Latest news with #StephenKelly
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
'No regret' killer jailed for 22 years after knife murder
A man who said he had no regrets after stabbing an old school friend to death has been jailed for a minimum of 22 Kelly, 29, attacked 31-year-old Chris McMahon at the victim's flat in Lanark on 4 October repeatedly stabbed father-of-two Mr McMahon in his neck and chest, hit him with a bottle and poured bleach into his sentencing at the High Court in Kilmarnock, Lady Hood called Kelly's actions "brutal, sustained and deadly". Kelly had been due to stand trial at the High Court in Glasgow but pleaded guilty to murder through his KC Richard killer, who already had a history of violence, was given a life sentence and will serve a minimum of 22 years in jail. 'No remorse' The court previously heard how neighbours of Mr McMahon had heard "arguing, banging and furniture being thrown about" on the night of the Wojciech Jajdelski said: "The noise calmed down after a loud scream, which sounded like one of fright."The whole incident lasted about 20 minutes."About an hour later, Kelly called his cousin and said: "I think I have killed him."Kelly was found by police the next made a number of remarks about his victim to officers, including: "I will do the 25 years."I do not regret it one bit. I put bleach in his mouth and everything when he was dead."He later added: "I am guilty. Might as well just get it out the way." Lady Hood said: "You inflicted stab wounds with a knife or similar instrument, struck him on the head with a bottle, and repeatedly stamped on his head causing blunt force trauma injuries. "Disturbingly, you poured bleach or a similar substance into Mr McMahon's mouth – behaviour which you remain unable to explain. "Although you admitted to the police after your murderous attack what you had done, you showed no remorse at all."She added that since being jailed Kelly had accepted full responsibility for the attack which he now "deeply regrets".Mr McMahon's family described him "as a loving man, with contagious energy, and a full life ahead of him"The judge continued: "His family's extreme distress and grief is obvious, as they explain how their lives have been ripped apart. No sentence which I impose will be enough to help Christopher McMahon's family with their loss."Det Ch Insp Campbell Jackson said: "Christopher's family has been left devastated and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time."I hope this sentence brings at least a degree of closure for them."
Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Gerry Murphy: Top 100 Companies reminds us all of what's at stake in Good Jobs Bill
We also noticed Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald's comments that the 'work we are taking forward on the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill is crucial for creating sustainable employment opportunities and boosting the local economy'. 'It will help ensure fair wages, better working conditions and job security for workers.' We, of course, agree and noted too that most of the companies in the Belfast Telegraph Top 100 are unionised or practicing the kind of good relations and conditions for their employees that the minister aspires to achieve in her Good Jobs Bill. In short, and despite some scaremongering about the 'cost to business', successful companies have little to fear from having trade unions about the place, or the work-life balance measures coming into law in Great Britain with Labour's Employment Rights Bill and proposed for our devolved 'Good Jobs' legislation. 'Decent work aids retention and loyalty is the reward a respected member of staff extends to a good employer' Most of the list of NI's most profitable companies recognise trade unions and set terms and conditions for their staff through collective bargaining agreements. These cover substantial numbers of our working population. As Manufacturing NI's Stephen Kelly pointed out 'whilst 1% of manufacturers are large (more than 250 employees), they account for almost half of employment and more than half of turnover' in that sector. Additionally, many of the companies listed have in their existing employment contracts many of the rights and entitlements proposed for all workers in the Good Jobs Bill, such as family-friendly policies like maternal, parental and bereavement leave. These companies face no surprises from Dr Archibald's proposals. These proposed policies will only be a concern for a minority of employers who hope for some competitive edge over the many decent bosses at the expense of their workers. But these perceptions get noted, not least by workers who are aware that the grass is often greener with some other, better, boss. Decent work aids retention and loyalty is the reward a respected member of staff extends to a good employer. It should also be noted that we have been focused on NI-headquartered companies. And impressive as they are, they are not the only large employers here. Many are international, such as Spirit, Allstate, Citibank, Seagate, Thales and Santander. Some are based in the Republic, such as Dunnes, Primark, First Trust and Bank of Ireland. More are headquartered in GB, and most of these unionised companies are also preparing for similar changes with the Labour government's Employment Rights Bill, presently at an advanced stage and likely to be in statute within a year. Indeed, many