Monday 6th October

Monday, 6 October 2025 at 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 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