Rod Minchin

Hundreds of mourners, many accompanied by their dogs, lined Cricklade High Street to farewell Barbara Mullaney, who ran the Animal Fayre pet shop for more than 30 years. Her funeral cortege paused outside the shop before continuing to North Wiltshire Crematorium. The community left extensive floral tributes and messages of support for her family after she was killed in a June collision near Royal Wootton Bassett. Anthony Howells has been charged with murder and several driving-related offences and is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court.

James Desborough has received two whole-life orders for murdering Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman in Cornwall. The former builder, already serving a life sentence for killing his cellmate Steven Kempster at HMP Exeter, was described by Mr Justice Saini as highly dangerous and without remorse. Aquilino and Coleman had lived with Desborough at Sandy Lodge Hotel in Newquay; their dismembered remains were found near his cabin in Sticker Woods. Desborough denied the murders but was convicted after a five-week trial. Police are reviewing the unexpected deaths of four other residents who lived at the hostel during the same period.

Devon and Cornwall Police are reviewing the unexpected deaths of two men and two women who lived at Sandy Lodge Hotel in Newquay while convicted serial killer James Desborough was resident there. The deaths remain attributed to suspected natural causes, and police say Desborough is not currently a suspect, although some forensic, CCTV and witness inquiries remain outstanding. Desborough is due to be sentenced for murdering homeless men Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman, having already received a life sentence for strangling his prison cellmate Steven Kempster.

James Desborough was found unanimously guilty at Winchester Crown Court of murdering Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman, two homeless men whose dismembered remains were found in woodland near Sticker, Cornwall. Prosecutors said Desborough killed the men, used their bank cards to fund drugs and alcohol, and concealed their remains; police also found notes referring to killing and plans to leave the UK. Desborough denied the murders, claiming he found both men dead and disposed of their bodies, but had pleaded guilty to preventing their lawful burial. He is already serving a life sentence for strangling his prison cellmate Steven Kempster while awaiting trial, making him a convicted triple murderer.

James Desborough, 40, was found guilty at Winchester Crown Court of murdering Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman, whose dismembered remains were discovered in woodland in Cornwall. Both victims had previously lived with Desborough at a homeless hostel in Newquay and were last seen with him. Prosecutors presented evidence that he spent their money after they disappeared, while police recovered burned bone fragments and body parts from a shallow grave near a cabin on his property. The text also refers to Desborough as having been found guilty of murdering three men, creating an apparent discrepancy with the two named victims.

A letter written by second-class Titanic passenger Henry Price Hodges to his friend Hector Young on 10 April 1912 sold at auction for a record £60,000. The letter described fine weather and a positive atmosphere aboard the ship shortly before it sank. Hodges died when the Titanic struck an iceberg on 15 April, and his body was later recovered and buried in Halifax, Canada. At the same auction, a rare US one-dollar bill recovered from third-class passenger Ernest Tomlin sold for £37,000, nearly four times its estimate.

A final letter written by second-class Titanic passenger Henry Price Hodges on 10 April 1912 sold for £60,000 at Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, substantially exceeding its £35,000 estimate and setting a record for an onboard letter written by a second-class passenger. Hodges described fine weather, activities and the atmosphere aboard the ship before it sank four days later, killing about 1,500 people. His body was later recovered and buried in Halifax, Canada. A US one-dollar bill recovered from third-class passenger Ernest Tomlin also sold for £37,000, nearly quadrupling its estimate.

A black-crowned night heron, a species rarely seen in the UK, was filmed at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate in Somerset. The sighting highlights efforts to restore wetlands, more than 97 percent of which have been lost in the UK. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust believes climate change could help the species become an established UK breeder.

A rare black-crowned night heron was recorded for three consecutive days by wildlife cameras at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate in Somerset. The sighting follows the species’ first confirmed UK breeding record in Somerset in 2017. Conservationists linked the bird’s presence to wetland restoration, including beaver-created habitats, and said expanding and improving wetlands could support biodiversity, improve water quality and reduce flood risk. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust predicts that the species could become an established UK breeder as climate change expands its range.

