Latest news with #FordFiesta
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Forgotten former Man United star makes first appearance in 578 days - as he goes on trial with new English club after dangerous driving sentence
Former Manchester United player Brandon Williams, who was sentenced for dangerous driving, has made his first appearance in 19 months. The full-back came on as a substitute for Hull City, where he is on trial, during their 2-1 friendly win over Sunderland on Tuesday night. In May Williams was handed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after crashing his Audi A3 at almost 100mph on August 20, 2023. The 24-year-old, who was once paid £3.4million a year as a promising young defender, had been 'driving erratically' in his Audi A3 before hitting a Ford Fiesta and careering into the central reservation of the A34 in Cheshire. On Tuesday, Championship side Hull gave him 15 minutes off the bench for his first outing since he played on loan for Ipswich against QPR in a 0-0 draw in December 2023. Williams said in May that he wanted to be '100 per cent focused' on his football again and 'kick on' with a new club, wherever that may be. 'It hurts me watching football now because I just want to be there, I just want to play. I miss being in a team, on the coach, travelling to games, having meals together and just doing things,' he said. 'I want to have that feeling again of winning and being around the changing room environment. 'I've had loads of teams trying to get me out - America, Europe and England - but I haven't been ready. I want to go somewhere 100 per cent focused and kick on. 'I would like to experience that different culture. I'm only 24 so I could do three or four years abroad. Definitely Europe at a good club or an upcoming club.' Williams admitted he had been trying to show off to a female passenger who was sitting next to him, and a witness is said to have filmed him with a balloon by his mouth. Prosecutors said it was 'fortunate' nobody was seriously injured or killed. Judge Eric Lamb also banned Williams from driving for three years and ordered him to do 180 hours of unpaid work. The homegrown Man United talent announced last June that he would leave the club at the end of his contract, and when the incident took place - in August 2023 - Williams had been on loan at Ipswich Town.
Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Driver alert as cars UK thieves are most likely to steal revealed in new list
The DVLA has released its latest findings on car theft that will give cause for concern for some motorists Drivers have been issued a warning as new data was issued on the most popular cars for UK thieves to steal. Lexus vehicles have emerged as the top choice for car thieves. They have overtaken Range Rovers from Jaguar Land Rover as the car in top spot. Fresh DVLA figures suggest that Lexus motors are increasingly in criminals' crosshairs, with five models from the premium brand featuring in the top 10 most stolen vehicles list. The DVLA's examination of 2024 car theft data, covering more than 61,000 stolen vehicles, shows that whilst the Ford Fiesta leads in sheer numbers, it's actually less prone to theft relative to how many are on Britain's roads. Lexus ES 300 is being targeted In an alarming development, the Lexus ES 300 has been pinpointed as the motor most susceptible to being stolen last year, with one in 30 ending up in criminals' hands. Additional Lexus models under threat include the RX 450, LC 500, UX 250, and NX 300, according to the Express. Toyota, which owns Lexus, has addressed these concerning statistics by emphasising their investment in security technology. They said: "Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of security solutions. Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering." The company also stressed their commitment to safeguarding customers' motors, stating: "For example, at a cost of more than £10million to Lexus, selected customers were provided with a free Tracker vehicle location service. "As a result, a 96% recovery rate has been achieved. We have subsequently rolled out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models." Whilst the recent statistics may be disappointing for Lexus owners, they seen to highlight the progress Jaguar Land Rover has made in protecting their vehicles, placing them among Britain's most secure cars. Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, a firm specialising in vehicle security, has commended the improvements made by the British manufacturer. He also stressed the continuing fight to prevent stolen vehicles from being exported abroad. He said: "Lexus is making considerable efforts to protect its customers' cars but JLR suffered a rise in thefts sooner than it and so has had more time to react and develop solutions. "However, its cars are still being stolen. There is a thriving market overseas for Lexus, JLR and other premium vehicles and we recover many at docksides."
