Shrien Dewani to be tried ‘when mentally fit’, court told: Shrien Dewani will stand trial for allegedly arranging the murder of his wife Anni when he is mentally fit, a South African court has been told. Mr Dewani, 32, denies any involvement in the killing of his wife, who was shot in Cape Town, in November 2010. The Bristol care home owner is said to be suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. A pre-trial hearing of two men accused of murdering Mrs Dewani was postponed on Friday. More from BBC News…
Tribute garden unveiled to Jo: A memorial garden has been unveiled in honour of murdered Clifton landscape architect Joanna Yeates. The parents of the 25-year-old planted flowers at the garden near their Hampshire home during a ceremony yesterday. More from The Post…
Drought status lifted after weeks of heavy rain top reservoirs up to 97%: Bristol is no longer in drought after having six months of rain in just six weeks. After 26 days of drought the Environment Agency lifted the weather status for the city and surrounding area on Friday, meaning we are highly unlikely to have a hosepipe ban this summer. More from The Post…
News in brief
Lib Dem Cabinet team unveiled: The new leader of Bristol’s Liberal Democrats, Simon Cook, has provisionally allocated portfolios for his Cabinet team. Jon Rogers will be Cabinet Member for Transformation, responsible for the council’s capital programme; Tim Kent will be Cabinet Member for the Budget and Transport; Guy Poultney will be Cabinet Member for Festivals and Communities; Gary Hopkins will be Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety; Clare Campion-Smith remains Cabinet Member for Children and Young People; as does Anthony Negus as Cabinet Member for Housing. Meanwhile, Glenise Morgan, who was first elected to the Lib Dem cabinet last week, takes over from Cllr Rogers at Care and Health.
Respect Party mayor candidate chosen: Paulette North has been selected as the Respect Party candidate to stand in the Bristol elected mayor election. The 56-year-old retired teacher has stood three times for the Respect Party, for MP, MEP and in local council elections in Easton.
City adoption services ahead of UK average: Bristol is ahead of the national average when it comes to placing children for adoption, according to the latest figures published by the government. This follows Ofsted’s finding at its last inspection that adoption services in the city are ‘outstanding’. Some 73% of children in Bristol were placed with adoptive parents within 21 months, compared to an average for England of 58%.
Party for Pete: Bristol is being urged to get into the party spirit this September with a new city-wide campaign launched by local charity St Peter’s Hospice. ‘Party for Pete’ will be taking place for the whole month and it is hoped that Bristolians will get involved by hosting their own parties and donating the proceeds to St Peter’s Hospice. The party could be anything from a small garden party to a large village hall celebration and any donation no matter how big or small is welcome. For more information, visit www.stpetershospice.org.uk
