A detective’s perseverance to get justice for teenage victims of grooming has resulted in a man being jailed In 2021 Kieran Ridgway came to the attention of the force after a report was received from concerned parents of two teenage girls. Ridgway used Snapchat to strike up a conversation with the girls under an alias. He would ask random questions and when he received a response he continued the conversation, offering them alcohol if the children engaged in sexual acts with him. That initial report in July 2021 was allocated to Detective Constable Stacey Swan from the force’s Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) team. She was able to establish that the girls, who were 12 and 13 at the time, had met a man in a car park who said he would give them alcohol if they carried out a sexual act on him. On this occasion no physical contact was made between the victims and they alerted their parents to the incident. Those enquiries then led DC Swan to identify and arrest 29-year-old Ridgway in October 2021. Through her diligent investigation she was able to identify further victims who had also been contacted in the same way. Three girls, who were all under 16 when the offences occurred, reported being contacted by Ridgway on the social media platform and over time they all struck up a friendship with him. He lied to them regarding his age and preyed on their vulnerability to entice them in. Between June 2017 and February 2020 Ridgeway carried out sexual activity with all three of these victims. One of the victims truly believed she was in a relationship with him. However, he continued to contact underage girls. During the investigation Ridgway was interviewed on two different dates and throughout he maintained that an unknown third person had set up a fake profile on Snapchat under the name ‘Josh Whitcombe’ using his details. He denied asking the children to engage in sexual acts with him, stating he bought the alcohol for them out of kindness. After a trial in May, Ridgway of Coalville, was found guilty of five counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, sexual activity with a child (non-penetrative), sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following grooming and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. On Friday (10 July) he was sentenced to nine years in prison and will be subject to a three-year extended licence period following his release. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Ridgway has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. DC Stacey Swan said: “This has been a complex investigation into repeated grooming and sexual offences against children carried out by the defendant. “An initial report to police regarding two teenage girls being groomed and given alcohol by the defendant lead to the uncovering of a history of repeated behaviour, where the defendant has contacted teenagers, exploiting their age, vulnerabilities and locality to groom and commit sexual offences against them. Detective Constable Stacey Swan explains how an investigation by the Child Sexual Exploitation Team identified multiple victims and brought Kieran Ridgway to justice. “Lying about his age, pretending to connect with shared troubles, before coercing the girls to engage in sexual activity, for his own gratification. “The victims in this case have shown immense bravery in coming forward and discussing these awful experiences. I hope that they take some comfort that Kieran Ridgway has now been brought to justice for his crimes.” Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Sandall is the force’s child safeguarding and exploitation lead. She said: “Two of the three non-recent victims were very reluctant to provide any formal evidence. DC Swan worked tirelessly, listening to them and supporting them to be able to give crucial evidence in the form of video interviews. “Due to the delays in the legal process and distress this caused them, the victims were reluctant to stay engaged with the court process. DC Swan visited them personally on several occasions, offering them support and reassurance throughout, ensuring they remain invested in the trial. “It’s down to the victims’ courage and DC Swan’s commitment to see justice served that has led to the successful outcome of this case. “The child exploitation team is a specialist department equipped to deal with exploitation offences. The team works closely with partner agencies to ensure that victims of exploitation are listened to and supported throughout the investigation, and perpetrators are held to account and brought to justice. “Throughout this investigation our social care partners were also a vital support in keeping the victims on board. “All those involved in the investigation are expert practitioners who go above and beyond for the young people they support, we’re very proud to be a part of a multiagency approach which safeguards children. “Ridgway contacted some of the victims through Snapchat where he groomed them with promises of alcohol in exchange for sexual acts. This is a timely reminder for parents and carers to check their child’s use of social media and that they are engaging with suitable persons.” DC Swan added: “Due to Ridgway’s offending and the way he conducted himself over many years, we believe there may be other victims of his crimes, who for whatever reason, have not reported what’s happened to them. “We know it’s not always easy to report these crimes, but we would urge anyone who feels they may have been a victim at the hands of Ridgway to contact us. We have specialist officers who can support and guide you through the process and put you in touch with other agencies. Contact 101 or report via www.leics.police.uk Advice on internet safety can be found here – https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/ https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/ Leicestershire Police News - Published: 13:03 13/07/2026

