A drug dealer who was caught carrying a knife twice in the space of just six days has been jailed for more than six years.
Tekla Adofo, 36, was first reported to police on January 28 after a taxi driver realised his passenger was carrying a blade while travelling through Nottingham.
Adofo had booked the cab under a false name for a journey from Radford to Gedling.
But as the taxi travelled along Gedling Road in Carlton, the driver became aware that Adofo was armed with a knife.
The pair got out of the vehicle and the driver managed to take a photograph of Adofo before he ran off.
Just six days later, Adofo was back in trouble.
Police were called to a road rage incident on Forest Road West where a PCSO on patrol saw him brandishing a knife and threatening a motorist.
Officers detained Adofo as he tried to flee and found the weapon. Searches also uncovered heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis in his pockets.
Adofo, of Matthias Road, Nottingham, denied possessing a knife during the Carlton incident, but was convicted following a trial.
He admitted a further count of possessing a knife in a public place, along with four drugs offences relating to the supply of Class A and Class B substances.
At Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (September 11), he was sentenced to a total of six years and one month behind bars.
Detective Constable Andre Foster, of Nottinghamshire Police, said Adofo had shown himself to be a “persistent knife carrier”.
He added: “The decision to go out into the street carrying a knife puts both you and the other people you come into contact with at greater risk of harm.
“As Adofo has discovered, it’s a decision which also means you are very likely to end up in court and jail.
“CCTV is extensive in Nottingham and the county is very well policed, with a combination of high-visibility patrols and the work of our knife crime team meaning people carrying weapons will be spotted and arrested.”
A drink-driver who ploughed into a young woman as she sat recovering from a run has been jailed after leaving her with life-changing injuries.
Kyle Waldram, 38, was behind the wheel of his van on Racecourse Road in Colwick on February 27, 2024, when he crossed onto the wrong side of the road and crashed into the victim.
The woman, a high-performance athlete, was sitting on the pavement after finishing her run when she was struck.
She suffered devastating injuries to both legs and later had one amputated.
Investigators found Waldram had been driving erratically and at excessive speed in the moments before the collision.
Forensic collision experts concluded he had been travelling at more than 50mph before losing control. After passing a row of parked cars, he remained on the wrong side of the road and hit the woman.
Waldram stopped at the scene but claimed he had been unable to see the victim because it was dark. He also told officers she had run into the road.
However, police established the sun was only just setting and that the stationary woman would have been clearly visible to any competent driver.
Officers also found Waldram had been drinking before getting behind the wheel. He failed a roadside breath test and later refused to provide a sample while in custody.
Waldram admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving without insurance on the day his trial was due to begin.
At Nottingham Crown Court on September 8, he was jailed for three years and 10 months and banned from driving for 47 months. He must also pass an extended driving test if he wants to get back behind the wheel legally.
Police Investigator Sarah Butler said: “The victim in this case was sat on the kerb recovering from a run when her life was changed irreversibly by the reckless and irresponsible actions of one man.
“Had he been driving responsibly, this collision would never have occurred and the young woman at the centre of this case would have gone home that day as normal.
“As Waldram starts his sentence, my thoughts today are with her. She was a high-performance athlete before this incident and has lost so much as a result of what happened to her.
“I know this sentence will provide little comfort to her, but I would like to place on record my admiration for the resilience and determination she has shown as she works to rebuild her life.”
Police have released CCTV footage of a man they want to trace after a woman reported being sexually assaulted on a bus in Nottingham.
The incident is said to have happened on board the 61 service as it travelled along Mansfield Road on the night of Tuesday, August 18.
Officers investigating the allegation believe the man pictured in the footage could help with their enquiries and are urging him, or anyone who recognises him, to come forward.
The man boarded the bus in Nottingham city centre shortly before 11pm and later got off in Mapperley.
PC Laura Twigger, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We take reports of this nature extremely seriously and have been working to understand what happened.
“We are now appealing for the public’s help to identify a male passenger who we believe can help with our enquiries.
“If you know this man, or if this is you, we would like to hear from you without delay.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 26000503052.
So we have been told that LGR (Local Government Reorganisation) is going to be paused.
Since I was elected in May 2025, one of the first things I was asked to do was to put together an option for LGR.
