THREE weeks after drug smuggler Delroy Thompson was caught at Gatwick Airport, a gunman went to his home in Oxford and threatened to kill him, Croydon Crown Court was told. He was now happy to be safely locked up in prison, said his lawyer. Thompson
Three weeks after drug smuggler Delroy Thompson was caught at Gatwick Airport, a gunman went to his home in Oxford and threatened to kill him, Croydon Crown Court was told today. He was now happy to be safely locked up in prison, said his lawyer.
Cousins appeared in court yesterday accused of ramming a police car and speeding off in a bid to escape arrest. Anthony Smith, 28, of Woodin's Way, Oxford, is alleged to have helped suspected drug dealer Triston Lawrence escape police custody on July
Michael Blackwood says it's been a return to getting the basics right which has prompted Oxford United's winning run. The left-sided midfielder, who filled in at left back in United's 2-1 victory over Stevenage on Easter Monday, revealed how boss Darren
The family of murdered Stephen Pinker have paid tribute to him after he was stabbed to death outside an Oxford pub. Mr Pinker, 43, of Burford Road, in Witney, died after being slashed across the throat outside the Corner House, in Hollow Way, Cowley
A FAMILY tonight paid tribute to a man who was stabbed to death outside an Oxford pub. Stephen Pinker, 43, of Burford Road, Witney, died after the attack outside the Corner House pub in Hollow Way, Oxford, last night. He leaves behind two grown-up
RAIL regulators today warned Network Rail that it must improve punctuality and reliability on train services in Oxfordshire, the Thames Valley and the West of England. Passenger services operated by First Great Western in these areas have been dogged
FAMILIES living in fear of flooding have said a £95,000 investment in flood improvements by South Oxfordshire District Council is "too little, too late". Ten areas, including Ladygrove and Abingdon Road in Didcot, East Hagbourne and Clifton Hampden
Rail regulators today warned Network Rail that it must improve punctuality and reliability on train services in Oxfordshire, the Thames Valley and the West of England. Passenger services operated by First Great Western in these areas have been dogged
It was not the most auspicious of beginnings. Due to a serious lack of Greek-speaking ability on our part, and English-speaking on our driver's, instead of rolling up to the front of the five-star hotel in style, we were somehow stuck at the rather dark
A notorious Oxford alleyway which has been plagued by yobs and drug dealers finally looks set to be shut off after a six-year battle. Oxfordshire County Council has recommended a gating order should be made for the alley between Windale Avenue and Pegasus
Children from nine Oxford primary schools came together to celebrate 10 years of joint musical performances at the Sheldonian Theatre. The schools started the performances after they were selected for the 'Excellence in Cities Partnership', a Government
The principal of Oxford's planned academy school has invited parents to come and find out more about the future of their children's education at a fun day. Mike Reading, principal designate of the Oxford Academy, will meet and greet families and neighbours
Families living in fear of flooding have said a £95,000 investment in flood improvements by South Oxfordshire District Council is "too little, too late". Ten areas, including Ladygrove and Abingdon Road in Didcot, East Hagbourne and Clifton Hampden,
In your article about the campaign against post office closures (Oxford Mail, March 17), Oxford East MP Andrew Smith was quoted as saying: "This highlights the immense strength of concern and how much people want to keep their post offices in Oxford and
I refer to Sushila Dhall's letter, Poor hosts (Oxford Mail, March 13). It is true that there is concern by the British people, mainly the working class, over the huge number of people coming from other countries to live in Britain. I, like every other
It seems hard to believe that five years have passed since that awful vote in the Commons. Both sides have suffered the Iraq war. Our troops should be brought home. How many more will be killed before this adventure is finished? Meanwhile, Tony
When we started work in the mid-sixties, we were the 'gofers' in our department - go for this, go for that. Being innocent apprentices, we were invariably sent to the infamous trim shop, unaware that it was inhabited by the most sexually provocative
Ida Burns, who has died aged 86, was born and bred in Littlemore and oversaw the upbringing of three generations of her family. Born in 1921, the then Ida Luxton went to Temple Cowley School where she developed a love of sports, in particular hockey
