Andrew Robinson

Ian Walker, 56, admitted four thefts of jewellery and watches from TK Maxx in Huddersfield during a 15-day period in July. The homeless, unemployed man had moved from Bridlington seeking a fresh start but was sleeping rough, financially struggling and stealing items to obtain food and camping equipment. The court heard he has 126 offences from 56 convictions, including 73 theft-related offences, alongside a long history of heroin and crack cocaine misuse. Walker was given a 12-month community order, rehabilitation activity requirements and a £114 surcharge.

Nicky Jackson has been ordered to remove the shipping-container premises of her Nicky’s FoodBar cafe within three months after Rochdale Council rejected retrospective planning permission and the Planning Inspectorate dismissed her appeal. The inspector said the blue container was visually intrusive, added urbanising clutter in the Green Belt, and could adversely affect the South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation. Jackson says the decision threatens the business she has operated for seven years and disputes the authorities’ assessment, while a petition to save the cafe has attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

Graham Whitehead, 42, pleaded guilty at Kirklees Magistrates' Court to possessing cannabis found by West Yorkshire Police during his arrest on an unrelated matter in Chickenley, Dewsbury. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay costs and a surcharge, bringing the total amount to £197. The court heard that he was unemployed, receiving Universal Credit and had 26 previous convictions for 73 offences.

Three teenagers, including Keyon Buckle and Cameron Carter and a 17-year-old who cannot be named, appeared before Kirklees Magistrates’ Court over an alleged assault causing actual bodily harm at a skate park off Newsome Road in Huddersfield on April 9, 2022. The case has been sent to Leeds Crown Court for a hearing on September 10, and all three defendants were granted unconditional bail.

West Yorkshire Police has released CCTV images of 20 people they want to identify and speak with in connection with alleged offences across West Yorkshire. The cases include thefts from shops, assaults, a serious offence, bicycle theft and robbery, with incidents recorded in Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Batley and Spen, Keighley, Halifax and Huddersfield. The people pictured may be suspects or witnesses; anyone who recognises them is asked not to approach them but to contact Crimestoppers or submit information online using the relevant reference number.

West Yorkshire mobile speed camera locations are listed for the week across Kirklees, Calderdale, Bradford, Wakefield and Leeds, with sites categorized by local authority and speed limit. The cameras are deployed by the West Yorkshire Police Camera Enforcement Unit on behalf of the West Yorkshire Camera Partnership to deter speeding and reduce collisions. Locations may change without warning.

The former Wellington pub on Westgate in Huddersfield has reopened as the Town Terrier after a five-week refurbishment. The venue has been rebranded to appeal to Huddersfield Town supporters and sports fans, with an updated interior and exterior, a revamped roof terrace, pool table, dartboards and sports TV screens. Its opening hours run from late morning until evening or midnight, depending on the day.

A Brighouse grandmother says she and her seven-year-old granddaughter encountered discarded condoms, lubricant packets, needles and extensive litter in woodland near the M62 junction 25 and Wakefield Road lay-by. The area is reportedly known for outdoor sexual activity, prompting calls for Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Police to intervene, potentially through a public space protection order. Police presence has increased, and the council’s community safety team is examining the complaints.

South Yorkshire Police seized more than £110,000 in cash, gold, and 16 illegal betting terminals during raids on suspected illegal gambling venues in Sheffield and Doncaster. Three people were arrested on suspicion of immigration, weapons, and gambling offences. Further enforcement activity in Sheffield led to the seizure of suspected stolen motorbikes, counterfeit tobacco worth an estimated £11,000, and 279 cannabis plants, with four additional arrests. Police, the Gambling Commission, organised-crime investigators, Sheffield City Council, and Immigration Enforcement said the operation targeted organised criminality and would be followed by further investigations.

