A man who carried out “horrific” sexual crimes against vulnerable people with dementia has been jailed for over 20 years. Joshua Springer was handed a 21-year sentence after appearing at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday (February 20).
The 36-year-old was also given a sexual harm prevention order for the rest of his life. Springer, formerly of Cornstall Buildings in Stamford near the Cambridgeshire border, previously pleaded guilty to nine charges of rape at the same court on December 2, 2025.
His offences were against three victims suffering from dementia at a residential care home for elderly people in the Stamford area. A fourth victim was in the North Yorkshire area. Of Springer’s nine charges, six were evenly split between three women at the Stamford care home, while the remaining three charges were connected to a fourth woman in North Yorkshire.
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The care home and area in Yorkshire are not being named to protect the anonymity of the victims. Springer was also sentenced for making indecent images of children, to which he also pleaded guilty.
Detective chief inspector Jennifer Lovatt, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “While Springer has been sentenced for his horrific crimes, that does not mean that our investigations have stopped. [The] result shows that offenders will be brought to justice, so if you think you have been affected, please get in touch.”
DCI Lovatt is appealing for anyone else that may have been a victim of Springer, who is also known as Joshua Kearney and Joshua Kearney Springer, to contact police. The DCI added: “Our team has worked tirelessly for some time in bringing Springer to justice, and there may be other potential victims who perhaps have not yet come forward.
“I’d encourage them to contact us – you can call 101 (ask for Lincolnshire Police) and quote Incident 272 of November 28. If you want to remain anonymous, then you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Chris Bryant launched his attack as the government backed calls for all documents relating to the former prince’s time as a UK trade envoy to be published.
The trade minister, who called for Mountbatten-Windsor to be sacked from his role in February, 2011, said that was “the least we owe the victims of the horrific abuse that was perpetrated by Jeffrey Epstein and others”.
“The abuse that was enabled, aided and abetted by a very extensive group of arrogant, entitled and often very wealthy individuals in this country and elsewhere,” he added.
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Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week by detectives investigating allegations that he committed misconduct in public office during his 10 years as an envoy.
He was eventually removed from the role in 2011 amid revelations about his friendship with the convicted paedophile Epstein.
Speaking in the Commons, Bryant said: “Colleagues and many civil servants have told me their own stories of their own interactions with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, and they all betray the same pattern: a man on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle.
“A rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest, which he said he served, and his own private interest.
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“I remember him coming to visit the Sea Cadets in Tonypandy. They were absolutely delighted and excited to meet a member of the Royal Family, but he insisted on coming by helicopter, unlike his mother, who came twice to the Rhondda and always came by car.
“He left early and he showed next to no interest in the young people.”
The debate came less than 24 hours after Peter Mandelson, the UK’s former ambassador to Washington, was also arrested over claims he committed misconduct in public office while he was business secretary after the 2008 global financial crash.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice about Epstein appeared to show the former Labour peer sending him market sensitive information. Mandelson denies any wrongdoing.
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Earlier in the debate, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: “Can there be many people more symbolic of the rot that eats away at the British establishment than the former duke of York and special trade envoy, and [Mandelson] the former business secretary, first secretary of state and ambassador to the United States.
“Their association with Epstein and their actions on his behalf, while trusted with the privilege of public office, are a stain on our country.
“We must begin to clean away that stain with the disinfectant of transparency.”
First came the research that suggested listening to live birdsong on your walk could make the activity even better for you.
And now, new research published in the journal Neurology suggests that being an expert “birder”, or birdwatcher and identifier, could protect your brain from ageing.
The study, which looked at “neuroplasticity”, or the ability of our own habits and actions to reshape our brains, looked at the brain structures of expert birders and compared them to those with less experience in the hobby.
They found that the more “birders” knew about their interest, the more “dense and efficient” their brain tissue appeared. This stayed true as participants aged, with the research suggesting “high-level expertise in a complex hobby can provide a protective ‘cognitive reserve’ as we age”.
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What is cognitive reserve?
