The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

DECEMBER 14

Joe Houghton, aged 19, of Castle Avenue, Northampton, damaged an iPhone; conditional discharge for 18 months, compensation £100, surcharge £20, costs £85.

DECEMBER 15

Meshack Clements-Graham, aged 23, of Gladstone Road, Northampton, breach of a court order; fined £100, costs £201.

DECEMBER 17

Chanel Dixon, aged 35, of Whiston Road, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation £50, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Paul Paterson, aged 30, of Forest Road, Northampton, drunk and disorderly; fined £40, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Maksims Zemlanhunis, aged 30, of Denmark Road, Northampton, driving while banned; community order made to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. No insurance; fined £565, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Jonathan Andrews, aged 24, of Lindsay Avenue, Northampton, failed to surrender to custody; jailed for three weeks. Broke into a pub and stole £200; jailed for eight weeks, compensation £200. Assaulted a police officer; jailed for four weeks consecutive, compensation £375. Similar offence; jailed for 12 weeks, compensation £200. Breach of a court order; jailed for two weeks.

Lorna Garratt, aged 47, of Braemar Crescent, Northampton, assault; community order made, compensation £100. Assaulted a police officer; community order made, compensation £100.

Danielle Mullan, aged 32, of Park Drive, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months, compensation of £100, victim services of £115, costs £85.

Carl Burgess, aged 34, of Strobel Drive, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Jason Campion, aged 36, of Bushland Road, Northampton, driving at 68mph in a 60mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Donna Carpenter, aged 34, of Dryleys Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with eight points.

Daniel Connors, aged 57, of Towcester Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a red traffic light; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Ian Curtis, aged 47, of Stoke Road, Ashton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Karen Fox, aged 46, of Kensington Close, Northampton, driving at 67mph in a 30mph zone; fined £235, surcharge £30, banned from driving for 45 days.

Darius Incert, aged 29, of Belton Close, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Martin Kelly, aged 29, of Churchill Avenue, Northampton, driving at 60mph in a 40mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Amanda Madero, aged 59, of Main Street, Farthingstone, driving at 41mph in a 30mph zone; fined £293, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

George Necula, aged 31, of Harksome Hill, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Onyx Executive Travel Ltd, of Arthur Terrace, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66.

Philip Plant, aged 59, of Pine Ridge, Northampton, driving at 51mph in a 30mph zone; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Matteo Polifonte, aged 35, of Poplar Court, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £100, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Daniel Rusanda, aged 24, of Broadmead Avenue, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Vesel Selimi, aged 18, of Foskitt Court North, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Andrejs Sergejevs, aged 29, of Woolmonger Street, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £146, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Steffan Stratford, aged 40, of Byfield Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Ioan Afrim, aged 30, of Pytchley Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Frederick Anderson, aged 52, of Ellfield Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with eight points.

Ion Busila, aged 26, of Shire Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Jason Campion , aged 36, of Bushland Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Mark Harrison, aged 36, of Wade Meadow Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Seamus Kinsella, aged 58, of Royal Terrace, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Dominic Lacey, aged 28, of Primrose Hill, Northampton, failed to give information about the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Kenneth McKenzie, aged 55, of Cyril Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Carolyn Miller, aged 56, of Ringway, Northampton, no insurance; fined £250, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with eight points.

Colin Murray, aged 28, of Stanley Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Marie Palmer, aged 51, of Gallfield Court, Northampton, no test certificate; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Anthony Parsons, aged 51, of Favell Way, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Steven Pawsey, aged 59, of Woodsfield, Brixworth, no test certificate; fined £150, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Matthew Penfold, aged 38, of Dovecote Road, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Benjamin Roe, aged 26, of Hardy Close, Towcester, no test certificate; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Oliver Shannon-Harris, aged 25, of Northampton Road, Blisworth, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, cost £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Abdul Sheik, aged 34, of Talan Rise, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jonathan Sims, aged 61, of Brackley Road, Silverstone, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

John Sturgess, aged 31, of Pembroke Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Zaharia Tudor, aged 36, of Rosgill Place, Northampton, driving at 114mph in a 70mph zone; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for 40 days.