Residents and councillors in Almondbury, Huddersfield, are demanding increased nighttime police patrols amid concerns about anti-social behaviour, vandalism, thefts and groups riding electric motorbikes. Two bus shelters were smashed, with the incident believed to have been reported to West Yorkshire Police and Metro. Councillors Gill Floyd and Pip Harvey said they had contacted police to seek a stronger presence, while residents described the situation as increasingly out of control.

Huddersfield Giants plan to move temporarily to Dewsbury Rams' Flair Stadium at the end of the season because a suitable site for a new Huddersfield ground has not been found. The proposed ground share includes £10 million of investment and a new stand, increasing capacity from 5,000 to 8,000. Fans have reacted with a mixture of anger, jokes and cautious support, while Dewsbury supporters welcomed the investment but questioned how their club would benefit.

South Yorkshire Police has intensified patrols, plain-clothes operations, drone deployments and intelligence gathering in Town Field, Wheatley, Doncaster, following reports of drug use and dealing linked to organised crime. Seven people have been arrested since the end of May. Lorcan Overson pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, while Kian Ward pleaded guilty to possessing heroin, spice and crack cocaine with intent to supply; both remain in custody pending Sheffield Crown Court proceedings. Police say the operation aims to reduce drug-related crime, anti-social behaviour and discarded drug paraphernalia while directing users toward specialist support.

A grey Volvo XC90 containing a two-year-old child was stolen from the Lofthouse area near Leeds and Wakefield after its keys were left in the ignition. The vehicle was reportedly driven at excessive speed through Carlton, Rothwell and Woodlesford before being recovered at Woodlesford Lock about 15 minutes later; the child was found safe and well. West Yorkshire Police believe the Volvo may have travelled in convoy with a blue Citroen Berlingo and are asking witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to contact Leeds CID.

Serial rapist Andrew Davies, also known as Andrew Barlow and Andrew Longmire, died of brain cancer from natural causes at age 69 while serving a sentence at HMP Moorland in Doncaster. A coroner reached the natural-causes conclusion, and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman found that he received a reasonable standard of clinical care. Davies had received multiple life sentences for raping 11 women and other offences across northern England, including attacks later linked to him through DNA evidence. Released in 2023 after 34 years, he was recalled six weeks later for breaching his licence conditions. Victims said his death brought relief but did not erase the continuing trauma of the attacks.

A coroner concluded that former Kirklees mayor and councillor Cahal Burke died by suicide after consuming a large number of tablets at his Huddersfield home on 9 March 2026. Burke had left a typed note indicating his intention to take his own life and a wish to be reunited with his mother. His death was recorded as suicide, with toxicity as the medical cause. Burke represented Lindley for the Liberal Democrats from 2010 until his suspension shortly before his death and had served as Kirklees mayor in 2023. He was also on bail following an arrest over an alleged online sexual offence, an investigation that West Yorkshire Police said remained ongoing.

Ten photographs document the major emergency-services response to a reported crash outside Aldi on Halifax Road in Brighouse on August 6, 2026. West Yorkshire Police said a man suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, while another man was arrested. Police, fire crews, ambulances and an air ambulance attended, and a scene remained in place while inquiries continued.

Mustafa Jhangir, 22, of Fartown, Huddersfield, admitted possessing nitrous oxide for inhalation after police found several canisters in a car on 19 May 2026. He had two previous convictions for the same offence that year and told Kirklees magistrates he had fallen into bad habits following a relationship breakup, but had since made changes, entered full-time work and would not use drugs again. The court accepted that he was trying to turn his life around and ordered him to pay a £292 fine, a £117 surcharge and £85 in costs.

John Bolton, 41, admitted stealing lamb and beef worth about £30 from Aldi at Gallagher Retail Park in Waterloo, Huddersfield, on May 29. He was arrested later that day and appeared at Kirklees Magistrates' Court, where the court heard he had 34 previous convictions, was receiving benefits and owed £528 in earlier fines. Bolton was ordered to pay Aldi £30 compensation, a £40 fine, a £16 surcharge and £85 in costs.

