Alex Grant

A Wakefield coroner ruled that deficient monitoring of Delilah-Jayde Arnold’s heart rate during labour was directly causative of her death at one week old in December 2024. Her heartbeat was not properly monitored for 33 to 42 minutes because midwives struggled to attach a fetal scalp electrode, and the issue was not escalated to the consultant obstetrician. The coroner said Delilah likely would not have died when she did if current protocols had been followed, but stopped short of finding neglect or a gross failure to provide basic medical attention. The family welcomed a Prevention of Future Deaths Report but criticized the decision not to record neglect. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust apologized, acknowledged care failings, and said it had introduced improved monitoring guidelines, equipment, training and escalation procedures. The case comes ahead of a wider review into alleged systemic maternity and neonatal care failures in Leeds.

Antony Caton, 57, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to racially aggravated harassment and other offences. He abused a Morrisons security guard in Rothwell and racially abused a Polish-descended police officer during his arrest, later assaulting an officer and abusing hospital staff. His defence cited bipolar disorder and lack of medication, while the prosecution and judge highlighted the seriousness of his racist conduct and poor behaviour in custody.

Students across Leeds are collecting their A-Level and other post-16 results after two years of study. Leeds City Council executive member Helen Hayden congratulated students, praised school and college staff, and highlighted support available to care leavers and young people who did not achieve the grades they needed. Guidance is available for next steps including higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

Crowds of stargazers, families and amateur astronomers gathered at Roundhay Park in Leeds to watch the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse. Around 91% of the Sun was obscured over Leeds, while members of the Leeds Astronomical Society provided solar-filtered telescopes for safe viewing. Clear weather and open parkland created strong viewing conditions, and Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Gerard Binks documented the event.

A car crashed into a building on Mabgate in Leeds city centre at approximately 11:21 a.m. on August 12, 2026. The driver was receiving treatment at the scene, while West Yorkshire Police continued its investigation. Yorkshire Ambulance Service sent two ambulances and a team leader, and two patients were taken to hospital.

Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School topped the Leeds secondary-school rankings for 2024/25 GCSE performance with an average Attainment 8 score of 58. Horsforth School followed with 57.3, ahead of Abbey Grange CofE Academy, Boston Spa Academy, Leeds Jewish Free School and Roundhay School. The rankings use Department for Education data covering pupils’ performance across up to eight qualifications, including English, maths, EBacc subjects and other approved GCSEs.

A permanent Bielsa Place tribute has opened at Elland Road, featuring more than 1,700 legacy stones and the names of 673 supporters. The area includes a marble replica of the bucket Marcelo Bielsa famously sat on while managing Leeds United, commemorating his role in guiding the club back to the Premier League in 2020 after a 16-year absence. All Legacy Stones are now sold out online.

Four people—Ajmal Khan, Naheed Razaq, Sarah Hanif and Shahad Aljammoor—were convicted at Bradford Crown Court after submitting the details of a man who died in 2001 as the alleged driver in five separate speeding or traffic offences. The offences occurred between July 2020 and April 2024 in Leeds and on the M1. Each received a prison sentence suspended for two years; Hanif was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. West Yorkshire authorities said the case demonstrates that attempts to evade prosecution will be detected and urged the public to report dangerous driving through the Safer Roads submissions portal.

Resurfacing and other roadworks across Leeds are causing diversions and cancellations on multiple bus services. Lawnswood roundabout works run from August 3 to September 7, while closures and restrictions in Horsforth, Halton, Scholes, Pool-in-Wharfdale, the city centre, Hunslet, Pudsey and other areas will continue through August, October, November or longer. Some works on Albion Street, Woodhouse Lane, Britannia Road in Morley and Pontefract Road in Stourton are expected to finish this week.

A Leeds Crown Court roundup identifies 12 people sentenced during the week, including the six cases visible in the gallery. Mohammed Jabbar received 16 months in prison and a new 54-month driving ban after driving at four times the legal alcohol limit and colliding with a police car, while Neil Preece-Smith received a further seven-year sentence for threatening MPs from HMP Wakefield. John Nicholson was jailed for 45 months for prolonged assaults on two former partners. Lee Campy received 15 months for dealing amphetamine and possessing criminal property, and Ben Campbell was returned to prison after being caught selling cocaine. Anthony Higo received 21 months for sexually assaulting a young girl and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register subject to restraining and sexual harm prevention orders.

The IRONMAN triathlon will return to Leeds, with competitors swimming in Waterloo Lake before cycling through north Leeds and surrounding areas and running around Roundhay. Rolling road closures will operate mainly between 6am and 6pm, while numerous bus services serving Roundhay, Harewood, Thorner, Shadwell and nearby areas will be diverted or truncated from 9.30am. The article lists the affected roads, race routes and detailed changes to individual bus services.

