Three men, including one from Coventry, have today (Tuesday 3 January) been jailed for terrorism offences. Two of the men were planning to travel to Iraq to engage in terrorism. One of them was arrested by counter terrorism officers hiding in the back of a lorry in Dover, as he attempted to leave the country undetected.
Aras Mohammed Hamid (left), aged 26, of no fixed address, was found guilty of two counts of preparing for acts of terrorism following trial at Kingston Crown Court in London. The court heard he had been pivotal in planning for himself and another defendant to travel to the conflict zone and engage in acts of terrorism.
Hamid was also convicted of having a false Bulgarian passport; he had pleaded guilty to this offence at an earlier hearing. He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
Shivan Hayder Azeez Zangana, (also known as Aziz - middle) aged 21, from Washington Road, Sheffield, was convicted of one offence of preparing for acts of terrorism. He had been in contact with Hamid about going to Iraq, before travelling from Sheffield to Birmingham, where he was arrested by officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU).
Aziz had claimed that he wanted to go home to Iraq but evidence proved that he had in fact been radicalised by Hamid and his purpose for wanting to travel was to join Daesh. Aziz was jailed for three years.
A third man, Ahmad Ismail (right), aged 19, from Portwrinkle Avenue, Coventry, was found guilty of failing to disclose information about the planned travel to the conflict zone.
The court heard that Ismail’s brother, Mohammed Ismail, travelled to Syria to fight with the Daesh in 2014 and Ahmad Ismail is believed to have originally intended to travel with Hamid and Aziz, but changed his mind after concerns over his brother’s status. The court heard the three were arrested in May 2016 by officers from WMCTU. Ismail received an 18 month sentence.
The investigation began, when a concerned relative of Aziz made a 999 call to police in South Yorkshire, claiming he had left his home in Sheffield and was planning to leave to join a terrorist organisation. Another relative claimed Aziz had told people who was going to sacrifice himself to God. Worried relatives told officers Aziz’s behaviour had recently changed and he had stopped going out and listening to music and was only listening to readings from the Quran.
Following a police investigation, which discovered Aziz had travelled by train to Birmingham, officers arrested Aziz from a residential area above a mosque in Holyhead Road, Handsworth on 17 May 2016. Also at the Birmingham address was Hamid, a Kurdish asylum seeker, who had arrived in the country in September 2015.
Although he wasn’t arrested at this point, police seized some of Hamid’s property, including a mobile phone. As a result of this, officers discovered Hamid, using facilitators in Turkey, was arranging to travel to Iraq to fight for Salahaddin Battalion, a Kurdish group fighting for the Daesh. Evidence also found Aziz was also planning to travel to the conflict zone to fight and that Ismail was known about and discussed the travel. Aziz and Hamid had booked flights to Iraq through a travel agency in Birmingham.
After the arrest of Aziz, Hamid fled Birmingham and following enquiries, was arrested on 19 May 2016 in a lay-by hiding in a lorry, near to the Port of Dover. Officers discovered Hamid had sneaked into the back of the cab while the driver was asleep and was found lying behind pallets. Ismail was arrested by counter-terrorism officers on 22 May 2016 at his home in Coventry.
Head of WMCTU, Chief Superintendent Sue Southern, said: “As a result of enquiries, counter-terrorism investigators discovered Hamid’s instrumental role in organising travel plans for himself and Aziz for preparation for acts of terrorism. We also uncovered examples of Hamid’s extreme ideology and radicalisation and the pivotal role he played in orchestrating the travel plans for himself and Aziz.
“Evidence shows Ismail, a local student, was in contact with Hamid and was well aware of plans to travel to the conflict zone.
“There is always a danger that people travelling to Syria and Iraq will be trained and come back and be a threat to the UK. We also need to be aware of the far reaching effects on local communities and the families of those involved.
“In recent months we have seen the dangers of trained terrorists returning to Europe to commit acts of terrorism which emphasises how important it is for officers to prevent travel."
She continued: “If anyone is concerned that a friend or family member is thinking of travelling to Syria it is very important that they tell us as soon as possible. Police and other agencies can offer support to help safeguard those who are vulnerable to radicalisers.
“The sooner we can intervene, the better chance we have of preventing people from becoming embroiled in the conflict and facing potential prosecution."
