Tom Mack

A Loughborough couple, Jogesh and Meenakashi Bhandari, and associate Craig Morris were convicted of orchestrating multimillion‑dollar PPE frauds during the Covid pandemic, using fraudulent escrow services and forged documents to deceive US companies. The stolen funds were spent on luxury cars, jewellery and home renovations. The National Crime Agency linked the operation to corrupt US official Frank Labruzzo, who facilitated the scheme. The trio will be sentenced in August following a five‑week trial at Leicester Crown Court.

A mother and her male partner were convicted at Leicester Crown Court of sexual offences against the woman’s two daughters, including inciting sexual activity and multiple assaults. Both defendants also attempted to intimidate one of the victims through voice messages. The daughters’ victim impact statements expressed deep betrayal and fear. The man received a prison sentence of just over five years, while the mother was given a suspended two‑year sentence with rehabilitation requirements. The court heard mitigation from defence lawyers citing the mother’s traumatic past and the man’s prior convictions.

A nutritionist highlights five everyday symptoms that may indicate elevated blood sugar levels, including fatigue, excessive thirst, intense hunger, abdominal weight gain and thrush. UK diabetes statistics show millions already diagnosed and many more at risk of type 2 diabetes, which is often preventable. Experts urge individuals experiencing these signs to seek medical evaluation to prevent progression and related health complications.

Emergency services temporarily closed London Road in Leicester after a strange smell was reported in a building, prompting police and a hazardous materials team to investigate. No hazardous substances were found, and the road reopened within a few hours. A similar incident in Loughborough days earlier, involving what turned out to be salt, led to the arrest of a man suspected of making a hoax call.

A two-year-old boy, Xielo Maruziva, was found dead months after disappearing in the River Soar during a family outing in 2024. At an inquest in Leicester, his mother and father delivered emotional tributes describing his personality, joyfulness and the deep bond they shared with him. Search efforts had ceased before his body was discovered in June. The inquest is scheduled to continue for several days.

Police found a man dead inside a tent near an Asda supermarket in Leicester, prompting an investigation and the establishment of a cordon at the site. The death is considered non‑suspicious but unexplained, and inquiries continue. If no criminal activity is identified, the case will be passed to the coroner for further examination.

A 56-year-old dementia nurse, Joanne Cook, was assaulted by a group of teenagers after she punched a young woman she believed had previously attacked her daughter. The teenagers pushed Cook to the ground and repeatedly beat her before police intervened. Cook admitted to threatening behaviour at Leicester Magistrates' Court and received a fine along with court costs and a victim surcharge. Her solicitor noted the incident’s repercussions for her employment and her plans to foster her daughter's children. Three teenagers involved in the altercation face separate charges for threatening behaviour.

A woman fought off 47-year-old Mark Maddock after he emerged in her bedroom wearing tights and underwear following six hours hiding in her home. Evidence showed he entered through an unlocked door, hid under a bed and carried items including toy handcuffs and a blindfold. Maddock denied trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence but was convicted, with the court concluding he intended to rape her. The victim described ongoing trauma, while the judge cited planning, fixation and the targeting of a vulnerable victim in imposing a five-year prison sentence.

Police stopped a VW Golf in Leicester after noticing a passenger’s leg hanging out of the vehicle and found driver Kerry Morgan nearly twice the legal alcohol limit. She later pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates Court, where the prosecutor urged a driving ban of at least 17 months, but magistrates imposed the minimum 12‑month disqualification due to her community work. She was also fined and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.

A university student convicted of possessing terrorist materials linked to white supremacist ideology received a suspended sentence after a judge opted for rehabilitation through classical literature instead of immediate imprisonment. The court determined that despite his extensive collection of extremist and bomb-making documents, his actions were rooted in youthful susceptibility rather than imminent intent to cause harm. He must avoid extremist material, undergo monitoring, and return to court regularly to be tested on assigned reading. Authorities involved in the long investigation emphasized the danger of the materials he possessed and the threat posed by such ideologies.

Passengers returning from Rhodes reported severe overcrowding in the airport departure lounge, with claims of poor management and lack of social distancing as large crowds formed before passport control. Traveller Stuart Winslow described chaotic conditions and expressed concern about potential coronavirus exposure despite Rhodes being considered a low‑risk destination. The situation followed earlier reports of fights breaking out as tourists attempted to leave the island, amid high volumes of UK‑bound flights and limited staff presence.

A woman breastfeeding her baby at a Zizzi restaurant in Leicester was asked to leave after requesting a more private table, prompting her to complain that the policy was unreasonable and humiliating. Staff insisted she could only use a larger, more exposed table, and the manager ultimately told her to leave. Zizzi apologised, acknowledged it had handled the situation poorly, and said it would improve support for breastfeeding mothers.

