This was the ‘pop-up pub’ that officers discovered in Leicester on Wednesday after acting on information received. The makeshift pub, complete with a bar, large screen television, and a pool table was discovered inside a premises in Morris Road. Officers carried out enforcement at the premises yesterday evening as the Leicester City match kicked-off. Seven men were present at the premises and were each issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200. The amount of a FPN can vary depending on factors including when the fine is paid. On entering the premises, the television was found to be connected to a Sky Box with the football on and canned and bottled alcohol was being consumed. No money appeared to be being exchanged and there was no till present. Sergeant Ben Widdowson said: “Officers acted on information received to carry out effective enforcement leading to seven people being issued with Fixed Penalty Notices. “Gatherings such as this puts the lives of you, your family, your friends and people in your community at risk. We will take action on information received and while we continue to encourage, engage and explain in relation to the regulations, we will enforce when clear breaches of the regulations have been made. “Times are challenging for everyone but please stay at home and keep yourselves and others safe. “We do continue to thank everyone who is complying with the rules and understanding why they are in place as well as to those who are reporting breaches of the regulations to us.” Leicestershire Police 12/02/21

During this current lockdown police have stepped up enforcement activity across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. As a result since 1 January to 2 February, a total of 889 fixed penalty notices have been issued to people who are breaching the Covid rules. This total amount is more than the amount of tickets issued for the whole of last year’s pandemic totalling 850. Police have also released an online video where an officer states his health worker wife has been crying for two weeks as she ’honestly cannot watch people die anymore’ as he hands out tickets to Covid rule breakers. The officer, who was on a routine patrol, is seen to approach a vehicle near to East Midlands Airport where he finds two people who have driven from West Bridgford, nearly 13 miles away. The couple claim to be ‘just watching planes.’ He issues two fixed penalty notices and asks them to ‘please pay attention to the guidelines; people are dying.’ Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith said: “We continue to say thank you to all of the public who are complying with the rules and understand why they are in place. This is allowing us to continue to do other work tackling crime and getting some really good results. The bottom line is that we have had to step up our enforcement as the message was not getting through to the small minority who are continuing to ignore the rules. “We also have to thank the public for helping us by reporting Covid breaches to us. In the last month we received 2,480 calls relating to the pandemic. This is double the amount of calls we were receiving before this current lockdown. We need the public’s information to guide us and we have been clear as to what the consequences are. “We are continuing to engage with the public but we are being more proactive in giving out the tickets where possible. “We continue to share the public’s frustration that the small minority are still taking terrible risks.” Since 1 January 2021, officers have issued a total of 889 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to the approximate value of £170,000. Since 23 March 2020 to 2 February 2021, Leicestershire Police have given out a total of 1,739 FPNs and have received a total of 21,508 reports of Covid incidents. 17 licensed premises were visited during this period. The following outlines new examples of breaches to show where police are giving out FPNs during January: On 18 January a man is stopped in Leicester and tells officers he lives in Walsall but has driven to Leicester to visit family. On 18 January, police attend Tesco supermarket at Beaumont Shopping Centre to find a man not wearing a facemask and without a reasonable excuse for not wearing one. On 18 January, a man stopped in a car on Glenfrith Way, Leicester, was found to have driven from Bradford to Leicester without a reasonable excuse. On 19 January, officers attended Merlin Heights student accommodation to reports of a party with over 30 people – the crowd had dispersed leaving only five men who did not live at the address and were fined. On 20 January, a vehicle was stopped with four males in it not from the same household. They claimed to be going to get a McDonalds meal. On 21 January, 8-10 people had gathered at a local skate park in Market Harborough, ignoring signs that the park is closed. On 22 January, a group of five people were found at a residential address from different households in Leicester. Officers were sworn at when they told the ticket recipient that we were in lockdown. On 23 January, a man who had tested positive was seen to be shopping in his local shop in Ibstock, North West Leicestershire. When speaking to police he also confesses to going to a BP Garage. On 23 January, a man is found in a private property in Coalville having travelled from London in order to do DIY for the family. On 23 January, four people are fined as they are in one vehicle but are from different households – they tell officers that they just wanted ‘to hang out’. On 23 January, seven people from different households were found in a private address in Syston who had gathered to watch the boxing. On 24 January, police attend a private address in Heritage Way, Leicester finding four people from different households having a party. On 24 January, four friends are stopped by police at 2.40am in Leicester City, they state they are on their way to get food and are all from different households. On 25 January, four people were stopped in a car in Blaby who have driven there from Kent. On 26 January, a man was stopped in West Street, Leicester and admitted to police he was from Manchester. On 28 January, in Salisbury Road, Leicester officers find a number of people and cars just ‘chilling’ at the location. They provide no other reason for being there and are from different households. Leicestershire Police News 15:13 05/02/2021

