18.06.2021: Following the news that South Korean automaker Kia has partnered with shared mobility giant Uber to supply electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe; Bakar Sadik Agwan, Senior Automotive Consulting Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and an…
A man drove his BMW car “aggressively” on a rural road, overtaking a 44-tonne HGV lorry then slamming on his brakes in front of it.
A court heard the potential for damage in any accident on the main Denbigh[1] to Ruthin road was “huge”.
Mark Morris, 35, today pleaded guilty at Llandudno Magistrates Court to driving without due care and attention in the incident on the A525 in Llandegla.
READ MORE: Picture shows aftermath of serious barn fire caused by grinder sparks[2]
Magistrates disqualified Morris from driving for six months and fined him £162.
Prosecutor Julia Galston told the court that Aled Davies had been driving his 44-tonne vehicle in the Llanrhaeadr area on August 13 last year.
She said he became aware of a blue BMW in his rear dashcam “swerving” in the road and trying to overtake him.
The prosecutor said he eventually crossed the double white lines on a bend and overtook him.
She said: “Mr Morris then slammed the brakes on” causing Mr Davies to brake.
The court heard that someone in the BMW’s front passenger seat then wound down their window and made “gestures” at the lorry driver.
Further along the road, the lorry stopped and Morris in the BMW also stopped at the Drovers Arms pub.
“The defendant ran down the road and shouted abuse (towards Mr Davies),” said the prosecutor.
The prosecution played two clips from the lorry’s front and rear dash cameras to the court showing the incident.
Ms Galston said the “potential for damage was huge”.
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Chris Dawson, defending, said his client, of Lynton Ridge, Llandegla, initially believed that the lorry driver was the “villain of the piece”.
He accepted that it was “inappropriate” for Morris to go over the double white lines to overtake the lorry and it had been “aggressive” driving.
However, Mr Dawson added: “Whatever the potential for an accident resulting from Mr Morris’s manoeuvres in fact there wasn’t an accident and no-one was injured.”
The solicitor said any driving ban would cause Morris, who has five dependent children, “exceptional hardship” as they live in a rural location and need to attend appointments.
Both Morris – who has three forklift truck and excavator driving licences – and his partner gave evidence to back up this claim.
But chairman of the bench Peter Campbell noted the aggressive manner of driving on a road with a “high level of traffic”.
He handed the defendant the ban adding: “We do not find that you have demonstrated exceptional hardship – rather, inconvenience.
“This is down to the fact that there is another adult (his partner) available to drive.”
He added that arrangements can be made with the NHS for patients to go to any hospital appointments.
Have your say on this story in the comments section.
Police will be taking no further action against a couple that were seen ‘naked and having sex’ in a park earlier this week.
The amorous pair were first caught[1] near the brook in Sunny Brow Park, Gorton[2], at around midday on Wednesday afternoon by horrified parents.
An image shared on social media appeared to show a man and woman completely nude and engaged in a sex act underneath a tree.
READ MORE: Man died after walking onto M60 into path of lorry, inquest hears[3]
A woman who witnessed the pair while walking her dog wrote on Facebook[4] : “Just when you think you’ve seen it all! Just walking the dog in Sunny Brow Park only to see a couple completely naked having sex! Only in Gorton!”
She later told the M.E.N: “There were a group of women there who also witnessed it, when I spoke to them they said I had missed the bit where he had her bent over!”
It is understood the incident carried on for several hours.
At around 2pm, witnesses claimed they saw the couple continuing to have sex in an even more public area of the park near the children’s playground.
It was at this point Greater Manchester Police[6] were called.
The couple, believed to be aged in their 30s, were arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency.
A spokesperson for GMP said ‘the complainant in the case didn’t want to make a statement so there will be no further action’.
An inquest has opened into a man who died after walking onto the M60 motorway into the path of a lorry.
Jan Kocurek, 45, was seen on CCTV accessing the motorway near junction 17, close to Whitefield and Prestwich, at 11am on Saturday, April 24.
He then walked into the traffic from the hard shoulder, an inquest opening at Rochdale Coroner’s Court heard.
A Ford Transit was travelling clockwise passing under the bridge of Bury New Road when it collided with him in lane two. A lorry then hit joiner Mr Kocurek in lane one.
The motorway was closed from around 11.30am until around 6pm[1] after the crash, with the air ambulance landing at the scene.
READ MORE: ‘Why did you drive away?’: Driver who left grandad to die spared jail[2]
Married Mr Kocurek, of Berkley Court, Bury Old Road, Salford, was critically ill in Salford Royal Hospital until June 4 when he died.
Assistant coroner for Manchester North, Julie Robertson, adjourned the hearing until January 18 next year but said the the evidence would be reviewed on October 11.
That evidence would include an overview from Mr Kocurek’s GP, mental health services and a post mortem examination report, she said.
Following the announcement of Mr Kocurek’s death, police appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
Sergeant Andrew Page, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Despite the best efforts from hospital staff to save his life, Jan sadly passed away and our thoughts are with his family who are understandably devastated.
