Latest news with #BBCWiltshire
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Driver broke man's leg in 'senseless violence'
A man who was doing wheel spins and handbrake turns in a residential area deliberately hit a pedestrian who came out of his home to see what was happening. Ashley Sherred, of Southampton Road in Salisbury, mounted the curb and hit the resident on 10 May, breaking the man's leg. The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving at a court hearing on Thursday at Salisbury Crown Court. Trainee Det Con Dan Smith said: "This was a senseless act of violence that left the victim with significant injuries, and it could have been a lot worse." Sherred was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing on 8 August. On the day of the incident, he was seen driving a blue Ford Fiesta erratically in Pinewood Close. He left the scene after hitting his victim, but was found by Wiltshire Police later that day and arrested. His car was found the following day. "I hope this guilty plea begins to bring some sense of closure to the victim and his family and that this sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of violence in Wiltshire," Trainee Det Con Smith added. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Driver charged after pedestrian hit by car HM Courts & Tribunal Service Wiltshire Police
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Investigation launched as woman found dead in property
The death of a woman in her 70s who was found inside a house is being treated as unexplained by police. Detectives have launched an investigation into the death after being called to the property on South Street in Salisbury on Thursday at about 08:30 BST. Det Ch Insp Phil Walker, from Wiltshire Police, said they appreciate the concern this will cause in the local community, but said there is "no risk to the wider public and we are not currently looking for anyone in connection with this investigation". He added that there will be will be an increased policing presence in the area while enquiries are carried out and offered his sympathies to the woman's family and friends. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Wiltshire Police
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Second person dies after motorbike crash
A second person has died following a crash involving a car and three motorbikes. A woman in her 60s, who was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, suffered serious injuries after the incident on the A36 in Knook, Wiltshire, on Saturday. Wiltshire Police has confirmed she has since died in hospital. Rob Best, from Bradley Stoke on the outskirts of Bristol, was declared dead at the scene of the crash. In a tribute, his family said he was "loved and adored by all who knew him". Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage of the incident, which happened at about 10:30 BST. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Family remember 'adored' motorcyclist who died in crash Man dies in crash between three motorbikes and car Wiltshire Police
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Insufficient progress' made on drugs at Prison
A report into a category C men's prison has found that drugs remain easily available, with almost a third of inmates recording positive readings during random drug tests. HMP Erlestoke, in Wiltshire, was inspected over three days in April, following up on concerns raised about "safety", "respect" and "purposeful activity" during the previous inspection in 2024. HM chief inspector of prisons said good progress was being made in one out of the nine areas of concern, with reasonable progress being made in five. A Prison Service spokesperson said they are pleased improvements have been recognised, adding "more needs to be done". Three areas were found to have demonstrated insufficient progress. The report found that no improvement had been made in relation to prisoners' access to drugs, with the rate of positive random drug tests remaining at 32%. It also found that there had been 426 emergency medical calls in the previous six months for prisoners suspected of being under the influence of a prohibited substance. "Insufficient progress" was also made in improving the first night cells and preventing self-harm. The report said that despite a reduction "there was still no action plan to address the high levels of self-harm and to prevent future self-inflicted deaths." Support for prisoners who needed help with reading was also found to be lacking. Improvements were found to have been made with "overall levels of violence now lower than in similar prisons" and work had been done to address antisocial behaviour and reduce the use of force. The report found levels of violence had reduced by 25% since the 2024 inspection, including the number of serious assaults. The number of incidents of use of force had also decreased during the same period. It further noted that "positive steps had been taken to address negative perceptions of treatment among prisoners from ethnic minority backgrounds." The Prison Service spokesperson said: "We are pleased inspectors have recognised improvements in tackling violence and antisocial behaviour at HMP Erlestoke. "But we know more needs to be done, which is why we are working with police to keep drugs out of the prison and supporting prisoners with substance misuse addiction through our drug recovery wing." Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Prison made 'insufficient progress' with drugs Prison 'less safe' following Covid-19 restrictions
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pair of rare royal pistols to be sold at auction
A pair of rare pistols from the private collection of an 18th Century prince are to be sold at auction later. The guns were owned by Prince Augustus Frederick, the first Duke of Sussex, the sixth son of King George III. They were made in the 1790s by the esteemed Spanish gunsmith Francisco Targarona and are believed to have been given to the prince as a diplomatic gift. The pair are estimated to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 at a special sale of medals and coins, arms and armour at Woolley & Wallis, in Salisbury. The duke was well liked and noted for championing societal freedom and reform. He was also known for his large weapons collection, which was put up for auction on his death in 1843, including the pistols. The guns are Spanish 22 bore convertible 'Madrid' lock pistols, which date from about 1795. They are highly decorative, with geometric and floral accents, and can be fitted together to create a short, single gun. They are housed in a fitted mahogany case with velvet lining. On the outside, the case has an oval silver plate on its lid engraved "Purchased at the sale of His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, 1845". Ned Cowell, head of arms and armour at Woolley & Wallis, said the selling the guns was a privilege. "We are honoured to be offering such an outstanding pair of pistols by such a distinguished gunmaker and with such a historic background," he added. Other items in the sale include a selection of military medals, rare coins, swords, cannons and a coronation robe worn in 1937 and in 1953. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. 'Very rare' five-neck guitars to be sold at auction Titanic pocket watch could sell for £50k at auction Sport commentator's career keepsakes sold
