Latest news with #Lancashire
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Glos dig in against Lancs after Hartley's heroics
Rothesay County Championship Division Two, Cheltenham (day three)Lancashire 557: Green 160, Hartley 130, Hurst 106; Akhter 4-85Gloucestershire 381 & 98-0: Charlesworth 61*, Bancroft 35*Glos (5pts) trail Lancs (6pts) by 78 runs with ten second-innings wickets remaining Match scorecard Tom Hartley produced another stellar performance to put the skids under Gloucestershire as Lancashire made the running on day three of the County Championship match at the College Ground, posted a career-best innings of 130 with the bat on day two, the England slow left armer returned notable figures of 6-116 - his best for Lancashire - to again steal the show. Replying to Lancashire's mammoth 557, the home side were dismissed for 381, conceding a first-innings deficit of Charlesworth staged an outstanding season's-best knock of 160 and Joe Phillips weighed in with 64 as Gloucestershire advanced confidently to 296-3. But Hartley then induced a collapse which saw the hosts lose their last seven wickets for 85 runs in 26 captain Jimmy Anderson enforced the follow-on and Gloucestershire made a better fist of things second time around, Cameron Bancroft and Ben Charlesworth safely negotiating 30 overs to stage an unbroken opening stand of 98. Gloucestershire still trail by 78 runs and Bancroft (35*) and Charlesworth (61*) will be called upon to muster further resistance on a pitch offering some assistance to spin when they return in the day had begun full of hope for Gloucestershire. Resuming on 179-1, Charlesworth and Phillips set a new county record partnership for the second wicket in matches against Lancashire, eclipsing the 160 registered by Bill Athey and Paul Romaines at Bristol in 1984. Phillips perished soon afterwards, superbly held at short square leg by Keaton Jennings off the bowling of Chris Green as Lancashire effected an early breakthrough and terminated a profitable alliance of 171 in 47.3 and Ollie Price applied themselves diligently to the task of cussed defiance and, in between performing the hard yards, these two took advantage of sufficient poor balls to post a half century stand from 104 to make something happen, Lancashire were indebted to Hartley, who persuaded Price to slice a cut shot to Luke Wells at backward point in the 72nd over. Price had contributed 31 to a stand of 58 for the third wicket, and Gloucestershire were 249-3, still 308 runs behind and with further graft required. Charlesworth was joined by Cheltenham-born Miles Hammond and these two advanced the score to 259-3 by the new ball available upon the resumption, Anderson returned at the Chapel End, only for Hammond to greet him with an off-driven four and another boundary behind square. Charlesworth then crunched the former England man through the covers off the back foot to bring up his 150 from 233 balls with his 20th Charlesworth's resistance ended soon afterwards, the 24-year-old left hander inexplicably advancing down the pitch to Hartley and being stumped by Phil Salt with the score 296-4. His dismissal sparked an alarming collapse in which the home side lost six wickets for the addition of 62 runs in 21.1 oversHammond had traded almost exclusively in boundaries, his brisk 36 including six fours and a six, when he miscued an attempted drive and offered a return catch to Hartley. On a roll by now, Hartley struck again in his next over, dismissing Graeme van Buuren lbw without scoring, before persuading James Bracey to pop a catch up to short square leg to complete a remarkable five-wicket seen their middle order blown away by Hartley, Gloucestershire's tail end fared no better against Lancashire's back-up spinners. Zaman Akhter fell lbw to Green and Ajeet Singh Dale succumbed in near-identical fashion to Wells' leg breaks. Hindered by a hamstring strain, Marchant de Lange emerged with Phillips as a runner and the big man suggested a possible escape route for Gloucestershire by smiting two huge sixes. But Hartley returned to have the South African held in the deep, leaving Todd Murphy high and dry on 22 not out, as the hosts fell 27 short of saving the follow and Charlesworth restored calm during a final session that, in stark contrast to what had gone before, failed to yield a single dismissal. Watchful in the face of a new-ball examination at the hands of Anderson, Gloucestershire's openers initially focused their efforts on occupying the crease and taking up time. But as Lancashire's bowlers began to tire, so the opening partnership up where he left off in the first innings, Charlesworth went to 50 from 64 balls with seven fours and a six, his antics causing the threat of further collapse to recede into the distance. His captain proved rock-solid, Bancroft chiselling an unbeaten 35 from 86 balls to serve notice that Gloucestershire remain in the fight. Report supplied by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Son to finally return home after 'unbelievable' DIY SOS rebuild
