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Right Reverend Christopher Chessun, the bishop of Southwark, survived a severe taxi accident that shattered every bone in his face except for his lower jaw. Following extensive surgery led by Professor Kathy Fan, he returned to work three months later, praising the medical team's skill and support. Chessun reflects on the accident as a life-changing event, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being.
Brewdog plans to close 10 pubs across the UK, including its flagship location in Aberdeen, due to ongoing industry challenges. The closures, which could happen within days, have drawn criticism from the trade union Unite, which claims the company is disregarding employee rights. Brewdog emphasized that the decision aims to refocus on long-term profitability.
Celebrity osteopath Torben Stig Hersborg, 64, received a three-year and five-month prison sentence for secretly filming approximately 2,000 women over a decade. His voyeuristic acts occurred at his east London clinic and in public spaces, violating the trust of his patients and strangers alike. The case highlights the significant scale of his offenses and the impact on victims.
A hidden mural featuring a pair of vast eyes is located atop the Blenheim Shopping Centre in Penge, London. This artwork is only visible from above, making it a unique feature of the area. The mural adds a distinctive artistic element to the local landscape.
A nine-year-old girl was shot in the head during a drive-by shooting in east London, which prosecutors describe as a planned assassination targeting rival gang members. Javon Riley, 33, faces charges of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm for his alleged role in the incident, which left three other men injured. The shooting is linked to an ongoing gang rivalry between the Tottenham Turks and Hackney Turks.
A man received a life sentence with a minimum of 24 years for murdering 20-year-old footballer Abdul-Latif Pouget in Clerkenwell, London. Oguzcan Dereli, 27, stabbed Pouget with a machete during an altercation last year, leading to Pouget's death days later in the hospital. The judge noted Dereli's prior convictions and attempts to evade arrest as aggravating factors.
A visually impaired Beyoncé fan, Esther Obigbesan, faced dehumanizing treatment at a VIP concert when staff demanded she relinquish her cane, labeling her a "health and safety risk." After reporting her access needs prior to the event, she received no response and ultimately had her cane taken before being moved to a less desirable seated area. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has since apologized and pledged to improve staff training and communication regarding accessibility.
Barking and Dagenham Council in east London plans to spend over £10 million to build three new specialist children's homes. The council currently spends about £1.9 million annually for 20 high-risk children placed in unregulated care facilities. The initiative aims to provide better, regulated care for vulnerable girls under 16 facing complex needs.
A High Court judge dismissed a legal challenge against plans to expand the Wimbledon tennis site, allowing the Greater London Authority's approval for 38 new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium. Save Wimbledon Park argued the development was unlawful due to the protected status of the land, but the court found the planning decision rationally exercised. The campaign group may still pursue further legal action.
Commuters on the London Underground unknowingly shared their journey with a Harris's hawk, which was en route to its first major assignment. The hawk's presence highlights the unique roles birds of prey can play in urban environments.