Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson commits ‘ultimate act of cowardice’ says judge as murderer did not come to dock to be sentenced

A 56-year-old Northampton man, who was found guilty of murdering and raping his estranged wife Kimberley Bounds in their family home has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 33 years. The judge described Michael Thompson as committing the “ultimate act of cowardice”, as the murderer and rapist did not come to the dock to be sentenced and hear the victim impact statements from those grieving the loss of Kimberley Bounds.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Kimberley Bounds’ family pay emotional tributes to ‘kindest mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend’ as killer jailed for 33 years

The family of Kimberley Bounds has paid tribute to her as the “kindest mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend”, as her murder and rapist was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 33 years. 56-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, must spend this minimum term behind bars before being considered for parole and he has been added to the sex offender’s register for life.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: Kimberley Bounds’ murderer and rapist to serve life in prison with minimum term of 33 years

A 56-year-old Northampton man, who was found guilty of murdering and raping his estranged wife Kimberley Bounds in their family home has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 33 years. Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, was found guilty on July 8 of all four charges against him after standing trial for six weeks at Nottingham Crown Court.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Hottest street food pop-up returns to popular Northants garden centre this month – here’s all you need to know

The hottest street food pop-up is returning to a popular Northamptonshire garden centre this month, and here is everything you need to know ahead of the esteemed event. The classic edition of Bite Street NN is returning to Bell Plantation Garden Centre in Watling Street, Towcester, as it takes up its residency there for the second half of summer from July until the end of September.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Iconic landmark in Northampton to host UK’s largest celebration of African culture, music and heritage later this month

An iconic landmark in Northampton is preparing to host the UK’s largest celebration of African culture, music and heritage later this month. Delapré Abbey prides itself on being a place that belongs to its community and every visit, volunteer hour, wellbeing session and restored building tells a story of people coming together.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Two independent businesses join forces to share store on market town high street in ‘really exciting new chapter’

Two independent businesses have joined forces on a Northamptonshire high street, and sharing a bricks and mortar store is hoped to be the start of a “really exciting new chapter”. In recent weeks, Cécile Harris from The Slow Life moved from her existing premises on Towcester’s high street to Miller & Chalk at 213 Watling Street with founder Louise Miller-Chalk.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Two years since couple took ‘leap of faith’ to launch successful permanent jewellery venture in Northampton

It has been two years since this couple took a “leap of faith” to launch their permanent jewellery venture in Northampton and they are looking back on the successful journey so far. Jackie and Phil Firestone are the brains behind Evermore Permanent Jewellery, with a background in selling stainless steel jewellery for Jackie and welding for Phil before he made the move to Northampton from the US.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: ‘I hope today provides Kim’s family and friends with some comfort,’ say police after guilty verdicts

Michael Thompson has been found guilty of all four charges against him, including the murder and rape of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson, after standing trial for the past six weeks. The 56-year-old, of Pinewood Road, was found guilty of murder, rape and two charges of committing an act tending and intended to pervert the course of public justice on July 8 after the jury spent 11 hours and 38 minutes deliberating.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Looking to support local? This month’s market at popular village bakery is happening this weekend in Northampton

Are you looking to support local over the summer? This month’s market at a popular village bakery is happening this weekend in Northampton. Duston Village Bakery on Main Road is adored by loyal customers and impressively celebrated its centenary anniversary in June 2025, when the community arrived in their hundreds to show their support.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Founder – whose Northamptonshire business was born from resilience and turning pain into purpose – celebrates ‘incredible’ year

A founder, whose business was born from lived experience, resilience and turning pain into purpose, is celebrating an “incredible journey” so far in 2026. Ria Farmer, the founder of Rainbow Ri Holistic Health Coach at The Old Vicarage in Flore, was made redundant after 23 years with the same employer and has navigated significant health challenges for most of her life – including severe endometriosis.
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