Hampshire

A HUNT for a gang of brazen thieves has been launched after 17 cars were stolen from holidaymakers on a cruise.

The motors were lifted from a special “secure” parking facility in Southampton, overnight.

3

3

The special parking site is operated by Southampton Cruise Parking Services and is touted as “secure” storage for vehicles.

Police said they were working closely with the firm in a bid to capture the thieves.

The holidaymakers vehicles were taken between 9 and 10 September, cops said.

Police were called early the next morning and when they arrived at the parking facility they discovered the motors had been swiped.

So far, only six of the 17 stolen motors have been recovered by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses to come forward to assist with their investigation into the mass motor theft.

Did you have your car stolen? Email [email protected]

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We are appealing for witnesses following the theft of 17 vehicles from a cruise parking facility in Southampton.

“The incident occurred between the evening of September 9 and the early hours of September 10.

“Officers were called at approximately 7:40am on Wednesday September 10 to reports of a suspected break-in at Southampton Cruise Parking Services on First Avenue.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that 17 cars had been stolen.

“The investigation team is working closely with the company operating the site, as well as local partners, to secure all available evidence.”

Detective Constable Edward Smith, the officer leading the investigation, said: “We don’t underestimate the significant impact this incident has had on the victims, who have returned from their holidays to discover their car stolen.

“We continue to keep those victims updated with the progress with our investigation, which our team is working incredibly hard on to ensure those responsible are arrested.

“We continue to progress several lines of inquiry including a full review of CCTV from the scene and surrounding areas.

“I am pleased to say that this work has already led to the recovery of six of the vehicles and those owners have been updated with the good news.”

Anyone with information, or who may have CCTV footage from the area, is urged to contact police quoting reference number 44250409694.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.

The Sun has contacted Southampton Cruise Parking Services for comment.

3

Rudolph W. Giuliani has been released from the hospital and “is progressing well” after being injured when the vehicle he was riding in was struck from behind on a highway in New Hampshire, a spokesman said Tuesday.

The former New York City mayor, 81, was injured Saturday shortly after stopping “to assist a person in urgent need of help,” spokesman Ted Goodman said in a statement.

“He has since been discharged from the hospital and deeply appreciates the love, well wishes, and prayers he has received,” Goodman’s statement said. “The mayor also extends his gratitude to the New Hampshire State Police, paramedics, Elliot Hospital, and all of the physicians and nurses who provided him with outstanding care.”

Goodman was behind the wheel, with Giuliani as a passenger, when their rented Ford Bronco was struck from behind on Interstate 93 by a Honda HR-V driven by a 19-year-old woman, New Hampshire State Police said in a statement. Both vehicles hit the highway median and were “heavily damaged,” the statement said.

Goodman and the 19-year-old suffered “non-life-threatening injuries” and were taken to hospitals, the agency said.

Giuliani was taken by ambulance to a nearby trauma center for treatment of a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg, according to a statement posted on X by Michael Ragusa, Giuliani’s head of security. The thoracic vertebrae are part of the spine.

State police said the cause of the crash was under investigation. No charges were filed.

Prior to the accident, Giuliani and Goodman “were flagged down by a woman on the side of the road, just south of Exit 9N, who reported to them she had been involved in a domestic violence incident,” state police said in a news release. Goodman reported the incident to law enforcement and he and the former mayor remained at the scene until troopers arrived.

The reported domestic violence and crash were believed to be unrelated, investigators said.

“Thank you to all the people that have reached out since learning the news about my Father,” Andrew Giuliani, Rudy Giuliani’s son, wrote in a post on X. “Your prayers mean the world.”

The onetime Republican presidential candidate was dubbed “America’s mayor” in light of his leadership in New York after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.

Giuliani later became President Trump’s personal attorney and was a vocal proponent of Trump’s allegations of fraud in the 2020 election, which was won by Democrat Joe Biden. Trump and his backers lost dozens of lawsuits claiming fraud, and numerous recounts, reviews and audits of the election results turned up no signs of significant wrongdoing or error.

Two former Georgia elections workers later won a $148-million defamation judgment against Giuliani. As they sought to collect the judgment, the former federal prosecutor was found in contempt of court and faced a trial this winter over the ownership of some of his assets. He ultimately struck a deal that let him keep his homes and various belongings, including prized World Series rings, in exchange for unspecified compensation and a promise to stop speaking ill of the ex-election workers.

