Sam Allardyce will face a central-defensive crisis if he decides to axe James Tomkins after he was charged with assaulting a police officer.
Reported by MailOnline 2 hours ago.
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West Ham face defensive crisis if James Tomkins is axed for assaulting police officer
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Pervez Musharraf treason case delayed by bomb scare, say Pakistan police
Court told former president could not attend hearing because of threat to his life, after explosives found near his Islamabad home
The first hearing in a high treason case against former Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf has been delayed by a bomb scare, police and legal officials said.
The case is the most serious legal problem Musharraf has faced since returning to the country in March in the hope of taking part in elections. But a ban on running for office, his house arrest and a cascade of legal cases against him has marked a turn in fortunes for a man once considered the most powerful person in Pakistan and a close US ally.
Mohammed Ali, a police official, said authorities found an explosive device and two pistols on Tuesday about half a mile away from Musharraf's residence in the Islamabad suburbs.
A lawyer for Musharraf, Anwar Mansoor Khan, told the court his client could not attend because of a "serious threat to his life". The chief judge directed Musharraf to attend court again on 1 January.
The brief hearing held Tuesday at an auditorium at the National Library was expected to be largely procedural, but the significance of having a former army chief appearing in front of a treason court would be enormous in a country where the military's power has rarely been challenged.
Musharraf took power during a 1999 coup and ruled Pakistan until 2008 when he was forced to step down. He later left the country and spent about four years in self-imposed exile.
He returned in March only to find himself swiftly arrested on charges stemming from his time in office.
The high treason case stems from his 2007 decision to dismiss and detain judges, including the country's chief justice, after declaring a state of emergency and suspending the constitution.
The move backfired as lawyers supporting the judges took to the streets in widespread protests that eventually weakened Musharraf's government so much that he was forced to call new elections and step down.
Musharraf has repeatedly said he is not guilty of the charges, and his legal team has portrayed the repeated legal cases as a vendetta against him by the judicial community. Reported by guardian.co.uk 3 hours ago.
The first hearing in a high treason case against former Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf has been delayed by a bomb scare, police and legal officials said.
The case is the most serious legal problem Musharraf has faced since returning to the country in March in the hope of taking part in elections. But a ban on running for office, his house arrest and a cascade of legal cases against him has marked a turn in fortunes for a man once considered the most powerful person in Pakistan and a close US ally.
Mohammed Ali, a police official, said authorities found an explosive device and two pistols on Tuesday about half a mile away from Musharraf's residence in the Islamabad suburbs.
A lawyer for Musharraf, Anwar Mansoor Khan, told the court his client could not attend because of a "serious threat to his life". The chief judge directed Musharraf to attend court again on 1 January.
The brief hearing held Tuesday at an auditorium at the National Library was expected to be largely procedural, but the significance of having a former army chief appearing in front of a treason court would be enormous in a country where the military's power has rarely been challenged.
Musharraf took power during a 1999 coup and ruled Pakistan until 2008 when he was forced to step down. He later left the country and spent about four years in self-imposed exile.
He returned in March only to find himself swiftly arrested on charges stemming from his time in office.
The high treason case stems from his 2007 decision to dismiss and detain judges, including the country's chief justice, after declaring a state of emergency and suspending the constitution.
The move backfired as lawyers supporting the judges took to the streets in widespread protests that eventually weakened Musharraf's government so much that he was forced to call new elections and step down.
Musharraf has repeatedly said he is not guilty of the charges, and his legal team has portrayed the repeated legal cases as a vendetta against him by the judicial community. Reported by guardian.co.uk 3 hours ago.
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Dorset Police disappointed as 50 motorists charged with drink driving so far this Christmas
This is Dorset -- DORSET Police have charged 50 people with drink or drug driving so far in December. Officers are reminding motorists that there will be increased patrols and road side checks throughout the Christmas and New Year Period. Inspector Matt Butler from Dorset Police's Traffic Unit said: "It's really disappointing that so many people continue to not only put their own lives at risk, but also the loves of other innocent road users. "I have seen far too many lives lost on the roads due to drink driving. Research has shown that even one drink can impair the ability to drive so please don't get behind the wheel after drinking any alcohol at all." People are being encouraged to plan ahead for festive celebrations and take simple steps such as booking a taxi, nominating a designated driver or arranging overnight accommodation. Anyone caught drink driving will face a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record and up to six months in prison. Every driver involved in a collision during the campaign will be breath tested, even if they are not suspected of drink driving. "I urge members of the public to dial 999 if they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs" added Inspector Butler. "Please be assured that your details will remain anonymous."
