Man jailed for assaulting NHS worker

A man has been jailed for two years after assaulting and fracturing the cheekbone of a member of NHS staff at Salford Royal Infirmary in March 2020.

Daniel Shevlin (29/04/1992), of no fixed abode, was sentenced today (Monday 27 April 2020) at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court via video link after previously pleading guilty to section 20 assault and section 4a of the Public Order Act.

The verdict came after the court heard how Shevlin threw one punch at the NHS worker – a man in his 50s – while in the waiting area of the hospital on Stott Lane on the afternoon of Sunday 29 March 2020.

Shevlin had earlier presented at the Accident and Emergency department after claiming to have had a drug overdose.

The court was told he had become agitated at being told there was no juice available before he then assaulted the man – inflicting a fractured cheekbone – after being informed there was only water available.

After he had punched the man, Shevlin sat down in the waiting area and started shouting abuse at another NHS worker who challenged his behaviour.

The 27-year-old was remanded by security and officers soon arrested him on suspicion of section 20 assault and took him to custody, where he was charged the next day.

Detective Inspector Thomas Willis, of GMP’s Salford district, said:

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“This was an abhorrent and shocking assault that has absolutely no place in our society – especially at a time when we have a collective duty to protect our essential NHS workers.

“While today’s verdict makes it abundantly clear that an assault on any person is unacceptable, I hope that the scant minority who think they can show such gross disrespect and attack those on the frontline of our emergency services recognise justice will be served.

“As Shevlin spends his time behind bars reflecting on his actions, the victim has already returned to the frontline to help save lives which is testament to the incredible work that is being done by our emergency workers at this difficult time.”

 

Police are appealing for the public’s help in finding missing man Aaron Heywood from the Salford area.

Aaron is described as a white male 5’9” tall and slim build, with brown hair.

He was last seen wearing Navy blue Adidas trainers a white top and carrying a white JD Bag.

His family are becoming increasingly concerned for his wellbeing.

Aaron has links across Salford particularly the Little Hulton and Walkden areas.

If you can help in locating him or know his whereabouts then please contact Greater Manchester Police via 101.

Staff at the Manchester office of property services giant Cushman & Wakefield have chosen Broughton House Veteran Care Village as their local charity of the year for 2020.

Each year, the firm adopts a national charity and its offices choose a local cause to support.

Broughton House, in Salford, is a home for ex-servicemen and women which is being transformed into the UK’s first Veteran Care Village in a £15m redevelopment.

It was nominated by Sharron Marshall, a PA in Cushman & Wakefield’s Manchester office. 

Her late father Keith worked at Broughton House as a supervisor from 1996 to 2003 and had previously served in the army for a total of 33 years.

Broughton House is also a client of Cushman & Wakefield, whose healthcare team is advising on the expansion project.
Once completed, the two-acre site will feature a 64-bedroom care home, up to 30 independent living apartments, a military support hub, a memorial park and landscaped gardens with a bowling green and bandstand.

Cushman & Wakefield has 100 staff in Manchester. Its offices are in No 1 Marsden Street, in the city centre. 
Staff have so far raised hundreds of pounds for Broughton House and are planning further events once the coronavirus crisis is over.

They also plan to visit the residents and help them to move from the current building to the new site.

Caroline Baker, head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Manchester office, said: 

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“We’re delighted to be supporting Broughton House as our chosen local charity and are looking forward to working together to plan a fundraising calendar and also support them as they develop their home.”

Laura Carr, community and events fundraiser at Broughton House, said:

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“Being chosen as Cushman & Wakefield’s charity of the year means a lot to everyone at Broughton House, especially because of the connection through Sharron’s late father.
“The funds that will be generated through this partnership are invaluable and will go towards building the UKs first Veteran Care Village, a much-needed facility for veterans of all ages.”

Photo: Caroline Baker

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the next of kin of a man from Eccles.

Stephen Coleman, 67, sadly passed away at Salford Royal Hospital on Tuesday 14 April 2020. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

It is believed that Stephen has two brothers, James Coleman and Anthony Coleman, who live in the Manchester area and police are eager to contact them.

If anyone has any information about Stephen’s next of kin they should contact the Bolton Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 4687.

A man has been charged in connection with the attempted abduction of a woman in Salford.

Stephen Robert Backhouse (03/02/1973) of Loganberry Avenue, Salford has been charged with attempted kidnap after he allegedly attempted to force a teenage girl into his car on Saturday evening.

He has been remanded in custody to appear before Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court later today, Monday 27 April 2020.

Shortly after 7.15pm on Saturday 25 April 2020, police were called to reports of an attempted abduction on Park Lane.

