Deborah Hardiman

West Midlands Police is investigating the death of Danny Fisher, who died in hospital after allegedly being punched at a Dudley address on January 10 the previous year. Benjamin Carter, 38, is suspected of involvement, but has not yet been charged. At Wolverhampton Crown Court, the prosecution said delays in obtaining neuropathology evidence had held up the case. Judge Michael Chambers KC criticised the lack of progress and ordered prosecutors to prepare the file within six weeks, by which point Carter must be charged or released from the case.

Richard Beckles, 19, and Tiego Beckles, 21, are standing trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court over the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Trey Johnson in Eastfield on Christmas Day. Both brothers pleaded not guilty to jointly charged murder and wounding offences, while Richard also denied possessing a knife in connection with the incident. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, and his family described him as a loving father, partner and family member.

Tyriq Bingham, 22, of Bilston, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and wounding, after a bicycle and phone robbery in which a 19-year-old man was shot in the leg. The Crown Prosecution Service and defence agreed alternative charges, avoiding a jury trial, while the original attempted-murder-related charges were left on file. Bingham remains in custody and will be sentenced in November.

Daniel Birtwistle has not entered pleas to manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour, or assault allegations relating to tattoo artist Georgina Ward, who was found dead at her Brierley Hill home in November 2020. A preliminary hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that psychiatric reports were pending, and the case was adjourned until October.

A jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court found Kevin Rhodes, 39, not guilty of three charges alleging he intentionally and sexually touched a girl under 13 between May 2022 and July 2023. Rhodes denied the allegations, and his barrister Dean Easthope argued that the child had visited Rhodes’s home after the alleged disclosure.

Haider Ali Shabir, Mohammed Ishaan Khan and Junaid Shabir pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court to conspiring to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence after threats were made to a woman and shots were fired at a family home on Talke Road in Delves, Walsall, in March 2024. Shabir had previously received a 14-year-nine-month sentence for a separate firearm offence linked to a family dispute. Khan and Junaid Shabir are due to be sentenced in December.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has tackled more than 1,200 outdoor fires in the past two months, with about half believed to have been started deliberately. Officials are urging parents and carers to warn children about the dangers and criminal consequences of arson, which has caused road closures, evacuations, property damage and harm to wildlife. Three boys have been arrested during investigations into fires around Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford, while other fires affected areas near Stoke-on-Trent and the A50.

Haider Ali Shabir, Mohammed Ishaan Khan and Junaid Shabir pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court to conspiring to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence after shots were fired at a home in Walsall’s Delves area in March 2024. The original, more serious charges were dropped under an agreement between the Crown Prosecution Service and defence lawyers. The court heard the incident was linked to a perceived wrong involving Shabir’s sister. Sentencing was adjourned until December 11, with all three remaining in custody; Shabir and Khan may also face a dangerousness assessment.

Leonardo Stingaciu was acquitted at Wolverhampton Crown Court of three rape charges, keeping a brothel for prostitution, and conspiring to control prostitution for gain. The jury rejected the allegations that he forced a woman to work in a Smethwick brothel between November 2020 and June 2021. The defence challenged the woman’s account, while the court heard there was insufficient prosecution evidence linking Stingaciu and others involved in the alleged operation.

A 50-year-old bridge over the M42 at Junction 6 in the West Midlands will be demolished and rebuilt after inspections found concrete damage, corroded steel reinforcement and a risk of further deterioration. National Highways said strengthening would not provide a lasting solution and plans to coordinate demolition with motorway closures for HS2 works. A temporary bridge is being considered, while existing diversions will remain until further notice.

Watmos Community Homes is putting the finishing touches on a 16-home affordable housing development on part of the former Little London Junior School site in Willenhall, near Walsall. Landscaping and carriageway surfacing are complete, and the properties are expected to be ready for new families soon. The adjacent Victorian school building was previously bought and converted into offices by BE Wedge Holdings Limited, while the new homes will be accessed from Field Street.

Wayne Wooldridge, a 57-year-old Cradley Heath man with 44 previous burglary convictions and 108 convictions overall, was jailed for two and a half years for breaking into a home in Barn Close, Cradley Heath, on January 12. CCTV footage and identification by a police officer helped secure his arrest, and he later pleaded guilty. Wolverhampton Crown Court sentenced him under the three-strike minimum-term provisions for domestic burglary, with a reduction for his guilty plea. The judge said Wooldridge would serve half the sentence in prison before release on licence and ordered him to pay a victims’ surcharge.

