Southern Daily Echo

23 hours ago | dailyecho.co.uk | Chris Yandell

Gradie Spiers made off with groceries worth more than £700 in a series of thefts from Co-op stores in Southampton and North Baddesley. His crime spree began on January 4 2024, when he stole items together valued at £111.60. Two days later, the defendant walked out of another Co-op shop without paying for groceries worth £158.55. Spiers stole goods worth £144.25 on January 11, items valued at £155.90 on January 12, and products valued at £67.70 on January 13.

23 hours ago | dailyecho.co.uk | Chris Yandell

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Trevor Stanley Northover, 73, admitted sexually touching a child under the age of 13 and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The two offences were committed in March 2023, the court was told. Northover, of Knightstone Grange in Hythe, was remanded on conditional bail until August 1 to enable a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Gemma White, mitigating, said her client was having treatment for cancer and was due to see a consultant.

1 day ago | dailyecho.co.uk | Chris Yandell

MARTIN TYRRELL, 46, of Butts Ash Lane, Hythe, pleaded guilty to speeding at Bitterne Road West in Southampton by travelling at 43mph in 30mph zone. Fined £100 with £40 victim services surcharge. Driving record endorsed with three penalty points. No order for costs. DARREN HODGKINSON, 33, of Millbrook Road East, Southampton, pleaded guilty to assaulting emergency worker in Southampton on December 26 2024. Fined £120 and detained until court rose in default of payment.

1 day ago | dailyecho.co.uk | Ross Marshall

2 1/1 A newly refurbished children's play area is now open at Portswood Recreation Ground. Children are now able to use the new play are after an opening event on May 9, which was attended by the Portswood Neighbourhood Policing Team. Residents celebrated the transformation of the park, which now features modern equipment after the previous structures were removed due to safety concerns. The "fresh and vibrant" space is now ready to be enjoyed.

1 day ago | dailyecho.co.uk | Ross Marshall

The event will mark the end of Councillor Dave Shields term as the third Lord Mayor and 802nd Mayor of the city. Taking place on the historic steamship Shieldhall on Sunday, May 18, the party will consist of a cruise of the port, a light buffet and a well known city DJ. Music will be provided by one of the Lord Mayor's chosen charities, the SoCo Music Project. The Lord Mayor has opted for a more 'quirky and inclusive' event as opposed to the traditional black-tie dinner or mayor's ball.