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30/11/2006
Man found guilty after injuring Olympic cyclist
A 47-year-old man has today, Thursday 30 November 2006, been found guilty after
injuring an Olympic cyclist from Cheshire in a road traffic collision last year.
Stephen Craig (born 15/05/59), of Acre Street in Denton will be sentenced next
Wednesday, 6 December 2006, at Manchester City Magistrates' Court, for driving
without due care and attention, failing to stop for an injury road traffic
collision and failing to report a road traffic collision.
On Monday 10 October 2005, Emma Jones, who won the bronze medal in the Commonwealth
Games in Melbourne earlier this year, was cycling from her home in Alsager to the
National Cycling Centre in Manchester as part of her training regime.
Emma, aged 27 at the time, was travelling in the cycle lane on Pottery Lane across
the junction of Gorton Road at 10.30am, when Craig turned left onto Gorton Road and
collided with her in his maroon Ford Escort.
The bike hit the nearside of the car a number of times and Emma fell into the road
with the bike falling on top of her.
As Emma fell, Craig continued travelling along Gorton Road and made no attempt to
stop, despite being pursued by a taxi driver who saw the incident and heard Emma's
screams. The taxi driver made several attempts to stop Craig by flashing his lights
and sounding his horn. Craig was followed onto Ashton Old Road where he became lost
in traffic.
Further witnesses could also hear Emma's screams and noticed Craig driving away.
Emma was taken by ambulance to the Manchester Royal Infirmary and later transferred
to the Spinal Unit at Hope Hospital after finding out that she had fractured a bone
in her lower lumber spine.
Officers took the details of the car from witnesses and made further enquiries
and traced the owner and driver of the Escort to be Craig.
Craig attended West Didsbury Police Station on Tuesday 11 October 2005 where he
was arrested. During interview he denied all knowledge about the collision and
stated he did not hear Emma hitting the vehicle as he had his music on.
Craig was released on police bail and later charged on Wednesday 14 December 2005
with driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for an injury road
traffic collision and failing to report a road traffic collision.
Police Constable Seamus Toal from South Manchester's Road Policing Unit said:
"Craig knocked Emma down leaving her in immense pain on the ground.
"We are pleased that Emma has been able to make a full recovery and has fought
back to achieve the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March.
"She has shown sheer determination in getting back to full strength and has not
let the collision ruin her career or her chances in the Games."
08/11/2006
Collision on Hyde Road, Gorton
Traffic officers are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision
on Hyde Road in Gorton last night, Tuesday 7 November 2006.
Shortly after 8.30pm, a 19-year-old man from Derbyshire was driving a Vauxhall
Corsa along Hyde Road when he was in collision with a 14-year-old boy from Gorton
on a pedal cycle, who had turned onto Hyde Road from Wellington Street.
The cyclist sustained a serious head injury and was taken to Manchester Royal
Infirmary where his condition is described as critical.
Hyde Road was closed between Chapman Street and Whitwell Way for approximately 3
hours but is now fully reopened.
Anybody who witnessed this incident is asked to contact the Road Policing Unit
at West Didsbury on 0161 856 6173 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
23/10/2003
Man shot in Gorton
At around 10pm last night, Sunday, 22 October 2006, police were called to the
corner of Hyde Road and Thornwood Avenue, Gorton, following reports that a man
had been shot as he stood on the street corner.
A 32-year-old man was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound to his back. His
injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to phone Longsight CID
on 0161 856 4245 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
23/10/2006
Man found dead on Gorton Market
Shortly after 8am yesterday morning, Sunday 22 October 2006, police were called
to a car park opposite Gorton market on Hyde Road in Gorton following a report
that a body had been found.
Officers went to the scene and discovered the body of a 58-year-old man from Gorton.
There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding this incident
and the case will now be passed to the coroner.
18/10/2006
BURGLARY PLUMMETS IN GORTON AND ABBEY HEY
Burglary in parts of east Manchester has fallen by a quarter in just twelve months.
