Joe Harrigan

Michael Corris, 56, appeared before Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drug driving after a crash outside Sainsbury’s in Bromley Cross injured Lewis Rimmer, 41. Corris did not enter a plea on the dangerous-driving charge and pleaded not guilty to drug driving. Rimmer spent 22 weeks in hospital and faces further surgery while adapting to mobility challenges. Corris, who lives in Bromley Cross, is due to appear at Bolton Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 18.

Lee Hopkinson, a 33-year-old prisoner serving a manslaughter sentence, died by suicide in his cell at HMP Manchester in February 2022. An investigation by acting Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Kimberley Bingham found that Hopkinson had apparently accumulated prison debts through vape use, was assaulted and bullied, and had easy access to alcohol and illicit substances. The report criticised the failure to properly investigate the assault, inadequate wellbeing checks and a delay in activating an emergency response after he was found hanged. HMP Manchester cited staff shortages and said it had introduced reminders, documentation procedures, wellbeing initiatives and emergency-response guidance in response to the recommendations.

Royal Balti House in Farnworth received an outstanding achievement award at the 15th English Curry Awards ceremony in Wolverhampton. The restaurant, described as a longstanding customer favourite, has also been recognised by the Asian Restaurant Awards and the Nation’s Curry Awards and has twice been nominated for The Bolton News’s Best Curry House.

Prosecutors told Bolton Crown Court that Dean Holmes allegedly pressured a woman to earn money through OnlyFans, controlled her social media and relationships, verbally abused her, and repeatedly raped her despite her crying and saying no. Holmes admits controlling and coercive behaviour but denies four counts of rape. The trial continues.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into the Al-Khair Foundation after allegations that the charity and its partners had links to Hamas and may have funded the proscribed organization. The inquiry follows the arrest and US charges against Mohammad Yousef Hasna, who worked for a Gaza aid-delivery partner of the foundation. Investigators will examine his connection to the charity, trustees’ due diligence on international partners, monitoring of overseas funds, safeguarding policies, and any potential misconduct or mismanagement. Al-Khair says it is cooperating fully, had already filed a serious incident report, and remains committed to providing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Residents of Back Chorley Old Road in Bolton say repeated fires, suspected drug dealing, fly-tipping and other anti-social behaviour have made the backstreet unsafe, particularly for children. They are calling for the area to be gated and have offered to help raise funds. Councillor Zan Arif supports their campaign, while council leader Akhtar Zaman says the council will examine gating alongside environmental cleanup, enforcement and community-safety measures.

A knife amnesty bin will be available at Nelson Square on Bradshawgate in Bolton on Friday, September 4, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. People can anonymously surrender knives without prosecution. Greater Manchester Police advises residents to wrap blades securely in cardboard, tape them in place, and carry them in an opaque bag. Knife crime concerns can be reported to police, while Crimestoppers provides an anonymous reporting service.

Greater Manchester Police carried out a traffic operation on Hall Lane in Farnworth to reduce traffic offences and help prevent serious road collisions. Officers stopped vehicles, spoke with drivers, provided safety advice and answered questions about traffic offences. Police said similar proactive operations and driver education efforts would continue, and urged the public to report road-safety concerns or dangerous driving.

A three-car collision on Derby Street near Moor Lane and Trinity Street outside Bolton town centre was classified by Greater Manchester Police as damage-only. No one was injured and no arrests were made. The damaged vehicles were removed by 9pm, allowing traffic to flow freely, while Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was not involved.

A 25-year-old man was arrested after allegedly leading Greater Manchester Police on a 40-minute high-speed chase through Bolton, Wigan and Chorley. Police said the van reached about 100 mph, injured a cyclist and damaged street furniture before colliding with a pedestrian crossing and a stationary vehicle. The suspect faces allegations including vehicle theft, dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of Class A and C drugs. He was bailed pending further inquiries, while reported injuries were minor.

Bolton Council is considering extending mandatory licensing to smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) housing three or four people from at least two households. The proposal follows more than 720 estimated small HMOs across the borough and 397 HMO-related disrepair complaints among 1,885 rented-home complaints received over three years. Proposed fees could reach £1,211 for three- and four-person licences. Consultation responses showed broad support for stronger regulation, but respondents stressed that the scheme must be properly enforced through adequate staffing, proactive inspections and meaningful penalties. Landlords warned that licensing costs could be passed to tenants and reduce the supply of low-income housing. The council’s cabinet is expected to decide on the scheme on August 17.

