Northampton General Hospital is failing to reach its waiting time target in A&E treatment and cancer care but has found success in planned operations, a study has found.

This is according to research done by the BBC amid a time of unprecedented pressure on the National Health Service, in which there has been a rise in the number of patients needing care in A&E, for cancer treatment, and operations like knee and hip replacements.

NGH cancels planned operations today after admitting 770 poorly patients to beds over festive period
The targets are considered the three key NHS waiting time measures.

For A&E, hospitals across the UK are given four hours to treat and discharge, admit or transfer a patient. All are expected to do so in 95 per cent of cases.

NGH's figure stands at 83 per cent, based on data released in November, and when compared to the average in England (88.9 per cent) ranks the trust 100 out of 133.

The target was last hit by NGH in August 2015, and this time last year it was doing better by 0.3 percentage points.

When it comes to cancer treatment, hospitals aim to begin treating patients within 62 days of their urgent GP referral.

NGH's percentage (76.5 - based on figures released in October) is under the 85 per cent national target and compared to an average in England of 82.3 per cent, ranks the hospital 110 out of 133 trusts.

This target was last achieved by the Northampton hospital in December 2016, and this time last year it was doing better by 5.2 percentage points.

Meanwhile Northampton's main hospital did reach its target in planned operations and care, also known as planned hospital care or non-emergency treatment.

In England, the target percentage of patients who should be waiting less than 18 weeks for their surgeries is 92 per cent.

NGH scored 92.1 per cent, beating the target by 0.1, a total which is also above the English average of 89.3 per cent.

Out of 126 trusts, NGH is ranked 42nd in the delivery of planned ops and care and was doing better by 0.3 percentage points at this stage year.

A spokesperson for Northampton General Hospital said: “Meeting the targets for cancer services has been a huge focus for us and as a result, we’re on an upward trajectory and currently meeting seven out of the nine cancer targets, with clear plans in place to sustain that improvement.

“The challenges in meeting A&E targets are well documented. Although our patients may have to wait for longer than we would like, we are working hard to keep them safe and as comfortable as possible. At all times, we prioritise the safety of our patients above everything else.”

In addition to his yearly salary as CEO at the Northampton-based charity, Mr Baldwin claimed £7,000 in expenses according to the charity's published annual report for 2016/17.

Mr Baldwin, who took on the role in 2014, also made £43,000 as an annual performanc-related bonus in 2017 (down from £99,000 in 2016) and received £62,000 in other benefits, including pension payments.

A spokeswoman for St Andrew's Healthcare - which was named mental health hospital of the year at the UK healthcare awards for excellence in 2016 - said Mr Baldwin had left due to personal reasons, and thus was not paid a severance package.

A statement on the charity's website concerning Mr Baldwin's departure read: "The board would like to place on record our thanks for the significant progress that the charity has made under Gil’s leadership and for his dedication and commitment over the past three and a half years."

Chairman Peter Winslow has been appointed as executive chairman until a permanent successor is found.

The spokeswoman said: "Peter has an impressive record running large organisations and has a long and distinguished history with St Andrew’s, having been on the board for 12 years and acted as chairman for the last four."

“We are confident that under his stewardship St Andrew’s will continue to be a centre of excellence for mental health provision and deliver great care for our patients and their families.”

St Andrew's Healthcare - which runs the mental health hospital, one of the largest in Europe - opened five new units within its men and women's mental health services in 2016, and invested £30m in the development of new facilities, current wards, buildings and other capital additions.

Ninety-eight per cent of St Andrew’s funding comes from the NHS.

A 2017 Care Quality Commission report found that in the year Mr Baldwin was awarded a £43,000 bonus, St Andrew's Healthcare's women's and neuropsychiatry services were rated "good", its adolescents' service was rated "requires improvement", and its men's services was rated as "inadequate".

The NSPCC has published advice to Northamptonshire parents encouraging them to talk about online safety with their children after giving them gadgets for Christmas.

Last year the internet was used to commit 72 sex crimes against children in the county, so it’s vital young people know how to stay safe.

The charity says the web can be a fantastic place for children and young people to socialise, explore their interests, and learn, but warned every parent who has bought their child an internet-enabled device should be aware there are risks too.

Barbara Elsey, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Northamptonshire, said: "As children get used to their new tablets, smartphones and games consoles post-Christmas it would be fair to assume many will be spending more time online this year. But, how can we really be sure our children are safe while they are online?

"We know children are becoming increasingly concerned about what they sometimes encounter on the internet from the increasing number of calls on the subject to our Childline service.

"For example, over the past three years there has been a 33 per cent increase in the number of counselling sessions held with children about online sexual abuse they have been subjected to.

"Some children contacted Childline because they felt trapped and ashamed by their situation and were too were frightened to talk to an adult. Some were being blackmailed, while others wrongly felt they were to blame because they have participated in their abuser’s actions.

