Designs for a new walkway that would link Leicester’s Green Dragon Square with St Martin’s Square, and complete the route from Town Hall Square, have been revealed by the city council. The landscaped link would also provide a substantial new, green, open space in the city centre, which would include new trees to provide shade, bee-friendly shrubs, sensory planting and grassed areas. Children’s adventure play equipment made of natural materials would be a key feature of the new space, increasing opportunities for play in the city centre. And paved areas would provide an opportunity for temporary street food vendors to be located there. Council-owned buildings running from 12-to 20 Cank Street would be demolished to make way for the new link. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This new scheme gives us a wonderful opportunity to complete the link from Town Hall Square through to St Martin’s Square and towards Leicester’s Old Town. It is also going to bring more much-needed green space to the heart of the city centre, as well as a place for families to rest and play.” The cost of the demolition, constructing new gable end walls to support the retained buildings, and creating the new landscaped walkway will be around £3.5m. Just over £1m will come from the Government funded local transport works improvement programme, with the remainder coming from funding allocated to an earlier scheme. Subject to planning permission being obtained and a formal decision being made on the project, work could begin in November, with the full scheme expected to take around 12 months to complete. LCC News - Published on Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Get free support to quit for good. Smokers across Leicestershire are being encouraged to take part in this year's national Stoptober campaign and take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future. People who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good, making Stoptober the perfect opportunity to break the habit with support from QuitReady, Leicestershire County Council's free stop smoking service. Over 14,000 people have successfully quit smoking with the support of QuitReady since 2017. With smoking remaining the leading cause of preventable illness and death, stopping smoking is one of the best things people can do to improve their health and wellbeing. Quitting doesn't just benefit the person who smokes. It can also help protect family and friends from the effects of second-hand smoke, improve overall wellbeing and free up more money for everyday essentials and the things that matter most. People are being reminded that it is never too late to quit, even if they have tried before. Many smokers make several attempts before they stop for good, and every quit attempt brings them one step closer to success. Georgia Denmark, Strategic Lead, Integrated Lifestyle for QuitReady at Leicestershire County Council said: "If you've been thinking about quitting smoking, Stoptober is the perfect chance to give it a go. At QuitReady, we know quitting isn't always easy, which is why we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you'd like advice, encouragement or help finding the right tools to quit, our friendly team can help. Just give us a call, send us a text or get in touch online. A conversation could be the first step towards becoming smoke-free for good." A range of free support is available to help people quit smoking, including expert local support through QuitReady, the NHS Quit Smoking app and a Personal Quit Plan. Information about stop smoking aids, including nicotine replacement therapies and vaping, is also available through the NHS. For free advice and support from QuitReady this Stoptober, call 0345 646 6666, text READY to 66777, or visit the QuitReady website Leicestershire County Council News - Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

Films by two Leicester filmmakers will be among 19 to be screened at the Recovery Street Film Festival, a free event which takes place at the Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre this Saturday (26 September). It’s the first time Leicester will host the national festival, the only one of its kind dedicated to short films made by people affected by substance use. The festival is being brought to the city by Sobriety Films, a social enterprise that uses film to raise awareness of recovery, giving a voice to those who have experienced it. The films will showcase real stories of recovery, highlighting the realities behind addiction and the journeys people take to rebuild their lives. The aim is that showing recovery is possible with support could encourage people to seek help, especially those who feel isolated or unsure about accessing services. Prizes will be awarded to the best three films, selected by a judging panel, and for the first time a special prize will be awarded to the best film by a young person, aged 16 to 25. Maddie Kitchen, Creative Director of Recovery Street Film Festival, said: “We are incredibly excited by the quality and originality of this year's submissions. Having two Leicester filmmakers reach the final is a fantastic achievement for the city and its recovery community. “Our shortlisted films span rap, animation, interactive gaming, and deeply personal stories, showcasing recovery through a strikingly diverse range of voices. This year's line-up features work from England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We are especially moved by the powerful submissions from young filmmakers tackling themes like ketamine use, transphobia, alienation, freedom and creative expression - all competing for our new Young People’s Award.” The judges will include two members of Leicester’s recovery community - Aunee Bhogaita and Jit Chauhan - bringing their lived experience to the panel. The screenings will also put a spotlight in a creative way on the many services available to support recovery in Leicester, including Dear Albert, Turning Point Leicester, Spinney Hills Recovery, No.5, and Age Uk. Free tickets for the festival are available now from the Phoenix Box Office. The festival is being supported by Leicester City Council’s Public Health team. It will be opened by Leicester’s Lord Mayor Cllr Kulwinder Singh Johal and presented by actor and director Richard Mylan. The screening will be followed by a prize-giving ceremony, including an award celebrating young filmmakers aged 16–25. Audiences are invited to take part in a question and answer session with filmmakers and guests, exploring the stories behind the films and the role creativity can play in recovery.