Leeds Mathematics School ranked first among the Leeds sixth forms and colleges listed, with 59% of pupils achieving at least AAB in their 2025 A Level results. Ralph Thoresby School ranked second at 50%, followed by The Grammar School at Leeds at 45.3%. Horsforth School & Sixth Form, Allerton High School and Otley Prince Henry's Grammar School also recorded attainment rates above 31%. The ranking is based on Department for Education data for the 2024/25 academic year and focuses on pupils achieving AAB or higher in A Levels, including facilitating subjects commonly required by leading universities.

Leeds, Wakefield and Kirklees councils will introduce coordinated lane rental schemes later in 2026, charging utilities and other organisations up to £2,500 per day for roadworks on key routes during peak periods. The schemes, approved by the Department for Transport, aim to encourage work outside busy times, improve coordination and efficiency, reduce traffic disruption and carbon emissions, and protect the reliability of major bus routes.

John Nicholson was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court to 45 months in prison after pleading guilty to two assaults causing actual bodily harm and one assault by beating against two former partners. The court heard that he repeatedly attacked the women, threatened one after she reported him, and caused permanent scarring to the other. The judge cited the gratuitous degradation inflicted on both victims and imposed two 10-year restraining orders. Nicholson’s defence highlighted his history of alcohol and drug addiction, recent rehabilitation efforts and conduct in prison.

Final-stage works on the Lawnswood roundabout redevelopment in Leeds begin on 3 August 2026, with weekday overnight closures from 7pm to 6am for up to four weeks and signed diversions on all approaches. Final resurfacing is planned for four nights from 1 to 5 September, followed by a full day-and-night closure from 5 to 7 September. The project is expected to be substantially complete in September and includes improved crossings, lower vehicle speeds and new cycle lanes. Leeds City Council has warned of disruption, urged travellers to allow extra time and said daytime work on cycleways, footways, traffic signals and landscaping will continue.

The final stage of Leeds’ Lawnswood roundabout improvement scheme begins with weekday overnight closures from 7pm to 6am for up to four weeks. Preparation and resurfacing works will move around the junction, followed by four overnight closures from 1 to 5 September and a full day-and-night closure from 5 to 7 September. The scheme is intended to improve crossings, reduce vehicle speeds and add cycle lanes, with Leeds City Council urging motorists to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

The Leeds Inner Ring Road will close between 7pm and 6am on weeknights from August 3 to November 26 for bridge inspection works, prompting diversions to several bus services. Additional roadworks and bridge closures across Leeds, Morley, Halton, Scholes, Pool in Wharfedale, Hunslet and Pudsey will cause further diversions and stop closures, with some disruption continuing into 2027. Resurfacing works on Stanningley Bypass and emergency works on Stanks Lane have been completed.

Leeds United fan artist Nicolas Dixon has completed the relocation and repainting of his mural commemorating the club’s 1972 FA Cup-winning team. The artwork had to be redesigned because Elland Road’s redevelopment requires the original wall to become a security hub and accommodate kiosk windows. Dixon said the process was more difficult than expected but that he now prefers the revised composition. The mural is being completed as the stadium undergoes a major redevelopment that is expected to increase capacity from 37,645 to 53,000.

Construction at Elland Road is progressing ahead of the new season, with work focused on the West and North Stands. The project includes removing the Banqueting Suite, demolishing the ticket office and external West Stand structure, taking down floodlights, and completing pitch and dugout upgrades. Stadium capacity is set to rise from 37,645 to 53,000, with improved seating, comfort and sightlines planned for supporters.

Campaigners in Leeds are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make a binding, fully funded commitment to a West Yorkshire tram and mass-transit system. They blame Treasury funding constraints and Whitehall interference for delaying the £2.5 billion project, whose first phase would connect Leeds with Bradford and link St James’s Hospital to the White Rose Centre. The Department for Transport is requiring a business case covering both buses and trams, while Mayor Tracy Brabin and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner have argued that greater devolved powers could accelerate delivery and support regional economic growth. The project is now expected to be completed in the late 2030s.

Multiple road closures and resurfacing projects across Leeds are causing bus diversions and stop closures. Stanningley Bypass will close overnight for resurfacing, diverting services 508 and X6, while works in Scholes, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Sawrcliffe, Halton, Hunslet and Pudsey affect several other routes. Long-term bridge and road closures will continue into late 2026 or early 2027, although Wellington Street works in Leeds city centre are expected to finish this week.

