ESN Report

02/12/2025

Hotel migrant denies s*xual assault after alleged incident in West End bar

A hotel migrant has appeared in court charged with slapping a woman’s bottom in a West End bar. Mohammad Amro, 31, who is living in a four-star taxpayer funded Best Western Plus hotel in Croydon, south London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to face the charge.

The court heard that the alleged assault took place at a pub in Westminster on 15 November. Malachy Pakenham, prosecuting, told the court that the victim was drinking with friends when the incident occurred. He described it as an unpleasant incident for the woman.

Mr Pakenham detailed the allegation to the court. He said: "The victim has had her bottom slapped. The defendant used his right hand to slap her bottom over her clothes. It was on a licensed premises. Police were called and the defendant was arrested." The prosecutor noted that police officers descended on the busy bar to arrest Amro following the report.

Amro appeared in the dock wearing a grey jacket and black jeans. He spoke to confirm his details and denied one count of s*xual assault on a female. He was granted unconditional bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Magistrate Nicholas Tarry addressed Amro regarding the next steps. He said: "You have attended court today and pleaded not guilty to an offence of s*xual assault on a female. You have elected trial in the crown court and you will appear at Southwark Crown Court on December 29 at 10am in the morning. You must attend on that date. We are admitting you to unconditional bail. If you do not attend, you will be committing a separate offence which is always treated more seriously."

Do you think the bail conditions in this case are appropriate? Share your thoughts in the comments!

02/12/2025

West Yorkshire Police officer acquitted of on-duty assault charge

A West Yorkshire Police officer has been found not guilty of an assault that was alleged to have occurred while he was on duty. PC Denis Kadric, aged 34, who is based within the Bradford District, stood trial at York Crown Court last week facing a charge of Section 47 Assault.

The trial concluded on Friday 28 November when PC Kadric was found not guilty of the charge.

Following the verdict, it has been confirmed that PC Kadric remains suspended from duty. Gross misconduct proceedings regarding the incident are now being reviewed in light of the court finding.

Do you think internal misconduct proceedings should continue even after a criminal court acquittal? Share your thoughts in the comments!

02/12/2025

Man arrested following reported r*pe in Manchester city centre

Greater Manchester Police have arrested a man suspected of a reported r*pe in Manchester city centre. The 30-year-old man was arrested shortly after a report was made to officers on the afternoon of Saturday 29 November.

City centre patrols became aware of the incident after responding to a report of a nearby disturbance. Officers observed a man and a woman in Lincoln Square. The woman, who is aged in her 20s, disclosed to the officers that she had been r*ped by the man on the night of Friday 28 November. The suspect was promptly arrested at the scene.

It is understood that the victim and the offender had spoken to one another in Manchester city centre on Friday evening. They subsequently went into a tent in Lincoln Square where the assault took place.

The suspect was questioned over the weekend and has since been released with strict bail conditions which include a ban on entering the city centre. Police are continuing to work thoroughly to build the investigation and obtain further evidence.

Superintendent Nicola Williams, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said:

"Our priority is supporting the victim through what is a really distressing time. We are working with her and specialist support agencies to work at a pace that will establish the full details and secure the best evidence to bring a successful prosecution.

"Our enquiries so far suggest this incident took place on Friday evening after the offender began interacting with the victim in the city centre at around 22:00. It is shortly after when the offence is believed to have taken place, and we are doing all we can to understand exactly what has happened so we can bring the offender to justice for crimes committed."

Superintendent Williams continued: "While we have not been able to secure charges at this stage, we are in contact with the Crown Prosecution Service to help bring a case to court. In the meantime, we have strict bail conditions on the suspect not to enter Manchester city centre while enquiries continue. There are no other suspects we are looking for. Officers are in the area engaging with those who frequent the area so they can come to us with any information that may seem insignificant but could help us."

