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Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
We saw bodies as smirking ‘Terminator' gunman who slaughtered 5 prowled our quiet street… the bloodbath still haunts us
The Ted Bundy-obsessed gunman's twisted rampage came after a 'catastrophic failure' by police GUN RAMPAGE We saw bodies as smirking 'Terminator' gunman who slaughtered 5 prowled our quiet street… the bloodbath still haunts us WITH neat, well-tended gardens and neighbours chatting over their picket fences, Biddick Drive feels like a haven of peace in the heart of a bustling city. Yet a terrible shadow has been cast over this seemingly idyllic cul-de-sac - and locals are still struggling to shake off the memories of August 12, 2021, when blood ran in the streets, leaving five dead. 16 Plymouth gunman Jack Davison slaughtered five people in his sickening rampage Credit: Facebook / Jake Davison 16 Davison killed his mother at their home in Biddick Drive, Keyham, before going on a shooting spree down the road Credit: Neil Hope 16 Local resident Victoria White said she never used to worry about locking her door - but does now Credit: Neil Hope It was on that hot, humid evening in Plymouth four years ago that deranged gunman Jake Davison emerged from his 51-year-old mother's terraced house, having shot and killed her. Thick-set, his body pumped up through steroid abuse and hours in the gym, he then strolled downhill, spraying locals with rounds from a Weatherby pump-action shotgun as he went. Eye-witnesses told how the Ted Bundy-obsessed gunman - who had branded himself "Terminator" before the rampage - was apparently enjoying himself as he shot neighbours Michelle Parker and her son Ben Parsonage, injuring both. Ben recalled: "He had a smirk on his face, like he didn't care what he was doing." By the time Davison's murderous 19-minute rampage came to an end, five people lay dead or dying on the streets of Plymouth's Keyham district. It was one of the worst mass shootings in British criminal history. Unsurprisingly, those living on the road are still haunted by that tragic day. As one resident told The Sun: "When you're out of the house now, you take notice of who's around. The memories fade – they don't leave." In addition to his mum Maxine, victims included three-year-old Sophie Martyn, nicknamed 'Daddy's Princess', her father Lee, 43, shot three times, Stephen Washington, 59, a carer for his disabled wife who was walking his husky dog through nearby parkland, and artist Kate Shepherd, 66, blasted outside a hair salon. 16 Stephen Washington was killed in the Keyham shooting while walking his dog Credit: PA 16 Lee Martyn, 43, and daughter Sophie Martyn, three, were also killed Credit: Tim Stewart 16 The funeral of little Sophie and her father Lee Credit: PA Finally, confronted by unarmed PC Zach Printer, who bravely ran to within 20 metres of the killer shouting for him to stop, 22-year-old Davison turned the gun on himself. Within days, reports emerged of his troubled state of mind. One former teacher told of Davison's unhealthy love of guns. Another had concerns about his anger management. CCTV appears to show Jake Davison during Plymouth shooting spree His desperate mother, with whom he had a violent and volatile relationship, told relatives of his obsessive use of energy drinks and muscle-boosting supplements while his absent father said he "was in his own world", largely devoid of emotion. Later, an inquest jury would hear how staff at Plymouth's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service noted that Davison, diagnosed as autistic 10 years earlier, enjoyed violent computer games and used "sexual talk which was quite extreme". Aged 13, his ambition was to be a sniper. Police enquiries showed that, as an adult, he became immersed in the shocking world of incels – a violent online sub-culture dominated by men unable to find love. 16 The scene at Biddick Drive after the tragedy Credit: Chris Eades 16 Local Arthur Beacham said 'Any one of us could have been a victim' Credit: Neil Hope 16 He was out waling his dog on the evening the tragedy unfolded Credit: Neil Hope But apprentice crane driver Davison's mental health background was only one factor in his victims' fate. In concluding that all five were unlawfully killed, an inquest jury pointed to a "catastrophic failure" by Devon and Cornwall Police. Officers granted him a firearms licence in 2018 in the full knowledge that he had assaulted teachers and a fellow student. And although in September 2020 he launched a "ferocious, intense and unprovoked attack" on a teenage boy and 15-year-old girl, he was placed on a "deferred change programme" called Pathfinder instead of facing a