Latest news with #Bradwell
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Self-styled Lord allegedly pelted former lover's home with eggs, paint and bricks after she jilted him, court hears
A self-styled 'lord' waged a campaign of intimidation against a former partner after she ended the relationship, a court has heard. Peter Sorrell, 65, allegedly threw items including rocks and eggs at the woman's home when their four-year affair ended. He is also said to have daubed words such as 'slapper', and 'sex for sale' on her house during late night raids. Jurors were told 'bizarre' letters and messages were sent to the woman, under the names of other people including the defendant's ex-wife, describing how she was causing 'suffering' to a 'good man'. Others threatened her, the prosecution says, with comments including 'bitch is going to burn'. Details of the alleged stalking have been heard at Norwich Crown Court in Norfolk, where the defendant has been turning up clutching a copy of the Magna Carta and insisted on being referred to as Lord Peter Sorrelll (sic). Father-of-three Sorrell, a retired lorry driver who lives in a modest two-bedroom newbuild house in Bradwell, and the woman went out between 2014 and 2018, the prosecution say. But when she told him the relationship was over he couldn't 'accept' the break-up and 'begged her to take him back'. When this failed, he started on the course of action that led to his alleged victim to 'fear violence would be used against her'. Sorrell denies putting a person in fear of violence by stalking between December 22, 2019 and November 19, 2020. He has also pleaded not guilty to four breaches of a non-molestation order made by the Family Court in November 2019. The breaches occurred between March and November 2020, jurors heard. Prosecutor John Fairhead said that other items thrown at the victim's house in Great Yarmouth included bricks and paint. Paint was also used to write the graffiti on the front and back of her home including 'whore' and 'RIP, RIP'. Mr Fairhead added the defendant 'sent her a number of letters', some handwritten and others on Facebook, claiming to be from his ex-wife, friends and well-wishers. These were 'lengthy, rambling and, the Crown would say, frankly bizarre' as they outlined how he was a 'good man'. 'But apart from this frankly blatant emotional blackmail, the letters became increasingly abusive and menacing,' the prosecutor said. They included a Valentine's card with the message: 'Happy Valentine's Day you black widow… when I play games, I play to the end.' Messages from the Facebook accounts of several women were also actually composed by the defendant, the court heard. These had comments such as 'you stupid bitch', 'you killed him, you're responsible' and 'bitch is going to burn'. One warned that Sorrell would 'not see this year out if he doesn't stop hurting himself'. The Crown claims the defendant was also seen 'wearing a wig to disguise himself' during late night visits to his victim's home. Giving evidence from behind a screen, the woman said the messages had become 'more and more threatening and aggressive'. 'I began to worry for my life. It made me feel scared to be in my own home,' she told the jury. 'My home was my safe place. It was my daughter's safe place. But it made me realise it was no longer a place I could feel safe.' She also claimed Sorrell had been sending gifts and 'turning up at my neighbour's door asking to send me gifts' because he 'refused to accept' they were no longer together. Referring to the letters, she said she recognised the handwriting and said of the comments they contained: 'It's a pattern he had been following for about a year-and-a-half. 'He's been trying to portray himself as a good guy and a victim in this.' Finding the words 'RIP, RIP' scrawled on her house had 'made me fear eventually he would kill me'. She added: 'It came to the point [where] I didn't want to leave the house because I didn't know what was going to happen.' Sorrell, who is representing himself in court, tried to 'paint himself as the victim' when he was arrested and allegedly blamed his former wife for the graffiti, it is said. He was initially released without charge but was later arrested for breaching the non-molestation order by being within 50m of his victim's home, the court heard. He had gone to a launderette that was 36m from the house, claiming it was the only one open in the area at the time. Mr Fairhead said the defendant had 'pursued a course of conduct' that caused his victim to 'fear violence would be used against her'. He added: 'The Crown say all the evidence points to one person – the defendant, 'Lord Peter Sorrell'.' The Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1215, was a landmark document in English democracy that established that no one is above the law. The trial continues.
