Pupils at four Coventry primaries have backed a road safety campaign by creating on-street artwork urging motorists to stick to 20mph near school gates.
Youngsters from Christ the King, Ernesford Grange, Moat House and Potters Green primary schools took part in an art competition – organised by West Midlands Fire Service – with the winning designs set to feature on road signs alerting drivers to the new lower speed limit.
A total of 250 entries were submitted by five- to nine-year-olds with a shortlist of three from each school put to public vote on Coventry Police’s Facebook page.
Hundreds of social media users cast votes for their favourites with Ciara Nurse, Ellie Curtis, Nayrat Saeed and Molly Ryan – from the four schools respectively – registering the most nominations.
All four girls were handed certificates, plus a miniature version of their own metal street sign, during a special presentation event at Coventry City Council on October 13.
Coventry Police Inspector Steve Malone, said: “Studies by the Department for Transport and World Health Organisation show the chances of children being killed if struck by a vehicle are hugely increased at speeds above 20mph.
“Just a small reduction in average speed has a dramatic impact on the number and severity of collisions.
“These new lower speed limits will be introduced on roads surrounding these schools – I’m sure all drivers will agree that if lowering the speed limit near schools helps to save a child’s life then it has to be a positive step.”
The 20mph limits in Scots Lane, Ringwood Highway, Quorn Way and Deedmore Road are expected to be introduced before the end of the year.
Neighbourhood police officers, working alongside community members, will conduct road safety operations in the lower speed zones to educate drivers and to prosecute the most serious or repeat offenders.
Councillor Jayne Innes, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for City Services, said: “The involvement of children from schools where these signs and limits will be in place is a great way of highlighting the dangers of speeding in built-up areas.
“These winning designs help to re-enforce the message around schools that speeding is unacceptable and the lower the speed, the more the chance of avoiding an accident or at least minimising the risk of serious injury. We are pleased to be a partner in this initiative and all our congratulations go to the winners and all who took part in the art competition.”
West Midlands Police works in partnership with the city council and West Midlands Fire Service to provide active citizens – people who want to make a difference in their communities – with training and high-tech detection equipment to help tackle speeding drivers.
Anyone interested in joining an established Community Speed Watch group – or set up their own scheme – can email Coventry Police at cvcsw@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk for more information and advice.
*Girls pictured top row (l-r) Nayrat and Molly; bottom row Ellie and Ciara
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Pupils’ designs on road safety around schools
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Police arrest man wanted over fatal shooting of Kenichi Phillips
A man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a Birmingham teenager has been arrested by West Midlands Police during a dawn raid at a flat in Dudley.
Isaiah Wright-Young was arrested from an address in Dixons Green Road just after 5am this morning (Sun 16 Oct) along with a woman suspected of hiding him from police.
The 36-year-old, of no fixed address, is wanted in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Kenichi Phillips (pictured) who was shot dead on St Marks Crescent in the Ladywood area of Birmingham.
Mr Phillips was killed as he sat in a black Seat Leon just before 7pm on 17 March this year.
Wright-Young will be questioned by detectives over the murder, while the 24-year-old woman will be interviewed on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Two other people have already been charged over Mr Phillips’ death.
Dean Silvera, aged 37 from Dial Close in Druids Heath, and 18-year-old Disharn Downie from Gravel Bank, Bartley Green, are currently on trial at Birmingham Crown Court accused of murder.
West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Jim Munro, said: “This is a significant development in the case and our efforts to secure justice for Kenichi Phillips and his family.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who can shed light on Wright-Young’s movements since March 17. Information can be passed to me in confidence by contacting West Midlands Police on the 101 number or people can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
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Crash victim fighting for life in hospital – appeal to trace driver witnesses
Crash investigators are appealing for motorists to come forward who may have witnessed a road collision that’s left a man fighting for life in hospital.
The man was struck by a black VW Polo at 11.30pm on Thursday (13 Oct) in Sky Blue Way in Coventry near the junction with Walsgrave Road and Far Gosford Street.
The 38-year-old suffered serious leg and head injuries and has been placed in an induced coma in hospital.
A 20-year-old woman, the driver of the VW Polo, stopped at the scene and provided a negative breath test.
It’s believed the collision or the moments leading up to the impact may have been witnessed by several drivers – and police are now urging them to make contact.
