The Home Office-backed scheme 'Ask for ANI' is now operating in over half of all UK pharmacies including independents and chains such as Boots and Superdrug. On the first anniversary of its launch, the Home Secretary Priti Patel today hails the success of the innovative scheme which enables those at risk or suffering from domestic abuse to discreetly signal their need for help from the safety of their local pharmacy. In its first year, the scheme has provided emergency support to at least 100 victims across all four corners of the UK, with the figure expected to be higher due to voluntary reporting. The innovative scheme is just one of a number of measures the government has taken to improve support for victims of domestic abuse over the last year, including giving more than £28 million to domestic abuse organisations and the introduction of a Domestic Abuse Commissioner. The government also introduced the landmark Domestic Abuse Act which will help millions of people by establishing a statutory definition of domestic abuse, supporting victims of all genders and giving police extra powers. At the height of the pandemic, the Home Office launched the #YouAreNotAlone communications campaign signposting support to those at risk of domestic abuse. The #YouAreNotAlone campaign has reached millions of people through digital advertising, celebrity and influencer support and specialist community engagement activity with campaign materials translated into 16 languages. As essential retailers with specifically trained staff on high streets across the country, pharmacies can provide a safe space for victims to sound an alarm if they are isolated at home with their abuser and unable to get help in another way. ANI is a codeword for Action Needed Immediately. By asking for ANI, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access support services such as national or local domestic abuse helplines. The anniversary of the Ask for ANI scheme comes as Parliament considers the final stages of the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which will put further safeguards in law to support victims of domestic abuse, including giving victims longer to report offences to the police, so that abusers do not evade justice. In another move, the Domestic Abuse Strategy will be published later this year and will seek to transform the whole of society’s response to domestic abuse in order to prevent offending, support victims and pursue perpetrators, as well as strengthen the systems in place to deliver these objectives. The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said: Any form of domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime and this government is both increasing support for victims and ensuring that perpetrators feel the full force of the law. The Ask for ANI scheme has had a successful first year and is a great example of government, businesses and charities working together to provide vital support to victims. I urge all pharmacies to get on board with the scheme as we look to expand it and explore other spaces that could be used for the same purpose. As Home Secretary, tackling domestic abuse is a top priority for me and I am taking on board victims’ concerns and giving the police the powers they need to bring those responsible to justice. Suzanne Jacob OBE, Chief Executive of SafeLives said: The Ask for ANI codeword scheme provides a vital lifeline for domestic abuse victims trapped by their perpetrators. Survivors of domestic abuse are experts by their experience, and it was survivors who first asked for this codeword scheme early in the pandemic. A trip to a pharmacy might be a critical opportunity for someone to get the help they desperately need. A year on, we are very pleased to see this scheme going from strength to strength and hope that more retailers participate so that all victims across the country have this route to safety. Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive at the National Pharmacy Association said: Many independent pharmacies have joined this important Home Office scheme, because they recognise the clear and urgent need to support victims of domestic abuse in their local communities. Many survivors have benefited from the Ask for ANI scheme, but the tragedy is that there are many more at risk. By taking part, community pharmacies have shown once again that they are so much more than just a place to pick up pills – they are a community asset and a local lifeline. Marc Donovan, Boots Chief Pharmacist said: Boots pharmacies have long been a place where people can turn to for help and advice on their local high street. The Ask for ANI scheme offers a real lifeline to people who feel in danger at home and has enabled our pharmacy teams to provide discreet support to them. We are very proud to work with the Home Office on this important initiative. Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia said: We know from our work supporting victims of domestic that during the pandemic, home has not been a safe place for them, with abuse escalating and support networks cut off. It is vital that victims of domestic abuse know that they are not alone. With Safe Spaces and ANI now running in over half of all UK pharmacies, anyone enduring domestic abuse can access specialist support discretely on their local high streets. The success of these initiatives has shown the critical role that businesses and communities can play in breaking the silence around domestic abuse. As restrictions ease, we hope to continue building partnerships to ensure every victim can get the support they need. The Home Office New Release

