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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
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