In his book How To Prevent Dementia, neurologist Dr Richard Restak said an “obsessive” interest can help to build your cognitive reserve. He compared this reserve to a kind of wealth which gives your brain a greater buffer against unwanted changes.
“Cognitive reserve theory refers to the representation stored within the brain of the knowledge, experience, and life events that accumulate during the course of a person’s lifetime,” he wrote.
“A lifetime investment in building up cognitive reserve leads to healthy cognition and thinking later in life.”
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Erik Wing, who was the lead author of this study, explained that expert birdwatching is a cognitively-active hobby which merges lots of kinds of attention.
″[It] combines fine-grain identification, visual search and attention to the immediate environment and sensitivity to motion, pattern detection, building these elaborate conceptual networks of different related species,” he shared.
“Our interests and experiences – especially the ones that we dedicate hours, hundreds of hours or decades to – leave an imprint on brain structure.”
Why might birdwatching help to protect our brains as we age?
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This study looked at 29 more experienced people, aged between 24-75, from various ornithological groups, and 29 less avid birders (aged 22-79) from the same groups, as well as other outdoor organisations.
They screened for experience at the start of the study, then did two types of MRI scans (one to show the brain’s structure, another to show its activity) to see whether expertise correlated with brain differences.
They found that the more experienced a birder was, the denser the parts of the brain linked to working memory, spatial awareness and object recognition were, compared to novice participants.
And when they looked at images of birds during an MRI, those same, denser parts of the brain were activated, suggesting the structural changes were linked to their activity.
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Those differences remained regardless of age.
This doesn’t prove birdwatching definitely prevents age-related brain changes; it’s an observational study, and couldn’t show for sure that one thing caused another.
But, cognitive neuroscientist Dr Robert Zatorre told New Scientist, “it suggests that maintaining brain activity with some specialised abilities is also linked to reduced effects of ageing”.
He added, “This paper adds another bit of evidence in favour of the concept”.
First stop: Grand Resort, Bad Ragaz (double rooms from £756, resortragaz.ch), which is renowned for its detoxifying thermal water supply, or ‘liquid gold’ as the hotel staff call it. It runs through the pretty Heidi town which gives the hotel its name, and a spring on-site supplies the hotel’s ornate Helenabad baths, and pools in the Tamina Therme. The 233-bedroom stay, which sprawls over 200 acres, is also a renowned medi-spa, with its recently opened Tamina Health Centre attracting many wealthy guests who come to recoup after surgery, or to take one of its advanced programmes, for everything from longevity to weight loss. Seeing many of your fellow guests navigating the hotel’s corridors in crutches took some getting used to – though after an afternoon spent administering myself some contrast therapy in the spas, dipping in and out of its six saunas, baths and ice grotto, my shoulders were firmly lowered, and I was blissfully in my own world when I floated back to room to read and order sushi.
Dame Prue Leith, the 86-year-old television cook, has revealed her surprising experience with the weight loss injection Mounjaro, stating she “did not lose a single pound” despite trying the medication for a month. The culinary icon admitted the jab “didn’t do anything” for her, contrasting sharply with her husband’s significant success.
Despite her personal outcome, Dame Prue expressed her belief that the treatment is “worth a go”, having been inspired by her retired fashion designer husband, John Playfair. He reportedly lost “three stone and is healthier than anything” after using Mounjaro, prompting her to think, ‘oh, well, maybe I’ll have a go’.
However, the broadcaster confessed her lack of adherence to instructions was the likely culprit. She admitted to the Press Association: “I tried, but it didn’t do anything. I didn’t read the instructions.” Dame Prue explained she inadvertently consumed only around 200 calories daily, leading her body into “starvation mode”.
She elaborated: “I reckon I was eating 200 calories a day, which I didn’t realise. And what your body then does is it simply says, ‘this is starvation. I mustn’t let anything go’. I did not lose a single pound. So I lost no weight, although for two weeks I was eating almost nothing.”
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Leith explained she inadvertently consumed only around 200 calories daily, leading her body into ‘starvation mode’ (ITV)
Reflecting on the experience, she concluded: “I don’t think I need to (use it). It’s bloody expensive, and I think if it’s not going to work, it’s a waste of money.”