The mother of Steven Tizzard, who died aged 25 during a sudden seizure at his home in Abingdon, described him as a "cheeky chappy." Mr Tizzard was found dead in his bedroom at his parent's house, in Gibson Close, on March 14. A former pupil at St
A PROJECT to raise awareness and understanding of the issues around honour based violence and forced marriage is being run in Thames Valley. The Thames Valley Local Criminal Justice Board has secured funding from the Office of Criminal Justice Reform
Serala Suresh Kumar was overjoyed when she received a kidney transplant in 1999. For the first time, the accountant from Headington dreamed of having children and leading a normal life with her husband Suresh, 33. But her joy was short lived. Six
Managers at a Wantage firm are furious after papers containing clients' private financial details fell out of a van. Documents containing 96 people's personal and financial details were found strewn across Mill Street last week by a builder. He handed
HUNDREDS of premises in West Oxford including businesses on an industrial estate suffered a power cut after a contractor drilled through a cable. Electricity supplies to a number of firms in Osney Mead were affected by the cut in supply which lasted
Hundreds of premises in West Oxford including businesses on an industrial estate suffered a power cut after a contractor drilled through a cable. Electricity supplies to a number of firms in Osney Mead were affected by the cut in supply which lasted
Burglars broke into two pubs and stole hundreds of pounds of cash from one of them. The Rose and Crown pub in Ashbury, near Wantage, was broken into between 1am and 9am last Tuesday. The cellar doors were broken into, but nothing was taken. The
I was at Oxford station earlier this month, camera at the ready, to capture the passage of the steam locomotive Rood Ashton Hall at the head of an enthusiasts' special from Solihull. This was the last outing for the engine before a major overhaul. Built
I am delighted today to be the bearer of good news for everyone worried about the future of the White House, in Botley Road. This includes many of my West Oxford neighbours, and a good few of my colleagues at Newspaper House, for whom the place is something
I am sorry to go on about this but it seems that Andrew Lloyd Webber is, after all, going to be coining it from the new production of Oliver! which the BBC is generously helping him to plug with the prime-time I'd Do Anything talent show. Though it's
RESIDENTS of Grove want urgent action to sort out drainage problems which have plagued their village for months. Homeowners in North Drive, Vale Avenue and Cane Lane have called for an investigation into why flood water and sewage lapped at their doors
So farewell, Anthony Minghella. His untimely death at 54 has robbed us of one of Britain's most prestigious film-makers. It is a pity that his last work was The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (BBC1), a dramatisation of a series of novels by Alexander
Pork works particularly well in stir frys, especially when flavoured with fresh ginger and chopped apple. It's great in pies too, particularly if have time to cook the pie filling the night before it's needed to allow the herbs time to infuse their flavour
Oxford will have a fringe festival to rival Edinburgh or Brighton if the organisers of a music, theatre and spoken word festival have their way. On Saturday, Oxfringe - Oxford's first fringe festival - will begin with a variety of events designed to
I'm lucky - I don't have to ask my butcher, Richard Golsby from Eynsham, if the pork he sells is locally produced. Like all his customers, I know it is, which is probably why he maintains a good trade in pork products. However, he admits that pork is
The morbid hilarity of mundane existence is relentlessly revealed by Swedish auteur Roy Andersson in You, the Living, a deadpan follow-up to his wonderful 2000 comeback picture Songs from the Second Floor. Again adopting a non-linear structure and a fastidiousness
Residents of Grove want urgent action to sort out drainage problems which have plagued their village for months. Homeowners in North Drive, Vale Avenue and Cane Lane have called for an investigation into why flood water and sewage lapped at their doors
Grey's Anatomy surgical resident Katherine Heigl continues her makeover into fully-fledged leading lady with 27 Dresses, a frothy romantic comedy penned by Aline Brosh McKenna, screenwriter of The Devil Wears Prada. Anne Fletcher's film waltzes down the
Former Bishop of Oxford Patrick Rodger once wrote: "There are very few preachers better than Bach." Nowhere is that statement more true than in Bach's Passions. In this, their 40th anniversary season, the Orchestra of St John's and OSJ Voices chose the