A man who raped a woman at her home has been sentenced to six years imprisonment. Jamie Russell, 31, of Rancliffe Crescent, Leicester, was found guilty of rape following a trial at Leicester Crown Court last month. Today at the same court he was sentenced for the offence. He was also issued with an eight-year restraining order which orders him not to make any contact with the victim. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life. Russell had gone to the victim’s home in August 2018 and had been drinking with her. The woman later fell asleep. During the early hours of the morning, Russell raped her. The victim woke up and made her way out of the room and told Russell to leave which he did. The victim confided in a friend and a family member and was encouraged to report it to the police but at the time, she said she felt too scared to do this as she did not think she would be believed. Russell made contact with the victim following the incident apologising for what he had done. The incident was reported to police around five days later and an investigation was launched. Support was provided to the victim by the police during the investigation as well as at the Juniper Lodge sexual assault referral centre. Enquiries were carried out by the force’s Signal team including in relation to messages which had been exchanged between the defendant and the victim. Following a full investigation, Russell was charged with rape in June 2019. Detective Constable James Clayton said: “The victim took the brave step of reporting the incident to the police which allowed us to help provide support to her while investigating the incident. I would like to thank her for her bravery and co-operation in doing this which led to us bringing this case to court. I hope this now helps her in some small way as she continues to move forward with her life. “If you have been the victim of any sexual offence, we urge you to speak to someone about it and to make contact with us. It is never too late to report to us. We have specially trained officers and will ensure that full support is provided to you throughout the investigation.” Leicester Police News 15:15 05/02/2021

Detectives from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Desford earlier today (Wednesday 3 February). Shortly after 9.50am, police were called to High Street following a report of a collision involving a cyclist and a grey Peugeot Boxer van. The cyclist – a 69-year-old woman – was taken to hospital in Coventry, where she remains in a life-threatening condition. A 46-year-old man from Market Bosworth was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. He remains in custody. This afternoon a stretch of High Street has remained closed to traffic while officers carry out further enquiries. Detective Constable Kasie Carter, from SCIU, said: “This collision happened close to High Street’s junction with Main Street. “I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area this morning and saw what happened – or anyone who was travelling in the area and has a dashcam installed in their vehicle. “While we have arrested one person, our efforts to establish the circumstances of what happened are very much continuing. “Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, could help our investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ and quoting reference 21*69727. Alternatively call 101.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Ellistown, Coalville. It happened at around 5am on Friday (29 January) when the man, 27, was walking in Penny Wakefield Community Woodland, off Beveridge Lane. The victim was approached by a man who asked for directions before hitting the victim in the face with an unknown object. The victim and the suspect struggled and both fell to the ground where the suspect continued to assault him before finally running off in to the park. The victim sustained serious injuries to his face requiring hospital treatment – he has since been discharged. The suspect has been described as black, around 6ft tall with an athletic build and wearing a black T-shirt, black jogging bottoms and black trainers. Detective Constable Natasha Perkins is investigating. She said: “A man has been seriously assaulted as he walked home and we are determined to find who was responsible. “We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area and saw a man matching this description. “If you were driving nearby and have a dashcam installed in your vehicle please check your footage. “If you have any information about what happened or who might be responsible we would like to hear from you – your information no matter how insignificant you think it might be could help with our investigation.” Call 101 if you can help quoting crime reference number 21*60744.

