Simon Parkin

Trevor New-Watts, 57, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court to 19 years in prison after being convicted of eight sexual offences against a pre-teen girl, including two rapes and four sexual assaults committed between August 2021 and December 2022. The court heard that after his arrest he attempted to shift blame onto another person by anonymously contacting police and Norfolk Children's Services. Investigators also found searches about DNA evidence. The judge described his offending as wicked and said it had caused deep and lasting psychological harm. New-Watts must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence, will remain on the sex offenders' register for life, and is subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order.

Jayden Gray, 19, who is serving three and a half years after admitting a masked machete attack in Norwich, has been accused of four sexual offences. Prosecutors allege that he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl on two occasions and assaulted a woman in Norwich during June last year. Gray did not enter pleas but indicated that he would deny the charges. He is due to appear at Norwich Crown Court on September 10.

Electrician Tom Ford, 26, pleaded guilty to stealing showers, extractor fans, smoke alarms and heaters worth £59,138 while working for Bromford Flagship Housing in Norwich between January and September 2025. The items were intended for affordable housing projects in Norfolk. Ford, of King's Lynn, is due to be sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on September 29. A separate case against Andrew Honan, who was accused of stealing a £300 heater, was withdrawn.

Craig Rae-Brookes, 33, pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates' Court to conduct amounting to stalking during a seven-month campaign against a former girlfriend. He made 779 WhatsApp calls, sent messages and videos threatening suicide, tracked down her new address, followed her and attempted to force entry into her car. The woman said she felt unsafe and feared what he might do. Rae-Brookes received a 24-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work and rehabilitation requirements, and a two-year restraining order prohibiting contact with her.

A 64-year-old vulnerable woman was found seriously injured on the floor of her Norwich home after lying undiscovered for two to three days. Police charged neighbouring resident Alex Cuthbert, 30, with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was not asked to enter a plea and was remanded in custody ahead of an August 19 appearance at Norwich Crown Court; the woman remains in hospital.

A man arrested in France after nearly two years on the run has been charged with the murder of Oliver Payne, who was fatally stabbed in Norwich in 2024. Jahziah Harrison faces multiple charges including murder, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, possession of knives and drug supply offences, and was remanded into custody pending a Crown Court appearance. Police also arrested three women in London on suspicion of assisting an offender. Payne’s death raised concerns about drug-related violence in the area, and his family had expressed frustration over the length of the investigation.

Police found more than 60 cannabis plants, equipment and cash during a raid in Great Plumstead, leading financial investigators to seek extended retention of £13,000 seized at the property while they continue analysing records and attempting to access a phone. Magistrates granted the extension, and a man arrested days after the raid remains under investigation on suspicion of cannabis production and intent to supply.