A Yorkshire Evening Post gallery profiles criminals sentenced at Leeds Crown Court during the week. The cases visible include Haris Hussain, jailed for 10 years for rape and sexual assault; Nathan Asquith, imprisoned after a high-speed chase in a stolen BMW; Rohail Ahmed, jailed for attacking a driver with an axe while over the drink-drive limit; Robert O’Neill and John McDonagh, sentenced for defrauding an elderly man; Jamie Lockett, imprisoned for a serious assault; and Shilton Flynn, jailed for repeated shop theft and related drug and driving offences.

The opening of Leeds City Station’s redesigned New Station Street entrance has been delayed again, with completion now expected in September 2026. The £46.1 million Leeds Station Gateway scheme has faced repeated postponements because of complex works, including essential maintenance to the underground Mill Goit structure. Remaining work includes installing and commissioning two lifts, while contractors are also completing new steps, cycling infrastructure and public-realm improvements. Leeds City Council is discussing a possible correction to lettering and alignment issues on the entrance’s Welcome to Leeds clocktower.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation into West Yorkshire Police’s involvement in a fatal motorbike crash in Pontefract that killed 16-year-old Logan Stead. A second boy, aged 13, was uninjured and initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The inquiry will examine officer actions, available footage and adherence to procedures after the motorbike was seen shortly before the collision, though no pursuit occurred. Logan’s family has been contacted as investigators continue gathering evidence.

Visitors gathered at Middleton Railway for the Leeds Steampunk Market, featuring traders, artists, authors and fashion suppliers offering handmade creations, artwork, accessories and gifts, accompanied by a series of photographs highlighting attendees and their outfits.

Thousands of people gathered in Leeds city centre to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Leeds Pride, with the two-day event expected to draw 75,000 visitors and participation from nearly 250 local businesses. The parade featured music, entertainment and community groups including Angels of Freedom, captured in a series of colourful photos.

Nine offenders were sentenced at Leeds Crown Court, including individuals jailed for violent assault, prolific shop theft, long-term sexual abuse, firearms offences, drug dealing and dangerous driving, and a late-night abduction attempt. Sentences ranged from months to several years, with additional orders such as restraining orders, sexual harm prevention orders and criminal behaviour bans imposed where applicable.

Ofsted rated Little Owls Nursery Hunslet St Mary’s in Leeds as strong in behaviour, attitudes, inclusion, and leadership following a February 2026 inspection. Previously considered for closure during a 2024 council review, the nursery now benefits from a nurturing environment, inclusive support for children with special educational needs, and a well‑designed curriculum. Inspectors noted secure child development and positive relationships between staff and children while recommending clearer curriculum intentions and more opportunities for practising self‑care skills.

An Ofsted inspection found Hunslet Carr Primary School in Leeds provides strong personal development and wellbeing opportunities, earning a ‘Strong standard’ rating under the new traffic‑light system, while other categories met the expected standard. Inspectors highlighted pupils’ confidence, engagement, and behaviour, along with positive curriculum changes and improving attendance, though further progress is needed to sustain gains and support higher‑attaining pupils. The report commended the school’s inclusive ethos, knowledgeable staff, and strong understanding of the community.

A large-scale youth engagement initiative, Growing Talent Morley, has involved more than 10,000 young people in shaping regeneration plans for Morley. Run by Ahead Partnership with support from Leeds City Council, the Morley Town Deal Board and private sector partners, the programme connects students to local employers, career pathways and built environment projects. The initiative has influenced ongoing redevelopment efforts, generated new apprenticeship opportunities and strengthened community collaboration, with high levels of reported impact on participants’ career awareness and aspirations.

Ofsted inspectors praised Middleton St Mary's CofE Primary School in Leeds for its strong attendance, behaviour and positive school culture, awarding a 'Strong standard' in the attendance and behaviour category under the updated inspection framework. The report highlights supportive relationships, high expectations for conduct, a well‑planned curriculum and strong provision for early years and pupils with additional needs. Areas identified for improvement include fully embedding the new handwriting curriculum and strengthening early years teaching in core skills. The headteacher, Naomi Wood, welcomed the findings and credited staff, governors, parents and pupils for the positive outcome.

Bereaved families affected by maternity and neonatal care failures in Leeds are being encouraged to attend the first meeting of the independent maternity review led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden. The gathering will give families the chance to understand the review process and engage directly with the review team. Fiona and Daniel Winser‑Ramm, whose daughter Aliona died due to what an inquest deemed gross failings, urge other families to join and highlight long‑standing systemic problems within the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The event will offer two sessions and include support organisations, with trust officials excluded to ensure independence.