Beechdale Post Office and Morrisons Daily in Stephenson Square, Walsall, closed immediately on July 29 after two recent robberies and staff safety concerns. The branch had been scheduled to close on August 16 because Morrisons decided to leave the location, but the latest incident accelerated the closure. Post Office services are temporarily available at branches in Leamore and Bentley while the Post Office seeks a replacement operator. Residents say the loss particularly affects elderly people and young mothers without access to cars.

An 18-year-old man, Soleh Uzair, and two unnamed 17-year-olds pleaded not guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court to attempting to murder a 17-year-old during reported disorder in Oldbury’s Market Street on July 2. The police investigation remains ongoing, while the victim has returned home. A further hearing is scheduled for October 2 and the trial for November 9; the teenagers were not granted bail and reporting restrictions remain in place.

Construction is progressing on Encyclis’s Walsall Energy Recovery Facility off Fryers Road in Beechdale, with nearly 500 workers and engineers involved. The plant has reached one million hours worked without accidents, and major components including its steam turbine, boiler drum and grate have been installed. Expected to open in late 2027, it will process about 478,000 tonnes of waste annually, generating enough electricity for up to 142,000 homes, recovering materials for recycling and supporting the district’s heat network. Encyclis is recruiting for 45 permanent positions and plans to offer further roles and apprenticeships.

Leonardo Stingaciu, 36, is on trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court accused of running a brothel in Smethwick, controlling prostitution for gain, and three counts of rape between November 2020 and June 2021. A woman allegedly trafficked from Romania told police that Stingaciu confined and monitored her, forced her to work at a brothel, advertised her services, withheld food and assaulted her by slapping and kicking her. She said the operation generated about £3,000 a night and that she escaped after he became drunk, later receiving hospital treatment. Stingaciu, who has no fixed address, denies all charges, and the trial is continuing.

Around a dozen animal welfare campaigners protested outside Wolverhampton Racecourse during a Greyhound Board of Great Britain gala marking 100 years of modern greyhound racing in the UK. The Alliance Against Greyhound Racing called for the sport to be banned, citing more than 38,000 recorded injuries, 1,514 track deaths and 4,399 racing-greyhound deaths since industry records began in 2017, as well as declining attendance, betting and financial support. GBGB chief executive Mark Bird said the protest had little effect on the successful event and defended the sport's welfare credentials. Arena Racing Company highlighted its multi-million-pound investment in the newly opened Dunstall Park track, while campaigners pointed to possible bans in Scotland and Wales and urged England to follow.

Leonardo Stingaciu, 36, is on trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court accused of keeping a brothel at a residential property on Arden Road in Smethwick, conspiring to control prostitution for gain, and three counts of rape. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between November 2020 and June 2021 during the Covid-19 lockdown period. Jurors heard a recorded police interview with an alleged victim, who described meeting Stingaciu in Romania and alleged that he assaulted and manipulated her. Stingaciu denies all the charges, and the trial is continuing.

A car fire at the junction of St John Street and Birmingham Road in Lichfield closed the road and disrupted bus services. National Express West Midlands route 8 was temporarily diverted and terminated at Friary Road instead of serving The Friary, St John Street and Lichfield Bus Station. The route returned to normal shortly after 7:15 p.m.

A car fire at the junction of St John Street and Birmingham Road in Lichfield closed the road and disrupted National Express West Midlands route 8. Buses were temporarily terminating at Friary Road and could not serve The Friary, St John Street or Lichfield Bus Station. The route returned to normal shortly after 7:15 p.m. following the response by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

West Mercia Police and partner agencies stopped 22 vehicles at Hopwood Services near junction two of the M42 in Worcestershire during Operation Cayenne on July 24. A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, three vehicles were seized for tax, insurance or roadworthiness offences, and multiple penalty notices were issued. The operation targeted rural crime groups allegedly using the motorway network, including fly-tipping, plant and trailer theft, wildlife offences and vehicle-based acquisitive crime. No organised crime groups were identified, but partner agencies found potential offences for further investigation and visited affected farms to address repeated fly-tipping.

James Broadhurst, a 50-year-old warehouse worker from Willenhall, was sentenced to 22 months in prison after breaching a 2010 sexual harm prevention order and sex-offender registration requirements. He used aliases to befriend mothers, attended children’s events, visited attractions with children, bought them gifts, attended a 13-year-old girl’s school play and stored images of children. He pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including possessing more than 1,000 category C indecent images. The court ordered the destruction of his devices and imposed an indefinite new sexual harm prevention order.

