Despite having no memory of the collision, Kye Dymond is said to have crashed into a lamppost possibly after two deer ran in front of him in the park in Bowburn, on April 28, last year.

Dymond, himself, suffered a broken nose and teeth in the incident, but his victim is understood to have suffered a serious head injury.

Appearing at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, 18-year-old Dymond, who was 17 at the time, admitted a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Defendant Kye Dymond to be sentenced at Durham Crown Court next month for causing serious injury by dangerous driving while riding a quad bike in a public park (Image: The Northern Echo)

His counsel, Helen Towers, told the court there were no witnesses and, due to his injuries, Dymond has no memory of the incident.

“But he accepts his decision to drive on a footpath in a park was dangerous and a basis of plea will be drafted.

“He was not speeding, swerving or showing off, or anything of that nature.

“He was slightly over the limit for alcohol and accepts that.”

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said the Crown has sought an updated medical report on the victim, but has not received that information, as yet.

He asked for a formal seven-day period for the prosecution to accept the basis of plea as outlined by Miss Towers.

Judge Nathan Adams set a provisional date for sentence in the case in late August in the hope the medical prognosis on the victim is submitted prior to that date and that the Crown accepts the basis of plea.

Adjourning the hearing for six weeks, Judge Adams told the defendant: “You have pleaded guilty to this matter and the sentencing will take place on August 28.

“This was obviously a very serious matter, but I’ll give no indication as to what the sentence will be on that date.”

Dymond, of Durham Road, Bowburn, was bailed to return for the sentencing hearing at the court, on Friday August 28.

Celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has criticised Buckingham Palace and shared his views on Meghan Markle, the Prince Harry and Royal Family rift, and his life in the Cotswolds

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has delivered a scathing assessment of one of Britain’s most iconic buildings — while also sharing his views on Meghan Markle’s experience of life within the Royal Family.

The former Changing Rooms star, 61, has never been one to shy away from expressing his opinions and has revealed that he recently paid a visit to Buckingham Palace, suggesting the legendary royal residence could benefit from one of his signature makeovers.

“I was at Buckingham Palace recently and it looks like Fawlty Towers. Once a grand, lovely space, it now has a feeling of a shuffy old golf hotel, which smells of cabbage and sticky carpets,” he told Heat.

The interior designer, who presents the True Royalty podcast, also reflected on the Duchess of Sussex’s time within the Royal Family, claiming: “I think she felt that she was in The Princess Diaries and mistook joining the British royal family for Genovia.”

Addressing the ongoing rift between Harry and the Royal Family, he said: “I might live quite close to the King, but he keeps very close counsel on that. I’m sure it’s a source of great sadness that he doesn’t have easy access to Harry and his grandchildren. As a grandfather myself, it would break my heart not to see my silly, foolish, flighty grandchildren every day,” reports the Express.

Turning away from royal matters, Laurence also opened up about his home life with his wife Jackie, whom he has been wed to for 37 years, having first met as teenagers. “We’ve done everything together. Me being on telly and everything I’ve achieved has been with her motivating it and calling the shots. We are such incredible friends and have this great life with more than enough gin, because that is the secret to a happy life,” he said.

He jested that Jackie has now barred him from participating in any further reality television following his terrifying ordeal on Celebrity Bear Hunt, where he required rescuing after losing consciousness beneath a capsized raft during a task with Bear Grylls in Costa Rica.

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“I loved it! Despite the whole dying thing,” he said, before adding: “It was an extraordinary experience. In my head, I was James Bond, but in reality, I was Grandpa Pig.”

He also remarked: “Mrs Llewelyn-Bowen has forbidden me from doing anything. I can’t even do Bake Off because the cherry falls off the top of the cake and hits me in the eye.”

The television personality is now relishing what he describes as a “reinvention” as an artist and recently pondered the life he has established in the Cotswolds.

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Laurence and his family relocated to a 17th-century Grade II-listed manor house in Siddington, a village just outside Cirencester, in 2007. Laurence has previously spoken warmly of the nearby town of Cirencester, describing it as “a wonderful place” owing to its flourishing independent businesses.

