Salford - Manchester

New link between Salford and Manchester

2012-01-29T10:05:00.001-08:00

A footbridge linking Manchester and Salford has been hoisted into place across the River Irwell.

The 44m (144ft) bridge, stretching from Leftbank to Stanley Street, is the third of five new proposed bridge connections between the cities.

Salford council leader John Merry said the bridge would "unlock the economic potential" of the area.

Part of the £72m Irwell River Park project, the bridge will open to the public in early spring.

The £1.8m bridge was lifted into place using a 1,000 tonne (1,102 ton) crane.

It was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), lead developers Allied London and Salford City Council.

Sir Howard Bernstein, vice chair of the North West ERDF Local Management Committee, said it was a "vital piece of infrastructure" that would provide "an important contribution to economic growth in Salford and Spinningfields".

The Irwell River Park project is a joint initiative by Salford City Council, Manchester City Council, Trafford Council and the Northwest Regional Development Agency to reinvigorate the area around the river from MediaCityUK via Manchester city centre to Peel Park in Salford.

Source:- www.bbc.co.uk

Happy Mondays reunion

2012-01-29T07:18:00.001-08:00

Reports the group's original line-up will be getting back together
after the original members were spotted leaving a meeting at Salfords Lowry hotel recently.

Drummer Gaz Whelan and bassist Paul Ryder both denied they would be involved, but the position now appears to have changed.

The Ryder brothers were spotted together with Gaz, backing singer Rowetta and dancer Bez

Shaun's manager, Warren Askew, later hinted they had discussed plans for a comeback.

Hopefully, an announcement will be made in due course,' he told the Manchester Evening News.

The band split in 1993 after their fourth album Yes Please! flopped, but reformed briefly in 1999 without guitarist Mark Day and keyboard player Paul Davies.

A second reunion followed in 2004, but Shaun, Gaz and Bez were the only three members of the original line-up to take part, although the exercise did result in a fifth Happy Mondays album, Uncle Dysfunktional.

If the band do get back together it is unlikely to be until the end of 2012 at the earliest.

Before the Bench January 26th 2012

2012-01-28T08:33:00.001-08:00

The latest Salford cases heard by Manchester magistrates ...

CLAIRE GIRVAN, 33, of Hassop Avenue, Lower Kersal, pleaded guilty to dishonestly receiving stolen goods, and was fined £65 with £100 costs.

DARREN EGERTON, 27, of Melville Street, Trinity, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, and was fined £50 with £100 costs.

RICHARD NEIL SHARP, 34, of Hayfield Road, Claremont, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £100 with £50 costs, and had four penalty points put on his licence.

GARETH TERRENCE MANN, 36, of Cheviot Close, Seedley, pleaded guilty to shoplifting, and was given a conditional discharge for 12 months, and ordered to pay £100 compensation.

EMMA LOUISE STOREY, 26, of Memorial Road, Walkden, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £50 with £50 costs, and had four penalty points put on her licence.

JOHN WOOD, 26, of Northallerton Road, Lower Kersal, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

KARL TRAFFORD, 38, of Langworthy Avenue, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to shoplifting, failing to surrender to custody, and committing a further offence while subject to a six-month conditional discharge. He also pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, the order was revoked and he was given a community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement, the order to be reviewed monthly.

SITHANDAZILE PORTIA NCUBE, 38, of Alexander Gardens, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to shoplifting, and was given a community order requiring her to carry out 40 hours of unpaid community work and pay £85 costs.

ION ANGHEL, 19, of Fairhaven Street, Salford, pleaded guilty to two offences of theft, and was sent to a detention centre for 10 weeks, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work.

WARREN LORD, 38, of Nasmyth Road, Eccles, pleaded guilty to a breach of the peace, and was bound over in the sum of £100 for 12 months.

STEVEN ROBERT BARNES, 53, of Westray Crescent, Weaste, pleaded guilty to failing to notify Salford’s housing department that he had returned to work, and was fined £220 with £315 costs.

JENNY LEE RYAN, 32, of Burton Walk, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that household waste was disposed of correctly, and was conditionally discharged for 12 months, and ordered to pay £400 costs.

LEE MICHAEL SUTTON, 34, of Buckingham Road, Clifton, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and possessing cocaine, and was fined £150 with £100 costs.

WILLIAM CLIFFORD PAINE, 20, of Seaford Road, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, and was fined £70 with £50 costs.

PAUL CHRISTOPHER MCCLUSKEY, 30, of Elkanagh Gardens, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to a breach of the peace and was bound over in the sum of £150 for 12 months.

GAMAL SAEEDE, 28, of Ellesmere Street, Eccles, pleaded guilty to a breach of the peace, and was bound over in the sum of £100 for 12 months.

JENNIFER TOMBLING, 20, of Lower Broughton Road, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, and was conditionally discharged for 12 months, and ordered to pay £85 costs.

RICHARD ALEXANDER HANEY, 29, of Woden’s Avenue, Ordsall, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, and was conditionally discharged for six months.

GAYNOR JAYNE STARK, 20, of Stannard Road, Eccles, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, a suspended sentence for a previous offence was activated, and added to her current offence, and she was sent to a detention centre for a total of 16 weeks.

LYNNE GOSLIN, 47, of Wingfield Drive, Swinton, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £155 with £50 costs, and had three penalty points put on her licence.

AGATA GWARDYS, 22, of Douglas Street, Higher Broughton, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £45 with £15 costs, and had three penalty points put on her licence.

LEE EDWARD HALSALL, 40, of Worsley Avenue, Worsley, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with traffic lights, and was fined £65 with £50 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.

ANN CECILIA LAVELLE, 46, of Shelley Road, Swinton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with road markings, and was fined £60 with £15 costs, and had three points put on her licence.

KABEMBA MANGIDI, 49, of South King Street, Eccles, pleaded guilty to driving without a licence, and was fined £60 with £50 costs, and had three penalty points put on any future licence.

ROSEANNA MCDERMOTT, 37, of Maston Drive, Broughton, pleaded guilty to two offences of being drunk and disorderly in a public place, and failing to surrender to custody, and was conditionally discharged for 12 months.

UMUR UL-HAQ, 20, of Russell Road, Claremont, pleaded guilty to dishonestly receiving stolen goods, resisting a police officer in the course of their duty, and dishonestly assisting in the removal of property belonging to another, and was sent to prison for nine months.

Source:- http://menmedia.co.uk/salfordadvertiser/news/crime/s/1240611_before-the-bench

Homes in Salford evacuated after police find suspicious devices

2012-01-28T06:38:00.001-08:00

Several homes have been evacuated after police raided a flat and find two suspicious devices.

They made the discovery after raiding a flat on Grasmere Crescent, Winton, Salford, at 11.35am today.

Bomb disposal experts were called to the scene to ensure the devices were made safe and a cordon has been put in place for public safety.

Three people have been arrested under the Explosive Substances Act and are currently being questioned.

Men charged with murder of man found decapitated in Stockport

2012-01-27T13:44:00.001-08:00

Two men have been charged with the murder of a man whose decapitated body was found on fire.

The body of John Grainger, 32, was discovered by fire-fighters in Stockport, Greater Manchester, at 5.10am on Thursday when they extinguished a blaze on a verge on Wellington Street, opposite Gala Casino.

Anthony Jenkins, 31, and Joseph Jenkins, 29, both of Covent Gardens, Stockport, will appear before Stockport magistrates court on Saturday.

The brothers were arrested on suspicion of possessing shotgun cartridges before the discovery of the body by police. The head was located nearby.

