Police heroes
commended
by Lesley Wilkinson
SIX Warrington police officers, who helped arrest a martial arts expert after he threatened to set fire to a car in which a baby lay, have been honoured for their bravery.
The officers have been awarded a commendation by the Chief Constable of Cheshire, Mr Peter Fahy, in recognition of their “fearless and brave” actions during an incident that occurred on a Sunday in October last year.
Mr Fahy presented the awards to Inspector Peter Turton, PC Andrew Hunt, PC Daniel Lever, PC Paul Hancock, PC Janet Tomlin and Special Constable Emma Roach at a ceremony held at police headquarters in Winsford.
The incident started when officers were called to an address in Warrington by a woman who stated that she and her five-week-old child had been held against their will in a house in Knutsford by her partner for the past week.
The offender, Robert John Vernon, 20, from Knutsford, was described as being tall, strong, and a martial arts expert quite capable of inflicting serious physical harm.
Inspector Turton put contingency plans in place in various locations throughout the county. Special Constable Roach saw Vernon’s car speeding on the wrong side of the road, in an extremely dangerous manner. The baby was inside the car.
Several attempts were made to stop the car – but Vernon was intent on evading capture and rammed a police car driven by PC Tomlin as the officer tried to stop him.
Traffic officer PC Hunt followed Vernon, keeping in constant touch with the control room and when an opportunity arose he shunted the rear of the vehicle causing it to stop.
He saw the offender pour petrol from a container around the car’s interior and over the baby. Vernon then shouted, “I’ll do it.” PC Hunt smashed the driver’s side window and saw he was trying to ignite a lighter in his hand.
Despite the possible risk to himself, the officer tried to stop Vernon.
PC Lever and PC Hancock joined him, and after a violent struggle the offender was overpowered. PC Hunt then rescued the child, who was unharmed.
A senior fire officer reported that had the lighter ignited there would have been an explosion, causing fatal consequences for the offender, officers and the baby.
The citation states: “The officers’ fearless and brave acts are in the highest traditions of the police service and without doubt saved the lives of the offender and the child. They are indeed worthy of recognition in the form of a Chief Constable’s commendation.”
Divisional commander for Warrington, Supt Julia Clayton, said: “The officers’ performance in the face of such risk demonstrated the highest standards of police professionalism and commitment in the face of adversity. I am proud of their actions and their personal commitment to ensuring the safety of those concerned.”
Vernon, was charged with attempted murder and unlawful imprisonment and was sentenced to four years imprisonment, when he later appeared before Chester Crown Court.
Man charged with
Nicola murder
by court reporter
A MAN has appeared before magistrates at Warrington charged with murder, following the death of 33-year-old mother of one Nicola Briggs.
Brian Patrick Chorley, 61, of Archer Avenue, Warrington, was charged with murdering Mrs Briggs at her home in Budworth Avenue, Latchford, Warrington, on July 27.
He was remanded in custody.
Chorley was charged after being arrested in hospital where he had been receiving treatment since being found injured at Mrs Briggs’ home on the day her body was discovered. He had suffered neck and wrist injuries.
A post mortem examination has shown Mrs Briggs, a part-time barmaid at Warrington Town Football Club, died as a result of a stab injury.
Tracy takes
the plunge!
by Gary Skentelbery
A mother of two conquered her fear of heights by taking the plunge for charity with a 15,000 ft tandem sky dive.
Tracy Lynskey, aged 36, a marketing administrator at Cockhedge Shopping Park, Warrington, raised more than ?600 from the sky dive at Blacknights, Lancaster, for St Rocco’s Hospice’s Yellow Day appeal.
Tracy, from Cinnamon Brow, Warrington, completed the dive in five minutes. It was the first time she had done such a stunt and said: “It has certainly helped me conquer my fear of heights!”
Friends and colleagues chipped in with sponsorship including Anton Foreman and Dave Cansfield, who took part in a sponsored leg wax.