An African flavoured extravaganza of music, dance and story-telling is unfurling this week at the Pegasus to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. Journeys to Freedom consists of nine plays (split into three performances
Forty-four years ago, a rumour swept Oxford that The Beatles were due to play at the New Theatre. I asked my mother to enquire (I was 12). "No, we don't know how this started, but the Everly Brothers are coming. Interested?" Yes, but no. I also have three
When the Farber Foundry staged the dramatic version of Molora, based on the Greek classic Oresteia, at the Oxford Playhouse last June, it proved such a phenomenal success her company have been invited back from Wednesday to next Saturday with a complete
Oxford has a rare breadth of creative talent, as revealed by three new albums from local or Oxford-based musicians. Mr Exstein's X-Ray Eyes is the delightful title of Nick Gill's quintet Byzantines. Confusingly labelled classic jazz' this set of songs
This is a fine, predominantly young company, well trained in the Russian tradition. They showed two works, each with some surprises. Swan Lake departs from the Petipa-Ivanov choreography for much of the time, but keeps the iconic passages intact. Von
Eight Oxfordshire teams are still challenging for titles or stuck in relegation trouble with just a handful of games to play. Chinnor, Wallingford, and Bicester all look strong bets for promotion, while Chipping Norton are bidding to go up as BB&O Premier
Full-frontal nude Commendatores painted from head to foot in gold, Donna Annas and Elviras teetering about in high heels on lethal metal grille floors - Don Giovanni hasn't half suffered from 'directorial concepts' in its time. So the first thing to say
Appearances are particularly deceptive in jazz. As he got ready on stage for the first set at the Spin, guitarist Jim Mullen (pictured) looked like a gent who had spruced up after a day on the allotment, while Stan Sulzmann had the solemn air of a trade
Oxford University Greyhounds can finish the season on a high by winning the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) Trophy final. The Dark Blues' second string will face the University of West of England at Richmond Athletic Ground on April 23
Duke Vincentio of Vienna, as presented in Measure for Measure, has to be the least appealing hero in any of Shakespeare's plays. Off he goes on his travels (supposed), leaving the city to be governed by his coldly efficient deputy Angelo (Adam Newsome
Performance art revisited Oxford big time earlier this month with two artists presenting intriguing and challenging performance works that demonstrate polar ends of the live art spectrum. In the corner for fine art, gallery-based performance art: over
Judy McCairns won Frilford Heath's first major ladies competition of the season, the Andrew Walsh Cup. Nine-handicapper McCairns's dogged determination saw her defeat Kate Evans by one hole in the final. Earlier, Annie Gowing finished first in the
SHAW GIBBS OXFORDSHIRE FOURSOMES LEAGUE Section 3 Mentmore 2 (3pts), Witney Lakes 1 (1) (Mentmore first): G Robertson & M Culley bt B Wells & O Tite 2 & 1, B Harnett & J Haynes bt S Putt & D Barber 4 & 3, S Lee & R Wooten lost to J Timms & R Conner
Johnson's Buildbase Oxford & District League There was double delight for Masons in Section 1 - their B side becoming champions and their A side taking the runners-up spot, writes PETE EWINS. In an evening of twists and turns, contenders Portcullis
Deddington lifted the Banbury Indoor League's Presidents Cup with a 20-16 victory over Grimsbury in the final. In the Knock-out Cup final, Banbury face General Foods on finals night next Thursday. RESULTS Banbury Indoor League - President's Cup semi-finals
OXFORD & DISTRICT IBA Monday Morning League Angels 14, CWG 20; Insmoor 16, Beech Boys 12; Pebbles 17, Maestro's 13; Pirates 34, Nomads 15; Joes 17, Brookside 17. Monday Evening Men's League Wise Men 19, Play Boys 22; Fearless 19, Oh Eck 20; Brookside
One of the most important maps ever made in Britain should be placed on display, according to a key member of staff at Oxford University's Bodleian Library. The Gough Map, which dates from about 1360, is the earliest surviving map of Great Britain to
MOTORSPORT'S governing body today approved a date change for Wales Rally GB, the 15th and final round of the 2008 FIA World Rally Championship. The rally will begin with a ceremonial start on Thursday, December 4, and conclude after three days of competitive
POLICE are appealing for information following two break-ins at pubs in the Vale of White Horse. The Rose and Crown pub in Ashbury, near Wantage, was broken into sometime between 1am and 9am on Tuesday, March 19. PC Adrian Bray said: "The cellar
