Latest news with #GreaterManchesterPolice
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
England women's star cleared of drugs charge ahead of Euro 2025 - 'I'm relieved'
England and Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has seen charges of drug possession dropped by Greater Manchester Police. Charges of drug possession against England goalkeeper Khiara Keating have been dropped by Greater Manchester Police. The Manchester City keeper, 20, was charged last June along with her mother, Nicola Keating, 48, with possession of cannisters of the Class C drug nitrous oxide. Both pleaded not guilty at Manchester Magistrates' Court and were granted unconditional bail. The Crown Prosecution Service duly discontinued the case, Greater Manchester Police confirmed. Both women had been charged with possession of a Class C drug on 18 June last year following a police investigation. The pair appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court in July, where they denied the offence and were granted unconditional bail. At a second hearing in September, they reaffirmed their pleas, and a trial was scheduled for November 2025 but the case has now been dismissed. Keating, who is part of England's European Championship squad, said in a statement to the BBC: 'I'm relieved the charges have been dropped — as I've always said, I did nothing wrong. 'It's been a difficult time, but I've always known the truth. Now I'm just looking forward to focusing fully on the Euros and spending time with my family.' Nitrous oxide was made a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in November 2023. Possession with the intention of wrongfully inhaling it for a psychoactive effect became an offence. The gas can still be used for legitimate reasons, such as in catering or pain relief during labour. Keating will travel to the Euros as a back-up to England's new first-choice keeper Hannah Hampton. Keating has yet to make her senior England debut but was included in Sarina Wiegman's 23-player squad despite her lack of experience. She played just 12 times for City in last season's Women's Super League, conceding 18 goals and keeping four clean sheets. The previous year she became the youngest player to win the Women's Super League Golden Glove award, keeping nine clean sheets in 22 league appearances. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Booze-fuelled man torched his own mum's house after raiding the fridge
A man destroyed his mum's bungalow after climbing through a window and torching it. Liam Patrick Deeney, 30, had been drinking priority to the sickening arson attack. He has now been jailed for the 'extremely dangerous' incident, which also 'put neighbouring properties in danger'. Deeney went to the property, on Thornton Road, Tyldesley, Wigan, at around 11pm on Sunday, May 21, 2023, while his mother was in Blackpool. READ MORE: "I can't change it, but wow am I paying for it": Mum gets STUCK in Turkey after making 'worst mistake of my life' in hotel room while drunk with boyfriend READ MORE: Chelsee Healey watches on in court as her boyfriend is jailed over 'serious' criminal operation "He entered the property through a back window and stole food and alcohol from the fridge before setting the address on fire," Greater Manchester Police said. Investigators discovered he started two fires - one in the wardrobes in the bedroom and one on an armchair in the living room. The blaze then engulfed the property. It caused £35,000 damage and destroyed his mother's belongings, valued at £15,000. "The fire has caused damage to items of significance and memorabilia such as his mother's medals, clothing, jewellery, and old pictures of sentimental value," GMP added. Deeney, of Lever Street, Tyldesley, was arrested and charged. He later pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. He was sentenced to three years, four months in prison at Bolton Crown Court last Thursday (June 12). In a statement issued following the hearing, Detective Constable Riyaz Patel: "Liam Deeney's actions were extremely dangerous and put neighbouring properties in danger. "He acted in an impulsive manner whilst under the influence of alcohol, destroying his mother's home and sentimental items belonging to her that meant so much to her. "I hope this sentence shows that GMP will pursue domestic violence perpetrators to keep victims safe and ensure justice is delivered." A restraining order prevents Deeney from contacting his mother for five years. He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.