Ten community champions have been recruited from dozens of applications to help explore and celebrate Leicester’s diverse heritage. The champions have been selected through the city's Inclusive Heritage project as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund's Heritage Places programme. The project aims to give a voice to Leicester’s diverse communities and ensure that more people feel involved in, and represented by, local cultural and heritage activity. Working with the city council’s Heritage Places team, the champions are leading community-focused projects that explore overlooked stories, lived experiences and traditions from across Leicester’s neighbourhoods. Helen Sharp, the city council’s Heritage Places programme manager, said: “Our new community heritage champions bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion, along with strong connections to neighbourhoods across Leicester. “Together they will help uncover stories that are often missing from traditional heritage narratives, shining a light on the people, places, traditions and experiences that have helped shape our city. “From food and culture to migration, disability, community activism and neighbourhood identity, these projects will help ensure that a broader range of voices and experiences are reflected in Leicester’s heritage. “Thanks to National Lottery players, we can support these champions as they work in local neighbourhoods to capture, celebrate and share stories that might otherwise be lost.” The ten Community Heritage Champions and their projects are: Carla Hills, who is creating a digital archive that will combine physical objects with people’s stories, memories and experiences of being LGBTQ+ in Leicester Charlotte Richardson, who will investigate how changes in the local community have affected carers and unpaid carers in Beaumont Leys Charmaine Cater, who is documenting the changing experiences of Gypsy families across four generations Christopher Samuel, who is exploring the experiences and representation of disabled people in Leicester Liga Orlovska, who is focusing on the experiences and contributions of Leicester’s Eastern European communities Nima Suchak, who is documenting stories of arrival, settlement and community life in Leicester Paula Croxton, who wants to make New Parks proud through a photobook project that will chart the area’s past and present Philomena Imade-Omoregie Osagie, who is researching West African food traditions and cultural knowledge passed through generations Rupal Rajani, who is preserving stories from Belgrave and documenting the role of the Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Association in supporting local communities Ty’rone Haughton, who hopes to celebrate the people and places of Highfields in poetry. Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Leicester’s story has always been shaped by the many different communities that call our city home, but too often those stories have gone unheard. “These ten Community Heritage Champions will help us uncover, celebrate and preserve the experiences, traditions and memories that make Leicester such a rich and diverse place. Their projects will ensure that more people can see themselves reflected in our shared heritage and help create a lasting legacy for future generations.” The Inclusive Heritage project is part of the national Heritage Places programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Using a dedicated £200m funding pot, the programme aims to transform 20 places across the UK by 2033, helping people connect with local heritage, build pride in place and ensure a wider range of stories are represented in heritage activity. The Leicester programme will support projects that explore neighbourhood histories, cultural traditions, community memories and lived experiences, helping to create a more inclusive record of the city’s heritage for future generations. All the stories, research and community insights gathered through the Community Heritage Champions programme will help shape the next phase of Leicester's Heritage Places programme, informing future heritage activity and investment across the city. More information about the champions and their projects is available at the project website LCC News - Published on Monday, September 21, 2026

People are being invited to have their say about proposals for a new permit parking scheme in part of Leicester. Leicester City Council has drawn up a scheme that would cover eight streets in the St Peters area. It follows complaints from residents and local councillors about the number of commuter and business vehicles using on-street parking in residential streets for free all-day parking. Under the proposal, households will be required to pay £35 a year for each vehicle to be allowed to park in the designated streets. Vehicles parked without a permit will be fined. Around 476 homes and businesses would be affected under the proposed scheme. The following streets would be included in the proposed scheme: Biddulph Street, Sutherland Street, Chandos Street, Lonsdale Street, Rosalyn Street, Biddulph Avenue and part of Mere Road. Double yellow lines would be reduced in length along the affected streets at their junctions with St Peters Road to help create more parking capacity. Designated short-stay parking bays are also proposed to support businesses in the area. The city council is now inviting people to have their say on the proposals by completing a simple survey. If given the go ahead, a formal consultation as part of the statutory Traffic Regulation Order process will be carried out. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “Where we have introduced residents’ parking schemes in other neighbourhoods, they have been an effective way of tackling parking problems freeing up spaces for the people who live there. “We now want to hear from the people that this will affect.” Under the city council’s current parking permit scheme, charges will be £35 per year for a residents’ permit; £100 per year for a business permit tied to a particular vehicle, and £150 for a business permit that can be transferred between vehicles. Visitor permits are available for residents, at either £40 for a year, or £2 for 24-hours. Permits for landlords and carers are also available. Vehicles displaying a blue badge will be exempt from the permit holders only restriction. People can take part in an online survey at consultations.leicester.gov.uk Paper copies of the survey have also been sent to all homes and businesses in the area. A public drop-in event will also be held at St Peter’s Highfields Church, 2 St Peters Road, on Thursday 1 October, from 2-6.30pm. The closing date for comments is Sunday 25 October. LCC News - Published on Monday, September 21, 2026

A Mob of giant monsters is set to return to Leicester city centre next month, just in time for half-term and Halloween. From 22–31 October, the eight playful monsters will appear on city rooftops, at windows and around corners, popping up in unexpected places to surprise unsuspecting visitors. Following the event’s debut in 2023, which attracted more than 80,000 visitors, The Return of Leicester Monsters will introduce families to a colourful cast of larger-than-life characters created by internationally renowned artists Filthy Luker & Pedro Estrellas. Among the monsters waiting to be discovered is Chomper, a giant orange monster with an appetite for bricks, mortar and the occasional chimney, who will be taking up residence at Mattioli Woods at the bottom of New Walk. Over at Highcross, the overly affectionate Tentacle Terry will be reaching out to make new friends, while his long-suffering wife Tentacle Tina will be waiting for him at Metro Bank near the Clock Tower. Visitors to Jewry Wall will come face-to-face with aspiring rockstar Sick Jagger, while Jazz Hands, an actor desperately awaiting his big break, will be found close to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter at the LCB Depot. Monster hunters will be encouraged to track down all eight of the illuminated installations and check in at each location using the My Leicester App. Anyone who completes all eight check-ins will automatically be entered into a monster prize draw. The Return of Leicester Monsters will take place during Leicester Restaurant Week, when dozens of restaurants, cafés and bars will be offering special fixed-price menus and exclusive dining deals that will make eating out in half-term a little more affordable for families. Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: "We're thrilled that the Monsters will be returning to Leicester next month and are very proud to support this event. “These giant, colourful creatures were a huge hit when they first appeared three years ago, putting a smile on people's faces and bringing fun - and surprises - to the city centre. “This free event is a fantastic way for families to enjoy the October half term, and with Leicester Restaurant Week taking place at the same time, there'll be even more reason to visit the city centre and enjoy a monster day out." The Return of Leicester Monsters is presented by BID Leicester, with support from Leicester City Council and Leicester Cathedral. Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester, said: "Leicester Monsters captured people's imaginations when it first arrived in 2023 and quickly became one of the city's most-loved events. "Ever since then we've been asked when the monsters would be coming back, so we're delighted to finally be able to announce their return. "We're looking forward to welcoming families back into the city centre this October for another monster-sized adventure." The event runs from Thursday 22 October to Saturday 31 October 2026 and is completely free to enjoy. The full monster map will be available soon, and further information is available at BID Leicester’s Leicester Monsters webpage. Leicester City Council News - Published on Monday, September 21, 2026

The family of a man who suffered a life-changing brain injury after an unprovoked attack on a night out in Coalville have spoken of the moment their “lives changed forever”. Alistair Roome, 47, was enjoying a night out with friends on Saturday 25 April this year when he was headbutted by 35-year-old Kyle Morrisey. On Friday (18 September), as Morrisey was sentenced to two years in prison at Leicester Crown Court, Alistair’s family have described the devastating and lasting impact his actions have had on their lives, as police continue to urge others to walk away from violence. Kyle Morrisey Alistair’s family said: “On 25 April, our lives changed forever. Alistair was the victim of an unprovoked assault while enjoying a night out with friends at his local pub. In a matter of moments, a senseless act of violence left him with life-threatening and life-changing injuries. “The impact of this horrific attack has been devastating, not only for Alistair but for all of us who love and care for him. It has robbed him of the life he once knew and has left our family facing uncertainty, grief and lasting emotional trauma. “The consequences of that single violent act will remain with us for many years to come. While we continue to support Alistair through his recovery, we know that the effects of this attack will be felt by our family forever.” The assault on Alistair occurred outside a pub in Belvoir Road around 9.30pm. Prior to the incident it is believed Alistair and Morrisey had only briefly