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP) is supporting a three week National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) campaign, starting on Monday 1st February, to change driver behaviours and highlight the consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving. Many drivers are concerned about illegal mobile phone use by other drivers and this has been the top driver concern in the RAC Report on Motoring for four of the last five years While most people do not use their mobile phone whilst driving, there is a dangerous minority who do. Jonathan Clarkson, LLRRSP spokesperson said “We aren’t just asking people not to put a phone to their ear. We are seeing more drivers looking down to use a handheld phone to use social media apps, select music, check emails or texting while driving when they should be focussing on the road ahead.” “Driving while distracted impairs you to a similar degree to that of a drink driver, you are much less aware of what’s happening on the road around you, you may fail to see road signs, fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed, are more likely to tailgate the vehicle in front, react more slowly and take longer to brake and you are four times more likely to have a collision.” Using a mobile phone while driving attracts 6 points and a £200 fine and even if you are using a mobile phone legally, if you are driving whilst not being in proper control of your vehicle you could face 3 points and £100 fine. Being stopped by Leicestershire Police isn’t the only way you can get caught for using your mobile phone whilst driving. Members of the public can submit any dashcam or GoPro footage they have captured as evidence that could be used to prosecute someone using a phone while driving to Leicestershire Police via: https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ Follow us on Twitter @RoadSafeLeics Mobile phones and the law As well as increasing your risks of a collision you could face a £200 fine and six points if you use a hand-held phone when driving. Within your probationary period you’ll lose your licence. If it goes to court the fine can be up to £1000 and you could get disqualified from driving. If you kill someone you will face prison and will have to live with what you have done for the rest of your life. The police will check phone records when investigating a fatal collision or serious injury. The law still applies to you if you’re: stopped at traffic lights queuing in traffic supervising a learner driver Please remember that if you are distracted by your mobile phone or anything else whilst driving, driving whilst not being in proper control of your vehicle is also an offence attracting 3 points and £100 fine. Visit https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law for more information.

Officers are investigating a robbery whereby a van was stolen while a driver was delivering a parcel. It happened in Boundary Road, off Aylestone Road, at around 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday 28 January). The driver, a man, attempted to hold on to the vehicle as it was driven off and was dragged along in the process. He was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries that are not life-threatening or life-changing. The van – a red Vauxhall Vivaro with the registration SW07 SPZ – was taken by a man and has not yet been located. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has seen the van is asked to come forward. PC Kate Butler, from South Leicester CID, said: “This happened during the day in a residential area. I believe there are people who will have seen what happened. “I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the van being driven away from Boundary Road towards Swanscombe Road. “I’m also keen to speak to any motorists with a dashcam installed in their vehicle or anyone with CCTV installed at their property. “Any information you have could help our investigation. “I would also ask all delivery drivers to remain vigilant. Do not leave your keys in the ignition if you are visiting an address and are leaving the vehicle unattended. “I’d also ask any other motorists to adopt the same approach, particularly at this time of year when you may be defrosting your vehicle.” Information can be passed on by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 21*59955 Alternatively, call 101. Leicestershire Police News 29/01/21

“Sadly, we can confirm that 1,012 patients being cared for at our hospitals, and who had tested positive for COVID-19, have died. "84 of those deaths have been announced since last Wednesday (20 January). The ages of the patients ranged between those in their 30s to those in their 90s. "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the patients at this very difficult and distressing time." More information is available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/covid-19-daily-deaths/ UHL News 27/01/21