court. Davison 'viewed women with contempt' and sympathised with incel culture An inquest heard how Davison spent a lot of time reading and writing about 'incel' culture. The term refers to "involuntary celibates" with the movement labelled a "hate" group as many followers believe they are owed sex by women. Incels believe they have no possibility of finding a partner to get love, validation or acceptance from. In turn, this makes some incels want to strike out at the world because they have been rejected by girls, while others blame attractive men for their perceived problems. The self-confessed black sheep of the family also described himself as "The Terminator" in a slew of "deeply disturbing" posts. He shared posts referring to 'violence, misogynistic views, viewing women with contempt' and "sympathy with incel culture", the inquest was told. He also looked up Ted Bundy and incel serial killers, watched videos on firearms and how to reload them and posted a one minute clip from an online game called KillZone. Jurors heard Davison branded mum Maxine a "dirty insufferable, a vile creature" who was difficult to live with. His firearms licence was seized only in December 2020 after another Pathfinder member tipped off police that it remained valid. Yet it was returned seven months later after an officer decided Davison was "low risk" and his decision – which should have been signed off by a senior colleague – went unchallenged. Today, many Keyham residents cannot understand how laws supposed to protect them from gun crime proved so hopelessly ineffective. On Royal Navy Avenue – the route Davison took as he headed towards his final victim – resident Victoria White, 51, told us: "You think about those who died and their families and wonder how this could ever have happened. "I'd known [victim] Lee for years. I worked with him when I was 16 at a local Toshiba dealer. 16 Davison strolled downhill, spraying locals with rounds from a Weatherby pump-action shotgun as he went Credit: Facebook / Jake Davison 16 He was caught on CCTV during his twisted shooting spree Credit: Plymouth Police 16 "My neighbour and I saw someone lying on the ground just up the road. We thought they were unconscious because of drug use. But they had been shot there in broad daylight. "What happened was dreadful. It's always there with you. "When you're out of the house now, you take notice of who's around. "The memories fade – they don't leave. I never used to worry about locking my door…but I do now." Another neighbour, who asked to be named only as Paul, agreed. "I suffer from PTSD," he said. The memories fade – they don't leave" Resident Victoria White "I don't think what happened should ever be forgotten and I understand why people still have questions. "But it affected me very badly and I can't talk about it." Devon and Cornwall Police has since made major changes to its firearms licensing unit - more than doubling staffing levels to 99 by 2023, improving training procedures and appointing four senior managers instead of one to assess high-risk decisions. On Biddick Drive itself, there is an understandable reluctance among neighbours to talk about the shootings. The feeling was summed up by 85-year-old Arthur Beacham, out walking his springer spaniel Barney. 16 A photo of the Weatherby pump action shotgun used by Davison next to a standard sporting style 12 – gauge over – under twin barrel shotgun (below) shown in the inquest Credit: PA 16 Those on Biddick Drive are still haunted by the horror shooting Credit: Neil Hope "It's something that wants forgetting," he said. "What happened was awful, but it's gone, it's over, and we can't bring anyone back. The man was off his head. How do you deal with people like that? "Any one of us could have been a victim. I was out with my dog that evening and my usual walk would have taken me into his path. "For some reason, I decided we'd go to St Levan's Park instead." A few streets away, Manos, a gardener, said social media had made the aftermath of the tragedy worse for some residents. What happened was awful but it's gone, it's over and we can't bring anyone back. The man was off his head. How do you deal with people like that? Arthur Beacham He said: "Years ago, if a violent crime happened in your neighbourhood, you would chat it through with your family and friends and process it gradually in your own time. "Social media changed all that. Now photos flash up as 'memories' whether you want them to or not. And even if those photos aren't directly of the scene of the crime, they can still upset you by reminding you where you were and what you were doing at the time. "They come up on some thread and people share them, and suddenly everyone is weighing in." 