Oxford News
Thousands to take part in Supertri Blenheim Palace 2025
Supertri Blenheim Palace will take place in the grounds of the estate on June 6 and 7, offering the world’s only swim-bike-run festival set against the backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More than 7,000 participants are expected to take part across a weekend of racing in the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Gemma, a mother of eight-year-old twins, will compete in her first triathlon despite a lifelong phobia of water.
Gemma, 41, from Swindon, said: “I want to prove to my twins that you really can do anything you set your mind to.
“What better way to show them strength than by pushing myself outside my comfort zone?”
Her journey to this point has included losing 10 stone and a long IVF journey with her wife before having their twins.
She has signed up through Supertri’s First-Timer Programme, which supports newcomers with 12 weeks of free personalised triathlon training, live online sessions, and First-Timer expert support on race day.
Michael D’hulst, CEO of Supertri, said: “Supertri Blenheim Palace is one of the highlights of the UK triathlon calendar.
“With 50 days to go, we’re excited to welcome athletes of all levels to experience racing in such an incredible setting.
“Entries are selling fast, don’t miss your spot on race day, register now.”
Oxford News
UK drivers warned over facing fines for forgetting key dates
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.
Oxford News
Oxford – Woman screamed for help as ex strangled her
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.
Oxford News
Police given extra powers at Tommy Robinson protest
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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