A post-mortem examination found that Grainger died from a blunt-force head injury and a shotgun wound to the head.

A police spokesman said it is believed he was decapitated after being shot.

In a tribute to Grainger, his family said: "John was a cheeky and lovable character who was a fantastic brother and uncle to his niece and nephews.

"He wanted to become a dad one day and was looking forward to what the future held.

"John loved football and was an avid fan of Manchester United."

Man shot dead at Wellington pub in Salford

2011-09-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

The man was shot in the Wellington pub in Regent Road, police said

A man has been shot dead at a pub in Greater Manchester.

The 37-year-old was shot at the Wellington pub in Regent Road, Salford, in the early hours, police said.

He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. Staff at the hospital then alerted police, a spokesman said.

Greater Manchester Police has started a murder inquiry and anyone with any information has been asked to get in touch.

'No broader threat'

Ch Supt Kevin Mulligan, divisional commander for Salford, said: "This is a terrible loss of life in which a man has been gunned down while at the pub.

"While there will understandably be concern in the community about this, the initial assessment is that we believe there is not a broader threat to the community.

"We now have a team of officers from the major incident team talking to witnesses and conducting inquiries, but we believe the key to this lies with the people in the pub at the time of the incident."

He said officers particularly wanted to speak to anyone who was in the pub in the lead-up to the incident.

"I understand your concerns about speaking to the police, but we have a number of ways of ensuring you will be protected," he said.

"Please bear in mind that a family is mourning the loss of a life today and your information could help them get the answers they need."

Source:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

Swinton Lions rugby league player Dana Wilson killed in road smash

2011-09-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Tributes have been played to a rugby league player who died in a car crash.

Swinton Lions' 28-year-old forward Dana Wilson passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning, according to club chairman John Kidd.

In a statement released on the club's website he said: “The news of the tragic loss of such a popular character and hard-working and influential player has rocked the club to its foundations.

“The club is in deep shock at this devastating news.

“Dana was a great personality who has made a massive contribution to the success the club has achieved this season.

“He was a big character both on and off the pitch and our sympathy goes out to his family both here and in New Zealand.”

Wilson, a prop forward from New Zealand, also played for Oldham, Leigh and Halifax.

He played against Rochdale on Friday night at the Willows in Salford as the Lions were presented with the Championship trophy.

The MEN understands Wilson held a party at his home in Newton-le-Willows, Cheshire, on Friday night to celebrate the club's success.

The smash happened in Burtonwood, Warrington.

Wilson was married to Kirsten and the couple had three children.

http://menmedia.co.uk/salfordadvertiser/news/s/1457898_swinton-lions-rugby-league-player-dana-wilson-killed-in-road-smash

Before the Bench 30 June 2011

2011-07-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

The latest cases heard by Salford magistrates ...

30 June 2011:

PHILIP BEBBINGTON, 22, of Stanyard Court, Ordsall, pleaded guilty to stopping his car on a pelican crossing, and failing to produce a licence when asked to by a police officer. He was fined £45 with £15 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.
DANIEL JAMES CLEAVER, 19, of South Radford Street, Lower Kersal, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, and assault by beating, and was given a 12-month supervision order, and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid community work and pay £150 costs.
JOHN DOHERTY, 32, of Coronation Street, Swinton, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order, and was sent to prison for 24 weeks, ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work, and was also ordered to pay £85 costs.
WENDY PATRICIA GRIFFITHS, 23, of Wade Close, Eccles, pleaded guilty to assault by beating, and was given a six-month supervision order with £85 costs.
DEREK SAVILLE, 31, of Chedworth Crescent, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to assault by beating, and causing £50 damage to a door, and was given a nine-month supervision order, and also ordered to pay £85 costs.
SHANE MYERS, 22, of Carrfield Avenue, Worsley, was found guilty of driving with a vehicle that had a faulty rear light, and was fined £85 with £65 costs.
STEVEN PAUL WILLIAMS, 22, of Maranatha Court, Barton Road, Eccles, pleaded guilty to assault, and was given an 18-month supervision order, ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid community work and pay £80 costs.
AYOADE OYEWALE, 37, of Barry Crescent, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, and was fined £235 with £50 costs, and had six points put on his licence.
CHRISTOPHER STUART ROBERTSON, 64, of Nelson Street, Patricroft, pleaded guilty to failing to report an accident, and failing to stop and give his details. He was fined £65 with £50 costs, and had five penalty points put on his licence.
ZARA LOUISE ROGERS, 23, of Towyn Avenue, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to driving without a licence or insurance, and was fined £65 with £50 insurance, and had six penalty points put on her licence.
MICHELLE ANTOINETTE TAYLOR, 42, of Silsden Walk, Kersal, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and assaulting a police officer, and was conditionally discharged for two years, and ordered to pay £50 compensation and £60 costs.
GRAHAM STAINES, 37, of Orion Place, Charlestown, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods, and carrying a machete in a public place, and was ordered to carry out 220 hours of unpaid community work, and pay £85 costs.
CLIFFORD CLARK, 56, of Gerrards Close, Irlam, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, and was fined £200 with £50 costs, and had six points put on his licence.
TERENCE CLARKE, 38, of Moorfield Close, Eccles, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in a public place, and was fined £50 with £100 costs.
NATALIE LONGWORTH, 32, of Earlesdon Crescent, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and possessing amphetamine, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £85 costs.
BENJAMIN SAUNDERS, 22, of Burton Walk, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with traffic lights, and was fined £35 with £50 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.
DAVID JOHN GAFFEY, 41, of Carlton Road, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £115 with £50 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.
DARREN SATTI, 25, of New Herbert Street, Irlams o’th’ Height, was found guilty of speeding, and was fined £175 with £75 costs, and had three points put on his licence.
PAUL CHALLONER, 40, of Strawberry Road, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to possessing amphetamine, and was given an 18-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £35 costs.
DAVID ANTHONY MILLWARD, 25, of Wildbrook Road, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to driving without a licence or insurance, and was fined £275 with £50 costs, and was disqualified from driving for nine months.
AMIR KAMAL, 36, of Lockett Gardens, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, and was fined £65 with £50 costs, and had six penalty points put on his licence.
ADRIAN MANSFIELD, 32, of Morillon Road, Irlam, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £65 with £50 costs, and had four points put on his licence.
CRAIG STEPHEN PAYNE, 23, of Penrith Avenue, Walkden, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £65 with £50 costs, and had six points put on his licence.
JANINE WHITEHEAD, 40, of Cedric Street, Weaste, was found guilty of failing to comply with traffic lights, and was fined £60 with £15 costs, and had three penalty points put on her licence.
RADOSLAW JAROSZKO, 33, of Rudyard Street, Higher Broughton, pleaded guilty to drink driving, and was fined £400 with £100 costs, and was disqualified from driving for three years.
BERNARD JOHN MALPUS, 33, of Partridge Close, Irlam, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and cultivating cannabis plants, and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, and pay £85 costs.
ALLEN THOMAS, 25, of Brindley Street, Pendlebury, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, and an extra 20 hours was added to it for the breach, and he was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
CRAIG VICTOR CORNES, 34, of Liverpool Road, Irlam, pleaded guilty to four offences of shoplifting, and failing to comply with a community order. The order was revoked and he was dealt with for the original offences of theft, police assault and failing to surrender to bail by being sent to prison for 26 weeks.
ROSS JAMES WILSON, 24, of Margrove Road, Claremont, pleaded guilty to drink driving, and was fined £300 with £100 costs, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.
JOSEPH BEAUMONT, 18, of May Road, Pendlebury, pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving without insurance or a licence, and failing to stop after an accident. He was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid community work, pay £200 compensation and was disqualified from driving for two years.
DAVID ROBERT BRACKEN, 49, of Caroline Street, Irlam, pleaded guilty to drink driving, and was fined £200 with £50 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
JULIAS MADAR, 45, of Pear Tree Court, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, assault by beating, and failing to surrender to custody. He was given a 12-month community order, and ordered to pay £50 compensation and £85 costs.
CURTIS ASHLEY O’BRIEN, 22, of Rigby Grove, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to causing £200 damage to alarm sensors, and was sent to prison for 21 days.
ARRON PETER O’REILLY, 27, of Inghamwood Close, Higher Broughton, pleaded guilty to dishonestly diverting electricity, and was fined £100 with £100 costs.

