Jonathan Morris

Devon and Cornwall Police carried out a road safety operation in Plymouth on 6 August, identifying seven vehicles with illegal number plates, catching 11 drivers speeding and finding seven motorcycles with excessively noisy illegal exhausts. Motorcyclists were given a week to install legal exhausts and pass another MoT test, while drivers who failed to stop for officers are expected to face prosecution. The operation followed residents’ concerns about anti-social driving, and police said enforcement patrols would continue throughout the year.

Paradise Park in Hayle has resumed feeding its 26 Humboldt penguins locally caught Cornish sardines after fisherman Tom Lambourn offered to supply two to three tonnes annually. The sardines replace frozen sprats imported from the Netherlands, reducing transport distances and supporting local fishermen. The arrangement has been welcomed by the park, Seafish and the Cornish Sardine Management Association, and was celebrated by Spneb, a 38-year-old penguin believed to be the world’s oldest Humboldt penguin in captivity.

Paradise Park in Hayle has resumed feeding its 26 Humboldt penguins locally caught Cornish sardines after fisherman Tom Lambourn offered to supply the fish. The park now sources two to three tonnes annually from a catch landed about 10 miles away, replacing frozen sprats imported from the Netherlands after its previous local supplier retired. The arrangement has been welcomed by the park, Seafish and the Cornish Sardine Management Association because it keeps the catch local, reduces long-distance transport and promotes the quality of Cornish sardines. The penguins, including 38-year-old Spneb, have responded positively, and visitors can learn more through a new information board.

Human remains found in the River Taw on 24 June have been identified as those of Taylor Charlton, a 15-year-old who went missing in Barnstaple, Devon, on 8 May. A woman in her 40s and a 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remain on bail as police continue their investigation. Taylor’s family has been informed and is receiving specialist support, while police have asked the public to respect their privacy and avoid speculation or sharing unconfirmed information.

Muhammad Ans, 29, has been sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court to 20 years in prison, followed by three years on extended licence and lifetime registration as a sex offender. He was convicted of four rapes involving three women he met through Bumble, Badoo and Tinder between 2023 and 2025. The victims said they had made their boundaries clear, while evidence showed Ans contacted them afterward with apologies and offers of money or gifts before denying the offences were non-consensual. The judge said Ans preyed on vulnerable women and described his lack of remorse as deeply troubling.

Divers discovered a 3,000‑year‑old Bronze Age sword at protected wreck sites off south Devon, adding to previous significant finds in the area. Becky and Catherine Gill located the artifact while working with the South West Maritime Archaeological Group on a project funded by Historic England. Experts believe the sword, worn by centuries underwater, dates from the Middle or Late Bronze Age. The British Museum described the find as an important addition to understanding ancient maritime trade and will receive the sword for further study after conservation.

Argentinian supporters of English lower‑league clubs describe the upcoming World Cup semi‑final between England and Argentina as highly significant, with fans in Córdoba and Buenos Aires emphasising the deep cultural connection to football. They expect a tightly contested match and note that Lionel Messi will face England for the first time, while expressing hope for a peaceful and exciting encounter.

A £7.1bn investment is planned to upgrade Devonport submarine base as part of a wider £26bn programme to modernise the Royal Navy’s main bases. The Ministry of Defence says the decade-long funding will support thousands of jobs across Devonport, Portsmouth and Clyde, with improvements including modernised waterfront infrastructure and new accommodation. Defence minister Luke Pollard emphasises the growing security threats and the need to boost the readiness and capability of naval facilities.

A family paddleboarding trip on the Helford River turned dangerous when strong easterly winds blew members of the group off course, prompting a rescue by the RNLI and HM Coastguard. Rich Pearson, whose wife and young daughter were among those rescued, warned others to respect weather conditions and avoid complacency on familiar routes. Emergency responders noted multiple recent incidents linked to unexpected wind patterns and urged paddleboarders to assess conditions carefully.

Jersey Zoo uses mud baths, frozen food treats and shaded or indoor areas to help animals cope with rising summer temperatures. Deputy curator Georgia Gotts says systems such as air conditioning, fans and temperature‑controlled buildings maintain safe conditions, while animals like warty pigs, capybaras and lemurs adjust their behaviour to keep cool. Staff are also monitored, with measures in place to support their wellbeing during the heat.

Jersey Zoo is using mud baths, frozen food treats, shaded areas and temperature‑controlled buildings to keep animals comfortable during a period of hot weather. Staff note that animals such as Visayan warty pigs, capybaras and lemurs adapt differently to the heat, and the zoo is monitoring both animal welfare and staff wellbeing with hydration and sun protection measures.

Guy Bridge completed a 250‑mile downwind foiling journey from Devon to Kent over three days, navigating hazardous coastal sections such as Portland Bill while supported by safety gear and coordinated check‑ins with coastguards. His wife Emma joined for part of the route despite challenging conditions. The pair managed risks through careful planning, carrying backup equipment and identifying exit points. Bridge described the experience as surreal and is considering larger future challenges, including a Channel crossing.