'Moving on' But he added that Keyham remained a place people wanted to live. "My customers love it here," he said. "I don't hear anyone saying they want to leave." Latest figures from the estate agents' website Rightmove bear that out. Average sold prices reached a peak of £167,315 in 2022 and since then have risen by a further 9% to stand at £182,817. One young mother told how she'd moved into Biddick Drive – which comprises mostly rental properties – even though some friends couldn't understand why. "I wasn't here when it all happened. I've just taken the road as I found it," she said. "The truth is, it's a lovely community. It's quiet, people talk to each other, it feels safe for kids. "As far as I'm concerned, there's no stigma. Why wouldn't you want to live here?" It's the kind of spirit that has also been embraced by local businesses. At Henderson Local Convenience Store, yards from where Davison killed himself, the owner said her family had been welcomed and supported by locals. "This place lay mostly empty after what he did," she said. "It was briefly a café, then a shop but maybe because everyone remembered what happened, these businesses quickly closed. "We came in from outside. I had to ask a customer why a candle and bouquet of flowers had been left here. That was how I discovered what had happened. "Now we have many customers and they appreciate that we're trying to give them a good service. "Keyham is a good place to live. This is a strong community and it is moving on." 16 Victoria White saw a body lying on the ground after the shooting Credit: Neil Hope
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
We saw bodies as smirking ‘Terminator' gunman who slaughtered 5 prowled our quiet street… the bloodbath still haunts us
WITH neat, well-tended gardens and neighbours chatting over their picket fences, Biddick Drive feels like a haven of peace in the heart of a bustling city. Yet a terrible shadow has been cast over this seemingly idyllic cul-de-sac - and locals are still struggling to shake off the memories of August 12, 2021, when blood ran in the streets, leaving five dead. 16 Plymouth gunman Jack Davison slaughtered five people in his sickening rampage Credit: Facebook / Jake Davison 16 Davison killed his mother at their home in Biddick Drive, Keyham, before going on a shooting spree down the road Credit: Neil Hope 16 Local resident Victoria White said she never used to worry about locking her door - but does now Credit: Neil Hope It was on that hot, humid evening in Plymouth four years ago that deranged gunman Jake Davison emerged from his 51-year-old mother's terraced house, having Thick-set, his body pumped up through steroid abuse and hours in the gym, he then strolled downhill, spraying locals with rounds from a Weatherby pump-action shotgun as he went. Eye-witnesses told how the Ben recalled: "He had a smirk on his face, like he didn't care what he was doing." By the time Davison's murderous 19-minute rampage came to an end, five people lay dead or dying on the streets of Plymouth's Keyham district. It was one of the worst mass shootings in British criminal history. Unsurprisingly, those living on the road are still haunted by that tragic day. As one resident told The Sun: "When you're out of the house now, you take notice of who's around. The memories fade – they don't leave." In addition to his mum Maxine, victims included three-year-old Sophie Martyn, nicknamed 'Daddy's Princess', her father Lee, 43, shot three times, Stephen Washington, 59, a carer for his disabled wife who was walking his husky dog through nearby parkland, and artist Kate Shepherd, 66, blasted outside a hair salon. 16 Stephen Washington was killed in the Keyham shooting while walking his dog Credit: PA 16 Lee Martyn, 43, and daughter Sophie Martyn, three, were also killed Credit: Tim Stewart 16 The funeral of little Sophie and her father Lee Credit: PA Finally, confronted by unarmed PC Zach Printer, who bravely ran to within 20 metres of the killer shouting for him to stop, 22-year-old Davison turned the gun on himself. Within days, reports emerged of his troubled state of mind. One former teacher told of Davison's unhealthy love of guns. Another had concerns about his anger management. CCTV appears to show Jake Davison during Plymouth shooting spree His desperate mother, with whom he had a violent and volatile relationship, told relatives of his obsessive use of energy drinks and muscle-boosting supplements while his absent father said he "was in his own world", largely devoid of emotion. Later, an inquest jury would hear how staff at Plymouth's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service noted that Davison, diagnosed as autistic 10 years earlier, enjoyed