Within six months we constructed a solid option which met all the Government’s criteria, along with the financial position and deliverability of the new authority.
The previous administration had 10 years to deal with LGR and came up with nothing.
A couple of months ago, the then minister told us which option they had chosen, which was (B11, the Nottingham City option).
Following the announcement, I wrote a letter to the minister to ask why he came to this decision which went against all his legislation.
It looked like it had been made for political gain. I had no response to my letter asking for his reasoning for their choice; that is when I chose to go forward with a judicial review.
A few weeks ago, they asked for more time to respond, but since then, the new Secretary of State has paused the LGR process.
Fourteen Reform authorities have put judicial reviews into the government, and I believe this to be one of the main reasons why the process has been paused.
That said, I am carrying on with my judicial review to Government based on the feeling that they have not followed the correct criteria so far.
Highways
I have some fantastic news regarding the maintenance on the roads.
As you know, we have put record investment into the road infrastructure.
Contrary to various statements, we put nearly half of the money in ourselves to have a big impact on improving the highways maintenance.
We are well on the way to completing more than 550 miles of road resurfacing and surface dressing.
We have re-built more than 60 junctions, filled in over 200,000 potholes and improved many footpaths and walkways.
As you know, we have brought in two JCBs and, the good news is, as they are working brilliantly, we have now decided to keep them for the long term.
Our two new Road Master mastic boilers have had a massive impact on maintaining the roads quickly and efficiently too.
The biggest news is our new 12-month repair programme, which has never been delivered before.
With our new winter programme, we will fix and maintain the roads, with a minimum of seven teams, rising to 10 teams if needed.
The scale of what we are doing under our administration has never been done before in this county and we are breaking national records.
No county council of our size in the country is achieving the results we are on the highways.
Please be patient, because when the summer ends and we get to the autumn and winter, the programme will continue.
If anyone has any queries or questions, please do not hesitate to get back to me by emailing Leader2025@Nottsccgov.uk
Residents in Calverton are being urged to join a new community scheme aimed at tackling speeding drivers on local roads.
Nottinghamshire Police is looking to set up a Community Speed Watch (CSW) team in the village and is searching for volunteers willing to give up just one hour a week to help.
The initiative allows trained volunteers aged 18 and over to use speed detection equipment to monitor traffic and record details of motorists caught travelling too fast.
While the scheme does not give volunteers enforcement powers, the information gathered is used by police to educate drivers and highlight problem areas.
Drivers identified as speeding will receive warning letters from Nottinghamshire Police, encouraging them to slow down and be more considerate of local communities.
Those who repeatedly ignore the warnings could find themselves facing targeted speed enforcement from officers.
Police say the scheme is designed to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and the impact it can have on people living in neighbourhoods across the county.
Full training will be provided by Nottinghamshire Police, including how to safely operate a speed gun and record vehicle details.
Anyone interested in getting involved, or who would like more information, can contact Isabella Gabrielli by emailing Isabella.gabrielli@notts.police.uk.
Have you seen these people? They may hold key clues in hunt for missing woman
Police searching for a missing woman have released CCTV images of people they urgently want to speak to, saying they could hold vital clues in the investigation.
Officers are trying to trace Holly, who was last seen in Mapperley at around 1.30pm on Friday, September 4. Detectives say the people pictured are not suspects, but believe they may have come across items that could help locate her.
The appeal comes as police continue to review CCTV footage as part of ongoing efforts to find Holly.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gould said: “We remain concerned for Holly’s welfare and believe the people shown in these images could be important witnesses.
Police say these people aren’t in any trouble but think they could help locate Holly
“They are not in any trouble, but we are keen to speak with them as they may be able to assist our enquiries and help us locate Holly.
“If you recognise yourself, or know the identities of those pictured, please get in touch as soon as possible.”
Holly is described as being 5ft 7in tall with curly blonde and pink hair worn in a ponytail. She has piercings in her cheeks and nose and tattoos on her arms and legs.
Holly has been missing since September 5
When she was last seen, Holly was wearing a black T-shirt, black leggings and carrying a black rucksack.
Police say she is known to spend time in Nottingham city centre.