spoken to each other at the bar. Alistair later left the pub to join friends outside and was followed by Morrisey, who throughout has offered no explanation as to why Alistair was the target of his attack. The force of the headbutt knocked Alistair backwards, causing him to hit the floor. It left him unconscious and in need of urgent medical treatment. He underwent emergency surgery and was in intensive care for a month. Morrisey left the scene before the emergency services arrived. He was arrested by officers two days later after he arranged to hand himself into police. Five months on, the attack has left Alistair with serious injuries, and he remains in a brain injury rehabilitation unit in hospital receiving treatment. Following a thorough investigation, Morrisey, of Prestop Drive, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. He later pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service. The devastating impact the assault has had on Alistair and his family highlights how a single act of violence can have lasting repercussions. Police hope by highlighting this tragic case, others will ‘Walk Away’ from violence and think about the life-changing consequences these types of incidents can have. Detective Constable Beth McGuinness, officer in the case, said: “What happened to Alistair was completely unprovoked and shows just how devastating the consequences of violence can be. "While Alistair and his family continue to live with the impact of what happened that night, Morrisey has had to face the consequences of his actions. “It is not known if Morrissey went out that day with the intention to harm anyone but in the minutes before the attack on Alistair he had indicated to others in the bar that he wanted to start a fight. “After knocking Alistair unconscious, he then chose to walk away from the scene without any remorse for the injuries he had caused or concern for Alistair’s welfare. “The effects of the decisions he made in those few seconds will stay with Alistair and his family for a lifetime and now means Morrisey will spend the next few years in prison.” Chief Inspector Wayne Nimblette, from the force’s crime prevention team, said: “This case serves as a stark reminder that it only takes a single act of violence to change lives forever. "Too often we see incidents where people make a split-second decision that results in devastating consequences. “Through our ‘Walk Away’ campaign we are trying to encourage people to walk away from confrontation and for friends to intervene safely if it appears something could become violent. “It is important for people to understand that a single punch or blow can cause life-changing injuries or death.” Alistair’s family added: “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Leicestershire Police for their support and dedication throughout this difficult time, and to the NHS staff who have and continue to care for Alistair. Their professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment has meant more to our family than words can express.” For more information, visit https://wewalkaway.uk/ Leicestershire Police News - Published: 09:45 21/09/2026

Join Fosse Park on Thursday 15th October for a free one-day Recruitment Event, with doors opening at 10am and last entry at 2pm. Local candidates looking to reach their full potential and find their next opportunity will have the opportunity to connect with a variety of brands at the shopping destination, including Marks and Spencer, Boots, TK Maxx and Primark. Taking place in Unit 10/11 (between Sports Direct and Nike), the day will have a mix of one-to-one ‘speed interviews’ and group sessions, depending on the brand. Candidates will have the opportunity to speak directly with employers, find out more about available roles and, where appropriate, take part in interviews on the day. Some brands will also offer group sessions with interview tips and guidance to help candidates prepare for applying for roles online and future opportunities. Interviews and job offers will not be available for every role or attendee, but the event provides a valuable opportunity for candidates to meet employers, learn more about working at Fosse Park and gain useful advice to support their next steps. Attendees are encouraged to bring up-to-date CVs and IDs. Nick Coppock, Centre Manager at Fosse Park, said; “We're excited to welcome you to the Fosse Park Recruitment Event - a vibrant gathering that connects our amazing brands with talented job seekers. Whether you're exploring part-time roles or aiming for a leadership position, the event offers a fantastic chance to take the next step in your career. At Fosse Park, we're proud to champion our community by creating meaningful pathways to employment and growth and support our brands in finding suitable employees to join their team ahead of the busy Christmas period.” Those wanting to attend will need to secure their free place via Eventbrite.Book quickly – as previous events held at Fosse Park have been extremely popular, with over 1200 job seekers attending on one day. The Department of Work and Pensions will be in attendance to support candidates with interview preparation, provide reassurance and guidance, and identify candidates who may benefit from extra support. The full list* of Fosse Park brands you can expect at the event includes: • Boots • Currys • TK Maxx • Primark • Flannels • Marks and Spencer • Next • Primark • Footasylum • Schuh • TFG London (Hobbs, Whistles, Phase Eight, and Inside Story) A quiet space will be provided at the back of the event space ,for those who may need a break from the environment. Water and biscuits will also be available for all candidates. *The list of stores attending is subject to change.