Less than half of all homes get that annual spring clean, research by appliance manufacturer Miele revealed, while another Persil survey found a quarter of us are too busy to do all our chores, and 31 per cent of people hate dusting the house. But loving
In today's gloomy housing market, trying to sell your existing property and find the right new place can be a bit of a nightmare. Fortunately, there may a simpler solution closer to home, writes Geoffrey Hedge extra living accommodation by converting
Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed to death outside a pub. A 43-year-old man was slashed in the throat outside the Corner House pub, in Hollow Way, Cowley, Oxford, at around 10.40pm last night. Det Supt Rob Mason, leading the
Flowers have been laid outside an Oxford pub at the spot where a man was slashed across the throat. The man, in his 40s, was stabbed outside the Corner House pub, Hollow Way, in Cowley, at 10.40pm last night and later died in hospital. Police sealed
FLOWERS have been laid outside a pub at the spot where a man was slashed across the throat. The 43-year-old man was stabbed outside the Corner House pub, Hollow Way, in Cowley, Oxford, at 10.40pm last night and later died in hospital. Police had sealed
East should be the object of your desires, and capturing the essence of its elegant, harmonious look - particularly from China - is essential this year for a fashion-conscious home. You might choose a glossy lacquered box possibly in red (considered
Your partner might not be Prince Charming, but you can still feel like royalty in the bedroom in a four-poster bed, writes Gabrielle Fagan Once confined to stately homes and royal palaces and something most of us could only daydream about, they are
Members of the public are being asked to help trace a man who has gone missing from his home in Oxford. Kevin Morrison, 38, of Starwort Path, Blackbird Leys, was last seen on Thursday at a friend's funeral in Oxford and was reported missing on Saturday
Once dismissed as a resting place for mugs - or feet - today these are a visual focal point for living rooms, sitting in the centre with seating grouped around them. Officially defined as low tables where magazines can be placed and coffee or cocktails
A driver was killed in a crash on the A361 yesterday near Pomfret Farm, Swerford, it was confirmed today. At about 7am, a green Nissan Primera travelling towards Chipping Norton collided with two other vehicles driving in the other direction - a silver
Just as the shoots of green leaves and buds are appearing outdoors and transforming the landscape so green shades are taking root, blooming and refreshing our homes, writes Gabrielle Fagan You are sadly out of date if you have dismissed green as the
POLICE today appealed for witnesses after a driver died following a three-car crash near Chipping Norton. At about 7am yesterday, on the A361 near Pomfret Castle Farm, Swerford, a green Nissan Primera travelling towards Chipping Norton collided with
POLICE today appealed for help in tracing a missing man from Oxford. Kevin Morrison, 38, of Starwort Path, Blackbird Leys, was last seen on Thursday, March 20, at a friend's funeral in Oxford and was reported missing on Saturday. He is white, 5ft
I have a bad case of blisters. Painful to walk and, without a huge amount of plaster padding, running seems out of the question. But how did it happen? Not, as you might safely assume, due to lots and lots of training but down to a missing bus and a night
GET SMART 8 "The biggest mistake people make is not keeping their house in good condition by carrying out regular maintenance, says Tommy, who is an advisor to DIY firm Wickes. "Keeping up with repairs is vital, not just so that it is comfortable
It is amazing what you can achieve by investing in a new kitchen or bathroom - or simply giving your home a spring facelift with a lick of paint and some new accessories, writes Gabrielle Fagan Uncertain house prices, spiralling living costs, and the
CHILTERN Railways passengers travelling from Bicester and Banbury to Birmingham were warned they could experience delays this morning. There were a large number of timetable changes due to a derailed freight train at Birmingham Moor Street, and Network
Chiltern Railways passengers travelling from Bicester and Banbury to Birmingham were warned they could experience delays this morning. There were a large number of timetable changes due to a derailed freight train at Birmingham Moor Street, and Network
A MAN and a woman have been arrested after a man in his early 40s died last night in a knife attack in Oxford. Police and paramedics were called following the incident near the Corner House pub in Hollow Way, Cowley, at 10.40pm. The victim is thought
A man and a woman have been arrested after a man in his early 40s died last night in a knife attack in Oxford. Police and paramedics were called following the incident near the Corner House pub in Hollow Way, Cowley, at 10.40pm. The victim is thought
