Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: Defendant called Kim ‘desperate’ and a ‘narcissist’ in argument recording titled ‘she got told’

The defendant called the alleged murder victim “desperate” and a “narcissist” in a covert recording of an argument titled “she got told”, which the court heard on Thursday June 11. 55-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9 2025.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: Alleged murder victim treated as ‘tarnished’ and ‘begged’ defendant to see the change in her in late 2023

The court heard messages and voice notes exchanged between the alleged murder victim and defendant, when Kimberley Thompson said she was treated as “tarnished” and begged him to see the change in her in late 2023. 55-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Northampton hairdresser celebrates return to work following spinal surgery after being told she was at risk of paralysis

A Northampton hairdresser is celebrating her return to work following spinal surgery, after being told she was at risk of paralysis as a result of potential spinal cord compression. Brooke Wright has more than a decade of experience and it was in August 2022 when she decided to break away from working in a salon to do her own thing.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Dani Harmer: Tracy Beaker star ‘couldn’t think of anywhere better’ to celebrate 30 years in pantomime than home county

BAFTA award-winning Dani Harmer, best known for her role as Tracy Beaker, told the Chronicle & Echo she “couldn’t think of anywhere better” to celebrate her 30 years in pantomime than her home county. Dani is one of the biggest stars of children’s television, having played the title role in CBBC’s The Story of Tracy Beaker, Tracy Beaker Returns, My Mum Tracy Beaker and The Beaker Girls, alongside many other screen credits.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Steve McFadden: TV icon Phil Mitchell looks forward to swapping Albert Square for the Royal & Derngate stage

Television icon Steve McFadden, known best for his role as Phil Mitchell in Eastenders, told the Chronicle & Echo he looks forward to swapping Albert Square for the Royal & Derngate stage this Christmas. Steve has been on our screens in Eastenders for more than 36 years and has led many high-profile storylines, receiving accolades including the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement and the National Television Award for Outstanding Serial Performance in 2025.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Star-studded cast of Royal & Derngate’s 2026 pantomime brought early touch of Christmas to Northampton

The star-studded cast of the Royal & Derngate’s 2026 pantomime brought an early touch of Christmas to Northampton for the launch of Beauty and the Beast. It was on Tuesday June 9 when the cast came together for the first time to celebrate what is promised to be a spectacular family show and to meet the team where they will spend their festive period.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: Forensic pathologist gives opinion on cause of death but recognises limitations in this case

A forensic pathologist has given his expert opinion on Kimberley Thompson’s cause of death, but told the court he recognises the “limitations” when it comes to complex cases like this one. 55-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: Green-yellow liquid with layer of sediment in alleged murder victim’s bedroom was not analysed

The court heard that a glass of liquid found in the alleged murder victim’s bedroom, which was green and yellow in appearance with a layer of sediment at the bottom, was not available for toxicological analysis. 55-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Britain’s Best Cake winner from Northampton believes ‘consistency and creativity’ are key to his success

The winner of Britain’s Best Cake Competition believes it is his “consistency and creativity” that have contributed to his success in Northampton for more than three years. Ryan Grigg runs Pat-a-Cake Man from Pineham, which specialises in bespoke celebration cakes for every occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and corporate events.
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