Charles Thomson
@cethomson.bsky.social
Newsquest Crime & Investigations Journalist (Essex)
4x Weekly Reporter of the Year
2x Crime & Investigative Reporter of the Year
4x Weekly Reporter of the Year
2x Crime & Investigative Reporter of the Year
A man has pleaded guilty to running a fraudulent dog rehoming charity, after the remains of 41 dogs were found on his property in Essex.
But campaigners say even more dogs are still missing.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2575774...
But campaigners say even more dogs are still missing.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2575774...
'Still more missing dogs', campaigners say as south Essex man admits animal cruelty
Campaigners say they have “more work to do” after a Billericay man pleaded guilty to 12 criminal charges over a fraudulent south Essex kennel…
www.echo-news.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 1:12 PM
A man has pleaded guilty to running a fraudulent dog rehoming charity, after the remains of 41 dogs were found on his property in Essex.
But campaigners say even more dogs are still missing.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2575774...
But campaigners say even more dogs are still missing.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2575774...
Reposted by Charles Thomson
After the 2020 election, Larry Ellison joined a call to strategize on overturning the vote for Trump and donated to election deniers. Now he controls CBS and wants CNN’s parent, raising new questions this week as his influence grows.
My latest in @status.news www.status.news/p/larry-elli...
My latest in @status.news www.status.news/p/larry-elli...
Ellison and the Lie
As Larry Ellison’s media empire expands, unanswered questions about his views on the 2020 election now carry real stakes as Jan. 6 is reframed and the next presidential race approaches.
www.status.news
January 10, 2026 at 7:29 PM
After the 2020 election, Larry Ellison joined a call to strategize on overturning the vote for Trump and donated to election deniers. Now he controls CBS and wants CNN’s parent, raising new questions this week as his influence grows.
My latest in @status.news www.status.news/p/larry-elli...
My latest in @status.news www.status.news/p/larry-elli...
An Essex domestic abuser who subjected her partner to bites, punches, burns and strangulation, tried to set his home on fire, and controlled him with threats to falsely accuse him of rape and paedophilia, has walked free from Basildon Crown Court.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2575439...
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2575439...
Woman from south Essex walks free despite threat to feed ex's dad's corpse to pigs
Lilly May Burns, from Canvey, subjected her boyfriend to a campaign of 'nasty, reprehensible' domestic abuse, including burns, bites and death…
www.echo-news.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 8:50 AM
An Essex domestic abuser who subjected her partner to bites, punches, burns and strangulation, tried to set his home on fire, and controlled him with threats to falsely accuse him of rape and paedophilia, has walked free from Basildon Crown Court.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2575439...
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2575439...
Reposted by Charles Thomson
I generally think reporters at outlets like the Mail need some leeway: especially early career people need jobs and experience, so have to work places they might not want to.
But genuinely, I’d quit my job rather than have my byline appear next to that headline. Surely any decent person would.
But genuinely, I’d quit my job rather than have my byline appear next to that headline. Surely any decent person would.
The no-angeling is already in full swing.
January 8, 2026 at 6:12 PM
I generally think reporters at outlets like the Mail need some leeway: especially early career people need jobs and experience, so have to work places they might not want to.
But genuinely, I’d quit my job rather than have my byline appear next to that headline. Surely any decent person would.
But genuinely, I’d quit my job rather than have my byline appear next to that headline. Surely any decent person would.
Reposted by Charles Thomson
This year I served on my first jury for a murder trial.
It cemented in me the value of being judged by your peers. The generally public school educated, at least middle class, judiciary cannot be expected to be the sole arbiter of what's right for everyday people.
It cemented in me the value of being judged by your peers. The generally public school educated, at least middle class, judiciary cannot be expected to be the sole arbiter of what's right for everyday people.
Labour's plot to axe many jury trials is lazy, abusive & hypocritical.
Here are the REAL causes of the court backlog.
My reporter's-eye view, featuring tweets from @barristersecret.bsky.social, @joannahs.bsky.social and, of course, David Lammy.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569400...
Here are the REAL causes of the court backlog.
My reporter's-eye view, featuring tweets from @barristersecret.bsky.social, @joannahs.bsky.social and, of course, David Lammy.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569400...
What are the true causes of the court backlog? Here's our Essex court reporter's view
The Labour government wants many trials held by judges instead of juries. Echo court reporter Charles Thomson says it is a lazy, hypocritical…
www.echo-news.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 6:32 PM
This year I served on my first jury for a murder trial.
