Doncaster man jailed for killing man with one punch

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 03:58:49 PM


Blue Horrobin has today been sentenced to eight years behind bars plus an additional three years to serve on licence, after being found guilty of killing Lewis Siddall, 24, in an unprovoked attack in Doncaster town centre on Thursday 13 August 2015.


Horrobin, 23, from Askern, was arrested by police on 15 August, after Mr Siddall was found dead the morning after being punched in the head by Horrobin inside the VDKA bar in Doncaster.


Horrobin appeared at Sheffield Crown Court this morning (Monday 20 February) for sentencing, after being found guilty by jury of manslaughter at trial in January 2017.


Detective Chief Inspector Steve Handley, who led the investigation, said: “Lewis was killed as the result of an unprovoked and senseless act of violence when he was simply out enjoying himself with friends.


“This was a thoughtless act that robbed a popular young man of his life, and his loving family of someone they loved so dearly. No prison sentence will bring Lewis back and they will undoubtedly feel a sense of great loss, sadness and anger for the rest of their lives. I do however hope this sentence will offer some sort of comfort and allow them to begin to heal.”


Lewis’s family who were present at court also provided a statement: “As a family we will never come to terms with the loss of our beautiful son Lewis. We speak on behalf of everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, colleagues and pupils, but especially his brothers Karl, Blake and twin brother Russell and their partners.


“This senseless and unprovoked attack has taken the light of our lives and our hearts will never truly heal. We have found the whole experience of sitting through a trial, just to prove our son’s innocence, to be truly traumatic.


“The complete and utter devastation we feel at losing someone who was and still is the centre of our world, has truly destroyed our family unit.


“We will never completely come to terms with our loss resulting from such an unnecessary and evil act.


“Today we have some justice for Lewis and we now have to find the strength to move forward without him.”


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Pair jailed for life for ‘sadistic’ murder

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 03:29:03 PM


A couple convicted of the murder of ‘popular’ Sheffield man Craig Wild are both beginning life sentences behind bars.


46-year-old Alison Moss, of Fox Walk, Walkley, Sheffield was yesterday (Thursday 16 February) found guilty of murder by a jury following a two-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.


Her partner, David Michael Webster, 49, of Leppings Lane, Hillsborough, pleaded guilty to Mr Wild’s murder at an earlier hearing.


They both appeared in court today (Friday 17 February) for sentencing. They were both jailed for life, with Moss told to serve a minimum of 29 years behind bars and Webster ordered to serve a minimum of 24 years and two months.


On the evening of Thursday 25 August, 47-year-old Craig Wild was found dead at Moss’ address in Walkley.


The court heard how Moss and Webster had been drinking and taking drugs at the house, before they were joined by Mr Wild. An argument is then said to have broken out, before Webster launched a horrific attack on the victim.

Mr Wild was found covered in a blood-stained duvet in the house, with over 117 separate injuries, caused by a Stanley knife, kitchen knife, screwdriver and as a result of being punched, kicked and stamped on.


Detective Chief Inspector, Dave Stopford, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Webster and Moss are two violent, sickening individuals who have shown absolutely no remorse for what they did to Mr Wild.


“Webster even bragged about how he would have disposed of Mr Wild’s body had officers not turned up at the address when they did.


“Not only did they carry out a relentless attack on the victim, who was utterly defenceless, they then proceeded to pour salt on to him in this sadistic murder.


“Moss stated that she had sat on the settee and covered her face throughout the attack, when really, we were able to prove she participated in the murder.


“The pair made every attempt to hide what they had done and I’m pleased that they have had their freedom taken away and will be behind bars for what will hopefully be the rest of their lives.”


A statement from Mr Wild's (pictured left) family said: “The impact our dearest Craig’s death has had on our family is one of total devastation for all of us who loved him so dearly.

“As Alison Moss pleaded not guilty we have had to go through the harrowing process of a trial. It’s been too much for most of us to attend and hear the shocking details of the way that Craig was killed.


“We, as a family, would like to thank South Yorkshire Police, the CPS and the Victim Homicide Service for their continued hard work and their support through this process.”


Mr Wild’s family has asked for privacy at this difficult time.


Moss was also sentenced for assaulting a 17-year-old man on Monday 11 January 2016, at her home address.


The court heard how she attacked the victim with a cutthroat razor and encouraged her dog, a Rottweiler, to attack him.


The victim was left with wounds and bite marks to his arms, and a large gash to the side of his head, as a result of being hit with a pair of scissors. Moss was sentenced for ten years in prison for this crime, to run concurrently.


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Man jailed for 27 years for sexual offences

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 03:29:03 PM


A 61-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison after being found guilty by jury of 13 counts of various sexual offences against six victims, who had been aged between 5 and 19-years-old.


Shaun Connealy, 61, of Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 16 February), to receive his sentence after being found guilty of the offences at an earlier trial.


An investigation was launched into Connealy in 2014 after South Yorkshire Police were passed information by Avon and Somerset Police, who had been contacted by one of the victims.