An Uber driver who raped a passenger at knifepoint has been jailed for 16 years – following the victim’s swift actions in reporting the offence. Officers were able to locate and arrest Adam Daley an hour after the incident in December last year, after the woman he attacked immediately contacted police. Her rapid reporting enabled officers to carry out some swift enquiries to identify the defendant’s car and to track its movements through CCTV and ANPR cameras. Crucially, it also ensured vital forensic and digital evidence was preserved. This evidence proved key in securing Daley’s conviction and following a trial last month he was found guilty of one count of rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of possession of a bladed article and one count of threats to kill. On Friday (10 July), at Leicester Crown Court, the 33-year-old of Chester Close, Leicester, was sentenced to a total of 16 years’ imprisonment. He has also been subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) until further notice and a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim. At sentencing, he also pleaded guilty to two counts of making incident images of a child – evidence found by officers when his mobile phone was examined. Specialist detectives from the force’s rape and serious sexual assault team, who investigated the incident, are now urging anyone else who could have been a victim of Daley’s to come forward. Arresting Daley The rape was reported to police shortly after 5.30am on Monday 29 December and had taken place in the back of Daley’s white Toyota Auris in a layby close to Soar Valley Way. The victim, a woman in her 20s, and her friend had been outside a bar in Leicester city centre about to order an Uber when Daley pulled up alongside them. He offered to take them both home if they booked the trip through the app. After dropping her friend home, Daley and the victim continued the journey to her address. During the drive, Daley started making sexualised comments towards the victim and asking her inappropriate questions. While heading out of the city, Daley then pulled over in a layby – claiming he needed to go to the toilet. He then ordered the victim to move into the front of the car before before forcing her to perform oral sex on him by threatening her with a knife. During this incident he has also pulled down the victim’s top and touched her breasts. After pleading with Daley to stop, he left the woman in the layby and sped off. She immediately called 999 and an officer was dispatched to her. Quick enquiries identified the registration of the vehicle and Daley as the insured driver. Officers on shift in the force’s Roads Policing Team were put on alert and Daley was stopped at the junction of Vaughan Way and Great Central Street at 6.37am. While officers were attempting to arrest Daley, he attempted to grab his phone and also to stamp on it - in a bid to destroy any evidence. While in custody, detectives began carrying out extensive enquiries, including forensic examinations and reviewing CCTV and mobile phone data in order to track the defendant’s movements both before and after the attack. Despite the victim’s DNA being found on his penis and underwear, Daley continued to deny the offence and claimed her DNA had transferred to him as she had drunk from a water bottle in the car, and he had later used the same bottle to wash his penis after urinating in the layby. Following examination of his phone, detectives were able to establish Daley had driven past the victim while she was in the layby three times after the incident had taken place. Detective Constable Matt Smith from Signal – the force’s dedicated rape and serious sexual assault team is the officer in the case. He said: “I want to commend the victim in this case during what has been an extremely difficult six months. Her actions that night and the strength and bravery she has shown during the investigation and trial has ensured a dangerous individual is now behind bars. “Despite her deeply traumatic and distressing experience, that night she demonstrated exceptional presence of mind and was able to contact police immediately after Daley had driven off. “Thanks to this, officers were able to act quickly to identify and locate the suspect in a very short space of time. This was crucial to our investigation and ensured not only key forensic evidence could still be detected but that he was apprehended before he attacked anyone else. “Daley targeted a lone woman after she trusted him to get her home safely. Given his job as an Uber driver it is possible there could be more victims that have not come forward. “We take reports of sexual assault very seriously and anyone who wishes to report offences will be spoken to by specialist officers in the team.” At the time of his arrest, Daley also refused to provide a drugs wipe, so a blood sample was sent for testing and later came back as positive for cocaine. He was charged and pleaded guilty to two counts of drug driving at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 1 April. He was banned from driving for 20 months, fined £200 and order to pay £85 court costs and an £80 victim surcharge. Senior Investigation Officer, Detective Inspector Majid Zaveri, said: “The courage of the victim and the professionalism and dedication of the response and investigation officers has led to this outcome. “My thanks go to the victim who bravery and co-operation led to this quick arrest and allowed vital evidence to be secured. Thank you to the response officers for their quick actions and to the investigation team – including Detective Sergeants George White, Jon Davies and Detective Constables Matt Smith and Charlotte Worley – for their tireless work to ensure the defendant was brought before the courts. “If you are a victim of a sexual offence, please know that we are here to listen to you, to help you and to support you. Please report to us or speak with someone you can trust.” Further information can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences Leicestershire Police News - Published: 15:15 13/07/2026

