Latest news with #GarethJones
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
HMP Peterborough prisoner killed fellow inmate over vape debt
A prisoner who murdered a fellow inmate in a dispute over a vape debt has been jailed for Neale, 27, punched Gareth Jones, 42, a number of times at HMP Peterborough in a six-second attack in July 2024, having effectively trapped him in his cell, the city's crown court later died, and the court was told the evidence showed it was "clear and obvious" that the jail was understaffed that him to a minimum of 16 years and six months, Judge Sean Enright said, "fighting had become a way of life" for Neale. Prosecutor Charles Myatt told the court Neale, who was a "considerably larger individual, "followed Jones into his cell and blocked his way said Jones was subjected to a "minimum of 10 impacts" before he later died in hospital. Mr Myatt told the court Neale had a "long list of previous convictions", including for battery, threatening behaviour and harassment. Sally Hobson, mitigating, said the attack lasted "a maximum of six seconds".She said Neale's "default was to use his fist" but said he had been in contact with the victim's family "with a view to assisting them to deal with the consequences of his actions".Speaking about his state of mind, Ms Hobson said prior to the attack, Neale had stopped using the drug spice while on remand, and it was "well known many of the prisoners were using" added it was "clear and obvious that the prison appeared to be understaffed" on the day of the incident. As well as being found guilty of murder, Neale was also sentenced for other incidents. He admitted two counts of grievous bodily harm without intent on two separate victims, as well as stalking and battery of his Enright said he had seen videos of Neale assaulting people "with a ferocity and expertise I have not seen in many a year".He said an apology offered to Jones's family during the trial was a "rehearsed piece of evidence".After the hearing, Det Sgt Mark Dollard described the level of violence as "appalling", adding: "Jordan Neale has essentially killed a man over a small vape debt."The level of violence he has shown was completely disproportionate for the argument that they had."The prison operator Sodexo has been contacted for comment. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Universities are in turbulent times
Universities must not forget their core business, Gareth Jones writes. Life is turbulent for universities worldwide. If it is not the doctrinaire antipathy towards universities shown by the United States government, it is lack of funding from governments in many other countries. The outright hostility between government and universities in the US is not commonplace in most other countries, and yet there are subtle forces at play that are creating ongoing concerns. It is increasingly common to encounter criticism of issues being researched, especially in the humanities, and the "woke" character of academic life and interests. No matter how vague this criticism may be, it is sufficient to justify governments downplaying the stature of universities and their role in society. Consider the experience of a very high-profile researcher and administrator in the United States. Francis Collins initially came to prominence for identifying the genetic cause of cystic fibrosis. He then led the Human Genome Project and served as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2009-21. He was closely associated with the research to find a vaccine against Covid-19 and advocated very strongly for use of vaccines once available. On his retirement from the NIH he returned as a researcher to the Genome Research Institute. However, in 2025 he resigned in despair at the wholesale withdrawal of research funds. Since then, Collins has spoken out eloquently against what appears to be a concerted effort to denigrate evidence-based science and its importance in providing a foundation for ongoing medical research. Although Collins' recent experiences lie largely in research institutes, they exemplify crucial issues for universities — largely in the US, but to a lesser degree in many other countries. Some people have a low view of research and scholarship, regarding them as a waste of time and money. They think academics are too liberal, not in touch with ordinary people and need the government to show them what research the country needs. Such was the rationale last year for shifting the focus of the Marsden Fund away from the humanities and social sciences towards STEM subjects (physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences). Whatever the justification for decisions like this, universities need to be aware of society's expectations. Very simply, universities are dependent upon governments for much of their funding, and while they regard themselves as autonomous, this is a circumscribed autonomy. There has to be respect on both sides, and trust has to be won. Governments and universities cannot exist without each other, no matter how much each may think otherwise. Universities do not have a right to exist, in much the same way that anatomy schools, that have been central to my academic life, do not have a right to dissect human bodies. They do so only with social licence that has been established over many years with strict ethical guidelines. Academic freedom is a much-debated aspect of university functioning that can be threatened and abused in many ways. It only exists within an environment that encourages creativity, innovative ideas and criticism of the status quo. It is the freedom to research interesting and on occasion contentious topics that sometimes tread on the toes of politicians, policy makers and even university authorities. It does not sit easily alongside managerialism and conformity. Its protection requires vigilance and acknowledgement that this freedom is to be earned and defended if it is to be retained. Consider the extreme example of Harvard University, which is being threatened in unimaginable ways by the Trump administration. In refusing to be cowed, its president expressed what universities aspire to be. "Seeking truth ... requires us to be open to new information and different perspectives, to subject our beliefs to ongoing scrutiny and to be ready to change our minds. It compels us to ... acknowledge our flaws." Universities must be prepared to defend themselves and their contributions to society, to highlight the benefits of universities but also acknowledge their weaknesses. Their ability to adapt is crucial, which is why they have survived for many hundreds of years. This is only possible as they open themselves to the scrutiny of others and reform themselves. Academic staff are crucial in leading change and advocating for new perspectives. In my own disciplinary area, until the mid-20th century anatomists dissected unclaimed bodies of the dead in the absence of informed consent by relatives. It was anatomists themselves who led the way in overturning this practice by insisting that only donated bodies be used. Universities must never forget that their core business is research and educating domestic students. Unfortunately, lack of adequate funding drives dependence upon the income brought in by international students. Their presence brings in welcome cultural diversity as long as they are seen as more than income generators. Turbulent times can be productive if faced head on. But universities must continually re-invent themselves and strive to contribute to and enhance their communities. — Gareth Jones is an emeritus professor, anatomy department, University of Otago.
