Today (Friday 27 May 2022), at Manchester Crown Court, three young men were jailed for a total of 61 years, after a jury found them all guilty of Rhamero's murder. 

The court heard how, at around 5.40pm on Thursday 9 September 2021, Rhamero and his friends had driven to Millennium Park in the Moss Side area. A BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series drove past them at speed and the vehicle Rhamero was in carried on in the direction of Princess Road.

The car turned onto Princess Road and stopped in stationary traffic. This was when Marquis Richards (21/02/05) approached the driver's side of the car and lunged, with a large knife, several times towards the driver.

 
Richards and 19-year-old Ryan Cashin (16/08/02) then fled in the two BMWs which pursued the vehicle Rhamero was in along Moss Lane East. The pursuit resulted in a collision with another car and a tree, at which point Rhamero and his friends fled on foot in the direction of Darnley Street. 

Richards, armed with a large knife, alighted the BMW 1 Series and chased Rhamero and his friends down Darnley Street and onto Norton Street. When Richards appeared to run out of breath he handed the weapon over to Cashin who took hold of it like a baton in a relay race. He then took the lead chasing the group further down Norton Street.

 
Rhamero began garden hopping to get away from the offenders but then resorted to lying down to hide in one of the front gardens. Cashin, brandishing the large knife, was heard to shout “Arrg got you” before striking Rhamero with the knife several times, causing serious injury and blood loss.

Cashin and Richards then fled the scene in the BMWs.

Local residents attempted to administer first aid to Rhamero before paramedics arrived and conducted open heart surgery in the street. He was then taken to hospital but sadly died as a result of his injuries. 

Following forensic recovery of the BMW 1 Series, which was abandoned in Stretford at around 7.30pm that evening, Richards' DNA was found on the front passenger seat and Cashin's was found on the rear passenger seat. The DNA of Giovanni Lawrence (07/02/2002) couldn't be ruled out from mixed DNA found on the driver's seat adjuster, windscreen wiper controls and driver's seat belt buckle. When considered alongside mobile telephone evidence, the jury accepted he was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the pursuit.

In the weeks following the incident, the 17-year-old and Cashin were arrested and subsequently charged with murder. Lawrence remained on the run until January 2022 when he was arrested by officers in Cheshire and charged with murder.

Today (Friday 27 May 2022), at Manchester Crown Court,17-year-old Marquis Richards, of Anne Nuttall Road, Hulme, was jailed for 17 years and three months; 19-year-old Ryan Cashin, of Nancy Street, Hulme, was jailed for life with a minimum of 23 years and four months; and 18-year-old Giovanni Lawrence, of Culmington Close, Hulme, was jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years and seven months. 

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said:

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"Rhamero was only 16-years-old when he was violently, and needlessly, murdered in broad daylight by a group of teenagers. No parent should ever have to receive the news that their child has been killed and the perpetrators, refusing to admit responsibility, have only added to their suffering by forcing them to endure the pain of a trial.

"These three caused carnage across South Manchester in the lead up to Rhamero's death and it's a miracle that no members of the public were also injured as a result of their reckless driving and acts of violence.

"From the outset, my team have been committed to securing the best possible outcome for Rhamero and his family. Our investigation saw us speak with hundreds of witnesses and trawl through many more hours of CCTV footage as we pieced together the events of that afternoon. 

"I'm pleased that we've been able to secure a combined sentence of more than 61 years' imprisonment and although sadly this result won't bring Rhamero back, I hope it provides his family with a sense of justice and closure."

GREATER Manchester Leaders have agreed a series of new funding commitments to support pioneering homelessness and rough sleeper programmes in the city-region.

The funding allocations agreed today (Friday 27 May) will ensure that for the next five years, these key initiatives can continue helping people get back on their feet – including supporting people to use their experiences of sleeping rough to help others (see Victoria’s Story below).

Funding for homelessness and rough sleeping agreed to 2027
At today’s Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) meeting, Leaders agreed to allocate Government funding for four programmes:

• A total of £16.68m for the Community Accommodation Programme, established last year, providing up to 12 weeks of accommodation and support for people leaving custody without housing. One hundred and thirty-two bed spaces have been made available, ensuring that since March this year more than 93 per cent of people leaving custody were accommodated on the night of release.

• £3.87m for the Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme, set up in May 2020 in response to the pandemic, to provide homes and support services to people with experience of rough sleeping. A total of 466 housing units and dedicated support contracts have been delivered at both local and regional level since 2020, with a further 60 set to be enabled by this funding.

• An expected total of £9.18m for the Rough Sleeper Initiative, launched in 2018 to help local areas provide tailored services addressing housing, mental health, substance misuse and domestic abuse. This funding will support ongoing outreach efforts, data-driven responses to rough sleeping, and specialist health services.