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Full list of car models that are top target for thieves in the UK
It's bad news for motorists as one car is now the top target for car thieves, with five models from the luxury brand featuring in the list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles Motorists have been put on red alert as Lexus cars have now become the prime target for car thieves, surpassing the previously favoured Range Rovers from Jaguar Land Rover. The DVLA's latest statistics show that Lexus vehicles might be increasingly targeted, with five models from the luxury carmaker appearing in the top 10 list of most stolen vehicles. The DVLA's analysis of the car theft data for 2024, which saw more than 61,000 cars pinched, reveals that while the Ford Fiesta tops the chart in absolute numbers, it is less likely to be stolen compared to the number of Fiestas on the road. In a worrying trend, the Lexus ES 300 has been identified as the car most likely to be nicked last year, with one in 30 falling into the hands of thieves. Other Lexus models at risk include the RX 450, LC 500, UX 250, and NX 300, reports the Express. Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, has responded to these alarming figures by pointing out their significant investment in security measures. They said: "Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of security solutions. Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering." They also highlighted their efforts to protect customers' vehicles, adding: "For example, at a cost of more than £10million to Lexus, selected customers were provided with a free Tracker vehicle location service. "As a result, a 96% recovery rate has been achieved. We have subsequently rolled out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models." While the latest figures might be disheartening for Lexus owners, they simultaneously shine a light on the strides Jaguar Land Rover has taken to secure their vehicles, positioning them amongst the most well-defended motors in Britain. Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, a company dedicated to vehicle protection, has praised the advancements made by the renowned British marque. He also emphasised the ongoing battle to keep stolen cars from being shipped overseas. He said: "Lexus is making considerable efforts to protect its customers' cars but JLR suffered a rise in thefts sooner than it and so has had more time to react and develop solutions. "However, its cars are still being stolen. There is a thriving market overseas for Lexus, JLR and other premium vehicles and we recover many at docksides."
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire drivers in court
The six defendants were accused of a series of driving offences – including drug-driving, speeding, and stopping on a pedestrian crossing. Their cases were heard at Llanelli Magistrates' Court. For the latest crime and court news for west Wales, you can join our Facebook group here. Here's a round-up of the cases. JAMIE KITCHING, 29, of Ludchurch, has been banned after admitting drug-driving. Kitching was driving a Citroen Berlingo at Crosshands Industrial Estate in Cross Hands on March 19. When tested, he recorded having 10 micrograms of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol per litre (µg/L) of blood. The legal limit – to exclude accidental exposure – is 2µg/L. Kitching pleaded guilty to driving whilst under the influence of drugs, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months at Llanelli Magistrates' Court on July 8. He was sentenced to pay a £120 fine, £85 in costs, and a £48 surcharge. PHILLIP WHITNEY, 73, of Pill Road in Hook, was caught speeding in a 20mph limit. Whitney was driving a Volkswagen Passat in Johnston on December 6, and was caught by a manned speed camera doing 27mph. He pleaded guilty, and was fined £115 at Llanelli Magistrates' Court on July 16. Whitney must also pay costs of £90 and a £46 surcharge, and had three points added to his licence. DANIEL JAMES, of Preseli View in Walton East, has been fined for stopping on a pedestrian crossing. James stopped a Isuzu D-Max on the pedestrian crossing outside Mace store in Prendergast in Haverfordwest on March 31. He pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates' Court on July 16. James was fined £300, and was ordered to pay £130 in costs and a £120 surcharge. He also had three points added to his licence. TOMOS COIGLEY, 23, of Rosemarket, was disqualified after being caught driving whilst under the influence of cannabis. Coigley was driving a Ford Fiesta on the A40 at Rudbaxton on October 20. When tested, he recorded having 5.3µg/L of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in his blood. The limit is 2µg/L. He switched his plea to guilty at Llanelli Magistrates' Court on July 10, and was ordered to pay a £180 fine, £1,200 in costs, and a £72 surcharge. Coigley was banned from driving for 12 months. DAN WOOD, 41, of Maes Yr Hufenfa in St Clears, was clocked speeding on the A40. Wood was caught by a manned speed camera doing 71mph in a Ford Transit on the A40 at Nantyci Showground. The road is a 60mph limit for goods vehicles. He pleaded guilty, and had three points added to his licence at Llanelli Magistrates' Court on July 16. Wood must also pay a £166 fine, £150 in costs, and a £66 surcharge. ANDREW MILLER, 59, of Morfa Terrace in Manorbier, has been found guilty of refusing to identify a driver when required by police. Miller was charged with failing to give information relating to the identity of the driver of Mini John Cooper Works who was suspected by police of having committed a motoring offence. He was found guilty after the offence was proved in Miller's absence on June 11. At Llanelli Magistrates' Court on July 9, Miller was ordered to pay a £660 fine, £110 in costs, and a £264 surcharge. He also had six points added to his licence, and was disqualified from driving for six months for accumulating too many points.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Man issued chilling threat to nan before launching crossbow 'revenge attack'
