A Manchester police officer has been sacked for failing to remain at the scene after being involved in a car crash.
PC Joel Hopkins, who was involved in a collision with another vehicle in the Golborne of Wigan back in July 2022, has been dismissed from the police service with immediate effect, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed this week.
PC Hopkins formerly worked within GMP’s Specialist Operations team.
After being involved in the collision, PC Hopkins was instructed by the other present officers to walk up the street and onto the other side of the pedestrian safety barrier, while the scene was assessed for injuries and damage – however, he proceeded to ignore the request.
Instead, he was then said to have “made off on foot”, and later reported the collision by attending Leigh Police Station.
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A Manchester police has officer been sacked for fleeing from the scene of a crash he was involved in / Credit: GMP
The former PC first appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court in May 2023, where he pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident, and was subsequently disqualified from driving for six months, as well as handed a hefty £2,500 fine.
The driving ban was downgraded to seven penalty points on appeal, GMP revealed.
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He then appeared at an accelerated misconduct hearing at GMP’s HQ last Friday (15 March), and was dismissed without notice after admitting his actions amounted to gross misconduct.
It’s also been ordered that PC Hopkins’ name be added to the ‘College of Policing Barred List’.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who presided over the GMP misconduct hearing, called PC Hopkins’ actions “unlawful” and “injurious”.
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PC Joel Hopkins was dismissed at an accelerated misconduct hearing at GMP’s HQ last week / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)
Following PC Hopkins being dismissed last week, CC Watson commented: “PC Hopkins’ offending behaviour was clearly unlawful and injurious to the public’s perception of what should be represented in the behaviour of a professional and well conducted officer.
“This episode marks a terrible lapse in judgement which runs contrary to the evidence of PC Hopkins otherwise long and creditable service.
“It remains clear however, notwithstanding the officer’s previously unblemished record, that this factor does not outweigh the potential for the loss of confidence that would ensue if PC Hopkins were to be permitted to continue to perform in the office of constable.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Two more people arrested as investigation into Dovestone Reservoir moorland fire continues
Emily Sergeant
Two more people have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the devastating moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir.
Yesterday (16 July 2026), a 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further police enquiries, before a man in his 20s has today (17 July) been arrested on suspicion of arson, and remains in custody for questioning.
These follow the arrest and subsequent charging of 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.
Care-Slede has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and was remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this past Tuesday (14 July).
After the blaze broke out this past Saturday evening (11 July) at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
With three major arrests having already now been made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
“This investigation has been progressing at pace, we are nearly a week on and the fire at Dovestones is still ongoing, and it has had devastating effects it has had on the Reservoir,” commented Detective Inspector Andrew Day, of GMP’s Oldham division said.
“As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication.
“In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions.”
Emily Sergeant -
20th March 2024 