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man who was found seriously injured in Compton Road, Leicester, during the early hours of this morning (Sunday). The men, aged 36 and 27, were arrested this evening. They currently remain in police custody. A murder investigation was launched earlier today after police were contacted at 6.58am by East Midlands Ambulance Service who were in attendance after being called to the scene. A man, who in his late 20s, had been found in the street by the ambulance service. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation was launched to establish how the man came to be in the street and the full circumstances of what has happened. The man's next of kin have been identified and are being supported by trained officers. Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “We are in the very early stages of this investigation with full enquiries being carried out as we continue to establish what has happened. “As we progress our enquiries, I do of course ask that anyone with any information makes contact with us as soon as possible. Were you in the area of Compton Road this morning? Did you see or hear anything which caused you concern? I would also ask anyone with CCTV footage or dashcam footage from the area to get in touch. “Further enquiries including speaking with witnesses, CCTV analysis and forensic examination is ongoing. We also have officers in the area and at the scene. We understand the concern this incident may cause so please do speak to officers in the area about any information or concerns you may have. “A major Incident Public Portal has been opened and I would ask anyone with any information to make contact with us as soon as possible. The public portal can be found here If you would prefer to speak to us, please call 101 and ask for Leicestershire Police and ask to speak with the Operation Wool incident room. Alternatively, contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org Leicestershire Police News - Published: 21:31 12/07/2026

A police cordon is in place along with a blue tent on Compton Road here in the City this morning. Police forensics teams are currently working at the scene. The road closure is between Mountcastle Road and Wolverton Road. We have contacted Leicestershire Police for more information on this investigation. Police Update Click here to read post Video & Pictures by Leicester Media Online ©️ 2026

An amazing £75,000 donation from Heart Link has funded a new cryoablation console for the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre (EMCHC). The equipment will help the paediatric electrophysiology team at the EMCHC to treat selected children and young people with abnormal heart rhythms – including supraventricular tachycardia, also known as SVT. SVT is a condition where the heart suddenly beats much faster than normal. This can cause palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort, breathlessness, fainting, or repeated trips to hospital. Some children need a procedure called catheter ablation to treat the small area of heart tissue which is causing the fast rhythm. Cryoablation is a special type of catheter ablation. Instead of using heat, it uses freezing energy. This can be helpful when the abnormal rhythm pathway is close to the heart’s normal electrical system, where extra care is needed. The introduction of cryoablation at the EMCHC means selected children can now access this specialist treatment closer to home. This enhances patient experience by reducing travel and supporting a simpler, safer and more effective care pathway. Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Dr Haris Kotidis, said: “This is an important development for our paediatric arrhythmia service. Cryoablation gives us another treatment option when an abnormal rhythm pathway is close to the heart’s normal electrical system. “In the past, some children needed to have their procedure stopped in Leicester and repeated in Birmingham. This was stressful for children and families, and added pressure to both hospital services. “Thanks to Heart Link, more children will now be able to have their treatment safely in Leicester. We are extremely grateful for their support, which will make a real difference to children, families and to our clinical team.” Heart Link has supported children with heart conditions and their families since 1981. The charity has raised millions of pounds to improve care and facilities for young patients at UHL. Graeme Williams, Vice Chair and Trustee of Heart Link, said: “We are proud and excited to have been able to fund the cryoablation equipment, making this specialist treatment available to children at the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre. “Investing £75,000 to bring cryoablation to Leicester was never in doubt. Now, selected children can be treated here, reducing the need for referral to other hospitals and giving a much-improved experience for young heart patients and their families when they need it most.” Visit Heart Link for more (Registered Charity: 1203709) University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust News

