Friday 10th July

Friday, 10 July 2026 at 06:30

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more

The inquest into the death of a serial sex offender, who went on the run from his home in Minehead, has returned an open conclusion. The decision was made at a Taunton inquest yesterday, investigating the death of 71 year old Richard Scatchard. Mr Scatchard, who was a registered sex offender and had served a life sentence, was living in the community on licence for 11 years before his death. Senior Coroner, Samantha Marsh ruled earlier this week that Kelly Faiers, a former partner of Scatchard, was unlawfully killed after combined use of alcohol and sleeping tablets. Her death was initially treated as non-suspicious, but after other evidence came to light, it was treated as murder. Mr Scatchard’s body was discovered at a campsite in Watchet in April 2024.

A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county, with the suspect finally coming to a stop in Taunton. The incident occurred overnight on Wednesday when a vehicle failed to stop for officers near Weston-Super-Mare. Despite Police deploying a stinger device near North Petherton, the vehicle, linked to a disqualified driver, continued to the county town where an individual was detained.

Fire crews returned to the site of a fire alongside the railway near Langport yesterday. The blaze caused disruption to services across the south-west. Network Rail carried out inspections after the fire was put out. It broke out on Wednesday afternoon at around 4.30, with services through Taunton held as result.

A Police and Crime Commissioner scheme to check on the welfare, rights, dignity and conditions of detainees in police custody has received a national Gold Quality Assurance Award. The Independent Custody Visitors Scheme in Avon and Somerset, makes unannounced visits to Police custody suites. The award was presented at a ceremony in London earlier this week.

Ilminster Arts Centre has celebrated the outstanding talent of artists in the region after holding its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event. Friends, artists and supporters gathered on Wednesday night to recognise this year’s winners. The overall prize was presented to Anita Clark for ‘Cycling on Black Ice is Not Advisable’, alongside runners-up Gail Mason and Emma Molony.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more