It cemented in me the value of being judged by your peers. The generally public school educated, at least middle class, judiciary cannot be expected to be the sole arbiter of what's right for everyday people.
It cemented in me the value of being judged by your peers. The generally public school educated, at least middle class, judiciary cannot be expected to be the sole arbiter of what's right for everyday people.
Labour's plot to axe many jury trials is lazy, abusive & hypocritical.
Here are the REAL causes of the court backlog.
My reporter's-eye view, featuring tweets from @barristersecret.bsky.social, @joannahs.bsky.social and, of course, David Lammy.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569400...
Here are the REAL causes of the court backlog.
My reporter's-eye view, featuring tweets from @barristersecret.bsky.social, @joannahs.bsky.social and, of course, David Lammy.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569400...
What are the true causes of the court backlog? Here's our Essex court reporter's view
The Labour government wants many trials held by judges instead of juries. Echo court reporter Charles Thomson says it is a lazy, hypocritical…
www.echo-news.co.uk
December 29, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Labour's plot to axe many jury trials is lazy, abusive & hypocritical.
Here are the REAL causes of the court backlog.
My reporter's-eye view, featuring tweets from @barristersecret.bsky.social, @joannahs.bsky.social and, of course, David Lammy.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569400...
Here are the REAL causes of the court backlog.
My reporter's-eye view, featuring tweets from @barristersecret.bsky.social, @joannahs.bsky.social and, of course, David Lammy.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569400...
An Essex paedophile has been jailed after telling the probation service he had to abuse children because his wife was refusing him sex.
Paul Coffey, a retired banking contractor from Southend, showed no hint of guilt or remorse, Basildon Crown Court heard.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569088...
Paul Coffey, a retired banking contractor from Southend, showed no hint of guilt or remorse, Basildon Crown Court heard.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569088...
'Smirking' paedophile jailed for abusing children across Basildon and Southend
Paul Coffey, sentenced for historic child sex offences in Basildon and Southend, blamed his crimes against children on a 'sexless marriage'.
www.echo-news.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 7:59 PM
An Essex paedophile has been jailed after telling the probation service he had to abuse children because his wife was refusing him sex.
Paul Coffey, a retired banking contractor from Southend, showed no hint of guilt or remorse, Basildon Crown Court heard.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569088...
Paul Coffey, a retired banking contractor from Southend, showed no hint of guilt or remorse, Basildon Crown Court heard.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2569088...
An Essex drug dealer has told a murder jury his testimony in a previous trial was 'a pack of lies', but insisted he is now telling the truth.
Codey Nolan is accused of kicking and stamping to death Hassan Bousanguar above a Basildon shopping parade.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2568097...
Codey Nolan is accused of kicking and stamping to death Hassan Bousanguar above a Basildon shopping parade.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2568097...
Basildon drug dealer tells jury he 'killed man in self-defence after hammer threat'
Drug dealer Codey Nolan has told a murder jury at Basildon Crown Court that he killed Vange man Hassan Bousanguar because he threatened to rape his…
www.echo-news.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 6:01 PM
An Essex drug dealer has told a murder jury his testimony in a previous trial was 'a pack of lies', but insisted he is now telling the truth.
Codey Nolan is accused of kicking and stamping to death Hassan Bousanguar above a Basildon shopping parade.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2568097...
Codey Nolan is accused of kicking and stamping to death Hassan Bousanguar above a Basildon shopping parade.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2568097...
Essex drug dealer Codey Nolan has gone on trial for murder, accused of kicking Hassan Bousanguar to death in a block of flats above a Basildon shopping parade.
My report from the courtroom:
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2566637...
My report from the courtroom:
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2566637...
Drug dealer denies kicking 'lovely character' to death in Basildon murder trial
Codey Nolan is on trial at Basildon Crown Court, accused of kicking to death 'lovely' local man Hassan Bousanguar.
www.echo-news.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Essex drug dealer Codey Nolan has gone on trial for murder, accused of kicking Hassan Bousanguar to death in a block of flats above a Basildon shopping parade.
My report from the courtroom:
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2566637...
My report from the courtroom:
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2566637...
A man is suing Essex Police in part to highlight 'gender bias' in domestic violence cases, a jury has heard.
Mel Pilgrim says he was the real victim, but police failed to prosecute his wife and trumped up charges against him.
The trial began yesterday.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2566395...
Mel Pilgrim says he was the real victim, but police failed to prosecute his wife and trumped up charges against him.
The trial began yesterday.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2566395...
