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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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
20th March 2024 
