A man had the tip of his finger bitten off during a violent scuffle in Gorton.

It happened outside the Jerk Delight takeaway on Hyde Road at about 4.50am on 26 May 2014.

The 33-year-old man went into the takeaway with his friends and became embroiled in an argument with the offender.

Both men were asked to leave by staff due to the heated nature of the argument, which they duly did, but the argument carried on outside. At one point, the victim raised his arm and gesticulated towards the offender, who responded by biting his little finger on his left hand, severing the tip.

After throwing a few punches, the assailant ran off. He is described as being black, in his late 30s, of a skinny build and about 5ft 7in tall. He had shaved dark hair and was wearing a cream and brown long sleeved shirt with red splashes on the front and dark jeans.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Martin Riley said: “This man will bear the scars of his injury for the rest of his life. One moment of madness on behalf of the offender and this man has had part of his little finger severed.

“His violent outburst has left this man with life-changing injuries and sadly serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when you lose your temper and lash out.

“We need to find this man and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward and help us.

“If you witnessed what happened or you suspect who may be involved, then please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Detectives are investigating after two men were shot in Oldham. 

At about 10.20pm on Sunday 29 June 2014, two men were sitting in a car – a Seat Leon – on Radcliffe Street , Oldham, when the gunman approached. 

He spoke to the occupants briefly before shooting them both. 

One man, 19, was taken to hospital for injuries to his abdomen and the other, 20, for treatment to injuries to his buttocks. 

The offender, described only as black and dressed in dark clothing with his face covered, then left on foot. 

Superintendent Denise Worth, said: “We are at the very early stages of our investigation but believe this was a deliberate and targeted attack and that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community. 

“While the injuries are very serious, we do not believe they are life threatening.. 

“That said, someone has used a deadly weapon in close proximity to the two victims and it is hugely fortunate neither has been killed. 

“We are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident with a view to identifying the person responsible and I would encourage anyone with information about what happened, any relevant prelude or information on the offender to call us in absolute confidence. 

“We have officers in and around the area and if anyone has any concerns or would like to talk to us please come and speak to one of our officers.” 

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 

Two men attempted to rob a bookmakers in Moston.

Around 8.15pm on Friday 13 June 2014, two men got out of a dark blue Ford Focus which was parked outside Coral bookmakers on Moston Lane.

They went inside and one of the men, who was armed with a meat cleaver, went to the cashier’s desk and demanded money. He attempted to smash the security glass while the other man stayed by the door.

Both men left empty handed when the alarm was set off. They got into the same car parked outside and drove away.

The offenders are described as black and both were wearing balaclavas and dark clothing with the hood up. One is described as around 6ft tall and slim while the other is around 5ft 6in tall and stocky.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses.

Detective Constable Nick Kershaw said: “The dark blue Ford Focus had tinted back windows and was parked outside the bookmakers for several minutes before the two offenders went inside. We would ask if anyone saw this car or the two men before or after the robbery to contact police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3925 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two men were attacked during an unprovoked assault in Bury.

At around 10.50pm on Saturday 28 June 2014, a 23-year-old and 26-year-old were walking on Blackburn Street, Radcliffe and were approached by a large group as they got to the junctions of Stand Lane and New Road.

A number of the group attacked the pair, hitting them around the head and body with a baseball bat and brick before they ran off back in the direction of Blackburn Street.

The victim’s suffered back and head injuries with one being treated for a suspected fractured cheekbone.

It is believed the group consisted of around 20 people, mainly men, with the offenders described as being in their mid to late teens with one white, around 16 to 17 years old with fair, ginger hair and large build.

Detective Constable Chris Bromley said: “This was a completely unprovoked assault on two men who were simply walking along a road.  The attack continued on New Road and into St John’s Court where both were trapped.  This is when they were hit with a baseball bat and brick, and further struck to the head while they lay defenceless on the floor.

“We are now keen to trace anyone who may have seen this large group before, during or after the incident.  Due to the size, I believe someone would have seen them.  We believe they have walked from the opposite side of Stand Lane before running away.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8204 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for witnesses in connection with a rape in Wigan.

