Local News Friday 23rd April

Friday, 23 April 2021 07:30

A Martock man found guilty of multiple counts of rape has been jailed for 24-years. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a fatal accident on the A303 Ilminster bypass. A care home resident in South Petherton is believed to be the oldest person in South Somerset to receive a coronavirus vaccination. A cash machine has been broken into in Ilminster....and more.

A Martock man found guilty of multiple counts of rape has been jailed for 24-years. Tom Wade-Allison, a chef by trade, was said to have spiked the drinks of his victims before carrying out the attacks. He denied the charges but was convicted of nine counts of rape. Passing sentence at Exeter Crown Court, Judge Timothy Rose praised the courage of the victims for giving their evidence.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a fatal accident on the A303 Ilminster bypass. It happened at around 11.30 pm on Wednesday night between the South Petherton and Southfields roundabouts. A pedestrian in his 30's was pronounced dead at the scene. If you can help police with their enquiries you’re asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

A care home resident in South Petherton is believed to be the oldest person in South Somerset to receive a coronavirus vaccination. Gwyneth Isaccs, who’s 104, and lives at Burnworthy House had her second jab last week. All 27 residents at the home, together with all staff have now been vaccinated twice against Covid.

A project’s been launched in Somerset aimed at encouraging people to be more open about discussing their wishes for when they die. It’s being run by the charity Marie Curie along with NHS in Somerset. Bee Heygen lost her mother during a routine operation - an experience that prompted her to get involved in the project.

A cash machine has been broken into in Ilminster. The ATM outside the Co-op store in The Square was raided at around 3 am on Wednesday. Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion at the time. Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

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Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more