violent computer games and used "sexual talk which was quite extreme". Aged 13, his ambition was to be a sniper. Police enquiries showed that, as an adult, he became immersed in the shocking world of incels – a violent online sub-culture dominated by men unable to find love. 16 The scene at Biddick Drive after the tragedy Credit: Chris Eades 16 Local Arthur Beacham said 'Any one of us could have been a victim' Credit: Neil Hope 16 He was out waling his dog on the evening the tragedy unfolded Credit: Neil Hope But apprentice crane driver Davison's mental health background was only one factor in his victims' fate. In concluding that all five were unlawfully killed, an inquest jury pointed to a "catastrophic failure" by Devon and Cornwall Police. Officers granted him a firearms licence in 2018 in the full knowledge that he had assaulted teachers and a fellow student. And although in September 2020 he launched a "ferocious, intense and unprovoked attack" on a teenage boy and 15-year-old girl, he was placed on a "deferred change programme" called Pathfinder instead of facing a court. Davison 'viewed women with contempt' and sympathised with incel culture An inquest heard how Davison spent a lot of time reading and writing about 'incel' culture. The term refers to "involuntary celibates" with the movement labelled a "hate" group as many followers believe they are owed sex by women. Incels believe they have no possibility of finding a partner to get love, validation or acceptance from. In turn, this makes some incels want to strike out at the world because they have been rejected by girls, while others blame attractive men for their perceived problems. The self-confessed black sheep of the family also described himself as "The Terminator" in a slew of "deeply disturbing" posts. He shared posts referring to 'violence, misogynistic views, viewing women with contempt' and "sympathy with incel culture", the inquest was told. He also looked up Ted Bundy and incel serial killers, watched videos on firearms and how to reload them and posted a one minute clip from an online game called KillZone. Jurors heard Davison branded mum Maxine a "dirty insufferable, a vile creature" who was difficult to live with. His firearms licence was seized only in December 2020 after another Pathfinder member tipped off police that it remained valid. Yet it was returned seven months later after an officer decided Davison was "low risk" and his decision – which should have been signed off by a senior colleague – went unchallenged. Today, many Keyham residents cannot understand how laws supposed to protect them from gun crime proved so hopelessly ineffective. On Royal Navy Avenue – the route Davison took as he headed towards his final victim – resident Victoria White, 51, told us: "You think about those who died and their families and wonder how this could ever have happened. "I'd known [victim] Lee for years. I worked with him when I was 16 at a local Toshiba dealer. 16 Davison strolled downhill, spraying locals with rounds from a Weatherby pump-action shotgun as he went Credit: Facebook / Jake Davison 16 He was caught on CCTV during his twisted shooting spree Credit: Plymouth Police 16 "My neighbour and I saw someone lying on the ground just up the road. We thought they were unconscious because of drug use. But they had been shot there in broad daylight. "What happened was dreadful. It's always there with you. "When you're out of the house now, you take notice of who's around. "The memories fade – they don't leave. I never used to worry about locking my door…but I do now." Another neighbour, who asked to be named only as Paul, agreed. "I suffer from PTSD," he said. The memories fade – they don't leave" Resident Victoria White "I don't think what happened should ever be forgotten and I understand why people still have questions. "But it affected me very badly and I can't talk about it." Devon and Cornwall Police has since made major changes to its firearms licensing unit - more than doubling staffing levels to 99 by 2023, improving training procedures and appointing four senior managers instead of one to assess high-risk decisions. On Biddick Drive itself, there is an understandable reluctance among neighbours to talk about the shootings. The feeling was summed up by 85-year-old Arthur Beacham, out walking his springer spaniel Barney. 