Matthew Quarmby, 40, became violent while being treated at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary after being found unconscious and suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He attacked a security guard, injured a nurse and spat at a police officer, while also making homophobic comments. Quarmby admitted assault, threatening behaviour and shop theft; his solicitor said he could not remember the incident and believed his drink had been spiked. Magistrates imposed a 15-month community order, including alcohol treatment and rehabilitation requirements, and ordered compensation payments to the injured staff member, security guard and police officers.

West Yorkshire Police have released images of 20 people they want to identify and speak with in connection with alleged crimes across the region, including shop thefts, burglary, assault, affray, public-order offences and other serious offences. The individuals may be suspects or witnesses. Anyone who recognises them is advised not to approach them and instead contact Crimestoppers, quoting the relevant police reference number.

Yorkshire is expected to experience warm and humid weather on Monday, with temperatures reaching 25–28C across much of the region. The Met Office forecasts an increasing chance of showers during the afternoon, becoming heavier and more frequent overnight, followed by changeable conditions with sunny spells and showers from Tuesday to Thursday. Sheffield and Huddersfield could reach 28C on Monday, Leeds 27C, while coastal Scarborough is expected to be cooler at around 20C.

Barrister Samreen Akhtar was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence after telling convicted Huddersfield gangster Tabish Ali to locate and seriously harm the man who had shot him. Ali was previously jailed for 32 years for murdering Jamal Nedd. Akhtar, who grew up in Huddersfield and specialised in criminal law, has been suspended by the Bar Standards Board and is due to be sentenced on September 7; the offence carries a maximum life sentence.

The Storthes Hall sports complex in Huddersfield has been renamed the Graham Leslie Arena in recognition of entrepreneur and philanthropist Graham Leslie, who founded the Leslie Sports Foundation with his son Craig. The facility serves more than 40 teams, including Huddersfield Town Women, Shelley Community Football Club, Huddersfield Dragons Hockey Club and University of Huddersfield teams. With 240 homes planned nearby and an expected population increase of about 1,000 people, the foundation plans to expand the clubhouse and install a 3G all-weather pitch within 18 months. The site also hosts community events and relies on sponsors and volunteers to operate its extensive facilities.

Mobile speed camera sites for the week of 3 August 2026 are listed across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield. The cameras, deployed by the West Yorkshire Police Camera Enforcement Unit on behalf of the West Yorkshire Camera Partnership, target locations considered vulnerable to collisions and are intended to reduce speeding. Locations are subject to change without warning.

A Longwood resident, Allen Jenkinson, warned that large trees and their roots may have destabilized a retaining wall beside Grove Street, with sections already collapsing onto the pavement and potentially obstructing the busy road. Kirklees Council inspected the trees and found them healthy, with no immediate risk of falling, but acknowledged that parts of the privately owned woodland’s retaining wall were in poor condition. The council plans to contact the landowner and request repairs.

Taher Hussain, owner of Huddersfield’s Olde England Fisheries, has opened a second shop on Branch Road in Batley, replacing Howie’s. The family-run business remains focused on affordable fish and chips, with a small fish-and-chip portion now priced at £6.50. Hussain said the Batley opening received a strong response and argued that family businesses can withstand rising National Insurance and minimum-wage costs by accepting lower profits while supporting their local communities.

A major fire broke out among scrap cars and tyres at a scrapyard on Bootham Lane in Hatfield, Doncaster, before spreading to nearby vegetation. Nine fire engines attended, and residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed because of smoke. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue thanked firefighters, officers and control-room staff, with support from police, ambulance and neighboring fire services.

A Yorkshire Day feature celebrates people and institutions connected with Huddersfield, drawing on Brian Hayhurst’s personal list. It highlights Olympic athletes Derek Ibbotson and Anita Lonsbrough, actors James Mason and Patrick Stewart, former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, industrialist David Brown, broadcaster Nina Hossain, television personality Amanda Owen, philanthropist Lawrence Batley, inventor Wilf Lunn, musicians, sports figures and Huddersfield Town. The piece also recognizes the town’s mills, businesses and sporting heritage.

