Monthly Archives: December 2025

Ex-solicitor touched Plymouth clients in ‘pre-arranged’ way

Ex-solicitor touched Plymouth clients in ‘pre-arranged’ way

BBCAlan Harris denies 22 sexual abuse charges against himA former defence solicitor said he would touch clients in a "pre-arranged" way during interviews but never in a sexual manner, a court has heard.Alan Harris, 72, of Thorn Park, Plymouth, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of 12 charges of indecent assault, eight charges of sexual assault and two charges of rape, dating from 1989 to 2015.In summing up, Recorder of Winchester Judge Angela Morris said Mr…

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Torbay Cristmas display damaged by people climbing it

Torbay Cristmas display damaged by people climbing it

Extra protection could be brought in for a Christmas lights display after a tree was damaged by people climbing on it, a council has said.CCTV video shared on social media showed two women scaling spiral metal tree frames along the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail on the Torquay harbourside, in Devon, in the early hours of Sunday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.Torbay Council said their actions had been "dangerous, costly to repair and spoils the experience for…

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Devon & Cornwall Police ask public to register CCTV cameras

Devon & Cornwall Police ask public to register CCTV cameras

Police are asking people to register CCTV and doorbell cameras so they can potentially request footage when needed to investigate crimes.Devon and Cornwall Police said it had introduced a new digital media management system which would allow it to request evidence from businesses and communities across the force area.The system, called NiCE Investigate, is currently used by 24 police forces across the UK.Assistant chief constable Dave Thorne said he hoped the new process of collecting digital media evidence…

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Root’s first century in Australia gives England edge as Starc topples Akram | Cricket News

England get an edge on the first day of second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane as Joe Root hits his first century in Australia.England’s Joe Root conquered his final frontier with a first Ashes century in Australia as the tourists pushed past 300 on the first day of the second Test in Brisbane despite a six-wicket haul from pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.Root marched off unbeaten on 135 off 202 balls after a late flogging of the pink…

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Festive Quayside Farmers Market – Exeter Observer

Festive Quayside Farmers Market – Exeter Observer
Festive Quayside Farmers Market – Exeter Observer

Good journalism costs money  Upgrade to paid E O Exeter Observer Local news that matters ON OUR RADAR Monthly market returns to offer local produce, hand-made goods, plants, cakes and more for Christmas feasting. Leigh Curtis Exeter Quayside Farmers’ Market returns to Piazza Terracina on Saturday 20 December for a festive edition with local produce

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Festive Quayside Farmers’ Market – Exeter Observer

Festive Quayside Farmers’ Market – Exeter Observer

Exeter Quayside Farmers’ Market returns to Piazza Terracina on Saturday 20 December for a festive edition with local produce, hand-made goods, hot drinks and more.Launched by Food Exeter in June, and attracting around 1,000 visitors on its first day, the monthly market aims to increase access to nutritious, healthy food for Exeter residents and visitors. Exeter Quayside Farmers Market mince pies. Photo: Martyn Windsor.The December market will host 30 local producers including Shillingford Organics, Dartmoor Chilli Farm, De-Bees…

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Cheddar recycling centre to remain open for foreseeable future

Cheddar recycling centre to remain open for foreseeable future

There are no immediate plans to shut a recycling centre, which two years ago was earmarked for closure in a cost-saving measure.Somerset Council published plans in January 2024 to shut five of the county's 16 recycling centres, including one in Cheddar, in a bid to save £963,000.Somerset Council has now confirmed Cheddar's recycling centre will remain open with its current hours for the foreseeable future.Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead for waste services, said: "If any closure is proposed, it…

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Exeter ready for Challenge Cup selection ‘juggling act’ – Rob Baxter

Exeter ready for Challenge Cup selection ‘juggling act’ – Rob Baxter

Exeter boss Rob Baxter says he will face a selection "juggling act'" in their forthcoming European Challenge Cup matches.The Chiefs opted to select seven internationals in their impressive 27-26 win at Sale last week, immediately after the Autumn internationals.It means the likes of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper and Andrea Zambonin will have to be rested at some point over the next few weeks. Exeter begin their first campaign in the Challenge Cup since 2015…

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Devon monastery offered for sale to community for £1

Devon monastery offered for sale to community for £1

Guy HendersonLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceGuy Henderson/LDRSThe former monastery is proposed to be turned into a community centreCampaigners who were looking to turn a former monastery into a community centre have been offered the chance to buy the building for £1.Torbay Council announced a proposal to support the campaign by offering the building on Paignton's Berry Drive to the campaign for the negligible sum. The Marist Order paid £6,000 for the building when it was new in 1881, the…

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Inside South West schools where phones are locked away

Inside South West schools where phones are locked away

Walk into Brannel School in the morning and you will see teenagers locking away their phones - each device slips into a special pouch that locks until the end of the day.The phones stay with the pupils, but they are out of reach.Brannel, near St Austell, Cornwall, is among a number of schools in the South West that are clamping down on phones due to the distractions they create.Head teacher Tristan Muller-Forster said the system tackled what he…

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