Your Top Five – the stories you’ve been reading this week

Yesterday was World Book Day, but which Express stories have you been reading this week?

From the first by-election candidates to declare – to a ‘glow up’ for a St Peter Port hotel, here are the stories you’ve read cover to cover.

1. “Revolting” sex crimes involving dog

One man was sentenced to more than two years in prison while two other people got community service for their parts in a series of “shocking and revolting” sex crimes.

Peter Beau Leigh (73) was jailed for two years and ten weeks for a number of offences including possession of extreme pornography and animal cruelty offences.

2. “Evil” paedophile’s appeal rejected

A convicted paedophile’s appeal was rejected by Guernsey’s Royal Court this week.

James Pearson-Jump’s crimes were “as close to ‘real evil’  as possible”, the court heard.

3. Duke gets ‘glow up’

A St Peter Port hotel has relaunched with a new name, refreshed decor, and a rebranded restaurant and bar.

The Duke – formerly the Duke of Richmond – unveiled its new design and brand recently, along with its reimagined hospitality area, ‘The Dax’.

4. Sark headteacher suspended

Sark School’s headteacher has been temporarily suspended while an investigation takes place, the island’s government has confirmed.

Michelle Brady was relieved of her duties last week, following her son’s conviction for sexual offences, however Chief Pleas said that did “not imply a finding of wrongdoing”.

5. Ex Deputy throws bowler hat in ring again

With Guernsey’s by-election less than two months away, the first candidates had thrown their hats in the ring.

Former Deputy Carl Meerveld was the first to say he wanted to stand, with Chamber of Commerce President – and ex-husband of a current Deputy – Stephen Rouxel hot on his heels.

A bit of light reading…

We joined the rest of the bailiwick in celebrating World Book Day this week, with a series of articles on everything from the books well-known islanders love and “cursed” books to a look at our library’s e-book lending services and a catch up with a local author.

We also spoke to a local publisher and an independent bookshop owner and author to discover how books get from a writer’s brain to a reader’s bookshelf.