John Hunt speaks for the first time since the murder of his wife and daughters
BBC racing commentator John Hunt has spoken for the first time since the murder of his wife and two daughters, in July last year.John and his daughter Amy told the BBC the love of their family has helped to sustain them through their trauma and grief.They say they took the decision to talk publicly now because they did not want their loved ones to be defined by their deaths. They also feel much of the initial reporting after the murders was inaccurate and it added to their pain.
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Man sentenced for killing brother in drunken fight
A man has been jailed after killing his brother with a single punch in a drunken fight at a motocross event last year. Ben Starr, 34, of Woodside Avenue in Derbyshire, previously admitted to the manslaughter of Lee Starr in a fight at Foxhill motocross track, in Swindon, in August last year. Lee, who was 38 years old, suffered a fatal head injury and later died in hospital. Starr was sentenced to two years in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire In a victim impact statement read to the court, Lee's wife Jaye Starr said: "Lee was cruelly and senselessly taken from me and our children." On 22 August 2024, their father and their own children witnessed Lee punch Starr twice before both men ended up on the ground, with Starr restraining his brother. They were forced apart by onlookers and a further punch from Starr to Lee proved fatal, as he collapsed on the floor while walking away from his serious injuries. Lee died days later in Southmead Hospital. The court heard both argued with each other in the past, but Starr said he loved Lee and would often go to him for advice. The fight was witnessed by Lee's 13-year-old son, the court was told. Ms Starr said: "I never imagined I would be forced to put into words the unbearable grief that now defines our lives. "We had a future full of hope, love and dreams together. "But that future was stolen from us in horrific moment, and now every single day is a fight just to keep going without him." Sam Jones, defence, said: "This case was a tragedy on both sides. "Ben will have to live with the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life." Mr Jones called for a suspended sentence as Starr has no previous convictions, and he showed "remorse". However His Honour Judge Blair KC chose to sentence Starr to two years in prison. "Nothing about this case can be described as anything but tragic," he said. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Man dies after assault at Foxhill motocross event Arrest after life-threatening assault at motocross event HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Yahoo
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Heartbreaking tribute to new dad and police officer found dead at nature reserve
Thousands have been raised and a heartfelt tribute has been paid following the death of a much-loved dad and police officer. Charlie Mitchell, aged 26, was off duty when he was reported missing from home in Leeds on Saturday night (June 21) with concerns for his welfare. Officers had been carrying out a search of St Aidan's Nature Reserve when they then tragically found his body at about 5.30pm the following day. His family, including his partner with a young baby, were informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE PC Mitchell was a Patrol officer based at Halifax, West Yorkshire Police said. There are no suspicious circumstances surround his death, with a file being prepared for the coroner. A fundraiser, set up by James Cichorz has since raised over £16,000 to support Charlie's family following his sudden death and the mum of his baby boy. Donations can be made here. A tribute on the page read: "Charlie was not only a dedicated police officer, but also a loving partner to Brooklyn and a proud new father to their beautiful baby boy. "Just recently, Brooklyn—who also serves with West Yorkshire Police in the Safeguarding team—welcomed their son into the world. What should have been a time of joy and new beginnings has now been overshadowed by unimaginable grief. "Brooklyn is now facing something no one should have to: the loss of her partner and the father of her child, while stepping into motherhood alone. Though I know her policing family will continue to surround her with love and support, I wanted to do something to help ease, even slightly, the road ahead. "I've set up a GoFundMe to support Brooklyn and her baby through this incredibly difficult time. The funds raised will help give them a little breathing room—whether that's to help with everyday costs, time off work, or simply space to grieve and begin to heal. "If you're able to give, please do. And if you can't, even sharing this message means so much. Thank you for keeping Brooklyn, their baby boy and all who loved Charlie in your thoughts." The police union, the Federation, which represents officers in the area, said it is 'devastated' by PC Mitchell's death. Craig Nicholls, chairman, said: "We offer our sincerest condolences to Charlie's family, friends and close colleagues at this tragic time and will be offering them all the support we can." --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
Yahoo
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Man who beat pensioner to death over gate row jailed for 12 years
A man has been jailed for 12 years for killing his elderly neighbour in a row over shutting a gate. Trevor Gocan, 57, punched and kicked James 'Jim' O'Neill, 74, outside their housing estate in Covent Garden, central London, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. He died in hospital two weeks later. Southwark Crown Court heard on Thursday how the two exchanged words after Gocan left a gate open on the estate. CCTV showed the confrontation lasted less than 90 seconds before Mr O'Neill was on the ground with serious injuries. Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC said told Gocan: 'Your unlawful actions on October 6 2024 caused the death of Jim O'Neill, a much-loved father and grandfather. 'You did not need to defend yourself – the truth is, you lost your temper and control. You walked away. Mr O'Neill did not. 'He was much older than you. 'In his shorts and Crocs, he presented no serious threat. Had you genuinely felt threatened, you could have walked away.' She said the attack, which included a punch and two kicks, carried a 'high risk' of causing grievous bodily harm or death. 'You did absolutely nothing,' she said. 'Your remorse, if genuine, has taken a long time coming.' The court heard a 12-year-old boy witnessed the final kick and watched as his mother and grandmother tried to help the victim. Mr O'Neill's widow, Sara, said she had been left 'completely devastated' and haunted by nightmares. 'Jim was not only my husband for 49 years but my soulmate,' she said in a victim impact statement. 'I feel depressed, often crying, haunted by dark thoughts. 'I struggle to sleep and have recurring nightmares witnessing the love of my life bleeding on the floor.' She said she had been forced to put their home up for sale and had not left the flat for weeks after the attack. Their son, Amos O'Neill, said he saw his father 'start to lose consciousness' and told the court: 'We never got justice in the courtroom.' Gocan denied wrongdoing but was convicted of manslaughter by a jury on May 1. Prosecutor Lisa Wilding KC said the violence went 'well beyond' a single punch and involved the use of a 'shod foot' – in a shoe or boot – as a weapon. Defence barrister Benjamin Aina KC said the attack was 'completely out of character' and added that Gocan had no previous convictions. However, he had received a caution in 2012 for pushing his wife. The court also heard how Gocan was a carer for his children, one of whom has autism. In a letter read aloud in court, he said: 'I am so very, very sorry. Words cannot describe the remorse and regret that I feel. 'I take full responsibility for what happened. 'I failed my children, religion, myself, and above all Mr O'Neill.' Judge Hales told him: 'I am satisfied that Mr O'Neill's death was caused in an unlawful act falling just short of GBH. 'You told the jury you dialled 999 – your phone bore no trace of this call. 'The truth is you did absolutely nothing.' Gocan, who wore grey prison-issue sweatpants, showed no emotion as the sentence was passed. He must serve two-thirds of the 12-year sentence in custody before he can be considered for release on licence. Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Specialist Crime South – who led the investigation – said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr O'Neill, who lost a loved one in shocking circumstances. 'The killer acted disgracefully, punching and kicking his victim in full view of members of the public – among them children – on a busy Sunday morning. 'The jury's verdict shows that casual, thuggish violence will not be tolerated on London's streets. There was absolutely no excuse for Gocan's conduct.'
