At the petrol station she was able to get help and the police arrived

A jealous thug assaulted his partner after she messaged her former husband about their child. He would obsessively check her phone and threatened to “cut the brakes” on her car.

Sean Hood, 42, of Newport, had been in a relationship with the victim for six months and she described him as “normal” at the beginning but he quickly became “toxic” in his behaviour. He would demand to see his partner’s mobile phone, made her delete male friends on Facebook and made threats against her.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard the defendant would frequently accuse his partner of infidelity and limited the amount of time she could spend on her phone. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter.

The victim said she used to go out with friends but this stopped during her relationship with Hood, who frequently threatened her.

Prosecutor Jac Brown said one occasion the defendant threatened to “cut the brakes” on the victim’s car and then mocked her for believing him.

On February 14, Hood was “angry” towards the victim and she attempted to de-escalate his behaviour. He left the property and the victim locked the door, but he tried to gain access and threatened her. She said she felt she had no choice but to let him back in and he threw a set of keys at a vase, causing it to smash.

On February 15, the victim was on her phone and placed it down the arm of the sofa. The defendant accused her of trying to hide the phone and demanded to inspect it.

He went upstairs and found messages between the victim and her ex-husband about their child. Hood became angry and accusatory and called the victim a liar. He threw her phone at her and hit her in the leg.

The defendant barged into the victim and caused her to hit her back against a board. Hood began to hit himself by punching his head and punched a door out of anger. He then threatened the victim, saying: “If you don’t get in the car I’ll drag you to it.”

The victim was terrified and anxious about what might happen to her, as the defendant drove her to a Tesco petrol station, telling her: “You’ll see exactly what I am like.”

When they got to the petrol station, the victim was able to get help from a member of staff as Hood repeatedly tried to phone her.

The police were then called and the defendant was arrested, and in his interview he accused the victim of fabricating the allegations. He then breached his bail conditions by attempting to contact her and turning up at her workplace.

Hood, of Broadmead Park, later pleaded guilty to controlling/coercive behaviour, assault by beating and damaging property. The court heard he has two previous convictions dating back more than 20 years.

In a victim personal statement read to the court the victim said: “I have been suffering as a result of the actions of Sean Hood and what he has put me through. In our relationship of just over six months I became disengaged and disassociated. I emotionally shut down. I have become isolated and stopped speaking to my friends because he didn’t like them.

“I feel like I am in fight or flight mode. He would constantly spam my phone with no caller ID. My confidence has been knocked massively. I feel I have become introverted. I used to be bubbly but I have become depressed and very anxious.

“I feel I am living with this trauma every day and I can’t see an end to it. I am suffering with panic attacks which make me feel drained and I feel hypersensitive to dangers.”

In mitigation, Kevin Seal said his client has already served the equivalent of a four-month sentence while on remand. The defence barrister said the defendant has lost his job and has been unable to see his children.

Sentencing, Recorder Greg Bull KC said: “Your behaviour was totally unacceptable and resulted in an assault.”

Hood was sentenced to an 18 month community order. The defendant was ordered to carry out 26 sessions of the Building Better Choices programme, a three-month GPS trail monitoring requirement, and 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £50 fine and was given a five-year restraining order to protect his victim.

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Andrew Pennington, 62, of High Street in Rawcliffe, near Goole, appeared at Hull Crown Court on Thursday (April 16).

He pleaded guilty to attempted rape, indecent assault, burglary and burglary with intent to steal – the majority of which relate to an incident in 1998.

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Pennington had entered a woman’s home in Beverley on July 23, 1998, and jumped out and attacked her after she returned from work, Humberside Police said.

He tried to remove her clothing, threatening her with rape and violence, before he was disturbed by a lodger at the address who had also returned home.

A force spokesperson described how Pennington, who fled the scene, was initially pursued by the lodger who eventually lost sight of him.

At the time, an investigation was opened but due to forensic limitations, no suspect was identified.

But this changed when officers from Humberside Police’s Major Crime Review Team re-examined the case in September 2025.

Upon reviewing the case, the team discovered Pennington’s previous convictions – finding that in 2017, he had been convicted and sentenced for a rape which had occurred in 1988 in North Yorkshire.

Pennington’s DNA has also been identified at the scene of three domestic burglaries in Humberside from 1997.