A new council-backed project to remember all those affected by COVID could go ahead in the next few days if its fundraising target is met. Supported by Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council, the ambitious Watermead Memorial Walk would see some 58 trees and 16 benches installed to make a trail joining the north and south sides of the park. As the deadline for the crowdfund looms closer, the Watermead Memorial Walk project team is making a final plea to the people of Leicester and Leicestershire to help them raise £61,247 by the end of this month. The initiative, which launched at the beginning of December, has attracted more than 70 supporters so far, with many individuals and families pledging in memory of loved ones. One person keen to support the project is Roo Peake, member of the Leicester Masaya Link Group. She said: “When one of our long-time trustees died in March of COVID, we wanted to celebrate his life. Michael Gerard was a passionate musician, environmentalist and educator. “When we heard about the opportunity to help contribute toward the Watermead Memorial Walk, we jumped at the chance because why have one tree when we can share a forest? “Michael might not have a plaque with his name on but he is in our memories and when we walk around the Watermead Park, he will be in our thoughts for years to come. “Donations are anything from £2 so it’s an affordable expression to celebrate a fabulous human being that we cared so much about and we would encourage others to join in the Crowdfunding campaign to celebrate their loved ones too!” Local businesses have been involved too such as Dunelm Soft Furnishings Ltd, Broxap, The Art Department and Fortem Solutions. Janice Dunn, Head of Community at Dunelm Soft Furnishings Ltd, said: “At Dunelm, we’re always looking for ways we can help our local communities. “When we were approached for support with the memorial walk, we were more than happy to donate 20 trees to the project. “The memorial walk is such a lovely way to recognise the difficult times we currently find ourselves in and will provide a beautiful spot to remember all those affected by Covid-19.” Mick Williamson, Managing Director at Fortem Solutions, said: “We are proud to support such a wonderful project which is not only beneficial to the environment but also to those in the local community. “The challenges of 2020 have affected us all, which is why it’s so important to look back and reflect on how we worked together and supported each other in such uncertain times.” The new tree-lined memorial trail, which will provide a space for reflection and remembrance for all those affected by coronavirus, will be maintained by the county and city council, who have already pledged to cover maintenance costs of the project. The hope is that, together with communities and businesses, many will be able to add a personal connection to an environmentally conscious project that will continue to serve for generations to come. More information about the Watermead Memorial Walk can be found on its fundraising page at www.spacehive.com/watermead-memorial-walk The new trees would be planted in February and March 2021, with the interpretation boards expected to be installed in the spring. People are being asked to pledge their donations now, although no money will be taken until February 2021. The minimum pledge that can be made is £2. Donations will only be taken, if the campaign reaches its target by 31 January 2021. Leicestershire County Council News 29/01/21