The family of a disabled teenager who can finally leave hospital after his home in Lancashire was transformed by the BBC's DIY SOS team has said the end result was "unbelievable". Daniel Flemen has been living in hospital in Manchester for nearly three years after a life-saving operation to remove a brain tumour left him severely eight days of working, the house in Freckleton has been renovated by the team at DIY SOS, who will feature the 16-year-old's story in full in a programme in 2026."It's an emotional day for everyone," his uncle Mark Rigby said, after hundreds of tradespeople, suppliers and volunteers worked on the family home in Lancashire. He said the bungalow is "100% changed, it's like night and day" and "now it's totally functional for Daniel to come home".Speaking just before the finished project was unveiled, he said there will be "a lot of tears".Mr Rigby said: "Every single room's been affected with everyone working until four o'clock in the morning."It's unbelievable what's happened." The DIY SOS team said a record number of people turned up to work on the first day of the rebuild eight days designer, Gaby Blackman, said: "It was an impossible job, it wasn't really achievable on paper, and they've done it."Daniel is coming home all because of these guys and their talent, hard work and commitment, I'm so proud of everyone."What a week and what absolute heroes, every single one of them." Paul Taylor, from Burnley, has been camping overnight to work on the house."I've been fine in a caravan," he said, "but there's other blokes in tents who've not been so good, with soggy boots and socks at the end of the tent."He said he has done "loads of lifting and shifting" so that "whatever the trades have needed, we've brought to them and whatever they didn't need, we've taken away". Bricklayer Ian McDonald travelled down to help from Lytham St Annes, and said he got involved because "it's nice to give something back". "A lot of people have put a lot of work in behind the scenes that you don't see, like lads on diggers putting in footings, or teams of people just forming lines and passing stuff, it's been great."As the project ended he said he was feeling "emotional and proud". "Having your family all together is a massive thing," he said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Ponzi scheme gang who 'hounded' elderly victims out of £6million are jailed for 18 years
Six members of a ponzi scheme gang who 'hounded' elderly victims out of £6million have been jailed for 18 years. David Clarkson, 70, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, masterminded the operation, admitting conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and perverting the course of justice. He was jailed for seven and a half years on Tuesday at Southwark Crown Court. The remaining defendants were all found guilty in March after a six-month trial and were also sentenced on Tuesday. Elderly victims aged between 60 and 90 were the main target of the gang with high-pressure sales tactics to push them into handing over money - one later commented she was 'hounded' into parting with her savings. The gang befriended some of the individuals they scammed, forged documents and impersonated insurance brokers in order to steal cash. The largest individual loss was £250,000. Lillian Milner, 57, of Sliven Clod Road, Rossendale, Lancashire, was jailed for five years and six months for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, while her husband Graham Milner, 55, of the same address, received three years and six months for money laundering. Another two men were jailed for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering - Mark Fallon, 60, of Haslingden Old Road, Rossendale, Lancashire, was sentenced to four years and six months; and Anthony Flaton, 39, of Beauclerk Green, Winchfield, Hampshire, was jailed for five years. David Clarkson's son Paul Clarkson, 46, of Shawbridge Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, for money laundering. City of London Police and bank staff managed to recover more than £2million of the stolen money. One victim said in his impact statement: 'I have found it increasingly harder to face the day and rarely have a good night's sleep with difficulty finding the motivation to get on with the daily tasks at hand. 'Dealing with this case has been very overwhelming and mentally consuming, often leaving me feeling very depressed with a general loss of faith in humanity.' Lillian Milner bought herself a Porsche while many unsuspecting elderly victims lost their life savings. Detective Constable Jay Smith from City of London Police said: 'These fraudsters stole life savings from hundreds, abusing their trusted positions out of pure greed. 'Clarkson, in particular, showed no remorse - cloning a regulated insurer and impersonating the broker to trick victims and later forging medical documents to avoid trial. 'Faced with overwhelming evidence, he eventually pleaded guilty. 'I thank the victims and their families for their strength and co-operation, and we remember those who sadly passed during the process. I hope this result brings some comfort. 