Anyone concerned about someone travelling to, or returning from, Syria or another conflict zone or is worried about someone showing signs of being radicalised should contact their local police on 101 or visit www.preventtragedies.co.uk to access relevant support and advice.
↧
Trio jailed for terrorism offences
↧
UPDATE: (4 January) Two charged over Sutton Coldfield burglary
Two men are due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court today (4 January) after being charged with the burglary of a 91 year-old woman's home in Sutton Coldfield.
Jerome Jones, aged 25, of Oak Close, Rubery, and Steven Reid, 38, of Berryfields Road, Sutton Coldfield have been charged with burglary in St Martins Road on 19 December.
Detective Constable Tom Lyons said: “We have had a great response to our request for information and I would like to thank everyone who has shared our appeal and contacted us.
“Our investigation is continuing and I would ask anyone else who knows something but has not yet come forward to please call us on 101.”
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
↧
↧
Police appeal for help to catch young cyclists
Police are appealing for help to catch youths who gathered in Sutton Coldfield town centre over the New Year holidays creating a wave of anti-social behaviour.
A gang of up to 30 young people on pedal bikes congregated in and around the busy Gracechurch Centre and rode at high speed and terrorised customers on December 30 and 31.
A security guard was assaulted at around 12.30pm on 31 December by one of the young people. A 15-year-old suspect was identified at the time and is due to be questioned in the next few days. The security guard sustained minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.
The youths, aged in their teens and early 20s, also rode their bikes dangerously along Birmingham Road in Wylde Green, swore at motorists and set off fire extinguishers within the Gracechurch Centre on the afternoon of 2 January. Many of the suspects wore face coverings.
Officers attended all incidents and used dispersal powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to bring an end to the disruption.
Inspector Jason Bonser from Sutton Coldfield Police said officers will be taking strong action to prevent further incidents occurring.
He said: “We believe these are copycat incidents following similar groups congregating on bikes in other areas of the city. The disruption they have caused is completely unacceptable and we will continue to use all the powers we have under the law to arrest people and prevent them from gathering in the first place.
“We have good CCTV images of many of the people we believe to be involved in anti-social behaviour and we will be visiting local schools to see if we can identify them via their teachers and fellow pupils. We also want the community to take a good look at these images and contact us if they know who is in them.
“Extra patrols will be on duty in and around the town centre over the coming days and the message from me is; don’t come here to cause trouble because you will be caught and you may well be prosecuted.”
If anyone has any information regarding these incidents please contact Neighbourhood Sergeant Greg Richards by calling 101 or emailing e.richards@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
↧
WMP leads biggest vehicle procurement in UK policing history
The biggest vehicle procurement project in police and emergency services history will see 34 organisations work together to save over £7 million.
This ambitious plan, spearheaded by West Midlands Police, pulls together the vehicle buying power of police and fire and rescue services from across the country from Devon & Cornwall through to Northumberland.
The success of the project is down to the expertise and professionalism of the procurement and fleet departments across the organisations.
As a result, over 3,000 vehicles will be ordered by the organisations over the next two years, with 1200 of them being built in Britain and 248 of them coming to the West Midlands.
As the biggest vehicle collaboration of its kind in the UK, it is estimated that the overall spend resulting from this contract is in excess of £100 million when taking in to account the ‘whole life’ costs of the vehicles (the initial purchase along with fuel, maintenance, parts and repairs). The group will make savings of between six and seven million pounds.
Breaking that down locally, the vehicle whole life costs for WMP would be over £8 million with a saving in excess of £1m.
The contract is for the full range of police vehicles, from ‘beat’ cars, through to high performance cars used for traffic and motorway policing. Suppliers were selected from a list of companies on the national government framework agreement, specifically for ‘blue light’ services.
David Wilkin, WMP’s Director of Resources and the national policing lead for the procurement of vehicles (pictured right), commented: “A vehicle purchasing collaboration between police forces and partners on this scale has never been seen before and I am delighted to say it has been a huge success in terms of the savings made and how well the organisations have worked together.
“The success of this group builds on the achievements of a large scale vehicle procurement project led by West Yorkshire Police earlier in the year.
“While cost is clearly a driving factor, the most important aspect is that these vehicles need to be the most suitable and safest available for our staff and the public.
