Crime & Safety
Oxfordshire – Inquest opens after death of well-known astronomer
Owen Brazell is understood to have been driving to a star party in North Norfolk on March 16 when he fatally collided with a lorry in his Subaru.
The 68-year-old was a keen amateur astronomer, chairman of the Abingdon Astronomical Society and president of the Webb Society since 2019.
The well-known Faringdon resident had also given talks at various other astronomical societies and was a regular contributor to the Astronomy Now magazine.
It is understood he was driving to Kelling Heath Star Party that morning, which is a gathering of amateur astronomers to observe the night sky, share equipment and socialise.
An inquest opened into Mr Brazell’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on April 2.
READ MORE: Banbury – Man found dead near canal at Spiceball Park named at inquest
Owen Brazell died in a crash on the A420 near Kingston Bagpuize (Image: The Society for Popular Astronomy)
The inquest heard in was born in Toronto, Canada, worked as a high-performing systems architect and lived in Faringdon.
His cause of death was given as ‘multiple injuries’.
The case was adjourned for a full inquest to be held on July 8 at 8am.
Tributes poured in for Mr Brazell after his death.
Steve Creasy, of the Abingdon Astronomical Society, said: “He knew so much about deep sky observing and was a regular at the Spring and Autumn Star Camps in Kielder and Kelling.
“He had been involved with Abingdon Astronomical Society since the 1990s and was a driving force as our chairman.
“Condolences to his family and to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by us all.”
He added: “His loss will be felt greatly by the UK astronomy community and especially so by those of us who considered him a friend. Take your place in the stars Owen and rest in peace.”
Amateur astronomer Theodore Thomas Tsikas said: “Owen will be missed by the many friends he made at the Abingdon Astronomical Society, where he inspired many people with his enthusiasm, deep knowledge, sense of duty and humour.
“I wish I could have thanked him while he was still with us. My condolences to his loved ones.”
A tribute from Cristina Garcia Pozuelo Sanchez added: “Owen we miss you already. I love the fact that you got into taking pictures of the night sky and we could chat about our smart telescopes.
“Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and thank you for being a friend and an astronomy mentor.”
The Society for Popular Astronomy said amateur astronomy “has lost another star” with the death Mr Brazell, describing him as a “noted deep-sky observer”.
“Owen was president of the Webb Society, which is devoted to deep-sky work, and was a leading light in the BAA Deep Sky Section,” a spokesman said.
“Owen was widely known throughout UK amateur astronomy, and was just recently at the Practical Astronomy Show where he met many friends.”
Crime & Safety
Asda responds as fuel station shortages hit UK drivers
Last week, shadow transport secretary Richard Holden criticised Labour’s “energy failure” amid growing fears of fuel shortages due to the Iran war.
Mr Holden said: “Labour’s energy failure is wrecking the Easter getaway before families have even packed their bags, grounding holidays and sending air fares into the skies.
“As conflict in the Middle East drives jet fuel prices higher, airlines will pass those costs straight on to British families already being hammered by Labour’s hikes to air passenger duty and airport business rates.
READ MORE: Sainsbury’s issues statement to UK drivers amid fuel shortages
“This is the direct consequence of Labour’s net zero obsession, destroying our energy security with real and tangible consequences for people up and down the country.
“Britain is left exposed, families are left paying, and Labour sit on their hands as the dream of a family holiday vanish.”
Last week, there were reports that Tesco in Banbury was out of fuel, while others have said there has been no diesel at several petrol stations in Oxfordshire.
This newspaper approached several supermarket brands to see how Oxfordshire stores’ petrol stations have been affected.
Asda was one of those contacted, but the supermarket giant refused to comment on the situation at this time.
READ MORE: Morrisons responds on fuel shortages affecting UK drivers
When approached, Morrisons informed this newspaper that MFG owns and operates all of the chain’s fuel stations.
MFG then refused to comment at this time when subsequently contacted.
Sainsbury’s issued a comment, which referred to the stores across the UK as a whole, informing drivers that sites would be resupplied if shortages occurred.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “For background, we are actively monitoring stock levels in all locations and continuing to resupply sites where needed.
Tesco has also been approached for comment, but has yet to respond.
Crime & Safety
Oxford trains cancelled after dead body found on tracks
The body was found in the Swindon area on the afternoon of Sunday, April 5 having been struck by a passing train.
A Great Western Railway train from Oxford which was due to depart at 6.29pm on Easter Sunday had been cancelled.
The GWR Oxford parkway service due to depart at 6pm was also cancelled.
READ MORE: UK estate agents collapses into liquidation with viewings cancelled
Disruption lasted until the end of the day, it’s understood, while emergency services dealt with the scene.
