Samuel Whitmore, of Heather Close, Carterton, was jailed at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, April 2.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting police officers, one count of assault by beating against his mother and one count of section 20 wounding his mother.

Sandra Beck, prosecuting, told the court that Whitmore was at the Grapes and Tomatoes bar in Carterton on May 16 last year.

He was denied entry due to being intoxicated and caused a scuffle.

However, he was put in the back of a police van in handcuffs and calmed down. Suddenly his behaviour changed and he launched into a tirade of abuse at the officers, threatening ‘rape’ and saying ‘I’ll knock you all out’.

READ MORE: Banbury – Three jailed for stealing £8,000 worth of items

On July 11 last year, he punched his mum in the face and then on August 12, he pushed her over. On August 13, he spat at a police officer.

Ms Beck said: “His mother has been quite scared of him when he is in drink.”

The court heard that Whitmore had been on remand in custody since August 14.

Bethan Chichester, mitigating, said: “He is a very vulnerable and troubled young man. He has a difficult relationship with his mother. It’s love and hate from both sides.

“There are often issues between them. He has very low cognitive functions.

“He wants to get himself back on track. He has been working very hard in custody. He has completed alcohol treatment courses.

“He hopes to be on a better footing when he is released. He is looking to make progress. He wants to prove to the court he is capable of changing.

“He wants support rather than being sent into custody.”

Judge Hassan Khan said: “It’s a sorry and sad state of affairs.

“Your mother has been subjected to your abuse for the last eight years.

“You punched her in the face, causing her nose to bleed. You pushed her violently from behind, causing her to fall in the road.

“You laughed at her and fled the scene. She is in constant fear of you. She is worried that one day you’re going to kill her.

“There has been a long history of abuse towards your mother. You suffer from complex post traumatic stress disorder.

“You have experienced periods of overwhelming emotional distress. Your behaviour escalates rapidly in alcohol.

“Rehabilitation is not a prospect in this case.”

Whitmore was jailed for 27 months and a restraining order against his mother for six months.

Alex Gray, a contestant of the first series of The Traitors UK which aired in 2022 and got the nation hooked, has shared another ‘secret’ – her love of animals.

The 26-year-old owns to rescue cats of her own, called Binx and Boo, and a horse called Ruby, and on a recent visit to the Blue Cross in Burford, Oxfordshire, she met a whole range of animals.

READ MORE: Oxford – Paedophile jailed for sexually abusing girl 25 years ago

The actress visited the national pet charity’s headquarters and rehoming centre where she met a cat who is blind in one eye, a pair of rabbits and horses.

Research by Blue Cross has found millions of cats and dogs could be just one vet bill away from being surrendered or facing the need to find a new home.

Alex Gray meeting a cat at the Burford centre (Image: Blue Cross)

In the last four years alone, the charity says it has seen a 122 per cent increase in dogs coming into its care and an 80 per cent rise in cats.

After her visit, The Traitors star Ms Gray said: “My horse Ruby, and my cats Binx and Boo, mean everything to me, and we’re lucky to have each other.

“But there are many pets out there who have yet to meet their perfect match. Sadly, some have been waiting longer than others.

“It was an absolute joy to spend time with some of the horses and ponies at Blue Cross’s rehoming centre in Burford, and incredibly inspiring – the team give them the care and compassion they need, building their confidence so they are ready to go into their new homes.

READ MORE: Oxford serial sex offender guilty of crimes against 4 women

“As well as the stables, I was also able to visit the cattery, where I met some beautiful felines, including Johnny who is such a character and completely stole my heart.  And I even got to meet some gorgeous longer-eared residents too – rabbits Bella and Carrot.

Alex Gray met horses, cats and rabbits at Blue Cross centre in Burford (Image: Jack Fairey / Blue Cross)

“I would encourage anyone looking to get a horse, pony or small pet to consider Blue Cross – they have so many beautiful animals who have so much to give.”

Hannah Wiltshire, centre manager at Blue Cross Burford, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Alex to our centre and introduce her to some of the animals in our care.

 “Sadly, we are seeing a growing number of animals needing our help, with a hidden pet welfare crisis unfolding behind closed doors across the UK.

The Traitors star is a big animal-lover and has a horse of her own (Image: Jack Fairey / Blue Cross)

“Many owners are facing heartbreaking decisions as rising living costs force them to choose between feeding themselves and their families or keeping their pets.

READ MORE: Oxford – Fears over wildlife and smells at 3,000 homes plan

 “We also know that there can be a real sense of shame or stigma around having to give up a pet, but reaching out for help is a responsible and compassionate choice.

“At Blue Cross, we are here to support people through that difficult decision without judgement, and to find every animal a safe, loving new home.”

More information on how to support is available at bluecross.org.uk.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DLVA) issued an alert to older drivers on social media.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the DVLA said: “If you’re 70 or over, you need to renew your driving licence every 3 years.

“Do it online – you’ll get your new licence within a week! Get started by going to http://gov.uk/renewat70 .”

UK speed limits explained

Motorists over the age of 70 have also been warned that they could face fines of £1,000 if they do not take action.

The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency has advised older drivers of the different rules they face once they hit 70.

The photocard displays a photograph of the driver, as well as personal information such as their name, address and date of birth.

It is valid for ten years and must be renewed with an updated photograph to ensure it remains a realistic likeness.

However, once you hit 70 it is mandatory to renew your licence every three years .

You will be allowed to continue driving while your licence is being renewed under certain conditions.

If you’re 70 or over, you need to renew your driving licence every 3 years.

Do it online – you’ll get your new licence within a week!

Get started by going to https://t.co/TtY1B5iGCW#DVLADigital pic.twitter.com/8CjVWXrMPy

— Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (@DVLAgovuk) March 30, 2026

You must meet the medical standards of fitness to drive, your application must be less than a year old, your previous licence must have been valid, and you must adhere to the conditions of your old licence.

Failing to return an expired licence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000 .

How to renew your driving licence

The DVLA advises people to renew on its official website as it is the quickest and cheapest method.

Applications cost £14 and are usually processed within five days.

Third party websites charge additional fees.

Postal renewals cost £17, while doing it at a Post Office has a £21.50 fee.

A DVLA spokeswoman said: “We encourage customers to use GOV.UK as applying online is the quickest and cheapest way to renew their photocard driving licence.

“If you stop driving altogether, you should inform DVLA and return your licence rather keeping it as a form of out-of-date photo ID.”