“How we buy and operate them has to represent good value to the public. We are committed to ensuring that where posible the associated costs will be invested in the region, whether that is fuel purchases or using local garages and businesses for parts and repairs.
“All suppliers in the process had to demonstrate their working relationship with local dealerships to ensure that going forward maintenance of the vehicles such as warranty repairs are carried out locally, ensuring we continue to support the local economy.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson(pictured left) said: “West Midlands Police are leading the way by bringing together a group of over 30 police and fire forces to buy vehicles together. By working together greater value for money for the public purse has been achieved. All of the maintenance of West Midlands Police’s vehicles is done in the region to support the local economy too.
“This deal represents a significant investment in British manufacturing. This deal is value for money and therefore good news for the public.”
The group has selected the following suppliers:
Cars: General Motors UK Ltd t/a Vauxhall, Volvo, BMW.
Vans: Ford, General Motors UK Limited t/a Vauxhall
↧
Underground online pirates sentenced to 17 years
Five members of an underground piracy group who illegally released the latest blockbusters onto the web have been jailed for more than 17 years.
Officers from West Midlands Police Economic Crime Unit and the West Midlands Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) supported a landmark investigation which was led by the Federation Against Copyright Theft ( FACT )
Picture - clockwise from top left - Reece Baker, Ben Cooper, Sahil Rafiq and Scott Hemming
The case marks the first time that organised ’release groups’ have been prosecuted.
The five men sought on-line recognition for being the first to illegally source and release the latest films or for producing the ‘best’ illegal quality copies.
Over a number of years the groups illegally released more than 2,500 films. On just one of their sharing websites there had been millions of downloads costing the industry millions of pounds.
During the sentencing hearing all five men accepted that they had caused total losses in excess of £5 million, each accepting a loss of more than £1 million.
Sahil Rafiq, Reece Baker, Graeme Reid, Ben Cooper and Scott Hemming, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud on 28th January 2015 and were sentenced to imprisonment at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday 17th December. The sentences are detailed below:
• Rafiq, 25 from Wolverhampton received 4 years and 6 months.
• Baker, 23 from Birmingham received 4 years and 2 months.
• Reid, 41 from Chesterfield received 3 years and 6 months.
• Cooper, 34 from Wolverhampton received 3 years and 6 months.
• Hemming, 27 from Birmingham received 2 years suspended sentence.
The five men were arrested at their homes on 1 February 2013 following an investigation by FACT with support from West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WM ROCU) and officers from Derbyshire, Hertfordshire and GAIN.
Kieron Sharp, Director General of the Federation Against Copyright Theft, said: “This sentencing is a great success for FACT as it marks the first time a release group has been criminally prosecuted. Rafiq, Baker, Reid, Cooper and Hemming were all aware that they were engaging in criminal activity. Their actions have now cost them their liberty.
“The result of this case sends out a serious message to anyone engaging in online piracy to think twice or face getting caught, prosecuted and sent to prison.”
Regional GAIN Co-ordinator Jason Grove, from West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit commented: “This highlights how seriously we are taking this sort of criminal activity and just how closely police are working with partner agencies such as FACT to tackle organised crime.”
“The multi-agency approach adopted by WM ROCU and the GAIN Network shows just how effective we can be when sharing our information and working together.”
↧
↧
Man due in court following a disorder at a Birmingham Prison
A man accused of being involved in a large disorder at HMP Birmingham last month is due to appear in court.
Ross Queen aged 30, has been charged with prison mutiny and remanded to appear at Birmingham Magistrates court tomorrow (6 January).
Detectives alongside the Prison Service and G4S continue to investigate the disorder at the prison last month.
↧
Police appeal for help to explain supermarket car fall death
Detectives probing the death of a young woman who fell from the bonnet of a car on Boxing Day are appealing for information to help shed light on how she died.
Police understand that Ellie (Eleanor) Underhill was on the bonnet of a silver Vauxhall Corsa being driven in the car-park at Tesco Extra on Dudley’s Birmingham Road at around 10.30pm on Boxing Day moments before she fell and suffered a fatal head injury.
The 20-year-old, from Quarry Bank, Dudley, was taken by friends to Russells Hall hospital but she failed to recover and died from her injures on Tuesday 3 January – the day West Midlands Police were informed of the incident.