Zenia Zulu, aged 50, of Preston Court, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Jahmal Martin, aged 20, of Boughton Green Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £60, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Daniel Pestritu, aged 21, of Wellingborough Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £600, surcharge £60, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Marius Popescu, aged 24, of Herbert Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Philip Stanton, aged 53, of Billing Road East, Northampton, driving at 100mph in a 70mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44, banned from driving for 28 days.

Darius Zaleckas, aged 39, of Dunster Street, Northampton, driving at 80mph in a 40mph zone; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for 30 days.

DECEMBER 18

Adam Millman, aged 36, of Waterpump Court, Northampton, drunk and disorderly; fined £116, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Roy Wykes, aged 64, of Rushmere Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £140, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with five points.

DECEMBER 19

Simon Turay, aged 40, of Pomfret Close, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £200, costs £60.

Issam El Madini, aged 24, of Lower Meadow Court, Northampton, entered as a trespasser; community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, compensation £100, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Paul McGuinness, aged 54, of Purser Road, Northampton, possession of a class A drug; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 18 months, surcharge £115, costs £85. No insurance; banned from driving for 12 months. Made a false statement about insurance; jailed for eight weeks concurrent suspended for 18 months.

Peter Cockerill, aged 85, of Moulton Road, Holcot, failed to report an accident to a police officer; fined £223, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with five points.

Ovidiu Neculai, aged 34, of South Copse, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £356, surcharge £35, costs £85.

Nathan Plentie, aged 32, of Bective Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Salek Miah, aged 40, of Baring Road, Northampton, assault; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Building work began in 2016 to convert an area of land in Boothville - formerly a vacant care home - into Lakeview House, which was unveiled on Friday (March 1), after a five million pound development managed by Northampton Partnership Homes.

The new development boasts 45 accessible council homes, which includes wheelchair friendly apartments as part of a 'bright and welcoming' design scheme chosen by residents in the area.

Colin York, a boot maker with roots in the Northampton shoe industry, is one resident getting ready to move in. He said: “I work five days a week and have rented privately for so long.

"I’m 62 this year, I wanted somewhere nice and quiet where I can settle down.

"There are a few people I haven’t seen for years who are moving in too."

Lakeview residents have campaigned for many years for older persons housing in the area.

In 2013 the site had been subject to a number of planning applications including a temporary night shelter.

The new apartments will soon be opening its doors to older residents, over the age of 55 from the council’s housing register.

Pat Green used to work in the Londis shop next door to the former care home at Lakeview. Her mother Margaret, aged 87, is one of the residents who will shortly be moving into one of the brand new homes.

She said: “I used to go to the care home when it was there and help the people with orders from the shop. It had a great atmosphere. It only seems like yesterday.

“People are proud these days and I like the fact they have their own home at Lakeview but there is help if needed in the background.

"It’s the best place for mum and I think it will bring out the best in her. It’s a lovely building. They seem to have really researched what people want and need. It is well thought out."

Lakeview House has independent apartments but there are communal facilities by way of a lounge, mobility scooter store as well as garden; and a community alarm system that if needed, summons assistance via a remote contact centre 24 hours a day.

Mike Kay, chief executive at Northampton Partnership Homes said: “During the planning stages, our staff consulted with over 700 people in the area and met with residents at the local community hub to talk about the plans and take on board their views.

"We’re really pleased with the feedback we’ve received from residents and the possibilities this new project has brought.

"The work with ENGIE (regeneration specialists) has brought a scheme of secure housing to a growing number of older people across Northampton."

The Riverside Hub has unveiled a treat for their youngest guests with the launch of its specially adapted sensory playroom for Under 5s.

A man who caused chaos at a retail park in Northamptonshire by spraying a substance as he stole items has been jailed.

Ashley Maparura, 29, of Nether Jackson Court in Northampton, has been put behind bars after the terrifying incident at Currys PC World in Kettering on February 15.