A man has been arrested after the attempted abduction of a woman in Salford.

Shortly after 7.15pm on Saturday 25 April 2020, police were called to reports of an attempted abduction on Park Lane.

An 18-year-old woman had been walking along the road alone when a silver car pulled up alongside them. The driver approached the woman and attempted to drag her into the car.

The woman managed to alert a number of passers-by and the man fled in the car towards Bury New Road.

A 47-year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of attempted abduction. He remains in custody for questioning.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Superintendent Rick Jackson said:

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“Following the quick and diligent work of officers, a man was arrested and he will be interviewed by officers throughout the day.

“Thankfully the woman was not physically injured but she has been left incredibly shaken as a result of this incident and officers are continuing to support her.

“There is not believed to be any wider threat to the community at this time but you will see increased patrols in the local area throughout the next few days so please approach them with any questions or concerns you may have.

“Whilst we have a man in custody, our investigation does not stop here and I would ask any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

 

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4592 or 101 quoting incident number 2591 of 25/04/2020, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police have growing concerns for a 15 year old female who has been missing since Sunday evening.

Carla Beddow who was last seen in the Salford area at 21:00 on Sunday 19th April.

She is described as being a white female, 5ft 3, Slim Build, Brown Hair, Glasses.

Carla was last seen wearing: Black Adidas Hoodie, Grey North Face Coat, Black And White Trainers.

She is also known to the Kirkby and St Helens area.

If anyone has any information or sightings of Carla please contact 101 and quote Log – 2977 19/04/2020.

Staff at Salford City Council are working around the clock including this last weekend to pay out around £44 million* in support grants to businesses in the city – but some companies have yet to apply or provide all the information we require.

Around 1,500 businesses (38% of the approximately 4,000 eligible for government support grants) have now received a total of £18 million in support – and the council is working through processing more as quickly as possible. 

Councillor Bill Hinds, lead member for financial and support services, said there were huge challenges in making the pay-outs to small businesses and those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector but the council is determined to get the help through.

He said:

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“We have had to put new systems in place to process these grants and check evidence such as bank statements to prevent any fraud, as these are large sums of money.

The council doesn’t have the required supporting evidence for many of the businesses eligible for the grant so gathering all the details needed has proved a huge challenge.

“With many businesses closed just getting in touch is causing difficulties, so we are emailing, phoning and texting as well as sending letters. Our staff have been working weekends and bank holidays to get this done as quickly as possible because we know how important it is to get this money out and help them stay afloat.

“We’ve received great feedback from some small businesses who’ve thanked us for processing the grant so quickly and said how grateful they were to receive this money which will go a long way to support them and their loyal staff through this devastating time.

“However, we haven’t received applications from all the businesses which may be eligible for this support. I’d urge any business owner who has not yet applied to check www.salford.gov.uk/cvbusiness to see if they qualify and if they do to submit their application along with supporting information. We want to make sure we help every business we can.” 

 

In addition to paying out government grants, Salford City Council is also putting systems in place to provide support to those entitled to the extended retail discount.

The council will utilise data it holds about business so that the 100% retail discount can be awarded automatically.

Customers who pay by direct debit have already benefited as payments have stopped being taken.

Revised 2020/21 bills will be issued this month advising eligible businesses of the award.

Details of wider support for businesses can be found here

*£44,285,000 has been identified by the council as the required amount to pay grants to all eligible businesses in Salford.

Police are appealing for information following a series of indecent exposures in Bolton, Salford and Wigan.

At around 2.30pm on Thursday 2 April 2020, police were called to reports that a man had indecently exposed himself on Mossfield Road, Swinton.

Officers attended and an investigation was launched.

Police have since received a further 11 reports of indecent exposures or suspicious circumstances in Bolton, Salford and Wigan, which are believed to be linked.    

The most recent occurred at around 5.20pm on Thursday 16 April 2020 on Blackleach Drive, Worsley.

No arrests have been made.

The offender is described as white. On a number of occasions, he has been described as wearing a black hat and being naked from the waist down.

Inspector Katie-Louise Allen, of GMP’s Salford district, said:

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“These incidents are, understandably, causing concerns in our communities but I would like to use this opportunity to reassure members of the public that police are investigating.

“Officers are committed to identifying the person responsible and bringing them to justice so extensive enquiries are underway.

“We are aware of ongoing discussions regarding these incidents on social media but I would like to appeal to anyone who has witnessed something which could be linked to contact the police first as it may assist us with our investigation.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police via salfordnorthwest@gmp.police.uk quoting 3074 of 15/04/20.

Information can also be passed to the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Salford launches a new collaborative today to offer mental health support to people affected by COVID-19.

