A man from Oldham has been sentenced to life behind bars after being found guilty of murdering his friend.
Lee Francis Burns, of Worsley Street in Oldham, was yesterday (22 May) sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for murdering 45-year-old Vincent McDonagh late last year, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed.
His sentencing comes after police were called to reports of a man being unconscious in the street on Abbey Hills Road in Oldham at around 11:55pm on Thursday 9 November 2023.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Vincent McDonagh – who was known as Vinny – with a “serious head injury”, but despite the best efforts of all emergency services involved, he he tragically passed away a short time later.
The court heard yesterday how the two “supposed friends” first headed out to a local pub.
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After Vinny gave Burns £20 to buys some drinks, both men decided to play some pool, and then, after half an hour of being at the pub, the pair engaged in “verbal altercation” – but this “quickly ended with a handshake”.
Abbey Hills Road in Oldham, where the tragic incident occurred last year / Credit: Google Maps
As the night went on, the pals continued drinking and subsequently left the pub “in good spirits” at around 10:50pm, but CCTV footage appeared to show the men engaging in another verbal altercation as they were walking home, which then went on to become “physical”.
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According to GMP, Burns punched Vinny in the arm, which caused him to slip and end up on the floor, and although Vinny tried to fend off Burns using his leg as a shield, the latter remained intent on “escalating the violence”, and after managing to get around his friend, Burns then followed-up with punches to knock Vinny unconscious, and finished off with further punches and stamps to the head before leaving the area and heading home.
When Burns arrived home, he apparently said to a neighbour “I think I’ve killed Vinny, I’ve stamped on his head”.
Less than six hours later, Burns was arrested on suspicion of murder after officers established his identity following “extensive CCTV research”.
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#JAILED | Lee Francis Burns has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years for murdering Vinny McDonagh.
The supposed friends went out drinking before a verbal altercation became physical.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2024
Throughout the trial, GMP says Burns “maintained innocence” and claimed he was “acting in self-defence”.
Speaking following Burns being sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison yesterday, Detective Inspector Paul Davies, from GMP’s Serious Crime Division, explained: “Our investigation has been meticulous, and we were able to draw up a timeline of both men’s movements, securing CCTV and audio footage from local premises.
“I would like to thank the initial attending officers and the investigating team whose swift actions, hard work, and dedication ensured Burns was identified and arrested within a short space of time.
“We will continue to support Vinny’s family in every way we can, and I hope today’s result can go some way to providing closure for them.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Swinton women’s Lionesses rebrand is officially off the ground
Danny Jones
Following an initial announcement late last year, local rugby club Swinton Lions’ women’s team has finally and fully rebranded as Manchester Swinton Lionesses.
The Salford-founded rugby league club, whose men’s team competes in the RFL Championship, has a long and rich competitive history, as well as a fervent male and female following in the area.
As one of the most important and well-established outfits in women’s rugby, Swinton Lions have not only officially relaunched as the Lionesses from 2026 onwards, but are looking to re-establish themselves as their own entity and a competitive powerhouse capable of competing at the top level.
In case you hadn’t heard about the rebrand up until now, you can get a closer look at changes not only to the name but the club crest and more.
As you can see, not only is the shift towards Manchester rather than just strictly Swinton a concerted effort to broaden the supporter base across all 10 boroughs, but there are some key tweaks to the new Lionesses badge.
Changing the design of the lion logo itself – as well as citing 2020 as a key date in this rebirth (i.e. the short-lived push to be renamed the ‘Manchester Lions’), which is more than half a decade in the making – they’re heading into the new year with both a new name and a slightly new look.
Just as reported by the likes of sports journalist Johnny Davidson back in November, however, the title and insignia have been a long time coming.
As per a press release by the club at the time, besides new kits and some key admin, “This evolution is about more than a new name or logo; it’s about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.”
They insist that the aim is to be a “progressive club that’s proud of its history but unafraid to innovate”, also looking to attract new investors and commercial partners – such as Superfly Sports Flags, which will now appear on the likes of players’ shorts and boot bags, as well as around Heywood Road.
'The Swinton Lionesses today proudly announced the launch of their new identity – the Manchester Swinton Lionesses – marking an exciting new chapter not only for women’s rugby league but for the evolution and ambition of one of the sport’s most historic clubs.
Women’s captain Sammi Simpson went on to state: “We’re so proud of what this team has achieved in such a short time, and this next step feels like a natural evolution.
“Wearing ‘Manchester Swinton Lionesses’ on our shirts will remind us of where we’ve come from — and how far we can go together. We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”
Even Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his excitement, adding: “Manchester is a city built on sport, strength, and community — and the Manchester Swinton Lionesses embody all of that.
“This new identity is a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading and the role Greater Manchester will play in shaping that future.”
As any rugby fan will know, this isn’t the only rebirth of a local sporting institution currently taking place over in Salford.
New landmark chickenpox vaccine begins UK rollout to protect thousands of children
Emily Sergeant
A new landmark chickenpox vaccine is beginning its rollout across the UK in a bid to help protect hundreds of thousands of children.
Chickenpox is a common infection in children that spreads easily.
It is usually mild but it can lead to serious complications which need hospitalisation, including chest infections and fits. The latest Government data indicates that half of children will contract chickenpox by the age of four, and 90% by the age of 10.
Currently, children who catch chickenpox are typically advised to stay off school until all spots have formed a scab – which is usually five days after the spots appear.
But now, this new vaccine will mean children can miss fewer days in nursery or school, and reduce time parents need to take off work to care for them.
Hundreds of thousands of young children are now being offered the chickenpox protection as part of routine NHS childhood vaccinations.
The combined vaccine adds chickenpox protection to the existing measles, mumps and rubella schedule.
Surprisingly, it’s estimated that around £24 million is lost in income and productivity every year in the UK due to childhood chickenpox, so not only will the new vaccine rollout save money this way, but it is also expected to save the NHS a whopping £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.
The new vaccine comes following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations – with a combined MMRV vaccine replacing the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella).
From now on, GP practices on the NHS will start to offer children the combined MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age.
Dr Claire Fuller, who is the National Medical Director for NHS England, called the rollout a ‘hugely positive moment’ for children and their families.
“From now, the combined vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox will be available at children’s routine vaccination appointments to keep children healthier and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses,” commented Dr Fuller.
“The new vaccine will also help the health service move its focus from sickness to prevention, and keep more children safe and in school.”
Featured Image – Jonny McCullagh (via Wikimedia Commons)
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2024 