"And figures obtained from the police by the NSPCC show that in Northamptonshire alone, the internet was used as a gateway by offenders to commit 72 sex crimes against children in 2016/17.

"Online sexual abuse can take the form of grooming, child sexual exploitation, sexting, being made to perform sex acts on webcam, meeting up in person, and viewing distressing sexually explicit content."

The NSPCC believes it is vital for parents and children to sit and talk on a regular basis to help spot the signs of inappropriate behaviour, and learn how to report it and ask for help if they need it.

The charity advises parents to explore sites and apps together with their children, talk about things they might see online which make them feel uncomfortable, talk about what is, and is not, ok to share online, and to reassure children that you won't overreact, that you're just looking out for them.

The NSPCC website help and advice for parents to get to grips with online safety and installing controls. Visit www.nspcc.org.uk to find out more.

A map showing flu hotspots across our region has been revealed.

The interactive map shows the areas with the worst outbreaks of the illness, according to users who upload reports themselves.

Updated every three minutes, the map shows all types of the flu bug, including the potentially deadly Aussie flu strain which has arrived in the UK.

The map indicates a gradient of no reports (blue) to ‘very high reports’ (red) of all types of flu as reported by users.

The data from the FluSurvey map is utilised by scientists at Public Health England and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

How does your area compare?

You can zoom in on your area by clicking here.

Public health officials have warned people who are eligible for a free flu vaccine to get it ‘without delay’.

People should recover from normal flu within a week or so, although some symptoms like a cough can last longer. If you are still ill after seven days, it is a possible indication of a more serious illness.

Paramedics, firefighters and police officers were summoned to Cogenhoe after a 999 call from a member of the public.

A police spokeswoman confirmed this morning: “Emergency services were called to Cogenhoe Mill at about 10.20pm yesterday evening (Thursday, January 4). Sadly, the body of a man was found in the river.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

A Northamptonshire police spokeswoman confirmed this afternoon that a car was involved prior to the man's death and the force's serious collisions investigations unit is looking into the death.

A map showing flu hotspots across our region has been revealed.

The interactive map shows the areas with the worst outbreaks of the illness, according to users who upload reports themselves.

Updated every three minutes, the map shows all types of the flu bug, including the potentially deadly Aussie flu strain which has arrived in the UK.

The map indicates a gradient of no reports (blue) to ‘very high reports’ (red) of all types of flu as reported by users.

The data from the FluSurvey map is utilised by scientists at Public Health England and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

How does your area compare?

You can zoom in on your area by clicking here.

Public health officials have warned people who are eligible for a free flu vaccine to get it ‘without delay’.

People should recover from normal flu within a week or so, although some symptoms like a cough can last longer. If you are still ill after seven days, it is a possible indication of a more serious illness.

Witnesses are being sought after a car was deliberately damaged on New Year’s Day in Gateford Court, Corby.

The car, a silver Mercedes-Benz, had been parked in the area between 4pm and 9pm on Monday, January 1.

A police spokesman said: “When the owner of the car returned, he found a large amount of deep scratches on the bonnet area and along the driver’s door all the way to the rear panel.”

Anyone who witnessed this or has any information about it can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A woman suffered a broken jaw after being punched by a man in Corby.

The incident happened outside The Qube Bar in George Street between 12.20am and 12.35am on January 1.

The man hit one woman and then punched another woman in the face, causing her to fall.

She suffered a broken jaw.

A police spokesman said: “It is believed a group of men then chased the offender away from the area.”

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

An abandoned pub used by homeless people as shelter is to be demolished soon after councillors approved updated plans.

The Tanners pub in Farm Field Court, Thorplands, closed down for good in January last year, to be replaced with new houses.

In the meantime the building has been broken into several times and attracted attention from the police.

A meeting of Northampton Borough Council's planning committee heard that neighbours would welcome the building being knocked down sooner rather than later.

Minutes from the Guildhall meeting state: "Councillor Meredith, as the Ward Councillor, spoke in favour of the application and commented that anti-social behaviour around the site had increased in recent weeks and that rough sleepers were living inside the pub.

"He said that housing would be a much better use for the site and thanked officers for their work."

Helen Town, of Northampton Partnership Homes, spoke in favour of the application saying that an application for developing the site had already been submitted and the pub would be demolished early in this year.

In response to questions, Mrs Town explained that NPH were working closely with the police to ensure that the site was kept secure until that time.

Councillors approved the proposed method of knocking down the pub building, which will include an asbestos check and stripping of the building.

A mechanical excavator will be used to flatten it and workers will use a fine mist water spray to suppress the dust.

Councillors ruled that the one condition of their approval was that a notice setting out the hours of demolition works must be published, to keep neighbours informed of when to expect noise.

