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Two council workers saves life of a 94 year old woman. They tackled flames and smoke to bring the women out to safety. St Austell Road Thurnby Lodge Leicester Ground floor flat fire 09/02/2019 Video By Leicester Media © 2019 Our reporter at the Scene of the fire was told that the two council workers was heroes, and that the woman would have died. A dog and two cats were also saved from the blaze. Two people, believed to be the woman and one of the council workers, were taken to hospital. The fire started around 8.00 am and the video footage shows extensive fire damage to the flat. Initial Information: Initial emergency calls came from neighbours witnessing a fire at the property with no one outside therefore this was treated as person reported. Fire Service crews confirmed that a ground floor flat was well alight and that a female casualty had been rescued. Four breathing apparatus wearers extinguished the fire using two hose reels. A search was carried out for two cats and one dog which were rescued from the property. Two casualties were conveyed to Leicester Royal Infirmary by road ambulance. Fire investigation Officers are attending this incident. Pictures by Leicester Media © 2019 Updated News 18:00 Leicestershire Fire service released the cause of the Fire Believed Cause: Accidental - unattended candle Council worker hero who rescued elderly woman from blazing flat in Thurnby Lodge praised. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/council-worker-hero-who-rescued-2561383?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar #flatfire #lfrs

2Funky Arts is launching an exciting paid opportunity for artists of Black, African and Caribbean heritage to be part of their acclaimed, annual And Still I Rise Midlands tour - a production for Black History Month. Ten outstanding creatives will be selected to present powerful new work - celebrating the strength, spirit and vibrancy of Black culture. Friday 23rd October- Leicester, The Y Theatre Each artist will develop an original 6–7-minute performance, exploring themes of identity, heritage and liberation. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s iconic poem Still I Rise, Black history and/or personal experience, the programme offers a platform for bold voices to be seen and heard. The tour will travel across four cities in the Midlands: • Fri 2nd October - Birmingham MAC •Fri 16th October- Derby Theatre •Friday 23rd October- Leicester, The Y Theatre •Thursday 29th October- Nottingham Arts Theatre All performance styles are welcome – including poetry, music, dance, and theatre. Selected artists will receive £500 to develop and rehearse their work, plus £200 for each performance. Applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the Midlands and available for the full run of tour dates. Speaking about the project, 2Funky Arts Director Vijay Mistry said: “And Still I Rise is our flagship annual touring production, which inspires audiences each year and showcases new talent. It’s a great opportunity for emerging artists to present their work on a high-profile platform and explore important themes as part of Black History Month.” DEADLINE TO APPLY – Friday 26th June 2026 Artists will also be required to attend: a rehearsal feedback session on Saturday 12th September 12pm - 4pm (Artists will be paid £70 to attend this plus travel from outside of Leicester) and an online evaluation meeting on Monday 27th October 6pm - 7pm. For more info & to apply visit – 2funkyarts.co.uk Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

The Great Central Railway (GCR) has announced the launch of its official Patreon page, offering supporters a new way to contribute to the preservation and development of the historic railway through affordable monthly donations. The initiative responds to a long-standing sentiment among supporters – “If everyone who loved the GCR just gave a small amount each month…” – by providing a simple and accessible platform to do exactly that. Patreon, a widely used online membership platform, enables individuals to support organisations through regular contributions in exchange for exclusive content and closer engagement. The GCR’s scheme introduces a range of support tiers, with entry-level contributions priced at less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The first tier, “Porter,” is now live, with additional options planned. Supporters who join the platform will receive benefits including early access to videos, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive updates, and opportunities to participate in Q&A sessions. The initiative is designed not only to generate a reliable, year-round income stream but also to strengthen connections between the railway and its global audience. “This is about more than fundraising,” Jonathan Fraser, Head of Marketing at GCR, said. “It’s about building a stronger relationship with the people who care about what we do – whether they visit regularly or follow our work from afar.” The GCR aims to use Patreon to expand public interest in its operations, heritage, and engineering work, while fostering a dedicated digital community. The platform is also expected to support volunteer recruitment efforts and raise awareness of major projects, including the ongoing Reunification initiative. Additionally, the consistent content shared through Patreon will contribute to the railway’s archival efforts, documenting day-to-day activities and preserving them for future generations. The launch reflects a broader trend among heritage organisations adopting digital platforms to sustain engagement and funding. By offering supporters a more active role in the railway’s story, the GCR hopes to turn followers into long-term advocates and ambassadors. Supporters can learn more and sign up via the official Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/c/GreatCentralRailway