Source:- http://menmedia.co.uk/salfordadvertiser

Before the Bench 9 June 2011

2011-06-12T02:30:00.000-07:00

The latest cases heard by Salford magistrates ...

TERENCE BOSTOCK, 54, of Crowngreen Road, Eccles, was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and was fined £175 with £100 costs.
PHILIP RAYMOND CORLESS, 46, of Rothesay Road, Pendlebury, was found guilty of driving while using a hand-held mobile phone, and was fined £200 with £615 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.
ASHLEY JAKE MANLEY, 21, of Silverdale, Clifton, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance or a licence, and was fined £150 with £50 costs, and he was disqualified from driving for nine months.
RYAN BRENDAN O’GRADY, 31, of Bain Street, Swinton, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, and failing to comply with traffic lights, and was fined £600 with £265 costs, and had five penalty points put on his licence.
IAN MICHAEL RIMMER, 42, of Canon Hussey Court, Islington Way, pleaded guilty to shoplifting, and was sent to prison for 28 days.
TREVOR BARNUM-BAILEY, 66, of Regent Park, Duchy Road, Duchy, pleaded guilty to drink driving, and was fined £150 with £15 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
WILLIAM THOMAS DAVIES, 29, of Wesley Street, Eccles, pleaded guilty to entering a garden shed as a trespasser and stealing a bike, and was sent to prison for 14 weeks.
ANTHONY MARC FELLOWES, 26, of St Bartholomew’s Drive, Ordsall, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, without insurance, while disqualified, and with excess alcohol in his blood. He was sent to prison for eight weeks, and disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for three years.
DAVID STEWART HENDERSON, 38, of Washwood Close, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and was given a 12-month supervision order, and ordered to pay £200 compensation.
GRACE MULBERY, 27, of Evans Road, Eccles, pleaded guilty to destroying a motor vehicle, and was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, and pay £500 compensation.
THOMAS JOHN WARD, 46, of Broomhall Road, Pendlebury, pleaded guilty to causing a breach of the peace, and was bound over to keep the peace in the sum of £50 for nine months.
RUSSELL ALLCOCK, 44, of Ackworth Road, Swinton, was found guilty of driving without insurance, and was fined £610 with £100 costs, and had six penalty points put on his licence.
STEPHEN GRICE, 57, of Ewhurst Avenue, Swinton, pleaded guilty to shoplifting, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.
ALEXANDER ONDO, 21, of Kimberley Street, Higher Broughton, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, and was fined £25 with £35 costs.
RICHARD EVANS, 60, of Co operative Street, Salford was found guilty of failing to comply with traffic lights, and was fined £50 with £365 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.
STEVEN GRAHAM OLIVER, 38, of Westwood Avenue, Worsley, was found guilty of driving without insurance, and was fined £525 with £60 costs, and had six penalty points put on his licence.
JAMIE STEWART CROMPTON, 25, of Queen Street, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to drink driving, and driving without insurance, and was given a six-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, a 10-week curfew, was disqualified from driving for three years, and ordered to pay £85 costs.
RYAN JOHN GREENHALGH, 20, of, Florence Street, Eccles, pleaded guilty to entering a shop as a trespasser, and committing the offence while on a suspended sentence for burglary. He was sent to a young offenders institution for 12 weeks.
JOHN HISCOTT, 24, of Trafford Drive, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order imposed for an offence of theft, going equipped and possessing cannabis, and was sent to prison for 24 weeks.
DARREN MCCREADIE, 42, of Lower Seedley Road, Seedley, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, and was fined £50 with £15 costs.
DEXTER LEWIS HINE, 19, of Ladyhill View, Worsley, pleaded guilty to theft, carrying a knife in a public place, and possessing cannabis, and was given a 12-week detention sentence suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 140 hours unpaid community work, and also ordered to pay £200 costs.
LEE DYKINS, 28, of Dumbell Street, Swinton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, and a curfew was added, and he was ordered to pay £75 costs.
MARK PARKER, 21, of Barff Road, Weaste, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order. The order was continued with an additional 20 hours.
STUART EARITH, 24, of Wallbrook Crescent, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to fraud, and was given a 12-month supervision order, ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid community work, and pay £1,508.66 compensation.
DEAN ALAN GREGORY, 30, of Senior Road, Peel Green, pleaded guilty to drink driving, and was fined £100 with £65 costs, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.
MICHAEL CRAIG LENNON, 46, of Alexandra Road, Worsley, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, and was conditionally discharged for 12 months, and ordered to pay £85 costs.
PHILIP BRENDAN O’SULLIVAN, 30, of Ennismore Avenue, Eccles, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, and was conditionally discharged for 12 months, and ordered to pay £35 costs.
TONY DAVID ROBERTS, 39, of Ranleigh Road, Swinton, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, and was conditionally discharged for 12 months, and ordered to pay £50 costs.
JASON CARL PATRICK WOODWARD, 39, of Aspinall Crescent, Worsley, pleaded guilty to driving a mini moto motorcycle without a licence, and while under the influence of alcohol. He was fined £150 with £100 costs, and disqualified from driving for 18 months.
ALAN GALLAGHER, 53, of Baines Avenue, Irlam, pleaded guilty to drink driving, and was fined £330 with £250 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
CRAIG BREEN, 31, of Marlborough Road, Irlam, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £60 with £50 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.

Source :- Salford Advertiser

May Day sees the 80th anniversary of The Battle of Bexley Square

2011-04-30T21:56:00.001-07:00

MAY DAY RALLY
Monday 2nd May 2pm
Bexley Square, Salford

This year's May Day is also the 80th Anniversary of the famous battle of Bexley Square when the police brutally broke up a protest against government cuts outside the old Salford Town Hall.

With the ConDem government cuts repeating themselves it seems apt that this year's rally, called by Salford Against The Cuts, is happening in Bexley Square and everyone is urged to turn out and support it. Bernard Brough reports on the rally and the history.

Source :- http://www.salfordstar.com
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Keep Hope Maternity open

2011-01-08T08:44:00.000-08:00

Salford Maternity Forum is meeting Friday 14 January, 1.30pm at Mossfield Children's Centre in Swinton to discuss the proposed changes to the service. The 'Making it Better' team will be there to answer questions about the changes and discuss how we (as the forum) can influence future plans. This is a regular meeting o...f local mums, maternity/baby staff and university maternity lecturers so please do come along and get involved! We need lots of people there to show that we are still passionate about this!

Join the Facebook group here...

Before the Bench - 6 January 2011

2011-01-08T00:03:00.000-08:00

The latest cases heard by Salford magistrates ...

