Market

Driver filmed drifting on roundabout at car meet banned

by Amanda
written by Amanda

A "reckless and dangerous driver" filmed drifting between people on a roundabout at an illegal car meet has been banned from driving, police have said.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said Toby Clarkson was given a 24-week suspended jail sentence at Southampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, of London Road in Mickleham, Surrey, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in relation to a car meet, which took place over several hours across southern Hampshire in September.

Footage released by the police showed Clarkson driving his white BMW at speed around the Harbour Parade roundabout near IKEA in Southampton city centre.

A police statement said Clarkson "put lives at risk" during the meet, which started at Winchester Park and Ride on the evening of 21 September.

The vehicles later moved on to Southampton, Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford, Fareham and eventually gathered at Southsea seafront shortly after midnight.

Police said at one point an ambulance on an emergency call was delayed by vehicles taking part.

Car meet footage shows BMW speeding around roundabout

Officers viewed hours of CCTV, dashcam and social media footage, including a clip of Clarkson circling the roundabout at speed with crowds of people watching at the roadside.

As well as a dangerous driving charge, police said Clarkson pleaded guilty to using a car on a road in such a condition it was likely to cause danger and four counts of failing to give information relating to the identification of a driver.

He was handed a 24-week prison sentence which has been suspended for a year, ordered to do 180 hours unpaid work, attend a programme on car crime and disqualified from driving for three years.

'Embarassed and ashamed'

Supt Mark Lewis described Clarkson's behaviour as "astonishing".

"There were crowds of people mere metres away from Clarkson's car and one slip of the steering wheel could have put dozens in hospital," he said.

"To risk maiming or killing people for the sake of something so immature, the driver should be embarrassed and ashamed of his actions."

Supt Lewis said the case should act as a warning, adding: "Just because you drive home in your car from one of these meets, it doesn't mean you have gotten away with it."

Innovation

Exploding karaoke machine destroys home in fire

by Sophia
written by Sophia

A family of six have been left homeless after a house fire caused by an exploding karaoke machine.

Parents Emma and Jon Logan want to raise awareness of the dangers posed by lithium batteries.

The toy, which was under their 11-year-old daughter's bed in the loft of their Aldridge home, is suspected to have burst into flames after getting too warm during recent hot weather.

The mother and father told the BBC their home insurance policy had not automatically renewed, leaving them with no financial protection.

"It's just devastating and it's the kind of thing you never think it's going to happen to you," said Mrs Logan, 35.

"I mean how do you tell your 11-year-old that everything she has ever owned has been destroyed?

"She's obsessed with rabbits and she had a bunny of her own that she kept in her room which we lost in the fire."

Emma Logan
The family need to find £60,000 for a new roof

The family are now living with grandparents and other relatives, and need to find £60,000 for a new roof.

The blaze, which broke out while the entire family was at work or school, destroyed the top floor of the home, and meant wedding photos and life momentos were lost.

Mr Logan, a tattoo artist, and Mrs Logan, a special needs classroom assistant, purchased the "forever home" 18 months ago after years of saving.

A fundraising page set up by Mr Logan's sister Deborah had raised just under £8,000 on Monday afternoon, for which the family expressed their appreciation.

In the fundraiser, Deborah described the scene as "utterly devastating" and said the family was "trying to do everything we can to help them recover".

"Jon and Emma have always gone above and beyond for others," she said. "Now they need a bit of kindness in return."

Emma Logan
A fundraiser has been launched to support the family

"Our neighbour ran around when he saw the fire and [he] managed to save the dogs who were downstairs," Mrs Logan added.

"I remember seeing on our doorbell footage that loads of people were in front of the house, so popped around to have a look and realised that the fire engine that had passed me was going to my house."

Emma Logan
The family want people to be aware of the risks posed by the batteries

The mother said she wanted other people to be aware of the potential dangers posed by popular toys.

"You have to plug it in to charge it and it plays," she explained.

"We hadn't used it for well over 12 months the batteries were just inside as normal.

"They'd just got that hot that it exploded and caused the fire."

West Midlands Fire Service said lithium ion batteries were commonly used in a variety of household devices and posed minimal risk when handled correctly.

But they warned people to be alert to changes that could indicate a problem.

They said this could include unusual odours, changes in colour, shape or size, excessive heat, leaking or strange noises.

Global Trade

No Irish signage at station for at least six months

by Dylan
written by Dylan

Work to install Irish language signs at Grand Central Station in Belfast will not go ahead for at least six months, the High Court has heard.

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson is challenging Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins' decision to approve the £150,000 scheme at the city's new public transport hub.