This May will see Pirates take over the planetarium at the National Space Centre as things take a sharp turn into full swashbuckling chaos with an after-hours Pirate Party that celebrates the 30th anniversary of Muppet Treasure Islandand featuring film screenings, live music performance, treasure hunts, access to the galleries, and pirate-themed fun. Held on Friday 22 May, this special evening event transforms the Centre into a pirate’s playground, with film, live music performance, out-of-hours gallery access, treasure hunting, and plenty of victuals and grog. The evening’s main event, a 30th anniversary screening of Muppet Treasure Island will take place in the UK’s largest planetarium with an early screening for families, a later 18+ screening, access to the galleries throughout, and activities from the Space Centre’s own space pirate crew, all topped by an amazing performance from The Puppet Folk Experience. Tickets include access to the Pirate Party in the main galleries, including a performance from The Puppet Folk Experience, and entry to one of two screenings of Muppet Treasure Island: an early screening designed for families and a later screening (18+) for adults and grown-up fans. The café and bar will be open during the event, serving up victuals and grog – perfect for both young buccaneers and seasoned sea dogs. This is a night that every pirate can enjoy – and there may even be some rum in the bar! Throughout the evening guests can explore the National Space Centre itself – the UK’s largest visitor attraction dedicated to space – including six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, the iconic Rocket Tower, and a host of hands-on exhibits, real spacecraft, and immersive experiences that bring the story of space exploration to life. Tickets are available now via the National Space Centre website: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has announced the relaunch of a service designed to resolve crime without involving the courts to successfully rehabilitate offenders. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC has awarded a contract to community support specialist Ingeus to provide an Out of Court Resolution (OOCR) service for eligible adult offenders across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for the next two years. OOCRs enable police to deal with low‑level and first‑time offences without resorting to court. The process offers swift and meaningful justice for victims of crime by ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions while also ensuring they receive tailored support to reduce their re-offending in the future. Police can only use OOCRs in limited situations and only when a suspect admits the offence. These include but are not limited to offences of common assault, possession of cannabis and public order offences. OOCRs may also include voluntary conditions for the offender to comply with such as attending a domestic abuse perpetrator programme or targeted intervention for young people aged 18-25. In his Police and Crime Plan, the Commissioner has vowed to establish systems that support the Force to use out of court solutions for victims of crime wherever most effective. This approach closely links to the PCC’s focus on prevention and the need to help communities become stronger, more resilient, so they can thrive. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthew said: “Court proceedings are not always the most effective way to deal with crime. The use of Out of Court Resolutions can bring swift and satisfactory justice and closure for victims, while also helping offenders to understand the human impact and consequences of their actions, often reducing their motivation to commit further offences. “This approach focuses on low-risk, first-time offenders, who are more receptive to efforts to change their behaviour to prevent them from becoming habitual criminals. “It is vital we address the underlying causes of offending rather than continually applying a sticking plaster. It strongly links back to the Peelian principle of success being measured not on the number of arrests and convictions but by the absence of crime.” Between April and December 2025, 78% of eligible domestic abuse perpetrators completed the CARA (Cautioning and Relationship Abuse) early intervention programme run by Hampton Trust as part of the previous OOCR service while 100% of young people aged 18-25 undertaking the Reflect targeted support course run by Ingeus expressed satisfaction with the intervention. The service will run until 31st March 2028 with the possibility of a 12-month extension to 31st March 2029.