Dr Jon Raphael, who was also on the Northampton Saints' board, was reported to police by the girl after the appointment at The Mounts Medical Center in 2014. The girl alleged that he had behaved inappropriately towards her after she sought advise following several missed periods.

The police took no action but passed a file to the General Medical Council, who took the case to tribunal, despite Raphael retiring that year.

A judgment published yesterday showed that a panel threw out some of the allegations, namely that Raphael had inappropriately touched the girl's pubic area and had not advised her correctly or recorded the consultation properly.

However, panel members upheld some of the complaints, including that Raphael took out the girl's breasts and rubbed them.

The doctor, who the panel found was less believable than the teenager in giving evidence, told the panel he was looking for signs the girl was pregnant.

But the panel said such a method was outdated when a pregnancy test was much more accurate.

In conclusion, the judgment reads: "He neither obtained Patient B’s consent nor arranged for a chaperone before undertaking an unnecessary breast examination, which also involved squeezing Patient B’s breasts and stroking her nipples.

"Taking all these matters into account, the tribunal concluded that Dr Raphael’s actions in the breast examination and in making comments both about her breasts and about the attitudes of women generally to their breasts were sexually motivated."

The hearing will continue on 23- 26 January, when the tribunal will consider whether the Raphael's fitness to practise is impaired and whether he should be struck off.

John Howard of Ashcroft Gardens, Abington, Northampton, pleaded guilty to breaking into the property on May 9 last year, which resulted in a mother and her 33-year-old son locking themselves in their bathroom.

The two occupants had heard Howard crashing and fumbling around after he had taken off his boots and coat and smashed a window to gain access, leaving a bloodstain on the window frame in the process.

The pair went down to investigate, only to decide on the safer option which was to lock themselves in the bathroom and call the police.

Howard was in the house for 10 minutes and had left by the time police arrived. His DNA was recovered from the blood.

The mother was left "shocked and scared", the court heard, and has since bought additional security. Her son is afraid to leave her at home alone.

Defending, Miss Wilson pointed to the inebriated state of her client at the time of the incident, which he claims not to remember because he was so drunk.

Miss Wilson told the court Mrs Littlewood could smell the alcohol while going downstairs, which evidenced Howard's drunken state.

Although nothing was stolen from the property, Judge Lucking gave Howard an eight-month sentence because of the psychological effects on Mrs Littlewood, as well as the damage to the window and unpleasant bloodstain.

Howard has 13 convictions for 20 offences. One for house burglary in 2008 which he received a suspended sentence but later breached.

Anthea Butcher, 40, was found to have betrayed trust and taken advantage of a frail and vulnerable man with dementia by using 89-year-old Steven Judd’s bank card to make purchases on Amazon, buy clothes, food, takeaways, alcohol and e-cigarettes, as well as to make large cash withdrawals.

The total loss taken over a sustained two-year period amounted to £23,374.11, a total of£11,860 of which in cash withdrawals. The court heard this amount could have paid for nine months worth of care for Mr Judd, who is now in a care home.

During her summing up, Judge Lucking alluded to the “frivolous purchases” made by Butcher using the card namely jewelry, bedding, lamps, items for her pet cat, feather boas and a log basket, among others.

“These are what can only be described as trinkets,” said Judge Lucking.

“This was not money used to pay for a mortgage or to put food on the table.”

Butcher was found to have breached the trust of Mr Judd’s daughter, Helen, who had entrusted her father’s care to the defendant as she was working in London, miles away from where he lived.

Mrs Judd was her father’s power of attorney in financial matters, and handed over the bank card to Butcher so that small purchases could be made for minor food shops of up to £30 and any essential items for Mr Judd’s care. It was made clear via an email to Butcher that no large withdrawals were to be made.

The fraud and theft were only discovered once Mr Judd’s health had deteriorated to the point he had to be put in a care home in February 2016.

Bank statements recovered from his house by Mrs Judd showed the extent of Butcher’s actions.

Butcher was interviewed in May and August 2016. She denied she had committed the offences and even went so far as to blame Mr Judd’s dementia for the large cash withdrawals made (twice in excess of £1000) saying he had an obsession with money and kept it lying around the house.

While prosecuting, Ms Bakshi summarised personal victim statements from Mrs Judd who said Butcher had taken advantage of her kindness. She continued by saying she was stressed and had spent many sleepless nights because Butcher had emptied her father’s life savings, leaving Mrs Judd unable to pay for his future care.

She felt “betrayed”, “deceived”, “manipulated” by Butcher, who had been referred to as a family friend.

A personal statement made after Butcher’s guilty plea on August 2, 2017, Mrs Judd said the affair had ruined memories of her parents because their house was associated with the crime.

Mitigating, Mr Lee said there was no denying the level of care given to Mr Judd was good and that Butcher was able to care for him at all times of day and night.