Emergency services rushed to the Belgrave Retail Park in Northfield Avenue at about 3.30pm and it was initially declared a major incident before being downgraded.

Several members of the public could be seen with blankets around their shoulders outside the store at 5pm, and large bottles of a clear substance had been poured on the ground outside the store.

One person who witnessed the emergency response said: “There was a cordon across the whole car park. I’ve never seen so many hi-vis vests in one place.”

A number of people suffered irritation and two people were taken to Kettering General Hospital as a precaution.

Maparura was arrested and charged with three offences.

At Northampton Magistrates’ Court last month he admitted stealing two Dyson vacuums, assault with intent to resist arrest and possession of an offensive weapon - incapacitant spray.

Maparura was jailed for a total of one year.

Court documents said it was an ‘extremely serious offence’, adding: “[The] fear the defendant created by spraying something when they had no idea what was coming out of the can is unforgiveable.”

Maparura has since lodged an appeal against his sentence.

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has praised his players for creating the right ‘environment and culture’ which has allowed the team to thrive on the pitch and turn around their fortunes in recent weeks.

Following last month’s goalless home draw with Crawley Town, when the players were booed off by some sections of the PTS, Curle warned Cobblers fans he would require ‘time and transfer windows’ to change the ‘culture’ of the club.

But two away wins later, achieved at Stevenage and Crewe, and Curle was again speaking about the importance of working within the right ‘environment’, except this time it was in a positive sense.

“It’s a case of everyone playing their part and that’s not only the starting 11, it’s about the squad, those that travelled and even the players that didn’t play because they still play a massive part in the environment and in the culture throughout week, which is pleasing,” said Curle.

“There hasn’t been any sulking. There’s people who are disappointed, people who are angry and people who are frustrated but you’re going to get that at every football club.

“But, as a group, we’re managing that because they know, with those emotions, come and see me. I won’t change my mind and it won’t effect my team selection, but I’m there to listen and I’m there to help.”

Saturday’s win at Gresty Road lifted Cobblers 15 points clear of relegation in League Two and stretched their unbeaten run to five games, but Curle admits that’s far from the limit of both his and the club’s ambition.

“There’s still more to come from us but your foundation is negating the opposition’s threat and then expressing yourself with the ball in the right areas and we did that against Crewe,” he added.

“They had one or two good passages of play but on their day they can make anybody look open and exposed.

“They created a few chances and caused us one or two problems but overall we did very well and Dai Cornell came and caught when he needed and made one great save at the end, getting a hand to put the ball over the bar.”

On John-Joe O’Toole’s performance and goal, Curle continued: “It was a trademark John-Joe O’Toole goal - good work ethic, good understanding of his role out of possession, freedom to go and express himself and get into areas where he thinks he’ll be a goal threat. Typical JJ!”

Parents of pupils at a Northampton school are campaigning to have a bus service during the school run to keep their children safe.

It comes after children walking between Malcolm Arnold Academy and Kings Heath have been approached in distressing circumstances at least five times since September.

One group of school girls were approached by a man who was performing a sex act in Thornton Park and others have been approached or verbally abused by drivers travelling along Mill Lane.

The build-up of incidents has led parents to start a petition calling for a bus service to connect the estate to the school.
Vicki Cussen, who has an 11-year-old at Malcolm Arnold said: "It's a bit frightening for the kids and it's happening more and more.

"It's a long, 45-minute walk anyway but it's getting dangerous."

She added on the petition: "I feel physically sick for two hours a day waiting to hear if my chidl has arrived at school safely, and this is not good enough."

The parents group have talked with school leaders, bus company Uno and Northamptonshire County Council, who have been supportive but have warned lack of funds may be an obstacle.

Kings Heath was served by the number 31 but the route ceased more than five years ago.

The change.org petition has amassed more than 150 signatures, with a target of 200.

Delegates from Whitehills and Spring Park Residents' Association (WASPRA) met officials from both the county and borough council in order to convince the authorities that traffic will increase to intolerable levels if the current proposals are approved.

