More than 80 fines have been issued after Greater Manchester Police officers were called to a number of reports of COVID-19 regulation breaches over the weekend.
Included in the breaches was a large gathering of more than 100 people – reported just before 10pm on Saturday night – where officers were informed that 10 people were in the yard of an industrial unit on Mary Street in Manchester city centre before arriving at the scene.
Upon arrival, they found a large number of people inside the unit after officers opened numerous locked doors.
It has been confirmed that a total of 17 people were handed fixed penalty notices at the gathering and officers are working alongside partners in licensing to close the premises.
Hours later though – just after 1am on Sunday – officers were also called to a report of a party on Butterton Drive in Manchester, where a number of people had sprawled out onto the street on police arrival, requiring the attendance of further patrols.
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An officer was also allegedly bitten on the arm whilst trying to break up the party, and one person has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker.
Greater Manchester Police also confirmed officers attended several other gatherings across the region – with breaches reported in Manchester city centre and Stockport over the weekend – which resulted in a number of fines being issued.
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Over 80 fines have been issued after officers were called to a number of reports of Covid-19 regulation breaches across this weekend. Officers discovered a large gathering with over 100 people in attendance just before 10pm last night. More here: https://t.co/ibfPnwadPDpic.twitter.com/h6pRz2b2BN
Speaking on the COVID breaches of this past weekend, Nick Bailey – Assistant Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police – said: “These parties are a blatant disregard of the rules and pose a significant health risk to all those involved and the rest of the communities in Greater Manchester.
“The world is currently facing a public health crisis and breaking such regulations is simply against the law and selfish. Though the lockdown has a huge effect on the people of Greater Manchester’s lives – the restrictions are there to save lives.
“We have no alternative but to issue fines for blatant disregard of the rules.
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“Large gatherings pose a monumental risk to people’s lives and I hope this serves as a reminder to those considering to flout the rules. We will take action. But I would also remind the public who choose to so obviously breach these rules, this is adding to the pressure on policing when we would much rather be responding to other calls from the public.
“This is a challenging time for everyone but we all need to make sure we work together to reduce the risk posed by the spread of COVID-19.”
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Manchester United confirm Antony will return to training following assault allegations
Danny Jones
Manchester United winger Antony is heading back to training amid his multiple assault allegations.
Antony‘s case is still ongoing, with a total of three women coming out to accuse him of domestic abuse — chiefly, his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who was first to raise concerns surrounding his alleged behaviour — but his cooperation through the investigation has led them to revise their position.
Issuing an update on Friday morning confirming that the forward with be brought back into the fold until the situation is resolved.
A club statement reads as follows: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
“As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
Erik ten Hag‘s side plays their second game against Crystal Palace in less than a week after beating them 3-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and while it is not thought Antony will be brought straight back into the team, he will be available for selection moving forward.
United currently sit ninth in the Premier League with three wins and three losses to their name.
Man jailed after ‘disturbing and terrifying’ burglary at young woman’s Altrincham home
Emily Sergeant
A man has been handed jail time after a “disturbing and terrifying” burglary took place at a young woman’s home in Altrincham.
The court heard this week how Jason Edwards, from Sale in Trafford, turned up to an address in the Lloyd Gardens area of Altrincham where two women in their 20s were staying for the weekend visiting their friend at around 2am on Sunday 12 August 2022.
After knocking on the front door while brandishing a large meat cleaver, the two women opened the door and Edwards proceeded to push past them to force his way into the property.
The 36-year-old then began to search every room, while still carrying the horrific weapon and shouting at the women.
He then left the property shortly after, and the two victims immediately called the police.
Lloyd Gardens in Altrincham, where the burglary happened / Credit: Google Maps
The victims’ friend – who lived at the address, and was also a woman in her 20s – was still on a night out when she was alerted to Edwards being at her front door by a doorbell camera notification on her phone.
After pleading guilty to aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article earlier this week (Tuesday 26 September), Edwards was handed a seven and a half year custodial sentence, as well as a further five years on licence.
#JAILED | Man jailed for 7 and a half years after ‘terrifying burglary’ of a young woman’s home in #Altrincham.
Detective Sergeant Jacob Corrigan, of GMPs Trafford CID, described the burglary as a “disturbing and terrifying incident” for the victims.
“The victims had returned home from enjoying a day out with friends, before being put through this ordeal, which understandably made them genuinely fear for their lives,” DS Corrigan said Edwards was sentenced this week.
“I am pleased that Edwards has faced justice for his actions today and will be spending some time in prison, where he will be able to reflect upon his poor choices.”
DS Corrigan also reiterated that GMP “will not tolerate this type of violent crime”.