Four Bolton Green Party councillors may leave the local party group and sit as “Independent Greens” after disputes over safeguarding WhatsApp groups, email and social media channels. Chair Hanif Alli says the councillors want national Green Party intervention and would remain aligned with the values of the Green Party of England and Wales while detaching from the Bolton organization. Labour group leader Akhtar Zaman accuses the councillors of attempting to take over the local party and failing to support Green candidate Alan Johnson in the Rumworth by-election, which was won by independent Yusuf Davda. Alli rejects those claims and criticizes Labour’s own political alliances. No final breakaway decision has been made, and the national Green Party has been asked for comment.

Andrew Barlow, also known as Andrew Longmire and Andrew Davies, died of brain cancer and natural causes at HMP Moorland on February 28 at age 69, according to an inquest and a report by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman. The former serial rapist had received 12 life sentences for attacks committed between 1981 and 1988 and a 13th life sentence in 2017 after confessing to raping a 15-year-old girl. He was controversially released under supervision in March 2023 but was recalled to prison weeks later for breaching his conditions. An independent clinical review found that the care he received in prison was of a reasonable standard, and the ombudsman identified no concerns relating to his death.

Greater Manchester Police seized 49 boxes of illegal nitrous oxide worth about £8,500 from an abandoned car during patrols in Daubhill and Great Lever. Rumworth councillor Ayyub Patel said residents’ reports helped prompt the action and warned that nitrous oxide is not harmless fun, citing risks including blackouts, accidents and long-term nerve damage. Two Derby Street shops also received closure orders over links to anti-social behaviour and suspected criminality.

A house on Springside Avenue in Walkden has been partially closed for three months following complaints about unwanted visitors, drug use, violent behaviour and wider antisocial activity. Greater Manchester Police obtained the closure order while working with housing association ForHousing. Only the occupant, their next of kin and authorised professional workers may enter the property; others risk arrest and prosecution. The order may be extended after review.

Residents in the M29 7HN postcode covering Avon Road in Tyldesley won £1,000 each in a Postcode Lottery draw, alongside residents in 19 other UK postcodes. The subscription lottery costs £12.50 per month and supports charities and community projects, having reportedly raised more than £1.8 billion.

Joseph Webb, 36, has been charged with murder following the death of a woman at an address on Yewdale Avenue in Breightmet, Bolton. Police found the woman with significant injuries at around 3:15 a.m. on August 4, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives and forensic officers conducted several days of investigations, while Webb was expected to appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court.

Ashley Crowder, 37, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years, reduced to 24 years and 92 days after credit for time on remand, for murdering Graham Cox in Farnworth. Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said Crowder exploited Cox’s vulnerabilities, assaulted and strangled him, and stole his benefits to fund a drug habit. Crowder refused to leave the cells to attend sentencing and had also avoided a previous hearing. The case follows government plans to allow reasonable force to bring offenders to the dock and impose up to two additional years in prison for continued refusal.

Greater Manchester Police carried out a traffic operation on Wigan Road in Bolton under Operation Classify, targeting poor driving, vehicle defects and documentation violations on a route known for serious crashes. The operation follows a January collision that killed four people and injured five others, along with further incidents later in the year. Several people were arrested and bailed in connection with the fatal crash, while the Crown Prosecution Service is expected to decide whether charges should be brought once evidence gathering is complete.

George E. Holmes is no longer employed as vice chancellor of the University of Greater Manchester after the university’s governing body ended his contract. Holmes had been suspended alongside Provost Zubair Hanslot and another senior staff member amid an investigation into alleged financial irregularities. Three people were later arrested on suspicion of money laundering, fraud and bribery, though all were released on bail and no charges have been brought. Greg Walker remains acting vice chancellor while the governing body considers the appointment of a permanent successor. Bolton West MP Phil Brickell urged the university to strengthen governance, restore confidence and focus on students, staff and the wider community.

