Tag: News Story

STORY

A former Dorset Police officer has been jailed after admitting misconduct in public office arising from an inappropriate sexual relationship with a vulnerable domestic abuse victim. James McClements pleaded guilty in April and was sentenced following a prosecution brought by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The court heard that McClements met the woman while attending an incident in his professional capacity. Prosecutors said he subsequently abused the trust placed in him as an officer and developed a relationship with someone he knew to be vulnerable.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the case demonstrated the seriousness with which abuses of police authority are treated. Dorset Police had previously investigated the conduct and referred the evidence for a charging decision.

STORY

The European Commission has disbursed €3.47 billion to Ukraine through the defence window of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. The payment was announced as part of the European Union’s continuing financial support for Ukraine during the war with Russia.

The funding is intended to support Ukraine’s defence requirements while maintaining the operation of public services and the wider state. The Commission said disbursements under the loan are linked to agreed arrangements and form part of a broader package of European assistance.

The payment follows earlier EU grants and loans provided through the Ukraine Facility and other financial instruments. European institutions have said further support will remain subject to the conditions and procedures agreed by the Council and European Parliament.

STORY

A fourth company director has been disqualified for their role in a scheme involving unauthorised banking transactions worth almost £13.9 million, the Insolvency Service has announced. Daryl Dylan, 38, of Dublin, has accepted a seven and a half year director disqualification after agreeing not to contest allegations relating to his conduct as a company director.

The Insolvency Service said Daryl Dylan directed Oldcocdt Ltd and Oldcostl Ltd, formerly known as C&D Transport Solutions Ltd and Six Ten Logistics Ltd, which were used to move more than £1.6 million through unauthorised Barclays overdrafts during 2021. Most of the transfers were made to companies connected to his half brother, Scott Dylan, and his associates. Investigators said Daryl Dylan failed to ensure the money could be repaid to the bank on demand and did not adequately oversee the companies’ bank accounts.

The two companies entered liquidation in January 2022 after Barclays obtained freezing orders on the accounts and demanded repayment of more than £1.65 million. According to the Insolvency Service, no repayments were made.

STORY

A prolific shop thief who spat at and bit a security worker in Norwich has been jailed for 34 weeks. Paul Earl admitted 12 counts of shop theft, attempted theft and assault.

The offences were committed at stores in Norwich between February and June. He also asked for four further theft offences to be taken into consideration.

Norwich magistrates also ordered him to pay £150 compensation to the security worker. Police said CCTV and witness evidence had linked him to the offences.

STORY

UK pension funds have agreed to work together on a new investment initiative intended to provide up to £1 billion for British growth companies. The announcement was made as part of the Government’s efforts to increase domestic investment.

The initiative is intended to direct more long term pension capital towards innovative businesses seeking to expand. Ministers said it would support companies in sectors including technology and life sciences.

Further details will be developed by participating pension providers and investment managers. The Government said the scheme would operate on a commercial basis.

STORY

UK inflation fell to 2.6 per cent in June, down from 2.8 per cent in May and its lowest rate since March 2025. Lower fuel prices contributed to the reduction in the headline rate.

Core inflation remained at 2.6 per cent, while services inflation eased slightly to 3.6 per cent. Economists have warned that renewed increases in global energy prices could push inflation higher later in the year.

The Bank of England is expected to consider the figures when it next reviews interest rates. The current Bank Rate is 3.75 per cent.

STORY

The European Commission has given a cautious welcome to the latest United States tariff announcement, saying that exemptions for several European products were consistent with the EU US trade agreement reached in 2025.

The United States announced new tariffs of 10 per cent and 12.5 per cent on goods from a range of trading partners. Exemptions included aircraft parts, generic medicines, cork and diamonds.

The Commission said it would continue pressing Washington to honour the wider terms of the agreement and seek further exemptions. It rejected US claims that the European Union had failed to act sufficiently against forced labour.

STORY

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to cross party talks on the future of social care in England. The Government is considering how to fund and organise long term support for older and disabled people.

Burnham indicated that ministers would speak to the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in an effort to establish a more durable settlement. No final funding model has been announced.

The Government has said any changes will need to address pressure on families, councils and the NHS. Further proposals are expected after discussions with political parties and organisations in the care sector.

STORY

The UK Government has announced support for residents of 97 homes evacuated in Coalsnaughton after ground movement was linked to historic coal mining. The Mining Remediation Authority will take over management of the response.

The authority said investigations had found continuing signs of movement and that monitoring would remain in place until the ground was stable. Residents will be contacted directly about financial and practical assistance.

Under existing legislation, the Government is responsible for remedying damage caused by coal mining subsidence. The local council and Scottish Government will continue to assist with the response.

STORY

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s Governor to the World Bank. The Government said the appointment would give him direct responsibility for Britain’s engagement on international development and climate finance.

Kirsty McNeill has also been appointed Minister for Development and will oversee day to day policy delivery. International development will remain within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The Government said it would continue to use its World Bank role to support economic development, poverty reduction and international action on climate and nature.