John Guest, an 81-year-old former Coseley butcher, community figure and racehorse owner, died at Russells Hall Hospital on July 2 after suffering a stroke. Friends and local residents remembered him for his kindness, community involvement and cheerful personality. Guest ran the family butcher’s shop in Roseville, presided over Coseley Conservative Club and owned greyhounds and racehorses with David Botterill. Their mare Kenyan Cat won four races, including two valuable contests at Chester in 2011, and later produced five offspring that collectively won 15 races. His funeral is scheduled at Christ Church, Coseley, followed by committal at Gornal Wood Crematorium.

Former Sandwell Children’s Trust agency worker Kiran Kaur stole £13,949.08 through 51 fraudulent cash applications made on behalf of 18 care leavers, many of whom were not informed about the allowances and some of whom had never met her. She said she was keeping the money as a financial float ahead of leaving an abusive marriage, but the sentencing judge said this did not excuse the significant breach of trust. Kaur pleaded guilty to 46 fraud offences and five theft offences, repaid the money in full, and received a 14-month prison sentence suspended for two years, 15 activity days, a 12-month mental health treatment order and an order to pay £2,400 in costs.

An inquest determined that former soldier Keith Ian Cotton died from alcohol-related causes after being found collapsed at his partner’s home in Willenhall. Evidence showed chronic alcohol dependency, high blood alcohol levels and signs of alcoholic ketoacidosis. The coroner concluded his death was alcohol related. A tribute from the Buglers Association highlighted his military service in the Light Infantry and Royal Logistics Corps and the wide attendance at his funeral.

Residents near Netherton Park in Dudley reported ash falling over their street as a grass fire spread quickly through dry parkland, prompting calls to emergency services and a response from around 30 firefighters. Locals described smoke entering homes and concerns about how rapidly flames reached nearby fences. The fire was one of more than a dozen recent grass fires across the West Midlands and Shropshire, leading the regional fire service to warn visitors against using barbecues, leaving glass behind or discarding cigarettes outdoors.

Police are investigating after a man was struck by a car near Wolverhampton’s Chapel Ash island, prompting a road closure for several hours. Emergency crews, including the air ambulance, attended, and the pedestrian was taken to New Cross Hospital with injuries not believed to be life‑changing. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. Roads around Chapel Ash were closed and traffic was diverted until the area reopened around 8pm. Witnesses are urged to contact Wolverhampton police quoting log 2856 of July 19.

Three former Halfords employees from the West Midlands were sentenced for stealing more than £130,000 worth of dashcams from the company’s Birmingham online sales hub and selling them on eBay. The thefts, committed between June 2024 and June 2025, put the financial stability of the hub division at risk. All three men pleaded guilty to theft by employee and received suspended prison sentences, unpaid work orders and forthcoming proceeds of crime hearings. Halfords welcomed the police support and recovered some wages from the offenders.

A Birmingham man, Daniel Thomas, was convicted of nine counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault against two women in separate incidents in 2022 and 2025. DNA evidence and victim testimony supported the case, leading to a 20‑year prison sentence and lifetime registration as a sex offender. West Midlands Police credited the victims’ cooperation and forensic analysis for securing the conviction.

Police are appealing for information to locate 15-year-old Evie-Leigh, reported missing from Birmingham and believed to have links to the Dudley and Stourbridge areas. She is described as 5ft 2in and was last seen wearing a grey Puma T‑shirt with a multicoloured sun logo, a black hoodie, tracksuit trousers and black Puma trainers. Anyone with information is urged to call 999 quoting reference 460997.

Police are investigating two off-road motorcyclists filmed riding illegally on footpaths and roads in Bilston. The riders, whose faces were covered and whose bike lacked a registration plate, were recorded in the Weddell Wynd area on May 5. West Midlands Police appealed for information, citing safety concerns and ongoing efforts to address anti‑social behaviour. Witnesses are urged to contact the force with details.

A premises licence has been requested to enable the reopening of the Grade II‑listed former Boat Inn in Wednesfield as The Boat Bar & Grill, allowing alcohol sales, food service and recorded and live music across specified hours. Wolverhampton Council is accepting representations until August 6. The pub has been closed since 2020, with previous plans to reopen it failing, though approval for its redevelopment was granted in 2025.

