Thames Valley Police have confirmed the force has reinstated their Chief Constable despite an ongoing investigation.

Chief Constable Jason Hogg was previously suspended by the force’s Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Barber on January 16th after the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) declared they were investigating his conduct.

But PCC Barber announced yesterday (28/01) that he would be reversing his previous decision to suspend Hogg and that he would return to his duties.

Acting Chief Constable Ben Snuggs will revert to his substantive role as Deputy Chief Constable.

In a statement, Barber said that he has decided upon taking legal advice to reverse his decision to suspend Hogg.

Barber said, “I can announce today that Jason Hogg is returning to his duties as Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police with immediate effect. Twelve days ago (16/01), when presented with a set of allegations by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), I announced the Chief Constable’s suspension. Whilst I took this decision in what I considered to be the wider public interest of ensuring confidence in policing, this has been subject to an appeal.

“Following these representations as part of the normal review of such decisions and having taken legal advice on the appeal, it is clear that in my original suspension decision I was over reliant on the assessment made by the IOPC. My intention was, and remains, to ensure that the highest standards of conduct are maintained at every level of policing and to give the public reassurance in policing. 

“Whilst the IOPC will continue their investigation, I am pleased to be able to reinstate the Chief Constable to continue his work leading Thames Valley Police. I have always had confidence in Jason Hogg as Chief Constable and I look forward to continuing working in partnership with him on behalf of communities in Thames Valley. 

“I was clear at the time that the suspension was a neutral act, and I reiterate that same point now. The Chief Constable, as with all of us, is innocent unless proven otherwise, and it remains for the IOPC to conclude their investigation and I once again urge them to conclude it as quickly as possible.  

“I have spoken to the Policing Minister about the implications for the Police Accountability Review and how the Government should clarify the powers of PCCs when acting in the wider public interest in such cases. 

“Undoubtedly, the allegations and the suspension have created great uncertainty within Thames Valley Police. I am confident however that, building on the strong working relationship that we have developed over many years, the Chief Constable and I will continue to work closely to protect our communities across the Thames Valley by continuing to cut crime and catch more criminals.”

In a statement released by Thames Valley Police, Chief Constable Hogg said he was pleased to return to his role.

Hogg said, “I am pleased to return to my role, and my focus remains firmly on leading our force and protecting our communities by fighting crime and supporting victims.

“I am deeply grateful for the ongoing professionalism and dedication shown by our officers, staff and volunteers who as ever remain absolutely committed to serving the public and delivering policing across the Thames Valley.”

The IOPC have not commented publicly on either the continuing investigation into Hogg’s conduct or the decision taken by PCC Barber to reinstate him.

Midsummer Festival will return on Sunday 22 June, with the festival seeking to build on a successful first edition held last summer.

Organised by Milton Keynes City Council to coincide with the summer solstice, from 10am on 22 June Midsummer Boulevard East will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of music, arts and family-friendly activities inspired by themes of renewal, healing and health.

The festival will feature live music, street theatre, folklore-inspired art, and hands-on workshops, all free to enjoy. Visitors can also indulge in delicious pop-up street food curated by local food blogging star Sophie etc., with food available throughout the day and into the evening.

Midsummer Boulevard East will be closed to traffic during the event. Diversion signs will redirect motorists, and buses will operate from alternative stops outside The Point on Lower Tenth Street.

While a full programme is still being finalised, highlights already confirmed include Leap Then Look: A new interactive art commission, Bernadette Russell: A captivating storytelling performance reclaiming the image of fairies as wild, punk-spirited protectors of the earth and Wild Rumpus and the Pavilion of the Hopeful Sun: Hosting the ‘Ceremony of the Seed’.

MK City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture and Innovation, Cllr Shanika Mahendran, said “We’re delighted to bring the Midsummer Festival back this year after its incredible success in its first outing. The team is working on what promises to be an action-packed day with activities for everyone to enjoy. We want to do something really special this time out, so if you’re a local artist or have a creative mind, get in touch and help us put on another fantastic display.”

The city council is inviting artists, creatives, and cultural organisations to submit ideas for a new commission to feature in the festival programme. Those interested can apply on the city council’s website.

A woman has been jailed for defrauding elderly victims with multiple offences across England, including shopping in Milton Keynes with a stolen card.

Lisa Macardle, aged 39 of an undisclosed location, has been jailed for two and a half years after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation.

Situations involving the jailed individual took place in Bournemouth, Southampton, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, Leicestershire and Oxford in the summer of 2023.

On 17 June 2023, the first victim, who was a 98-year-old woman, received a telephone call on her landline by a man claiming to be her bank, informing her that her bank cards needed to be cancelled and that a new one would be sent out. The victim was told that a courier would pick up the old cards in due course.

Two days later, Macardle attended the victim’s house in Dorset and collected the victim’s bank card.

Macardle then used the bank card to withdraw £500 from an ATM in Bournemouth, make a purchase of Apple products in John Lewis in Southampton for £3,838.01, withdraw £50 from an ATM in Aylesbury and attempt to transfer large amounts of money into her business account.

