Nabeel Aslam (14/08/1983) is wanted after a Class A drug were discovered in the Chorlton Cum Hardy area.

Aslam has connections to Manchester and Lancashire.

Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are continuing to hunt a convicted murderer who has absconded.

Officers searching for Paul Maxwell (born 04/10/1964) are also urging people to be cautious if they suspect they recognise Maxwell and to not approach him but call police immediately.

Maxwell was jailed for life in 1996 for the murder of 85-year-old Joe Smales in Wakefield, and robbery.

However, on Friday 21 February 2014 he absconded from lawful custody while out on day release with prison staff in Rochdale town centre.

He is described as white, about 5ft 7in tall, of medium build with short brown hair and blue eyes. He wears glasses and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a grey fleece top and white training shoes. He was also wearing a Deerstalker hat at the time.

Maxwell is now known to have links to the Denton, Rochdale, Middleton an West Yorkshire areas.

Detective Superintendent Jon Chadwick said: “It has now been more than 24 hours since Maxwell has absconded and our inquiries to trace him are ongoing. We are pursuing a number of leads and we will continue to explore every possible avenue in finding him.

“Because Maxwell may have limited access to money, he may surface in the areas he is known to have links to so I would urge people to be on their guard and if you see this man, please do not approach him but call police immediately.

“While we have no specific intelligence to say Maxwell is a threat to the public, he was convicted of the murder of a 85-year-old man and a robbery so if he does run out of money and becomes desperate, he may seek to commit further criminal acts. For that reason, it is important we warn people that Maxwell is still at large and ask that people are particularly vigilant at this time, particularly if you are or know an elderly person.

“I would ask anyone with information about where he currently is, has been or could be heading to contact us in confidence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or 0161 856 4473 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A 35-YEAR-old man from Preston has been jailed for six years after punching and strangling his friend following a drunken argument in the city.

Rory Williams, of Frenchwood Knoll, pleaded guilty to grevious bodily harm  in November 2013 and was sentenced on (Friday 21 February 2014) at Preston Crown Court.

On Tuesday 25 June 2013, Williams was with his 48-year-old friend in the London Road running track area of Preston.

They had been drinking and after a verbal argument Williams punched his friend, leaving him unconscious, before further assaulting him for around about 40 seconds.

He then slapped his friend across the face before throwing him to the ground.

The 48 year old man received serious injuries and spent months recovering in Royal Preston Hospital. He continues to have neurological problems, with impairment to his hearing, sight and balance.

DC Ian Best, of Preston CID, said:“I am pleased with the sentence handed down to Williams, which should serve as a warning to others that this type of behaviour is simply not acceptable and will not be tolerated by the police and the courts.

“This was a completely unnecessary incident which came about as a result of a drunken fallout between two friends. As a result, a 48-year-old man has been left with life changing injuries and his elderly parents are having to cope with his rehabilitation.”

A Blackpool man has  been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering another man in the town.

Mark Ball of Hornby Road, Blackpool was on (Friday 21^st February 2014) told he must serve at least 18 years after being found guilty of murdering Marc Davies following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

A team of detectives led by Detective Superintendent Andy Murphy, launched an investigation after being called to a flat on Alexandra Road, Blackpool at around 2:00am on the 14^th October 2012.

When officers entered the flat they discovered the body of 41 year old Marc Davis, who had been stabbed and had died from his wounds.

Mr Davies was at his home with his partner, some friends and Ball and for reasons only known to Ball, he attacked Mr Davies with a knife.

Detective Inspector Becky Smith said: “This was such a tragic and unnecessary loss of life our thoughts remain with Marc’s family at this sad time.

“This was a needless crime on a defenceless man. It was fuelled by drink and did not need to happen.  Why Ball decided to assault Mr Davies, only he knows. It is another example of people drinking far too much alcohol and not being able to control themselves.

“This case highlights the most serious consequences of carrying a knife. I would urge anyone who picks up a knife in anger to consider the consequences; it could lead to the loss of somebody’s life and a lifetime of sorrow for their family as well as a significant custodial sentence for the perpetrator.”

One of his victims asked GMP to send out an extract from their victim impact statement.

