Mother of murdered teenager says justice has been done as killer jailed
By Lucinda Cameron, PA Scotland
The mother of a teenager murdered in 1996 said justice has been done but she will always feel the “void” left by her daughter’s death as one of her killers was jailed for at least 17 years.
Donna Marie Brand, 44, was found guilty in December at the High Court in Glasgow alongside Robert O’Brien, 45, and Andrew Kelly, 44, of killing O’Brien’s 14-year-old girlfriend Caroline Glachan in August that year.
New inclusive craft group launched to combat loneliness in Sheffield
A group of disabled women are combining their creative skills to make a new accessible crafting club for those struggling with disability, mental health issues and loneliness.
Sam Cleasby, a disabled artist from Sheffield and her best friend Caroline Hayes, a neurodivergent designer, have decided to start a club in Sheffield called 'Make Good Social' that can act as a safe space for disabled and neurodivergent people to meet each other.
Mrs Cleasby said: “As women in our forties and fifties, it’s really hard to make friends and meet people who you’ve got something in common with especially because so many people work remotely or freelance.
“Human connection is the thing that makes us human, it’s what we all need in life and during the pandemic lots of people lost relationships and friendships and I think so many people are feeling isolated.”
The artist has Ulcerative Colitis and an ostomy bag, she sometimes needs to use a wheelchair or walking stick and Miss Hayes has symptoms of perimenopause which coincided with her ADHD diagnosis last year causing her to leave her graphic designer job.
The two, who met at a parent and toddler class and have been best friends for over 20 years, decided to launch the club with their friend Charlotte Warren. As people with lived experience of disability, they understand some spaces can be difficult to access and can help to make reasonable adjustments.
Mrs Cleasby said: "We spend a lot of of time doing things that make us happy and making things just for the fun of it, not for work.
“We wanted to do something that was nice but also includes cake because that’s always an important part of joy for us. It's a club made by disabled women for disabled women and non binary people.”
Their first event will be a collaging workshop on 2 May in Smithdown Studios between 7pm and 10pm and tickets will be £25.
They believe money should not be a barrier to accessing art and social connection and have tried to keep their prices as low as possible, but are still working hard to secure funding.
Mrs Cleasby said: “It is about the making, it is about learning a new skill, but it’s also about having some play time as an adult. Children play all the time, it’s a natural way of learning and regulating emotions but as an adult we’re taught that it’s foolish and childish.
"The joy of making is the process rather than the outcome.”
The group are working on planning future embroidery and lino printing workshops and encourage people to attend either with friends or on their own.
Sheffield Theatres to sell outfits from iconic shows to raise money for costume department
A rare opportunity to purchase iconic costumes from past productions, including Shakespeare to Standing at the Sky’s Edge are being offered to the public by Sheffield Theatres.
The clothing sale will be held at the Crucible theatre on Saturday 18 May with a wide range of items for all budgets. The items include modern clothing, period replicas, vintage pieces, and theatrical costumes.
The funds raised will be used to maintain the wardrobe store house in the Crucible, and enable the creation of more bespoke costumes for future productions.
Each year, Sheffield Theatres welcome 400,000 through their doors and is one of the few remaining regional producing theatres which employs a large costume making department.
Debbie Gamble, Head of Wardrobe at Sheffield Theatres, said: “We are excited to share some of the treasures we’ve kept in the theatre over recent years, and what better way to welcome the public in to our building that with a clothing sale.
"With vintage stores and charity shop fashion becoming ever so popular, particularly with the high student residence in the city, we wanted to offer the chance for people to discover unique fashions that won’t be found anywhere else.
"As well as everyday clothing such as jeans, dresses and coats, we have plenty on the other end of the scale - including a full frog costume which would be great at a festival! There are a range of items suitable for both on stage and off, so we welcome everyone to have a rummage and find some hidden gems.”
The sale will be held in the Crucible Rehearsal Room from 10am - 4pm, and Centre Stage and Prestige Members are invited to arrive at 9am.
The event is not ticketed, so doors will be open to the public via the main Crucible entrance.
To express your interest in the event, visit the Sheffield Theatres website.
Blackburn Rovers 1-3 Sheffield Wednesday: Owls edge closer to great escape thanks to Pears double disaster
Sheffield Wednesday's improbable dream of surviving in the Championship is more alive than ever after victory at Blackburn on Sunday.