PROUD grandparents David and Susan Law are seeing double after both their children had babies on the same day. Mr and Mrs Law, from Wantage, were thrilled when their daughter Katy and their son Martin's wife Kirsty fell pregnant. But despite being
A PIONEERING scheme which has helped turn around an Oxford estate will close next week after running out of cash. For three years the Barton Community Development Project (BCDP) has had £134,000 of National Lottery money to boost community spirit and
A MAN in his 40s died in a knife attack last night after he was slashed across the throat in Oxford. Police and paramedics were called following the incident in Hollow Way, Cowley, at 10.40pm. Initially it was reported that the man had suffered
A man in his 40s died in a knife attack last night after he was slashed across the throat in Oxford. Police and paramedics were called following the incident in Hollow Way, Cowley, at 10.40pm. Initially it was reported that the man had suffered a stab
There is no question that the Barton Community Development Project has done good work. The list of its top 10 successes we publish today makes impressive reading. The Oxford estate would be a poorer place had the project not come into being. Yet
The news that drunken crime is soaring in town centres across Oxfordshire is depressing. No-one wants to be a killjoy and stop people enjoying themselves, but the amount of violence is clearly getting out of hand. We need to get much tougher with
PEOPLE on an Oxford estate have said "20 is plenty" when it comes to speeding motorists outside their local primary school and nursery. Parents and residents living around Titup Hall Drive in Wood Farm want the speed limit on the road reduced from
SOME children are to get safe cycling lessons thanks to a £15,000 Government grant to the county council. It will be used to provide cycle training for 375 children in the county. Transport minister Rosie Winterton announced the funding at the weekend
A pioneering scheme which has helped turn around an Oxford estate will close next week after running out of cash. For three years the Barton Community Development Project (BCDP) has had £134,000 of National Lottery money to boost community spirit and
MORE fly-tipping is being reported around Chipping Norton, say police. Following an increase in incidents reported of rubbish being dumped in lay-bys and on the roadside, police have warned that offenders will be prosecuted. Sgt Rosemary Dilsaver
DOUBLE yellow lines in Poplar Grove, Kennington, near the Avenue, could be removed to alleviate parking problems further along the road. The lines were originally painted to stop people parking outside a former garage, which was replaced by flats
WARNING letters have been sent to motorists caught speeding in Chipping Norton. The Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Team has increased its use of the Speed Indicator Device in a crackdown on speeding in the town. Twenty-four letters have already been
PEOPLE in the Wheatley and Chalgrove area are being invited to meet their local neighbourhood officer and speak to them about any concerns that they might have within the community. PC Abi Derbyshire will be holding a surgery at the John Hampden Hall
POSTMAN Sean Brown has been making sure he is in fine form to deliver come race day - by using his rounds to stay in shape. Mr Brown, 36, who will be taking part in his third marathon and his second London Marathon, usually delivers post in Barton,
MOTHER-of-four Terri Amos has launched a franchise for Oxfordshire of a guide to things to do for children up to the age of 11, Raring2go! The first edition is on its way to local primary schools, libraries, nurseries and leisure centres. It will be
BEING asked to look at someone else's wedding photographs is often a reason to suddenly remember an urgent appointment elsewhere. But a village museum has come up with a different angle on marriage memorabilia, and a new exhibition which opened over
A MAN with a 24-year history of exposing himself to women is facing jail after being found guilty of committing a sex act in public. Oxford Magistrates' Court heard today that John Bustin, who has convictions dating back to 1984 and was given an Antisocial
More than 40 hopefuls posed for the camera and pondered judges' questions as the search for Miss Oxford Mail 2008 hotted up yesterday. Entrants from across the county strutted their stuff at the Oxford Mail's offices as organisers undertook the task
Proud grandparents David and Susan Law are seeing double after both their children had babies on the same day. Mr and Mrs Law, from Wantage, were thrilled when their daughter Katy and their son Martin's wife Kirsty fell pregnant. But despite being