• An expected £7.39m extension of the Housing First Pilot to 2024, set up in 2019, which recognises the importance of housing as a fundamental resource and vital to helping people get back on their feet. One of three national pilots, Greater Manchester’s Housing First scheme has supported more than 325 tenancies for people with entrenched experiences of rough sleeping, with an 85 per cent retention rate over three years.

Today’s announcement follows the approval of a new funding package to support A Bed Every Night with £5.85 through to 2025, agreed by Leaders in March.

Introducing the report, the Mayor paid tribute the work of Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett as Greater Manchester’s homelessness lead and teams working throughout the districts, and welcomed the Government’s commitments to support this work in the city-region.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: 

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“The idea that we’re now in this position, when five years ago we were struggling for the infrastructure and funds we needed to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness, is something the whole of Greater Manchester should be proud of.

“Now we are setting out a clear, five-year funding package, covering a range of accommodation and support for people who are homeless or at risk. It is huge progress.

“No one should be left with no option but to sleep rough, but we sadly know that we need this strong safety net for those in desperate need.

“We are once again sending out a clear message that we won’t sit by and ignore homelessness and rough sleeping. We are grateful to Government for the funding they’ve provided to support our ambitions for the people of Greater Manchester.”

 

Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett also praised the achievements of each of the four schemes in Greater Manchester, and how they have contributed to our ongoing work to end the need for rough sleeping in the city-region.

Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Homelessness and Infrastructure, said: 

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“It is absolutely phenomenal what has been achieved here. What has been achieved is because Mayor Burnham has made tackling homelessness and rough sleeping his number one priority, but it’s also been achieved because of the work of local government workers, and our Combined Authority officers, who’ve done an absolute sterling job in terms of navigating the myriad different schemes and initiatives that exist. They’ve delivered for the people of Greater Manchester.”

Supporting people to get on and help others

Through a joint effort between local councils, housing providers, and other partners, Greater Manchester has been successful in securing more funding for its Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme (RSAP) than any other area outside of Greater London.

Victoria, who talks about her past experiences of domestic violence and drug use, spent 12 months sleeping on the streets in Bury before finding supported accommodation with a local housing association. Thanks to RSAP, the team at Jigsaw Homes in Ashton-under-Lyne helped Victoria to find a flat of her own, where she lives now, and her support worker makes regular visits to provide ongoing support and advice.

Victoria said: 

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“The RSAP team helped me with the accommodation, sorting all my bills and things like that. They put me on to job training opportunities. I’ve been to college, I’ve been to Manchester and done NHS health support worker training.

“It was really good, it was so easy. My support worker’s really good. She’s done everything possible. She’s made things a lot easier for me. The accommodation’s really nice.”

 

Through the support of the RSAP team, Victoria is now working with the housing association that first supported her, and is waiting to start another job with the NHS.

“It’s opened more opportunities”, she says, and allowed her to turn her efforts and experience to helping people who’ve been through similar things – “just working with people that are rough sleeping, that have got lived experiences that I’ve been through.”

Police have released an e-fit of a man wanted in connection with a sexual offence in Stockport.

On Monday 23 May 2022, we received a report that a teenage boy had been attacked in woodland near the town centre on Sunday 8 May 2022 between 5pm and 7pm.

The suspect is described as a white male aged in his 40s or 50s, about 6ft 4 inches tall, skinny with wrinkly skin and long, unkempt fingernails.

He had a long nose and thinning, brown hair, and was wearing black-rimmed glasses; he also had stubble with a few grey hairs.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing a smart polo shirt with a red logo in the top corner, dark blue jeans and possibly brown or muddy shoes.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Moyles, of GMP's Stockport division, said:

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"This is an horrific assault that has left the young victim traumatised, and he is being supported by specialist officers and services.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly where the attack took place.

"I can reassure the community that, although we haven’t received further reports of this nature in the time preceding or following this incident, we have increased patrols across the district.”

 

Anyone with information or dashcam footage should call police on 0161 856 9629 quoting incident 1747 of 23/05/2022.

Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A new financial investigation team at Greater Manchester Police has returned £2m of victims' money in just six months.

A former pub landlord has been jailed for 21 years after carrying out a series of sexual assaults on four young girls he had groomed.

Carl Marland (11/01/1964), of Ilford, London, was convicted of more than 20 offences in October 2021 after a trial at Manchester Crown Court and jailed yesterday (24 May 2022).

Among the charges he was found guilty of were three counts of rape and secretly filming one of the girls while she undressed.

Marland would travel to Manchester from London, where he ran a pub, most weeks from June 2020 to December 2020 to visit the girls - aged from eight to 16 - and their families to carry out his attacks.

He would groom the girls, giving them gifts of clothes and money, as well as drugs and alcohol.

Marland set up a bank account for one of the girls and transferred around £3,000 to her, and would drive the girls around in his car, where much of the abuse took place.