Working together, NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Salford City Council have supported Mind in Salford, mental health charity START and Six Degrees Social Enterprise to form a new service called Beyond.

Beyond will offer support to people who are struggling with their mental health due to COVID-19, but are not known to Salford’s mental health services. To meet people’s needs, a range of options is on offer, including:

Online support (e.g. mindfulness, self-help support packages)

Telephone support (e.g. problem solving approaches, talking therapies)

Support to adapt or establish a routine whilst self-isolating/social distancing

This new collaborative has been set up quickly thanks to the existing relationships developed as part of the Living Well UK programme. This saw Salford working in partnership with the Innovation Unit, funded by Big Lottery, to help people who often fall between the gaps of primary and secondary care mental health support.

Beyond will make sure that people get the mental health support that they need, from the right service, at the right time. Referrals to the service are through the Spirit of Salford helpline, organised by Salford City Council on 0800 952 1000, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 1pm or online www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford.

Lawrence Caygill from Mind in Salford said:

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“Mind in Salford are excited to be a part of this innovative new collaborative, offering mental health support to people at a time when many need additional help due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Factors such as social isolation and loneliness have a significant impact on our wellbeing, and we believe it is important that we come together as a community to offer mental health support to people when they need it most.”

 

Judd Skelton, Assistant Director Integrated Commissioning for Salford CCG and Salford City Council, said:

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“The fantastic partnership working we have in Salford has enabled us to work quickly and effectively with our voluntary sector colleagues in assembling a unique mental health support offer.

"Beyond truly demonstrates the Spirit of Salford and will provide helpful and compassionate support to people who are struggling with their mental health in the current challenging situation.”

 

Michelle Dennett from START said:

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“There are lots of great resources being generated to support people during this difficult time however there was an increasing need to create a localised offer for people who may be struggling with their mental health. To be able to provide tailored support relevant to each person's circumstances is crucial and we are proud to be part of such an exciting development for Salford.”

 

Phil McEvoy, Managing Director for Six Degrees, said:

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“For many of us the COVID pandemic has turned life on its head and added considerably to the stress of our lives.

"This is especially so for people who have tragically lost loved ones, are worried about their health and finances, or the well-being of friends and family. We are having to do without the usual routines and distractions that help us to maintain a sense of being in control. Living alone or being all day together with partner or children without a break can add to these stresses and makes us more vulnerable to depression, anxiety and addictions. We are pleased to be part of the new Beyond collaborative to support people in these challenging times”.

 

Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing family of a man from Swinton.

Kieran Holland, 54, sadly passed away at his home address on Bolton Road, Swinton on 10 April 2020.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about Kieran’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.

Emergency services responded to an incident on Cromwell Road at around 9am on Thursday 16 April 2020, police were called by the fire service responding to reports of a fire at a fast food shop.

Roads around the area were temporarily closed whilst fire-fighters brought the blaze under control but they were quickly reopened shortly after.

It is unclear at the present time as to how the fire started but a full investigation is now underway.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7693 quoting 591 of 16/04/20.

Information can also be passed to the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Over the last couple of weeks, sounds of clapping, horns and bells have sounded out across the country as people show their appreciation for the NHS and keyworkers each Thursday at 8pm.  

Members of the Gypsy and Irish Traveller community have gone one step further, by donating pizzas for the hardworking frontline staff at Salford Royal Hospital.  

A resident of Salford’s Duchy Road Caravan Park, who helped to organise the pizza donation said: 

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“Everyone on the park wanted to show how grateful we are for the hard work the NHS staff are doing to save lives. We thought organising a pizza delivery would be the best way to say thanks.  

“All the residents onsite appreciate what they’re doing and so we’re planning on doing this three or four times a month, with 40 pizzas each time. It’s the least we can do.”  

Gypsy and Irish Travellers have been living in and visiting Salford for generations, with some families still living in trailers on official traveller sites, like the Duchy Road Caravan Park, managed by housing association Salix Homes. With a limited number of pitches both nationally and locally, most of the community in Salford now live in 'bricks and mortar' accommodation. 

Warren Carlon, communities service director for Salix Homes said, 

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“The Spirit of Salford is alive and well even in these challenging times and the generosity of the residents of the Duchy Road Caravan Park is just another shining example of this. We took over the management of the site in 2011 and since then we have seen a real integration with the wider community. 

“We are all really grateful for the dedication of keyworkers to keep people safe and to keep the country running and it’s good to show it any way we can.” 

 

The Clap for Carers viral campaign was organised by Annemarie Plas, a Dutch woman living in South London, who was inspired by footage shared over social media of people applauding key workers in France and Spain.  

