The story of Stacey Hyde features on Channel 4 documentary The Accused: Beyond Reasonable Doubt, on Thursday night

A new true crime documentary will explore the story of Stacey Hyde, who was jailed for killing her best friend’s boyfriend when she was a teenager.

Stacey’s story features in the second episode of the new Channel 4 series The Accused: Beyond Reasonable Doubt. It will air on Thursday night (June 25) at 10pm.

The new series tells the stories of people fighting convictions that they believe are a miscarriage of justice. After years in prison they attempt to overturn their guilty verdict. Episode one examined Jason Moore, who was sent to prison in 2013 for the murder of his ‘close friend’ Robert Darby.

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The synopsis for episode two reads: “In 2009, 17-year-old Stacey Hyde was arrested for killing her best friend’s boyfriend. She stabbed him to death after a drunken fight in his flat. Stacey insisted she was defending herself and her friend. But as her criminal charge reached court, the jury saw differently and found her guilty of murder.

“Those close to Stacey stood by her and searched for a way to prove that she acted in self-defence. Could the charity Justice for Women offer a way out? Stacey Hyde’s case is one of many in which women who kill are imprisoned for murder, even though the courts may not have fully examined the circumstances that led to the event.”

Stacey was jailed at the age of 17 for stabbing Vincent Francis, 34, the partner of her friend Holly Banwell, to death. She was sentenced to a minimum of eight years in prison.

At Stacey’s original trial in 2010, the jury heard there had been 27 incidents of domestic violence between Francis and Ms Banwell. Evidence was also provided that Francis had been violent towards a previous partner.

When the police arrived to arrest Stacey following the incident in the Somerset city of Wells, she aid: “He tried to kill me … I had to help Holly.”

Spending five years behind bars, campaign group Justice for Women worked hard to get Stacey a retrial. Once it occurred, she was cleared of the murder.

The jury at the retrial believed that Stacey had acted in self-defence and was released immediately. Jurors were played a call from Ms Banwell, where she told police that her boyfriend was ‘smashing, beating up my friend’.

Once she left prison, Stacey changed her name to Anastasia Darlison and moved to Cornwall from Bristol to start fresh. During her time in prison, Stacey was diagnosed with PTSD, having already struggled with bulimia nervosa, hepatitis C, kidney failure and drinking alcohol to excess.

Stacey developed a significant cocaine and alcohol problem. She died at the age of 32 in April 2024, nine years after she was released from prison. During her inquest, held on May 1 2025, it was said that she ‘fell in with the wrong crowd’ and took drugs and alcohol to excess ‘to cope with what happened in her earlier life’.

A statement read out in court on behalf of her mum her mum Diane, said: “At 17 she killed a man and was convicted of murder and was sentenced to spend a minimum of eight years in prison. After a campaign for her release, she appealed and was found not guilty of murder due to self-defence and was immediately released.

“She had spent five years in prison and she didn’t cope well after her release and turned to a life of prostitution, self-harm, drugs and alcohol. She suffered from bulimia too.”

Her inquest heard that in the years leading up to her death, Ms Hyde was admitted to hospital 11 times, including when she suffered two cardiac arrests. Her cause of death was recorded as bulimia nervosa.

Speaking ahead of the documentary, Harriet Wistrich, CEO of Centre for Women’s Justice, stated: “Miscarriages of justice are commonly understood to be cases where the wrong person was prosecuted and convicted of an offence, sometimes serving many years in prison for a crime they did not commit – like the recent case of Andrew Malkinson, who served seventeen years for a rape he did not commit.

“However, many women are convicted of the murder of their partner where, like Stacey, they accept their actions caused the death but maintain that they were not guilty of murder, either because they acted in self-defence or because they were only partially culpable due to significant mitigating circumstances and should have been convicted of manslaughter, not murder.

“CWJ is currently reviewing over 30 cases where women were convicted of the murder of their abusive partner or of a man who attacked them. We are helping women appeal where possible and making detailed submissions to the Law Commission’s consultation on homicide, arguing that women suffer systemic sex discrimination within the criminal justice system because they are judged according to laws designed for men.

“The law is not fit for purpose when it fails to properly take into account domestic abuse and the structural inequality between men and women.”

Cumberland Convenience store, better known as Stop & Shop – located on Cumberland Road – is hoping to gain a premises licence, but is facing an uphill struggle as councillors must now weigh up the evidence in front of them.

Since the application for an alcohol licence was submitted, several objections have been lodged with Middlesbrough Council, including some from within the council.

A council officer argued that a further alcohol-selling premises in the local area, operating between the hours of 6am to 11pm on a daily basis would “exacerbate” existing alcohol related issues and add “unnecessary pressures” to emergency services.

