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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Musician stabbed in the chest on street by mentally-ill girl, 14, who ‘slept with knife under her pillow', inquest hears
The teenager had stabbed her mother in the leg, tried to burn down her building and assaulted police officers in the months leading up to the fatal attack KNIFE TRAGEDY Musician stabbed in the chest on street by mentally-ill girl, 14, who 'slept with knife under her pillow', inquest hears A TALENTED musician died after being stabbed in his chest by a mentally-ill teenage girl who slept with a knife under her pillow, an inquest has heard. Nimroy Hendricks, 24, was chased down a street and fatally stabbed by the 14-year-old girl in West Sussex in 2020. He collapsed on the road and was later pronounced dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics to save his life. The teenager - who was known to be vulnerable and was on a Child Protection Plan - had been flagged as posing a "high risk", often "carrying a knife" around with her. Eight months before attacking Nimroy, the girl - who can only be identified as Child A because of court-imposed reporting restrictions - had stabbed her mother in the leg, tried to burn down her building and assaulted police officers. Frederick Powell, the barrister representing Nimroys' relatives, told West Sussex Coroner's Court that the teen had "been known to carry knives and on occasions slept with a knife under her pillow". Child A lived with her mum at the property in West Sussex, with the family having recently moved from Birmingham. Just four days before the fatal attack, Child A had gone missing from the home. Although police were able to find her, she was unable to return home as her mum was away in London. However, instead of placing her into protective custody, she was instead allowed to stay with a woman who claimed to be her "cousin". The woman was not a relative and was in-fact known to police as she had criminal convictions and was a known drug user. Coroner Penelope Schofield said cops had failed to verify whether the woman was a relative of the teenager - instead leaving Child A on the side of the road at 2am with a stranger. She said: 'The police did not physically attend the address given to them and therefore did not realise this person was not a relative.' Ms Schofield also said social services had failed to hold an emergency strategy meeting which had been organised when the child went missing. She said that as a result 'There was no opportunity to put in place additional safeguarding measures. It is possible that had these matters been addressed, the perpetrator may not have been in a position to carry out the act which led to Mr Hendrick's death.' The coroner also ruled that failings by Sussex Police and social services at West Sussex County Council may have contributed to the death of the 'peaceful and loving' musician. The inquest heard that Child A's mum had told an earlier investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct that she had been advised by social services to stay away. Mr Powell said "because the threat to him [Nimroy] was never properly assessed, he was never told he shouldn't go to the property". Nimroy, who was in a relationship with the girl's mum, had gone to the flat to collect work tools when he found the interior had been "annihilated", following an outburst by the teen. After finding the flat in disarray, he angrily banged on the girl's bedroom door. He then left the home and was making his way towards a nearby train station when the girl chased him down the street, confronting him. She then stabbed him once in the chest, telling a bystander: "I've stabbed Nim," as she calmly walked away. Child A - who had a long criminal record - was then arrested by police and later judged to be suffering form a "significant abnormality of mind". 'THE POLICE AND AUTHORITIES FAILED' Speaking after the inquest his parents Nimroy Hendricks Snr and Lisa Hendricks said their son had been failed but they were relieved by the coroner's findings. Lisa said: 'Nim should never have been put in the position he was. The authorities were well aware of the risk posed by the child.' She said the impact on the family had been shattered by his death and accused the police and social services of trying to cover up their errors. Mr Hendricks said: 'The police and authorities failed, they failed in every sense of the word.' The inquest in Horsham, West Sussex, heard the 14-year-old girl had a history of violence and suffered from mental health problems. She had been diagnosed with PTSD and a split personality disorder, had a criminal record and had previously attacked police. The hearing was told the girl had suffered a 'turbulent' childhood and had been the repeated victim of sexual assault, sex abuse and child sexual exploitation which had compounded her mental health condition. Mr Powell said Nim had never been told the risk of violence from the girl. He said: 'Nim was overlooked. He was never told of the risk this child posed. He was in a blindspot due to the failure of examining what was known.' Paying tribute to her son, his mum Lisa said Nim was a hugely loving child and man and a talented musician. She said: 'He was a leader and a performer. He loved books and reading. He was confident, happy and inquisitive. 'He was a joy to us. He loved the environment, the mountains and being close to the sea.'
