Search Results

Four girls who came forward after being groomed and blackmailed by a stranger into providing indecent content of themselves have been praised for their bravery and courage. Ben Dodd targeted the girls, aged 14 to 17, through social media and encouraged them to send him images and videos of a sexual nature. He then blackmailed them into sending him more material by threatening to share the content with their friends and family. On Friday 14 August he was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court for 15 offences after pleading guilty in March this year. He was given a two-year custodial sentence, suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation order. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 10 years. Following the sentence of the 20-year-old, DC Heather North, officer in the case, wanted to praise the girls for having the courage to report Dodd to police and encourage any other victims to come forward. It comes as Leicestershire Police recently began supporting the national campaign It Does Matter that aims to raise awareness of the importance of reporting non-contact sexual offences. These can often be early warning signs of escalating sexual violence. DC North said: “The courage these girls have shown in telling their parents and supporting a police investigation is remarkable. I would like to thank them and their families for their continued support and engagement throughout this extremely difficult process. “I am immensely proud of each of them for their bravery and determination. It is because they chose to speak out we have been able to ensure a dangerous sex offender has been held accountable for the abuse and trauma he has caused these girls. "We know many victims of online sexual offending, harassment and exploitation do not report what has happened to them because they fear they will not be believed or feel embarrassed about speaking out. Through the It Does Matter campaign; we want people to understand that this behaviour is never acceptable and that reporting concerns can help protect others from harm. “I believe there are more girls out there who have been groomed by Dodd and have been left feeling fearful of any repercussions if they told anyone. To them I would say, you are not alone and what has happened to you is nothing to be ashamed of. Please talk to someone so you can get the help and support you need and report to the police so we can investigate any offences.” Police investigation into Dodd’s offending Police were first alerted to Dodd’s offending in December 2023, when a 17‑year‑old girl reported being persuaded by him to send an indecent image of herself in exchange for money after he befriended her on Facebook. When she asked him to delete the picture he threatened to share it with her family and friends if she didn’t send more images and videos. While he was being investigated for this offence, Leicestershire Police in May 2024, received another report of similar offences by an unidentified account on Snapchat. Devon and Cornwall police also received a report in June 2024 from a 14-year-old concerning similar behaviour. Checks carried out by police were quickly able to link these reports to Dodd and his home address in Wyville Road, Leicester. Examination of Dodd’s digital devices further identified another girl, aged 16, from Staffordshire. Dodd was found to have been screenshotting the images he received in order to keep them stored on his devices. During interactions with two of the girls he has also shared sexual images and videos of himself. Dodd was charged with 22 offences which occurred between December 2022 and March 2025. He pleaded guilty to 17 and the remaining five were discontinued by the CPS. He was sentenced to the below 15 offences on Friday after a further two were discontinued: Nine counts of making indecent images of children Two counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child Two counts of threatening to share an intimate photograph Two counts of sending photographs or films of genitals to cause alarm, distress or humiliation DC North added: ““The investigation involved close collaboration with several police forces across the country, with victims identified in multiple locations. “These girls were from across the UK yet the way in which Dodd interacted with the girls and groomed them for his own sexual gratification was very similar. “He clearly believed what he was doing was working and because he was operating online he wouldn’t get caught or the girls he was blackmailing would be too frightened to tell anyone - but he was wrong, and the courage of these victims has ensured he has been brought to justice.” Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby said: “This case highlights the dangers faced by young people when sharing images online. Once an image or video is sent, control is often lost, and offenders can use this material to threaten, coerce and exploit victims. “Young people are urged never to share indecent images, even with someone they believe they trust. Anyone who is contacted online and pressured, threatened or made to feel uncomfortable should stop engaging and tell a trusted adult immediately. “If you are a victim of a sexual offence or online exploitation, help and support is available. You can contact the police at any time. If you do not feel ready to do so, consider speaking to a parent, teacher, carer, or another trusted person who can help you access the support you need.” For information and advice, visit: https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/gr/grooming/ https://livesafe.org.uk/young-people/staying-safe-online/ https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/online-safety/sexting-sharing-nudes-semi-nudes Non-contact sexual offences are serious. They matter. We are campaign partners of It Does Matter that aims to raise awareness of offences like indecent exposure, voyeurism, cyberflashing, upskirting, stalking, catcalling and spiking — behaviours that have often been minimised or ignored. These offences can be early warning signs of escalating violence and are a key part of tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Created with the support of Lisa Squire, whose daughter Libby was tragically murdered by someone with a history of non-contact sexual offences, It Does Matter empowers people to speak up, stand together and stay safe. For more information or to make a report: https://leicspolice.link/aguab Leicestershire Police News

A police cordon is in place on Fosse recreation park in Leicester this morning. A police tent has been erected near to a line of trees. We have contacted Leicestershire police for more information on this incident. More to follow.