A Wolverhampton drug dealer, Elie Mey, was sentenced to 11 years for helping his brother, gunman Israel Mey, flee the UK after the fatal drive‑by shooting of Neo Graham. Court proceedings detailed the Mey brothers’ drug operations, the attempted escape route through Scotland and Ireland, and the arrests of several associates who faced various convictions for firearms, manslaughter and drug offences. West Midlands Police continued to search for Israel Mey, while other defendants received sentences ranging from four to twenty years.

Emergency services responded to a collision on the A41 Chapel Ash near Wolverhampton city centre, prompting road closures and traffic diversions. The route toward Compton and Tettenhall was shut for several hours before reopening shortly after 8 p.m.

Around 30 firefighters from West Midlands Fire Service responded to a building fire at the former City of Wolverhampton College campus on Paget Road, prompting public warnings to avoid the area. The site, closed in 2025 and slated for demolition by Wolverhampton Council, drew six fire crews as they worked to contain the blaze.

A man in his twenties died after falling from a car park near Halesowen town centre, prompting a large emergency response and road closures on Queensway and High Street. West Midlands Police confirmed the death, which is not being treated as suspicious, and will prepare a file for the coroner. Bus routes were diverted, and the incident followed a separate police response the previous day involving a violent street brawl among teenagers.

A handbag was stolen from a parked car at a Tesco in Sutton Coldfield, and the victim’s bank card was used to make purchases exceeding £1,000. West Midlands Police released descriptions of two men captured on nearby cameras and appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact the force, quoting the relevant crime reference number.

A handbag was stolen from a parked car at a Tesco in Sutton Coldfield, and the victim’s bank card was used to make purchases exceeding £1,000. West Midlands Police released images of two men they want to identify in connection with the theft and appealed for information using the provided crime reference number.

A section of the A5 near Cannock reopened after a two‑car collision prompted a temporary closure between the M6 Junction 12 and the A449. Emergency services and National Highways responded to the incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., and all lanes were confirmed reopened by early afternoon with no significant delays.

A two-car crash closed the northbound A5 near Cannock between the M6 Junction 12 and the A449, prompting a diversion and emergency service response. National Highways reported the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m., with all lanes reopening by 1:21 p.m. and no significant delays remaining.

Two tenants at The Heritage flats in Walsall were served eviction notices and one flat was closed after reports of drug dealing, prostitution and other anti-social behaviour. West Midlands Police, working with GreenSquareAccord and Walsall Council, secured a closure order and implemented measures including CCTV installation. Police and council officials said the partnership aims to restore safety for residents and ensure persistent disorder is not tolerated.

Tenants at a Walsall flat complex were evicted and one flat was closed after reports of drug dealing, prostitution and persistent anti-social behaviour. West Midlands Police, Walsall Council and social housing landlord GreenSquareAccord acted jointly, including installing CCTV and issuing a closure order. Officials said the behaviour had significantly affected residents and emphasised that coordinated enforcement and support efforts aim to achieve lasting improvements in the area.

Wolverhampton police increased patrols as school holidays begin, coordinating with the city council, schools and transport partners to deter anti‑social behaviour. Officers are engaging with young people, promoting reporting of issues and using Public Space Protection Orders that cover key areas including the city centre and Bentley Bridge. Joint operations with education and transport staff aim to build positive relationships and intervene early to reduce disorder.

Police neighbourhood teams in Wolverhampton have increased patrols as school holidays begin, working with the council, schools and travel partners to deter anti-social behaviour. Officers are engaging with shop staff, the public and young people while enforcing Public Space Protection Orders covering the city centre and Bentley Bridge. Recent joint patrols and early-intervention initiatives aim to build positive relationships and reduce opportunities for disruptive behaviour, with residents encouraged to report issues via police channels.

Police and council teams across the West Midlands conducted checks for abandoned vehicles, fly‑tipping hotspots and discarded weapons while engaging with residents and businesses. Smethwick’s Safer 6 team searched several streets and undertook a weapons sweep with council support. Wolverhampton officers staffed a crime‑prevention stand for shoppers, and Darlaston officers participated in a community fun day while introducing new PCSO Aja Kassama.

Dudley Pride brought colour and live entertainment to the town centre with performances by headline act Tia Kofi and various local artists. The event featured music, street entertainers, family activities, and stalls, with civic guests including the Mayor of Dudley. Organisers highlighted the celebration as an inclusive gathering supporting LGBTQ+ communities.