She added: "We already have increased patrols across the city on Friday and Saturday nights to help ensure woman and girls can feel safe in the nighttime economy. We know thousands of residents and visitors enjoy Manchester’s nightlife week in week out, and if you are out and about you will continue to see our officers on hand to provide reassurance and security in the coming weeks."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police directly online or via 101 quoting incident 1613 of 29/11/2025. Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

How effective do you think strict bail conditions are in cases where charges have not yet been secured? Share your thoughts in the comments!

02/12/2025

Former police officer barred for attempting to use warrant card to enter Cheltenham nightclub

A former police officer has been added to the Police Barred List following an accelerated misconduct hearing regarding her attempts to use her police status to gain entry to a nightclub. PC Hannah Cooling resigned before the hearing took place but the panel determined she would have been dismissed without notice had she still been a serving officer.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday 23 February at a venue in Cheltenham. PC Cooling attempted to persuade door staff to allow her into the nightclub by displaying her police warrant card and claiming that she was currently on an operation. The nightclub staff informed the police about the situation. When officers subsequently approached PC Cooling regarding the matter she denied that the events had happened.

The Professional Standards Department investigated the allegations which led to an accelerated misconduct hearing at Police Headquarters on Friday 28 November. The hearing was held in front of Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson.

PC Cooling was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy alongside Discreditable Conduct and Honesty and Integrity. As a result of the findings her name will be added to the Police Barred List preventing her from working in policing in the future.

Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow Grint provided a statement following the outcome. She said: "While off-duty, PC Cooling attempted to abuse her position as a police officer to gain entry into a nightclub. She then lied about her actions when questioned by officers. This is a clear breach of the College of Policing’s Standards of Professional Behaviour which every officer must adhere to."

Do you believe the outcome of this misconduct hearing was appropriate given the actions of the former officer? Share your thoughts in the comments!

02/12/2025

Man jailed for unprovoked assault at York railway station causing skull fracture

A man responsible for an unprovoked assault at York railway station has been jailed for 22 months following an investigation by the British Transport Police. Connor Walker, 29, of Park Road in Durham, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Thursday 20 November where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm. The assault resulted in the victim requiring surgery for two bleeds on the brain.

The court was told that the incident occurred on Saturday 6 September 2025 just after 18:00. Walker was seen walking through the portico of York railway station towards the entrance. As he passed two British Transport Police officers, he briefly shadowboxed in an aggressive manner and loitered for a moment before leaving the area. A few minutes later, Walker returned to the station and walked past the front entrance where the victim, a man in his 40s, was standing with a friend. Walker then left the area again.

Walker returned to the station a final time and entered the premises. He clenched his right fist and threw a punch at the victim which caused him to drop to the floor immediately. Walker then exited the station hurriedly and looked over his shoulder before running away from the scene. The victim was knocked unconscious for two minutes before regaining consciousness. He was transported to the hospital where medical staff determined he had sustained a fractured skull and two bleeds on the brain which necessitated urgent surgery.

On Sunday 7 September officers from Northumbria Police viewed images of Walker that had been circulated by the British Transport Police and recognised him. Two days later officers from Durham located Walker in the town centre. He was arrested for Grievous Bodily Harm with intent and taken into custody.

Investigating officer DC Sam Killerby commented on the outcome. DC Killerby said: "I'm extremely pleased with the result in this case - Walker's unpredictable and volatile actions were disgusting and it is only by sheer luck that the victim wasn't more seriously injured, or our investigation could have been very different. Violence, unprovoked or otherwise, has absolutely no place on the railway network and we will continue to act quickly and decisively to secure justice for the victims."

Do you think a 22 month sentence is sufficient for an unprovoked attack causing such serious injuries? Share your thoughts in the comments!

01/12/2025

Man With 111 Court Appearances for 294 Offences Jailed After Pushing Police Officer Down Stairs

Judge labels defendant's criminal record 'appalling' as he sentences him to 64 weeks in prison for assault on emergency worker

A man with a history of 111 court appearances for 294 offences has been jailed after he pushed a police officer down a flight of stairs in Stanley. Paul Cox, aged 48, appeared at Durham Crown Court where he was sentenced for assaulting an emergency worker and breaching a suspended prison sentence.

