Amy Fenton

Lee Mercer, 45, died at HMP Wymott on 14 July 2026 while serving a four-year-and-seven-month sentence for intentionally strangling and assaulting his former partner, threatening to kill her and her children, and criminal damage. The attacks occurred over four days in October 2024 while Mercer had been drinking alcohol and using cocaine. His former partner described severe ongoing PTSD and fear, while the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has begun an independent investigation pending an inquest.

An inquest concluded that Gemma Freeman died by suicide after leaving notes attributing her decision to alleged abusive behaviour from her estranged husband, Alan Cooper. Family members reported longstanding psychological abuse and specific incidents of controlling behaviour and physical harm. Police investigated the circumstances surrounding her death and questioned Cooper under caution but determined the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal charges, a decision currently under review. The coroner stated that Freeman believed the breakdown of the relationship led to her death and urged her family to pursue fulfilling lives as a form of justice.

Blackpool Tower will be illuminated in blue on July 27 in memory of 13‑month‑old Preston Davey, who was murdered by his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, now serving a whole life sentence. Details from the trial outlined extensive physical, emotional, and sexual abuse endured by the child, with John McGowan‑Fazakerley also convicted for his role and sentenced to 25 years. The pair’s former home, purchased shortly after the toddler’s death, has been listed for auction with a disclosure about the owner’s criminal convictions to ensure transparency for prospective buyers.