Mohammed Saleem (28/03/1974) of Cannon Street, Rochdale has today (25 February) been jailed at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court for 33 years following a six week trial in which he was found guilty of 31 offences including:

• Six counts of indecent assault against a 14-year-old female
• Rape of a 14-year-old female
• Three counts of rape of a 14/15-year-old female
• Indecent assault against a 15-year-old female
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
• Nine counts of rape of a female
• Assault by penetration
• Three counts of rape of a female under 16 years
• Two counts of voyeurism
• Sexual assault
• Securing unauthorised access to computer material
• Two counts of making indecent images of a child.

The charges relate to the non-recent exploitation, rape, indecent assault and domestic abuse of two teenage girls in Rochdale, which continued for 17 years for one of the victims.

The court heard how Saleem groomed the two teenage girls in the late 1990's and would regularly ply them with alcohol and cannabis before this progressed to having sex with both of them.

Over the next 17 years Saleem, who was married and had children at the time, then repeatedly abused one of the girls both sexually, physically and mentally, in an attempt to control every aspect of her life.

Across the years her mental health deteriorated significantly and she did manage to escape Saleem's grips and live independently but he would always manage to get back into her life and monitor and control her.

In November 2017 officers executed a warrant at Saleem's address and uncovered a number of indecent images and videos of children, including images of the victim that he had taken. It was also revealed that Saleem had installed spying software on the victims computer without her knowledge in order to monitor her internet activity, personal data and emails.

Detective Constable Sarah Hayfield of GMP's Rochdale district, said:

Quote

 

"The victims in this case were abused in the worst ways possible. This man preyed on their vulnerabilities as young girls and exploited them for his own sickening pleasure. He then went onto control and abuse one of the victims for 17 years.

"This was a horrific ordeal that has no doubt left a damaging and haunting impact on those lives affected. I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to these two brave women and their families for their support and strength throughout this investigation. Their resilience has been instrumental in ensuring we could secure this custodial sentence and, although I have no doubt this will stay with them for the rest of their lives, I hope today will help bring some form of closure.
"I also extend my thanks to our partners at Rochdale Borough Council, particularly their adult care recovery and re-enablement team, who have both supported the investigation and been instrumental in providing the victims with the care and support they need whilst we investigated Saleem.

"I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse is abhorrent and will never be acceptable and through our joint working with the council on child sexual abuse we will ensure anyone who engages in this type of vile behaviour will be brought to justice, as we have seen today."

 

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 son has been jailed for life for the murder of his mother following a fire at their home in Manchester last year.

Mark See, 34, started the fire in the living room on 13 July and fled the address on Darras Road, Gorton, in his works van minutes after the blaze broke out but was traced 16 hours later in a church yard on Sunbank Lane, near Manchester Airport, with burns to his hands and feet.

Investigators from Greater Manchester Police Major Incident Support Unit found that See had consumed a large amount of alcohol during the evening and became drunk and abusive towards his mother, Sandra See, 63, and fiancee who was eight weeks pregnant at the time.

He then momentarily went into the rear of the property and returned with a six pint milk bottle that contained petrol for their lawnmower setting the premises alight.

See then fled making no attempt to contact emergency services.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue arrived on scene shortly after 2.30am but sadly Ms See was discovered deceased and was so badly burnt that she had to be identified by a metal plate inserted in her leg.

Today (25 February 2022), See was jailed to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years at Manchester Crown Court after being found guilty of murder.

Senior Investigating Officer, Phil Reade, from GMP's Major Incident Support Unit, said:

Quote

 

"This was a truly devastating case where See's remorseless actions cost his mother's life.

"Our thoughts are with Ms See's family who are still coming to terms with what happened. Throughout the trial they have sat with dignity whilst listening to the evidence of how their mother met her horrific death before the jury returned a guilty verdict.

"Sandra was murdered in her own home by her son who callously doused her in petrol, setting her alight and then fled from the scene as fast as he could but was tracked down by police and arrested. Throughout the trial he lacked the courage to face up to his actions causing further pain and distress to his family, but I hope today's sentencing brings them some comfort and justice for the death of their beloved mother."

 

37-year-old Christopher was sadly found dead off White Moss Road South in the Skelmersdale area of Lancashire on Tuesday 22 February 2022.