Detective Constable Rachael Ellis who investigated the case said: “This has been a lengthy and thorough investigation that has involved interviewing victims and witnesses, who had been exposed to Connealy when he committed these despicable crimes.


“After conducting an interview with the first victim who had the courage to come forward, Connealy was interviewed by police in 2014. He was then later re-interviewed in 2015 after we became aware of a further five victims Connealy had preyed on for his own sexual gratification.


“Connealy, who committed the offences between 1977 and 1994 in Sheffield, Rotherham and Skegness, pleaded not guilty to all of the offences against him, forcing the victims to have to relive the horrific details in court.


“I would like to thank all of the victims for having the bravery to come forward and stand up in court. Their commendable actions and heroism have allowed us to put Connealy behind bars where he belongs.


“South Yorkshire Police are committed to bringing perpetrators of sexual abuse before the courts and it is sentences like this that demonstrate our dedication, to do everything possible to stop them from causing harm to anyone else.


“We encourage everyone to report all forms of abuse to police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”


Please be aware victims of sexual abuse have the right to lifetime anonymity.


South Yorkshire Police do not hold a photo of Connealy therefore have been unable to publish one.


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Get on your bike for the Rother Valley Duathlon

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 02:52:10 PM

Competitors and families are invited to get on their bike for a charity fundraising event at Rother Valley County Park this month.

People can register now for a Duathlon – which includes cycling and running - in support of Help For Heroes charity on Sunday 26 February.

The event is open for all abilities from beginners starting out in multi-sports through to seasoned international athletes.

It’s still early in the New Year and the perfect time to take part in a fresh challenge.

This is an excellent starter event for the new season and can get you on the right track to fitness whatever level you wish to achieve, whether this is an early season opener or a podium position.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cultural Services, Cllr Taiba Yasseen, said: “This event enables competitors to get outdoors and boost their levels of health through participating in aerobic exercise and fundraising for a very good cause.

“We welcome families and children who enjoy running and cycling, whatever level of ability to join us and register for the Duathlon, and raise as much money as possible for the Help For Heroes charity.”

TLS Events are organising the three Duathlons. These include a sprint distance, a standard distance and a children’s event.

The standard Duathlon starts at 9am and comprises a 10km run, a 42.5km bike ride and a 5k run. Entry costs £40 entry for British Triathlon Federation members or £45 for non-British Triathlon Federation members.

The sprint Duathlon starts at 9.10am and includes a 5km run, a 25km bike ride and a 2.5km run. Entry costs £35 for British Triathlon Federation members £40 for non- British Triathlon Federation members.

The Kids Duathlon Tri Stars event starts from 1pm. The cost of entry is £7.50. Check the British Triathlon website for details.

Car parking is available in the park for both participants and spectators, charged at £5 for the whole day.

All races start and finish at The Green, Watersports Activity Centre.

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Final push for Destination Poland

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 03:08:57 PM

A group of intrepid teenagers are urging the public to get behind them for one final push to help them reach their dream destination.

Rotherham’s Looked After Children’s Council (LACC) have been on a six-month fundraising campaign for an educational trip to Krakow, Poland, where they will learn about the World War II Holocaust, hate crimes and the importance of love, peace and community cohesion.

This followed a bid by one of the 14-strong group to visit his dead father’s birth place in order to find out more about his family’s history. Three years ago 16-year-old Simon hit rock bottom after his Polish father died.
Devastated, the youngster - who is currently in foster care - vowed he would one day return to his father's homeland with the aim of understanding his heritage.

So far the group has raised nearly £6,000 of their £9,000 target, but need help to get the final amount in order to go out to Poland at Easter time.

Cllr Gordon Watson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services at Rotherham Council, said: “The kids have been working extremely hard to raise the funds and have done tremendously well to raise as much as they have. This will be a valuable education for them and give an insight into the struggles the world faced during their grandparents’ generation. Now they need everyone to get behind them for a final push to get the funding they desperately need so they can go on their trip of a lifetime.

“We all take family holidays for granted, but this group of children can’t, so this trip will help give them experiences other children are lucky enough to take for granted. So please get behind them and help them get on their way.”

The week-long trip will see the children take in some of the local landmarks, including the Weiliczka Salt Mines, Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Jewish Quarter, and learn about the heritage and history of Krakow and how persecution and discrimination has shaped the country over the past 100 years.

Councillors, council staff and members of the public have organised a range of fundraising activities since the campaign began last September, through sponsored marathons, walks and bike rides.

The Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance (REMA) has also been supporting the LACC’s fundraising, hosting their third and final‘Festival of Angels’ event following Valentine's Day, on 16 and 17 February. The two day event held in Riverside House Library includes a ‘Living Angels’installation as well as community based workshops exploring the power of self-reflection and positive thinking through meditation.

Emma Sharp, Policy and Engagement Officer at REMA, said: “Destination Poland promotes all of the beliefs and values we hold as an organisation and we’re pleased to be helping fundraise with our Festival of Angels events. We’ve had lots of donations over Christmas and many people talking about what a positive thing it is for the children to be doing.”

Plans are also in place to look at other funding streams to help the children get to Poland.