Police became aware of Marland when one of the girls' mothers found inappropriate messages from him on her phone in November 2020.

Detectives from GMP Rochdale's Child Sexual Exploitation Team worked closely with officers  from the Metropolitan Police to co-ordinate Marland's arrest on 27 January 2021.

In total, Marland was found guilty of the following offences:

Causing a child to watch a sexual act

Sexual assault of a child under 13 x5

Rape of a child under 13 x3

Assault of a child by penetration

Voyeurism x2

Making indecent images of a child x2

Sexual activity with a child x3

Engaging with sexual communication with a child

Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity x3

Supplying class B drugs x3

Supplying class C drugs

Detective Constable Andrew Sanderson, from GMP's Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said:

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"Marland spent the majority of 2020 travelling from London to Manchester in order to commit these offences, some of which are the most serious offences against children.

"These crimes have had a huge detrimental impact on his victims and their families, and he has essentially stolen their childhoods.

"I would like to praise the victims' bravery in reporting these crimes. Hopefully following this sentencing they can have some closure and begin to move on and rebuild their lives."

 

Where to get help

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Stephanie Heaps (04/01/92), of Cheshire who previously served on GMP’s Bolton district, is charged with two counts of misconduct in a public office, conspiracy to commit burglary, money laundering and intentionally encouraging/ assisting the commission of an either way offence.

Leon aka Layten Ramsden (13/02/89) of HMP Parc is charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, money laundering, three counts of without authority possessing inside a prison a mobile device and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug of Class B.

Joanne Campbell (23/03/76) of Bolton is charged with money laundering and intentionally encouraging/ assisting the commission of an either way offence. 

Lee Ramsden (19/08/71) of Bolton is charged with money laundering.

Clifford McCarthy (29/09/88) of Bolton is charged with money laundering.

Thomas Barrass (13/08/95) of Bolton is charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. 

Philip Markland (14/09/83) of Bolton is charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. 

With the exception of Ramsden, who's in custody, they have been bailed to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Wednesday 22 June 2022.

Misconduct proceedings, in relation to Heaps, will commence following the criminal proceedings.

The family of three-year-old Daniel John Twigg who sadly died following a dog attack in Rochdale on Sunday (15 May 2022) have paid tribute to their 'happy little boy'.

Daniel's family said:

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"Daniel was a happy, kind and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him.

"He loved Paw Patrol and playing with his brother and sister, he also loved being around animals - especially his pony, Splash.

"He brought us many laughs and was a comical character.

"He was brave, intelligent and full of many characteristics.

"Daniel loved being with his whole family and will be missed by all.

"On behalf of our family, we ask people to respect our privacy."

 

The investigation into Daniel's death is ongoing. A 48-year-old man arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 remains in custody for questioning.

Anyone with information should share it via 0161 856 7386 quoting Operation Guernsey or https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22P28-PO1. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A partnership initiative set up by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has protected over 120 vulnerable victims of domestic abuse in Trafford since its launch a year ago.

Operation Horizon, which was created in 2021, sees GMP’s Trafford Adult Safeguarding Unit and staff from domestic abuse charity, Trafford Domestic Abuse Service (TDAS) who offer support to individuals and families in the Trafford area who are suffering from our have suffered from domestic abuse, making joint weekly visits to high-risk domestic abuse victims and their families, to assess their safety, encourage them to engage with specialist support services and deter offenders. Although regular visits to those at risk from domestic abuse is not a new thing for the Force, these visits did have to be temporarily put on hold when restrictions due to COVID-19 were introduced.

The Unit then switched to maintaining contact over the phone to ensure that the crucial support was still being provided.

Operation Horizon was introduced when restrictions began to ease, and now the in-person visits are done by GMP officers, alongside Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) from TDAS. This multi-agency approach ensures that victims are given an enhanced level of ongoing support.

As well as a regular partner visits, the team has also provided those at risk with mobile phones and smart camera doorbells to make them feel more safe and secure in their own homes as well as providing Right to Know disclosures under the Clare’s Law scheme.

The disclosure would allow the victim to be made aware of their partner’s offending history in order that they could safeguard themselves further.

The operation not only aims to protect vulnerable victims, but also to target offenders. A significant amount of domestic abuse offenders have been arrested as part of the operation, for breaching their Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), which bans perpetrators from returning to the address or having contact with the victim.

Detective Sergeant Louise Haslam, said:

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“Domestic abuse is a priority for GMP, and it is important that those at risk know that we are here to help them, to support them and will take their reports seriously.

“Operation Horizon is all about putting victims are the forefront of our work, and I am pleased at the impact that the initiative has had and the feedback we have received from victims, many of whom experience horrific abuse behind closed doors and are terrified of being forgotten about. I hope that Operation Horizon shows them that they will not be forgotten, that support is always available to them whether that is through GMP or one of our partners, and that preparators see that their behaviour will not be tolerated.