WASPRA believes the county council's own data shows general traffic in the Kingsthorpe area will increase by up to 87 per cent.

A spokesman for the residents' association said Guildhall representatives seemed persuaded by their arguments.

He said: "NBC promised during the meeting to take away and analyse the figures provided by us. They considered them to be highly concerning and quite an eye-opener."

The borough council will now look at the numbers in detail before giving feedback to WASPRA.

Guildhall officials rejected the idea of a scrutiny panel, but indicated they would begin to consult with specialists such as the Road Haulage Association, the emergency services and the Northampton forum of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Sean Brady, co-chair of WASPRA, said: “We are, following this meeting, cautiously optimistic that finally the necessary council representatives have recognised the severity of our concerns regarding the NWRR impact.

"We hope that if the analysis by NBC regarding our figures brings them to the same conclusions as us – that the road (NWRR) will be disastrous for Kingsthorpe North in no uncertain terms – that necessary actions will be taken to avoid this potential nightmare for traffic in the area, and that an alternative option can be identified.

"Northampton is overdue a completed dual carriageway orbital road from the A45 south of Junction 16 of the M1 and the A43 near Sywell“.

The joint committees are being set up to help establish the unitaries that will likely come into existence next year, replacing the current county and district/borough councils. A government decision on the reorganisation is due by the end of the month.

So far, the preparatory work has gone on behind closed doors at steering groups made up of select councillors, leaders and senior officers from the respective councils.

The next step will see two joint committees set up for both the North and West unitaries, and these are committees that will meet in public and have decision making powers.

After a public row on membership, the councils have finally agreed on equal representations from all the councils involved.

But the county council commissioners Tony McArdle and Brian Roberts have said in a letter to council leaders - seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service - that they want to attend the meetings and keep a close eye on the decisions being taken.

The letter, dated February 27 and signed by both commissioners, states: “We wish to help facilitate the preparatory arrangements for unitary local government, and to that end will most particularly want to ensure that inputs we make to county council decision making are made in full awareness of the intent of the joint committees.

“Similarly, we will want to minimise the risk of situations occurring where decisions taken by the joint committees may be contradictory to our view as to what is in the county council's and its services present best interests.

“It is, therefore, our intention to attend meetings of the joint committees on occasions where the matters under consideration may, in our opinion, affect those of the county council's functions which we are required to discharge, and to participate in the discussions that take place on such matters.”

The commissioners were appointed by Secretary of State for local government James Brokenshire following the publication of the Max Caller report, which recommended that the county and district councils be abolished to make way for the unitary authorities.

Mr McArdle acts as the lead commissioner, and has scope to direct ‘all functions associated with the governance and scrutiny of strategic decision making by the authority’. Mr Roberts meanwhile oversees the ‘strategic financial management’ of the council.

Chris Boyd has explained the reasons behind Dom Barrow's departure from Saints.

The boss says the emergence of talented youngsters such as Alex Coles and Alex Moon would have meant Barrow's game time would have been limited going forward.

Saints parted company with Barrow by mutual consent on Monday.

The lock had only made seven appearances in Northampton colours, with his most recent outing coming against Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Rugby Cup on January 26.

Injuries hampered the 25-year-old after he joined last summer following a stint at La Rochelle.

And when asked how he feels Barrow will reflect on his stay at Saints, Boyd said: "He'll probably look back on it and be frustrated.

"He got injured early, came back, had a little opportunity and then got injured again.

"When he came back we've had a couple of the local boys progressing nicely so it looked like potentially limited game time with him going forward.

"We got our heads together and agreed it would be better for him to look for opportunities elsewhere.

"We all wish Dom well on his continuation of his rugby career."

The squad took the sheathed hunting-style knife off a boy in Northampton while patrolling the town overnight (Tuesday).

They claim the child was linked to gangs in Northampton.

Now, the proactive team has shared a snap of the blade on Twitter and hope that seizing it will 'prevent a young death'.

Northamptonshire Police has confirmed the boy is 17 years old.