The revelation comes as Dame Prue also discusses her dietary habits in her latest book, Being Old…And Learning To Love It! She shared that during her tenure on Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, she never gained weight, attributing it to a diet of cake and red wine.
She told PA: “Cake and wine go together. I mean, it’s obviously not a diet to be recommended. It worked fine for me. It’s only 10 weeks of my life, and it’s only two days of every week. It’s not seven days a week. For 20 days, I lived on cake and wine.”
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Last month, Dame Prue announced her decision to step down as a judge from the popular baking competition after nine years. Her primary reason for leaving was the show’s summer filming schedule, which she wishes to dedicate to holidays in Europe. She expressed: “I could have happily gone on doing it forever. I know I would miss it, but I’m running out of time.”
Cookbook author Nigella Lawson was recently confirmed as her replacement, a choice Dame Prue wholeheartedly endorsed. She commented: “(Nigella) is going to be absolutely brilliant. She’ll be very different, but she’s a class act. She really knows what she’s doing.”
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Nigella Lawson is set to replace Leith on ‘The Great British Bake Off’ (PA Archive / BBC)
Beyond Bake Off, Dame Prue’s illustrious six-decade career includes judging Great British Menu and extensive involvement in food education, earning her a damehood in 2021 for her services to food, broadcasting, and charity.
Merthyr Tydfil Council’s budget was voted through by councillors on Monday, February 23
A 4.95% council tax increase has been approved for Merthyr Tydfil residents next year. The council’s £183.69m budget proposals for 2026/2027 were approved by cabinet and full council on Monday, February 23.
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On council tax, the budget report said the initial provisional local government settlement would have meant an even higher level of council tax was needed for next year, but in light of the final settlement, a 4.95% was proposed, which will “avoid excessive increases in council tax and maintain as many services as possible.”
This will result in a band D council tax of £2,186.33 for 2026/27, equating to an additional £103.12 for the year, or £1.98 per week.
The weekly increase ranges from £1.32 at the lowest band A to £4.63 at the highest band I. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
This results in a net reduction in council tax levy income of £21,000.
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The report said that as 84% of the properties within the county borough were valued at bands A to C, a significant proportion of council taxpayers would be liable to payments less than £2,186.33, and it also mentions the council tax reduction scheme.
In terms of cuts, the budget plan includes proposals to remove £3.58m from the revenue budget next year, made up of £1.69m permanent savings, £34,000 in the use of one-off service earmarked reserves, and £1.85m of temporary savings which are not sustainable in the medium or long term.
No additional efficiencies were being asked of schools across Merthyr Tydfil, the report said.
But it added: “Schools across Merthyr Tydfil continue to face significant financial pressure through pay, pension and other costs.
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“Due to the ongoing financial challenges faced by local government, the draft budget proposal does not provide the funding required to fully support the schools funding formula.”
The report highlighted the financial pressure schools faced, particularly in relation to the increased number and complexity of additional learning needs.
“Governing bodies, like other council services, will need to consider how they manage these resources and deliver a budget that complies with the scheme for the financing of schools.”
The report also mentioned pay pressures (£534,000) and £2.6m in unavoidable additional demands resulting from service financial pressures such as demographic growth, legislative changes, new initiatives, loss of income and changes to grants terms and conditions.
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The final local government settlement from Welsh Government resulted in a funding increase of 4.7% for Merthyr Tydfil, which reduced the budget gap by £7.74m
After taking into account factors including adjustments to the council tax base (£146,000), employee costs reductions (£2.35m), capital financing costs (£1.35m), an accountancy review of assumptions (£1.18m) and the 2025/2026 transformation programme (£354,000), the council is left with a budget gap of £509,000. Stay informed on everything Merthyr Tydfil by signing up to our newsletter here
This will be closed through a variety of means including a 3.4% rise in charges for paid-for council services and the council tax increase.
Councillor Lisa Mytton, Independent, said it was a very difficult decision trying to balance the books and agree on council tax as well.
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She said they’d been promised reform of council tax for nearly six years and that was so desperately needed because it was “not fair and it’s not equal.”