Paul Ward (born 22/01/1964) from Sale has today, Monday 24 February 2014 been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square to four years in prison.

He has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Ward pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault at an earlier hearing.

Between 1994 and 1996 Ward sexually abused two girls, who were under the age of six in Old Trafford.

Here is an extract from one of Ward’s victim impact statement: “The consistent sexual abuse made me feel powerless, worthless and confused. I felt alone and minutes felt like hours. After he had performed his sickening acts on me it would leave me feeling sore, confused and all I used to think is: Why? Why was he hurting me? What have I ever done to him?

“This has impacted on how I perceive life. I felt like everyone was against me. I grew up not knowing where he was, I was scared but soon that fear turned to anger. I was confused and alone, I had to grow up fast.

“At twelve years old I started taking drugs and found myself in situations, with grown men, that I had no control over. In my mind that is all I knew, was this normal?? Was this love?? I felt alone and I didn’t have trust for social workers and authority figures as nobody believed me.

“My life ever since he abused me has been nothing but pain. But the biggest thing this man has taken from me is my ability to parent my children, due to my mental health I now suffer from because of the abuse.

“I have Bi-Polar Disorder, depression and anxiety. It kills me inside that I can’t hold my children and have a family.

“It feels like everything has been taken from me because of this man’s disgusting actions. He has lived a free life while for the past seventeen years I have suffered in silence and when I tried to talk about the abuse it was dismissed.

“The abuse ended in 1996 but for me it will never mentally leave me. I don’t wish him any pain or hate but I ask that you show him the same mercy he showed me; and give him the maximum sentence for these sickening, calculated acts.”

Detective Constable Nicola Graham from Trafford division, said: “Ward’s abuse of these young girls is difficult for most people to comprehend.  He subjected his victims to sustained sexual assaults over two years.

“Both girls have been incredibly brave by helping us put Ward before the courts and have justice done for them.

“He is now where he belongs and thankfully will not be able to harm anyone else.

“We take all reports of sexual abuse seriously, no matter how old you are or how long ago the crime happened and this should give others the confidence to come forward.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.

A group of men and women were assaulted in their taxi by a gang of men suspected of having been refused entry to a nearby bar.

At about 3am on Saturday 22 February 2014, four men were refused entry to Baa Baa in Fallowfield.

One of the group then picked up a metal post and smashed a window.

It is believed the same group were then involved in an attack on a group of people who were in a taxi near to Baa Baa.

As the group were about to set off in the taxi, a number of the offenders got into the taxi and demanded to be taken somewhere.

When the group inside refused, telling the men that they had ordered the taxi, the man became abusive and threatening.

One of the offenders then assaulted one of the women inside the taxi, knocking her unconscious.

The group in the taxi tried to intervene, but this resulted in a further incident whereby numerous members of the group from the taxi were assaulted by the offenders.

The offenders then left down Wilbraham Road

In all five people were assaulted; three women and two men. One woman suffered a broken jaw and extensive swelling to her face, another suffered a broken nose and a third suffered a suspected broken jaw.

Two men suffered cuts.

The offenders are described as two white men aged in their early to mid 20s and two black men aged in their mid to late 20s.

Detective Sergeant Gareth Davies, said: “Most probably spurred on by drink and not being allowed entry to Baa Baa the offenders have indiscriminately assaulted five innocent people.
“Three of them – all women – have suffered particularly nasty injuries.

“Grown men attacking women with such violence and in such an unprovoked manner is particularly unpalatable and a completely cowardly act and we are working hard to identify the men responsible.

“I want to reassure the public that we are following a number of lines of enquiry but if anyone has any information that can help our investigation we would be keen to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4423, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The incident happened between 11.50pm on Wednesday 8 January 2014 and 12.30am on Thursday 9 January 2014. 

The 26-year-old woman was on Upper Chorlton Road and was attempting to use a phone box, but it would not work and so she asked a man who was passing if she could borrow some change. He did not have any but agreed she could use his mobile phone instead. 

The woman made the call, returned the phone to the man and began to walk home. 