NZ Autocar
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Government passes third Warrant of Fitness test
The Government is roadworthy and driving forward in key areas, according to the Motor Trade Association (MTA). This is the result of its third 'Warrant of Fitness' check of the term. There's a mixture of passes and fails, according to the MTA. But the Government's progress on workplace training and banking means it can leave the workshop with another six-month sticker. 'At the halfway point of their term, the Government is, overall, doing a good job for the automotive sector,' according to Head of Communications, Simon Bradwell. 'The return of workplace training to industry was an important and welcome step that MTA had led the calls for. A big tick for that. 'The focus on 'woke banking' is also good news. We're working with the Government on that because automotive businesses shouldn't be unfairly penalised by well-meaning but prohibitive environmental standards. 'Crime is a mixed bag. Service stations are still at high risk from crime, as recent headlines have shown. Government earns a pass because other measures, such as beat patrols, are making a difference… But there is definitely more work to be done in this space.' The Government also gets ticks for road safety, vehicle safety, and business support. However MTA's assessment found the Government was coming up sharply short on immigration measures to address the labour shortage many automotive businesses face. 'Government needs to put pedal to metal on that one,' Bradwell says. And bureaucracy is still a nuisance for many businesses. MTA hopes new Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour will make progress there. 'MTA works with a number of Government Ministers and departments,' Bradwell says. 'We are willing and ready to help build a stronger automotive sector that benefits all Kiwis. Let's see how they're going in another six months.' To make sure Government MPs see where they're passing and failing, MTA has taken out billboard space right under their eyes, across the road from the Beehive.
Vancouver Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
5 facts about queer animal behaviour from CBC's Animal Pride
Victoria wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell wanted to know more about queer behaviour in the animal kingdom. The result of that curiosity is the new documentary Animal Pride: Nature 's Coming Out Story. Directed by Rio Mitchell, the documentary is now available on CBC Gem just as Pride season kicks into gear. 'As a gay wildlife conservationist, I've always been deeply connected to nature, but I never really encountered any information about queerness in the natural world. I've studied wildlife for years, yet it wasn't until I saw same-sex behaviour in orcas that I realized how little I knew,' Bradwell told Postmedia via email. 'That moment was a wake-up call, I'd been so focused on the more familiar aspects of nature that I missed a whole world of diversity right in front of me.' Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Bradwell discovered that for more than a century, researchers had been documenting same-sex relationships in animals but, due to societal or culture pressure, their findings were often 'hidden, removed, or dismissed.' 'What really struck me, though, was how this secrecy has impacted both the science itself and conservation efforts,' said Bradwell. 'Understanding the full range of animal behaviour, including queerness, is essential to protecting these species and the environments they rely on. 'Luckily, today there are amazing scientists who are doing this work, often against the odds, and bringing these stories forward. They're trail-blazing a path for more inclusive, honest science that better reflects the natural world.' 1. Female albatrosses raise chicks together: On islands like O'ahu, female Laysan albatross pairs form long-term bonds, some lasting decades. They mate with males to produce fertilized eggs, then return to their female partners to co-parent and raise the chicks together. Similar long-term, same-sex pairings have also been observed here in British Columbia, including among Canada geese and gulls, who nest and raise young together. 2. Queer behaviour is found in over 1,500 species: Scientists have documented same-sex sexual behaviour in more than 1,500 animal species, from insects and birds to dolphins and primates. It is not an anomaly; it is a natural, widespread part of the animal world. 3. Banana slugs and others challenge the gender binary: Banana slugs, found in B.C.'s forests, are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female sex organs. They often exchange sperm mutually, and sometimes self-fertilize. Slugs aren't alone; many fish change sex mid-life, and fungi have thousands of genders, showing that nature often thrives in fluidity, not rigid roles. 4. Homosocial behaviour strengthens bonds: Many animal species engage in same-sex social bonding, known as homosocial behaviour. These cooperative partnerships often involve sexual behaviour and play a key role in trust and group cohesion. We filmed bighorn sheep displaying this behaviour in Radium Hot Springs showing how queerness shapes complex animal societies. 5. There's still more to learn: Same-sex behaviour has been hidden and ignored for a long time, but it is finally being studied and understood. Many species, including penguins and orcas, require specific social structures to survive, structures that include same-sex behaviour. Understanding this diversity is crucial for better conservation. Thankfully, more scientists are now embracing and exploring this work.