A puffin chick has been recorded in the Purbeck colony in Dorset for the first time in 30 years, offering rare encouragement for the region’s critically small population of three breeding pairs. Volunteers led by seabird ecologist Dr Richard Caldow observed feeding patterns that confirmed the chick’s age and survival to fledging stage. Additional monitoring, including motion‑sensor cameras installed by the National Trust, aims to determine why the colony has struggled to produce chicks in recent years. Conservation groups and volunteers contributed sightings and nearly 150 hours of observation to the effort.

A letter written by second-class Titanic passenger Henry Price Hodges on 10 April 1912, shortly before the ship sank, describes fine weather and onboard activities including marching, singing, dominoes and card games. Hodges died in the disaster five days later. The letter, postmarked Queenstown and addressed to a friend, is expected to sell for up to £35,000 at auction, with auctioneer Andrew Aldridge calling it a unique snapshot of life aboard the doomed liner.

A letter written by second-class Titanic passenger Henry Price Hodges on April 10, 1912, shortly before the ship sank, is expected to sell for up to £35,000 at Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire. Addressed to Hector Young of Southampton’s Newtown Conservative Association, the letter describes fine weather, onboard activities and Hodges’s positive impression of the voyage. Hodges died in the sinking on April 15, and auctioneer Andrew Aldridge says the document offers a rare and historically valuable view of everyday life aboard Titanic for a second-class passenger.

World champion kickboxer Tyler Ford appeared at Swansea Crown Court accused of murdering 18-year-old Ceiran Evans, who died after a collision between a car and an off-road bike in Gorseinon. Ford also faces an attempted murder charge, has not entered pleas, and will remain in custody. A plea and case management hearing is scheduled for September 29, with a two-week trial set to begin on January 11.

A 250kg World War II bomb discovered at a building site in Plymouth prompted the evacuation of more than 1,000 properties before military specialists carried out a controlled detonation. Authorities deemed the device too unstable to move and safely destroyed it on site, after which the safety cordon was lifted and residents were allowed to return home. Local officials commended the coordinated efforts of Army and Royal Navy teams in completing the operation without significant damage.

An inquest heard that Kelly Faiers died from a combination of alcohol and sleeping tablets while at the home of Richard Scatchard, a convicted sex offender with a long history of drugging and assaulting women. Evidence from colleagues indicated he expressed sexual fantasies involving her unconsciousness, and messages showed he expected sexual activity prior to her death. Toxicology could not confirm whether she willingly took the tablets, leaving the possibility of spiking open. Scatchard disappeared after initial police contact and was later found dead. The inquest continues.

A woman killed in a head-on collision near Royal Wootton Bassett has been named locally as pet shop owner Barbara Mullaney. Tributes from the community highlight her impact and the widespread affection for her. Police arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following the crash, which also injured a teenage passenger. The driver of the Peugeot died at the scene, and the incident has prompted a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior police contact with the suspect.

Police arrested a woman in her 40s on suspicion of murder after a body believed to be missing teenager Taylor Charlton was found in the River Taw near Barnstaple. The arrest follows new information received by investigators and comes after a previous arrest of a 20-year-old man who was later released on bail. Taylor, who went missing on 8 May, was last seen heading toward the river on CCTV. His family has been informed of the latest development and continues to receive support from police.

A Bristol man, James Marchant, received a 10‑year ban on keeping animals after being filmed throwing his underweight dog Boomer over a six‑foot gate. A vet found the dog malnourished, and Marchant pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences. Co‑accused Clair Malik pleaded guilty to failing to meet the dog’s dietary needs and received a five‑year ban from keeping dogs. Both were ordered to pay fines and costs. The RSPCA credited neighbours for reporting the incident and emphasised the importance of public vigilance in preventing animal suffering.

Police have submitted evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider charges against MP Dan Norris following allegations including rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting involving multiple women over two decades. Norris denies the accusations. He remains on conditional bail as victims and the public are urged not to speculate. The investigation is being led by Avon and Somerset Police’s Operation Bluestone. Norris, elected in 2024 after defeating Jacob Rees-Mogg, previously served as West of England mayor and as a Labour MP and minister, and stepped down from a charity role after his arrest.

Police issued new CCTV images and renewed their appeal for information into the unexplained death of Lee Hockey, whose body was found in woodland between Truro and Probus a year ago. Investigators are searching for several missing personal items, including a black satchel, his passport, a Barclays bank card and a pink iPhone 13. Detectives outlined his last confirmed movements on 22 and 23 June and urged anyone with information or relevant footage from nearby villages to come forward, as his family continues to seek answers.