HEATHER FUNGAI MAGADZIRE, 32, of St Paul’s Road, Sedgley Park, was found guilty of driving while using a handheld mobile phone, without insurance or licence, and was fined £560 with £100 costs, and had six penalty points put on her licence.
PAUL ALAN MAY, 45, of Cutnook Lane, Irlam, was found guilty of driving while using a handheld mobile phone, and was fined £150 with £100 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.
LEE DAVID CALDERWOOD, 40, of Amersham Street, Weaste, pleaded guilty to shoplifting, and was given a two-year supervision order with a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.
PAUL MICHAEL STRICKLAND, 25, of Bolton Road, Worsley, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and possessing a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid, gas or electrical incapacitation device, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge with £85 costs.
DAVID BRODIE, 22, of Wingate Road, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community service order, the order was revoked, and he was sentenced for the original offence of burglary by being given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months with £75 costs.
KENNETH FRENDO, 21, of Indigo Walk, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community service order, the order was continued with an added 30 hours, and he was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
AMIR KAMCHAH, 34, of Peregrine Drive, Irlam, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community service order, and the order was continued with an electronically monitored curfew requirement.
SIMON CHRISTOPHER LOMAS, 39, of Rake Lane, Clifton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community service order, the order was revoked, and he was sentenced for the original offences of common assault and criminal damage by being put under a four-month curfew.
MANUEL NORBERTO SPINOLA NOBREGA, 36, of Fitzwarren Court, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community service order, the order was continued, and he was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
STEVEN MICHAEL WALSH, 22, of Ascot Walk, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community service order, the order was continued, and he was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
KYLE PAUL HARRISON, 21, of Stanhope Road, Irlams o’th’ Height, pleaded guilty to attempted theft from a motor vehicle, and also two offences of theft from a motor vehicle, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge with £85 costs.
THOMAS STOKES, 40, of Beechfield Road, Swinton, pleaded guilty to theft, and was given a six-month conditional discharge with £85 costs.
KATRINA WILLIAMS, 19 , of Lower Seedley Road, Seedley, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £125 compensation.
CRAIG BOARDMAN, 31, of Lulworth Road, Eccles, pleaded guilty to drink driving, and was fined £100 with £50 costs, and was disqualified for 12 months.
CLINT ANDREW DEGRUCHY, 27, of Moorhey Road, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to three offences of assault by beating, and was sent to prison for four months.
KELLY ALANA CHALLINOR, 30, of Atherton Way, Eccles, pleaded guilty to theft and vehicle interference, and was given a 12-month supervision order.
DANIEL BRACKEN, 21, of Spruce Court, Pendleton, was found guilty of travelling on a railway without paying a fare, and was fined £25 with £50 costs.
STEPHEN BROOK, 40, of Eastham Way, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to driving without a test certificate, without wearing a seat belt and with a faulty brake light, and was fined £85 with £65 costs.
BRADLEY DAVID LOGAN, 27, of Scovell Street, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.
SHRAGE BORUCH LEITNER, 32, of Westwood Avenue, Higher Broughton, was found guilty of speeding, and was fined £350 with £105 costs, and had four penalty points put on his licence.
ANTHONY RAYMOND GILLARD, 37, of Blackfriars Road, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft, and also to shoplifting, and was given a 16-week community order with an electronic monitoring and curfew requirement. He was also ordered to pay £151.88 compensation with £85 costs.
STEVEN ALBERT LEVER, 34, of Silverdale, Clifton, pleaded guilty to
shoplifting, and was fined £65 with £15 costs.
DANIEL WAGHORN, 27, of Captain Fold Road, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and also to causing criminal damage, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge with a restraining order, and ordered to pay £85 costs.
WARREN JAMES PERHAM, 39, of Firfield Grove, Worsley, pleaded guilty to two offences of assault by beating, and was fined £150 with £100 costs.
MARK AZZOPARDI, 41, of Heraldic Court, Oswald Close, Lower Kersal, was found guilty of driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £60 with £75 costs.
PAUL CARR, 30, of Peach Tree Close, Pendleton, was found guilty of driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £60 with £75 costs.
JADE COATES, 21, of Grasmere Road, Swinton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with traffic lights, and was fined £85 with £50 costs, and had three points put on her licence.
ROBERT CROSTON, 43, of Clarence Street, Lower Broughton, was found guilty of driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £60 with £75 costs.
HAMRONA DALOLE, 32, of Langworthy Road, Langworthy, was found guilty of speeding, and was fined £60 with £15 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.
DANIEL JOHN EDWARDS, 26, of Dorchester Road, Swinton, pleaded guilty to driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £35 with £15 costs.
CHRISTINE EVANS, 54, of Bradburn Avenue, Eccles, pleaded guilty to driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £45 with £15 costs.
AIMEE JONES, 21, of West Marwood Street, Higher Broughton, pleaded guilty to driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £45 with £50 costs.
GERARD MULROONEY, 41, of Coburg Avenue, Lower Broughton, was found guilty of driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £60 with £75 costs.
FRANCIS MOON, 65, of Holland Street, Lower Broughton, was found guilty of driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £60 with £75 costs.
JOHN PARKER, 47, of Cairn Drive, Charlestown, pleaded guilty to driving without wearing a seat belt, and was fined £45 with £15 costs.
SARAH SHEGOG, 37, of Partington Lane, Swinton, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, and was fined £230 with £50 costs, and had six penalty points put on her licence.
ALAN JAMES WELCH, 38, of Swinton Hall Road, Swinton, was found guilty of driving without a seat belt, and was fined £60 with £75 costs.
NATALIE WILSON, 22, of Chatford Close, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to speeding, and was fined £45 with £50 costs, and had three penalty points put on her licence.
MARK BENSON, 37, of Winchester Road, Eccles, was found guilty of speeding, and was fined £60 with £75 costs, and had three penalty points put on his licence.
ANDREW NOBLE, 44, of Clifton Park, Clifton, pleaded guilty to failing to stop his car when required by a police officer, and was fined £185 with £50 costs.
MATTHEW WILLIAMS, 21, of Underwood Court, Pendleton, was found guilty of driving without a seat belt, and was fined £60 with £75 costs.

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2010-07-30T01:13:00.001-07:00

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‘New lease of life’ as Shopping City sold for £40m

2010-03-11T19:07:00.001-08:00

The sale of Salford Shopping City could spark a massive regeneration of Pendleton, according to councillors.

The precinct has been sold for £40m and could lead to a brand new city centre for Salford.

The inner-city shopping centre had been put on the market after a row with supermarket giants Tesco.

The centre, which sits on a seven-acre site, has been sold to Isle Of Man based developers Praxis Holdings for an approximate price of £40m.

It is hoped that the sale of the centre will spark fresh regeneration in and around Pendleton.

Councillor John Warmisham, ward councillor for Langworthy which straddles the site, said: "These are exciting times for Pendleton.

"We’ve got the PFI scheme for the housing which will totally rejuvenate some of the housing estates in the area.

"We’ve got a fantastic new centre in Pendleton Gateway and we hope that the new owners of Salford precinct will work with us to bring the best possible retailers into the city to give it a new lease of life."

A new Tesco planning application is likely to be submitted in the spring.

It is thought it will see a 140,000 sq ft Tesco Extra, which would include a wide range of non-food goods such as clothing, electrical appliances and homeware.

The development was first mooted 15 years ago and could bring around 200 jobs to the area.

Previous plans had ensured that the shopping centre and the proposed Tesco store would be developed in partnership to guarantee the two sites were fully linked.

