Thursday 15th February

Thursday, 15 February 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset Police are stepping up their efforts to cut knife crime. A driver who videoed himself admitting he was drunk at the wheel before killing a woman in a crash near Wincanton has had his prison sentence increased. Fundraising to support the family of a Somerset jockey who died earlier this month has topped 54 thousand pounds...and more

Avon and Somerset Police are stepping up their efforts to cut knife crime. Speaking at a Crime Commissioners Performance Board meeting, Chief Constable Sarah Crew said her officers would launch a high-profile proactive operation to tackle knife crime better. She added that the “unreasonable” use of stop and search powers was not the solution but rather tackling the root causes of why people carry knives, and the greater use of knife surrender bins.

A driver who videoed himself admitting he was drunk at the wheel before killing a woman in a crash near Wincanton has had his prison sentence increased. Anton Hull was jailed for six years at Taunton Crown Court in November last year for causing the death of Sarah Baker in August 2022. The Attorney General's Office referred his sentence to the Court of Appeal, claiming it was unduly lenient. At a hearing held in London, three appeal judges agreed, and increased Hull's sentence from six years to nine years and three months.

Fundraising to support the family of a Somerset jockey who died earlier this month has topped 54 thousand pounds. 25-year-old Keagan Kirkby was part of champion trainer Paul Nicholls' team and worked at his yard in Ditcheat, near Shepton Mallet. He was killed at a point-to-point, after being thrown from his horse.

Somerton Town Youth Football Club is running a boot swap scheme. The idea is to help parents buy boots for children who play football at grassroots level.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary has opened a new store in Crewkerne. The outlet in Falkland Square will be officially opened on Friday, February 23rd at 11 am by local MP Marcus Fysh.

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