“We’ve been carrying out a number of enquiries since this collision happened and we’re continuing to ask any witnesses to come forward with information that may assist us with our investigation.
“Anyone who may have seen the collision, has dash-cam footage or perhaps saw the man prior to the collision is asked to call 0161 856 4741.
“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected][3] , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk[4]
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk[5]
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk[6]
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/[7]
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org[8]
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/[9]
YANGON/BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military on Feb. 1 detained State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint in the country’s first coup since 1988, bringing an end to a decade of civilian rule.
The Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy had won…
A lorry driver has been hailed a hero after parking his truck under a bridge on the M62 to stop a man from jumping.
Tom Birkett, 35, was driving on the M62 near Warrington last week when he spotted someone sitting on the edge of a bridge with their legs dangling over the edge.[1]
The married dad-of-three slowed down as he approached – and managed to park his 44-tonne tipper truck directly underneath where the man was sitting.[2]
READ MORE:Thug spat chewed up sandwich remains in police officer’s face[3]
His Mercedes truck was also fitted with a canvas over the tipper, providing it with a soft top and essentially creating a net for the man to fall into, although luckily it was not needed.
Tom, from Kendal, Cumbria, said: “I was coming up to bridge when I clocked there were three people on it.
“As I got closer I could see that the lad was sat on the wrong side of the barrier.[4]
“I thought, ‘I’m going to have to do something here, this lad’s going to jump off’.”
Tom then put his hazard lights on and began weaving his truck in order to notify other motorists there was a problem ahead.
He added: “I don’t know what clicked in my head but it suddenly dawned on me that I could help.
“I lined the truck up with the lad so the front of the trailer was underneath him.”
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what’s on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here[5].
When Tom arrived, on June 8, police were already on the scene, including two officers on the bridge who were speaking to the man.
A short time later, a negotiator arrived and, according to Tom, spent around 45 mins talking to the man before he brought himself to safety.
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website[6]
Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk[14] for more details.
The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: [email protected][21][22]
Tom said the entire ordeal lasted around two hours and that he was watching on from a barrier at the side of the road.
He added: “I can’t speak highly enough of how well the police did, they were fantastic. The negotiator did a phenomenal job too.
“I think what I did has been blown out of proportion, the police are the real heroes here.”
After watching the man get ushered away by police, Tom was allowed to return to his truck and continue his journey.
He said: “I hope that other drivers see this and know it’s an option.”
THE Brexit[1] disasters are coming thick and fast. As climate change accelerates, the Australian trade deal will fly inferior beef and lamb around the world to displace higher-quality Welsh and Scottish products, driving small farmers out of business. The RSPCA has warned Australia’s animal welfare standards are far below those of the EU and begged Boris Johnson not to sign the agreement. Australia allows barren battery cages, sow stalls, hot branding, sheep mutilation and doesn’t require slaughterhouse CCTV or food, water or temperature control for live animal exports.
Meanwhile, soft fruit crops will rot in the fields thanks to a shortage of EU seasonal workers. A Fife soft fruit and veg farmer, Iain Brown, said Scotland[2] is falling short of the 10,000 fruit pickers needed to bring in this summer’s crops. Down in England’s new lorry park in Kent, Winterwood Farms has seen applications for seasonal work drop by 90% over the last two years. From the end of June, people who haven’t got pre-settled status can’t work. It’s no good hoping domestic workers will travel long distances to reach the fields, set up camp and engage in physically demanding work in all kinds of weather.
The haulage industry in Scotland has reported a shortage of 11,000 drivers due to Covid, Brexit and recent tax changes, which is hitting the supply of goods to shops and businesses and increasing prices.
The Scottish hospitality industry is reeling from staff shortages after EU nationals left and many domestic workers sought alternative work during the pandemic, forcing many businesses to limit customer numbers that will result in business[3] failures.
Westminster has never cared about Scotland. We can make our own decisions only when we restore our independence. In the meantime, we can pelt rotten fruit at Mr Johnson next time he dares to venture north.
Leah Gunn Barrett, Edinburgh.
THE HARD CASH JUST ISN’T THERE
I AM grateful to Frances McKie (Letters, June 16) for her detailed list of recent Scottish economic and other successes.
UK exports in April 2021 were £49.4 billion and appear to be heading back to their pre-pandemic levels. There is no evidence so far that Brexit is doing any damage, however much flak continues to be aimed at the referendum result. Even the Australians think that a flood of exported meat into the UK is unlikely, so the fears of the Scottish farming community may well be unfounded. I will be buying Scottish beef, lamb and pork from my local butcher regardless. It is good to have a choice though.
How foreign-manufactured wind turbines help Scotland’s fiscal deficit is a calculation I would very much like to see. The 2020 rise in inward investment projects is very welcome. Notice in the latter case that the press around this success fails to mention the monetary value of the investments concerned. Doing so would illustrate how little is its contribution in relation to a pre-pandemic budget deficit in 2019/20 of more than £15bn.