Patients give hospitals
a vote of confidence
by David Skentelbery
PATIENT surveys carried out at North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust this month show that young and old alike were more than happy with the service provided. The findings of the Healthcare Commission, the health service’s independent watchdog, are a clear indication that staff at Warrington and Halton General hospitals are working hard to ensure the quality of care for their patients is a top priority. Director of nursing and service development Kath Holbourn said: “Patient’s views are extremely important and give us a comprehensive picture of how our staff and services are making headway in achieving a high standard of care. “Although we are delighted that most of our patients are pleased with the services provided to them, the survey also shows where we can make improvement and we are now taking further steps to ensure that our patients continue to get the healthcare they expect and deserve.”
Of the 834 patients who took part in the adult survey, 63 per cent (527 patients) responded to 45 questions, which covered everything from admission to and discharge from hospital, staff performance and care and treatment.
In the young persons’ questionnaire, 49 per cent (411) of those surveyed responded.
The young patients surveyed – the vast majority of who were under the age of 16 – gave the Trust one of the top marks in the country for the way in which doctors and surgeons explained their treatments and answered their questions.
High up in the list of achievements was the cleanliness of rooms and wards found by both adults and young patients, and the respect and dignity they were shown while in hospital.
Parents of young patients were also asked their views on care within the hospitals and rated the opportunity to stay overnight with their child high up in their list of priorities.
In the adult survey, confidence in the ability of both doctors and nurses scored very well and patients were also happy with the organisations of their admission to hospital.
Added Mrs Holbourn: “The results of both surveys will now be studied so we can continue to keep our standards high and also make improvements where patients have indicated they were not entirely satisfied with our service.”
To see the full results of how North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust performed in the survey, visit www.healthcarecommission.org.uk
“Apprentice reforms will
benefit businesses”
by John Hendon
TUC Learning Services North West has welcomed apprenticeship reforms announced by the government – and predicted the changes should benefit businesses in Warrington.
The TUC supports the new government initiative to increase the number of apprenticeships available to young people across the region and believes the changes will benefit businesses in the town by boosting productivity through bridging the skills gap. As well as providing people with on the job training, the TUC believes apprenticeships are a cost-effective way for businesses to build on the skills of their workforces.
Dave Eva, regional co-ordinator at TUC Learning Services said: “We strongly believe in the apprenticeship programme and are working with trade unions and employees to ensure more businesses and young people make the most of the opportunities the scheme presents.”
The government’s reforms build on
the success of modern apprenticeships, which saw numbers grow from 75,800 trainees in 1997 to 255,500 today – the highest ever level.
The TUC forecasts this figure will rise as more unions take the TUC message on board. Dave said: “Our role is to promote the opportunities apprenticeships present to businesses among employers and highlight their value within the unions.”
TUC Learning Services is currently working with trade unions and employers to develop a model of best practice to share throughout the region.
To find out more about apprenticeships call 08000 150 400 or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Friday the 13th could
be shoppers’ lucky day
by staff reporter
TOMORROW (Friday the 13th) could be the lucky day for bagging at bargain at Warrington’s Golden Square shopping centre.
St Rocco’s Hospice is holding its popular summer fayre in the Old Market Place.
Hospice volunteers and staff will be out in force with many stalls to entice shoppers to support their local hospice.
Building on the huge success of the Spring Fayre back in April, the range of stalls will include tombola, beanie stall, toys, jewellery, books, bric-a-brac and white elephant plus much more and the stalls will be open from 9am until 3pm.
St Rocco’s has already raised ?109,615 through its on-going partnership with the shopping centre over the last four and a half years. All money raised will be added to this running total.
Golden Square manager Andrew Ward said: “Don’t miss St Rocco’s popular Summer Fayre. With so much on offer, there is sure to be a bargain to be found for everyone. I’m sure it will once again prove to be a hit with our shoppers.”