Ellie’s family has released a statement: “Our beautiful daughter Eleanor Jane Underhill was such a bubbly, lively girl and the life and soul of everything; she truly lived life to the fullest.
“As a family we are totally devastated and really need to find out the truth of what happened that night. If anybody has any information about how Eleanor came to suffer her injuries, no matter how insignificant or small they believe that information to be, please get in contact with the police.”
Sergeant Alan Wood, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this time. There were a number of people in the car-park at the time and I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward.
“In particular, I would like to hear from the occupants of a dark blue three-door VW Golf, which was in the car park playing loud music, plus the occupants of a small red Peugeot with a spoiler on the rear and red tinsel attached.”
Three people were arrested on Thursday 5 January in connection with the incident for offences of manslaughter and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. An 18-year-old man and 18-year-old woman, both from Stourbridge, and a 19-year-old man from Stourbridge have all been bailed until Wednesday 29 March while enquiries continue.
Sergeant Wood can be contacted on 101 ext 843 6046 or by email on FL_COLLISION_INVEST@west-midland.pnn.police.uk.
↧
Summer Album #19 - Dave Raymond: Police dog trainer aka Mr Angry!
He’s been bitten by police dogs thousands of times…but it’s an occupational hazard for West Midlands Police dog trainer Dave Raymond.
Dave is a familiar face at Crufts where – kitted out head to toe in his protective bite suit – he plays the role of fleeing criminal in demonstrations that see him chased down by our German Shepherds.
The 36-year-old is based at the force’s Dog Unit in Balsall Common where a training and breed scheme ensures a steady stream of canine crime-fighters graduating onto the region’s streets to protect the public.
His ‘on stage’ alter ego is a snarling, aggressive villain…and it’s led to Kennel Club members and puppy walker volunteers coining the title Mr Angry!
“Being set upon by police dogs would not be most people’s idea of fun,” said Dave, who lives in Solihull with French Bulldog Beatty, Staffie Nell and police puppy Raza, “but for me it’s the dream job.
“I’m always kitted out in my protective suit but I do still get the occasional nip…it comes with the territory. One day I’ll be doing bite work with our German Shepherds, then setting sniffer dog tests for the Spaniels, or taking the pups out to familiarise them with different environments that they may encounter when operational.”
West Midlands Police runs the largest, most successful dog breed scheme in the UK with more than 80 per cent of all dogs going through the programme becoming operational; any that don’t make the grade are sold as working dogs or given to good homes.
It’s also achieved Assured Breeder accreditation by the Kennel Club – widely seen as the benchmark for responsible breeders in the UK – in recognition of its commitment to dog welfare.
↧
Summer Album #20: Police vehicles
In the late 1970s, when it came to roads policing the Jam Sandwich was the best thing since sliced bread!
Traffic Cops were a familiar, striking site across the West Midlands behind the wheel of their Rover 3500s – affectionately dubbed Jam Sandwiches due to their red fascia filling – and with a top speed of 126mph they had few peers on the road.
Fast forward 35 years and today’s West Midlands Police traffic cops patrol the patch in BMW 330s.
And with 258bhp under the hood (100 horse power more than its predecessor), a top speed of 155, and a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.6 seconds they’d, well, eat the Jam Sandwich for breakfast!
West Midlands Police has around 1,700 vehicles on its fleet books, including marked and unmarked cars, motorbikes, personnel carriers, vans, portable custody blocks, eco-friendly hybrids and HGVs, plus a variety of trailers and generators.
The fleet is continually being upgraded, with older police vehicles phased out and replaced with new models in order for us to keep pace with criminals who use the road network.
Each new vehicle spends up to four weeks in our workshops in order to be kitted out with equipment like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, blues ‘n’ twos, airwave radios, trackers, video recorders, LEDs and even a fire extinguisher.
It’s hard to imagine it these days, but back in the 70s high performance cars like the Jam Sandwich were the preserve of the very rich, royalty or police officers.
We found some old footage of one of our very own Rover 3500’s being taken for a test spin; the footage was silent so we took the liberty of giving it a 1977 Top Gear-style commentary.
↧
↧
Summer Album #21 - Firearms officer Antonietta (Netty) Manca
Netty Manca is one of just a handful of West Midlands Police firearms officers who’s proving that our armed response unit isn’t just a job for the boys.
