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 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more