Hereford Voice

Herefordshire Council has secured convictions against a man who failed to leave council owned land. On Tuesday 9 September 2025, at Hereford Magistrates’ Court, the court heard how on 2 January 2025, Tyson Biddle, aged 21, of no fixed abode, was found residing in a caravan and vehicle on land at Openfields caravan site, Bromyard, and occupying a plot without consent. The council served a Section 77 Direction to Leave under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, requiring Mr Biddle to vacate the site by 5pm on 5 January 2025. Mr Biddle failed to comply with the notice and council officers obtained a Section 78 Removal Order. The court was told that Mr Biddle then purchased a new caravan and without permission, began residing on the main roadway of the Openfields site. A second Section 77 Direction to Leave was served, which Mr Biddle again failed to comply with. CCTV showed Mr Biddle dismantling his original caravan and setting fire to it and other items over an eight-hour period on 20 February 2025, causing several explosions and thick black smoke across the Openfields site and neighbouring land. Following a complaint, council officers attended the next day to investigate and were subjected to abuse and aggressive behaviour and were obstructed from leaving the site. West Mercia Police investigated the incident, and Mr Biddle was charged with a public order offence. Mr Biddle was brought to court on 9 September by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and convicted of a fly-tipping offence and of using threatening, abusive or insulting words towards a council officer. He was ordered to pay costs of £1,049 and a received a community order for 18 months, including 25 rehabilitation days under a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR). Charles Yarnold, Head of Regulation & Technical Services at Herefordshire Council, said: “Our message is clear - those who ignore lawful directions, blight our environment with waste, or intimidate public servants will face firm action. I’m grateful to our Gypsy Traveller Team, colleagues across the council, West Mercia Police and the CPS for their work to protect residents and support our officers. We will continue to use every available power to keep Herefordshire safe and clean.”

A man has today, 12 September, been sentenced for the murder of 54-year-old Jamie Gawler. Matthew Jonathan, 39, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty and was handed 32 years at Worcester Crown Court. Please note: the injuries depicted here were the result of a medical episode. On Saturday 18 January 2025, the brother of Mr Gawler called his mobile phone which was answered by a South Wales police officer. The officer informed him that the phone had been found by police earlier that day at Porth railway station. He was then concerned for the welfare of his brother and attended his flat on Brierley Court in Hereford. Upon entering the property, he sadly found him deceased. When South Wales police officers found Jamie’s mobile phone at Porth railway station they also located bank cards in his name along with bank cards in the name of Matthew Jonathan. A murder investigation was launched, and Jonathan became a suspect. Jonathan was arrested on Sunday 19 January by South Wales Police and subsequently transferred to Hereford Police Station, where he was interviewed by detectives. It was quickly established that Jamie had died as the result of a vicious and prolonged assault over a number of days at the hands of Jonathan, which he filmed on his mobile phone, and he was charged with murder. Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher, of West Mercia Police’s Major Investigation Unit, said: “We really welcome todays sentencing of Mathew Jonathan. “He will now serve a significant period of time in prison and whilst it will never bring Jamie back to his loved ones, hopefully it will bring some closure towards being an unimaginably difficult time for them. “Thankfully, Jonathan pleaded guilty to the murder and that saved his family going through and reliving the ordeal that Jamie went through in the final days of his life. “I would also like to thank my investigation team who worked tirelessly, through some extremely difficult circumstances, to bring about today’s sentencing. “The investigation involved various teams from a number of forces who all worked together to bring Jonathan to justice”. In a statement Jamie’s family said: “We would like to thank the West Mercia Police and prosecution team for their dedication and support in bringing this case to its conclusion. “The last eight months have been extremely traumatic for our family as we try, in our own way, to process the loss of Jamie, our son, brother, uncle and friend to many. Our lives have been changed forever and today has been another difficult day having to revisit what happened, but we are glad that some justice has been achieved. “Jamie will be forever in our hearts and remembered as the kind, funny and gentle man that he was.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and a man has been arrested after a woman was raped within a property in South Street, Leominster. The incident happened on Thursday 4 September, into the early hours of Friday 5 September, where a woman, in her 50s, was falsely imprisoned and raped. A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, false imprisonment and administering a poisonous / noxious substance with intent to injure. He has been released on bail as enquiries continue. Police are keen to hear from anyone who can assist with enquiries, particularly anyone who may have seen anything suspicious on South Street on the morning of Thursday 4 September. Detective Inspector Edward Jones said: “I understand that incidents such as this will bring huge concern to the local community, and we would like to reassure people that we are conducting a detailed investigation and that additional officers will remain in the area. “A 50-year-old man was quickly arrested after we received the report”. “We would urge anyone who was in the area of South Street at around 9am-10am on Thursday, and who has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem to get in touch” Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Polly Price on 01905 973417 or via email polly.price@westmercia.police.uk Information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Extra officers set to boost neighbourhood policing across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire will be in post by the end of the month. Earlier this year, the force announced neighbourhood policing is set to receive an additional 29 police constables, five of whom will be dedicated rural crime officers, two sergeants and 20 police community and support officers (PCSOs). The investment supports the delivery of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan, while also contributing to the national Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. West Mercia Police Local Policing Assistant Chief Constable, Grant Wills, said: “Making our communities safer and building confidence is underpinned by neighbourhood policing and we know our local communities want to see more officers in their area. Bolstering our safer neighbourhood and town centre teams across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire will help achieve this and improve the service we deliver.” It has also been agreed that the hours PCSOs work will change following a recent consultation. ACC Wills said: “PCSOs play a pivotal role in neighbourhood policing and community engagement, providing crucial support to our local communities as part of our safer neighbourhood and town centre teams. “We have considered the key times when PCSOs can be most effective and visible for our communities and following a period of consultation it has been agreed they will now finish at 8pm. It is important to note, this does not reduce the hours PCSOs work but changes their hours of work to ensure they are on duty at the best times to carry out their role; officers will continue to be on duty and patrol throughout our neighbourhoods 24/7 365 and now in greater numbers.” In March, the force launched its refreshed Local Policing Charter, which is based on three principles – visibility, accessibility and engagement – and sets out the force’s promise to ensure a two-way conversation to understand how local teams can respond to concerns and improve confidence in the service we deliver. ACC Wills added: “We are committed to building safer, stronger communities through visible, accessible, and engaging police activity.” Every area served by West Mercia Police has a named local officer, to find out who your local officer is visit our website www.westmercia.police.uk and enter your postcode in the ‘find your area’ section.