A woman admitted in Leicester Magistrates’ Court to making threatening phone calls to a teacher at Samworth Academy after her daughter received a detention. She admitted making violent remarks meant to intimidate the teacher and cited missed medication and a personality disorder as contributing factors. The court ordered her to pay £100 compensation, a £50 fine, and imposed a 12‑month restraining order prohibiting contact with the teacher or the school without invitation.

An inquest heard testimony from Sally Stokes describing how her estranged husband, David Stokes, violently attacked her before killing their two sons and himself in 2016. She recounted the assault, her escape, and the police response during a prolonged siege. The coroner noted the hearing would not determine the motive behind the deaths, and Stokes expressed gratitude to police while learning of her sons' deaths the day after the attack.

A Leicestershire man, Dale Piggin, was recently diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, leaving him and his family coping with its progressive and incurable effects. His son Callum faces a 50 percent chance of inheriting the genetic condition but cannot be tested until age 18. The family has begun adapting their home to support Dale as his symptoms worsen, and a fundraising effort has already gathered significant support.

Kieran Sutcliffe, a former Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist, underwent private weight loss surgery costing £10,500 after reaching 25 stone and facing long NHS waiting times. Motivated by concerns from friends about his health, he had 80% of his stomach removed in 2018 and has since lost 10 stone, reducing his BMI from 47 to 28. The surgery led to major lifestyle improvements, enabling him to resume sports and maintain a healthier diet while continuing his singing career.

A jury ruled the death of 11-year-old Evha Jannath at Drayton Manor’s Splash Canyon ride an accidental drowning after she fell from a boat during a school trip. Testimony highlighted lack of supervision, inadequate safety measures, and missing CCTV coverage. The coroner called for improved staff training and broader safety reforms, while the Health and Safety Executive announced a prosecution against the park’s operators. Evha’s family expressed grief and urged stronger protections to prevent similar tragedies.

A newborn who was initially unresponsive unexpectedly opened his eyes just moments before being taken off life support at Leicester Royal Infirmary. After briefly improving, he was transferred to Rainbows hospice and later taken off an end‑of‑life plan. Now 18 months old, he lives with significant health challenges but is able to smile, laugh and interact with his family. His parents are fundraising for physiotherapy while preparing for the arrival of a new baby.

A cancer survivor from Leicester, Tasha Jilka, participates in a Stand Up To Cancer photo project highlighting scars and body changes caused by the illness. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2010, she describes her face as a symbol of strength and hopes the images encourage others facing similar challenges. The campaign, supported by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, aims to raise funds for advancing cancer research, with organisers emphasising continued progress and urging public involvement.

A woman who defrauded her mother of more than £90,000 by selling her home and belongings was spared prison and ordered to repay only £1 after being declared bankrupt. The court issued a suspended sentence, noting her lack of assets. The victim described years of turmoil, loss of possessions and isolation caused by her daughter’s actions, and now relies on limited funds controlled by local authorities. Authorities stated that any future assets acquired by the offender could lead to an increased confiscation order.

A vet working at a Vets4Pets clinic in Market Harborough was suspended for four months after kicking and stamping on a Staffordshire bull terrier that bit him during treatment. A receptionist witnessed the attack and reported it, leading to a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons disciplinary hearing. The committee ruled that suspension was sufficient despite acknowledging the vet’s personal pressures and the hostile communications his family received.

A man who repeatedly breached a non‑molestation order by creating fake dating profiles and sending abusive messages to his estranged wife was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court. His actions led to strangers arriving at her home expecting sex, causing ongoing distress. The court heard that the harassment lasted around six months until his arrest. Citing remorse and personal difficulties, the judge imposed a 12‑month community order and an indefinite restraining order rather than a custodial sentence.

A former cancer patient, Michael Hubert, died from excessive bleeding in his Skegness caravan after a scabbed-over wound related to prior treatment ruptured. The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust admitted liability, acknowledging missed opportunities to monitor and review the issue and communication failings with local medics. His wife, Elizabeth, described the death as preventable and distressing, while the family received a five‑figure settlement. Legal representatives and hospital officials stressed the need for better staff training, adherence to policies and improved patient‑care procedures to prevent similar tragedies.

Three students at Cedars Academy in Leicester became ill after sharing a vape pen containing an unidentified substance. A parent reported that an ambulance was initially called but later cancelled, though the school denied any emergency services involvement. The pupils were collected by their parents, and the school said appropriate disciplinary action had been taken. Staff emphasised ongoing efforts to educate students about the risks of vaping and substance abuse and planned additional assemblies with external partners.

A disciplinary panel banned science teacher Simon Thatcher after he pushed a pupil who had insulted him, causing the boy to hit his head and cry. The panel ruled he engaged in aggressive physical contact and brought the profession into disrepute. Despite the indefinite ban, Thatcher may apply for it to be lifted after three years.