Reported by This is 2 hours ago.
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Police called to Hele assault
This is South Devon -- EMERGENCY services were called to Hele Road in Torquay on Tuesday morning after a woman was reportedly punched in the face.Police said they received a call at 9.30am to say a woman in her 50s had allegedly been punched outside Farm Foods.
She suffered a loose tooth in the incident. One ambulance was called to the scene to offer treatment.
Officers were making inquiries in the Hele area. Reported by This is 2 hours ago.
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Police under investigation after three schoolboys with learning difficulties were TASERED
Police units were called to Chelfham Senior School near Plymouth, a special needs school, on December 1 to deal with an alleged assault on a teacher.
Reported by MailOnline 2 hours ago.
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Police staff in London set to strike on New Year's Eve
Planned strike in protest at below-inflation pay rise would coincide with a walkout by London firefighters
Thousands of police civilian staff in London – including 999 call handlers – are set to strike on New Year's Eve, the PCS union has said.
The planned strike in the capital would coincide with a walkout by London firefighters and could result in around 7,500 civilian workers taking action on one of the busiest days of the year.
The strike was planned after a below-inflation 1% rise was imposed by the Metropolitan police last month.
Police and community support officers, 999 call handlers, detention officers in custody suites, and a range of administration and professional support staff are among those who would take action.
Kim Hendry of the PCS said: "Police staff feel undervalued and underpaid. We have members forced to take second jobs, or use payday loans, just to keep afloat.
"Our demands are entirely reasonable - last year the Met saved over £50m on the police staff budget due to job cuts.
"Just some of that money should be used to fund a decent pay rise, and they are calling on the commissioner and the deputy mayor to demonstrate that they genuinely value the hard work and commitment of police staff."
The Met has already cancelled leave for police officers and is making contingency plans.
The PCS said the strike was voted for by almost three to one while the Metropolitan police service (MPS) put the figure at one in 12 police staff voting for strike action.
The Metropolitan police described the 1% pay rise as being "at the ceiling of the government's public sector pay policy and the pay increase was given without any strings attached to it".
It claimed the PCS's demands include a pay increase of up to 6%.
A Metropolitan police spokesman said: "The PCS has now informed the MPS that they intend to take strike action on New Year's Eve - one of the days when demand for our services is highest.
"We have tried-and-tested business continuity plans for all eventualities, including industrial action. These ensure that critical functions performed by police staff are performed by police officers who are fully trained in those roles.
"To ensure we are able to implement these plans, we stopped granting any further requests for annual leave or days off for officers and staff in a number of key areas for New Year's Eve in mid-December.
"In some cases we've also had to take the very difficult decision to cancel planned days off for officers with certain critical skills or in critical operational areas.
"These are clearly all steps we'd rather not take, but we have to be prepared to maintain critical operational areas in the event of a strike action by police staff, and we are confident that we have appropriate plans in place." Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 hours ago.
Thousands of police civilian staff in London – including 999 call handlers – are set to strike on New Year's Eve, the PCS union has said.
The planned strike in the capital would coincide with a walkout by London firefighters and could result in around 7,500 civilian workers taking action on one of the busiest days of the year.
The strike was planned after a below-inflation 1% rise was imposed by the Metropolitan police last month.
Police and community support officers, 999 call handlers, detention officers in custody suites, and a range of administration and professional support staff are among those who would take action.
Kim Hendry of the PCS said: "Police staff feel undervalued and underpaid. We have members forced to take second jobs, or use payday loans, just to keep afloat.
"Our demands are entirely reasonable - last year the Met saved over £50m on the police staff budget due to job cuts.
"Just some of that money should be used to fund a decent pay rise, and they are calling on the commissioner and the deputy mayor to demonstrate that they genuinely value the hard work and commitment of police staff."
