A woman whose body was found in a Wolverhampton hotel room earlier this week died as a result of multiple knife wounds, a post mortem examination has concluded.

Amandeep Kaur Hothi, from Wolverhampton, was found dead in the city centre Britannia Hotel yesterday at 10am on Thursday (March 6).

At a post mortem carried out yesterday (March 7) a pathologist determined the 29-year-old died due from wounds inflicted by a sharp object.

West Midlands Police detectives have arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder; he remains in hospital and will be taken into police custody once he is deemed well enough to be questioned.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances of Amandeep’s death whilst specialist officers are supporting her family at this difficult time.

A driver’s attempt to give traffic cops the slip ended down an embarrassing dead end…when he unwittingly pulled into a police station car park!

Police on routine patrols in Stechford’s Stoney Lane this afternoon (Feb 27) were alerted by in-car ANPR − Automatic Number Plate Recognition − cameras to a vehicle being driven without insurance.

A swift u-turn enabled the officers to keep tabs on the car but, as they made further checks on police computers, they watched the driver suddenly duck off the main road.

However, far from disappearing into Birmingham’s residential back streets the driver discovered he’d pulled into the car-park of Stechford police station!

Enquiries with the Motor Insurance Bureau revealed the car’s insurance had expired in December and the 58-year-old man behind the wheel can now expect to be summonsed before Birmingham magistrates.

West Midlands Police Traffic Manager, Chief Inspector Kerry Blakeman, said: “West Midlands Police relentlessly enforces the law in respect of uninsured driving and last year we seized more than 9,000 vehicles from people driving without insurance or not complying with their licence.

“Offenders will be summonsed to court where they can expect a minimum of six points adding to their licence, a fine and court costs, plus they will also have to pay to recover their car. Driving without insurance is a costly mistake and, given the large number of ANPR cameras dotted across the road network and on-board many police vehicles, insurance dodgers are likely to get caught.

“We want to send a clear message out to uninsured drivers that this behaviour will not be tolerated and we will continue to target uninsured drivers to make our roads safer.”

Uninsured drivers cause problems for law-abiding motorists, especially if they are involved in collisions, and are estimated to cost law-abiding motorists approximately £30 extra on their premiums each year.

Chief Insp Blakeman, added: “There seems to be a deep-seated mindset amongst some drivers who think it’s acceptable to drive uninsured. In a bid to dismantle this culture we deliver a range of awareness inputs to 16- to 24-year-olds…but of course in this case the driver was middle aged and should have known better.”

All drivers can check their vehicle is recorded on the Motor Insurance Database for free by visiting:www.askMID.com

Follow West Midlands Traffic on Twitter @TrafficWMP

A murder investigation has been launched in Shropshire after the body of a 32-year-old man was found at Army barracks  in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton.

A 23-yer-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody at Shrewsbury police station.

The body was found in a building at Clive Barracks just after 9am on Saturday morning (8 March).

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks said today: “We have made an arrest in connection with the death.  The investigation is in its early stages and extensive inquiries are continuing.

“A post mortem conducted by a Home Office pathologist was held yesterday and further examination and tests are being carried out to help establish the cause of death”.

He added: “I am appealing for any information which might assist the police investigation.  Contact Shrewsbury CID by calling 101 as a matter of urgency”.

The Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery has been informed.

Police are investigating the death of a 32-year-old man whose body was found in Cheshire Street, Market Drayton early today.

Detective Inspector Tom Harding said: “The body was found at around 3.45am outside the HSBC Bank.  At this stage it is being treated as an unexplained death.

“An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances and inquiries will continue throughout the day.

“A post mortem is being arranged to establish the cause of death.  Our inquiries include looking at CCTV footage from the town centre area to check on the man’s movements.”

He added: “We are appealing for any information which might assist the police investigation.  Contact Shrewsbury CID on 101.”

The Shropshire coroner, Mr John Ellery, has been informed.

Police investigating the death of Marc Jepson in Farnworth have today, Monday, 10 March 2014, made a further arrest.

A 41-year-old woman from Farnworth was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and remains in custodyfor questioning.

A 27-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman, previously arrested on suspicion of murder,  remain in custody.

Officers were called at 4.30pm on Wednesday, 5 March 2014, to a house on Kildare Street following a report that a man’s body had been found.

Officers attended and discover the body of a 40-year-old man, now formally identified as Marc Jepson.

A post mortem examination concluded Marc died as a result of asphyxiation.

A motorist has been charged with causing death by careless driving following the death of a motorcyclist near Droitwich.

It happened on Saturday, 19th October, on the A38 Worcester Road north of Wychbold.

A beige Honda CB 500 motorbike travelling south towards Wychbold was in a head-on collision with a silver Jaguar X-type travelling in the opposite direction.