He has also remarked that he and his family reside in the “slumming end” of the area, alongside the King, Princess Anne and the late Jilly Cooper, rather than the celebrity hotspot associated with the likes of David Beckham, Jeremy Clarkson and David Cameron.

“It’s all about start-ups,” he said. “It’s all about people who’ve got a real passion for what they do, be that furnishing accessories, be that fashion, be that coffee, be that restaurants. We’ve got some incredible restaurants in Cirencester now as well.”

A driver being sentenced for causing the death of a cyclist after a crash in Cardiff had failed his test just weeks before the incident, a court has heard. Brad Craven was out cycling with his brother on their routine morning ride when his bike was in a head-on collision with a car in the Grangetown area of the city.

The 72-year-old, from Roath, was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, but never regained consciousness and died from his injuries on Friday, June 20. The collision occurred at around 8.40am on Saturday, May 17, on Dunleavy Drive, Grangetown.

Teddy Picton, 20, of Cog Road, Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and is being sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, the court heard the defendant was seen drinking the night before the crash and was on his way to pick up his work laptop from Grangetown on the morning of Saturday, May 17.

The court was told by the prosecution that the car Picton was driving, a Fiat 500, belonged to a female passenger but he was behind the wheel because of the woman’s level of intoxication.

Dan Jones, prosecuting, said the defendant only had a provisional driving licence, having failed his driving test a few weeks earlier, so he did not have a licence or insurance.

At the time of Mr Craven’s death, his family said: “He was a confident and experienced cyclist and was with his brother on their usual morning cycle when he suffered fatal injuries and did not regain consciousness following a head-on collision.

“Brad, a retired social worker at Llandough Hospital, will be remembered by all, as a very thoughtful and caring man who always put the welfare of others before his own.”

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By TAMARA PRENN, SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 11:06 BST, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 11:39 BST, 15 July 2026

Kylian Mbappe wasted no time in sharing his feelings after France were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain on Tuesday as he appeared to criticise the way Les Bleus were set up by manager Didier Deschamps. 

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France had been the heavy favourites throughout the tournament due to their rich array of attacking talent including the Real Madrid superstar, Bayern Munich‘s Michael Olise, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. 

But the side quailed in the face of a unified Spanish side, who swept aside France 2-0 to book their place in the final on Sunday against either England or Argentina. 

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of their defeat, Mbappe pointed at a technical mismatch on the pitch that he believed had played a role. 

‘We were three against two in midfield, and against Spain, that’s hard,’ Mbappe admitted. ‘Fabian (Ruiz) and Rodri had plenty of time to play. 

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‘There was a lack of communication on the press. I think we should have done man-to-man press and force them to run with us.’ 

Kylian Mbappe appeared to criticise the way that head coach Didier Deschamps set up the national team against Spain after the final whistle

The heavy favourites were knocked out of the World Cup semi-finals 2-0 in Dallas on Tuesday

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Mbappe also shared that he did not believe France had played the game they wanted, ‘technically, tactically’. 

‘When you don’t do what you have to do in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win,’  he added, in an apparent jibe at his team-mates. ‘Spain respected their game plan and what the team usually does. 

‘They like to control the ball and the tempo. Our plan was to press them high so they could not install their rhythm. Because they are better than us at controlling a game. We didn’t manage to do it. We were too sloppy technically. We could not hurt them when we could have.

‘Even when we recovered the ball, our first touches were not good enough. That gives a defeat. It is a huge disappointment. But if we are objective, we didn’t put all the ingredients to go to the final.’ 

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Mbappe has been managed by Deschamps for the entirety of his international career, with the head coach overseeing his breakout World Cup debut in 2018. 

The 1998 World Cup winner also handed Mbappe the armband three years ago, after stripping Antoine Griezmann of the honour in favour of the then-24-year-old. 

Mbappe was also quick to ensure that he was held responsible for the defeat, adding matter-of-factly: ‘At the end of the day, you take all the glory when you win, and when you don’t win, you have to – sorry – to take the s***’. 

Mbappe is believed to have a positive relationship with the France manager-in-waiting Zinedine Zidane

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Tuesday’s exit marks Deschamps’ final match in charge of the side, with the national team coach stepping down at the tournament’s end. 