A man has suffered serious facial injuries following an incident in Belvoir Street, Leicester, during the early hours of this morning (Sunday). Police were called to the area at 00.25am where a man was found with stab wound injuries to his face. East Midlands Ambulance attended and the man, who is in his 40s, was taken to hospital where he currently remains in a stable condition. His injuries are not deemed to be life-threatening. Officers are carrying out enquiries at the scene to locate the person responsible. A scene preservation remains in place. Detective Sergeant 4002 Pala said: “The city centre area was of course a very busy area at the time of this incident and we are appealing to anyone with any information, who has not yet spoken to police, to please make contact. “Our enquiries are very much progressing as we continue to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and officers do remain in the area. Please speak to them with any information you have or any concerns you may have. “You can also report any information to police at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting incident 26*409939.” Pictures and Video by Leicester Media Online Leicestershire Police News Published: 11:54 12/07/2026

Khidmah Organisation brothers Community Funday on Sunday, 12th July at Crown Hills Community College. People enjoyed Madaris Football Tournament's Fun Zone, completely for free, featuring an obstacle course and inflatables. Khidmah has developed into an established charity offering a wide range of services to the local community of Leicester. Interview with Uzair Makadam - Youth Chair Khidmah Organisation was formed in 1999 as a non-profit voluntary organisation with its vision of bringing the community of Leicester together through community events. The vision for the Community fun day has always been to bridge the gaps between Leicester’s diverse communities through our tagline ‘Building Bridges, Connecting Communities’. It is our firm belief that promoting community cohesion is the key to creating a stronger, more inclusive society. The events that are organised achieves this vision and allows all to enjoy a day of recreation, sports activities, entertainment and education. Khidmah Organisation has developed into an established charity offering a wide range of services to the local community of Leicester. In previous years, Khidmah Organisation has organised innumerable fundraising events for national and global causes, recruitment events, youth clubs, homework clubs, refugee support, food bank, residential trips and much more. However, the commUNITY funday remains the pioneer event to this day, attracting at its peak 20,000 attendees. Find out more about this charity. Video by Russell Thorpe LM News

A police cordon is in place on Belvoir Street this morning. Sections of the street have been cordoned off following an overnight incident. A cordon has been set up near Harvey's nightclub, where a first aid kit and other items are visible within the taped-off section. We have reached out to Leicestershire Police for further details on this incident. More to follow. UPDATE 12:00 A man was stabbed in the face in the city centre in the early hours of this morning. Man seriously injured following a stabbing in Belvoir Street, Leicester Pictures by Leicester Media Online

If you happen to walk the City's streets in the early mornings, this is what you'll see. Takeout packaging and uneaten food were scattered across the streets; these pictures were taken in the Market Street area of the city this morning around 6 a.m. Restaurant and takeaway owners should be required to fulfill their social and environmental responsibilities by cleaning the area outside their establishments, rather than depending on the City Council's street cleaning teams. In today’s urban landscapes, the role of restaurant and takeaway owners extends beyond merely serving food; they are integral to the community’s social fabric and environmental health. It is essential that these business proprietors recognise the importance of fulfilling their social and environmental responsibilities, particularly when it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of the areas surrounding their establishments. Pictures taken by Leicester Media Online Sunday 12th July 2026

