Joe Cawthorn

Adam Batley, 30, from Barnsley, was sentenced to nine years in prison and given an indefinite restraining order after being convicted at Sheffield Crown Court of raping a 12-year-old girl. The court heard that he supplied her with drugs and alcohol before sexually assaulting her while she was semi-conscious. Batley denied the charge and gave no comment in police interviews, requiring the victim to testify during a seven-day trial. South Yorkshire Police said the girl would continue receiving support from BSAFE and social care services.

An inquest heard that 66-year-old John Peter Collins from Doncaster died while trying to rescue his 32-year-old daughter, Samantha, after she was dragged into the sea at Fistral Beach in Newquay on July 26. Both were recovered from the water and pronounced dead at the scene, with drowning given as the provisional cause of death. The joint inquest was adjourned until July 19, 2027. Police are also seeking the recovery of Samantha’s orange or peach handbag, which was believed to contain sentimental personal items.

Charlene Woracker, a single mother of four from Sheffield, says meticulous budgeting has reduced her summer-holiday spending from about £1,000 to £450. She sets aside £30 a month in a Monzo pot, limits weekly spending, plans meals, buys food in bulk, makes snacks at home and uses free activities such as libraries and museums. She says the approach has reduced financial anxiety while keeping her children entertained during the school holidays.

A Sheffield Wednesday supporter describes how optimism in the away end at Oldham Athletic quickly turned to frustration during a 4–0 pre-season defeat. Songs, a new yellow strip and strong attendance initially created an upbeat atmosphere, but Oldham’s early goals led to boos, departing fans and profanity. Although the writer acknowledges that pre-season results do not determine a campaign, he argues that the negative momentum and wider disagreements among supporters are worrying signs.

A large grass fire near the Waverley development in Rotherham was extinguished after five fire engines attended. Crews left the scene at about 10:30 p.m. on Friday, following numerous 999 calls and reports that the fire could be seen from miles away. Other fires occurred in Beighton and Shirecliffe amid weeks of warm, dry weather. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue warned residents to avoid garden fires and disposable barbecues and to report wildfires immediately.

Sheffield couple Sharon and Sean Taylor say their £350,000 in investments and combined private pensions of £1,400 a month have not been enough to cover monthly bills of about £1,700 as living costs rise. Sharon retired at 63 after decades of pension contributions, while Sean retired earlier for health reasons. Their savings have also been reduced by major home repairs and a £10,000 holiday, forcing them to cut back on leisure and consider further work. The couple now regret not saving more, while data from Pensions UK suggests that a much larger pension pot is needed for a comfortable retirement.

A light-hearted video features Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey blind-ranking pub snacks including scampi fries, KP nuts, pork scratchings and crisps. Healey places pork scratchings first, while Burnham ranks crisps highest. The video follows the government’s announcement of a 20% business-rates cut for pubs, clubs and live-music venues.

Fans gather in Sheffield Fan City as England prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, with live entertainment and crowd moments captured in a series of images.

Jon McClure describes how Reverend and the Makers’ 2009 song “Silence is Talking,” rerecorded for a Steve Bracknall advert campaign, has become a defining anthem of England’s 2026 World Cup run. The track has been repeatedly played in stadiums throughout the tournament, attracting widespread recognition and celebrity engagement as England prepare for their semi-final push.

A highly positive review of Derren Brown’s live show Only Human highlights his elevated storytelling and showmanship, describing the production as a suspenseful, well‑crafted experience that builds to an impressive finale. The reviewer reflects on Brown’s unique stage presence and ability to create an engaging, immersive atmosphere, noting that the performance’s narrative strength now rivals its signature illusions.

Undercover officers arrested a 28‑year‑old man at a Kimberworth Park home in Rotherham in connection with the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found in Dartmoor on July 9. Neighbours reported seeing significant police activity, including forensic teams searching the property. Police said the incident is not believed to be terrorism‑related or politically motivated and urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation continues.

Police are searching a property in Rotherham after arresting a 28‑year‑old man in connection with the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe. Forensic teams and police units have cordoned off a mid‑terrace home on Byrley Road since Saturday night, with officers observed removing equipment from the property. Devon & Cornwall Police stated they are not seeking additional suspects and have found no evidence of political or terror motivations or wider public risk.