Anyone who has seen Holly or has information about where she may be is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident 509 of Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Welcoming a new baby brings a wave of changes, from sleepless nights to a complete reorganisation of daily routines. Amidst the excitement of preparing the nursery, focus often shifts to acquiring the necessary equipment to navigate life with a newborn. While practical utility remains an important consideration, today’s parents may also want products that reflect their personal aesthetic. As a result, the boundary between fashion and functional baby gear is becoming less distinct, allowing personal style and parenting to coexist naturally.
The rise of fashionable babywearing
For many years, nursery essentials were chosen primarily for utility. Traditional designs often favoured plain fabrics and bulky structures that felt separate from a parent’s personal style. Today, babywearing can also offer an opportunity for self-expression. Modern designs show that keeping your baby close does not require setting aside your sartorial identity.
By considering baby carriers alongside other visible wardrobe pieces, parents can choose colours, materials, and patterns that feel consistent with the way they already dress.
Merging comfort with high fashion
When selecting a baby carrier, the tactile qualities of the material can matter alongside visual design. Natural fibres such as organic cotton, linen, cashmere, and silk each offer different textures, finishes and aesthetic characteristics.
For those who appreciate timeless styling, a denim baby carrier can bridge the gap between a casual wardrobe and a more considered look. Denim has a familiar, versatile appearance that pairs naturally with weekend knitwear, crisp white shirts and understated outerwear.
Expressing identity through print
Alongside understated classics, bold patterns can offer another way to bring personality into everyday baby gear. Graphic prints, botanical motifs and animal patterns can become visible elements within a broader outfit.
A leopard baby carrier can serve as a statement piece against otherwise neutral clothing. This contrast allows the carrier itself to become a focal point, particularly for parents who prefer a more expressive approach to colour and pattern.
Why premium materials matter
The choice of fabric in baby products goes beyond aesthetics. Different textiles vary in texture, appearance, weight, care requirements and overall character.
Parents interested in conscious consumption may also look at information about sourcing, production and material composition. Natural or premium materials are not automatically more sustainable, durable or suitable simply because of their category or price, so it is useful to consider the complete product information.
Craftsmanship can also influence how a carrier looks and feels over time. Construction, finishing, maintenance and actual use all contribute to the longer-term experience of a product.
Practical elements of stylised baby gear
While appearance may be an important part of the decision, everyday practicality also deserves attention. When comparing different carriers, several factors can help clarify which design best fits your lifestyle:
Adjustment options: look at the settings available for different wearers and follow the manufacturer’s official guidance for appropriate and safe use.
Material choice: compare fibres, weaves, textures, and care requirements based on your preferences and intended use.
Versatility for different wearers: consider whether the design and available adjustments suit the people who are likely to use the carrier.
Wardrobe compatibility: think about your existing colour palette and choose a design that works naturally with your everyday clothing.
These considerations allow design and practical use to be evaluated together without assuming that one feature will be ideal for every family.
Integrating style into the parenting journey
Parenthood is a profound transition, but it does not require putting personal identity or an appreciation for design on hold. Baby gear can be chosen with the same attention to colour, material, craftsmanship and visual detail as other products used frequently in daily life.
For some parents, understated textiles and neutral tones will feel most natural. Others may prefer bold prints or distinctive materials. Both approaches allow babywearing to become part of everyday family life while leaving room for individual taste.
By considering intended use alongside materials and design, parents can choose products that feel consistent with both their new routines and their existing sense of style.
Smart home technology has become increasingly present in many British households, providing new options for convenience, safety, and efficiency. As these solutions gain wider acceptance, residents see both practical benefits and emerging issues that require consideration.
The ways smart devices and connected home systems are changing daily life have attracted public attention as digital controls become routine. Many households now expect heating, lighting, and appliances to be managed through integrated apps or voice assistants. For example, bioethanol-fireplace.co.uk shows how different parts of the domestic environment can be enhanced or adjusted using connected technology. By examining both the opportunities and practical limitations of these systems, families and individuals can assess which options best match their needs and priorities.
Factors driving wider adoption throughout homes
Lower prices for connected home systems are making the technology accessible to a broader range of households. The possibility to set up many devices without needing professional installers also encourages more people to try these products.