But some residents have complained that the new format for the remainder of 2019 is far from clear.

Instead of being tailor-made for your area and highlighting your actual collection day, the new version simply shows what will be collected across the town every day. It relies on you to know your collection day.

One resident who lives in the NN3 area was confused by the new calendar.

He said: "A calendar has been clipped to the bin that seems to say that from March to December the black bins will be collected every day from Friday, March 1 and the food waste and garden waste to be collected every day from March 4."

It comes as Northamptonshire Police warned that homeowners and tenants should only put out their rubbish and recycling on the correct day as a spate of bin arsons have been taking place across the county. In particular, they issued a strong warning that bins placed near homes can lead to deaths as flames can spread easily to the building.

A borough council spokesman said the authority recognised that some people who have recently moved house will not be able to deduce their collection day from the calendar.

However he pointed out that the correct day can be found on the borough council's website or at its one stop shop.

Ted Kinning, born on March 1, 1920, rang in his 99th birthday last Friday with a treat from Gallone's with his closest family and friends.

Ted - who has three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren - ordered in 99 cones for him and his family with flakes and all the classic toppings.

Mr Kinning has lived in Northampton for most of his life other than a brief four-year posting to Egypt in 1940 as part of his RAF service during WW2.

He was seconded to 216 Squadron, Bomber Transport, starting as an air craftsman. He later became leading air craftsman and was involved in airfield construction as well as serving in the Air Sea Rescue Service.

Most of his work involved construction and carpentry and the skills he learned as a carpenter and joiner apprentice with Glenn & Son in Northampton stood him in good stead for the challenges he faced out there.

Leaving with a full head of hair in 1940, he came home virtually bald to the dismay of his mum and his future wife, Nancy.

Ted and Nancy still live in Weston Favell, where they have lived for most of their married life.

His family say Ted remains a true patriarch to all the family and a major inspiration to everyone who knows him. He is the cook of his household and puts his and his wife's long life down to healthy eating, a strong Christian faith, and the importance of their family.

This is the moment a man shone a laser pen at a police helicopter crew in Wellingborough - landing him a spell behind bars.

The footage released by National Police Air Service (NPAS) shows the impeded view from the sky as Voyslav Dimitrov, 29, targeted a helicopter with a green laser on September 15.

The helicopter had been flying over Wellingborough assisting Northamptonshire Police officers in the search for a group of men who were reported to have been carrying knives.

When Dimitrov, of Minerva Way, shone the light at the cockpit of the helicopter it filled with light which forced the pilot to turn away from the laser to protect the safety of his crew and to avoid being blinded.

As a result of the incident, the crew could not continue their search for the men.

Dimitrov has since been jailed for six months.

PC Dom Preece, who led the investigation, said: “This incident could have been so much worse and it is thanks to the pilot, a man with over 20 years’ experience, that this did not end in a disaster.

“As you can see in the video, the laser Dimitrov used a number of times on the aircraft was very powerful and the consequences had the pilot become disorientated are horrifying.

“Dimitrov’s actions that night were completely reckless and dangerous and I am glad that he has been rewarded with a prison sentence.

"He endangered the lives of those inside the helicopter as well as the people on the ground and I hope his six months’ imprisonment will serve as a warning to others who may think it’s acceptable to shine a laser at any aircraft.”

There were 50 laser attacks on NPAS crews in 2018. This compares to 103 in 2015 and 70 and 67 the following two years.

Ollie Dismore, temporary accountable manager of NPAS, said: “Shining a laser pen at an aircraft can have catastrophic consequences so we welcome the court’s decision to impose a six-month prison term on this individual.

"For NPAS, while laser strikes are decreasing on our crews, we cannot stress enough how dangerous they are. Crews have protective eyewear to help reduce the effects of a laser strike but it’s still a dangerous distraction, and that creates safety concerns.

"We believe this sentence sends a firm message to anyone thinking of doing the same.”

Dai Whittingham, chairman of the UK Laser Working Group, said: “I welcome news of a successful prosecution of an offence against the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act.