16 A photo of the Weatherby pump action shotgun used by Davison next to a standard sporting style 12 – gauge over – under twin barrel shotgun (below) shown in the inquest Credit: PA 16 Those on Biddick Drive are still haunted by the horror shooting Credit: Neil Hope "It's something that wants forgetting," he said. "What happened was awful, but it's gone, it's over, and we can't bring anyone back. The man was off his head. How do you deal with people like that? "Any one of us could have been a victim. I was out with my dog that evening and my usual walk would have taken me into his path. "For some reason, I decided we'd go to St Levan's Park instead." A few streets away, Manos, a gardener, said social media had made the aftermath of the tragedy worse for some residents. What happened was awful but it's gone, it's over and we can't bring anyone back. The man was off his head. How do you deal with people like that? Arthur Beacham He said: "Years ago, if a violent crime happened in your neighbourhood, you would chat it through with your family and friends and process it gradually in your own time. "Social media changed all that. Now photos flash up as 'memories' whether you want them to or not. And even if those photos aren't directly of the scene of the crime, they can still upset you by reminding you where you were and what you were doing at the time. "They come up on some thread and people share them, and suddenly everyone is weighing in." 'Moving on' But he added that Keyham remained a place people wanted to live. "My customers love it here," he said. "I don't hear anyone saying they want to leave." Latest figures from the estate agents' website Rightmove bear that out. Average sold prices reached a peak of £167,315 in 2022 and since then have risen by a further 9% to stand at £182,817. One young mother told how she'd moved into Biddick Drive – which comprises mostly rental properties – even though some friends couldn't understand why. "I wasn't here when it all happened. I've just taken the road as I found it," she said. "The truth is, it's a lovely community. It's quiet, people talk to each other, it feels safe for kids. "As far as I'm concerned, there's no stigma. Why wouldn't you want to live here?" It's the kind of spirit that has also been embraced by local businesses. At Henderson Local Convenience Store, yards from where Davison killed himself, the owner said her family had been welcomed and supported by locals. "This place lay mostly empty after what he did," she said. "It was briefly a café, then a shop but maybe because everyone remembered what happened, these businesses quickly closed. "We came in from outside. I had to ask a customer why a candle and bouquet of flowers had been left here. That was how I discovered what had happened. "Now we have many customers and they appreciate that we're trying to give them a good service. "Keyham is a good place to live. This is a strong community and it is moving on." 16 Victoria White saw a body lying on the ground after the shooting Credit: Neil Hope 16 Floods of forensics and officers swarmed the road after the gun rampage Credit: Neil Hope
USA Today
25-06-2025
- USA Today
Poacher who was investigated for more than 50 crimes is sentenced
A serial poacher who was investigated for more than 50 crimes over a two-year period was sentenced after accepting a global plea that resulted in two felony convictions, nine misdemeanor wildlife and angling crimes, and a probation violation. Even after having received a lifetime hunting ban, the unnamed suspect continued with his wildlife crime spree and, in one case, did so while awaiting trial on his unlawful take of wildlife. The two-year investigation in Grant County ended with the suspect being sentenced to 95 days in jail; 18 months' probation; more than $22,000 in restitution and fines; forfeiture of a 7mm Weatherby rifle, bow, spotlight and hunting calls; 260 hours of community service; and an additional lifetime revocation of hunting and fishing rights, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. He poached a bull elk and two mule deer bucks while spotlighting, an illegal act of casting a bright light directly at an animal during the night. He and his friends also committed more than 30 fishing crimes, including night fishing and unlawfully fishing for wild steelhead on the John Day River. The investigation began in March of 2023 when Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers received a tip that the suspect was in possession of a large 6x6 bull elk while his hunting privileges were suspended. The Troopers seized the elk head, and the suspect was convicted of unlawful take/possession of a bull elk. He received a lifetime hunting ban. Troopers then learned the suspect attempted to poach during the 2023 archery season. An investigation revealed he had unlawfully killed a 5x6 bull elk and two 3x4 mule deer by spotlighting and shooting them with a rifle from a public road in September of 2023 in the Northside Hunt Unit. Also on FTW Outdoors: 'Ghost elephant' seen for first time in years; is it a lone survivor? More from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: 'Troopers continued their investigation which led to the execution of search warrants and the arrest of the suspect on numerous wildlife crimes. Items seized included antlers from the 5x6 bull elk and 3x4 mule deer bucks as well as a spotlight, 7mm Weatherby rifle, bow, calls, and other items related to the unlawful take. 