Predator jailed for 5 years for child sexual abuse
James Fletcher, 77, from Rowley Regis, has been sentenced to five years in prison for rape and sexual assault of a child. His victim speaks of the lasting trauma. Support is available.
Category : Search result: West Midlands child safety
Sutton Coldfield sees 9% unemployment rise
Latest figures reveal a surprising 9% unemployment spike in the affluent area of Sutton Coldfield, bucking the regional and national trend of falling joblessness.
Woman injured in Walsall rush-hour crash, buses diverted
A woman was hospitalised after a two-vehicle collision on Aldridge Road in Walsall during Friday morning rush hour. Bus services were diverted. Get the latest traffic updates.
Watchdog: West Midlands Police Child Protection Inadequate
A watchdog inspection found West Midlands Police's child abuse investigations require significant improvement. Discover the key findings and the force's response.
HMRC's 8am-9am rule for Child Benefit queries
HMRC urges UK households to call between 8am and 9am for quicker help with the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Learn about the income thresholds and repayment rules.
Call for probe into West Midlands bus use decline
Solihull councillor demands investigation into why people avoid buses despite regular services. West Midlands Mayor agrees to research boosting public transport patronage.
Two injured as car hits tree in Birmingham
Two men were injured, one seriously, after a car left the road and collided with a tree on Bromford Lane in Erdington. Emergency services rushed to the scene. Contact police with information.
20,000 Youth Training Pledges in West Midlands
West Midlands Mayor launches Youth Plan to create 20,000 training opportunities, tackling youth unemployment rates double the national average in some areas.
Girl, 9, mauled by XL Bully-type dog in Birmingham
A nine-year-old girl was horrifically mauled by an XL Bully-type dog in Erdington. Her mother recalls the chilling moment her daughter thought she would die. Police are searching for the owner.
Camp leader drugged children in 'sweet game'
Former vet Jon Ruben, 76, laced sweets with sedatives and sexually assaulted children at his Midlands summer camp. Eight victims hospitalised in horrific case.
West Midlands Bus Services Saved with Subsidy
A £50 million subsidy protecting West Midlands bus routes from cuts has been extended for 15 months. Discover how this decision secures vital transport links for communities.
Starmer's vow on Birmingham child poverty crisis
PM Keir Starmer makes personal pledge to tackle Birmingham's child poverty emergency but faces mounting pressure to scrap controversial two-child benefit cap ahead of Budget.
West Midlands Tram Fare Increase Approved for 2025
West Midlands Metro tram fares are set to increase in the new year. The hike, approved by transport bosses, aims to ensure the network's long-term financial sustainability.
Arctic Blast Brings Snow to West Midlands
An Arctic blast is set to bring freezing temperatures, frost, and potential snow to the West Midlands. Discover the full forecast and how to stay safe in the cold snap.
Murder probe after Handsworth Wood stabbing
A man in his 20s has died after a stabbing on Hutton Road in Handsworth Wood. Police urge witnesses to come forward as a murder investigation is launched.
HMRC Child Benefit flaw stops payments for families
A system designed to combat fraud has mistakenly stopped Child Benefit for hundreds of families in Northern Ireland who travelled via Dublin Airport. HMRC apologises and is working to reinstate claims.
HMRC to increase Child Benefit payments from April
UK families to see a rise in Child Benefit payments from April 2025. Find out the new weekly rates and how to protect your State Pension eligibility.
Birmingham's Ask for Angela Safety Scheme Success
Discover how Birmingham bars use the secret 'Ask for Angela' code to protect vulnerable patrons. Learn which venues participate and how it works to ensure nightlife safety.
Reeves to scrap 'unfair' two-child benefit cap
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to scrap the controversial two-child Universal Credit limit, giving millions of families extra financial support. Discover how this change could affect you.
Woman hunted after Morrisons knifepoint robbery
Police are hunting a woman after staff at a Walsall Morrisons were threatened with a knife during an alcohol theft. Can you help identify her? Call 101.
Boy, 9, bitten by dog in Kidderminster Costa
A nine-year-old boy suffered facial injuries after being bitten by a black and white Border Collie at a Costa Coffee in Kidderminster. Police are urging witnesses to come forward.
West Midlands online grooming crimes more than double
A stunned Midlands parent reveals their shock after their child was groomed online, as new figures show such crimes have more than doubled across the region.
Online Grooming Crimes Double in West Midlands
Shocking new data reveals online grooming crimes have more than doubled in the West Midlands, with children as young as four targeted. The NSPCC demands urgent action from tech giants.
Child rapist Jason Lane jailed for 21 years
Jason Lane, a dangerous paedophile from Droitwich, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for 16 sexual offences against a boy. Police commend the victim's bravery.
Child rescued after car stolen in Walsall
A terrifying ordeal in Walsall as a car with a child in the backseat is stolen. The vehicle was found abandoned, and the girl was unharmed. Police are appealing for information.
Paedophile Robert Gates jailed for child abuse images
Robert Gates, 70, from Ludlow, is behind bars after sharing indecent images of children for a second time. Police brand him a 'deeply disturbing individual'.
Call to revive axed West Midlands short hop bus fare
A councillor calls for cheaper short journey bus fares in the West Midlands as passengers pay £3 for any trip. A new fares strategy is expected by 2027.
Call for cheaper West Midlands bus fares
Councillor calls for reinstatement of 'short hop' bus fares in West Midlands to tackle cost of living crisis and boost passenger numbers. A new fares strategy is due in 2027.
Reeves hints at scrapping two-child benefit cap
Chancellor Rachel Reeves suggests removing the two-child benefit cap in the 2025 Budget, potentially boosting finances for larger families and tackling child poverty.
West Midlands Bus Services Saved with £50m Funding
A £50 million grant extension will protect West Midlands bus services from cuts until 2027, preventing serious social and economic suffering for residents.
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