Author: On The Spot News

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A statement from Patrick Hurley MP: “Today’s guilty plea brings us a step closer to justice for the victims and their families affected by the hideous atrocity in Southport on July 29, 2024. There will be no celebrations or jubilation today, but today marks a milestone along the way as our town begins to recover. “Southport will never be the same after the devastating attack at the heart of our community and the loss of three of our town’s daughters. I am very grateful that the culprit will now face justice after Thursday’s sentencing hearing for the murder of those…

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The man who murdered three young girls in Southport last summer has now plead guilty to the crime. Axel Rudakubana changed his plea on Monday morning in a shock twist at Liverpool Crown Court. Earlier prosecution and defence counsels had been preparing for a trial expected to last up to six weeks. He plead guilty to all charges. They are: – The murders of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice da Silva Aguiar – Eight counts of attempted murder of eight other children who cannot be named – The attempted murder of adults Leanne Lucas and John Hayes -…

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A dilapidated building that put a historic Southport street at risk of turning into an eyesore will now be saved thanks to its new owners and Sefton Council. The former Leo’s Bar building has been key part of the fabric of Nevill Street for hundreds of years. However, in recent decades its condition rapidly deteriorated due to neglect leaving both residents and the Council frustrated and concerned by growing safety issues. Sefton Council was forced to take legal action against the building’s former owners, which resulted in the property, at 42-50 Nevill Street, being sold to Derdo 2018 Ltd. The…

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The UK’s Attorney General issues a reminder about commenting on the trial of Axel Rudakubana and risks of being in contempt of court. Axel Rudakubana has been charged with 16 offences including the murder of three young girls, the attempted murder of 10 other people including 8 children, as well as the production of ricin and possession of an Al-Qaeda training manual. The criminal trial commences on 20 January 2025 at Liverpool Crown Court and is expected to last from four to six weeks. While proceedings are active, the Attorney General is reminding editors, publishers and social media users that…

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A chance traffic stop by officers in Waterloo yesterday (Monday 13 January) led them to find 10 bottles of whiskey stolen from a shop in Formby minutes earlier. The officers had spotted the silver Ford Mondeo with three people inside on Crosby Road South, heading towards Rimrose Road, and indicated for it to stop at around 9pm. On searching the vehicle 10 bottles of high value whiskey were found hidden in the back (see image) and enquiries established they had been reported stolen from Waitrose in Formby at 8.50pm.. A 43-year-old man of no fixed address, a 42-year-old man of…

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A Southport mum and successful social media influencer guru has been banned from driving after being caught speeding on the motorway. Magistrates said they would not spare Lucia Campolucci-Bordi, 32, from a driving ban after she was caught driving her father’s company Porsche at 93mph near Liverpool last year. The Magistrates looking at her case said that while Campolucci-Bordi was facing difficulties, her successful job meant they could not establish that losing her license would cost her livelihood. Campolucci-Bordi was also fined £307 with £233 in costs and surcharge. They were told that she had continued to manage her business,…

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A man has been jailed for inappropriate behaviour towards a teenage girl in a Southport shop. On Thursday 9 January a 15-year-old girl was with her friend in B&M at Central 12 Retail Park when a man approached them and repeatedly asked them to drink alcohol with him. They refused and told him their age to which he then put his arm around the 15-year-old girl and kissed her on the cheek. Detectives identified and charged David Bigley, 45 years, of Hundred End Lane in Hesketh Bank with sexual assault on a female and possession of a controlled Class B…

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Police have charged a 34-year-old man with stalking and criminal damage after a pizza parlour was targeted in a string of incidents which shocked staff and customers alike. Colin Cooper, of Waterside Gardens, Bolton, was charged with six offences of criminal damage relating to the 600 Degrees Pizza Parlour business on Sandon Road area of Hillside in December 2024. The stalking charge relates to an allegation between March 2024 and December 2024 that he pursued a course of conduct against a business owner by targeting their place of work, causing damage to their business and making unwanted calls. He was…

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At least £5.6 Million will be spent on aiding the recovery of Southport, with the majority of funds being used to support schools around the town, those impacted by both events, local communities and businesses directly affected and the wider Southport economy. The funding represents a significant step in addressing the emotional, social, and economic impacts of both the July 29th and July 30th tragedies, while also planning for a stronger future for Southport. Leaders in Sefton have welcomed the financial support for Southport, with the Government pledging monetary aid as part of its Community Recovery Fund to support the…

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An air ambulance has landed on the lawns of Marine Gate Mansions in Southport this afternoon following a serious incident in the town centre. Emergency services are understood to have been called to the Northern Quarter end of Lord Street shortly before 2pm this afternoon following reports of a serious incident. At least one person is understood to have needed urgent medical attention promoting first responders to call in the air ambulance from Manchester. Eye witnesses describe their windows shaking at flats on Marine Lake as the heli touched down before crews were “whisked off” by police to the scene…