Earlier this month, 3 St George’s flags appeared overnight on the railings outside Hereford Cathedral, see original article here - https://hfd.news/flags They were quickly removed the following morning by the Cathedral’s Head of Estates, Alan Reid, who explained to us that while the Cathedral proudly flies the St George’s Cross from its tower, there is a proper procedure for attaching anything to Cathedral property to prevent damage and ensure permissions are in place. In response and following Alan’s advice and with full respect to the Cathedral, Hereford Voice submitted a formal application to display 6 flags — 3 Union Flags and 3 St George’s Cross flags — along the Cathedral railing on Broad Street. Our aim was to create a respectful and temporary display to coincide with a significant community event. We first contacted the SSAFA Herefordshire and proposed aligning the flags with the 140th anniversary celebrations of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. As part of our proposal, we also offered to provide free advertising support across our network to help promote the SSAFA 140th anniversary concert in October, as well as pledging a donation to both SSAFA Herefordshire and Hereford Cathedral in recognition of their work. Sadly, SSAFA Herefordshire declined permission to connect the display with their concert in October, citing reputational considerations... Following that outcome, we approached Hereford Cathedral to suggest that the flags might instead coincide with the upcoming Magna Carta weekend event., but this was also declined. Marc Leppard, Chief Operating Officer at Hereford Cathedral, told us: “It is very important to us that the flags which represent our country and nation should always be flown with the due respect they deserve. At the moment, we have no immediate plans to permit any additional displays of the St George’s Cross, Union Flag or any other flags, in any locations within the Cathedral Close aside from the cathedral tower.” Hereford Voice - Although this decision is disappointing, we fully respect the positions of both SSAFA Herefordshire and Hereford Cathedral. However, we will still honour our donation pledges and continue to advertise up and coming events, as it is important to us to continue supporting these valued organisations. Hereford Voice remains committed to supporting Herefordshire’s community, heritage, local events, charities and traditions. We will continue to seek out new ways to celebrate our history and national identity in positive and respectful ways.

A potentially lifesaving kit to help anyone suffering a severe bleed has been unveiled in Leominster by the mum of a 17-year-old stabbing victim. Reuben Higgins, who lived in Leominster, died last October having been stabbed in the leg, arm and chest. He was chased into a shop in the Marston Green area of Solihull before being attacked. Three teenagers have been found guilty of his murder. This week, Reuben’s mum, Sarah, unveiled an Emergency Bleed Control Kit, which is attached to the wall of the Station Yard shop in Leominster. “My children wanted to help anyone who might be in the same situation as their brother was,” said Sarah. “So, I did a bit of research into it and then happened to be in the St Michael’s Hospice shop in Leominster and began chatting to Bob about it.” Bob Miles is a St Michael’s volunteer at the Station Yard shop and is also a Community First Responder. As well as the Bleed Control Kit, he has also been instrumental in securing a defibrillator which is also attached to the Station Yard shop’s front wall. Sarah and her family funded the Bleed Control Kit. She says it can play a pivotal role in providing aid to someone experiencing life-threatening external bleeding, and can be used by members of the public and medical professionals. “I want to get as many of these kits around as possible,” added Sarah. “If there was one nearby when Reuben was stabbed, it may have saved his life. He was an amazing son; my best friend, and we miss him so much.” Reuby’s Foundation has been set up in memory of Reuben and to support others who have experienced a sudden unexpected loss. Reuby's Foundation - https://www.reubysfoundation.com/

