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Former Thames Valley policeman, 55, jailed for raping woman

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Former Thames Valley policeman Nicholas Peel, 55, was based in Newbury but worked across West Berkshire.

He was found guilty of raping his victim four times and attempting to rape her again, following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court in March.

Between 2015 and 2020, Peel targeted the victim – a woman in her 50s who was known to him – several times.

The former police constable worked for the police force from November 1997 until he retired in December 2024.

READ MORE: Delivery driver, 24, who was rammed in ‘police chase’ named and charged

In a hearing on Monday, April 13 at Winchester Crown Court, Peel was sentenced to nine years in prison and handed a 10-year restraining order, stopping him from making contact with the victim.

The jury returned guilty verdicts after he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on March 6.

He was guilty of committing four counts of rape and an attempt to rape a woman aged 16 or over.

Peel, now living in Essex, will also have to sign on to the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.

He was struck off from the force last year after he was found guilty of gross misconduct for abusing access to police systems.

He was investigated for two separate cases of misconduct.

The first case involved incidents between December 2022 and April 2023.

During this period, Peel used his police radio both on and off duty to access multiple channels belonging to other police forces.

Investigating officer DC Jo Newbery, of Wiltshire Police, said: “I’d like to praise the victim in this case for having the courage and conviction to see this case through, which has resulted in Nicholas Peel being jailed for his abhorrent actions.

“Peel repeatedly targeted her and raped her over a number of years, and then denied the offences, forcing her to relive the experiences through a trial.

“Her incredible bravery in giving evidence and statements ensured that Peel was found guilty by jury for his crimes, and he now faces spending several years behind bars.

“I hope that this sentence inspires others who have suffered sexual violence to come forward and report incidents to the police where we will endeavour to support you.”





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Crime & Safety

Banbury arrest as youths cause ‘significant’ problems

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The group of kids have been causing criminal damage, have been interfering with vehicles and committing “general disorder” around Banbury, police said.

But over the past few weeks, Thames Valley Police’s Banbury neighbourhood policing team has been working “closely” with residents, businesses and partner agencies.

This has been to gather evidence and to build a clear picture of what’s been happening around the town with the kids.

In an update on Monday afternoon, police said: “We’re pleased to say that an arrest has been made today as part of this ongoing work.

READ MORE: Controversial Oxford asylum seeker hotel could close soon

“Our team has been busy carrying out enquiries, collecting evidence and completing interviews to ensure those responsible are held to account.

“Anti-social behaviour is a neighbourhood priority for us — and we won’t tolerate individuals causing harm in our community.

“Further updates will follow once the investigation progresses.”





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Princess’ historic Oxfordshire manor in near £2m price drop

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Newington House in Newington, near Wallingford, was put on for sale by Savills last September for £16 million but now is listed at £14.25 million.

The mansion was originally built in the 17th century when an English aristocrat married an Italian princess who was a member of the noble Pallavicini family.

READ MORE: Italian princess’ Oxfordshire manor on sale for £16m

As she was homesick, he had Newington House built for her as a gift, in the Italianate style of the palace of Genoa where she grew up.

The manor has been recently used as a wedding venueNewington House has been recently used as a wedding venue (Image: Rightmove)

Since then it has gone through several renovations although many elements of the Grade II listed structure remain.

Some of its most notable recent history occurred in the early 20th century when American artist and hostess Ethel Sands purchased the property and used it as a gathering place for many famous literary figures.

Henry James, Arnold Bennett and Virginia Woolf are all known to have stayed at the mansion.

Newington Manor is on sale for £16 millionNewington House is on sale for £16 million (Image: Rightmove)

In recent times the 43-acre site has become a wedding venue, while also being available for other events.

READ MORE: Michael Caine’s riverside Oxfordshire manor in £1m price drop

A freehold property it has nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms as well as landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, tennis court, croquet lawn and greenhouse.

In addition it boasts a gym, reception room, gun room, wine storage and games room with a full-size snooker table thought to have belonged to war-time UK prime minister Winston Churchill.

It also comes with a separate coach house which has its own kitchen and four bedrooms, and another Grade II listed property with three reception rooms, five bedrooms and four bathrooms





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Oxfordshire maternity workers land national recognition

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Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) staff members Maddy Ellison and Jasmin Conway were presented with Chief Midwifery Officer Award certificates by NHS England for their outstanding contributions to infant feeding support as part of the OUH Infant Feeding Team.

The awards celebrate individuals who consistently demonstrate the NHS values in their everyday roles and make a positive difference to patient care.

Milica Redfearn, director of midwifery at OUH, and Sharon Andrews, head of midwifery at OUH, said: “They have transformed early postnatal care through their daily delivery of ‘early days infant feeding’ sessions, tailored support for families and staff, and the development of accessible education videos which were launched on World Patient Safety Day.

“Their work has improved consistency, confidence, and equity in infant feeding support, giving families the knowledge and reassurance they need at a critical time.”

Ms Ellison, who received her award from Fay Corder, South East regional quality lead for maternity at NHS England, said: “I was delighted to receive this award, which recognises the work our team do every day to support families in the early postnatal period.

“It’s vital work, and I’m proud to be part of a team so committed to giving parents the best possible start.”

The pair were commended for developing a series of short, accessible breastfeeding patient information videos, as well as delivering daily infant feeding sessions and tailored support for families and staff.

Ms Conway said: “We work tirelessly to reach and support as many families as possible, and this recognition means so much to our team and the families we care for.

“Thank you.”

Ms Redfearn praised their dedication and the impact of their work.

She said: “Maddy and Jasmin bring real warmth, care, and dedication to everything they do.

“They put mothers and babies at the heart of their work every day, and the difference that makes for families in those early days is huge.

“I’m absolutely delighted to see their work recognised nationally, and we are so proud of them both.”

Ms Andrews said both support workers have a remarkable effect on the families they help.

She said: “Anyone who’s seen Maddy and Jasmin support new parents will know how special their work is.

“They help families feel calmer, more confident, and better supported at what can be an overwhelming time.

“We are so proud of them both as they receive this thoroughly deserved recognition.”





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