Latest news with #SYP
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Daily Record
Paedo lawyer worked at charity accused of ignoring child sex harassment claims
The Scots lawyer also ran a rugby club near Glasgow. A paedophile lawyer worked for a Government-backed youth charity embroiled in accusations it failed to handle claims of child sexual harassment. Alan Eccles, from Giffnock near Glasgow, was spared jail after pleading guilty to three charges and sentenced to 300 hours of community service at Paisley Sheriff Court last week. He admitted to engaging in grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing conversations about the sexual abuse of children, sharing indecent photos of children and an intimate picture of a woman between October 22 and November 14, 2023. The Sunday Mail can reveal Eccles, 44, worked for the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) as a legal adviser for several years until at least late 2023. The SYP has come under fire for failing to handle previous allegations of sexual harassment by its young members. After allegations about a former SYP chief were published by the Sunday Mail in 2022, the organisation vowed to carry out a policy review to ensure it had acted properly on the claims. The review was done while Eccles was working for it but a spokesman insisted he played no part in the review. Eccles, who was a partner at law firm Brodies until 2020, was also the director of the Glasgow Hutchesons' Aloysians Rugby Football Club (GHA RFC) until April this year, resigning just weeks before admitting to his vile child sex abuse crimes. During his time at the club he was involved in governance reviews for the organisation. A spokesman for the SYP said: 'Alan Eccles served as an external legal adviser to the SYP executive and board until late 2023. At no point did he interface with the broader SYP membership or any member data. 'While none of the charges relate to SYP, we have continually strengthened our safeguarding guidelines and procedures in line with evolving national child protection policies.' Eccles will be on the sex offenders' register for three years. He remains registered as a solicitor according to the Law Society of Scotland's website. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
New York Times
29-04-2025
- New York Times
Canadian hockey player Matt Petgrave will not face criminal charges over death of Adam Johnson
The Canadian hockey player Matt Petgrave, who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of former NHL and Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson in 2023, will not face criminal charges, prosecutors have confirmed. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) — an independent organisation that prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative bodies in England and Wales — confirmed Tuesday it has decided against seeking a conviction. Advertisement Johnson, 29, died after being cut in the neck by a skate during a game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, 2023, in what his team, the Nottingham Panthers, labelled a 'freak accident.' South Yorkshire Police (SYP) arrested Petgrave on suspicion of manslaughter on November 14, 2023, and he was subsequently released on police bail as the investigation into Johnson's death continued. The CPS received the case file from police in May 2024 and spent nearly a year reviewing it before deciding against bringing charges. Petgrave was told to remain in the United Kingdom while the investigation was ongoing and his bail was extended eight times, most recently on February 28. A CPS statement read: 'The Crown Prosecution Service has decided it will not bring criminal charges against a professional ice hockey player following the death of Adam Johnson during a match between The Sheffield Steelers and The Nottingham Panthers.' Michael Quinn, deputy chief crown prosecutor, said: 'This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident. The CPS and South Yorkshire Police have worked closely together to determine whether any criminal charges should be brought against the other ice hockey player involved. 'Following a thorough police investigation and a comprehensive review of all the evidence by the CPS, we have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.' 'Extensive enquiries, including reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses and consulting with highly-specialised experts from North America, were carried out,' a statement from SYP read. 'In May 2024, a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for review and for a charging decision to be made. Since then, we have worked closely with the CPS and provided them with supplementary information to address follow-up enquiries. 'Following the CPS review, they have declined to authorise charges.' Benjamin Wood, a detective chief inspector at SYP and the senior investigating officer, added: 'Adam Johnson's death has left a lasting impact that was felt through many communities, from Sheffield residents to ice hockey fans across the globe. 