West Midlands Police Detective Constable Claire Byrne from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It’s one of the busiest parts of the city…I’m confident that several drivers may well have seen what happened and we need to speak to them.
“It may be that they didn’t stop at the time as they didn’t realise the severity of the pedestrian’s injuries. I need any witnesses, or anyone who saw the black VW Polo in the moments leading up to the collision, to call me as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to call DC Byrne on the 101 number.
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Man charged with murder of Birmingham teenager Kenichi Phillips
A man will appear at Birmingham Magistrates court today charged with the murder of Birmingham teenager Kenichi Phillips.
Isiah Wright-Young, aged 36 of no fixed address, will stand accused of murder, attempted murder, attempted wounding with intent to cause grievous harm and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Kenichi Phillips, aged 18, was shot dead on St Marks Crescent in the Ladywood area of Birmingham as he sat in a black Seat Leon just before 7pm on 17 March.
A 24-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released on police bail.
Two other people have already been charged over Mr Phillips’ death.
Dean Silvera, aged 37 from Dial Close in Druids Heath, and 18-year-old Disharn Downie from Gravel Bank, Bartley Green, are currently on trial at Birmingham Crown Court accused of murder.
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Man arrested and charged with burglary after public appeal
A man wanted in connection with a distraction burglary in Wolverhampton has been arrested and charged by police.
A public appeal was launched to help trace Phillip Purcell - of no fixed address - for questioning over the burglary of a pensioner in Baldwin Street , Bilston, in August.
The 22 year-old was arrested in Birmingham on Saturday and has now been charged with a total of three distraction burglaries all in Wolverhampton. He is due to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court next month.
A second man, 20 year-old Johnny Connors, is still being sought by police and anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to come forward.
Police still want to trace Johnny Connors pictured above:
Detective Constable Paul Jones, of Wolverhampton Police’s CID investigation team, said: "We are grateful to everyone who has provided us with information which led to this arrest.
"We are still asking for the help of the public in tracing Connors and urge anyone who knows of his whereabouts to get in touch."
Anyone with information can call DC Jones at West Midlands Police on 101 or by the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Five men arrested over the murder of a Yorkshire man
Detectives investigating the murder of Karl Swift have arrested five men from South Yorkshire this morning (17 October).
Four men aged 58, 51, 29, another man aged 29, all from Sheffield and a 23-year-old man from Rotherham were arrested in Yorkshire on suspicion of murder.
Karl Swift, aged 33, was found with serious head injuries on New Road, Halesowen on Friday 9 September.
He was taken to hospital where he sadly died from his injuries the following day.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Paul Joyce from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team, said: “The arrests this morning are a significant development in the investigation, but we are still keen to hear from anyone who was in the area on Thursday 8 September into the early hours of Friday morning.
“We still believe there may have been an incident at the William Shenstone Wetherspoons pub in Halesowen prior to Mr Swift leaving.
“I would urge anyone who was in the pub between 4pm and 10pm on Thursday 8 September who has not yet spoken to us to call my team.”
Information can be passed directly to DI Joyce by calling 101 or, to speak anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Six convicted of running illegal multi-million pound brothel following WMP raid
Six people have today (Tuesday 18 October) been sentenced for running a multi-million pound brothel after it was busted by West Midlands Police.
Officers raided the Libra Club in Summer Hill Road, Birmingham, in February 2015 after investigations showed the venue was attracting up to 200 customers a day.
The club - which was advertised as a massage and relaxation premises - was connected to serious disorder including an arson attack where a petrol bomb was thrown at the front entrance and when gunshots were fired at the premises.
Raids were carried out at the club and addresses linked to its management as part of a planned operation involving the Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Regional Asset Recovery Team (RART) and local officers.
They found more than a dozen women inside the Libra along with private rooms containing beds as well as evidence of sexual activity.
Officers also seized tens of thousands of pounds in cash which they suspected of being profits from the club after searching some of the associated addresses.
Three men and three women were arrested and charged in connection with the management of the brothel - which is believed to have generated £7 million before being shut down after the raid under police powers.
The six admitted involvement in management of a brothel for the purposes of prostitution at a previous hearing and were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court today.