A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to the line near Swindon at 2.35pm on Sunday 5 April following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Great Western Railway added: “A person has been struck by a train in the Swindon area, leading to all lines being blocked. It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.
“If you are onboard one of the services in this incident and have been affected by this incident or know someone else who needs support, there is always someone to talk to.
“Contact a Samaritan on 116 123 for free, any time, on any phone. Help is only a phone call away.”
Crime & Safety
Fire Stick users issued warning after Amazon blocks free app
Downloader is an app that helps users download files onto devices, including Fire TV, Google TV, and Android phones and tablets.
The popular free app, which was created by Elias Saba (AFTVnews), has been downloaded more than 658,000 times on the Amazon Appstore.
It has even been described as “one of the most popular and long-standing apps on the Amazon Appstore” by the tech experts at Cordbusters .
Amazon removes Downloader from Appstore
Despite its popularity, Amazon removed the Downloader app from its Appstore late last month.
However, the move was only temporary, with the popular app reinstated just days later.
The app’s creator, Elias Saba, via her site AFTVnews , said: “The app was temporarily suspended a couple of days ago for violating Amazon’s policy that doesn’t allow third party browsers.
“Evidently, Amazon is fine with apps that have a built-in browser, but they just cannot declare themselves as browsers to the operating system.”
A new v2.0.2 update of Downloader, which is “identical to the previous suspended version”, is now available to download, with Saba having made a “tiny change” to solve the previous issue, which saw it removed from the Amazon Appstore.
Downloader is back in the Amazon Appstore for Fire TVs and Fire Tablets https://t.co/Y4gxBeWJgt
— AFTVnews (@AFTVnews) March 30, 2026
Saba added: “If you sideloaded Downloader from another source while it was unavailable, I strongly recommend you uninstall it and install the version from the Amazon Appstore, because the sideloaded version will never receive updates.”
Fire TV Stick users issued new scam warning
It appears scammers have taken advantage of the temporary removal of Downloader, creating fake versions of the popular app.
One app named ‘Downloader for Fire, Browser…’ tricks users into paying US$6.99 (around £5.29) per week, according to Saba.
The Downloader creator warned users to “NOT install the app” and instead “help get it removed” by reporting it as a scam to Amazon.
Thousands warned about use of ‘dodgy’ Fire Sticks as enforcement intensifies
Meanwhile, the ongoing crackdown on the use of ‘dodgy’ Fire Sticks in the UK continues to intensify.
Illegal TV Fire Sticks and/or ‘dodgy boxes’ are streaming devices that have third-party software installed in them, allowing users to watch premium content from providers such as TNT Sport, Sky, Disney+ and Netflix for free.
The use of these devices is a “serious crime”, and police forces across the UK and Ireland, as well as organisations including Crimestoppers and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), have been attempting to stamp them out.
People who access illegal TV streaming services are potentially liable to prosecution for criminal offences, including under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
FACT is continually intensifying enforcement targeting users of illegal streaming devices/services.
Thousands of individuals across the UK were contacted recently and warned to stop using illegal IPTV services immediately or risk criminal prosecution.
This action followed joint investigations with police that uncovered details of customers who had purchased access to so-called “loaded” Fire Sticks, Android, or Kodi devices.
While FACT’s latest campaign to disrupt illegal streaming networks and protect consumers from the risks associated with illicit online content targeted eight areas across the UK :
- London
- South West
- North West
- North East
- Scotland
- Wales
- Yorkshire and Humber
- West Midlands
The likes of Sky and Amazon are also working on ways to prevent the use of ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks in the UK.
The dangers of using illegal streaming devices
“Illegal streaming services are increasingly operated by sophisticated criminal networks, often involved in other types of crime,” BeSteamWise explained.
People who access illegal TV streaming services are potentially liable to prosecution for criminal offences. (Image: Getty Images)
Meaning those who use illegal streaming devices run the risk of “letting criminals in”, resulting in:
- Viruses and malware
- ID theft, scams, and fraud
- Inappropriate content
Around 39% of illegal streamers in the UK have suffered financial losses due to cybercrime linked to piracy, according to BeStreamWise.
The average amount stolen through illegal streaming is £1,680, while one in ten have lost more than £5,000.
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What is the penalty if caught with a ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Stick?
Not only can the use of illegal streaming devices leave users open to ID theft, fraud, and viruses, but it can also result in fines and jail time.
Those caught using or selling a ‘dodgy’ fire stick/box and streaming premium content without paying are in breach of Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
It says a person will be in breach if they obtain services “without any payment having been made for or in respect of them or without payment having been made in full”.
A person found guilty of this kind of offence could be fined or face a jail sentence of up to five years.
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