“If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone you know, please use our online reporting facility, or LiveChat on our website, or dial 101. In an emergency that's ongoing or life is in danger, always dial 999.

"Alternatively, Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can provide independent emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime. You can contact the service by visiting the website on https://www.gmvictims.org.uk/ or calling 0161 200 1950. If you live or work in Trafford, TDAS can be contacted by visiting the website on www.tdas.org.uk or calling 0161 872 7368.”

 

Update on investigation in to death of three-year-old boy following dog attack in Rochdale, a man has now been arrested by police.

At around 1.15pm on Sunday 15 May 2022, we were called by the ambulance service responding to an incident on Carr Lane, Milnrow.

A three-year-old boy, who has been formally identified as Daniel John Twigg, was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.

Enquiries have established that Daniel with a number of dogs in the outdoor area surrounding his home prior to being found with serious injuries.

Several dogs have been seized. One Cane Corso has been humanely destroyed. Enquiries in relation to the dogs are ongoing.

After handing himself in to custody, a 48-year-old man has been arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. He remains in police custody for questioning.

Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said:

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“I send my condolences to Daniel’s loved ones. This is a heart-breaking time for them, specially trained colleagues are supporting them.

“Though a man is in custody, our investigation is very much ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and ensure any criminal offences in relation to Sunday’s incident are identified and prosecutions sought.

“Meanwhile, officers are also reviewing other incidents of note. Due to previous contact, GMP’s Professional Standards Branch has referred the incident for review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.  

“We understand that this incident has had an impact on the community but we ask members of the public and the media to refrain from speculating whilst we complete our investigation and any subsequent proceedings are concluded.”

 

Anyone with information should share it via 0161 856 7386 quoting Operation Guernsey or https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22P28-PO1. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

On this year's International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester's LGBTQ+ Panel are announcing a commitment to oppose the practice of conversion therapy in Greater Manchester.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

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“Greater Manchester should be a safe city-region for everyone, and we are committed to ending conversion therapy for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Conversion therapy is a practice where an individual or organisation seeks an intervention with a predetermined outcome to change, cure or suppress the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person. Just as we won't do business with those who promote discrimination or division, we believe that organisations that support, promote or facilitate conversion therapy for any member of the LGBTQ+ community should not be receiving public funding.

“Those organisations that support, promote, or facilitate conversion therapy or which campaign against the ending of conversion therapy should not be able to provide services on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, or to receive support from the GMCA or its affiliated community funding streams.

“I urge all public bodies, organisations and businesses in Greater Manchester to sign up to this commitment."

 

At around 1.15pm on Sunday 15 May 2022, we were called by the ambulance service responding to an incident on Carr Lane, Milnrow.

A three-year-old boy was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.

Enquiries have established that the boy was outdoors with a number of dogs prior to being found with serious injuries.

Several dogs have been seized. One has been humanely destroyed. Enquiries in relation to the dogs are ongoing.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Scott Green said:

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“Our thoughts, of course, remain with the loved ones of the young boy who so sadly died following yesterday’s incident. Specially trained officers have been deployed to support them.

“A thorough investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and review other incidents of note. Due to previous contact, GMP’s Professional Standards Branch is making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“It goes without saying that this news will have had an impact on the community. I can reassure members of the public that any criminal offences identified by our enquiries in relation to this incident will be dealt with accordingly by ourselves and our criminal justice partners.

“We are aware of speculation on social media and ask that members of the public and the media refrain from engaging in speculation at this time until our investigation is complete and any subsequent criminal proceedings have concluded."

 

Anyone with information should share it via 0161 856 7386 or gmp.police.uk. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

This week (Monday 16 – Sunday 22 May 2022), Operation Sceptre – a national police campaign aimed at reducing knife crime – will come to Greater Manchester.

The initiative will see forces across the country, highlight the risk and consequences of carrying a knife, as well as undertaking a range of operational activity to target offenders.

Some of the supporting activity will include weapon sweeps, visits to habitual knife carriers and visits to retailers who sell knives to ensure they are compliant with the relevant legislation.

Op Sceptre links closely with GMP’s longer-term initiatives aimed at reducing knife crime and serious youth violence – such as operations Sycamore, Concept and the Forever Amnesty. These initiatives have seen over 10,000 weapons seized across Greater Manchester since 2019.

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, GMP's knife crime lead, said:

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“Our commitment to tackling knife crime remains a priority throughout the whole year, however this week will see an increase in activity taking place throughout Greater Manchester as part of Operation Sceptre.

“Although this initiative is police-led, we will be working alongside colleagues in the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to identify those involved in knife crime, address the root causes, educate our communities, provide preventative advice, and ensure those carrying and using weapons are brought to justice.