of the aspects proposed in the NI 'Good Jobs' Bill are already in statute in GB. The Department for the Economy consultation process completed last summer contained 31 proposals. Of these, 19 are proposals that will simply bring NI into line with GB. They are largely uncontroversial and will not pose any significant cost or administrative burden on businesses here. Indeed, most were passed by Conservative governments at Westminster. The remaining 12 proposals in the proposed NI legislation are currently under active consideration by the Labour Government and ensure that working people in NI will not be left behind again. Polling in GB has shown the Employment Rights Bill to be one of the few widely popular policies of the Starmer administration. This legislation demonstrates the NI Assembly getting around to (after a few suspensions) using its devolved powers over employment law for the first time since 2016. So, the proposed Labour Party legislation at Westminster will shortly be, in the employment contracts of GB firms such as Tesco, Concentrix, Bamford Bus Company (Wrightbus), Four Seasons, G4S, Sainsbury's, Boots, PwC, Lloyds, Asda and BT. This is not intended to sound like an endorsement of all of these employers. Some are hostile to unions and many have been caught up in the wave of industrial action brought on by the cost of living crisis since 2022. At the same time, those firms which did have disputes all reached resolution because of direct negotiations with the trade unions representing their staff. Most pay issues in the private sector were amicably settled with a great deal less stress than the situation we all experienced here across the public sector under the last belligerent Conservative government. The Good Jobs bill deserves to be taken to the MLAs we elected in our devolved Assembly, to be debated and discussed, its merits measured and amended if needed by local politicians accountable to an electorate who we firmly believe, support the proposals for better and fairer workplaces.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Tributes pour in for murdered ex-football starlet as fundraiser raises huge amount
Josh was found in his home on Monday (Image: Police Scotland) Tributes have poured in for a murdered ex-football starlet as a fundraiser set up in his honour surpasses £15,000. The body of 28-year-old Josh Taplin was discovered at a property in Glasgow on Monday, May 5. Police have since launched a murder investigation and are appealing for information from the public. A GoFundMe page, created by his friend Stephen Kelly, was set up to help support Josh's family with funeral costs. The campaign has received an overwhelming response. READ MORE: Murder probe after young man found dead inside Glasgow home Writing on the fundraiser page, Stephen said: "Hi, my name is Stephen, it's still early days from the horrible news today about Josh. ADVERTISEMENT "Going to sort a whip around of funds for the family for his funeral, take some pressure off the family at a traumatising time for them and all of us. "Hope everyone can do their bit and we can do Josh boy proud and get him a send off he deserves. "Gutted doesn't cut it, hope yees are all alright as well heartbreaking. "Forever Young. "There's one, Josh Taplin loved and missed by everyone, my her,o my mate." READ MORE: Emergency crews pictured at incident at historic Glasgow building Josh was a rising football talent, having played in the youth ranks at Hamilton Accies and excelling at Chryston High School, where he helped win the United Schools Cup in 2013. He was also a talented boxer who represented Auchengeich Boxing Club. In a statement, the boxing club said: 'We at Auchengeich Boxing are devastated by the news of our boxer Josh Taplin. ADVERTISEMENT "Josh won both the Western District Scottish Championships and the British Championships. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.' READ MORE: Councillor issues transport plea ahead of opening of new Renfrew Bridge Detective Chief Inspector Graham McCreadie of the Major Investigation Team said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of Josh at what is a very difficult time. They are being supported by specialist officers. 'It is vital that we find answers for them, and we are appealing for information as our enquiries continue. 'If you were in the area at the time and saw anything that could assist with our investigation, then please get in touch, no matter how small that piece of information might be. 'In particular, I am asking people to check private CCTV footage and see if anything has been captured that could be important. ADVERTISEMENT "Likewise, if you were driving in the area and have a dash-cam that could assist, please contact us. 'We believe this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public. Officers remain in the area, and anyone with concerns can speak to them.' The GoFundMe page in Josh's memory continues to receive donations and messages of condolence. Many friends and well-wishers have expressed their heartbreak and support for his loved ones. One tribute reads: 'R.I.P Josh Taplin. Absolutely devastating for his family, friends and beautiful girlfriend. I hope you all get the justice you deserve. The world can be so cruel. Keep your loved ones close.' Another added: 'You'll be sadly missed, Josh. You were a good lad. Rest in peace. Thoughts are with your family through this terrible time.'
