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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Wayne Couzens' marital home - with hot-tub he built in the garden - hits the market: Three-bed house where killer cop lived with wife and kids is on sale for £280K
Wayne Couzens ' marital home has gone on the market for £280,000 - complete with a hot tub he built in the back garden, the Daily Mail can reveal. The shamed Met Police officer, 52, who is serving a whole life sentence for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard in 2021, lived there with wife Olena for five years. The couple paid £200,000 for the three-bedroom terrace house in 2016, taking out a mortgage with Nat West Bank, records show. Couzens was arrested at the house in Deal, Kent, by police investigating the brutal killing of Sarah, 33, in a crime that shocked the nation – and left his wife and two children stunned. The disgraced former police officer had handcuffed and 'arrested' Sarah in fake Covid patrol in March 2021, as she walked home through Clapham Common after visiting a friend for dinner. He bundled her into a car, then raped and murdered her, eventually driving to remote woods near Ashford, where he burnt her body and dumped her remains in a pond, with police making the grim discovery six days later. The property is described by estate agents as an 'ideal terraced family house, spacious throughout with three double bedrooms and ample living space'. It goes on: 'The rear garden is a great size and overlooks fields behind. To the front there is a blocked paved driveway and garage. 'The property has been well cared for and has a modern kitchen bathroom and log burner.' The description makes no mention of the hot tub that Couzens built, but in pictures illustrating the house, the timber surround can clearly be seen in the back garden. Other images show a neat and tidy interior with books on shelves and a board game under the table, as well as magnets on the fridge door and a large telescope in the kitchen. The house was put up for sale earlier this year for £300,000 but the price was later reduced by £20,000 after failing to attract interest, despite being close to local amenities, schools and the train station. Ukrainian born Olena was often seen by neighbours walking the family's two pet French bulldogs Napoleon and Josephine and was described as 'warm and friendly' by locals, who added she 'kept a low profile'. Following Couzens arrest in 2021, Olena told the Daily Mail she had kept asking herself 'Why?' adding that it was 'not human behaviour'. She went on: 'If I had any idea what was going on in Wayne's head, then none of this would've happened but I didn't know anything. The kitchen shows magnets on the fridge door and a large telescope in the corner as well as family dining table 'He didn't appear to be acting strangely. I didn't notice anything was wrong. I'm working full time, most of the time I'm dropping the children off at school and picking them up, I have a really busy lifestyle. 'I can't comprehend it because he never once previously showed any glimpse of violence, he was never that way. I'm just as puzzled as everyone else. 'I saw nothing wrong. He had a beautiful family, a good house… what else did he need? I'm constantly asking myself "where I did miss the signs? How on earth could this have happened?' Couzens was jailed at the Old Baily in September 2021 and trial judge Lord Justice Fulford told him: 'Your wife and children, who on all the evidence, are entirely blameless, will have to live with the ignominy of your dreadful crimes for the rest of their lives.' Couzens drove to remote woods near Ashford (pictured), where he burnt her body and dumped her remains in a pond, with police making the grim discovery six days later Shortly after his arrest Olena visited him in prison where he was on remand and he cried and apologised to her and it is thought to be the last time she saw him, although it is not known if they have divorced. Couzens is serving his sentence at HMP Frankland and last month it emerged he had been taken to hospital for a back operation that cost tax payers £17,000.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Wayne Couzens' marital home - with hot-tub he built in the garden- hits the market: Three-bed house where killer cop lived with wife and kids is on sale for £280K
Wayne Couzens ' marital home has gone on the market for £280,000 - complete with a hot tub he built in the back garden, the Daily Mail can reveal. The shamed Met police officer, 52, who is serving a whole life sentence for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard in 2021, lived there with wife Olena for five years. The couple paid £200,000 for the three-bedroom terrace house in 2016, taking out a mortgage with Nat West Bank, records show. Couzens was arrested at the house in Deal, Kent, by police investigating the brutal killing of Sarah, 33, in a crime that shocked the nation – and left his wife and two children stunned. The disgraced former police officer had handcuffed and 'arrested' Sarah in fake Covid patrol in March 2021, as she walked home through Clapham Common after visiting a friend for dinner. He bundled her into a car, then raped and murdered her, eventually driving to remote woods near Ashford, where he burnt her body and dumped her remains in a pond, with police making the grim discovery six days later. The property is described by estate agents as an 'ideal terraced family house, spacious throughout with three double bedrooms and ample living space'. It goes on: 'The rear garden is a great size and overlooks fields behind. To the front there is a blocked paved driveway and garage. 