A man who has spent the past two years separated from his beloved dog has been reunited with his companion after moving to a new home in Wigan.
After 73-year-old Lawrence Knight was diagnosed with dementia, he was admitted to a care home in 2019 – but as dogs were not allowed in that home, his yellow Labrador, Millie, was put into a shelter.
Mr Knight had objected to the first home he was placed in, but had been assessed as lacking capacity to make decisions in respect of his residence and care.
But legal firm Irwin Mitchell were instructed to represent him, and after several hearings at the Court of Protection, secured new accommodation for him at Lakeside Nursing Home in Standish, where Millie could live with him once again.
Not only that, his legal team also ensured he has the use of a wheelchair again too, after he was mostly bed bound in his former care home.
ADVERTISEMENT
73-year-old Lawrence Knight has been reunited with his beloved companion after two years / Credit: Facebook (Lakeside Nursing Home)
Elizabeth Ridley – the specialist solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, who represented Mr Knight – said: “When Lawrence was admitted to the care home two years ago, he was extremely upset that he couldn’t bring Millie with him [and] after his wife passed away, he didn’t have many family or friends to visit him either
“So Millie was understandably of great importance to him.”
ADVERTISEMENT
She continued: “Due to the pandemic, contact between Lawrence and Millie was sadly stopped, but now she and Lawrence are living right next to a lake where she can run about as much as she wants.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been able to reunite them in such a lovely new setting.
Lawrence and Millie now live together at Lakeside Nursing Home in Standish / Credit: Lakeside Nursing Home & carehome.co.uk
“It was heart-warming to bring them back together and nice to have some positive news during such difficult times for all.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Gail Howard – the manager of Lakeside Nursing Home in Standish – added: “Millie has become part of the Lakeside family since coming here, and brings happiness to all the residents in the home.”
Featured Image – Irwin Mitchell
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester – Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured Image – Robert Cuts (via Flickr)
News
Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
Emily Sergeant -
7th October 2021 
