Latest news with #MarkJohnston
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
First electric flight lands at Gatwick Airport
The first ever electric flight to land at Gatwick Airport touched down this Pipistrel Velis Electro plane is flying a 17-day tour around France but made a stop at Gatwick on two-seater Velis Electro can be flown commercially and is approved for pilot training, as well as a number of other well as being the first electric flight to land at the airport, Gatwick CEO Mark Johnston said it also "might just be the smallest". "We're proud to be playing our part in supporting wider efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector."Our vision is to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, and as we grow, we must do it sustainably."Vinci, which runs Gatwick, said the tour was "early-stage concept proof" which coincides with the introduction of 47 new electric vehicles at the airport - including airside operations and engineering cars."This is part of a programme to upgrade the airport's entire 300-strong vehicle fleet to fully electric by 2030, to support a broader £250m decarbonisation programme to achieve net zero for its own emissions," the airport said.
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Wales Online
Man dies days after being released from jail homeless
Man dies days after being released from jail homeless Mark Johnston - known locally as 'the Hoover Thief' - should have received more support before his release from jail, the prisons ombudsman has found Mark Johnston (Image: South Wales Police ) A man died of a drug overdose five days after being released from a Welsh prison with nowhere to live. According to an ombudsman report, "workload pressures" experienced by prison staff led to Mark Johnston leaving HMP Swansea with no accommodation lined up. Mr Johnston, 49, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison in December 2023 after being convicted of theft. The jail was aware he had attempted suicide in the past and had struggled with addiction to alcohol, heroin and crack cocaine. Shortly before his release in April 2024, he tested negative for drugs. Prisons ombudsman Adrian Usher said: "The prison's resettlement team saw Mr Johnston and completed housing referrals for him just five days before his release. As a result, there was limited time for Mr Johnston to secure accommodation and he was released homeless." For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here. A prison resettlement officer said "workload pressures" had delayed the resettlement team seeing Mr Johnston. In its scathing report the ombudsman also noted there was confusion over who was responsible for making a housing referral. Mr Usher added that when the prisoner was released he "was not given a naloxone kit as had been agreed". Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Article continues below "There is no record to explain why Mr Johnston was not given naloxone when he was released," said the ombudsman. On April 5 Mr Johnston and a friend visited an acquaintance's home where they drank alcohol and took drugs. Two days later he was found dead on the sofa. A post-mortem found Mr Johnston died of toxicity from drugs including bromazolam, a benzodiazapine. An inquest concluded the death was drug-related. The latest figures show a third of prisoners leaving HMP Swansea were released homeless or to transient accommodation, said Mr Usher. He added: "The governor of HMP Swansea should ensure that a process is created to identify newly arrived prisoners who are at risk of homelessness and that the resettlement team sees them at the earliest opportunity to maximise their chance of finding post-release accommodation." The ombudsman also said all probation workers should be aware of the 'duty to refer' policy framework and their responsibility to complete housing referrals. Article continues below Mr Johnston, from Brynmelin, was a serial shoplifter known locally as "the Hoover Thief" because of his history of stealing vacuum cleaners in Swansea. In 2021 we reported on a crime spree, including eight shop thefts and an assault on a police officer, which saw Mr Johnston jailed for 14 months.
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Concerns raised about seaweed build- up on Clogherhead beach
Speaking at the July meeting of Drogheda Borough District, Cllr, Declan Power highlighted the increasing levels of seaweed over recent months, which he said was not receding with the tide. He acknowledged there were environmental issues at play, but asked if Louth County Council could explore the possibility of removing a top layer of the seaweed and depositing it closer to the sand dunes, where it might act as 'a natural fertiliser.' "This would reduce the levels, and help the remaining seaweed to be taken out by the low tides there.' He warned that the warmer weather in July could worsen the situation at the beach, as it was already beginning to decompose, so strong odours are likely to develop, and the surface may become slippery. In response, Mark Johnston, Senior Engineer at Louth County Council, said that while it sounded a simple task to remove the seaweed, it was an ecologically sensitive area, and seaweed is a 'natural product of the sea.' He added that an appropriate assessment would need to be carried out as moving it to sand dunes 'would cause its own problems,' especially in SAC (Special Area of Conservation) zones.
Belfast Telegraph
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Football clubs tackle climate change in £1.2m project
Goals for Climate Change will see participating clubs develop their own local climate action plans to include moves such as reducing single-use plastic and planting trees. The project, announced by the National Lottery Community Fund, aims to make an impact through a network of football clubs becoming more sustainable and leading initiatives in communities across Northern Ireland. It is being run by the charity Groundwork NI working in partnership with the Irish Football Association Foundation and Queen's University. 'The potential impact is significant, as they will become champions of environmental change, inspiring others to follow' Mark Johnston, director of Groundwork NI, said a Climate Champion Network will support club members, families and communities to create change. 'Each club will develop their own local climate action plans, including things like reducing single-use plastic, planting trees to prevent flooding and helping their community be more prepared for extreme weather conditions,' he said. 'This project is so important, as climate change is affecting everyone. 'We are excited to be working with the IFA Foundation and Queen's University, as together we will help communities make a real impact.' Local grassroots clubs of all sizes are being urged to come forward to take part. Keith Gibson, football for all manager at the IFA Foundation, described a 'fantastic opportunity'. He said through the project clubs can dive into environmental conservation, enhancing their facilities and encouraging working together and relationship building across communities. 'The potential impact is significant, as they will become champions of environmental change, inspiring others to follow,' Mr Gibson said. 'I would encourage local clubs to get in touch, as together we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for football and our communities.' The funding from the National Lottery Community Fund's UK-wide Climate Action Fund offers multi-year grants from £500,000, and is currently open for applications from groups working in partnership that can link climate action to everyday lives. Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland director of the National Lottery Community Fund, said: 'Goals for Climate Action is a great example of communities supporting the environment and creating change in their local area. 'We look forward to seeing what will be achieved over the coming months and years through this project. 'The environment is a consideration in all our funding as part of our strategy to 2030. 'We continue to use learning and engage with the sector and communities on future plans.'
West Australian
22-05-2025
- West Australian
Tech brand spruiked by influencers forced to recall dangerous product
An Australian tech product spruiked by influencers has been recalled due to fears it could catch fire. A recall for SnapWireless's first generation PowerPack Slim has been issued, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advising customers to immediately stop using the product, as it can overheat and catch fire. The ACCC warned that the wireless power bank, which comes in black and white, may catch fire, which could lead to serious burn injuries, property damage or even death. The watchdog confirmed that incidents involving the product had occurred. People who own the product are advised to stop using it, register their details with SnapWireless to arrange for a free refund or full replacement and dispose of the product at an e-waste facility or contact the company to arrange a free returning shipping label. A newer version of the PowerPack Slim, which has not been subjected to recalls, is available on the company's website. SnapWireless is a tech start-up, launched in Adelaide in 2017 by Mark Johnston and Michael Wang. The brand sells products designed to allow people to charge their devices on the go, such as universal power packs, charging mats and wireless charging mounts for cars. SnapWireless has been spruiked by popular influencers including Tom Ford and XiXi Liu, who boast two million and 522,000 followers on TikTok respectively.