It is indeed ironic that Ms McKie chooses to highlight the growth in UK national debt over the last 10 years. All efforts to contain or even reduce that debt have – unless memory serves me incorrectly – been furiously derided in Scotland as (choose your adjective) “Tory austerity”.
Ms McKie’s closing paragraph sums up the Scottish problem. It is easy to talk up a positive but vague and soft focus vision of Scotland. You can clearly see, though, that the hard cash just isn’t there.
Grant Ballantyne, Paisley.
ENGLISH-ONLY VOTES DO AFFECT US
JILL Stephenson (Letters, June 17) claims that Michael Gove’s proposal to end English Votes for English Laws (Evel) is intended to appease the SNP. Not so for several reasons, of which the most important is Mr Gove (and Boris Johnson’s focus) on a UNITED Kingdom which is now described, for instance, by the Commonwealth as “an island country that sits north-west of mainland Europe. It is made up of mainland Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and the northern part of the island of Ireland”, when just 12 months ago it consisted of “three countries plus the ‘province’ of NI”. For the UK to become the focus, a law[4] such as Evel is a contradiction and an obstacle to Mr Gove’s ends.
In any event, Evel conceals its own anomalies, as there are some issues which appear to apply only to England, but which have implications for Scotland. For instance, if a motion is put to the House for NHS spending in England only, it may appear that Evel should apply, but this ignores the fact that any spending variation in England will have implications for the Scottish block grant.
Ms Stephenson then goes on to over-generalise wildly, claiming that “English MPs have no input into matters affecting only Scotland” – but with their numerical dominance they have plenty of input into tax, trade policy including the recent agreement with Australia and Brexit, and defence. Indeed, Mr Johnson’s majority in the House of Commons (80) exceeds the number of MPs sitting for Scottish constituencies for any party (59).
She is correct that devolution throws up significant anomalies as Tam Dalyell forecast, but when one part of a political union has the sort of numerical dominance that England enjoys, the democratic deficit for the other constituent parts (OK, Mr Gove, not nations) is substantially more significant.
Alasdair Galloway, Dumbarton.
COMPARE THE TWO GOVERNMENTS
STRUAN Stevenson (“The SNP Government’s catalogue of mistakes will soon come back to haunt it”, The Herald, June 17) and Guy Stenhouse (“Action, not words, are needed to solve ferries fiasco”, The Herald, June 14) bleat week after week about the shortcomings of the SNP Government. Much of what they say is true, but their writings would have more credibility if they balanced the SNP’s failings with those of the Westminster Government.
Apart from the successful vaccine roll-out, I find it hard to think of any successes of Boris Johnson’s Government. However, like Nicola Sturgeon in Scotland, Mr Johnson seems to be in continued favour with his largely English support.
If I can suggest a title for Mr Stevenson’s next epistle, it would be “Compare and contrast the failures of the two governments’’.
Sam Craig, Glasgow G11.
PROOF THE UK IS NOT A NATION
I HAVE tried to be tolerant in the interests of free speech and have regarded the incessant anti-SNP barrage of letters[5] by Dr Gerald Edwards as an amusing distraction from serious debate. It does become a bit tiresome at times and I have to respond today to his assertion (Letters, June 16) that “the need for independence” is in some way linked with the SNP or Brexit. The case for independence is totally linked to the plight of our Scottish nation which has no opportunity to elect a government of its own choice. Neither the actions of the SNP nor the consequences of Brexit will change the situation; only the people of Scotland can rectify this democratic deficit.
Neither Britain nor the UK is a nation and anyone who doubts this should have their doubts dispelled this evening (June 18).
Willie Maclean, Milngavie.
DO NEW LAW OFFICERS BACK INDY?
THE Scottish Parliament has backed a motion seeking agreement to recommend to the Queen that Dorothy Bain QC and Ruth Charteris QC be appointed the new Scottish law officers; respectively lord advocate and solicitor general. Were both candidates asked for their opinions about the legal status of an independence referendum held without the consent of the Prime Minister? I’m sure both will have been asked, and surely both will have given an affirmative answer? Would they have been chosen otherwise? However, neither question nor answers will be acknowledged; we can expect evasion and fudge of a high order.
Another current item of legal news is the recent death, on May 31, of James Crawford, Professor Emeritus of International Law at the University of Cambridge. Prof Crawford was scathing about the Scottish Government’s claim that an independent Scotland would remain a member of such international organisations as the UN and the IMF. He claimed that the “overwhelming weight” of precedence pointed to Scotland being treated as a new state; meaning having to renegotiate some 14,000 separate treaties and applying afresh to join international bodies. Professor Crawford’s opinion does not die with him.
William Durward, Bearsden.
Read more: Australia deal shows PPE lessons have not been learned[6]
UK – This week we saw one of the UK’s oldest established names in shipping rebrand with a new website and contact addresses. Since opening a chandlery business in 1833 in Hull, close to the company’s current headquarters, the John Good name has seen ma…
