Drunk Driver Sentenced to Over Six Years for Fatal Collision in Southampton
Date: 1 August, 2024
Jacob James King, a 29 year old resident of Chessel Avenue, Southampton, has been sentenced to 80 months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. The tragic incident occurred on 10 December, 2022, when King, heavily intoxicated, struck and killed Teresa Grimes, a 53 year old pub landlady, as she walked on the pavement along West End High Street.
King had spent the evening drinking beer and rum at a friend's house while watching the England v France quarterfinal match of the 2022 World Cup. Despite being expected to stay overnight, King decided to drive his silver BMW 330i while under the influence. Subsequent breath tests revealed he had 73 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
CCTV footage captured King driving at alarmingly high speeds, estimated between 66mph and 72mph in a 30mph zone. At approximately 10:47pm, Jacob James King collided with Teresa Grimes on the pavement, resulting in her immediate death.
During the sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, King's actions were described as "incredibly reckless and selfish." Detective Constable Mark Furse of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary's Serious Collision Investigation Unit condemned the dangerous driving displayed in the CCTV footage, stating that a catastrophic crash was nearly inevitable given King's excessive speed and impairment.
Teresa Grimes had just finished her shift at the West End Brewery pub and was crossing the street to get a takeaway when the fatal accident occurred. Her family, devastated by the loss, released a statement highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy. They described the act of driving while intoxicated as "selfish" and called for harsher penalties to deter such behaviour. "The outcome of today does not change what happened," they said, expressing their enduring heartache and loss.
Detective C
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Bus Stop Demolished on Weston Lane: No Injuries Reported
Date: 19 August, 2023
In an incident that occurred yesterday afternoon, Friday, 18 August, a Blue Star bus collided with and demolished a bus stop situated on Weston Lane. While the incident caused significant damage to the bus stop structure, it is a relief to report that no injuries were reported as a result of the collision.
The below video was posted in the local community group SO19 Community Group.
SOnews.uk
Two Charged after Cannabis Factory Bust on Woolston Industrial Building
Date: 06 July, 2023
In a significant development, two individuals have been charged with drugs offences following the discovery of a large cannabis factory in Woolston. The operation, carried out on 04 July (below footage from the police), resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of cannabis plants, raising concerns about drug-related activities within the community.
A targeted warrant executed by the police at an address on Hazel Road, Woolston, led to the uncovering of the illicit operation. At approximately 10:30am, police made the startling discovery, prompting immediate action.
The individuals identified as Albert Danaj, 41, and Erjon Zenelaj, 38, both residents of Southampton, have been charged with producing a class B drug, specifically cannabis. The charges reflect the severity of their alleged involvement in the cultivation and production of the illicit substance.
Today, 06 July, Danaj and Zenelaj are scheduled to appear before Southampton Magistrates Court to face the charges against them.
The police have repeatedly emphasised their commitment to combating drug-related crimes and their dedication to maintaining a secure environment for all residents. The swift action taken in this case demonstrates the effectiveness of their efforts and serves as a strong deterrent to potential offenders.
Link to original post:
https://www.facebook.com/100076880221196/posts/275824821656857/
SOnews.uk
Southampton Police Seize 250 Cannabis Plants in Successful Drug Warrant Operation
In a decisive move to combat drug-related crime, police officers from the Southampton Central Bargate and Bevois neighbourhood teams executed a successful drugs warrant at a commercial premises on East Street (below footage from the police), resulting in the seizure of 250 cannabis plants and the arrest of a 25 year old male on suspicion of cannabis cultivation.
The operation, which took place yesterday (17 May), was the culmination of weeks of proactive neighbourhood patrols and meticulous intelligence gathering by the police officers. The information obtained during these patrols provided the basis for obtaining the necessary warrant to enter the premises and dismantle the illegal cannabis operation.
The discovery and subsequent seizure of 250 cannabis plants represent a significant blow to organised crime groups involved in drug cultivation and supply in the area. The police are committed to disrupting these criminal networks, and are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community.
The impact of cannabis supply and cultivation on the community is often underestimated. The funds generated from this criminal activity directly support organised crime groups, which are responsible for perpetrating serious harm to residents. By actively targeting drug-related operations, the police aim to dismantle these criminal networks and reduce the overall impact of drug-related crime on society.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any information they may have regarding drug possession or supply. Anyone with information can call the non-emergency number 101 or visit the Hampshire Constabulary website.
