Two prisoners have been sentenced for their part in a vicious attack on a fellow inmate at HMP Haverigg.

Aaron Abbey, aged 24, from Liverpool, and Liam O’Reilly, aged 30, from Manchester, both pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm at Preston Crown Court. Abbey was sentenced to three years and one month and O’Reilly received a sentence of two years and seven months. O’Reilly received a further six months imprisonment for possession of a mobile phone.

The assault occurred in the prison’s gymnasium on Sunday 30th June 2013 at approximately 9.15am, Abbey and O’Reilly attacked the victim, a 27 year old man, with a dumbbell weight and a metal curling bar. The victim suffered at least ten blows to his head.

The victim was flown to the Royal Preston Hospital with serious injuries and has since made a full recovery.

Detective Constable Jonathan Lowden said:

“This was a vicious attack that took place on a fellow inmate. The injuries the victim suffered could have been far worse and we are thankful that he has made a full recovery.

“This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated in Cumbria and the sentencing handed out underlines this.”

Tony Corcoran, Governor of HMP Haverigg, said:

“I am grateful for the efforts of the police and court services in bringing these perpetrators to justice. These sentences send out a clear and unambiguous message that violence of this nature cannot and will not be tolerated.”

A Stanmore man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl in 1991.

John Hayford , 84 (19.11.30), formerly of Stanmore, was found guilty at Harrow Crown Court of sexual assault of a child under 13 on 5 December 2014.

Today, Friday, 16 January, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment at Harrow Crown Court.

In 2012, Hayford handed himself in to Police following a BBC Crimewatch appeal for a man who had sexually assaulted a 9-year-old girl in a Stanmore supermarket.

A second victim was identified during the investigation who had previously come forward in 2000, alleging that Hayford had sexually abused her at an address in Stanmore in 1991.

This investigation was re-opened and on 23 August 2012 Hayford attended Harrow Police Station in relation to this allegation.

During the police interview, Hayford denied the offence, saying that it was a conspiracy against him and that the allegation was all lies made by people jumping on the band wagon because he had appeared on a BBC Crimewatch television appeal.

After a long and protracted police investigation and a review of all of the evidence, Hayford was charged with sexual assault of a child under 13.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Janine Stevenson said: “This has been a long and challenging investigation for all concerned. The victim and witnesses in this case have shown considerable patience, determination and courage throughout the investigation and subsequent trial. I do hope that the incarceration of this sexual predator will provide some closure for the victim and a measure of satisfaction for the witnesses.”

“I urge victims of sexual abuse to report any incidents to police. This case clearly demonstrates that offences of a sexual nature will not be tolerated and are fully investigated no matter how long ago they occurred.

“Please contact Victim Support for further support and guidance on 0845 3030 900 or Rape Crisis on 0808 802 9999.”

Detectives investigating the disappearance of missing woman Sameena Imam have found a body.

Searches have been conducted this week on an allotment site off Groby Road, Leicester and today (Friday) a body has been found.

The body will be formally identified in due course and as a post mortem will be conducted tomorrow (17 January) to establish the cause of death.

Sameena , aged 34, was last seen in Coventry on Christmas Eve. Her family have been informed of this development.

Two men, charged with her murder, appeared via videolink at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday 13 January and have been remanded in custody with a provisional trial date set for the end of June.

Roger Cooper, 40, of Tile Hurst Drive, Coventry, and David Cooper, 38, of Hughenden Drive, Leicester, were arrested at their home addresses on 7 January 2015.

A man was stabbed and robbed in an attack in Beswick.

Between 8.10pm and 8.35pm on Tuesday 13 January 2015 the victim, a 23-year-old man, was walking to the shop on the path by the railway near Burbridge Walk, Beswick.

The offender approached him from behind and asked him for his phone, before jumping onto his back and forcing him to the floor. He then stabbed him and stole a ten pound note from his pocket and left. The victim was treated at hospital for his injures.

The man is described as black and was wearing a black bubble coat and black scarf.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack.

Detective Constable Martin Riley said: “This was a vicious attack, during which a man was stabbed, with what may have been a screwdriver.