The application detailed that efforts would be made to promote the four licensing objectives – these are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

However, Lindsay Clode, a senior public health officer at the council, asserted that the granting of a licence would negatively impact all four licensing objectives.

She explained the shop in question is located in the Park ward, which is already home to 10 off-licensed premises (the figure is later cited as seven), with the nearest premises a mere 200m, also on Cumberland Road, with three in Linthorpe village and a further three on Eastbourne Road.

The application form described the premises as a “long established convenience store”, situated in a residential area.

The applicant is said to be investing to “renovate and refit” the store, while also joining Premier Retail Group.

The store will open from 6am daily for “essential morning items” such as coffee and tea. Papers for the meeting say that the premises was previously licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, but this licence was revoked in 2015, “following formal review proceedings”.

A private meeting was held on Wednesday, May 27, between various relevant parties.

Papers published following this raised concerns around “the experience, capacity and competence of [applicant] Keerthana Arulthas and her being proposed as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) given that she is already named as the DPS at two other licensed premises”.

Further concerns were raised regarding Mrs Arulthas’ experience and knowledge of the Licensing Act after questions were asked of her during the private meeting.

A separate representation from Fiona Helyer, from the council’s licensing department, said on Monday, June 1, an email was received from Mr Suresh [the agent] who apologised on behalf of the applicant, blaming sound problems for her failure to answer questions adequately in the previous meeting.

To relieve concerns, amendments offered would see a condition that would see no beers, lagers or cider above 6.5% ABV being sold. Mr Suresh confirmed that Mrs Arulthas would be prepared to surrender her status as DPS at two other stores to focus on the Cumberland Road store.

Cleveland Police has also objected over concerns the application does not adequately addresses the licensing objectives.

At a further meeting on June 9, further conditions were proposed by Mr Suresh.

However, the licensing authority was still not satisfied. Councillors making the all-important decision will hear from both sides of the debate at a public meeting of the licensing sub-committee on Thursday, July 2 at 10am in Middlesbrough Town Hall’s Spencer Room.

However, all is not lost for Ecuador. Victory here will almost certainly be enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams, therefore setting up a daunting showdown with a group winner in the last-32. That said, a third scoreless game in a row and it will be an early exit for Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie and co.

A 42-year-old man was found injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Two men have been charged after a suspected crossbow attack in Edinburgh.

Emergency services were called to Durar Drive and Ardshiel Avenue in Clermiston at 8am on Thursday, June 25.

A 42-year-old man was found injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Two men, aged 34 and 32, have been now charged in connection with a serious assault on Ardshiel Avenue.

A 60-year-old man who had been arrested has been released without charge.

The residential streets were locked down by officers. Images taken at the scene show uniformed cops standing guard around the area where one resident voiced concerns about “blood all over the street”.

Among the items at the scene, were a metal bar and an arrow from a crossbow. Various other blood-stained items were seen lying nearby a fence.

One local resident said: “I heard a guy got battered with a metal pole. There’s blood all over the street.

“Six police cars are at the street, and it’s all taped off. It’s a bit worrying to see something like this first thing in the morning, to say the least.”

Another image from the scene appears to show a baseball cap and an open first aid kit – with forensic markers on the pavement next to each item.

Some officers could be seen wearing personal protective equipment including face masks and gloves as they comb through the evidence. Detectives and police vehicles also remain on site inspecting the aftermath.

The two men charged are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 26 June.

Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “We want to thank the public for their assistance with our investigation.

“Enquiries remain ongoing but we are not seeking to identify anyone else in relation to the incident.”

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More than 15,000 people have signed a petition calling for type 1 diabetes to qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), prompting a formal response from the DWP.

The Government has addressed demands that type one diabetes should qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

An online petition, which has attracted more than 15,000 signatures, argues that type one diabetes is a ‘dangerous condition’ that typically does not meet the criteria for PIP.

Those living with type one diabetes could benefit from the financial assistance to purchase ‘helpful technology not provided by the NHS ‘ as well as cover ‘the demands of managing the condition’.

PIP is a disability benefit designed to support individuals who require assistance with daily living activities, particularly those of State Pension age seeking to maintain their independence at home, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The disability benefit does not consist of a single fixed amount but is instead split into two components based on how a claimant’s condition impacts their independence.

The petition, published on the Parliament Petitions website, has exceeded 10,000 signatures, triggering a Government response. Should it reach 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for parliamentary debate.

Creator Emily Jones said: “Type 1 diabetics do not usually qualify for PIP despite dealing with a dangerous condition 24 hours a day. We believe there is a general lack of understanding and education of Type 1 Diabetes which may affect PIP assessments.

