A man who violently attacked his partner in two separate incidents has been jailed for five years and six months. David Smith subjected his girlfriend at the time to two ‘horrendous ordeals’ – one on 3 January and the second on 8 March. Both incidents occurred inside his flat in Granby Drive, Bottesford. On both occasions the victim was punched and kicked multiple times, causing a cut lip and bruising and swelling to many areas of her body. Following a thorough investigation, the 42-year-old was charged with two counts of actual bodily harm (ABH). He pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday 18 May to a total of five years and six months. He was also placed on an indefinite restraining order banning any form of contact with the victim. DC James Piskula from the force’s dedicated Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “Smith carried out two violent and vicious attacks on his partner, one of which lasted for more than two hours. “These horrendous ordeals left her with significant bruising and swelling to her face, head and many other parts of her body. “Thankfully the victim suffered no long-term physical injuries and felt able to speak out and seek help. I am pleased Smith has admitted carrying out these crimes and the victim now has the justice and hopefully the closure she deserves. “I would urge anyone who is currently suffering at the hands of a partner to reach out and get the help and support to put a stop to the abuse. “Our dedicated team of specialists officers are here to listen to you and guide you through the process of reporting domestic-related abuse. “Anyone can also get independent advice and support through FreeVA – a charity that works towards reducing domestic violence in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.” Anyone wanting to report a crime can call 101 or in an emergency 999. FreeVA’s helpline is 0808 802 0028 or visit www.freeva.org.uk

Councillor Dr Kevin Feltham has become the new chairman of Leicestershire County Council – the 47th person to hold the post. Kevin was confirmed in the top civic role at today’s (Weds) council annual meeting. He was first elected to the county council in 2001 to represent the East Gartree Division, which became the Gartree Division in 2005. The long-serving former cabinet member is now in his sixth term as a county councillor. Kevin has served as chairman of Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council since 2014 as well as being a member of Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Council. He has lived in the Kibworths for more 35 years and is an active member of the community including his local Anglican Church. Kevin is a retired clinical scientist and grew up on a family farm in Lincolnshire but was educated in Leicestershire and Rutland. He obtained a degree in Microbiology at the University of Surrey before coming back to Leicestershire to study for his PhD in Microbial Systematics at the University of Leicester. He has worked in hospital laboratory computing all over the UK for much of his working life. Kevin has chosen Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Headway and The Well, Kibworth as the charities he will be supporting during his year in office. Headway is a brain injury association, while The Well is a Christian-based charity, open to everyone. It operates a café, charity shop, foodbank and community centre which offers practical support to anyone who needs it within the Kibworths and surrounding villages. "I am very pleased to be taking up the role of chairman this year and I look forward to serving the county to the best of my ability. Previous chairmen have done excellent work over the years, including for charity, and I look forward to continuing this work in my term of office. I have chosen Headway and The Well as my charities for this year. I have seen the excellent work Headway does with a friend who is recovering from a brain tumour and am very happy that I will be able to support that work in a small way. Equally, The Well in Kibworth supports truly worthy causes, including through its foodbank and community centre, and I’m delighted to be able to support another charity so close to my heart." Councillor Kevin Feltham, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council Councillor Dan Harrison, who has served as chairman during the last civic year, will be the council vice-chairman for 2022/23. Leicestershire County Council News

Offer gives county residents the opportunity to reduce their energy costs. People could save on energy bills and help cut carbon emissions by investing in solar panels through a new group-buying scheme. Solar Together Leicestershire helps people looking to make an investment in solar panels for their house and battery storage systems for a reduced rate. Residents can register their interest for free and find more information on the Solar Together website. People who register will be entered into an auction, where solar panel suppliers compete by offering the lowest rate for installation. The more people who register, the lower the price can be. Solar Together, run by group buying firm iChoosr, then provides those signed up with a free, no obligation offer from the successful energy supplier. A personal recommendation will be emailed out with information on the winning solar panel installer, the proposed system, costs, and savings ready for residents to make their choice. Blaby District Council is leading on the campaign in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Melton Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. Leicestershire County Council has declared a climate emergency and committed to work with others to achieve net zero carbon across the county by 2045 and the scheme is one part of reaching that goal. Big drops in business mileage and energy use mean that Leicestershire County Council has cut its own emissions by almost 75 per cent and is currently on track to become carbon neutral by 2030. A new consultation about how Leicestershire can become a net zero county by 2045 has also launched – residents, businesses and others can comment on the net zero strategy and action plan until July 26.