The Met has already cancelled leave for police officers and is making contingency plans.
The PCS said the strike was voted for by almost three to one while the Metropolitan police service (MPS) put the figure at one in 12 police staff voting for strike action.
The Metropolitan police described the 1% pay rise as being "at the ceiling of the government's public sector pay policy and the pay increase was given without any strings attached to it".
It claimed the PCS's demands include a pay increase of up to 6%.
A Metropolitan police spokesman said: "The PCS has now informed the MPS that they intend to take strike action on New Year's Eve - one of the days when demand for our services is highest.
"We have tried-and-tested business continuity plans for all eventualities, including industrial action. These ensure that critical functions performed by police staff are performed by police officers who are fully trained in those roles.
"To ensure we are able to implement these plans, we stopped granting any further requests for annual leave or days off for officers and staff in a number of key areas for New Year's Eve in mid-December.
"In some cases we've also had to take the very difficult decision to cancel planned days off for officers with certain critical skills or in critical operational areas.
"These are clearly all steps we'd rather not take, but we have to be prepared to maintain critical operational areas in the event of a strike action by police staff, and we are confident that we have appropriate plans in place." Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 hours ago.
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Police launch scheme to target thefts and anti-social behaviour at Longwell Green retail park
This is Bristol -- POLICE have launched a new Shop Watch scheme at a retail park in Longwell Green in an attempt to prevent thefts and anti-social behaviour. PCSOs Skye Kurylo and Andrew Lagana-Forbes have worked with staff at shops at the Gallagher Retail Park to set up the scheme. PCSO Kurylo said: "We wanted to make sure we were working closely with store staff. "Shop Watch is a way for us to support retailers, helping them prevent thefts from their store. "The retail park is a safe place to shop and to work and the scheme will help us reduce crime and anti-social behaviour further." The neighbourhood team meet regularly with the shop managers and security staff, sharing information and reviewing CCTV images. The shops also use an internal radio system to alert each other to potential problems. Sophie Brice, manager of Outfit, said: "We've built strong relationships that will last and our hard work will continue. "We are better connected with more awareness of known offenders. Shop Watch has already had a positive impact." Simon Wait, security officer at Marks and Spencer said: "It is better working together. We now have the extra layer of support that Shop Watch provides." The scheme is advertised with posters and signs displayed across the site.
Reported by This is 17 minutes ago.
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Police name pedestrian crash victim
BBC Local News: Birmingham and Black Country -- West Midlands Police name a 67-year-old man who died after being hit by a car in Smethwick last week.
Reported by BBC Local News 1 hour ago.
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Taxis stopped in Barnstaple as part of police operation
This is North Devon -- TAXIS have been targeted as part of a new police operation to enforce the industry's safety and legal requirement. The scheme saw police and licensing officers carry out spot-checks on 20 vehicles in Boutport Street, Queen Street and outside Barnstaple Railway station. Five taxis were issued with advisories for minor issues during the operation. Police constable Paul Butler said he was pleased at the high standards that were seen. He said: "Of the vehicles we stopped, it was good to see that the vast majority were in good condition and meeting all the safety standards we would expect. "We hope this is reassuring to passengers and to the drivers themselves and we'll continue to carry out joint operations like this in the future." Councillor Joe Tucker, who attended the operation as chairman of the Licensing Committee, said it was vital to ensure the legal requirements were enforced. He said: "Spot checks like these are vital as they allow us to see first-hand whether vehicles are meeting safety standards and legal requirements. "If minor issues are detected, we will give advisory notes to rectify certain things, or in more serious cases we can bring action. "Not only is this for the benefit of passengers, but also other road users, including other taxi drivers and private hires who do ensure they are meeting all the required licensing standards."
Reported by This is 37 minutes ago.