The battling win sees the Owls exit the relegation zone for the first time since the season's opening day and was defined by two calamitous errors from Blackburn's goalkeeper Aynsley Pears that ultimately proved the difference between the two teams.
Over 7000 Wednesday fans made the trip to Ewood Park and were treated to goals from Josh Windass, Marvin Johnson and a bizarre own goal from Pears which elevated the side to 21st on 47 points, one point ahead of Birmingham City with just two games to play.
Wednesday manager Danny Rohl praised the travelling support after the game, saying: "It was a great performance from everyone on and off the pitch, our supporters managed to turn an away game into a home game and it was great to see."
Wednesday took the lead after six minutes when a headed clearance from Pears well outside his box put the Rovers defence under unnecessary pressure, with Josh Windass capitalising on a loose ball to audaciously chip the backtracking Pears from 30 yards.
Blackburn responded just three minutes later through the inevitable Sammie Szmodics after a volleyed through ball from Callum Brittain put the striker through on goal, with Owls keeper James Beadle unable to prevent the Irishman's powerful effort into the bottom left corner.
Injuries then threatened to hamper Wednesday's chances of leaving Blackburn with points, with centre-back Michael Ihiekwe forced off with a leg injury after 15 minutes, and his replacement Bambo Diaby also having to be substituted after injuring his nose ten minutes into the second half.
However, the ever-present tenacity that has kept the Owls' season afloat came to the fore after 58 minutes when Will Vaulks dispossessed the Blackburn midfield and kickstarted a counter-attack, with Ike Ugbo driving forward confidently and laying the ball off to the marauding Anthony Musaba on the right.
Musaba's low cross picked out Marvin Johnson at the back post who could not miss from close range to give the visitors the lead.
Wednesday's third goal came from the unlikeliest of sources as Pears inexplicably sliced a pass from his team-mate over his shoulder and into his own net to make it 3-1 shortly after.
Blackburn seemed certain of pulling a goal back when Szmodics was again put through on goal by Brittain, but the league's top scorer was unable to add to his season tally of 25 as he blasted the ball over the bar from 10 yards out.
While Wednesday's performance was deserving of the result, they will also relish their slice of luck in a season where off-field issues have plagued their campaign, with supporters protesting against the club's ownership under Dejphon Chansiri.
Captain Barry Bannan, who was making his 400th appearance for the club, said: "This is part one of three massive games. We can't get carried away, it's a good away result but we need to refocus, we're not over the line yet."
The Owls will now prepare for a tough home contest with 5th-placed West Bromwich Albion as they bid to preserve their position of 21st in the final weeks of their season.
Blackburn must also avoid being dragged into the relegation fight with this weekend's defeat leaving John Eustace's side 19th on 49 points, three points above the drop.
UK to become first country to ban extreme right-wing online terror group
By Margaret Davis, PA Crime Correspondent
Extreme right-wing online terrorist group Terrorgram is set to be banned in the UK.
Britain will be the first country to ban the group if the plan is approved on Friday, and it will be the first time that an online terror network has been proscribed in the UK.
The move would mean that support for the group would be illegal with punishments of up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine.
A draft proscription order was laid in Parliament on Monday and will come into effect on Friday if it is agreed by MPs.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “The Terrorgram collective spreads vile propaganda and aims to radicalise young people to conduct heinous terrorist acts.
“This is why we are outlawing membership or support for the group – we will not tolerate the promotion or encouragement of terrorism in the United Kingdom.
“It will become the first online terrorist network to be proscribed, alongside 80 other Extreme Right-Wing and Islamist organisations, as we continue to disrupt and outlaw terrorist groups to protect the British people.”
Terrorgram will become the sixth extreme right wing terrorist group to be banned in the UK, on the list of 81 banned organisations.
It has published propaganda designed to incite followers to commit violence, and was credited by an attacker who killed two people in an LGBTQ+ nightclub shooting in Slovakia in 2022, the Home Office said.
Security minister Tom Tugendhat said: “The Terrorgram collective is a dangerous neo-fascist organisation that actively encourages and promotes terrorist activity.
“We must do everything in our power to deter and limit the reach of hateful and terrorist ideologies, and to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”
Sheffield Steelers succeed with Grand Slam win
The Steelers took on the Belfast Giants at the Motorpoint Arena in the play-off final to claim the Grand Slam title.
This was only the fourth Grand Slam in Elite League history after the Giants last year, the Nottingham Panthers in 2023 and the Coventry Blaze in 2005.