“Fortunately the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening but the staff who treated him at hospital said he had been very lucky.

“There may have been people walking in that area around the time of the attack and I would urge anyone who saw what happened or has any information at all to come forward.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 3521 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for witnesses after an incident in Gateshead.

At 1:30am on Sunday, January 18, police received a report of a disturbance in Northumberland Place in Birtley.

Police and paramedics attended and two men were found with injuries. They were taken to hospital, one with stab wounds to his back and the other with serious facial injuries.

The man with the facial injuries has since been released and the other man remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Officers believe the men may have sustained their injuries in an incident that happened in the Barley Mow area sometime between 12:15am and 1:15am on Sunday morning.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone with any information to contact them on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference number 120 18/01/15.

Detectives from Police Scotland are investigating after a man died following a disturbance at a property in Paisley.

Around 0430 hours on Sunday 18 January 2015, police were called to reports of a 27 year old man being seriously injured at an address in Kilnside Road.

He was taken to the Royal Alexandria Hospital where he later died.

Police are treating the death as suspicious however a post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death.

Detective Inspector Martin Fergus of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Teams said:

“We are working to establish the circumstances which led up to the 27 year old man being injured.

“I’d like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Kilnside Road in the early hours of this morning who may have witnessed a disturbance or noticed anyone acting suspiciously.

“Anyone with information can contact us on the non emergency number 101. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”

Police have arrested a man in connection with a knifepoint robbery at Lound Road Garage.

The incident occurred at approximately 5pm on Saturday 17^th January at the garage on Lound Road, Kendal.

A male offender entered the garage and threatened a staff member with a knife demanding cash from the till. The offender stole between £400-£500. No-one was injured during the incident.

The offender has been described as a white male, of medium-to-stocky build with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a dark Adidas top with white stripes down the sleeves, a camouflage gillet, a green balaclava with larges holes for the mouth and eyes, blue jeans and dark shoes.

A 43 year old man from Kendal has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and he is currently helping officers with their enquiries.

Detective Inspector David Stalker  “We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area at the time to get in contact. This has been a traumatic event for those involved, but fortunately nobody was injured.

“In the event that some of the clothing may have been discarded in the area and we ask that anyone who comes across such clothing contact police as this could be vital evidence.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact police on 101 and ask to speak to an officer from South Cumbria CID.

Statement regarding the protection of officers in the current climate

Friday’s statement from the national lead for counter-terrorism policing, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, said that Chief Constables across the country were assessing how to strengthen the protection of officers.

The Metropolitan Police Service has reviewed the measures it takes in London to protect the safety of Met officers and the public, a process that has been going on since the change to the UK threat level and heightened concern about the risks facing police officers.

We want to set out some of what this has included in response to some inaccurate reporting in today’s media. We do not discuss the details of our security response, but actions taken already include;

– security advice to officers and staff;
– measures around police buildings;
– changing risk assessments that affect how we deploy to certain incidents;
– bolstering levels of specialist support, including firearms officers.

The MPS has not decided to implement a blanket response regarding levels of crewing and patrolling in response to concerns about the risk of an attack on officers.

No decision has been taken to move automatically to having two officers or more in every vehicle. No decision has been taken to end single patrolling.

Instead, senior officers across London have reviewed and will continue to review procedures as part of our established risk assessment process.

This will also take into account the risks to public safety, to ensure that any changes to our approach to patrolling, or responding to calls, recognises the potential risks to all communities.

Our officers always face a range of threats when they undertake their work, not just from terrorism but also from those who use violence to further criminality. They are trained and experienced in assessing risk and maximising the safety of the public and colleagues.

Our experience of policing London and the UK tells us that our key focus should be on how to prevent attacks. The best way to do this is to engage even more widely with our communities to encourage them to pass on information about individuals who may be behaving in an unusual way or anything they have seen that might give rise for concern.