Police confirmed the body found in Duffryn Park, Blaina, as missing teenager Lilly Jones. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody, with a trial set for late November. Authorities urged caution regarding online comments to protect the legal process. Tributes from her school described her as a valued and kind student, and support services have been offered to those affected.

A woman in her forties died when a light aircraft she was piloting crashed near Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon. Emergency services responded, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Air Accident Investigation Branch will investigate, and police have asked the public for relevant footage and to avoid speculation.

A woman in her forties was killed when her light aircraft crashed near Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon, prompting a large emergency response. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed she was the sole occupant and died at the scene, and the Air Accident Investigation Branch has begun inquiries. Authorities urged the public not to speculate about the cause and asked anyone with relevant footage to contact police rather than post it online.

A 16-year-old boy was acquitted at Bristol Crown Court of the murder and manslaughter of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who died from a single stab wound at her home in Weston-super-Mare. The teenager told the jury the stabbing occurred accidentally while he attempted to scare her with a kitchen knife. After the incident he left the house, told children at a nearby station it was an accident, and was later arrested. A Home Office pathologist testified that the fatal wound pierced Aria’s heart, causing rapid death. A family friend discovered her and called emergency services, but she was pronounced dead shortly after.

A 16-year-old boy was acquitted at Bristol Crown Court of both murder and manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare. He claimed the stabbing occurred accidentally while handling a knife in a “ninja-style” demonstration. After the incident, he left the scene and later described the death as an accident before being arrested.

A new silverback gorilla named Nkoumou has joined the Bristol Zoo Project to lead its western lowland gorilla troop following the death of long‑time leader Jock. Transferred from Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, his arrival supports a conservation breeding programme for the threatened species. Zoo staff will gradually introduce him to the six‑member troop due to the species’ complex social dynamics. The zoo highlights the broader importance of gorilla conservation and its field projects in Equatorial Guinea as Nkoumou begins integrating into his new family group.

A 16-year-old boy is on trial for fatally stabbing nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare, after which he reportedly told peers he had accidentally killed her and searched online about the consequences of killing someone. He admitted holding the knife but claimed the stabbing happened during playfighting. A post-mortem confirmed a single stab wound to the chest, and the trial continues at Bristol Crown Court.

A coroner concluded that Dr Charlie Thame acted in lawful self‑defence when he restrained Daniel Smith, who attempted to steal a car while fleeing police. Smith, who had taken cocaine and experienced acute behavioural disturbance, went into cardiac arrest after a brief restraint and later died in hospital. The coroner determined that the force used was reasonable and motivated by fear for the safety of others, ruling the death accidental and clearing Thame of any wrongdoing.

Three Royal Navy personnel died when a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Sourton Down in Devon. Emergency services responded around 3.45am. Navy chief Gwyn Jenkins confirmed the deaths and offered condolences, joined by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Defence Secretary John Healey, the King and the Princess of Wales, who were informed and expressed their sympathies.

A five-year-old boy died at Bristol Children’s Hospital following a multi-vehicle collision on the A30 in Cornwall that had already claimed the life of an eight-year-old child. Two women in the same car sustained serious and minor injuries, while a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving before being released under investigation. Police continue to gather evidence and appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage.

The police watchdog is investigating prior contact Avon and Somerset Police had with Jo Shaw, who was killed in a deliberate explosion at her Bristol home along with her ex-partner Ryan Kelly. The review will examine five years of incidents involving allegations against Kelly, including stalking and harassment. Police had spoken with Shaw four days before the blast, and emergency services were responding to a domestic-related call when the explosion occurred. Inquests found both victims died from blast injuries, with proceedings set to resume in August. Searches and evacuations were carried out to secure the area following the incident.

A multi-vehicle collision on the A30 near Connor Downs in Cornwall resulted in the death of an eight-year-old boy, left a five-year-old in critical condition, and caused serious injuries to a woman in her seventies. Both women and the two children were travelling in the same car. A man in his sixties was arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving and later released under investigation. Police continue to investigate and have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage while urging the public not to speculate about the cause.