A man suffered serious injuries and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary after a reported fight on New Line in the Apperley Bridge area of Bradford. West Yorkshire Police arrested two men, aged 49 and 31, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, while inquiries remain ongoing.

Two people, an elderly woman and an elderly man, were seriously injured when a silver Honda Jazz, a white Honda Jazz and a red Honda Civic collided on Westwick Crescent in Sheffield on July 29, 2026. The woman remains in hospital. South Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses and footage, including dashcam, CCTV and doorbell recordings.

A volunteer-led beach-themed dog party at the Beaumont Arms in Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, raised £1,131 for French Bulldog Saviours. Organised by Amanda Brook in memory of her late friend Lisa, the event continued despite repeated road closures caused by a nearby fire. All donations, prizes, refreshments and venue hire were provided free, allowing the proceeds to support the charity’s work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming vulnerable dogs across the UK.

Andrew Hackin, a 54-year-old Huddersfield man with 67 convictions for 139 offences, admitted breaching a criminal behaviour order that barred him from Huddersfield town centre. His solicitor said Hackin had stopped taking illicit drugs but was harassed by dealers, who allegedly smashed the windows of his flat, prompting him to attend a police station in breach of the order. Hackin was also described as having an alcohol addiction and unpaid fines exceeding £4,000. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, including alcohol treatment and 15 rehabilitation activity days, and ordered him to pay a £114 surcharge.

Yorkshire Rose is closing its shop in Huddersfield’s Imperial Arcade and moving to Halifax Market because its female staff reportedly do not feel safe working there. The decision has divided local traders: Diversions’ owner says the arcade is safe, while Handmade in Huddersfield’s Ant Gotts describes fights, threats, public fouling and frightened customers. Moda Imperiale previously shut its arcade shop after a burglary and damage. West Yorkshire Police says it is conducting daily patrols, investigating recent offences, working with shop owners and partners on crime, rough sleeping and anti-social begging, and carrying out additional town-centre operations.

Ezee Richmond, 35, of Deighton, Huddersfield, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison after admitting to driving while disqualified and uninsured in April. Kirklees Magistrates' Court heard that he has 22 convictions for 63 offences, including a previous 16-month sentence for dangerous driving and a 54-month driving ban imposed in October 2024. Magistrates described his driving history as “appalling,” extended his ban by seven months to five years from July 29, and ordered him to pay a £154 surcharge.

Kisha Wrigley, who was 17 when the incident occurred, pleaded guilty at Kirklees Magistrates' Court to assault causing actual bodily harm after striking a residential care worker over the head with a wooden plank in Holmfirth. The victim suffered a significant cut, required treatment, and experienced concussion for several weeks before changing jobs. Wrigley's barrister cited mental health difficulties, previous self-harm, lack of recollection, and delays in charging her after she turned 18, arguing that she would otherwise have appeared in youth court. Sentencing was adjourned until September 29 pending a Probation Service report.

Callum Brown, 40, admitted driving over the alcohol limit after leaving a pub and being assaulted and chased in Huddersfield. He told Kirklees Magistrates' Court that he drove because he was stranded and feared for his safety, while his lawyer argued that these circumstances amounted to special reasons. Police stopped him on Bradford Road at 9:30 a.m.; he was later treated for facial injuries and tested over the limit five hours afterward. The court adjourned the case until November 16.

Michael Wilson, 43, of Deighton, Huddersfield, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft after entering a fenced-off derelict site owned by Myers Group on two consecutive days. He was reportedly dressed in green wellies, a hi-vis jacket and a hard hat during the second visit, and was found with bags containing hand tools. His solicitor said he had been struggling with Class A drugs and had not appeared in court since 2012. Sentencing at Kirklees Magistrates' Court was adjourned until September 22, with magistrates warning him to stay out of trouble.