Updated News A 14-year-old reported missing yesterday (Monday 17 August) has been found.

Traffic News Road traffic collision on Melton Road junction with Checketts Road, Involving a bus and car. County bound traffic on Melton can only turn right onto Marfitt Street, and City Bound can only turn right onto Checketts Road. Partial junction closure due to oil spill. City cleansing have been called to the scene. Please avoid the area if possible. Update 09:30 The road is now fully opened.

Updated 21:45 A 70-year-old woman reported missing from her home address in Spinney Hill, Leicester, has been found. Leicestershire Police - Published: 19:50 17/08/2026

Leicester Mela Festival returns to Abbey Park on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026, bringing two unforgettable days of Indian arts, culture, music, food and fashion to the heart of the city. Running from 12pm–7pm each day, the festival features headline acts, an Indian circus, over 100 shopping and food stalls, live performances, workshops, funfair rides, arts and crafts, and lots of free activities for children. Pictures by Craig Thorpe Leicester Media Online Pictures by Glenn Corbett Leicester Media Online Pictures by Craig Thorpe Leicester Media Online

Gardeners in Aylestone have teamed up with the city council to create a new communal allotment plot. Members of the Rookeries Allotment & Garden Society, based at allotments on Paget Street, have created the plot to help older members who want to carry on gardening but might not be able to manage a whole plot themselves. The society applied for ward community funding to carry out the project, and was awarded £3,351. Each ward in the city is allocated a yearly budget which can be used to support projects that bring benefits to the local community, with applications considered by ward councillors. They also put their own funds into the project, and received sponsorship support from local businesses A&J Roofing and Premier Plastering. The gardeners used the money and sponsorship to create raised beds on a previously overgrown, underused, sloping plot. The raised beds will make it easier for older people to carry on gardening. They also added a shed, greenhouse and seating area so that gardeners can sit and chat. Committee member Wendy Cook said: “For a lot of our older members, visiting the allotment is as much about the social side as it is about gardening. Our oldest member is 92 and still going strong! “But we noticed that when people can no longer cope with a full plot, they can drift away. Creating this area means they can still come and socialise and do a bit of gardening without having to commit to a full plot. “It means we will still get to see our friends and keep in touch while doing the hobby we love.” Deputy city mayor for environment Cllr Adam Clarke, who is also one of the ward councillors for Aylestone, said: “I’m very pleased to be providing ward community funding for this hugely worthwhile project. We know how valuable allotments are to people and we’re committed to working closely with our allotment societies to keep these important green spaces available for people to enjoy. “Allotments are an integral part of Leicester’s food plan, providing local produce with zero air miles, as well as supporting our urban wildlife. They have enormous environmental value.” Assistant city mayor for public health Cllr Vi Dempster added: “This project highlights how beneficial gardening can be to both your physical and mental health. Gardeners here have recognised that getting together to socialise is just as important as the gardening itself, and they’ve come up with a plan to support their older members so that can carry on being a part of their community. What a fantastic cause for us to be able to support.” The plot has been created after months of work, in time for the allotments’ annual payments to be taken next month. It means that if members do want to give up a bigger plot, these can then be offered to people on the waiting list. Find out more about allotments across Leicester, including how to apply for one, at https://www.leicester.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/allotments/

Allotments in Leicester are opening their gates to anyone who would like to find out more about growing your own food. Over the next couple of weeks, several local allotment societies are holding open days and shows to demonstrate just how enjoyable it can be to grow your own fruit, veg and herbs. On Saturday 22 August, Washbrook Allotment Society on Welford Road will hold an open day from 1-4pm, offering refreshments, children’s activities and a nature trail. On Sunday 23 August, from 10am-2pm, Rowley Fields Allotment Society on Meredith Road will be holding their open day. As part of the event, trophies will be given out to winners of the Best Allotment Plot competition, as judged by the Leicester Allotments and Gardens Council. This year there is also a special judges’ award for an outstanding plot holder, who has transformed an overgrown site into an allotment haven in just a few months. On 5 September, the Braunstone Town Community Allotments Society will open their gates from 10am-2pm, offering refreshments and tabletop stalls with prizes. And on 6 September, Stokeswood Allotments will be holding their annual horticultural show, from 12-4pm. Allotmenteers will be displaying their finest produce, with exhibits including vegetables, fruit, flowers, baking, preserves and crafts. There’s also a mini scarecrow trail for children with prizes, as well as refreshments, raffles and plant sales. Assistant city mayor responsible for allotments and community growing, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Our allotments are very popular, with more than 3,000 plots in the city, spread across 43 sites. These open days are great for families and anyone considering starting an allotment themselves. “Society members with years of experience will be on hand to offer their advice and talk about the many benefits of growing your own Gardening is fantastic for your physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s also a great way to make new friends.” Some of the city’s allotments do have waiting lists. Find out more about allotments and other growing spaces in Leicester at leicester.gov.uk/culture-and-sport/allotments-and-other-growing-spaces LCC News - Published on Monday, August 17, 2026

