October 2024 saw a historic unsolved murder case re-opened, drug dealers jailed and a man fined for parking in his own parking space dominate the Echo headlines.

The month kicked off with a shocking tale that a Mason Moor Primary School pupil, Dempsey Bean, had swallowed an anti-depressant while at school.

Dempsey’s mum Jade Smith said she was "horrified" when she was told about it by staff.

A story from Southampton Magistrates Court saw dog sitters Louise Smith and Katie Bell leave 62-year-old Maureen McCormick feeling "betrayed" when they stole £3,741 from her home.

The pair were supposed to be Maureen’s family friends.

On October 5, Southampton resident, Tom Mulholland, was fined six times for parking outside his flat - because the bay is not long enough.

With each fine costing £35, he faced having to pay a total of £660.

A day later, drug dealers, Max Alexander and Stuart Forrest were jailed for 29 years after police discovered a plot to traffic heroin and cocaine from Liverpool to Southampton.

Chief Inspector Chris Douglas said: “Offenders who peddle drugs around don’t care about the harm they bring to our communities.”

In a shock to thousands around the city, Hampshire Constabulary re-opened a historic unsolved murder – that of Ricky Haywood who was killed in Ambiance Jewellers on Shirley Road in 1989.

READ MORE: One Stop Sholing: Second teen charged with attempted kidnap

A £20,000 reward is still being offered for information.

On October 13, three people were taken to hospital after a crash on Bitterne Road West left a BMW precariously resting on its side.

Later in the month, Lord Nelson pub landlady Roberta O’Hara warned that her pub might be forced to close after the Hythe Ferry was halted due to damage to the ferry’s pontoon.

October 18 saw the staff at Southampton General recognised for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Later in the month, Sholing residents were horrified to learn that a 14-year-old girl was attacked in Sullivan Road, leading to a man being arrested for attempted rape.

A resident told the Echo: “You don't expect this sort of thing to happen where you live.”

The latter part of October saw a giant Asian Hornet nest removed at The Old Cemetery near Southampton Common.