Thompson writes for the Associated Press.

Rudolph W. Giuliani is recovering from a fractured vertebra and other injuries following a car crash in New Hampshire, a spokesperson for the former New York City mayor said Sunday.

Giuliani was being driven in a rented Ford Bronco by his spokesperson Ted Goodman when their vehicle was struck from behind by a Honda HR-V driven by a 19-year-old woman late Saturday evening, New Hampshire State Police said in a statement.

Troopers witnessed the crash, which caused both vehicles to hit the highway median and left them “heavily damaged,” the State Police said. Goodman and the 19-year-old suffered “non-life-threatening injuries” and were taken to hospitals for treatment, the agency added.

The State Police said it was investigating the crash and no charges have been filed.

Giuliani, 81, was taken to a nearby trauma center and was being treated for injuries including “a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg,” according to a statement posted on X by Michael Ragusa, Giuliani’s head of security.

Giuliani “sustained injuries but is in good spirits and recovering tremendously,” Ragusa said, adding: “This was not a targeted attack.”

Before the accident, Giuliani had been “flagged down by a woman who was the victim of a domestic violence incident” and contacted police assistance on her behalf, Ragusa said. After police arrived, Giuliani continued on his way and his vehicle was hit shortly after pulling onto the highway in a crash that was “entirely unrelated” to the domestic violence incident, Ragusa told The Associated Press in an emailed statement.

State police said troopers were investigating a domestic violence report on the southbound Interstate 93 shortly before 10 p.m. and observed the crash, which occurred on the northbound lanes. Troopers and fire personnel quickly crossed to provide help.

New Hampshire State Police declined to comment on whether Giuliani had contacted the agency regarding the account of a domestic violence incident.

Goodman did not respond to requests for comment and Giuliani’s team did not provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“Thank you to all the people that have reached out since learning the news about my Father,” Andrew Giuliani, Rudy Giuliani’s son, wrote in post on X. “Your prayers mean the world.”

The crash follows some rocky years for the onetime Republican presidential candidate, who was dubbed “America’s mayor” in light of his leadership in New York after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.

Giuliani later became President Trump’s personal attorney for a time and a vocal proponent of Trump’s false allegations of fraud in the 2020 election, won by Democrat Joe Biden. Trump and his backers lost dozens of lawsuits, and numerous recounts, reviews and audits of the election results turned up no signs of significant wrongdoing or error.

Two former Georgia elections workers later won a $148-million defamation judgment against Giuliani for issues related to his 2020 election fabrications.

As they sought to collect the judgment, the former federal prosecutor was found in contempt of court and faced a trial this winter over the ownership of some of his assets. He ultimately struck a deal that let him keep his homes and various belongings, including prized World Series rings, in exchange for unspecified compensation and a promise to stop speaking ill of the ex-election workers.

Brook writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Jennifer Peltz in New York contributed to this report.

HUNDREDS of travellers have descended on a tiny village for a huge pony and trap “drive” which is the biggest of its kind in the UK.

The massive two-day event in the New Forest has come at a cost for locals with all but one pub shutting down in Lyndhurst, Hampshire.

12

12

12

12

The sole bar manager has boasted about owning the “bravest pub in the village” as he opened his doors this weekend to the travellers.

Nearly every pub for miles around the village have closed signs plastered outside other than The Stag Hotel.

Manager Jake Ellis said: “I don’t know if we are brave, or mad!

“To be honest I feel it’s no different to a large group of stags, or hens, turning up.

“You can have all sorts of trouble with them, and we have a simple rule here, if you’re lairy you leave.”

Owner of the popular high street pub, Maria Harris, said one main factor behind her staying open was because a “task force” being set up around this year’s event.

Comprised of the local council, the police and Forestry England, dozens of people kept a close eye on the drive to keep everyone safe.

It comes after the 2024 pony and trap drive in the New Forest was described as “complete carnage”.

Maria said: “If it wasn’t for the task force, we would be shutting like most pubs.

“There have been meetings with all the businesses where they outlined the plans, they had to keep control of it, what was being done to ensure the welfare of the ponies and what support we will have if any trouble starts.

“The drive is a heritage event which should keep going. But respect is a two-way thing.

“I am giving my trust to the travellers by saying they are welcome here, but I am also asking them to behave – hopefully they will.”

