Latest news with #ManchesterCrownCourt
ITV News
3 days ago
- ITV News
Gymnastics coach in Trafford sentenced to 18 years following non-recent abuse against children
A respected gymnastics coach a renowned Greater Manchester school will spend the rest of his life in jail after being found guilty of child sexual abuse. 76-year-old Michael Haynes was found guilty of 20 offences including rape and sexual assault of two of his former Trafford School of Gymnastics students. Manchester Crown Court heard on Thursday 29 May, he had carried out a 'campaign of rape' against one girl after grooming her when she first started at the school. The offences took place at the gym, his car and in his own home, it was said. Haynes, of Trafford, would 'degrade and humiliate' the girl in a number of ways, including touching her face after sexually assaulting her to 'show his ownership of her', a judge said. He was jailed for 18 years. During the trial, which concluded last week, the court heard how in the late 80s, one of the victims, who was 11 at the time, joined Trafford School of Gymnastics. It was at the club that Haynes first sexually assaulted the victim by inappropriately touching her through her clothing while appearing to help her with stretching exercises. This progressed over time from sexual touching to rape with offences occurring in his vehicle whilst he was assisting the victim's family to transport her to and from the gymnastics club. In December 2023, another woman learned that Haynes was to stand trial for sexual offences and came forward to police. Part of the victims' impact statements were read out in court. One of the victims said: 'I joined your gym, at the age of 10/11 years old, a young kind-hearted child with the hopes and dreams of being a British Gymnast. When the abuse started shortly after, I felt lost and scared, and I have carried the weight and worry through life ever since. 'Through the power of social media and relevant documentaries, I have been comforted and inspired by the stories of other victims and their coping mechanisms. I have identified with their thoughts and struggles whilst learning to process what happened. "This understanding, acceptance and sense of solidarity have eventually allowed me to take this step forward and report the abuse I suffered all those years ago.' Detective Inspector Rick Lees, of Trafford's CID, said: "Following our investigation, we believe there may be further victims who Haynes taught gymnastics from the same time period of the late 1980s to early 1990s, who may have previously felt unable to come forward. 'We would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has been a victim of any form of sexual abuse, whether it be recent or non-recent to please get in touch with us, no matter how long ago it was, we will listen to you, and we can help."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Moment driver who took 20 lines of cocaine before killing girl, 3, is arrested
Bodycam footage captured the moment Rawal Rehman, 36, was tackled to the ground by officers who stormed a porperty and handcuffed him as he repeatedly cried 'I'm sorry' This is the moment a driver who took "at least 20 lines of cocaine" before smashing into and killing a three-year-old girl was arrested by police. Bodycam footage released by Greater Manchester Police captured the moment Rawal Rehman, 36, was tackled to the ground by officers who stormed a property and handcuffed him as he repeatedly cried 'I'm sorry'. Rehman, of Lambton Road, Chorlton, lost control of his Mercedes Sprinter van before it struck three-year-old Louisa Palmisano on a pavement in Manchester city centre on February 22. The youngster had been with her parents on a family trip to the city when Rehman's vehicle slammed into a tram, forcing his van onto the pavement where it collided with the three-year-old and both her parents. He then fled the scene of the collision in Mosley Street at roughly 10am before he was later arrested. Rehman was jailed for 12 years at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday. Prosecutor Rachel Shenton said he had visited two massage parlours in the city in the early hours of February 22 before the fatal collision. She told Manchester Crown Court that the defendant had taken "at least 20 lines of cocaine" in the space of seven hours. Following the youngster's death, her family from Burnley, Lancashire, said in a heartbreaking tribute: "Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. "She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day. Her absence has left a devastating void in our family - she was our only child, our whole world. "We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair. The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express." In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Rehman ignored stop signs and gave the tram driver no time to react before it struck the side of the van, which then mounted the pavement. Abbie Clarke, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: 'Our thoughts go out to Lulu's family who must bear this unimaginable loss. Rawal Rehman ignored the stop signs and tram warning signs when he drove straight into the path of an oncoming tram, and it is clear his driving fell far short of what is expected of a competent and careful driver. 'Rehman failed to take responsibility for his actions. He fled the scene in a taxi and denied that he drove dangerously in interview, only accepting responsibility on his third hearing before the court. He must now face the consequences for his role in this wholly avoidable tragedy.' In 2017 Rehman was jailed for three years for conspiracy to pervert the course after he torched a car involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision which killed a 25-year-old man in Chorlton, Manchester. Rehman was remanded in custody until sentencing on May 27 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Manchester driver's cocaine binge and massage parlour visits before tram crash
