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Cotswolds veteran to travel length of UK on electric bike

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Tony Jackson, 65, from Pinkneys Green in Berkshire, is riding an electric motorbike from Land’s End to John O’Groats in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The challenge, which will begin on May 27,  and he aims to raise £10,000 for the charity.

The 65-year-old spent more than 36 years working as an RAF squadron leader in air traffic control and flight operations.

His brother, Trevor Jackson, from Aston, will be accompanying him on the journey with his electric Farizon van.

READ MORE: Disabled parking spaces in county could be cut under new proposals

Trevor, a retired RAF Flight Lieutenant said: “Whilst we have both been incredibly fortunate not to need the services of the RAF Benevolent Fund many others do require that support.”

Tony will be riding a Maeving RM1s electric bike, covering approximately 150 miles per day during the seven-day journey.

He said: “I have to rendezvous with him about every 50 miles because the bike’s batteries will only get him about 60 miles tops.

“So, we have identified lots of journey legs where there is somewhere appropriate for us to stop, change batteries and maybe have a coffee break.”

Tony Jackson (left) and Trevor Jackson (right)Tony Jackson (left) and Trevor Jackson (right) with his electric Farizon van (Image: Trevor Jackson)

He continued: “In his last tour of duty in the RAF my brother was in command of the largest flight in the RAF with over 100 personnel who were either suffering from injuries received in overseas theatres of war or road traffic collisions, other illnesses and some who were sadly terminally ill.

“His group was regularly in receipt of successful bids for financial support with thousands of pounds granted to personnel from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The brothers will set off from RAF High Wycombe with a media event at the main gate before heading to Cornwall to begin the ride from Land’s End.

Night stops are planned in Taunton, RAF Shawbury, Penrith, Stirling, and Inverness before reaching John O’Groats.

The 65-year-old said: “The van can go just over 200 miles on a single charge.

“My brother is also a qualified drone pilot, and he intends to set up his drone to follow him in scenic locations throughout the journey.”

The brothers hope their journey will demonstrate that long-distance travel is possible using battery-powered vehicles, while also raising awareness of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s vital work.

The charity provides emotional, financial, and practical assistance to serving and former RAF personnel and their families, this is through mental health support, welfare breaks, mental health support and more.

In 2024 the charity reported that they spent £15.1m on welfare delivery for more than 64,00 people including serving personnel, veteran and their families.





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Oxford News

UK drivers warned over facing fines for forgetting key dates

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New research from Lloyds Bank suggests that car owners who miss key deadlines for MOT, tax, or insurance renewals could face fines or higher costs—yet one in five are letting these dates slip.

42% of those surveyed said they find car admin difficult, rising to more than half, 59% of 25 to 34-year-olds.

Among those who have missed these tasks, more than one in 10 said they went on to face higher costs or fees as a result.

Warning as drivers face penalties for forgetting key dates

Nick Williams, managing director of transport at Lloyds, said: “Juggling multiple apps, deadlines, and rising costs means things can slip through the cracks for people trying to stay on top of their car admin.”

To support its customers, Lloyds has launched a new “manage your car” feature in its mobile app, offering reminders for MOTs, servicing, and insurance all in one place.

The goal is to help drivers stay organised and avoid unnecessary penalties.

The bank said the app features are available to all Lloyds customers, regardless of who provides their car finance.

Lloyds commissioned YouGov to carry out the survey, which was carried out in May among more than 2,000 people across the UK.

Other apps to help people keep on top of car admin are also available.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the myRAC app has four million users, adding: “You don’t need to be a member of the RAC to download it.”

UK drivers warned of £1,000 fines for using navigation apps

Drivers are being warned not to enter destinations into navigation apps while behind the wheel.

Motoring experts have stressed that using mobile devices in this way can result in fines, penalty points, or even prosecution.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: “Navigation apps are incredibly useful, but this case is a reminder that even just typing in an address into your map app while behind a wheel can still be treated as a serious driving offence.


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“A lot of motorists may think there is a difference between texting someone and quickly changing a route or entering a postcode, but if you are holding and interacting with your phone while driving, you are putting yourself at risk.

“The same applies when you are stationary in traffic.

“You are still in control of the vehicle, and traffic can start moving again at any moment.

“That short distraction could be enough for police to decide that you are not properly in control.”

Have you ever missed a key date for your car payment? Let us know in the comments how you handled it.





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Oxford – Woman screamed for help as ex strangled her

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Robert McGuckin, of Victoria Road, Great Yarmouth, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on June 17.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

The offences were committed against a woman in Oxford on December 7, 2024.

Colin Witcher, prosecuting, told the court that concerns were raised about McGuckin’s behaviour towards the woman after witnesses heard screaming in the earlier hours of the day in question.

The court heard that the woman told McGuckin, who she’d been in a relationship with for two to three months, that she didn’t want to be with him anymore.

This was met with anger, however the victim needed to meet up with him after this to collect her bank card and keys.

In a witness statement, the victim explained that she went to meet him in Union Street.

READ MORE: Migrants ‘confused’ at detention centre visit in Oxfordshire

Robert McGuckin (Image: TVP)

However he dragged her towards some garages and repeatedly punched her in the face.

The woman said she screamed ‘help, help’, but McGuckin started to strangle her.

She then passed out. The altercation then moved to a different street where the defendant punched and strangled her again.

Witnesses heard the commotion and called the police.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “It took me weeks to recover from the assault. I was unable to live my life as normal for weeks.

“I have been too scared to go out. I’m always on edge now. Rob is an abuser, no matter how he spins the tale.

“Rob is a dangerous man. I’m worried he will subject me to further harm. He was obsessed with me. I have flashbacks of Rob attacking me.

“Leading up to the trial, I was very anxious and stressed. I’m pleased I’m finally getting justice in this case. I want nothing further to do with him.”

Mr Witcher said: “This was a prolonged and persistent attack.”

The court heard that McGuckin has no previous convictions.

In mitigation, the court heard he demonstrated ‘remorse’ for his actions and that it was a ‘matter of poor judgement’.

Judge Emma Nott KC said: “You took her from the street and launched a frightening assault. You punched her repeatedly to the face and strangled her to the point she lost consciousness.

“This was a prolonged episode of domestic violence, You told her ‘you can’t get help if you’re dead’.

“The harm caused by your offences was serious.”

McGuckin was jailed for 37 months. He was also given a restraining order to not contact the victim for five years.





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Police given extra powers at Tommy Robinson protest

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A section 34 dispersal order has been granted in Oxford city centre following reports of anti-social behaviour.

It means power can order people to leave the area and failure to do so, or returning until the order expires at 4am on Thursday, can lead to an arrest.

A spokesman from Thames Valley Police said: “Under the order, police have powers to disperse any individual or groups causing public disorder or nuisance.

“It is not to prevent those taking part in peaceful protest this evening.

“Anybody dispersed under this order is liable to arrest should they refuse to comply with the order or return to the area while the order is in place.

“The order is currently in place until 4am tomorrow (18/6), with the option to extend it if necessary.

READ MORE: Tommy Robinson protestors clash with counter demonstration in Oxford

“This order is in relation to incidents involving a group of young people in the city centre this evening.

“It is not part of our work to facilitate the peaceful protests that are still taking place in the city centre.”

Dozens of police vans were parked up around the city on Thursday evening, with even more officers on standby for if trouble was to boil over.

Many police officers had to blockade both supporters and objectors of Tommy Robinson from clashing with one another.





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