In the early hours of Sunday 23 March 2014, the 32-year old woman was at Jacks & Queens Night Club , Wigan Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan. At around 2am she went outside for a cigarette when she was approached by a male who asked her to walk with him.

They were then joined by a second male before she was led to a path near to Armoury Bank where the incident took place. The female then walked back to the nightclub where she was assisted by a female who helped her into a taxi.

The victim has reported an incident, which the police are treating as rape.

One of the men is described as being white, 6ft 4in tall, mid to late 20s, slim build with dark hair. He was wearing jeans, a hoody worn underneath a jacket and dark coloured trainers with a light sole.

The other man is described as being white and was wearing a waist length jacket and woollen hat.

Detective Sergeant Joanne Reid of Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “I would ask anyone who may recognise the descriptions of the men to contact the police as soon as possible.

“Our enquiries into this are on-going and we continue to offer support to the victim, who is still shaken by what happened.”

Police are appealing to anyone who was at Jacks and Queens nightclub that night and may have seen the two men with the woman to contact police.

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 1812 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

The family of a man who died one week after being assaulted in Salford has paid tribute to him.

James Holland, 57, died in hospital this morning, Monday 30 June 2014. A post mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death is yet to take place.

He was assaulted at an apartment block of Mulberry Road, Pendleton on the afternoon of Monday 23 June 2014.

The family paid the following tribute:

“Jimmy was a kind and loving man who would do anything to help anyone. He was a wonderful character and was well loved by everyone who came into contact with him.

“This has left our family totally devastated and shocked, and our lives will never be the same without him in it.

“We would like to thank the hospital, all his friends and family for all the support, and take great comfort in this.

“We would also ask

A man who brutally murdered his wife, in Levenshulme, has today, Monday 30 June 2014, been convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Aftab Alam, (born 07/03/1961) of Mayford Road in Levenshulme, has today pleaded guilty to the murder of Aisha Alam at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square. He was sentenced to life in prison and ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years.

Aftab and Aisha had been married for 29 years, but a few years ago the marriage began to deteriorate and Aisha reported domestic violence by Aftab in 2011 but did not want police to prosecute. Shortly after this, Aftab left the family home.

Aftab subsequently returned to the family home, but the relationship was tempestuous.

On the morning of Friday 22 November 2013 Aftab Alam drove to Longsight Police Station and told officers he had killed his wife. Police attended the family home and found Aisha, a mother of four lifeless on the couch in her home.

Aftab Alam had launched an unprovoked attack, stabbing her multiple times in the chest, and killing her.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had been stabbed multiple times in the chest, neck and back.

Senior Investigating Officer, Duncan Thorpe, said:

“Aisha was a mother of four children and had everything to live for.

“Her family remain heartbroken by what has happened. Aftab Alam not only callously took a life in a brutal and unprovoked attack; he has deprived four children of their mother.

“Our thoughts go out to all of Aisha’s family and friends and hope that this conviction will bring them some closure, so they can begin to rebuild their lives.

“If you are in an abusive relationship or know someone that is you can seek help by contacting the Women’s Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525 or visit endthefear.co.uk. Report ALL incidents of domestic abuse to police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Always dial 999 where there is a threat to life or crime in progress. ALL reports are taken seriously.

“If you’re a friend, family member or neighbour who witnesses signs of domestic abuse report it to the police. GMP takes ALL reports of domestic abuse seriously and we can’t do this alone.

“Domestic abuse is not acceptable under any circumstances and there are support services available for victims and families from the report to conviction.”

Five people have been charged after two people were shot earlier this year in north Manchester.

Scott Calder, born 15/10/91, of Hillbrook Avenue, Moston, Dale Hall, born 31/12/84, of Maybrook Walk, Harpurhey, Paul Andrews, born 18/04/89, of Pitmore Walk, Moston, Ryan Hayes, born 10/10/88, of Bordale Avenue, Manchester and Jack Biernat, born 24/01/87, of Thatch Leach, Chadderton, were all charged with conspiracy to commit robbery

Dale Hall was also charged with breach of restraining order.

They were all due to appear before Manchester City Magistrates Court on 27 June 2014.

