As we get into the second half of 2026, Warwick Nub News is taking a look back, to highlight some of the stories you may have missed.

Here are the most read Warwick news stories so far, for 2026.

5. 'Arrogant and deceitful bully' - Warwick rogue builder jailed

A Warwick rogue builder has been sentenced to ten months in prison and handed a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

Luke Wilson, also known as Sam Memetovic, 37, of Lodge Crescent Warwick, ripped off a Leamington Spa resident, charging them £17,000 more than the works he was hired to do were worth.

An investigation by Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards found Wilson had initially agreed a price of £14,500 to carry out plastering, electrical work, the removal of walls and a bathroom makeover.

Read more.

4. Murderer arrested in Warwickshire after escaping prison

The start of the year brought the unusual news that a convicted Warwickshire murderer absconded from prison.

Matthew Armstrong, 35, was caught near Henley-in-Arden Railway Station by Warwickshire Police just before midday on 7 January following a sighting reported by a member of the public.

He went on the run on New Year's Day.

Fellow escapee of HMP Leyhill Daniel Washbourne, 40, was arrested at around 1.30am today by officers in Bristol city centre.

Read more.

3. Protestors Come to Warwick

February saw protestors and counter-protestors gather in Warwick's town centre.

There was a large police presence in the town centre as several hundred people gathered to demonstrate - and the weekly market went ahead as planned.

The protest was organised by group Patriotic Alternative who said the rally was called following the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton last year.

One member of the group 'Stand up to Racism' told Nub News: "This group, Patriotic Alternative, they have come here from a long way away to spread hate and vitriol and horrendous views.

"Warwickshire is showing they are clearly anti-facist and not interested in any of the stuff these guys are saying."

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2. Critical Incident Declared at Warwick Hospital

Warwick Hospital has shared a number of warnings so far this year urging locals only to access their services if absolutely necessary during peaks in demand.

But in January, a critical incident was declared as huge pressures hit healthcare services.

A&E at the hospital had experienced some of the highest numbers ever over first week of the year, which was having a "significant" impact on waiting times.

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust said it at the time it was "working exceptionally hard to care" for patients during the high levels of demand.

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1. New blue light rules suspended days after announcement

April brought the news that Warwickshire Police had U-turned on the use of blue lights and sirens to speed up non-emergency callouts.

The protocol was put on hold days after it was announced.

The force put out news of officers being granted scope to use blue lights to get through traffic or backed-up junctions when tasked with attending higher-priority but not top-category cases.

An example of how it would work in practice was also shared on social media, highlighting how police vehicles may navigate junctions with lights and sirens but without speeding and then going on to drive as any other vehicle would be permitted to once past any tailbacks.

However, all output on the matter was soon removed from Warwickshire Police's online channels with a statement issued to the Local Democracy Reporting Service confirming the rollout had been "paused pending consideration of feedback".

Read more.

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