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Police chief's plea to drivers after six road deaths in nine days
This is Nottingham -- A POLICE superintendent is urging people to take care on the roads after the number of people killed in crashes in Notts this year increased by 20 per cent in just nine days. Six people have been killed and several others have been seriously injured in a series of crashes. Temporary Superintendent Andy Hall, who is head of Tactical Operations for Notts Police's Operation Support Unit, said: "I would like to issue a plea to everyone to take care on the roads. "I want you to enjoy the festive period. It's a time to spend with your families and be happy. We don't want anyone to have to go through the tragedy that has struck the county's roads over the last few days. "Please slow down, don't drive if you've had a drink and take note of the effects alcohol can have on you the next day. Make sure that everyone you get into a car with is fit for the journey and if you're driving don't get distracted." With bad weather predicted over the next few days drivers are asked to drive appropriately to the road conditions, he added: "I want everyone to have a really happy Christmas with their families," he said. "Don't rush, just get there safely."
Reported by This is 25 minutes ago.
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Staffordshire Police appealing for witnesses after mugger snatches woman's bag in Trentham
This is Staffordshire -- POLICE are hunting a mugger who snatched a woman's bag in broad daylight. A man approached his 54-year-old victim from behind in Barlaston Old Road, Trentham, near to the NatWest Bank. After a short struggle, hefled the scene on foot towards Albert Road at around 2.40am on Monday. The black bag contained cash, a mobile phone, bank cards and keys. The woman, who had just got out of her car and was on the way to the bank, was not seriously hurt. DC Dave Stones said: "A number of people witnessed this incident and came to the woman's aid. This happened in broad daylight and the area was busy with both motorists and pedestrians. Thankfully the woman was not seriously hurt, but this has been a distressing ordeal for her and we are determined to bring the man responsible to justice." The offender was described as white, approximately 5ft 10in tall with a medium build. He was wearing dark-coloured clothing with a hood up and a dark scarf around his face. Anyone with information on the incident, or who finds discarded items in the area, is asked to contact DC Stones at Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 427 of December 23, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reported by This is 11 minutes ago.
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Sussex Police advice as county faces more severe weather
As Christmas Eve’s early morning storm begins to ease, Sussex Police are urging people to stay alert to the dangers left in its wake - and to be aware of yet another period of severe weather expected late Boxing Day or early Friday (December 27).
Reported by Crawley Observer 20 minutes ago.
Reported by Crawley Observer 20 minutes ago.
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Three people from Hull killed in horror crash named by North Yorkshire Police
This is Hull and East Riding -- THREE people from Hull killed in a horror crash near Wetwang have been named by the police. Iwona Bartczak, 40, was driving a Ford Focus when it crashed with a Citroen Relay van, heading in the opposite direction. Her 18-year-old son, Konrad, who was sitting next to her in the car, and Rysard Orlowski, 47, who was in the back seat, also both died in the crash. They were among five people in the car on their way to work in a bacon factory in Malton. A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said investigations are still ongoing into the crash. She said: "The crash happened at around 5.40am on Wednesday, November 27 on the B1248 between Wetwang and Wharram le Street, when a black Ford Focus collided with a white Citroen van. "The three people were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision." Paying tribute to Iwona, one woman, who asked only to be identified as Emily and worked alongside her in the packing department of the bacon factory, said: "She was just a really nice, really friendly person. This is so sad." Police admit there could easily have been a fourth fatality, had it not been for a courageous motorist, who pulled a man from the burning Focus. The 30-year-old still remains in Hull Royal Infirmary, where he is recovering from leg injuries. Traffic Sergeant Andy Fraser, who is leading the investigation for North Yorkshire Police, said: "I would like to thank the man who stopped at the scene and rescued one of the passengers from the Ford Focus. "The man put his own life in danger and his courageous actions undoubtedly saved the man's life." A fifth man in the Focus, who was seriously injured, has since been discharged from Hull Royal Infirmary. The driver of the Citroen van, a 48-year-old man from Pickering who was taken to York District Hospital, was discharged from hospital shortly after the collision. Tributes have been laid at the spot the three people, originally from Poland, died, including a candle, a heart-shaped wreath of white roses and a cross of red roses. At The Karro Food Group Ltd in Malton, where the car was travelling to, the company flag was lowered and staff were offered time off and support if needed. Charles Pascall, HR director, said: "At this difficult time, we're doing everything we can to support the families of our colleagues who were fatally injured. "Everyone here is devastated by the news, and we continue to support our colleagues, during this deeply distressing time." A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information to the force control room. Please quote reference number 0052 of November 27." The inquests into the deaths of the three people were opened and adjourned on Friday.