'In 2024, while the suspect was released from jail and awaiting trial, Troopers received information that the suspect was unlawfully angling for wild steelhead in the John Day River. Troopers conducted surveillance on the suspect and two other individuals for almost two months while the suspect and his friends broke fishing regulations, including night fishing on the John Day River. Troopers charged the subject and his friends with more than 30 angling crimes.' Said OSP F&W Sergeant Erich Timko, 'Catching wildlife violators and holding them accountable is why our fish and wildlife troopers put on their uniforms every day. Our goal is to prevent these thefts of our wildlife resources that rob from our hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.' USA Today/For The Win reached out to the Oregon Department of Fish and Game to get the suspect's name and where he is from, and will update the post if/when we receive the information.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bay Area food banks brace for impact of USDA cuts
The Brief Bay Area food banks are bracing for the impact of the Trump administration's $500 million cut in food deliveries. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley said clients are already asking about changes to pantry boxes. Local food banks are hopeful that private donations can offset some of the cuts. SAN JOSE, Calif. - Local food banks are scrambling after the Trump administration announced it would cut about $500 million in funding and food deliveries. Despite the cuts, local food banks said they will do their best to work around the reductions and continue serving their communities. At Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, volunteers were busy as usual on Monday, packing food into boxes to be sent to dozens of partner organizations. Second Harvest receives some funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but it also gets direct food deliveries. Tracy Weatherby of Second Harvest said historically, the organization has received about 10% of its food through a federal program called the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). "We have seen in real-time that a lot of our emergency food assistance programs' deliveries have been canceled," Weatherby said. What they're saying In a statement, the USDA confirmed the program cuts, saying: "Unlike the Biden administration, which funneled billions in CCC funds into short-term programs with no plan for longevity, USDA is prioritizing stable, proven solutions that deliver lasting impact. The COVID era is over—USDA's approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward." Local perspective "We don't know what that means. We don't know if those are going to be re-provided at some point or if that is going to be food that is lost to our community," Weatherby said. Second Harvest provides food to organizations like Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, one of about 400 distribution partner organizations. These organizations provide food at distribution points throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Tabitha Cisneros, who works on the front lines, said clients are already asking about changes to the contents of the food boxes, which include proteins like chicken and fish. "Sometimes they are asking me, 'Hey, is there any more chicken? Is there any more of this? Is there any more meats, any more eggs coming any time soon?'" she said. "And unfortunately, I cannot provide them a date when they are going to come back." The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank said in a statement it has seen a reduction of about 680,000 pounds of USDA food deliveries in the past few weeks, which would cost an estimated $300,000 to replace some of the canceled USDA items through June. The SF-Marin Food Bank, like Second Harvest, said it is too early to determine all of the changes that may be coming from the USDA and what the long-term impact might be. Local food providers say they are hoping additional private donations can help offset some of these cuts. The Source Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, San Francisco Marin Food Bank, the Catholic Charities of Silicon Valley
The Guardian
03-03-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
UK minister said NHS could use Dyson ventilators so they could be ‘sold abroad'