A dangerous motorist from North-West Leicestershire has been banned from driving after being caught travelling at more than twice the speed limit on a county road. Elliot Cave, 33, of The Moorlands, Coleorton, was detected driving his Honda Civic at 77mph in a 30mph section of the A511 Bardon Road near Coalville on 28 May this year. Mr Cave pleaded guilty to the offence at Leicester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 11th August and was disqualified from driving for four months. He was also ordered to pay a £140 fine, £130 in court costs and a £56 victim surcharge. Matthew Chester, Road Safety Unit Manager at Leicestershire Police, said: “Speeding is one of the main complaints we receive from local communities, and we are constantly dealing with very high volumes of speeding offences. “Whether it be via our fleet of speed camera vans, fixed roadside speed cameras, the enforcement efforts of local police officers, regular FATAL4 operations or Community Speed Watch schemes, we are committed to reacting to community concerns about excessive speeds and keeping the roads of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safe for everyone. “We encourage local residents to contact us with their road safety concerns online via Speed or Safety Community Reporting in order to help us keep a record of those roads on which there is a perceived problem with excessive speeds. “If a specific location meets our camera criteria following a covert speed survey it will be considered suitable for speed enforcement.” The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership and Leicestershire Police continue to work with our local communities to tackle dangerous driving and improve road safety through enforcement, education and partnership working.

‘For the Love of Jazz’ returned to Leicester yesterday for its fifth year, bringing an extraordinary lineup of jazz musicians from across the UK. For the Love of Jazz Festival 2026 came to life thanks to public funding and support from Arts Council England. Organised by Leicester's Cosmopolitan Arts (recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England), a driving force behind captivating live music, dance, and combined arts in Leicester since 2011. We would like to give a very special thank you to Leicester Cathedral, Leicester Jazz House, and MJazz for their continuing partnership and support of For the Love of Jazz Festival. For more information, please click the button below and follow us on social media. Facebook: Cosmopolitan Arts | Instagram: @CosmopolitanArts I LinkedIn: Cosmopolitan Arts Find out more click the button below Pictures by Trevor Sewell - Leicester Media Online

On demand service passes milestone as it supports local communities Leicestershire’s on-demand transport service, FoxConnect, is celebrating a major milestone after completing 100,000 passenger journeys. The on-demand local transport service in conjunction with Centrebus and Premier Taxis provides flexible, bookable transport in 11 operating zones and has quickly become a valuable travel option, helping people access work, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure across the county. Since its launch in January 2025, over 8,000 residents have signed up to use the Leicestershire County Council run service. It has received a positive response, with passengers rating their journeys an average of 4.8 out of 5 over the past six months. Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray, cabinet member for highways and transport said: “This milestone highlights the growing popularity of demand-responsive transport and the role that FoxConnect plays in improving connectivity for local communities. “Reaching 100,000 journeys is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates just how valuable the service has become in helping residents get to where they need to be in a flexible, convenient and affordable way. “We will continue to work with passengers and partners to ensure the service remains accessible, affordable and responsive to residents' needs.” Jacqui, a local resident in North West Leicestershire, said: "Having recently reduced from two cars to one, I needed a way to get to Castle Donington while my husband was using the car and I was relieved when I remembered that there was a FoxConnect service that goes there. “I put several different times into the app to see when it expected to get me there and to allow for the short walk to meet my friend. Although I was initially given a 30-minute collection window, I later received a more precise pick-up time and was able to track the bus on the map as it approached my stop, so I knew exactly where it was. “All in all, it was an efficient and easy journey. The driver was incredibly friendly, and the service was very good value for money. “I would definitely recommend it and plan to use the service again.” David Brookes, managing director at Centrebus, said: “Reaching 100,000 journeys on FoxConnect is a fantastic milestone, and one we're incredibly proud of. “It's a great example of what can be achieved through close partnership working with Leicestershire County Council, bringing a flexible, on-demand bus service to communities in rural Leicestershire who might otherwise struggle to get where they need to go. “Thanks to the council and to our drivers and team for making this possible, and we're looking forward to connecting many more communities in the years ahead.” FoxConnect offers free travel after 9.30am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays for older and disabled person's bus pass holders and children under five, as well as half-price fares for young people aged 5-19. Journeys can be booked through the Leicestershire FoxConnect app, or by calling the telephone booking line on 0116 216 7756. Rides can be booked up to seven days in advance or up to 45 minutes before the journey on a first come, first served basis. There are regular FoxConnect drop-in sessions across the service area, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about the service, collect information, and get support with app or telephone bookings. Parish councils and community groups interested in arranging a session can get in touch with the team by emailing the Choose How You Move team. Leicestershire County Council News