A man from Hereford has been sentenced to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for five years following sexual assaults on a girl and a woman. Sanjoy Galal, 46, of Green Street in Hereford, pled guilty and was sentenced at Hereford Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tuesday 26 August). On 1 April this year Galal sexually assaulted a girl in High Town. Minutes later he then followed a woman into McDonalds on Commercial Street and sexually assaulted her. He was further handed a community order and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114, pay compensation of £300, a fine of £100, rehab activity work and was also ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. DC Sophie Weaver, who led the investigation, said: “We take reports of sexual assault and sexual offences extremely seriously and we will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered such abhorrent crimes. “I would like to commend the victims for their bravery and courage in what has been an extremely difficult time for them and their families. “Behaviour such as that shown by Galal will simply not be tolerated in our communities and those who think it is acceptable to commit such crimes will be brought to justice”.

Today, Peter Isaac was given Honorary Freedom of the City. For his dedication to Hereford United Football Club as a player and later Caretaker Manager, and for his continued support for the club, Peter Isaac was conferred Freedom of the City of Hereford, the most honourable distinction that is within the power of the City Council to bestow. Peter Isaac, born William Henry Isaac in 1935, has a long and storied career. He served with thirteen managers; Joe Wade, Ray Daniel, Bob Dennison, John Charles, Colin Addison, John Sillett, Tony Ford, Mike Bailey, Frank Lord, Tommy Hughes, John Newman, Ian Bowyer and Greg Downs. He completed over 30 seasons at Edgar Street, and clocked up an impressive total of 353 appearances. Now 90 years of age, Peter continues to support the club he served. The conferring of the title ‘Honorary Freeman’ is the highest that the Council of a City can bestow. Hereford City Council may admit “persons of distinction and persons who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the City”, as Honorary Freemen. For more on Peter, visit: https://www.talkingbull.org/hereford-hero-25-peter-isaac/

Herefordshire Council’s long “year of delivery” begins as work starts on a new multi-million pound transport hub in Hereford to improve transport connections and travel choice in and around the city and wider region. A delegation including representatives from the Council, Network Rail, Transport for Wales and contractor McPhillips gathered on Thursday (22 August) to mark the official start of construction on Hereford’s new Transport Hub. The hub will integrate key travel connections, making it easier to move around and connect by train, bus, car, bike, taxi or on foot. This forms part of a wider Local Transport Plan shaped by public input, with strong support for better bus services, active travel options and the Bypass. Enhancing the front of Hereford’s historic railway station, the development will support multiple modes of getting around and create an exciting urban space that ties together local heritage, public and private transport and active travel. The hub will feature: ▪️New bus stands and layovers ▪️Taxi and car parking areas (including commuter and short-term parking) ▪️Covered cycle storage and lockers ▪️Indoor welfare facilities for passengers Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “The Transport Hub has been planned for a very long time; it is a big project and will bring lots of benefits to all users, whether they are on foot, cycling, driving or on public transport. Once completed, the hub will not only offer accessible, safe and better transport connections, it will help open up better access to Hereford’s cultural, retail and family-friendly offerings, and is expected to play a key role in supporting the county’s economic growth. “This initiative is one of many being delivered by Herefordshire Council and our partners over the next 18 months, which together will be a significant step-forward in transforming infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities for both urban and rural areas across the county.” Andrew Dunham, Contracts Director for McPhillips, said: “This £10 million investment represents far more than just a construction project – it's a genuine investment in the future of Hereford and its community. The new hub will transform how people move around the city, providing modern bus facilities, improved parking, covered cycle storage, and indoor welfare facilities that will encourage a shift towards more sustainable transport options. “What makes this project particularly special for us is our commitment to supporting local supply chains throughout the delivery. Our approach ensures that the economic benefits of this investment flow directly into the local community – from local suppliers to local skilled workers.” The Transport Hub is part of the ‘Improving Transport in Hereford’ programme of works. It is supported by a £20.5 million investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, aimed at delivering a package of transport and travel measures in and around Hereford city.