From January this year to the end of September, there were 235 domestic burglaries
in Gorton and Abbey Hey - 25 per cent less than during the same period the year before.
"This is a significant reduction," explained Inspector Alec McMurchy of the Gorton and
Levenshulme Area Policing Team. "We have worked closely with the council and other local
agencies to tackle the issue of burglary and these results show how a partnership approach
can make a real difference."
Trees have been cut back, alleyways have been gated and secure locks have been fitted to
hundreds of homes as part of the initiative, known as Operation Marlin, which targets
areas that had previously experienced higher levels of burglary.
Inspector McMurchy added: "During visits to homes in the area, we have explained to
people how easy it is to make it hard for burglars. Simple measures like securing
doors and windows properly and using light timers make homes much safer and significantly
reduce the chances of someone being burgled."
Other agencies involved in Operation Marlin include street environment officers, the
Neighbour Nuisance Team, housing officers, neighbourhood wardens, Greater Manchester
Fire and Rescue Service as well as a community safety officer, burglary project officer
and Homewatch coordinator.
Manchester City Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Jim Battle said: "I am pleased to
hear about these figures. They demonstrate just what can be achieved through partnership
working. The police and city council have been working closely with residents to give
them practical help to make their homes more secure and these figures seem to show how
effective that has been."
"We are determined to do all we can to continue reducing burglaries, as well as other
crimes in Gorton and Abbey Hey," added Inspector McMurchy. "To do this it is essential
that we have the support of the local community.
Anyone with any information about crime in the area is asked to call Gorton and
Levenshulme's Area Policing Team on 0161 856 4288 or Crimestoppers anonymously on
0800 555 111.
From 1 January to 30 September 2005 there were 312 domestic burglaries in the Gorton
and Abbey Hey areas.
From 1 January to 30 September 2006 there were 235 domestic burglaries in the Gorton
and Abbey Hey areas.
Lord Mayor of Manchester has passed away
The Lord Mayor, Councillor James Ashley passed away peacefully in hospital on
Saturday August 12 with his wife Kate by his side.
Leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese said: "We are very sorry to
hear the sad news of the Lord Mayor's death. Our thoughts are with the Lady Mayoress
and his family."
His son Councillor Simon Ashley said: "My father was extremely honoured to become
Manchester's Lord Mayor and he participated with pride in the civic events of recent
months. He enjoyed meeting so many people from local communities and from all over the world.
"We are touched by the many messages of sympathy we've received. Our family would like to
thank everyone for the support they are giving to us."
Councillor James Ashley was born in Manchester on May 21 1940 and lived in Gorton.
He served as a Councillor for Gorton South since 1987.
He was appointed to the Manchester City bench in 1971 and continued his role as
a magistrate for 34 years.
Councillor Ashley campaigned for the creation of Gorton Heritage Trail along the
Gore Bank Valley conservation area. His voluntary work included: Victim Support,
Gorton Community Forum, Blackley Civic Society, Charlestown Tenants and Residents
Association, and the Management Committee of Sacred Heart Community Hall.
Councillor Ashley was also a member of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and
Industry's Building Section and a member of the Northwest Regional Advisory
Committee for Building and Civil Engineering.
Councillor Ashley's civic duties will be carried out by the Deputy Lord Mayor,
Councillor Glynn Evans and councillors who formerly held office as Lord Mayor,
until a decision is made about the appointment of the next Lord Mayor.
Funeral arrangements are being made and the public will be informed of details
when they are confirmed.
14/08/2006
Five men have been convicted of a series of firearms offences following the
largest-ever importation of guns into Britain.
Robert Paul Tyrer (born 25/02/55) of Hyde Road in Gorton pleaded guilty,
on 27 July 2006 to conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life,
conspiracy to import firearms, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and conspiracy
to possess ammunition.
Jamie Richard Tyrer (born 16/01/70) of Hyde Road in Gorton pleaded guilty on 27
July 2006 to conspiracy to import firearms, conspiracy to manufacture firearms
and conspiracy to possess ammunition.