Many travellers heading down for the annual get together were left upset by the lack of pubs open – especially the one they normally congregate at.

The Happy Cheese – just up the road from the The Stag Hotel – won’t be open for business across the two days.

Their owners have plastered big signs saying “No tethering of horses” to fences surrounding the establishment as an extra message.

In response, the travellers carried out a drive by the pub in their pony and carts.

Some even left piles of horse manure behind as a calling card.

Organiser of the drive Tracy Cooper – which the event is named after – slammed the pubs which have shut as “being guilty of disgusting racism“.

12

12

12

She said: “It is total discrimination. We have so much hate directed at us. It’s ignorance of our ways.

“To be honest I am so sick of the abuse I get over this I think this will be the last one. I just can’t take it anymore.”

Last year’s gathering was marred by the death of a horse that was driven over a cattle grid.

Witnesses said the animal had “died in agony” and there were calls for the drive to be banned.

Tracy responded: “That pony and trap wasn’t even part of our drive. It was nothing to do with us.

“We care for our animals; anyone can see for that themselves.”

She was also happy over the introduction of the task force and welcomed them to patrol the event.

She said: “We have been working closely with it. We are glad the police are around, it shows people we are doing nothing illegal.”

Part of the police initiative includes the involvement of a “Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Liaison Officer”.

PCSO Steve Hull, who is part of a travelling fair community, is visiting all major traveller and Gypsy events in the UK, including the world famous Appleby Horse Fair.

He wants to “help break down barriers between us and them”.

Pointing at his uniform he said: “The biggest problem is this, they see it and think ‘Oh police’ and the mistrust comes in.

“But then the see the sign on my back which states what I am, and they start opening up.

“My aim is to build links between us and them and educate the police about what their communities are about.”

Steve, who is a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police force, gives talks to police bosses about Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities.

He said: “They are an ethnic minority like any other. The more trust we can gain with them the easier it is to police events like this.

“We can work together to ensure they run safely and without incident. I am not saying they are all law abiding but a lot of what is said about them on social media is false.”

12

12

12

Apart from Steve other new measures this year include tall temporary yellow CCTV towers which have been placed on Lyndhurst high street and at “hotspots” where the travellers gather.

These include beside a river near the Balmer Lawn hotel in Brockenhurst where they go to wash their horses after a drive.

Last year angry locals scattered glass and metal screws on the riverbanks to stop the travellers doing it.

The area then had to be closed for over a week while a clear up operation to prevent harm to wild animals was undertaken.

Some residents of the New Forest, while not agreeing with that action, can understand why some locals have been driven to it.

Local Evelyn Warren explained: “It’s a shame because the drive is actually wonderful to see with all the ponies and the carts.

“But then they go to a pub, get drunk and do all sorts. I don’t think the drive should be banned but it needs to be controlled more.

“There are so many travellers it can get scary at times.”

12

12

A MAN has pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-wife by their teen son’s grave on what would have been his birthday.

Martin Suter, 86, brutally attacked 71-year-old Ann Blackwood at the cemetery in Stubbington, Hampshire.

2

The mum was discovered by their son Christopher’s grave in July 2023 on what would have been his 16th birthday.

Suter admitted murder in court in May last year but the case was subjected to reporting restrictions.

But his plea can now be reported after a judge lifted the restrictions.

It can also be revealed that at the same time as his murder confession, Suter had faced court accused of historic sex offences.

He admitted indecent assault of a girl under 14 in May 2023 and faced five further charges at a trial in July last year but was cleared.

Police were called to Crofton Cemetery on July 24, 2023, following reports of an assault.

Ann was treated at the scene by paramedics but sadly couldn’t be saved and was declared dead shortly after.

Paying tribute, her family said: “Her daughter, brothers, their families and all her friends are absolutely devastated by the loss of Ann Blackwood.

“A loving, caring, kind-hearted mother and friend who was very popular in her local community, she was enjoying her retirement with an active lifestyle which included tennis, sailing, cycling and music”.

Suter was a Green Party member and council election candidate.

The killer was also an active member of the St Faith’s Church in Lee-on-the-Solent where he lived.

He will be sentenced in September at Portsmouth Crown Court.

2

After being asked to bat first, Sibley and Jacks reached 59-0 at the end of the six-over powerplay, but the stand was broken on 74 in the eighth over when Jacks cut Benny Howell to Liam Dawson for 41 from 24 balls.