In November, the MPS participated in national counter-terrorism awareness week, in which a range of advice was issued to the public: http://content.met.police.uk/Article/Security-Advice-and-Information/1400006266952/1400006266952and http://content.met.police.uk/News/Major-counter-terrorism-awareness-operation-launches-in-London/1400027993456/1257246745756

The measures currently being taken will continue to be actively reviewed and we remain fully committed to working closely with communities, who have a major role in working with the police to thwart those intending to cause harm.

Bedfordshire Police is appealing for witnesses after a man wielding a large meat cleaver robbed a store in Sandy.

The offender entered the Co-op store in Kestrel Way at 9.35pm on Friday (16 January) and approached the till, pulling a large meat cleaver with a brown wooden handle from a utility belt beneath his top.

He waved it in the air and told the staff member behind the till to open it. At the time there were only two members of staff and no customers in the store.

He demanded the cashier hand over money and threatened him with a another weapon – a wooden truncheon.

He took the money and left.

Less than a minute later a small dark car drove out of the car park at speed into the residential estate nearby.

The offender is described as white, in his early to mid-20s, six foot, skinny with short dark hair. He had a local accent and was wearing plain black sunglasses, a black bandana with white markings, similar to spots, wrapped around head, mouth and nose.

He was also wearing a navy blue long sleeved top, with pockets at the front, dark blue jeans, trainers, black woollen gloves.

Detective Constable Andy Boston, investigating, said: “This was clearly a terrifying experience for the store staff and we need to trace this offender as soon as possible. If anyone knows who he is I urge them to contact the police.

“We are also looking for anyone who was around Kestrel Way between 9pm and 10pm who may have seen this incident or the small dark car leaving the scene.”

Anyone with information relating to this incident can contact DC Andy Boston, in confidence, at Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted in North Tyneside.

The assault happened in a lane between North Parade and Roxburgh Terrace in Whitley Bay. A man, aged 28, was assaulted by two men, resulting in a facial injury.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and is helping police with their enquiries.

Officers are asking anyone who witnessed the assault, or has any information, to contact police.

Any witnesses should ring Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 894 190115 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man from Folkestone who made £75,000 by fraudulently selling ‘investment opportunities’ to the public has been sentenced to two years.

Daniel Burgoyne, of Cheriton Road in Folkestone, was the sole director of Elite Broker Company and then Elite Commodity Markets. Both firms purported to sell investments over the phone.

Burgoyne began selling carbon credits in November 2012 and later moved on to offering investments in gold, diamonds and fine wines. His companies’ websites and brochures indicated they were based in central London – though they were in fact based at the Shearway Business Park in Folkestone. Burgoyne later admitted he used a City-based forwarding address to boost his companies’ reputations.

After receiving information suggesting financial irregularities, Kent Police officers launched an investigation and attended the Shearway Business Park to arrest Burgoyne on 30 April 2013.

Detective Sergeant Adrian Brown from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: ‘One investor, from the Folkestone area, had recently parted with £32,917.24 to buy a diamond. The man was told it would increase in value by 1.9% every month – but would be kept in Switzerland for tax reasons.’

Burgoyne was initially bailed but was charged with fraud by false representation on 9 July. He pleaded guilty to 18 offences at Canterbury Crown Court in December.

On 20 January, the 24 year-old received a two-year sentence and was disqualified from being the director of a company for seven years.

Det Sgt Brown added: ‘In passing sentence, the judge described the companies as a sophisticated deception, and a fraudulent enterprise from the outset. For the five months he had been operating, Burgoyne had been living the high life. Photos from his social media account showed him sipping Champagne and smoking expensive cigars.

‘I’d like to take this opportunity to remind anyone receiving cold calls offering investments which sound too good to be true to be suspicious. Do not feel pressured into parting with your money without first seeking independent financial advice.

‘If you suspect fraud then refuse the sale and contact the police, or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.’

Police are hunting a man wanted in connection with fraud in Oldham.

Jason Ellis (11/07/77) is wanted in connection with a fraud after bank cards were used fraudulently between the dates of 27/04/14 and 31/04/14.

The photo of Ellis is around six years old, but anyone who recognises the photo or has information is asked to call police.