But Tesco has announced plans to build a store on the site of St James RC Primary opposite the shopping mall.

Praxis Holdings declined to comment.

Source:- http://www.salfordadvertiser.co.uk

Fans welcome David Beckham back to Manchester

2010-03-09T08:19:00.001-08:00

David Beckham has returned to Manchester, telling reporters he is 'happy' to be back.
The former Manchester United star was given a hero's welcome from around 80 screaming fans as he landed at Manchester Airport.
The England international faced a media frenzy as a scrum of photographers battled to get the first pictures of him returning to the city he once called home.
The 34-year-old, who now plays for Italian giants AC Milan faces his former club for the first time tomorrow night (Wednesday, March 10) since leaving Old Trafford seven years ago.
The teams meet in the second leg of the last 16 in the Champions League with United holding a slender one-goal advantage.
Beckham sidestepped the majority of the waiting press pack but stopped to sign autographs for his adoring fans and had a quick word with the M.E.N.
He told the M.E.N. he was 'very happy and excited' to be back in Manchester but remained coy on his score prediction.
He diplomatically said: “We'll have to wait and see.”
The ex-Reds favourite is famed for his love of fashion and was regularly snapped laden with bags from top city centre boutiques when he played for United. But he shrugged off suggestions he was set to return to his former retail haunts during his flying visit and admitted he had no shopping sprees planned.
David was flanked by many of his team-mates as they arrived at Terminal Two this afternoon.
The first to walk through the terminal was AC Milan manager Leonardo and he was quickly followed by the likes of the world-famous Brazilian Ronaldinho, ex-Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini and rising star Alexandre Pato.
The players were escorted by police and airport staff as they were put on to a coach, believed to be heading for a city centre hotel.
Manchester United supporter Lee Smith, 38, from Swinton, was one of the lucky fans who managed to get Beckham's autograph.
The train driver, who is based at Manchester Piccadilly, told the M.E.N. how he had taken the day off work to meet him and said he was 'over the moon' to get his signature.
He said: “I got him to sign my book – I've got over 200 autographs in it but I was missing Beckham's. He doesn't come to these shores very often so it was too good an opportunity to miss. “I think he's going to get a great reception at Old Trafford – he's up there with the all time greats but fingers crossed United get the win.”

Source:- http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mum stole £160k to fund daughter's wedding

2010-02-19T20:00:00.001-08:00

A mum has been jailed after stealing £160,000 from her employers – and using some of the cash to pay for her daughter’s plush wedding.

Rosalind Parden, 56, of Manchester Road West, Salford, stole the money from an air conditioning firm where she worked as a payroll clerk.

She started syphoning off cash within weeks of starting work there in 2002 and carried on for six years.

Parden stole more than £45,000 in one year from Controlled Air Solutions in Heap Bridge, Heywood, Rochdale. Her thefts totalled £162,242 by the time she was caught. She is believed to have used some of the cash to pay towards her daughter’s £36,000 wedding in Miami.

Parden was also a trusted church secretary at Wharton United Reformed Church in Little Hulton, Salford, although she had no access to the church’s finances.

Parden’s role at Controlled Air Solutions, which produces air conditioning equipment, included paying expenses to staff, completing cheques and general maintenance of the payroll system.

She was exposed as a thief in November 2008 when another staff member noticed unauthorised payments.

At Bolton Crown Court she was jailed for three years and two months after pleading guilty to seven counts of theft.

After the case, managing director Andrew Halstead, said Parden’s deception led to job losses and left the firm ‘on the brink’. Mr Halstead said: “She was faking the accounts to make it look like there was money in the bank.

“People lost their jobs and the firm struggled. We didn’t know if we’d be able to carry on. We’re only a small company. She had full trust with the accounts and every few weeks she was dipping her fingers in the pot. When we found out what had been going on we were absolutely gutted.”

He added that the company is trading well now, but that it had been a difficult 12 months.

He also praised the police for their efforts. He said: “The police did a fantastic job bringing her to court. It’s a relief it’s finally come to an end.”

Detective Constable Ryan Gumbridge, of Rochdale CID, said: “Parden had barely started work when she began syphoning funds from her employer.

“She was trusted with the company finances yet betrayed the faith placed in her.

“Parden probably thought she could continue to get away with what she was doing but the sheer amount of money stolen over a number of years meant it would only be a matter of time before justice caught up with her.”

Source:- http://www.salfordadvertiser.co.uk

Every school in Salford set for refurb

2010-02-19T19:55:00.001-08:00

Every high school in Salford is to be refurbished and three new ones will be built in a multi-million pound plan to overhaul the city’s secondary schools.

But plans for two new sixth form colleges could be scrapped after the budget for the ambitious programme was cut by £17m.

The programme, called Building Schools for the Future (BSF), means St George's RC High School, which had been earmarked for closure, will be refurbished.

Education bosses had to revise the original BSF plans after the Schools Adjudicator – an independent body that resolves disputes around the reorganisation of schools - rejected council plans to shut the Walkden school following a three-year campaign by staff, parents and pupils.

The adjudicator's decision meant the money that would have come from the sale of the school land was lost.

This decision, plus changes then required for the programme, means the budget dropped from £182m to £165m.

Under the original plans Swinton and Moorside High schools were to be knocked down and merged into a new school to be built on the site of Moorside's playing fields.

The new school's playing fields would be based where the current Moorside building stands. The schools are still set to merge but under the new plans Moorside Primary School would be knocked down and rebuilt attached to the high school.

A public consultation on the Swinton/Moorside plans will be held by the Schools Adjudicator.

Originally Wentworth High School in Eccles was to be rebuilt on its current site but under the new plans only parts of the school will be rebuilt.

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Swinton was due to be rebuilt on the site of the former Wardley High School with space for 1,050 pupils plus a 250 place sixth form.

Due to the delays to the scheme, the Learning Skills Council has withdrawn the £6m funding for the sixth form.

Under the new plans the school will still be rebuilt on the Wardley site but the number of pupil places has dropped to 750 and a sixth form could still be possible if funding is found from another body, although this funding is more likely to be around £3m.

If sixth form funding isn't possible the school could be refurbished on its current site.

The original proposal for St Patrick’s RC High School in Winton was to be rebuilt on its existing site with a sixth form. This remains the same although funding is again no longer available for the sixth form.

The original proposals were for All Hallows RC High School in Pendleton to be rebuilt on the current site of the Oasis Academy.

Now the school will be refurbished on its current site.

Oasis Academy MediaCityUK will still be rebuilt at Salford Quays with a sixth form.

The city’s other high schools have all recently been revamped and work began recently on the rebuilding of Walkden and Irlam and Cadishead High schools.

The new BSF plans will go to the council cabinet for approval on Wednesday, February 23.

Salford City Council leader Councillor John Merry said: "I cannot deny the decision of the School's Adjudicator was a setback as it meant we had to completely rethink our proposals because of the knock-on effects on funding and pupil numbers.

"We have had to make less money go further so this is why there are more refurbishment options proposed than in our previous programme.

"The new plan is solid and positive and will make a difference to all of our high schools and the pupils who attend them.

"We have still not completed our BSF journey but I am confident that we are now back on the right road and heading in the right direction.

"As we continue this journey we will work closely with the schools and our partners to ensure we deliver what was always our shared goal - the best learning environment for our young people."

Lead member for children's services, Cllr John Warmisham said: "We have remained focused on providing our young people with the best options we can.

"The new BSF programme will still transform our high schools and give to our future generations the best opportunity to achieve and to match their aspirations."

