Local News Friday 23rd April

Friday, 23 April 2021 at 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.

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