2 19 year olds jailed over Formby Park stabbing

MERSEYSIDE Police have said that they have "welcomed" the sentencing of 2, 19 year old males, to a total of 17 years in prison following a robbery and stabbing, that took place in Formby, in 2022. The Court heard that on:- Tuesday, 8 March 2022, at around 4pm, in Duke Street Park, a 14 year old boy, who was with a friend, when he was approached by 2 males, who where later identified as:- Sonny Collins and Micky Teany.  The Court was told that Collins produced a knife and demanded the victim’s mountain bike, which was taken from him. Around an hour later, the boy’s brother (aged 16) travelled to Formby to meet the robbery victim, when they noticed the distinctive bike being used by Collins and Teany. The robbery victim’s brother challenged the suspects, at which point Teany produced a knife and stabbed him in the side, causing a deep puncture wound and a punctured lung. The Court was also informed that the victim’s brother is still continuing to recover.

We are told that Collins pled guilty on his 1st hearing, but Teany went to trial and was found guilty. Both were then sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court, on:- Thursday, 23 February 2023.

►   Micky Teany, (pictured right), of Hawthorne Drive, Northwood, Kirkby was sentenced to 9 years in prison for Section 18 wounding, robbery; and theft.

►   Sonny Collins, (pictured left), of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 8 years in prison for Robbery, possession of a bladed article; and theft.

Speaking after the trial, Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer:- “This was an appalling attack which sadly highlights the profound consequences of carrying a knife. It is by sheer luck that the victim of this stabbing was not more seriously injured or killed, although the effects on them are of course long-lasting and we wish them both a continued recovery from this traumatic event. For 2 young boys to be targeted when wanting to spend time in a local park with friends is abhorrent, and hopefully today’s sentencing gives them some comfort moving forward, and shows our commitment to keeping public spaces as safe as possible, to be enjoyed. Teany compounded this suffering with his refusal to plead guilty, but justice has now been served. The recklessness and absurdity of carrying a knife in order to steal a bicycle is something that needs to be a stark reminder to young people across Merseyside. You run the risk of destroying the lives of others, and of course both Teany and Collins will both now face the consequences of that afternoon on their own futures. They are still young enough to rebuild their lives, but it is also extremely lucky that their victim has the same opportunity. Carrying a knife, for whatever reason, is likely to lead to such an outcome, and we will continue to spend time with young people to educate and deter them from destroying lives."

If you would like to report someone in possession of a knife, know whether they are being hidden or are simply concerned about your loved one, please contact us @MerPolCC or via CrimeStoppers on:- 0800555111, or the Fearless campaign website. Always call:- 999 if a crime is in progress.

Number of penalty fares issued by Northern is down by 10%

NORTHERN has issued 10% less penalty fares in the 1st month since the Government increased the 'fine' to £100 compared to the same period in 2022. 3,831 people caught travelling without a valid ticket or 'promise to pay' notice were issued with a penalty fare, compared to 4,261 in the same period in 2022. The train operator, which offers 2,500 services a day to more than 500 Stations across the North of England, revealed adult passengers accounted for 81% of the penalty fares issued, with under 18s making up the remaining 19%.

Mark Powles, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said:- "A sudden 10% reduction in the number of penalty fares being issued would suggest the increase to £100 has been effective in terms of a deterrent. Of course, this is only the 1st month; but it is definitely a step in the right direction. Upwards of 95% of our customers do the right thing and buy a ticket before they travel - and having invested in the largest network of digital ticket infrastructure of any train operator in the country, Northern has made it easier than ever to buy a ticket via our app, website or 1 of more than 600 ticket machines across the network. There really is no excuse."

The Government's new £100 penalty fare came into effect on 23 January. Since 2005, the penalty fare had been just £20; but it was felt by the industry that that figure was too low and was no longer an effective deterrent to would-be fare evaders. As part of the Government's public consultation, 69% of respondents agreed that the £20 penalty fare was too low.

Money raised through penalty fares issued by Northern will, in line with other revenue income streams, be re-invested in the rail industry to improve the service offered to all customers.

Industry body, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) estimates that every year around £240 million is lost through fare evasion on Great Britain's railways.

The £100 penalty fare forms part of The Railways (Penalty Fares) (Amendment) Regulations 2022. Penalty fares are reduced to £50 if paid within 21 days.

The increase in the penalty fare for train operators in England brought it in-line with penalty fares charged across much of Western Europe and by Transport for London (TfL) and Manchester's Metrolink tram network.