'The property has been well cared for and has a modern kitchen bathroom and log burner.' The description makes no mention of the hot tub that Couzens built, but in pictures illustrating the house, the timber surround can clearly be seen in the back garden. Other images show a neat and tidy interior with books on shelves and a board game under the table, as well as magnets on the fridge door and a large telescope in the kitchen. The house was put up for sale earlier this year for £300,000 but the price was later reduced by £20,000 after failing to attract interest, despite being close to local amenities, schools and the train station. Ukrainian born Olena was often seen by neighbours walking the family's two pet French bulldogs Napoleon and Josephine and was described as 'warm and friendly' by locals, who added she 'kept a low profile'. Following Couzens arrest in 2021, Olena told the Daily Mail she had kept asking herself 'Why?' adding that it was 'not human behaviour'. She went on: 'If I had any idea what was going on in Wayne's head, then none of this would've happened but I didn't know anything. The kitchen shows magnets on the fridge door and a large telescope in the corner as well as family dining table Couzens' wife Olena (pictured) previously confessed she couldn't understand why her husband carried out the brutal attack 'He didn't appear to be acting strangely. I didn't notice anything was wrong. I'm working full time, most of the time I'm dropping the children off at school and picking them up, I have a really busy lifestyle. 'I can't comprehend it because he never once previously showed any glimpse of violence, he was never that way. I'm just as puzzled as everyone else. 'I saw nothing wrong. He had a beautiful family, a good house… what else did he need? I'm constantly asking myself "where I did miss the signs? How on earth could this have happened?' Couzens was jailed at the Old Baily in September 2021 and trial judge Lord Justice Fulford told him: 'Your wife and children, who on all the evidence, are entirely blameless, will have to live with the ignominy of your dreadful crimes for the rest of their lives.' Couzens drove to remote woods near Ashford (pictured), where he burnt her body and dumped her remains in a pond, with police making the grim discovery six days later Shortly after his arrest Olena visited him in prison where he was on remand and he cried and apologised to her and it is thought to be the last time she saw him, although it is not known if they have divorced. Couzens is serving his sentence at HMP Frankland and last month it emerged he had been taken to hospital for a back operation that cost tax payers £17,000.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
North Wales café bar perfect for 'leisurely lunch' with posh Welsh rarebit
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Casual dining at its best, the recently opened Social café bar is a lively addition to Rhos on Sea's culinary scene - a "go-to" spot for every occasion. In just a few months this chic new venue in the centre of the charming little North Wales resort has established itself as a versatile destination, offering a selection of mostly classic British fare, with some surprises from other countries, that can be eaten in house or taken away. Customers can indulge in everything from hearty breakfasts, brunch, salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries to special Friday and Saturday night wood fired pizzas that sell like the proverbial hot cakes! There are veggie, vegan and gluten free options and dietary needs are catered for. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is laid back and prices are affordable. Delicious freshly prepared food in a spacious and inviting setting – Social really delivers - as my former hotelier friend Nerys and I found when we popped in for a leisurely lunch. I had taken the precaution of booking a table- a wise move, for when we arrived just after midday, the place was already busy with couples, groups and ladies who lunched, tucking into attractive looking platters of food and obviously enjoying themselves. (Image: Social) A mouth watering aroma of cooking and coffee filled the air.... all very promising, Nerys and I thought. The brainchild of husband and wife team Jon and Tessa Turner, who come from a well known local catering family, Social opened last March in what had been a branch of Nat West Bank and most recently Johnny Dough's pizza bar. