Police are searching for an 11-year-old boy who has been reported missing in Stockport.
Anthony Lever was last seen yesterday afternoon and is not believed to have any money or a phone with him.
The last time Anthony was sighted, he was wearing a black McKenzie bubble coat, a yellow top with a PlayStation logo, pale blue jeans, and black trainers.
Officers say they are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ for the young boy.
Anthony Lever was last seen on Hardman Street in Edgeley at around 12pm on Sunday 15 May.
A statement from GMP said: “Anthony is not believed to be in possession of a mobile phone and does not have access to funds.
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“Officers want to make sure he is safe and well – anyone with information about Anthony’s whereabouts should contact police on 0161 856 9774.”
Featured image: GMP
Stockport
‘F***ing go home’ – Stockport nursery worker jailed after verbally abusing and mishandling children
Emily Sergeant
A woman who worked at local nursery has been handed a jail sentence after verbally abusing and mishandling children.
Rebecca Gregory was arrested at home on 14 November 2023 after some evidence came to light during an ongoing investigation into a nursery worker and colleague at Tiny Toes Nursery, in the Cheadle Hulme area of Stockport.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), CCTV analysis identified Gregory committing “deplorable offences of neglect” against four young children.
Police revealed that, on Tuesday 26 April 2022, Gregory was witnessed on CCTV verbally abusing and mishandling the children, pushing a child’s head down, roughly placing a child on the floor, and even threatening to kick a child in the head.
On one occasion, she swaddled a child so tightly that he couldn’t move, and when she saw he was visibly distressed, she forced his head down to prevent him from moving, while on another occasion, she swaddled another child tightly and told him to “f***ing go home.”
We’ve helped bring to justice a #Stockport nursery worker who neglected four children in her care
Detectives worked through hours of distressing evidence & supporting the victims’ families
From the CCTV footage, police say it was “evident” Gregory’s interactions with the children were “callous” and lacked “proper care and compassion”.
When presented with the evidence in her interview, Gregory did admit her actions against the children, but however claimed the nursery was “understaffed”.
After admitting to the offences she committed, Gregory pleaded guilty to four counts of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering, GMP confirmed.
Gregory appeared at Manchester Crown Court yesterday (2 September 2024), and was handed a three-year jail sentence.
Tiny Toes Day Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, where Rebecca Gregory worked / Credit: Google Maps
Detective Constable Natalie Pettit, from GMP’s Stockport district, called this a “harrowing investigation”.
“Anyone who hears the details of this investigation cannot fail to be sickened by the careless actions of Rebecca Gregory,” DC Pettit said.
“She knew her actions fell far beyond the correct professional standards, but failed to take any reasonable steps to protect these children.
“This was a harrowing investigation which uncovered several unacceptable behaviours and practices at Tiny Toes Nursery, and it was clear to see that there was a culture of not challenging inappropriate behaviour which ultimately placed several children who were under their care at risk of serious harm.”
Featured Image – GMP
Stockport
Founder of beloved Stockport bar and gig venue Bask steps away from business on sick leave
Danny Jones
The founder of Bask, the much-loved bar and music venue in Stockport town centre, has sadly had to step away from the business after being “signed off sick”, letting fans know that he needs to focus on looking after himself.
Music promoter turned bar owner and entrepreneur, Benji Taylor from Heaton Moor, set up Bask back in 2022; the pub, live music space and food spot is now a go-to spot for Stopfordians, becoming a favourite on the local hospitality scene and a cornerstone of the wider community.
Unfortunately, however, Taylor has informed his followers and regular punters that he will no longer be working with Bask – at least not for the foreseeable future, anyway – explaining that the current team will be taking control of the reins from here on out.
Although he didn’t give too many details, the expectant father has always been a huge champion for mental health awareness and recently lost three family dogs in just the last five weeks. Speaking in a lengthy statement on social media, he said this is “the end of an incredible couple of years.”
Benji’s post continues: “What a ride the last few years have been at Bask. Who’d have thought it, a bar in SK doing all those ace things it has?
“Truth be told I’m struggling right now. For a bunch of different reasons. Signed off sick currently, and I’ll be leaving all Bask projects.” Ben recently opened a second entertainment-focused site in Wigan, Bask. Live, with firm friend and business partner Simon Silcock, who was born and bred in the area.
The former Night and Day, Sound Control and Jimmy’s promoter, who spent more than two decades working in the music industry, went on to add: “Big love to all bar staff past and present, couldn’t have done what we do without you. Warriors.
“Everyone of you that supported me and the bar from day one to now, coming to an event, popping in for a drink, or just to say hello. Of course, all the artists that have played. Just done a little recap and that’s some memories right there. Very proud to have been able to bring that quality of act to Stockport.
Proper dream come true to have that relationship with [Stockport] County, fans, staff and players. One that will continue. Thank you to Simon who brought me this opportunity, and of course to Gareth.
The outpouring of love for the highly-valued SK figure and director of the You Are Not Alone music festival in aid of Mind (set to return in 2025) was immediate, with countless people replying with equally emotional and touching messages of support.
Sending love Ben mate! Should be very proud on what you have built x
Setting lots of love mate ❤️ You’ve gotta prioritise yourself above all else so take it easy. What you’ve built at @thisisbask has been great for the town, hopefully speak soon x
You should be unbelievably proud of everything you've achieved pal, including choosing the right time to step away. Look after yourself and you'll be back stronger than ever 💙
Tameside funny man Justin Moorhouse was one of several big comedians and artists who have already graced the Bask to respond in the comments, writing: “Take care of yourself my mate. You have always been there for everyone. Let people be there for you now.”
Even prior to his post, Ate Days Week founder and long-time collaborator Andy James (whose pies are served up to diners and the County faithful every week) recently hailed his impact: “Nobody does it better than Benji Taylor, I’ll tell ya that much. Changed Stockport forever he has.
He signed off by assuring that he knows Bask will continue to “grow from strength to strength”, adding: Thank you to Simon who brought me this opportunity, and of course to Gareth […] Big love to Lewis [James], [the] first-ever time I’ve had someone work alongside me, shame it was so short. One day we’ll go at it again I’m sure.
“It’s time to look after myself tho, as that’s very much overdue. You have to be happy, because without that, what really is the point? And I’m not right now. I’ll be back doing what I do best at some point no doubt. See you all soon.”
As a Stockport-born lad myself, I can personally attest to the transformative influence Bask has had on the late-night and local scene in general. Like everyone else, we’re big fans of what he’s built from what used to be little more than an empty cafe opposite the train station. All the best, Ben.