The motorcycle rider, Nigel Tillett, aged 46, of Burrish Street, Droitwich, died in hospital of his injuries.

On Saturday (8th March) the Jaguar driver, a 69-year-old man from the Wychbold area, was charged with causing death by careless driving. He is due to appear before Worcester magistrates on 24th March.

The soldier who died at Tern Hill Barracks in Shropshire at the weekend was this afternoon named as Corporal  Geoffrey McNeill.Corporal Geoffrey McNeillCorporal McNeill was found dead in a building at Clive Barracks shortly after 9am on Saturday (8 March).

A 23-year-old serving soldier from the barracks has been arrested on suspicion of murder by West Mercia Police.

Corporal McNeill, aged 32, was not married.

One of his three brothers, Jason McNeill, speaking on behalf of the family, paid this tribute to him:

“Geoff was born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland and dedicated his life to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment.  He served his country with the highest degree of honour and dedication.

“He was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend and touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

“The family would like to give thanks for the continued support of the army, police and all who knew and loved Geoff.  Our love for him remains as strong as ever.  Rest in peace soldier.  Faugh-a-Ballagh.”

Detectives are continuing to interview the soldier arrested on suspicion of murdering a fellow soldier from the Tern Hill army barracks in Shropshire.

The 23-year-old remains in custody at Shrewsbury police station after magistrates this morning granted an extension to allow police more time for further inquiries.

A murder investigation was launched after the body of 32-year-old Corporal Geoffrey McNeill was found in an accommodation block at Clive Barracks shortly after 9am on Saturday (8 March).

The suspect was arrest at the barracks a short time later.

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks, the senior investigating officer from West Mercia Police, today renewed the appeal for information which might assist the police.

“We urge anyone who has any information which might be relevant to please contact Shrewsbury CID by calling 101 as a matter of urgency.  We have a team of officers actively involved in piecing together the circumstances which led to Corporal McNeill’s death.”

He said a further examination of Corporal McNeill’s body was taking place today as part of the post mortem process to establish the cause of death.

Police have until about 11am tomorrow before the custody extension granted today runs out

Police in Walsall are appealing for help in tracing a 15-year-old lad who has been missing from his home for ten days.

Jordan Sparkes was last seen at his home address in Lavender Grove, Coalpool on the morning of Saturday 1 March. He left his address and hasn’t been seen since.

Although Jordan has been missing before, police and his family are concerned for his welfare due to his young age.

They are appealing for Jordan, a schoolboy, to make contact or anyone who knows his whereabouts to call police at Walsall on 101 to say he is safe and well.

Jordan is described as being white, thin, with cropped brown hair and wearing grey Adidas jogging bottoms with a red stripe down the side, a grey hooded jacket with red stripes on the sleeves and blue trainers.

A 23-year-old soldier was due to appear in court at Telford this morning charged with murdering a fellow soldier  based at Tern Hill army barracks in Shropshire.

He was charged last night with the murder of Corporal Geoffrey William McNeill at Market Drayton, Shropshire last Saturday (8 March).

The man has been in custody at Shrewsbury police station since his arrest shortly after Corporal McNeill’s body was found in an accommodation block at the barracks  at around 9am on Saturday.

He was due to appear before Telford magistrates.

The inquiry is being conducted by detectives from West Mercia Police.

Police investigating a disturbance in which three teenagers were injured on board a bus in Birmingham this week, have charged two people in connection with the incident.

Yusaf Mohammed aged 20 and unemployed from Dunedin Road in Kingstanding, has been charged with public order and possession of a bladed article in a public place and bailed with strict conditions to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on March 27.

A 17-year-old lad from Kingstanding has also been charged with assault and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and will appear before court on March 27.

Three young men suffered non-serious injuries during disorder on the number 33 bus in Kingstanding on March 10.

A teenage boy was taken to hospital with suspected minor stab wounds which are being treated.

Two other boys sustained minor injuries.

Extra officers continue to patrol the area to speak to local people, offering information and reassurance.

Police in Birmingham have today (Thursday 13 March) arrested three men on suspicion of possession of extreme pornography.

The men are aged 36, 37 and 32 years. The 36 and 37 year old were arrested from their home addresses in Birmingham and the 32 year old from their home address in Wolverhampton, this morning.

All three are now being questioned by detectives from the Public Protection Unit at police stations in the West Midlands area.

The three arrested are employed as teachers/teaching staff at Birmingham schools. One man is employed at Park View School and the other two men at Golden Hillock School in Birmingham. Their management have been notified as well as the Dept for Education. Both continue to support the police investigation.

This investigation commenced in April 2013 as a result of an ongoing enquiry into the sharing of extreme pornography. These enquiries are unconnected to the on-going Birmingham City Council investigation into the so-called ‘Trojan Horse’ allegations.