“Unfortunately, knife crime often involves young people and, although most children are not involved in knife crime or any other form of criminal activity, we know that some choose to carry knife for a number of reasons. It may be that they feel vulnerable, threatened and at risk of becoming a victim of crime, or because they believe the majority of their peers carry knives, so they arm themselves for protection.

“Thankfully, it isn’t the case that most young people carry a knife, but it’s important to highlight that when someone does, they are at risk of falling victim and having the weapon turned on them.

“We, the police, can't stop knife crime alone; everyone has a part to play when it comes to tackling the issue. Parents, guardians, extended family members and teachers, can all play a vital role in preventing young people from becoming involved in knife crime.

“With this, I would like to reach out to parents and guardians and ask you for your help. It’s important that you take the time to understand where your children are going and who with, be more curious about what they have in their rooms and in their bags and talk openly to them about the dangers and life-changing consequences that can come from leaving the house with a knife, even if they have no intention of using it. Let them know that they have a choice when it comes to carrying a knife, even if they feel they do not.

“Encourage young people to look out for their friends and reiterate the importance of reporting information. If they know their friends are carrying knives and or are perhaps involved in a dispute, they should tell a trusted adult, be that a parent, family member or teacher. It’s also important to talk to them about how carrying a knife or even their knowledge about friends who carry knives and weapons, makes them vulnerable.  There are circumstances where your child could be found guilty of an offence through joint enterprise if they foresaw the risk of a crime taking place.

“Be aware that a young person may be reluctant to talk to you about knife crime, so reassure them that they can be honest with you, as well as letting them know that you’ll listen to what they have to say and support them without judgement.”

 

To report an incident to GMP, please call the Police on 101 or talk to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Reports and concerns can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.fearless.org. 

If you carry a knife or weapon, we urge you to surrender it at one of our 13 Forever Amnesty bins located across Greater Manchester. You can find the location of your nearest bin here.

Police in Rochdale are investigating after a boy died after it is believed he was attacked by a dog.

We were called at about 1:15pm by NWAS after reports a three-year-old boy had been injured at Carr Lane, Milnrow.

He was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.

No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.

Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels, of GMP's Public Protection and Serious Crime Division, said: 

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"This is a tragic, devastating incident and our thoughts are with the family at this horrendous time.

"We are investigating the incident and previous incidents involving dogs at this address.

"While our enquiries to find out what happened will be thorough and are very much in their infancy, we suspect that this little boy has, sadly succumbed, to injuries received as a result of a dog attack.

"I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned and this news will rock the local community.

"I can only assure everyone that we will work relentlessly to establish the full circumstances that led to this tragedy and while we retain an open mind, this is now being dealt with as a criminal investigation.

“There will be a significant police presence in the area - we will be there to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have.”

 

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5413 quoting incident 1615 of 15/05/2022.

Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two men have been jailed after a business was fleeced of almost £450,000This week, Paul Young (03/08/1984) of Bamford Avenue, Middleton has been jailed for three years and three months after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation. His accomplice, Liam Henry of no fixed abode has also been jailed for two years and two months after pleading guilty to acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

In 2016 Young was working for a solicitors firm based in Manchester and was regularly working with an insurance company dealing with claims arising from road traffic collisions.

In October that year senior managers within the firm became aware that a payment of just over £5000 had been paid into an incorrect bank account on the instruction of Young. He was subsequently disciplined but claimed he had been suffering from mental health issues and strenuously denied that this was anything other than human error.

This was accepted and he was given the benefit of the doubt.

Following a further fraud it then became apparent the bank account the money had been transferred to was actually being controlled by Young and he had been using an automated payment system to ensure that certain payments were not made to claimants and were directed to his own bank accounts.

In June 2019 a colleague of Young's took over a particular case  after the client contacted to request when payments would be made it soon became clear that Young had authorised six payments between September 2017 and May 2019 amounting to over £32,000 and these had all be transferred to accounts belonging to him.

One account the money had been sent to was one Young was using for his wages.

An internal investigation was launched and it was discovered Young had made numerous transactions and had regularly been changing bank account details to that of one of his own accounts. Over the 3 year period, Young transferred £437,598.79 to himself.

The funds were being used on gambling website, living expenses and third party transfers were also being made, 75 of which were to Liam Henry. Henry received £184,850 from Young between July 2016 and May 2019. As soon as Henry received the payment he would withdraw the money in cash.

Detective Constable Michelle Wilkinson of GMP's Complex Fraud Team said: "Young's deceitful, brazen and criminal behaviour spanned 3 years, and caused significant financial lost for both his employer and their clients.

"He held a position of trust within his workplace and had access to large sums of money but instead of carrying out his duties he abused his power for his own criminal gain. Even after he'd been caught out the first time and pleaded his innocence he then continued to make bank transfers to his own account and then share this with Henry, leaving them both to reap the rewards and splash the stolen cash.