A post mortem concluded he died as a result of multiple serious injuries.

Christopher's mum, Susan, has paid tribute to him, saying:

Quote

"The family of Chris wish everyone to respect their privacy at this difficult time and are heartbroken at the loss of their loving son, father, brother and uncle. He will leave a part in the family that can never be filled. RIP Christopher David Hughes."

Shortly after 4.30pm on Friday 18 February 2022, a member of the public reported seeing a man being forced into the back of a vehicle on Almond Grove in the Worsley Hall area of Wigan. An investigation was launched and officers established that this was likely to be Christopher. Extensive enquiries to find Christopher were ongoing when his body was discovered at 11am on Tuesday morning.

Three men, aged 29, 48 and 51, have been arrested in connection with Christopher's kidnap and death. They remain in custody for questioning.

Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said:

Quote

 

"Our thoughts are with Christopher's loved ones at this time. Specially trained colleagues are supporting them while the investigation team works to establish the full circumstances surrounding the frenzied attack which resulted in his death.

"Our enquiries, in conjunction with colleagues from Lancashire Police, are very much on going, so I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us or Crimestoppers, anonymously.

"At this stage, we are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who had contact with Christopher on Friday before 4.30pm or anyone who saw any people or vehicles behaving suspiciously in the Almond Grove area of Wigan or White Moss area of Skelmersdale between 4.45pm and 6pm that evening."

 

Anyone with information should contact police quoting Operation Feverfew via 0161 856 3400. Information can also be shared anonymously via, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Two men have been charged after malicious communications were sent to Labour MP Angela Rayner.

Stuart Kelly (02/02/1969) of East Park Road, Halifax and Michael McGrath of (04/01/1951) of Silkstone Crescent, Sheffield have both been charged with sending an offensive/indecent/obscene/menacing message.

They have both been bailed ahead of an appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court on 17 March 2022.

Kelly's charge is in connection with telephone calls made to the 41 year-old woman on 15 October 2021.

McGrath's charge is in connection with an email sent to the same woman on 16th October 2021.

A spokesperson said:

Quote

 

"We are working with the police to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice and Angela would like to thank the police for their work during these investigations.

"Abuse and threats of this nature have not only had an impact on Angela but also on her family, her children & staff, who have been on the receiving end of these communications."

 

At around 6.30am today (23 February 2022) officers from GMP's Rochdale Neighbourhood Task Force and Rochdale Neighbourhood Team supported by Tactical Aid Unit executed warrants at three addresses in the Littleborough area and arrested three men.

The men, aged between 18 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and burglary and currently remain in custody for questioning.

The warrants form part of an investigation into recent burglaries and motor vehicles thefts, in which high valued vehicles have been targeted and taken in the Littleborough, Rochdale and Oldham areas.

Enquiries remain ongoing.

Police Sergeant Andy Toward of GMP's Rochdale Neighbourhood Task Force said:

Quote

 

"Burglary is an incredibly invasive and distressing crime to those who unfortunately fall victim to it and GMP is committed to driving down burglaries within our communities.

"Although our work will continue to fulfil this commitment I would encourage anyone who may have information or suspect someone in their area is involved in burglaries to get in touch with police. Intelligence we receive from the public can often greatly assist our investigations."

"Anyone with information about burglaries or anything suspicious can call 101, report it online or by using our LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk."

 

An organised crime group from Manchester have been jailed for over 45 years for conspiracy to supply drugs, money laundering and conspiracy to possess firearms, ammunition and explosive devices.

Today's sentence follows Operation Brooks, which involved extensive work by a covert team of officers who kept the group under close surveillance between October 2018 and July 2019.

The group's ringleader Jonathan Walsh, who was in a relationship with Jodie Bowie at the time of the investigation, was first arrested in July 2019 and in October 2021 he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his part in the OCG.

The court heard how Walsh had operated the supply of drugs and – after detectives locked up his associates - he later used his partner's family to collect and transport the drugs and weapons.

Officers first conducted a strike targeting suspected drugs and firearm transporter Joseph Grey in Manchester in January 2019. At the time of the strike, Grey was carrying a firearm with over 100 rounds of ammunition and a homemade improvised grenade in his jacket pocket which he had collected that evening from an address in Merseyside before travelling back to Newton Heath, Manchester.

