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Serving Manchester police officer charged with sexually assaulting a child under 13

He appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 1 January).

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 2nd January 2024

A serving Greater Manchester Police officer has been charged with sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13.

Following an extensive investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), PC Dean Dempster has now been charged with sexual assault on a child under 13 and misconduct in a public office, it has been confirmed.

The 35-year-old was posted to GMP’s Oldham district at the time of the offences, and is currently remanded in custody.

Mr Dempster has since been been suspended from duty, and GMP has confirmed that misconduct proceedings will resume once criminal proceedings have been concluded.

Addressing the offences, and providing an update on the current proceedings, GMP said in a statement shared on its website: “On Sunday 31 December 2023, serving GMP officer PC Dean Dempster, who was posted to GMP’s Oldham district, was charged with sexual assault on a child under 13 and misconduct in a public office, following an investigation by GMP.

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“He has been remanded into custody and will attend Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Monday 1 January 2024.

Greater Manchester Police. Credit: GMP
Serving Manchester police officer charged with sexually assaulting a child under 13 / Credit: GMP

“The officer has been suspended from duty and misconduct proceedings will resume upon the conclusion of criminal proceedings.”

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He appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 1 January 2024).

No further information has been provided at this time.

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If any additional updates on the case are provided in the future, Greater Manchester Police will be the one to share them first.

Featured Image – GMP

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‘Unsettled week’ of wind, rain, and snow could greet Mancs into the new year

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A mix of weather conditions could be expected to hit the north across the new year weekend – including wind, rain, and snow.

As Greater Manchester prepares to enter 2025, it looks like we’ll be bringing our usual moody weather along with us too, as starting today and running right through until the end of this week, Mancs can expect some not-so-pleasant conditions to accompany this party season.

The Met Office has described this period as ‘an unsettled week’.

While forecasters are encouraging people to keep checking for further weather updates where possible, thankfully, this turbulent spell of weather is only predicted to stick around until Thursday (2 January) – with no warnings issued for this Friday (3 January) or the weekend so far.

In a video shared to the Met Office’s X account, the visual shows that the most severe cases of wet and windy conditions look like on New Year’s Day itself (Wednesday 1 January), where there is even some snow forecasted for certain areas.

“Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week,” warned Andy Page, who is the Chief Forecaster at the Met Office.

He continued: “With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.”

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How ever you plan to celebrate the New Year season, make sure you double check weather reports and updates on the Met Office’s official site first.

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Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

News

Picturesque Greater Manchester railway granted £1.3m to restore historic viaduct

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of Greater Manchester’s most picturesque railways has been given substantial funding to restore a historic viaduct along the line.

As part of the Government‘s wider Plan for Change, the Bury-based heritage railway, East Lancashire Railway (ELR), has been awarded more than £1.3 million in grants to carry out urgent repair work to the Higher Woodhill Viaduct – which is on the edge of Burrs Country Park, in the heart of the stunning Irwell Valley.

Repairs to the historic viaduct, which goes past the site of the former Higher Woodhill Mill, were last carried out all the way back in 1932.

But now, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has granted the funding for restoration through its ‘Community Ownership Fund’, alongside three local authorities from Bury, Rochdale, and the nearby Rossendale in Lancashire, all putting in a further £276,000 in match funding.

Important supporters of the railway, such as members of the public and local businesses, have also added a few thousand pounds more to the project.

While inspections to the structure and safety of the viaduct are carried out on a regular basis, ELR assures, it was flagged earlier in 2024 that long-term repairs would be required to allow for the “continued level of use” of steam and heritage diesel trains along the line.

Speaking on the funding being granted, Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, commented: “This is a major investment for the future and a massive vote of confidence for our dedicated volunteers and staff to help secure the railway’s infrastructure for years to come.

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“Now with this fantastic news, we are able to continue running our award-winning events and services without disruption for future generations to enjoy, thanks to the generosity and support of the East Lancashire Railway Trust, our local community partners and supporters, as well as local and national politicians.”

Essential maintenance works are due to start next year in the spring.

Featured Image – Supplied

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