The Star
06-07-2025
- The Star
Explosive device likely damaged Greek tanker off Libya last week, operator says
ATHENS (Reuters) -An external explosive device most likely caused the blast that damaged Greek oil tanker Vilamoura as it was sailing off the Libyan coast last week, the vessel's Greece-based operator TMS Tankers said on Sunday, citing an initial investigation. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Vilamoura had left the Libyan port of Zuetina on June 27 to head to Gibraltar with some 1 million barrels of oil when there was an explosion in the engine room. "Preliminary investigation findings clearly indicate that the explosion, the resulting fracture of the side shell plating, and the flooding of the engine room were caused by an external source —an unidentified explosive device," TMS Tankers said. Maritime security sources told Reuters last week that a limpet mine may have caused the blast on Vilamoura, the fifth such incident to hit commercial shipping in the region in recent months. Following the explosion and the flooding of its engine room the vessel lost manoeuvrability, although it was able to be towed towards Greece. The vessel has now arrived safely at Laconikos Bay in Greece and its crew are in good health, the operator added in a statement. (Reporting by Renee MaltezouEditing by Gareth Jones)
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's economy grows by 4.77% in Q3 2024/25, planning ministry says
CAIRO - Egypt's economy grew by 4.77% in the third quarter of its 2024/25 fiscal year, up from 2.2% in the same quarter a year earlier, as manufacturing activity recovered, the planning ministry said on Monday. The fiscal year runs from July to June. Manufacturing activity grew by 16.3% in the third quarter, recovering from a 3.9% decline in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. Oil and natural gas extraction continued to decline, contracting by 10.38%. The planning ministry also provided fourth-quarter revenue figures for the Suez Canal, showing a decline to $900 million from $1.1 billion a year earlier. For the third quarter, activity fell by 23.1% compared with a drop of 51.6% the prior year, it said, without giving exact figures. (Reporting by Mohammed Ezz Editing by Gareth Jones and Sharon Singleton)
Business News Wales
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Ministry of Defence Silver ERS Award Winners Announced in Wales
Seventeen organisations in Wales are among more than 300 nationally that have achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2025. Employers who have actively demonstrated their support for the Armed Forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace are recognised with the prestigious Defence Silver ERS Award. The 17 Welsh winners will be invited to receive their award at a special ceremony at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay on 17th July, where they will be honoured guests at a Royal Gun Salute. The organisations are: Active4Blood Andy Swan Driver Services Ltd Bulldogs Boxing and Community Activities Cobra Life Martial Arts Ltd Events Medical Team – Saltney Ltd Henry Williams and Son (Roads) Ltd Platts Group Riverside Retreat Veterans Camp CIC Shadow Response Security & Medical Ltd The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum Trust Business in Focus Limited IG Doors Limited MPH Construction Powys Teaching Health Board R&M Williams Limited V3 Group (UK) Ltd Bridgend College Major General Jamie Gordon, Chief Executive of the Council of Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations, said: 'These Silver Award winners are trusted allies of Defence. They don't just talk about support — they show it, every day, through flexible policies, visible advocacy, and long-term commitment to those who serve. This is about more than good intentions; it's about practical, sustained support that strengthens our national resilience. It is very pleasing that they have been recognised for all that they do for our Reservists, Veterans and Cadets.' Gareth Jones, Veterans Project Manager, Bulldogs Boxing and Community Activities, said: 'Bulldogs BCA is incredibly proud and deeply honoured to have been awarded the Silver Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, and their families. 'We are thrilled that our efforts to provide opportunities, understanding, and practical support have been acknowledged at such a prestigious level. This award not only highlights the values at the heart of Bulldogs BCA but also strengthens our resolve to continue championing those who have served our country with dedication and respect.' To achieve Silver, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies. They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards Defence people issues for Reservists, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers support Defence personnel and encourage others to do the same. The scheme has three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold for organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support for Defence and the Armed Forces community. Mr Craig Middle, the MOD's DRM for South Wales, said: 'Achieving the Silver ERS award has been a journey for all of our deserved winners. This journey has involved an exploration into what all aspects of the Defence community can do for their teams. Many congratulations to all of this year's winners. We look forward to celebrating with them in person next month.'