Police arrested two teenagers after a large group was seen fighting in Halesowen town centre, prompting the closure of High Street and delays to bus services. A dispersal order was introduced as officers investigated the disorder, with witnesses describing chaotic scenes and shops locking their doors. Authorities requested footage from the public while transport services warned of continued disruption.

Police closed High Street in Halesowen after a large group of teenagers became involved in a violent disturbance that forced shops to lock their doors and caused bus diversions. A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested, and a dispersal order was issued to manage ongoing anti-social behaviour. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, and authorities requested CCTV or mobile footage while warning motorists of delays. Transport operators reported service disruptions, and residents expressed fear and concern about the scale of the disorder.

Police arrested two youths after a large group of teenagers fought in Halesowen town centre, prompting road closures, bus diversions and a dispersal order. West Midlands Police maintained a significant presence while investigating and requested witness footage. Local witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with shops locking their doors for safety. Transport services warned of delays, and authorities urged anyone with information to contact police or Crimestoppers.

Police arrested two teenagers after a large group fight broke out in Halesowen town centre, prompting the closure of High Street and diversion of bus services. A dispersal order was issued as officers investigated the disorder, which drew a significant emergency response. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with shops locking customers inside for safety. Authorities urged anyone with footage or information to contact police or Crimestoppers.

Police are appealing for information after two men entered a house on Dixons Green Road in Dudley on June 24, threatened the occupant, and smashed items before fleeing. Following CCTV review, officers released images of individuals they wish to identify and are urging anyone with information to contact them, quoting crime number 20/298685/26.

A West Midlands Police officer, PC Calum Brand, was convicted of assaulting Sophie Meese after striking her during an arrest operation in Cradley. The Independent Office for Police Conduct found his use of force unjustified and disproportionate, concluding he has a case to answer for gross misconduct. Evidence reviewed included video footage, officer statements and policy guidance, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to authorise charges. A district judge described Brand’s actions as excessive, and he awaits sentencing in September.

Police and shoppers in Stourbridge witnessed a deer sprinting down the town’s High Street, prompting officers to keep it away from the ring road and work with the public to contain it in a courtyard until a vet arrived. Footage shared by Stourbridge Police shows pedestrians stopping in surprise as the fast-moving animal, dubbed the Black Country Bambi, passed through the town centre.

Two Birmingham men, Dimitri King and Emadul Mannan, were sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to three years in youth detention after admitting possession of blades during a violent disorder in Wolverhampton city centre. Police from the Project Guardian Taskforce arrested them following reports of youths running with knives, and both offenders had prior convictions. The judge emphasised the seriousness of carrying weapons, particularly in prison in Mannan’s case, and activated King’s previous suspended sentence due to the breach.

A dangerous driving incident in Walsall resulted in the death of 79-year-old Surinder Kaur, who suffered fatal injuries after the car she was travelling in was struck by 19-year-old driver Subaan Khan. Court evidence showed Khan sped up toward a red light, swerved to avoid a vehicle and a pedestrian, and collided with two cars. Judge Michael Chambers cited Khan’s youth, lack of prior convictions and early guilty plea in issuing a two-year suspended sentence, a five-year driving ban and required probation activity days. Kaur’s family described her as the heart of their family, and the judge acknowledged the immeasurable loss.

A Wolverhampton carer is on trial for manslaughter after vulnerable resident Thomas Cowley died from choking on oversized pancake pieces despite requiring strict supervision and bite‑sized soft foods due to swallowing difficulties. Evidence from a speech and language therapist highlighted prior choking incidents and clear feeding instructions, which were reportedly viewed as less concerning than Cowley's behavioural challenges. The carer briefly looked away before the fatal incident, and a Lifeways area manager is separately accused of disposing of the oversized food pieces to conceal evidence. The trial is ongoing.

A West Midlands Police officer, PC Calum Brand, was convicted at Nottingham Magistrates Court of assaulting Sophie Meese after using excessive and disproportionate force during an arrest in Cradley. Bodycam footage showed he elbowed her and forcefully restrained her after she approached officers detaining her partner, Adam Manson. The judge ruled he lost his temper and acted unlawfully despite claiming his actions were proportionate. The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation, and sentencing is scheduled for September.

