Category: Newcastle

Here are the latest cases from the region’s courts:BURSLEM: Homeless Scott Jones has been handed a six-month conditional discharge after he admitted seven charges of shop theft. North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the 34-year-old, care of Swan Bank Methodist Church, Burslem, stole goods worth £40 from Morrisons, Blurton, on January 18; magazines worth £100 from Morrisons on February 2; food from Morrisons worth £10 on February 25; items worth £25 from Morrisons on March 2; plants worth £28 from the Co-op on March 7; theft of Easter eggs worth £14 from the Co-op on March 16; and £50 worth of goods from Morrisons on June 1. Simon Dykes, mitigating, said Jones had not troubled the court since 2019 after he stopped using drugs – only to became homeless. Mr Dykes added: “He was picked up by the rough sleepers team. He is off monkey dust now.” As well as the conditional discharge Jones was ordered to pay £277 compensation and a £26 surcharge.STOKE-ON-TRENT: Twenty-seven-year-old Lewis Knight, of no fixed address, has pleaded guilty to two charges of being concerned in making an offer to supply a class A drug; being concerned in making an offer to supply a class B drug; two charges of possession with intent to supply a class A drug to another; possession with intent to supply a class B drug; possession of criminal property; and assaulting an emergency worker on February 2. His case will be mentioned at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on July 17. He remains in custody.ALSAGER: Twenty-two-year-old Dillan Middleton, of John Cliff Way, Alsager, has pleaded guilty to a charge of controlling or coercive behaviour between August 31, 2022 and October 1, 2024 and two charges of sending a communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety. He will be sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in the week commencing August 24, after a probation sevice officer has prepared a report on him. His bail was extended.CHEADLE: Thirty-three-year-old James Johnson, of Weaver Close, Cheadle, has admitted a charge of intentional strangulation between May 8 and May 11, 2025. He will be sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on September 4 after a probation service officer has prepared a report on him. His bail was extended.BENTILEE: Fifty-eight-year-old Kevin Hunter, of Ubberley Road, Bentilee, has pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and possession of a class B drug. He will be sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on July 8. He was remanded in custody.Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

Residents spotted the smokeThe fire in Ball GreenThree fire engines were sent to a blaze in the city last night – that left plenty of residents spotting smoke. Crews were called out to Ball Green just after 9.45pm where a ‘pile of rubbish’ was alight.And smoke generated from the blaze could be spotted around the neighbourhood including in Norton. Now Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has told The Sentinel that crews are expected to head back out this morning for an inspection of the scene of the fire.Crews from Kidsgrove, Sandyford and Newcastle had attended the scene last night. A spokeswoman said they found a pile of rubbish on fire in a ‘controlled burn’.Firefighters left the scene just before 11.05pm.Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

Planners at Stoke-on-Trent City Council refused the application16:18, 12 Jun 2026Updated 15:21, 04 Jul 2026The proposed bungalows in Brookhouse Lane, BucknallPlans to build three homes on Green Belt land in Stoke-on-Trent have been blocked. An application was submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council requesting ‘permission in principle’ for three bungalows on land off Brookhouse Lane in Bucknall.The applicants claimed that the land met the criteria for grey belt, due to it not making a strong contribution to the purposes of the Green Belt. According to the planning statement, the relatively small size of the site, the fact that it is enclosed by existing buildings and the existence of mature vegetation along Causley Brook providing a natural defensible boundary means the proposed development ‘will not fundamentally undermine the purposes of the remaining Green Belt’.The statement also notes that the city council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land, meaning there should be a presumption in favour of sustainable development.But planning officers at the city council have refused the application under delegated powers, for two reasons. They say the proposal is considered ‘inappropriate development in the Green Belt’ due to it not meeting the definition of infilling in villages.The decision note also states that future residents’ access to local services would be reliant on private car ownership due to the ‘rural characteristics’ of Brookhouse Lane and the surrounding area.Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