Kelcie Reed, 24, pleaded guilty on a disputed basis to being in charge of an out-of-control XL bully that fatally injured 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett in a Bristol flat on 26 February of the previous year. Dorsett suffered fatal neck bites, and the dog, Prince, was later put down.

Kelcie Reed pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to being in charge of a dangerously out‑of‑control XL bully dog that fatally injured 19‑year‑old Morgan Dorsett in February 2023. A judge warned that an immediate custodial sentence is likely. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, and Reed remains on conditional bail while the prosecution reviews the basis of her plea.

A small clinical trial led by the University of Bristol found early evidence that the anti-inflammatory drug tocilizumab may reduce depressive symptoms in people with inflammation-related, treatment-resistant depression. Participants receiving the drug showed greater improvements than those given a placebo, supporting the theory that immune-system activity contributes to depression in some patients. Researchers say the findings move clinical care closer to personalised treatment based on biological markers, with a larger phase III trial planned to determine whether immunotherapy can be prescribed for depression.

A newly reconstructed 4,500-year-old Neolithic hall near Stonehenge has been revealed, built by English Heritage volunteers using historically accurate techniques and locally sourced materials. Funded by the Kusuma Trust, the £1 million structure will open to visitors this summer and later serve as an educational space. Based on archaeological evidence from the nearby Durrington Walls settlement, the hall may have hosted large gatherings or rituals. English Heritage says the project enhances understanding of Neolithic life and will offer immersive learning experiences for the public and school groups.

A custom-made flute used by session musician Jack Ellory on The Beatles’ 1967 track The Fool on the Hill, Cadbury’s fruit and nutcase commercials, James Bond and Pink Panther films is being auctioned in Wiltshire on 12 June. Expected to fetch between £10,000 and £20,000, the instrument crafted by Arthur Cooper was inherited by Ellory’s son Brian, who hopes it will go to someone who appreciates its history.

A custom-made flute once owned by session musician Jack Ellory, featured on The Beatles’ 1967 track The Fool On The Hill and in Cadbury’s 1970s “fruit and nutcase” adverts, is being auctioned with an estimated price of £10,000 to £20,000. Ellory’s instrument, used across major film soundtracks and notable recordings, was overhauled after his death and is now being sold by his son. Auctioneers describe the flute as an important piece of mid-20th‑century musical history, crafted by renowned maker Arthur Cooper and set for sale on 12 June in Wiltshire.

An inquest confirmed that Ryan Kelly died from blast injuries after an explosive device detonated at a Bristol home, killing both him and his ex-partner Jo Shaw. Police recorded Shaw’s death as a homicide and believe the explosion was deliberate, with no other suspects being sought. The coroner outlined evidence gathered so far, including medical reports and identification statements, and adjourned proceedings for further inquiries involving local health and emergency services. Emergency responders evacuated neighbouring homes, and additional searches were conducted at Kelly’s residence, though no further risks were found.

An inquest confirmed that Jo Shaw, 35, died from penetrating blast injuries sustained in an explosion at her home in Bristol, which police are treating as a deliberate homicide. Her former partner, Ryan Kelly, also died, and three others, including a child, suffered minor injuries. Police are not seeking additional suspects, and Shaw’s family described her as a devoted mother whose actions protected her child.

An inquest confirmed that Jo Shaw died from blast injuries after an explosive device detonated at her Bristol home, also killing her former partner Ryan Kelly. Police are treating the incident as a deliberate act and have recorded Shaw’s death as a homicide, with no other suspects being sought. The coroner adjourned proceedings pending further reports from medical and emergency services. Police logs indicate the explosion occurred minutes after a call reporting a domestic-related incident involving forced entry and a suspected explosive device. Shaw’s family paid tribute to her character, bravery, and devotion to her child as investigations continue.

A Bristol teenager motivated by neo‑Nazi ideology received a 15‑and‑a‑half‑year prison sentence, plus four years on licence, for attempting to behead Kurdish barber Mohammed Mahmoodi with an axe. The court accepted that the attack was driven by terrorist motivation, citing Burns’s extremist online activity, communications with far‑right groups, and possession of manuals on weapons and explosives. Mahmoodi, an asylum seeker from Iran, detailed lasting physical and psychological trauma. Defence arguments referenced Burns’s difficult upbringing and isolation, but the judge ruled she posed ongoing danger to the public.