"Attacks against any form of transport are extremely dangerous, which is why Parliament decided to impose significant penalties for crimes of this nature.

"I share the judge’s hope that the sentence on this occasion will be a deterrent for anyone else tempted to act irresponsibly with a laser device.”

George Cox is set to be the only injury absentee as the Cobblers prepare for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash with Exeter City at the PTS Academy Stadium (ko 2pm).

Defender Charlie Goode was forced off towards to end of last Saturday’s 2-0 win at Crewe Alexandra after suffering a facial injury, but manager Keith Curle has confirmed the Scunthorpe loan man will be available.

Fellow defender Shay Facey, who hasn’t featured since the 1-1 draw at Lincoln City on February 9, is also fit and available again, but Brighton loanee Cox is set to be sidelined for another two or three weeks due his injured ankle.

Asked about injuries ahead of the home date with Exeter, Curle said: “Charlie Goode is going to be okay - although he might be struggling to make the front of next year’s calendar!”

Curle said the rest of the squad, aside from Cox, is in good shape, and that situation can only be good for the club.

“There is good competition within the squad, and when it comes to team selection the players know there is nothing guaranteed,” said the Town boss.

“Because we go and win a game, that is not a guarantee you will be in the team.”

Curle went on to give some encouraging news on Cox’s recovery.

The left-back suffered his ankle inury following a late tackle in the 3-2 defeat at Cambridge United back on January 12, and there were fears he may be out for season.

But it now seems he could be available again by the end of March, with Curle saying: “George went down to see a specialist in London and got some good news.

“They had the potential of two options with the ligament damage, and they have gone for the first option which is the shorter option.

“We are hoping that George is on his way to recovery. I think he is going to spend two weeks down at Brighton, and then he will hopefully be back up here with us.

“Then he can hopefully start his field-based training with us and be back involved in the squad in the near future.

“It’s not going to be next week or the week after, but we are hoping to soon see him around.”

A man shouted at a woman as she walked past him before exposing himself.

The incident happened between 8.30am and 9am on Wednesday, February 20, in Thornton Park, Kingsthorpe, when a woman was walking through the park and saw a man standing near trees and exposing himself.

The man called out to the woman, who ignored him and continued on her way.

The man is described as white, in his mid 20s to early 30s, about 5ft 11in to 6ft, with a medium build. He had an olive complexion and black stubble, and was wearing a hooded khaki coat, dark coloured trousers and a dark coloured, woollen beanie hat.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

CCTV images have been released of three people wanted in connection with the alleged theft and assault at the Co-op on Barry Road shortly after 10pm on February 2.

A member of staff challenged a woman who she believed to be concealing items in her bag. The woman became abusive and two men who were in the shop also became abusive and one of them assaulted the staff member.

Officers investigating the incident believe the people pictured may have information to assist the inquiry and are asking them or anyone who recognises them to contact police.

Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Two burglars forced their way into a Corby business - but were forced to flee after setting off a machine that filled the room with smoke.

Footage released by Northamptonshire Police shows the moment they broke into the property by smashing the front door glass with tools.

They gain entry and look around for items to steal, with one attempting to smash the Bandit games machine.

But a gas machine installed by the force’s crime prevention team then goes off, filling the room with smoke and completely impairing the burglars’ vision.

In a panic and leaving empty-handed, the two burglars can then be seen running out of the premises.

Police said the incident took place in December but that the business did not want to be identified.

Three months on from the break-in the perpetrators are still at large.

Paul Golley, crime prevention team leader at Northamptonshire Police, said: “Investing in crime prevention equipment is something the force has been doing for some time and as you can see in this video, it is extremely effective. If offenders can’t see it, they can’t steal it.

“In light of recent commercial burglaries, we have been working with businesses across Northamptonshire to talk about the range of crime prevention equipment they can utilise to prevent burglars from destroying their livelihoods.

“Many of these businesses have taken up our offer of help and their premises are now equipped with a range of bespoke kit that will thwart any people who try to steal from them.