Achilleos Neophytou, aged 66, (top left) and his son Stefanos Neophytou, 25, (top middle) were at the forefront of the illegal business and were both jailed for 27 months.
Marilyn Egan, 65, (bottom left) of Pershore Road, Edgbaston, and Anita O’Donnell, 55, (bottom middle) of Slade Lane, Hall Green, were both given 12 month community orders and electronically tagged for three months.
Ogun Olufunlola, 30, of Roseby Street, Springhill received a 12 month community order and is expected to perform 120 hours of unpaid work, while Martin Tierney, 60, of Sheffield Road, Sutton Coldfield was given a 10 month prison sentence suspended for two years. He will also perform 120 hours of unpaid work.
Chief Inspector Chris Mallett, from Birmingham Police, said: “This was an illegal venue which made millions of pounds - but also put lives at risk with the disorder it attracted.
"Fortunately no-one was injured during the firearms or arson offences but brothels often attract wider criminality and organised crime.
“It prompted a lot of concern from within the community and its closure has given them some piece of mind and shows we take such illegal operations seriously.
“Following these court proceedings we will now seek to claw back the ill-gotten gains through the Proceeds of Crime Act. Those who do not pay can expect to see their sentences increased."
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Police name man who died in knife attack
Detectives have named a Brierley Hill man who was stabbed in the stomach at the weekend as Mansoor Mahmood.
A murder inquiry was launched after the 24-year-old was found outside Dixi Chicken diner on High Street, Brierley Hill at around 4.45pm on Saturday 15 October and later died in hospital.
A forensic post mortem examination revealed he died as a result of a stab wound.
Detective Inspector Harry Harrison, from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team, is leading the investigation and continues to appeal for information.
He said: "We are still piecing together the circumstances of Mr Mahmood's death but strongly suspect this was a targeted attack and that the two people involved may have known each other.
"We have spoken to some witnesses already but I’m sure there are many more people who saw what happened, or saw the offender running away.
"If you saw anything - regardless of how insignificant you think it may be - and have not yet spoken to us, I would ask you to give me a call."
Information can be passed directly to DI Harrison by calling 101 or, to speak anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Drugs dealer jailed for 14 years
A Wolverhampton drug dealer who dressed in designer clothes, despite claiming benefits and having no discernible income, has today (Tuesday 18 October) been jailed for 14 years.
Ishmail Lee, aged 29 from Leicester Street, Whitmore Reans was arrested by police at an address in Winson Green, Birmingham in March 2016.
Following searches, officers found Lee had thousands of pounds worth of designer gear, plus £20,000 in cash and approximately £2,000 of cocaine was recovered from his car.
Lee, who claimed to be a mobile barber, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin following a week-long trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
The court heard that Lee was identified as running a drugs supply operation across the West Midlands.
Two other men, connected to Lee, were also jailed recently for firearm and drug offences.
Reial Phillips (20) from Musgrave Road, Winson Green was jailed for 27 years 4 October 2016, after he admitted his part in a series of turf war shootings across the city centre, which left a total of eight people injured.
Phillips also admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
A second man, Ashai Gray (22) from Willes Road, Winson Green, was also jailed on 4 October for nine years after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Both men were believed to be working with Lee in his drugs conspiracy
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Joyce from Force CID said: “This conviction should send out a very clear message that the perceived glamorous world of drug dealing will eventually catch up with you. This sentence demonstrates that selling drugs and the misery that it brings has no place in our communities and the police will go to whatever lengths necessary convict those responsible.”
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Man charged after fatal collision in Coventry
A driver who is alleged to have been involved in a collision that resulted in the death of a pedestrian in Coventry earlier this year has been charged.
An investigation was launched after 73-year-old Leonard Steptoe was hit by a car on Sewall Highway on 28 April and later died of his injuries.
Roman Lasmanis, 41, of St Austell Road, Coventry, was arrested following the collision and was charged on Sunday 16 October with causing death by dangerous driving.
The machine operator will appear at Coventry Magistrates Court on 17 November.
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Appeal following fatal collision in Coventry
Police are appealing for witnesses after a child died following a collision on Henley Road, Wood End, in Coventry yesterday (18 October).
Officers were called at around 4pm following reports that a seven year old girl had been hit by a slow moving red skip lorry as she crossed Henley Road with her mother.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, nothing could be done to save the little girl.