Rehan Sajid, 22, admitted dangerous driving and possessing a baton in a public place after fleeing police in an uninsured BMW in Batley. He drove over 60mph on a 30mph road where children had been playing, ignored a No Entry sign and was found with the baton in the car’s footwell. Magistrates described his conduct as reckless and dangerous, but accepted that panic had influenced his actions. He was ordered to complete 270 hours of unpaid work and five rehabilitation activity days, pay £514 in fines and costs, and serve a 12-month driving ban.

Christopher Sykes, 43, was accused of rape after a date in Huddersfield but voluntarily gave police a recording of the sexual encounter, which prosecutors said confirmed that the intercourse was consensual and meant he was not charged with rape. He was nevertheless convicted of voyeurism for recording a private act without the woman's consent. The court heard that Sykes had retained sexually explicit messages and had recorded the encounter for his own sexual gratification. Magistrates described the case as unique and difficult, noting his cooperation with police, and ordered him to pay £1,450 in fines and costs.

Lisa Bohanna-Tang admitted driving a Nissan Qashqai while unfit through drink after colliding with multiple parked vehicles in Liversedge at about 3am following a works party. She abandoned the car, was later found fully clothed in bed, and was arrested after appearing intoxicated. Although blood tests were below the legal limit, she was convicted of driving while unfit through drink. With no previous convictions and having expressed remorse, she received a 22-month driving ban and was ordered to pay £1,089 in fines and costs.

Benjamin Wallis, 30, admitted three public order offences after shouting racist abuse at a worker at the Edgerton Hotel in Huddersfield and making homophobic comments toward an officer at Dewsbury and District Hospital. The court heard he had been drinking about 16 cans of alcohol a day at the time, although his consumption had fallen to seven or eight cans. He received a 12-month community order with an alcohol treatment requirement and was ordered to pay £390 in fines and costs, while owing £1,500 in previous fines.

Luke Belbin, 25, told Leeds Crown Court that he admitted stabbing Kyrell Fleary-Gayle twice but did not believe the injuries were fatal. He said he was frightened after receiving threats linked to his drug dealing, disposed of the knife, stayed at his sister’s home and later learned that Kyrell had died. Belbin said he handed himself in four days later and declined to identify the person higher up in the drug supply chain because he feared for himself and his children. His co-accused, Cameron Boylan, is charged with assisting an offender, and the trial is continuing.

At Leeds Crown Court, Luke Belbin is on trial accused of stabbing 20-year-old Huddersfield footballer Kyrell Fleary-Gayle in the heart during an alleged dispute over drug-dealing territory. The court heard that Belbin had multiple injuries when arrested and that a witness identified him as the man who raised a knife above his shoulder before stabbing Kyrell. Evidence also covered the alleged use and subsequent burning of a Nissan X-Trail, which prosecutors say was driven by co-defendant Cameron Boylan, who is accused of assisting Belbin after the attack. Both defendants have no recorded criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands, and the trial is continuing.

A five-picture gallery documents the aftermath of two fires near Huddersfield: a garage fire on Bar Lane in Midgley and a hay trailer fire on Denby Dale Road near Flockton. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed several fire engines and an aerial appliance, while Kirklees Council imposed road closures. The cause of the garage fire was not known.

Lucy Hollis, a Huddersfield mother diagnosed with stage 4 invasive lobular breast cancer, is preparing a 22‑kilometre fundraising walk to support the Lobular Moon Shot Project, which seeks targeted research funding for the under‑recognized cancer type. Despite the disease spreading to her bones, she continues treatment and work while aiming to raise awareness and political support for improved research investment.

Police discovered a 12‑inch machete on passenger Rana Azeem during a late‑night stop on the M62 after officers noticed his nervous behavior. Azeem admitted possessing a bladed article and claimed he had used it to cut grass, a story magistrates dismissed as not credible. With no prior convictions and a forthcoming accountancy apprenticeship, he received a four‑month suspended prison sentence and was ordered to pay costs.