The 29-year-old graduated earlier this year from the force’s firearms academy – a rigorous 10-week course testing physical and technical attributes, temperament, mental toughness and extreme-pressure decision making.
Her success has taken the number of women in our armed response ranks to seven…and she’s hopeful more will follow her lead.
“There aren’t many females in the department…that just inspired me to succeed,” added former gym instructor Netty, who also captains the WMP women’s football team. “We aren’t cut any slack, and I certainly didn’t get any special treatment, but there’s no reason why women can’t make excellent firearms officers.
“It’s not about big macho, army types with guns; in fact, the most powerful weapon is your mouth because you can calm most situations down without using any force.
“There is a huge responsibility, though, and you have to know that you may have to pull that trigger one day. If the threat arises, I will do what I have to do.”
Netty – who has played football with Coventry City Ladies and helped them achieve promotion to the national league – previously worked as a response officer in south Birmingham attending emergency calls for help.
Head of West Midlands Police Firearms Unit chief Inspector Danny Delaney, said: “The role is open to anyone and, as Netty has proved, if you have the right skills and competencies there is no reason why female officers can’t join the unit.
“Firing a weapon is always a last resort which is why many of our training exercises are ones that hone officers’ decision-making and tactical sense. Success in our eyes is always to resolve a situation using the minimum amount of force – but there will be occasions where it’s necessary and absolutely the right thing to do to protect the public.
“Our officers are trained to an exceptionally high standard by operationally experienced instructors with many years firearms tactical experience; that’s why I’m confident when dealing with incidents they will make the right decision.
“It’s a tough physical and mental challenge because, unashamedly, I only want the best, most competent firearms officers on the streets of the West Midlands protecting the public. And I have to be 100 per cent confident in the ability of each and every one of them.”
↧
Appeal for information after Dudley pensioner robbed
Police are appealing for information after a Dudley pensioner was robbed in his own home on New Year’s Eve.
The 79-year-old man was woken by noises in the back garden of his house in Maple Road, Wren’s Nest, just before midnight on 31 December. He went downstairs and opened the back door to investigate and was then grabbed by two masked men who pushed him back inside the house.
One of the offenders held him in the corner of the living room and tied his hands behind his back while the second searched the house for valuables. Once the search was completed they released him and fled the property.
A gold coloured World War One medal was taken in the robbery. It is described as round with a horse on it and the words John Cotton inscribed around the edge. A bundle of £50 notes that are no longer legal tender were also taken.
The first suspect was a white man, around 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins tall, who was slim but quite well built. He was in his mid-20s and was wearing a hat and mask. The second suspect was also a white man, around 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build and wearing a hat and mask.
DC Gareth Homer from Dudley Police said: “This was a really nasty incident which left the homeowner very shaken. We are carrying out thorough investigations but anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting crime number 20DY/383WF/17 or email g.homer@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk".
↧
Two arrests made in connection with the murder of a Birmingham man
Detectives continue to appeal for information after two men were arrested in connection with the death of Birmingham man Ibrahim Ismail.
A murder inquiry was launched after the 23-year-old, was found outside the Raxo Shisha lounge on Moseley Street, Highgate at around 3.30am on Saturday 17 December, he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
Two Birmingham men, aged 23 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Leading the investigation Detective Inspector Martin Slevin, said: "This is a fast paced investigation and two men have been arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.
"We continue to investigate all lines of enquiry into reports that there was an altercation prior to Ibrahim’s death, but we still need to people to come forward with information.
"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 Slevin by calling 101 or, to speak anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
↧
No festive rest for WMP charity marathon runners
Boxing Day is a time for rest and recovery following the festive excess − but for three West Midlands Police charity runners it was Day One of a gruelling road map to London 2017.
Chief Inspector Matt Markham and PCs Scott Davies and Helen Harris are set to run for their good causes in this year’s London marathon.
All entrants are handed an advisory 17-week training programme in the build-up to the April 23 event − which means the fitness timetable officially starts on Boxing Day!
So while many people were putting their feet up following Christmas Day, Chief Inspector Markham − who is raising money for the Shaw Trust − was pounding the streets of Birmingham on day one of his capital countdown.
He said: “It’s probably the time when you’d least feel like pulling on your running shoes…but at the same time it’s an opportunity to blow the cobwebs away.