At around 7.50pm on Sunday 12 January 2014, police were called by hospital staff after a 56-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man arrived on foot after suffering gunshot wounds. The woman suffered an injury to her elbow while the man was shot in the hand.

The incident took place outside Gala Bingo at Harpurhey shopping precinct at around 7.15pm.

Another man, James Instone (29/07/1982), of no fixed address, was previously charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and a firearms offence.

A MAN has today (Monday, June 30th) has been jailed for life after pleading guilty to murdering his former partner.

Paul O’Hara, 43, of Honiton Close, Heywood, Greater Manchester admitted the murder of Cherylee Shennan at Hardman Avenue in Rawtenstall when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

He also admitted charges of section 18 wounding and assault with intent to resist arrest relating to attacks on police officers, Det Sgt Damien McAllister and DC Karen Kenworthy, who had been called to the address.

O’Hara was today given a full life term for the murder of Ms Shennan. He was also jailed for ten years for the attack on DS McAllister and was given two years for the assault on DC Kenworthy. These will run concurrent to the whole life term.

Sentencing, the recorder of Preston, His Honour Judge Russell QC commended the bravery of the two officers.
Ms Shennan, 40, of Hardman Lane, was attacked and killed in the street outside her home on the afternoon of Monday March 17^th. Sadly she died at the scene.

A post mortem examination showed she died of multiple stab wounds.

Paul O’Hara was arrested nearby a short time later.

Detective Supt Eddie Thistlethwaite, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Force Major Investigation Team said

“O’Hara is a predatory and violent individual who manipulated his victims including Cherylee, praying on their craving for love and attention. He has shown no or little remorse throughout this process and his actions fully justify the sentence which has been imposed.

“I would like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and Counsel for all their hard work which has resulted in today’s guilty pleas. O’Hara’s admission has at least spared the families the ordeal of having to re-live these tragic events through a trial.

“I would also like to praise the bravery of all police officers, PCSOs, and paramedics who attended what was a horrific scene. Special thanks must go to Detective Sergeant Damien McAlister and Detective Constable Karen Kenworthy who fought with O’Hara in the vain attempt to save the life of Cherylee.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Cherylee. They have shown enormous dignity and bravery throughout this ordeal.”

Lee Hathaway

Paul Johnson

Daniel Miller

Seven people have been sentenced for their role in a drug ring which has been supplying Class A drugs in the south Cumbria area.

Their sentences are part of an investigation which was a follow on from Operation Axe, which was led by the South Area Drugs Unit into the supply of drugs.

Collectively the seven received sentences totalling 21 years and one month, police also took unusual step of releasing image of  Miller who  got 21mths thet said ”  we are making an exception due to the seriousness of the crime and due to it being in the public interest.”

The seven people who were sentenced for their role in the supply of Class A drugs were:

• Robert Snelham, aged 23, of Deansburn Road, Liverpool was sentenced to five years in prison
• James Byott, aged 20, of Garnett Avenue, Liverpool was sentenced to four years and six months in prison
• Hasan Ahmed, aged 22, of Hesketh Avenue, Liverpool was sentenced to four years and six months in prison
• Paul Johnson, aged 27, of Scafell Walk, Liverpool was sentenced to two years and  eight months in prison
• Lee Hathaway, aged 26, of Whitney Road, Liverpool was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison
• Daniel Miller, aged 26, of Devon Street, Barrow in Furness was sentenced to 21 months in prison
• Amy Spellman, aged 22, of Tay Court, Barrow in Furness received a community and supervision order

Hathaway, Johnson and Miller were sentenced on the 13th June. Snelham, Byott, Ahmed and Spellman received their sentencing today (30th June) at Preston Crown Court.

Their sentencing brings an end to another successful pro-active investigation targeting those who ply their drugs trade in south Cumbria. It was evident in this case that the trade was lucrative and was being orchestrated by a Merseyside criminal gang.

Over £4000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine was recovered during this investigation along with nearly £2000 in cash.

Class A drugs would be available on a daily basis and police identified two locations in Barrow that were at the centre of this supply – the home addresses of Daniel Miller and Amy Spellman.