 

Following his arrest Grey's house in Newton Heath was subsequently searched and officers found an encrypted phone, 9kg of cannabis in vacuum sealed bags with a street value of £90,000, and 3.6kg of amphetamine which, if mixed further, would have had a street value of £100,000.

After losing a key part of the crime group's operations, Walsh recruited Kaylum Davies, who was later busted by police in March 2019 following a lengthy surveillance operation.

Davies was arrested after uniformed officers pulled his car over while driving on the A617 towards Mansfield. While searching Davies and his vehicle, officers found a small amount of cocaine, a knuckle duster, and an encrypted phone.

A further search of his home on Pirie Walk, Manchester, also found items including heroin, cannabis, a pistol, and body armour.

Police then searched the home of Kaylum Davies' sister, Chelsea Davies and her partner Noel Walsh - who is the brother of the group's ringleader Jonathan Walsh and was already in custody following an unrelated conviction. During the search they found 14kg of amphetamine and an encrypted mobile phone.

The court heard how following the arrest of Kaylum and Chelsea Davies, the Bowie family were then enlisted to help transport the drugs and cash between Manchester and Mansfield.

Following a surveillance operation, on 3 July 2019 officers identified an address frequented by Walsh on Clough Road, Failsworth. This was the home address of Geoffrey Keenan.

On 4 July 2019, police conducted a warrant at the address and as officers moved in to make the arrest, Walsh fled from the scene in his vehicle, ramming a police vehicle and mounting the kerb to make his escape despite local school children returning home. During the search, police located 15kg of cannabis with a street value of £150,000. Keenan had fled on foot but was arrested when he returned home later in the day.

Jonathan Walsh was arrested within the hour when he was collected by his partner in crime - Jodie Bowie - and returned to their lavish home at Medlock Rd, Woodhouses. Following Walsh's arrest the home was then searched where police found over £10,000 in cash and designer clothing valued at over £94,000, despite the fact that Walsh had not declared earnings since before 2013 and Jodie earnt less than £20,000 per year. Walsh was subsequently arrested.

The Clough Road property was searched again days later. During the second search a double plug socket wall safe was discovered with 50 foil wraps of heroin, 33 foil wraps containing cocaine and one bag of heroin and one of cocaine inside. Fingerprints of Kaylum Davies were then found on these foil wraps.

In a coordinated strike day on 16 October 2019, the home of Anthony Jones - another associate of Jonathan Walsh - and the homes of Jodie Bowie, Lee Bowie, Kaylum Davies were all searched and all four were arrested for their part in the criminal group. Chelsea Davies & Noel Walsh were also arrested the same day at Cattlin Way, Oldham.

Those jailed as part of Operation Brooks are as follows:

- Jonathan Walsh (17/02/1988) of Warwick Road, Failsworth, plead guilty to conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering and was later found guilty of conspiracy to possess a firearm, conspiracy to possess ammunition and conspiracy to possess an explosive device after trial at Manchester Crown Court in September 2021. He was sentenced to 15 years behind bars.

- Anthony Jones (26/05/1981) of Parkview Road, Liverpool, was found guilty after a trial at Manchester Crown Court in June 2021 of conspiracy to possess ammunition and conspiracy to possess an explosive device and sentenced to 15 years.

- Joseph Raymond Grey (09/11/1964), of Hopgarth Walk, Manchester, pleaded guilty to firearm offences and he later pleaded guilty to drugs and money laundering and was sentenced to 8.5 years at Manchester Crown Court in September 2021.

- Kaylum Davies (06/04/1997) of Pirie Walk, Newton Heath, Manchester pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Supply Class A Heroin and conspiracy to supply class b (amphetamine and cannabis) for which he received a 3 year sentence.

- Noel Walsh (25/12/1983), Cattlin Way, Oldham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B and money laundering. He was sentenced to 3 years.

- Geoffrey Keenan (01/04/1967), of Clough Road, Failsworth, Manchester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B and possession with intent supply cocaine and heroin was sentenced to 2 years 4 months.

