Some members of Becky Watts’s family fled a court in tears as jurors were shown clothing from the shed where the teenager’s dismembered body was found.

The teenager’s aunt, Sarah Broom, left the public gallery after the two men and 10 women saw a blood-stained green Boohoo jumper with a cut all the way down the back.

The panel was also shown a 12.5cm bladed black-handled knife, a pair of scissors and two screwdrivers that were found in a Eurohike rucksack in a garden shed at 9 Barton Court, Barton Hill, Bristol.

Also in the bag were blood-stained safety goggles and two masks, which had make-up stains on the inside, a pink spotted shower curtain, brown tape and pliers, Avon and Somerset Police crime scene investigator Lucy Pinkard told the court.

There was also a black, faux leather, size M jacket and two bottles of drain cleaner.

Earlier, the jury was shown three suitcases, a blue plastic box and a bin liner, in which Becky’s body parts were found.

In one of the suitcases, a black suitcase, items inside were wrapped in three layers of cling film and a black bin bag.

They included a pair of brown socks, a George size 8 to 10 blue short-legged onesie with apparent blood staining, a wooden bead and broken beaded bracelet, duvet cover, a black-and-white flower motif pillow case with blood staining, the green jumper and a white duvet cover with blood staining and scorch marks.

Undated handout file photo issued by Avon and Somerset Police of Rebecca Watts, 16

Becky was allegedly murdered in her bedroom in Crown Hill, Bristol, by her stepbrother Nathan Matthews, 28, and his girlfriend Shauna Hoare, 21.

And jurors have previously heard that Becky was probably wearing a onesie and green jumper when she died.

Prosecutors allege the pair shared a sexual interest in teenage girls and attempted to kidnap Becky on February 19 this year.

Her remains were found in a garden shed at Barton Court – just 80 metres from Matthews and Hoare’s home – on March 2.

The residents of the Barton Court property, Karl Demetrius, 30, and his partner Jaydene Parsons, 23, admit assisting an offender.

Donovan Demetrius – Karl’s twin brother – of Marsh Lane, Bristol, and James Ireland, 23, of Richmond Villas, Avonmouth, a work colleague of Karl, deny the charge.

Matthews, of Hazelbury Drive, Warmley, South Gloucestershire, denies murder and conspiracy to kidnap.

He admits killing Becky, perverting the course of justice, preventing burial of a corpse and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Hoare, of Cotton Mill Lane, Bristol, denies murder, conspiracy to kidnap, perverting the course of justice, preventing burial of a corpse and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of (left to right back row) Nathan Matthews, two dock officers, Shauna Hoare (front row left to right) dock officer, James Ireland, dock officer and Donovan Demetrius at Bristol Crown Court where they are on trial in connection with the murder of Becky Watts

Earlier, the court heard evidence from Detective Constable Clare French who arrested both Ireland and Karl Demetrius on suspicion of assisting an offender after officers stopped a Ford Fiesta close to Barton Court.

Neither made any comment after being cautioned, Ms French said.

She later arrested Demetrius’s brother Donovan in a bedroom at 9 Barton Court for the same alleged offence and when cautioned, he replied: "No I didn’t."

The jury was also shown the black case found in the shed in which police recovered the £80 MacAllister circular saw used to dismember Becky’s body.

The panel was also shown two videos of the initial search by forensic officers of Matthews and Hoare’s cluttered mid-terrace home. Officers are seen moving items out of the way to move around.

Police found receipts and also in a dustbin outside the property the remains of packaging from bags, safety goggles, gloves and face masks. They found a car boot liner, with hair on it, folded up and stored in an oven kept in the bathroom.

Behind the bed in the master bedroom police found the 1400 watt MacAllister circular saw box, the jury was told.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

Liverpool FC flop Mario Balotelli faces a trial after allegedly being caught speeding on two Merseyside roads.

Magistrates in Wirral heard the striker, now on loan at AC Milan, is accused of driving a Mercedes M-class car at more than the 30mph speed limit on Scotland Road, Vauxhall, on December 21 last year.

The 24-year-old Italian is also charged with speeding in the same car on Balliol Road East in Bootle on March 1.

Balotelli faces an additional charge for each allegation of failing to give information about the identity of the driver.

Both roads have a speed limit of 30mph.