Cllr Mytton said the First Minister and Plaid Cymru agreed to a budget designed to protect the most vulnerable and said “we in Merthyr Tydfil aren’t doing that.”
She said other authorities were doing that and that the council tax increase proposed, when they could mitigate it in other areas, was “not necessary” and they could bring it down by at least 1%. She said it went “against the grain and spirit of the national budget and the needs of our community.”
Councillor Geraint Thomas, leader of the Independent group, said: “We did have an opportunity over the last week or so to reduce council tax by 1% and 3.95 was getting closer to the inflation rate which I think was palatable.”
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On setting a budget and council tax, he said it was not a great place to be and it was very difficult but they could have gone 1% lower so he wouldn’t be supporting the budget.
Councillor Brent Carter, Labour leader of the council, said: “I’d like to think throughout this process I’ve been open and honest with the public especially during the roadshows where I openly discussed a potential increase of 5% council tax.
“It’s great to say we could have reduced the council tax by 1% and I would have loved to have been able to reduce it by 1%.
“But to say those things you need to tell me and tell us where it’s actually going to come from.”
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Councillor Andrew Barry, Reform UK, said they were spending £180m to keep the council going and when the public looked at a settlement figure of £9.1m, pension savings of £2.3m and cost reductions of £3.5m they must be thinking where was that money going.
He said he took the point about it being the most difficult thing to come to residents and continually ask them for council tax and he added: “We’ve done it infinitum and it just says to me that the model is wrong. We have to readdress the model. We have to do it differently.”
He said the cost-of-living crisis was not going away and there was no sign of it going away in the near future which meant they had to change their tack.
Councillor Gareth Lewis, Labour cabinet member for education, said the budget sent a “clear and positive signal about our priorities.”
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He said they were investing an additional £2.669m in education, a 3.8% increase recognising the pay, pension and ALN (additional learning needs) pressures schools were facing.
He also said that for the second consecutive year the administration had honoured its commitment not to ask schools for further efficiency savings.
He also mentioned increases in grant funding from the Welsh Government and said: “Together, these measures demonstrate our clear and continued commitment to protecting education, supporting our learners and giving every young person the best possible chance to succeed.”
Councillor Anna Williams-Price, Labour cabinet member for finance, said she believes the budget to be “stable, responsible, forward looking protecting core services, avoiding use of budget reserves and as much as possible keeping financial pressures on residents to a minimum.”
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She said that there was no sensible or sustainable route to lower the council tax increase further and if there was she was sure all members would be open to it and support it.
“I completely agree that council tax in its current form is regressive and a priority for the next Welsh Government needs to be reform of that system.”
She said that work had started in some shape or form but local government asked for it to be delayed until 2028.
She said she believed it remained and should remain a priority to reform a system that didn’t work for the current make up of households and communities in Merthyr Tydfil.
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Do you think you’re paying too much council tax this year?
Do you think you’re paying too much council tax this year?
Call the Midwife season 15 will soon conclude as Trixie star Helen George confesses to “sobbing” at the emotional ending.
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
14:15, 24 Feb 2026Updated 14:21, 24 Feb 2026
Call the Midwife: Trixie Franklin makes shock return
The latest season of Call the Midwife is set to end on a sentimental note that left actress Helen George “in a mess”.
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Fans of the BBC period drama have already been left fearing for the future of Nonnatus House due to the reorganisation of the National Health Service, leaving Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) absolutely devastated. Will the nuns and nurses be forced to leave the convent? If so, where will they go?
Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) has also been diagnosed with kidney failure, as Dr. Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann) hinted that her health will rapidly decline. Meanwhile, Sister Veronica (Rebecca Gethings) is questioning her dedication to the order following her wishes to have a child of her own, and has left Honnatus House.
With all of the latest drama unfolding, Helen George, who plays Nurse Trixie, has teased a very emotional ending to the current season of Call the Midwife, saying viewers will be a “mess”.
The 41-year-old admitted that a particular scene honouring the series’ characters made her sob “like a baby”.