'We remain committed to pursuing those who abuse trust and exploit the vulnerable. Let this case be a warning: you will be found, prosecuted and convicted.' The police investigation was launched when suspicious payments were made by a company called Sable Intl Ltd to a newly formed law firm in August 2016. Sable claimed to invest in property, and opened a £3.5 million bond scheme offering fake returns of 7 per cent to lure in victims. Police found the trio behind the company, David Clarkson, Lillian Milner and Flaton, had links to an earlier investment scheme called Equitable Law Capital (ELC). In reality, none of the investments was genuine, with the trio using internet advertising, cold calling and company brochures to convince victims. Graham Milner and Paul Clarkson were appointed group directors of ELC when they had no relevant experience, and became involved in money laundering. A front company based in the Seychelles and Switzerland was used to disguise the fact the money had come from crime. Lillian Milner and Fallon, who was a solicitor, also used a newly set up law firm to launder money, with commission payments to Flaton going through an account in Mauritius. Both ELC and Sable went into administration and voluntary liquidation at the end of 2016, owing a total of more than £4 million.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gang jailed for £6m investment scam that targeted more than 150 victims
Six people behind a £6 million investment scam that targeted more than 150 victims have been jailed. Mastermind David Clarkson, 70, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, was sentenced to seven and a half years at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday having admitted conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and perverting the course of justice at an earlier hearing. The remaining defendants were all found guilty in March after a six-month trial and were also sentenced on Tuesday. The gang targeted mainly elderly victims aged between 60 and 90 with high-pressure sales tactics to push them into handing over money – one said she was 'hounded' into parting with her savings. They befriended some of the people they scammed, forged documents and impersonated insurance brokers in order to steal cash. The largest individual loss was £250,000. Lillian Milner, 57, of Sliven Clod Road, Rossendale, Lancashire, was jailed for five years and six months for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, while her husband Graham Milner, 55, of the same address, received three years and six months for money laundering. Another two men were jailed for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering – Mark Fallon, 60, of Haslingden Old Road, Rossendale, Lancashire, was sentenced to four years and six months; and Anthony Flaton, 39, of Beauclerk Green, Winchfield, Hampshire, was jailed for five years. David Clarkson's son Paul Clarkson, 46, of Shawbridge Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, for money laundering. City of London Police and bank staff managed to recover more than £2 million of the stolen money. One victim said in his impact statement: 'I have found it increasingly harder to face the day and rarely have a good night's sleep with difficulty finding the motivation to get on with the daily tasks at hand. 'Dealing with this case has been very overwhelming and mentally consuming, often leaving me feeling very depressed with a general loss of faith in humanity.' Lillian Milner bought herself a Porsche while many unsuspecting elderly victims lost their life savings. Detective Constable Jay Smith from City of London Police said: 'These fraudsters stole life savings from hundreds, abusing their trusted positions out of pure greed. 'Clarkson, in particular, showed no remorse – cloning a regulated insurer and impersonating the broker to trick victims and later forging medical documents to avoid trial. 'Faced with overwhelming evidence, he eventually pleaded guilty. 'I thank the victims and their families for their strength and co-operation, and we remember those who sadly passed during the process. I hope this result brings some comfort. 'We remain committed to pursuing those who abuse trust and exploit the vulnerable. Let this case be a warning: you will be found, prosecuted and convicted.' The police investigation was launched when suspicious payments were made by a company called Sable Intl Ltd to a newly formed law firm in August 2016. Sable claimed to invest in property, and opened a £3.5 million bond scheme offering fake returns of 7% to lure in victims. Police found that the trio behind the company, David Clarkson, Lillian Milner and Flaton, had links to an earlier investment scheme called Equitable Law Capital (ELC). In reality, none of the investments was genuine, with the trio using internet advertising, cold calling and company brochures to convince victims. Graham Milner and Paul Clarkson were appointed group directors of ELC when they had no relevant experience, and became involved in money laundering. A front company based in the Seychelles and Switzerland was used to disguise the fact the money had come from crime. Lillian Milner and Fallon, who was a solicitor, also used a newly set up law firm to launder money, with commission payments to Flaton going through an account in Mauritius. Both ELC and Sable went into administration and voluntary liquidation at the end of 2016, owing a total of more than £4 million.