Reported by This is 2 days ago.
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IPCC to oversee police inquiry into Taser use on boys at Plymouth school
Watchdog called in after incident at school in which officers deployed stun guns on three teenagers with learning difficulties
An investigation has begun into the use of Tasers by police on three teenagers with learning difficulties.
Devon and Cornwall police deployed stun guns on the boys, all aged 14 or 15, after being called to Chelfham senior school, near Plymouth, after reports of an alleged assault on a teacher on 1 December.
The teacher was treated at the scene by paramedics for chest and head injuries before being taken to Derriford hospital.
After the incident, Devon and Cornwall Police referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The watchdog said it had asked the force to carry out an investigation into the incident, which it will supervise.
The watchdog said that according to the information provided by Devon and Cornwall police the Taser was used on three boys aged 14 and 15 following a 999 call about a violent incident at the school.
IPCC Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said: "From the review we have carried out of Taser complaints we have specific concerns about some of the ways and circumstances in which it is used.
"We have asked Devon and Cornwall police to carry out a supervised investigation into the incident at Chelfham senior school so that the public can be reassured that the examination of this incident receives independent oversight."
The school, which is owned by the Priory Group, specialises in children with learning difficulties including behavioural, emotional and social difficulties and autism.
It is a day and residential school for boys and girls aged seven to 19, and is owned by the company known for its addiction clinics favoured by celebrities.
Devon and Cornwall police also is being investigated by the police watchdog over an incident in which a man who doused himself in petrol burst into flames when he was shot with a Taser.
Andrew Pimlott, 32, suffered horrific injuries in the confrontation outside his house in Plymouth and died in a hospital burns unit five days later.
Figures released to parliament earlier this year showed armed officers discharged, targeted or threatened to use Tasers against youngsters more than 320 times in 2011 – an 11-fold increase from the first year they were cleared for use against under-18s in 2007.
In the first year of officers being cleared to Taser children, they were used 29 times in England. By 2009, this had increased to 135.
In 2010, the weapons were used 339 times against children and by 2011 – the latest year for which figures are available – the total stood at 323.
The figures were released following a parliamentary question asked by Lib Dem backbencher Julian Huppert.
In 2004, following a trial in five forces, it was agreed to allow chief officers of all police forces in England and Wales to make Tasers available to authorised firearms officers. Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 days ago.
An investigation has begun into the use of Tasers by police on three teenagers with learning difficulties.
Devon and Cornwall police deployed stun guns on the boys, all aged 14 or 15, after being called to Chelfham senior school, near Plymouth, after reports of an alleged assault on a teacher on 1 December.
The teacher was treated at the scene by paramedics for chest and head injuries before being taken to Derriford hospital.
After the incident, Devon and Cornwall Police referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The watchdog said it had asked the force to carry out an investigation into the incident, which it will supervise.
The watchdog said that according to the information provided by Devon and Cornwall police the Taser was used on three boys aged 14 and 15 following a 999 call about a violent incident at the school.
IPCC Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said: "From the review we have carried out of Taser complaints we have specific concerns about some of the ways and circumstances in which it is used.
"We have asked Devon and Cornwall police to carry out a supervised investigation into the incident at Chelfham senior school so that the public can be reassured that the examination of this incident receives independent oversight."
The school, which is owned by the Priory Group, specialises in children with learning difficulties including behavioural, emotional and social difficulties and autism.
It is a day and residential school for boys and girls aged seven to 19, and is owned by the company known for its addiction clinics favoured by celebrities.
Devon and Cornwall police also is being investigated by the police watchdog over an incident in which a man who doused himself in petrol burst into flames when he was shot with a Taser.
Andrew Pimlott, 32, suffered horrific injuries in the confrontation outside his house in Plymouth and died in a hospital burns unit five days later.
Figures released to parliament earlier this year showed armed officers discharged, targeted or threatened to use Tasers against youngsters more than 320 times in 2011 – an 11-fold increase from the first year they were cleared for use against under-18s in 2007.
In the first year of officers being cleared to Taser children, they were used 29 times in England. By 2009, this had increased to 135.