The alleged offences were picked up by speed cameras on the roads, according to court documents, which give his address as Kirklake Road in Formby. The speed of the car is not specified.

Balotelli, who has pleaded not guilty, did not attend Wirral Magistrates Court for the hearing on Wednesday.

A court spokesman told the ECHO the case had been adjourned until November 11 for a case management hearing, ahead of a possible trial in January.

The Reds agreed to send the controversial player back to Serie A outfit AC Milan in August on a season-long loan, a year after paying the club £16m for his services.

There was loan fee and the club will still have to pay a hefty chunk of his £90,000 per week wages.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

The family of a young woman were left devastated after her ex-partner sent a sexual video of her to her 10-year-old brother, a court heard.

Gary Whicker, 22, could face up to two years behind bars under new “revenge porn” laws.

Whicker, of Whitland Road, Anfield, sobbed in the dock as the court heard the pair, who had been in an “on-off” relationship, fell out after attending Liverpool International Music Festival on August 29.

Edmund Hagarth, prosecuting, said they had returned to Whicker’s house after the festival, but the woman returned to her address shortly after 3am.

He said: “From about 8am the victim began to receive messages from the defendant calling her a slag. He then threatened to send an intimate video to her younger brother.”

The court heard the video had been made around four months earlier under pressure from the defendant.

Mr Hagarth said: “Around 9am that same morning she received a screen shot to her phone showing that the defendant had in fact sent the video to her brother.

“Her 10-year-old brother had been staying at a friend’s house and phoned his mother to say he had been sent a naughty video by the defendant.”

The court heard the boy did not recognise his sister, but later his mum viewed the video and realised it showed her daughter.

A statement from the victim’s mum said: “I hope Gary Whicker understands the damage and stress he has caused my family. I knew what kind of person he was but I never thought he would stoop as low as he did.”

Alaric Walmsley, representing Whicker, said: “He is deeply remorseful for what happened. He understands the harm and pain he has caused. But it was a momentary lapse in this case.”

Whicker, who pleaded guilty to disclosing private sexual images with intent to cause distress, was due to be sentenced today but Deputy Circuit Judge Jonathan Foster, QC, adjourned the case as key evidence was unavailable.

Whicker was granted bail but Judge Foster said: “You need to know at the moment I am considering immediate custody.”

He will now be sentenced on Tuesday October 20.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, a typical case of revenge pornography under the new law would involve an ex-partner uploading an intimate image of the victim to the internet or sending it to their friends and family.

The offence is carried out with the intention of causing “distress, humiliation and embarrassment” to the victim and carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A Bebington tattoo artist who pressed his thumbs into a woman’s eyes before biting her face has avoided jail.

Roy Bentley, 35, also strangled his partner and smashed her head into the floor during a sickening drunken attack on April 16.

The victim was forced to run from her home into the street to escape, and was left with a bite-mark to her face and heavy bruising.

Bentley, of Old Chester Road, pleaded guilty to assault at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today.

Simon Pover, prosecuting, said: “The victim was at her home address when the defendant returned home from a night out drinking. A verbal argument ensued between them and she said he seemed drunk.

“He said to her look at you, you f****** d*******, and pinned her against the wall. She fell and he started smashing her head into the floor.

“He then attempted to strangle her, with his hand around her throat, and pushed his thumbs into her eyes.”

The victim managed to struggle free but was thrown into a shelf, and again Bentley placed his hand around her throat.

Mr Pover said: “The defendant proceeded to bite her to her face, adjacent to her left eye. A police officer later saw evidence of a bite mark on her face.”

The attack continued outside, where Bentley pulled the victim over a hedge by her hair, before she was eventually able to escape by being picked up by relatives.

Vicky Balenski, defending, said her client had no previous convictions.

She said he had been out celebrating a friend’s 50th birthday on the night of the incident, returning home around 9.45pm.

He had promised to be back by 9pm and the court heard this caused the argument.

Ms Balenski said: “Mr Bentley has just gone into partnership with a tattoo shop, at the same time as having a young baby. There were financial pressures coupled with sleep deprivation and all the other pressures that go with a new-born baby.”She said Bentley had acted “completely out of character” and was “deeply ashamed” of his actions.

The court heard Bentley had admitted the assault even after the victim had retracted her statement.