Four Leeds schools were listed among the North’s highest‑performing institutions in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. Horsforth School ranked seventh among state secondary schools in the North, Sherburn High School ranked ninth among comprehensive secondaries, Leeds Grammar School placed third among independent secondary schools, and Christ The King RC Primary School secured fourth place among primary schools in the North.

Police arrested three men in Morley following overnight and ongoing investigations into multiple burglary and theft offences. The first suspect was detained after officers responded to reports of a burglary in progress, while two others were arrested on suspicion of numerous shop thefts and business burglaries. All remain in custody as inquiries continue, with police acknowledging community support in aiding the arrests.

A ranking of the top-performing sixth forms and colleges in Leeds based on the percentage of students achieving AAB or higher in their 2025 A Level results, using Department for Education data. Leeds Mathematics School tops the list with 59 percent, followed by Ralph Thoresby School and The Grammar School at Leeds. The league table highlights 18 schools as exam season concludes.

Eight offenders received sentences at Leeds Crown Court for crimes including sexual assaults on minors, selling stolen car parts, targeting a child online, drug dealing, and dangerous driving. Several were given extended jail terms, sexual harm prevention orders, or lifetime placement on the sex offender register, while police investigations linked multiple cases to broader criminal activity.

A 47‑year‑old woman received a two‑year suspended prison sentence along with rehabilitation requirements after admitting to burgling a 75‑year‑old Leeds man and attempting to sell back his stolen phone. The court heard she acted to fund drug addiction and had been homeless at the time. The judge issued a five‑year restraining order and urged her to use the opportunity to turn her life around.

A Leeds man, Jamie Stogdale, received an 11‑month suspended sentence and a five‑year restraining order after repeatedly breaching non‑molestation orders against his ex-partner, including threatening messages and abusive confrontations. The court heard that his behaviour was linked to alcohol and cocaine misuse and underlying mental health issues. The victim reported significant emotional distress and disruption to her life. The judge warned Stogdale that any further offending will result in imprisonment.

A 26-year-old man, Keishawn Ewing, received a suspended 12‑month prison sentence at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to affray and possession of a bladed article following a late-night knife fight in Leeds. The confrontation escalated when he brandished a knife and then suffered several wounds after falling, requiring surgery for a skull fracture. CCTV captured the incident, and police recovered the knife and arrested him. With no previous convictions, he was given a two‑year suspension, 120 hours of unpaid work, and 15 rehabilitation activity days.

A 19-year-old motorbike rider, Kyle Bennett, received a 12‑month suspended sentence after leading police on a 30‑minute pursuit through Leeds at speeds up to 120mph. He performed dangerous manoeuvres, rode without plates or a helmet, and was found to be on a stolen bike. Bennett initially denied involvement and laughed at dashcam footage before later pleading guilty. His defence cited mental health issues and lasting injuries from the crash, while the judge warned that any further offences would result in imprisonment. He was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to complete unpaid work and rehabilitation activities.

Anthony Lewis received a suspended two‑year sentence, rehabilitation days, and unpaid work after admitting to racially aggravated abuse and threatening his Polish neighbours with a knife during a dispute in Leeds. The court heard that he shouted racist slurs, made threats to kill, and brandished weapons, leaving the victims fearful. The judge warned that any breach of the order would result in imprisonment.

A man was sentenced to 17 months in prison at Leeds Crown Court after assaulting his girlfriend and threatening to cut her throat with a knife during an argument in Wakefield. The court heard he slapped her, injured her foot to stop her leaving, and later threatened to kill her. With prior domestic‑related offences, he received a prison term and a six‑year restraining order. Defense counsel cited drug issues and isolation, while the judge urged him to address anger and substance problems.

A dangerous driver, Thomas Sherwood, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for causing the death of 18‑year‑old Georgia Bendelow after crashing a BMW M3 into a Seat Mii on the A63 in Leeds while travelling at excessive speed. The collision caused fatal head injuries to Georgia and serious injuries to her mother and boyfriend. Court testimony detailed Sherwood’s dangerous driving, including weaving through traffic and heavy acceleration. The judge described his actions as a prolonged course of dangerous driving and imposed a lengthy driving ban. Georgia’s family expressed profound grief while thanking police and prosecutors for their support.

A key bus stop on Woodhouse Lane in Hyde Park has been suspended due to ongoing works, causing diversions for multiple services including the 23, 24, 25, 27, 28 and X84 routes. Additional overnight and scheduled road closures across Leeds, including in Armley, Stainbeck Lane, Scott Hall Road, Halton, and Hunslet, will also affect bus operations. Several long‑term closures, such as those at Ridge Road Bridge and Austhorpe Lane Bridge, remain in place into late 2026 and early 2027. Some improvement is expected as works on Pontefract Road and the Leeds Inner Ring Road near completion.