BECKY PARKER MURDER: Ex-boyfriend admits killing Essex mum-of-two...

A JILTED lover has admitted for the first time in open court to killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend in a fit of rage while the pair's infant son sat playing in the next room.For four-and-a-half hours today (Wednesday), 24-year-old Matthew Smith stood in the dock, telling the jury, Judge Charles Gratwicke QC and assembled families of both parties about the events of July 17 2015, which left mum-of-two Becky Parker dead in her bathtub.Answering questions from his defence lawyer Craig Rush, Smith,...

Patient appointments during the second day of junior doctor...

AFTER a number of patients rung the hospital to express concern about their appointments at Broomfield Hospital in the second day of the 48 hour strike by junior doctors, the hospital has issued the following advice:"Patients who were contacted prior to the strike, and advised that they were on a stand by list, if the doctors strike goes ahead, please DO NOT attend for your appointment."All other patient appointments, those not contacted, will proceed as normal."The picket line...

Chelmsford vets urge cat and dog owners to microchip pets before...

LAWS requiring all dog owners in Essex to microchip their pets come into force at the end of this month with pet owners facing a fine of up to £500 if they fail to do so.

The law comes into force on April 6 and will require all dogs over eight-weeks-old to have a microchip implanted.

However, a Chelmsford Vets that recently ran an online campaign to find the owners of Bob the cat are urging cat owners to also chip their pets in an attempt to keep track of the more adventurous...

PICTURES: World Book Day in schools across Essex, Chelmsford,...

Essex schools spent last week, and most importantly last Thursday, celebrating the world of literature by dressing up and doing a number of other exciting activities.Schools from all over the county got in touch with the Chronicle to show off the excellent costumes that their pupils had worn for their World Book Day celebrations.From Winnie the Pooh characters taking over Widford Lodge to mark the book's 90th anniversary, to princesses in Meadgate children (with maybe a bit of help from parents)...

MURDER TRIAL: Suspect who killed Essex mum Becky Parker is a...

The mum of murder accused Matthew Smith has claimed that her son is a "wuss" who hated conflict, despite him admitting to the killing of his ex-partner, pregnant mum-of-two Becky Parker.Appearing in court on Thursday afternoon, Linda Smith called Matthew, the younger of her two sons, "timid" and "placid" and described him as someone who "didn't like confrontation and would always stand down".Answering questions from defence barrister Craig Rush, she added:...

Essex schools dress-up for World Book Day

Schools across the county have been celebrating World Book Day today by encouraging staff and students to dress up as their favourite literary characters.From Horrid Henrys and tank engines at St Pius X Catholic Primary in Chelmsford to Mad Hatters and pirates at St Annes Prep popular children's characters have been cropping up all over the county's schools.World Book Day not only gives children and teachers the chance to show their love for different books, it also gives children the chance to...

Which children's centres could close in your area?

On reviewing the Essex County Council consultation document on the proposed closure of children's centres in Essex, we have compiled a list of those that are set to close in Mid Essex.Take a look through our list of the Chelmsford, Maldon and Braintree children's centres that could be closed in 2017 if Essex County Council's plans go ahead.Children's centres that will close in the Braintree area:Acorn Children's Centre, HalsteadHarlequin's Children's Centre, WithamRainbow Children's Centre,...