The presiding magistrate, passing sentence, said: “You were right to be ashamed of your actions, you came extremely close to an immediate custodial sentence.”However Bentley was spared jail due to his lack of previous convictions, “genuine remorse” and early guilty plea.

The bench handed down a four month jail term, suspended for 18 months, with 100 hours unpaid work, a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement and an order to complete a Building Better Relationships programme.

Bentley was also ordered to pay the victim £500 compensation, a £150 criminal court charge, £85 prosecution costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A terrified 11-year-old boy was forced to tell a 999 operator “my dad is hitting my mum” after witnessing a brutal attack at his home in the middle of the night.

Darren Pickup, 43, threw his partner and the mother of his two children onto a staircase before punching her repeatedly in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Pickup, of Chestnut Close, Prescot , pleaded guilty to assault at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today.

The court heard the boy’s 13-year-old sister also spoke to the 999 operator, claiming her mum has been “put into the street” and pleading for the police to “hurry up.”

The court heard officers arrived on the scene shortly after 3am.

Amanda Roberts, prosecuting, said: “The complainant told police the defendant had taken off and locked her out of the address. He had pushed her onto the stairs causing her to bang her head.

“The victim then said he had punched her in the ribs. Her daughter also said her dad had punched her mum around four or five times.”

Pickup, who appeared in court wearing a black Adidas jacket, was arrested shortly afterwards in an “agitated and aggressive” state, the court heard.

Ms Roberts said he told police his partner had punched him.

The court heard Pickup could have a suspended prison sentence of 22 weeks activated after an assault on the victim’s oldest daughter, from a previous relationship, on April 11.

The court heard he had slapped the 21-year-old woman and attempted to strangle her in the attack before breaking her mobile phone.

Charlotte Pringle, defending, asked for sentencing to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

She said her client had been engaging well with the Probation Service until the latest offence.

Deputy District Judge Stott told Pickup: “You did not land just one punch, blow or slap. This was a sustained attack in which you forced your 11-year-old son to call the police at 3am.”

He agreed to adjourn the case until November 5.

Judge Stott denied bail and remanded Pickup in custody to prevent any further harm to the victim.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A Merseyside MP who is set to stand trial over an alleged assault has been appointed to a top Westminster justice committee.

Marie Rimmer, 67, Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston, will scrutinise the Ministry of Justice even though she is due to appear in court later this month over an alleged assault in Glasgow.

The MP is accused of attacking a pro-independence campaigner at a polling station during the referendum campaign in Scotland.

She previously pleaded not guilty to assault and stood trial in August before the case collapsed because of a reported mistake in the wording of the charge by prosecutors.

Ms Rimmer has not yet entered a plea and has been granted more time to consult her lawyers after the Scottish prosecution service said it was to revisit the case.

She is next due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, October 29.

Labour MP Marie Rimmer

Ms Rimmer has now been appointed to the House of Commons Justice Select Committee, which scrutinises the spending, administration and policy of the Ministry of Justice.

She is one of Labour’s four MPs on the committee, which also examines the work of the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office.

A spokesman for the MP said she had previously chaired the Police Complaints Committee on Merseyside, and served as chair of Red Bank, a secure home for young people convicted of serious crime in Newton-Le-Willows.

The MP has been approached for comment, but said in an earlier statement about the new role: “It is an honour to have been appointed. We must ensure the principle of access to justice is a right delivered.

“Legal aid and tribunal costs are having a dramatic negative impact on this and many feel that access to justice has a price tag.

“The current review of courts across the country, including in St Helens, further threatens this right.”

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a St Helens man accused of raping a nine-year-old girl.

Paul Anthony King, 41, failed to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today to face one charge of rape and one of sexual assault.

He had been summonsed to appear before magistrates.

King, of Monmouth Grove, St Helens, is alleged to have attacked the girl at an address in Bowness, near Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria.

According to court documents, the charges both relate to incidents involving the same child and are said to have taken place between December 29, 2012 and December 28, 2013.

Deputy district judge David Stott issued a warrant for King’s arrest.

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Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

Three teenagers were found guilty of laundering hundreds of pounds of cash from a Liverpool FC tickets scam.

Daniel Kercher, Jack Clarke and James Wright allowed two fraudsters to use their bank accounts to receive money from unsuspecting football fans.