"I am grateful today that we've been able to secure a significant custodial sentence for both these men and I hope it sends a warning to all those who feel this type of behaviour is acceptable. Just because you may think there are no victims in a crime such as this doesn't mean there aren't serious consequences for all those involved, and GMP will do all it can to ensure those responsible face the appropriate justice."

A predatory paedophile who admitted a litany of child sex offences has been jailed for 14 years after an unprecedented sting on a dark-web site saw our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team uncover his prolific offending, which included blackmailing his victims who were as young as 14.

Kyle Lees (21) was sentenced today (Friday 13 May) at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after admitting a total of 35 offences – including making indecent images of a child, possessing extreme pornography, blackmail and causing child pornography.

The court heard how Lees’ depraved and sickening campaign of abuse was exposed by an international operation that was undertaken by law enforcement agencies across Europe that aimed to takedown an online chatroom on the dark-web that was used by suspected paedophiles to exchange extreme images and plot how to contact children to try to engage them in sexual acts.

A co-ordinated global strike was executed in a number of countries to target suspects, which included Lees who we arrested at his home in Tameside in June 2021 after he was believed to be behind one of the user accounts on the site – prompting one of the operation’s most significant investigations.

Detectives from our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team questioned Lees, of Ann Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, and embarked on a comprehensive 10-month-long investigation to collate and analyse the full-scale of his offending.

We found that he had created several fake online male and female personas when contacting his victims – who were all girls aged between 14 and 16 at the time – with analysis of his online accounts revealing he had attempted contact around 3,500 profiles on several social media and chat room sites.

Lees would prey on vulnerabilities by obtaining material from victims and use it as blackmail to get more; threatening them by saying he would release the pictures to his family or on the internet.

Some victims were even subjected to the extremity of being coerced into sexual activity with animals, which Lees would ask for content of for his own sexual gratification.

We’ve identified a number of the most vulnerable victims for safeguarding alongside international law enforcement partners – largely from the United States which Lees would target due to the time zone difference meaning his victims would be awake while he was online during the night in the UK.

The victims also included one teenage girl from Greater Manchester who we have worked with local specialist partners to ensure she has the necessary safeguarding to support her and her family.

After being arrested, Lees made admissions when presented with a wealth of evidence over the course of a three-day period of questioning before he was charged and admitted 35 offences.

Lees pleaded guilty to the following: nine counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity; three counts of causing child pornography; three counts of making indecent images of a child; one count of possession of extreme pornography; three counts of attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity; 11 counts of attempting to cause sexual exploitation of a child; five counts of blackmail.

He has been ordered to serve 14 years behind bars and a further five years on licence and indefinitely been signed to the sex offenders’ register. He was also given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Inspector Suzanne Keenaghan, of our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

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“Kyle Lees is an abhorrent, calculated and manipulative sexual predator who was a significant danger to teenage girls online and it’s of great satisfaction that he will now begin a significant spell behind bars for his sickening crimes.

“Lees would hunt out vulnerability and blackmail his victims into doing unthinkable acts purely for his own sexual pleasure, and it is clear he got braver over time when he was sat behind his computer screen embarking on this depraved campaign which ruined the lives of innocent children.

“I must pay tribute to the survivors of this abuse and their families for their bravery and support during this investigation and I hope that seeing Lees put behind bars brings some element of closure.

“This has been a gruelling but highly-rewarding investigation and has demonstrated the strength of our collaboration with partners around the world in working together to identify suspects and do all we can to bring them to justice, while protecting victims and ensuring we can do all we can to help them and their families move on with their lives.

“Today Lees has been starkly reminded – in case he needed it – that his actions in the digital world have real world consequences, and for too long he thought he was able to commit such grave acts of criminality without punishment; let this serve as a warning for any offenders out there that police and partners worldwide continue to work tirelessly to target suspects and ultimately bring them to justice.”

 

Anyone with information or concerns about someone being sexually abused is encouraged to contact us online via our LiveChat facility, if able, or by calling 101.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within

Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

A partnership between Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the North-west Ambulance Service (NWAS), aimed at improving care for people experiencing a mental health crisis, has been hailed a success.

The three organisations joined forces in October 2021 to develop a collaborative response for people in a mental health crisis who dial 999.

The aim was to make sure that people received the right mental health support at the right time and place, to enhance everyone’s chance of making a full recovery quickly; whilst also reducing pressure on frontline services at a time of exceptional demand.

The initiative has been hailed a ‘huge success’ - just six months in, over 1,100 cases have been diverted from frontline NWAS and GMP services, with quality NHS mental health support being provided instead.