Plans set out to balance budget Updated proposals balancing service investment with savings have been published by Leicestershire County Council. The refreshed plan sets out a balanced budget for two years – one year longer than the initial plan – and shows that the difference between income and expenditure will total £79m in 2025, a reduction of £13m. Now, a one-off £25m covid fund, enabling money to be used if further national funding isn’t available, is included as well as a three per cent Council Tax levy for adult social care. Generating an extra £10m, the Government has given councils this option to offset the impact of significant increases in adult social care costs on other services. This means the budget includes in total a 4.99 per cent Council Tax increase for 2021/22 – or £5.59 a month for a Band D house. Investment in services including children and family services, adult social care and environment in transport is proposed as well as a £450m capital pot to spend on new roads, school places, recycling initiatives and other infrastructure supporting new homes. The updated figures reflect further clarity on Government funding, the impact of the adult social care levy and feedback from a consultation. "These are increasingly tough times. And without local government funding reform, we will have even less room for manoeuvre. But our prudent, long-term approach is paying off. And the difficult decisions we’ve taken over the last decade have put us in a better position than many other councils who are floundering. Asking residents to pay more is not where we want to be. But if this increase was not taken, service cuts would be the inevitable consequence - and higher Council Tax increases were broadly supported by respondents to our recent budget survey. Unfortunately Government has pushed us in this direction by already assuming Council Tax is increased when calculating their latest assessments of councils’ spending power. Balancing the books when you’re the lowest funded county council in the country is difficult. But I believe the budget we’ve set out delivers the services residents depend on. Against a backdrop of lack of reform, coronavirus and rising demand for services there is a danger that we’re pushed very close to the edge, but I am confident that the budget strikes the right balance of financial sustainability and service protection." Byron Rhodes, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for finance. The council’s cabinet will discuss the proposals next Friday (5 February). Watch the cabinet meeting online The final budget proposals will be agreed by the county council at its meeting on 17 February. Just under 300 people gave their views in a consultation which closed on 17 January. This showed broad support for the proposed budget including the proposed growth and savings plans and that 55 per cent supported a Council Tax increase of 3% or more. Budget in more detail Rising costs Growing demand for services is expected to increase costs by £60m, including: Children and Family Services (£23m) - this is mainly due to pressures on the budget for social care places, which are rising by over 10 per cent a year, and growing social worker caseloads Adult Social Care (£13m) - this is largely the result of an ageing population with increasing care needs and a growing number of people with learning disabilities Environment and Transport (£4m) - this primarily relates to more SEND pupils requiring transport Savings The £79m savings are made up of: £30m of detailed savings – reducing children and family costs by re-shaping how services are delivered, reducing adult social care costs by simplifying processes and speeding up support, bringing together early help and prevention services - and delivering some in-house and reducing disposal costs by recycling and re-using more waste A ‘high needs development plan’ which will reduce SEND costs by £26m A £23m gap reduced following the Council Tax increase Council Tax A Council Tax increase of 4.99 per cent is proposed (including the 3 per cent adult social care levy) and equates to £5.59 a month for a band D house. Councils can apply a levy of three per cent for adult social care over two years – the proposal is to include a three per cent levy in 2021/22. Council Tax is the only significant lever available to the County Council to raise additional money to fund vital services whilst balancing the budget Capital programme The £450m four-year capital pot sets out plans for sustainable investment across the county including: • £70m to improve and maintain existing roads and bridges • £120m for improving transport infrastructure • £72m for extra school places, including specialist provision for SEND students • £25m to boost adult social care accommodation that supports people to live independently • £23m for recycling and household waste initiatives and specific carbon and energy reduction projects • £71m to invest in property to generate ongoing money for front line services Leicestershire County Council News 28/01/21

Officers ran after 23-year-old Grace, during which a knife fell from the defendant’s pocket. This was seized by police and later identified as a lock knife. Grace continued to run and was instructed by police to stop or police dog Hope would be called into action. Grace continued to run leading to PD Hope detaining him on Westbourne Street. Grace suffered injuries following the involvement of PD Hope and was taken to hospital for treatment before later being discharged. More than £800 was found on Grace. A single glove and a balaclava were also recovered. A search was carried out where Grace had been running and a glove was found matching the glove which Grace was found in possession of. The glove was matched to Grace and was found to contain cocaine, heroin and cannabis. Investigative work carried out on text messages and calls which had been deleted from a phone belonging to Grace led to a drug expert concluding that Grace was intending to supply drugs. At Leicester Crown Court on Friday (22 January), Grace was sentenced to a total of 42 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession of class A drugs (cocaine) with intent to supply, possession of class A drugs (heroin), possession of class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of a bladed article. At the same hearing he was sentenced to eight months imprisonment to be served consecutively after pleading guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods in relation to offences committed in 2018. The total sentence imposed was therefore 50 months imprisonment. Detective Sergeant Jason Fell said: “Grace tried to evade police after initially being stopped but after being pursued by officers on foot and with the assistance of PD Hope, he was detained. “Investigative work led to him admitting responsibility for his crimes including the possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and being in possession of a knife. “We urge anyone with any information on serious offending of this kind to make contact with us. We will take action on the information we receive to bring offenders to court.”

Officers would like to remind residents in Leicester to take appropriate action to secure their property. Opportunistic burglaries have recently been attempted at properties in the New Parks and Braunstone areas and officers are asking residents to be vigilant. Detective Sergeant Dan Cumpsty said: “We have had several reports recently of people trying door handles to see if properties have been left unsecured. “We urge all residents to ensure their properties are locked and to take extra care when leaving their homes unoccupied for unforeseen reasons.” You can report an incident by calling 101 or visit https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/. Leicestershire Police News 27/01/21