By coming together to applaud NHS staff from our doorsteps, balconies and gardens, Clap for Carers has allowed people separated due to coronavirus restrictions to feel connected. 

Lots of people have been demonstrating the Spirit of Salford by stepping forward wanting to help their community during the coronavirus outbreak. If you would like to be a Good Neighbour in Salford on Salford CVS website.  

NHS and social care staff can now be tested for Covid19 in Salford thanks to a marathon effort over the Easter weekend.

All partners in Salford's health and social care system set up the drive through testing centre at the A J Bell stadium, Eccles in just 24 hours over the holiday.

Teams of NHS and council workers gave up their Easter weekend to get the facility up and running. Testing is by prior appointment only and up to 120 tests a day will be available initially with results available within 72 hours. Safe transport will be provided to the Salford site for those who need it thanks to Taxi Transfers which provide closed passenger cabins.

Priority will initially be given to staff from Salford Royal Foundation Trust and health and social care staff who are within the first five days of showing coronavirus symptoms, or who are self-isolating due to family members being unwell. Family members who also show symptoms will be tested.

The aim is to reduce the spread of the virus among frontline health and care staff and people they work with and keep essential staff in work unless they test positive for the virus.City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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"I am really proud of the efforts made by a team of NHS and council employees. They gave up their Easter break to set the testing centre up and support the NHS and our care sector and are now managing traffic flow. The testing site at the AJ Bell was developed following the success of the Salford Royal Foundation Trust testing site the week before.

"This is truly a team effort. Staff from Salford Primary Care Together are providing the swabbing, while teams from Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust do the testing. Results are provided by Salford City Council's public health protection team and Corporate Nursing colleagues at Salford Royal Foundation Trust who advise those tested what their results mean for them.

"Working together in this way demonstrates the true Spirit of Salford and the strength of our partnership."

 

Dr Pete Turkington, Salford Royal Chief Officer and Medical Director, said:

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"We are really pleased to be helping to safely return health and social care professionals back into their roles. Whether this is in a hospital, community service, GP practice, care home or one of the many other settings, we want to support people to get back to doing what they want to do - caring for their patients and service users."

Steve Dixon, Chief Accountable Officer for Salford CCG, said:

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"Our priority for this local testing facility is to help end the uncertainty of whether our NHS and social care staff need to stay at home or whether they can return to work and return to what they do best; protecting patients and saving lives.

"The immense effort that has gone into mobilising this staff testing facility and turning it into a reality cannot be underestimated and we know having this facility in Salford is going to be crucial in our fight against COVID-19."

 

The Salford centre compliments the Greater Manchester testing centre at Manchester airport. It was set up to reduce travel and allow people who feel unwell to stay local.

A large police presence involving riot vans and specialist officers was spotted in Weaste after reports of armed officers boxing in and surrounding a black Mercedes on Eccles Old Road close to Buile Hill Park on Sunday afternoon.

Witnesses have reported that the vehicle had sustained a smashed drivers window and officers pointed assault riffles at the three male occupants before dragging them out of the vehicle and searching them.

We have contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.

A man from Salford has been jailed for assaulting emergency workers.   

At around 3.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, police were called to reports of ongoing criminal damage at a property on Hilltop Court in Worsley.  

Officers attended and Shaun Sleigh (10/07/1988), of Hilltop Court, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

During his arrest, Sleigh assaulted a female officer. He also claimed he had Covid-19 and threatened to spit at the officer and her colleagues.

Sleigh was further arrested on suspicion of assault of an emergency worker, placed in a spit guard and into police custody for questioning.

Sleigh was charged with three counts of assault of an emergency worker.  

He pleaded guilty and, on Saturday 4 April 2020, was sentenced at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court to 36 weeks imprisonment and ordered to pay compensation.

Chief Inspector Roger Pegram, of GMP’s Salford district, said:

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“Sleigh’s behaviour towards these officers was absolutely disgraceful, especially considering the country’s ongoing response to Covid-19.  

“My officers were just doing their job – to keep Greater Manchester safe to the best of their abilities. No public servant should ever be faced with violence, especially not when they are trying to protect communities.  

“I hope this result acts as a warning that neither GMP nor the justice system will tolerate this kind of behaviour. Anyone found guilty could receive a custodial sentence.”

 

Police are appealing for information following two incidents in Salford, which are believed to be linked.

At around 9.50pm on Friday 3 April 2020, two men presented at accident and emergency with gunshot wounds.

Hospital staff reported this to police.

At around 10.15pm on Friday 3 April 2020, police were called to reports of a firearms discharge on Whit Lane.