If there’s one thing we are incredibly proud of it is the way in which the Leicester and Leicestershire LGBTQ+ community celebrate during the summer. From the region’s biggest Pride parade and party in Leicester to the four events around the districts and market towns, it’s a fabulous time to get glammed up and show out! Whatever you’re doing for Pride month, there are plenty of chances to show your support across Leicester and Leicestershire, whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, are supporting friends and family, or just there as an ally. Leicester Pride Saturday 5 September It’s the conclusion of the summer, but we simply have to start with this one! Leicester Pride is the region’s biggest Pride event, with a huge parade filled colour and music snaking its way through the city centre. This all culminates in a fantastic free party in Abbey Park with live music, performances. More than 20,000 people are expected to join the party, and absolutely everyone is welcome. Pride in Coalville 1 August But the celebrations for Pride month kick off right at the start of August, in Coalville. This celebration of identity, visibility and community is held in Coalville Park . It’s a free, family-friendly day with loads of live music and entertainment, local stalls, food and drink, community groups and activities for all ages. Everyone – LGBTQ+ people, allies, families and neighbours – is welcome Ashby Pride 8 August Taking place on Market Street in Ashby de la Zouch, there’s a packed programme with stalls, music and dance of the main stage and a parade too! Ashby Pride is a community-led charity run entirely by volunteers. Their dedicated team works tirelessly to organise and deliver vibrant events celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity. Loughborough Pride 22 August This fantastic event will this year feature a parade right through the centre of Loughborough, bringing Pride to the whole town and offering the community a chance to show their support. There will also be a return of the Picnic in the Park event in Queen’s Park with a headline performance from The Gaga Experience. There will also be a chance to see the Community Pride Picnic Blanket as part of Charnwood Museum’s Spotlight case. Leicester Media is proud to be the official media partner for Leicester Pride The Leicester Pride event is on Saturday 5th September 2026 at Abbey Park Leicester 1pm – 9pm – Free entry www.leicesterpride.com 20,000+ Expected at Leicester Pride as Midlands strengthens claim as UK’s Pride capital

The University of Leicester’s Botanic Garden will come alive with music, family entertainment and hands-on activities this September as it welcomes visitors to its annual Community Festival. Taking place on Sunday 6 September, the festival offers a packed programme of events within the Gardens and the historic Beaumont House, bringing together local performers, traders, and food vendors. The festival will also allow visitors the opportunity to discover more about the future of the Botanic Garden. Garden Director and BBC Gardener’s World presenter, Nick Bailey, and members of the Friends of the Botanic Garden will be on hand to talk about its ambitious 10-year masterplan. The festival will feature live performances from The Wigston Brass Band, Leicester-based dhol drumming group Oh My Dhol, and the Contrast Steel Band, alongside music from a DJ throughout the day. Families can enjoy a range of free activities, including face painting, arts and crafts workshops delivered by Attenborough Arts Centre, henna designs and a minibeast stampers hunt led by the Botanic Garden Education Team. Visitors can also take part in outdoor garden games, tackle a nine-hole crazy golf course and enjoy a bouncy castle. Inside Beaumont House, visitors will be able to explore a mini-market featuring local traders and makers, meet the University’s Science Kitchen team and try some locally made ice cream and focaccia. There will also be a farm-themed soft play area featuring a ball pit, slide, rockers and horse hoppers for younger visitors with more activities set to be announced. Professor Tom Robinson, Chair of the Botanic Garden Board, said: “This is a time of year when the summer holidays are over and term time beckons, whether for school or university, so it is excellent to have a family event to look forward to. There is always plenty of activities to entertain and it is an opportunity to see what has happened in the University's Botanic Garden since your last visit and to see the plans for the future. I do hope that you can join the fun and that the sun shines down on us.” The Community Festival is sponsored by Rockstar Promotions and is open to everyone. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available now, with prices starting from £1 and free admission for children under five. For more information and tickets, visit the Community Festival event page. Sharing on behalf of the University of Leicester Published: Friday, 10 July 2026

Multiple Fire crews tackling a house fire on Coral Street in the Belgrave area of the city this afternoon. No persons are reported, the cause is not yet known. Local people should close doors and windows to avoid smoke inhalation. Currently there are eight fire engines, including an aerial ladder platform and support welfare at the scene. Motorists should avoid the area and expect delays. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service shared that they were dealing with the incident off of Leicester's Belgrave Road at 3.46pm. Crews remain at the scene after it was reported that the fire had spread to the roof space in a row of terraces. Multiple properties have been evacuated. There are no reports of casualties. More to follow. Pictures and Video by Leicester Media Online ©️ 2026