A New booklet aimed at supporting men’s mental heath has been launched during Mental Health Awareness Week. The booklet brings together clear, practical guidance and information on local mental health, physical health and wellbeing services. It has been developed by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, the city and county councils’ public health teams, clinicians and local men’s community groups. DOWNLOAD IT HERE Mens-MH-Booklet-FINAL-DIGITAL-V1-MAY-2026.pdf This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May 2026), a UK-wide awareness-raising week run by the Mental Health Foundation. Dr Mark McConnochie, crisis consultant and clinical director for urgent care services at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Looking after our mental health and supporting one another is incredibly important, and people need to know that help is available when it’s needed. While attitudes towards mental health are changing, many men still find it difficult to ask for support. This new booklet is about making that first step easier by clearly showing what’s available locally and how to access it. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. “Despite growing awareness, more than one in 10 men in the UK live with a mental health disorder. Men continue to have the highest rates of substance use and are at the greatest risk of suicide, while also being the least likely to seek help. This booklet aims to address these challenges by normalising conversations about mental health and reducing barriers to support.” The booklet has been developed with help and insight from local men’s groups to make sure it reflects real needs and experiences. Geoff Hughes from Circulus for men and Lee Jobber from The Modern Men Movement are both passionate champions of men’s health and wellbeing, and helped to shape the booklet. Geoff said: “The booklet reflects the kind of real, honest conversations we share with men every week that are grounded, practical, and without ambiguity. For us, it’s always been about creating spaces where men feel able to talk, be heard, and access support in a way that feels natural and accessible. Lee added: “Knowing what support is out there, and feeling empowered about using it, can make a real difference. We’re especially pleased to see something that’s been created with men, not just for them. That’s where meaningful change really begins.” Mental Health Awareness Week this year focuses on the theme of ‘taking action’. Across the week the NHS, council public health teams, charities and community organisations are encouraging people to take small but meaningful steps to support good mental health, individually and within their communities. Rob Howard, director of public health at Leicester City Council, said: “This booklet has been shaped by local men and the communities around them. By working alongside NHS teams and community groups, we’ve helped create something that feels practical, relatable and rooted in real experiences, making it easier for men to find support close to home.” Mike Sandys, director of public health at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We know men want information that is straightforward and practical. This booklet brings local mental health support into one place and supports earlier conversations. Developed in partnership with local men’s groups and NHS teams, it has been shaped by real experiences and designed to offer practical, accessible support”. The booklet can be downloaded online here. Information on local activities taking place for Mental Health Awareness Week is at leicspart.nhs.uk/mhaw-2026/ Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The crucial role of foster carers is in the spotlight for the UK’s biggest annual awareness-raising campaign for fostering. Foster Care Fortnight runs from 11-24 May, and as part of the campaign, Leicester City Council is encouraging people in the city to consider becoming foster carers. This year’s theme shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering, raising awareness of the profound impact foster carers have on children’s lives. Called ‘This is Fostering’, it celebrates the skills, commitment and love that foster carers show, often in incredibly challenging circumstances. There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer - Leicester’s fostering families are from all walks of life. Sue, Suzie and Naieem are a mother, daughter and son-in-law who have fostered as a family for more than 30 years. Sue started fostering with her late husband when Suzie was just eight. Suzie said: “I grew up in an open house where friends and neighbours were always welcome, so new children coming in just felt natural.” Now an adult, Suzie and husband Naieem have two children of their own and also foster alongside Sue. Sue and Suzie worked together to keep a sibling group of four together, with two living with Sue, and two with Suzie and Naieem, just 10 minutes away. Suzie said: “It worked perfectly. We all spend so much time together, so they’ve grown up as a family even if they had bedrooms in different houses.” Sue, Suzie and Naieem’s story is just one example of how fostering can define a family. You can read their full story here. Assistant city mayor for children and young people, Cllr Elaine Pantling, said: “There are many incredible families like Sue, Suzie and Naieem’s across Leicester, but we urgently need more foster carers. “Nationwide, there is a shortage of fostering households, leaving too many children without the local homes they need. Without local carers, children can end up in foster homes outside of their local authority area, far away from everything they know – family, friends, schools and clubs. “Foster carers provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people. They support children with their education, their physical and emotional wellbeing, and help them to rebuild trust and confidence. I’d like to thank all our wonderful foster carers in Leicester for the crucial role that they play in young people’s lives.” Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Foster carers are not only parents - providing warmth, stability and a place to call home – they are also highly skilled. They juggle many roles: educators, mediators, advocates and organisers, with a deep knowledge of children’s best interests. “However, many foster carers are leaving, while the number of children entering care is on the rise. We urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs. “There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. Foster carers and kinship carers come from different backgrounds, and are different ages, genders, ethnicity and sexual orientation. “It’s this diversity that brings the fostering community together to help children feel safe, supported and able to thrive. This Foster Care Fortnight, take a moment to find out more about fostering and whether it might be right for you.” If you would like to learn more about fostering or are ready to take the next step, visit our fostering website where you will find more information, including real-life fostering experiences, forthcoming events and how to speak to our fostering team. Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The Jalaram temple on Leicester’s Narborough Road is the latest city building to be fitted with a community public access defibrillator, or CPAD, making it available for use at any time of the day or night. It’s one of 14 installed in Leicester this year alone, thanks in part to the support of Cllr Aldred who has chosen to raise funds for local heart charity, the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), during her mayoral year. Other sites include the Peepul Centre in Belgrave, the Pork Pie Library in Eyres Monsell, and the Asha Pharmacy in Thurncourt. All were chosen following the mapping of provision of CPADS across the city, which identified gaps in certain areas. A total of 30 CPADS are being installed across Leicester as part of the Heartshield project - a partnership between Leicester City Council’s public health team, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and the JHMT. Lord Mayor Cllr Aldred said: It’s been a privilege to work with the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust and other partners to help to raise the funds for these vital pieces of equipment, and to raise awareness of how they save lives. “Over the past year we have worked with people from different communities across the city who have committed to making this possible, and to taking action that could one day save somebody’s life. I’m very proud to have been able to support this important cause.” Cllr Vi Dempster, asst city mayor for public health said:“Around 30,000 people in Leicester live with at least one cardiovascular condition, so it’s really important that we do all we can to make this life-saving equipment available. “I’d like to thank the Lord Mayor for her incredible support with this over the past year, and for helping us to continue with our efforts to make Leicester a Heartsafe city.” Dr Mike Ferguson, JHMT medical trustee said: “Every year in the UK there are 60,000 cardiac arrests - that’s one every 10 seconds. Half of these are witnessed, yet only 10% of people survive. It can happen to anyone, and any age, including young people due to inherited heart conditions like SADS. It’s therefore vitally important to make defibrillators publicly accessible, and to ensure people know how to use them, and how to give CPR. “We are very grateful for the Lord Mayor’s support in increasing provision over the past year, especially in those areas identified as having very limited access to this key lifesaving equipment.” In a cardiac emergency, immediate CPR and defibrillation can increase the chances of survival to over 50%. Find out more about the work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust here: Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Officers investigating incidents of fraud have issued a warning to others after two people have been targeted this week. Yesterday (Tuesday 12 May), two victims reported being contacted by someone pretending to a police officer in offences commonly known as courier fraud. Courier fraud occurs when a fraudster contacts the victim claiming to be a police officer or bank official. The fraudster, using calling by phone, sounds plausible and may confirm the victim’s name and address, basic information which could be obtained easily. In some instances, after trust has been gained, the fraudster will claim the victim’s bank account has had some fraudulent activity or that the caller is investigating counterfeit currency. They persuade the victim to go their local branch and take out a large sum of money from their account. The fraudsters then send someone to collect the money from the victim’s home address. During these recent reports, the suspect has specifically said they work for ‘Leicester Police’ and in the second incident, the victim, who lives in the Abbey Ward area of Leicester, handed over a bank card and PIN number to the suspect at her address which was later fraudulently used. The suspect in this incident also attended her address a second time and took a number of items of her jewellery stating he would keep them safe at the police station in case she was burgled. Nicole McIntyre from the force’s economic crime unit, said: “While the courier fraud scam is one, we are very familiar with, and is always one of concern, it is unusual that the suspect has returned to the address and also stolen jewellery. Suspects target elderly or vulnerable people and often