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Devon and Cornwall Police said the suspect was in custody, that her family had been informed, and that there was no current indication the incident was terrorism-related.

Sheffield football fans celebrated in the early hours after England beat Mexico 3–2 in the World Cup, with footage recorded outside the Handsworth Inn attracting more than 130,000 Facebook views. Former boxer Ross Burkinshaw said the young crowd and police officers appeared to be enjoying the moment. England advanced to the quarter-finals, where they were due to face Norway, after goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane despite Jarell Quansah being sent off.

The writer questions whether suppliers or importers may have introduced German cockroaches into Moor Market through inadequately checked or fumigated goods, suggesting that blame for the market’s closure should not fall entirely on Sheffield City Council.

A 93‑year‑old Sheffield referee, Frank Foster, continues to officiate football matches after more than four decades and roughly 5,500 games. He criticizes modern officiating for being too soft, dislikes VAR, and believes new rules have overcomplicated the sport. Still active three times a week for the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA, he credits his fitness to wartime rations and maintains a strict, disciplined refereeing style that he says earns players’ respect. Foster hopes one day to officiate at a World Cup match.

Peter Flynn argues that suspects accused of serious crimes should not receive bail without posting a financial bond, following Amar Ilyas's flight to Pakistan after being granted bail and his later 27-year prison sentence for involvement in a grooming gang. The letter calls for bond amounts to reflect the seriousness of alleged offences and claims that a “no bond, no bail” rule could deter defendants from absconding. It also links the issue to broader concerns about immigration and the ability of criminals to leave the United Kingdom.

Police have blocked the junction of London Road and Gleadless Road in Sheffield due to an ongoing incident. Images show a small blue car with significant front-end damage under a railway bridge and a police vehicle positioned to stop traffic. The cause of the incident is not yet known, and authorities have been contacted for further information.

A large police cordon was placed along Sheffield’s High Street at around 12:50 a.m. on Sunday, June 28. Officers guarded the area, which extended from McDonald’s to the German Doner Kebab outlet. The cordon had been removed by morning, and South Yorkshire Police had been contacted for further information.

Technology problems at NCP's Wellington Street car park in Sheffield reportedly prevented drivers from scanning the app's QR code to enter, causing long queues and waits of up to an hour. A staff member was said to be manually operating the barriers. NCP, which is currently in administration and operates other Sheffield car parks, had been approached for comment.

A 39-year-old Sheffield man died after his motorcycle crashed on the A57 Snake Pass near the A6013 turn-off for Bamford shortly before noon on June 20. Emergency services attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Derbyshire Constabulary said no other vehicles were believed to be involved, and the man’s family is being supported by specialist officers. The crash occurred hours after the road reopened temporarily following an 18-day closure for landslip investigations.

Fire crews from Aston Park, Birley Moor, Parkway and Central stations spent several hours extinguishing a woodland fire near Beighton, Sheffield, where railway sleepers were engulfed in flames. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue released photographs of the operation and urged anyone with information about deliberate fires to report it anonymously.

CrossCountry received the lowest overall satisfaction rating in Transport Focus’s first national rail passenger survey, with 79% of passengers satisfied. Only 46% were satisfied with how delays were handled, while 7% of services were cancelled and 72% of station stops were within three minutes of schedule. The watchdog called for better punctuality, disruption information, passenger experience and crowding management, while CrossCountry acknowledged the disappointing results and cited refurbished trains, a new timetable and service improvements. The operator is expected to enter public ownership next year.

Rob Reiss argues that criticism of residents as NIMBYs is hypocritical when Labour and Green politicians support building on 1.1 million square metres of Sheffield green belt while opposing the possible sale and development of a 60-square-metre grass verge in Ecclesfield. He says green-belt development threatens traffic, biodiversity, flooding resilience, access to health services and the Riddle family's farming livelihood, and warns that perceived inconsistency is deepening public distrust in politicians.