Families living near Festival Park marina say their lives are being made a misery by boy racers. Residents have told The Sentinel how cars frequently congregate on the car park behind the Ten Pin bowling centre, revving their cars and playing loud music into the early hours of the morning.Pensioner Jennifer Boulton, aged 80, of Pebble Mill, said: “It is a bloody nuisance. They leave a mess as well. They open their windows and just drop out a McDonald’s or whatever. They meet at the Ten Pin car park. We get them on our private car park, eating their food, making their noise until all hours and leaving their rubbish. They are a nuisance. There was an injunction order for a couple of years. It expired and it all started again.”Neighbour Melanie Hulson, aged 62, said: “I have not seen them but I have heard them, the boom, boom, boom. I realise it is coming from that direction.”Linda Nelson, aged 69, of Lakewood Grove, added: “They are a nuisance. It is between 10pm and 11pm. They congregate and do the figure of eight. It is a car park for the Ten Pin bowling. I have rang the police a few times. They told me to keep calling. You can’t sleep. It has kept us awake at night. That is with the windows closed. During the summer, when you open windows, it is going to be worse. It is as if your floor vibrates to their music. It is a nuisance.”Staffordshire Police have been cracking down on the Festival Park boy racers for a number of weeks. They have had disperal orders – covering Festival Way, Marina Way, Etruria Road and Cobridge Road – for a number of weekends.PC Paul Seddon, of Stoke-on-Trent North local policing team, said: “We have already issued numerous warning letters to registered keepers of cars which have been seen driving anti-socially in the area and arrested one man on suspicion of driving offences. We are determined to tackle issues affecting our communities and will do all we can to protect the public from harm.”Anyone with any issues regarding boy racers should call the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.StokeonTrent Live has approached Stoke-on-Trent City Council for a comment.Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google SearchGet daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE

The swan was transported to Jenny Walker’s home on a lorry across the M6Jenny Walker, 38, has spent thousands on a swan boat which featured at Alton Towers. Her daughter Summer Jane, three, with the boatA Staffordshire mum obsessed with an Alton Towers ride from her childhood has forked out thousands after tracking down one of its original swan boats,Jenny Walker, 38, spent months trying to get her hands on a fibreglass swans after growing up riding them at the popular theme park, in Staffordshire, near her home.The famous Swan Boats attraction carried up to nine visitors in giant white swans around the lake at Alton Towers between 1987 and 2003.Determined to own one herself, she set her sights on a swan owned by the Lion Bar & Club, in Walsall.She managed to convince the boss to part ways with the swan and even transported it along the M6, with motorists beeping their horns as it went past.It now has pride of place outside Jenny’s home. where it has become a favourite of her three-year-old daughter Summer Jane.READ MORE: The disturbing digital trail left by racist monster who raped Sikh woman he thought was MuslimJenny said: “It wouldn’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s an iconic thing.”It brings back so many happy memories of waiting in line with excitement to go on the ride.”Jenny, from Wetley Rocks, near Stoke-on-Trent, said she spent much of her childhood at the park and always loved the gentle ride around the water.She said: “We live near Alton Towers and I spent a lot of my childhood there.”It just feels like a part of history.”Jenny Walker, 38, has spent thousands on a swan boat which featured at Alton TowersWhen the ride closed in 2003, the 16 swans were sold off and were dispatched across the country, becoming prized collectors’ items.Over the years, some have appeared at caravan parks, schools and private homes, while others have reportedly changed hands for substantial sums.Jenny said: “It was difficult, because one had recently sold on eBay and there was an offer – which was later retracted – for £500,000.”We know that another sold in our town for £30,000.”It was hard to compare prices, some people were asking for daft money.”READ MORE: Secret to getting the best of BirminghamLive’s storiesDespite the cost, Jenny spent thousands of pounds getting one of the increasingly rare boats for her family.She launched a lengthy hunt, contacting owners, collectors and enthusiasts in the hope of persuading somebody to part with one.Jenny said: “Most people said they wanted to pass them down the generations.”Eventually, she found one owned by the Lion Bar & Club in Walsall.The venue’s licensee Zac Humpage had owned the boat for years and used it as a stage and photo prop at performances and events.Jenny said: “At first, they said they weren’t interested in parting with the swan because they used it on stage.”But we bartered back and forth for months and months.”Her persistence eventually paid off and Zac agreed to sell, with the mum recalling: “It was amazing, we were ecstatic.”Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.Jenny Walker’s daughter Summer Jane with the swan boatThe swan was transported home on a lorry, with Jenny and her family following behind as it made its way along the M6.She said: “Even when we were driving down the motorway with it, everyone was beeping their horns because they recognised it.”It’s so well-known and so loved.”The boat now had pride of place outside the family’s home.Jenny said: “[Summer Jane] went to nursery one day and when she got home, she just couldn’t believe what was in the garden.”Jenny’s quest to find a swan came after she bought a house which had become a local landmark thanks to one of the original Alton Towers boats standing outside for around 15 years.The swan was sold before she completed the purchase, leaving the family determined to find another.Jenny said: “I remember always seeing it as a child.”Now I’ve got my own family, the house came up for sale – and we immediately knew it was the house with the swan.”But in between the time it was listed for sale and we bought the house, someone local had spotted the chance to offer money for the boat.”Determined to restore the landmark, she eventually succeeded in bringing another original swan back to the village.Despite the soaring value of the nostalgic attractions, Jenny insists this one won’t be going anywhere.She said: “We’re never going to part with it.”