sound genuine to gain the trust of the victims. Clearly, knowing the victim has already handed over her bank card and PIN he has returned exploiting her vulnerability once more. “We want to remind people that police or banks would not contact people in this way. If you get a call like this hang up. If you get a visit at your door from someone claiming to be police officer and they need to take your bank card to trace any fraudulent transactions, do not hand over your card and close the door. “If you need to contact your bank to check wait five minutes as fraudsters can stay on the line even after you have hung up or use a different line altogether. Your bank cards are yours and never let them be used by others. “We are asking people to remain vigilant. If you have elderly neighbours or relatives who don’t access our website or social media sites, please advise them of these incidents. “Telephone companies can assist with call blocking technology to help restrict these types of calls. We would recommend that people talk this through with their vulnerable or elderly family and friends to help prevent this activity. “At times the fraudsters use local taxi firms to transport potential victims to their banks. We would ask taxi companies to be mindful of this and if they have any suspicions to contact the police immediately. “Further advice about the scam can be found on the Action Fraud website https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/courier-fraud/ and the steps people can take to protect themselves.” Leicestershire Police New 13/05/2026

Ten years to the day since Tim Peake’s dramatic return to Earth, Britain’s most renowned astronaut will be returning to the National Space Centre to celebrate not only the milestone, but also the continuation of his inspirational legacy. Whats On Date 8th Jun 2026 Visitors can expect a truly immersive experience. Tim will meet with schoolchildren and community groups, recreate and discuss some of the education experiments he conducted aboard the International Space Station, and answer questions drawn from his much‑loved Ask an Astronaut book. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet Tim during a dedicated book‑signing session featuring his best‑selling titles. The event culminates with an exclusive live Ask an Astronaut Q&A in the UK’s largest planetarium, with Ben Brusey, Tim’s editor at Penguin Random House - offering audiences a rare chance to hear directly from Tim about life in space, exploration, and the future of human spaceflight. The National Space Centre has played a unique role throughout Tim Peake’s career. Previous landmark moments include underwater astronaut training demonstrations ahead of his mission, a live call from orbit during his time on the International Space Station, and an emotional public visit following his return to Earth. The Centre is also home to Tim’s iconic Sokol spacesuit, and its National Space Academy team worked directly with Tim to create the Principia classroom activities that reached millions of students across the UK. Malika Andress, Head of Marketing at the National Space Centre, said: “Tim has been an extraordinary ambassador for human spaceflight. His passion, generosity and commitment to inspiring young people has helped drive a real increase in interest in STEM education and careers. We cannot thank him enough for his continued support over the past ten years, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him back to the National Space Centre to celebrate the legacy of Principia.” Tickets for the Ask an Astronaut Q&A and book‑signing sessions are available to book in advance. Tim Peake’s return promises an unforgettable day of inspiration, reflection and discovery — celebrating not just a historic mission, but a decade of impact that continues to reach for the stars. 8th Jun 2026 Booking can be found at: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/whats-on/tim-peake-day/

Grab yourself a GI and join us on the dancefloor for a jitterbug and jive, because this May the Great Central Railway is stepping straight back into the 1940s. Returning on 30–31 May 2026, the much-loved 1940s Weekend, A Celebration of Blighty, invites visitors to experience the sights, sounds and spirit of a post wartime Britain. Whats On Across the two-day event, the Great Central Railway’s period stations will be transformed into a tribute to the 1940s, with vintage trains, authentic re-enactments, live entertainment, and displays all combining to create an immersive atmosphere across the line. An appearance from The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has also just been announced and is set to take place on both days, with timings to be confirmed closer to the event. Authentic steam-hauled passenger and good trains will run between GCR’s beautifully restored, period stations, offering visitors the chance to travel as people did during the war years. Alongside a busy timetable of railway action, a display of classic vehicles including military transport, motorbikes, pre-war cars and steam traction engines will bring the roads of the era back to life. Visitors will also be able to explore a wide range of authentic displays, from military encampments to exhibits focusing on civilian life and local history. The Quorn Local History Group will present a detailed look at the village during the 1940s, covering everything from evacuees and wartime industries to the presence of the 82nd Airborne and the local POW camp. Re-enactors in period dress will be stationed across the railway, portraying soldiers, civilians, and Home Front workers, helping to recreate the realities of wartime life. Highlights will include a Merchant Navy-themed re-enactment and a wartime firefighting demonstration, offering a deeper insight into the challenges faced