TWO former Essex firefighters have appeared in court charged with misconduct after a police investigation into historic abuse claims within the Essex Fire Service.
Anthony Benham, 49, of Butts Road, Stanford-le-Hope, and Ian Maguire, 55, of Karen Close, Benfleet, appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, August 28th).
They were both charged with wilful misconduct in public office, in relation to acts of “indecency, assault, battery and false imprisonment” at Tilbury fire station.
In June 2013 Essex Police began an investigation into allegations of offences at the former station dating back to 1988.
Firefighter Martin Sibley, 48, was found hanged last June at his Colchester home, after he had been interviewed by police in relation to this probe. A coroner recorded an open verdict at an inquest into the death.
Benham and Maguire were given unconditional bail to appear at Basildon Crown Court on the week commencing 24 November.
You need to either take this article down (preferably) or update the article to reflect the result of the trial as being not guilty of all charges and that the two people involved had no connection whatsoever with The late Martin Sibley or his tragic death!