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Leeds Man Jailed for Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old Girl

A Leeds man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for s*xually assaulting a teenage girl on Boxing Day. Anthony Higo, 43, was found guilty of s*xual assault by touching at Leeds Crown Court and was denied bail, remanded into custody immediately.

The court heard a harrowing victim personal statement from the young survivor, who described the lasting trauma of the attack. “This incident has had a significant impact on my wellbeing and daily life,” she said. “I often couldn’t sleep properly and would stay awake all night. Sometimes, I couldn’t get out of bed for school.”

She added that she continues to feel terrified when home alone, especially if someone knocks at the door. “I always fear that it is him, despite knowing that he is not allowed to come near my home.”

Child safeguarding detectives have commended the girl’s extraordinary courage throughout the investigation and trial. Alongside his prison sentence, Higo has been placed on the s*x offenders register indefinitely and made subject to both a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Police have praised the victim’s bravery and hope her testimony encourages others to come forward.

Man Jailed for 6 Years for Violent and Sexual Offences Against Teenager

A man has been sentenced to six years in prison following a series of violent and s*xual offences committed against a 16-year-old girl over several months in 2025.

The offender, whose name has not been released, was also handed a 10-year restraining order and placed on the s*x offenders' register. The case was prosecuted under Operation Soteria, a national initiative focused on improving police and CPS responses to s*xual offences.

Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt of Rochdale Police praised the survivor’s "immense bravery," stating: "Her courage not only highlights the personal strength required to confront such trauma but also serves as a beacon of hope for other victims."

He added: "Operation Soteria underscores the importance of victim-focused approaches and collaborative efforts between police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and support services."

Hunt urged anyone who has experienced similar abuse to come forward: "You will always be listened to and supported."

The case has been hailed as a milestone in victim-centred justice, reinforcing that survivors' voices are being heard and validated.

Man Jailed for 20 Years for Unprovoked Stabbing in Huddersfield

A Huddersfield man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted murder following a vicious, unprovoked attack last year.

Sarmad Khawaja, 42, was jailed at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, 31 July, after a jury found him guilty of the attack on Alder Street on 7 August 2025.

Emergency services were called to the address at around 4.20pm after reports that a man had suffered serious stab wounds in the garden of the property. Officers arrived to find that Khawaja had already been disarmed by other people at the scene. He was quickly detained by police and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The victim was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Fortunately, he survived the ordeal.

Khawaja was later charged and appeared before Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 9 August before his trial and conviction.

Detectives described the attack as unprovoked and dangerous, praising the bravery of those who intervened to stop further harm. The court heard how the victim sustained life-threatening injuries but has since been recovering.

The 20-year sentence reflects the severity of the violence and sends a clear message that such offences will not be tolerated.

Brothers in Manchester Airport Brawl Received £113k in Legal Aid

Two brothers involved in a violent clash with police at Manchester Airport have been granted £113,000 in taxpayer-funded legal aid, new figures reveal.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, received the public funds across two trials at Liverpool Crown Court following the July 2024 incident. Shocking footage of the brawl, which went viral, sparked national outrage. The total prosecution cost is estimated at nearly £2 million.

Amaaz was convicted of assaulting two PC’s and a Starbucks customer, receiving a 3.5-year sentence in May. His brother was acquitted of those charges. Both faced a more serious GBH charge against PC Zachary Marsden—the officer filmed kicking Amaaz in the face, which he claimed was to protect female colleagues. Juries failed to reach verdicts on the GBH count, and prosecutors dropped a retrial.

According to FOI data obtained by the Daily Mail, Amaaz received £78,420.42, while Amaad got £34,694.56. Renowned human rights lawyer Imran Khan KC represented Amaaz.

The case has reignited debate over legal aid spending amid a strained justice system.

PC Harper’s Killers Remain Eligible for Early Release Under Prison Scheme

The killers of PC Andrew Harper are among offenders who could still qualify for early release under the government’s emergency prison overcrowding measures, triggering widespread anger from the public, police groups, and politicians.

New exemptions introduced by ministers prevent some serious offenders, including rapists, s*x offenders, and child groomers, from being released early. However, those convicted of manslaughter remain eligible, meaning Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2020 for the death of the Thames Valley police officer, may serve a reduced portion of their sentences.

The driver involved, Henry Long, is serving a life sentence and is not eligible for early release.

PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, described the decision as a “betrayal” and said it was deeply painful for the family. His mother, Debbie Adlam, also criticised the move, saying the justice system had failed her son again.

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said the decision was demoralising for emergency workers, while the government defended the policy as necessary to address the prison capacity crisis.