The first arrests occurred on the 26th November 2013 when officers executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a property on Tay Court, Barrow in Furness. Officers found Byott, Snelham, Ahmed and Spellman at this address. When officers searched Ahmed they found a significant amount of heroin and crack cocaine along with £1600 in cash. Further amounts of cash and drugs were located within the premises. Through extensive analytical work the investigation team were able to interrogate their mobile phones and present to the court the true extent of their criminal behaviour.

The second arrest phase was conducted on the 27th February 2014 when officers executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at Devon Street, Barrow-in-Furness.

When officers entered this property they found Johnson and Hathaway. When Hathaway was detained, officers saw a package protruding from his trouser pocket. This was later identified as numerous street deals of heroin. When Johnson was detained he was found in possession of a list that had the phone numbers of numerous local heroin users. The numbers on this list were significant to this drug supply trade.

During the warrant Miller returned home and was arrested for his part in the enterprise.

Officers once again carried out extensive interrogation of mobile phones and were able to show the criminal behaviour of this gang. From a mobile phone belonging to Miller, officers recovered text messages such as ‘best brown in town’ which is slang for heroin and Miller indicating that drugs were for sale.

Detective Constable Jamie Eaton who led the investigation said:

“This brings to an end an investigation conducted by Cumbria Police and in particular the South Area Drug Squad and Pro Active Team. Officers worked tirelessly on this investigation to target and remove key figures in this criminal group. There are numerous departments within Cumbria Police that assisted in this investigation and without them results like this are not possible.

“Cumbria Police will continue to target criminal groups who have an impact on our communities.

“We are committed to apprehending those responsible for drug supply and are quick to identify those who are integral in this trade. Once identified we pro-actively target them and through hard work and determination we bring them to justice for their criminal behaviour. This has been evident by the recent seizures and arrests in the South Cumbria area.”

Anyone who has any information in to the supply of drugs is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101.

Members of the public may notice North Wales Police vehicles attending some Cheshire incidents, and vice versa.

Cheshire Constabulary and North Wales Police have taken the decision to reinforce their armed policing services by working together, forming a single Armed Policing Alliance.

The Alliance sees officers from both forces working as one to respond to incidents that require armed police attendance in Cheshire and North Wales.

By working together the forces can respond faster to incidents, because the nearest firearms officers from either force can be sent − cutting travel time.

As well as the Winsford and St Asaph sites, the Alliance will share a new base close to incident hotspot areas along our border. The new base is well located to allow easy access to the roads network, again cutting travel time.

When not attending firearms incidents, the officers will target travelling criminals using the roads network, and support general policing initiatives.

Head of Uniform Operations, Superintendent, Beverley Raistrick said: “For frontline policing this joint working is unique in the North West.

“Working together will give both forces a stronger and more resilient armed policing service, while making the savings necessary to meet austerity budget cuts.

“We will have fewer firearms officers overall, but new working practices mean there will be no reduction in the Armed Response Vehicle cover.”

Incidents that require armed officers are infrequent, and it is very rare for shots to be discharged. But the need to ensure officers with the right skills are available to respond if and when such events do occur remains.

Natural waste will make up the full reduction of 16 officers by 2016 − all from planned retirements.

Police and Crime Commissioners were shocked and saddened to learn that Bob Jones passed away this morning in his sleep.

Bob Jones was born and bred in Wolverhampton.

Bob served as a Labour Councillor from 1980 to 2013 for Blakenhall in Wolverhampton. He was previously a member of West Midlands Police Authority from 1986 to 2012, and chaired the Authority from 1995-2000. Bob served as a member of the Association of Police Authorities (APA) where he was Deputy Chairman from 2004-2005 and Chairman from 2005-2009.

Bob Jones was elected the first West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner on 15th November 2012.

Tony Lloyd, Chairman of The APCC Board and Greater Manchester PCC said:

“I was shocked and saddened by the news that Bob Jones passed away this morning. My thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time.

Bob will be remembered as a hugely influential figure in policing who devoted his life to keeping the local communities of West Midlands safe. His views on policing were sometimes controversial and often provoked debate nationally, but nobody would question his commitment to policing.