Kenneth Lloyd (born 20/11/51) of Stockport Road in Gorton pleaded guilty, on 10
August 2006, to conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life,
conspiracy to manufacture firearms and conspiracy to possess ammunition.
Thomas Walter Ravenscroft (born 09/10/44) c/o HMP pleaded guilty to conspiracy to
import firearms on 14 August 2006.
David McCulloch (born 20/07/54) c/o HMP pleaded guilty conspiracy to possess firearms
with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and conspiracy to
possess ammunition on 5 June 2006.
An investigation by GMP has revealed that the offenders imported 274 guns into Britain,
from Germany, between April 2004 and September 2005. The weapons were bought legally
in Germany, initially from a retail outlet in Koln and subsequently from the Cuno Melcher
factory in Solingen. At first, they were brought into the UK by one of the offenders
travelling from Calais to Dover on the ferry. A short time later, the men refined their
methods and began to post the weapons to Britain. The guns were destined for addresses
in the Greater Manchester area, where they were converted into live-firing weapons at
an engineering workshop in Ancoats, before being distributed to criminals across the
country. Some of the weapons have since been recovered from various locations across the UK.
The men are due to be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court in September 2006.
08/08/2006
Army Bomb Disposal Team carry out controlled explosion in Abbey Hey
At approximately 4.20pm, Monday 7 August 2006, members of the army bomb disposal
team carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious device in Abbey Hey.
After the device was reported to police around 1pm, a large cordon was set up around
a shop on Abbey Hey Lane, where the device was found.
It is not believed that the device contained any explosive, but it will now be sent
away for further analysis to establish its exact nature.
Several roads in the area were closed and it is estimated that between 20 and 30
people were evacuated from their houses.
The cordon has now been lifted and police investigations are continuing.
GMP would like to thank the community for their co-operation in this matter.
Youths ignore crushing campaign
The Home Secretary, John Reid, has praised Manchester City Council for leading the
way on tackling the nuisance of illegal off-road bikes.
Speaking during a bike crushing event in Wythenshawe, the Home Secretary said:
"Congratulations to the local authority for the way in which it has raised this issue.
It's a concern throughout the country and Manchester is leading the way in tackling it."
The Home Secretary was in Manchester to launch a national crack down on nuisance
off-road bikes as part of the Government's Respect Agenda. Under new guidelines anyone
driving a mini bike illegally could receive points on their licence, (even if they don't
have one yet), face a driving ban, a fine or have their vehicle crushed.
The police in Gorton have seized many of these bikes, yet in spite of their efforts
youths can still be seen riding through the streets on these machines.
BASE appointed as development partner for West Gorton
BASE, the joint venture between Barratt and Artisan, has been appointed by New East
Manchester as lead development partner for West Gorton, an area of east Manchester
that covers 52 hectares (128 acres) and within one and a half miles of Manchester
city centre.
The consortium will work closely with New East Manchester Ltd, and the local
community to develop a master plan and implementation framework for the
regeneration of the area, which currently has a mix of uses that are predominately
industrial, commercial and residential.
THE GENERATION PROJECT
Starting in July 2006 the 'Take Up Champions' programme will run for twelve weeks
and is aimed at local people who have an interest in older peoples issues and wish to
be a part of improving their quality of life.
The programe will look at increasing benefit take up for older people , alongside building
awarness of various other recources that are avilable to older people and will improve their
quality of life e.g. Equipment and adaptations, Older peoples housing support services,
Manchester independant living Service ect.
For more information contact: 0161 230 6789 or look out for one of the leaflets.
NEW INSPECTOR FOR CRIME FIGHTING TEAM IN GORTON AND LEVENSHULME
A new Inspector has joined the Gorton and Levenshulme Policing Team and has pledged
to continue fighting crime and protecting people in these communities.
Inspector Alec McMurchy took up his post on Monday 22 May 2006 and will be responsible
for community policing issues and leading a team of police officers, community support
officers and special constables dedicated to reducing and detecting crime and improving
the quality of life for residents.
