Dan Mountney

England

Reporter at The Comet

Reporter at Welwyn Hatfield Times

Journalist. Formerly @islingtongztte Arsenal reporter.

Articles

In the dock: Latest court results for Stevenage and North Herts

6 days ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

Find out who was in the dock this week. (Image: Archant) Here are the latest court results for Stevenage and North Herts, with offenders appearing at Stevenage and St Albans magistrates' courts. Stevenage Magistrates' Court - May 28 Fay Graves, 36, of Beale Close, Stevenage. On March 29, 2025, had 89 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the prescribed limit, while driving in Bucklersbury, Hitchin.
Plans submitted to turn Hitchin property into children's care home

1 week ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

The plans, put forward by OptimumCare4u, would see 186 Whitehill Road become a home for three children with "emotional, behavioural, or mild learning difficulties". "The intended use of 186 Whitehill Road is as a residential children's home accommodating up to three children with emotional, behavioural, or mild learning difficulties, living alongside three resident carers in a single household setting," the proposal reads.
Stevenage sandwich shop closes as new café takes its place

1 week ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

Sarnee operated from 87 High Street but has now been replaced by Nefel. (Image: Google Maps) A sandwich shop in Stevenage has closed down but quickly been replaced with a new café that has moved in. Sarnee, which operated from 87 High Street in Old Town, shut suddenly without any announcement online. The unit was not empty for long though as its distinctive yellow and blue frontage was turned black, with new café Nefel opening for the very first time last week.
Retired detective would have dismissed for continue pursuit of women

1 week ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

Detective Inspector Andy Southam, who retired before the gross misconduct hearing took place earlier this month, initially faced allegations relating to conduct towards nine women he had met on the dating site. His conduct was said to breach the Standards of Professional Behaviour for integrity, authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.
Fresh appeal launched on three-year anniversary of Stevenage rape

1 week ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

On Monday, May 30, 2022, a man raped the teenager in a wooded area between Hampson Park and Lonsdale Road, sometime between noon and 1pm. An e-fit image was released at the time of a man who might have had information, with detectives hopeful that he can still be found. The image has been re-released in an effort to identify him, and officers have also been handing out leaflets as part of efforts to solve the case.
Fairlands Valley Aqua Parcs returns for summer but splash park opening delayed

1 week ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

Stevenage Borough Council confirmed that the inflatable water park was back on the lake as we head into June. "Aqua Parcs, one of the UK’s best-known inflatable water parks, has returned to Fairlands Valley Park and is now open for summer," a post on Facebook read. "For more info and to make a booking, visit www.aquaparcs.co.uk." Unfortunately, the opening of the much-loved Fairlands Valley Splash Park has been delayed, with no date given for its return.
Plans submitted to demolish homes and build retirement living facility

1 week ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

McCarthy Stone is looking to construct a three-storey building made up of 35 apartments – 17 one-bedroom and 18 two–bedroom properties - in Old Charlton Road. "The proposal will provide much-needed retirement accommodation to meet the current and projected demands of the area," the application reads.
Inside Harpenden's award-winning Edwardian home renovation

1 week ago | hertsad.co.uk | Dan Mountney

Recognising architecture across the UK, the Royal Institute of British Architects included Harpenden House as one of its winners for the east of England. Carried out by Emil Eve Architects for Louise and Nick Pollitt, the work received plenty of praise from the RIBA judges. "All the functional aspects of a busy family home with utility and storage areas are discreet and well provided for – to the extent that there is the potential that the couple may create a microbrewery," the judges said.
First look at Stevenage's proposed new Lidl store after plans submitted

1 week ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

The supermarket giant is hoping to build the more than 2,000sqm shop in Maxwell Road, on the site of the disused FIRA building. Plans include a car park with 109 spaces, 12 cycling stand spaces and a delivery entrance on the western side of the store. "The application seeks to introduce a new discount food store with associated car parking, landscaping, engineering and drainage works," the plans read.
Andrew and Tristan Tate charged with rape after Beds Police investigation

1 week ago | thecomet.net | Dan Mountney

Andrew, 38, faces 10 charges which include rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain, relating to three women. His brother Tristan, 36, faces 11 charges including rape, actual bodily harm and human trafficking relating to one woman. The controversial social media influencers are subject to an international arrest warrant issued by Bedfordshire Police relating to allegations, which they "unequivocally deny", between 2012 and 2015.