Witnesses are being asked to come forward after police were called to a report of disorder at an under-18s football match in Coalville. Officers were deployed to Owen Street just before 4pm yesterday (Sunday 20 September) after it was reported there had been altercations involving around 30 people at the game between Coalville Town and Syston Town. No-one involved suffered serious injuries and enquiries are ongoing. PC Katie Dawson, the investigating officer, said: “Our enquiries to establish the circumstances that led to the disorder and what then happened afterwards is continuing. “I know there have been people talking about the incident on social media and I’m appealing for anyone who was there and has not yet spoken to police to come forward and provide their version of events. “I’m particularly keen to speak to anyone who filmed anything on a mobile phone. Any details or footage you can provide could assist our investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 26*565553. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police - Published: 15:49 21/09/2026

Police are investigating a burglary after a car was reversed into the shutters of a store in Saffron Lane, Leicester. As part of enquiries, police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about the incident. Police were called to the scene shortly before 3.15am yesterday (Sunday 20 September). A red Ford Fiesta had been used to gain entry to the shop and had been left at the scene. From enquires carried out, it is believed three men entered the store – stealing a number of mobile phones and computer games consoles. All three men left the scene on a motorbike and headed in the direction of the Pork Pie roundabout. Officers are working to identify the people involved in the incident. No arrests have been made at this time. Detective Sergeant Sally Noonan said: “Our investigation into this incident is ongoing and we are currently reviewing all CCTV in the area and speaking to a number of witnesses. “We are aware there were people in the area who saw what happened and may have filmed the incident on their mobile phone. If you have footage or any information, please come forward. “Details and video evidence you have could help us catch the people responsible.” Anyone with information is asked to report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101 – quoting crime reference number 26*564430. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

“I haven’t really slept since the incident happened. I constantly wake up during the night because I am always thinking about what has happened to me. I am anxious and I haven’t processed what’s happened.” These are the words of a victim whose face was left disfigured after he was attacked with a power tool. In March this year the victim was attending an event in Runcorn Road in Leicester when he was involved in an argument with 26-year-old Deen Garratt. Garratt threatened the victim inside the property and one of the witnesses stated that she heard the defendant tell the victim: “I’ve got an angle grinder in my van, I’m going to kill you”. Their argument continued in the street before Garratt attacked the victim in the back of his van using an angle grinder. Witnesses described seeing Garratt on top of the 26-year-old victim and attacking his face with the tool. They pulled Garratt off the victim and called the emergency services. Garratt left the scene in his van and was arrested the next day. He was charged with attempted murder but at a hearing earlier this month he pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. In his Victim Personal Statement (VPS), the victim said: “I’ve suffered deep damage to my face, when I came home from hospital after the incident my sisters couldn’t look at me, they were scared of my face and didn’t want to upset me. “I understand why people look at me, I am finding it hard to see people I know because of the way I look now. “Once the medication had worn off the pain was excruciating. While I was in hospital, I had 50 stitches to my face and a splint put in my finger. I’ve had to visit the hospital on a regular basis since the incident and now I still don’t have any feeling in my nose or cheek, I don’t know if I ever will. “I have suffered panic attacks and feel safer when my family are around, I have only just started to leave the house, but I still feel anxious. I haven’t been able to work since the incident, my job requires me to interact with customers and clients and I don’t know how people will react when they see me. “If I had been in the back of the van for a few seconds longer I could be dead now and sometimes I do think I shouldn’t be here now. I just want to concentrate on getting back to normal as he has tried to ruin my life.” Today (Monday 21 September) Garratt of Leicester Road, Enderby, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Deen Garratt Detective Constable Megan Wolstenholme was the investigating officer, she said: “This was an appalling and sustained attack which left the victim with devastating injuries that required significant medical treatment and have had a lasting impact on his life. “The injuries inflicted were severe and could easily have resulted in even more serious consequences. “I would like to commend the victim for the courage and resilience he has shown throughout both his recovery and this investigation. I also want to thank the witnesses who came forward and assisted police by providing accounts of what they saw. “Violent offences of this nature have no place in our communities. We hope today's sentence provides the victim with a sense of justice and sends a clear message that those who commit serious acts of violence will be brought before the courts and held accountable.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 11:30 21/09/2026