The final offenders were sentenced today (22 February) at Manchester Crown Court for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, conspiracy to transfer criminal property and money laundering. They are as follows:

- Jodie Bowie (DOB 18/12/1989), Medlock Road, Failsworth, Manchester received 21 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

- David Bowie (DOB 13/11/1969), Warwick Road, Failsworth, Manchester received 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

- Janice Bowie (DOB 07/09/1968), Warwick Road, Failsworth, Manchester received 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months.

- Chelsea Davies (DOB 06/12/1993), Cattlin Way, Oldham, Manchester received 14 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Lee Bowie (DOB 02/05/1987), Falside Walk, Newton Heath, Manchester is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Norman, of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said:

Quote

 

"This was a lengthy and intricate operation dedicated to dismantling this criminal group.

"It's hard to comprehend just how damaging these weapons and drugs could've been on our streets had police not recovered them first.

"We've now managed to make sure these people remain in jail for a significant amount of time, and our community is now a safer place with them behind bars.

"I hope this operation sends a clear message that GMP will work relentlessly to pursue anyone involved in the supply or harmful drugs and weapons."

 

Detectives cracking down on a 'busy' county drugs line have made two arrests following a number of warrants this morning.

At around 11am today (22 February 2022) officers from GMP's City of Manchester division executed three drug warrants at properties in the Miles Platting and Beswick areas.

The warrants formed part of a wider investigation into the trade of class A drugs in the Beswick and Manchester City Centre areas where drugs are suspected to be getting sold to the vulnerable.

During the warrants - two men, aged between 22 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. They remain in custody for questioning.

Suspected crack and heroin along with numerous mobile phones were also seized following searches of all three properties. Enquiries remain ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Dan Pickavance, from GMP's City of Manchester division, said:

Quote

 

"Today's action is another positive step forward for the team in their efforts to intercept and disrupt the trade and sale of drugs within this area and we've thankfully be able to remove a class A drugs from the street.

"We believe this to have been a busy drugs line which was ending up in the hands of vulnerable people in the city centre and north Manchester but today's action is a huge step in tackling the issue.

"There's always a huge amount of activity ongoing behind the scenes to tackle drugs within our communities and information and intelligence we receive from members of the public can often greatly assist our investigations.

"If you have information or suspect there is organised criminal activity ongoing in your area then I would urge you to contact police online via www.gmp.police.uk or call 101. Details can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

 

The family of a man who died as a result of an assault over ten years ago are urging people to come forward with information as the investigation has been reopened.

On Christmas Eve in 2011, 32-year-old Ashley McGurk, but known locally as Ashley Thomas, was seriously assaulted whilst walking home from a party near to Harpurhey shopping precinct and left in a coma for several months. Ashley, from the Harpurhey area, was left severely brain damaged as a result of an unprovoked attack and was living in a care home in Rochdale before sadly passing away 8 January 2021.

An extensive report from the pathologist has confirmed that the assault 10 years ago proved to be the fatal cause and, upon receipt, GMP reopened the matter as a murder investigation.

Paying tribute, his mother said:

Quote

 

"Visiting my own son every day in his care facilities was absolutely heartbreaking to see and cope with for 10 long years and to know we still don't have justice so many years on is so devastating.

"Both Ashley and his family deserve justice which is why I would ask anyone to come forward with information. We want this nightmare to end once and for all."

 

Three arrests were made at the time and two males were released with no further action taken. One male was charged but the case was dismissed by the court.

Detective Sergeant Paddy Connell, from the City of Manchester Division CID, said:

Quote

 

"This was a devastating incident for Ashley's family and we believe there will be people in the local area with information about the reported assault at the time that may be able to help Ashley's family get the justice they deserve.

"Ashley suffered such horrific injuries that he spent the last 10 years of his life in care facilities and was regularly visited by his mother who has suffered unimaginable emotional pain since the assault and has visited him every day over the last 10 years.

"Anyone with any information - no matter how small it may seem - is asked to contact us on 0161 856 4409 quoting crime reference number CRI/06A1/0001614/21. Someone out there will know something and I would urge them to get in touch - even if it's anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

 

Police were called just after 1pm on Sunday 20 February 2022 to a report of a stabbing at a pub on Kemp Street, Middleton.

Emergency services attended and enquiries established a 37-year-old man had been stabbed multiple times during an altercation outside the pub.

He was taken to hospital where he remains in stable condition requiring surgery.