Source:- http://www.salfordadvertiser.co.uk

Teacher from Salford remanded in custody charged with 21 sexual offences

2010-02-17T22:25:00.001-08:00

A teacher has appeared in court charged with 21 sexual offences.
Christopher Drake, 28, of Ellesmere Road, Monton, appeared before Salford Magistrates' Court.
Eighteen of the charges relate to sexual offences, many of which involve girls under 16.
The charges relate to incidents dating from November 2008 until last week and include common assault and threats to kill.
They come after police were called to the teacher's apartment block in the early hours of Sunday, February 14, following a disturbance.
The secondary school teacher, who is associate head at Hesketh Fletcher High School in Atherton, Wigan, was remanded in custody until Tuesday, February
23, when he will appear before Minshull Street Crown Court.
Hesketh Fletcher is a Church of England school currently battling closure following a proposed reorganisation by Wigan council.

Source:- http://www.salfordadvertiser.co.uk

Liam Gallagher slams Peter Kay over TV insult

2010-02-17T22:21:00.001-08:00

Liam Gallagher has hit back at Peter Kay over the Bolton funnyman's insult on live TV coverage of the Brit Awards.

Kay was seen by millions of viewers calling Gallagher a 'knobhead' after the Oasis frontman threw his microphone into the crowd during a foul-mouthed award acceptance speech.

Gallagher, 37, today used his Twitter account to reply to the insult.

In two messages on his official account, he wrote: "Regarding Peter Kay's comment..." and then added: "Listen up fat fuck as a real northerner I was brought up 2 say shit 2 people's faces not behind their back. Live forever LG"

ITV censored Gallagher's acceptance speech during live coverage of the awards, in which he picked up the award for best British album of the last 30 years for 1995's What's The Story (Morning Glory).

He went on stage without brother Noel and said 'Best band in the fucking world... live forever' before tossing his microphone into the crowd.

After he left stage, Kay, who was hosting the awards for the first time, said: "What a knobhead", to general approval from the crowd. His insult was not censored by ITV.

The broadcaster said it had received two complaints about the coverage on Tuesday night, one complaining about Liam Gallagher and the other complaining about Peter Kay.

Meanwhile, a Facebook group set up to back Peter Kay's TV putdown to Gallagher has now attracted over 91,000 members.

Source:- http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Soldier killed in Afghanistan - 'friendly fire' probe launched

2010-02-16T16:24:00.001-08:00

The Ministry of Defence are investigating after saying that the death of a teenage Stalybridge soldier in Afghanistan was "possibly" due to 'friendly fire'.

Tributes have poured in for Kingsman Sean Dawson, 19, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound during an ambush of suspected insurgents in war-torn Helmand Province.

The MoD said in a statement: "Kingsman Dawson was killed near Musa Qal’eh on Sunday, February 14, as a result of small arms fire.

"Early indications suggest that his death was possibly caused as a result of ‘friendly fire’. This is currently being investigated and no further comment can be made until the inquest."

Relatives of the soldier have been kept aware of developments, the MoD confirmed.

Family, friends and colleagues have hailed a brave and courageous hero and 'true Lion of England' who held the qualities of a soldier in spades.

The former Copley High School pupil, a soldier with Chindit Company, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (2 Lancs), died following the firefight 300 metres outside his base in the Musa Qualeh district of Helmand where he was deployed as a sharpshooter sniper.

He leaves behind his father Sean – a Royal Navy veteran - mother Karen, brothers Jack and James, sisters Anna, Danielle and Summer, and his girlfriend Sadie.
Courageous

Kgn Dawson, a former Army cadet who had wanted to be a soldier since childhood before joining in 2008, took part in the battalion boxing championships in November, winning the light welterweight title and the trophy for 'most courageous fighter' – now to be renamed in his honour.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Boyd, mourned one of his 'fittest and finest fighters' who he said showed the same tenacity in the boxing ring as on the battlefield.
He said: “I have never been so impressed with a young fighter's courage in the boxing ring. His skill, determination and fighting spirit summed up everything The Duke of Lancaster values in her English Infantry soldiers. I awarded him the trophy of a silver lion, henceforth to be known as 'The Dawson Trophy', as the most courageous fighter on the night.”

His Company Commander, Maj Alan Sweeny, added: “His quiet manner, ready smile and gentle sense of humour disguised a courageous and unflappable young man.”

Kgn Dawson's father – whom he described as his best friend – said: “He loved everything about the Army – it was his life.”

“He believed in everything he was doing in Afghanistan and even though he was apprehensive, he couldn't wait to get out there.”

Hundreds of friends have joined a tribute site to the young soldier on Facebook, leaving messages hailing his bravery, friendship and professionalism.

Infantry unit, 2 Lancs – which recruits widely from Greater Manchester and the north west - are based in Episkopi, in Cyprus, as the Army's Theatre Reserve Battalion and have been deploying to Afghanistan to provide reinforcement since August.

Kgn Adam Clarke, his colleague and friend, said: “He was a very sociable lad and popular amongst everyone.” He added: “He was like a younger brother to me. I will never forget him for as long as I live."
Hard working

Copley High School headteacher Jim Joyce said: “He was popular with both staff and pupils throughout his time here. He was a hard-working boy who made continued progress.

“He visited school in uniform after he joined the army and he was so proud of what he had achieved. In fact he called at the school every time he was on leave. He will be remembered with great affection by all who knew him.”

Trevor Andrews, assistant head at the school, added: “He was one of the most conscientious and hard working pupils I have ever taught. He was an all round lovely lad.”

Source:- http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Peter Kay upstages Liam Gallagher at Brit Awards

2010-02-16T16:14:00.001-08:00

Liam Gallagher picked up a top award at the Brits but left looking back in anger after he was put in his place by host Peter Kay.

The Oasis frontman swaggered onto the stage in London without his brother Noel to collect the award for best Brit album of the last 30 years for 1995's What's The Story Morning Glory.

In a speech censored by ITV for its live broadcast, the 37-year-old said: “Best band in the fucking world....live forever”, then tossed the microphone into the crowd and walked off.

But after his departure Kay returned to the stage and – in an uncensored rebuke - called Liam a “knobhead”, much to the audience's delight.

Kay's put down also apparently won favour in the wider public, with a Facebook group set up in tribute to his insult attracting over 17,000 members within an hour.

The Bolton comic, who recently smashed box office records at the M.E.N Arena with his long awaited return to stand up, was on form throughout the night.

He labelled the flamboyant US singer Lady Gaga as “the only woman I know who gets her dresses from Ikea” and called hip hop megastar Jay Z “My nana's favourite”.

Lily Allen opened the 30th Brit awards by landing on stage astride a replica bomb to the sound of air raid sirens.

Although Allen’s performance went smoothly, the show suffered teething problems as soon as Peter Kay came on stage.

The sound disappeared and he appeared confused, tapping his microphone to check it was working while the message “audio is muted” came on screens.

There were more awkward silent moments before Sam Fox announced the Spice Girls had won best Brit performance of the last 30 years for their 1997 rendition of Wannabe.

But the show was generally well received by the audience in London's Earl's Court.

Robbie Williams, who was branded by Kay as “Stoke-on-Trent's answer to Shakin' Stevens, rounded off the show with a live performance.

The former Take That star won this year's outstanding contribution to music accolade.

Full list of awards:
:: Brits performance of the last 30 years went to Spice Girls for Wannabe/Who Do You Think You Are? (1997).

:: British male solo artist - Dizzee Rascal

:: International male solo artist - Jay-Z

:: Brits album of the last 30 years - Oasis for (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?