As the woman was walking along Hilden Court, she realised the man had followed her. He asked the woman for a hug, which she gave to him, but he then tried to kiss her and as she resisted he sexually assaulted her. 

The woman managed to push the man away and he walked off. 

The man is believed to be middle eastern or Turkish with olive skin and is described as in his late 20s, of medium build and around 5ft 7in tall. He has small brown eyes, dark eye brows and large lips and spoke with a foreign accent. He was wearing a ¾ length dark jacket, black beanie hat, dark jeans and trainers. 

Detective Constable Jonathan Urmson, based at West Didsbury police station said: “We have been carrying out a number of enquiries to try and identify this man and are now appealing to the public to see if they have any information that can assist us with this investigation. 

“The woman thought this man was acting as a good Samaritan by allowing her to use his mobile phone, but clearly he had much more disturbing intentions and we are keen to find out who he is as soon as possible so we can question him about this incident.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call police at West Didsbury police station on 0161 856 4973 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Christopher Edwards  of Wortley Avenue, Salford has today, Monday 24 February 2014 been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square to 10 years in prison.

He was found guilty following a trial of false imprisonment and possession with intent to supply.

Jacob Minister  of East Lancs Road, Salford has today, Monday 24 February 2014 been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square to 15 years in prison.

He was found guilty following a trial of false imprisonment, possession with intent to supply and using a firearm with the intention of causing harm or distress

Edwards and Minister subjected their victim, a vulnerable man who was heavily addicted to drugs, to a terrifying experience.

On 1 September 2014 they kidnapped the 31-year-old man over a drugs debt and took him to Edwards’s house where he was threatened with a machete.

DC Sean Fitzgerald: “These two men preyed on a vulnerable man, they provided him with drugs on tick and when he could not pay they started to use him to store their supply.

“The threats escalated and when they found out he told the police he was storing drugs on their behalf, he was kidnaped and held at knife point.

“If he had not been able to contact his partner who knows what these men could have been capable of.

“This investigation was part of Project Gulf, a multi-agency approach to tackling serious organised crime in Salford.

“It involves the police, the council, Department for Work and Pensions and a wide variety of other agencies working together to investigate individuals believed to be involved in organised crime.

“Today, Edwards and Minister are where they belong behind bars and their victim can now try to get on with his life knowing justice has been done.”

Chief Superintendent Mary Doyle, divisional commander for Salford, said: “Over the past few years, we have had some tremendous successes in Salford in tackling organised criminal gangs.

“Working in partnership with the local authorities and other local agencies, we have seized millions of pounds worth of drugs, firearms and cash and as residents will have already seen, we have secured some lengthy convictions for some of these organised crime group members.

“Through multi-agency operations like Project Gulf, we already have in place excellent working relationships with our partners and these have led to huge reductions in criminality.

“Today’s sentences take the overall custodial sentences dished out to organised criminals in Salford to over 258 years in prison since 2012.

“By taking so many of these gang members off the streets and seizing huge quantities of drugs and other items associated with criminality, we have made massive inroads into disrupting these criminal networks and as a result, Salford is a safer place to live and work.”

BACKGROUND

On Thursday 29 August 2013 a 31-year-old man attended Swinton police station and said he was storing cocaine at his house for someone called Jacob Minister and that he didn’t want to do it anymore.   Minister had threatened with an imitation firearm and he feared for his life.

He explained that he was a daily user of cocaine and cannabis and that for the last four months he had been supplied cocaine by Minister who gave him small amounts but would not ask for any payment.

A few months after this started Minister began to use his house to store bags of cocaine.  He would call the victim when he needed a supply and the victim would take them out to Minister who would be waiting in his car.

Following this disclosure to the police a warrant was executed at the victim’s address and 13 bags of cocaine were recovered and he was arrested.

After the 31-year-old man was released from custody on Friday 30 August 2014, Minister had asked him what had happened with the police and wanted to see his bail sheet.

The following day Edwards and Minister picked him up looked at the paper work and said it was not right that there were no offences listed.

At about 2.55pm on Sunday 1 September 2013, Edwards called at his address and demanded to meet the victim at a pub in Eccles.