Aaron Fox, Head Coach, said: "It’s just an incredible group of guys. I’m honoured to be their coach, what we’ve been through as a team, it’s something that will never be forgotten.
"It’s legendary, absolutely legendary. I couldn’t be happier for everybody. The character in this room is just through the roof. Every single guy made an impact this year. It’s really special."
Fox referred to the ‘orange army’ of fans who began to chant and sing as Don’t Stop Believin' by Journey played in the background.
Fighting for the title, the first period saw the Steelers gain two goals making a strong start thanks to players Daniel Ciampini and Mikko Juusola.
Ciampini’s goal was assisted by Brandon Whistle and Dominic Cormier while Mikko Juusola’s was unassisted.
The game turned in the Steelers' favour after a penalty call on Greg Printz, Giants forward.
He was assessed a five-minute major penalty for boarding on Steelers player, Patrick Watling, and the call was disputed by Giants coach, Adam Keefe.
The second period saw Belfast Giants player, Blake Speers, score with only eight seconds to go, putting the pressure back on the Steelers.
Despite the Giants getting one back in this period, the Steelers had dominated the second period right up until the last eight seconds.
In the third and final period, the Steelers focused on defence to protect their one goal lead. Kevin Tansey scored an empty net goal from 200 feet away to secure the title and claim the three trophies on offer.
Despite the Giant’s efforts to equalise, the Steelers took home the regular season title and the were the winners of the Challenge Cup.
LIVE: South Yorkshire Police releasing appeals for men exposing themselves in Park
Police have released e-fit appeals in order to find men that have been seen exposing themselves indecently in Endcliffe Park earlier this month and in February.
Don't hesitate to contact them if you have witnessed anything or know anything.
Rwanda Policy unlikely to work as a deterrent, says Refugee Council
The Refugee Council are criticising the Prime Ministers' claims that the Rwanda policy will act as a deterrent, which he made in this morning's press conference.
Chief Executive of the Refugee Enver Solomon, said: “Even if, as the Prime Minister asserts, there is to be ‘a regular rhythm of multiple flights every month’, this will still only correspond to at most a few thousand people a year out of tens of thousands. Instead of giving these people a fair hearing on UK soil to determine if they have a protection need, the Government will have to look after them indefinitely, at considerable cost.
"Despite the Prime Minister’s renewed claims about deterrence, we know from the Home Office’s own research, as well as our own, that policies such as the Rwanda plan don’t actually work as a deterrent, and people seeking asylum have said they won’t stop coming to the UK to find safety.
"The Government must stop wasting time and resources on futile endeavours and focus instead on the vital task of processing asylum claims promptly and fairly."
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey called the Rwanda plan "a colossal failure", and said that Sunak should call a general election.
The bill will be voted on in the House of Commons today.
Doncaster woman sets up support group for female mental health
Safe spaces to support women's mental health are being offered by a South Yorkshire woman.
Toni Sharpe, who works for the Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, hosted her first event, ‘Ladies Coffee and Catch Up’ at Cusworth Hall last Tuesday.
After suffering a breakdown in early April, she posted on Facebook asking if women would be interested in taking an hour away from their everyday life.
Miss Sharpe, a freelance nail technician, suffers with mental health issues and is also a domestic abuse survivor.
She said: “I was parked up somewhere and just going to end it all. I’d had enough. Initially, I didn’t know who to call but once I remembered, I realised that there’s people out there that don’t, so I do think regular meet-ups will be helpful for some.”
According to the Agenda Alliance, 19% of women experience a Common Mental Disorder, such as anxiety or depression, while 53% of women with mental health problems have experienced abuse.
She was thrilled to see a wide range of interest in her event, and even had attendees from beyond Doncaster.
“My mum and [sister] Shannon were both there, but sometimes it’s easier to have people to talk to that aren’t family.
"One woman came from Barnsley. I didn’t know her beforehand but we ended up there for hours talking about anything and everything.”
While Miss Sharpe’s events are targeted at women, she was clear they are not designed to detract from men speaking out about their mental health issues.
She spoke very highly of work done by charities like Andy’s Man Club, which her partner Craig has previously attended. She is hoping to one day replicate the work they do through her events, to provide a female equivalent.
“When it comes to mental health, you speak about and deal with your issues when you are ready to,” Miss Sharpe said.
“It’s easy for women to bottle up their feelings, but the work Andy’s Man Club do is amazing and I’d love to formalise these events to provide something similar to them for women.”