Sergeant Alan Wood, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The investigation is in its early stages and enquiries are continuing. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information that could help with the investigation to contact us.
“In particular I would appeal to any drivers or passengers who were in the traffic near to the collision to come forward. This includes a small turquoise car and a black taxi cab.
“This appears to have been a tragic incident; our thoughts are with the family of the little girl at this difficult time, who are being supported by specialist officers."
The driver of the skip lorry stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with the investigation.
The road was closed for several hours while specialist officers conducted an examination of the scene.
Anyone who saw what happened is asked to come forward and contact Sergeant Wood or his team by calling 101.
Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.
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Campaign launched as darker nights return
West Midlands Police has today (19 October) launched a burglary campaign aimed at spreading important safety advice before the clocks go back and the dark evenings start drawing in.
As we approach the longer evenings, officers are asking people ‘who are you welcoming into your home?’ to encourage householders to take a few simple steps to ensure their homes are secure.
The campaign, ‘ Darker Nights ’ has its own dedicated webpage with advice on how to keep your home safe. This is being backed up by a host of posters and postcards which are being distributed across the region reminding people to ‘Lock up, Lights on, Keys safe’.
Force crime reduction expert Sergeant Andy Gregory said: “Each year we see a seasonal spike when the clocks go back and so it is important that communities are aware of ways to protect themselves and their property.
“In under one third of burglaries, thieves gain access through an open window or door. By taking simple measure such as making sure you’ve locked all windows and doors and left a light on before you go out reduces the chance of your home being targeted by thieves and sends out a strong message to thieves that they are not welcome in your home."
Report any suspicious activity to us on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.
A few simple tips to keep your home safe
• In under one third of burglaries, thieves gain access through an open window or door. Make sure doors and windows are kept locked.
• Secure your doors. Check the condition of the frames and glass panels to make sure they are secure.
• When you are out, leave a light on to give the impression that there is somebody at home. Timer switches can be fitted to operate radios and lights when you are out.
• Use your burglar alarm if you have one.
• Never leave a spare key in a hiding place, such as under the doormat or in a flowerpot - a burglar will look there first.
• Make sure your sheds and garages are secure. Always lock ladders and tools away to stop a burglar using them.
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Three charged in Karl Swift murder
Police investigating the death of Karl Swift in Halesowen, have charged a man with manslaughter.
Dean Hartley, aged 29 from Burnaby Crescent, Sheffield, will appear before Dudley Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 19 October).
Two other men arrested in connection with Karl’s death have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Dean Hartley (snr), aged 51 from Chaucer Road, Sheffield, and Lee Ardron, aged 29 from Broad Inge Crescent, Sheffield, have been bailed to appear before Walsall Magistrates Court on 18 November.
Karl Swift, aged 33 from Yorkshire, was found with serious head injuries on New Road, Halesowen on Friday 9 September.
He was taken to hospital but sadly died from his injuries the following day.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Paul Joyce, from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team, said: "We are still keen to hear from anyone who was in the area on Thursday 8 September into the early hours of Friday morning.
"We still believe there may have been an incident at the William Shenstone Wetherspoons pub in Halesowen prior to Mr Swift leaving.
"I would urge anyone who was in the pub between 4pm and 10pm on Thursday 8 September who has not yet spoken to us to call my team."
Information can be passed directly to DI Joyce by calling 101 or, to speak anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Murder arrest after man dies from stab wound
A man has died after attending Heartlands Hospital last night (18 Oct) with stab injuries.
The 28-year-old was dropped at A&E in a car by a member of the public at around 7.40pm with a serious stab wound to the chest.
Medical staff battled to save the man − who is believed to have been attacked in Hadfield Way, Kingshurst − but he was pronounced dead just before 9pm.
A 27-year-old man from Shard End was arrested last night in connection with the incident and is currently being held in police custody.
West Midlands Police Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Marsh, said "We’re still working to establish exactly what’s happened. The victim suffered what is believed to be a serious knife injury and there was nothing that could be done to save his life."
Anyone who has any information about the incident should call 101 or to speak anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Coventry collision victim named
A young girl who died in a Coventry collision yesterday (Tuesday 18 October) has been named as Sophia McDonald.