In-form Jason Roy was run out following some fine work from the sprawling James Vince after scoring seven from 13 balls, having amassed 258 in his previous five knocks.

With his side 96-2 in the 12th over, Sibley got back to work and brought up his half-century from 32 balls but after adding 42 from 27 balls with Curran, he eventually fell for 70 off 46 balls to a diving catch from James Fuller at mid-on after toe-ending one off Scott Currie (2-36).

Curran and Laurie Evans added 34 from the next 13 deliveries before Curran skied Fuller to Vince to depart for a 20-ball 38 with two overs remaining.

Evans was caught by Dewald Brevis off Currie in the final over for 19 off 10 balls, and the visitors closed on 193-6 with Tom Curran run out off the final ball for 10.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius clipped Sam Curran off his pads for a six from the third ball of Hampshire’s reply and showcased his power with 14 off Reece Topley’s first over on his return to the Surrey side.

However, the South African fell in tame fashion in the fourth over, trying a reverse sweep only to top-edge to Topley (2-24) off Jacks for 28 from 19 balls.

Hawks skipper Vince (9) followed him in the following over, looping Topley to Chris Jordan at mid-on, and Toby Albert inside-edged Nathan Smith behind to Evans as the hosts were 45-3 at the end of the powerplay.

Brevis welcomed Kiwi spinner Mitch Santner with two sixes in three balls, but the game looked up when he holed out to Smith in the deep off Jordan to depart for 16 from 10 balls with 120 runs still needed from 11 overs.

Jordan (2-17) picked up his second wicket when Joe Weatherley’s promising knock ended as he pulled one to Ollie Sykes on 27, while Fuller (11) looped Santner to Jacks, and Liam Dawson (1) chipped Topley to Curran to leave the Hawks 98-7 in the 14th over.

Santner bowled Chris Wood (3) to end with 2-36, and Smith had Benny Howell (10) caught by Roy and John Turner (4) hole out to Jordan to finish with figures of 3-18 as the Hawks were bundled out with 13 balls to spare.

With the prospect of weather playing a part, Hampshire won the toss and asked Surrey to bat first.

Dom Sibley cracked James Fuller over the ropes as Surrey put on 18 from the opening two overs of seam but South African spinner Bjorn Fortuin, making his debut in place of Liam Dawson, tempted Sibley into sweeping straight to John Turner for 13 in the third.

Jason Roy began to warm up as the hosts reached 43-1 at the end of the six-over powerplay but Currie tempted Ollie Pope into stepping across his stumps and trying to scoop, only to nick straight into the hands of keeper Albert and depart for 11. Pope has now made 25 runs across three games opening the batting and left his side 51-2 from eight overs.

Roy was joined by skipper Sam Curran but his side were 64-2 at the midway point as the Hawks bowlers slowed their progress – limiting the hosts to just 10 boundaries and four sixes across the 20 overs.

The pressure told as Roy tried to take Turner over the mid-wicket boundary, only to find Joe Weatherley just inside the rope and depart for 37 to leave his side 67-3 in the 12th over – though Roy finished as his side’s leading scorer for the third straight game.

Laurie Evans and Curran struggled to get to grips with the Hawks attack and Surrey were 91-3 with five overs remaining, though both cut loose in Turner’s final over, with Curran launching back-to-back sixes to make it 21 runs from five balls before miscuing the final ball into the sky for Vince to catch and send Curran packing for 34 from 25 balls.

Tom Curran picked out Weatherley with a skier to deep square off Wood (2-27) and Ollie Sykes was caught by Currie for one three balls later while Weatherley picked up his third catch to dismiss Chris Jordan for eight off Currie (2-17) to end the 19th over.

Roy put down a sharp chance at second slip off the opening ball of the reply from Dan Worrall, giving Albert another life, but the Surrey bowlers kept the Hawks in check until the rain began to fall

The final over of the powerplay, Sam Curran’s first, cost 16 runs amid some errant fielding and saw the Hawks reach 50-0.

With 10 wickets in hand, Hawks were well ahead of the DLS rate of 48 when they were eventually called off after 8.2 overs with the score 63-0.

Vince finished unbeaten on 33 from 28 deliveries with Albert on 28 from 22 at the other end as the Hawks picked up just their second T20 win over Surrey in the past 11 meetings.