Southern London region, spanning Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, and more
A roundup of recent murder cases across several outlets, highlighting trials in Teesside, London, Southampton, and Oldbury. Reports cover the defendants’ actions, court findings, and sentencing developments as cases unfold.
Coughlans Bakery has ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation after rising business rates, employer national insurance contributions, and fuel costs added to a challenging financial climate. Romesh Ranganathan, a co-owner since 2024, has shared in the heartbreak as staff and suppliers face the impact.
Conservative MP Patrick Spencer has been found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault after a trial at Southwark Crown Court concerning incidents at the Groucho Club in August 2023. The jury has cleared him; he has maintained innocence and described the proceedings as a test of character.
Labour signals a renewed drive on welfare reform, emphasizing opportunity and independence as final reports on Pip and youth worklessness are awaited. Ministers say the approach will shift from simple entitlements to helping people live fuller lives.
A unnamed boy has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts and racially aggravated damage after a July 9 arrest in south London. Police say documents found during a search linked to an alleged plan to target two mosques in Sutton. The suspect is remanded to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
A 14-year-old has pleaded not guilty to preparing terrorist acts and racially aggravated damage in connection with an alleged plan to attack two Sutton mosques. Prosecutors say the plan involved online reconnaissance, a manifesto inspired by extremist figures, and a targeted attack on worshippers. He is remanded in youth detention ahead of an August court appearance.
The British Muslim Trust reports more than 70 attacks on mosques in the past year, with violence, vandalism and online abuse. While the government has pledged up to £40 million for protective security, mosques say funding is arriving slowly or being denied without explanation, leaving communities fearful and waiting months for support. Other incidents include arson threats and a hate-driven backlash. The report and responses from Home Office stress ongoing processing, with calls to devolve funds to local areas.
The Charity Commission has escalated a statutory inquiry into the Al-Khair Foundation, with eight initial charities under review and a Turkish national connected to the group in custody on US charges. The regulator says it will extend its review as more evidence emerges about links to Hamas and the flow of funds to Gaza.
Jason Arday, who resigned from the University of Cambridge after plagiarism allegations, has been found dead at his south London home. Police have said the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. Family and public figures have said he faced sustained harassment; Cambridge has said it will investigate his appointment and work.
Counter-terrorism police have reopened an April 2025 incident at Nigel Farage’s London home and identified a new line of inquiry not pursued at the time. The police watchdog is investigating conduct related to the earlier inquiry, while Farage says the development underscores the seriousness with which security services are treating potential threats to Reform figures.
A Cambridge professor, Jason Arday, who faced plagiarism allegations and questions about his achievements, has died in Battersea. The university and partners are reviewing appointment and tenure processes as investigations from past claims continue to unfold. Families and colleagues condemn the intensified scrutiny and discuss its impact on Black academics and EDI work.
Jason Arday, Cambridge’s youngest Black professor, has been found unresponsive at his Battersea home. He resigned last week amid plagiarism allegations as Cambridge launched an independent review into his appointment and related processes. Police say the death is unexpected but not believed to be suspicious.
Linda and Geoff Kitchen from Thornbury, UK, were on SQ321 from London to Singapore in May 2024 when severe turbulence over Myanmar led to the death of Geoff Kitchen and serious injuries to Linda. Linda has begun High Court proceedings for damages, citing a dramatic on-board medical scene and a disruption to their long-awaited trip. The case highlights questions about airline safety and post-incident support.
Manchester City has maintained early-season momentum with a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace, led by Rayan Cherki’s two goals and Erling Haaland’s brace. Enzo Maresca’s side shows attacking fluency under the new manager, with Cherki delivering a Player of the Match performance and Haaland hitting form in back-to-back fixtures.
Daniel Levy has pleaded guilty to murdering Abdul Kaleem Shaik in Vauxhall, south London. Levy, who has schizophrenia, had previously been convicted of manslaughter in 2000. He changed his plea as his trial was about to open at the Old Bailey. The case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health and public safety.