A police spokesperson said: “He had been interviewed and admitted the burglaries and was later convicted.

“Detectives identified similarities in his pattern of offending which appeared to be sexually motivated.”

Following a review of the evidence, DNA was identified from samples recovered from clothing worn by the victim from the 1998 incident, which was a match to Pennington.

He was questioned by police in March and admitted to the attempted rape and burglary offence relating to the incident, along with a second burglary offence which occurred in 1997, in which he forced entry to a property and stole underwear, cash and photographs from inside.

Detective Constable Eleanor Henrickson who lead the investigation said: “Pennington is a sexual predator who broke into a woman’s home and attacked her, thinking only of his own sick sexual desires.

“Whilst prosecution was originally not an option due to a lack of evidence, I am pleased that justice will now be served.

“I hope this case sends a stark message to anyone that has ever committed an offence and thinks they have got away with it.

“We will keep searching and we will do everything in our power to hold you accountable for your crimes.

“Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home and I want to praise the victim for her courage in coming forward and her patience over the years, I hope that today’s result gives her some sense of justice.

“I also want to encourage any victims of sexual offences, no matter how long ago they happened, to please come forward.

“We will listen and we will support you.”

Specialist support networks and organisations are there to speak to and advise survivors of any type of abuse confidentially.

You can also contact police via its non-emergency 101 line or via 999 in an emergency.

Earlier this year, ITV revealed it had commissioned a new dating show called Farming for Love.

The new series is based on the global format of Farmer Wants a Wife, one of the world’s most successful dating shows, which has aired in more than 34 locations worldwide.

The format marks its 25th anniversary this year, and has resulted in more than 250 marriages and over 600 babies.

Farming for Love will follow a group of single farmers as they search for romance.

The series will see farmers choose from a group of applicants before inviting their potential matches to move onto the farm and experience daily life firsthand.

Couples will live and work together, discovering whether romance can truly flourish amid the realities of rural life.

At the end of the series, each farmer will ultimately decide whether they have found “the one.”

Director of entertainment, reality and daytime TV at ITV, Katie Rawcliffe, said: “Farming for Love is funny, feel good and heartwarming.

“It’s a love story with farming at the heart of it.”

Lisa Hogan to host new ITV dating show

It has now been revealed that Jeremy Clarkson’s girlfriend, Lisa Hogan, will host the new series of Farming for Love.

Hogan, speaking to The Sun, said: “Farming is a way of life that requires resilience, patience, a lot of humour, and the same can be said for relationships.

“What I love about Farming for Love is how real it is – there is no hiding or skiving on a farm and that is what makes it such an honest way for people to get to know each other that has had success around the world.

“I am really looking forward to leading this flock in their search for romance.”

Applications open for Farming for Love

Applications are currently open as ITV searches for UK singles to take part on Farming for Love.

The broadcaster is looking for those in agriculture or singles that “have a desire to live life and find love in the countryside”.

The website adds: “Farmers – whether you run a vineyard in Kent, keep bees in Buckinghamshire, raise horses in Sussex, or grow Christmas trees in the Cotswolds – if your livelihood comes from agriculture and you’re looking for love, we want to hear from you!

“Daters – if you’re single, dreaming of living the farm life and looking for real love with someone who already lives and breathes it, we want to hear from you! ”

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Successful applicants will be invited to take part in either a recorded Zoom chat or a filmed dating profile video at their home.

Applicants must be aged 18 years or over and be a legal resident of the UK.

Applications close on Friday (April 24).

Are you excited about the new ITV dating series Farming for Love? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

In the end, he added, both Kyiv and Moscow will “have to acknowledge one of two things: either we find a solution and end this war, or we all equally take responsibility for admitting that we didn’t find a solution and continue to kill one another – something we do quite efficiently and professionally.”

A California resident was stunned after finding a hot air balloon with 13 passengers onboard in his backyard this weekend.

Homeowner Hunter Perrin filmed the bright blue balloon and its passengers in the aftermath of the bizarre incident.

Hunter and Jenna Perrin told NBC LA that the pilot had to make an emergency landing because wind gusts had died down, leading the balloon to hover and then run out of fuel.

The occupants of the basket had to disembark so the balloon could be refuelled and flown out from the backyard and onto the street, where it could be taken away.