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One of Southport’s most popular restaurants is set to host a charity afternoon to raise funds for Alder Hey. Volare on Lord Street will open its doors from 12pm-4pm on Thursday, February 6th for a special charity afternoon featuring live music, entertainment and a three course meal for anyone who buys a ticket. Sponsored by Hidden Vines, Zonin and Continental Quattro Stagoni the fundraising afternoon seeks to support the great work of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Tickets are £75 per person and this includes a three course meal with pairing wines as well as entertainment by Dave Broe, Suzy Walker…

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An annual council shutdown is causing a headache for businesses and residents alike across Southport with some bins not set to be emptied for at least another week. One Birkdale Village business said they have been left fighting overflowing bins after Sefton Council’s commercial waste collection service was suspended for Christmas. Council staff aren’t paid during what they call a ‘winter shutdown’ which means a reduced service is put into place. The shutdown has been implemented by the council as part of a cost cutting exercise. Vital services remain active such as children’s and adults social care. Each year, Sefton…

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*This story contains details of a sexual assault. Links to support services are listed at the bottom of this article* Detectives investigating a rape in Southport in the early hours of Friday (27 December) have issued CCTV images of a man they believe could assist their enquiries. It was reported a woman had been raped by a man in the toilets of the Chop House pub on Scarisbrick Avenue between midnight and 2am on Friday. Enquiries are underway and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers. Officers have issued CCTV images of a man they would like to…

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There are few better places to revel in Christmas Eve spirit than your local. Pubs are often considered a great place to visit on Christmas Eve because they combine a festive atmosphere with a sense of community and tradition and for decades have been the chosen cosy spot to welcome in the holidays. But where is the best? OTS has aggregated the top reviews from both Google and Tripadvisor to find the top ten best Christmas Eve watering holes to celebrate with family. 1. Lakeside Inn, Marine Lake Known for being one of the smallest pubs in Britain, it offers…

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Police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder, after a 70-year-old was found dead at a house on Braemer Avenue on Sunday. A statement from Merseyside Police said:”We can confirm we are investigating following the unexplained death of a man at a house in Southport. “We were contacted at 11.50pm on Sunday 22 December following concern for a man at a house in Braemar Avenue. Paramedics attended and found the man, aged in his 70s, sadly deceased. “A post-mortem will take place to establish the cause of the death, which is currently being treated as unexplained. His next of…

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A Southport man who took a brick to his genitals and subsequently became a laughing stock online has now been jailed for two years and six months for his part in the summer riots. Brian Spencer, 40, of Lytham Road, in Southport, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday 23 December, after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He was also jailed after admitting racially/religiously aggravated harassment, which relates to a separate incident the following day at Southport Hospital when he verbally abused another patient when receiving treatment for the injuries he sustained during the disorder. The injuries he sustained…

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Detectives have issued CCTV images of a man who may have information that could assist enquiries following a sexual offence in Southport. Police received a report of an incident that occurred in a hotel in Southport on Sunday 15 December. Extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted and detectives have issued CCTV images of a man they believe could assist in their investigation. Detective Sergeant Rebecca Robinson said: “We take reports of sexual offences very seriously and we are very keen to speak with the person featured in the image to help with our enquiries. “This was a traumatic…

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Time is running out to secure Southport’s best at-home festive feasts. The award-winning Farmhouse Kitchen elves are busy putting the finishing touches on their hugely popular Christmas treasure trove of savory and sweet delights. OTS News readers can take advantage of a special offer giving them extra time to place their Christmas orders up to and including Friday, December 20th. From meat-feast boxes bulging with tender glazed hams, boneless turkey, and melt-in-your-mouth topside, to sweet-treat-topped Grazing Boxes laden with artisanal delights, it’s a guaranteed Christmas cracker of a deal. Starting at the incredibly low price of £29.95, there are multiple…

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A Southport man branded a ‘prolific thief’ by police is no longer allowed to enter a series of large chain supermarkets in Southport. Wayne Lewis, 47, of no fixed abode, was given the CBO at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 4 December. The CBO stipulates that Wayne Lewis can’t enter any Tesco, Aldi, or Sainsbury’s store in Southport and he cannot remain within 100 yards of any shop in Southport when asked to leave by a staff member. He is also banned from wearing any form of face covering or cause harassment, alarm, or distress to any member of staff…

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A man from Southport has been jailed for 21 years for raping three women during separate incidents between 2003 and 2018. Paul Wilson, 44, of Southbank Road, in Southport, denied four counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape and assault, but he was found guilty and sentenced today, Monday 9 December, at Liverpool Crown Court. During his trial, the court heard how Wilson raped three women, all aged in their 40s, during separate incidents at addresses in Southport between 2003 and 2018. Following a complex and lengthy investigation, detectives arrested Wilson and were able to provide the evidence that…