A 19-year-old extremist, Alina Burns, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court to more than 15 years in custody with four additional years on licence for attempting to behead a Kurdish barber, Mohammed Mahmoodi, in a politically motivated axe attack. The court accepted a terrorist motivation, citing her affiliation with far‑right groups including Patriotic Alternative and her stated desire to kill Jews and Muslims. The judge deemed her a dangerous offender deeply entrenched in extremist beliefs.

Researchers at the University of Bristol identified a method for detecting early blood vessel damage by measuring biochemical changes in the glycocalyx layer transferred to red blood cells, enabling doctors to spot heart and kidney disease risk far earlier. The approach provides a noninvasive alternative to biopsies and allows rapid assessment of treatment effectiveness. The study, funded by major UK medical organisations, supports a shift toward earlier, preventative healthcare.

Superdry co-founder James Holder, 54, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Bristol Crown Court after being convicted of raping a woman following a night of drinking. Holder denied the charge and claimed the sexual activity was consensual, but a jury convicted him at Cirencester Courthouse. Recorder David Chidgey described the offence as a despicable act of sexual violence rooted in entitlement and disregard for the victim’s right to consent.

Superdry co-founder James Holder, 54, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of raping a woman in her home. A jury at Cirencester Courthouse found him guilty despite his denial and claim that the sexual activity was consensual. At Bristol Crown Court, Recorder David Chidgey described the offence as a despicable act of sexual violence driven by a sense of entitlement and disregard for the victim’s right to consent.

Jo Shaw, 35, was killed in a Bristol house explosion that police are treating as a homicide. Her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41, also died in the blast, which authorities believe was deliberate and followed his alleged forced entry. Three other people, including a child, suffered minor injuries. Avon and Somerset Police will refer the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because of previously reported domestic-related incidents, while stating that no one else is being sought and there is no wider public risk.

A jury at Gloucester Crown Court convicted Superdry co‑founder James Holder of raping a woman in her home after a night out in Cheltenham. He was acquitted of assault by penetration but found guilty of rape after the victim testified that she cried and asked him to stop. Holder claimed the encounter was consensual, but prosecutors argued he exploited the situation to initiate sex. The judge denied a bail request ahead of sentencing, citing Holder’s wealth and flight risk, and remanded him into custody until sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on 7 May.

More than 1,000 Plymouth residents were allowed to return home after military specialists safely detonated an unstable Second World War bomb discovered at a Southway building site. A 400‑metre cordon was lifted following inspections confirming no significant damage. Local officials and emergency services highlighted the coordinated response involving the Army, Royal Navy, police and council teams, praising the expertise and caution that ensured public safety throughout the 48‑hour operation.

James Holder, co-founder of Superdry, was convicted at Gloucester Crown Court of raping a woman at her home in May 2022 after returning uninvited following a night of drinking. He denied the allegations but was found guilty of rape and acquitted of a separate charge of assault by penetration. He has been remanded in custody and faces a substantial prison sentence.

An unexploded 250kg German World War II bomb discovered at a Plymouth building site prompted the evacuation of more than 1,000 homes and the creation of a 400‑metre safety cordon. Military specialists determined the device could not be safely moved and will instead carry out a controlled in‑situ detonation after constructing a mitigation structure to minimise damage. Schools in the area were closed and temporary accommodation was provided for affected residents as authorities prepared for the operation.

An inquest found that Janet Fordham, a 69‑year‑old widow who had lost up to £1 million in multiple romance scams, died from head injuries sustained in a road crash in Ghana while traveling with a man named Kofi, with whom she planned to marry. Over several years she had been defrauded by individuals posing as a British soldier, a diplomat, and later Kofi, despite interventions from family, banks, and police. Police investigations showed she had exhausted her savings, sold her home, and continued sending money despite warnings. She travelled to Ghana in 2022, and on the day of her death was en route to seek family approval for marriage. There was no evidence of third‑party involvement in the crash, and the coroner recorded a narrative conclusion describing her sustained victimization by fraud and the circumstances of the fatal collision.