The letter supports Matthew Smith’s call to reinstate a fully staffed library at Walkley Branch library, arguing that libraries could help address Sheffield’s longstanding educational and unemployment inequalities. It criticizes successive Labour and Green coalitions on Sheffield City Council for their perceived disregard of library provision and heritage, and warns that Walkley may be left with only a minimal service.

A reader suggests that Hillsborough Library should host a display explaining its historical links to Sheffield FC. The letter notes that the building was formerly Hillsborough Hall, associated with James Willis Dixon, a Sheffield FC member who played Hallam FC in 1861, and highlights Sheffield’s wider library and football heritage.

A reader questions whether Green councillors will regularly avoid meeting the public after Walkley councillor Andy Davies said he would meet voluntary groups running the Walkley and Upperthorpe libraries. The letter argues that Davies should also engage library users and residents on the future of library services and the potential benefits of restoring staffed provision.

A man's body was found inside a disused former TGI Fridays restaurant on Sheffield Road near Meadowhall after South Yorkshire Police responded to reports of suspicious activity on the evening of June 10, 2026. The death is being treated as unexplained, formal identification has not yet taken place, and the man's family has been informed. A police cordon is expected to remain around the building for several days while enquiries continue.

An inquest has opened and been adjourned into the death of 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift, who entered the River Don near Mexborough on May 30 during a heatwave and did not resurface. After a 48-hour search, his body was recovered on June 2. A pathologist noted features consistent with drowning, although the precise cause of death has not yet been confirmed. The final inquest is scheduled for February 16, 2027.

A police cordon surrounds the former TGI Fridays restaurant on Sheffield Road, Sheffield, after officers closed the premises at about 8pm on 10 June 2026. Police remained at the scene the following morning, but the reason for the cordon had not been disclosed. Access to the neighbouring Premier Inn was unaffected, and South Yorkshire Police had been asked for comment.

The letter explains that UK electricity prices are often set by expensive gas generation even when most power comes from cheaper renewables. It argues that wars and fossil-fuel volatility have driven energy-price spikes, while Greenpeace campaigning has helped prompt government moves to place more renewable and nuclear generation under fixed-price arrangements. The writer welcomes the reform but calls for further action, including nationalising energy companies and curbing profits, while noting that renewables still require maintenance, investment and grid costs.

A 70-year-old man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after an alleged dispute in the car park of Wentworth Garden Centre in Rotherham on 30 May. A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and later released while South Yorkshire Police continue their investigation. The victim is recovering well.

Reader Matthew Smith argues that former councillor Tom Hunt was valuable because he was approachable and maintained a visible presence in the ward. Smith criticizes Hunt's Green replacement, Mr Davies, for engaging only with established volunteer groups rather than the wider community. He calls for a public meeting, petition and campaign to restore staffed council-run libraries in Walkley and Upperthorpe, citing local demand, the needs of children with English as an additional language, and concerns about the libraries' current volunteer-run status and funding eligibility.

Dr Sylvia Dunkley, a former Lord Mayor of Sheffield, died aged 81 on May 5 at Royal Hallamshire Hospital after a short illness. A historian with a PhD from the University of Sheffield, she served on Sheffield City Council from 1995 to 2012 and contributed to planning, heritage conservation, transport administration and the development of Ecclesall Library. She also helped run engineering company Atomising Systems Ltd, supported local choirs and arts organizations, and strengthened Sheffield’s historical links with Bochum and Bapaume. A commemorative cathedral service is scheduled for June 15, followed by an invitation-only reception at Cutlers’ Hall.

South Yorkshire Police are increasingly concerned about Liam, a vulnerable 27-year-old man from Rotherham who was last seen leaving his mother’s address in Ulley during the early hours of May 29. He is believed to be on foot, and police have appealed for information about his whereabouts, asking the public to call 101 and quote incident number 585.

A fire at Maxfield’s Executive Travel in Aughton, Rotherham, destroyed three coaches and reportedly led to one staff member being hospitalised for smoke inhalation. Six South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews attended, extinguishing the blaze by around 1:45 p.m. The 100-year-old family business called the loss heartbreaking but said, with support from staff and clients, that all planned trips would continue as normal.