“A force of nature and the epitome of love and strength” The family of a woman killed in a collision while travelling home in a taxi have spoken of the enormous void her death has left in their lives and described her as a “force of nature” who “knew how to do life well”. On Saturday 16 September 2023, Donna Brighton had spent the day celebrating her 60th birthday with friends in Birmingham. She was making her way home from the train station when the taxi she was travelling in was involved in a collision with a car in Glenfield Road, Leicester. Two other passengers travelling in the taxi also sustained serious injuries. Thomas Goulty In tribute to Donna, her family said: “Donna was a force of nature, a source of inspiration, and the epitome of love and strength. Her positive outlook on life was infectious. She has left an enormous void that we must now live with in her absence. “She touched the lives of everyone she encountered through her kindness. She was compassionate, always ready to offer a helping hand to those in need and always asking after others. She had a gift for making people feel valued, supported and cared for. “Donna was always the heart and soul of family gatherings, bringing joy and warmth to every occasion. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, nanna, sister, auntie, in-law and friend. “When our family spoke about her greatest achievements in life, despite a long list of accomplishments, we all agreed that her greatest achievement was simply that she knew how to do life well.” It was shortly before 8.25pm that police were called to a report of a collision at the junction of Glenfield Road and Westfield Road. As part of the investigation, detectives from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) established the collision happened as the taxi attempted to turn right from Glenfield Road into Westfield Road and collided with the Astra, which was travelling along Glenfield Road in the opposite direction. It was calculated that Goulty was travelling at around 55mph in the 30mph zone at the time of the collision. Donna was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The two other passengers in the taxi, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 50s, suffered serious injuries. Neither of the drivers were injured in the incident. Remembering the day of the incident, Donna’s family added: “On the day she was taken from us, Donna was celebrating her 60th birthday with friends in Birmingham. “After a lovely day, the group returned to Leicester by train and decided to get taxis home. BBC Radio 2 in the Park was taking place in Leicester that weekend, so taxis were in short supply. “Donna began talking to a couple who were also waiting for a taxi and realised they were all heading in the same direction. They agreed to share a taxi home as they didn’t know how long they would be waiting for another one. All three simply wanted to get home safely. “The events of that night continue to haunt every member of the family. No amount of time can ever undo the devastation of that moment. “At the same time, we were deeply worried for the other two people in the taxi, knowing they were fighting for their lives. We desperately hoped they would make a full recovery, and I know that is exactly what Donna would have wanted too. “We firmly believe this tragedy was avoidable. The decisions made that night by Mr Goulty and Mr Mohammad did not just change one life; they devastated an entire family and affected countless others. The consequences of those choices will remain with us for the rest of our lives.” Detective Constable Louise Hough, officer in the case, said: “This was a tragic collision which resulted in Donna losing her life and two other people suffering serious injuries. “Both drivers had a responsibility to drive with care and consideration and both failed in that responsibility. “Goulty was travelling at around 55mph in a 30mph zone, significantly above the speed limit, while Mohammad turned his taxi into the path of the approaching Astra. The decisions they made behind the wheel that night had devastating and irreversible consequences for Donna’s family and the other people involved. “This case is a stark reminder of why drivers must obey speed limits and take the necessary care before carrying out any manoeuvre. A decision made in a matter of seconds can have consequences that last a lifetime. “My thoughts remain with Donna’s family and with the two other people injured in the collision.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 15:30 21/09/2026