A short time later a black Corsa pulled up with both Edwards and Minister inside, the man got in and was told by Minister that he wasn’t going anywhere until he had paid the money he owed.

They drove him to Trafford and Minister took the victim’s phone and accused him of being bugged and said if he tried to escape he would be stabbed.

Minister continued to ask what had happened with the police and demanded the money, he lied and said he would have the money later that day.

They took him to Edwards’s home and Edwards and the victim went inside where he was held against his will for about three hours and threatened with a machete.  At one point Edwards showed him a picture of a gun on his phone, which had been photographed on his bed.

Minister came to pick them up, demanded money and drove the victim home.  When they got there they could see the door had been forced by the police.

They wanted to see the police search forms, Edwards’s held up the victim’s puppy and threatened to take it as part of their payment.

The victim managed to contact his partner to say he was being held against his will and when they left the house Edwards and Minister were arrested.

Images release on @ukcrime

At about 7.50am on Tuesday 25 February 2014, police became aware that two protestors at the Barton Moss site had locked themselves onto a drum filled with concrete.  Specialist officers attended to free them and in the process an officer suffered a minor injury to his hand. The injury was caused by barbed wire and glass that was concealed beneath some of the concrete inside the drum. The protestors – a man and a woman – were freed and arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and section 47 assault. They remain in police custody.

A man who tried to wash firearms residue off his hands while in police cells is today, Tuesday, 25 February 2014, beginning a five year jail term for possessing a gun.

Demetrius Thompson, born 13/05/95, of Springside Close, Walkden, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession of a firearm.

He was today sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, to five years imprisonment.

On 7 December’2013, officers from the multi-agency Project Gulf team executed a drugs warrant at a first floor flat on Springside Close, Walkden,

Officers then found a silver handgun and a small quantity of cannabis in a black sock under the window in the back bedroom.

Thomspon was arrested and the weapon was forensically recovered.

While he was in custody, he was held in a ‘dry cell’ and he was told that officers intended to take swabs from his hands, to check for traces of firearms residue.

He then asked officers to escort him to the toilet, whereby he tried to wash his hands, presumably to remove any residue. Officers then wrestled him away from the sink.

He was then heard to say: “I’m going to have to take one for the team”, believed to be a reference to the firearm recovery.

Officers were initially unable to verify if the weapon was a restricted firearm so Thomspon was released on bail.

But it was handed to Salford’s Organised Crime Unit who later identified it as a self-loading pistol manufactured in Italy.

On 9 December officers returned to the Walkden flat and re-arrested Thompson for the firearms offence.

Detective Sergeant Colin Shackleton, of Project Gulf in Salford, said; “Despite Thompson’s ham-fisted attempts to cheat justice, we were determined to ensure both he and his firearm were taken off our streets.

“Thompson, like many before him, now knows that Salford’s Project Gulf partnership will not stop until we dismantle organised crime groups piece by piece.

“We work with our partners – the council, Department for Work and Pensions and a wide variety of other agencies – to target anyone who we believe to be involved in firearm offences.

“In recent years we have seized millions of pounds worth of drugs, firearms and cash and as residents will have already seen, we have secured some lengthy convictions for some of these organised crime group members.”

A man was threatened by robbers who stole a money box containing a large amount of cash.

At about 1.20pm on 24 February 2014, a 50-year-old man was leaving Weatherspoons on Long Street, Middleton having just made a cash collection.

As he approached his van a white BMW 1 series pulled up alongside him and the passenger got out and demanded he hand over the box.

He snatched the box from the victim and got back into the car, which was driven off by a second man.

The car – which had the registration MJ62 TXX – was found abandoned on The Downs, Middleton a short time later.

Detective Constable Dan Daly, said: “These men have stolen a large amount of cash in what must have been a pre-planned robbery.

“I want anyone who saw what happened, the men escaping or the car being abandoned to come forward.

“I would also urge anyone who knows where the car was being stored prior to the robbery or has heard anyone plotting this raid to call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8701, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A worker was held up at gunpoint during a robbery at a petrol station in Heywood .