And it’s reopening today!14:42, 02 Jul 2026Updated 05:55, 03 Jul 2026Works have been carried out at the Aldi branch in KidsgroveA North Staffordshire Aldi will reopen today (July 3) after being closed for a revamp. And the overhaul at the Kidsgrove store represents part of a wider £300 million investment into Aldi branches across the UK.Last month the retailer had confirmed the Liverpool Road supermarket was one of 25 in the latest wave to benefit from a spruce up. Selected stores, which also included some in Liverpool, London, Aberdeen, Nottingham and Manchester, would see upgraded an upgraded bakery, along with improvements to the health and beauty and fresh food areas.The aim has been to create more space to shop with the introduction of some ‘sustainable features’. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We’re continuing to invest in our stores to ensure our customers have the best possible shopping experience at Aldi.“These upgrades will help us create even more convenient and efficient stores for both customers and colleagues while also supporting our sustainability ambitions.”Aldi say the Kidsgrove branch will reopen today (July 3). The retail chain has stores across North Staffordshire in Leek, Norton Heights, Fenton, Biddulph, Tunstall, Newcastle, Trent Vale, Trentham, Meir Park, Cheadle, and Stone.Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

The police are appealing to find missing woman Mia, from Stoke-on-Trent.Staffordshire Police said the 27-year-old was reported missing yesterday (Wednesday 1 July) and has not been seen since Friday 19 June in Hanley.Mia is described as being around 5ft 4ins tall, of a slim build with shoulder length auburn / ginger hair.It is not known what clothing she was last seen wearing.A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: “If you can help us find her, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website, quoting incident 487 of 1 July.”