To contribute and make a donation to Destination Poland, visit the Just Giving page.

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Community events result in large numbers of dogs microchipped

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 03:08:57 PM

Hundreds of dogs across the borough have been microchipped thanks to a series of dog micro-chipping events held last year.

Five community events held by Rotherham Council and the Dogs Trust resulted in 349 dogs being microchipped.

The events also revealed a number of interesting facts about the history of people’s pets.

From the attendees’ responses, it was found that most people got their dogs from family or a friend. Dog owners reported they received their dog because many were passed around from one family member to another. Many of the owners explained the dog was being neglected or mistreated so they took it in.

The team said the dogs were often seen as disposable and that many of the dog owners had taken the dog in without understanding the basic needs of the dog and what is required of them as a responsible owner.

The team reported that the second highest group of people informed them they got their dog from a rescue centre, and the third highest number of people got their dog from a breeder. A small number of people got their dog from the internet.

During the 2016 community events, 302 responsible dog ownership packs were issued.

It was found that only 1% of dogs were wearing a collar and a tag. It is the dog owner’s responsibility to provide a suitable collar and tag for their dog.

Dog owners should be aware that the law changed on 6 April 2016, and all dogs are now legally required to have a micro-chip.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste, Roads and Community Safety, Cllr Emma Hoddinott, said: “We had lots of dog owners bringing their dogs along to the community events to get their dogs microchipped.

“We are holding further free sessions for dog micro-chipping in 2017 at various locations around the borough. We look forward to seeing Rotherham residents and their dogs at these events.”

The next Dogs Trust and Rotherham Council community event is on Tuesday 21 February, 11am to 3pm at Thrybergh Parish Hall, Thrybergh, Rotherham, S65 4BT. Another event takes place on Tuesday 21 March, 11am to 3pm at Swinton Library, Station Street, Swinton, Mexborough, S64 8PZ.

Bring your dogs along for free micro-chipping, check your chip service, free advice and free basic health check including nail clipping.

For more information on the legal requirements: https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped

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Theme Park Plans great boost for Borough’s Growth

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 03:08:57 PM

One of Rotherham’s leading projects is due to take a step forward after planning permission was approved for a theme park and resort at Rother Valley this week (Thursday).

Gulliver’s Family Theme Parks hopes to begin construction of its development before the end of the year, and the first phase— the main entrance and access roads, theme park hub and core parking — could be open in 2020.

The £37m resort will feature a theme park, woodland adventure centre, an education and ecology centre, hotel and woodland lodges.

Rotherham Council approved plans for the Pithouse West site project at its planning board meeting. The Secretary of State now has 21 days to say whether the Council can deal with the application or call it in.

The Gulliver’s scheme is one of a number of leading projects in the borough to be delivered as part of the Rotherham Economic Growth Plan.

Rotherham Council Leader Councillor Chris Read welcomed the latest news saying it is a “great boost” for the town’s plans, and contributed to over £150m of investment for key regeneration projects in Rotherham.

In 2015, Rotherham Council committed to a ten-year plan to grow the borough’s economy and infrastructure by generating 10,000 new private sector jobs, creating 750 new businesses and raising productivity across the borough.

The Growth Plan, which is jointly owned between Rotherham Council and the Local Strategic Partnership, focuses on a number of projects including future development of an Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID), the creation of a Higher Education Campus, and the addition of a town centre cinema and hotel.

Councillor Read said: "These projects are part of a detailed, aspirational plan and we need to make sure we deliver on them. We have been determined to gain the full benefits of working within the Sheffield City Region and we are now starting to see funding coming into Rotherham.

"We are in a very strong position and it’s now an excellent time to look towards the next stage of growth, and to achieving our ambition to create thousands of jobs across the borough."

Rotherham is currently seeing plans come to fruition with a number of key projects being progressed. These include:

£12 Higher Education Campus, including £3.5m for the RNN Group from the Sheffield city region skills capital fund for the Higher Education Campus at Doncaster Gate
£50m luxury supercar manufacturer McLaren chassis factory at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park in Catcliffe - creating 200 jobs
£50m retail and leisure development at Waverley in the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District to include a hotel, shops, restaurants and a new town square, with links to the Advanced Manufacturing Park and a transport hub to central Rotherham
Multi-million leisure development on Forge Island
£6.8m for affordable housing developments and a portion of the Government’s £1.2 billion Starter Homes initiative, to help first time buyers into home ownership.
£1.1m for road improvements near Wales to enable growth in the area around the successful Vector 31 industrial park, including £759,000 from Sheffield City Region Combined Authority
£12m refurbishment scheme at Rotherham Interchange car park, together with improvements to the bus station located below

A number of partners from the public, private, and voluntary sectors are tasked with leading and working together to deliver the Economic Growth Plan.

It provides short, medium and long term solutions to grow existing, and attract new, businesses; improve skills and training to reduce unemployment and open up career progression; increase land for new housing and business developments; and expand strategic transport links.

See More: http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/downloads/file/2710/rotherham_economic_growth_plan_2015-25

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