Just after 9.45pm on Saturday 22 February 2014, two men ran into Heap Bridge station on Bury New Road, Heywood and demanded money from the till.

One of the men pointed a silver handgun towards the victim as he took the cash out and put it in a rucksack.

Both offenders then left and walked in the direction of Lord Street.

They are described as being white, possibly in their teens, 5ft 7in tall and of slim build.

One wore a black balaclava and a dark bomber jacket that had red writing along the sleeves.  The other wore a quilted hooded waist length coat with grey shoulders, dark tracksuit trousers and balaclava.

Detective Constable Claire Ramsden said: “No member of staff should be subjected to such a terrifying ordeal and although he was not physically attacked, it left him severely shaken.

“From what we know, the men approached the petrol station from Lord Street and left the same way.  I would ask anyone who may have seen these two men in the area or witnessed the robbery itself, to give call us.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 1704 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police have issued CCTV footage of a missing man who was last seen a week ago.

John Albert Plant, aged 60, was last seen at his home on Wenlock Way, West Gorton, on Wednesday 19 February 2014. He has been suffering from depression in recent months, possibly brought on by his difficulty in getting employment.

John is believed to have left Cosgrove House on Wenlock Way between 10.45pm on Wednesday and the morning of the following day.

He is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, of stocky build and has neck-length black greying hair. He had stubble and was wearing a florescent yellow fleece with silver reflective bands on the arms and chest, khaki coloured trousers, a white rugby top and black work boots.

He does wear glasses but did not take them with him and may have a black woollen hat similar to the one in the video.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Pester, based at Longsight, said: “It’s now been a week since John disappeared and his family are desperate for any news.

“We have been following up a number of leads but, as yet, John has yet to make contact.

“He has not been missing before but his family tell us he has been very down recently, possibly brought on by his extreme difficulty in getting back into employment.

“He’s clearly a proud man who wants to work and, in the current economic climate, I’m sure people will understand how his continued unemployment has left him upset.

“He also suffers from diabetes and asthma and it’s not known if he has his medication with him. His family are beside themselves with worry and just want to hear from him – it’s as simple as that.

“John, if you are reading this, please get in touch to let everyone know you are ok.”

He is known to frequent Gorton Park and has relatives in Newton Heath.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call police on 101.

Police have issued CCTV footage of a missing man who was last seen a week ago.

John Albert Plant, aged 60, was last seen at his home on Wenlock Way, West Gorton, on Wednesday 19 February 2014. He has been suffering from depression in recent months, possibly brought on by his difficulty in getting employment.

John is believed to have left Cosgrove House on Wenlock Way between 10.45pm on Wednesday and the morning of the following day.

He is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, of stocky build and has neck-length black greying hair. He had stubble and was wearing a florescent yellow fleece with silver reflective bands on the arms and chest, khaki coloured trousers, a white rugby top and black work boots.

He does wear glasses but did not take them with him and may have a black woollen hat similar to the one in the video.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Pester, based at Longsight, said: “It’s now been a week since John disappeared and his family are desperate for any news.

“We have been following up a number of leads but, as yet, John has yet to make contact.

“He has not been missing before but his family tell us he has been very down recently, possibly brought on by his extreme difficulty in getting back into employment.

“He’s clearly a proud man who wants to work and, in the current economic climate, I’m sure people will understand how his continued unemployment has left him upset.

“He also suffers from diabetes and asthma and it’s not known if he has his medication with him. His family are beside themselves with worry and just want to hear from him – it’s as simple as that.

“John, if you are reading this, please get in touch to let everyone know you are ok.”

He is known to frequent Gorton Park and has relatives in Newton Heath.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call police on 101.

Police have issued CCTV footage of a missing man who was last seen a week ago.

John Albert Plant, aged 60, was last seen at his home on Wenlock Way, West Gorton, on Wednesday 19 February 2014. He has been suffering from depression in recent months, possibly brought on by his difficulty in getting employment.

John is believed to have left Cosgrove House on Wenlock Way between 10.45pm on Wednesday and the morning of the following day.

He is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, of stocky build and has neck-length black greying hair. He had stubble and was wearing a florescent yellow fleece with silver reflective bands on the arms and chest, khaki coloured trousers, a white rugby top and black work boots.