Footage from the street shows the mammoth effort to pack away the hot air balloon after it took about two hours to move the aircraft from the backyard.

Luckily, no one was injured in the incident, and the property suffered no damage.

It’s not the first time a hot air balloon has caused chaos in a residential neighbourhood.

Last August, residents in Bedford watched as a hot air balloon attempted to land on their street.

The aircraft was just a couple of metres away from the rooftops of homes on Bower Street, about to crash between parked cars, telegraph poles and wires.

Luckily, a dogwalker saw the balloon in distress as he was out with his partner.

Sam Coldham used a guide rope to bring the balloon to the ground.

It is understood that the balloon was attempting to land in nearby Russell Park, but ‘lost momentum’ because of the wind.

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Sian caught the moment Sam used a guide rope to bring the balloon to the ground.

She said: ‘I think the conditions were really still with not a lot of wind, so it lost momentum I think.

‘The guys said my partner, Sam, saved their bacon. It was very, very close to a real disaster.’

The British Balloon and Airship Club confirmed the balloon ‘landed without incident’, adding that no one was injured.

Emma Firman, who also filmed the landing, said it ‘was the most incredible scene’ as she thought it was ‘going to hit the roof tops, then the cars and wires’.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola responded to defender Vitor Reis’ desire to return to the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed a decision will be made on centre-back Vitor Reis at the end of the season after the defender insisted his goal is to return to the Etihad Stadium in the summer. The 20-year-old joined City from Brazilian club Palmeiras in January 2025 and made three appearances for the Blues last season.

However, in a bid to improve his development, City loaned Reis to affiliate club Girona. The 20-year-old has become a regular for the Spanish team and has only missed two La Liga matches this season, both due to suspension.

While Reis has been away from the Etihad Stadium, City have invested in their defence with the January arrival of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace while Abdukodir Khusanov has impressed for the Blues in recent weeks. But with John Stones set to depart in the summer and Nathan Ake potentially departing, the makeup of the City backline will change.

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Reis wants to be part of that and has said as much this week. Guardiola, speaking ahead of the Premier League trip to Burnley on Wednesday, said of the youngster: “From my info he has been unbelievable. The reason he went there, at that young age, was because he did not have much options to play here.

“He has grown up as a player. He has faced the best strikers in Spain and it is not easy to deal with. He grew a lot so he is happy. The decisions will be made at the end of the season.”

Despite guaranteed game time at Girona, Reis has not lost sight of his ultimate goal – to play for City. He told Globo Esporte: “My intention, my desire, is to return to Manchester City, to play and have space.

“But, as I always say, I will focus on the day-to-day, on this end of the season, so that when the moment for that conversation comes, we can sit down calmly, with a clear mind. When I found out they were thinking about loaning me, I was a bit shocked, because it wasn’t something that crossed my mind.

“But after I understood it better and spoke to several people, I realised it would be good for me, especially for minutes, for playing more games. At my age, I need to play.

“So I think it was a very important decision, 100 per cent correct, to come here. Here at Girona I am very happy. The people are incredible, and I believe it was a very good choice.”

Reis also explained that moving to City was a reality check for him as he took his career to the next step. “City was also a very beautiful story in my life,” he added.

“When I arrived there, it was kind of a reality check, just like it was with the national team. You arrive and see the players around you. I remember seeing my name next to guys like Rodri, Bernardo Silva… and that made me very happy.

“It is a club that always tries to get the maximum out of players, and that helped me a lot. I learned many things with Pep, who is a surreal guy in terms of mentality and understanding of the game.”

Police were called to Deansgate, at the junction with Oxford Road and Knowsley Street, after an alarm sounded in one of the buildings.

Three police cars attended the scene at approximately 8.30 am, prompting concern from nearby workers and shoppers.

Officers later confirmed the incident was a false alarm, with no risk to the public.

All police vehicles left shortly afterwards.

Despite the quick resolution, the incident attracted attention from nosy locals eager to find out what had happened.

Bolton police officers have had a number of operations to keep businesses and visitors safe from crime, working closely with retailers to combat town centre crime.