Little Louisa Palmisano was killed when a van driver mounted the pavement and ploughed into her and her parents before crashing into a tram. Now the driver has been jailed for 12 years A van driver who took ' at least 20 lines of cocaine ' in the hours before he hit a tram and then collided with a three-year-old girl on a city centre pavement has been jailed for 12 years. Louisa Palmisano, known to friends and family as Lulu, died in the hospital from her injuries after she was struck while walking with her parents on a family visit to Manchester on February 22. Today, (Tuesday, May 27), Rawal Rehman, 35, of Lambton Road, Manchester, was sentenced after pleading guilty to causing her death by dangerous driving in his Mercedes Sprinter van. Rehman left the scene of the collision in Mosley Street at about 10 am before he was later arrested. During his sentencing today, he was banned from driving for over 13 years. READ MORE: Driver who caused death of Louisa Palmisano, 3, after taking 'at least 20 lines' of cocaine jailed Prosecutor Rachel Shenton said Rehman had visited two massage parlours in the city in the early hours of February 22 before the fatal collision. She told Manchester Crown Court during the trial that the defendant had taken 'at least 20 lines of cocaine' in seven hours. Judge Alan Conrad KC heard that it would be the prosecution's case that Rehman's driving was adversely affected by his consumption of controlled drugs. The court heard how Rehman had hit a city tram in his Mercedes Sprinter van before veering onto the pavement and hitting the little girl and both her parents. Following the youngster's death, her family from Burnley, Lancashire, said: "Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day. Her absence has left a devastating void in our family - she was our only child, our whole world. "We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair. The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express." In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Rehman ignored stop signs and gave the tram driver no time to react before it struck the side of the van, which then mounted the pavement. Abbie Clarke, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: 'Our thoughts go out to Lulu's family who must bear this unimaginable loss. Rawal Rehman ignored the stop signs and tram warning signs when he drove straight into the path of an oncoming tram, and it is clear his driving fell far short of what is expected of a competent and careful driver. 'Rehman failed to take responsibility for his actions. He fled the scene in a taxi and denied that he drove dangerously in interview, only accepting responsibility on his third hearing before the court. He must now face the consequences for his role in this wholly avoidable tragedy.' In 2017, Rehman was jailed for three years for conspiracy to pervert the course after he torched a car involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision, which killed a 25-year-old man in Chorlton, Manchester. In an emotional victim impact statement read out in court, Lulu's family said: "Today marks another deeply emotional moment in our journey since the loss of our beloved daughter, Louisa - our precious Lulu. The sentencing hearing has brought a measure of legal closure, but nothing can fill the void left by her absence. "Lulu was our only child and the centre of our world. Her joyful spirit, vivid imagination, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. At just three years old, she brought more light and love than we ever thought possible. Her life was full of promise, and her loss is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. "No parent should ever have to witness the death of their child. The impact of that single, devastating moment has rippled through every part of our existence, emotionally, physically, and financially. Our lives have changed beyond recognition. And yet, in the midst of that sorrow, we have also experienced extraordinary compassion. "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to those who have stood with us during this most harrowing time. Greater Manchester Police have shown unwavering professionalism, diligence, and empathy throughout this investigation. We are especially thankful for the officers who handled Lulu's case with such care and humanity. Their commitment to seeking justice on her behalf has meant more than we can ever fully express. "We are also profoundly grateful to the medical professionals, victim support services, and the various organisations who have offered us kindness, resources, and a safe space to grieve. Your support has helped to hold us up in our darkest moments. To those who have walked beside us—whether through words, actions, or quiet presence—thank you. You have made a difference. "Though no sentence can undo the pain of what happened, we hope that today's proceedings serve as a recognition of the gravity of our loss and the deep impact it has had on our family. This is not about retribution, but about honouring Lulu's life and the love we will always carry for her. "We remain united in our grief and in our love. Lulu's memory lives on in us - in every act of kindness, in every moment of courage, and in every step we take forward. We will continue to speak her name, to celebrate who she was, and to ensure that her light is never forgotten."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Driver who caused death of girl, 3, after taking '20 lines' of cocaine jailed