A major fire broke out at Maxfield’s Executive Travel on Aughton Road in Rotherham, engulfing three coaches and nearby buildings. Six South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue crews attended, while residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed because thick black smoke spread across the region. The fire was extinguished by 1:45pm. Maxfield’s, established in 1926, is a long-standing family coach and holiday business that later expanded into executive travel, tours and excursions.

A major fire involving three coaches and nearby buildings broke out at Maxfield’s Travel on Aughton Road in Aughton, Rotherham. Eight fire crews were reported to be attending, while South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service advised residents to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area because of thick smoke. Nearby homes were reportedly unaffected, and smoke was visible across Rotherham and Sheffield.

A large fire involving coaches and nearby buildings broke out at Maxfield’s Travel on Aughton Road in Rotherham. Multiple fire crews attended as thick black smoke spread over Rotherham and Sheffield, with residents advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area. An eyewitness reported that one bus caught fire and spread to another vehicle, while nearby homes were reportedly unaffected.

Floral tributes and messages have been left outside Sheffield’s One Four One bar after a 30-year-old woman was shot and killed as an innocent bystander during a Bank Holiday Monday incident. Three people—two men and a woman—have been arrested, while South Yorkshire Police are seeking information about a white Audi seen nearby. The bar’s owners expressed condolences to the victim’s family and confirmed they are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

A major emergency services operation was underway at Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham on Bank Holiday Monday. Police, firefighters, ambulances and a helicopter attended, with footage showing numerous emergency vehicles and residents reporting extensive sirens. The nature of the incident had not yet been confirmed, and emergency services had been contacted for further information.

Joe Cawthorn gives a warmly positive review of Bluey’s Big Play at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre, describing it as an ideal first theatre experience for his three-year-old son. The 50-minute performance kept the child engaged through singing, dancing, clapping and laughter. The expressive puppetry, high-quality staging, music and props were praised, as was Joe Brumm’s ability to retain the humour, affection and cheeky family dynamics of the original Bluey series.

Chris Broome of the South Yorkshire Climate Alliance argues that recurring landslips on the A57 Snake Pass will worsen because of climate change and heavier vehicles. Long-term repairs could cost hundreds of millions of pounds, potentially exceeding Derbyshire County Council’s annual repair and road-development budgets. While the route is an important link between Sheffield and Manchester, the letter questions the Government’s plans for further road-building, including A38 junction expansion in Derbyshire, arguing that projected economic benefits are marginal and fail to account for environmental damage.

South Yorkshire steel manufacturer Shafton Steel Services cut the cost of handling scrap by about 50 per cent by replacing a conventional conveyor with a Sax Lift scissor lift table. The rail-mounted system collects scrap from a robotic coping and drilling line, raises it to floor level and allows safer, easier maintenance in a space-constrained facility. The solution cost just under £29,000, about half the price of a comparable conveyor, while maintenance is estimated to be 20–25 per cent easier. Sax Lift says demand is growing for customised industrial equipment, with bespoke solutions accounting for roughly a quarter of its orders.

Tom Hunt lost his Walkley seat to Green candidate Andrew Davies by 73 votes as Labour suffered a difficult result in Sheffield’s local elections. Reform UK gained substantial ground, reaching 12 councillors, while the Greens added six seats to reach 20. Labour lost seven seats, leaving it with 27 councillors and without an overall majority; the Liberal Democrats also lost four. Hunt attributed the result partly to national issues and voters’ impatience for change. South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said Labour must change course, arguing that voters were frustrated with the government and local results could not be explained solely by council performance. A new Sheffield council leader will be selected at an AGM later in May.

Joe Cawthorn reflects on taking his three-year-old son Seth to his first Sheffield Wednesday match, a 2-1 home win over West Bromwich Albion at Hillsborough. What was intended as a quiet end-of-season introduction became a historic occasion featuring the announcement of new owner David Storch, a packed stadium, the club’s only home win of the season and a fresh start after a disastrous campaign. The match was also attended by Cawthorn’s two-month-old son Otis, making the day a significant shared family memory and the beginning of Seth’s potential journey as a Wednesday supporter.