Flowers and a teddy bear were left outside a home on Yewdale Avenue in Breightmet after a woman in her 30s was found with significant injuries and pronounced dead. Greater Manchester Police arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of murder, and officers, including forensic investigators, remained at the scene as the investigation entered its second day. Police said the incident was isolated and posed no wider risk to the public, while appealing for information. A neighbour described frequent arguments and disturbances at the property.

A reported fight involving weapons occurred outside the Asda on Brackley Street in Farnworth at about 9:15 p.m. on July 31, 2026. Witnesses reported seeing men wearing balaclavas and carrying machetes, while Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a group of men had been involved in a disturbance involving weapons. No injuries or arrests have been reported, police believe the incident was isolated, and Bolton CID is seeking CCTV, mobile-phone or dashcam footage from the public.

Qamar Jehangeer of Bolton and Zaheer Iqbal of Accrington appeared before Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court in connection with alleged rapes and sexual exploitation of girls in Bury between 1996 and 2003. Jehangeer faces four rape charges and two false-imprisonment charges, while Iqbal faces four rape charges; neither entered a plea. A third man, Ashfaq Khan of Bury, faces 36 rape charges along with allegations of attempted rape, indecent assault and false imprisonment but has not yet appeared. Iqbal was granted conditional bail, while Jehangeer was remanded in custody pending further proceedings at Manchester Crown Court.

Four defendants received penalties in separate Bolton-area magistrates' cases involving drug driving, drug possession, possession of a weapon, and driving without a licence or insurance. Sentences included driving bans, fines, community orders, rehabilitation requirements, and the destruction of seized items.

Safety arrangements around Clifton Country Park are under review following the death of 15‑year‑old Leon Pafu Ngoy, who was found in the water after a three‑day search. United Utilities, the landowner, said public footpaths remain open but access to private land near the River Irwell bridge is restricted. The company is working with the Greater Manchester Water Safety Strategic Partnership to reassess safety measures. Salford City Council is cooperating with the investigation. Leon’s family paid tribute to him and urged others to take water safety seriously to prevent similar tragedies.

A Bolton man, Ruben Godhino, was jailed for seven years and eight months after pleading guilty to assault by penetration, voyeurism and outraging public decency. The court heard he filmed and shared degrading videos of his victim following a night out and had a history of voyeuristic offences, including covert recordings of women. Additional misconduct occurred during a probation interview, prompting further charges. The judge described his behaviour as disturbing and lacking remorse, imposing an extended licence period and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Solicitor Andrew Milne faces an upcoming Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal hearing following his conviction for stalking, which resulted in a two‑year community order and a seven‑year restraining order. Bolton West MP Phil Brickell and local councillors welcomed the SRA’s decision to refer the case, viewing it as evidence of closer scrutiny of Milne’s actions, including separate ongoing investigations related to leaseholder complaints in Horwich. A previous tribunal ruling had already gone against Milne in an unrelated damages appeal. A date for the disciplinary hearing will be set in the coming months.

Behaviour-change cameras introduced on several Bolton roads have reduced persistent speeding by about 80 percent. Councillors Ayyub Patel and Ismail Ibrahim are calling for expanded safety measures following recent serious and fatal crashes, including further enforcement, infrastructure improvements and possible extension of the behaviour‑change programme to Willows Lane. Local authorities, police and transport partners are conducting safety reviews under the Greater Manchester Vision Zero framework aimed at eliminating serious road injuries by 2040.

A former Greater Manchester Police officer, Lee Atherton, repeatedly breached a domestic abuse protection order, resulting in a suspended prison sentence and a two‑year restraining order. A police misconduct panel found his actions caused harm to the victim and undermined public confidence, particularly regarding violence against women and girls. Atherton did not attend the misconduct hearing and provided no response addressing the allegations. The panel concluded he would have been dismissed had he not already resigned, and his name was added to the College of Policing barred list.

Warburtons and Bolton Council are partnering to open Community Shop Sunnyside in Great Lever, offering low‑cost groceries, free children’s meals and support programmes through a community hub and kitchen. The initiative is part of Warburtons’ 150th‑anniversary investments and aims to relieve cost‑of‑living pressures in one of the country’s most deprived areas. Community Shop, which has supported thousands of families nationwide, expects the new site to provide both discounted goods and skills‑building services supported by reinvested profits.

