The number of deaths and hospital admissions as a result of knife crime in Greater Manchester has seen a “significant reduction”, according to new figures.
The new figures have been released as the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) – which was set up in 2009, and brings together Greater Manchester Police (GMP), National Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice and local authorities to address the underlying causes of violent crime and work together with communities to prevent it – has published its annual report this week.
The VRU says it report attempts to detail the impact of its work in reducing violence and building aspirations among young people living in the region.
New figures from the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit's annual report show a significant reduction in hospital admissions due to assault by a sharp object, and homicides involving a knife.
— Greater Manchester Combined Authority (@greatermcr) May 11, 2023
According to the figures published in the report, there were fewer than 90 hospital admissions due to assault by a sharp object among victims aged under 25 in 2022 – which is down by 17% compared to 2021, and down by 26% compared to the year pre-COVID.
There has also been a “significant decrease” in the number of deaths too, as in 2022, they were down by 27% compared to 2021.
So-called ‘knife enabled homicides’ were also down by 19% compared to 2021.
Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor Kate Green – who also serves as the region’s lead on policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire – says it’s “positive” to see some progress in the figures and to see knife-related attacks and deaths on the decline.
Number of people killed or injured in knife attacks ‘significantly’ down in Greater Manchester / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“These reductions are the result of the hard work of the VRU, Greater Manchester Police, partner organisations, and our communities, who all work tirelessly to keep our young people safe and to educate them in the devastating consequences of serious violence,” Ms Green added.
“However, we know we are still not where we need to be.
“People living in Greater Manchester do continue to be victims of serious violence and knife crime, and tragically sometimes lose their lives.
“Through continued funding from the Home Office, and the implementation of the Serious Violence Duty, the VRU, GMP and all our partners, will continue to work with young people across Greater Manchester to lead them towards alternatives to violence, and ensure our communities are safe now and in the future.”
Former doctor jailed for sexually assaulting patients in his care in Wigan
Emily Sergeant
A former doctor has been jailed after being found guilty of sexually assaulting patients in his care in Wigan.
Vijay Gaikwad, from the Lowton area of Wigan, appeared at Bolton Crown Court last week, and was convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault following a thorough investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), alongside the ‘courageous’ testimonies of the victims.
The 44-year-old psychiatrist was found guilty of sexually assaulting three patients under his care.
The offences, according to GMP and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), occurred during medical appointments between 2019 and 2020 made to discuss their mental health and ongoing medication, where Gaikwad exploited his position of trust to inappropriately touch the victims.
In each appointment, Gaikwad suggested that he needed to carry out a physical examination of the women.
During the examination, he touched and squeezed their breasts, despite there being no medical need for him to do so.
Vijay Gaikwad, 44, has been found guilty of sexual assault after inappropriately touching three female patients during unnecessary physical examinations.
In his police interviews, Gaikwad denied carrying out physical examinations of the women’s breasts, and further denied sexually assaulting his patients.
Gaikwad was sentenced to six years in prison last week.
“As a Doctor, Vijay Gaikwad was trusted by his patients,” commented Gill Petrovic, who is the Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West.
“He abused that trust by sexually assaulting three patients in his care. Gaikwad’s sickening actions have had a profound impact on the women who came to him for help. One woman told police that she had self-harmed after this incident because it had upset her so much.
“Gaikwad failed to take responsibility for his actions, making them relive their abuse at trial.”
Detective Constable Lucy Page added: “Gaikwad abused his position of trust in the most egregious manner, and today’s outcome reflects the seriousness of his actions. This sentencing will provide some sense of justice for the victims.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Drake postpones massive Manchester gig set to take place at Co-op Live
Daisy Jackson
Drake has postponed one of his scheduled shows at the huge Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
The rapper has already performed two nights at the venue and was set to return on Monday for a third concert.
But with just 24 hours to go, organisers have announced that the show has been postponed due to ‘unforeseen logistics’.
Ticket-holders were notified of the cancellation via email from Ticketmaster.
A statement said: “Due to unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics, tomorrow’s performance in Manchester on July 28th has been rescheduled.
“The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, August 5th, and it’s set to be an unforgettable night.
“All tickets remain valid for the new date – we can’t wait to see you there!”
Cheers Drake, cancelling Manchester show the day before, and rescheduling for the day I go on holiday 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲 pic.twitter.com/0D7pJjlLGd
The Canadian hitmaker has just come off the back of three very impressive nights at one of the biggest music events of the year, Wireless Festival, and is now embarking on a tour of the UK and Europe.
Drake has solidified his position in the rap field, dropping bangers from 2006 and since then, he’s gone on to have some of the most streamed tracks of all time with ‘One Dance’ and ‘God’s Plan’.
The postponed Drake concert will take place at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Tuesday 5 August.
Emily Sergeant -
16th May 2023 