Man Jailed for Keeping Dead Mother in Freezer for Nearly Three Years

A 60-year-old man who kept his mother's body in a chest freezer for almost three years while claiming £78,190 in her benefits has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

Christopher Phillips was arrested after police discovered the body of Sylvia Phillips, 89, at their home in Porthcawl, Bridgend county, in February 2026. She had died in March 2023.

The court heard Phillips was "exceptionally close" to his adoptive mother. After her death, he bought a freezer, placed her body inside, and moved downstairs to sleep beside it—sometimes opening it to hold her hand. She was found wrapped in a leopard print blanket with roses and a birthday card signed "To Mum, from Christopher and Tina" (the family dog).

Phillips admitted failing to properly bury his mother and fraudulently claiming her pension, housing benefits, and winter fuel allowances. He lied to doctors and police, claiming she had moved to London.

Judge Lloyd-Clarke stated Phillips "deliberately concealed" the death and "took steps to give the impression that she was still alive." Defending, Ruth Smith said Phillips told police: "I basically didn't want to let her go."

A post-mortem could not determine the cause of death, but no suspicious circumstances were found.

WANTED: Police Appeal for Information to Trace Three Men Over Suspected Class A Drug Supply

Police have launched an urgent appeal for information to help locate three men wanted in connection with the suspected supply of large quantities of Class A drugs in the West Midlands.

The wanted men have been identified as Brandon Wesley, 29, Jason Morrall, 40, and Danial Azim, 26. Detectives allege they are linked to the supply of crack co***ne and he**in in Birmingham and are asking the public to assist with their investigation.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of any of the three men is urged not to approach them. Instead, contact police immediately through the live chat service on the force's official website or by calling 999, quoting crime reference number 20/318046/26.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can provide information through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Police say that information from the public can play a vital role in tackling organised crime and removing dangerous drugs from communities. Even information that may seem minor could prove significant to investigators.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to come forward as soon as possible to support ongoing efforts to combat serious drug-related crime in Birmingham and across the West Midlands.

Knife Threat on City Bus Prompts Police Appeal

Greater Manchester Police are appealing for witnesses after a violent altercation aboard a bus heading into the city centre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

At approximately 11.30am, two unknown men became involved in a dispute while travelling on the bus. The confrontation escalated when both men exited the vehicle and continued fighting on Princess Parkway, near the junction with Moss Lane East.

During the struggle, one of the men produced a knife from his bag and pointed it toward the other man's face. No injuries have been reported, but officers describe the incident as "deeply concerning" for public safety.

Police have released images of a man they wish to speak to, believing he may hold vital information about the events. He is described as being in the vicinity at the time and could assist with ongoing enquiries.

Detectives urge anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises the individual pictured to come forward. Information can be shared by calling 101 and quoting crime reference CRI/06A2/0021094/26, or via the LiveChat function at https://orlo.uk/P60c1.

Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Authorities remind the public that carrying or using weapons in public spaces will not be tolerated, and they are committed to ensuring the city's transport network remains safe for all.

Disability Benefits Claimant Filmed Carrying Out Heavy Manual Work Despite Claiming He Was Unable To Walk More Than 20 Metres

Ryan Scott Had Claimed A Workplace Accident Left Him Unable To Carry Out Basic Tasks, Including Lifting A Pan Or Walking More Than 20 Metres.

However, Surveillance Footage Reportedly Showed Scott Climbing Ladders, Carrying Heavy Equipment And Plastering Walls With Apparent Ease.

TWO MEN JAILED FOR ARMED ROBBERY AT NEW MILLS SHOP

Two men have been sentenced to four years each for a gun-and-knife raid on a convenience store in New Mills.

Stephen Bradley, 56, of New Street, and David Oakley, 48, of no fixed address, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 24 June, where they admitted robbery and related weapons offences.

The ordeal unfolded on 26 November when police received reports of two men in balaclavas running up Church Road, one reportedly carrying a pistol. Moments later, a second call confirmed an armed robbery at a local shop, where staff were threatened while thieves stole £4,000 worth of ci******es, £200 in cash, and nine bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

CCTV footage and witness statements identified the pair. Officers quickly traced them to a property on New Street, where they found a large haul of to***co, the missing whiskey, and a silver pellet gun.

Bradley was charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm. Oakley faced robbery and knife possession charges. Both pleaded guilty.

Detectives praised the swift response and CCTV evidence that secured the convictions. The judge condemned the "terrifying" impact on shop workers, who escaped physical harm but were left shaken.

The men will serve four years each behind bars.