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Pretty seaside town reveals £3million revamp with new central garden and kids playground to ‘transform' centre
AN idyllic seaside town is set to get a £3 million transformation, with a stunning garden and kids' playground to be built. The project will be inspired by early-19th century Advertisement 2 Worthing is set for a £3.1 million revamp Credit: Getty - Contributor 2 Montague Place is set to be transformed into Montague Gardens Credit: Worthing Borough council Montague Place, in Worthing, West Sussex, is set to be transformed into Montague Gardens, over the course of 12 to 15 months, with work having started this week. A spokesperson for Worthing Borough Council said: "The emphasis is on increasing biodiversity with a green space that links the seafront to the nearby Liverpool Gardens." Plans for the multi-million pound transformation, include a green living wall, a Worthing place sign, and a performance and sundeck area. The tarmac in the square will be removed, and replaced with paving, and 30 new trees will be planted in the area. Advertisement Read more travel stories A lawn area and sociable seating will also be created, to allow residents and visitors to relax and connect with each other. More lighting will also be installed, to ensure the area is safer at night. Cafes and restaurants will be given the opportunity to have outdoor seating, and a hospitality kiosk will be built, so that visitors can purchase refreshments whilst enjoying the gardens. Children will also be able to enjoy a brand new playground, inspired by Worthing's seaside heritage. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive The play-park will also feature information boards on kelp restoration, and tactile fixed play equipment, that will allow kids to use their information. The £3.1 million project is being funded by £2.7 million from the council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Fund and £400,000 of pooled business rates agreed with West Sussex County Council. We live in UK's 'worst' seaside town – tourists say it's rundown and crime is a problem but here's why locals love it 'It's great news that work on Montague Gardens has started", said Councillor Rita Garner, Worthing's deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration. "This lively and attractive green space will revitalise the town centre, creating a welcoming and vibrant setting to meet in and relax for residents and visitors of all ages.' Advertisement Councillor Garry Wall, West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for economy and skills, added: 'I am looking forward to this excellent partnership project coming forward through the Growth Deal with Worthing Borough Council. "This initiative will support Worthing town centre and the seafront economy. "After extensive planning, all agreements are now in place and we are excited to move forward.' Montague Gardens is the third regeneration project to begin in Worthing, following improvements to Portland Road, and ongoing construction works in Railway approach. Advertisement These projects are part of a wider regeneration plan for Worthing, as part of the Worthing Growth Deal. This comes as another seaside town, , in Suffolk is set to get a brand new £6m waterfront revamp, including a two-storey restaurant and cafe area. Sutton on Sea in Lincolnshire also recently underwent a £7.8 million refurbishment including a revamp of the maple leaf pool and a new children's play area and tennis court . Advertisement
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Pretty seaside town reveals £3million revamp with new central garden and kids playground to ‘transform' centre
The project will be inspired by early-19th century seaside gardens NEW SLATE Pretty seaside town reveals £3million revamp with new central garden and kids playground to 'transform' centre Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN idyllic seaside town is set to get a £3 million transformation, with a stunning garden and kids' playground to be built. The project will be inspired by early-19th century seaside gardens, and aims to breathe new life into the town centre, and attract more tourists. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Worthing is set for a £3.1 million revamp Credit: Getty - Contributor 2 Montague Place is set to be transformed into Montague Gardens Credit: Worthing Borough council Montague Place, in Worthing, West Sussex, is set to be transformed into Montague Gardens, over the course of 12 to 15 months, with work having started this week. A spokesperson for Worthing Borough Council said: "The emphasis is on increasing biodiversity with a green space that links the seafront to the nearby Liverpool Gardens." Plans for the multi-million pound transformation, include a green living wall, a Worthing place sign, and a performance and sundeck area. The tarmac in the square will be removed, and replaced with paving, and 30 new trees will be planted in the area. A lawn area and sociable seating will also be created, to allow residents and visitors to relax and connect with each other. More lighting will also be installed, to ensure the area is safer at night. Cafes and restaurants will be given the opportunity to have outdoor seating, and a hospitality kiosk will be built, so that visitors can purchase refreshments whilst enjoying the gardens. Children will also be able to enjoy a brand new playground, inspired by Worthing's seaside heritage. The play-park will also feature information boards on kelp restoration, and tactile fixed play equipment, that will allow kids to use their information. The £3.1 million project is being funded by £2.7 million from the council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Fund and £400,000 of pooled business rates agreed with West Sussex County Council. We live in UK's 'worst' seaside town – tourists say it's rundown and crime is a problem but here's why locals love it 'It's great news that work on Montague Gardens has started", said Councillor Rita Garner, Worthing's deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration. "This lively and attractive green space will revitalise the town centre, creating a welcoming and vibrant setting to meet in and relax for residents and visitors of all ages.' Councillor Garry Wall, West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for economy and skills, added: 'I am looking forward to this excellent partnership project coming forward through the Growth Deal with Worthing Borough Council. "This initiative will support Worthing town centre and the seafront economy. "After extensive planning, all agreements are now in place and we are excited to move forward.' Montague Gardens is the third regeneration project to begin in Worthing, following improvements to Portland Road, and ongoing construction works in Railway approach. These projects are part of a wider regeneration plan for Worthing, as part of the Worthing Growth Deal. This comes as another seaside town, Lowestoft, in Suffolk is set to get a brand new £6m waterfront revamp, including a two-storey restaurant and cafe area. Sutton on Sea in Lincolnshire also recently underwent a £7.8 million refurbishment including a revamp of the maple leaf pool and a new children's play area and tennis court.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Katie Price says son Harvey is 'coming home for good' after long fight
Katie Price's son, Harvey, who is blind and autistic, has a big change ahead of him as he leaves residential college and heads out into the 'real word' Katie Price has revealed her eldest child, Harvey, is "coming home for good" after struggling to find the 23-year-old a college place. Harvey, who is blind and autistic - and is one of 2,000 people in the UK who has Prader Willi syndrome - has a big change ahead of him as he leaves the specialist school he's currently in and heads out into the "real world". Katie, 47, has spoken candidly about the cost of keeping Harvey in residential college amid cuts to council funding as well as being declared bankrupt for the second time. And now, she's revealed her "baby bear" is coming home to her before Harvey moves to independent living in October in Littlehampton. Speaking on her podcast with her sister, Sophie, she said: "Harvey is doing the countdown for his new place. He's got his leavers ceremony where they give out certificates and then it's the 'real world ' Mr Harvey Price. Katie explained that Harvey was first going to a temporary accommodation, before beginning his new placement in October. She shared: "I've found him a place in Southampton which is temporary. It's got five other adults in it. Then he moves to his place in October, which is Littlehampton, which will be nearer to me. He's going from college to independent living." The glamour icon took to her Facebook page, sharing her excitement over Harvey's big change as she cuddled next to her firstborn in his college bedroom. She captioned the adorable snap: "Reunited with my baby bear. Harvey's coming home for good in 12 days." Last Tuesday, Katie shared another photo of the pair and gushed: "Love you so much Harv, not long now" with the hashtags '#soproudofyou #familytime # newbeginningsahead." Harvey, whose father is former footballer, Dwight Yorke, had been living at the £350,000-a-year specialist school, National Star since 2021, but amid cuts to funding and Katie's financial difficulties, he was withdrawn last year. The mum-of-five has had a tough time trying find her son a new place, with one care home calling Harvey 'too difficult' and the West Sussex County Council reducing his funding. Katie spoke candidly on her podcast about tirelessly trying to get Harvey into a new place after she was forced to withdraw him from National Star. Though he later returned to school, the doting mum was hit by more upheaval in February when Harvey lost a place at a care home. At the time, Katie claimed that her son had lost his place weeks before he was due to move in after the management changed and they determined that they couldn't cater for his needs. Reflecting on Harvey's heartache, she said: "We worked months and months for that and he was told four-and-a-half weeks before that he couldn't go there, and Harvey has been doing the countdown. "It's stressful because you want the right thing for your child and it is a lot of time and effort to go back and do more meetings, more forms, it is very time-consuming because you want the best for your child."
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Unsafe footbridge shut since 2023 to be destroyed
Work will begin to demolish and replace an unsafe bridge which has been closed for nearly two years, West Sussex County Council says. Whites Footbridge was shut in August 2023, forcing pedestrians travelling between Steyning and Upper Beeding to walk alongside a busy road after the bridge was deemed "beyond economic repair". The council now says work will begin on Monday, 14 July to destroy the bridge near King's Barn Lane, and replace it with a new structure to reopen the footpath. Joy Dennis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said reinstating the route will make the route "easier and safer to use". Originally installed in 1903, a structural report highlighted "severe corrosion" which compromised the bridge's structural integrity. The 2023 report recommended stopping pedestrians using the bridge "for the foreseeable future" until a replacement structure could be installed. The project, expected to last 12 weeks, will also include resurfacing works around the bridge on the east side of the River Adur. The bridge will be funded by the county council's capital delivery budget, while the footpath improvements will be supported by local community groups. Replacement work to the bridge following the demolition will begin after gas networks in the area have been diverted by Southern Gas Networks (SGN). Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Public inquiry to begin into A259 bridge plans Plans to extend powers to tackle nuisance dogs West Sussex County Council
