Sarah Turnnidge

The High Court is reviewing a Parole Board decision to release Glyn Razzell on licence after he served time for murdering his estranged wife, Linda Razzell, whose body has never been found. Linda's partner, Greg Worrall, told judges that Razzell continues to exert coercive control over the family by refusing to disclose the body's location and urged them to consider Helen's Law. The Ministry of Justice argues that the Parole Board failed to assess the risk properly, while Razzell's barrister says his denial is not decisive and that professional assessments support release under intensive supervision. The judge is expected to issue a decision within weeks.

Flights at Bristol Airport were suspended from Friday evening until Saturday morning after a runway defect was identified during a routine inspection. Repairs were completed overnight, but most flights remained delayed or cancelled after the runway reopened. Passengers reported being stranded, diverted to airports including Newcastle and Bournemouth, and left to arrange their own onward transport. Bristol Airport apologised and advised travellers to check with their airlines, while saying the defect did not involve an aircraft.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will run from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August 2026 at Ashton Court Estate, with free entry but paid car parking and optional hospitality packages. Six weather-dependent mass ascents are planned, alongside night glow displays at 21:00 on Friday and Saturday, music, children’s entertainment, an immersive ballooning experience, a funfair, and food and drink. Bristol City Council has agreed to allow the festival continued use of Ashton Court, while nearby city locations will offer viewing points for the ascents.

Three men, including a 17-year-old, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after three Filipino cargo-ship crew members were attacked near Avonmouth Docks. A 38-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. One victim remains in critical condition, while the other two received treatment. Police reported suspected racist language and are treating the incident as a potential hate crime, but believe it was isolated and poses no wider risk to the public.

Bugsboarding Mountainboarding Centre, a purpose-built facility on a beef farm in Maisemore, Gloucestershire, is the UK's last mountainboarding centre and hosted the UK National Mountainboard Championships. Nina Bubb and her husband developed the site over 23 years after noise complaints ended its use for scrambler bikes. Although the number of UK centres has fallen from 11 before the Covid-19 pandemic because of financial pressures, riders say Bugsboarding has become a vital hub for the sport. Local champion Amon Shaw and 2025 freestyle world champion Margaux Rowland describe mountainboarding's community, outdoor setting, adrenaline and sense of freedom as key attractions.

At Bristol’s Watershed cinema, 25-year-old projectionist Patrick Welsh is being trained by veteran projectionist Ewan Dunford to operate 35mm film projectors. The work requires extensive practice, patience and careful handling because damaged film can be difficult to replace. Although digital projection has made the skill increasingly rare, renewed interest in tactile analogue formats and demand for 35mm releases such as Oppenheimer and The Odyssey are helping sustain the tradition. Watershed is now Bristol’s only cinema regularly showing 35mm film.

At Bristol’s Watershed cinema, 25-year-old Patrick Welsh is being trained by veteran projectionist Ewan Dunford to operate 35mm film equipment. The skills have become rare since digital projection replaced 35mm, leaving cinemas with fewer opportunities to train staff and sometimes requiring retired projectionists to return for high-demand releases. Welsh and Dunford believe growing interest in tactile, analogue experiences is helping revive appreciation for 35mm screenings, which they describe as more physical and akin to a live performance.

A mural honouring 19-year-old Eddie Kinuthia, who was fatally stabbed in Bristol in 2023, has been unveiled in his local community. Created by artist and family friend Keyane Allman, the artwork aims to celebrate Kinuthia’s character and counter the association with his death. His family hopes the mural will inspire positivity, give young people a space to share memories, and encourage better choices. The case’s background, including the conviction of Zachariah Talbert‑Young for the murder, is noted, while the community impact and healing significance of the mural are emphasised.

A worker at Dragon Alfa Cement in Sharpness was crushed to death after fencing protecting access to heavy machinery had been removed. The Health and Safety Executive found the company repeatedly failed to guard dangerous equipment. Dragon Alfa Cement pleaded guilty to breaching safety laws and received a £1 million fine plus costs at Bristol Magistrates' Court. Statements from the victim’s family described severe emotional impact, while an HSE inspector said the death was entirely preventable. The company had reported significant profits in 2024.

Magician Andi Gladwin pursued individuals pirating his magic tricks, a mission that developed into the documentary Stealing Magic after he confronted sellers across several countries. The project gained the attention of US lawmakers and technical experts interested in addressing digital piracy. Gladwin emphasizes the threat piracy poses to creative arts and hopes the film inspires others to defend their work and advocate for change.

Magician Andi Gladwin pursued individuals pirating his magic tricks, a multi‑year effort that led him across several countries and ultimately became the focus of the documentary Stealing Magic, which premiered at Tribeca. Gladwin argues piracy harms the creative arts by discouraging creators from sharing new work, and he hopes the film will inspire others, including lawmakers and technical experts who have shown interest, to address similar issues in their own fields.

The Court of Appeal reinstated Dale Vince’s data protection claim against Associated Newspapers Limited after ruling that the High Court was wrong to dismiss it. Judges found that the Daily Mail’s use of Vince’s photograph alongside a headline about a donor accused of sexual harassment was misleading and likely to imply he was involved. The court determined ANL had no real prospect of defending the damages claim and that Vince had suffered demonstrable harm, criticising the publisher’s handling of the case and the original publication.

Women with long delays in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis describe how rapid, non‑invasive tests soon to be available on the NHS could have prevented years of pain, uncertainty and fertility complications. The new tests are expected to reduce reliance on costly surgical diagnosis and potentially shorten the average nine‑year wait for confirmation of the condition. Support‑group leaders and affected women welcome the development while calling for broader awareness efforts in schools and improved accessibility to ensure earlier detection and care.

New rapid, non‑invasive endometriosis tests will become available on the NHS in England and Wales, offering hope of quicker diagnosis for a condition that currently takes an average of nine years to identify. Several women describe years of severe symptoms being dismissed, delays that led to invasive surgeries, pregnancy loss and major impacts on fertility and quality of life. Patient advocates welcome the new tests but stress the need for accessibility, improved awareness in schools, and continued efforts to reduce diagnostic delays.

A Gloucestershire man, Glenn Richards, received a five‑and‑a‑half‑year prison sentence for repeatedly breaching a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order by contacting women and children online. Victim testimony described lasting fear and anxiety caused by his manipulation. The court heard that he used social media and chat rooms to target vulnerable individuals. Police described him as a dangerous predator who repeatedly ignored court orders.