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, remaining open until 8pm for the popular weekend pizza evenings. King of the kitchen is classically trained chef Tom Durkan, who has worked at Watsons Bistro in Conwy and on Disney cruise ships. Nerys and I liked the smart new decor that was an attractive mix of modern style and practicality. Comfortably seating more than 32 people at well spaced wooden topped tables, the ground floor café was spotlessly clean, bright and airy with cream painted walls, distinctive lighting and greenery on the window sills. Mega sized photographs of underwater scenes taken by Tessa's cousin in Australia highlighted the exposed brick wall at the far end of the room. With my friend's car safely parked in the street nearby, we got down to the serious business of deciding what to eat and drink from the extensive a la carte menu. Available until noon, the breakfast menu offered toasted crumpets, freshly baked croissants, poached or scrambled eggs on toast and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on crumpets with chopped cornichons. Served until 3pm, brunch/lunch dishes included full Welsh breakfast, avocado on sourdough, homemade welsh rarebit, a fruity breakfast bowl and even sriracha benny ie poached eggs with a spicy sauce that originated in Thailand . From noon onwards customers can also order cakes and pastries, sandwiches, including the famous New York deli and salads such as classic Caesar, honey glazed goats cheese, tofu and smoked salmon. Affrogato, burnt Basque cheese cake and luxury Welsh ice cream provided a sweet finish. Star attractions on Friday and Saturday evenings are the homemade wood fired pizzas. Vegan cheese is available at no extra cost. Eight different choices priced between £11.50 and £15.95 include classics such as margherita, pepperoni and Hawaiian as well as more unusual spicy beef, truffled mushroom and nduja calabrese piccante, topped with a fiery Italian salami. Licensed for alcohol, the drinks list features beers including artisan Nokota IPA from the Llandudno based Wild Horse Brewery, as well as lagers and cider. Also available are gins, alcoholic and mock cocktails, alternative milks, soft drinks and a carefully chosen selection of international red, white and rose wines sold by the glass from £5.50 for 250ml or bottle from £25. The most expensive vintage – an exceptional Australian red shiraz- was priced at £39. (Image: Social) As Nerys was driving, she selected a bottle of alcohol free Peroni lager and I opted for a latte coffee that went down well with my choice of a house favourite - Welsh rarebit. Priced at £10.95 this, however, was an upmarket version that came on two slices of toasted sourdough bread, topped with pieces of roast ham and finished with chilli jam. Piping hot, rich and creamy, the savoury sauce was given a real kick with a generous slug of Wild Horse Nokota beer. I could have added a poached egg for an extra £1.75 but the dish was fine as it was and went down a treat. Full marks to chef Tom! Nerys went for classic Caesar salad with lots of crisp green leaves and homemade parmesan and sourdough croutons tossed in a tangy dressing. Adding warm pieces of chicken breast for an extra £3.50 transformed the salad into a substantial main course. (Image: Social) 'Absolutely delicious, but far too much for me, I just can't manage it all," Nerys commented sadly. However, customers often take their leftovers away with them and our very helpful server provided my friend with a takeaway box so she could finish the dish at home. Social has a real "feel good" vibe that makes eating and drinking there a pleasure. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this delightful new café bar and plan a return visit in the near future to sample the pizzas. One for the notebook? Most definitely!
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
North Wales café bar perfect for 'leisurely lunch' with posh Welsh rarebit
Casual dining at its best, the recently opened Social café bar is a lively addition to Rhos on Sea's culinary scene - a "go-to" spot for every occasion. In just a few months this chic new venue in the centre of the charming little North Wales resort has established itself as a versatile destination, offering a selection of mostly classic British fare, with some surprises from other countries, that can be eaten in house or taken away. Customers can indulge in everything from hearty breakfasts, brunch, salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries to special Friday and Saturday night wood fired pizzas that sell like the proverbial hot cakes! There are veggie, vegan and gluten free options and dietary needs are catered for. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is laid back and prices are affordable. Delicious freshly prepared food in a spacious and inviting setting – Social really delivers - as my former hotelier friend Nerys and I found when we popped in for a leisurely lunch. I had taken the precaution of booking a table- a wise move, for when we arrived just after midday, the place was already busy with couples, groups and ladies who lunched, tucking into attractive looking platters of food and obviously enjoying themselves. A mouth watering aroma of cooking and coffee filled the air.... all very promising, Nerys and I thought. The brainchild of husband and wife team Jon and Tessa Turner, who come from a well known local catering family, Social opened last March in what had been a branch of Nat West Bank and most recently Johnny Dough's pizza bar. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, remaining open until 8pm for the popular weekend pizza evenings. King of the kitchen is classically trained chef Tom Durkan, who has worked at Watsons Bistro in Conwy and on Disney cruise ships. Nerys and I liked the smart new decor that was an attractive mix of modern style and practicality. Comfortably seating more than 32 people at well spaced wooden topped tables, the ground floor café was spotlessly clean, bright and airy with cream painted walls, distinctive lighting and greenery on the window sills. Mega sized photographs of underwater scenes taken by Tessa's cousin in Australia highlighted the exposed brick wall at the far end of the room. With my friend's car safely parked in the street nearby, we got down to the serious business of deciding what to eat and drink from the extensive a la carte menu. Available until noon, the breakfast menu offered toasted crumpets, freshly baked croissants, poached or scrambled eggs on toast and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on crumpets with chopped cornichons. Served until 3pm, brunch/lunch dishes included full Welsh breakfast, avocado on sourdough, homemade welsh rarebit, a fruity breakfast bowl and even sriracha benny ie poached eggs with a spicy sauce that originated in Thailand . From noon onwards customers can also order cakes and pastries, sandwiches, including the famous New York deli and salads such as classic Caesar, honey glazed goats cheese, tofu and smoked salmon. Affrogato, burnt Basque cheese cake and luxury Welsh ice cream provided a sweet finish. Star attractions on Friday and Saturday evenings are the homemade wood fired pizzas. Vegan cheese is available at no extra cost. Eight different choices priced between £11.50 and £15.95 include classics such as margherita, pepperoni and Hawaiian as well as more unusual spicy beef, truffled mushroom and nduja calabrese piccante, topped with a fiery Italian salami. Licensed for alcohol, the drinks list features beers including artisan Nokota IPA from the Llandudno based Wild Horse Brewery, as well as lagers and cider. Also available are gins, alcoholic and mock cocktails, alternative milks, soft drinks and a carefully chosen selection of international red, white and rose wines sold by the glass from £5.50 for 250ml or bottle from £25. The most expensive vintage – an exceptional Australian red shiraz- was priced at £39. As Nerys was driving, she selected a bottle of alcohol free Peroni lager and I opted for a latte coffee that went down well with my choice of a house favourite - Welsh rarebit. Priced at £10.95 this, however, was an upmarket version that came on two slices of toasted sourdough bread, topped with pieces of roast ham and finished with chilli jam. Piping hot, rich and creamy, the savoury sauce was given a real kick with a generous slug of Wild Horse Nokota beer. I could have added a poached egg for an extra £1.75 but the dish was fine as it was and went down a treat. Full marks to chef Tom! Nerys went for classic Caesar salad with lots of crisp green leaves and homemade parmesan and sourdough croutons tossed in a tangy dressing. Adding warm pieces of chicken breast for an extra £3.50 transformed the salad into a substantial main course. 'Absolutely delicious, but far too much for me, I just can't manage it all," Nerys commented sadly. However, customers often take their leftovers away with them and our very helpful server provided my friend with a takeaway box so she could finish the dish at home. Social has a real "feel good" vibe that makes eating and drinking there a pleasure. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this delightful new café bar and plan a return visit in the near future to sample the pizzas. One for the notebook? Most definitely!
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
British Business Bank achieves £2.5bn in Growth Guarantee lending
The British Business Bank has achieved £2.5bn ($3.3bn) in lending through its Growth Guarantee Scheme, a programme designed to enhance access to finance for smaller UK businesses. This scheme has seen 69% of its lending directed to businesses outside London and the southeast, highlighting its broad geographic impact. In particular, more than £200m of lending has been provided in the North West, West Midlands, East of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions. The strategy supports a diverse range of industry sectors across the UK, including over £368m for manufacturing, more than £366m for wholesale and retail, and over £234m for the construction sector. Launched on 1 July 2024, the Growth Guarantee Scheme offers a variety of financial products through accredited lenders, such as term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance, and asset-based lending. The initiative can back facility sizes of up to £2m, providing lenders with a 70% government-backed guarantee, while borrowers remain 100% liable for the debt. British Business Bank chief banking officer Reinald de Monchy said: 'This milestone is a demonstration of the important work done by the 50+ delivery partners who have signed up to the Growth Guarantee Scheme, since its launch in July 2024. In particular, it is fantastic to see how much lending has been provided to firms under five years old, and the diversity of sectors supported. 'The government's recent Spending Review will provide the scheme with funding until March 2030, and we are excited to see the additional impact it can generate for smaller businesses across the UK.' A new agreement was recently signed between the British Business Bank and Rural Asset Finance, aiming to unlock around £120m in funding for smaller rural and agricultural businesses across the UK. The facility is supported by funding from NatWest Bank and BCI Capital, with the British Business Bank guaranteeing a portion of NatWest's contribution. The agreement also features sustainability-linked incentives that may reduce borrowing costs if environmental performance targets are met. "British Business Bank achieves £2.5bn in Growth Guarantee lending" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