He has served in Greater Manchester Police for 20 years. He first joined the North
Manchester Division in 1986, having worked for the Thames Valley Police Force for the
previous three years. He has since gained experience in a range of front line policing
roles across the city. In 2004 he moved to the Metropolitan Division when he was promoted
to Inspector. During his time on the Division he has worked in the Response Policing Team,
the Custody Central Detention Centre and most recently, the Operational Policing Unit.
He takes over from Inspector Mark Kenny who has led the Area Policing Team for the past
15 months.
Inspector Alec McMurchy said: “I am committed to making a positive difference to
people’s lives in Gorton and Levenshulme and look forward to working with my police
team and partners to make a real impact. I believe that everyone has the right to
live in a peaceful environment, without the fear of becoming a victim of crime or
the nuisance caused by anti-social behaviour. Anyone who doesn’t respect this right
and causes misery to local residents by committing crimes can expect a firm and swift
response from my officers. There is already a lot of good work happening on the
Division, with sanctioned detections up by 68 per cent, when compared with the same
period last year, which means more offenders are being brought to justice.
I am determined to build on this and other areas even further.
“We need the cooperation and support of local people and I want to urge anyone in the
area who has any information that will help us to fight crime, to get in touch with
my team in confidence.”
08/06/2006
IRENE'S WAR ON CRIME GETS POLICE COMMENDATION
Inspector Mark Kenny has awarded a Gorton pensioner a police award for her continued
efforts to fight crime in the local community.
Seventy-six-year-old Irene Thorpe MBE has been chair of Gorton Householders
Association for more than 20 years and has played an important role in helping
police to cut crime in the area.
Inspector Kenny, who has recently moved from Gorton and Levenshulme's Area Policing
Team to the Operational Policing Unit said: "Irene is a remarkable lady who has
stood up to local troublemakers and worked with us to make Gorton a safer and more
pleasant place to live. She has shown tremendous courage and dedication in helping
the community to unite with the police in the fight against crime.
"We have given Irene this commendation as a sign of our appreciation and to recognise
her bravery and perseverance in challenging local criminals."
The retired sales manager has been assaulted, received death threats and had her
home vandalised because of her commitment to cracking down on crime in the area.
In December 2005, Irene who is 4ft 6 inches tall, was awarded an MBE for her services
to the community in Gorton.
She said: "I'm committed to working for the decent, law abiding people of the area.
I was born here and there are so many nice people in Gorton that need to be given
priority. People shouldn't have to put up with the anti-social behaviour caused
by a minority and I will continue to stand up to the troublemakers.
"I am honoured to receive this award and want to encourage other residents to
join me in fighting crime by reporting it to the local police."
Anyone with any information about crime in the area is asked to call Gorton
and Levenshulme's Area Policing Team on 0161 856 4288 or Crimestoppers a
nonymously on 0800 555 111.
7/06/2006
Debdale and Woodlands Community Association
The association held a Neighbourhood Fun Day on Saturday May 20th 2006 on Orchard
Avenue, Gorton. There was free 'make your own hanging baskets' plants, baskets and
brackets provided by Mel Kirby from the enviroment team. Free face painting for the
children plus drinks, chocolates and sweets. there was also a lucky dip and tombola.
Donations from the Bandstand Pub and 100 helium balloons supported with a grant from
Manchester City Council
26/05/2006
Teenager assaulted
On 25/05/2006 Thursday night. police were called to the Aces club on Clowes Street
in West Gorton, following reports a teenager had been assaulted
Officers went to the club at around 8.35pm where they found a 16-year-old boy
with head injuries. He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary where he remains
in a stable condition.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
24/05/2006
Police seize off road bikes
Police officers in West Gorton have this morning, Wednesday 24 May 2006, seized five
motocross bikes and two motorised scooters and arrested one person as part of an
ongoing initiative to tackle the problem of off-road bikes, go-peds, scooters and
mini-motorcycles being ridden illegally on roads and grassland in the area.
Local residents raised concerns with the Area Policing Team in Longsight who have
been working alongside the local council to tackle the issue.