Miss Sharpe’s next event is due to take place at some point this week and said to check her Facebook page for further details once they are confirmed.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, the Samaritans are available 24/7 to call for free on 116 123. Alternatively, you can text SHOUT to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer.
Liam O’Leary, a Sheffield teacher heard for misconduct.
The 38 year old teacher has been heard for exchanging indecent messages and influence a teenage girl to share indecent images.
On a period of two months the teacher exchanged almost 2'000 messages with the student.
The teacher has been ban for life of the profession after all the allegations were proven.
Gogglebox star dies after falling through skylight, inquest finds
George Gilbey had been working on a roof when he fell to his death through a plastic skylight on 27 March, an inquest heard.
The 40-year-old sustained traumatic injuries to his head and torso and died at the scene in Shoeburyness, Essex, the hearing in Chelmsford was told.
He starred in Gogglebox alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who died aged 71 in 2021.
He was also a finalist in the 14th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.
A man, aged in his 40s and from the Witham area of Essex, was previously arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the incident, but he was later released under investigation.
Coroner Mr Brookes said he had received a written request from Essex Police to suspend inquest proceedings pending the outcome of a criminal investigation, and he granted this request.
Cost of living crisis: Sheffield Big Issue vendor faces falling sales
A Sheffield man who sells the Big Issue magazine is appealing for more people to buy it after the financial crisis has drastically impacted sales.
Mohammed Iqbal, 57, has sold the Big Issue for 14 years despite having diabetes and arthritis, which causes crippling pain in his leg when he stands.
Before moving to his current patch, outside the Crosspool Spar, Mohammed sold the Big Issue in Scunthorpe, Barnsley, and Sheffield city centre.
He said: “For the first six months, I didn’t sell a single copy of the magazine. The Big Issue told me not to give up. After six months, people slowly became my friends."
An independent publication that supports 350 vendors in towns and cities across the north of England, The Big Issue North is is sold by people who may be unable to access mainstream employment for reasons including mental and physical health barriers. The charity also provides support for many of other matters, including benefits and housing issues.
The cost-of-living crisis has affected sales of the magazine, making it harder for vendors like Mohammed to earn a steady income.
Mohammed said: “When I first started, the magazine was 50p and I would sell 300 magazines a week in Barnsley. Now, I push myself to sell 50 or 60 a week.”
He admitted sales had been down in recent years because of rising prices. He understands it is difficult for people to afford the magazine when they already struggle to afford essentials like bread and milk.
Inside this week's issue:
— Big Issue North (@bigissuenorth) April 15, 2024
🏠 A visit to Amy’s Place, a supported housing facility in London for young women who have left rehabilitation
🎭 Christopher Eccleston on running the London Marathon for The Big Issue
and more!
Find your local vendor: https://t.co/sRB0cjGG6w pic.twitter.com/iLdWnRp4XO
Alice Collins, Relief Co-ordinator at the Big Issue North, said: "The cost of living is having an impact on sales because the public, even though they might want to support the vendors, don't have as much money in their pockets.
"People have to prioritise different things, primarily heating and eating as these costs have risen. Big Issue sales took a hit in the pandemic, and we are still seeing the impact of this as city-centre pitches have less footfall and more people working from home.
"The cost of living impacted the magazine itself, due to rising costs of paper, printing, ink, and delivery costs, which meant of the price of magazine increased to £4. People want to support local vendors, but it another expense which they cannot afford."
Throughout his 14 years working in Crosspool, he has built a strong community of regular customers who stop and chat with him.
He said: “The first thing in my life is community. Be kind to people, and they will be kind back to you. The people of Crosspool are like family to me. The main thing in life is being happy. I have worked so hard for that. That’s how I get a smile on my face.”
Alice, who works closely with Sheffield Big Issue vendors, said: "Mohammed has sold the magazine for many years and has worked very hard to build up his client base in Crosspool. He is a valued member of the community there."
In the future, Mohammed is keen to set up his own restaurant and help homeless people by sharing his love for cooking.
Although Mohammed has family in Sheffield, they look down on him for selling the Big Issue instead of working a traditional job.
"They tell me I am begging, but I am not, this is my job. I buy the magazine, and I sell it," he said.
“Whatever happens in my life, I will always stand up on my own two feet. I don’t give up on myself."
The publication can only exist with the support of people buying it from local vendors.
For more information, including supporting the Big Issue North or to find a vendor near you, visit the Big Issue website.