The defence’s efforts to have Butcher’s sentence suspended were in vain as Judge Lucking opted for a custodial sentence which, she said, would hopefully act as a deterrent.

Mr Lee had pointed to good character references supplied by a family for which Butcher had been caring. However, Judge Lucking pointed out this was somewhat of a double-edged sword seeing how the defendant had once had the trust of the Judd family while committing her offences.

Taking into consideration Butcher’s guilty plea, her remorse for her actions, the doctor’s report and the care she provided to the family that provided the character reference, Judge Lucking reduced the sentence from 36 months to 28 months.

“The nature of this case is so serious that only a custodial is justified,” said Judge Lucking.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested by police in connection with the deaths of five cats in Northampton.

The cats were all found mutilated in different areas of Northampton in August and November last year. They were linked to the so-called Croydon Cat Killer by campaign group SNARL (South Norwood Animal Rescue).

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the Northampton cat deaths and is being questioned by police.

In a statement, Northamptonshire Police said it was working closely with the Metropolitan Police as part of its investigation, Operation Takahe.

Speaking to the national media, a spokesman for SNARL said they did not believe the arrested man was the Croydon Cat Killer and that he was still at large. They believe that up to 400 cats have been killed across the country.

The five cats from Northampton were all dismembered in a similar way.

The first, one-year-old Rusty, was left in a plastic bag on the owner's doorstep on August 28.

The family's 14-year-old daughter made the grim discovery.

Topsy, a 15-year-old, went missing after it was last seen on the driveway of its owner's home.

The next morning, on September 6, the cat's mutilated remains were found stuffed inside a carrier bag and left on a path outside the house.

On October 7 and 13, two unnamed cats were found in Duston before the latest discovery on November 18, which prompted Northamptonshire Police to issue advice to owners, which includes keeping all cats and rabbits indoors at night.

In the last case, a mutilated cat was discovered placed on top of a car near the owners' home.

Being able to work from home, no-one batting an eyelid when you take an afternoon off to watch your kids sports day - and having a beer with colleagues after work, have emerged among a list of signs you’ve ‘made it’ in your career.

Researchers who polled 1,700 workers also found having your opinion valued, being invited to meetings and enjoying the occasional business trip abroad are key indicators you’re doing well.

Being allowed able to manage your own workload, having regular reviews and being asked for advice by colleagues also made the list.

Being left in charge when the boss is away, controlling a budget and being sent on management training also mean you have a bright future ahead.

The study was commissioned by www.jardinemotors.co.uk, a multi-national operator of franchised motorcar dealerships, to help understand the desires of today’s workforce.

Clare Martin, Group HR Director for Jardine Motors Group said: “Today’s job seekers are basing their search criteria on so much more than just salary.

‘’And so it’s vital that businesses are giving employees and future colleagues fulfilment in their career beyond just climbing the career ladder.

‘’This research shows career progression and feeling content and a success, is about so much more.

‘’It’s about access to opportunities, feeling empowered and challenged, as well as having a flexible working environment.

“As we head into the prime season when many of us consider our careers and what may lie in the year ahead, this research shows the considerations that go into making a happy job are varied and highlights businesses have to be much more diverse in how they support and nurture colleagues.”

However, the study also revealed some perks are worth their weight in gold - with paid sick days, regular bonuses and private healthcare featuring highly on the list.

And while 29 per cent of adults do want a big salary, they also appreciate working in a fun environment with good training opportunities.

Other indicators of a rewarding job include being able to take the day off without having to book it off in advance, having everyone at work know who you are and being aware of the company’s strategic direction.

Just over half of respondents said they are currently working in a fulfilling career, and one fifth would not consider leaving their role for another with more money or better perks.

However, 23 per cent WOULD take a cut in salary for a job which had other benefits, such as working shorter hours, flexible working or more holiday - with one third of those polled saying an accommodating workplace is a sign of an employer ‘who cares’.

SIGNS YOU’RE IN A FULFILLING CAREER

1. Looking forward to work

2. People value your opinions

3. Flexible hours

4. Good friends in the workplace

5. Big salary

6. Fun working environment

7. Managing your own work load

8. Good training opportunities

9. Paid sick days

10. Not watching the clock

11. Getting good reviews/appraisals on performance

12. People come to you for advice

13. Incentives for good performance

14. Regular bonuses

15. People ask for your opinion on big decisions

16. Flexibility towards family commitments

17. Regular promotions

18. Working from home

19. Being left in charge

20. Everyone knows your name

21. Hitting targets

22. Socialising with work colleagues

23. Managing a team

24. Knowing about the company’s plans/strategic direction

25. Being asked to represent your company at events

26. Being sent on management training courses

27. Taking a day off without having to book it off in advance

28. Private healthcare

29. Paid trips abroad

30. Shares in the business

31. Coming into the office later than usual and nobody bats an eyelid

32. A company car

33. Nobody wants you to go on holiday/take days off

34. Invites to meetings

35. Controlling a budget

36. Travelling in Business class / First class

37. A company phone

38. In touch with the CEO/MD on a regular basis

39. Being invited to Management Conferences

40. Being allowed to put most things on expenses

Space rockets, mothers-in-law and twenty Bob The Builder costumes were among the unlikely items left behind by customers at Travelodges last year, the budget hotel chain has revealed.