Helen told the Radio Times Covers Party 2026: “There’s this scene, I won’t really go into detail, but it sort of encompasses all of the characters that we’ve had on the show over the last 15 years.”
She added, “And when I walked onto the set, I just sobbed, I sobbed like a baby. It was really emotional. So if I was a mess – and I’m heart of steel – then the audience will be a mess as well.”
Renee Bailey, who plays Joyce, added: “It makes you laugh, it makes you cry. It’s a hug and it’s also heartbreaking. It’s a mix of everything, but I think audiences are going to love it.”
The period drama, created by Heidi Thomas, is set to return for season 16, with a tentative 2027 release. Heidi recently teased that the season 15 finale would shed further light on where the Nonnatus gang will end up.
She said: “Many of the things that I depict in that episode I have experienced in life, so it felt strangely personal,” reports Radio Times
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Heidi added: “But I think that the driving thing was to do a really good job. We’re only getting one chance to wrap up this iteration, and it has to be done to the highest possible standard.
“So it’s hard, and it’s very emotional, not because it’s sad, but because it’s beautiful.”
Following series 15, there will be a Call the Midwife film set in 1972, along with a prequel series set during World War II featuring younger versions of the core characters.
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The season will conclude on 8 March at pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Call the Midwife airs Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer
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In the current format, which came into play last season, the top eight teams progress straight through to the last 16 and avoid a two-legged knockout play-off tie.
Still, Mikel Arteta’s side beat the Serie A leaders 3-1 at the San Siro to confirm a top-two finish, meaning they are assured of hosting the second legs in their knockout matches.
Arsenal required a minimum of one point from a dead-rubber game against debutants Kairat on Wednesday to seal top spot in the league phase and ended up winning 3-2.
Who will Arsenal face in Champions League last 16?
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Arsenal’s progression straight through to the last 16 means they will not face fixture congestion in February.
The last-16 draw takes place on Friday, February 27. The first leg of those ties will be played on either March 10 or March 11, with the return fixtures a week later.
As a result of finishing first in the league phase, Arsenal will face the winners of the knockout phase play-off between the 15th and 16th, or 17th and 18th seeds.
Following a dramatic final night in the league phase, Arsenal’s potential opponents for the last 16 have been confirmed.
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Therefore if Arsenal are placed on the silver path they will face the winners of the Dortmund vs Atalanta tie, while they will be drawn against either Olympiacos or Leverkusen if placed on the blue path.
Little Lotus, at Sunningdale shops in Eaglescliffe, is preparing to serve up a taste of Asia from its second location at Lowfields shops in Ingleby Barwick.
The new venture, which will take over the former Tomahawk takeaway, will be home to a grab-and-go counter, hot and cold sandwiches, and daily homemade soup, alongside its signature restaurant menu.
Now, owners Charlie and Sadie Eggleston have confirmed that the new takeaway will be opening to customers on Wednesday, March 4.
Little Lotus in Ingleby Barwick (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
The takeaway said online: “Little Lotus is officially opening our brand-new venue in Ingleby Barwick in March, and we’re so excited to welcome you in.
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“Expect a fresh grab‑and‑go cold counter, hot and cold sandwiches, homemade soup made daily, plus our signature pan‑Asian menu you already love across Teesside.
“Everything is coming together, and the countdown is officially on. Make sure you join us for opening day and experience Little Lotus in Ingleby Barwick.”
Since opening in October 2024, Little Lotus has been highly-rated online for its food, serving up everything from Pad Thai and gyozas to loaded fries and curries.
It was also highly praised when The Northern Echo tucked into a range of delicious dishes on an eating out review there last year.
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Signs first went up for the new takeaway earlier this year, with the owners confirming the move to Ingleby to the Echo last year.
Research suggests a 4p vitamin supplement might help those with deficiency who are experiencing low mood, anxiety, and fatigue
Charlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor
14:00, 24 Feb 2026
Research indicates that a 4p pill could potentially aid those struggling with anxiety, low mood, and lack of energy. If you frequently feel exhausted, lethargic, and downcast, the cause might be a deficiency in vitamin B12.