Police stopped Robert Maitland in Huddersfield after observing slow and erratic driving, leading to a drug test that revealed cocaine and benzoylecgonine. Maitland admitted drug driving, with his lawyer noting he had avoided court since 2001. Magistrates banned him from driving for 17 months and ordered him to pay £253 in fines and costs.

A Huddersfield man, Paul Bedford, pleaded guilty to assaulting and obstructing a police officer during an incident on May 27 in Huddersfield. Appearing via video link while in custody, he admitted both charges at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, which scheduled sentencing for September 22.

A 20-year-old driver, Charlie Halligan, was found guilty of drug-driving after crashing a BMW 1 Series that then caught fire on the A650 Drighlington bypass during reported speed racing. Police determined he was over the cannabis limit, and magistrates imposed a 22‑month driving ban, £764 in costs and 120 hours of unpaid work, citing the collision and dangerous driving as aggravating factors.

A Huddersfield man, David Bell, pleaded guilty at Kirklees Magistrates' Court to sending more than 20 lewd and unwanted messages to a pub worker while drunk. The court heard he had been struggling with depression and drinking after losing his job, though he had since found new employment. Magistrates said his previously clean record was now tarnished and ordered him to pay £1,211 in fines and costs along with £150 compensation to the victim.

Residents on Fernside Avenue in Almondbury report rising safety concerns after a violent incident that prompted a police response early Sunday. West Yorkshire Police made three arrests: Gemma Barraclough, charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and actual bodily harm, and two men arrested for affray and later bailed. Locals described hearing a disturbance and expressed worry about worsening crime in an area where children play.

A centuries‑old pub in Flockton, recently refurbished by the Nailmaker Pub Company, attracts locals and visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, award‑winning beers and large garden while also inspiring tales of ghosts and unexplained events shared by staff and regulars.

A coroner ruled that 25‑year‑old Travis Lodge died by suicide after deliberately climbing over the balcony of an eighth‑floor flat in Sowerby Bridge. Evidence from family members described a long period of self‑destructive behaviour, strained relationships and difficulties with employment and authority. Toxicology tests showed no substances in his system, and police found no third‑party involvement. The coroner determined the fall was intentional, while emphasising that Travis’ uncle, involved in an earlier altercation, was not to blame. Friends later shared tributes to Travis.

Kirklees Council is seeking a possession order to remove travellers who set up an unauthorised encampment on a council-owned field in Lindley, Huddersfield. Eviction is expected two days after the court hearing if the order is granted, with cleanup and site security planned immediately afterward. Local Liberal Democrat councillors and police urge residents to report any anti-social behaviour to ensure concerns are properly recorded and addressed.

A West Yorkshire Police officer, Acting Police Sergeant Peter Hampshire, faces a misconduct hearing over allegations of using aggressive language, failing to communicate effectively, ignoring hygiene requests, and applying excessive force during the arrest of a woman in October 2023. Additional claims state he used derogatory language about her while in custody. The force said the allegations, if proven, amount to gross misconduct warranting dismissal.

A Dewsbury woman who fraudulently claimed almost £48,000 in Universal Credit over seven years has received a suspended prison sentence and must complete unpaid work and rehabilitation days. She now faces a minimum 13‑week loss of benefit penalty, with the Department for Work and Pensions seeking to recover funds through legal and debt‑recovery measures. A government minister warned against benefit fraud and encouraged the public to report suspected cases, while the defendant’s representative said she had begun repaying money, though details were not disclosed.

Taco Bell staff in Huddersfield participated in a town‑centre litter cleanup as part of the restaurant’s ongoing community‑support efforts. The general manager highlighted the team’s commitment to volunteering and making the area more welcoming for visitors, with several employees joining the initiative.

