Grandmother cleared
of manslaughter
by Gary Skentelbery
THE grandmother of tragic Ellie Lawrenson, the Warrington toddler mauled to death by a pit-bull type dog, has been found not guilty of manslaughter following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
The five-year-old girl was staying with her grandmother Jacqueline Simpson when she was attacked by the family Pit Bull named Reuben.
Mrs Simpson, aged 45, who denied manslaughter, took drugs and drank alcohol on the tragic day and flouted a family rule by allowing the pit bull terrier into the house.
Ellie was killed in the early hours of New Year’s Day when the dog locked its jaws around her throat and shook her around Simpson’s living room. She had 72 injuries. After the verdict Assistant Chief Constable Helen King said: ?Our sympathies are with Ellie?s family at this time. This was an extremely tragic incident which shocked people across the country. I would reassure our local communities that Merseyside Police is continuing with its ongoing work to tackle the issue of dangerous dogs.
?Many people will be aware of the illegal dog hand-in carried out in Merseyside earlier this year. As a result, more than 600 people contacted police concerned that they may have an illegal dog. Almost 200 dogs were either seized or handed in to police as a result of the hand-in and, through the court processes, this work has enabled 52 owners to have their dogs placed on the DEFRA exemption register. Just as importantly, we were able to reassure hundreds of owners that the animals they have are not illegal.
?That said any dog has the potential to cause harm if not properly looked after. All dog owners should be aware of their responsibilities and must play their part in ensuring their animals are under control at all times.”
?We cannot allow Ellie Lawrenson to have died in vain. I would ask our communities to support the work we are doing to help prevent a child ever being killed or even harmed in this way again. Anyone who has information on where illegal dogs are being bred, who is supplying them or who is using these animals as part of their criminal lifestyles to call the police on 0151 709 6010 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Your information will help us target out resources against offenders and put them before the courts.?
Colin Davies, Assistant District Crown Prosecutor for Merseyside, said: “The death of Ellie Lawrenson was a tragedy for all involved and in particular for Ellie?s parents.
“The CPS brought this prosecution on the basis that Jacqueline Simpson owed a duty of care towards her granddaughter Ellie. We said that she breached that duty of care by letting the dog into her house, knowing that it was potentially dangerous and capable of killing a child. Furthermore, we said that her breach of that duty of care was such that a jury would consider it to be so gross that it amounted to a crime.
“There is no doubt – and it was accepted by the defence – that Jacqueline Simpson owed a duty of care towards her granddaughter.
“However, the jury by its verdict have accepted that, if there was a breach of her duty of care it was not such that it amounted to a crime.”
Earlier this year, Ellie’s uncle Kiel Simpson, 23, was jailed for eight weeks after he pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of a dangerous dog under section one of the Dangerous Dog Act.
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Former Mayor in
line for top title
by Mark Hemmings
FORMER Warrington Mayor, Councillor Linda Dirir, has been short-listed for the prestigious Mayor of the Year Award 2007 run by The Co-operative Bank.
Coun Dirir was nominated for the award by local authority colleagues, appreciative charities and residents following an outstanding term in office.
Coun Dirir beat off stiff competition from fellow Mayors in almost 50 local authorities to reach the shortlist.
If successful, she stands to receive a ?1,000 donation from the Co-operative Bank to the Mayors Charity Fund and an engraved crystal plate.
David Dunn, Senior Manager, Public Sector & Community Development at The Co-operative Bank, said: ?To be short-listed for this prestigious award reflects the hard work and dedication that Coun Dirir showed in the role of Mayor.
?As leading bankers in the local authority sector we appreciate the contribution made by Mayors on a local level and are very pleased to be able to bring national recognition to those who have achieved something special during their term in office.
?Coun Dirir completed 1200 civic engagements during her year in office and worked tirelessly in raising funds for her chosen charities, Cancer Research and other small local groups. She was a great ambassador for Warrington, and was a very popular Mayor bringing enthusiasm and a fresh approach to the role.?
The winner for 2007 will be announced in late September once the Awards panel has judged all entries.
Rugby stars help celebrate
five years of Fairtrade
report and picture by Mark Hemmings
WARRINGTON Wolves flying wingers Kevin Penny and Chris Riley were on hand to help the Fairtrade stall on Warrington Market celebrate five years of business.
They were joined by warrington South MP Helen Southworth as the Fairtrade introduced its range of new sports balls ? including rugby and footballs.
These balls come with a seal of approval from FIFA who set the standard that all balls have to conform to internationally.
The challenge for Fairtrade was to develop criteria for sports balls that could be produced in the developing world villages, but under good conditions, and ensuring children are not involved in the production process.
