Tuesday 7th July

Tuesday, 7 July 2026 06:30

Two men have been found guilty of attempted murder in Yeovil. Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton. A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport... and more

Two men in their thirties have been found guilty of attempted murder after firing a gun at a moving car in Yeovil. James McGuinness from the town and Junior Renford of London, both 31, were found guilty of attempted murder, possession of a firearm whilst prohibited for life and possession of ammunition without a certificate. In addition, McGuinness had been charged with possession of a stun taser. They each denied the offences but a jury at Taunton Crown Court found them both guilty of each count. They were sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton that closed the A358 for several hours. Officers were called to Mattocks Tree Hill at around half past ten on Thursday morning following a collision between a lorry and a car. The driver of the car sustained life changing injuries and the passenger is in a life-threatening condition. Their next of kin have been informed.

Meanwhile, an upgrade to the aging gas and electrical network on the A358 will begin later this month. The work by Wales and West Utilities, alongside the National Grid, will take place from the 20^th July and will affect the road between Staplegrove Road and Minehead Road. At the same time, improvements to the Silk Mills junction will be made, as part of a wider building programme. This will mean a one-way system will operate inward-bound to Taunton and a diversion will be in place for outbound traffic. It’s hoped the work will be completed by October.

A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport. Somerset Domestic Abuse Service has joined forces with the county’s Football Association to raise awareness and promote safer communities. Under the partnership, education will be provided to local clubs so coaches, volunteers, players and parents can better recognise the signs of domestic abuse and access support.

The mayor of the West of England has admitted the results of a £5m scheme designed to help young people into work are "not good enough" after it reached only 300 people in its first year. Of those, 126 progressed into a job, study or training. Helen Godwin has said she's confident a redesigned scheme will deliver better results in the programme’s second year.