We have lost a great friend and colleague who was an outstanding representative for the people of the West Midlands.”

A shop assistant bravely fought off two thieves who repeatedly attacked her with an iron bar during a terrifying attempted robbery in Bury.

The 64-year-old woman was working at the Tan Tan salon on Heywood Road in Prestwich at about 2.15pm on 30 June 2014 when the armed criminals struck.

Replete with an iron bar, the duo approached the counter and threatened the woman, demanding her jewellery. When she refused, one of the intruders went to strike her in the head with the weapon, and she only managed to prevent being struck in the face by bringing her arm above her face to protect herself.

Undeterred, her attacker struck the woman four more times in the arm with the bar but she courageously stood her ground and managed to activate the shop’s personal alarm, causing the offenders to flee empty-handed.

It is believed the two men escaped on motorbikes.

One of the offenders is described as being white, of a slim build, about 5ft 9in tall and wearing a black cycling jacket and a motorcycle crash helmet with blue flames on.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Adam Gosling said: “I firstly want to applaud the sheer courage in the face of such danger and violence that this woman showed.

“Thankfully, the majority of people will never have to face such violence in their workplace and it would be impossible to imagine what was going through this woman’s head as she was repeatedly attacked with a metal bar. However, she bravely stood her ground, absorbed the blows and managed to activate the alarm which caused these two cowards to flee empty-handed.

“Given the ferocity which with she was struck it is very fortunate she was not more seriously injured but let us be clear, this is more by chance than design and clearly the violent intent these two men displayed could have left this woman with very nasty injuries.

“We therefore need to reward her tenacity by giving her the justice she deserves, and we can only do that by finding these two men and locking them up. I would therefore appeal to anyone with information to come forward. One of the men was wearing a very distinctive motorcycle crash helmet so I would appeal to anyone who sees this man to come forward.

“In Bury, Greater Manchester Police work very hard alongside local shops to protect shopkeepers and shopworkers and it is very saddening when these people, who are the lifeblood of our community, are targeted. But by finding the culprits and exposing them we can send a message that such violence will be met with a prison term.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9594 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Merseyside Police has released CCTV images of man officers would like to speak to in connection with a racially aggravated incident on a bus in Walton as he may have information that could help their investigation.

Officers are investigating the incident which happened on Sunday, 25 May. At about 1pm a man and child got onto a number 21 bus in Kirkby travelling to Liverpool city centre. A short time later another man got onto the bus who was joined by a woman who got onto the bus in the Walton area.

At about 1.20pm as the bus was travelling along County Road the man with the child made racist comments about the woman’s ethnicity.

The man with the woman challenged the offender about the comments he had made. The offender then assaulted the man before alighting from the bus.

As mentioned the offender was in company of a young child who was approximately four-years-old. The child was holding a football and was wearing a red Liverpool home football kit it’s believed that the child has either  auburn or light brown hair.

The victim sustained facial injuries during the assault and has been left upset following the incident.

Officers from Sigma, the Force’s dedicated hate crime investigation unit are appealing to the man pictured, anyone who recognises him or anyone with information to get in touch.

Detective Constable Bob Hart, said: “Incidents of this kind, whereby victims are subjected to racial abuse, be it physically or verbally, will not be tolerated. We are investigating a number of lines of enquiry and are keen to speak to anyone with any information that could help our enquiries. I would like to reassure people that incidents of this type are rare.

“We understand that there were a number of people on the bus during the course of the incident and I appeal for them to contact us. In particular, we would like to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV, or anyone who recognises him, as he may have information that could assist with the investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call 0151 777 4843 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Following yesterday’s incident Police can confirm that one of the men arrested. A 22 year old man from Whitehaven has received a fixed penalty notice for throwing a firework in a public place.

Detective Sergeant Catherine Vargas said: “Following a thorough investigation we can confirm that no firearm was recovered and police were able to establish no firearm had been discharged.”

The other three men have been released with no further action to be taken at this time.

Anyone who has concerns is asked to contact Police on 101.

