Monday 6th October

Monday, 6 October 2025 06:00

A father who murdered his two-week-old baby son on Yeovil District Hospital’s neonatal ward has been jailed for life. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a firearm incident. Plans are underway to turn an area of unused land in Chard into a community peace garden... and more.

A father who murdered his two-week-old baby son on Yeovil District Hospital’s neonatal ward has been jailed for life. Daniel Gunter, 27, of no fixed address, denied harming Brendon Staddon but a jury found him guilty in July and he was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years on Friday. The jury heard Brendon suffered "catastrophic injuries" including a fractured skull, a broken neck, a broken jaw and broken legs in the hospital’s special care baby unit.

Meanwhile, a Yeovil man is appearing in court today after being charged with offences connected to a firearm incident in the town. James McGuinness, aged 30, is charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and possession of a firearm while prohibited. Police were called to Lufton Trading Estate shortly after midday on Wednesday after a firearm was discharged. No injuries were sustained. A woman in her 20s, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail whilst enquiries continue.

The public are being invited to have their say and help shape the future of children and family services in the county. Somerset Council has launched a public consultation to find out what’s working well, and what changes and improvements are needed. The consultation follows national proposals to transform children’s social care. Whilst the survey is online, you can also complete it at any library or council office in the county.

Plans are underway to turn an area of unused land next to the cemetery in Chard into a community peace garden. The ground has been cleared and the design has been drawn up. However, Chard Rotary Club, who are behind the project, say money needs to be raised to make it happen.

And the crowds were out in Ilminster on Saturday night for this year’s Carnival procession in the town. Clubs from Martock, Merriott, Chard and more also took part in the event. It’s estimated that around 10,000 people attend every year.

More from News

Friday 17th July

Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

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
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more