Crime & Safety
Police update on Oxford man who went missing one year ago
It has now been a year since Stephen, whose surname was never revealed by Thames Valley Police, was last seen.
The 54-year-old was reported missing on Sunday, April 20, last year, having not been heard from since March 30, 2025.
A statement issued by Thames Valley Police on Monday morning (March 30) stated that Stephen stopped at the East Isley Shell garage at approximately 8.15pm on March 31 last year, where he purchased a five-litre fuel can.
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He then travelled by car, a blue Mazda 3, which was then abandoned by a field on the Ridgeway near Southfields, Aldworth, West Berkshire.
It is thought to have been there since March 31, 2025.
A comprehensive search of Stephen’s car and the area has been conducted, but a fuel can was not located.
Stephen is described by police as 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build, and may be wearing blue jeans, an open-necked top, a striped cardigan, walking boots and glasses. He is known to carry a backpack with him.
Stephen also has links to Littlehampton, West Sussex.
Thames Valley Police has now renewed its appeal for the public’s help to find missing man Stephen, releasing a fresh statement today (Monday, March 30).
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Lead investigating officer, Detective Inspector Elizabeth Batchelor, said: “Ever since Stephen was reported missing in April last year, we have been growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.
“Our officers have searched the Ridgeway, where his car was abandoned, with support from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue and have been continuing to make enquiries in an effort to trace him.
“We have been working hard to find Stephen since he was reported missing, and we are still appealing for the public’s help to locate him.
“So if you see Stephen, please call 999, quoting the reference number 43250192691.
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“We are also appealing to anyone who may have picked up a green five-litre fuel can, like the one pictured, on or around the time that he went missing, as we believe that this person(s) may have information that could assist our search. The can may have been filled with unleaded petrol.
“We are also asking anyone who may have seen or spoken to Stephen on Thursday, March 27, 2025, to please get in touch.
“Anyone with information on Stephen’s whereabouts, no matter how insignificant or small it may seem, please make a report via our website.
“Stephen, if you see this appeal, please know that you are not in any trouble, but we are concerned for you. So, please contact us and let us know where you are.”
An incident occurred in St Aldate’s, outside the entrance to Christ Church Meadows, at about 4pm on Tuesday, June 2.
At least three ambulances were responding to what appeared to be a medical emergency on the pavement.
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An individual was scene on a stretcher being cared for by paramedics.
An eyewitness said the incident occurred opposite the Alice Shop, and the medical teams ‘evacuated’ the person.
Apart from the pavement briefly being blocked while the first responders dealt with the emergency, it did not appear to affect traffic or block the road in busy St Aldate’s.
South Central Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.
Daniel Kaveh, 24, Justin Hughes, 25 and Kailan Chadbone, 20, were each sentenced to years in jail at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, May 29 for supplying and dealing drugs on the streets of Oxford.
Kaveh, of Lambourn Road in Oxford, and Hughes, of Woodperry Road, played ‘significant’ roles in an ‘open line’ class A drugs operation in Blackbird Leys between November 2024 and last November, the court heard.
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Kaveh was previously in court in 2021 after pulling out a ‘Rambo’ knife in a stabbing incident in Lambourn Road in Rose Hill in November 2020 which resulted in a 12 month jail sentence suspended for two years.
Between them, they supplied around 4.6kg of crack cocaine and heroin to the drugs line.
Police raids on Hughes’ home also found 232g powder cocaine and 2.338kg of cannabis, for which he was sentenced for possession with intent to supply, along with a quantity of cash, drugs paraphernalia and weapons.
Raids on Kaveh’s property found similar equipment and drugs like heroin and diamorphine, with a total street value of more than £100,000.
It was established the two dealers worked for Emman Riasat, who ran his own drug line in Oxford and wholesale supplied drugs to the line operating out of Blackbird Leys.
Hughes received a jail sentence of six years and nine months for two counts of class A drug supply and two counts of possession, while Kaveh was jailed for seven years and six months for two counts of class A drug supply.
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Also working for Riasat was Chadbone, of Bernwood Road, who worked lower down in the operation as a drugs runner.
He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and diamorphine between August 1 and November 19, 2025, committed while he was serving a suspended sentence for affray.
Chadbone received a total of 45 months in jail for two counts of drug supply and the breach of a previous suspended sentence.
‘Sundays in the Park’ took place in Garth Park on May 31, thanks to a collaboration between Bicester Town Council and Bicester Live.
Visitors enjoyed performances from Ukesnaile, Bicester Concert Band, and Malish, offering a variety of covers from pop to garage.
Food was provided by Garth Park Kitchen, with options like British bockwurst, halloumi buns, and wood-fired cheeseburgers, while others brought their own picnics to enjoy in the sunshine.
The council’s events team said: “We can’t wait to welcome you all for an afternoon of live music, great food, and community fun in the beautiful surroundings of Garth Park.”
The next ‘Sundays in the Park’ event will be held on June 14, featuring Hook Norton Brass Band and local soloists, starting at 12.30pm.
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