Greater broadband coverage and changes in home routines, such as remote work, have made app-based management a common part of everyday living. As connected tech appears in more properties, residents are likely to find a growing variety of devices that aim to support comfort and efficiency at home.
A clear picture of what counts as smart tech
Smart devices now include not only heating controllers and lighting but also security cameras, smart plugs, and voice-enabled assistants. These allow users to schedule lighting, adjust room temperatures, or check on the home remotely.
Connected tech is increasingly sold as part of home-wide systems, with several products communicating through a unified app. Examples include lights set to dim at night or automatic closing of blinds at specific times, reducing daily effort and supporting consistent routines.
Practical everyday benefits and user concerns
Many people notice improvements in day-to-day convenience from features like automated reminders, voice controls, and pre-set routines. Such tools can help organise home activities and improve accessibility, especially when multitasking or for those with mobility needs.
Efficient energy management is another widely discussed benefit. Smart solutions allow for timers, targeted room heating, and usage tracking, helping users monitor consumption and potentially lower costs. Security features, including alerts for doors, leaks, or smoke, add reassurance for residents. However, concerns about data privacy, device security, and information sharing persist. Many users address these by applying updates and strong passwords.
Changing the wider home environment and future trends
Beyond basic appliances, sensors now help control air quality, humidity, and safety devices, contributing to healthier and more comfortable living conditions. Automation of such functions continues to support both energy efficiency and convenience for residents.
As these technologies become even more common, some insurers and energy providers have begun incorporating smart devices into their services. Developments in artificial intelligence and easier-to-use security measures are expected to continue shaping daily living, making connected homes a practical option for many in the near future.
The proposed expansion of a Nottinghamshire town by hundreds of homes could help boost struggling shops and businesses, the area’s council leader has said, despite fears about a lack of infrastructure.
Arnold, Gedling Borough’s largest town, could expand by almost 300 homes with the potential approval of two new large housing estates looming.
Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee is due to decide on 288 new homes across two separate planning applications, though no formal dates by the authority have been given at this stage.
The authority’s leader says he believes the town will cope with the extra homes, while others believe there should be more “caution” over expanding the town if services are not there to support it.
The largest, for a full application for 172 properties to be built on land of Killisick Lane, was lodged to the authority by Bellway Homes back in September 2025.
CONFIDENT: Cllr John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council thinks Arnold can cope with the extra homes
They could be built on two empty patches of land on either side of Killisick Lane, which plans say essentially ‘wrap around’ the previously approved Strata Homes off the lane. The land sits just below the existing mineral and waste operations at Dorket Head Brick Works.
Bellway says 34 of the homes would be affordable, including 12 two-beds and 22 three-bed homes, with the remaining 138 homes comprising of 62 three-beds, 57 four-beds and 19 five-beds. Access to the site would come from the bend of Killisick Road and Howbeck Road.
Over to the west, Langridge Homes’ scheme for 116 homes at Lodge Farm, including one, two, three, four and five-bed open market homes, was put forward to the council in April 2026.
Farmland at the site off Mansfield Road, Redhill, could be used for the homes, which appear on plans to be split into two, with 52 homes in the west, with access from Mansfield Road, and 64 properties in the east with access from Hadston Drive, with green space separating the two sides.
Gedling’s council leader, John Clarke (Lab), said: “These two sites, it’d be a boost to the local economy because shops are struggling. I was just in Chesterfield [in Derbyshire] and I was looking at empty shop after empty shop.
“I don’t want it to be too cramped, but figures have been given to use by the government and have been significantly increased – around 11,000 homes now until 2040.
“That’s a lot of houses, a lot of room to find. I’d challenge those people shouting against [housing developments] because what would you do?”
Councillor Clarke said he is “confident” Arnold could cope with the potential expansion of the two developments if the national funding from government is there to help with it.
He added: “It would significantly boost the local economy. That’s what we desperately need, to secure us jobs, it adds improvements to schools, a knock on [effect] for health and police [services].
“If we’re going to be an active part in a new unitary authority we need towns like Arnold that need to be flourishing – but a bit of caution on it, don’t rush it.”
Nottinghamshire County Councillor, John Semens (Ref), who represents Arnold North on the authority, said he would like to see more “caution” with approving large developments.