Now, this has been achieved – stitchers have health insurance, which allows workers and their families to have medical care, guaranteeing a better deal for developing world producers.
Five years ago this Thursday, the Fairtrade stall opened for business and the number of items now available and classed as Fairtrade have increased at an impressive rate.
Helen, who helped launch the stall five years ago, said: ?I am absolutely delighted that in the last five years, everything from chocolate to musical instruments, which has the Fairtrade stamp on, can be bought in the town.
?All over the town people are getting involved in buying Fairtrade, and its really great that Warrington Wolves are backing a community initiative that is international.?
Picture shows Wolves stars Kevin Penny (right) and Chris Riley scrumming down with Helen, Fairtrade supporters and local children.
Schools performing well
above national average
by staff reporter
SCHOOLS in Warrington are performing well above the national average, according to school watchdog OFSTED.
Eighty-four per cent of primary schools assessed by inspectors in the borough last year were judged to be outstanding or good.
This beats the national statistic that stands at 60%, showing that Warrington is well ahead of the rest when it comes to primary school education.
All secondary schools inspections also performed well above average, with all schools judged to be good, in comparison to 49% nationally. One of the town?s special schools was judged as outstanding.
Schools celebrating outstanding results are, Grappenhall Heys Community Primary School, Green Lane Special School, Locking Stumps Community Primary School, St Elphin?s (Fairfield) CE Primary School, Twiss Green Community Primary School and St Paul of the Cross RC Primary School.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, Executive Board Member for Children?s Services, said: ?I am delighted with these results. It is a real testament to the hard work of pupils, teachers, parents, staff and headteachers that we have done so well in our OFSTED inspections. We will build upon this success by ensuring that all of our schools reach the same high standard.?
There were no schools
that were judged to be inadequate and those which are satisfactory will receive all the help they need to get them on the road to excellence.
IT specialist lives
life in the fast lane
by Mark Hemmings
WARRINGTON racing driver, Stephen Johansen made it through to the final stages of the Vauxhall VXR Driver of the Year competition ? a contest which aims to find the UK?s best natural driving talent.
The second semi-final of the national competition was held at Daytona Manchester karting circuit near Trafford, where Johansen set the 12th fastest time in the qualifying, earning him a place in the first race-off.
The competition was uncompromising, with fierce battles down the field as drivers fought for the ?80,000 first prize of a Vauxhall-backed drive in the Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup – a feeder series to the UK?s largest motor racing package, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
Only the winner secured a place in the national finals though, and although finishing 11th Johansen left satisfied with his performance after a great day at the track.
Stephen said: ?I?ve always watched motor sport but never really taken part.? Working as a Managing Director of an IT firm in his day job, Stephen explained that he was given a rally school day as a present and ended up winning so entering this competition was a good way to see how good he really was.
He said: ?I dislocated my finger a few days ago but really didn?t want to miss the day so I took the brace off to race, which got quite painful towards the end of the race! My hand is still shaking now!?
A total of 350 drivers attended the North-West semi-finals, with each driver getting 15 minutes to register a qualifying time. The 24 fastest drivers were selected to compete in two race-offs to compete for a place in the national final.
Bingo fundraiser
by staff reporter
MAKE sure you can shout ?house? by taking one of the last remaining tickets for a Gala Evening, being held at the Paddington House Hotel in Warrington on Friday September 28 at 8pm.
The evening is being organised by Gala Bingo club in Warrington, and will help raise funds for the NCH (National Children?s Home) Butterfly Project – a scheme which provides a practical and emotional support service to children with a life threatening illness who live in Warrington.
The project assists families to access a range of practical and emotional support services.
Project Manager from the NCH Butterfly Project, Tim Rhodes said: ?We are thrilled that Gala Bingo has decided to support our project and we are really looking forward to the fundraising night.
?It should be a really good night out and we hope that plenty of people want to join us on the night in raising money for such a worthwhile and vital service.?
For more information and to purchase tickets (priced ?15 ? including live entertainment and buffet) call into the Bingo Club or contact Mark on 01925 633358.
Police hunt for
bank raiders
by staff reporter
POLICE in Warrington are hunting for three balaclava clad raiders who carried out an armed robbery at the Natwest Bank on Common Lane Culcheth yesterday (Tuesday Sept 12). Armed with baseball bats they snatched a cash box from a security guard but dropped it and ran off. The security guard was left shaken but unhurt.
All three raiders were wearing light coloured clothing. Balaclavas covered the attackers’ faces.
Detectives want to speak to anyone who may have seen the crime.
Anyone with information should call DC Ian Hampson or DC Stephen Hopkins on 01244 613831 or Crimestoppers in confidence 0800 555111.