In 2010, the weapons were used 339 times against children and by 2011 – the latest year for which figures are available – the total stood at 323.
The figures were released following a parliamentary question asked by Lib Dem backbencher Julian Huppert.
In 2004, following a trial in five forces, it was agreed to allow chief officers of all police forces in England and Wales to make Tasers available to authorised firearms officers. Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 days ago.
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Predatory ex-police officer gets 19 years after succession of rapes
Wayne Scott, 37, found guilty of rape after confessing to other sexual abuses while serving with Cleveland police
A former police officer has been jailed for 19 years for a string of serious sex crimes.
Wayne Scott, 37, was convicted after a five-day trial of the rape and attempted rape of a woman, having already admitted raping another woman seven times over a number of years.
He also confessed to two common assaults, one sexual assault and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual touching.
Sentencing Scott at Newcastle crown court, Judge James Goss QC described him as manipulative, controlling and domineering.
"Your offending has had an enormous impact on the wellbeing, confidence and lives of those against whom you offended, destroying their lives," he said.
Scott's offences came to light after he was dismissed by Cleveland police when a member of the public complained about him touching her sexually while on duty.
Although he was not prosecuted for that offence, the publicity led other women to come forward and make complaints.
Speaking after the hearing, Detective Superintendent Peter McPhillips of Cleveland police said: "I'm really pleased with the sentence today.
"Wayne Scott is a sexual deviant and a predator who manipulated his victims and had a significant detrimental impact on their lives. Yet he has never exhibited any remorse and he does not appear to understand the horrific nature of his crimes.
"I would like to pay tribute to all of his victims, in particular those who we managed to trace and who were brave enough to provide us with the details of his crimes."
The judge said that Scott would serve 15 years in custody, and also passed a sexual offences prevention order and placed him on the sex offenders register.
A statement from one of his victims was read out saying she was worried about his release as he had already tried to contact her since being in prison.
On hearing his fate, Scott became unsteady on his feet, first bending over, then sinking into his seat.
His appearances in the dock had been characterised by attempts to mouth words, sobbing and hanging his head.
Since his arrest, the 37-year-old, formerly of Stockton, Teesside, has twice tried to kill himself, jumping from a prison balcony and leaping from a moving vehicle while on his way to a medical examination.
Senior officers have said there are allegations from eight more victims that did not make it to court, and they have appealed for others to come forward.
McPhillips said: "I hope this sentence will send a positive message to victims of sexual abuse, that we will listen to them and together with our partners work with them to bring offenders to justice.
"I would again appeal to anyone who believes they were a victim of Wayne Scott to contact officers." Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 days ago.
A former police officer has been jailed for 19 years for a string of serious sex crimes.
Wayne Scott, 37, was convicted after a five-day trial of the rape and attempted rape of a woman, having already admitted raping another woman seven times over a number of years.
He also confessed to two common assaults, one sexual assault and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual touching.
Sentencing Scott at Newcastle crown court, Judge James Goss QC described him as manipulative, controlling and domineering.
"Your offending has had an enormous impact on the wellbeing, confidence and lives of those against whom you offended, destroying their lives," he said.
Scott's offences came to light after he was dismissed by Cleveland police when a member of the public complained about him touching her sexually while on duty.
Although he was not prosecuted for that offence, the publicity led other women to come forward and make complaints.
Speaking after the hearing, Detective Superintendent Peter McPhillips of Cleveland police said: "I'm really pleased with the sentence today.
"Wayne Scott is a sexual deviant and a predator who manipulated his victims and had a significant detrimental impact on their lives. Yet he has never exhibited any remorse and he does not appear to understand the horrific nature of his crimes.
"I would like to pay tribute to all of his victims, in particular those who we managed to trace and who were brave enough to provide us with the details of his crimes."
The judge said that Scott would serve 15 years in custody, and also passed a sexual offences prevention order and placed him on the sex offenders register.
A statement from one of his victims was read out saying she was worried about his release as he had already tried to contact her since being in prison.
On hearing his fate, Scott became unsteady on his feet, first bending over, then sinking into his seat.
His appearances in the dock had been characterised by attempts to mouth words, sobbing and hanging his head.