A bath full of Jersey potatoes, a pack of tarot cards and £500,000 in share certificates are also listed as having been inadvertently lost by careless or forgetful guests across the company’s 542 UK establishments.

It may be that having more important matters on their minds makes guests forgetful. A new bride left her mother-in-law at York Central Travelodge, while another bride in Birmingham forgot her wedding necklace, a diamond Mangala Sutra.

A 27 ft ‘Starchaser’ space rocket was discovered by staff in one of the company’s Manchester establishments, while a different guest left his pilot’s licence at Gatwick Airport Travelodge (the hotel manager delivered the licence to the airport).

The business community also shows surprising fecklessness at times - one executive left behind his 50-year-old teddy bear (called Rupert) at Aberdeen Travelodge, and sent his PA to personally collect the vintage bear from London as he could not sleep without him.

Another businessman came back from the Netherlands to collect his lucky (and valued at £8,000) fountain pen as he could not sign any paperwork without it.

Travelodge’s Shakila Ahmed said: “This year’s inventory list includes a WW2 bravery medal, deeds to land in the Scottish Highlands, and a Lionhead rabbit called Bugs Bunny.

“The running theme, our customers do tell us, is that the pace of modern life is so fast and furious that time is of the essence especially when getting from A to B and therefore valuable possessions are easily being forgotten.”

Top 10 items left at UK Travelodges

Chargers for mobile phones and electronic devices such as laptops

Tablets

Mobile phones

Business papers / notepads / presentations

Teddy Bears

Toiletry bags with contents

Drones

Pyjamas

Socks and ties

Books

All items left behind in Travelodge hotels which have not been claimed within three months, are donated to local British Heart Foundation Charity Shops, Travelodge’s Charity Partner.

Three in four of us are concerned about the health of their partner - due to stress and lack of exercise, according to research.

The study of 2,000 adults in relationships found nearly three quarters worry about the physical state of their other half.

One in three even admitted they regularly plead with their partner to change their lifestyle, to no avail.

Dr Petra Simic, Clinical Director at Bupa Health Clinics, which commissioned the study, said: “The research shows that people put more focus on their loved ones’ health at the cost of their own.

‘’It’s wonderful to see what a caring nation we are, but it’s important to understand that looking after ourselves actually gives us the ability to look after others, and is just as important.

‘’Regardless of the time of year, couples can work together on setting goals and helping each other to achieve them.

“In some cases, a professional opinion can help to motivate people to make healthier choices.

‘’Both parties taking their concerns to their GP or getting a health assessment will not only stop that persistent worrying, but you’ll both come away with key things to focus on.”

The results mean millions of Brits will be setting resolutions for their partners in 2018.

The most common pledges are getting them to eat healthier, lose weight and take up exercise.

One in four will encourage their other half to reduce their stress levels, with just under one sixth prompting their partner to strike a better work-life balance.

Nearly two in three adults even admitted putting the health of their significant other ahead of their own.

Reasons given include the belief they’re healthy and don’t need to worry about their own wellbeing, or admitting they’ll address their own health issues if and when any symptoms become problematic.

The poll of 1,000 men and 1,000 women also found nearly two thirds of adults admit to making tactical choices in an attempt to improve their partner’s health.

Swapping food for low-fat options, hiding treats and reducing sugar in hot drinks are among the sneaky tricks being employed to manage companion’s health.

The research, commissioned by Bupa Health Clinics, also revealed nearly one in seven will go to bed earlier to improve their partner’s sleeping habits.

Others have even made personal sacrifices to help their loved one such as quitting smoking themselves and going on a diet as a couple.

One even gave their significant other a hard dose of reality by measuring out sugar into a jug to show them how much they’d consumed that day.

Nearly 30 per cent will even go as far to book doctor’s appointments for their partner, with 22 per cent agreeing it’s because their loved one is too lazy to book their own.

And over one quarter said their significant other is simply “too busy to book their own”.

Top concerns about the health of our other halves:

1. Getting stressed easily

2. Not sleeping enough

3. Niggling ailments like back pain or a persistent cough

4. Doing no exercise

5. Working too hard

6. Being overweight

7. Eating too much junk food

8. Drinking alcohol regularly

9. Rarely walking anywhere

10. High blood pressure

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

NOVEMBER 14:

Davy King, aged 31, of no fixed abode, stole two bottles of Jack Daniels worth £50 from Waitrose; jailed for six weeks, ordered to pay compensation of £50.