“I only started running three years ago in an effort to lose some weight. I got the fitness bug and managed to get a place in the London Marathon in 2016 − but couldn’t take part after being injured in a car crash. I’m determined to make up for it this year.
“The Shaw Trust provides education, training and support for people with learning difficulties; it helps build confidence and self-esteem. I’ve seen the difference it makes to the lives of young people who successfully gained employment as a result."
PC Helen Harris, who works in the specialist Child Abuse Investigation Team in Coventry, has completed several half-marathons but is stepping up to the full 26 miles for the first time.
She said: “I’ve got to be focused and stick to the training plan − and if that means starting over Christmas and New Year then so be it! I’ve set myself an ambitious target of four-and-a-half hours…I’m hoping I’ve got the strength and determination to keep on target.
“I’m running for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice in Nuneaton that offers end-of-life care. A colleague of mine, DC Francesca Evatt is also running for the Bone Cancer Research Trust so hopefully we’ll be able to get each other round."
And Birmingham city centre beat officer Scott Davies is hoping to improve on his 4hr 33min time at last year’s London marathon .
Scott, who is raising money for Call 4 Back Up − a charity supporting officers injured in the line of duty − said: “I was hoping to go under four hours but it didn’t quite work out. I’m hoping to improve this time but the most important thing for me is to enjoy the experience, the camaraderie, and to raise much needed funds for our chosen charities.
“Obviously it’s an immense physical challenge but it’s also good fun: last year I saw one guy running with a fridge on his back. I made sure he didn’t beat me…that would have been hard to live that one down at the police station!"
↧
↧
Top of the class for PC Joe who celebrates MBE honour on the beat
A popular Birmingham PC celebrated his royal seal of approval - by pounding the streets and keeping New Year revellers safe.
PC Joe Cahill received his own 2017 celebration after being awarded an MBE in the latest New Year Honours List.
The officer was recognised for his services to education which centred around his work as a governor at Broadway Academy in Perry Barr - but also engaging with young people at the school in his police role.
However, there was no resting on his laurels for the Aston neighbourhood officer as he marked the official announcement by patrolling Broad Street on New Year’s Eve.
The 60 year-old grandfather has become a familiar face after more than 25 years serving with West Midlands Police.
A purpose-built police base was opened at Broadway Academy almost five years ago to ensure Joe and the rest of the team were close to pupils and the community.
The fondly-known ’PC Joe’ has played a key role in reducing crime, bullying and creating a safe environment. This has included giving crime prevention advice and career advice on a potential role in the force.
In appreciation of his tireless work a cafe - Joe’s Coffee - was launched in his honour two years ago.
The MBE is the pinnacle accolade of Joe’s career after also getting recognition from then Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2005 for opening a youth pod to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Joe, who commutes from Derbyshire, said: "I feel really chuffed to receive the MBE and quite humbled by it all.
"It came as a huge surprise; but I am proud of the work and involvement in the school over a number of years.
"I have got a good rapport with the kids; I even know some of their parents from when they were at the school.
"I really enjoy my role as a governor and a police officer - it was quite fitting that I could celebrate my own great 2017 news with everyone celebrating the start of 2017 in Birmingham city centre."
↧
Family pay tribute to 'vibrant' daughter killed in M6 crash
The family of a woman who died in a motorway crash on her way back to university after the Christmas holidays have paid tribute to their 'vibrant' daughter.
Demi Nicholson, who was travelling from her home in Gloucester to Liverpool, was driving on the northbound carriageway of the M6 between junction 9 and 10 at around 11.15pm on Friday 6 January when her Vauxhall Corsa was involved in a collision with a blue BMW.
The 21-year-old was treated by the ambulance service and taken to hospital with serious injuries. But despite the best efforts of medical staff she sadly died yesterday (7 January).
Her parents Novlet and Neville have paid tribute to their daughter, they said: "Demi was a vibrant, loving 21-year-old who left a mark on everyone's life that she touched.
"Demi was travelling back to university in Liverpool, following Christmas with her family, when tragically she was involved in the collision.
"Demi also leaves behind her brother Stefan, sister Chantè, niece and nephew and so many more family and friends whose lives will never be the same again.
