Toby Oliver

Police in Faringdon seized a car suspected of being used to supply drugs after it failed to stop for officers. The vehicle will undergo forensic examination to identify its driver. Faringdon Neighbourhood Police warned that they will continue targeting drug-related crime and urged residents to report suspicious activity.

Luke Hitchcox, 28, of Culham, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found unanimously guilty of possessing 1,441 MDMA tablets with intent to supply. The drugs, valued at roughly £14,000, were discovered in a Sainsbury’s bag in his room at Wallingford Springs Hotel near Cholsey on November 17, 2023. Hitchcox admitted possessing nitrous oxide but denied owning the MDMA, claiming it belonged to Jack Bowers; prosecutors argued that this explanation was raised only after his initial police interview. Thames Valley Police said the case demonstrates the consequences of drug dealing and that such activity will not be tolerated.

Former Labour adviser Matthew Torbitt pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court to two counts of fraud by false representation involving parliamentary travel bookings and reimbursement claims. The claims, made between 2022 and 2024, allegedly exceeded £6,000 and involved travel and accommodation that were not for parliamentary purposes. Torbitt, who previously advised Labour frontbenchers and MP Christian Wakeford, was referred to Snaresbrook Crown Court for sentencing.