A Huddersfield University law student, Iyaaz Ahmed, admitted dangerous driving after attempting to flee police in his mother’s car, reaching high speeds and ignoring traffic controls in Batley. Magistrates heard he panicked due to being uninsured, and a probation officer described the incident as an “absolutely stupid mistake.” Ahmed received a 12‑month community order with unpaid work, rehabilitation days, costs, and a driving ban, and acknowledged that the offence may jeopardize his future legal career.

Police found heroin and cocaine on Rowan Lockwood after stopping him in Dewsbury, where he had spent half his Universal Credit on bulk purchases of £5 drug shots. Lockwood, who has used drugs for more than two decades, admitted possessing Class A substances, with magistrates noting the quantity involved and his previous convictions. The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be completed by early September.

Police in Kirklees warned parents about large outdoor youth gatherings known as field parties, some attracting up to 300 young people and involving heavy alcohol use, drug concerns and potential drink spiking. Officers reported serious safeguarding issues, including intoxicated minors, vulnerable young females and confusion about their whereabouts. Parents were urged to verify their children’s plans as investigations continue into how alcohol was obtained, with safeguarding referrals to be made where necessary.

A report from the Prisons Ombudsman found that 90‑year‑old inmate Eric Heald, who died at HMP Doncaster in June 2025, received clinical care equivalent to community standards. His family raised concerns about being unable to visit him shortly before his death and about receiving health updates from another prisoner rather than staff. The Ombudsman said the issue was not systemic but recommended the prison governor reflect on the case. An inquest concluded Heald died of natural causes.

Residents and visitors describe Hade Edge in West Yorkshire as a striking rural village known for expansive countryside views, high‑altitude weather and extensive walking routes. Locals highlight both the beauty and challenges of its exposed setting, noting frequent strong winds and harsh winters. The village offers amenities including local shops, a pub, and an active volunteer community, while proximity to Holmfirth, the Peak District and transport links adds appeal. Property prices range widely, though some newcomers reportedly move away after experiencing the severe winter climate.

A nostalgic review of the Oil Can Cafe at The Carding Shed in Holmfirth highlights its retro motoring-themed atmosphere, classic car displays and memorabilia, and a well-received menu featuring hearty food and cakes. The author praises the cafe’s décor, friendly service, and overall experience, calling it a worthwhile destination for car enthusiasts and visitors alike.

Police and ambulance crews were called to a Batley property on the morning of July 1 following concerns for a child's welfare. The child was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities are treating the death as unexplained while inquiries continue. Emergency services were seen in large numbers, and the child’s age has not been released.

Kirklees Council urges England supporters to respect local residents as bars across Huddersfield prepare to stay open until 5am for the England v Mexico World Cup match, which begins at 1am. Several pubs plan to show the game, some requiring advance booking. Local venue operators welcome the government’s decision extending opening hours, while officials encourage fans to plan ahead, behave responsibly, and enjoy the event safely.

A Huddersfield businessman, David Pitts, is offering a luxury Northern Belle train trip worth nearly £1,000 to anyone who finds his missing Maine Coon cat, Jethro, last seen in Thurstonland near Kirkburton. Pitts returned from holiday to discover the cat had vanished and hopes the reward will prompt sightings or information. The Northern Belle, his renowned 1930s Pullman-style luxury train, has been featured in media and praised internationally. Anyone with information is urged to contact the provided email.

A woman suffered serious injuries after falling from height onto a car at a house on Penistone Road in Huddersfield. Police and ambulance services responded and transported her to hospital, with the incident not being treated as suspicious. Inquiries are ongoing, and an air ambulance is believed to have attended the scene.

Magistrates in Huddersfield accepted a driver's claim that losing his licence would cause exceptional hardship but still disqualified him for three months after he was found over the legal cannabis limit while in charge of a vehicle. Ismail Mulla, who said he used prescribed medicinal cannabis and needed to drive for work, was also ordered to pay a fine and costs.