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Gang jailed for £6m investment scam that targeted more than 150 victims
Six people behind a £6 million investment scam that targeted more than 150 victims have been jailed. Mastermind David Clarkson, 70, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, was sentenced to seven and a half years at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday having admitted conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and perverting the course of justice at an earlier hearing. The remaining defendants were all found guilty in March after a six-month trial and were also sentenced on Tuesday. The gang targeted mainly elderly victims aged between 60 and 90 with high-pressure sales tactics to push them into handing over money – one said she was 'hounded' into parting with her savings. They befriended some of the people they scammed, forged documents and impersonated insurance brokers in order to steal cash. The largest individual loss was £250,000. Lillian Milner, 57, of Sliven Clod Road, Rossendale, Lancashire, was jailed for five years and six months for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, while her husband Graham Milner, 55, of the same address, received three years and six months for money laundering. Another two men were jailed for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering – Mark Fallon, 60, of Haslingden Old Road, Rossendale, Lancashire, was sentenced to four years and six months; and Anthony Flaton, 39, of Beauclerk Green, Winchfield, Hampshire, was jailed for five years. David Clarkson's son Paul Clarkson, 46, of Shawbridge Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, for money laundering. City of London Police and bank staff managed to recover more than £2 million of the stolen money. One victim said in his impact statement: 'I have found it increasingly harder to face the day and rarely have a good night's sleep with difficulty finding the motivation to get on with the daily tasks at hand. 'Dealing with this case has been very overwhelming and mentally consuming, often leaving me feeling very depressed with a general loss of faith in humanity.' Lillian Milner bought herself a Porsche while many unsuspecting elderly victims lost their life savings. Detective Constable Jay Smith from City of London Police said: 'These fraudsters stole life savings from hundreds, abusing their trusted positions out of pure greed. 'Clarkson, in particular, showed no remorse – cloning a regulated insurer and impersonating the broker to trick victims and later forging medical documents to avoid trial. 'Faced with overwhelming evidence, he eventually pleaded guilty. 'I thank the victims and their families for their strength and co-operation, and we remember those who sadly passed during the process. I hope this result brings some comfort. 'We remain committed to pursuing those who abuse trust and exploit the vulnerable. Let this case be a warning: you will be found, prosecuted and convicted.' The police investigation was launched when suspicious payments were made by a company called Sable Intl Ltd to a newly formed law firm in August 2016. Sable claimed to invest in property, and opened a £3.5 million bond scheme offering fake returns of 7% to lure in victims. Police found that the trio behind the company, David Clarkson, Lillian Milner and Flaton, had links to an earlier investment scheme called Equitable Law Capital (ELC). In reality, none of the investments was genuine, with the trio using internet advertising, cold calling and company brochures to convince victims. Graham Milner and Paul Clarkson were appointed group directors of ELC when they had no relevant experience, and became involved in money laundering. A front company based in the Seychelles and Switzerland was used to disguise the fact the money had come from crime. Lillian Milner and Fallon, who was a solicitor, also used a newly set up law firm to launder money, with commission payments to Flaton going through an account in Mauritius. Both ELC and Sable went into administration and voluntary liquidation at the end of 2016, owing a total of more than £4 million.