Vile racist language and other online abuse connected to football could see offenders banned from attending matches in England and Wales for up to 10 years. The Home Secretary Priti Patel is bringing forward legislation so that football banning orders, which can currently be imposed on people convicted of violence, disorder and racist or homophobic chanting, will be extended to cover online hate offences. The move comes after black players in the England football team were subject to disgraceful racism following the Euro 2020 final, and the Prime Minister pledged to get tougher on online abusers. The new law is expected to take the form of an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and will be brought forward early in the new year. Home Secretary Priti Patel said: This summer we saw the beautiful game marred by disgraceful racism from online trolls, who hid behind their keyboards and abused our footballers. Racism is unacceptable and for too long football has been marred by this shameful prejudice. Those responsible for appalling racist abuse online must be punished. The changes to the law I am announcing will make sure they are banned from attending football matches. Football banning orders bar the individual from going to regulated football matches for 3 to 10 years. Latest statistics show there are currently over 1,300 football banning orders in force across England and Wales. They are issued either following a conviction for a football-related offence or following a complaint by a local police force, British Transport Police or the Crown Prosecution Service. These agencies can make an application to the court to make an order in respect of a person who has at any time caused or contributed to football related violence or disorder whether in the UK or elsewhere. Breach of a football banning order is a criminal offence and is punishable by a maximum sentence of 6 months in prison, an unlimited fine or both. In addition, a further order may be imposed. They are time limited – orders expire and new ones are imposed all the time. Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, said: Racist abuse flooding footballers’ social media feeds all hours of the day has a profound impact on everyone involved in the game and it has to end. We are tackling this abhorrent behaviour in all forms. As well as banning racists from games, we are introducing ground-breaking new laws to stamp out abuse online and make sure tech firms tackle the hate on their sites. The Home office News Release - Published12 January 2022

A Leicester man who began sexually abusing a girl when she was just six years old has been jailed. The crimes committed by 46-year-old Daniel Rawlinson occurred at an address in the city more than 30 years ago, between 1990 and 1991. Today (Friday 14 January), at Leicester Crown Court, he was sentenced to six years and eight months' imprisonment, having pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault, one count of rape and count of assault by penetration at a hearing in October last year. The abuse was brought to the attention of police in 2020, when the victim disclosed what had happened during her childhood. She told officers from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) that there were occasions when Rawlinson acted in an aggressive manner and that she became scared of him. She recalled several incidents in which Rawlinson had touched her inappropriately, in addition to a further occasion when she was raped. Rawlinson, of Overpark Avenue in Braunstone, was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and is subject to a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Detective Constable Andy Day, from the CAIU non-recent team, was the investigating officer. He said: “During the course of the investigation, the victim in this case provided a detailed account of what happened more than 30 years ago. This allowed us to charge Rawlinson with a number of offences. “Thankfully, she has not had to relive her ordeal again, in front of a jury. I hope the fact he’s now serving a significant prison sentence will provide a degree of closure and allow her to move on with her life. “I also hope that today’s outcome will remind victims of such offences across our communities that it’s never too late to speak out.” There are a number of different agencies who are able to offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/

Leicester's standout Christmas attraction has been packed away after providing festive fun to a record number of visitors. The 40m x 17m ice rink in Jubilee Square attracted more than 40,000 skaters in 2021-22 – that’s 13,000 more visitors than in 2019-2020. Since 2 December, when it opened, until 3 January, when it closed, a total of 43,215 people enjoyed a spin on the ice. This compares with 29,892 skaters in 2019-20 – the last time the ice rink was in Leicester. Proving popular with younger people were the late-night sessions with DJs on Fridays and Saturdays – while families with young children enjoyed the sessions hosted by a giant friendly Snowman. Online sales also saw a surge, with more than 60% of all ice rink tickets being sold via the Christmas in Leicester website this year, compared to around 40% in 2019. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It’s the fourth time in the last five years that we’ve brought a real ice rink to Leicester for Christmas, but people’s enthusiasm for the attraction doesn’t seem to be waning. “We kept prices at 2019 levels and offered group discounts to encourage people to make repeat visits, but the numbers we saw this year still took us by surprise – particularly as the ice rink’s capacity was reduced in light of the pandemic. “Maybe people wanted to experience all the things they weren’t able to do last Christmas and wanted to make sure they had fun with their families and friends this year – and it’s also possible that Leicester attracted visitors from further afield, from areas where Christmas events had been scaled down. “The result proved to be a bumper year for the ice rink – and I’m pleased to say that it will be back in Jubilee Square, as part of our Christmas programme, in December.” Also proving popular was the city’s council’s Christmas grotto in Green Dragon Square, where the chance to meet Santa attracted more than 5,000 youngsters. In the 10 days from 4-23 December, Santa welcomed 5,351 visitors to his snow-topped chalet behind the Corn Exchange, with everyone leaving with a free gift. People also flocked to Leicester's two big wheels this Christmas: the colourful Happy Wheel, which was in place for the switch-on of the Christmas lights, and the traditional Wheel of Light attracted a total of 18,000 visitors, with the operator reporting his busiest ever Christmas in Leicester. A review of Leicester’s 2021 Christmas events will be presented to members of the city council’s Heritage, Culture, Leisure and Tourism Scrutiny Commission on Thursday 20 January. The city council’s lighting team has already started the massive task of carefully removing the decorations that have lit up the city since November. All the decorations are due to be safely back in storage by the end of January. Christmas in Leicester 2021 was generously supported by Octopus Energy, Goldsmiths, CityFibre and Gem.