:: British breakthrough act -JLS

:: British group - Kasabian

:: International breakthrough act - Lady GaGa

:: International female solo artist - Lady GaGa

:: British female solo artist - Lily Allen

:: International album - Lady GaGa for The Fame

:: British single - JLS for Beat Again

:: The MasterCard British Album - Florence And The Machine for Lungs

:: British producer - Paul Epworth

:: Critics’ choice - Ellie Goulding

:: Outstanding contribution to music - Robbie Williams

The battle of the babes at the Brit Awards started off as a fight of the frocks on the red carpet at London’s Earls Court.

Lady Gaga, Lily Allen, Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine and Pixie Lott, who were each nominated for three awards, arrived at the biggest night in the UK music calendar in an array of showstopping outfits.

Poker Face singer Lady Gaga, who is known for her outlandish taste in clothes, turned up wearing a three-tiered white dress and a towering white wig.

The 23-year-old American also makes a habit of wearing more than one outfit in a night, so is likely to emerge in another eccentric ensemble later on.

Former Brit School pupil Lott, 19, wore a classic little black dress with lace sleeves and a tutu-style skirt, while Welch, 23, braved the weather in a gold sequinned mini-dress.

The Fear singer Allen, 24, wore a floor-length black Chanel dress with red beading although she admitted she was “not very comfortable”.

The singer, who is opening the show with a performance, said: “It’s quite heavy and also it’s quite tight so it keeps on twisting around.”

She added she was not expecting to pick up an award but that she was nervous about her performance.

“It’s something I’ve never done before and I’m dancing and there’s lots of other people dancing and I’m flying on a wire,” she said.

Robbie Williams, who is picking up the Outstanding Contribution To Music award tonight, said he was excited about the honour.

“I feel like it’s my birthday, I feel special, it’s lovely, whether people think it or not in my head I’m going, ’brilliant!’,” he said.

Dismissing the idea that he was nervous, he said: “I know all the words.”

Australian pop star Kylie, who duetted with Williams on the 2000 hit Kids, said of his win: “He is made for this award and he’s made to be part of the nation’s lives and it’s nice to have him back because he was away for so long.”

Source:- http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Before the Bench - 11 February 2010

2010-02-12T23:38:00.001-08:00

The latest cases to go before Salford magistrates ...

THOMAS PATRICK QUINN, aged 29, of Gardner Street, Pendleton, pleaded guilty to burglary at the Unicorn pub and was remanded on condition bail to reappear at Salford Maigstrates Court on Monday, February 22.
SEAN MICHAEL THOMAS RAYMENT, aged 22, of Irwell Avenue, Little Hulton, was gound guilty of affray and criminal damage, and given an 18 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 compensation.
ADAM CZESLAW KURASINSKI, aged 45, of Milton Street, Eccles, was found guilty in his absence of failing to give information regarding the identity of the driver of a vehicle, and a warrant without bail was issued for his arrest.
BENJAMIN MCCURDY HARDING, aged 18, of Bennet Drive, Higher Broughton, admitted failing to comply with a community order and was given a further order for 12 months.
TRACY DAVIES, aged 30, of Westbourne Road, Winton, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a child attended school and was given a six month conditional discharge.
DAVID ROBERT LATHAM, aged 55, of Kellbrook Crescent, Kersal, pleaded guilty to making a false claim to obtain benefits and was fined £260 with £165 costs.
LORRAINE CHRISTINE TOMBLING, aged 45, of Bulrush Close, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to falsely claiming benefits and was fined £65 with £90 costs.
DANIEL ATHERTON, aged 22, of Langley Road, Kersal, was found guilty of common assault and criminal damage, and was ordered to carry out 90 hours unpaid work, pay £315 compensation, and £500 costs.
PAUL ICELY, aged 51, of Boundary Road, Irlam, was found guilty in his absence of failing to comply with a red light and was fined £115 with £100 costs and had three penalty points put on his licence.
JAKE MARK EGAN, aged 19, of Melrose Avenue, Winton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community service order, which was revoked. He was sentenced for the original offence of taking a vehicle without consent and while disqualified by being given three months detention, suspended for 12 months.
BENJAMIN STUART WEBSTER, aged 29, of St James’s Road, Higher Broughton, pleaded guilty to stealing £2.43 worth of confectionery from Netto, at Salford, breaching an Anti Social Behaviour Order and failing to comply with the community part of a suspended sentence order. He was fined £200 with £15 costs.
INEZ JULIE ALDRED, aged 21, of Boddington Road, Eccles, pleaded guilty to damage to a car and also to assault, and was given a nine month supervision order, and ordered to pay £120 compensation.
ANTHONY JAMES BRADBEER, aged 34, of Worsley Road, Eccles, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and diazepam and was given a 12 month supervision order.
CRAIG ANTHONY PENNINGTON, aged 36, of Lime Street, Patricroft, pleaded guilty to stealing £36 worth of tinned salmon from Tesco Express in Eccles, and was committed to crown court for sentencing on conditional bail.
KATHLEEN MCGOFF, aged 35, of Vine Street, Higher Broughton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, and was remanded on unconditional bail to reappear at Salford Magistrates Court on Monday, March 1.
PAUL CORFIELD, aged 28, of Wedgewood Road, Swinton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and 60 hours unpaid work were added and he was told to pay £60 costs.
DEBRA LITTLE, aged 21, of Dunster Avenue, Clifton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and was sentenced for the original offence of police assault by being given a community order with 120 hours unpaid work were added.
CAOLON MCCOOL, aged 18, of Cromwell Road, Charlestown, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, and 40 hours unpaid work were added and he was also ordered to pay £50 costs.
COLIN POCOCK, aged 37, of Adelaide Street, Eccles, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, and a breach activity requirement was added. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
KIRSTY GAGE, aged 20, of Thorp Street, Eccles, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of Bacardi while she was on a 12-week suspended prison sentence. The sentence was activated and a further two weeks were imposed.
CHRISTOPHER ROBINO, aged 24, of Manchester Road, Wardley, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and 20 hours unpaid work were added, and he was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
GARY TANSEY, aged 23, of Carrfield Avenue, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour and was fined £100 with £100 costs.
MICHAEL FRANCIS TONER, aged 62, of Egret Drive, Irlam, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, and without insurance, and was jailed for four months.
MARK ALEX WALSH, aged 22, of Duchy Road, Duchy, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, and was fined £65 with £40 costs.
STEVEN WHITE, aged 38, of Birch Avenue, Cadishead, pleaded guilty to breaking into a hairdresser’s salon and stealing a cash box and hair straightners, to a total value of £205. He was given a 12 month supervision order and ordered to pay £300 compensation.
CADE ANTHONY COSTELLO, aged 29, of Canon Hussey Court, Islington, was found guilty of threats to kill and was remanded on conditional bail until Wednesday, February 17 to appear at Salford Magistrates Court.
RYAN STEVEN LOVELL, aged 18, of Bridgewater Street, Greengate, pleaded guilty to breaching bail conditions, and was re-admitted to conditional bail until a crown court hearing on Wednesday, March 24.
BARRY ANTHONY WILSON, aged 40, of St Paul’s Road, Walkden, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a red light, and was fined £130 with £85 costs and had three penalty points added to his licence.
MORTAZ SHOZOHI, aged 25, of Milnthorpe Street, Charlestown, pleaded guilty to using a car without insurance and the case was adjourned to Friday, February 19.
LIAM OLIVER, aged 22, of Leigh Avenue, Swinton, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and vehicle damage, and was given a community order with 300 hours unpaid work, ordered to pay £250 compensation, and disqualified for 12 months.
RICHARD WALMSLEY, aged 33, of Woden Street, Ordsall, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a red light, and was fined £60 with £50 costs and had three penalty points put on his licence.
GREGG OBERTELLI, aged 28, of Grosvenor Road, Walkden, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, and 40 hours unpaid work were added.
SCOTT BROWN, aged 21, of Bournbrook Avenue, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and 40 hours unpaid work were added. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
ANTHONY BUDGEON, aged 32, of Meadowgate Road, Weaste, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and 40 hours unpaid work were added. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
STUART DEAN GANDY, aged 22, of Delamere Avenue, Clifton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and a breach activity requirement was added. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
DARREN HORTON, aged 38, of Old Lane, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, and a breach activity requirement was added. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
JAMIE LEE HOUTEN, aged 21, of Penelope Road, Claremont, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and a curfew requirement was added. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
ANTHONY LEECH, aged 25, of Coniston Way, Swinton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and an exclusion requirement was added that he didn’t enter Crewe. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
LEONARD MORGAN, aged 30, of Summerville Road, Duchy, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order, and a curfew requirement was added. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
MATTHEW ANTHONY SMITH, aged 18, of Barff Road, Weaste, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and a curfew requirement was added. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.
JONATHON SPENCER, aged 19, of North Grecian Street, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the community requirements of a suspended sentence order. The suspended sentence of 12 weeks detention was implemented.
DAVID CARL TAYLOR, aged 22, of Central Drive, Swinton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and was fined £50 with £15 costs for the original offence of vehicle taking.
KARL JOHN TRAFFORD, aged 36, of Langworthy Avenue, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community order and was fined £50 with £15 costs for the original offence of theft.
BRETT OLLERHEAD, aged 30, of Larkfield Avenue, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to causing £100 damage to a front door and was conditionally discharged for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation with £50 costs.
JASON OWEN, aged 39, of Park Road, Worsley, pleaded guilty to stealing a £2 box of chocolates from one car, and a £29.99 bottle of perfume from another. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £40 costs.
KIERAN JAMES THORNLEY, aged 30, of Old Lane, Little Hulton, pleaded guilty to causing £100 damage to a pane of glass and was conditionally discharged. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Source:- http://www.salfordadvertiser.co.uk