A paedophile who tried to avoid jail by accusing his four victims of concocting abuse claims to try and get their hands on his partner’s inheritance has been jailed for 18 years.

Trevor Chapman, of Brook Crescent, Stourbridge, was jailed following a three week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court in which the jury heard disturbing details of the abuse, which spanned several years.

The unemployed 52-year-old was arrested in January 2013 by detectives from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit who were investigating a report of abuse in the 1990s.

Days earlier one of the victims, now aged in his 30s, had told police that he had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by Chapman, who he had met through a friend when around 13-years-old.

The abuse took place at Chapman’s flat on in Halesowen − subsequent enquiries found other young boys would go to drink and smoke at premises linked to Chapman across Birmingham.

Following the allegation, specialist detectives launched a major investigation to trace Chapman and other potential victims.

“This was a challenging and complex case,” said investigating officer, Detective Constable Jen Rose.

“The crimes happened two decades ago so we had to use all of our skills and the force’s resources to find the men who used to visit Chapman’s homes when they were boys.

“This was particularly difficult as some had moved away from the area. Others had moved on with their lives meaning considerable time and effort had to go into getting the men to open up to us and reveal their secrets.”

DC Rose identified four victims in total and when the allegations were laid out in interview, Chapman claimed that the story was a conspiracy with the men wanting a share of his partner’s recent inheritance.

During the trial the jury heard how Chapman would ply the boys – all aged between 10 and 16 at the time – with alcohol and cigarettes, even cash in exchange for sex.

Trevor Chapman was found guilty of 28 offences on 12 March 2014, when he was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to 18 years imprisonment.

“This has been a heavy burden for the boys, Chapman groomed and abused over the years to bear alone,” said DC Rose.

“Their tormentor’s crimes have had a significant impact on their lives with some being left unable to form meaningful relationships because of the abuse they suffered.

“I am pleased that after almost two decades they were finally ready to break their silence and tell us what happened to them all those years ago.

“This case demonstrates that it is never too late to report abuse. West Midlands Police will always believe victims and investigate their allegations thoroughly.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the men because without them, Chapman would still be free. He now has a long time behind bars to think about the impact his sickening crimes have had.”

In addition to his jail sentence, Chapman was placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.
West Midlands Police has an international reputation for bringing sex offenders to justice.

Specialist officers work closely with other organisations to support victims through every step of the criminal justice process.

There are a range of measures designed to protect victims which include giving evidence in court via video link or from behind a screen.

Detectives from West Mercia Police are investigating the stabbing of a 21 year old female at an address in Evesham Road, Redditch this morning (Saturday 15 March).

A 29 year old male was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.  Police are not searching for any other suspects at this time.  The victim remains in a serious condition in hospital.

Police investigating the murder of a 21 year old woman in Evesham Road, Redditch yesterday (Saturday 15 March) today named her as Kirsty Wright.  Kirsty was taken to hospital yesterday with serious stab wounds and died this morning (Sunday March 16).

A 29 year old male arrested at the scene remains in custody and police are not searching for any other suspects at this time.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, North Worcestershire Police Commander said: “I would like to reassure the community that these incidents are rare and that Redditch is a safe place to live, work and visit.  We will work with the community to bring the offender to justice and support the family, who my thoughts are with at this difficult time.”

Witnesses or anyone with any information should contact the police on telephone 101 quoting incident number 301s 150314 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

West Mercia Police have confirmed that a man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman after an incident at an address on Evesham Road in Redditch on Saturday afternoon (15 March).

Kirsty WrightKirsty Wright – who was 21 – was rushed to hospital on Saturday afternoon with serious stab wounds but sadly, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she passed away yesterday morning.

29-year-old Akeel Hussain of Pembroke Croft in Birmingham – who was arrested at the scene on Saturday afternoon – was last night charged with Kirsty’s murder and will now be appearing at Kidderminster Magistrates Court this morning.

Speaking about this investigation, Detective Inspector Jon Roberts said:

“We are pleased to have reached this stage and charged Akeel Hussain with the murder of Kirsty Wright.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information to assist our enquiry and also thank people from the Evesham Road area for the patience and support they have shown our officers as they have gone about their investigative work.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to reassure local people that this appears to be a self-contained incident and that there is no reason for concern within the wider community.

“In addition, I’d just like to make it clear that at the present time Kirsty’s family have no desire to make any comment about the loss they have suffered. Therefore, I would ask that their privacy is respected for the foreseeable future.”

Missing child, Lola Page, has this morning been found safe and well by detectives in Willenhall. Four people have been arrested in connection with her alleged kidnap.

Police visited an address on Gypsy Lane at around 1am today, where the 13-month-old child was found. She has been taken to a place of safety.

The child’s mother and a man were arrested from the address.

