Oxford News
Banbury – Image released of man jailed after raping young woman
Sam Layne, formerly of Albert Street, Banbury, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on June 10.
The 41-year-old had pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, said to have been committed in Banbury in the early hours of February 15, 2023.
However he was found guilty by a jury during a trial earlier this year.
The court heard the incident took place at Layne’s flat after a night out in Banbury.
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Sam Layne (Image: TVP)
On Valentine’s Day, the complainant had been playing darts at the Dog and Gun, and pool at the Horse and Jockey.
The woman ended up at Layne’s flat in the early hours of the morning and fell asleep. When she woke up, she accused Layne of having raped her.
Prosecution barrister Edward Lucas said: “The defendant is a high risk of serious harm to females. There was a clear abuse of trust.
“The rape occurred when she was asleep, so she was unable to defend herself. This has had a profound impact on the complainant.”
Layne was jailed for seven years.
He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years and notification requirements indefinitely.
He was also given a restraining order to not contact the victim until further order.
Oxford News
Relaxed rower on River Thames is winning club photo
Life on the Thames was their latest weekly theme and they posted lots of photos of rowers, narrowboats and bridges.
Snaps of scenes along the Thames featured a number of well-known bridges and locks in Oxford, Abingdon and beyond.
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Some photographers timed their visits to the river to coincide with sunrise or sunset so they could capture an atmospheric scene.
It was difficult to pick a winner for photo of the week, but in the end we selected Eric Denton’s shot of a relaxed rower moving through the water.
Each week, camera club members post their photos on the club’s Facebook page and a selection of images are featured in the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times. The next theme is ‘village life’.
Oxford News
Witney MP calls for better housing for Armed Forces members
Witney MP Charlie Maynard criticised the Government for not supporting a proposal that would have brought single living military accommodation up to the Decent Homes Standard – which is already applied to service family housing.
Mr Maynard said: “The men and women of our Armed Forces make enormous sacrifices on behalf of the country.
“Providing safe, decent housing should be the minimum we expect for those who serve.”
The amendment was defeated in a recent vote, with Labour MPs opposing it.
Conservative and Reform MPs did not participate.
Mr Maynard said: “If we ask people to dedicate their lives to defending our country, the least we can do is ensure they have homes that meet decent standards.”
He said that the result was disappointing and called for renewed efforts to improve conditions for service personnel.
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to continue campaigning for better military accommodation and stronger support for service members and their families.
Mr Maynard said: “Those who serve our country deserve safe, secure and decent homes.
“Anything less is simply not good enough.”
The call comes as RAF Brize Norton has seen recent upgrades to its pre-fabricated family housing.
Tuesday’s vote focused on raising single living accommodation to the same standards.
Oxford News
Legendary chef heralds return of closed Oxfordshire pub
The Muddy Duck on Main Street in Hethe near Bicester announced it would temporarily close in April 2023 due to issues with staffing and recruitment.
A statement from the pub said: “Due to ongoing, untenable issues with staffing and recruitment in the hospitality industry currently, we have made the sad and difficult decision to temporarily close The Muddy Duck.
“The premises will close as of this Friday, April 21. If you have an upcoming reservation with us, this will regrettably be cancelled, and you will be contacted shortly to this effect.
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“Many thanks for your continued support. We’ll be back to communicate future plans very soon.”
No reopening date was given, but earlier in 2026, and three years after the closure, The Muddy Duck is finally ready to reopen with an official date later this month.
An announcement made across the pub’s social media pages confirmed the venue would welcome back customers on Friday, June 19.
The caption on Instagram said: “The wait is over. From 19th June, The Muddy Duck will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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The Muddy Duck pub in Oxfordshire. (Image: The Muddy Duck)
“Don’t miss out – book your table now through the link in our bio.”
Now, iconic chef Mr White has heralded the pub’s imminent return, revealing that it will feature a Japanese-style restaurant.
The 64-year-old is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most influential chefs and the youngest to earn three Michelin stars.
He trained under Raymond Blanc at Oxfordshire’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, which has now temporarily closed for renovations until summer 2027.
READ MORE: Inside refurbished Cotswolds country pub with enticing new menu
Marco Pierre White in the clip. (Image: The Muddy Duck)
Mr White has since built a restaurant empire and become a familiar face on television through shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef.
He has now recorded in a video clip shared on The Muddy Duck’s social media in which he said: “Now, let me let you into a little secret which will soon no longer be a secret.
“The Muddy Duck near Bicester, Oxfordshire, is now turned into a Japanese restaurant.
“And when I say it’s good, it’s very good. It’s deliciously good. You’d be a fool not to go. Good luck!”
READ MORE: TV star Adam Henson talks retirement, Jeremy Clarkson and Cotswolds
The Muddy Duck pub in Oxfordshire. (Image: The Muddy Duck)
A longer statement on the pub’s website added: “The Muddy Duck is back and better than ever.
“In collaboration with our friends at The Smoking Lobster on the Isle of Wight, we’ve reimagined what a local pub can be.
“Expect incredible small plates and sharing dishes with a Japanese twist, an exceptional wine list, local beer on tap and an atmosphere that’s truly one of a kind.
“Whether you settle into our cosy pub, immerse yourself in the restaurant, or soak up the charm of our outdoor garden, every visit is crafted to create memories that last.”
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