Emily Johnson

Daniel Augustus, 40, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court after being charged with attempting to murder a 54-year-old woman at a house in Honley, West Yorkshire, on 13 August. The seriously injured woman remains in a stable condition in hospital. Augustus was remanded in custody and is due to enter a plea at Leeds Crown Court on 14 September.

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and bailed after allegedly driving a Land Rover erratically through Doncaster at speeds of up to 67mph in a 40mph zone. Police stopped the vehicle using tactical contact after it failed to stop, and found a bladed article in the boot. The teenager faces suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance or a licence, and possessing an offensive weapon. No one was injured, and further enquiries are continuing.

Lee Moran was convicted at York Magistrates' Court of three offences linked to a St George's flag displayed on York's city walls. The flag carried an abusive message referring to MP Rachael Maskell, and Moran was also found to have verbally abused a University of York student after she disrupted the flag poles. The judge rejected Moran's claims that the message was merely a protest or wordplay, finding it threatening and abusive and likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Moran was also convicted over grossly offensive Facebook comments and will be sentenced on 14 September.

North Yorkshire Police has asked for expanded powers under York’s Public Spaces Protection Order to address five behaviours in the city centre: intimidation or coercion, persistent requests for money or food, pestering or pursuing people, invading personal space, and disorderly groups. The existing order allows fines for dog fouling and street urination. City of York Council is consulting residents until 18 September on whether the proposed measures are appropriate and proportionate.

Louise Prashad says a family's decision to donate the organs of 52-year-old Sarah gave her a liver transplant and a second chance at life after liver failure during a twin pregnancy. She is supporting an NHS Blood and Transplant campaign to recruit one million additional registered donors by the end of the year. New figures show family consent for organ donation has fallen from 69% five years ago to 57%, with more than 1,100 patients waiting for transplants in Yorkshire and the North East. Prashad and NHSBT urge families to discuss donation in advance and honor loved ones' recorded wishes, while recognizing that families continue to have the final say.

Lendal Bridge in York will close to traffic from 20:00 BST on 12 August until 06:00 BST on 13 August for essential resurfacing. Pedestrians, emergency services and buses will still be able to cross, although some bus routes will be diverted. Cyclists and other vehicles will follow separate diversion routes, while the suspension of a no-right-turn restriction will preserve access for Blue Badge holders.

Leon Harvey was sentenced to six years in prison at York Crown Court after being convicted of assaulting and kidnapping his former partner. He tracked her to a York hotel, forced her outside, assaulted her and demanded that she enter his vehicle. Police found the victim's phone and keys in Harvey's possession, along with tracking apps and evidence that he had subscribed to tracking services. He denied the offences and showed no remorse, according to investigating officer PC Simone Frost. Harvey was also given a 20-year restraining order.

A £1.3m restoration of Whitby's Grade II* listed Old Town Hall has been completed. The work repaired the 18th-Century building's clock tower, roof, stonework and mortar, and refurbished its previously unused first floor for events. Market traders temporarily moved during construction are expected to return to the town square in time for the August Bank Holiday. Funded through the government's Towns Fund and North Yorkshire Council, the project was designed to address further damage uncovered during the works, preserve the building and support tourism, local businesses and the wider economy.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that England's regional mayors will gain new powers over public transport, housing and youth employment, and will eventually retain portions of business-rate and income-tax revenue. Yorkshire mayors Oliver Coppard, Tracy Brabin and David Skaith welcomed the changes, particularly the prospect of stable, long-term funding for transport, skills, employment and housing. The government says income-tax rates will not rise, and Yorkshire could retain an estimated £200m-£300m annually if it kept 1-2% of regional income tax. Opposition parties criticised the lack of detail, new funding and safeguards for rural areas. BBC analysis concluded that while the reforms could give mayors more control over spending, they do not yet guarantee additional overall investment or resolve Yorkshire's substantial funding gap compared with London.

An 88-year-old woman died after a collision between a red Honda Jazz and a grey Nissan Note on Ranmoor Park Road in Sheffield. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while the 88-year-old male driver of the Honda was injured but discharged. Two other passengers in their 80s sustained minor injuries. South Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and relevant footage.

Ripon Workhouse Museum has reopened following a £2.8m refurbishment funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, restoring its Grade II-listed building and opening previously inaccessible areas including the original cellar. Sound effects and interactive elements now recreate the experience of Victorian workhouse life, while staff and volunteers highlight the historical significance of the site. The project forms part of a wider £3.3m initiative aimed at conservation, interpretation and engagement on social issues.

A fire destroyed the Springwood mental health unit at Malton and Norton District Hospital, prompting the safe evacuation of all 15 patients. The chief nursing officer praised the community’s rapid support, including Malton School hosting a temporary ward and local businesses providing supplies. Local officials expressed gratitude for the coordinated response, while fire investigators continue to determine the cause.

A 19-year-old quad bike rider suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing into four parked cars on Main Street in Tickton, East Yorkshire. Emergency services responded at about 15:00 BST on Sunday, and police have launched an investigation. Humberside Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

First Bus cancelled 145 journeys across seven York routes due to temporary changes in its fleet. The operator warned of minor service disruption, advised passengers to check for updates, and noted that some Park and Ride buses would appear in different liveries while still displaying correct route information.

A former South Yorkshire Police officer, Christopher Cave, was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for misconduct in public office after maintaining a long-term sexual relationship with a crime victim. Allegations surfaced in 2022, leading to his suspension, resignation in 2023 and subsequent guilty pleas. Police described his actions as a serious breach of trust, and internal misconduct proceedings will follow the criminal case.

A man in his 40s suffered serious but non-life-threatening head and arm injuries after being struck by a dark blue Audi S3 in a hit-and-run on Thornton Road in Thornton. The driver failed to stop and drove toward Bradford. West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information.

Four children and a 43-year-old man were seriously injured in a truck explosion near the Hare and Hounds Inn in Mirfield, with the man and an eight-year-old girl in critical condition. Emergency services responded on Sunday afternoon, and police said the incident is not believed to be suspicious. Inquiries continue.

A 24-year-old man, Brandon Gilbert, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article following the fatal stabbing of 57-year-old Wayne Solomon in Doncaster. Several others initially arrested in connection with the incident have been released or bailed pending further inquiries. Gilbert has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.