News
Two men in court today after gunshots heard during mass brawl in Spinningfields
The fight broke out near the Oast House and BLVD.
A mass brawl over the weekend in Spinningfields, during which it’s believed a gun was discharged, has led to the arrest of two teenage men.
The pair are due to appear in Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today, charged with possessing a firearm.
A large fight broke out on Wood Street shortly after 4am on Saturday 5 November, close to the Oast House and BLVD nightclub.
GMP Detectives say that CCTV shows a number of people in the area as the brawl broke out, with gunshots heard.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, but officers say it could have been a ‘very different story’.
They’re now appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information.
The two men were both remanded into custody following their arrests.
Talib Shabani, 19, of Hattern Avenue in Leicester, has been charged for possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, driving a motor vehicle dangerously and use of a motor vehicle with no third-party insurance.
Abdul Wali, also 19, of no fixed abode, has been charged for possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Detective Inspector Madeline Kelly of GMP’s City of Manchester division said: “Thankfully no one was injured in this incident, however this could have been a very different story, as there were a large number of people in the area at the time.
“We have a dedicated team of Detectives working hard to establish the facts and to understand what preceded this incident, however I would like to stress that we cannot do this alone and often vital evidence lies with witnesses and members of the public.
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“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in or around Wood Street in Manchester City Centre and specifically near to the Oast house and BLVD nightclub at about 4am on Saturday the 5th of November.
“Perhaps you were walking past, or waiting for a taxi nearby and have mobile phone footage of what happened? Maybe you were parked up nearby and have dash cam footage that would assist us? No matter how insignificant it may seem, any information could prove invaluable in solidifying this investigation”.
Anyone with information should contact the police on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident number 536 of 05/11/22.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: Google Maps
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
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GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
- Survivors Manchester – Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured Image – Robert Cuts (via Flickr)
News
Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
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“A review of the incident will take place.”
Featured Image – Jaleel Akbash (via Unsplash)
Daisy Jackson -
7th November 2022 