Liverpool Crown Court heard they withdrew the money and passed it on to the scam’s ringleaders – Craig O’Donohue, 29, and Paul Murgatroyd, 28.

O’Donohue, of Dewsbury Road, and Murgatroyd, of Breck Road, both in Anfield, pleaded guilty to selling forged tickets between September 2014 and February this year.

Kercher, 19, of Frampton Road, Walton; Clarke, 18, of Afton, Widnes and Wright, 19, of Havergal Street, Runcorn, denied converting criminal property.

But they were found guilty by a jury after nearly an hour and a half of deliberations.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found not guilty.

Judge Denis Watson, QC, previously directed the jury to find a fifth defendant, Robin Reis, 66, of South Drive, Wavertree, not guilty.

During the five-day trial the court heard how the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau received information about a ticketing scam involving the trading website Craigslist.

Anfield stadium

Arthur Gibson, prosecuting, said: “The fraud was quite straightforward. Tickets would be advertised on Craigslist. A customer would contact the number on the website and be given the bank details into which the price of the tickets was to be paid.

“Once the money was in the account it would be immediately withdrawn at an ATM using a cashcard.

“The only problem was that obviously sooner or later one or more of the customers would report the fraud, as a result of which the bank would be notified and the bank account closed.

“Thus the fraudsters could only use one bank account for a relatively short period of time before having to move on to another.”

The court heard Kercher converted £1,730 of cash; Clarke £1,272 and Wright £1,797.

An undercover investigation was launched into ticket sales on Craigslist by Merseyside Police, who identified Murgatroyd and O’Donoghue.

Mr Gibson said: “When their homes were searched blank pro forma tickets belonging to LFC, printers and other items used in the fraud were discovered.”

The defendants accepted their accounts were used but denied knowing what the fraudsters were up to.

All but one claimed their PIN numbers had been stolen. The 17-year-old said he agreed to allow a friend’s wages to be paid into his bank account after being told the pal was unable to use his own account.

Frances Ellicott, 23, of Farrow Road, Walton; Emily Bakewell, 20, of Fulbeck, Widnes; Kieran King, 22, of Snowberry Road, West Derby; and Stephanie Oliver, 33, of Bedford Road, Walton, also pleaded guilty to converting criminal property.

The group will be sentenced on November 12.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A teenage football hooligan smashed a glass into a man’s face as around 30 Everton fans clashed with Newcastle United and Hull FC fans outside a London pub.

The 16-year-old boy, from Maghull, and a 17-year-old boy, from Everton, were caught on CCTV cameras taking part in a mass brawl which saw bottles and glasses hurled across a busy street.

Liverpool Youth Court heard serious violence broke out outside Miller’s Pub in Caledonia Street, near King’s Cross Station in London, on May 16 after Everton had taken on West Ham United.

The pair both pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder under the Public Order Act 1986.

Angie Rowan, prosecuting, said: ““The 17 year old was with the Everton fans. Bottles and glasses were thrown and the group were throwing punches and kicks at each other.

“One fan received a serious head injury after a glass was thrown into his face and he was kicked unconscious.”

She said the man’s injuries were not life threatening.

Ms Rowan, who confirmed that both boys were with the Everton contingent, said the 16-year-old boy was later identified repeatedly punching one rival after police trawled through CCTV footage of the incident.

She said: “He was seen to pick up a glass from a table and throw it from very close range into the face of a rival.

“The male was seen staggering away with blood pouring out of a head wound.”

Ms Rowan said the 17-year-old defendant was seen bending down to pick up an unidentified object before throwing it at a rival group.

It is unclear whether the two teenagers knew each other.

Police on Caledonia Street in London as three football fans have been arrested after scuffles broke out between rival supporters near King’s Cross station in London.

The pair were due to be sentenced today but problems with a pre-sentence report saw the case adjourned until December 9.

The younger defendant’s parents held their heads in their hands as District Judge Wendy Lloyd said she considered detention in a youth offender’s institution a likely possibility

The court heard charges of violent disorder are relatively uncommon and were last widely used during the widespread riots across London, Liverpool and Manchester in August 2011.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A Wirral landlord has been fined for renting out a house with serious health and safety hazards.