Developer suing Essex Police in part to highlight 'gender bias', trial hears
A LEIGH man is suing Essex Police in part to highlight “gender bias in the system”, his lawyer has told jurors
www.echo-news.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 8:48 AM
A man is suing Essex Police in part to highlight 'gender bias' in domestic violence cases, a jury has heard.
Mel Pilgrim says he was the real victim, but police failed to prosecute his wife and trumped up charges against him.
The trial began yesterday.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2566395...
Mel Pilgrim says he was the real victim, but police failed to prosecute his wife and trumped up charges against him.
The trial began yesterday.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2566395...
A leaked government document proposes scrapping jury trials in the name of expediency, after persistent justice system budget cuts created a years-long trial backlog.
But is axing juries really the answer?
I spoke to Essex lawyers and national experts.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2565799...
But is axing juries really the answer?
I spoke to Essex lawyers and national experts.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2565799...
'A terrible idea': Can scrapping jury trials really fix Essex's court backlog?
The Echo spoke asked experts about a leaked Labour proposal to scrap jury trials in all but the most serious cases. Can it really fix Essex's court…
www.echo-news.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 8:45 AM
A leaked government document proposes scrapping jury trials in the name of expediency, after persistent justice system budget cuts created a years-long trial backlog.
But is axing juries really the answer?
I spoke to Essex lawyers and national experts.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2565799...
But is axing juries really the answer?
I spoke to Essex lawyers and national experts.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2565799...
Reposted by Charles Thomson
This is the most alarming story I’ve read today. Giving up the fight before it’s started
November 30, 2025 at 9:57 AM
This is the most alarming story I’ve read today. Giving up the fight before it’s started
Reposted by Charles Thomson
“I bought this house when it was only 300k and now it’s worth 2m, why should I have to leave because I can’t afford a tax???” - so you’re saying you’ve made over a million quid in profit off a house just by it existing and you’re now complaining that’s getting taxed a bit
November 27, 2025 at 12:43 PM
“I bought this house when it was only 300k and now it’s worth 2m, why should I have to leave because I can’t afford a tax???” - so you’re saying you’ve made over a million quid in profit off a house just by it existing and you’re now complaining that’s getting taxed a bit
Reposted by Charles Thomson
All of this “woe is me my house is now really expensive and so a tax is unfair” stuff completely negates to acknowledge the implicit fact that the house owner has made an insane profit by doing absolutely nothing
November 27, 2025 at 12:41 PM
All of this “woe is me my house is now really expensive and so a tax is unfair” stuff completely negates to acknowledge the implicit fact that the house owner has made an insane profit by doing absolutely nothing
Reposted by Charles Thomson
Well, this is quite a serious allegation. I do hope the BBC shows true impartiality and investigate whether or not some of its Board members are systemically biased. www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
BBC board member with Tory links ‘led charge’ in systemic bias claims, say insiders
Sources say Robbie Gibb amplified criticisms of Trump, Gaza and trans rights coverage, and had ‘a lot of oxygen in the room’
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Well, this is quite a serious allegation. I do hope the BBC shows true impartiality and investigate whether or not some of its Board members are systemically biased. www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
What a coincidence that Fleet Street’s pathetic histrionics over the BBC’s horrifying decision to, er, play Donald Trump’s own words, has killed any discussion that might have followed the devastating ‘The Real Hack’ documentary on ITV last night, exposing rampant national newspaper criminality.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
What a coincidence that Fleet Street’s pathetic histrionics over the BBC’s horrifying decision to, er, play Donald Trump’s own words, has killed any discussion that might have followed the devastating ‘The Real Hack’ documentary on ITV last night, exposing rampant national newspaper criminality.
Reposted by Charles Thomson
Be clear, the American far right are coming for British democracy.
November 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Be clear, the American far right are coming for British democracy.
Reposted by Charles Thomson
Next time someone tells you that train drivers "just push buttons" show them this from the BBC
November 2, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Next time someone tells you that train drivers "just push buttons" show them this from the BBC
An Essex man walked free on a suspended sentence as a judge criticised the vigilante paedophile hunter behind his arrest.
The vigilante targeted a man with ‘significant’ mental health issues & persisted in pestering him to meet after he repeatedly declined.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2558796...
The vigilante targeted a man with ‘significant’ mental health issues & persisted in pestering him to meet after he repeatedly declined.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2558796...