A minister warned a senior official that ventilators may need to be bought from Sir James Dyson 'so that he can then market [them] internationally' as 'being used in UK hospitals' after the businessman spoke to Boris Johnson, the Covid inquiry has heard. The message from Lord Agnew, a Tory Treasury minister, to the government's chief commercial officer, Gareth Reese Williams, emerged as the public inquiry into the pandemic started a four-week examination of procurement. The inquiry has faced criticism ahead of its latest hearings for failing to call suppliers of equipment so that they may be questioned about their conduct after evidence emerged of some companies and individuals profiting from the global crisis. In his opening submission on procurement, Pete Weatherby KC, representing the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, lamented the lack of opportunity to question suppliers about the role of political patronage in securing contracts. Weatherby said that among those whose evidence would not be heard would be David Meller of Meller Designs, a donor to Michael Gove's 2016 leadership bid, whose fashion house was referred to a VIP lane of PPE suppliers by the cabinet minister. The barrister then raised the case of Dyson, whose company was not referred to the VIP lane nor provided PPE. Dyson received a provisional order for 10,000 of for his prototype ventilator, called CoVent, in early 2020, after he responded to a call from Johnson for industry to step in amid a shortage. It has previously emerged via leaked text messages that Dyson, who was backer of Brexit, personally lobbied Johnson to ensure the firm and 'senior individuals' would not have to pay extra tax if they came to the UK to make ventilators during the pandemic. The government did not buy Dyson's ventilators but Weatherby informed the inquiry of the existence of a communication between Agnew and Reese Williams. 'With respect to Mr Dyson, he was apparently championed by both Mr Gove and the then prime minister, Mr Johnson,' Weatherby said. 'Mr Dyson is the well-known vacuum manufacturer. He took part in the ventilator challenge. 'By April, it was clear that his model would not be pursued due to clinical viability and functionality. Nevertheless, Lord Agnew, a minister, warned the government chief commercial officer, Gareth Reese Williams, in the following terms: 'We're going to have to handle Dyson carefully. I suspect we'll have to buy a few machines, get them into hospitals so that he can then market internationally, being able to say that they are being used in UK hospitals. We both need to accept that it will be a bigger decision than we can both make. Remember, he got a personal call from the PM. This can't be ignored'.' Weatherby told the inquiry that the procurement expert Prof Albert Sanchez Graells had described the manner on which Dyson was treated as an 'affront to the procurement rules'. A Dyson spokesperson said: 'Sir James Dyson responded to a personal call from the prime minister of the United Kingdom, to develop and make a medical-grade ventilator in 30 days during the national emergency. 'Dyson had no intention of manufacturing ventilators for profit. Far from receiving any commercial benefit, there was significant commercial cost to Dyson, which diverted 450 engineers away from commercial projects. 'Mercifully, treatments changed, and mass use of ventilators was no longer seen as an effective remedy, the UK Government cancelled the order it had placed, and none were ever sold overseas. 'Uniquely among the many businesses involved, James Dyson did not seek payment for any of the £20m the company spent on the project – rather this was its contribution to the national effort to save lives. In addition, Dyson did not claim any furlough money, subsidy, or government loans related to the Covid-19 pandemic anywhere in the world.' Earlier in the day, the inquiry chair, Heather Hallett, a former court of appeal judge, said she would hold a special closed session about PPE Medpro, the firm linked to Michelle Mone and her husband, Doug Barrowman, to avoid prejudicing a criminal inquiry by the National Crime Agency. It also emerged that the company, along with Mone and Barrowman, had applied for 'core participant' status at the inquiry alongside groups such as bereaved families and the British Medical Association, giving them special rights including disclosure of documents and ability to make statements. Lady Hallett said she had rejected the application, which came 468 days after the deadline. 'I do not accept that applicants have a direct or significant role in the matters to be investigated by the inquiry,' she said. Mone and Barrowman both deny wrongdoing.
