Grandad, 78, facing trial after feeding the birds in UK seaside town
Grandad, 78, facing trial after feeding the birds in UK seaside town
Brian Wilkins had been known to buy 30 loaves of bread each day to feed the birds
Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied
Add us as preferred source By Jon King, News Reporter, Ed Chatterton, Mark Payne 19:13, Wed, Jul 1, 2026 Updated: 19:14, Wed, Jul 1, 2026 
A grandad is facing a crown court trial and possible prison sentence after being charged with breaching an order banning him from feeding the birds in his home town. Brian Wilkins, 78, was previously fined £2,000 after councillors complained about him scattering bread for pigeons and gulls around Hartlepool, County Durham.
Town hall officials blamed Mr Wilkins, who is affectionately known as the Bird Man of Hartlepool, for the town’s vermin problem and hauled him before magistrates in April 2025. Mr Wilkins had been known to buy 30 loaves of bread per day for the birds.
- ‘Migrant Street’ asylum seekers already desperate to leave £250k home – 'too isolated'
- Keir Starmer just eyed up his next job - it would be a complete joke if he got it
He has now been charged for failing to comply with the community order banning him from feeding wildlife.
Mr Wilkins is accused of breaching the order by putting food down for the birds in Green Street, Hartlepool, on February 11.
The pensioner appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court earlier in May, charged with one count of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
He elected for a trial by jury and on Monday (June 29) a two-day hearing for August 9 next year was set.
Get top stories from The Express sent straight to your phone Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The Criminal Behaviour Order was made by magistrates on April 1 last year for throwing down “excessive amounts” of bird seed and food from a trolley.
It is in place for two years and prevents Mr Wilkins from leaving food in any public space or accessible places in Hartlepool due to concerns around it attracting vermin.
Mr Wilkins was also previously fined £250, ordered to pay a £100 surcharge and court costs of £1,826.
If he is found guilty of breaching the order, it carries the risk of prison.
Mr Wilkins, of Hartlepool, was granted unconditional bail.
Lady Louise Windsor is all smiles as she graduates from St Andrews University
Lady Louise Windsor is all smiles as she graduates from St Andrews University
Lady Louise Windsor has successfully completed four years at St Andrews University in Scotland.
Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Sophia Papamavroudi, Emily Ferguson, Royal Editor 13:21, Thu, Jul 2, 2026 Updated: 13:21, Thu, Jul 2, 2026 
Lady Louise Windsor beamed proudly today as she attended her graduation from St Andrews University in Scotland. The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh completed four years at St Andrews with a degree in English.
Louise was all smiles as she proudly walked to the centre of the stage in the university's Younger Hall, where she kneeled on a cushion for the iconic "capping" ritual. She was dressed in formal attire consisting of a black skirt, a crisp white shirt, black heels and her graduation robes. Louise chose to go to the Prince and Princess of Wales's Alma mater in Scotland after completing her A Levels.
Get the latest news and gossip from the Royal Family plus selected offers and competitions Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
- Princess Kate looks gorgeous in blue as she arrives at Wimbledon 2026
- Royal Family LIVE: Prince William told to see Prince Harry on forthcoming UK trip
Courses north of the border take place over four years, instead of the traditional three in England and Wales.
It is understood that the 22-year-old will have a gap year working, volunteering and travelling, before exploring career opportunities.
Though she regularly attends set-piece royal events such as Trooping the Colour and the Royal Family's Christmas and Easter celebrations, Louise is not expected to become a working royal.
Despite both of her parents being working royals, Edward and Sophie decided not to give Louise and her brother, James, Earl of Wessex, royal titles.
The reason for this decision was to ensure that both their children could maintain a somewhat normal upbringing until they came of age, when they could choose for themselves.
Sophie spoke about their decision back in 2020 when she told the Times: “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living.
“Hence, we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”
Horror as multiple feared dead after huge explosion at cafe in major city
Damascus explosion: Horror as multiple feared dead after huge blast in Syria
Video online shows horrifying images of the aftermath.
Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Antonio Scancariello, News Reporter 13:34, Thu, Jul 2, 2026 Updated: 14:09, Thu, Jul 2, 2026 
A huge explosion has occurred near the Palace of Justice in Damascus, Syria, as a cafe is reportedly hit by the blast, and multiple casualties are feared. The explosion took place in a coffee shop in the Hejaz area of Damascus on Thursday, according to state media, incuding state agency SANA, which said at least four people died.
State-run Al-Ikhbariya television added that the nature of the blast was not immediately clear. SANA, however, said at least 10 people were injured.
Get the latest news from around the world and more Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
According to the reports, the Palace of Justice was not damaged by the blast.