The Potteries has plenty of pretty villages up its sleeve, from the lovely Barton-under-Needwood and Butterton in the Peak District National Park, to the fetching BarlastonThe beautiful village of Ilam in the Peak District(Image: Getty Images/Graham Custance)The prettiest village in Staffordshire has been named.When it comes to easy-on-the-eye villages, the Potteries have a lot going for them.There is, of course, the lovely Barton-under-Needwood. Located in the east, this village is packed with history. It boasts over 40 Grade II-listed buildings, a beautiful marina, and lovely independent shops.Butterton is another classic, nestled as it is within the Peak District National Park. It is famous for its charming sandstone cottages, historic church spire, and a picturesque ford where the road crosses the River Manifold.Barlaston may also be near the top of your personal list. Situated just five miles from Stoke-on-Trent, this quaint settlement has a traditional English village feel. It sits right beside the World of Wedgwood, combining rural beauty with world-famous pottery heritage.Ilam in the Peak District is a beautiful village(Image: Google)However, none of these have been placed at the top of the pretty pile.”If you’re seeking lush English landscape and a dash of alpine flair in Staffordshire, look no further than Ilam. In the 19th century, the owner of Ilam Hall commissioned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott to create a ‘cottage orné’ estate village inspired by the Swiss Alps,” writes Love Exploring, which placed Ilam at number two on its list of the prettiest villages in England.”The result? A gobsmacking collection of Swiss-style houses that lend a quirky edge to the Victorian Gothic Ilam Hall and its surrounding Italian gardens.”Ilam is basically the gateway to Dovedale, one of the most scenic river valleys in England that is made up of limestone gorges, the River Dove, and the famous stepping stones. It’s one of the most-visited beauty spots in the Peak District, so Ilam makes a great base for walking without needing to go deep into the national park.The village itself feels oddly transplanted. It was rebuilt in the 19th century in a quaint, Italianate style by a wealthy landowner, complete with an ornate stone cross-shaped monument in the centre. Ilam Hall (now partly a youth hostel, run by the National Trust) sits in landscaped parkland along the river.The village is a gateway to Dovedale(Image: Jake Thornley)The Ilam Park estate has manicured gardens, riverside walks, and grounds that are free to wander, althoughparking has a fee. It’s a relaxed spot for a picnic or a gentle stroll before or after tackling Dovedale properly.There’s a bit of pilgrimage history. St Bertram’s Well and the small church of the Holy Cross are linked to a local Saxon saint, giving the village some quiet historical and spiritual interest beyond just scenery.The feel is Ilam is compact, picturesque, and low-key. There is not much beyond a café, church, and hall ,but it’s less about the village itself and more about using it as a launchpad for classic Peak District walking country, particularly Dovedale and the Manifold Valley nearby.The best villages in EnglandDevon: ClovellyStaffordshire: IlamWiltshire: Castle CombeCornwall: MouseholeWest Yorkshire: HaworthWest Midlands: BournvilleSuffolk: LavenhamNorth Yorkshire: Thornton-le-DaleNorfolk: ThornhamLancashire: DownhamGloucestershire: PainswickDorset: Cerne AbbasTyne and Wear: TynemouthDerbyshire: TideswellCumbria: GrasmereSomerset: DunsterEast Sussex: AlfristonEast Riding of Yorkshire: ThixendaleCounty Durham: StaindropSouth Yorkshire: WentworthWest Sussex: AmberleyKent: ChiddingstoneWorcestershire: InkberrowIsle of Wight: GodshillHertfordshire: KimptonHerefordshire: PembridgeGreater Manchester: WorsleyGreater London: HampsteadBerkshire: Sonning-on-ThamesBuckinghamshire: TurvilleOxfordshire: FaringdonSurrey: ShereBedfordshire: WoburnLincolnshire: TealbyLeicestershire: QuornCheshire: ChristletonMerseyside: Port SunlightEssex: FinchingfieldBristol: WinterbourneWarwickshire: Barton-on-the-HeathCambridgeshire: EltonNottinghamshire: EdwinstoweShropshire: Much WenlockHampshire: Hurstbourne TarrantNorthumberland: AlnmouthRutland: SeatonNorthamptonshire: Stoke Bruerne

Persimmon submitted an odour assessment, which noted “extensive improvements to the capping of the former landfill site and the capture and combustion of landfill gas emissions” by the Environment Agency. “Consequently, the analysis undertaken found no significant odour effects, with sniff test times and conditions chosen to investigate likely worst-case meteorological conditions,” it continued.The developer said initial designs had been improved following a consultation earlier this year, with more space around waterways and improved footpaths.It also said the site was “highly sustainable”, with good transport links to Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent.The borough council will consider the plans in due course.

Police are out looking for the youngstersPolice are searching for missing boys Kaiden, 13, and 12-year-old KobiPolice have issued an appeal to find two missing boys who never returned home after school. Kaiden, aged 13, and 12-year-old Kobi, were both reported missing on Monday.Now Staffordshire Police has made a public appeal for help in finding the boys, who officers believe may be together. As part of the appeal for the force has issued descriptions of the youngsters.Kaiden is described as being around 5ft 2ins tall, of a slim build with short, brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black Hugo Boss jumper with orange writing, tracksuit bottoms and grey Nike trainers with green on them.Kobi is described as being around 5ft 6ins tall, of a slim build with short, light brown hair. He was last seen wearing black shorts, a black t-shirt and white trainers with multi-coloured detail.A force spokesperson said: “Both of them frequent Lyme Valley Park.”Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call the force on 101 and quote incident 913 of June 29.Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search