Six warrants were executed at addresses in West Gorton this morning and leaflets
have been delivered in homes in the area to make residents aware of the operation
and to encourage them to report any further problems.
Sergeant Laura Burgess said: "We are extremely pleased with the results of this
operation which has been in direct response to concerns raised by local people.
"Those people riding bikes illegally on public roads and pavements are having a
detrimental effect on the quality of life of local people and are putting themselves,
and others, in danger. We are determined to take action against anyone using motorbikes
illegally and I want to warn people that there will be very real consequences to their
actions - we will continue to seize bikes and prosecute offenders.
"I would like to thank the resident of West Gorton for being so cooperative and for
providing us with information, which allowed us to target the individual we arrested
today. I also want to encourage people to continue to come forward and talk to local
police so that we are fully aware of the problems caused by people riding bikes
illegally and so we can work with partners and local people to tackle the issue
as effectively as possible."
A 15-year-old boy from Gorton was arrested on suspicion of theft of motorbikes
and is currently being questioned by officers.
Councillor James Ashley takes office as Lord Mayor of Manchester
Manchester's new Lord Mayor, Councillor James Ashley was born in Manchester and
lives in Gorton. He has served as a Councillor for Gorton South since 1987. He
was appointed to the Manchester City bench in 1971 and continued his role as a
magistrate for 34 years. Cllr Ashley is also the deputy president for the Manchester
South Valuation Tribunal, which is a local, independent, voluntary lay tribunal that
resolves disputes concerning council tax bands and commercial property rates. Councillor
Ashley has also been a member of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry's
Building Section and a member of the Northwest Regional Advisory Committee for
Building and Civil Engineering. His voluntary work has included: Victim Support,
Gorton Community Forum, Blackley Civic Society, Charlestown Tenants and Residents
Association, and the Management Committee of Sacred Heart Community Hall. He has
also been a governor of St Richards, Longsight and St Albans (as was), Gorton
20/05/2006
Drugs sentence
On Friday 19 May 2006 two men were sentenced to a total of seven years in prison
for possession of drugs with intent to supply at Manchester Crown Court. Sarfraz
Ahmed (born 19/02/77) of Newhall Street, Burnley and Alexander Morris (born 11/10/63)
of Skelmersdale, each pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier hearing at the end
of April.
Each man received a sentence of 42 months in prison. Ahmed must also serve 6 months
of a previous sentence and Morris was given an additional three months for driving
while disqualified.
On Wednesday 18 January 2006, officers from GMP's Drug Unit ran an intelligence-led
operation, in which they were watching a van at a storage unit on Chapman Street
in Gorton. They followed the van to another storage unit at Broughton Business Park,
Lower Broughton, where Ahmed and Morris were arrested. When officers searched the
van they found a substantial quantity of cannabis in the vehicle. A subsequent
search of the units in Lower Broughton and Gorton revealed yet more cannabis resin.
A total of 1,000kg of cannabis resin, estimated to have a street value of over £4million,
was seized by officers in the operation.
Detective Inspector John OGDON of GMP's Drug Unit said: "I hope these sentences will
act as a warning to anyone who is currently involved in drug-related activity or
who may be considering becoming involved in it. "We will continue to be proactive
and robust in our approach to the possession and supply of controlled drugs and we
will continue to target those involved in this illicit trade."
09/05/2006
Cyclist injured in fail to stop collision
Traffic officers are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was injured in a
collision in Beswick last night, Monday 8 May 2006.
At 10.10pm, a 30-year-old man was cycling along Gorton Road from Ashton Old Road
towards Pottery Lane. As he passed the junction of Tuley Street, it is believed
he was involved in a collision with a vehicle that was travelling in the same
direction behind him. The cyclist, from the Gorton area, suffered bruising to his
body and a broken left arm.
The driver of the vehicle did not stop at the scene and drove away.
It is believed the vehicle, which cannot be described, will have sustained damage
to its front, possibly windscreen damage.