At least two school-aged children die each month from knife injuries in England, with deaths among under-17s increasing from 21 in 2019/20 to 36 in 2023/24. Analysis of 145 child victims found that most were boys, lived in deprived areas, and died from a single stab wound before reaching hospital. Black or Black British children faced a substantially higher risk than White children, while many victims had prior contact with statutory services and histories of adverse childhood experiences, underscoring gaps in early intervention and the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.

Research shows knife-related deaths among under-17s in England have risen from 21 to 36 annually over four years, with at least two school-aged children dying each month. Analysis of 145 fatalities found most victims were boys from deprived areas, and Black children were disproportionately affected. Many had prior contact with statutory services and experienced significant adversity, including domestic violence, substance abuse and community violence. Researchers urge earlier intervention and comprehensive prevention strategies to address social and structural factors contributing to fatal knife injuries.

A gold pocket watch recovered from Titanic victim Frederick Sutton is expected to sell for £50,000 to £80,000 at an upcoming Henry Aldridge & Son auction. The 18-carat watch, dented and with its second hand frozen from immersion in North Atlantic waters, has remained in Sutton’s family since 1912. It is the second batch of items from his estate to be sold. The article notes rising interest in Titanic memorabilia, referencing record-breaking auction sales of other passengers’ watches in recent years.

A 61-year-old man, Stephen Blofield, was jailed for 10 months after his drunken and aggressive behaviour on a Ryanair flight from Krakow to Bristol forced the pilot to abort an initial landing attempt. Court proceedings detailed how he refused to sit down, abused crew members and endangered passengers, leading to his arrest upon landing. The court heard he had been suffering from withdrawal after losing his medication and drank heavily to manage anxiety, though he later expressed remorse. The judge ruled that only a custodial sentence was appropriate due to the severity of the disruption and risk caused.

Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall is supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission by tracking the Orion spacecraft during its journey to and from the Moon. The mission is NASA’s first crewed lunar effort in more than fifty years and launched from Cape Canaveral with a four-person crew. Goonhilly’s involvement builds on a long history of space communication, including broadcasting the Apollo 11 landing and assisting Artemis I. NASA officials and UK minister Baroness Lloyd highlighted the importance of British technical expertise and international cooperation in advancing space exploration.

Bharat Pankhania resigned as Mayor of Bath after apologising for sharing social media posts that falsely suggested the arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green was staged. The Liberal Democrats suspended him before accepting his resignation. Police have made five arrests as they continue investigating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime.

Bath mayor Bharat Pankhania resigned after sharing social media posts implying that the antisemitic arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green was fraudulent. The Liberal Democrats accepted his resignation from both the mayoralty and the party group, emphasising their stance against discrimination. Pankhania apologised, stating the posts did not reflect his values. Police arrested three additional suspects in connection with the attack, with two earlier detainees released on bail.

Former police inspector Gerard Hutchings was convicted at Bristol Crown Court of multiple sexual offences involving 18 young men subjected to unnecessary and illegal strip searches at Hampshire police stations over an eight‑year period. Previously dismissed and jailed in 2008 for similar misconduct, Hutchings was found guilty on all current charges after victims testified to humiliation and assault during custody procedures. A 2020 report triggered a renewed investigation that identified further victims through extensive record checks. Hampshire Police leadership condemned the conduct, and Hutchings is scheduled for sentencing on July 24.

Detectives are seeking new information to solve the 1993 murder of Carol Clark, a Bristol sex worker whose body was found near the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. The reopened investigation, which has led to two men remaining under inquiry, is focused on potential sightings of Clark on 27 March 1993 and activity around Sharpness Docks during a public event. Police are appealing for witnesses who may recall her distinctive clothing or any suspicious behaviour in the area.

Detectives renewing efforts to solve the 1993 murder of Carol Clark highlight a note she left before disappearing as potentially important to the case. Clark, a Bristol woman whose body was found at Sharpness Docks, was last seen entering a Volvo and may have been with two men. Police continue to investigate two suspects and appeal for information from anyone who may have seen Clark or suspicious activity during the busy weekend when her body is believed to have been left at the docks.

A 24-year-old woman, Kelcie Reed, has been charged with being in charge of a dangerously out‑of‑control dog after an XL bully fatally attacked 19‑year‑old Morgan Dorsett inside a Bristol flat in February 2025. The dog was euthanized, and a previously arrested man will face no further action. Reed is set to appear before Bristol magistrates court on 23 April.