The seven-year-old local girl was hit by a slow moving red skip lorry as she crossed Henley Road with her mother around 4pm.
Her family have spoken of their grief and described their little girl. They said: “She was a beautiful angel, the happiest child with a beautiful cheeky smile. She was a very loving, kind hearted, happy-go-lucky little girl who loved her family. We are devastated at her loss.”
Meanwhile police have appealed for witnesses to the collision to come forward.
Sergeant Alan Wood, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The investigation is in its early stages and enquiries are continuing. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information that could help with the investigation to contact us.
“In particular I would appeal to any drivers or passengers who were in the traffic near to the collision to come forward. This includes a black taxi cab.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Sophia’s family at this difficult time.
“They have thanked everyone for their kind wishes, but ask the press to respect their privacy and that of their friends and neighbours at this sad time.”
The driver of the skip lorry stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with the investigation.
The road was closed for several hours while specialist officers conducted an examination of the scene.
Anyone who saw what happened is asked to come forward and contact Sergeant Wood or his team by calling 101.
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Police appeal to trace missing West Bromwich man
Police are appealing for information to help trace a man who has been missing from his home for almost a week.
Lukasz Szczygiel, aged 24, was last seen by his family after he left his home in Walter Street to go shopping.
The Polish national, known as Lucas, is described as white and around 6ft tall. He has short shaven dark hair, brown eyes and a clear complexion. He was a dark mole on the left side of his upper lip.
He was last seen wearing dark trousers, a grey zipped top, a dark jacket and dark shoes. He may be in possession of a silver push bike.
PC Helen Bailey, from Sandwell Police, said: “It is completely out of character for Lucas to go missing and his family are extremely worried. If anyone has seen him or knows of his whereabouts then please contact us as soon as possible."
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101.
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Crime in the West Midlands is up but remains below the national average
The number of crimes recorded by West Midlands Police has risen - but the increase is lower than the national average.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics today (Thursday) show a six per cent rise in the 12 months up to June this year - compared to eight per cent across England and Wales.
Reports of non-domestic burglaries have fallen by eight per cent and drug offences by two per cent.
Although violent crime has gone up by 19 per cent and possession of a weapon by 17 per cent in line with the national picture.
Domestic burglary has seen a 10 per cent rise and there has been a 19 per cent increase in sexual offences which suggests more victims have confidence their complaint will be taken seriously and dealt with sensitively.
West Midlands Police Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: "Like almost every force we have seen a rise in reported crime but this is lower than many others across the country.
"It is reassuring more victims of sexual offences are willing to speak up - rather than suffer in silence - and help us secure justice for them.
"Police forces now face different challenges because crime is changing. More complex crime, requiring specialist support to victims, like domestic abuse, online crime and sexual offences necessarily take longer to investigate thoroughly but we still tackle offences like burglary that can have a lasting personal impact. In West Midlands Police we are absolutely committed to preventing crime, protecting the public and helping those in need”
"We are going through a period of transformation as part of the WMP2020 programme to make us more agile in tackling every kind of crime; and more accessible to the public to meet our future challenges."
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson added: "These statistics confirm what I have consistently said for some time that crime is changing and not falling.
"We are seeing crimes such as sexual offences and fraud rise in prevalence and they require much more intensive police work and investigation than ’traditional’ crimes.
"Crime is changing not falling and police forces need to be supported properly so that they can tackle new threats. I am modernising West Midlands Police and have announced plans to recruit 800 officers, 200 specialist staff and 150 PCSOs, to help fight crime and keep our communities safe."
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Crime and Incident Recording Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said there are now improved recording processes and greater confidence from the public to contact police.
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Former West Midlands Police officer convicted of child sex offences
A former West Midlands Police officer has been convicted of dozens of sex offences against children over a 38 year period, the majority of which were committed while he was a serving PC.
During the course of two trials at Birmingham Crown Court Allan Richards was exposed as a dangerous and predatory paedophile who exploited his position as a policeman to rape young boys.
The 54-year-old, from the Tile Cross area of the city, also spent most of his life as a scout leader and used this respected position in the community to commit many of his crimes.
Richards - who retired as a police officer in 2011 - was found guilty of 40 charges relating to assaults and voyeurism between 1976 and 2014 against 17 boys who were between the ages of 8 and 19.