"Due to her infectious love of life, go-getter attitude and the love and care she showed for others, she will never be forgotten and will live forever in our hearts."
The driver of the BMW was treated for his injuries and will be spoken to by police as a matter of course.
The family of Demi have asked that their privacy is respected at this sad time as they continue to grieve for their loved one.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact PC Rippin and the team by emailing FL_COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
↧
Summer Album #18 - Hero cop PC Pete McGinn
All police officers swear an oath to “cause the peace to be preserved and prevent all offences against people and property”.
It’s a vow that comes with risks attached: last year West Midlands Police recorded 1,406 assaults against officers while responding to calls for help, tackling violent offenders and protecting the public.
One brave bobby who knows that more than most is PC Pete McGinn…
Pete was crushed against a lamp-post by a car when tackling a fleeing burglar in June 2013 and left for dead in the road with multiple fractures to his legs and pelvis.
Fearing the worst, he asked colleagues administering first aid to tell his family he loved them – but thanks to their life-saving actions, and those of surgeons who pinned his shattered bones together during a six-hour operation, the married officer survived.
Five operations later the 45-year-old has made a good recovery but faces further knee reconstruction surgery and the prospect of permanent nerve damage that limits movement in his right foot.
Despite the injuries, last year he battled his way back to work and is now part of an Investigation Team at Sutton Coldfield keeping tabs on crime suspects and analysing intelligence reports.
He said: “I always wanted to return to front-line policing but in light of the injury I have to face reality that’s not going to happen. I’ve been in an investigation role for almost a year now but am looking at other areas of police work that would be a good fit for me and where the injury won’t be a hindrance.
“Frustratingly, I need to keep taking time out for treatment and rehabilitation and, who knows, ultimately the most sensible decision may be to retire.
“People label you as brave or heroic but people sign-up as police officers knowing they’re likely to get into potentially dangerous situations in order to protect the public – that’s what I did and the consolation is that the offender was put behind bars for a long time.”
Pete – who has served local people since 2002 when he joined West Midlands Police – was one of several officers who flooded the area around Compton Road in Erdington on 7 June 2013 following reports of a break-in.
He attempted to stop suspect career criminal Carl Anderson as he climbed behind the wheel of his car but the 50-year-old slammed his estate into reverse, pinning him between the open driver’s door and a lamppost. He was later jailed for 12 years.
↧
Summer Album #19 - Dave Raymond: Police dog trainer aka Mr Angry!
He’s been bitten by police dogs thousands of times…but it’s an occupational hazard for West Midlands Police dog trainer Dave Raymond.
Dave is a familiar face at Crufts where – kitted out head to toe in his protective bite suit – he plays the role of fleeing criminal in demonstrations that see him chased down by our German Shepherds.
The 36-year-old is based at the force’s Dog Unit in Balsall Common where a training and breed scheme ensures a steady stream of canine crime-fighters graduating onto the region’s streets to protect the public.
His ‘on stage’ alter ego is a snarling, aggressive villain…and it’s led to Kennel Club members and puppy walker volunteers coining the title Mr Angry!
“Being set upon by police dogs would not be most people’s idea of fun,” said Dave, who lives in Solihull with French Bulldog Beatty, Staffie Nell and police puppy Raza, “but for me it’s the dream job.
“I’m always kitted out in my protective suit but I do still get the occasional nip…it comes with the territory. One day I’ll be doing bite work with our German Shepherds, then setting sniffer dog tests for the Spaniels, or taking the pups out to familiarise them with different environments that they may encounter when operational.”
West Midlands Police runs the largest, most successful dog breed scheme in the UK with more than 80 per cent of all dogs going through the programme becoming operational; any that don’t make the grade are sold as working dogs or given to good homes.
It’s also achieved Assured Breeder accreditation by the Kennel Club – widely seen as the benchmark for responsible breeders in the UK – in recognition of its commitment to dog welfare.
↧
↧
Wolverhampton's 'Big Dog' convicted of smuggling illegal steroids
A Wolverhampton shop owner nicknamed 'Big Dog' who smuggled illegal steroids worth more than £300,000 into the country, has been convicted of importing Class C drugs.
Kunil Chand, nicknamed ‘Big Dog’, owned the ‘Your Protein’ store in Wolverhampton and was the mastermind behind the importation of the banned performance enhancing substances.