A 24-year-old woman, Kelcie Reed, has been charged with owning a dangerously out-of-control dog that fatally attacked 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett in a Bristol flat in February 2025. Police confirmed Reed will appear in court in April, while a previously arrested man will face no further action. Investigators called the charge a significant step and stated that Dorsett’s family continues to receive support. The attack involved an XL bully, a breed banned in the UK without an exemption certificate.

Bath mayor Bharat Pankhania apologised unreservedly and deleted social media posts that appeared to suggest the arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green was fraudulent. The ambulances were set alight, causing gas canisters to explode, damaging nearby buildings and prompting precautionary evacuations. Two men arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life were released on police bail until April while Counter Terrorism Policing London investigates.

A two-year-old boy, Rufus Davies, died after being struck by a family friend’s Porsche Macan reversing on a private driveway near Marlborough, Wiltshire. The driver, Tamsin Hayward, was moving slowly and checking mirrors when the child, who had run behind his mother’s car, entered a blind spot. Police found no vehicle faults and no impairment, and no prosecution followed because the incident occurred on private land. The coroner concluded the death was a misadventure, noting the boy’s height made him impossible to see from the driver’s position.

Nathan Bennett, a former nursery worker at Partou King Street nursery in Bristol, was sentenced to 24 years in prison followed by six years on licence after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing five children aged two and three. He had admitted 13 additional offences involving four of the victims. Concerns about his behaviour had been raised by parents and staff, and an investigation began after CCTV captured him touching a child inappropriately, leading to his arrest and the nursery's closure. Judge William Hart described Bennett as an incorrigible and dangerous paedophile. The affected families said warnings were not properly followed up and are seeking answers, accountability and assurances that safeguarding procedures have improved.

Nursery worker Nathan Bennett, 30, was sentenced to 24 years in prison after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing five children aged two and three at Partou King Street nursery in Bristol. He was found guilty of eight charges, including rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration, and had already admitted 13 additional offences involving four victims. The investigation began after parents and staff raised concerns and CCTV showed Bennett putting his hands down a child’s trousers.

A woman held as a slave for 25 years remains traumatised and terrified of her abuser, Amanda Wixon, who has been jailed for 13 years for false imprisonment, forced labour and assaults. The victim, who has a learning disability, suffered extensive physical and psychological abuse from the age of 16 until her rescue in 2021. Now living with a foster family, she struggles to comprehend the scale of the abuse and continues to experience fear and trauma. Her foster mother criticises authorities for failing to detect the situation for more than two decades, calling for an inquiry into social services’ lack of intervention. The victim is undergoing therapy as she begins rebuilding her life with support from her foster family.

Prince William visited Helston for St Piran’s Day to support communities recovering from Storm Goretti, attempting to make a Cornish pasty during a stop at the family-run Gear Farm Pasty Company and taking a customer’s phone order. The visit underscored the storm’s severe impact, including power outages, blocked roads, and one fatality. He later delivered 50 pasties to the local fire station, thanking emergency workers for their efforts during the storm.

Police have issued a fresh appeal for information on the 1996 disappearance and murder of Melanie Hall, whose remains were found near the M5 in 2009. Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender will outline the renewed investigation on BBC One’s Crimewatch Live, including inquiries into her last movements, the site where her body was discovered, and missing personal items. Crimestoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to progress in the case, accompanied by an interview with Hall’s family.

Police issued a renewed appeal for information on the 1996 murder of Melanie Hall, highlighting new questions surrounding her disappearance and the location where her remains were found in 2009. Investigators urged anyone who was at Bath’s Cadillacs nightclub on the night she vanished to come forward, noting that several personal items and her clothing were never recovered. The appeal, presented on Crimewatch Live, aims to uncover new leads as the case approaches its 30‑year anniversary, with Crimestoppers offering a reward for information leading to a conviction.

Two women, Dinah and Rosemary Manders, have been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial after the body of 66‑year‑old Glen Manders was found inside a car at a Helston business park. The man, from Somerset, was confirmed dead at the scene in December 2024. Police stated the women will face no further action regarding earlier allegations of murder and wilful neglect. They are due to appear before magistrates in Truro on 26 March.