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Detectives have arrested a man as part of an ongoing investigation into online sexual offences. The 43-year-old man from Southport was arrested yesterday, Sunday 8 December, on suspicion of the following offences: Inciting a child to engage in sexual communications Possession of indecent images of a child Possession of cocaine Possession of cannabis Possession of offensive weapons in a private place. The latter three offences relate to items seized following an address search. He remains in custody for questioning. If you’ve been affected by sexual offences of any kind, then please know that there is a lot of support available.…

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An eye watering £10,000 reward is reportedly being offered for the return of a Rolex watch that was allegedly lost in Southport this weekend. The watch appears to be a Rolex Daytona which is worth up to £70,000 used but the owner, who is remaining anonymous, says they have already registered the watch as lost and it cannot ‘be sold.’ Described by the owner as ‘high value’ the watch reportedly went missing in Southport on Saturday evening (December 7th). They have provided no other details as to where or when the watch was lost. The yellow gold faced watch is…

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Winds of more than 60mph will continue to blow through Southport throughout Saturday. Storm Darragh, which triggered emergency red alerts in parts of North Wales, landed in Southport overnight and continues to cause disruption throughout the town. A number of trees have been uprooted and all council parks have been shut as a safety precaution. A 20ft fibre optic Christmas tree has been over on Ocean Plaza while OTS readers have sent in numbers photos of storm damage around the town. Sefton’s beach car parks are already closed for the winter and National Trust Formby has closed their Victoria Road…

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A pizza parlour businessman says he has endured months of targeted harassment leaving him no choice but to temporary close his restaurant. Dan Johnstone of 600 Degrees Pizza is one of the most popular restaurateurs in Southport having risen to fame after launching his Southport Market based pizza stall. Eventually high demand led Dan to open a second premises, this time a sit in restaurant, in Hillside. However the businessman has tonight revealed he has no choice but to temporary close the Hillside restaurant after a shocking seven months of harassment. During that time the restaurants windows have been smashed,…

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Police have issued CCTV images of three men they believe could have information that may assist enquiries into the theft of nearly £10,000. The first theft was reported at around 12.30pm on 23 September, on Lord Street, Southport. It was reported a woman was followed to her car by three men after withdrawing a total of £8,000 from local banks. She placed her coat with the money on the passenger seat of the car when a male knocked on her driver’s side window to distract her. Another male is then believed to have taken her coat and cash from the…

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The leader of Sefton Council has won an industry award for her role in the wake of the tragic events in Southport over summer 2024. Cllr Marion Atkinson was honoured in the national 2024 Local Government Information Unit and CCLA Cllr Awards earlier this month. She was nominated after she took a leading role in the Council’s involvement in Southport following the July 29th tragedy and ensuing violent disorder. Responding to the recent news that she has been awarded the Judge’s Exceptional Community Leadership Award for her “exceptional leadership and empathy” in the wake of this summer’s tragic events in…

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The world’s oldest man who has called Southport his home for a number of years has sadly passed away. The family of John Tinniswood confirmed the 112 year old passed away this week at his Southport care home. John rose to international fame as he officially became the world’s oldest man earlier this year, previously holding the title of the UK’s oldest man. He was born in Liverpool the year the Titanic sank, he’s survived two world wars and was already 50 when the Beatles had their first hit. A lifelong Liverpool fan, John worked as an accountant until his…

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A £200 cash reward has been offered to find a cat which has been missing for more than two weeks. Lennie, a black cat, disappeared from his home on Newton Street a fortnight ago and owner Clare Rhodes has asked people to keep checking their properties for any sign of him. Clare said “I just need all eyes on the streets and in your own gardens and sheds please. It’s two weeks today since Lennie vanished and failed to come home. ”He’s missing from Newton street in High Park. If anyone thinks they may have seen him, please let me…

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Emergency services including paramedics have been called to the Sussex Road area of Southport this morning following a serious incident. OTS understands first responders from North West Ambulance service as well as police and fire crews have been called to an area near to the Railway Club on Sussex Road. Eye witnesses say police officers have been seen looking over the bridge onto the railway line below and taking photographs of the scene. Three Serious Response Unit (SRU) ambulances have also been called to the area and rail services on the Northern line in and out of Southport have been…

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The Princess of Wales has invited child survivors of the Southport stabbing to her annual Christmas carol concert. Kate, who is recovering from cancer, has invited child survivors of the attack to her festive event at Westminster Abbey on December 6th. The Palace said Kate, who honoured the war dead at Remembrance events earlier this month, wanted the theme of this year’s carol service to celebrate those supporting others in need, with a focus on the importance of love and empathy. It comes after the princess made a surprise visit with her husband William to meet the bereaved families of…

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