during the decade. A vintage market at Quorn will offer a range of vintage clothing, accessories, and jewellery, giving visitors the opportunity to fully embrace the style of the period while food and drink will reflect the era, with 1940s-themed menus available across the railway. Guests can enjoy a pint of Quorn Tin Shed Real Ale and a variety of wartime-inspired dishes, bringing the flavours of the decade to life despite the spirit of rationing! A full programme of entertainment will feature across the weekend with live bands, singers, and dance demonstrations, performing music that defined a generation. A newly installed dance floor in the Quorn and Woodhouse marquee will give visitors the perfect place to jive, while a new entertainment marquee at Rothley station will add even more to the lively programme. Watch our Video from 2019 The weekend will extend into the evening with free 1940s dance events on both Friday and Saturday. Featuring live performances from Lady Lindy Sings and DJ Woody on Friday, and Ding Dong Daddios on Saturday, the dances promise an authentic vintage atmosphere. On the Saturday evening, vintage buses will operate shuttle services between Quorn and Loughborough Central to help visitors travel with ease. Tickets for the event start from just £30.00, with activities taking place from 10:00am to 6:30pm on both days. For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260530-1940s-weekend/

Two brothers who spent years fabricating lies to prevent justice in a child sex offence case have been jailed - thanks to the persistence of a Leicestershire detective. John and James Siddell were sentenced at Leicester Crown Court today (Tuesday 12 May) to a total of more than 17 years after police uncovered their calculated and prolonged deception. For more than four years, the brothers went to extreme lengths to repeatedly mislead authorities about the severity of John’s health conditions – in order to prevent John from facing prosecution for a string of sex offences against three young boys. Their deceit was uncovered thanks to the efforts of the officer in the case, DC Matt Gibson, whose suspicions arose following an encounter with the brothers in April 2024. Working alongside the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), police carried out a deeper investigation – gathering a mountain of evidence, including CCTV footage, which consistently showed John walking, talking, and socialising, despite appearing completely incapacitated during court-ordered appointments. In September last year, both men admitted their dishonesty and pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. James Siddell, 44, of Chestnut Street, Ashington, Northumberland, was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months. John Siddell, 41, also of Chestnut Street, Ashington, Northumberland, was sentenced to a total of 15 years – 3 years and 2 months for perverting the course of justice and 11 years and 10 months for 15 child sex offences. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years. DC Gibson said: "This case shows the lengths some offenders will go to avoid justice. The brothers’ deception was calculated and sustained over several years, but through persistence and detailed investigation, we were able to expose the truth. “Working closely with the CPS we were able to make sure the full scale of their offending was presented clearly before the court.” Police investigation into child sex offences In June 2021, police received reports of multiple child sexual offences committed by John Siddell against three boys in Leicestershire, between May 2018 and June 2021. At the time the offences were reported the boys were aged 8, 10, and 13. John was interviewed in July and November 2021 but refused to answer any questions. During this period, his brother James provided a statement to police claiming John could not have committed the offences due to severe mobility issues. It was during this time the brothers moved from Leicestershire to Ashington in Northumberland. In June 2022, following a detailed and lengthy investigation conducted by DC Gibson, John was charged with 17 offences against the boys – thanks to the joint working with Nicola Potts, District Crown Prosecutor for the CPS. While police and prosecution prepared for trial, the brothers spent the next year manipulating medical professionals and the criminal justice system – falsely claiming John suffered from numerous physical and psychological conditions, including pretending he had suffered a stroke. During this time, in February 2023 – just a matter of days before John was due in court, James requested a letter from John’s GP to excuse John from the hearing, claiming he was not well enough to travel to Leicester. John also missed a court-ordered assessment in March 2023 after claiming to have suffered a mini-stroke. These missed appointments prompted the court to order psychiatric assessments to determine John’s fitness to stand trial. Assessments took place in April and June 2023, during which John sat silently in a wheelchair with his head tilted and eyes closed. He did not interact with either of the psychiatrists carrying out the assessments. James told them John had deteriorated and was now completely mute and immobile. As a result, in June 2023, the court ruled John unfit to plead or stand trial. As is standard practice when a defendant is deemed unfit, a trial of facts was held at Leicester Crown Court in March 2024, where John was found to have committed all 17 child sex offences. With suspicions regarding John’s health already beginning to emerge, prosecutor Nicola Potts ordered for a further psychiatric assessment be completed before an outcome was decided. That assessment was scheduled for Monday 29 April 2024 in Blyth, Northumberland. It was agreed DC