John Kieran was ordered to pay £1,350 by magistrates over the condition of the property in Argyle Street, Birkenhead.

The property had no fire precaution measures, dangerous electrical wiring with exposed live wiring, serious damp and mould growth, boarded up windows and poor bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Housing officers who discovered the appalling conditions during an inspection said it was “one of the worst cases of poor housing conditions they had come across.”

Kieran, of Village Road, Higher Bebington, pleaded guilty to failing to implement satisfactory management standards, an offence under the Housing Act 2004.

He told Wirral magistrates court the house is now empty and said no further tenants would be housed at the property until he has carried out a full refurbishment.

Cllr George Davies, Wirral Council cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “The action taken in this case reinforces the message that landlords must maintain their properties to a reasonable standard, in order that the health and safety of tenants are protected.

“Councils have a duty to act if they are aware of hazards that could affect a tenant’s health or safety and if landlords fail to respond to informal advice, enforcement action will ensue. Failure to comply with housing legislation will result in court action and potentially hefty fines.

Conditions in the Birkenhead house on Argyle Street rented out by John Kieran of Village Road, Bebington

“In this case, I am disappointed that the fine doesn’t reflect the appalling conditions that these vulnerable people have had to live with, however I hope it will still act as a deterrent to landlords who leave properties in this condition.

“The health and safety of the occupiers in properties within the private rented sector is of paramount importance.

“Whilst we always try to work with landlords and give them reasonable time scales to improve property conditions, if they do not co-operate then the council will take enforcement action like that taken against John Kieran.”

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

An Anfield pensioner who groped himself while staring at a 15-year-old train passenger has been handed a three year community order.

Norman Wainwright, 72, left the girl feeling “sick to her stomach” during the vile incident on a Merseyrail service from Moorfields to Southport.

Wainwright, of Albion Street, Anfield, was given a four week curfew of 7pm to 7am at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today after earlier pleading guilty to outraging public decency.

Amanda Conlon, prosecuting, told the court an adult woman had spotted Wainwright groping himself on the train on February 13.

She said: “The witness saw Mr Wainwright move seats so he was facing a 15-year-old girl, and she says he started to speak to her. He then appeared to place his right hand down the waistband of his trousers.”

The court heard the woman asked the girl to come and sit with her, and officers from British Transport Police were informed.

When interviewed, Wainwright claimed he had a skin condition and was scratching himself.

However he refused to allow the police access to his medical records and later admitted the offence.

A statement from the 15-year-old girl said: “He was looking at me with a sleazy expression on his face; I was quite certain this was what he was doing…

“It made me feel very uncomfortable and sick to my stomach. It did not make me unwilling to travel on public transport, as it gave me confidence that the British Transport Police and rail staff took it very seriously.”

Vicky Balenski, representing Wainwright, said her client had initially been scratching himself but accepted he then groped himself.

She accepted the presence of the 15-year-old girl aggravated the offence.

Wainwright was ordered to complete a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and to take part in the Northumbria Sex Offender’s Group Programme as part of the community order.

Magistrates also ordered him to pay £100 compensation to each witness, £85 prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A pregnant mum-of-two who slashed the face of a man with her metal-tipped stiletto heel leaving him scarred for life was jailed today.

Drunken Amy Sundve, 30, launched the unprovoked attack outside the Elm Tree pub in Kirkdale after going on a two-day bender to celebrate her birthday.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how her victim suffered a cut artery and was left with a 7cm scar across his forehead.

Sundve, of Melling Road, Bootle, then attacked his girlfriend, scraping her left eye with the metal-tipped heel and badly injuring her shoulder in a struggle.

The court heard the single mum did not know she was already several weeks pregnant during the incident, which happened at around 2pm on May 22 this year.

Paul Blasbery, prosecuting, said she had a party the night before while her mum looked after her two young children and continued drinking on her own the next day.

He said Sundve was told to leave the pub by its manager because of her drunken behaviour but when the male victim went outside and asked her if she was okay: “She became hysterical waving her arms around in the air and screeching. He described being hit once to the side of his forehead and remembered blood pouring down his face into his eyes.”

The court heard the victim’s girlfriend followed him outside and saw Sundve clutching her high heeled shoes by the toe and using the heel as a weapon.

When she shouted “what are you doing?” Sundve turned and swung at her.

