Author: Blake Foster

James Thomas, 28, of Valeside, Hertford, was found guilty of sexual assault by digital penetration by a jury at Inner London Crown Court in September this year. The assault took place in a hotel on April 29, 2023, in the early hours of the morning. The victim left the hotel on her on own and that afternoon called Rape Crisis. She reported the assault to police on May 1 that year and Thomas was arrested on the same day. Police then reviewed CCTV footage sent by the hotel to secure a prosecution. Thomas has been sentenced to three years and…

Kaylani Kalanzi was on the radar of social services even before she was born and placed on a child protection plan, the Old Bailey was told. On July 8 2024 she was admitted to hospital having been violently shaken, with an impact to her head. She suffered catastrophic brain injuries as well as a broken leg and ribs, and died in hospital 15 days later. Her mother, Nazli Merthoca, faced trial over her death and in October a jury cleared her of murder but found her guilty of the lesser alternative charge of manslaughter. Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC said the…

The city kicks off the week under a blanket of thick cloud, although rain isn’t expected, with chances only edging up to 20 per cent later tonight, December 15. From lunchtime through the evening, the overcast conditions dominate, with a marginal rain probability rising to just 20 per cent overnight. As for temperatures, London can expect mild conditions throughout Monday, ranging from 11°C to 12°C. Tuesday, December 16, promises a grey and chillier day, with persistent cloud cover and a 30 per cent to 40 per cent chance of drizzle around dawn. Temperatures are forecasted to peak at just around…

The new ‘pay on exit’ technology is being installed at William Hunter Way and Chatham Way. It automatically logs a vehicle’s registration and entry time at the barrier and when drivers return, they enter their registration at a nearby machine, pay the fee, and exit once payment is confirmed. Councillor David Kendall, chair of the finance and resources committee at Brentwood Council, said: “Pay on exit parking gives people greater flexibility and peace of mind when visiting Brentwood High Street. “Visitors can now take their time without worrying about their parking expiring. “This upgrade reflects our commitment to modernising services…

The Co-op in City Road has relaunched following a major programme of improvements to ‘transform’ the store. The near 4,300-square-foot store now has a fresh new look and will support 16 local jobs. Islington Co-op relaunches after 12-week revamp with added amenities (Image: © Teri Pengilley/ UNP 0845 600 7737) Operating hours are from 7 am to 10 pm every day. New facilities include a Costa Coffee Express machine, self-service tills, and online delivery services through Deliveroo, Uber, and Just Eat. Fresh layout and international foods headline Co-op’s City Road upgrade (Image: © Teri Pengilley/ UNP 0845 600 7737) There…

Police were called to the incident on Skinner Street last Wednesday (December 10) at 1.02pm. The driver of the car, a woman in her 70s, and a male passenger in his 70s, were taken to hospital with injuries. Two days later (December 12), the woman died in hospital. Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by police. According to the Metropolitan Police, the passenger’s injuries were not deemed life-changing or life-threatening and he has since been discharged from hospital. The driver and passenger in the lorry suffered only minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment. A Met…

The Traitors and outgoing Strictly presenter was at Cook for Good in King’s Cross to chat to members and help out with the chopping and stirring. As they bonded over the pot of chicken and white bean soup – and whizzed up home made walnut pesto – she heard about how the club has helped the men to boost their confidence and wellbeing while making new friends. The Grub Club at Cook for Good in Collier Street Islington is aimed at men aged 60 plus to help them learn new skills and eat healthily while making new friends. (Image: The…

Police cordoned off Rodney Road in Elephant and Castle on Sunday (December 14) at around 2.30pm. The London Ambulance Service was also called to the scene, with medics first arriving in less than three minutes. A person, whose age and further details have not been shared at this time, was pronounced dead at the scene. No further information about this death has been shared so far, but the Metropolitan Police has been approached for more details. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.34pm on Sunday 14 December to reports of an incident on Rodney Road, SE17.…

The Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) was called to Pepys Close at around 7.20pm yesterday (December 14). Three fire engines attended and five people were treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation. Their current condition and the cause of the fire are not known. The fire was extinguished at around 10pm. A KFRS spokesperson said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a kitchen fire on Pepys Close, in Dartford. “Three fire engines attended and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. “Five people were passed into the care of SECAmb for…

Jason, 56, has not been seen since he last left his home on November 5. He is 6ft tall and is described as having a skinny build. The missing man was last seen wearing black Sketchers, black bottoms and a black hoodie. Jason, 56, has been missing for a month (Image: Met Police) Police have said his family have been growing increasingly anxious since his disappearance, and a further appeal has been made in hopes to find him. Jason’s family have now provided a photo of him, taken in January 2024. Jason, 56, has been missing for a month (Image:…