500 ecstacy tablets found in raid

2010-02-12T23:35:00.001-08:00

Police have discovered a drugs haul, including 500 ecstasy tablets, following a raid on a house.

Hundreds of tablets and 24 bags of cannabis were seized from the property on Kennedy Road, Weaste, Salford, on Thursday.

Officers acted following a tip off from members of the public. A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs and bailed until March 5 pending further inquiries.

PC Mike Hart said: "I hope we have sent out a strong message that we listen to and act on concerns raised by the community, we are committed to washing our streets clean of drugs. Drugs cause untold misery to our communities and we also believe that discoveries like this will help our fight against other crimes."

Source:- http://www.salfordadvertiser.co.uk

Hunt for 15 sex beasts who have disappeared

2010-02-06T23:12:00.001-08:00

Two convicted rapists are among 15 sex offenders that have gone missing from Greater Manchester.

Attif Hussain, 35, and Mamod Korbani, 32, vanished after they were released on licence.

Sex offenders are legally required to register their name, address and date of birth with the police. Failure to notify, or false notification, is an offence punishable by up to six months' imprisonment.

There are 1,812 registered sex offenders living in the community in Greater Manchester and 700 in local prisons. Of the 15 missing, ten are believed to be abroad.

All but three are wanted for failing to notify police of a change of address as a condition of signing the Sex Offenders Register. Their offences include sexual assault, indecent exposure, possession of indecent images of children, indecent assault and rape.

One was being sent for deportation when he assaulted a security guard and escaped. Another came from Pakistan as a student but after three days in the UK committed a sexual assault on a woman. He was sentenced to two weeks in prison but released after three days then disappeared.

If offenders inform police they are moving abroad they are allowed to go and intelligence is passed to the authorities in the other country. But the 10 who are believed to be outside the country have not informed the authorities they were leaving.

Police do unannounced checks on registered sex offenders to check they are living where they say they are, with whom they have contact, and if they have access to computers.

One of those missing is rapist Attif Hussain, 35. He was sentenced to 12 years for rape and kidnapping in Oldham in 1996. He was released in 2003 on licence to a hostel. But his licence was revoked after he was convicted of shoplifting and theft.

In 2004 he was released again on licence. His period of licence ended in November 2008. A month later an allegation of serious sexual assault was made against him but police have so far not been able to trace him.

Missing

Also outstanding is Iranian national Mamod Korbani, 32, who is wanted on recall to prison. He was convicted of raping a woman in Oldham in 2005 and sentenced to four years.

He was released on licence December 2008 to a hostel and managed by the probation service. He then left the hostel and registered a new address. But when police checked the address in March 2009 he was not there.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the pair should contact police on 0161 872 5050.

The M.E.N. discovered there were 23 missing sex offenders in December following a Freedom of Information request. GMP have since caught eight of the offenders.

Detective Inspector Debbie Conlon Houldershaw, from GMP's Sex Offender Management Unit, said: "We make every effort to ensure we know where registered sex offenders are and those that go missing are found and dealt with accordingly.

"Some of those who are missing may have left the country, which makes them more difficult to locate.

"We know the impact these offences can have on victims and families. Protecting people is our priority and all serious offenders are rigorously managed and monitored by trained staff.

"The figure of 23 registered sex offenders outstanding in December has been reduced to 15 which shows how determined we are to find those of the Sex Offenders Register who go missing."

Child protection campaigners expressed concern about sex offenders being missing.

Claude Knights, director of Kidscape, a charity that works to protect children from abuse, said: "When sex offenders go AWOL it is a red signal that they are dangerous. You don't go missing unless you want to escape the system.

"The likelihood is they are reoffending. It is very worrying."

Source:- http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Toddler in car jack terror

2010-02-06T23:00:00.001-08:00

A toddler was caught up in a terrifying carjacking in Salford.
Connor Atkins, aged two, was in the Vauxhall Corsa VXR with his mum Kirsty Atkins when the attackers struck.
Kirsty's boyfriend Stephen O'Neill, 29, was hit over the head as he was about to get into the car One of the robbers got into the driver's seat and the other shouted at Kirsty to get out.

She grabbed Connor and the thieves sped off.
The robbery happened in Liverpool Road, Cadishead, Salford. The car, registration SB57 ECV, is still missing.
Stephen, a water treatment engineer, said: “I stopped to get some money from a cash machine. As I got into the car one of them hit me on the back of the head with a glass bottle. I went down and as I got up he hit me again in the head.
Terrified
“Kirsty and Connor were both screaming, they were terrified. One of the men was shouting at them to get out.
“I needed three stitches for a cut. Kirsty and Connor were okay but were very upset.”
The men were both white. The man who attacked the driver was 6ft, of medium build, and about 25 to 30 years old. He was wearing dark clothing and a black hat with a red and white striped scarf to cover his face.
The man who went to the passenger side was 5ft 5 to 5ft 7, of medium build and about 25 to 30 years old. He was wearing a long-black coat with his face partially covered.
Police Constable Michelle Ingham said: "The offenders in this case showed little remorse for their victims. It is shocking that a two-year-old got caught up in this.”

Source:- http://www.salfordadvertiser.co.uk