A robber who sprayed late-night shop staff with pepper spray is today, Tuesday, 1 July 2014, starting a three-and-a-half year jail term.

He fled the shop empty-handed after shop-staff sprayed him back with detergent and threw sweets at him.

Jonathan Smith, born 23/10/1982 of Croft Road, Sale Moor, pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court today to attempted robbery and assault.

He was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment for the attempted robbery and six months jail, to run concurrently, for the assault.

At about 11pm on Saturday 4 January 2014, Smith entered Co-Operative Store, Stockport Road, Timperley, while holding a mobile phone to his ear.

While apparently in conversation, he sauntered round the store without buying anything, then was seen to leave.

A couple of minutes later the store’s security guard, a 23-year-old man, and another member of staff were outside sorting some newspapers when Smith suddenly approached them and sprayed pepper spray at the guard, causing instant pain and irritation.

He collapsed to the ground, rubbing his eyes and Smith continued to spray him. He then went into the store, marched up to the counter and threatened the woman staff there, demanding cash from the till.

The women, aged 49, tried to move away from him but he screamed at her. She happened to be holding a spray-gun detergent cleaner so, in self defence, sprayed it at Smith. He then attacked her with the pepper spray, again causing her eyes to burn.

Another staff member, a 50-year-old man, then joined the fight, pelting Smith with sweets in a bid to distract his attention.

Smith then gave up and fled from the store.

Police officers saw the store’s CCTV footage, recognised Smith, and went to arrest him.

Detective Constable Paul Walls, based at Altrincham, said: “Smith’s pepper-spray attack on these innocent shop workers left a trail of destruction throughout the store.

“The security guard and other staff were left in disorientating agony after he unloaded his pepper spray right into their faces.

“That the staff had the wherewithal to fight him off, using a combination of whatever weapons they had to hand, is a testament to their courage and bravery.

“They all had to seek medical attention afterwards, but thankfully, none of them seemed to suffer any lasting effects.

“Smith, however, now faces the long-term prospect of a lengthy jail term.”

Two men from Blackpool have today been sentenced following the death of a man in the town earlier this year.

Ryan Calvert, 21, of Dean Street, Blackpool pleaded guilty to manslaughter and Shaun Dolan, 23, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to Section 47 Actual Bodily Harm at Preston Crown Court today (Tuesday 1 July 2014).

Calvert was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and Dolan was sentenced to 4 years 3 months imprisonment.

On 11 January this year, 23-year-old Thomas Poole was assaulted at an address on Ribble Road, Blackpool and died shortly afterwards in hospital.

He had been punched and kicked in the face which resulted in a fatal head injury.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Simm from the Force Major Investigation Team said: “This was a brutal attack that happened after an argument about alcohol.

I am thankful that today’s pleas have spared Mr Poole’s family the ordeal of having to sit through a trial.

“My thoughts remain with Tom’s family and friends and I hope today brings some sense of closure for them.”

Family Statement

We as a family write this statement about the tragic and needless death of our much loved son, brother, grandson, and nephew Tom Poole; a son who we had the privilege and honour of being parents to.   I write this statement on behalf of our family and have taken into consideration their thoughts and feelings over the past five, harrowing months.  Also our fears for the future, sharing a town with these people.

Tom was a close and caring brother to both Greg and Matt, and a friend to so many others.  Tom loved life and enjoyed it fully in the time he was with us and wanted to be loved by all.  I particularly remember him saying when he was caring for me during a recent illness, “I wish I could take this for you mum.”

On the 11th of January 2014 our world fell apart and the dynamics of our family changed for ever.  After a vicious attack on Tom my husband said “No one understands, he was not only my son, he was my best mate.”  I think he regrets not being able to tell Tom this in person and he will never again.

In our eyes, Tom was killed senselessly and cruelly in January this year whilst at a so called ‘party’, in Ribble Road, Blackpool and left for dead by those responsible, leaving others to call for help.  The actions of which have completely impacted on our lives forever, leaving emptiness inside us all that will haunt us for the rest of our lives, however, we refuse to let the loving bond we had with him die with him.

We relive the night before leading to Tom’s death like a video in our heads.