“Make sure to remove anything valuable from view and lock it away in a secure place overnight. I’d also encourage people to take a look at our crime prevention tips at www.northants.police.uk/crimeprevention."

Last year pubs and clubs were hit about 50 times in 12 months by burglars who targeted the Bandit machines night after night.

Some pub owners said the incidents had had such an impact on them they were ready to quit.

Rory Hutchinson has followed in the footsteps of Saints team-mate Cobus Reinach by claiming a Gallagher Premiership player of the month prize.

Hutchinson has been handed the February award after South African scrum-half Reinach won in December.

It continues a season full of accolades for Saints, who have already scooped the Premiership try of the week gong on four occasions during the 2018/19 campaign.

Hutchinson hit a hot run of form last month, scoring against Sale Sharks and Bath as Saints consolidated their spot in the Gallagher Premiership top six.

And his performances were lauded by former Rugby World Cup winner and BT Sport pundit Nolli Waterman.

“There is an impressive crop of young players emerging across the Gallagher Premiership and in recent weeks Rory has stood out as Northampton climbed the table,” said Waterman.

“Rory is a wonderfully balanced runner who has the ability to glide through defences and recently even took over the kicking duties for the Saints.

"His finishing is not in question with his recent acrobatic effort against Bath.”

Hutchinson was judged by a panel of experts as the player who made the biggest impact in Gallagher Premiership Rugby over the month of February.

He was involved in a three-way battle to win the award, eventually beating Gloucester No.8 Ben Morgan and Harlequins full-back Mike Brown to the title.

Hutchinson was voted for by a panel of media professionals based on his performances in February, alongside a public poll which drew almost 2,000 votes on the Premiership Rugby app.

A Labour parliamentary hopeful in Northampton has pledged to donate a tenth of his MP wages to charity should he get elected.

Northampton South candidate Gareth Eales made the announcement after the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) proposed giving elected politicians a 2.7 per cent pay rise from April, taking the basic salary close to £80,000.

MP pay will have risen by nearly £14,000 since April 2010, yet Parliamentary staff are to receive a below inflation pay rise of 1.5 per cent and public sector workers, such as those at Northamptonshire County Council, are in the grip of a pay freeze.

More than 200 MP's have now written to the Chair of IPSA asking them to review the pay rise.

Mr Eales has now pledged never to accept an above-inflation pay-rise and says he would donate 10 per cent of his salary to a charity or Northampton based causes.

“It is an outrage that MPs are being treated more favourably, but it is also interesting that none of our local MP’s have signed up to the letter sent to IPSA," he said.

The wages would go into a charitable fund that would be managed independently, he said, and people in Northampton would then get to decide how it is spent.

The Labour hopeful has also promised not to take a second job if he is elected.

"I offer these pledges in good faith and I hope to be given the opportunity to deliver upon them, should the people of Northampton South elect me at the next General Election,” he added.

The General Election is scheduled to be held on May 5, 2022.

The 33-year-old rugby player for the Saints was caught breaking the 70mph speed limit on July 14 last year on his way to a function.

Haskell appeared at Northampton Magistrates' in person today (March 6) to answer the charge, which he pleaded guilty to 'at the first opportunity'.

The court heard he was 'ironically not late' to his function on the day in July when he sped at 106mph on the M1.

Mark Haslam, who represented the former England player, said: "I won't offer any facetious explanations. He accepts that on that Saturday afternoon he was driving far too fast.

"The only explanation he puts forward is his own foolishness. He's here in person to face the consequences of that."

Mr Haslam asked the bench to consider putting six points on the player's licence - but the magistrates instead chose to ban Mr Haskell from driving for 14 days and handed him a £900 fine.

Haskell, who arrived in a suit and tie and is still in an ankle brace for an injury he sustained on the pitch in November, spoke only to confirm who he was and to thank the magistrates as he left.

Haskell joined the Saints in 2018 after a career at Wasps. He has earned over 75 caps for England and has appeared for the Saints in five games so far.