Five of those convictions were for misconduct in public office.
The offences ranged from touching boys inappropriately in a local swimming pool and on scouting trips to serious sexual assaults he carried out after enticing children to his home in Tile Cross.
His catalogue of abuse began in the late 1970s, when Richards indecently assaulted scouts inside tents while camping, removing their clothes and touching them.
Allan Richards warrant card photograph
Abuse of police position
Richards started exploiting his status as a police officer in the 1980s as his offending escalated.
He told some of the youngsters that the reason he was touching them was to eliminate them from a criminal investigation and warned his victims not to tell anyone.
One of the offences was committed against a teenager inside Steelhouse Lane police station in Birmingham city centre after Richards purported to be carrying out a police inquiry.
His most serious crimes happened either at his home or in the local park, where he groomed many of the children while walking his Boxer dog – a detail which helped corroborate his victims’ accounts
In the late 1990s Richards raped a boy who was aged around 15 in an unknown location after initially luring him to a police station under the pretext of an official investigation.
He raped another 15-year-old in the early 2000s after grooming two friends in a park while they were dressed in uniform and on their way to or from school.
In May 2014 police arrested Allan Richards after a man came forward and reported a sexual assault committed against him in 2006 when he was aged 15-years-old.
Diaries
A key part of the prosecution evidence against Richards was a series of diaries dated between 1976 and 2015 that were found during a search of his Thaxted Road home.
Inside were hundreds of graphic entries detailing sexual contact with other men and boys, as well as information about children he had watched in a state of undress.
Further enquiries were carried out and it emerged Allan Richards regularly visited local swimming baths in Birmingham where he would watch children getting changed.
Records from leisure centre access systems revealed he would attend the baths around three times per week, on some occasions while children’s swimming lessons were being held at the centre.
For this, Richards was convicted of voyeurism. He was also found guilty of indecent assaults committed against scouts in swimming pools in the 1980s.
Bravery
West Midlands Police has commended the bravery of the dozens of survivors who spoke out.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Chisholm, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “This is a truly harrowing case which has exposed Allan Richards for the incredibly dangerous individual that he is.
“The scale of his offending is deeply disturbing. I can’t even begin to imagine what the youngsters who suffered at his hands must have gone through at the time and during all those years since.
“Each and every person who came forward to make a complaint about Richards has shown the utmost courage and bravery and I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to help them secure justice.
“What particularly disgusts me is the lack of remorse he’s shown for his actions, refusing to admit that he’s done anything wrong and putting so many survivors through the ordeal of a major trial.
“My thoughts today are with the people who’ve been forced to keep the abuse to themselves over all these years. Their bravery has helped to protect many more children from being abused.”
Police apology
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Murray has apologised on behalf of West Midlands Police. He said:
“Allan Richards is a deviant and dangerous man who deliberately abused his position of trust and responsibility for his own sexual gratification.
“As a police officer who has spent my career protecting people it sickens me that at the time he carried out these crimes he was representing my organisation.
“Our records have shown that complaints were made about him and concerns were raised about his behaviour during his 30 years of police service.
“Although the matters were investigated and action was taken, Richards’ offending was never truly uncovered and safeguards therefore were not put in place to protect the public appropriately.
“I know no apology can take away the abuse, but I am genuinely sorry, on behalf of West Midlands Police, that people have been let down.
“Now that the trial has concluded, I will be contacting those who suffered at his hands to say thank you for their bravery and to repeat personally to them the apology that I make today.”
West Midlands Police made a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in 2015 as soon as the extent of the inquiry and likely number of victims became apparent.
The IPCC confirmed that an independent investigation would take place at the conclusion of criminal proceedings and the force will fully cooperate with the inquiry.
Now that Allan Richards has been convicted, West Midlands Police will be requesting the forfeiture of his pension entitlement from the Home Office.
ACC Murray added:
“It is no secret that there have been growing reports of historical failures within the police service across the country to investigate allegations of child sexual abuse.
“Indeed, that is why there the government set up an independent inquiry to consider evidence of institutional failures and ensure the best possible protection for children in the future.
“We have invested a great deal in our public protection unit, which makes critical decisions every day to protect the most vulnerable children and adults in society on a daily basis.