A grim 'revenge attack' was carried out by a man in Merseyside in which he shot a crossbow five times at a grandmother's property while her grandchildren were inside A man issued a chilling threat to a grandma before carrying out a "revenge attack" with a crossbow, which saw him fire on her house while her grandchildren were inside. The 'very dangerous' weapon was used by Neil Spencer, who shot five times at the property. Some of the bolts were shot directly at the grandmother and one of her daughters. Spencer carried out his act in retaliation for his own children having apparently been bullied. One of the victims says she "still repeats in her head what could have happened if the bolt hit her". Spencer, meanwhile, is said to have been left "disappointed and ashamed" over his "misguided and stupid enterprise". Spencer admitted making threats with an offensive weapon, which was never recovered by police, and two counts of criminal damage. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a grey Montirex t-shirt, he was jailed for 18 months and handed an indefinite restraining order. Liverpool Crown Court heard that Spencer had attended the home of Laura Connor, where she lived with her two daughters and son, on Madryn Avenue in Kirkby, Merseyside, around two weeks earlier on May 20 this year. On this occasion, the 43-year-old, of Eastfield Walk, was said to have threatened in relation to the son: "Tell him if he comes round to my ex bird's house, I'll come round with my mates." Nardeen Nemat, prosecuting, described how all four occupants were then present at the same address at the time of the subsequent "revenge attack" along with Ms Connor's grandchildren, who were aged as young as four. Spencer returned to the property at around 8.30am on June 1 wearing a balaclava and armed with a crossbow shouting: "Grass, where are they?" This led to Ms Connor replying "what the f*** are you doing?" from an upstairs bedroom. The "irate" defendant then aimed the weapon in her direction and fired it as she closed the window, with the bolt becoming lodged within the pane of glass. Spencer followed this up with a second shot when Ms Connor reopened the window before one of her daughters, Tahlia Gill, appeared at another window and shouted "get away from my house", Liverpool Echo reports. The armed man then turned his attention to her, responding "where are they?" before firing another bow in her direction. Another shot was then fired at the front door. When a fifth missed and landed in the front garden, Spencer jumped onto Ms Gill's car and smashed the windows. Around £600 worth of damage was caused to a Ford Fiesta. In a statement which was read out to the court on her behalf, she said: "It was the most serious and dangerous thing to ever happen to me and my family. It left me extremely frightened and paranoid. "I didn't deserve this. The fact that my family and I were in the house when this happened, including children, still fills me with anxiety. I still find it hard to believe I had a weapon fired at me. I still repeat in my head what could have happened if the bolt hit me. "I also think how helpless we would have been if he had come in the house and attacked us. Me and my family are seriously affected by this. The atmosphere in the household has completely changed since this incident. No one has the right to put me and my family through this. I hope they pay for what they've done." Sentencing, Recorder Richard Pratt KC said: "This formed what has accurately been described as some form of revenge attack as a result of a previous incident. You did not come round with your mates, but you came round with a crossbow, a very dangerous weapon capable of causing serious injury. "You deliberately fired the crossbow on five occasions. The impact of your offending was very clearly recorded in the victim personal statement of Tahlia Gill. Having seen the footage, it is wholly unsurprising that she and other members of the household were terrified. Tom Challinor, defending, told the court: "Mr Spencer is a man with a bad criminal record. Between the ages of 13 and 22, he was before the courts regularly. To his credit, he has put regular offending behind him. "If one was to put aside two offences of cannabis possession, in relation to which he was fined in 2019 and 2021, there is a gap of 20 years from his last offence before the court in 2004 and an offence of battery against his ex-partner in 2024. While it is difficult to submit that he had turned over a new leaf, he had, to a large extent, put that offending behind him. "It is for that reason that he is really disappointed and ashamed that he is back before the courts again. This is no excuse, but it is the reason why he finds himself here. The reason for the commission of these offences was due to his children being bullied. He was sensible enough to call the police but, in his view, they did nothing, so he embarked on this misguided, stupid and dangerous enterprise. "If he is sent to prison today, he is not going to get the help that he needs. He has already served seven weeks on remand. The clang of the prison door has already had its effect. He is living in stable accommodation. If he receives a sentence of more than 12 months then he will lose his home and all of the stability that goes with it." Sentencing, Recorder Richard Pratt KC said: "This formed what has accurately been described as some form of revenge attack as a result of a previous incident. You did not come round with your mates, but you came round with a crossbow, a very dangerous weapon capable of causing serious injury. "You deliberately fired the crossbow on five occasions. The impact of your offending was very clearly recorded in the victim personal statement of Tahlia Gill. Having seen the footage, it is wholly unsurprising that she and other members of the household were terrified. "You have a bad criminal record and recently committed an offence of battery, which resulted in you receiving a short custodial sentence. I cannot ignore the period of time when you remained out of trouble for a significant period of time. That was to your credit. "The pre-sentence report does put forward an arguable case that rehabilitation may be possible, and I recognise the impact that any sentence of imprisonment may have on you and your family members. But, at the end of the day, I have to say that I regard this offence as so serious that only immediate custody is appropriate for it."