NOVEMBER 15:

Tommy Buswell, aged 32, of Bouverie Road, Northampton, assault; community order made, ordered to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work, pay a sucharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85. Failed to surrender to custody; community order made.

Mindaugas Kampius, aged 27, of Campbell Street, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; jailed for two weeks, ordered to pay costs of £60.

Damien Culverhouse, aged 23, of Fairfield Road, Northampton, drunk and

disorderly; fined £40, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30

and costs of £85. Failed to surrender to custody; fined

£120.

Zac Freeth, aged 18, of Arnull Crescent, Headlands, Daventry, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220.

Jed Howard, aged 23, of Ryland Road, Moulton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £73, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Failed to report an accident to a police officer; fined £73.

Alex Macchiarelli, aged 18, of Baronson Gardens, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £440, ordered to pay a surcharge of £44 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Failed to report an accident to police; fined £440.

Angela Nagy, aged 41, of Duston Road, Northampton, driving at 83mph in a 50mph zone on the M1; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Andrew Spencer, aged 20, of Keble Close, Daventry, driving at 51mph in a 30mph zone; fined £404, ordered to pay costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Dumitru Neagu, aged 33, of Little Gull Close, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £83. No insurance; fined £250, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. No test certificate; fined £83.

Christopher Pettitt, aged 36, of Middlemore, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of the driver; fined £660, banned from driving for 12 months. Similar charge; fined £660. Similar charge; fined £660.

Raymond Shodunke, aged 39, of Malthouse Close, Northampton, no insurance; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £36.

NOVEMBER 17:

Tara Thakrar, aged 30, of Longford Avenue, Northampton, failed to provide a breath test; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months. No insurance; fined £120. No test certificate; no separate penalty.

NOVEMBER 20:

Samuel Alex, aged 21, of Mounts Court, Northampton, failed to notify authorities of changes relating to Employment and Support Allowance; fined £38, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £105.

Stacey Edwards, aged 38, of Sharrow Place, Northampton, assault; fined £126, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Lee Murton, aged 40, of Brington Road, East Haddon, made a threatening phone call; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85. Sent an offensive text message; community order made.

Jerica Richardson, aged 37, of Harlestone Road, Northampton, assault; community order made, ordered to pay compensation of £50. Drunk and disorderly; community order made, ordered to pay compensation of £50. Caused a police officer harassment, alarm or distress; community order made. Failed to surrender to custody; community order made.

Anton Bourne, aged 35, of Purser Road, Northampton, assault; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £115 and costs of £85. Resisted arrest; jailed for two weeks concurrent suspended for 12 months.

Continued on page 38

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

Nicholas Komba, aged 51, of Glendower Close, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 158mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; jailed for 12 weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge of £116, banned from driving for 60 months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; no separate penalty.

Liam Heasman, aged 20. of Ringway, Northampton, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; fined £450, ordered to pay a surcharge of £45 and costs of £165. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £100.

James Martin, aged 23, of Jasmine Street, Northampton, drug-driving; fined £140, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Danielle Curley, aged 21, of no fixed abode, stole a bottle of champagne worth £24.99 belonging to Waitrose; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £40. Stole another bottle of champagne worth £24.99 belonging to Waitrose; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay compensation of £24.99.

Mustafa Dhugdhugle, aged 37, of Arthur Street, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 47mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £130, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Revaughn Dornelly, aged 21, of Mordaunt Lane, Northampton, possession of a knife in a public place; community order made, fined £200, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85.

Jerome Kerr, aged 26, of Dryleys Court, Northampton, possession of cannabis; fined £66, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Nicholas Jett, aged 34, of Vantage Meadow, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 113mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order made, fined £100, surcharge of £85 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 48 months.

NOVEMBER 21:

Helen Doyle, aged 30, of no fixed abode, assault; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay compensation of £100.

Benjamin Hopkins, aged 29, of Middleton Road, Daventry, drug-driving; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £120.

NOVEMBER 22:

Mitchell Coles, aged 19, of Cowley Close, Wootton, Northampton, damaged a wardrobe door and two plastic storage boxes; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Tony McDonald, aged 26, of Louise Road, Northampton, breach of a court order; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge of £85 and costs of £85. Commission of a further offence while on a conditional discharge for harassment; no action take on breach.

Jamie Cooke, aged 33, of no fixed abode, breach of a court order; jailed for two weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge of £115. Further breach; jailed for two weeks consecutive. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks concurrent. Begged for money in breach of a court order; jailed for two weeks consecutive. Failed to comply with a community order; jailed for two weeks consecutive.