Toddler Louisa Palmisano was tragically killed after a van driver, Rawal Rehman, mounted onto a pavement and crashed into her and her parents. He has been sentenced following her death A van driver who was on a cocaine binge before he drove around a busy city centre and killed a three-year-old girl has been jailed for 12 years. Rawal Rehman, 35, of Manchester, hit a city tram in his Mercedes Sprinter before veering onto the pavement and hitting Louisa Palmisano. The little girl, known as Lulu, tragically died in hospital after she was struck while walking with her parents. The drug-fuelled driver fled the scene on Mosley Street at around 10 am on February 22, but was later arrested. He earlier appeared in court and was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He has now been banned from driving for over 13 years. Prosecutor Rachel Shenton had previously revealed that Rehman had visited two massage parlours in the city before the fatal crash. She told Manchester Crown Court that he had taken 'at least 20 lines of cocaine' in seven hours. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Rehman ignored stop signs and gave the tram driver no time to react before it struck the side of the van, which then mounted the pavement. The statement earlier said: 'Rehman failed to take responsibility for his actions. He fled the scene in a taxi and denied that he drove dangerously in interview, only accepting responsibility on his third hearing before the court. He must now face the consequences for his role in this wholly avoidable tragedy.' Lulu's parents earlier paid tribute to her, saying: 'Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day. 'Her absence has left a devastating void in our family – she was our only child, our whole world. We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair. The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.' In an emotional victim impact statement read out in court, Lulu's family said: "Today marks another deeply emotional moment in our journey since the loss of our beloved daughter, Louisa - our precious Lulu. The sentencing hearing has brought a measure of legal closure, but nothing can fill the void left by her absence. "Lulu was our only child and the centre of our world. Her joyful spirit, vivid imagination, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. At just three years old, she brought more light and love than we ever thought possible. Her life was full of promise, and her loss is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. "No parent should ever have to witness the death of their child. The impact of that single, devastating moment has rippled through every part of our existence, emotionally, physically, and financially. Our lives have changed beyond recognition. And yet, in the midst of that sorrow, we have also experienced extraordinary compassion. "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to those who have stood with us during this most harrowing time. Greater Manchester Police have shown unwavering professionalism, diligence, and empathy throughout this investigation. We are especially thankful for the officers who handled Lulu's case with such care and humanity. Their commitment to seeking justice on her behalf has meant more than we can ever fully express. "We are also profoundly grateful to the medical professionals, victim support services, and the various organisations who have offered us kindness, resources, and a safe space to grieve. Your support has helped to hold us up in our darkest moments. To those who have walked beside us—whether through words, actions, or quiet presence—thank you. You have made a difference. "Though no sentence can undo the pain of what happened, we hope that today's proceedings serve as a recognition of the gravity of our loss and the deep impact it has had on our family. This is not about retribution, but about honouring Lulu's life and the love we will always carry for her. "We remain united in our grief and in our love. Lulu's memory lives on in us - in every act of kindness, in every moment of courage, and in every step we take forward. We will continue to speak her name, to celebrate who she was, and to ensure that her light is never forgotten."
Sky News
22-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Publication date of final Lucy Letby inquiry report pushed back to early 2026
A public inquiry's final report into how former nurse Lucy Letby was able to commit her crimes will now be published early next year. Letby, 35, was found guilty of murdering seven children and attempting to murder seven more between June 2015 and June 2016 while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester. She is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court. Letby is Britain's most prolific serial child killer of modern times and her case prompted the government to order an inquiry into how the killings went undetected. The inquiry is also examining the hospital's response to concerns raised about Letby before her arrest. The report was previously expected to be released this November. A statement published on Thursday on the inquiry's website said it has written to "core participants" with an update on the progress of the final report. Lady Justice Thirlwall, the chair of the inquiry, is now expected to send out "warning letters" from September 2025, with the final report published in early 2026. Warning letters are sent ahead of an inquiry being published to anyone "who may be subject to significant or explicit criticism in an inquiry report", according to the website. "This must be done in advance of the inquiry's report being published and allow a reasonable opportunity to respond," it said. Prominent figures like senior Conservative MP David Davis have called for a retrial in Letby's case, saying her conviction was "built on a poor understanding of probabilities" and lacked "hard evidence". In February, an international panel of neonatologists and paediatric specialists told reporters that poor medical care and natural causes were the reasons for the collapses and deaths. Their evidence has been passed to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates potential miscarriages of justice, and Letby's legal team hopes her case will be referred back to the Court of Appeal. In March, Letby asked for the Thirlwall Inquiry to be suspended while she attempted to appeal her case but that request was denied.