Jordan Darcy (21/01/2000) of Newton Crescent, Middleton has been charged in connection with the incident.

He has been charged with Section 18 assault - wounding with intent and has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on 22 February 2022.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information or video footage to get in touch with police.

The public can get in touch with police on 0161 856 8420 or 0161 856 8576 or 101 quoting incident 219 of 20/02/22.

Alternatively, details can be passed via their LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Over four million pounds has been returned to rightful owners following an international crypto-currency scam rumbled by officers from GMP six months ago, with millions still yet to be claimed.

A sum of $22.25 million (equivalent to just over 16 million) was seized by specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police's Economic Crime Unit in July 2021, after intelligence led to the discovery of USB sticks containing huge amounts of Ethereum, the second largest Crypto-currency after BitCoin.

A total of 150 victims from all over the world contacted officers in the unit following the scam-bust which saw millions of pounds invested in a fake savings and trading service.

Over four million pounds has been returned to 23 verified victims and another 127 reported claims are currently being investigated by officers alongside partners in international law enforcement across the globe - leaving another seven million pounds to be returned to rightful owners.

Victims based in the UK, United States, Europe, China, Australia and Hong Kong had deposited money, including life savings, into what they thought was an online savings and trading service using Binance Smart Chain, which stores and records transactions made in crypto-currency confirming their movement and value.

The scammers operating the service waited until a significant amount of money had been deposited, before shutting down their website and transferring the funds into their own accounts. Unfortunately for them, the scammers did not disappear without trace.

Specialist officers received intelligence that those running the scheme had been in Manchester for a limited time and tracked them down, recovering an encrypted USB stick containing $9.5 million of stolen Ethereum.

A 23-year-old male and a 25-year-old female were arrested for fraud and money laundering offences. They have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

They found a further $12.7million a few days later after locating a Cryptograph safety deposit box, effectively an online safe, and the code to access it.

Detective Chief Inspector Joe Harrop, from GMP's Economic and Cyber Crime unit, said:

Quote

 

"Crypto-currency saving and trading services are becoming increasingly popular, with projects offering incentives to people to invest significant amounts of money, offering tokens that can then be sold for a profit.

"Our lives are now online or on our phones, and currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are often seen as the future when it comes to money and trading.

"However, this type of crime is increasing across the globe and criminals are getting savvier by finding ways to exploit the trend, in ways even the most experienced users can't anticipate. The Economic and Cyber Crime Unit are working on a daily basis to tackle these growing number of cases in the digital and online world.

"Anyone involved in these Crypto-currency and trading services are urged to take extreme caution and do a lot of research as there are still huge risks. Online currency and trading is incredibly technical and need in-depth knowledge in order to make sure your money is safe. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

"Thankfully, we've returned over four million pounds to 23 individual victims and we're continuing to work through a large number of other reported claims where we can hopefully return even more money.

"We believe there may still be victims out there from all over the world who are owed some of this money we rumbled half a year ago. Anyone who thinks they may have been affected by this particular scam is asked to email OpGabbro@gmp.police.uk."

 

Anyone affected by this particular scam should get in touch using the above email with the following details:

The name of the savings and trading service invested in

The name of the law enforcement you reported the crime to, and officer details

Wallet addresses and documentation to prove ownership

Officers are appealing for the public to help identify three men we're looking to speak to in connection with an assault and theft from a shop.

At around 1.10am on Thursday 29 July 2021 a group of males entered Euro Garages on Wellington Road South, Stockport.

As they entered they forcefully opened the door and aggressively charged towards the victim.

The group then violently assaulted the victim - a man - by punching and stomping on him and throwing shop furniture at him forcefully. His injuries required medical treatment at the time.

They then fled the scene having caused excessive damage to the till area of the store.

They also stole 600 worth of stock.

Officers have today released images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9790 or 101 quoting incident 159 of 29/07/21.

Alternatively, details can be passed via their LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Environment Agency has removed the Severe Flood Warning for the River Mersey following intensive efforts overnight to manage flood waters around the Didsbury Basin. 

A Flood Alert remains in place in the Disbury and Northenden areas and this is likely going to remain in place through the week as inclement weather continues and while the Didsbury Flood Basin is able to fully drain. 

Skilled management of the basin meant that no formal evacuation of homes was required.

