Tuesday 8th October

Tuesday, 8 October 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A mother has pleaded not guilty to murdering her two-week-old baby son at Yeovil Hospital. A Yeovil man with two previous drink driving offences has escaped being sent to prison after refusing to take a breath test. Somerset gymnast Laura Gallagher has announced her retirement after 20 years in the sport...and more.

A mother has pleaded not guilty to murdering her two-week-old baby son at Yeovil Hospital. Brendon Staddon was born prematurely at thirty-three weeks in February and died in March. His mother, Sophie Staddon, aged 20, was appearing at Bristol Crown Court where she pleaded not guilty to murder and to causing or allowing the death of a child. This story is courtesy of BBC.

A Yeovil man with two previous drink driving offences has escaped being sent to prison after refusing to take a breath test. Appearing at Yeovil Magistrates Court, Jordan Maggs of St Michael’s Avenue pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath when stopped by Police while driving in Crewkerne. Maggs was sentenced to a 12-month community order with an Alcohol Abstinence programme and banned from driving for 18 months with a £200 fine. This story is courtesy of Chard and Ilminster News.

An organisation representing water users in Somerset says a new way of charging households isn't likely to make a difference to what people pay for water. Bristol Water will lower prices in the winter but increase them in the summer to persuade people to use less water. Head of Engagement at the Consumer Council for Water, Cath Jones, says it’s doubtful the new charging scheme will have much impact.

The Somerset gymnast Laura Gallagher has announced her retirement after 20 years in the sport. Laura, who represented Team GB on the trampoline at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2021 and is a World and European Medalist, says she wants to spend more time with her family.

St Margaret's Hospice is asking people to put on an item of yellow clothing this week to help raise awareness of the work of the hospice. The Wear It Yellow campaign is part of Hospice Care Week with money raised supporting the charity's hospices in Taunton and Yeovil.

A new volunteer-run community café has opened in Chard. The CommuniTEA Waffle in Holyrood Street is described as a free space for people of all ages to meet, offering a family room and community bookshelf.

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