- Damascus explosion: Horror as multiple feared dead after huge blast in Syria
- Ohio police save 16 children who 'looked like feral animals' from horrific tiny house
State agency SANA also said authorities have launched an investigation and the area has been cordoned off.
The explosion took place near Damascus' Hejaz Railway and the Palace of Justice, and Al Jazeera added there were "numerous injuries".
MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW...
4 Jets Entering Their Final Season in New York in 2026
4 Jets Entering Their Final Season in New York in 2026
New York fans should be prepared to see these four suit up for their final time as a Jet in 2026.Efstathios Savvidis|
New general manager Darren Mougey completely revamped the New York Jets this offseason. With the additions of Joseph Ossai, Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick plus rookies like David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr. and D’Angelo Ponds in the draft, Gang Green should improve from last year’s 3-14 record.
Even so, there is little expectation for them to end their 15-season playoff drought. Despite not being viewed as a playoff-caliber team, the 2026 season could be one of the most important in recent memory. With 35 players set to hit free agency, Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn must determine which players are crucial pieces to their core and which players can be replaced.
Whether they’re headed to free agency or the team feels it’s time to move on, these four are entering their final season with the Jets.
1. Braelon Allen, RB
Although Braelon Allen is under contract until 2028, there is reason to believe that he won’t be in New York next season. When he went down with a season-ending MCL injury last year, Isaiah Davis picked up his reps and played fairly well in his absence.
Despite receiving only 43 carries, Davis recorded 236 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with 21 receptions (28 targets) for 186 receiving yards. Bree Hall signing his lucrative extension solidified his role as a three-down back, leaving Allen and Davis battling for scraps.
Allen had the backup spot the last two years, but Davis’ recent play gives him the edge. The two running backs also offer different skill sets. Allen is a physical, downhill runner who doesn’t offer much receiving upside, while Davis is the more versatile option, providing contributions on the ground and as a receiver. Davis is also an efficient runner, averaging a career 5.6 yards per carry.
If Davis can continue his productive play on the ground, Allen could become expendable. Allen is also two years younger than Davis, and teams could be more interested in the former fourth-round pick.
2. Marcelino McCrary-Ball, LB
Marcelino McCrary-Ball is a vital piece of the Jets' special teams. He was their special teams captain last season and stood out in this role, logging seven tackles and earning an 85.0 special teams grade, per Pro Football Focus.
Despite being a productive contributor on that end, he hasn’t proven to be a dependable player on defense. The three-year veteran has played a career 109 defensive snaps, logging just 30 total tackles and one forced fumble.
Although he played a career-high 106 defensive snaps last season, McCrary-Ball received an abysmal 46.4 overall grade, per PFF.
Even with his poor play, McCrary-Ball has an opportunity to redeem himself given the lack of quality depth at the linebacker position. He’ll need to outshine Mykal Walker, who excelled on both special teams and defense last year.
If not, it will be an easy decision to move on from the former Indiana Hoosier.
3. Eric Watts, EDGE
In Eric Watts' two-year tenure with the Jets, he’s received plenty of opportunities to carve himself a role. However, the former UConn Husky has failed to capitalize, logging only six hurries in 334 defensive snaps.
With New York unable to generate pressure (26 sacks last season), Mougey added Bailey, Ossai, and Kingsley Enagbare to improve their pass rush. These moves ultimately pushed Watts further down the depth chart and put him on the outside looking in for a roster spot.
While he should be a candidate to earn a practice squad spot, he’ll need to display progression as a pass-rusher if he’s to receive any call-ups this season.
4. Kene Nwangwu, RB
Like McCrary-Ball, Kene Nwangwu is a critical contributor to the Jets’ special teams. The five-year veteran is a tremendous kickoff returner and continued his dominance this past season, averaging 33.6 yards per return and scoring a touchdown.
Despite his success as a returner, Nwangwu isn’t utilized on offense. He appeared in just 30 snaps last season, logging only 49 rushing yards on 13 carries while being buried behind Hall, Allen and Davis in the depth chart.
Even though he’s one of the better kickoff returners, Nwangwu’s limited impact on offense makes him expendable. And with the Jets already set at running back, there isn’t much need for him on the team.
They can easily turn to Isaiah Williams to take over return duties, as he’s already displayed his capability as both a kick and punt returner.
Published 1 minute ago
EFSTATHIOS SAVVIDISEfstathios is a writer for OnSI covering the New York Jets. With a B.A. in Journalism from Roger Williams University, he's been in sports media for the last two years. Efstathios is also a contributor for Fansided's Local Network.