 Residents who do need to travel today should take extra care. River levels remain high and road closures may still be in place. 

Check travel information before you travel: https://tfgm.com/storm-franklin

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

Quote

 

"It is welcome relief that the Severe Flood Warning has now been removed for the River Mersey around West Didsbury and Northenden. However, a Flood Alert remains in place and will do most likely through the week until the flood basin in Didsbury empties. We're also expecting continued wet weather in the coming days and a Met Office weather warning is still in place. So please be careful if you need to travel today and through the week.

Thankfully, because of the skilled management of the flood defences on the River Mersey, major flooding and formal evacuations have been avoided, but as the weather remains unsettled there will likely be disruption on our roads and transport routes, so make sure you check the relevant websites before you travel, take care and give yourself extra time. 

"We owe a huge debt of thanks to staff at the Environment Agency, emergency services and volunteers who have worked with Council staff overnight to monitor the risk of flooding and keep us safe. Water levels look to be falling but this will remain under review for the next few days, so keep an eye on information from the Council and emergency services."

 

Sharon Bonney (07/08/1958) of Bath Crescent, Old Trafford, and Stephen Hargreaves (22/11/1976), of no fixed address, have been charged with four counts of commercial burglary and one count of possession of cannabis. 

This is in relation to four commercial burglaries that are reported to have occurred in Manchester between November 2021 and February 2022. 

Hargreaves has also been charged with a further eight counts of commercial burglary, one count of attempt burglary and one count of assaulting a police officer. This is in relation to a number of alleged burglaries in the Manchester area between December 2021 and January 2022. 

Bonney has also been charged with a further count of commercial burglary and making off without payment after a report of a person driving away from a Shell garage without paying. 

They have both been remanded in custody to appear before Manchester Magistrates Court on a date to be confirmed. 

Adam Repton (09/08/2001) or Delaford Walk, Manchester and a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons have been charged with burglary and taking a vehicle without consent.

They have been remanded into court ahead of an appearance at Tameside Magistrates' Court today (18 February 2022).

At around 3am on 17 February 2022 officers were called to a report that a car had been stolen from an address in the Glenmore Drive area of Failsworth.
 

A driver has been jailed after leaving a critically injured 11-year-old girl in the road after a collision and then abandoning his car.

Ruby Cropper died after being struck on New Road, Radcliffe, by the Suzuki Alto being driven by Andrew Cairns on 10 August 2020.

Cairns (01/07/1985), of Rupert Street, Radcliffe, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving on 20 January 2022 after a trial at The Hilton Nightingale Crown Court in Manchester. 

He was subsequently remanded and appeared at Manchester Crown Court today (17 February) where he was jailed for five years. He has also been disqualified from driving for seven years.

Ruby had been walking along the pavement with a friend and was halfway across the road when she was struck by Cairns' vehicle, estimated by witnesses to be travelling at 'around 50 to 60mph' in a 30mph zone.

Ruby was thrown into the air and suffered severe head injuries. She was treated at the scene by the emergency services and was taken to hospital but, sadly, died two days later.

A post-mortem examination concluded that her death was 'primarily due to brain injury and attributed this to the collision'.

Before the collision, witnesses described how Cairns had overtaken several cars and had cut across traffic, showing 'no caution or regard for other road users'.

Cairns handed himself into police, admitting he was the driver of the car and that he was travelling at excess speed but denied driving dangerously.

PC Laura Drew, a Forensic Collision Reconstruction Officer employed by Greater Manchester Police, filed a report that stated:

Quote

 

"Witnesses estimate Mr Cairns speed was between 50mph and 60mph.

"It is not known as to what exact path or speed Miss Cropper ran at, however research shows her time in the road to be between 0.8 and 1.3 seconds. Mr Cairns could not have avoided this collision at the speed he was travelling.

"However, had Mr Cairns been travelling at the speed limit, Miss Cropper would have had time to pass across the front of his vehicle without him having to take any evasive action."

 

Lead Investigator, PC Phil Drummond, from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

Quote

 

"For reasons only known to himself, Cairns chose to drive in a way that would inevitably end in disaster.

"His reckless actions had the most severe of consequences; the life of a young, innocent girl ended and a family torn apart.