'Following Adam's tragic death, we have worked tirelessly to fully investigate the unprecedented circumstances that took place at the Utilia Arena in October 2023. Advertisement 'Our investigation has involved complex consultations with specialist experts from North America, as well as working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service. 'While our investigation has now concluded, our thoughts remain wholeheartedly with Adam's family, and everyone who has been affected by this devastating tragedy.' Petgrave has never been named by UK police but a crowdfunding account purporting to belong to him was launched in December to help him in his legal fight. A message posted by an account claiming to be him on CrowdJustice — an online platform where individuals or groups can appeal for money to fund legal action — read: 'I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs whilst I am subject to police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court. Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey.' The message on the CrowdJustice page also claims that Petgrave has been unable to work in the UK while he awaits a resolution to the police investigation. The Athletic has been unable to contact Petgrave to confirm whether the page is genuine. Johnson joined the Panthers in the summer of 2023 to play in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), a competition which has 10 franchises including teams in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England. He previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, scoring a goal and four points in 13 games over parts of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Before joining Pittsburgh, Johnson played collegiately at the University of Minnesota Duluth for two seasons. (Top photo of Matt Petgrave:)
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- Daily Record
Two women shot at and beaten by intruder in terrifying 'targeted attack'
Two women have been rushed to hospital following a reported "targeted attack" at a property in Almond Avenue, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, leading to a police manhunt. Police have launched a manhunt after two women were shot at by an intruder in a terrifying attack. Cops in South Yorkshire rushed to Almond Avenue, in Doncaster, shortly after reports of gunshots at about 11.30pm on Easter Sunday. Police said a man climbed through the window of the property, assaulted two women with "a wooden object" before fleeing the scene. Officers later found the two women also had evidence "consistent with a firearms discharge." The women were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. SYP said they were treating the shooting as "a targeted attack" and that an investigation had been launched in Almond Avenue as officers carried out further enquiries. Police said on Monday, April 21, officers would carry out additional patrols in the surrounding area into the next few days. Detective Chief Inspector Ronayne later said: "We will not tolerate gun crime here in South Yorkshire and we are working hard to piece together the circumstances of this incident and bring the person responsible to justice. In this instance, a firearm was discharged late at night in a residential area of Doncaster and it is this kind of mindless violence and criminality which puts innocent people in danger. "We understand news of this firearms discharge will have caused considerable concern in the local community and that is why our officers remain at the scene today conducting further enquiries and carrying out house-to-house visits. I want to thank local residents for their ongoing cooperation, and I would urge anyone with information that could help our investigation to please come forward. "The information you provide is vital and could be the missing piece of the jigsaw that allows us to identify the person responsible for this crime. "We will act on every single piece of information we receive and we are keen to hear from anyone in the local area, particularly those with relevant CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage in the moments prior to or shortly after the incident. "We understand that not everybody is comfortable talking to us directly. If that is you, then please consider reporting information to the independent charity Crimestoppers. You can contact them anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online through their website, and no one will know you have contacted them." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It comes as a man was arrested and charged after a firearm was recovered in Lanarkshire. Police stopped a vehicle on Rosehall Road in Bellshill on April 10 and a firearm and ammunition were recovered. A 40-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection. He was due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court earlier this month. Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a firearm was recovered in Lanarkshire. "On Thursday, April 10, 2025, road policing officers stopped a vehicle on Rosehall Road, Bellshill and a firearm and ammunition were recovered. A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection. He is due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday, April 11, 2025."