The court heard that officers attended an address in South Stanley on 15 June to arrest Cox on an unrelated matter. During a search of the property, the defendant was found hiding inside a wardrobe in a rear bedroom. When officers instructed him to exit the wardrobe, Cox emerged and shoved a female police officer backwards.

The force of the push caused the officer to fall down the stairs. The court was told she hit her head, elbows, and back during the fall. She briefly lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital, where she later suffered a seizure. Although a CT scan cleared her of serious head injury, she sustained significant soft tissue damage.

Cox fled the scene immediately after the incident but was arrested days later.

Judge Richard Clews addressed the defendant’s extensive criminal history during sentencing. Judge Richard Clews told the defendant: "You have, quite frankly, an appalling record of offending, 111 court appearances for 294 offences."

The judge sentenced Cox to a total of 64 weeks in prison. This sentence includes 34 weeks for the assault on the emergency worker and a consecutive 30 weeks for the breach of his previous suspended sentence.

Do you think current sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders are sufficient to protect emergency workers? Share your thoughts in the comments!

01/12/2025

Inquest Concludes Met Police Officer Lawfully Killed Armed Man in Dagenham

An inquest has concluded that a Metropolitan Police fi****ms officer lawfully killed a man who pointed a gun at police in Dagenham. Giedrius Vasiljevas, aged 40, died in November 2023 after calling the police to report that he possessed two loaded guns and intended to take his own life.

The inquest heard that officers responded to the 999 call from Mr Vasiljevas just before 20:00hrs on Thursday, 23 November 2023. During the call, Mr Vasiljevas referenced the fi****ms and his intent. Police officers kept him engaged on the telephone in an attempt to persuade him to leave the property unarmed and seek medical attention.

Armed officers arrived at the address in Weston Green, Dagenham at 20:20hrs to continue these engagement efforts. However, shortly before 21:00hrs, Mr Vasiljevas left the address with a firearm pointing at the officers and was subsequently shot.

Officers administered first aid at the scene until paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance arrived. Mr Vasiljevas died a short time later. A handgun was recovered from next to him, and a second firearm was found inside the property.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigated the death as a matter of routine. The IOPC report, released in December 2024, found no criminal offences or misconduct for any officer involved. The report concluded that the use of force was necessary, reasonable, and proportionate given the circumstances.

The inquest was told that the actions of Mr Vasiljevas caused the officer who fired the fatal shot to believe there was an imminent threat to life. It was stated that the officer had to make a split-second decision to ensure the safety of himself, his colleagues, and the wider public.

Commander Charmain Brenyah, Met Operations, addressed the findings.

Commander Brenyah said: “We are aware of the conclusion of today’s inquest and our thoughts are with Mr Vasiljevas’ family and friends at this difficult time. Our armed officers bravely respond to more than 4,000 incidents each year, but there are only one or two incidents where shots are fired. These officers are the most professional, accountable and cautious in their use of lethal force in the world and their operations have prevented countless acts of violence across our city.”

01/12/2025

Rupert Lowe has just gone public with leaked figures the Home Office allegedly tried to keep buried. According to the data, over 53,000 illegal migrants and 732 foreign criminals have gone missing while under the department’s watch. Lowe says ministers knew, lied to Parliament, and tried to bury the truth. He’s now calling for the Home Secretary to be summoned immediately.

Rupert Lowe demands emergency parliamentary summons after alleging ministers misled the public regarding whereabouts of thousands due for deportation

01/12/2025

Man jailed after r*ping woman on derelict land in Liverpool

A man has been jailed after rping a woman in Liverpool following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. John Callaway, 43, of Shakespeare Close, in Everton, appeared at the court today, Monday 1 December, after being found guilty of rpe.

On Monday 24 March 2023 at around 05:00, Callaway was in his van when he stopped and spoke to a 19-year-old woman on Seel Street, in the city centre. He then drove her to derelict land near West Derby Road and r*ped her. Callaway was arrested later that same day and subsequently charged following a thorough investigation.

