Latest news with #BBCSomerset
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Yahoo
Dad 'said he did nothing wrong' after murder arrest
A father accused of killing his premature baby told police he had "done nothing wrong" when he was arrested, jurors have heard. Daniel Gunter, 27, is on trial for murder following the death of two-week-old Brendon Staddon, who suffered multiple fractures while in Yeovil District Hospital's special care baby unit on 4 March 2024. Brendon's mother, Sophie Staddon, 21, is accused of causing or allowing her baby's death, after he was born at 33 weeks. They both deny the charges. Jurors have retired to consider their verdicts. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset Warning: This article contains details that some may find distressing, including details of severe injuries. During his summing up at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday, Mr Justice Swift said despite being born prematurely, Brendon was doing well and had already made the transition from nasal to bottle feeding. But upon his death he was found to have, amongst other injuries, a broken neck, a broken jaw, broken legs, broken ankles and broken wrists. The court heard that during his short life, nursing staff at the Somerset hospital had many concerns about his parents' behaviour, particularly Mr Gunter's repeated rough handling of him. Mr Gunter was seen getting angry with Brendon while changing his nappy, jurors were told. The couple left the hospital on 29 February, eight days after Brendon was born, and did not return until the afternoon of 4 March, jurors heard. At about 04:00 GMT the following day, Ms Staddon went to the nurses' station and asked staff to check Brendon because he was cold and floppy, the jury was told. Mr Gunter said "he's fine, he's fine" even as nurses began the resuscitation process, jurors heard. The court was told he then asked if the couple could "go out for air" while the team worked. When he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, jurors were told Mr Gunter said to police: "What are you on about? I've done nothing wrong mate," and "I've done nothing wrong sir," when he was re-arrested for murder. When Ms Staddon was cautioned, jurors were told she replied: "My baby's dead, you're telling me my baby's dead, I didn't kill my baby." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story 'Parents smoked as medics tried to save baby's life' Parents accused of murdering son deny harming him Murder-accused father 'seen shouting at his baby' Related internet links HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mural celebrates town's 'creativity and culture'
A giant mural has been unveiled as part of efforts to regenerate a town centre. The once bland wall on Eastover shopping centre has now been transformed into a "a living tribute to the people and stories that shape Bridgwater's unique character", according to the Bridgwater Town Deal. The mural was co-designed with local residents, some of whom are featured in the design. Alongside the mural, plans are under way for a new heritage trail and a celebratory film, which organisers said would "showcase the town's dedication to creativity and cultural engagement". More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset The mural depicts scenes connected to Bridgwater's annual carnival and themes, including the Wild West and squibbing - where fireworks on sticks are held in the air. It is the town's latest art installation after a giant replica of the moon floated in the town's docks - but that deflated after two days in strong winds, last October. An official unveiling of the mural's commemorative plaque is planned once nearby roadworks are completed. The Eastover mural has been paid for using government money allocated to the town deal, as well as funding from Arts Council England and the Somerset Association of Local Councils. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Fallen Moon spectacle deflates in strong winds Pandemic heroes' portraits to be pasted up in town Artists complete fisherman mural for seaside café Derelict estate youth centre saved for community
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Man in his 90s dies in crash
A man in his 90s has died after being involved in a single-vehicle crash. Police were called to reports of a white Fiat Panda leaving the carriageway in Closworth, near Yeovil in Somerset, on Wednesday at around 10:35 BST. The driver was taken to hospital, where he later died. There were no passengers in the car, Avon and Somerset Police said. The force asked anyone with dashcam footage showing the vehicle before the collision, which was being driven along Sutton Hill towards the A37 junction, to get in touch. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Avon and Somerset Police
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Police officer who faked working from home banned
A police officer who held down keys on his laptop to make it look like he was working when he was not has been barred from policing. PC Liam Reakes, who was based in Yeovil, was found to have committed gross misconduct at an Avon and Somerset Police panel hearing earlier. The panel heard how, between June and September 2024, he weighed down his laptop's Z key at "regular intervals" for "considerable periods" of time, causing the loss of more than 100 hours' of police time. He would have been sacked had he not already resigned from the force, and has now been banned from working in law enforcement again. Mr Reakes was caught after an internal audit of keystrokes in September 2024 flagged his total as much higher than others doing similar jobs. He did not attend the hearing, but admitted opening a blank Word document and holding down the Z key for long periods of time, denying this was to give a false impression he was working from home. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset Head of the force's professional standards department Det Supt Larisa Hunt said: "PC Reakes was the subject of an action plan and was allocated a tutor due to concerns over his performance prior to the keyboard audit being carried out. "The use of any device or system to replicate keyboard activity is wholly wrong and deceptive and the public will be rightly outraged at this behaviour. "Not only has he let down those he made a commitment to serve and protect but he's also let down his colleagues, who are continuing to deal with significant pressure and workloads." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Detective who pretended to work from home sacked Police officer avoids jail for stalking conviction Former officer barred from policing for misconduct Avon and Somerset Police
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Former nurse, 100, 'inundated' with birthday cards
A former midwife has received hundreds of cards from around the world in celebration of her 100th birthday. Bertha Preston spent time working in New Zealand, Australia and Kenya, before settling down in a nursing career at Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath, Somerset. With no surviving family or close friends nearby, staff at the Bloomfield Care Centre in Paulton issued a "heartfelt request" to the public to send in their warm wishes. Key worker Jane Rogers described Ms Preston as a "very strong lady", who "chose her career over marriage" and showed an unwavering dedication to her profession. Ms Preston said "her spirit remains strong and her presence continues to inspire those around her". "She's been a huge part of my life," said Ms Rogers, who has cared for Ms Preston since 2009. "All of the residents here are very special to everyone who works here, but she's a darling lady. "Because of her vulnerability and the fact she has no known family, we've all become her family, and that's how we like it." Ms Preston's "quiet strength and compassion" was born out of becoming an orphan at the age of eight, after losing her mother to tuberculosis. Her nursing journey took her around the world, most notably to Africa, where she treated patients for trachoma and helped deliver hundreds of babies. One woman wrote to Ms Preston from Kenya to ask if she had worked at the hospital during her birth in the early 1960s. "I was delighted to read of your enthusiasm for the country, and of your hard work and devotion over many years as a nurse," Sarah wrote. "You are clearly a credit to your profession." Activities assistant Christina Coles said the home had been "inundated" with letters since posting the appeal online, including a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. "The amount that's come through the post has been amazing," she said. "We've had such a good response, it's really been overwhelming. "It's lovely that people have made so much effort in the community to come forward for a lady who has worked so hard. "100 years is an amazing achievement for anyone. Bertha has got an incredible story and it's nice to share that with people," she added. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. D-Day veteran's 'unforgettable' 100th birthday World War Two decoder celebrates 100th birthday Vera celebrates 100th birthday with 450 cards Bloomfield Care Centre