A spokesperson said: “Any future disruption to supply could seriously affect our ability to reach patients as quickly as possible”

A vital air ambulance service has said it is “closely monitoring” aviation fuel availability amid ongoing international conflict. The ongoing conflict between Iran and America means fuel availability and costs are proving a problem across industries.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance, which operates in Cambridgeshire, is watching its fuel consumption due to the ongoing conflict. Matthew Jones, Chief Executive Officer at East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “East Anglian Air Ambulance crews, based in Cambridge and Norwich, treat five patients every day.

“Operating a 24/7 helicopter service depends on a consistent and reliable supply of aviation fuel. Any disruption risks delaying our response and, ultimately, putting lives in danger.”

Mr Jones said there is “no immediate threat” to fuel availability, although the ambulance service is “closely monitoring” the situation. Mr Jones added: “As a charity, rising fuel costs are already having a significant impact, and any future disruption to supply could seriously affect our ability to reach patients as quickly as possible when every second counts.

“It is crucial that policymakers act now to protect air ambulance charities from fuel supply challenges and to ensure emergency response capability is properly safeguarded for the patients who rely on us.”

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The 19th century school building was put on the market for £560,000 in January

A former primary school could get a new lease of life. The former Kennett Primary School on Station Road in Kennett, Newmarket, was put on the market for £560,000 in January.

Plans have now been submitted by Colourbox Montessori School Ltd to change the former school into a pre-school. Kennett Primary School still runs as a school, but moved from its former 19th century building in November 2025.

If approved, the pre-school could accommodate up to 64 children and employ 15 new staff members. The pre-school would open from Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 6pm.

The applicant does not wish to make changes to the existing buildings or part of the exterior. The trees, boundary hedging, and soft landscaping will also be retained as part of the plans.

As part of the plans, 10 onsite car parking spaces are proposed, alongside a separate cycle storage facility. There is also already a playground on site.

The applicant said the proposals to reuse a former primary school are “wholly appropriate”. The applicant added that the proposals will “suitably respect the character, scale and design of existing neighbouring and nearby dwellings along with the setting, character and appearance of the wider rural surroundings”.

The school building was first built in 1865 by W. Godfrey, who was lord of the manor and rector. It was also used as a school then and had an adjoining school house.

In the winter months, especially in the UK, many of us don’t get enough vitamin D – mainly because the biggest source is sunlight. This is why the NHS advises adults to take a vitamin D supplement, to support bone, skin and muscle health, while also protecting your immune system.

Whether you prefer a tablet or a spray, you might be wondering if there’s an optimal daily dose when it comes to the best vitamin D supplements. For adults, experts recommend taking 10 micrograms or 400IU (International Units). The NHS recommend taking no more than 4000IU a day.

But are there people who may need more of the supplement? “People of colour and those who may have moved from hotter countries [may need more], because their body is used to higher levels of sun exposure. It’s also really important for pregnant women, but it can benefit everyone,” explains Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS GP.

Of course, vitamin D isn’t just found in sunlight – you can get some through your diet, too, with Dr Ahmed explaining that the “best sources of vitamin D come from oily fish, eggs and lots of vegetables.” While he adds that the main causes of a deficiency are: “Low sun exposure and having an unbalanced diet. People with vitamin d deficiency can get muscle aches, fatigue, low energy and weakened bone health, which can then increase the risk of fractures as a result.’

So, what source of vitamin D is best? “Vitamin D2 is from plants, while D3 is from animals. D3 is usually preferred and recommended,” adds Dr Ahmed. Some D3 supplements are also paired with vitamin K2, which helps direct calcium into the bones and teeth rather than allowing it to build up in arteries, kidneys or soft tissues.

Before you start taking vitamin D, it’s worth speaking speak with your GP to find out which dose is right for you. Once you know the suitable dosage, below, you’ll find my guide to the best vitamin D supplements, including capsules, sprays and gummies.

Read more: The 13 best supplements you should actually take, according to experts

The best vitamin D supplements for 2026 are:

• Best overall – Nutrition Geeks D3 / D3 + K2: £9.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best oral spray – BetterYou vitamin D3 4000iu + K2 oral spray: £8.49, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget option –  Dr Vegan D3 vitamin: £8.99, Drvegan.com
• Best gummies – WUKA vitamin D3 K2 gummies for periods: £15.99, Wuka.co.uk

Read more: The best probiotics to help improve gut health, according to experts