Kyle Goodhind of Dewsbury admitted assaulting a police officer and possessing cannabis after an incident at Batley bus station. The court heard he struggles with alcoholism and cannabis use, having consumed large amounts daily for years. Magistrates imposed a 12‑month community order with alcohol treatment and rehabilitation days, along with £100 compensation to the officer. Goodhind, who stopped working as a plumber due to his drinking, is receiving support from the charity Change Grow Live.

Police stopped Piotr Adamczyk in Huddersfield after noticing him speeding, leading to his arrest for drink-driving, driving without a licence or insurance, and possession of cocaine and cannabis. The 33-year-old, who said he felt embarrassed, pleaded guilty at Kirklees Magistrates Court. He received a 22‑month driving ban and was ordered to pay £365 in fines and costs.

A 19‑year‑old Holmfirth man, Rohan Astle, admitted dangerous driving, driving without insurance and possessing £780 in counterfeit money after leading police on a high‑speed chase reaching 91mph and narrowly missing pedestrians. His vehicle was disabled by a police stinger and he was arrested after fleeing on foot, reportedly laughing and showing no remorse. Magistrates noted lifestyle changes since the offence and issued a 12‑month community order, 10 rehabilitation days, 200 hours of unpaid work, £199 in costs and a 12‑month driving ban.

A Dewsbury man who had long struggled with drug use was given a 12‑month community order after admitting to kicking a police officer during a domestic incident in March. He had attempted to shield his partner by falsely claiming responsibility for damage to his home, later expressing remorse in court. Magistrates heard he had been drug‑free for 18 months but suffered psychosis linked to past use. He was ordered to complete rehabilitation days and pay £100 compensation to the officer.

A banned driver, Jonathan France, admitted to driving without due care and attention, without insurance and while already disqualified after crashing into another vehicle in Batley, claiming a passenger grabbed his shoulder. Magistrates imposed a further nine‑month driving ban with a required re‑test, a 12‑month community order, unpaid work and costs. No one was injured in the collision, and the court heard details of France’s personal circumstances, including his medical diagnoses and reliance on Universal Credit.

A 63-year-old Huddersfield woman admitted stealing £300 of groceries from an Aldi store during a brief relapse into heroin and crack use after previously overcoming addiction. She also failed to provide a drug test sample. The court heard her history of drug struggles and recent progress, including becoming drug-free again and becoming a grandmother. Magistrates imposed fines and costs totaling £253.

Coby Haigh admitted dangerous driving after taking an unregistered motorbike against his father's advice and crashing into a lamppost in Huddersfield. The 25‑year‑old provisional licence holder also admitted failing to stop and driving without insurance. A police officer described him as being in flight mode after the crash. Haigh, who has no previous convictions, received a 12‑month community order, rehabilitation activity days, unpaid work, a 12‑month driving ban and £199 in costs.

West Yorkshire Police released CCTV images of individuals sought in connection with offences including theft, assault and vehicle crime across Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Wakefield and Batley. The public is urged not to approach anyone shown but to report identities to Crimestoppers using the provided reference numbers.

Large amounts of household waste have been dumped along Saddleworth Road near Huddersfield and in nearby Calderdale, prompting local councillors to condemn the fly-tipping as a disgrace. Councillor Stephan Dransfield called for tougher measures, including CCTV, while Kirklees Council said it is working with the affected landowner and urged residents to use licensed waste carriers and report incidents. The council reiterated its zero‑tolerance stance amid ongoing issues linked to rogue waste operators.

Ofsted’s inspection of Highburton C of E First Academy highlights strong performance in leadership, early years provision, personal development, and pupil achievement. Leaders are credited with effectively managing recent changes, maintaining high standards, and responding quickly to areas needing improvement. Pupils produce high‑quality work, attendance is above national averages, and behaviour is consistently well managed. Inspectors note a positive school community, strong British values, and a calm, productive learning environment.