"As quickly as he took Ruby’s life, he fled the scene without any thought for her, leaving decent members of the public to rush to her aid.

"While Cairns admitted to causing Ruby’s death at an earlier hearing, he failed to recognise and take responsibility for his sustained, despicable course of driving.

"Furthermore, only six months later and while on bail, he continued to drive without regard for public safety and was caught speeding, showing a complete and utter lack of remorse.

"Thankfully, 17 months after the collision, a jury saw through Cairns' inconsistent account and rightly convicted him of causing Ruby’s death by driving dangerously.

"I wish to thank Ruby’s family for their patience and compassion throughout the entire investigation. I hope this serves to bring them some level of closure.

"Furthermore, I would like to take the opportunity to commend the efforts of the members of public who not only aided Ruby until paramedics arrived but furthermore, appeared in court to give evidence, ultimately reliving their horrific memories.

"I hope this serves to reassure our communities and a reminder those who seek to put them in danger - the Serious Collision Investigation Unit is dedicated to our work and will continue to prosecute them."

 

Statement from Shelley Booth (Ruby's mum): 

Quote

 

"From the very moment I received the call from my husband telling me that our beautiful daughter Ruby had been run over, life has never been the same.

"The shock of seeing her unconscious and dying in front of me is the worst thing I have ever had to deal with in my life. 

"I couldn’t understand how my gorgeous, happy girl, who would help anyone, had been run over and left in the road, and that the driver didn’t have the heart to stop and help her, not even ring an ambulance. 

"Our world ended at that point.  We had lost our ray of sunshine. Our girl was always positive, a kind, caring and funny girl who had her whole life ahead of her.

"We will never get to see her prom, her first day at college and at university. We won’t see her get married or become a mum.  We will never see what life she would have had.

"No sentence will ever be enough, as we have to spend the rest of our lives without our beautiful, kind, caring and funny girl.  She was the brightest light in the darkest room.  We miss her so much.

"Ruby would have died on the 10 August but, because she was an organ donor, we had until the early hours of 12 August to say goodbye. 

"We lay with her and played her favourite music, took her hand and foot prints, told her how much we loved her and were there until her last breath. 

"Our brave, selfless girl saved three people with her kidneys and her liver. They have frozen her heart valves for possible matches in the future."

 

Statement from Ian Cropper (Ruby's dad): 

Quote

 

"After it all happened, I was angry for a long time. I didn’t care about anything, life just became pointless and my reason for being wasn’t apparent anymore.

"Every day merged into one and they felt endless – no work, no sleep, no one to talk to that could understand the way I was feeling – I was lost in my own bubble of anger that I couldn’t allow anyone in to, it was too hard.

"Ruby was my whole world, she was my best friend and absolute love of my life – Ruby made me the person I am. She made me a Daddy, she made me see the world differently, she made me strong when I didn’t feel it, she made me happy when I was sad – she was my EVERYTHING and it's hard to put into words the loss I feel.

"I am not sure there are enough words in this world to try and describe a world without Ruby in it."

 

Qudrat Pakhitiawal, (09/04/02), of no fixed abode, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class C.

He appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court on the 11 February 2022, where he was bailed until his next court appearance in March.

The charge relates to Operation Cranium - a dedicated investigation in to the illicit supply of prescription-only medications in North Manchester.

Op Cranium aims to tackle the supply and distribution of illicit and counterfeit prescription medication across Greater Manchester, the associated criminality around this type of crime, and those involved.

While these drugs are Class C, their ability to do harm is higher than that of other drugs because of their addictive chemical make-up.

Today (16 February) Martin Bradshaw (26/09/1989) of Ashbourne Avenue, Aspull has been jailed for three years and six months at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, possession with intent to supply a class A controlled drug and facilitating the acquisition/possession of criminal property.

He has also been disqualified from driving for three years and nine months.

On Friday 5 June 2020 an officer spotted Bradshaw driving erratically in his Mercedes Benz along Scholes, Wigan. The officer attempted to stop the car but Bradshaw only accelerated, eventually managing to flee the officer. The car was spotted shortly afterwards parked up on Higher Lane, Aspull and seized by officers.

The following day, officers returned to the compound where the car was being kept and forced entry to it due to intelligence that it was linked to the supply of controlled drugs. Following a search, bank cards and a coffee tin containing cocaine were seized.