He does wear glasses but did not take them with him and may have a black woollen hat similar to the one in the video.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Pester, based at Longsight, said: “It’s now been a week since John disappeared and his family are desperate for any news.

“We have been following up a number of leads but, as yet, John has yet to make contact.

“He has not been missing before but his family tell us he has been very down recently, possibly brought on by his extreme difficulty in getting back into employment.

“He’s clearly a proud man who wants to work and, in the current economic climate, I’m sure people will understand how his continued unemployment has left him upset.

“He also suffers from diabetes and asthma and it’s not known if he has his medication with him. His family are beside themselves with worry and just want to hear from him – it’s as simple as that.

“John, if you are reading this, please get in touch to let everyone know you are ok.”

He is known to frequent Gorton Park and has relatives in Newton Heath.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call police on 101.

Two men have been charged after a man escaped from lawful custody while out on day release with prison staff in Rochdale town centre.

Paul Maxwell, of no fixed address has been charged with escaping from lawful custody and Robert William Capie , of Craven Avenue, Ordsall, has been charged with assisting an offender.

Both appeared at Manchester City Magistrates on Tuesday 25 February 2014, and were remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 11 March 2014.

Six robbers burst into a Salford corner shop and threatened the lone shopkeeper.

It happened at about 9pm on Friday 21 February 2014 at Deans Food and Wine on Station Road, Patricroft, as the 27-year-old shopkeeper was about to close for the night.

Six masked men then entered the shop, one stood by the door keeping guard while the others rushed to the counter.

Armed with a black handgun and a six-inch knife, the robbers pushed the man to the floor and held the gun to his head.

Three other offenders then helped themselves to cigarettes, alcohol and a quantity of cash from the till and cash machine before running off towards Lewis Street.

Detective Constable Andrew Farrimond, based at Swinton police station, said: ⿿Fortunately the shopkeeper wasn’t injured in the ordeal, but he has been left incredibly shaken.

⿿If you witnessed anything, or have any information as to who may be responsible, I would urge you to contact the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A man who thought for years that he’d got away with rape has been jailed a decade later, thanks to a DNA match.

Ibrahim Khan (born 05/10/1968) of St Albans Avenue, Ashton-under-Lyne was found guilty of rape following a trial in December 2013.

Today, Thursday 27 February 2014, he was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court to eight years imprisonment.

In the early hours of Sunday 31 October 2004, a 19-year-old girl had been out in Altrincham town centre and flagged down a private hire taxi to take her home.

The taxi driver, Ibrahim Khan, told the young woman to get into the front passenger seat as it was warmer, which she did, and the taxi set off to take her home.

The 19-year-old quickly fell asleep in the passenger seat and woke a short time later to find that Khan was on top of her and was raping her.

The girl shouted at him to get off and managed to escape from the car and run home.

Following this attack, a full investigation was launched by police in Trafford, appeals were run in the media and a DNA sample of the offender was taken, but the culprit was never identified.

In November 2012, Khan was arrested for an unrelated matter and his DNA sample was obtained. This was quickly matched to the DNA profile taken from the rape in 2004 and he was subsequently arrested by GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit.

Further investigation revealed that in 2004, Khan was working as a taxi driver in Ashton-Under-Lyne and had dropped off passengers in Altrincham that evening in October when he spotted the victim.

Detective Constable Rachel Ostick from GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “I would firstly like to commend the bravery shown by the victim in this case, who gave evidence at this trial nine years after the attack took place, forcing her to relive her rape ordeal once more in court. Finally today, justice has been served.

“On that night back in 2004, Khan knowingly accepted the fare when he was out of his area of operating. He took advantage of a vulnerable young woman who was fast asleep and raped her.  The public rely on taxi drivers to take them home safely, even when they are in vulnerable states and Khan abused this position of trust.

“I hope that today’s sentence will encourage other victims of rape to come forward and tell us about what has happened to them. We will investigate all reports thoroughly in order to bring justice to those men or women who have been raped, and there is wide-ranging support on offer to victims from both within the police and from other agencies.