Debbie Robinson, Strategic Lead for Urgent and Emergency Care at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) said:

“COVID has had a profound impact on the mental health of our communities, and we know that many people who are struggling with their mental health would benefit from receiving support directly from our services when they phone the ambulance or the police.

“The impact of the pandemic, alongside normal Winter pressures, meant that frontline health services saw an increase in demand. It was so important that we did our part to make sure that people could access mental health care quickly, working with our ambulance and police colleagues.

“In response to this, we collaborated with the North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police, to see how, by linking up, we could work more effectively to help as many people as possible receive the best care, faster. We established twice-daily meetings, to create new referral pathways, and continue to analyse as we go along.”

Throughout the initiative, ‘huddles’ between GMMH, GMP and NWAS take place every morning and evening, to assess people waiting for an ambulance or police mental health response.

In the twice daily meetings, which continue, professionals discuss the needs of those currently waiting for a response from GMP and NWAS and decide on the best course of action for them, which could include direct referral into GMMH’s services where appropriate or immediate support via the GMMH helpline.

Debbie Robinson continued:

“There are many types of cases discussed in our huddles which vary from people contacting emergency services feeling lonely and not having anybody to speak to, to people who want to contact a mental health team but are not sure where to go.

“Together, we review each case using the information available and decide on the best possible outcome for the person, which is not always taking them to an Accident and Emergency Department. This can include referring them straight through to their local Community Mental Health Team, a local voluntary sector service, or our 24/7 helpline.

“We are delighted to say that the initiative has been a huge success, directly supporting hundreds of people to access the support they need. This is just the start of a more collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership, and we are excited to continue to see a positive impact now and in the future for the people in Greater Manchester who seeking support in a mental health crisis.”

One service user, who would like to remain anonymous said:

“Just four words sum up the mental health support for me – ‘you saved my life’.  I want to say how grateful I am for this immense support throughout my time of need. It is because of this that I have been able to rise up with a heart full of courage, so thank you’’.

Another service user, who would like to remain anonymous said:

“GMMH have helped me though my most difficult times. The mental health services are always there for me when I am most in need. I cannot truly express in words how they have given me a new lease of life. Thank you.”

Lesley Kofoed, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), said:

“This platform is an excellent piece of collaboration between all partners that works for patients. Patient safety is our focus, and by working together, it ensures patients receive the most appropriate care at the right time by the most appropriate service to meet their current need.”

Emma Gilbert, Chief Inspector at Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said:

“’The strong working relationships between the huddle partners ensure that those in most need are provided with the most appropriate service.  The partnership has developed so well due to the mutual respect and understanding we have for each of the represented organisations; and everyone involved has the service user at the forefront of their mind.  Adjustments to the functioning of the huddles have been made through joint discussions and shared ideas so much so that they are running in a much more efficient way.”

Cornelius McFadden (10/05/1975) of Ivy Green Road, Chorlton, was sentenced to eight years yesterday after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine and heroin).

Following Operation Venetic - a nationwide operation that has seen law enforcement agencies across the UK join together and share expertise in order to break through the highly sophisticated and encrypted global communication service - data packs were processed by the National Crime Agency and allocated to various law enforcement agencies.

One of the data packs given to Greater Manchester Police contained data downloaded from an Encrophone using the handle "TheUnit."

After several months of dedicated investigative work, detectives were able to identify "TheUnit" as a codename used by McFadden.

Content on the phone revealed messages from McFadden over a three month period between April 2020 to June 2020 which referenced the exchange of drugs for cash as well as avoiding police and images of large amounts of cash and of drugs.

Following the analysis of these messages, in July 2021, police carried out warrants at three addresses in Chorlton, Cheshire and Stockport, resulting in the arrest of McFadden as well as the recovery of a number of items including phones, body armour and high value property including a watch valued at £8,000.

He was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court yesterday (11 May 2022).

Detective Constable Paul Shacklady of the City of Manchester said:

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"McFadden is a devious individual who thought he could carry out illicit activities and remain undetected by using encrypted messages to communicate.

"Drugs can have a devastating effect on our communities, and since the breakthrough of the encrochat system police have been able to disrupt numerous Organised Crime Groups and stop their unlawful activities.

"I hope this sentence sends a clear message that no one is above the law. As criminal technology advances and changes, so do our investigative techniques as we work to ensure that those involved in criminal activity face justice for their actions."

 

Greater Manchester Police have revealed that an officer has been charged with misconduct in a public office and causing a computer to perform a function to secure/enable unauthorised access to a program/data.

PC Shamraze Arshad (12/04/1986), who works in the City of Manchester district, will appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on 26 May 2022.

PC Arshad was suspended from duty on 19 July 2021 and also charged with perverting the course of justice on 21 July 2021.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 17/08/2020 and 01/08/2021.

In June 2017, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), using powers under the Bus Services Act 2017, instructed Transport for Greater Manchester to prepare an assessment of the bus franchising scheme for Greater Manchester. 