The court was told on Wednesday it was not necessary to impose an interim order against any changes to signs as the procurement process would take six months.

A barrister representing the minister indicated Mr Bryson could face a claim for damages if he lost his case.

Shutterstock
Jamie Bryson argues that the infrastructure minister unlawfully breached the ministerial code

"Let's say the costs of IT or signage goes up by £50,000 and the case fails, we need to know… if that will be met," Tony McGleenan KC said.

The judge, Mr Justice Scoffield, asked Mr Bryson if he was prepared to give assurances over any financial damages or losses if he sought and obtained an injunction in an ultimately unsuccessful challenge.

Mr Bryson replied that he would.

"If I was not confident in my own case I would not be here", he added.

Judicial review proceedings were issued after Kimmins announced in March that Irish signage would be installed at Grand Central and on ticket vending machines.

The minister said she was "committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish language" and it was important that Grand Central Station was "reflective of all citizens".

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said the signs would cost about £150,000.

Work to introduce the bilingual signs had been put on hold until 1 May because of the legal action.

PA
Liz Kimmins was appointed minister for infrastructure in February

Representing himself in the case, Mr Bryson contends that Kimmins unlawfully breached the ministerial code by failing to refer the issue to the full Stormont Executive.

Mr Bryson said Kimmins had made it clear she did not believe it was a controversial decision.

"She is not for turning…and it is precisely the type of case where the court should intervene," he said.

Mr Justice Scoffield declined to impose any interim order.

"The main reason why I'm not going to do that is it would put you at risk if it comes to a cross-undertaking in damages," he said.

"Secondly, I've been told by senior Crown counsel, acting on instructions, that the practical position is that nothing is going to happen in the near future."

"It is unnecessary for me to exercise the court's coercive powers."

The judicial review application for hearing has been listed as 9 May.

Business

Murder arrest after man dies in quadbike crash

by Charles
written by Charles

Two men have been arrested, including one on suspicion of murder, after a man died following a crash involving a quadbike on a main road.

A 20-year-old man from Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, was pronounced dead at the scene after a quadbike was found overturned on the A465 westbound between Rhymney, Caerphilly, and Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, at around 04:50 BST on Saturday.

A 40-year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil has been arrested on suspicion of murder, driving while unfit through drink, and driving while unfit through drugs.

A second man, a 37-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil, has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.

Both remain in police custody.

Police believe a second vehicle – a white BMW found burned out in the Dowlais area – may have been involved in the crash.

Tech

ADHD campaigners celebrate budget change 'success'

by Liam
written by Liam

Parents and campaigners have welcomed the scrapping of proposed NHS budget limits which could have increased the wait for an ADHD diagnosis.

NHS England removed plans to set payment limits on its "right to choose" providers which allow GPs to refer patients for assessment anywhere in England.

Hartlepool mum Leanne Baister, who felt "stuck" because the proposals would affect her seven-year-old son Toby's assessment, said it "feels like a moment of success".

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the change would "help reduce waiting times and deliver the 18-week standard in a cost-effective way that delivers value to taxpayers".

There were fears the change for the 2025/26 budget would make waiting times jump but, after a period of consultation, NHS England said it has removed the proposal to "require commissioners to set payment limits for elective services", calling it a "substantial change".

'Won a major battle'

Mrs Baister was considering using right to choose to get a quicker assessment for Toby who also has Down's syndrome.

"I feel like we have a window of opportunity that has opened," she said.

"This has dramatically reduced our worries to know that what could have been a lengthy wait will be dramatically much less."

But she said uncertainty still remained.

Many areas of the UK have such long backlogs for adult ADHD assessments that it would take at least eight years to clear them, a BBC investigation found last year.

The charity ADHD UK said of the proposal change: "It's an important moment but the situation remains chaotic.

"We've won a major battle to stop things getting worse but the fight for proper NHS ADHD care continues."

The DHSC previously said it was working with NHS England's cross-sector taskforce to tackle the challenges those with ADHD face, including timely access to services and support.

A spokesperson said changes made to the initial budget proposals "introduce more flexible elective activity planning, remove the elective payment limit and strengthen activity management provisions".

Tech

I won't get all the money I want from Starmer – FM

by Benjamin
written by Benjamin

The Welsh government will not get everything it wants from the UK government's spending review, the first minister has said.

Eluned Morgan had called on the prime minister to "cough up" extra funding for Wales ahead of meeting him on Friday.

But after it took place she urged people to be "patient" and said there were a "lot of pressures" on prime minister.