Two burner phones were also seized and these both contained details of drug supply.

On Sunday 7 June, Bradshaw attended Wigan police Station and was arrested.

Following further investigation it was uncovered that Bradshaw had purchased a static caravan in Blackpool and this was subsequently seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The Mercedes was also seized under the act.

A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing has been set for 15 June 2022.

Police Constable John O'Donnell of GMP's Wigan District Tasking Team said: "Bradshaw's reckless and dangerous driving not only risked the lives of innocent members of the public but it also allowed us to recover drugs from his car and uncover that he was engrained into a drug dealing chain.

"Drugs blight communities and negatively impact the lives of all those involved. I hope today's sentence sends a clear message that this type of activity is not acceptable in Wigan or Greater Manchester and GMP will do all it can to target and disrupt this activity.

"Information and intelligence we receive from the public in regard to drug dealing in the area can greatly assist our investigations so I would encourage anyone who may know of or suspect someone involved in the trade of drugs to get in touch with police."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be submitted via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Michael Coleman (10/10/1942), of HMP Forest Bank, was found guilty of rape and four counts of sexual assault after a four-day trial at Bolton Crown Court which concluded last week and was sentenced to eight years in prison yesterday afternoon (15 February 2022).

Coleman is currently in prison after being jailed in 2018 for seven years after being found guilty of three counts of sexual assault relating to victims under 18. 

During the trial the court heard how in 1976, the victim, who was 15 at the time, joined a junior football team in Bolton managed by Coleman.

After around three or four months, Coleman started to try and wash the victim's back in the changing room showers before sexually touching and attempting to penetrate him.

Coleman went out drinking at pubs in Bolton on several occasions with the victim and two older males, before Coleman would then drive them home.

On one occasion, after dropping the other two boys off, Coleman took the victim back to his flat claiming that he would buy him some supper.

It was here that Coleman sexually assaulted the victim.

Following another night out, Coleman raped the victim in a bedroom of the flat before taking him home.

After the victim bravely decided to report his former football coach, Coleman was then interviewed in prison.                         

Detective Constable Patel, of Bolton CID, said:

Quote

 

"This was a harrowing investigation and I would like to very much thank the victim for his bravery in coming forward after all these years.

"I cannot imagine the psychological effect that this abuse has had on him not only as a young man but throughout his life but I hope that the verdict today brings some form of closure and a sense of justice being served after all these years.

"The victim should have been able to trust Coleman as a local football coach but was instead let down by him in the most horrendous way.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to please get in touch with police, no matter how long ago it was, we will listen to you and we can help."

 

The two men - aged 25 and 27 - were arrested on suspicion of importing class B drugs during Operation Vortex on 14 February 2022. 

Both have been released under investigation while the drugs and other evidence is analysed.

Officers from the Oldham East Neighbourhood Team, which covers the Waterhead, St James, Saddleworth and Lees areas, carried out 11 weapons sweeps, gave knife-crime talks at Knowsley, Littlemoor and St Theresa's primary schools and patrolled burglary hotspots.

There was also a joint operation with GMP's Transport Unit to disrupt crime and weapon offences at Derker Metrolink stop, while 50 speeding tickets will be issued after traffic enforcement at Ripponden Road, Huddersfield Road, Austerlands, and Huddersfield Road, Delph.

Inspector Alan Sanders said:

Quote

"This was just the first of regular proactive police activity in the East Oldham area where my team will conduct activities that will disrupt criminals, and reassure and engage with the public."

Sergeant Joseph Dunne, of the Waterhead and St James team, added:

Quote

 

"I hope today's action reassures the people of Oldham that if they provide us with information we will act on it and people will be arrested and brought to justice.

"The importation and supply of drugs is a blight on the community and has links to organised crime and volume crimes such as burglary and theft of motor vehicles as well as child criminal exploitation and county lines.

"This is something as a neighbourhood team, with the help of the public I want to make a difficult as possible for the criminals involved."

 

Sergeant Paul Heap, from the Saddleworth and Lees team, said:

Quote

"This has come from direct concerns raised by members of the public and I hope it will reassure people we are listening to and acting on their concerns."

Anyone with information or concerns should call police or report online or by using the Live Chat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111