Since his arrest, the 37-year-old, formerly of Stockton, Teesside, has twice tried to kill himself, jumping from a prison balcony and leaping from a moving vehicle while on his way to a medical examination.
Senior officers have said there are allegations from eight more victims that did not make it to court, and they have appealed for others to come forward.
McPhillips said: "I hope this sentence will send a positive message to victims of sexual abuse, that we will listen to them and together with our partners work with them to bring offenders to justice.
"I would again appeal to anyone who believes they were a victim of Wayne Scott to contact officers." Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 days ago.
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Five Birchgrove burglaries prompt police appeal for help
This is South Wales -- POLICE are appealing for help from the public following a spate of break-ins in Birchgrove. Officers say five houses in the area have been burgled this month, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward. Recent weeks have seen properties in Smith's Road, Heol Las Close, Ty'r Fran, Cwrt y Cadno and Herbert Thomas Way targeted, however at this stage it is not thought police are linking the incidents. A South Wales Police spokesman said: "Police are investigating a number of burglaries in the Birchgrove area of Swansea which have happened during the month of December. "Officers are encouraging local residents to report any unusual or suspicious activity in the area. "Detectives are continuing investigations into the burglaries." Jewellery, cash and electrical goods were among the items taken in the break-ins. Meanwhile police are urging all householders to help beat the burglars over the festive period by taking simple steps to keep their properties safe. The force spokesman said: "Residents are reminded to ensure their homes are secure with doors and windows kept locked to remove any easy opportunities for burglars." Birchgrove was one of the communities caught-up in a burglary spree over the summer. There were 37 burglaries in Birchgrove, Morriston, Llansamlet and Clydach in June — treble the usual amount. A number of arrests have been made in relation to these break-ins. *Can you help? Call South Wales Police in Swansea on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111*
Reported by This is 2 days ago.
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Video: Exeter police evict nightmare neighbour days before Christmas
This is Exeter -- A NIGHTMARE neighbour has been evicted from his Exeter home by police just days before Christmas. Officers used a battering ram to gain entry into the flat of Chelsey Lloyd at Jubilee Court, Queen Street, after he ignored several warnings about "persistent" anti-social behaviour. Police say his flat was being used as an "open house" for homeless people and drug addicts. They produced evidence at Exeter County Court that helped Westcountry Housing secure an eviction order against Chelsey, who was the sole tenant. On Thursday he was served with the notice and given two hours to leave. At midday, when officers returned he was not at the property. Officers said eviction orders were only used in the most extreme cases when all other avenues are exhausted but argued Chelsey was given several chances to change his behaviour. He had lived at the property for seven years, but it was in the last 18 months that police said the problems really started to escalate. PCSO Sarah Bloor, who worked with PSCO Marina Lawes and representatives of Westcountry Housing to secure the eviction, said: "Chelsey Lloyd was a persistent offender of anti-social behaviour. It was just him living there but people were visiting at every hour of day and night. "It was constant. There was drug-taking in the communal areas and lots of noise which had a real impact on the whole community in these flats, which includes families with young children." She said they contacted Westcountry Housing back in May reporting the numerous police logs at the property. "We tried to solve the problem and give words of advice not to let these people into the property," she added. "We don't just want to chuck people out. They are given access to lots of support. "He did not seem to really care or want to resolve the problems. The behaviour did not change and he just said that they were his friends and he did not want them to leave.""I am pleased the impact on the community is going to be improved. But is it is a shame that it had to get to this point. If you have an open house and don't do anything about any problems this could be the outcome." *Video:*PSCO Bloor praised the work of neighbours for helping secure the order. She added: "Without the residents' support we could not have achieved this. We really want to thank them for their strength to stand up and give evidence. "People need to remember that the agencies have got the powers to do this. It is reserved for the most extreme cases but they are willing to use them." The property has now been boarded up. It is the first eviction carried out by the local policing team in more than a year. PC Chris Leisk, neighbourhood beat manager for the city centre and St David's, said: "These orders are not common. Most people get a warning and there are umpteen options before we apply for a possession order. "You will find that most adjust their behaviour but if they don't then further action will be taken. "We have gone through all the channels but Chelsey showed no signs of changing his ways." Reported by This is 2 days ago.