“As this case demonstrates, we will also continue to utilise every tool and developing technology available to us to track down those responsible for carrying out these despicable crimes, no matter how long it takes.”

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.

- You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.

- St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.

- Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

- Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.

Fifteen individuals arrested yesterday, Wednesday 26 February in a series of raids targeting one of the UK’s longest established organised crime gangs have been bailed.

The fourteen men and one woman have all been bailed to return to a central London police station on dates between 3 June 2014 and 1 July 2014.

Today, Friday 28 February, a court hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice has ruled against the MPS in relation to two claims brought pursuant to the Human Rights Act in connection with the investigation into convicted serial rapist John Worboys.

Our defence of these claims should not be taken as a reflection of any doubt upon the veracity of the claimants’ accounts as to their treatment by Worboys; or any lack of understanding about the effects of rape on victims. Their accounts formed part of the criminal process and they each, with considerable courage, assisted the police in bringing Worboys to justice.

The claims were not defended on the basis of factual differences between the parties; but rather based on the appropriate interpretation of European human rights law. The case has raised important arguments regarding the boundaries of police responsibility and liability and we believed that it was important for these principles to be tested before the courts.

In summing up, the judge highlighted the “sensitive and dignified way” in which the MPS had conducted itself throughout the hearing; an observation based in part on a decision not to call the claimants to provide evidence.

The MPS has previously apologised for mistakes made in the investigation of rapes committed by Worboys.

The judge acknowledged that the failings in this case were very much historic; a recognition that in the interim we have made important and significant changes to the way we investigate rape, which remains one of the most challenging and complex policing issues. We are committed to providing the best possible service to victims, ensuring that they are at the heart of every investigation.

We will now take time to consider the judgment in full.

Sean Collier (28/11/1992) of Hyde Road, Gorton was sentenced today, Friday 28 February 2014 at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square to 23 years in prison.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to the murder of 44-year-old Christopher Dawson.

John Ashton (born 20/10/1959) of Hyde Road, Gorton was sentenced today, Friday 28 February 2014 at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square to four years in prison.

He was found guilty following a six day trial of conspiracy to commit assault.

Shortly before 1.50pm on Saturday 13 April 2013, police were called by North West Ambulance Service to reports of a sudden death at an address on Hyde Road.

Officers attended and found the body of Christopher Dawson in his room. He was pronounced dead at the scene and a post mortem concluded he had died from multiple injuries to the body.

Following the discovery of Mr Dawson, an investigation was launched to establish what had happened.

Police were told that on Friday evening 12 April 2013 a number of people including Collier had been drinking in the communal kitchen where Mr Dawson lived. Mr Dawson spoke to the people then went upstairs to his flat.

In the early hours of Saturday 13 April 2013, noises had been heard coming from his room, similar to that of furniture being moved.

Shortly after that Collier was seen to kick in the front door of his address which is a few doors further up Hyde Road. The loud bang woke another resident who got up to see what had happened. He saw Collier looking agitated. When he asked him what was wrong, he said that he had had a scuffle with “a lad from a few doors down Hyde Road.”

At around midday, Ashton checked on Mr Dawson and found that his room had been ransacked, picture frames had been knocked off the walls and smashed, and other items of furniture had also been disturbed. Mr Dawson was lying on the floor at the side of his bed he had been badly beaten with blood on his face.

Ashton came downstairs and asked some of the residents who were in the communal area to go and check to see if he was dead. When they came downstairs, they said they thought he was dead, Ashton said “I didn’t want to get him killed I just wanted him to give him a crack” he then said “I can’t believe he actually killed him.”

Duncan Thorpe from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Mr Dawson had suffered multiple injuries including bruising to his neck and larynx, fractured ribs and injuries to his head and face. He had clearly suffered a very violent and sustained attack.

“It is still not clear what the motive for the attack was. Ashton has always denied his involvement and asking Collier to assault Dawson to teach him a lesson.

“Only Collier knows the real reason why he subjected Mr Dawson to such a horrific assault that day and he will spend the rest of his life living with the consequences of his actions.

“Both men are now deservedly serving considerable sentences in custody.”