“Managing Type 1 Diabetes is a relentless, 24-hour responsibility that requires frequent blood glucose monitoring, insulin adjustments, and careful planning around food, activity, and stress. When combined with the pressures of full-time employment, this can lead to significant physical exhaustion and mental burnout.

“We believe allowing more types 1 diabetics to receive PIP would provide financial support for helpful technology not provided by the NHS and support individuals to reduce working hours due to the demands of managing the condition.”

In response to the petition, the DWP stated that PIP is not condition-specific, and that claimants are evaluated by disability specialists who concentrate on functional requirements.

PIP employs a functional assessment to gauge the effect of a person’s health condition or impairment on their everyday life, rather than concentrating purely on the condition or impairment itself, it clarified.

The DWP said: “People can be impacted by health conditions in different ways, so PIP uses a functional assessment to measure the impact of a person’s health condition or impairment on their day-to-day life rather than focusing solely on the health condition or impairment itself.

“The assessment looks at an individual’s ability to carry out a series of key everyday activities which are fundamental to living an independent life, such as their ability to prepare, cook and eat food, dress and undress, make budgeting decisions, manage and monitor their health condition, engage with other people, and plan and follow journeys.

“The PIP assessment criteria were developed in collaboration with independent specialists in health, social care and disability, including disabled people, to ensure they accurately assess an individual’s needs.

“Health conditions may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these, and the assessment was designed to take a comprehensive approach to disability, reflecting the needs arising from the full range of conditions. The activities within the assessment consider not only the physical barriers to completion of those activities, but whether someone needs prompting or supervision to do them.

“Health Professionals (HPs) who conduct PIP assessments are trained specialists in disability analysis, including how to assess the impacts of medical conditions on people’s day-to-day activities, as well as awareness training in a range of conditions, symptoms and disabilities.

“To support HPs in delivering informed assessments, HPs have access to a wide range of Core Training and Guidance Material (CTGM), which offer detailed clinical and functional information, including the potential risks and limitations of conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes.

“We recognise that, since PIP was introduced, there have been shifting trends in health and disability, as well in the workplace and wider society. The Government launched the Timms Review, the first ever full review of PIP and its assessment are fair and fit for the future.

“The Review is being co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts so that a wide range of views and voices are heard. The Review’s steering group, almost all of whom are disabled, are looking at whether the current assessment effectively captures the impact of long-term health conditions in the modern world. The Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn, with an interim update in summer.”

One way to tell someone that you’re their biological father is to sit them down and calmly confess the connection. That’s a normal way to do it. But Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) in Emmerdale isn’t normal.

The unhinged criminal made his return earlier this week when he discovered that son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) was in danger.

Lewis had been kidnapped by a woman called Kylie, who wanted Penny back from Kev.

Ross Barton (Michael Parr) and Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) made the assumption that Penny was a woman, but Kev then rocked up and announced that Penny was actually a diamond on a necklace.

For a while, it seemed that Kev had no intention of helping Lewis. He claimed to Ross and Liam that the diamond was at a pawnbrokers, but he was actually hiding it under his jacket.

Thankfully, he had a change of heart. He marched into Dale View and told Ross and Liam that he had found the item, so they’d soon be able to get Lewis back.

For some reason, Ross then thought it was a good idea to knock Kev out with a vase. He said to a shocked Liam that they could use Kev as an insurance trade.

Kylie had no interest in Kev though, only the diamond. Once she had secured it, Ross raced over to the house where Lewis was being held hostage.

In order to prevent Lewis from learning the truth about Kev, Ross claimed that he was the reason for his kidnapping.

It was said because Ross wanted to protect his little brother, and believed that Kev wouldn’t return to the Dales anytime soon.

A while later though, Kev let himself into Dale View. As Ross pleaded for Kev to keep quiet, Lewis demanded to know what was going on.

Kev got his phone out and began playing Father and Son by Boyzone. As the music began, so did Kev’s singing.

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As weird as this moment was, it was also Kev’s way of telling Lewis that he is his biological father. Lewis was far too overwhelmed to understand what Kev was trying to do though, so he had to share the news once the music had stopped.

Shame.

Kev explained to Lewis that he’d really like to get to know him. Unsurprisingly, the young man had no intention of giving Kev the time of day, and told him where to go.

In the pub, Ross confronted Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) and shared the news that Kev is back, and that Lewis knows about the connection.

The duo were incredibly worried about how Lewis is going to process this news.

Kev decided to invite himself into the conversation and announced that he doesn’t want to be a man who drops a massive bombshell on someone and then leaves – so he’s decided to stick around.

What could possibly go wrong?

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