Morgan has criticised the PM over a list of complaints in recent weeks – the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru have accused her of confecting a row in response to poor opinion polls.

The Conservatives' Darren Millar said Morgan and Sir Keir were "joined at the hip".

Plaid said all the Welsh Labour leader got from the meeting was a photograph, posted to the Welsh government's feed on X.

Global Trade

Football banning order for man who hit female fan

by Jacqueline
written by Jacqueline

A man who attacked a woman at a non-league football match has been banned from attending games for three years.

Daniel Moonbrook, 22, assaulted the woman during Southport's National League North fixture against Chorley in January.

Merseyside Police said the woman, who had been at the game with her family, had been left "very distressed" over the incident.

Moonbrook, of Regency Gardens in Euxton, Lancashire, admitted assault by beating when he appeared at Sefton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. In addition to the football banning order, he was also fined £300.

'Very distressed'

Magistrates were told disorder broke out among Chorley fans during the second half of the game on 25 January at Southport's The Big Help Stadium on Haig Avenue.

Moonbrook was seen assaulting the female supporter and was ejected from the ground.

Insp Stuart McLoughlin said: "Violence against women and girls will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and this includes football.

"The victim, who was with her family, was left very distressed after the incident and this type of violent behaviour has no place in football.

"This ban prevents Moonbrook from attending any football game in the country.

"Merseyside Police is intent on creating safe spaces for women, and this includes being able to attend football matches where they should feel safe without any fear or harm."

Global Trade

Overturned vehicle causes M1 delays for drivers

by Ashley
written by Ashley

Motorists are being advised to plan their journeys after delays caused by an overturned vehicle on a motorway.

Earlier, National Highways said two of four lanes on the M1 northbound in Bedfordshire between junctions 11A (Dunstable) and 12 (Flitwick) were shut following a collision at about 03:00 BST.

As a result of the collision there was no access into Toddington Services, but the road has since fully reopened.

However, National Highways said drivers should be aware of "remaining residual delays" on approach to the area.

Tech

Urologists join cross-border cycle for charity

by Ezra
written by Ezra

Two West Sussex doctors set off on an international cycling challenge in aid of urology research on Thursday.

William Britnell and Barnaby Chappell, both consultant urologists, are aiming to cycle from London to Amsterdam by 7 June.

"We're proud to take on this challenge, not only to test ourselves but to support the incredible work of The Urology Foundation," Mr Chappell said.

They are cycling alongside other colleagues from the field as part of Bike4TUF 2025, a challenge raising money for the urology charity.

The cycling route will take the doctors via Dunkirk, in France, and Renesse in the Netherlands – a total of over 300 miles (482km).

As well as raising funds to support The Urology Foundation's research, training and education work, the challenge seeks to raise awareness of urologists' work.

The 2024 challenge saw urology professionals cycle from London to Nantes in France.

Economy

Jersey roller-skate club may 'have to fold'

by Andrea
written by Andrea

A Jersey roller-skating club has said it may have to fold as a result of not having a new venue to move into once it leaves leave Fort Regent.

Fort Regent has been the main sports centre in Jersey for decades, but the government has decided to close it before starting a £110 million project to regenerate the building next year.

Sports clubs will have to leave Fort Regent by the end of 2025 and the government said it would help clubs move to existing sports facilities in the island.

Empire Skating Club said it was told over the last four years it would move to Oakfield Sports Centre, but recently found out the surface there was not suitable for roller skating.

'Everything to me'

Bethany Lawrence, the club's head coach, said she felt let down by the way the situation had been handled.

Ms Lawrence said: "Over the last four years we've had the correspondence saying that they're going to support us in finding a new venue after Fort Regent closes and only in the last month or two have we been given any indication that we can't go to Oakfield because the flooring is wrong."

Ms Lawrence said it would take a lot of support from the wider community to help find a suitable venue.

She added: "This club means everything to me, it's where I spend all my spare time, it's where I see all my friends and get to teach these amazing children, the kids love it and they live it and breathe it."

Assistant coach Darren Dupre said Empire skating club might have to fold if it did not find a new venue

Darren Dupre, assistant coach at Empire Skating Club said: "it's likely if we can't get the venue and hours that we need then we will have to fold.

"The chances of getting individual skaters up to championship level is going to be really difficult in a smaller venue, with a floor that's not suitable as well, we can change wheels but there is only so far you can go with that."

Jersey's Infrastructure minister, Andy Jehan, who also has responsibility for sport, said he was confident a solution could be found for the skating club, and said officers were meeting with the skating club regularly.