Police believe he is in the Oldham area.

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

A Somerset pensioner has been deceived into parting with £20,000 by a telephone caller pretending to be an officer from the Met. We are issuing advice across the force to raise awareness of these scams.

Known as courier fraud, an individual claiming to be a London based police officer informs the victim they have arrested someone who was in possession of bank cards containing details of the victim.

The victim is asked to call the bogus officer and is given a false collar number and telephone number which helps reassure the victim.

However, the fraudster does not replace his phone. The unsuspecting victim dials but is still connected to the original caller but under the impression they have reached a genuine police officer.

The fraudster encourages the victim to provide bank details and may also be asked to withdraw cash to send to London by taxi or a courier, or by electronic transfer of large amounts to a fraudulent bank account. They often claim the money is potential evidence for an investigation and that it is needed so it can be forensically examined.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Justin French said: “I want to issue a heartfelt appeal to the elderly not to provide personal details to anyone over the telephone. These callers can be very persuasive and often have elaborate stories.

“We would ask families to help us by making their elderly relatives aware of this scam. Taxi drivers need to be alert to couriering packages to London on behalf of elderly people and report anything suspicious to us.

“Our officers will be informing Neighbourhood Watch teams about these calls so they can raise awareness across their community. We also have our PCSOs visiting sheltered accommodation to ensure safety advice reaches residents.”

There are variations on this scam but the advice remains the same. Remember the following to help you avoid the pitfalls of bogus callers:

• Your bank or Police will never ask you to email or text personal or banking information
• Your bank or Police will never send an email with a link to a page which asks you to enter your online banking log-in details
• Your bank or police will never send a courier to your home
• Your bank or the police will never collect your bank card
• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN
• If you receive one of these calls end it immediately
• Wait until you hear a dialling tone, or use a different phone to call the Police
• Anyone who has been contacted by suspected fraudsters should call police on 101 or Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, on 0300 123 2040

Detectives at Merton are appealing for information following a commercial robbery on New Year’s Eve at a food and wine shop on London Road, Mitcham, Surrey.

Police are also releasing a CCTV image of the incident showing two of the men in the hope someone will know who they are.

On 31 December 2014 at approximately 17:45hrs a man entered the shop, jumped over the counter and attacked the 56-year-old owner of the shop.

Two other men then walked into the shop before one of them attacked a customer.

The shop owner’s 49-year-old wife came to her husband’s aid and was pushed by one of the suspects resulting in her becoming unconscious.

All three men then stole money from the till, as well as other items from behind the counter, and left.

The three victims suffered facial and head injuries and were taken to a west London hospital for treatment.

The shop owner’s wife was treated for a bleed on her brain and has since been released from hospital.

All three suspects are described as white men, of slim build. They were all wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered. One of the suspects had a distinctive yellow motif on his hooded top.

Detective Constable Vicky Allen, from Merton CID, said: “This was a violent robbery by three men which left a woman with serious head injuries as she came to help her husband who was being attacked.

“We are very keen to speak to anyone who may recognise the man on the CCTV image or anyone with information that may help us to catch these violent suspects.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Vicky Allen on 07517 777051 or via 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Merseyside Police can confirm that Timmy Donovan has been arrested in Germany this evening (Wednesday, 21 January 2015) for the murder of PC Neil Doyle.

Donovan, 30 years, who is originally from Huyton, was arrested by German police as he tried to board a plane back to the UK at Dusseldorf Airport.

Donovan, also known as Timmy O’Sullivan, was wanted on a European Arrest Warrant for the murder of off duty police officer Neil Doyle on Friday, 19 December 2014.

A man from Wigton has been sentenced today (21^st January 2015) for two counts of Fraud by False Representation, and three counts of Theft by Employee.

Melvin McFadden, aged 58, of Grange Gardens, Wigton, was sentenced to 84 days, suspended for 12 months, at Kendal Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to all the offences.

McFadden was employed by Cumbria Constabulary at the time of the offences as a Front Counter Clerk, a civilian staff member. He was arrested on 24^th November 2014, following an investigation into fraudulent vouchers that were used in a supermarket to buy fuel.