Library members will be able to access library buildings and services out of hours in a trial scheme being launched at two city libraries. Library Plus has just launched at Knighton and Evington libraries. It means people will be able to access both libraries before and after standard staffed opening hours, from Monday to Friday. The Library Plus trial has been developed to provide better access to library services. Customers will be able to visit the two libraries before and after their daytime activities at times which suit them best. Access will be through a member’s library card and PIN. They will be able to scan their card at a card reader, and then enter their PIN for access to the building. Anyone who wants to take part in the trial will need to take part in an induction, and they must be 16 or over. Children will be allowed into the library out of hours, but they will need to be accompanied by an adult (18+) who has taken part in the induction process. Customers will be able to borrow and return books, use the public computers and wifi, and use the study desks. Monitored CCTV coverage will be in place, and if there are any problems, an emergency phoneline will be available for customers to talk to the library access team. Heating, lighting and building alarms will be controlled by the Library Plus access system. Assistant city mayor Cllr Kirk Master said: “The aim of the trial is to make best use of the two libraries by providing self-service access to services outside of staffed hours. The trial will not include any changes to standard staffed opening hours. “We know how much people value our library services, so we want to make them available to people as much as possible. It’s about adding to what we currently offer.” Customers over 16 years old can sign up to Library Plus self-access by contacting Evington or Knighton libraries by phone (0116 221 1286 for Evington; 0116 299 5477 for Knighton) or in person to request an induction. Find out more about Leicester’s libraries, the range of services on offer and how to join at www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries

Police are appealing for information after a two-year-old boy was reported to have fallen from a flat window in Frog Island, Leicester, this afternoon. Officers were contacted at 4.49pm today (Saturday) by the East Midlands Ambulance Service who were attending to the boy who was reported to have fallen outside from a second-storey window of a flat at Aadams Apartments, Frog Island. The boy was taken to hospital. Fortunately, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. (This video has sound) A 23-year-old woman, of Leicester, has been arrested on suspicion of neglect. She currently remains in police custody. Officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident. As part of enquiries, officers are appealing to anyone with any information, who has not spoken with police to make contact. Detective Inspector Mike Chandler said: “We have been speaking with a number of people following the incident as we continue to establish the full circumstances regarding what has happened. “If you were in the area this afternoon, please think back to anything you saw which could help our enquiries. If you have any information, please make contact with us.” You can report online at www.leics.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident 461 of 21 May.

Leicester Riverside Festival returns on the first weekend in June. Spread over four areas this free two-day festival features fun on and off the water. Bede Park will feature family activities including a fun fair, food stalls, arts & crafts, beer tent, acoustic music stage and lots of join in activities, whilst on the Piazza area our large music stage will feature great live bands and music for all ages. Western Boulevard sees the return of the hugely popular street market with arts, crafts, tasty street food plus the Ride Leicester cycling area. River Soar & Mile Straight hosts the colourful narrow boat rally, boat trips, canoes, boat rides, demonstrations and the opportunity to view and buy work from local artists at Art on The River. Castle Gardens includes children's activities with an eco and environmental focus. It's sure to be one of the best waterside festivals in the country and a fun-packed weekend not to be missed! For more information https://www.visitleicester.info/whats-on/riverside-festival-p704771 Download the Festival Guide for all the upcoming events

Leicester’s new Lord Mayor has been handed the chains of office in a ceremony at the city’s Town Hall. Councillor George Cole, who represents the city’s Western Ward, has become Leicester’s new Lord Mayor, and in doing so has also become the city’s first Black African Caribbean Lord Mayor. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Councillor Cole came to England in 1964, settling in the UK and becoming a British Citizen. He left school aged 15 with no academic qualifications, but relied on his self-belief to improve himself, eventually going on to study for a degree and becoming a principal computer design engineer. He later progressed to a principal systems design engineer, gaining chartered engineer status, followed by nearly 30 years as a senior university lecturer. During this time, he has also been a radio presenter and producer, has run his own businesses and became a magistrate. In addition to his role as a city councillor, he has also contributed to the community in many ways as a volunteer, with roles including chair of the African Heritage Alliance, an organisation established to address the inequalities experienced by the African heritage community due to racism. Cllr Cole is married with two children. As Lord Mayor of Leicester, he will be supported throughout the year by his wife Denese and daughter Serenah, and will champion the work of the Sickle Cell Society. He takes over the role from the previous Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Deepak Bajaj, whose term of office ran from 2021-2022. Cllr Cole’s Deputy Lord Mayor will be Cllr Luis Fonseca, while Cllr Bajaj will follow tradition in taking up the role of High Bailiff. In addition, Cllr Cole has chosen five spiritual advisors to support him during his term of office, including Bishop Joel Haye of New Testament Church of God; Pastor Michael Baker of the Seventh Day Adventists; Bishop Marvin Hector from Shiloh Pentecostal Fellowship; Pastor Adetunji Lawal of the Winners Chapel International, and Ras Aanum Abeng from Nabingi Church. Cllr Cole said: “I’m very much looking forward to serving the city as its Lord Mayor, and this next phase of what life has in store. “I remember leaving school at 15 with the words of the teachers ringing in my ears, that I’d never pass an exam in 100 years, but my life has been about finding myself and being motivated to better myself. “I am also committed to working with the African Heritage Alliance, to help tackle the sort of issues which have fuelled the Black Lives Matter movement, and which still underlie so many issues in society today. “I have always believed you are as young as you feel, and I hope to bring that enthusiasm and energy to this role, which is a great honour.”