Two consultations on the proposals have been held, the second of which was done to assess the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic may have on the bus market and the franchising scheme.

More than 12,500 responses were received across the two consultations, with 86% (first consultation) and 82% (second consultation) in support of bus franchising. 

In March 2021, two operators – Stagecoach Manchester and Rotala PLC – submitted claims to judicial review. 

In April 2022, the court ruled that the decision to franchise bus services was lawfully carried out; as were all other aspects of the franchising process.

Stagecoach accepted the ruling while Rotala sought leave to appeal the decision on four grounds. On 5 May, the Court of Appeal dismissed two of those as ‘hopeless’, however Rotala was granted leave to appeal on the other two technical points.

Rotala has argued that a statutory audit of the pandemic impact report should have been carried out. While a statutory audit was undertaken on the original assessment, the legislation did not require a similar audit on its covid pandemic impact report. However, GMCA did seek a review from the same independent auditors who audited the assessment and they found that the approach taken was ‘appropriate’ and of ‘sufficient quality’.

GMCA will contest this appeal. In the meantime, work to deliver bus franchising across Greater Manchester will continue.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: 

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“Just a few weeks ago the court ruled in our favour on every single point, so we are disappointed that the appeal has been granted on what amounts to a very technical issue.

“Buses are the backbone of our transport network and integral to our plan for the Bee Network, an integrated, London-style transport system for Greater Manchester.

“Our plans have high levels of public support, and we will vigorously contest this appeal.

“We plan to press ahead with our plans to ensure the first franchised services are in place by the 17 September next year and across the whole of the city-region by the end of 2024.”

 

Officers are urging people to hand over their firearms during a two-week long surrender of firearms and ammunition starting tomorrow (12 May 2022).

The National Firearm Surrender campaign, co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) will start on 12 May and run until 29 May 2022 and includes every police force in the UK as part of a crackdown on reducing violent crime and ridding lethal weapons from the streets.

Firearms legislation is regularly updated and officers from GMP are urging people to surrender unlawfully held or unwanted guns and ammunition to help avoid them getting into the wrong hands.

This surrender is not just targeting those involved in criminal behaviour, it’s also aimed at collectors, licence holders and anyone who has inherited a firearm. Many firearms may be held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or may be forgotten in people’s homes.

Legislation around firearms is regularly updated and changed and members of the public are advised of the risk of having firearms which could end up being illegal. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that they meet the relevant ownership requirements.

Just over 580 firearms have been handed in as a result of previous Firearm Surrenders.

Handing in unwanted, unlicensed and illegal weapons avoids the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of communities can dispose of firearms in a safe place through the annual surrender. Illegal possession of a firearm can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison and anyone found guilty of possession with intent to supply could be sentenced to life in prison.

Superintendent John Griffiths, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said:

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“We are absolutely committed to robustly investigating serious crime, specifically targeting those in possession or transferring firearms as they pose a real, serious threat to not only the Greater Manchester region, but all across the UK.

“Detectives across the force and those within our serious crime division investigate those involved in firearms on a daily basis and a 30% drop in discharges over the last 12 months across the region is a testament of this – but there’s still work to do be done and we’re determined to rid these lethal weapons from our streets.

“This firearm surrender gives those with firearms and ammunition an opportunity to hand them in. Anyone who may have a firearm in their house that may have been inherited, or found, or is being kept for someone else, is urged to hand it to us and free themselves of the burden.

“Criminals who are in possession of firearms or ammunition are urged to hand their items over – this surrender is an opportunity to make the streets safer and if those involved in criminality don’t wish to hand the items over – it’s only a matter of time before we find them ourselves and bring you to justice.”

 

Those with stun guns and similar devices, and anyone with converted blank-firing firearms or ammunition, are also urged to hand them in. They are all illegal in the UK and anyone who may have ordered any illegal guns or component parts using internet sites is urged to hand them in before detectives find them.

Superintendent Griffiths added:

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“Lawful gun license-holders are also encouraged to use the surrender for weapons they no longer have any use for, or even those who have inherited items from grandparents who have passed – this is the time to hand those items in.

“A number of legislative changes have taken place and people may not be aware that an inherited firearm or once legally owned firearm are now illegal. Anyone in possession of a firearm should check the legal status of their items by visiting https://www.nabis.police.uk.

“Every firearm surrendered is one less that criminals can potentially access and use to cause damage and harm in communities and I would urge people to hand them in at any GMP station.

“Communities really hold the key to helping reduce crime and providing us with information that may assist with our on-going investigations. Members of the public who may know of anyone involved in illegal firearms activity is asked to report it online or via LiveChat at https://www.gmp.police.uk, call 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

 

Firearms can be handed in to 11 different police stations across the region.