BBC News
02-04-2025
- BBC News
Third Rotherham ex-police officer arrested over child sex abuse
A former South Yorkshire Police (SYP) officer has been arrested on suspicion of raping a teenage girl in Rotherham in 2004. The former police constable, aged in his 50s, was held on Monday as part of an investigation into historical child exploitation and abuse by SYP is the third retired officer to be arrested, after six women made complaints about historical child exploitation and abuse. The former officer was questioned and released on bail. The investigation is being run by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).Monday's arrest follows the arrest of two former SYP officers - also based in Rotherham - late last year, on suspicion of sexual offences and misconduct in public office. It is claimed the alleged abuse took place when the officers were both on and off duty, between 1995 and 2002. 'File of evidence' The investigation is being carried out by SYP's major crime unit, under the direction of the began after the South Yorkshire force referred a complaint to the IOPC in October 2024. This was followed by complaints from a second woman in November last year, and further complaints from two other women in late January 2025, a fifth person made a week saw a sixth complaint which led to the retired officer's arrest on Director Emily Barry said: "We are now investigating serious complaints by six women of sexual offending by former SYP officers."These complaints are being handled sensitively and thoroughly investigated, and a third former officer has now been arrested."At the end of the investigation we will decide whether a file of evidence will be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider criminal charges." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Turning water into a vehicle for wellness experience
Imagine having to recall 80,000 of your products just a week before the launch? This is just one of the professional challenges the Shake Your Plants founders Lia Coelho and Justine Dampt bounced back from. And then there are the personal challenges, such as Justine suffering a string of failed pregnancies. With each challenge, they bounced back everytime and are now on the verge of big things. In the bustling world of health and wellness, these two entrepreneurs are on a mission to turn ordinary water into a powerful wellness experience. The journey began during the challenging times of COVID-19, when Justine started experimenting with powders in her kitchen. By late 2021, the duo had formed a partnership that would revolutionise hydration. Their story is not just about a product but about overcoming significant challenges and reimagining how we consume water. Their first major hurdle came in summer 2022 when they were forced to recall 80,000 sachets due to crystallisation issues. 'We almost did not survive that moment,' Justine recalled. But resilience became their trademark. Instead of giving up, they pivoted, demonstrating the true spirit of entrepreneurship. What sets Shake Your Plants apart is its innovative approach to wellness. The founders recognised a critical statistic: 94% of people don't drink enough water and 92% have at least one mineral or vitamin deficiency. Their solution? Sachets that transform water into a nutrient-rich drink with real, purposeful ingredients. Currently offering three products focusing on gut health and hydration, SYP uses natural, carefully sourced ingredients. Their kombucha-based sachets incorporate elements like organic blueberries from the UK and fermented tea from Taiwan, ensuring both quality and minimal carbon footprint. 'We're challenging people's habits,' Justine explained. 'We want to use water as a vehicle for wellness.' This means moving beyond traditional electrolyte drinks to create products that support overall health. Each sachet is designed to be more than just a flavouring – it's a targeted wellness solution. The brand's approach to marketing is refreshingly authentic. Instead of massive paid advertising campaigns, they're building a community of genuine supporters. 'We're looking for quality over quantity,' Lia said. They prefer micro-influencers and real people who authentically believe in their product. Their entrepreneurial journey hasn't been without personal challenges. Both founders have navigated significant life events, including multiple pregnancies and personal losses. These experiences have only strengthened their commitment to creating products that support holistic wellness. Dubai has been instrumental in their growth. With 15 years of experience in the city, the founders appreciate its supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. A recent milestone is their partnership with Spinneys, a prestigious supermarket chain, and an upcoming appearance on Shark Tank adds to their growing momentum. As female entrepreneurs, they're candid about the challenges. 'There's no real balance,' Justine said. 'I'm a full-time founder and a full-time mom.' Yet, they see these challenges as opportunities to develop extraordinary efficiency and resilience. Looking forward, SYP plans to expand its product range. They aim to develop more flavours and functional drinks targeting different wellness needs – from sleep support to energy boosts. Expansion plans include markets like Saudi Arabia and the UK, where they've already conducted extensive product testing. Their commitment to transparency is evident in their ingredient sourcing. They prioritise 'ugly' fruits that might otherwise be discarded, turning potential waste into nutritional powerhouses. Each sachet tells a story of sustainability, health and innovation. Pricing is competitive, with sachets costing less than Dh8.50 – making wellness accessible. The products are natural, with no added sugars or artificial colours, appealing to healthconscious consumers. What truly drives Shake Your Plants? 'The taste,' Lia emphasised. 'A drink has to taste delicious for people to want it.' It's this simple yet profound philosophy that sets them apart – creating products people genuinely enjoy consuming. As summer approaches and hydration becomes crucial, Shake Your Plants offers more than just a drink. It's a lifestyle choice, a wellness statement and a testament to innovative entrepreneurship.