A man has pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a teenage boy in Hinckley in the 1980’s. Malcolm Gledhill-Came pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16 years of age at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday (18 May). The 69-year-old was given a two-year prison sentence which will run concurrently to 12-year prison sentence he is already serving. In 2020, a man contacted Leicestershire Police to report that while he worked at a newsagent in Hinckley in the early 1980’s he was indecently touched by Gledhill-Came, who was the manager of the store at the time. A police investigation followed which included Gledhill-Came being interviewed. He denied the offences. Charges were subsequently authorised and he pleaded guilty to all of the offences at court. Detective Constable Alex Wood, the investigating officer, said: “Gledhill-Came was convicted in 2020 of the rape of a teenage boy in the late 1970’s who also worked in a newsagent with him in the West Midlands. He is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for this crime. “Given the similarities in both the cases, there could well be other children who were also abused but haven’t reported the matter to police so we would urge them to get on touch. We have specially trained officers who can support you through any report made. “I appreciate the difficulty for some people in talking about such experiences which happened many years ago. The victim in this case has been incredibly brave in reliving the ordeal he suffered and I am thankful for him that Gledhill-Came has finally accepted responsibility for the crimes he committed against him.” There are a number of different agencies who are able to offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Further information on these services and details can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/ Further information about child abuse can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse The victim has released the following statement: “I was a shy and naive teenage boy when this man repeatedly molested me. Conflict wasn’t in my nature and I wouldn’t say boo to a goose. In retrospect, it seems obvious that he knew this; sensed this and honed in on it, like a predator does. I was a lone schoolboy working among a staff of eight or ten older, middle-aged women - again, with hindsight it feels obvious that I had been specifically ‘targeted’ and subsequently become groomed. “Although I was a green young teenager, and frozen with fear when he molested me, nevertheless something inside me knew that this was vile and wrong, and I was able to repel him and resist him from going any further than he did. “Obviously I reflected on things a lot over the years – the decades - but the only people I felt comfortable confiding in were my best friend and my wife. I told them of it episodically during the 1990s and beyond. "Then one day in late 2020, I simply picked up the phone, rang the police and told them my story. "It had taken me 40 years, but it was a natural and simple process, and I remember smiling talking to the police because it felt good to offload this weight and to tell the truth of what had happened. More than anything I felt relieved. “Over 40 years I had built a career and a family, and now I realised it was the time to do the right thing - to reveal the details of something I had lived with, with a quiet sense of shame for all that time. The trigger was a simple song on the radio - a song that brought the events of 1980 crashing back into my life, but as an older, wiser, stronger man of experience who had overcome much adversity to thrive and to love. "When I picked up the phone, I had no idea if this man was dead or alive. Eighteen months later he has admitted his crime against me and has been punished with two years in prison. That’s good. It’s all I really wanted. Just some natural justice.”

Do you know the man pictured? Officers are appealing to speak to the man pictured after another man suffered serious injuries following an assault in Melton Road, Thurmaston. Police were called at 12.33am on Sunday 10 April to a report of a fight in the area near the junction with White Hart Close. A man in his 20s was found seriously injured. East Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance and the man was taken to hospital. The victim has since been discharged from hospital following treatment. Officers have been carrying out a full investigation since the incident. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and released under investigation. As part of ongoing enquiries, officers are now appealing to speak to the man pictured who may be able to help with enquiries. If you are the man pictured or you recognise him, or if you have any information in relation to the incident, then you should contact police. You can report online at www.leics.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident 21 of 10 April.

The recent tri-service open day at Coalville Fire Station attracted a huge 3,000 attendees, raising a fantastic £2,000 for two charities – Air Ambulance and The Fire Fighters Charity. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service worked with partners in Leicestershire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and North West Leicestershire District Council to plan the event, which was held on Saturday 14 May at Coalville Fire Station. The station became an ‘Emergency Services Hub’ when Leicestershire Police joined in March 2018, with EMAS joining in August 2020. As well as hot oil, rope rescue and house fire demonstrations from the fire service, all three blue light services had emergency vehicles, equipment and colleagues in attendance to educate and inform the public. There were also stands from other agencies, such as Coalville Rotary Club, Everyone Active, Newfoundland Therapy Dogs and 1188 Coalville Squadron Air Corps, and lots of family fun such as face painting and the Mini Fire Engine. As a further result of the event, the fire service managed to collect 60 addresses for home safety checks, a fantastic way to further improve engagement with communities and help towards ‘Safer People, Safer Places’.