‘For the Love of Jazz’ returns to Leicester for its fifth year, bringing an extraordinary lineup of jazz musicians from across the UK. Come and experience the unmissable energy and excellence of live jazz! Come along to our annual free festival in Jubilee Square. Plus, enjoy two ticketed events at Leicester Cathedral. For the Love of Jazz - Live Events Cosmopolitan Arts is excited to partner with Leicester Cathedral for two incredible events. Location: Leicester Cathedral Admission: Ticketed. Thursday 13th of August, 7:30 - 10 pm Purchase from Eventbrite Experience the last live show of Leicester’s incredible STATUS TRIO, as they jam with 11 local jazz artists. Friday 14th of August, 7:30 - 10 pm Purchase from Eventbrite Join Jazz FM legend TONY MINVIELLE and guests for an evening of live jazz music interspersed with stories of his life and career. Featuring performances from London-based trumpeter GRIFTON FORBES-AMOS who fuses jazz with Soul, Gospel and Latin influences, and Leeds-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist EVE BUCKLEY who combines a rich hybrid of alternative-soul and jazz infused pop. For the Love of Jazz Festival Saturday 15th of August, 1 - 8:30 pm FREE EVENT Location: Jubilee Square. Cosmopolitan Arts’ free jazz festival returns to Leicester city centre! Enjoy a full day of music at Jubilee Square, with food stalls and free activities for kids! This year, the phenomenal KNATS are headlining. Recently shortlisted for a Mercury Prize, Knats are a hard-hitting trio from Newcastle upon Tyne, channelling rock grit, fusion fire and floor-filling grooves into a bold new sound they call “Geordie Jazz” Described by Jazzwise as “one of the most exciting new bands in the UK” in the words of The Guardian they “gleefully rewire jazz with a hard-as-nails rhythm section, drum’n’bass energy and punk aggression.” Catch their set at 7pm. Experience an unforgettable day of jazz, with a dynamic lineup of high-calibre musicians. LISA MILLETT QUINENT are combining old & modern jazz standards, as well as original works, to leave your soul satisfied! Hailing from London is SUEDEJAZZ; a multicultural collective integrating contemporary jazz, hip-hop, progressive rock, spiritual, ambient and afrobeat. See virtuoso saxophonist and composer KAIDI AKINNIBI push boundaries with genre-bending modern jazz. Watch vocalist INEZA blend contemporary jazz with soul and folk influences, using powerful storytelling and expressive improvisation. See DAVID KAYODE, a London-based saxophonist, composer and bandleader rooted in Yorubatradition, Afro-diasporic rhythm and contemporary jazz. Experience DENNIS ROLLINS’ FUNKY-FUNK! Dennis Rollins has lent his trombone skills to an array of jazz, funk and groove personalities. A chameleon in the jazz world, here he presents ‘FUNKY-FUNK!’ An electrifying 4-piece outfit playing deep funky grooves with fat bass-lines and sumptuous melodies. Between sets, experience ‘Jazz on Vinyl’ from Leicester icon The Basement Presents! For the Love of Jazz Festival 2026 comes to life thanks to public funding and support from Arts Council England. Organised by Leicester's Cosmopolitan Arts (recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England), a driving force behind captivating live music, dance, and combined arts in Leicester since 2011. We would like to give a very special thank you to Leicester Cathedral, Leicester Jazz House, and MJazz for their continuing partnership and support of For the Love of Jazz Festival. For more information, please click the button below and follow us on social media. Facebook: Cosmopolitan Arts | Instagram: @CosmopolitanArts I LinkedIn: Cosmopolitan Arts Contact: info@cosmopolitanarts.co.uk UPDATED Check out the pictures here