Gibson would attend the meeting and it was here that the brothers’ lies began to unravel. Uncovering the truth While travelling to the assessment in April 2024, the brothers were spotted outside the premises by DC Gibson. He observed John sitting upright and alert in his wheelchair as James pushed him along the street. Minutes later, inside the building, John appeared slumped with his head to one side and eyes closed – completely unresponsive throughout the assessment. Despite this façade, the doctor noted in his report that John was “mute of malice,” meaning he was deliberately choosing not to speak. Witnessing the stark contrast in John’s behaviour only minutes apart, DC Gibson started to investigate further. Over the next 18 months, he worked tirelessly to gather evidence exposing the brothers’ lies. Photos, CCTV footage, and witness statements revealed many of John’s alleged ailments were fabricated or exaggerated. A clear pattern began to emerge that showed John would present as mute and immobile during court-ordered or medical appointments and would often seek medical intervention in the days before a court hearing in a bid to derail proceedings. During the period the brothers’ claimed John was unfit to travel to Leicester for court, he had regularly attended the local social club – including attending an Elvis Presley tribute night. Photos uncovered on his phone from around the same time also showed him out, socialising with others on a number of occasions. Even after being declared unfit to stand trial in June 2023, photos showed John had been out drinking and socialising throughout August, September, and October. The further DC Gibson investigated, the clearer the scale of the brothers’ lies became. CCTV footage from June 2024 – just two months after his assessment in Blyth where he appeared completely incapacitated – captured John at this local social club, walking unaided and interacting with others. That same month, he attended another medical assessment where James claimed John was mute and unable to speak. In July 2024, the day before a psychiatric assessment, James called an ambulance claiming John had suffered a seizure and a possible stroke. CCTV from the family’s home shows John being taken out to the ambulance, displaying as he had during his assessments. Yet, a few hours earlier, another camera has captured John walking outside to collect the post – around the time James claimed he’d had his first seizure. Despite the ruse continuing, a few weeks later, CCTV captured John at the social club on three consecutive nights, moving independently from his wheelchair and interacting with others. At the end of July, DC Gibson, accompanied by other officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, attended the brothers’ home address, and arrested both men on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Even then, the pretence continued. Police body worn video showed John lying down with his eyes closed before being helped into his wheelchair and resuming his mute persona. Yet, during transport, he was seen adjusting his clothing and later – while in custody – was unable to maintain the act. DC Gibson added: “On the day I went to arrest John and James it was clear John was pretending to be mute and unresponsive. He was lying on the sofa in the living room with his eyes closed but I could see they were flickering. When he was helped into the police van by officers, he was seen pulling his t-shirt down after it had ridden up slightly. The whole situation felt rather staged. “As the day went on, John was unable to remain in character and was observed at times carrying his own weight or trying to look around without being seen. “Both men were interviewed. John refused to answer any questions - even when I questioned him about what I had witnessed in Blyth over a year before. “James was interviewed by two other officers, and he continued with the fabricated story. He claimed John had ‘good days and bad days’ and his condition ‘comes and goes’. “James also insisted ‘If John was putting it on, I would be the first to put my hands up’.” Both men were released under investigation while DC Gibson and the CPS ensured the evidence they had uncovered was watertight. In July of this year, both men were subsequently charged with perverting the course of justice. The pair appeared at their first court hearing via video link, with John again feigning unresponsiveness - despite being seen at the social club playing bingo and watching football the day before. After failing to appear in court on 14 August, a warrant was issued for their arrest. That same day, James had called an ambulance for John, and both were found at hospital before being remanded in custody to await trial. In September last year, they both pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. John also pleaded guilty to to 15 of the child sex offences he was charged with in June 2022. DC Gibson concluded: "It has taken more than four years for the victims and their family to have justice and some sense of closure. “The lengths John Siddell went to in an attempt to avoid prison is truly shocking – and the fact his brother was also part of this elaborate plan makes it even more disturbing. “I’m pleased justice has finally prevailed. The close working relationship between myself and Nicola from the CPS for the last four years has ensured that every lie was exposed and both men must now face the consequences of their actions.” John Siddell was sentenced for the following 15 child sex offences: - Five counts of sexual assault - Five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 - Four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity - One count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity Leicestershire Police News - Published: 20:17 12/05/2026