prefer to just laugh it off and not bother to feed them with the oxygen of publicity.

Perhaps some of them were starved of oxygen at birth, judging by some of the content.

As for being 'anti-traveller'? Oh come on - I and the majority of people are generally highlighting a certain section of the travelling community. You know - the scummy door-knocking rip-off merchants who target vulnerable OAPs etc.

I am fairly well read and know quite a bit about GENUINE gypsies, who are a different people than the itinerant tinkers and diddicoys that plague every area they pass through.

I really hope that Cynic is as tough as she has made out in the past and will (hopefully) join in with any debate she sees fit.

Whilst she has often 'lost it' and thrown personal 'insults' at me, I have not gone down the same road.

This nonsense about 'cyber bullying' usually applies to schoolkids and their own web domains.

We are mostly adults on this forum and I cant really see any major problems with most of the content.

It would be a very dull news site if the more 'colourful' characters were to eb sent packing.

It would end up like a W.I. newsletter and at least provide some help with insomnia


Cynic, says...
9:44pm Thu 29 Nov 07

Thank - you, Mush. A fairly typical inflamatory, dismissive, rather Victorian attitude from you. Perhaps you, like some of us, are experiencing the battle fatigue, and a little bad attitude has rubbed off on you. You should not really be targeting the underprivileged ( "tinkers, and scummy door-knocking ripoff merchants" ) or harmless minority groups ( the W I ) for derision.

Watch and see. It is possible there may be some interesting developments over the next few weeks.

Watch and see.

King Mush, Woolston says...
11:16pm Thu 29 Nov 07

Inflammatory? Dismissive? Victorian?

I dont really see this - I would welcome independent views though.

I have never suffered 'battle fatigue' whatever that means in this rather unreal cyber world.

Once again- I am not 'targeting the underprivileged' as per your desperate attempt to discredit me.

I think it's common knowledge that the very same criminal element's ill gotten gains can be seen parked up on any itinerant caravan site.

Top of the range 4x 4s plus other luxury vehicles sit alongside the old jalopies that roam the unsuspecting streets, 'disguised' as DIY, Tree Surgeons,Tarmac company etc. Stick on advertising with only mobile numbers etc.

Caravans (usually spotless) are crammed full of tasty TVs, hi-fis etc and I think the word PRIVILEGED might be used in this case. Not forgetting massive wedges of cash that is used for pub crawls, betting and many more outlets.

A world away from genuine Romanies and most of us know it, although you seem hellbent on some fanciful crusade whenever I have dared to mirror what others have repeatedly posted.

The W.I. is fine institution and hardly used as 'derision' - I was merely alluding to the fact that it is not as 'exciting' as other pursuits. Perhaps I have unwittingly strayed into your personal space as you may be a member or even an executive of this organisation?

The world and I tremble in anticipation of your Nostradumus tinged veiled 'threat' of things to come.

Interesting developments eh?

Que sera sera......


cupid, loveydovey says...
11:20pm Thu 29 Nov 07

Is it possible that cynic and king mush are announcing their engagement?
Watch and see.....watch and see
The first cyber marriage. congatulations.
Watch and see...watch and see.

King Mush, Woolston says...
11:31pm Thu 29 Nov 07

D a m m i t. The story's been leaked.


Please send any wedding gift cheques to HRH K Mush, P.O. Box 666, Woolston S02 8BF

cupid, says...
12:13am Fri 30 Nov 07

Sorry mush I don't do cheques. your welcome to come to my caravan and pick yerself a tasty TV or Hi-Fi. No questions asked. Just give me a couple of days my chavey. Got to go I have to find a field for me and the 12 kids.

Dikye, kerr on strike a light ...er thats all I know.

Cynic, says...
12:15am Fri 30 Nov 07

Thank-you again !

More evidence that a small minority are constantly using this site for their own entertainment and personal prejudices than engaging in fair, genuine, respectful discussion with other users.

Are you invulnerable ?
Clue : No.
Are you truly anonymous ?
Clue : No.
Could your reign of terror come to an end soon ?
Clue : Wait and see !

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