“Our culture has also changed significantly and I’m confident that if a similar situation was to arise again, the perpetrator would be stopped and safeguarding action immediately taken.
“All reports of sexual abuse are taken very seriously. I would encourage anyone who has suffered to report it to us or to a sexual assault referral centre, which can offer guidance and support.
“Nobody should ever be able to get away with the scale of abuse committed by Allan Richards for so long and we are determined to ensure this is the case by learning the lessons of this investigation.”
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Sandwell teen convicted of murder
A Sandwell teenager has been jailed for life for killing a man and injuring another following a dispute over a stolen television.
Nineteen-year-old Demarco Martin, from Campville Crescent, Stone Cross, was convicted of the murder of Darren Parker, aged 43, and wounding his step-son, Sean Varden, aged 23, on 6 April this year.
Unemployed Martin had stabbed his neighbour Sean Varden in the chest after he went round to his flat to ask whether he had stolen a TV from his wall next door.
As Sean collapsed to the floor with a punctured lung, his step-father, Darren Parker was also attacked and stabbed four times, three times to the chest and once in his face. Two of the chest wounds penetrated Mr Parker’s heart, and the HGV driver collapsed as he walked away and died at the scene.
Martin then fled the scene on a pedal bike, before being arrested by officers later that day.
The court heard that unemployed Sean Varden lived in a ground floor flat next to Martin in Campville Crescent, but frequently spent nights at his girlfriend’s house. On the day of the incident, he returned home around 1.30pm and found that his home had been broken into and his TV had been stolen from his lounge wall.
Sean called his mother and his step-dad, who arrived to help repair a bathroom window which had been forced open. Both then went checking with neighbours to see if they knew anything about the theft.
They knocked on Martin’s flat door, which he answered with two other people. Words were exchanged, and as a result, Sean Varden was stabbed once in the chest causing him to fall to the floor. Darren Parker saw what was happening and went into the flat and was also stabbed four times.
Both injured men walked away, before Mr Parker (pictured below) collapsed to the ground. Despite efforts by emergency services who came to the scene, he was pronounced dead.
Sean was taken to hospital, where he was treated for a collapsed lung.
Martin, who claimed he was acting in self-defence was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 and a half years. He was also sentenced to three and a half years for wounding which he will serve concurrently.
Senior investigating officer Warren Hines from Force CID said: "It is clear that Sean Varden and Darren Parker did not go looking for trouble following the burglary. They were not armed and had brought their wives and young children to the address.
"Martin armed himself with a knife and as a result one man lost his life and another man was left seriously injured.
"This was a senseless killing of a man who had everything to live for. Martin claimed he had acted in self-defence which was clearly not the case. Thankfully the jury saw through this."
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Wife pays tribute to 'beloved' husband stabbed in Kingshurst
The wife of a man who died following a stabbing in Kingshurst, Birmingham earlier this week has paid tribute to her ’beloved’ husband.
Giovanni Lewis, was dropped off outside A&E at Heartlands Hospital on at around 7.40pm on 18 October with a serious stab wound.
Medical staff battled to save the 28-year-old but he was pronounced dead just before 9pm. A post mortem revealed that he died of a stab wound to the heart.
The wife of Giovanni has issued a tribute to her husband, she said: "My heart has been ripped apart, Giovanni was my gentle giant and my beloved husband.
"Words cannot express how I feel right now, I do not know how I’m going to get through this, he was my soul mate.
"Giovanni will truly be missed by all, by me, his family and his friends."
Detectives continue to investigate the murder and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, said: "This is a fast paced inquiry and it is only a matter of time before we arrest the person responsible for this tragic incident.
"My officers are working around the clock to piece together the circumstances that led to Giovanni losing his life.
"I would at this point like to appeal directly to the person responsible to do the right thing and to come forward, it is only a matter of time before we knock your door and by coming forward it will give you a chance to tell us your side of the story.
"We have specialist officers supporting Giovanni’s family and our thoughts remain firmly with them at this sad time."
A 27-year-old man from Shard End was arrested in connection with the murder and released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Two 38-year-old women appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court today (21 October) charged with perverting the course of justice.
Lisa Matthews of Lamb Close, Shard End and Lauren Hatch of Hadfield Way, Fordbridge were arrested on 19 October.
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