It transpired that these vouchers had been originally seized by an officer in relation to a criminal investigation, and they had been placed in the property store at Carlisle Police Station. McFadden was responsible for destroying these vouchers, but instead stole them and used them to pay for fuel.

When McFadden was arrested he also was found in possession of £50 worth of gift vouchers, and a pre-paid travel card. Further gift vouchers and other stolen items were found at his home address, some of which he had previously claimed to have destroyed.

Deputy Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said:

“We are committed to serving and protecting the public and it is vital that our communities have trust and confidence in Cumbria Constabulary.

“We expect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and conduct from all police staff at all times. We take any allegations of dishonesty very seriously and our Professional Standards Department will investigate any complaint thoroughly and impartially, and take action where appropriate.

“Anyone with any concerns about a police employee should contact Cumbria Police on 101 and ask the speak to the Professional Standards Department.”

Police have released an E-fit after a man was assaulted when he confronted men who were acting suspiciously outside a house, in Rochdale.

It happened about 1.15pm on Monday 15 December 2014, when the three men were seen in the front garden of an address on Bolton Road talking to a gardener.

A couple who were driving past thought this was suspicious and thought they may have been about to commit a burglary.

They drove past the address and the man wound down his window and one of the men approached the car and pulled out a bottle and squirted a liquid into his face. This caused his eyes to sting.

The three men left along Mead Way.

The first offender is described as white, late 30s to early 40s, around 5ft 6in tall, thick set to chubby build with a round face. He had thin eyes and wore a black woollen hat, pale grey hooded jumper and dark coloured trousers and spoke with a strong Irish accent.

The second is described as white, early 20s, shorter than the first man; he was wearing a thick black padded jacket and dark trousers and a hat. He also spoke in an Irish accent.

The third is described as white, early 20s, shorter than the first man and was wearing all dark clothing and a hat; he also spoke with an Irish accent.

Police have now released an E-fit of the suspect.

Detective Constable Donna Rollinson from Rochdale division, said: “This man was only trying to look out for neighbours as he thought these men were acting suspiciously.

“His partner who was driving, drove past the garden again and stopped the car, when they confronted the men, one of them squirted something in his face. We do not know what was in the bottle but is caused the victim’s eyes to sting and reddening around his eyes.

“This happened in the early afternoon when there must have been people at home or possibly on the street where the incident occurred.

“If you witnessed the assault or have any information about the men who were in the garden that day, please call us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8549 or independent charity Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

A teenage boy was attacked and raped as he walked through a park in Ashton–under-Lyne.

It happened around 3pm on Sunday 2 November 2014, when the 14-year-old boy was walking his dog in the Park Bridge area, close to the heritage centre and the tea rooms.

He said he let his dog off the lead and felt someone put their hand around his mouth from behind.

His attacker then restrained him by putting his arm behind his back, he tried to fend him off but the offender grabbed hold of him and raped him.

The offender then walked off.

He is described as white, aged between 30 and 40, around 5ft 8in tall, pale skin, no facial hair, small legs and a big torso.  He was a stubby build and had short black spiked hair on the top with blonde short back and sides.  He was wearing a silver watch on his right wrist.

Detective Inspector Richard Ennis, said: “This was a terrifying attack on a teenage boy who has been left traumatised by the events. He felt he could not report the attack until now and we have specially trained officers providing any support they can.

“I’d like to reassure both him and the community that we have a team of experienced detectives working on the case and we are determined to catch the man responsible.

“I would those who regularly use the area to cast their mind back to that day.  Did you see anyone fitting the description near to the heritage centre or were you approached by someone similar?  If you did, please call us immediately.

“We have increased patrols in the area and I would ask those who feel concerned by what has happened to speak to their local officer.  As part of our inquiries, we will be asking those who run, walk and cycle in the area for any information they may have.

“Incidents like this quite rightly cause concern in the community, but I want to reassure everyone that we are treating this extremely seriously and now want to hear from anyone who may have heard or saw anything.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police 0161 856 9350 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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

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

– 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.