SOnews.uk
Police release footage in an attempt to identify suspect in Bursledon criminal damage incident
The public are being urged to come forward with any information that may help the police identify a suspect in an incident of criminal damage that occurred on 19 April.
Police have today released footage of an individual who they believe to be responsible for slashing the tyres of a Jeep parked outside an address on Cunningham Gardens at around 10.15pm. Despite conducting a number of enquiries in the local area, including house-to-house visits and the scoping of relevant CCTV, officers have yet to identify the individual.
With no further leads to follow, they are turning to the public for assistance. Anyone who may have information regarding the incident or may recognise the person in the footage are being urged to come forward and contact the police. The police have provided a crime reference number, 44230154177, which should be quoted when calling 101.
SOnews.uk
Illegal Fly-Tipping on Cumbrian Way Prompts Witness Appeal
Southampton City Council are appealing to the public for information regarding an incident of illegal fly-tipping that occurred on Cumbrian Way in the early hours of 6 April. At around 2:15am, a large amount of waste was illegally dumped on the road.
Environmental Protection Officers are working closely with the police to identify and locate the offenders responsible for this act. As part of the investigation, they are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area to gain further evidence.
The council believes that the CCTV footage (below) captured by their cameras could be instrumental in identifying the perpetrators of this act. They are therefore urging any members of the public who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident to come forward and share their knowledge.
The Illegal dumping of waste is not only unsightly but also poses a significant risk to the health and safety of residents and wildlife.
Southampton City Council takes incidents of fly-tipping very seriously and are committed to taking action against those who engage in such criminal behaviour. They are encouraging anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen the vehicle in the footage to report it here: https://soton.cc/43oAeKX
By working together, the authorities and the community can prevent incidents of illegal fly-tipping and protect the local environment for the benefit of all.
SOnews.uk
Way back on this day in 1936, the Spitfire took to the skies for the first time. Who knows whether anyone would have thought it would be so iconic 87 years later.
Today, many will have seen a Spitfire above our City. Here's a video captured pre take off, by an employee at the airport.
Did anyone else witness it? Pop any pictures and/or videos in the comments; it'd be great to see them all in one place.
For more local news visit SOnews.uk
Can you identify the man in this video?
Between 4:30am and 5:00am yesterday, 12 February, this person was seen trying car door handles in Woolston. Unfortunately, he was successful in gaining entry to at least one car, and he stole a box from within. This was in Garnock Road.
Soon after, a resident in Obelisk Road captured this footage of the culprit. He opened the box to see what was inside, before then discarding the box further along the road. Other footage has also been seen, but as yet, nothing too clear.
Please contact us if you have any information that could help identify this man. Similarly, if you happen to find a bespoke but perhaps random car part around the area,let us know.
We continue to see and report on chancers stealing property in local communities. Often though, footage captured isn't clear enough to identify the culprit/s. What are your own recommendations for security cameras; which ones capture the best images at night?
Watch as firefighters battle to put out a car on fire; the video was taken by a local.
This happened on Weston Lane, Weston around 16:30pm today.
Thankfully the fire has been extinguished and nobody was hurt.
For more local news, please visit SOnews.uk
Guns, violence and exploitation are just a few things associated with drug cultivation and supply. For these reasons, and many more, it's vital that authorities prioritise this in their ongoing work to make our streets safer.
Take a look at the video shared by police yesterday, 26 January. It was an operation of an incredibly large size, but the results are clear to see.
If you're aware of or concerned about drug related activity in and around your area, please do the right thing and report it to the police. We know they can't attend every report made to them, but information received really does help to build a bigger picture so they can target hot spots.
#southampton
VIDEO - Man arrested after stealing charity pots
Police statement below:
A man who stole charity pots during burglaries in Southampton has been jailed.
Steven Reid, 40, of Exford Avenue, Southampton, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, 16 January, having pleaded guilty to shop and pub burglaries on 14 August and an accommodation burglary on 13 November.
On 14 August, at around 3.20am, Reid broke into Poundland in Shirley High Street by breaking a window on the front door and took the charity pots from the counters of the checkout areas by snapping the chains.
