The Latest Breaking News from Bristol Crown Court

Man who led police on pursuit through Bristol jailed for 16 months

Avon and Somerset Police said Bryan Smith admitted driving offences and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.

Evening Standard · Oct 16, 2025

Police smash into stolen car and taser ‘reckless’ driver following chase

A police officer spotted Smith driving the stolen vehicle while on patrol

The Independent UK · Oct 16, 2025

Killer, 88, wrote note asking for forgiveness after smothering ‘wonderful’ wife to death

He told a fire service watch manager his wife was ‘very ill’

The Independent UK · Sep 2, 2025

Parents accused of baby’s murder ‘smoked while nurses tried to save him’

Daniel Gunter, 27, and Sophie Staddon, 23, appeared at Bristol Crown Court accused of murder and causing or allowing Brendon Staddon’s death.

Evening Standard · Jul 1, 2025

Granddaughter speaks of how Louisa Dunne’s murder cast shadow over family

Mary Dainton told Bristol Crown Court in a victim impact statement how her mother never recovered from circumstances of her own mother’s murder.

Evening Standard · Jul 1, 2025

Ryland Headley evaded police for 58 years. Then a single handprint brought him to justice

For decades, Ryland Headley went undetected for the violent murder of Louise Dunne in Bristol, until police officers re-examining the case discovered key links to the killer from boxed evidence

The Independent UK · Jul 1, 2025

Man, 92, will die in prison for rape and murder of woman in 1967

Ryland Headley was told he had committed a “pitiless and cruel act by a depraved man” as he was sentenced for murdering 75-year-old Louisa Dunne

Evening Standard · Jul 1, 2025

‘Depraved’ killer, 92, finally jailed for rape and murder cold case after 58 years

Ryland Headley told he will die in prison after forcing open window at Louisa Dunne’s Bristol home and attacking her nearly six decades ago

The Independent UK · Jul 1, 2025

Granddaughter of Louisa Dunne never believed her murderer would be caught

Ryland Headley has been convicted of raping and killing the mother-of-two in 1967.

Evening Standard · Jun 30, 2025

Jury continues considering verdicts in 1967 murder trial

Ryland Headley has been on trial at Bristol Crown Court for the past two weeks.

Evening Standard · Jun 27, 2025