He said: “I would like a little more caution when granting planning consent for major developments because I do not believe Arnold has sufficient infrastructure and services to fully cater for the population it has currently.
“I would [developer contributions] to be really focused on improving things for schools, increasing the capacity, and health centres.”
Cllr Semens said he was “concerned” with the “speed” in which Arnold is growing with.
He said: “You only have to look at Calverton and the speed it’s growing. That’s [like] a very large town now – when I worked at Calverton Pit it was a village… the problem with development is once it starts it keeps going.”
“Around 290 homes could quite easily be another 500 cars and, depending on family arrangements, could be another 500 kids who are going to need a school, that’s the problem… the capacity should be there before the families are there, but that’s not always practical.”
The authority is currently aiming to progress with its Ambition Arnold project, which would see Arnold Leisure Centre and Bonington Theatre transformed into newer, modern facilities.
It would involve the older, uninspiring units in Front Street, including the former Working Men’s Club and empty units between it and the Blue Monkey pub being knocked down in the wider revamp.
The council’s ‘preferred’ option is to create a new open public square off Front Street, with a new leisure centre, arts venue, library and community garden off of it.
Further details on this project would be given at a later date.
Crime figures across Gedling borough are moving in the right direction, according to the borough’s neighbourhood policing inspector, with significant reductions in burglary, shoplifting and other theft-related offences recorded over the summer.
In his September update, Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Steve King said officers had continued working closely with residents, businesses and partner agencies to tackle the issues that matter most to local communities.
The force’s current policing priorities remain acquisitive crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs.
Burglary and shoplifting down
Inspector King revealed that August saw a 16.9% reduction in acquisitive crime across the borough.
Figures showed:
Shoplifting offences fell by 38%
Overall burglaries dropped by 26.7%
Business burglaries were down by 65%
Police say the reductions are the result of coordinated work between neighbourhood officers, response teams, investigators, local businesses and members of the public who continue to report suspicious activity and provide information.
Among recent successes, officers arrested a suspect in connection with a burglary in Calverton on 13 August after responding to an incident at around 5.30am. Property believed to have been stolen was recovered and enquiries remain ongoing.
Several arrests have also been made as part of investigations into a series of business burglaries across the Gedling area.
Inspector King said officers remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
Warning over vehicle crime
While overall vehicle crime has remained relatively stable, police have noted a rise in thefts from vehicles despite a reduction in the theft of motor vehicles.
Residents are being reminded to take simple precautions, including locking vehicles, removing valuables and ensuring items are not left on display.
In one recent incident, officers arrested a 49-year-old man in Arnold on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle and possession of a bladed article in a public place after he was seen acting suspiciously during the early hours.
Inspector King praised the role of local residents in helping police respond quickly to incidents.
Crackdown on nuisance bikes
Anti-social behaviour remains one of the most common concerns raised by residents, particularly the illegal use of off-road motorcycles, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Acting on intelligence from the community, officers have continued targeted enforcement activity across the borough, leading to a number of vehicle seizures and action against offenders.
Inspector King stressed that the operations are aimed at tackling dangerous and disruptive behaviour rather than preventing people from enjoying their hobbies responsibly.
He also urged parents and guardians to ensure children understand the law surrounding the use of such vehicles.
Police have additionally received reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour in parts of Gedling, including incidents involving young people climbing onto roofs and intimidating residents.
Work is ongoing to identify those involved, with police warning that civil enforcement powers and tenancy-related sanctions could be used where appropriate.
Major cannabis grow discovered
The supply of illegal drugs remains a key focus for neighbourhood officers and specialist policing teams.
Inspector King said intelligence-led operations continue to disrupt organised criminal activity linked to drug supply networks operating in local communities.
One of the most significant recent discoveries was a large-scale cannabis cultivation in Ravenshead.
Officers uncovered more than 500 cannabis plants at the property and investigations remain ongoing.
Police say they remain committed to pursuing those involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs, which are often linked to wider criminality and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
Inspector King thanked residents for their continued support and encouraged anyone with information about crime or anti-social behaviour in their area to continue reporting concerns to help keep Gedling’s communities safe.