Detective Constable Jason Banks said: “Callaway is a dangerous predator who targeted his victim and subjected her to a horrific experience. To deny his offence and force her to relive the trauma through a trial is appalling and it’s only right that the jury saw through his lies.

“Today’s custodial sentence has removed Callaway from the streets to prevent further harm to anyone else. I hope he spends this time in prison to reflect on his despicable behaviour and accepts that it is wrong. I hope this sentencing shows and reassures the public how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone from violence and s*xual abuse.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a s*xual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form s*xual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion. We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims of this crime.”

Do you believe the justice system provides adequate support for victims who have to testify in court? Share your thoughts in the comments.

01/12/2025

man jailed after strangling girlfriend and threatening her with a knife

A man who strangled his girlfriend until she passed out during a terrifying ordeal has been sentenced to prison. Adam Marchant, 32, of West End, Whittlesey, near Peterborough, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday 21 November following a violent incident that occurred in February.

The court heard that Marchant would become angry if the victim contacted her child's father regarding childcare arrangements. In February, Marchant became enraged after accusing the victim of speaking to the father while she was driving home from a friend's house. Marchant, who was a passenger in the vehicle, grabbed the steering wheel which caused the car to hit a metal flood gate. He then exited the vehicle, dragged the victim into the passenger seat and drove them back to their home at speed.

Once they arrived at the property, the violence escalated. Marchant pulled the victim out of the car and pinned her against another vehicle. He placed his hands around her throat and strangled her until she lost consciousness. When the victim came to and attempted to escape, Marchant put her in a headlock and dragged her back inside the house. He took her phone to ensure she could not call for help.

Marchant then locked the door and stood in front of it while clutching a knife. He told the victim she could not leave and threatened to kill himself while self-harming. Eventually, Marchant put the keys down. The victim managed to grab them, run to her car, lock herself inside and call the police.

In September, Marchant pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation, driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road without third-party insurance. Upon his sentencing at Cambridge Crown Court, he was jailed for two years and eight months. He was also handed a ten-year restraining order and disqualified from driving for two years and four months.

Detective Constable Elouise Hicks, who investigated, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, and I commend her bravery in escaping and contacting us. Domestic abuse in any form is unacceptable, and we will continue to do everything we can to bring offenders to justice and protect victims."

Do you think sentences for domestic violence offences involving strangulation are currently severe enough? Share your thoughts in the comments.

30/11/2025

Swiss fan jailed for assaulting police officer during Aston Villa match

A Swiss football fan has been sentenced to prison following an assault on a police officer during the recent Aston Villa match against BSC Young Boys. Noe Burri appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Saturday where he faced the consequences of his actions.

The 36 year old was sentenced to eight weeks in jail for his involvement in the disorder that occurred on Thursday night. Burri admitted to the charge of assaulting a police officer and the court also ordered him to pay £200 in compensation.

Disorder broke out inside the stadium during the first half of the Europa League Cup tie held on Thursday. Burri was one of four men, all fans of the Swiss club BSC Young Boys, who were charged and remanded in custody to appear for a first hearing on Saturday.

Three other men also faced charges related to the incident. Michael Hausler, aged 38, Kevin Heiniger, aged 24, and Nevio Dappen, aged 18, were all charged with using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence. They were scheduled to appear before the court on the afternoon of 29 November 2025.

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30/11/2025

It is the radio message no control room ever wants to hear. "Priority One. Crew involved."

A few nights ago in Middlewich, three members of the North West Ambulance Service were injured—two seriously—while responding to a 999 call. The ambulance left the road, resulting in significant damage and a major response from air ambulance and rescue teams to extract their own colleagues. 💚💚💚

Chief Executive issues "heavy hearted" plea for support as Eoghan Case, Amy Broughton, and Pete Ball sustain injuries while responding to an emergency in Cheshire.