Wesley Holmes

A 1930s thatched cottage on Hale Road in Hale was gutted and described as destroyed after a fire began in an adjoining garage, apparently involving a car, at around 10:30 p.m. on August 4. Firefighters from 12 Cheshire stations and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze, while the road remained closed and emergency crews continued working at the scene. The unoccupied property’s homeowner was absent and no one was injured. Cheshire Police are investigating the cause and appealing for witnesses or CCTV from Hale Road between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Residents highlighted the vulnerability, insurance costs and historic importance of Hale’s thatched cottages.

Kathryn White was sentenced to three years and six months in prison after being convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour toward her girlfriend, Claire Alex. The court heard that White subjected Alex to prolonged psychological and physical abuse, isolated her from family and friends, monitored her communications, and threatened or assaulted her. Alex reported the abuse after a final confrontation in July 2022 and died by suicide four days later. The judge found that White’s conduct significantly contributed to Alex’s decision to take her own life and said White had shown no remorse, shame or empathy.

Carol Tinsley, 70, died in a car crash in Chester while travelling with Andrew Tinsley’s former partner and children to identify the body of her son, Andrew, who had died hours earlier after an incident in the River Dee at Llangollen. The collision seriously injured several passengers, while the Cupra driver was unhurt; no arrests have been made. Relatives say the double tragedy has devastated the family, and a GoFundMe campaign is seeking £8,000 toward a joint funeral for Carol and Andrew and support for the children.