Leicestershire Police has today (17 May) launched a scheme to support the ongoing care of retired police dogs. The Police Dog Retirement Scheme (PDRS) has been set up to recognise the vital contribution made by the force’s furry four-legged friends in protecting the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. From helping to locate missing people and tracking offenders, to finding vital evidence such as drugs, cash, explosives, bodily fluids and digital media devices – these crime-fighting canines work alongside police officers, often protecting their handlers from potentially dangerous situations. When most police dogs retire from service they continue to live with their handler, who is responsible for their continued care and the associated costs. With the launch of the PDRS, £500 will now be paid out when a police dog comes to the end of its service – to help ensure they continue to have a comfortable and relaxing retirement. This money will be given to whoever takes on a retired dog – police officer, staff, or in some cases a member of the public. Each dog will also be awarded a certificate of service, which is given to all police personnel on retirement, and a commemorative engraved dog lead. Temporary Inspector Chris Day, who is part of the force’s Tactical Dogs and Firearms Unit, has been instrumental in helping to set up the scheme. He said: “Police dogs play such a vital role in the work we do in protecting and serving the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “As a force we wanted to set up a scheme which formally recognises their contribution but also financially supports the family who take care of our retired dogs. Some of our dogs retire with illness or injury and will require regular medication or treatment, others will simply retire as they get older. “Whichever it is, the money will go some way in helping to pay for the ongoing cost of taking care of them - so they can have the retirement they deserve.” Attending today’s launch were four retired police dogs - Bo, Gilly, Mabon and Grace and their handlers. As well as specialist civilian dog handler Rupert Smallshaw, who took care of retired police dog Tommy when he finished his service in 2017 until he passed away in October 2021. In total the five dogs served 34 years in policing. As the most recent to retire, Bo and his hander PC Karen Daybell were the first to be awarded the £500 as part of the scheme. Bo officially retires tomorrow (18 May) but has been away from operational duties for the last few months. The event was also attended by retired officer Dave Wardell and his wife Gemma, trustees of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation – a national charity which helps protect, celebrate and rehabilitate serving and retired police dogs. The pair were the driving force behind the passing of Finn’s Law in 2019 – an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which prevents those who harm service animals to claim they were acting in self-defence. The law is named after police dog Finn who was stabbed while pursuing a suspect with his handler Dave when they were serving as part of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit. Speaking after the event, Gemma Wardell said: “Police dogs dedicate years of their lives looking after us whether they’re fighting crime, catching criminals or keeping the public safe. It’s only right that when they retire, we look after them. “That’s why we launched the Thin Blue Paw Foundation; a national welfare charity that supports both working and retired police dogs. And we’re absolutely thrilled that Leicestershire Police is now launching its own retirement scheme to support their canine heroes when they hang up their collars.” Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews also attended today to show his support for the scheme. He said: “Happily, many of our four-legged crime fighters are fit and healthy when they retire but some need medical treatment for injury or illness resulting from their days on the job, tackling crime”. “These dogs provide a sterling service over the years to protect the public so I am delighted to approve a scheme that will help with their care when they retire. They are an important part of the team.”

A man whose brother-in-law died after he assaulted him in a fight has today (Monday 16 May) been jailed. Martin Casey was involved in a fight with 28-year-old William Harty in Bedale Drive, Leicester, during the early hours of Monday 25 October last year. William, known to family and friends as Billy, was found in the street suffering from head and facial injuries. He was taken to hospital where he died during the early hours of the following morning. Casey, 29, of Golf Course Lane, Leicester, handed himself at a police station shortly after William’s death. When he was arrested he stated to officers that he had been involved in a fight with William. Casey (pictured) stood trial at Leicester Crown Court charged with murder and was found not guilty of murder by a jury on Thursday (12 May). He pleaded guilty to manslaughter at an earlier hearing. Today he was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Detective Inspector Jenni Heggs from East Midlands Special Operations Unit Murder Investigation Unit was the senior investigating officer in the case. She said: “There are certainly no winners in this case, a family have lost a loved one and a young man now faces a considerable time behind bars for his actions. “William’s family and friends have shown immense courage and dignity throughout the investigation and legal proceedings, because of the family connections this was in no way easy for them. “Yet again, this case demonstrates the consequences of violent behaviour which has resulted in a life being lost. Hopefully the time Casey will now serve in prison will give him an opportunity to consider his actions and the impact not only on him but his family too.” Leicestershire Police News 16/05/22