Three Halfords online hub employees were sentenced for systematically stealing more than £130,000 in dashcams and selling them on eBay, a scheme uncovered when a company investigator traced sales accounts to an employee address. The thefts threatened the profitability of the division and potential job losses. Richard Taylor and Aaran Craker received 14‑month suspended sentences, while Jonathan Edwards received eight months suspended, with all three ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and facing future proceeds of crime hearings.

A witness told jurors she saw pancake pieces far larger than the required soft‑food guidelines in the home of Thomas Cowley, a man with learning disabilities who fatally choked in 2023 while his care worker was allegedly not supervising him. The care worker, Christopher Bennett, is on trial for manslaughter and neglect, while Lifeways area manager Cherilyn Ghannem is accused of discarding the oversized pieces to hinder the investigation. Evidence detailed the scene, the improper food preparation, and subsequent reporting of concerns as the trial continues.

Road and kerb improvement work in Stone town centre will run from July 13 to October 23, bringing repairs to kerbs, footways, drains and new tactile crossings, with resurfacing scheduled for September and October. Temporary traffic signals will operate on weekdays, with some night closures required during resurfacing. Staffordshire County Council expects the upgrades to improve busy routes and has planned parts of the work for school holidays to limit disruption. The article also notes differing local government proposals affecting Stone, with competing plans from Stafford Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

DPD seeks to amend its operator’s licence to establish an operating centre for 50 trailers at Auto Mobile Yard Ltd in Oldbury, prompting a 21‑day window for nearby landowners to submit objections to the Traffic Commissioner. The notice outlines procedural requirements for representations. The article also references the 2023 killing of DPD worker Aurman Singh, noting the convictions of those involved.

A section of Broad Lane South in Wednesfield will close on July 20 to allow Severn Trent Water to repair a defective manhole cover. The closure will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with traffic diverted via Waddensbrook Lane, Wednesfield Way, Lakefield Road, Lichfield Road, and Broad Lane North. Wolverhampton Council issued the notice, stating the order is required to complete the repair work safely.

A Vietnamese man, Danh Nguyen, was acquitted at Wolverhampton Crown Court of producing nearly 1,800 cannabis plants found in a disused Walsall factory. The jury returned a not‑guilty verdict after an hour of deliberation. Nguyen, who has an active asylum application and no fixed address, is to be released following the decision. Police had previously described the £1.7 million haul as one of the largest cannabis discoveries in the area.

Wolverhampton’s St Jude’s CE Primary Academy is showcased as an aspirational school offering extensive learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, supported by large grounds, Forest School activities and a strong values‑based ethos. Headteacher James Williamson emphasises nurturing pupils, raising aspirations and removing barriers to learning, with academic results above national figures. Pupils engage in arts, sports and extracurricular activities, with some receiving scholarships, and the school recently earned strong and expected ratings across key areas in its Ofsted inspection.

A 21-year-old man, Kristian Danielove, died from severe injuries sustained when a stolen Ford Fiesta driven by banned driver Corey Brown crashed into parked vehicles and a lamppost in Oldbury. Danielove’s family paid tribute to him, describing their devastation and his vibrant personality. Brown fled the scene but was later sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to 10 years in custody for causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, among other offences, and was banned from driving for six years and six months. Matthew Westwood, another passenger, survived with injuries.

A 34-year-old Oldbury man, Amir Telhat, was convicted by a jury of supplying cocaine and heroin after officers observed suspected customers around his vehicle in West Bromwich in 2022. Judge Simon Ward sentenced him to three years and three months in prison, citing prior offending and evidence showing he was running his own small-scale drug operation. Telhat, who disputed the charges by claiming he was a customer, was found to have discarded drugs worth £850, cash, and a phone during police pursuit. A proceeds of crime hearing will follow to recover illicit gains.

A Birmingham man who operated a fake roofing business pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading after overcharging an elderly Dudley couple for repair work and using associates’ bank accounts to hide payments. Prosecutors dropped all charges against the three acquaintances whose accounts were used, citing lack of evidence. The judge directed the jury to convict the defendant and adjourned sentencing to allow for reports, noting compensation and a criminal behaviour order would be considered.

A disqualified moped rider, Lewis Saunders, was jailed after crashing into a family car in Tipton while fleeing police, showering a baby and toddler with glass but causing no serious injuries. Already banned for dangerous driving, Saunders admitted further offences including dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The court heard he had sped through red lights and on the wrong side of the road before colliding with the vehicle. Despite arguments from his defence citing mental health and developmental conditions, the judge imposed a 14‑month sentence and extended driving ban, citing limited prospects for rehabilitation.