At around 4.10am, Reid broke into the Brightwater Inn in Shirley Road by breaking a panel in the front door. Once inside, he stole two charity pots and three bottles of spirits worth £50, as seen in the video footage.
The damage to the doors of the shop and the pub totalled more than £700.
The value of the charity pots is unknown.
On the morning of 13 November, Reid gained entry to a bedroom in accommodation in Millbrook Road West via the window.
While the occupant was sleeping inside, he stole their phone, worth £190, and £28 of cash.
He also stole their Nike Air trainers, worth £170, which they were sleeping in.
Reid was arrested in trainers matching the ones stolen.
He was sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Lynsey Andrews was the officer in the case. She said: “Reid’s offences were particularly appalling because he was stealing money meant for a good cause.
“Now he is behind bars he cannot harm the community further.
“We are committed to attending every dwelling burglary because we know the impact this has on people and we hope this sentence shows our dedication to putting burglars behind bars.”
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During the early hours of this morning (6 November) a homeowners security camera system picked up what appears to be an attempted break in.
The incident occurred in Yeovil Chase, Harefield at 05:15am.
As seen in this video, and the one in the comments, a man approaches the home with a tool in his hand. He stands by the door for a moment before spotting the doorbell camera. He then appears to either try to remove or cover the camera, before leaving.
It’s not clear exactly what the man was planning, but he’s clearly up to no good. This video shows how valuable a camera can be in deterring some crimes.
If you, or anybody you know recognise this man, or were the victim of a break in close by last night please send us a message.
What a scary experience this must have been. We hope all those who were on board, including the driver, and on the platform at the time get any required support.
At 8:10 this morning, 3 November, there was an incident involving a train as it arrived into Netley Station. What appeared to be an 'explosion' occurred as the train was coming to a halt.
An investigation into this matter is now underway, and thankfully, it's our understanding that nobody was seriously injured. It's thought that an object on the track was the cause.
All passengers left the train and had to make alternative onward arrangements, with the service then being suspended.
The train, operated by SWR, usually runs from Southampton Central to Portsmouth and Southsea, with Netley being one of a number of calls. This service in particular is one of the busier trains, as many school children use it for their daily commute, particularly to The Hamble School. Within a couple of hours of the incident, parents/carers of those attending The Hamble School were emailed a communication from the Headteacher, as seen.
We will provide more information as and when it becomes available. The train service has now resumed.
For local news, please give our page a like/follow and visit SOnews.uk
VIDEO - Moment speeding biker hit young girls.
This is the moment a speeding motorcyclist was involved in a collision in Southampton. He broke so hard his back wheel lifted off the ground, in a futile attempt to avoid colliding with three young girls crossing a road.
Oskars Bolsteins was jailed, in what is believed to be one of the first cases of its kind, following a fail to stop collision in Southampton.
He was charged with causing serious injury by careless driving, a new charge that came into effect this year. It is believed to be the first conviction of its kind in Hampshire.
The court heard how the 27-year-old was speeding on a white Suzuki GSXR600 moments before colliding with three girls aged 10, 11 and 12, who were crossing Onslow Road in Southampton at about 4.40pm on Monday 1 August.
Bolsteins, of Harcourt Road in Southampton, came off his motorcycle and the Suzuki slid up the road a further 31 metres, the hearing was told.
The video footage shows Bolsteins driving at excessive speed, so much so that when he braked to try and avoid hitting the children his rear wheel left the ground.
A court heard he was travelling at approximately 55mph in a 30mph zone.
The 10-year-old girl sustained a serious open wound to her left leg, which required reconstructive surgery the follow day, while the other two girls suffered minor injuries.
The court heard that Bolsteins got back on his bike and pushed it away from the scene without leaving any details.
Investigations by officers found Bolsteins only held an expired provisional licence and was not insured to ride the Suzuki.
He was arrested by Kent Police on Monday 8 August while attempting to board a ferry at Dover.
On Friday 7 October, Bolsteins was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving, failing to stop after a road traffic collision, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.
He was sentenced to nine months in prison and ban
Following the fire that ripped through the Nature Reserve at Peartree Green yesterday evening, here's the devastating aftermath.
Even at 8am, some areas were still 'smoking', and fire crews remain at the scene. Huge respect to all firefighters involved in tackling the blaze 👏
sonews.uk