Central England Co-op has officially opened its new store in Ashby after relocating its town centre branch to a bigger and more modern offering investing £700,000 in the local community. The Society today officially opened its new store in Market Street, including a much-enhanced offering to the community with self-scan checkouts for those looking for a quick visit, a major food to go upgrade featuring hot food, Costa Coffee, Tango Ice Blast and F’Real Milkshake machines, as well as a brand new instore bakery offering breads and pastries. The modern, more spacious store is powered by 100% renewable energy, with special eco-friendly fridges and LED lighting and a fresh new design including a feature map of Ashby on the wall of the store. The opening has resulted in the closure of the previous Central England Co-op in Market Street, with the store team transferring to the new premises, which also includes customer parking and customer toilets. Five new jobs have also been created by the move to the larger store. A food bank collection point has been installed to support the great work of Ashby Food Bank as it continues to manage the increased demand caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. To mark the launch, Store Manager Chris Watson made a special donation to the food bank of currently in need food essentials, which include washing tablets, jam, instant mash potatoes, long life sponge puddings, washing up liquid, neutral deodorant, sanitary towels (not tampons) and toilet paper. Chris said he and the store team were keen to make the donation to the food bank to highlight how customers and members can support through the instore collection point, and he said they were delighted to be able to offer the Ashby community a much-improved shopping experience. He said: “It is great to finally open our doors to our brand new, bigger and more modern food store which has some fantastic new features we haven’t been able to offer before due to the limitations of our previous location. “This includes self-scan checkouts, an instore bakery and an unrivalled food to go offering which I’m sure will prove really popular with our customers and members, as well as much greater ranges, including more locally-sourced products. “All of us here are proud to be part of the town centre community in Ashby so to be able to make this move to a bigger and better store at the heart of the high street is something we have been really looking forward to. “We are also keen to continue our support for Ashby Food Bank which is offering a lifeline to vulnerable residents and people struggling in these testing times, so I was happy to welcome them down for the launch and make a donation of food and essentials.” Shoppers visiting the new store can sign up to become a Central England Co-op member to receive a range of member offers, join member groups and activities and help support the local community through the Society’s Community Dividend Fund. The Market Street Central England Co-op food store is now open from 7am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday. The store offers a wide range of products from everyday necessities to something a little more special, including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled beers and wines, fresh and frozen product and Co-op Irresistible and Fairtrade product ranges. It also offers Lottery and a free cash machine.

Hat Trick / Hindsight Productions are currently casting contestants for the next series of the BBC Two quiz show – Mastermind, which will be celebrating its 50th year in production this year. Do you have what it takes to sit in the famous black chair? Know enough about your specialist subject to be forensically tested? How’s your general knowledge? Are you a pub quiz whizz? Many start - but only one will finish... Will it be you? What type of people are we looking for? Entry is open to UK residents (including Channel Islands & the Isle of Man) who are aged 18 or over. You do need some General Knowledge, but we’re really interested in your 3 specialist subjects – the wider the range the better! As well as regular quizzers, we also want to encourage people who might not usually apply for a quiz shows to get involved. We are looking to cast a diverse range of people. Hat Trick/Hindsight are committed to making programmes as inclusive as possible. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from under-represented groups. How to apply It’s really easy to apply, for an application form email:mastermind.hth@hattrick.com or follow the link to apply: https://bit.ly/mastermindapplications How do you get on the show? After you have submitted your application, one of the casting team may get in touch to organise a Zoom audition with you. We’ll do a short general knowledge quiz and learn more about why you’ve chosen your Specialist Subjects. The audition will only take 15-20 minutes and is very relaxed and really good fun! Auditions are currently underway, with the heats filming in Belfast this Summer (adhering to government guidance). Applications close on Monday 9th May 2022 at midnight. The sooner people get their application in the better!!!