Greater Manchester Police appeal for public assistance in locating Munther Alothman and James Hilton, both wanted on recall to prison and believed to frequent the Bolton area. Authorities warn that helping wanted individuals may lead to arrest and urge the public to report sightings via emergency services or Crimestoppers.

Police responded to reports of a possible fight on Breightmet Fold Lane but found no serious disturbances, injuries or arrests. Officers dismissed speculation about a stabbing, and the public was encouraged to report crime or anti‑social behaviour through police channels or Crimestoppers.

Bolton councillor Ismail Ibrahim urged the council to expand anti‑social driving measures, including ANPR cameras and ghost‑plate detection, to Higher Swan Lane and Bridgeman Street due to persistent speeding concerns and heavy pedestrian use. Councillor Nadeem Ayub said the programme has been effective borough‑wide and that extending it is planned if funding and police support are secured.

A man with a long criminal history was jailed for 26 months after being found in possession of a stolen e-bike minutes after it was taken in an axe-point robbery in Great Lever. He denied involvement in the robbery but admitted handling stolen goods. The judge rejected his claim of coincidence yet sentenced him only for possessing the bike, noting his history of addiction and previous offences.

Bolton councillors are calling for a review of the council’s streetlight dimming policy, introduced to cut costs by reducing lighting levels between 9pm and dawn. The policy has generated significant public complaints, with analysis showing Bolton among the worst areas nationally for issues related to dim or faulty streetlights. Councillors have requested reassessment in busy or safety‑sensitive locations, and the cabinet member for highways has confirmed that specific areas of concern will be reviewed upon submission.

Regular five‑week maintenance has been reinstated at King George V Playing Field in Deane after extended negotiations with Bolton Council, accompanied by planned improvements including new benches and picnic tables. Local councillors highlight the work as a response to residents’ concerns about neglect, anti‑social behaviour, and safety issues. Recent clean‑up efforts and previous police patrols aimed to reduce misuse of the fields, while new measures aim to create a safer, more welcoming public space that supports community well‑being and engagement.

Two foster carers, Ann Truffas and Nicolas McColm, admitted assaulting their foster daughter after an argument escalated in 2022, leaving the girl with injuries and long‑term emotional impact. Evidence presented at Bolton Crown Court detailed how tensions in the home led to the girl being forcibly removed from a bath and her diary being destroyed. Both defendants, previously of good character, received 18‑month community orders, rehabilitation requirements, and were ordered to contribute to case costs after prosecutors and the judge concluded they had been overwhelmed by the challenges of care.

Recorded crime in Bolton has fallen by 4.3 percent over the past year, prompting the council’s new stronger communities chief, Hamid Khurram, to outline plans for further improvements in public safety. Priorities include reducing crime, reoffending, and exploitation by focusing on early intervention, partnership work across public agencies, and supporting young people. The council aims to strengthen coordination between police, probation, fire services, health providers, schools, and community groups while encouraging residents to help shape local solutions.

Several recent cases at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court resulted in fines and driving bans for offences including careless driving, possession of offensive weapons, possession of Class A, B and C drugs, and attempted burglary. Magistrates ordered multiple seized items, including drugs and weapons, to be destroyed.

Andy Burnham acknowledged that Labour mishandled its early response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, prompting criticism and calls for concrete policy changes. Former councillor Kevin McKeown welcomed the apology but pressed for actions such as halting arms sales to Israel and reassessing government engagement with Israeli officials. Local anger over Labour’s stance on Gaza has been evident in Bolton since 2023. Burnham condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack and antisemitic violence while noting evidence of possible Israeli war crimes, emphasising that such determinations belong to international courts.

A long‑neglected plot of land between Deane and Daubhill has been cleared after persistent complaints from residents about overgrowth, pests and fly‑tipping. Councillor Ayyub Patel called the cleanup a major improvement, noting its positive impact on safety, wellbeing and neighbourhood pride. Landowners participated in the effort and are expected to discuss long‑term plans, including potential housing development or temporary greenspace use. The clearance is presented as an important step toward reducing crime and restoring confidence in the community.