The only method to determine a vitamin B12 deficiency is to consult your GP, discuss your symptoms, and get a blood test if your doctor deems it necessary. According to the NHS, common indicators of a vitamin B12 deficiency include breathlessness, headaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, palpitations, vision issues, feeling weak or tired, diarrhoea, and mouth ulcers.
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Some of these symptoms can also manifest in individuals with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency who have not developed anaemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also trigger symptoms that impact your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), including:
numbness
muscle weakness
psychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety, to confusion and dementia
problems with balance and coordination
pins and needles
incontinence
problems with memory, understanding and judgment (cognitive changes)
Based on numerous studies, anyone deficient in vitamin B12 may benefit from supplementation if their doctor advises it. There’s even evidence associating depression with a deficiency in vitamin B, reports the Mirror.
A shortage of vitamin B12 could result in vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. Vitamin B12 naturally occurs in animal-based foods, such as eggs, fish and red meat. While some individuals consume sufficient B12, their bodies may have difficulty absorbing it effectively.
A B12 deficiency can impact wellbeing in various ways – including potentially mental health. Whilst a deficiency may not always be the sole cause of neurological conditions such as depression, it is a significant biological factor that can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
Treatment typically involves oral supplements or, in more severe cases, B12 injections prescribed by a healthcare provider. Boots stocks a container of 180 Vitamin B12 Tablets priced at £7.65 – working out at roughly 4p each. Several other health retailers such as Superdrug and Holland and Barrett also stock similar tablets.
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It’s crucial to speak to your GP first to exclude other potential health issues that may be causing your low mood and lack of energy. Try to avoid implementing any significant dietary or lifestyle changes without first seeking professional guidance. Consult a doctor before trying any over-the-counter tablets to ensure they are suitable for you, especially if you are already taking medication.
Studies indicate a strong connection between feeling down and low vitamin B12 levels, particularly when someone is deficient. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate our mood.
If someone doesn’t have enough of it, they might face mental health problems like depression, irritability, and trouble thinking clearly. Research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology revealed evidence indicating that falling vitamin B12 levels were linked with heightened depression.
Additional research confirmed that vitamin B12 affects the body’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals, particularly serotonin and dopamine. Scientists say that B12 deficiency impacts mood, emotional state and sleep patterns, potentially triggering psychiatric conditions – including anxiety. Potential psychological advantages from rectifying your B12 levels might include:
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Calming stress and anxiety to balance moods.
Psychological well-being.
Assisting in normal nerve growth and development.
Improving communication between nerve cells.
Promoting stable adrenal function.
Providing emotional and mental energy.
Helping with the ability to concentrate.
Bolstering memory function.
It’s important to understand that a lot of these benefits are especially noticeable in people who already have a B12 deficiency. Studies on how B12 affects mood in people without a deficiency have yielded mixed results.
A separate study examined vitamin B12’s significant impact on mental well-being. It observed: “Psychiatric manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency can include depression, apathy, irritability, dementia, catatonia, delirium, and hallucinations. Higher vitamin B12 levels are thought to be associated with a more favourable outcome in depression.”
The NHS states that vitamin B12 plays various vital roles in the body, including maintaining a healthy nervous system. Having a deficiency can also result in severe fatigue and reduced energy levels. Research suggests that inadequate vitamin B12 may lead to tiredness, weakness, memory issues, and other neurological problems.
Sources rich in vitamin B12 encompass a variety of protein-packed options, including lean meats, poultry, eggs, seafood, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds, and soy-based products. Fish and red meat are also amongst the top sources of vitamin B12.
The NHS advises: “Adults (aged 19 to 64) need about 1.5 micrograms a day of vitamin B12. If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet. But as vitamin B12 is not found naturally in foods such as fruit, vegetables and grains, vegans may not get enough of it. Read about the vegan diet for nutrition information and advice.”
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The Department of Health and Social Care suggests that by consuming a varied and balanced diet, you should be able to obtain all the vitamin B12 you require. If you opt for vitamin B12 supplements, avoid taking excessive amounts, as this could be detrimental. Taking 2mg or less of vitamin B12 per day in supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.
