Author: Blake Foster

Woolwich Crown Court is the primary court for serious criminal cases committed in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham.  It also frequently serves as the venue for terror trials due to its position right next to HMP Belmarsh.  New data has revealed that the crown court backlog across England and Wales has risen to a record high, passing 75,000 cases for the first time.  The result is that trials are being listed for 2029 – leaving defendants and victims waiting up to four years for justice.  Responding to the national figures, courts and legal services minister Sarah Sackman KC said the current…

Stack & Sizzle will open in South Street next month in place of the former Italian restaurant Bunno. Owner Mohammad Sagar told the Recorder that he was aiming to open the shop on July 6 or 7. “Our slogan is ‘stacked high, sizzled right’ and that means we have a focus on quality,” he said.  “We know that lots of customers care about the quantity as well so we’ll offer both parts but our focus will remain on quality.” Stack & Sizzle posters were spotted in the window of Bunno on June 5 and the site has since undergone a rebranding.…

Police believe Anthony Morrison was at a wake when he was shot to death on Imperial Way around 5pm on June 19. Officers and paramedics were called but Anthony was pronounced dead at the scene. A man has since been charged with his murder, but detectives say more information is needed to understand what happened on that day. Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten from the Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Anthony’s family and friends at this difficult time.  “This charge marks significant progress in the investigation into Anthony’s death.  “However,…

The Air Quality Annual Status Report for 2024 shows that nitrogen dioxide levels have dropped by 40 per cent since 2018. Levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter) have been halved compared to the 2028 target and remain below national standards and World Health Organisation guidance, the council said. All monitored sites across Redbridge are now meeting national legal limits for key pollutants including nitrogen dioxide, PM10, and PM2.5. This achievement is attributed to joint efforts with Greater London Authority, Transport for London, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. MORE NEWS: New skate park to be built in Hainault after…

It is reported that the incident occurred between Kentish Town and Highgate stations on April 30 at around 5.40pm. Officers have heard that a man stood close to a woman on board the train, before sexually assaulting her. Police would like to speak to this man (Image: BTP) An image has been shared by the British Transport Police of a man who detectives would like to speak to, as they believe he may have information that could help with the investigation. The man is seen with a beard, wearing a hood and using wired earphones. Anyone who recognises him is…

  According to the latest Waste Data Flow statistics which was analysed by AWM, 191 tonnes of DVDs, CDs, and Video tapes were discarded across the borough in the first three months of 2024. That puts Hillingdon fourth in the UK overall, just behind West Sussex, East Riding, and Hull.   Other London boroughs such as Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham and Lambeth also featured in the UK’s top 10 for media disposal, showing that the trend is strong across the capital.   This trend could reflect a broader shift in how the nation consumes music, film, TV and gaming driven…

Plans to refurbish and extend Brewdog, in Station Road, were approved by Havering Council earlier this month. The proposals include building a part single, part two-storey extension at the back of the current building, which will serve as new storage areas at ground floor and an expanded kitchen space at first floor level. READ MORE: BrewDog, Upminster set for refurb and roof terrace extension Errol Kiani, general manager of Brewdog Upminster, told the Recorder that the main goal of the refurb is to “enhance efficiency and safety” for staff and customers. He said: “Our current design has not kept pace with the…

But contractors promise the work will be finished in time to reopen the play area for the school summer holidays. A trampoline, two springers and three play panels are also being installed as well as the zip wire and obstacle course. Picnic benches are being added and trees and wildflowers to be planted in the autumn. The work is part of an £8.5 million Haringey Council programme for play facilities in eight parks and recreation areas in Hornsey, Crouch End and Tottenham. These include Down Lane Park, Elizabeth Place,  Oliver Tambo recreation ground and Russell Park. A new playground and games area…

Ravindra Singh, head chef at Namak in High Road, was named national curry chef of the year.at the UK Curry Championships 2025. His work was also given gold for the best dish in the competition. Rajesh Suri, director of operations at Namak, said: “Ravindra is an exceptional chef. Ravindra Singh (left) and Rajesh Suri (right) (Image: Rajesh Suri)”He made a lot of changes to the kitchen focussing on fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. “He has green beliefs and likes zero wastage.” According to Rajesh, hundreds of chefs apply for the competition and are whittled down through competitive rounds until 15 remain. “The judges don’t decide…

The incident happened near Milton Keynes Central station soon after 12.30pm today (June 26). At this stage, it is not known how serious the incident is or if there have been any injuries. Lines through Milton Keynes Central station have been closed, with services from London Euston cancelled or delayed by up to 90 minutes. It is affecting northerly Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway services for destinations across the midlands, north of England and Scotland. A National Rail warning reads: “A train has derailed in the Milton Keynes Central area, closing some lines.  “Trains running through this station…