BBC News
8 hours ago
- BBC News
Charges dropped against England goalkeeper Keating
A court case against England goalkeeper Khiara Keating has been dropped nearly a year after she pleaded not guilty to possessing canisters of nitrous oxide. The 20-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper was charged with possession of a Class C drug on 18 June last year after an investigation by Greater Manchester July, Keating appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court alongside her mother Nicola Keating, 48, who also denied the same offence, and both were granted unconditional Manchester Police has confirmed the case has been a statement given exclusively to BBC Sport, Keating said: "I'm relieved the charges have been dropped. As I've always said, I did nothing wrong. "It's been a difficult time, but I've always known the truth. Now I'm just looking forward to focusing fully on the Euros and spending time with my family."Nitrous oxide was made a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in November with the intention of wrongfully inhaling it for a psychoactive effect became an offence, but it is still possible to use the gas for legitimate reasons, such as in catering or pain relief during has not made an appearance for England's senior team yet but is part of the 23-player squad selected to compete at Euro 2025 next became the youngest player to win the Women's Super League Golden Glove award last year, after keeping nine clean sheets in 22 league games. Head here to get involved
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Tearful Chelsee Healey watches as boyfriend sentenced over cannabis crime ring
Edward Rainford, who is the partner of actress Chelsee Healey, has been jailed for his role in a small-scale but organised cannabis supply operation Chelsee Healey was in the public gallery as her long-term partner and father of her child, Edward Rainford, was sentenced to two years in prison for his part in what a judge described as a 'boutique' cannabis supply chain. Rainford, 32, and co-defendant Jay Boyd, 28, appeared at Manchester Crown Court after admitting to their involvement in the sale of cannabis between November 2022 and September 2023. The case stemmed from a Greater Manchester Police investigation targeting Class B drug supply networks. Surveillance caught Rainford and Boyd in a Costa Coffee branch last July, openly discussing drug deals using coded language like '33 per cent,' 'a 4.5,' and 'it's a risk.' A raid at a Swinton property shortly after uncovered cannabis, packaging materials, and a 'list of debtors.' Boyd's fingerprints were found at the scene, and phone data later tied both men to the operation. Prosecutor Gwen Henshaw revealed their messages detailed specific strains like 'Wedding Cake' and 'Gorilla Glue,' along with photos and videos showcasing cannabis products and stacks of cash. One message from Rainford said: 'I think I've got a quick one for us if you're interested.' Another included a request for product footage to forward on. 'The pair weren't just users,' Henshaw told the court. 'They were actively supplying and aware of the seriousness of what they were doing.' Judge Peter Horgan agreed, noting they 'worked together to sell cannabis in large quantities,' though he stopped short of calling it high-level organised crime. 'This was not a massive enterprise,' he said, 'but there were others buying from them and selling on.' Rainford's lawyer, Mark Friend, said the former Army serviceman's motivation was purely financial. 'There were no encrypted phones or complex systems. It lacked sophistication,' he argued. 'He was a cog in a bigger operation.' Friend acknowledged Rainford's poor decision-making but described him as someone with strong family support and a willingness to work after release. 'He is not scared of hard work,' he said. 'He has a child, a stepdaughter, and a family who believe he can live a law-abiding life.' Judge Horgan, however, was unimpressed with the repeated references to Rainford's military past. 'There is only so much you can draw from the same well,' he remarked. He reminded Rainford he was still on licence from a previous prison sentence for violence when arrested. 'You let your family down and left your partner to raise two children,' the judge said. 'This wasn't a slip-up - it went on for months.' Jay Boyd, who lived with his mother and had recently qualified as an air-conditioning engineer, also received a prison sentence of 18 months. His lawyer, Tanya Elahi, described his involvement as a one-time error in judgment made during a period of financial hardship. However the judge disagreed. 'A lapse in judgement does not occur over many months,' Horgan stated. 'You actively chose to engage in criminality for profit. Custody is the only appropriate response.'
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey watches as her partner is jailed over boutique cannabis' operation
Chat logs showed Edward Rainford talking about money and different flavours including Oreo Cookie, Orange Cream and Wedding Cake. Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey watched on in court as her partner was put behind bars for his part in a "boutique cannabis operation". Edward Rainford, 32, and co-defendant Jay Boyd, 28, appeared at Manchester Crown Court for sentencing after they both pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis between November 2022 and September 2023. Healey, 36, who has also appeared in Waterloo Road and Dancing on Ice, has been in a relationship with Rainford for four years. The couple also have a child together. The court was told how Rainford and Boyd's actions were uncovered during an operation by Greater Manchester Police to tackle the supply of Class B drugs, Manchester Evening News reports. Gwen Henshaw, prosecuting, told how, on July 7, 2023, the pair were observed in a branch of Costa Coffee in Monton, Salford. A police officer overheard them discussing "taking 33 per cent", "the next sum", "a 4.5", "it's a risk" and "doing it off their own back". A warrant was then executed to search a property on Grasmere Road, Swinton. Boyd's fingerprints were found along with a small quantity of cannabis, a "list of debtors" and small bags, "the kind used for 3.5 deals of cannabis". Boyd was also seen driving past the address during the search, and his phone number was also disconnected from the network a short time after. On September 4 the