Andrew Lodge - Court Case report

Its not the Chron that printed his salary its barnsleynewsandsport.com. Any guesses for who owns that?

Additionally, nowt against Mr Lodge, but I beleive that the Chron sports section as improved no end of late. Back page columns used to be very repetative.

 

Ehup mate, did you go and register at fit reds yesterday?

 

I'd say the opposite really, but each to their own.

 

The criminal justice system, which as we know is hardly renowned for a hard line stance on most things, seemed to think so.

 

I think that is why MP's where so astounded when they were taken to task. They assumed we were all "at it". We aren't.

 

They're like ravens - the Lodge's - how long will the Chron survive without a Lodge?

They go right back to Cuthbert Lodge who followed our 1912 Cup Winners Cup run to deepest Russia on a supporters wagon. Not sure whether he put in for hay though.

 

I was there, looking forward to it, there was more than I expected

 

Correct. I'd have happily seen every single one of our esteemed politicians who was gulity of abusing the expenses system sent through the courts and then hopefully straight off to chokey for their shameful actions.

I understand they're still at it too, where's Guy Fawkes when you need him?

 

Here's the Chron's version..

http://www.barnsley-chronicle.co.uk...chronicle-sports-editor-admits-expenses-fraud

Personally, I believe there was a lot more to it. In fact I'm sure of it.

I quite liked Lodgey, and more-so his Father. But he had a job that I'd love to have, and I wouldn't have risked losing that dream job by scamming the company out of a few hundred quid, leaving my reputation in tatters, myself unemployed (possibly unemployable) and my family in the ****.

I also think the Sports pages are much more interesting since Doug and Matthew took over. But that's just my opinion.

 

At court, the editor had asked at Barnsley if Andrew Lodge had been at press conference at Barnsley Hill said he had not seen him for sometime. Also said last time he saw him was getting on coach for away match. If my mind is correct, did not the existing Chron reporter say that Hill did not speak to some reporters and blanked them. If so had Lodge been blanked and stopped attending. All a big **** up, and another mystery under Hills tenure. Still think the guy got a bad deal.

 

Doug O'Kane spoke about his treatment at the hands of Hill, in last weeks Chron, I think. And Matthew Murray was banned from attending at one point, because Hill didn't appreciate him speaking his mind.
If you didn't kiss Keith's arse, Keith didn't like you.

 

There's a difference though

Between saying it is harsh and saying it wasn't right. Big penalty for a relatively small bout of stupidity. Yes the crime was fraud and he can have no complaints but it doesn't mean it wasn't harsh, considering all the circumstances. Harsh that the dismissal was followed by a criminal record but I'm guessing there that the Chronicle would have been forced into that otherwise they would have been vulnerable for unfair dismissal, i.e. dismissed for fraud yet they didn't report it. Anyway, enough of the speculation.

Speaking of stupidity, a lad at our place got dismissed for nicking a sandwich from the canteen. Based on his age/grade I'd say he would have been on around AU$75k. And he lost this for a sandwich. Imagine that. People are strange.

 

Thing that gets me, is why it went to court.

 

Probably because the new Editor (Harrod) wanted Lodgey out, so he was caught on a technicality and ultimately/legally got him out of the door.

I went to school with the new Editor and whilst I am always supportive of local people bettering their careers, I am surprised he is now at Editor level of Barnsley Chronicle.

Barnsley Chronicle was always a "must buy" for me on a Fri on way home from work......I haven't bought one for >12 months as it is nowhere near as good as it used to be and now a waste of money. BFC coverage is inconsistent and weak.

Lodgey......if you're reading this.......wish you good luck with your new website/venture.

 

Because Lodge stole nearly £500 from them and they wanted to recover their costs in court?

If a man steals a £500 power tool from homebase and they catch him you would expect them to prosecute wouldn't you? Just because Lodge was an employee should that mean the victim of the crime should just let it go and pay for it themselves?

 

Must agree with you on that one Pasta - it has certainly gone even further down hill in the last year, particularly the sport. Good luck too Lodgey.

 

More information on this.

Lodge filed for unfair dismissal and only AFTER this was he arrested for fraud.