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
RCN and BMA in Wales launch petition to end corridor care
The petition, launched on April 29, calls for immediate action from the Welsh Government to stop the practice of treating patients in corridors, chairs, and other inappropriate areas. The unions are urging the public to sign the petition, as they believe this practice puts patients at risk of significant harm. The petition was prompted by numerous reports from doctors and nurses about the negative impact of corridor care. Helen Whyley, executive director of RCN Wales, said: "We are beyond breaking point. "I have travelled across Wales and witnessed people in pain, confused and frightened, with no privacy, no dignity, and no proper care environment. "Corridor care is unsafe, undignified, and unacceptable." Stephen Kelly, chair of the BMA's Welsh Consultants Committee, said: "When a patient is not placed in a bed space there's a chance something vital may be missed, there's no access to monitoring equipment and no privacy to carry out certain procedures. "This is dangerous and is putting patients' lives at risk." The unions hope the petition will prompt action from the Welsh Government.
Belfast Telegraph
29-04-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
2,000 Belfast jobs in limbo as potential owners stay silent after ‘definitive' deal to break up business
European manufacturer Airbus confirmed on Monday that it had reached 'definitive' agreement to acquire parts of the Spirit aerospace business which manufacture wings and the mid-fuselage for its A220. That will maintain the jobs of 1,400 people at Spirit in east Belfast, formerly Bombardier – but there is no confirmation of a buyer for other parts of the business, employing 2,000 people. Earlier this year, a US source identified Swiss company Montana Aerospace as a possible player. On Monday, a spokesperson said that as a listed company, it 'generally does not comment on rumours of possible acquisitions'. Last week, company accounts for Spirit AeroSystems in Belfast said that Boeing, which is taking over most of Spirit in a separate deal, would take over the remainder of the Belfast operation if no other buyer is found. But it did not return a request for comment on Monday when asked if it would soon confirm its intentions. Bombardier, the Canadian company which owned the former Shorts business before Spirit, was previously linked to a deal but referred on Monday to comments made by its CEO Éric Martel in February. At that time, he said: 'There's a possibility we could be part of that transaction but also have the option that if there's a credible buyer that would guarantee the delivery of our fuselages for the life of our programme, we are going to be comfortable with that solution also. Both scenarios remain on the table.' Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, said close integration of the sites was still possible, even if there is more than one buyer. 'There's no doubt about it that the business is going to be broken up in some form but that doesn't mean it can't continue to be significantly integrated…. 'Whether there will be two or multiple future owners it makes a lot of sense for integration to be maintained.' My preference was always to see a single buyer for the entire site – East Belfast DUP MP Gavin Robinson Unite the Union said it believed a total of 10,000 jobs in Ireland were dependent on the east Belfast firm, adding that the lack of buyer for its other Belfast sites meant there was an 'unprecedented' threat to the aerospace sector and wider economy. Unite's Sharon Graham said hundreds of 'highly skilled' workers were facing an uncertain future. She said: 'The UK Government must now intervene to secure not just the workers but the future of Northern Ireland aerospace.' Union colleague Susan Fitzgerald said: 'Aerospace is a critical and high-value sector at the heart of Northern Ireland's economy. Production at Spirit is central to that with a supply chain extending across the region, and indeed the whole island. 'The potential break-up of Spirit is not just a huge threat to our members' livelihoods, but is an unprecedented threat to Northern Ireland's economy and society.' Representatives of the workforce will travel to Westminster on Wednesday for meetings with ministers and MPs, the union said. East Belfast DUP MP Gavin Robinson said: 'My preference was always to see a single buyer for the entire site. The current deal still leaves significant uncertainty for those staff in the non-Airbus operations... it is important there is clarity quickly around the entire Belfast operation. This is significant employer, not just within east Belfast but Northern Ireland, with a highly skilled workforce. 'There is a continued need, however, to build on previous efforts to bring more investment to this sector.' Airbus said the deal reinforced its 'long-term commitment to the UK's aerospace sector and maintaining stability across the supply chain'. Work carried out by Spirit in Prestwick, Scotland, will also be transferred to Airbus, but will be operated as an affiliate business. Under the terms of the deal, expected to be completed later this year, Airbus will be compensated by payment of $439m from Spirit AeroSystems. Airbus is also acquiring other Spirit operations in Kansas in the US, Morocco and France.
