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A pedicab driver, Iuliu Kubola, 61, avoided jail after stealing £31,000 worth of wine from several London restaurants, returning some of the bottles. He received a suspended sentence of 20 months after demonstrating remorse and assisting police in recovering the stolen items. Judge Mark Lucraft KC noted the significant damage caused during the thefts, particularly at Piazza Italiana.
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in May in Clerkenwell, London, as the UK's first permanent home for illustration. This £12.5 million facility aims to be the world's largest dedicated space for illustration, celebrating diverse artistic traditions.
Greenwich Council faced criticism from some councillors over social media posts featuring censored swear words. The council defended the posts, asserting they were well-received and intended to address the issue of fly-tipping, supported by a £5 million investment.
An Afghan migrant, Safi Dawood, faces trial for the murder of Wayne Broadhurst, 49, following a knife attack in Uxbridge, London, on October 27. Dawood also faces charges of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon, with a plea hearing scheduled for January 12, 2026. The incident left Broadhurst dead and two others injured, including his landlord and a teenager.
Families of Marco Gottardi and Gloria Trevisan, victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, establish a foundation in Italy to honor their memory and support aspiring architects. The couple, who died in each other's arms, were frustrated by the slow progress on accountability for the tragedy. Their foundation aims to ensure that Grenfell is not forgotten and to inspire future generations.
A 59-year-old man, Peter Augustine, denied murdering 87-year-old John Mackey during an alleged street robbery in north London. Prosecutors claim Mackey suffered fatal head injuries after being assaulted, while Augustine contends he only took the victim's bag without causing harm. The case, which involves CCTV evidence and witness accounts, continues in court.
Young professionals are increasingly writing wills that include personal touches and digital assets, as part of the Will Aid charity campaign. Many feel empowered to express their final wishes after experiencing loss, prompting a shift in how wills are perceived among younger generations. Despite this trend, a significant portion of individuals remain unaware of how to write a will.
Westminster City Council officials discovered "bogus" snail farms in central London, set up by traders to evade business rates. The council estimates it has lost approximately £370,000 due to these tax avoidance schemes, which are facilitated by complicit landlords. Council leader Adam Hug calls for new legislation to quickly shut down such scams.
Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn will star as the Wizard of Oz-lington in a festive pantomime at the Pleasance Theatre in north London. The performance, titled "Wicked Witches: A Popular Panto," runs from November 18 to December 31 and celebrates the theatre's 30th anniversary. Corbyn emphasized the importance of local theatre in fostering community spirit and creativity.
A man who attacked an 11-year-old girl in a knife assault in London's West End will not face trial for attempted murder. Ioan Pintaru, 33, pleaded guilty to wounding the girl with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife, with sentencing scheduled for December.