A man has been charged after failing to stop for police, causing damaged to two police cars. A police spokesperson said: “At around 12.45am on Thursday (13 January) officers on patrol noticed a car being driven along Lutterworth Road by a man wanted both by police and on a crown court warrant. A request was made for the car – a Ford C-Max – failed to stop for police and a pursuit was authorised, during which it collided with two police cars. The driver continued to try and make off from officers but the car came to a stop in Saffron Lane. A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and causing criminal damage. He was also arrested on suspicion of assault by beating for an unrelated incident. He remains in custody at this time and enquiries are continuing.” Daniel Neeson, 23, of Berberis Close, Leicester has been charged with: Criminal Damage. Dangerous driving. Driving without insurance. Driving without a licence. Failing to stop for police. Breach of crown court bail x 2. He has been remanded to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (Friday 14 January). #LeicsPolice #SaffronLane

There's still time to help shape a new strategy to keep people in Leicestershire healthy People are being urged to have share their views on a new strategy to help keep people in Leicestershire healthy. A public consultation is seeking feedback on the outcomes and priorities of Leicestershire’s next health and wellbeing strategy. The Leicestershire Health and Wellbeing Board brings together organisations responsible for making decisions about health, wellbeing and care services in Leicestershire. This includes Leicestershire County Council, the NHS, Healthwatch, the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner, police, district councils and other organisations with a responsibility for health and wellbeing. The board plans how best to meet the needs of the local population and tackle health inequalities through a Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This is an opportunity for Leicestershire residents, professionals and organisations to share their views on the draft strategy and the priorities outlined for the next ten years. You can do this by visiting www.leicestershire.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing-strategy.

Yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 12 January), officers searching for a missing 47-year-old man located the body of a man in Loughborough. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the body is believed to be that of Mark Spencer. Mr Spencer, from Hathern, was reported missing to police on Sunday (9 January). The cause of death is currently being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.

Leicestershire police officer’s are appealing for information as they continue to investigate two further separate reports of illegal hunting which have been made during the past week. Police received a report at around 2pm on Saturday (8 January) in relation to an allegation of illegal hunting in the area of Main Street, Peatling Magna. A report was also received at around 2pm yesterday (Tuesday) in relation to an allegation of illegal hunting in the area of Rempstone Road, Belton, Loughborough. Both reports involved a fox being allegedly chased by hounds. The reports are not being linked by officers and are being treated as separate incidents. Detective Inspector Charles Edwards said: “We have received these two separate reports and are carrying out full enquiries into both to establish the full circumstances. Our enquiries are including speaking with witnesses and analysing CCTV. “As part of our ongoing investigations, we are appealing to anyone with any information in relation to either report who has not yet made contact with us to speak with us. Anyone with any CCTV, dashcam or phone footage in relation to the reports should also get in touch.” Anyone with any information should contact police quoting reference 22*13886 in relation to the report in Peatling Magna and reference 22*19957 in relation to the report in Belton. You can report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. #LeicsPolice

Four teenagers were arrested and three stolen vehicles were recovered by officers from the Road Policing Unit yesterday (Wednesday 12 January). A Seat Leon and Audi A3 was stolen from a driveway of a house in New Romney Crescent in Leicester during the early hours of yesterday morning. Officers searching for the stolen vehicles came across the Seat in Oliver Street travelling in convoy with a Nissan X-Trail, which was also believed to have been stolen. The drivers abandoned the vehicles and made off on foot. Four teenagers, aged between 15-17, were subsequently arrested by officers nearby. All the suspects were arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft and remain in police custody. All three stolen vehicles were recovered by officers. Detective Inspector Simon Pearson, said: “This was a great bit of teamwork by all those involved. We recovered three vehicles – two of them within hours of the incident. Those arrested remain in custody where they are being questioned by detectives. “We take burglaries and vehicle crime extremely seriously – these types of offences have a massive impact on victims, not just the inconvenience it brings but the invasion of privacy when homes are entered to retrieve car keys.” #LeicsPolice

An investigation is underway after three men were arrested and a number of cannabis plants were recovered in Loughborough last night (Wednesday 12 January). At around 8.15pm, a call was received stating a group of men were in Harlech Close, one of who was carrying a sword. Further information provided to the call taker sated that they had then got into a car and driven off at speed. Officers were deployed and went to an address from which the men were seen leaving. Although it was unoccupied, around 50 cannabis plants were found inside. Following further enquiries and assistance from both the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and colleagues from Nottinghamshire Police, the car – an Audi S3 which had been reported stolen – was stopped in in Sutton Bonington in Nottinghamshire. A 38-year-old man from Solihull was arrested on suspicion of burglary with intent to steal, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. A 34-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of burglary with intent to steal, possession of cocaine and possession of cannabis. A 26-year-old man – also from Birmingham – was arrested on suspicion of burglary dwelling and theft and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. All three remain in custody and enquiries are continuing. Detective Inspector Charles Edwards, from Charnwood CID, said: “As a result of the information given to our Contact Management Department, we were able to liaise with colleagues from NPAS and a neighbouring force to make these arrests. “Our investigation is continuing at this time and I would ask anyone who believes they can help to come forward with information, quoting reference 22*022345.” #LeicsPolice #Loughborough