News

GMP detective handed 26 years behind bars for rape and child sexual offences

DC Stephen Hardy was described as being "a controlling and manipulative man".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 14th September 2023

A former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) detective has been handed a lengthy jail sentence for rape and child sexual offences.

Detective Constable Stephen Hardy, who had been posted within GMP’s Stockport district prior to being convicted back in July, and had been on remand following such conviction, was found guilty of 20 offences – including rape and child sexual offences – following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (13 September).

The 46-year-old began being investigated by officers back in June 2020 following what GMP has referred to as “a brave victim disclosure”.

A “meticulous” formal investigation into DC Hardy led by DS Abigail Thomas and Tameside CID was then launched, and GMP officers were able to gather evidence that resulted in him being charged with several offences in 2022 – which were all committed whilst he was off-duty.

As Hardy appeared in court yesterday for his sentencing, he was described by Judge Robert Trevor-Jones during as having a “devious” personality with a “sinister streak”, while prosecutor Vanessa Thompson referred to him as “a controlling and manipulative man”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hardy was sentenced to 26 years in prison for his crimes.

The 26 years includes an additional six years on extended licence, and as he has been classed as a dangerous offender, he will not be automatically released after two-thirds of his sentence.

ADVERTISEMENT

He has also been issued with a restraining order and will be on the sex offender’s register for life.

Speaking as Hardy was convicted, Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, who is the head of GMP’s Professional Standards Branch, said: “Given Hardy contested the indictment he faced at the Crown Court, we were unable to proceed with hearing such matters within the regulated police disciplinary system.

“He was nevertheless suspended from GMP.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more:

“Now that Hardy has been convicted, he will face disciplinary proceedings in connection with those matters, and as the public would rightly expect, in the time it takes to conclude these proceedings he will not now be paid by GMP.”

Featured Image – GMP

News

A local employment charity is looking to raise £25,000 for Greater Manchester women this Christmas

Danny Jones Danny Jones Womens employment charity Greater Manchester

The regional arm of a nationwide employment charity that specialises in helping women into the workplace is aiming to raise a minimum of £25,000 for Greater Manchester locals this Christmas.

Smarts Works, an organisation that does crucial work to combat unemployment all over the UK, is ramping up its year-round efforts this festive period – a time that can prove difficult for many – to help women secure jobs and support those that land them in their new roles.

Teaming up with, The Big Give (the leading match-funding programme in the country), the charity hopes to potentially double its target amount to reach what could be a life-changing sum or hundreds if not thousands across the region.

Not only will this crucial funding help support Smart Works in its mission to empower unemployed women, equipping them with the confidence, skills and tools they need to secure employment, but it will also help spread awareness and access surrounding the organisation’s vital services.

Credit: Smart Works (supplied)


Starting from the week commencing on Tuesday, 3 December and running until 10 December, any financial donation Smart Works receives for their Christmas fundraiser will be matched by The Big Give.

This means that should they surpass their £25k target, they could potentially unlock over £50k for their centres here in Manchester and Stockport, with other facilities providing much-needed help all over the North West.

How much they manage to raise by the end of the week, the money will go towards funding tailored coaching sessions, interview preparation new starter support and even supplying applicants with work-
appropriate clothing for women who need it most around the region.

Better than just helping people enter or get back into the working world, Smart Works also supports unemployed women right throughout the process, from making sure they dress for the job they want, receiving coaching to nail the interview and continuing to provide help once they’ve started.

Over two-thirds of women who use the Smart Works service find employment within a month of their
appointment. Last year in Greater Manchester alone, Smart Works helped more than 833 women; nationally into work and the charity aims to support 10,000 women nationwide this year.

Read more:

The fundraising page opens from 12pm today (3 December) and will remain open until the same time a week from now, giving us Mancs plenty of chance to make a difference.

Another key area of Smart Works’ most important areas of work is outreach: i.e. actively engaging with townships and villages, referral partners and job fairs to encourage as many referrals as possible, which goes a long way to building stronger community connections.

During the challenging holiday season and with a cost of living crisis still looming large over all of us, the value of initiatives like this in Manchester and the work done by the important employment charity cannot be overstated.

You can do your bit by donating HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Smarts Works Greater Manchester (supplied)

News

Gregg Wallace apologises after Downing Streets labels ‘middle-class women’ comments ‘misogynistic’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Gregg Wallace apologises for middle class women comments

Gregg Wallace has issued an official apology as he looks to be in increasing trouble not only over recent reports of his misconduct on set but his subsequent reaction to the allegations and now viral “middle-class women” comments.

The 60-year-old MasterChef presenter and well-known foodie face stepped down from the BBC cooking show last week after a total of 13 people came forward to complain about his ‘sexual’ behaviour over the course of a 17-year period.

Despite having denied an initial accusation from a former female colleague regarding an incident back in 2018, in which insists no comments or actions of a sexual nature were made, a dozen more individuals have now submitted historical complaints to the corporation and a full investigation is underway.

However, in an Instagram story shared on Sunday, Wallace was quick to dismiss the claims made by what he called “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age” – a response which was quickly met with a severe backlash online.

Equally problematic was his suggestion that because he had worked with an estimated 2,000 people during his time on the show the words of “only 13” women were somehow less valid and/or believable.

Having also shared a video thanking all of those supporting him, as well as numerous other stories featuring personal messages from people both on and off the show defending him, he has continued to rebuke those who have put his conduct over the past two decades under a microscope.

That being said, it looks as though the now former TV personality and household name is doubling back after even Downing Street came out to condemn his comments, with a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelling the response video “completely inappropriate and misogynistic.”

Having since deleted a number of his IG stories and now shared a follow-up video to his initial reply, telling his followers: “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.”

He said that he was not in a “good head space” when he posted the response and has been dealing with a lot of stress since the story broke, adding, “I felt very alone.” You can see the clip down below.

As you see, the ex-green grocer and restaurant owner said he intends to step away from the story for now and let the in-house investigation move forward without interruption.

Both the BBC and production company, Banijay UK – who make MasterChef and the various spin-off series on which Gregg Wallace has served as a co-host – are currently conducting an internal review of those complaints made by former contestants and staff, including a BBC news anchor.

While none of the allegations are yet to be proved, one former male contestant reportedly told Sky News that the current allegations are just the “tip of the iceberg“, claiming he witnessed a “toxic environment” and was so “horrified” he considered quitting the show on his first day.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — BBC/Gregg Wallace (screenshots via Instagram/YouTube)

More News

Manchester vape company could save Typhoo from administration

Business

Manchester company set to rescue beloved tea brand Typhoo from administration

Katie Walderman replacing Lucy Meacock on Granada Reports ITV

News

ITV confirm Granada Reports replacement after presenter Lucy Meacock’s departure

Police release image of mystery woman whose body was found in River Mersey. Credit: GMP

Manchester

Police release facial reconstruction image of mystery woman whose body was found in River Mersey

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches