Lowri Lewis

An employment tribunal dismissed Jasmin Unsted’s claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination after she was fired from Wickes for refusing a drug test following allegations she used cocaine at work. The tribunal found she admitted taking cocaine the previous night and that Wickes acted reasonably in requesting the test under its zero‑tolerance policy. Judge Lise Burge ruled the claims had no prospect of success and ordered Unsted to contribute £3,408 to Wickes’ legal costs.

Marwell Zoo introduced a new male capybara, Ripple, to accompany Tango while the search continues for Samba, which escaped four months earlier. Staff believe Samba slipped under a low gate, prompting an extended search with ground teams and camera traps after multiple public sightings. Ripple and Tango are being gradually introduced in a private habitat before moving to a new public enclosure, and the zoo emphasises that efforts to locate Samba remain active, urging locals to report any sightings.

An employment tribunal rejected Erich McElevey’s claims of religious discrimination, harassment and unfair dismissal after he alleged he was barred from reading the Bible at work, pressured to work Sundays and disciplined for actions he said reflected Christian values. The tribunal found no evidence supporting his allegations, including claims his manager destroyed theological notes, and determined the centre’s policies against personal reading or internet use were reasonable. It also concluded that Sunday shifts were not imposed on him and that disciplinary action stemmed from failing to follow procedures that affected financial recording. All claims were dismissed.

A nurse was removed from the professional register after a regulatory investigation found she repeatedly posted racist and inflammatory comments about immigrants and ethnic minorities on Facebook, including false claims surrounding the Southport killings. The Nursing and Midwifery Council ruled her statements were discriminatory, incited hatred, and risked creating an intimidating environment for colleagues. Though she admitted making the posts and expressed regret, the panel determined her conduct showed limited insight and violated professional standards, resulting in her being struck off with an interim order in place pending any appeal.

An employment tribunal ruled that Nuffield Health unfairly treated personal trainer Bethan Littlewood, awarding her nearly £150,000 after repeated incidents of hostility, withheld pay and mishandled disciplinary actions culminating in a missed meeting that forced her to drive overnight from Germany. The tribunal found the company breached mutual trust and confidence, improperly escalated disciplinary claims and acted unreasonably in denying her leave. Littlewood has since left competitive sport and moved into coaching and reserve military service.

A tribunal awarded former Aberystwyth University cleaner Peak Ong £264,442 after finding she was unfairly dismissed and later victimised through a detrimental job reference. The ruling cited procedural flaws in the university’s disciplinary process and concluded that a retaliatory reference cost Ong a new job with Ceredigion Council. The tribunal determined her dismissal was linked to longstanding conflict with her manager and that the university improperly relied on a private mediation agreement. The university acknowledged procedural failures and said it would review its processes.

A new 46‑space car park on the Beaulieu Estate in the New Forest has been approved despite strong local opposition from residents concerned about long‑term commercial development near protected woodland. The Countryside Education Trust, which uses the land, argued that additional parking is necessary to support its study centre and avoid damage to ancient woodland. Residents fear the project may set a precedent for further development, citing previous commercial additions on estate land. The planning authority approved the proposal with a condition that the site must revert to agricultural use if the education charity departs.

A 75-year-old woman, Sally Beaney, has been charged with poisoning her neighbour with ant killer and with harassment related to a dispute over a shared driveway in Southampton. Allegations include blocking access with obstacles, displaying accusatory signs and making obscene gestures. The poisoning charge will be heard in crown court, and Beaney has been granted unconditional bail to appear in May.