The 18-year-old is accused of kidnap, whilst the man is accused of assisting an offender.

A short time later, officers visited an address in Walsall Wood where two men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.

All four have been taken into police custody where they will be questioned later today.

A major police investigation was launched on Friday (14 March) after police received reports that Lola was taken during a supervised family visit at an address on Stroud Avenue, Willenhall.

Significant enquiries were made to trace the child and her mother, leading to a public appeal for information.

At the time of the disappearance, Lola was being cared for by a foster family in Walsall.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Markham from Force CID, said: “We are pleased to say that Lola is now returned to a place of safety and she is doing well.

“We have four people in police custody, helping us with our enquiries, regarding the child’s kidnap and they will be questioned later today.

“We want to thank the public for their assistance with this appeal. We received a number of calls from people with information, who were keen to help.”

Officers and staff from Staffordshire Police are mourning the tragic death of a valued colleague following a house fire in Tunstall over the weekend.

PC David Beech, a 30-year-old local response officer based at Newcastle, was discovered in his home following a domestic house fire on Sunday morning in Wyreley Way.

He had served with the force since November 2008. Prior to that he served as a Special Constable.

Neighbours raised the alarm at around 11.30am yesterday. His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

Staffordshire Police’s Chief Constable, Mike Cunningham, said: “His family were immensely proud of Dave and his exceptional service in our police family, and we all share this great loss of a valued friend and colleague.

“He had been awarded a number of commendations during his time with the force and we know he was extremely proud to be a police officer. He will be a great loss to us all.”

Chief Inspector Clare Riley, Commander at Newcastle Local Policing Team (LPT) added: “Dave was a well respected police officer who loved his job and serving the community.

“He was also one of the most genuine people that you would care to know and his friends and colleagues will miss him dearly.”

Three of Birmingham’s local policing units, as well as Coventry, Solihull and Wolverhampton, are led by women who manage a total of more than 3,200 officers, PCSOs and staff.

With Sharon Goosen in charge of the Professional Standards Department, Jo Chilton leading Force CID and Sharon Rowe currently in the role of Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, as well as Lisa-Marie Smith heading up the force’s Legal Services team, West Midlands Police now has more women in top posts than ever before.

TDCC Rowe believes the progression of women into senior leadership roles is a testament to the force’s commitment to equality and diversity.

She said: “We’re pleased to be making positive steps forward in West Midlands Police whilst other agencies, particularly the private sector, still see regular accusations of a ‘glass ceiling’ born out of the small number of women who reach the top in big companies.

“Our officers and staff are promoted on the basis of their skills and competencies − regardless of their gender or other characteristics, but at the same time we ensure we offer support to colleagues from under-represented communities as they seek to climb the career ladder.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones, who himself is supported by deputy PCC Yvonne Mosquito, says it’s an important milestone in the force’s commitment to equality and diversity.

He said:  “The fact that we have reached a point at which the majority of our key local commanders are female and that West Midlands Police has the highest ever percentage of female officers on role is unprecedented.

“It is a testament to our commitment to ensure we remove organisational barriers that would stop us recruiting the best police officers and ensuring their progression and retention.

“We know that we have further work to do to ensure our police force reflects the community it serves, but this achievement indicates that it is probably a realisable goal.”

Chief Superintendent Emma Barnett, Commander for Birmingham West & Central LPU, is also the Chair of Senior Women in Policing (SWIP) and sits on the committee of the West Midlands Association of Women in Policing (WMAMP). She said: “I’m really proud to be a part of the current senior leadership of West Midlands Police and in the company of some great women both officers and also police staff. We all feel a responsibility to look over our shoulders and support and develop those colleagues coming up behind us.

She added: “For me, it is all about enabling women to make their fullest contribution to policing in whatever role and function they choose and not solely about promotion. I hope this visible representation of the success of so many women will inspire other women to be future leaders of the service.”

Senior female officers in West Midlands Police:

•  Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Sharon Rowe
• Head of the Professional Standards Department Chief Superintendent Sharon Goosen
• Head of Force CID Chief Superintendent Jo Chilton
• Coventry LPU Commander Chief Superintendent Claire Bell
• Birmingham South LPU Commander Chief Superintendent Jo Smallwood
• Wolverhampton LPU Commander Chief Superintendent Jan Thomas-West
• Solihull LPU Commander Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner
• Birmingham West and Central LPU Commander Chief Superintendent Emma Barnett
• Birmingham North LPU Commander Chief Superintendent Rachel Jones

Head of Legal Services: Lisa-Marie Smith

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner: Yvonne Mosquito

Pictured (L/R): Lisa-Marie Smith, Claire Bell, Emma Barnett, Rachel Jones, Sharon Rowe, Sharon Goosen, Jo Smallwood, Yvonne Mosquito and Police & Crime Commissioner Bob Jones.