same year, Boyd was seen driving in Monton, alongside Rainford. They were pulled over by police and arrested on suspicion of separate offences. Both were taken to Wigan police station while their cars were searched and mobile phones examined. A search of Boyd's address on Cheetham Road found a sum of cash, a vacuum sealer and a small amount of cannabis worth between £145 and £205. The court was told, however, that it was the data from their mobiles which revealed that they were not just using the drug, but "playing roles" in "their own boutique operation". The phone evidence included images of bundles of money, with metadata from one matching the address of Rainford's family home. Chat logs showed the pair talking about money and different flavours including Oreo Cookie, Orange Cream and Wedding Cake. They exchanged contacts, and sent videos to each other showing "different strains of cannabis" with "close-ups of the product" to show off its "quality and structure". On August 13, Rainford sent Boyd a voice note saying: "I think I've got a quick one for us if you're interested". Another exchange showed one requesting a video of the "Gorilla Glue" strain to "forward on". The court was also told of a conversation during which Rainford appeared to refer to a debt he owed. According to the prosecution, the sum of these findings was evidence of the duo "working together in order to sell cannabis". Ms Henshaw said: 'They make contact with customers arranging supply of different strains. Messages suggest that they are keeping some strains in stock. 'The fact that they are arranging meeting places shows they are aware of the seriousness of what they are doing.' She added the pair had a "leading role" in "organised buying and selling of cannabis on a commercial scale", with "substantial links in a chain". She said: 'This was not a massive enterprise, but there were numbers of other people involved. There are people buying from the defendants and selling on for distribution.' Mark Friend, mitigating for Rainford said the actions had "financial advantage in mind' but told the court it 'lacked many of the hallmarks of sophisticated, professional drug dealing". He added: "There were no encrypted telephones – the messages and exchanges were not difficult to access. Messages referring to Rainford's debts show him as a cog in an over-all supply chain. There were clearly people far above him, doing far more. 'I am not seeking to undermine the seriousness of the offending – his decision making was flawed in the extreme and he must be punished. But the reference to organised crime is rather a grand title. I submit that he played a significant role only.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The court was told Rainford had served in the Army for nine years. Mr Friend added: "He gave good service to this country." Judge Peter Horgan responded: 'I think that defence was used on a previous occasion. There is only so much you can draw from the same well.' Rainford has previous convictions for criminal damage, assault and violence, the latter of which he was imprisoned for in July 2019. Upon his release in 2022 he was said to have been "anxious to build himself a life". Mr Friend said: 'He is not scared of hard work and earning a living. There is a good prospect of him moving into paid employment after release. He has entered a relationship that is still ongoing, in which he has a child and step-daughter. "He is supported by family and friends today who I think would say that there is another side to him as a responsible, decent man who can live a life away from offending.' He was still on licence at the time of his arrest in 2023, and initially pleaded not guilty to the drugs charge in December last year, before admitting to the offence in January. Representing Boyd, Tanya Elahi said the offending"lacked sophistication", adding: "They did not use a business as a cover or abuse a position of responsibility". She told the court he was now a trained air conditioning engineer, self-employed since November 2024 due to his release on unconditional bail after he was arrested and pleaded guilty. She added: 'He accepts the severity of the offending and is remorseful for his actions. He himself calls them a stupid mistake and is glad to have turned his cheek. 'He was unemployed then and struggling financially. He is living at his mother's home and signed up for universal credit. He has not been in trouble since this offence. This was one lapse in judgement.' 'A lapse in judgement does not occur over a period of many months,' the judge interrupted. 'That is the difficulty.' Judge Horgan said he "entirely agreed" the duo's activities amounted to "a boutique operation". He told them both: 'It was a serious operation, in which you had a contact above and below you. This ensured that you were able to buy and sell significant amounts of cannabis to make money, which is what this was all about.' "You were working together, buying and selling large quantities and arranging a supply of a variety, suggesting you kept strains in stock. The images recovered suggest a lucrative operation. But I accept that this was not sophisticated organised crime." Addressing Rainford, the judge agreed he had an 'impressive' military career before ending up in prison. He added: 'You were released in July 2022 and, for reasons which are beyond me, you then became involved in this. "You let your family down and left your partner to raise two young children. You plan to move in with her and continue with the business that you set up with your father. I recognise your difficulties with your mental health and those that you have as a result of your service to this country. 'You had a management role in this operation. You did involve others and you did expect to make financial gain, and were aware of the scale. This was not a lapse in judgement - the scale of time is important to me. It took place over many months.' Rainford, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two years behind bars. Speaking to Boyd, the judge said: 'You were unemployed at the time of the offence and involved yourself in criminality actively, for the first time in your life, purely for financial gain. 'I have about this but find the only appropriate method of punishment can be immediate custody. I don't believe I would be acting in accordance with my public duty otherwise.' Boyd received a sentence of one year and six months.