The man was taken to hospital where he received one internal stitch and nine external stitches in his face.

Sundve later called police, saying she thought she had thrown a shoe at someone but could not remember the attack.

The court heard she was only arrested as a result of her 999 call as she had not been identified and there was no CCTV at the pub.

She pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Charlotte Pringle, defending, said her client was a young mum who rarely goes out drinking and “went too far”.

She said Sundve was deeply sorry for her “irresponsible and very reckless” actions, adding: “She is horrified by the injuries she caused.”

She said the mum is expecting her third child on February 5 next year and urged the judge to suspend any prison sentence.

Judge Wright said he would reduce the sentence as much as possible due to Sundve’s co-operation with police and guilty plea.

But he jailed her after she used the heel as a “nasty weapon”.

He said: “He will be left with a permanent scar on his forehead as a memento that will be with him for the rest of his life.

“It is the sort of thing people will look at and stare at. They will ask him ‘how did you get that?’ and he will be reminded of it.”

Judge Wright jailed Sundve for 10 months, meaning her baby will be born in prison. She shouted “oh no please, I can’t leave my kids” and broke down in tears in the dock.

The court heard her children will live with their nan.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A teenager cleared of raping a 17-year-old girl and assaulting a boy in Wirral is now facing sentence for separate child sex offences.

Luke Patten, 19, was acquitted of two counts of rape, one of sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Patten, of Bridle Road, Eastham, had admitted knocking out the woman’s boyfriend during an incident in the early hours of March 29 this year.

But he denied headbutting and punching another male, before twice raping the woman and sexually assaulting her.

Patten accepted that he had sex with the woman, but told the court it was entirely consensual.

A jury took just over two hours of deliberations to return its not guilty verdict following a seven-day trial.

Patten is to be sentenced for the assault on the boyfriend next month.

It can now be published that along with this attack, Patten is to be sentenced for an offence of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

He has admitted this charge, along with making and distributing an indecent photograph of a child, which relate to a separate incident involving a 15-year-old girl last year.

Judge Steven Everett said Patten would be sentenced for the remaining offences on November 6.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A second man has been charged following a scrambler bike chase ended in West Derby .

A member of the public raised the alarm on Sunday afternoon after spotting two men on the bike in the Edge Lane area with what looked like a handgun.

Armed officers from Merseyside Police chased the bike for around 15 minutes ending at a grassed area at the junction with Meadow Lane and Parkside Drive.

The force confirmed tonight that Wayne Joseph Garnett, 24, of Vincent Street, Old Swan had been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and dangerous driving.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

On Monday, Michael Anthony Byrne, 25, of Hanwell Street, Anfield , was charged with the same offences.

He appeared before magistrates today.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A former soldier who repeatedly kicked his neighbour in the head in front of shocked children at a Kirkby primary school was spared jail.

Mark Evans attacked Andrew Woodley – who was with his two-year-old daughter – at the gates of Park Brow Community Primary School.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Evans, 32, punched his victim following a long-running feud between the next door neighbours.

Evans, who is said to be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, served for six years in the 1st Battalion King’s Regiment, completing tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.

Laurence Lee, defending, said: “The fact that he witnessed some terrible scenes, witnessed his friends being injured and in some cases losing their lives, that has had a terrible effect on him.

“He told the probation officer ‘I dealt with this situation in a military manner rather than a civilian manner’.

“That is not a defence, but may suggest to this court that this is a defendant in need of help.”

Anya Horwood, prosecuting, said the confrontation happened at the Broad Lane school in the afternoon of June 29 this year.

She said it followed a feud between the two families living in Kirkby Row, Kirkby, which had led to a row between the two men’s girlfriends.

Miss Horwood said Evans punched Mr Woodley to the ground before kicking him in a sustained assault.

The defendant then walked away, got into his car and drove off.

The school’s headteacher called 999 and police and an ambulance attended the scene.

Mr Woodley suffered a black eye and bruising to his face and head.

Evans pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

Judge Denis Watson, QC, said he believed sending Evans to prison would mean “the issues you have are just unresolved”.

He said: “It seems quite likely to me in a similar situation, there is a real risk the same thing would happen.

“The probation service have identified areas you can work with them on. I am prepared to suspend the sentence because of your shame and admissions in interviews.”