He is set to be replaced by his old national team-mate Zinedine Zidane, who has been seen to be treading water waiting for the role after his 2021 departure from the dugout at Real Madrid. 

Daily Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that the France legend plans to bring another former team-mate into the fold – Fabien Barthez – with the national team keen to firm up plans for Zidane’s appointment in wake of defeat in Dallas. 

Zidane is believed to have a similarly strong relationship with Mbappe, which stems from their mutual friendship with France’s head of security Mohamed Sanhadji. 

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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an alcohol warning to Brits travelling to Greece, and it’s particularly important ahead of the summer holidays

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to British holidaymakers travelling to Greece about the consumption of alcohol.

On Tuesday, 14 July, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Greece to include new information on alcohol laws and underage drinking. The guidance was outlined on its ‘safety and security’ page, which is crucial advice for any Brits planning to visit Greece, particularly ahead of the summer holidays.

The FCDO stated in the update: “It is illegal to sell or provide alcohol to anyone under 18, any businesses found doing so can face large fines and possible closure. Bars and nightclubs are not allowed to admit or serve anyone under 18, even if accompanied by an adult. Expect age verification checks at points of sale.”

In a stark warning to British travellers, the Foreign Office added: “If a minor is harmed through excessive drinking, or underage intoxication is brought to the attention of local authorities, parents or other accompanying adults, as well as those who supplied the alcohol, could face legal consequences under general child protection laws.”

The new information on alcohol in Greece comes as thousands of families are expected to jet off abroad during the summer holidays. The FCDO also warned Brits to “always carry your passport, to show to the police if they request identification”, as they may not accept a copy or other forms of identification documents.

Ahead of the busy summer period, the FCDO has also updated its safety advice on swimming. For anyone travelling to Greece, they warned: “Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Greece.”

In advice when using a swimming pool, they said: “Always supervise children. Keep small children within arm’s reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.”

For anyone planning a trip to the beach in Greece, the Foreign Office further advised: “Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arm’s reach.

“Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water.

“Many organised beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings. A red flag means you must not enter the water.

“Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.”

Water sports are another popular activity during a trip abroad, particularly in the azure waters of Greece. The FCDO cautioned: “Only book activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start:

• Make sure the paperwork is completed
• Ask for a safety demonstration
• Make sure you know how to call for help

“For more advice, see the website for Safe Water Sports, a non-profit organisation in Greece that aims to prevent accidents.”

For more information, visit the Foreign Office travel advice website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

By SABRINA PENTY, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 08:04 BST, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 11:37 BST, 15 July 2026

A Wickes manager has been ordered to pay the DIY retailer £3,500 after an employment tribunal ruled her discrimination case was “unreasonable” and had no “objective” chance of success.

Jasmin Unsted was sacked for snorting cocaine at work – a claim she denied, although she did admit to taking the drug the night before her shift.

Ms Unsted then pursued claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination, relating to her ADHD.

The tribunal heard that Ms Unsted, a mother of three, was observed to be unusually “quiet” at work following a late night of drinking.

However, after several trips to the toilet, she became her “loud and chatty self” again.

A colleague subsequently discovered white powder on the windowsill of a cubicle that Ms Unsted had used.

Ms Unsted refused a drug test, saying that she had consumed cocaine the previous night but not on company premises. She was subsequently fired by Wickes.

Her claims for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination were ultimately rejected by the employment tribunal.

Ms Unsted must now pay Wickes £3,408 towards their costs in fighting her claim, which totalled £15,173.

The tribunal, held in London, heard that Ms Unsted was employed as a duty manager at Wickes from March 2021.

She was given a final written warning in August 2023 because of unrelated incidents.

In February 2024, operations manager Rebecca Carter noticed that Ms Unsted was behaving differently.

She told the tribunal: “On 10 February 2024, I noticed [Ms Unsted] displaying unusual behaviour.

“Normally loud, bubbly, and highly focused, constantly working and keeping up a fast pace, she was quiet, unfocused, and less interactive with the team.

“She was pacing around the store and made frequent trips to the toilet, more than once an hour.

“These trips were unusual because, although she worked on the ground floor, she repeatedly went upstairs to use the toilet, which drew my attention.”