Igor Turculet, aged 26, of Strelley Avenue, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; order varied, fined £100 and ordered to pay costs of £60.

Steven Boscott, aged 60, of High Street, Whittlebury, driving at 35mph in a 30mph; fined £100, pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

Anthony Hill, aged 35, of Lawson Crescent, Northampton, driving at 80mph in a 70mph zone on the A45; fined £185, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Jean Idor, aged 43, of Drydale Avenue, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £125, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

Nikolae Plaian, aged 24, of Nursery Lane, Northampton, no insurance; fined £250, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jamie Rowe, aged 23, of Harborough Road, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £107, ordered to pay a surcharge of £35 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Bela Zold, aged 32, of Poole Street, Northampton, driving at 45mph in a 30mph zone; fined £276, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85, licence endorsed

with four points. Driving at 40mph in a 30mph zone; fined £138, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Mark Kendrew, aged 26, of Shire Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, licence endorsed with eight points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No test certificate; fined £50, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

Tudor Mihai, aged 39, of Bitten Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, banned from driving for six months.

Vince Shelton, aged 28, of Overslade Close, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Axinieie Steluta, aged 31, of Holly Road, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £221, licence endorsed with eight points. Failed to report an accident to a police officer; fined £147. Driving without due care and attention; fined £147, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.

Marian Toader, aged 52, of Abington Square, Northampton, no insurance; fined £253, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85. Similar charge of no insurance; fined £253, ordered to pay costs of £85 and banned from driving for six months.

Simon Turay, aged 39, of River View, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge of £66 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Adam Wade, aged 24, of Park Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £220, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points.

NOVEMBER 23

Rick Drage-Dawes, aged 27, of Windsor Road, Northampton, assault; jailed for 12 weeks suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, pay compensation of £150, a surcharge to fund victim services of £115 and costs of £85.

Kieran McBride, aged 19, of Longland Court, Northampton, assault; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

Tomas Philips, aged 19, of Bideford Close, Northampton, assault; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

Natasha Abrams, aged 33, of Drywell Court, Northampton, dishonestly failed to disclose information relating to Job Seekers Allowance entitlement; jailed for four weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £85. Similar offence relating to Housing Benefit; jailed for four weeks consecutive suspended for 12 months.

Anatolie Babara, aged 34, of Artizan Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 82mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £540, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £54 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Sarah Doyle, aged 27, of Rosenella Close, Northampton, failed to provide a breath test when suspected of drink-driving; fined £230, ordered to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

John Gilheaney, aged 43, of no fixed abode, breach of a court order; conditional discharge for 18 months, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £20 and costs of £85. Breach of a court order; conditional discharge for 18 months.

Ashley Manning, aged 22, of Stockmead Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; order to continue, ordered to pay costs of £60.

Brian Grange, aged 43, of Maidencastle, Northamtpon, possession of cocaine; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Lee Welch, aged 34, of Helmdon Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Martin Abraham, aged 53, of Hinton Road, Northampton, assault; conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £20 and costs of £85.

Scott Clark, aged 44, of Norwood Road, Northampton, drug-driving where the proportion of a controlled drug in driver’s blood exceeded legal limit; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 18 months. Drug-driving where the proportion of a controlled drug, namely cocaine, in driver’s blood exceeded limit; community order made, banned from driving for 18 months.

Ahmed Mohammed, aged 28, of HMP Rye Hill, assaulted a prisoner custody officer; jailed for three months, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £115.

Levi Rendell, aged 18, of Emley Close, Northampton, stole cash worth £60; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £30, compensation of £60 and costs of £85. Commission of a further offence while subject to conditional discharge order for taking a car without owner’s consent, theft, obstructing a police officer, common assault, assault by beating and robbery; no action taken on breach.

Daniel Stratford, aged 37, of no fixed abode, had an offensive weapon in a public place and threatened another person with immediate risk of harm; jailed for 26 weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £115 and costs of £620.

NOVEMBER 24:

Amelia Decairos-Parr, aged 24, of Teesdale, Northampton, dangerous driving; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months, banned from driving for 12 months. No insurance; no separate penalty, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £80 and costs of £85.

Petricia Girigan, aged 23, of Shar Close, Northampton, failed to provide a breath test when suspected of drink-driving; fined £200, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £30 and costs of £105, banned from driving for 16 months. No insurance;

no separate penalty. Failed to surrender to custody; fined £50.

The elderly, pregnant women and children with chronic illness in the UK are being urged to get vaccinated as the threat of the Australian ‘flu reaching our shores heightens.

A Public Health England spokeswoman said: “The current ‘flu vaccine is still the best defence we have against the virus. We therefore encourage all those who are eligible to take up the offer of the vaccine.”

The warning comes following reports of several deaths in Ireland of people who contracted the H3N2 strain.

The H3N2 strain, which caused one of Australia’s worst ‘flu outbreaks last year, can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.