Three people arrested in an investigation into suspected money laundering, fraud and bribery at the University of Greater Manchester have been released on bail. The arrests follow a year‑long police inquiry prompted by allegations of financial misconduct, including a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Greater Manchester Police described the case as complex and ongoing, with work continuing toward submitting evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. UNISON raised concerns about the impact on students and staff, while local MP Phil Brickell called for strong governance at the university as authorities continue their inquiries.

Highfield Hall in Farnworth, a more than 200‑year‑old historic building used as a community centre since 1979, is facing structural decay that threatens its future. Trustee Jean Gillies warns that deterioration in the downstairs floor requires urgent action. A fundraising fun day on July 12 aims to generate money to safeguard the building, with proceeds going toward repairs. Activities will include live music, children’s entertainment and refreshments, and supporters can also donate through a Crowdfunder campaign to help protect the long‑standing community venue.

More than £1,800 per week is being spent on scaffolding at the long‑delayed refurbishment of the Grade II listed Westhoughton Town Hall, with over £109,000 paid so far. Councillor Deirdre McGeown pressed for clarity on the timeline and service plans for the building, which has been closed since 2020. Deputy council leader Martin Donaghy said further specialist investigations were required and no completion date could yet be set, though a contractor appointment is expected by the end of the year and work could begin in early 2027. Delays were attributed to the pandemic and changes to the project’s operating model. Future service provision, potentially including community, office and health facilities, remains under discussion, with public updates promised as plans develop.

A proposed £5m Fix My High Street fund was outlined by mayoral candidate Bev Craig during a Bolton roundtable, aimed at revitalising derelict buildings and empty shopfronts through grants to community groups and local organisations. The initiative would accompany a larger £2bn regional investment fund and expanded powers for compulsory property purchases and sales to tackle long-term vacancies. Craig, joined by local political and community leaders, framed high street renewal as central to local identity amid an upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral election featuring multiple candidates.

A mayoral candidate for Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, pledged to extend free bus passes to all 11- to 18-year-olds, stating the plan is fully costed and would save families about £500. She also committed to maintaining free travel for pensioners and disabled people and keeping the £2 adult fare cap. The proposal was discussed during a Bolton roundtable focused on high streets, housing and transport, held as part of her campaign to replace Andy Burnham following his election as MP. Several other candidates from multiple parties are standing in the upcoming July 30 election.

Bolton’s bid to host the 2035 Ryder Cup at Hulton Park is positioned as the only UK proposal receiving government backing, according to mayoral candidate Bev Craig during a meeting with local leaders. Craig pledged continued support for the bid if elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, highlighting associated development plans including housing, a public park and transport links. The project previously overcame a planning refusal after government inspectors approved it in 2022. Several other mayoral candidates were noted ahead of the July 30 election.

The temporary closure of the Winifred Kettle Treatment Room in Westhoughton was attributed to staffing pressures, prompting concerns from local councillor Arthur Price about the loss of NHS services amid significant housing growth. Bolton Council reported that Bolton NHS Foundation Trust had paused treatment services only for June and assured that updates would follow any review. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining local healthcare access and committed to advocating for residents as discussions continue.

Bolton Council is preparing to use all available powers to seize and destroy vehicles involved in fly-tipping, responding to rising incidents across the borough. Councillor Sue Haworth called for increased government funding, higher fines, more use of ANPR, CCTV and drones, and expanded public naming and shaming of offenders. Cabinet member Robert Morrisey said councils already spend heavily on tackling fly‑tipping and confirmed that vehicles used in offences can be seized and destroyed. He noted fixed penalty tariffs were raised in 2024 and emphasised balancing fines with offenders' ability to pay while maintaining prosecution in serious cases. Enforcement teams continue to use technology and media outreach to identify offenders and raise awareness.

Police confirmed that two men arrested following a late-night crash involving an off‑road bike and a parked car on St Helens Road in Bolton will face no further action, while the injured rider is no longer in a life‑threatening condition. Local councillors highlighted ongoing concerns about speeding and road safety and called for further improvements and reviews of high‑risk areas. Crowds gathered at the scene, and inaccurate AI‑generated footage circulated online but was refuted by CCTV evidence.