Following a two-year investigation that began in 2014, officers were able to piece together the 28-year-old’s shady business.
Satnam Sahota, aged 38, also stood trial for his part in Chand's smuggling business. The court heard that Sahota, from Hales Crescent, Smethwick, was recruited by Chand after a chance meeting on a flight from India. He agreed to track shipments for Chand to help pay off his own gambling debts.
However, when a consignment of banned steroids supplied from India and destined for the Wolverhampton business was seized at Birmingham Airport in 2014, Chand’s scheme began to unravel.
And following a raid on his shop on Clark Road, Wolverhampton in December 2014, over £300k worth of illegal substances were found.
Chand from Oakland Road, Penn pleaded guilty to the offence and received an 18 month jail term, suspended for two years, at Wolverhampton Crown Court today (9 January).
Sahota, who professed his innocence throughout the trial, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class C drugs and received a one year jail sentence suspended for two years.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Alex Gascoyne, said: “Large amounts of steroids were imported from India destined for Wolverhampton and a warrant executed in December 2014 at the Your Protein store led to the recovery of drugs with a street value of between around £200,000 - £300,000.
“The consequences for people taking these steroids could have been extremely serious and we are pleased we were able to remove them from the streets and stop both Chand and Sahota from continuing their dangerous trade.”
↧
Dangerous driver sentenced to six years in prison for death of Dudley teenager
A man who killed a teenage girl from Himley when he ploughed into her car at 80 miles per hour has been sentenced to six years in prison today (Monday).
Georgie Evans, aged 18, died instantly after her Ford Fiesta was struck by 25-year-old Kuba Oles as he sped down Priory Road in Dudley in his Audi A6 on 27 October last year.
She had pulled out of the Cedar Road junction and almost made it to the other side of the road when the collision happened. The impact was so intense that her car split in two and she was thrown onto the road. Witnesses attempted to help and emergency services attended but she tragically died at the scene.
The police investigation found that Oles, a Polish national who lived on Wolverhampton Road, Dudley, had been travelling at a minimum of 80 miles an hour at the time of the collision. He suffered only minor leg injuries and fled the scene while witnesses went to Georgie’s aid.
Officers tracked him down to his home address the following day and he was arrested and charged.
He was handed down the sentence after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Wolverhampton Crown Court, along with four years extended licence. He was also disqualified from driving for 14 years. He was sentenced to nine months in prison, to run concurrently, for another dangerous driving offence committed just weeks before Georgie’s death, on October 1.
Following the sentencing Georgie’s family gave the following statement.
"We give our thanks to the justice system for handing down the sentence they were able to.
“Unfortunately we are paying the ultimate sentence; the loss of our daughter. We would also like to offer our thanks to our family and friends for the tremendous support they have given to us throughout. Finally we would like to say thank you to West Midlands Police and the family liaison officers for their hard work during the investigation."
PC Alan Wood who headed the police investigation said: “We know that nothing can ever bring Georgie back but we are pleased today that Oles has received a strong sentence for his crime and has been taken off the streets. His driving on this day was extraordinarily dangerous and inevitably put other road users in peril.
“During police interviews he attempted to blame Georgie for being an in experienced driver and pulling out too slowly. That was proved in court to be completely false and Oles was described as a dangerous person who posed a significant risk of causing the public harm.”
↧
Birmingham shisha lounge closed down by police
A shisha lounge in Birmingham has been closed down by police following reports of ongoing anti-social behaviour at the premises.
Emperor's Shisha Lounge, Birchall Street, Highgate was temporarily closed down in December following three incidents of anti-social behaviour during November and December.
On 2 November around 40 men are believed to have caused damage to the property following a disorder. On 17 December people from the lounge are believed to have been involved in an incident on Moseley Street, Highgate and on 26 December a further disorder involving a group of men was reported.
Officers applied for a further closure order and following a hearing at at Birmingham Magistrates Court today (9 January) a further three month closure order was granted.
Superintendent Andy Parsons, said: "A recent succession of violent disorders at the premises left us with little choice but to apply for measures to enforce closure of the premises.
"The court agreed that the order was necessary to prevent the serious nuisance and disorder from continuing.
"We hope that the closure order will go some way to reassure the community that we are taking positive steps to ensure no further anti-social behaviour occurs."
↧