I know I speak for us all, when I say that we think about our loss that day, every day, at night, in bed at all hours, while sleeping, dreaming, being woken with the thought that he will never come home again. Sometimes it is hard to get out of bed or even go to bed at night wanting to go and find other members from the party to vent my anger out on them.  We feel emotionally saddened by the fact that we have to face the world without one of our sons.

In speaking about the offence we feel that this was a joint and needless act of violence, with, in our opinion, no excuse.  I will not dwell on the circumstances of the case to which the court is more than aware of but cannot help thinking that if it wasn’t for the actions of both Ryan Calvert and Shaun Dolan that Tom would still be with us.  Their actions alone have caused Tom’s death and I feel that they should be held responsible for their actions.  They have to pay for taking the rights of a family away from us. I am concerned that a few years locked away is not nearly long enough to break a cycle of behaviour and will not do justice for our society, protecting others. Hopefully,  the sentence they will receive today will reflect on the severity of the crimes they have committed.

We as a family are serving a life sentence and our lives are damaged and ruined beyond repair. We will never see him again, never see him married, have children and give us grandchildren or see his brothers lives develop keeping the family line.  This thought is mind blowing for us all and has affected family balance.

Finally, we would say that throughout the whole process the police and court service have been professional, sensitive, sympathetic, and helpful, especially our two family liaison officers who have supported us throughout this whole ordeal,  We couldn’t have done it without them. Also the assistance of Victim Support has been invaluable.

A drug dealer who sent a text just 24 hours after the murders of two police officers calling Dale Cregan a ‘hero’ has been jailed.

Lee Willis (born 10/01/1983) of Jacks Court on Clarence Street in Stalybridge, went on the run in June 2013 after admitting numerous drug offences. He was due to be sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court but did not turn up and went on the run.

However, after a multi-agency search he was evenutally found on New Year’s Day 2014 and today he has been jailed for eight years.

Willis pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply and handling stolen goods.

He will also be forced to repay £40,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act and forfeit his BMW.

When Willis was originally arrested back in November 2012 and eventually charged, he told Tameside Magistrates’ Court he had no links whatsoever to Dale Cregan. However, when his phone was forensically examined, he was pictured with members of Cregan’s family in a pub.

Officers also found a text that Willis sent to a friend, dated just one day after the murders of PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes, which contained a picture of Dale Cregan and underneath the text ‘HERO’.

Willis, 30, was originally arrested following a raid on a property in Stalybridge along with three other men. Bin liners of cannabis weighing 2.5kg were found with a street value of around £25,000. Plastic bags containing white powder, drugs paraphernalia including debtors lists, £5,000 in cash and mobile phones were also seized.

Detective Inspector Rob Cousen, of the Serious and Organised Crime Group said: “Willis was the ring leader of this drug operation, and between himself and his acolytes organised the supply and distribution of cocaine and cannabis. We have all seen the devastating effects that drugs can have on people’s lives and it is people like Willis who propagate this market of death, creating an industry that leads to addiction, further criminality and in tragic cases death.

“But rather than face up to his crimes, he chose to go on the run for six months. However, if he thought he could escape he was sadly mistaken. Crimes as severe as his will never go unpunished and I would like to thank Crimestoppers, the National Crime Agency and members of the community for their support in rooting this man out.

“Slowly but surely, we will demartyr these people and take away their criminal trappings and wealth, revealing them to be nothing more than drug dealers who will end up doing a lengthy stretch in prison. Greater Manchester Police is committed to dismantling organised crime groups from every angle, whether it be those at the top of the tree or just the foot soldiers. We will dismantle these empires brick by brick and taking someone like Willis out of the equation is one more brick out of the wall.

“I have no doubt that with him behind bars, not only have we struck a major blow against this drugs network and disrupted the supply of drugs onto the streets of Greater Manchester, but also sent a powerful message to organised crime groups. Not only has Willis lost his freedom, he has also lost £40,000 in cash and a BMW undoubtedly bought through his criminal endeavours.

“Lastly, I do not want to dwell on the text he sent just 24 hours after the murders of PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone. The vile content betrays a sickening disrespect for the memories of two brave police officers and what he said speaks far greater volumes for what sort of man he is than I ever could.”

