Thursday 15th February

Thursday, 15 February 2024 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

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more