She asked Ms Unsted if she was ok, and in response she “kind of just shrugged it off and said she would be okay after some caffeine”.

Ms Unsted told the tribunal she had sat against the outside wall of a toilet cubicle and leaned against the wall, closing her eyes in an attempt to “compose and prepare herself for the rest of the shift”.

Ms Carter said: “At around 2pm, I entered the female toilets and saw [Ms Unsted] leaving the far cubicle with a windowsill.

“I said hello and walked past her to use the far cubicle myself.

“[Ms Unsted] then went into the cubicle next to me.

“She was loud and chatty, the opposite of her behaviour in the morning.

“I cannot recall exactly what she was saying, but we both came out of the toilets at the same time.

“[Ms Unsted] didn’t flush, but I didn’t think much of it.

“As I went to wash my hands, she returned to the cubicle I had used, carrying a tissue, and we continued to have a conversation.”

Ms Carter said she found “what appeared to be remnants from a line of cocaine” on the windowsill of the toilet that Ms Unsted had been in, and she reported this to the Wickes employee relations team.

Ms Unsted claimed that these photos had been doctored but the tribunal accepted them as genuine.

A drug testing technician was called in, and she asked them if her drinking and drug taking the night before would result in a positive test. She was told it probably would.

She was also informed that if she refused to take the test it would be seen as a positive result and she would likely be sacked as Wickes has a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol and drugs.

Ms Unsted refused to take the test as her partner told her over the phone that he did not believe they had reasonable grounds for making her do it.

In an investigation meeting a few days later, Ms Unsted said that the night before her shift, she took “one line of cocaine at 21.00 and a bottle of Malibu. Drinking until 3am 70cl bottle. Felt tired and ropey, not hungover. But I didn’t feel like I was 18 anymore”.

Ms Unsted denied taking drugs while on shift, and claimed she was being discriminated against because of her ADHD.

She said “the description given to me of my unusual behaviour was just a list of my ADHD symptoms and what is my normal behaviour”.

Ms Unsted was fired for gross misconduct in May 2024.

Employment Judge Lise Burge said: “Even if the Tribunal had decided that the dismissal was unfair, which we did not, the Tribunal’s view is that [Ms Unsted]’s conduct was culpable and blameworthy.

“She took cocaine the night before her shift.

“Cocaine is illegal and the safety implications of taking drugs and mixing drugs and alcohol is clear in [Wickes]’s Alcohol & Drugs policy.

“Even if the white powder in the toilet was not cocaine belonging to her, and we make no findings on whether it was or was not, it was reasonable for [Wickes] to request a drug test.

“[Ms Unsted] refused to take it as she believed she would have cocaine in her system. She caused the dismissal.”

Her claims for discrimination arising from disability and a failure to make reasonable adjustments were dismissed.

The tribunal concluded that the claims ‘had no reasonable prospects of success’, but Ms Unsted had ADHD and ‘lacked the emotional separation to be able to stand back and view her claim objectively’.

Despite this, she should have realised it was ‘unreasonable’ to continue to pursue her claims after Wickes urged her to take legal advice.

“[Ms Unsted]’s unfair dismissal and disability discrimination complaint objectively had no reasonable prospects of success and she acted unreasonably in continuing to pursue it,” EJ Burge said.

Youngsters are invited to dive into a morning of creativity and imagination at a special “Under The Sea” arts and crafts class taking place in Westhoughton this summer.

The fun-filled session will give children the chance to create their own colourful underwater-themed artwork, inspired by magical ocean creatures, vibrant coral reefs, shimmering bubbles, and fascinating sea life.

Designed to encourage creativity and self-expression, the class is suitable for all abilities, with no previous art experience needed.

Children can enjoy exploring different materials and techniques while creating a unique masterpiece to take home.

The Under The Sea workshop will be held at The Hub, Westhoughton, on Wednesday, 22 July, from 10am to 11.30am.

Organisers say the session will provide a relaxed and enjoyable environment where children can make new friends, have fun, and let their imaginations run wild beneath the waves.

Places are limited and early booking is encouraged, with ticket prices at just £10 per person.