Anyone who may have seen the incident or who has any further information is asked
to contact the Road Policing Unit at Grey Mare Lane on 0161 856 3572 or
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
08/05/2006
Two youths arrested for arson
Officers investigating a fire on Kimbolton Street in West Gorton on Tuesday 25
April 2006 have arrested a 15 year old boy and a 14 year old boy, both from Gorton,
on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Both have been bailed until 30
June 2006 pending further enquiries.
A 17 year old boy was charged with arson with intent to endanger life on Monday
1 May 2006 and appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 2 May 2006 where
he was remanded in custody.
An 18-year-old man from Longsight has previously been arrested on suspicion of
conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life and has been released on
bail pending further enquiries.
10/4/2006
POLICE LAUNCH MAJOR CRACKDOWN ON YOUTH NUISANCE THIS EASTER
Greater Manchester Police and the Police Authority have announced plans for
a major anti-social behaviour crackdown in Manchester this Easter. All three Manchester
divisions will be involved in the crackdown and an action plan has been produced
for each hotspot, tailored to meet local needs.
Operations will run up until Sunday 23 April. They will be focused mainly around
youth and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, as experience has shown that it
is a major factor in fuelling disorder and unacceptable behaviour.
The hotspot areas to be targeted during the operations are: Manchester city
centre, Moston, Harpurhey, Newton Heath, Beswick, Openshaw, Fallowfield, Gorton,
Wythenshawe and Northenden.
Tactics include: high-visibility policing; issuing fixed penalty notices; confiscation
of alcohol; enforcement of dispersal orders; visits to parents of young people involved
in anti-social behaviour, test purchasing and visits to off-licences, issuing of
acceptable behaviour contracts; referrals for considerations for parenting orders,
informing young people of alternative activities, the use of mobile police stations
as well as working closely with partner agencies such as the council, trading standards,
environmental health and the education service.
Plans are to continue the initiative after the Easter holidays with the possibility of
extending it to Saturday and Sunday evenings. Further information on the locations and
times of these facilities can be obtained by contacting 0161 277 1914.
The crackdown is part of a wider three-month operation, which has been funded by Greater
Manchester Police Authority. Every division in GMP is involved in the campaign.
Inspector Mark Kenny, from Gorton Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We understand
that many people may be anxious about the start of the school Easter holidays and
the possibility of an increase in anti-social behaviour. We would like to assure
people that this will not be the case, extra resources have been put in place and
we will be doing everything in our power to limit the impact on communities and
ensure that the holidays can be enjoyed by all’.
“We are committed to reducing anti-social behaviour and putting respect back on the
streets of Manchester and this just one of many initiatives that will enable us to
achieve this’.
30/3/2006
Fatal traffic accident
A 77-year-old man from Gorton who died following a road traffic collision
on Sunday 26 March 2006 has been formally identified.
Raymond Warhurst (30/03/28), known to his friends as Ray, of Levenshulme
Road, Gorton was the front seat passenger in a private hire car, which was
being driven eastbound along Hyde Road at 4.30pm. As the car turned right onto
Knutsford Road, it was involved in a collision with a Seat Ibiza, which was
travelling westbound along Hyde Road. Ray was taken to the Manchester Royal
Infirmary suffering from a shattered pelvis. He died in the early hours of
Monday 27 March. He leaves behind six children, one boy and five girls,
14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Ray had recently recovered from a cataracts operation and was enjoying a
new lease of life with improved vision. He had an active social life and
enjoyed dancing and bingo.
The back seat passenger of the taxi, an 81-year-old woman from Gorton, and
the driver of the Seat Ibiza, a 20-year-old man from Reddish, suffered
minor injuries.
The driver of the taxi, a 35-year-old man from Nelson in Lancashire, has
been reported for driving without due care and attention.
Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact the Area 5 Road
Policing Unit at West Didsbury on 0161 856 6173.
27/3/2006
Police investigate death of Gorton woman
Police investigating the death of a 56 year old woman in West Gorton on
Friday 24 March 2006 are no longer treating it as suspicious.
The matter has now been referred to the coroner.
A 48 year old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released without
charge.