Simon Mulligan

Michael Pilkington, 32, pleaded guilty at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court to assaulting two women, assaulting a police officer, and breaching a non-molestation order by contacting one of the victims. Two of the assaults occurred at the Lidl store on Park Road in St Helens. His bail application was refused, and he was remanded in custody until sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on September 9.

A power cut affected homes and businesses in Rainford, including areas around Mill Lane and Millbrook Business Park, with several WA11 postcodes impacted. ScottishPower said engineers were on site and aimed to restore electricity by 9:45 a.m. on August 20, 2026, while warning that a complex fault could delay repairs.

Christopher Kenrick suffered mild concussion, dizziness and headaches after being struck in the head by an egg during a community barbecue outside Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish Hall in St Helens. A group of youths reportedly threw eggs at people gathered outside, narrowly missing Kenrick’s child. Merseyside Police are investigating and have appealed for information.

Balti Spice on Duke Street in St Helens has been shortlisted for Best Curry Experience at the 2026 Northern England Curry Awards. Owner Steve Chowdhury, who has run the restaurant for 18 years, credits loyal customers from St Helens, Liverpool and beyond for its continued success. The restaurant has previously won the St Helens Star’s Best for Curry award three times and could secure another accolade at the awards ceremony in Huddersfield on September 1.

A man in his 70s is recovering at home after suffering a serious head injury in an apparently unprovoked assault near Sherdley Park and Elton Head Road in St Helens. Police said he was approached by a man who exited a grey-green vehicle and allegedly attacked him, following an earlier reported confrontation with youths in the park. Merseyside Police are reviewing witness accounts and CCTV or doorbell footage, but no arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.

Public realm improvements on Market Street in Earlestown are due to begin on August 28, alongside the partial reopening of Market Square and the return of local markets to part of their historic site. The works will include new paving, street furniture, lighting, landscaping and vehicle access controls, while maintaining pedestrian and business access where possible. Construction has already advanced on the market canopy, flood storage, drainage and paving. The wider programme includes refurbishment and extension of the Grade II-listed Earlestown Town Hall, a permanent market canopy and highway improvements. The 20-year regeneration plan is being delivered by ECF and St Helens Borough Council, supported by £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund and £8 million in council match funding.

Shane Boswell, 28, pleaded guilty at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court to handling a stolen trailer taken from Sherdley Road Caravan Park in St Helens. The trailer was valued at £2,395, and Boswell was ordered to pay that amount in compensation; no fine or court costs were imposed so compensation could take priority.