Chief Reporter/crime/court Reporting

James Connell

I've worked at the Worcester News for 13 years, first as a general reporter than health reporter before moving on to covering cases at the city's crown court. I've reported on major cases including murders and attempted murders, rapes, frauds, historic sexual abuse and drugs conspiracies

Latest articles from James Connell

CLEARED: Timothy Power was cleared of assault on a former partner but accepted a string of other drug and driving charges. Photo: James Connell

Banned drug driver cleared of assaulting 'cocaine-snorting escort' ex

A BANNED drug driver high on cocaine has been cleared of assaulting his 'drug addict' escort ex for 'blowing her nose'.

MUTINY: The disorder broke out at Long Lartin. Photo: Stock image of riot from Getty Images

Prisoner mutiny - prisoner ripped out phone to ring his mum
AN inmate seen on CCTV throwing a snooker ball in the direction of wing officers claimed he wanted to ring his mum during a prison mutiny.

CHARGED: L-R are Robert Fleetwood, Jack Beddoes and Genti Aliaj

Cocaine conspiracy - seven alleged drug dealers in court
ALLEGED drugs conspirators said to be involved in a suspected cocaine-dealing plot have appeared at court.

GUILTY: Shaun Lisseman, pictured, admitted the offences at the earliest possible opportunity before magistrates.

'Panicked' police chase driver says 'I was at church, officer!'

The convicted drug dealer blew a kiss to his partner and shouted 'love you babe!' as he was jailed for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

TASER: Craig Smith who had a knife had to be Tasered by police. Main photo: PA. Inset: Craig Smith (picture James Connell)

Tasered Dumped knifeman wanted 'death by cop' - but ended up Tasered
A DUMPED boyfriend was Tasered by police after he refused to put down a large knife in the hope officers would shoot him dead.

CONCERN: Daniel Joseph attacked a man with a crushed can near Westbury Pocket Park, Worcester.

Dog-loving stab attacker also assaulted neighbour
A dog-loving homeless man who stabbed a 'drug dealer' in the buttock with a crushed can also assaulted his neighbour and smashed his phone.

FREE: Jason Cartwright (left, wearing a baseball cap) chats to his solicitor. Cartwright was given a suspended prison sentence at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Frauds Tired fraudster who took car sleeps it off in dock

A TIRED thief who a took a car without permission and committed a series of frauds using a stolen bank card slept it off in the dock.

BANNED: Philip Hudson had paid for insurance but because he was disqualified from driving, it was invalid.

Banned Worcester driver asks 'why did insurance firm take my money?'

A DRIVER who ended up in court was left scratching his head after his insurance company still took his money despite him being banned.

GUILTY: Tina Burton of Worcester bit and pinched two officers and tried to attack a third.

Bite attack 'Angry' mum's bite attack on police over missing teeth

AN 'angry' mum who had teeth knocked out by her ex's neighbour called police - only to later bite and pinch them.

COURT: Oliver Tatton appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Dog trainer accused of child rape and other sex offences
A DOG agility trainer has appeared in court charged with multiple sex offences including the alleged rape of a child.

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