Calgary Herald
29-05-2025
- Science
- Calgary Herald
5 facts about queer animal behaviour from CBC's Animal Pride
Article content Victoria wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell wanted to know more about queer behaviour in the animal kingdom. The result of that curiosity is the new documentary Animal Pride: Nature 's Coming Out Story. Article content Directed by Rio Mitchell, the documentary is now available on CBC Gem just as Pride season kicks into gear. Article content 'As a gay wildlife conservationist, I've always been deeply connected to nature, but I never really encountered any information about queerness in the natural world. I've studied wildlife for years, yet it wasn't until I saw same-sex behaviour in orcas that I realized how little I knew,' Bradwell told Postmedia via email. Article content Article content Article content Article content Bradwell discovered that for more than a century, researchers had been documenting same-sex relationships in animals but, due to societal or culture pressure, their findings were often 'hidden, removed, or dismissed.' Article content 'What really struck me, though, was how this secrecy has impacted both the science itself and conservation efforts,' said Bradwell. 'Understanding the full range of animal behaviour, including queerness, is essential to protecting these species and the environments they rely on. Article content 'Luckily, today there are amazing scientists who are doing this work, often against the odds, and bringing these stories forward. They're trail-blazing a path for more inclusive, honest science that better reflects the natural world.' Article content Article content Article content Article content 1. Female albatrosses raise chicks together: On islands like O'ahu, female Laysan albatross pairs form long-term bonds, some lasting decades. They mate with males to produce fertilized eggs, then return to their female partners to co-parent and raise the chicks together. Similar long-term, same-sex pairings have also been observed here in British Columbia, including among Canada geese and gulls, who nest and raise young together. Article content 2. Queer behaviour is found in over 1,500 species: Scientists have documented same-sex sexual behaviour in more than 1,500 animal species, from insects and birds to dolphins and primates. It is not an anomaly; it is a natural, widespread part of the animal world. Article content 3. Banana slugs and others challenge the gender binary: Banana slugs, found in B.C.'s forests, are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female sex organs. They often exchange sperm mutually, and sometimes self-fertilize. Slugs aren't alone; many fish change sex mid-life, and fungi have thousands of genders, showing that nature often thrives in fluidity, not rigid roles.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- BBC News
Motorcyclist killed hours after death on same road in Bradwell
A motorcyclist died after colliding with a vehicle on a busy A-road, an inquest opening Kennedy was one of two men killed on the same stretch of the A120 in Bradwell, near Braintree, Essex on 16 42-year-old from Earls Colne died at the scene from chest injuries, area coroner Michelle Brown suspended the inquest at Essex Coroner's Court so police could continue investigating the collision. Officers arrested a 63-year-old man from Braintree on suspicion of causing Mr Kennedy's death by careless was released under investigation on 17 April. Opening Mr Kennedy's inquest, Ms Brown said: "This 42-year-old gentleman was riding his motorcycle along the A120 at Bradwell when he was involved in a road traffic collision with another vehicle."Sadly he was declared deceased at the scene by attending paramedics at 17:32."A fundraiser launched to support Mr Kennedy's family has received more than £6,500 in donations since his was killed about two-and-a-half hours after another fatal incident on the same road in Police said a 20-year-old man died in the first collision, which happened at 15:00 families of both of the deceased have been supported by specialist officers. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