Cheshire Constabulary′s Chief Constable Simon Byrne has appointed Janette McCormick as the next Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire.

Janette, at present acting Deputy Chief Constable for the Force, will take up her new appointment on Monday, July 7.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoy working with such an excellent team of officers and staff who are fully committed to serving the public of Cheshire. I am delighted and proud to be selected so that I can continue to help lead that team.”

Janette joined Greater Manchester Police in 1989, having done a degree at Nottingham University. Having worked in areas across Greater Manchester, including leading on roads policing, neighbourhood policing and communications, she transferred to Cheshire Constabulary in 2010 as Assistant Chief Constable.

She is currently the national police spokesperson for Gypsies and Irish Traveller issues, and regional lead for Public Order and Operational Communications, and is an assessor for the Strategic Public Order Command (which trains all specialist officers in this field). She has been a strategic public order and firearms commander since 2008, and has completed the Gold Incident Commanders Course.

For the past three years she has chaired Cheshire′s Local Resilience Forum which brings emergency and voluntary responders together, such as the Local Authorities, Health, Fire, Highway and Utilities, to plan and respond to emergencies and test plans in relation to our many industrial sites. In this capacity, she led the planning for Olympic events across the county in 2012

She has a diploma in coaching and works with the national programme for the progression of underrepresented groups.

Janette has been responsible for the delivery of effective neighbourhood policing across the force area, particularly community contact and engagement, including the development of Volunteers (including Watch schemes) and Specials within the Constabulary. In recent months she has revamped the Constabulary′s Public Contact strategy, focusing on making it easier for the public to speak to the police about the issues that concern them.

In her previous role, she was responsible for the Constabulary′s uniformed specialist resources (dogs, firearms, public order, underwater), and played a leading role in creating the joint Cheshire North Wales Firearms Alliance which was recently launched to provide a more joined up police response to incidents on the border between the two forces.

Janette has taken responsibility for the development of the Constabulary′s new strategies for drugs, mental health and alcohol. As part of this she is involved in a number of stakeholder and partnership groups across Cheshire, Warrington and Halton and has supported the Altogether Better initiative in West Cheshire aimed at improving the way in which services are delivered to vulnerable families.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “I am really pleased that Janette has been appointed and I am very confident that she will make a significant contribution to delivering outstanding policing for the communities of Cheshire.”

The Special Constabulary have been recognised for their volunteer work at the Cumberland Show by being awarded with a cheque, which was donated to the Carlisle Youth Zone.

A team of special constables gave their time for free to support the show; providing high visibility police patrols, traffic management, and assisting members of the public who visited this annual event. The Committee recognised the support they received from the Special Constabulary and donated a cheque for £500. The donation is being made to Carlisle Youth Zone, a charity that the special constables involved chose to support.

Lorraine Phillips, Secretary of the Committee for the Cumberland Show, commented:

“On behalf of the Cumberland Agricultural Society I would like to thank the North Territorial Policing Area for their invaluable assistance on the 14th June 2014 at the Cumberland County Show. It was with the assistance of the Special Constabulary that the event and the traffic ran so smoothly.

“Carlisle Youth Zone provide an accessible hub for young people to meet, learn, and build relationships, and they also encourage a strong volunteering programme,  we are proud to be associated with their organisation.”

Lynsey Buckle, Development Manager for Carlisle Youth Zone said:

“Carlisle Youth Zone believes passionately in giving young people opportunities to engage in positive and meaningful activities and we’re delighted that Cumbria Special Constabulary clearly feels the same way. With this generous donation we can ensure that more young people can participate in activities, trips, and projects encouraging personal responsibility, tolerance, and respect.”

Special Chief Inspector Lee Grieves, who led the team, said:

“The Special Constabulary continues to provide support to the regular force and provide a policing resource when and where it is needed. This is a perfect example of how the Special Constabulary continues to support the communities of Cumbria by supporting Carlisle Youth Zone to provide further opportunities for young people. This shows the dedication and commitment of all officers involved. We are very grateful for the kind donation to Carlisle Youth Zone”.