Judge Watson handed Evans 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was handed a curfew and told to complete a 60-day rehabilitation programme.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

A drunk driver who passed out behind the wheel at a red light told an off-duty police officer “get in, girl,” when she tapped on his window.

Christopher Quirk, 24, became aggressive and damaged the officer’s car when she smelled “intoxicating liquor” and took his keys from the ignition, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard.

Quirk, of Beaversbrook Road, Norris Green, today pleaded guilty to criminal damage; failing to provide a specimen for analysis; driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

He also admitted failing to attend court for an earlier hearing.

The court heard the officer was driving down Islington in Liverpool City Centre in her personal car when she stopped at a red light behind a Vauxhall Astra on July 29.

When the light turned green the Astra did not move, prompting her to beep her horn.

Lionel Cope, prosecuting said: “The light had turned back to red, and the officer got out of her car and tapped on the window. The driver appeared to be asleep behind the wheel.

“The defendant failed to wake up so she tried the driver’s side handle to get his attention. At this point he awoke and wound down the window.

“She asked if he was alright, to which he replied: ‘Get in, girl’. The officer then noticed a strong smell of intoxicating liquor, and took his car keys out of the ignition.”

The court heard when she returned to her car to get her mobile phone, the driver got out of his vehicle and became increasingly aggressive, shouting “what are you doing?”

Mr Cope said: “While the officer was trying to call 999 he tried to take the car keys out of her hand causing damage to her thumb.”

Quirk then punched and kicked the car and caused damage to the driver’s side door.

An on-duty police officer arrived and he was arrested after a brief struggle.

Christopher Quirk, 24, of Beaversbrook Road, Norris Green.

Quirk refused to give a blood, breath or a urine sample after being taken to St Anne’s Police Station and no alcohol reading was taken.

Mr Cope said he received a 12 month prison term for criminal damage and affray in 2012.

The court heard Quirk failed to attend court at an earlier hearing and had been re-arrested and remanded in custody.

Alaric Walmsley, representing Quirk, said his client had been staying with his grandmother in Stoke while she recovered from heart bypass surgery and missed the court date.

He said Quirk had a “long history” of alcohol abuse and asked the court to adjourn for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the Probation Service.

He will now be sentenced on November 16.

Quirk’s partner, sat in the public gallery, gasped with relief as magistrates agreed to grant him conditional bail.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

The sexist comments said to have been uttered by a disgraced Merseyside Police officer have come to light following a disciplinary hearing.

Sergeant Brian Boylan appeared at a misconduct hearing in Wavertree on Monday and admitted making inappropriate comments and gestures towards female colleagues.

The panel at the hearing ruled Sgt Boylan should not be sacked for his comments but was instead given a final written warning.

It was not revealed at the hearing what comments and gestures Sgt Boylan made because Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ward, chairman of the panel, ruled details of the allegations should not be publicly disclosed.

A source has now contacted the ECHO disclosing what the comments were.

The details given by the source are believed to be correct, and Merseyside Police has not denied their veracity.

The ECHO has decided the exact comments believed to have been made by Sgt Boylan are too obscene to reveal but, in summary, he is said to have:

– called pregnant females fat

– made remarks and gestures about pregnant women’s breasts and milk in front of a colleague eating dry cereal

– used a crude derogatory phrase to describe women’s bodies

– made sexist comments to female colleagues preparing for a Christmas night out

Following Monday’s disciplinary hearing the ECHO asked readers if they thought ACC Ward was right not to disclose the sexist comments made by Sgt Boylan.

In a poll on the ECHO website, 61% of voters said the police were wrong not to disclose what was said by the officer.

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ward ; Sergeant Brian Boylan

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ward said today: “I have no intention of confirming or denying whether these comments are accurate.

“I made the decision that the comments should not be made public to protect the complainant from any further embarrassment and I am disappointed that these comments have now been published.”

Sgt Boylan, who pleaded guilty to gross misconduct, told Monday’s hearing he was “ashamed and embarrassed” about the comments he made.

He said: “I am mortified, I am embarrassed, I am disappointed. The police force has been my whole life,

I want to take the opportunity to apologise to the team members and individuals for the words and behaviour I have used.”.