A decision by Herefordshire Council to acquire and refurbish the John Haider building in central Hereford will offer 28 additional self-contained apartments for people needing emergency accommodation. The number of people presenting to the council as needing emergency accommodation has almost doubled in the past two years, and there is currently a shortage of suitable accommodation. This means that people may be housed in private sector dwellings (where available) or in budget hotel/bed-and-breakfast style accommodation. To help address this, the council is investing nearly £3.8Million to acquire and fully refurbish the John Haider building in central Hereford, bringing the building back into good condition to provide 28 high quality, self-contained, apartments. The decision follows Full Council approval of the outline business case in July 2024 and a detailed consultation process. Councillor Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Herefordshire Council, commented: This is one of the first projects we have brought forward, working through our new cross-political working group and aiming to address the long-term social and affordable housing crisis we face across the county. The project will provide quality accommodation to some of those that need it most, while also regenerating an ageing building at a key gateway location to the city centre. In purchasing the John Haider building not only will we be able to provide good quality, safe accommodation for people who are in need of emergency accommodation, but we are projecting cost savings in excess of £600,000 each year. Refurbishment of the premises is expected to commence autumn 2025 with the first occupants expected to move in from autumn 2026.

Emergency crews from Hereford Fire Station were dispatched to an incident on West Street, Hereford, shortly before 3:00pm this afternoon. A silver Volkswagen car had collided with The Stables pub, prompting a swift response from fire and rescue services. A spokesperson for West Mercia Police "We were called to reports of a car being in collision with The Stables pub on West Street at around 2.50pm today (Tuesday) - No arrests were made."

UPDATE Monday 18th August: Man Charged Following Hereford Assault Thomas Burroughs, 29, of Foxwhelp Close in Hereford has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The charge is in relation to an incident on Commercial Street in Hereford on Sunday 17 August 2025. He has been remanded to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court today (18 August 2025).

A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) following a fight involving two men in Hereford last night (Saturday 16 August). Police received multiple calls from members of the public reporting an assault in progress in the Commercial Street area of Hereford city centre around 11.30pm. Upon arrival, it was established that an isolated violent assault had taken place with the victim – a man in his 40s - being punched and falling to the ground, hitting his head. No other persons and no weapons were involved. The victim sustained a serious head injury and was taken to hospital. The suspect fled the scene but was quickly tracked down thanks to the help of public witnesses and an off-duty police officer. A man was then detained by response officers. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of assault GBH and remains in police custody helping with enquiries. A scene guard has been lifted this morning, and we would like to thank members of the public for their patience while our investigations continue at the location. Detective Inspector Colin Berry said: “A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault GBH following a violent attack in Hereford city centre last night. “We would like to thank members of the public for their help in identifying a suspect in what was an isolated incident between two men which posed no wider risk to the public. “We would also like to reassure people that there were no weapons involved despite some commentary on social media saying there were. “A suspect was identified and promptly arrested and is helping us with our enquiries.”

Wednesday night, three striking St George flags were placed on the railings outside Hereford Cathedral, briefly adding a patriotic touch to the city centre. However, the flags were removed earlier this morning by the Cathedral’s Head of Estates. We spoke directly with Alan Read, Head of Estates at Hereford Cathedral and a veteran himself, to understand why the flags were taken down. Alan clarified that the Cathedral is not opposed to flying the St George flag—in fact, it is regularly flown from the Cathedral’s main flagpole and was proudly on display again today. He explained that there is a formal procedure for placing any items on Cathedral property. Unauthorised attachments, particularly those using metal rings, can damage the ironwork and its protective paint. Additionally, the railings are private property, and proper permissions are required for any public displays. In light of this, Hereford Voice has now formally applied to display six flags on the railings in the coming months to coincide with a future event. 3 x St George Flags 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3 x Union Flags 🇬🇧 We are also pleased to announce that Hereford Voice will be making a donation to Hereford Cathedral in support of its ongoing work and maintenance.

Emergency services responded late last night (August 14) after a vehicle collided with a residential property on Whitefriars Road in Belmont. The incident occurred at approximately 11:44pm, when a car struck a house, causing significant structural damage. A spokesperson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated the property prior to their arrival. Crews worked to secure the vehicle and established a safety cordon around the affected area. One male casualty was assessed and transferred to the care of the ambulance service. West Mercia Police also attended the scene. Update - A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and dangerous driving. He remains in police custody as investigations continue. Police confirmed there were no injuries to the occupants of the property. Officers remain at the scene this morning to conduct further inquiries. 📷 S. Burnett