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“These incidents have, understandably, caused concerns in the community but I would like to reassure members of the public that we believe these incidents were targeted and there is no wider threat.

“That being said, this behaviour is dangerous and we will not tolerate that threat. Whilst a thorough investigation is ongoing to identify those responsible as well as others involved, extra officers are carrying out patrols in the area.

“We know the answers we are looking for are within this community so I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information, regardless of the level of significance, to contact us as soon as possible. They can contact us directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”   

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5224 quoting 2845 of 03/04/20.

Information can also be passed to the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The English Cities Fund has been officially announced as the development partner for the £2.5 billion Salford Crescent masterplan.

The fund – a strategic joint venture between urban regenerators Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England – will now lead on the creation of a major new 240-acre city district in Salford over the next 10 to 15 years.

It aims to create an inviting, attractive place, which generates wealth, jobs and knowledge that will benefit the wider Salford economy.

It has the potential to create 3,000 new homes, one million square feet of commercial and innovation space for health automation and robotics as well as one million square feet of education floor space.

The plan offers one of the largest investment and development opportunities in the region. It continues the major regeneration and success of recent planned development in the surrounding areas of Chapel Street, New Bailey and Greengate.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“Congratulations go to The English Cities Fund for being selected as the development partner for the Salford Crescent Masterplan.

“It is a very exciting opportunity to move our vision forward and create a new city district that is fit for generations in this city. A thank you goes to all those who made the shortlist and took part in the process. It was a very strong field.

“Salford is a city of firsts and is always looking to the future. We were at the beating heart of the industrial revolution and had the first free public park and first gas lit street, which are both in the area that the masterplan covers. The development will continue that vision.

“It is a very difficult time at the moment with the coronavirus pandemic and we are doing all we can at the council to help the most vulnerable, protect the NHS and save lives. But we have staff working at home who continue to work on moving the masterplan forward and we will have an official launch event at a more suitable time”.

 

Professor Helen Marshall, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford said:

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"In these difficult times, when we are all pulling together to fight the immediate threat coronavirus poses, this is important and welcome good news - reminding us all of the exciting future ahead for our city and university.

“The appointment of a private sector partner is a major step-forward in delivering on our plan to invest £300 million into our campus. This investment will create a dynamic and innovative heart of a new vibrant city district, with world-class facilities that will power growth in skills for industry, real world research and life-changing opportunities for students and businesses alike".

 

Phil Mayall, regional director at The English Cities Fund, said:

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“It’s an exciting and proud moment for everyone at the fund, as we hear the news that we’ve been selected to deliver the transformational Salford Crescent masterplan.

“Our relationship with the council is strong, following the success of what we’re delivering together at Salford Central, and we’re very much looking forward to forging a similar bond with the university as the scheme progresses.

“Salford is home for us. We’re based here and we’re part of the changing cityscape. The city is steeped in history, but also shares our progressive vision for the future, and we’re delighted to be continuing to create innovative spaces and places that benefit communities”.

 

The fund is currently delivering some of the most complex and most successful urban regeneration projects across the UK, including the neighbouring Salford Central masterplan. Following its expansion in 2018, it continues to take on large, complex sites to create inspiring new places.

The announcement was made after Salford City Council and the University of Salford launched the search for a private sector partner at MIPIM in spring 2019.

Police are appealing for information following a firearms discharge in Salford.  

At around 10.15pm on Friday 3 April 2020, police were called to reports of a firearms discharge on Whit Lane.

Officers attended and extensive enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident. 

No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.

Detective Inspector Rebeca Mills, of GMP’s Salford district, said:

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“I would, first and foremost, like to use this opportunity to reassure members of the public that we believe this was a targeted incident and there is no threat to the wider community.

“Incidents of this nature, understandably, cause concern but extra officers are working hard in the area to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened and identify those responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone with information which may assist us with our enquiries to contact us or Crimestoppers as soon as possible. They can also speak directly to the officers in the area.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5224 quoting 2845 of 03/04/20.

Information can also be passed to the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

City Mayor Paul Dennett has praised the people of Salford for staying home to save lives.

His message comes as the city released a series of photos taken by CCTV cameras showing deserted streets, shopping centres and playgrounds.

Mayor Dennett said:

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“I can’t thank the people of Salford enough for doing the right thing and staying indoors.

“It’s strange to see our city so deserted and it is difficult, I know, but it is the only way to beat this virus and get back to normal life as soon as we can.

 “Please, please keep up the good work, particularly this weekend when the weather is forecast to be warm and sunny. Anyone can catch this virus, everyone can spread it – so follow the government instructions and we will all get through this together.”