Thousands of pounds of other purchases, transfers and ATM withdrawals were also attempted but were unsuccessful. 

On 23 June of the same year, the second victim, a 96-year-old man, received a similar phone call from a man stating there was an issue with his bank card.

Later that day, Macardle attended the victim’s address in Northampton and the victim handed over his bank card.

Macardle then used the bank card to withdraw £500 from an ATM in Leicestershire, make a purchase of Apple products at Currys in Milton Keynes for £1,648 and attempt to purchase further Apple products to the value of £3,305.99 at Currys in Aylesbury, the last of which was unsuccessful.

On 28 June 2023, the third victim, a 91-year-old woman, received a bogus phone call regarding her bank card after which Macardle attended the victim’s address in Hampshire and collected the victim’s bank card.

Macardle then used the bank card to withdraw £250 from an ATM in Hampshire and make a purchase of Apple products at Currys in Aylesbury for £3,786.

She also tried to purchase a piece of jewellery at Ernest Jones Jewellers in Oxford for £1,915, however this transaction was unsuccessful.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn of the Central Fraud Unit, said, “Courier fraud is a type of fraud where criminals deceive victims into handing over money, valuables, or sensitive information by posing as authorities or trusted individuals.

“In courier fraud, the deception typically unfolds in several stages, often targeting vulnerable or elderly individuals.

“Courier fraud preys on the victim’s trust, vulnerability, and fear of authority, making it a particularly insidious form of deception.

“Lisa Macardle has pleaded guilty to the offences which is testament to the thorough investigation by Thames Valley Police’s High Harm Fraud Team.

“Our message to offenders is clear, we will pursue, arrest and charge you.

“To protect yourself from being a victim of courier fraud, individuals should exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls or requests for sensitive information. It is essential to verify the identity of the caller by independently contacting the purported organisation using official contact information, such as the phone number listed on their website, bank cards or statements.

“Additionally, individuals should refrain from disclosing personal or financial details over the phone and remain sceptical of any requests for immediate action or secrecy.

“Fraud prevention advice can be found on our website.”

Macardle was first arrested on 28 June 2023 and was charged with the offences on 10 July 2024. She pleaded guilty and was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court on 17 January. No other suspects were identified during the investigation.

MK Dons Head Coach Scott Lindsey praised his team for their display against AFC Wimbledon, if admitting disappointment they couldn’t turn one point into three.

Lindsey was pleased with his side’s work against an AFC Wimbledon team that began the day in the play-off positions, with the Dons boss feeling that his side were the consistently brighter looking and that they looked the likelier to come away with the three points.

He said, “I thought we were outstanding. We deserved to win it. I thought we were brilliant and I really liked us today. I felt it before the game in the meeting.

“We were defensively really strong, obviously with our addition, and we played so well. First 25 minutes, we were outstanding – best we’ve played. Of course, they’re going to have a spell in the game – they’re a good side that are in the play-off positions for a reason and they had a spell, kind of, towards the end of the second half.

“But I think that’s going to do so much for us as a football club, that performance, based on needing to turn a corner today. I’m really disappointed we didn’t win it. I really wanted to win it and think we looked like the team that wanted to win it the most, and thought we were brilliant.”

One noteworthy inclusion in the team was Nathan Thompson, who was straight in the starting line-up after signing from Stevenage the day before, and Lindsey, who worked in a coaching staff at Swindon with Thompson in the past, praised his latest recruit for his instant impact.

He said, “He’s an incredible signing for the football club, I’ll tell you that now. We’ve worked really hard to get him. I’ve known Nathan a long time – I worked with him many years ago, 2015, when he was at Swindon and I was one of the coaches there, and he’s incredible in terms of defensive prowess.

“Outstanding performance by him but also, in the locker room, he’s a real culture setter and one of the best I’ve seen. I think he’s an amazing signing for the football club and I think the fans could see out there today how good he is.”

Lindsey also said, “I think the big reason why we keep a clean sheet today is because of Nathan Thompson. He just organises and you can hear him talking throughout the game to both centre halves either side and Jay Williams in front. We crunch the pitch better.

“I think when you’ve got that older head at the back, it calms you down on the ball. So he’s a big reason.”

While MK Dons had issues with creating chances, Lindsey mused that the visitors did a good work in defending them, but said he was happy with the work MK Dons put in against AFC Wimbledon and that it was worthy of unlocking the door.

He said, “I think sometimes you’ve got to give the opposition a bit of credit.

“Sometimes you play against teams that are just very good at defending in the box. I do know our xG would be higher than theirs, which it hasn’t been in the last six or seven games, and I was really keen to get our xG differential in a strong position today because the more you do that, the more likely it is you win games.”

Lindsey also said he felt the team put in a display that the fans could be happy with.

He said, “I think everyone in the stadium could clearly see that we were on it and we were at it today. We worked harder than them and we did everything we could to win that game of football today. I think that’s what I want the fans to feel – that we have a group of players willing to go through the pain barrier for that to happen. We just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net but I thought the performance was top class.”