Crime & Safety
Warning after helicopter hit by laser light over Oxfordshire
Laser misuse is a serious criminal offence, Thames Valley Police warned after the helicopter flying over Woodstock was hit by the light at 8.38pm on Monday, April 6.
A spokesman from the police said: “Shining a laser at planes, helicopters, cars, emergency vehicles, or any moving vehicle is extremely dangerous — and against the law.
“Under the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018, It is a criminal offence to, shine or direct a laser at any vehicle that is moving or ready to move and if the beam dazzles, distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract the person in control.
“This includes aircraft and helicopters, cars, motorbikes, emergency vehicles, trains, buses, and other transport.
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“Under aviation law, shining a laser at an aircraft can also amount to offences under aviation law if it distracts or dazzles a pilot during flight, particularly during take off or landing.
“Laser attacks have temporarily blinded pilots, forced aircraft to abort landings, interrupted emergency missions and put passengers, crews, and people on the ground in danger.
” If you see someone shining a laser irresponsibly report it to the police immediately and try and note the location, time, and direction of the beam, if it is safe to do so.
“Please remember lasers are not toys. One moment of recklessness can have life changing consequences.”
Crime & Safety
Clarkson’s Farm Christmas special lined up says producer
The popular documentary first landed on screens back in 2021, showcasing Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire.
With four series now to date and a fifth expected to be released next month, demand for the farming programme is high among fans.
Diddly Squat is the core focus of the show, with farmhand Kaleb Cooper and Mr Clarkson’s girlfriend Lisa Hogan, among the faces featured throughout its run.
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Mr Clarkson’s acquisition of The Windmill pub in Asthall, now renamed The Farmer’s Dog following its 2024 opening, also featured in the most recent season.
Now, according to The Sun, show producer Andy Wilman has confirmed that series five should be out in “just a few weeks” and a Christmas special could be on the cards.
The 63-year-old went to school with Mr Clarkson and worked with him on Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
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Speaking on the Extraordinary Life Stories podcast, Mr Wilman said: “There’s a scene in the pub which happens at Christmas time, and there isn’t a lot of farming going on, and it’s a little bit Vicar of Dibley Christmas special-ish as the stories are there.
“Jeremy wants to make a Santa’s grotto so he has a meeting with Charlie talking about what he wants to do and I think that is the best scene I’ve ever, ever seen them do and I remember the editor and I looking at each other saying ‘this is the best television to make ever’ when it goes out you’ll see what I mean.
“Then Kaleb and Jeremy build the grotto together, and Kaleb’s view on the creation of mankind is blindingly brilliant.”
Crime & Safety
Didcot woman named and charged after ‘being cut from car’
The woman from Didcot was one of 13 arrested on Tuesday morning, April 7 at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Lakenheath Alliance For Peace protesters were at the site that morning continuing to demonstrate against the base being used by the US military for its war with Iran.
Suffolk Police has now confirmed seven of the 13 people arrested have been charged.
It includes Marie Walsh, 69, of Warner Crescent in Didcot who has been charged with locking on to the blue VW Passat.
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In addition, Virginia Herbert, 78 and of Cholsey near Wallingford has also been charged with attempted locking on.
Both Oxfordshire women were bailed to appear before Ipswich Magistrates on June 12.
Suffolk Police’s spokesman said officers arrived at the base soon after 6am following reports of protesters locking themselves to their own vehicles outside the main gate and gathering at two other entrances.
He said the protest caused disruption to motorists with some of the surrounding roads closed to help officers assist with traffic management.
He added: “Suffolk Police has a duty to enforce the law without fear or favour and as it currently stands, not as it might be in the future.
“As such, where offences are believed to have occurred appropriate action will be taken.”
Crime & Safety
Vandalism in Wallingford park condemned as bins set on fire
Wallingford Town Council said it is “disappointed to report” incidents of vandalism in the Bullcroft park in the centre of the town over the past three days.
Two bins had been “deliberately” set alight, leaving behind burned-out plastic bin bags, rubbish, plastic fittings and ash in the bin fixtures attached to the ground.
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The town council said each bin costs more than £200 of taxpayer money to replace, which it described as “money that should be going into improving facilities for everyone, not repairing avoidable damage”.
Bins in the Bullcroft park in Wallingford were burned in an act of vandalism (Image: Wallingford Town Council)
A spokesperson for the council said: “With the Easter holidays currently underway and more people out and about enjoying the nice weather, we’re asking everyone to be mindful of how our shared spaces are used.
“The Bullcroft is a valued space for the whole community, and incidents like this affect everyone who enjoys it.
“If you witnessed anything suspicious, please report it to Thames Valley Police.
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“Let’s all do our bit to look after our town.”
One of the burned bins is beside the parks tennis courts, and the other on the concrete next to a bench just off its main path.
The Bullcroft is a large, historic greenspace which was gifted to the town in 1912 and as well as the tennis courts it has two children’s play areas, a bowling green and an out-of-use sports pavilion.
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