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Police investigated after Hull woman who terrorised families fell seriously ill after arrest
This is Hull and East Riding -- THE police watchdog has confirmed it will investigate the care and treatment of a woman who allegedly caused terror on an east Hull housing estate. It is thought the 22-year-old woman may have taken the legal high 'Clockwork Orange' before she entered two homes on the Longhill estate. Cindy Butts, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) Commissioner for Humberside, has announced the case will be investigated. She said: "I have determined that an independent investigation is necessary to determine if the care provided during this woman's custody was of an adequate standard and if any more could have been done to highlight any medical concerns prior to her transfer to a mental health facility." The woman, whose name has not been released, was arrested on October 25. She was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary, before being detained at Clough Road police station, in west Hull. The IPCC investigation will focus on the time the woman spent at the police station. In response to the announcement, a force spokeswoman said: "Humberside Police arrested a 22-year-old woman following two reports of her breaking into properties on the Longhill estate, Hull, on Friday, October 25. "The woman claimed that she had self harmed and following an initial assessment of her condition by police and ambulance staff she was taken to hospital where she received treatment overnight. "Upon her release from hospital, she was taken to Clough Road police station, where concerns were raised regarding her well-being. "She was subsequently subject of a full assessment whilst in police custody and this resulted in her being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and transferred to an appropriate facility the following day. "Some time after Humberside Police was informed that the woman was at hospital in a very poorly condition. "Humberside Police then voluntarily referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission." Michelle Grannon, who lives in Earsham Close, was attacked as she battled to stop the stranger reaching her screaming toddler. The mum-of-three said she was determined to prevent her two-year-old son coming face-to-face with the woman. Michelle, 33, said: "I just could not allow that psycho to get upstairs and reach my little boy." Unknown to Michelle at the time, the same woman is also said to have visited the home of Samantha Adams who lives a few doors away. Samantha had been at home with her children Ellie-Mae, nine, Connor, four, and Tallulah, one. She previously told how she managed to stop the intruder strangling her eldest daughter with the television cable. Clockwork Orange, a substance described as "herbal incense" promising a buzz if smoked with tobacco. It is sold openly in shops in Hull city centre, as well as online for about £10. No charges have been brought against the woman at this stage.
Reported by This is 2 days ago.
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Police under investigation after three schoolboys with learning difficulties were TASERED
Police units were called to Chelfham Senior School near Plymouth, a special needs school, on December 1 to deal with an alleged assault on a teacher.
Reported by MailOnline 15 hours ago.
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Neath man who assaulted off-duty special police constable handed a suspended sentence
This is South Wales -- A NEATH man who assaulted an off-duty special police constable at Neath rail station, following a night's drinking in Swansea, has been handed a suspended sentence.Daniel Owen Tregoning of Derwen Deg, Bryncoch was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court yesterday, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard that in the early hours of September 7, Tregoning, aged 19, was with a group of friends catching a train home after a night out in Swansea.
The victim, an off-duty South Wales Police Special PC, was on the same Swansea to London Paddington service, travelling to work in Cardiff.
Following a media appeal to identify the attacker, Tregoning handed himself in at Neath Police Station.
In interview, Tregoning fully admitted that his behaviour on the train was inappropriate but claimed the victim threw the first punch.
As a result of the attack, the victim suffered injuries, including cuts, swelling and stiffness, to his neck, chest, ribs, elbow, hands and knees.
Tregoning was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work on behalf of the community.
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Dilwyn Lewis, of British Transport Police (BTP), said: "Following a perfectly reasonable request from the off duty officer to keep the noise down, Tregoning's reaction was totally inappropriate.
"Not only did he subject the victim to a vicious attack, he also exploited his knowledge of marial arts to exacerbate the assault.
"The victim was terrified during the attack, which left him struggling desperately for breath and on the brink on unconsciousness.
"Tregoning's behaviour, which was clearly influenced by alcohol, was completely unacceptable and I hope the sentence sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated on the rail network.
"Tregoning is a young lad and I am sure he's learned a valuable lesson.
"Fortunately incidents such as this are rare, but when they do happen, we take them extremely seriously." Reported by This is 1 day ago.
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