Symptoms are similar to normal ‘flu but are more severe.

If people continue to feel really ill after a week it could indicate something more serious.

To limit the spread of the virus, PHE suggests washing hands frequently, sneezing into tissues and discarding them and regularly cleaning often-used surfaces such as keyboards, and phones.

A portable Dimplex product have been recalled due to a risk that they catch fire.

A safety issue has been detected with the range of Dimplex portable dehumidifier units where a component in the product may overheat, resulting in the product catching fire.

Affected products can be identified by the serial number, which is located on the product rating plate. This is accessible by removing the water tank.

The items at risk have a serial number starting with 501 through to 652. The manufacturer say that anyone having an affected model should stop using it immediately by switching it off at the mains socket and then unplug the dehumidifier from the socket.

Dehumidifiers with a different model number or that start with a different serial number are not affected.

Owners of one of the dehumidifiers in question can call the Dimplex helpline on 0800 028 53 86

(Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4pm) where a replacement product can be arranged.

A sugar additive found in cream cakes, fruit juices and jams has fuelled the rise of a killer superbug, according to new research.

The study shows that the sugar – known as trehalose – is metabolised by the potentially deadly bacterium Clostridium difficile.

It suggests the common ingredient has helped trigger epidemics across the world. Trehalose is also used in dried and frozen foods, nutrition bars, fruit fillings, instant noodles and rice and white chocolate. It occurs naturally in small amounts in mushrooms, honey and seafood. In recent years the UK, Europe and the US have seen a sharp increase in hyper-virulent strains that cause severe disease.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. But the factors contributing to their emergence have been unclear – until now.

Contributing to hypervirulence

The study found two genetically distinct C. diff strains that have caused epidemics – known as RT027 and RT078 -have independently acquired unique mechanisms to break down low concentrations of trehalose.

Importantly it also showed this ability to metabolise the sugar was linked with disease severity in mice with a humanised form of C diff. Bacterial strains can be analysed through differences in bits of DNA called ribosomal RNA – and assigned to particular ‘ribotypes’.

Professor Robert Britton and colleagues used whole-genome sequencing and comparative analysis to discover the link. It identifies the C diff strains and the widespread adoption and use of trehalose as a sugar additive in the human diet, and suggest that a harmless food additive may inadvertently select for pathogens.

Prof Britton, of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said: “Clostridium difficile disease has recently increased to become a dominant pathogen in North America and Europe, although little is known about what has driven this emergence.

“Here we show that two epidemic ribotypes (RT027 and RT078) have acquired unique mechanisms to metabolise low concentrations of the disaccharide trehalose.”

The study, published in the journal Nature, found RT027 strains contain a single mutation in the trehalose that increases its sensitivity to trehalose by more than 500-fold. Prof Britton said: “Furthermore, dietary trehalose increases the virulence of a RT027 strain in a mouse model of infection.”

Meanwhile RT078 strains acquired a cluster of four genes involved in trehalose metabolism. Prof Britton said: “We propose that the implementation of trehalose as a food additive into the human diet, shortly before the emergence of these two epidemic lineages, helped select for their emergence and contributed to hypervirulence.”

Jimmy Ballard, a microbiologist at Oklahoma University who reviewed the study for the journal said it provides a possible explanation for C diff outbreaks since 2001.

He said: “Of particular concern has been the correlation between RT027 and a dramatic increase in deaths related to C. difficile.

“The mystery of why this ribotype and a second one, RT078, became so prevalent apparently out of thin air has remained largely unsolved.”

Ballard said prof Britton’s team “raise the possibility that the seemingly harmless addition of a sugar called trehalose to the food supply contributed to this disease epidemic.”

Mark Wilcox, Professor of Medical Microbiology at Leeds University, said it was “an interesting and well conducted study.”

Dietary changes having unintended consequences

C diff came to prominence in the first decade of this millennium as a cause of life-threatening gut inflammation and diarrhoea, he said.

The ‘live’ part of the study was in mice and it is important to know whether the effects seen are replicated in humans.

Prof Wilcox said: “The association that trehalose can be used by virulent types of C. difficile may be one part of the jigsaw explaining why these became more common.

“However, the association with trehalose does not explain why the more virulent types of C. difficile increased in countries at different times and then were successfully controlled in some of these, as happened for example in the UK over the last 10 years.

“Earlier research has shown that other factors, including the use of particular antibiotics (e.g. fluoroquinolones) that were inactive against virulent types of C. difficile played a key part in their rise to prominence and then their fall.”

Brendan Wren, Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “This study provides a good example of how changes in human activity (e.g. changes in food additives) can have unintended consequences relating to the emergence and ultimately the global spread of an infectious agent.” As a food additive trehalose is artificially produced from corn starch using several bacterial enzymes.