Sgt Boylan faced four allegations of breaching standards of professional behaviour by:

– In August 2014, while on duty, making an inappropriate sexual comment to a female colleague in police premises;

– On dates between mid-December 2014 and early January 2015, he allegedly used inappropriate language towards a female colleague, whom he was supervising;

– In January this year, he allegedly made inappropriate comments and gestures towards a female colleague and “failed to amend his behaviour when challenged”;

– In March this year, Sgt Boylan is alleged to have made derogatory comments about female work colleagues.

Detective Superintendent Andy Williams, representing Merseyside Police, said the standards by Sgt Boylan “fell well below those expected of a police officer”.

Richard Black, the lawyer representing Sgt Boylan, said his client admitted he brought “great shame on himself and his family”.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ward said the panel was satisfied Sgt Boylan’s actions amounted to gross misconduct but, referring to his previously unblemished record and the witness’ desire for him not to be sacked, said they had decided to give him a final written warning rather than dismissal.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

This is the face of a mum-of-two who slashed the forehead of a man with her metal-tipped stiletto heel leaving him scarred for life.

Drunken Amy Sundve, 30, launched the unprovoked attack outside the Elm Tree pub in Kirkdale after going on a two-day bender to celebrate her birthday.

Liverpool Crown Court heard earlier his week how her victim suffered a cut artery and was left with a 7cm scar across his forehead.

Sundve, of Melling Road, Bootle, then attacked his girlfriend, scraping her left eye with the metal-tipped heel and badly injuring her shoulder in a struggle.

The court heard the single mum did not know she was already several weeks pregnant during the incident, which happened at around 2pm on May 22 this year.

Paul Blasbery, prosecuting, said she had a party the night before while her mum looked after her two young children and continued drinking on her own the next day.

He said Sundve was told to leave the pub by its manager because of her drunken behaviour.

But when the male victim went outside and asked her if she was okay “she became hysterical waving her arms around in the air and screeching. He described being hit once to the side of his forehead and remembered blood pouring down his face into his eyes”.

Elm Tree pub in Kirkdale

The court heard the victim’s girlfriend followed him outside and saw Sundve clutching her high heeled shoes by the toe and using the heel as a weapon.

When she shouted “what are you doing?” Sundve turned and swung at her.

The man was taken to hospital where he received one internal stitch and nine external stitches in his face.

Sundve later called police to report the attack and was only arrested as a result of the call as there was no CCTV at the pub.

She pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Charlotte Pringle, defending, said her client was a young mum who rarely goes out drinking and “went too far”.

She said Sundve was deeply sorry for her “irresponsible and very reckless” actions, adding: “She is horrified by the injuries she caused.”

Sundve was jailed for 10 months meaning she will give birth to her third child in jail.

Judge Norman Wright said: “He will be left with a permanent scar on his forehead as a memento that will be with him for the rest of his life.

“It is the sort of thing people will look at and stare at. They will ask him ‘how did you get that?’ and he will be reminded of it.”

Judge Wright jailed Sundve for 10 months, meaning her baby will be born in prison. She shouted “oh no please, I can’t leave my kids” and broke down in tears in the dock.

The court heard her children will live with their nan.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

Refresh automatically On | Off 1:55 pm Neil Docking PC DAVE PHILLIPS

A teenager accused of murdering Merseyside PC Dave Phillips is to appear at Liverpool Crown Court.

Clayton Williams, 18, of Wheatland Lane, Wallasey, is alleged to have taken a Mitsubishi pick-up truck during a burglary in Birkenhead.

He is accused of driving it directly at the dad-of-two while being pursued by police.

Solicitor representing Williams say he is “adamant he did not intend to injure, let alone kill” PC Phillips.

The officer was trying to use a “stinger” type device to puncture the pick-up truck’s wheels when he was struck in Dock Road, Wallasey. He later died in hospital.

Co-accused Philip Stuart, 30, of Mayfair Court, Prenton, is also due to appear on charges of burglary and aggravated vehicle-taking.

Three people charged with assisting an offender will then appear in court.

Georgia Clarke, 19, of Knowsley Road, Wallasey; Dawn Cooper, 34, of Wheatland Lane, Wallasey; and Michael Smith, 19, of Widmore Road, Gateacre; all face a single charge of burning and attempting to dispose of the clothing of a murder suspect.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/