21-year-old from Basildon spared jail as judge criticises vigilante paedophile hunter
Dante Dilliway received a suspended sentence after admitting trying to meet an underage girl in Gloucester Park.
www.echo-news.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 11:04 AM
An Essex man walked free on a suspended sentence as a judge criticised the vigilante paedophile hunter behind his arrest.
The vigilante targeted a man with ‘significant’ mental health issues & persisted in pestering him to meet after he repeatedly declined.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2558796...
The vigilante targeted a man with ‘significant’ mental health issues & persisted in pestering him to meet after he repeatedly declined.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2558796...
Reposted by Charles Thomson
Reform UK, the Russian spy & rolls of Kremlin cash: the inside story of Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
By me, @lukeharding1968.bsky.social
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
& Artem Mazhulin
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
By me, @lukeharding1968.bsky.social
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
& Artem Mazhulin
Reform UK, the Russian spy and rolls of Kremlin cash: the inside story of Nathan Gill
How did a former Mormon bishop end up pleading guilty to taking bribes to make statements in favour of Russia in the European parliament?
www.theguardian.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Reform UK, the Russian spy & rolls of Kremlin cash: the inside story of Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
By me, @lukeharding1968.bsky.social
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
& Artem Mazhulin
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
By me, @lukeharding1968.bsky.social
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
& Artem Mazhulin
Reposted by Charles Thomson
The clear thread running through Goodwin's career is the drive to imbue his creepy fixation on immigration with the legitimising authority of supposed mass support. Here, audience members have disqualified themselves from the category of "the people" in his eyes by virtue of disagreeing with him.
Faiza Shaheen, "I'm so proud to be in this room at to hear so many people fight back against this hateful energy from Reform UK's Matt Goodwin - what's wrong with you"
Matt Goodwin, "Do you think this audience reflects Britain?"
#BBCQT
Matt Goodwin, "Do you think this audience reflects Britain?"
#BBCQT
October 31, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The clear thread running through Goodwin's career is the drive to imbue his creepy fixation on immigration with the legitimising authority of supposed mass support. Here, audience members have disqualified themselves from the category of "the people" in his eyes by virtue of disagreeing with him.
Reposted by Charles Thomson
100 per cent this ⬇️
Man with stubble, "Small boats arrivals are 37,000. There are over 4 million kids in child poverty. And 4.5 million who can't get a dentist appointment" #BBCQT
"We spend 90% of the media discourse on the 37,000. How much more could we achieve if we put that effort into the 4.5 million?"
"We spend 90% of the media discourse on the 37,000. How much more could we achieve if we put that effort into the 4.5 million?"
October 31, 2025 at 7:28 PM
100 per cent this ⬇️
EXCLUSIVE: Essex Police has launched a standards investigation after a judge condemned officers' 'hostile, heavy-handed' treatment of a black woman in Grays police station.
Two male officers punched her in the face and one of them called her a c***.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2558009...
Two male officers punched her in the face and one of them called her a c***.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2558009...
Judge slams behaviour of 'hostile and heavy-handed' cops towards south Essex woman
A Basildon judge has condemned Essex Police officers’ treatment of a black woman from Grays, after she was wrongly accused of breaching bail.
www.echo-news.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Essex Police has launched a standards investigation after a judge condemned officers' 'hostile, heavy-handed' treatment of a black woman in Grays police station.
Two male officers punched her in the face and one of them called her a c***.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2558009...
Two male officers punched her in the face and one of them called her a c***.
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/2558009...
Reposted by Charles Thomson
This is a really important piece
New post just out:
"Never again?"
On how the radical right are trying to change our collective memory about World War Two as part of their assault on the postwar order.
And why that memory remains a critical defence against nationalism.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/n...
"Never again?"
On how the radical right are trying to change our collective memory about World War Two as part of their assault on the postwar order.
And why that memory remains a critical defence against nationalism.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/n...
Never again?
Memory entrepreneurship and the radical right’s assault on the postwar order
open.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 10:58 AM
This is a really important piece
Reposted by Charles Thomson
Singer Alexandra Burke is to originate the role of Chaka Khan in the world premiere of I’m Every Woman the Musical at London’s Peacock Theatre next year.
Read more 👇
Read more 👇
Alexandra Burke to play Chaka Khan in musical biodrama
Singer Alexandra Burke is to originate the role of Chaka Khan in the world premiere of I’m Every Woman the Musical at London’s Peacock Theatre next year
www.thestage.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Singer Alexandra Burke is to originate the role of Chaka Khan in the world premiere of I’m Every Woman the Musical at London’s Peacock Theatre next year.
Read more 👇
Read more 👇