St Jude’s CE Primary Academy in Wolverhampton highlights its nurturing ethos, strong academic results and broad opportunities offered through Forest School activities, arts, sports and scholarship programs. Headteacher James Williamson emphasizes creating a secure environment with high aspirations, supported by large outdoor grounds and an ethos inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark. The school, part of the Lichfield Diocese St Chad’s Academies Trust, has 492 pupils and recently received a strong Ofsted rating.

A banned and uninsured driver, Richard Strickland, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for causing the death of his passenger, Deepak Nayyar, and seriously injuring Davinder Bains after speeding at more than twice the limit in a residential area of Tipton. The Mercedes C320 he had bought the day before collided head‑on with a goods van. The court highlighted his previous conviction for dangerous driving, lack of remorse, and excessive speed. Bains suffered significant injuries requiring surgery, while Nayyar died from severe head trauma nearly a month later. Strickland will serve two‑thirds of his term and faces an extended driving ban.

A 52‑year‑old man from Pleck was jailed for three years after a three‑hour armed standoff in Walsall during which he waved converted Beretta and Glock firearms in the street. Police cordoned off the area before ending the confrontation by striking him with a baton. Prosecutors said his actions frightened neighbours, while the defence cited mental‑health issues and remorse. The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the weapons, with the offender to serve half his sentence before release on licence.

A banned driver, Corey Brown, was sentenced to 10 years in custody after crashing a stolen car in Oldbury, killing passenger Kristian Danielov and seriously injuring Matthew Westwood. Footage showed Brown speeding before losing control and hitting a lamp post. He fled the scene, leaving his injured friends behind. The court noted his extensive criminal history, including multiple driving offences. The judge condemned his record and behaviour, while Brown’s mitigation acknowledged responsibility. Brown received a long driving ban and will transfer to adult prison after turning 21.

Two brothers, Akeam Khan and Mohammed Shay Khan, were ordered to repay a combined £26,000 despite illegally earning more than £650,000 from supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Wolverhampton. Both were previously jailed for eight years after admitting multiple drug offences linked to the ‘Kash line’, a phone number used to mass‑text and receive thousands of orders for class A drugs. A proceeds of crime hearing determined that Akeam had over £17,000 in assets and Mohammed just under £9,000, sums they must repay within three months or face additional prison time. The operation was uncovered by West Midlands Police’s County Lines Taskforce, which linked extensive phone activity and surveillance evidence to the pair, leading to the closure of the drug network.

A wheel‑stripping business operator from Dudley, Wai Kit Pang, received a 22‑month prison sentence and a 10‑year director ban for repeatedly breaching environmental regulations. He admitted offences under the Environmental Protection Act after leaving 50 tonnes of toxic waste at a trading estate unit, failing to obtain required permits, and deceiving council staff. A judge described his actions as irresponsible, financially motivated, and damaging to lawful businesses. Cleanup costs may reach £200,000, and a confiscation hearing is scheduled for next year.

An inquest was opened into the death of Peter Johnson, a property developer from the Black Country who died in a hospital in Athens on June 8 after suffering a fall. Assistant Coroner Ruth Mann cited a blood clot, traumatic brain injury and a fall from steps as the causes of death. The inquest was adjourned pending further inquiries with Greek authorities, and Johnson’s remains have been returned to the UK.

A 23-year-old Walsall man, Rowayne Kesto, was jailed for five years and two months after admitting possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, dangerous driving, possession of a knife and related offences stemming from a June 2024 police pursuit in which he threw a bag containing a pistol, ammunition and a flick knife from his car before crashing. Prosecutors said he attempted to escape police at high speed before crashing and fleeing on foot, while his defence argued he acted under pressure and feared for his family’s safety. The case was heard at Wolverhampton Crown Court and resulted from West Midlands Police’s Operation Target crackdown on serious and organised crime.

A court ordered Matthew Lane to repay £3,000 of the £37,160 he gained from a £123,090 NHS fraud carried out with Alec Gandy and Kaylee Wright through falsified invoices submitted to the Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust. Investigators found significant sums were funneled through Lane’s and Wright’s accounts before being passed back to Gandy, who spent much of the money on gambling and business transfers. Lane received a suspended sentence and unpaid work, Wright a community order, and repayment orders for Gandy and Wright were postponed. Authorities emphasised that the diverted funds could have supported frontline patient care.