Funding of £330,000 enabled the National Trust to complete the purchase of 138 hectares surrounding the Cerne Abbas Giant, part of a wider £2 million effort supported by donors from 20 countries and backed by Stephen Fry. The acquisition will support habitat restoration, climate adaptation measures, and archaeological research, while preparations begin to re‑chalk the giant with volunteer assistance. The Trust plans further community engagement, grant applications, and partnership work to protect local wildlife and enhance the site’s ecological and historical value.

Dan Norris, MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, has been arrested again on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting, following an earlier arrest in 2025 over allegations including rape and misconduct in public office. Police have confirmed the child sexual offence investigation has ended but continue inquiries into rape and misconduct. The alleged offences span from the 2000s to the 2020s. Norris remains on conditional bail and had been suspended from the Labour Party after his initial arrest.

Two British Army instructors, Antony Pugh and Connor Forgan, were convicted at a court martial of engaging in sexual relationships with a 17‑year‑old recruit. The court found they abused their positions of trust, exchanged degrading messages about the trainee, and caused her harm, highlighting the power imbalance inherent in military training environments. The judge emphasised the serious breach of duty and the vulnerability of recruits. Pugh received a 20‑month sentence and Forgan 16 months; both were dismissed from the Army, reduced in rank, and placed on the sex offenders register for ten years.

A Boxing Day house fire in Brimscombe Hill, Gloucestershire killed Fionnghuala Shearman and her two children, Eve and Ohner. Her husband, Gloucestershire Police officer Tom Shearman, attempted to rescue them but was prevented by the fire and was hospitalised. Police say the fire began on the ground floor and is not considered suspicious. A GoFundMe created to support Mr Shearman has raised more than £125,000, with its target later increased to £190,000.

A house fire in Brimscombe Hill, Gloucestershire, killed a mother and two young children in the early hours of Boxing Day. The father, a serving police officer, survived but was unable to save his family despite attempting to rescue them. Emergency services responded around 3 am to a blaze that caused significant structural damage, and investigators believe the fire began on the ground floor. Authorities are treating the incident as a tragic accident, with no suspicion of foul play.

Emergency services responded to a Boxing Day house fire on Brimscombe Hill near Stroud, where one person was taken to hospital and three others remain missing. Roads in the area have been closed as police, fire crews and ambulance teams continue their efforts, and an investigation is underway into the cause of the blaze.

Queen Camilla visited the Bristol set of the Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel Rivals, paying tribute to her late friend and expressing sadness at her absence. She met cast and crew, reminisced about Cooper’s influence, and discussed her fondness for the series. The production team shared how deeply Cooper had been involved before her death and expressed their intent to continue her legacy. The upcoming second series, currently filming, is set for release in 2026 following the success of the first season.

Former MEP Nathan Gill faces imprisonment after admitting to accepting Russian bribes while serving in the European Parliament. His actions, which included pro‑Russian statements related to Ukraine, have drawn scrutiny to Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage, who distanced himself by calling Gill a “bad apple.” Gill’s political career spanned roles in Ukip, the Brexit Party, and the Welsh Assembly, where he faced internal conflict and criticism over his limited presence. His downfall is described as one of the most significant political collapses in decades.

Research from several UK universities shows that regular indoor exercise helps prevent winter declines in vitamin D levels, particularly in overweight and obese adults. A 10‑week programme preserved the active form of vitamin D and reduced overall declines compared with non‑exercisers, independent of weight loss or supplement use. Findings suggest exercise offers both immediate and long‑term benefits to vitamin D status during months with limited sunlight and may be a more effective strategy than supplementation for some individuals.

Three Just Stop Oil activists were acquitted of criminal damage and public nuisance charges after spraying Stonehenge with orange powder during a fossil fuel protest. Jurors accepted arguments that the action was peaceful, caused no lasting harm and was protected under rights to free speech and protest. The judge instructed the jury to weigh these rights carefully, and after six hours of deliberation the defendants were found not guilty on both counts.

A Bristol startup developing women’s urinals secured £925,000 in new investment, bringing its total funding to £1.4 million and enabling expansion across Europe, the US and Australia. The flatpack, stackable design improves transport efficiency and reduces environmental impact while cutting waiting times, with units already used at major UK events. Investors, largely women, cited the product’s impact on equality, convenience and sustainability as reasons for backing the company.