birminghammail--2020-03-15--Secrets of undercover Birmingham cop - including how he 'foiled double murder plot'

A FORMER undercover Birmingham cop has claimed he was recruited by mobsters to execute a child and a senior police officer .
But Ronnie Howard has told how he foiled the contract killings with the help of a BBC make-up artist .
The 62-year-old ’ s story has now been snapped up by an independent filmaker , who plans to base a movie on the underworld plot .
Ronnie turned to writing after 23 years in the force , where he rose to the rank of detective sergeant and served with the drug squad for 23 years .
Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book , Ronnie ’ s Looking for Trouble .
But it was his , as yet , unwritten role as a bogus hitman that has captured the imagination of movie-makers .
Ronnie says he was hired by a behind bars Mr Big facing child sex offence charges to kill the 14-year-old girl at the centre of the case .
He also wanted the detective spearheading the investigation rubbed out .
The deal was finalised during visits to Brixton Prison .
Ronnie says he convinced the mobster paymaster that the hit had been carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pose plastered with fake wounds .
The gangsters were totally taken in , and snared at Scratchwood Services , North London , the pre-arranged pay-off point .
The ex-cop alleges the sting took place during a mid 1990s undercover investigation into forged bank notes – “ funny money ” – for the Metropolitan Police .
His brief , he says , was outlined during a Scotland Yard meeting with a detective inspector .
“ He told me the guy he thought was involved and said I ’ d have to meet him with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ronnier recalls .
“ I met the informant at the entrance to a tube station and he told me we were going to Mayfair .
“ Ever been to Mayfair ?
Fabulous place – all the women look like Princesses !
“ We went in this pub and there was the main man and four other guys .
I had a conversation and he asked if I could do anything with antiques .
I told him I could move anything.
” The meeting then switched to the gangster ’ s office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a door and a tapestry , ” says Ronnie .
“ Remember , he thought I was a criminal .
I asked , ‘ What about the funny money ?
’ and he told me he had one million Euros .
I ’ d never seen a Euro.
” That was the start of a job that would plunge the Brummie into the depths of serious organised crime .
The pair exchanged pager numbers , ” he says , and it wasn ’ t long before contact was again made .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of their own .
“ He wanted to meet again in London , ” he says .
“ I told him , ‘ You ’ ve got to pay me .
If you want me to come down to London , you ’ ve got to pay me ’ .
`` Before I went , a colleague warned me not to wear brown shoes – undercover officers always wore brown shoes .
That ’ s always stuck in my mind .
I did have a £400 suit on , mind .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me £500 .
He said he had a computer with all his tax details on .
‘ The taxman is going to hit me , ’ I was told , ‘ and I want to make his job more difficult .
Take the computer away and bring it back when I ask you ’ .
“ I took it to the police station and copied the hard-drive .
All his tax details were on there , along with and some child pornography.
” In hindsight , those tasks were tests – aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth , Ronnie reckons .
He was soon to be introduced to a sinister character higher up the chain .
Armed with a Visiting Order , he would meet him inside Brixton Prison .
“ I went to see him and he said he ’ d been arrested for interfering with a little girl , ” claims Ronnie .
“ He told me to go to Kings Cross railway station where an accomplice called Alex had something for me .
“ There , I was given a key to a ‘ left luggage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bag with a kilo of heroin in it .
I ’ m shocked – I ’ m looking at £300,000 worth of drugs .
I couldn ’ t believe what was going on and remember asking ‘ Do I look like a drug dealer ?
’ but I said I could move the stuff.
” The heroin was actually “ moved ” to the drug squad in Birmingham .
The net was slowly tightening around the gang , who were pleased with the “ ask no questions ” approach of their newest member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was again invited to a Brixton prison meeting with the Godfather .
“ The first thing he said was , ‘ Did you like what I gave you ?
’ ” recalls Ronnie .
“ I want another favour , but this is a big one .
“ The young girl who made the allegation , I want her murdered – and the detective inspector , too .
“ I uttered a one syllable word that sounds like duck , then asked what was in it for me .
He owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What was in it for me was two properties .
“ I told him I needed all the intelligence .
Who is the girl ?
Where does she go to school ?
Where does she live ?
Who is the DI ?
Where does he work ?
What ’ s his car ?
He ’ d arrange to get those details to me.
” The fresh bombshell triggered an emergency meeting with top brass at The Yard and during that brainstorming session , a cunning plot was hatched .
“ We really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to do next , ” Ronnie remembers .
“ I knew someone who worked at the BBC and suggested approaching him to make-up the faces of the would-be victims , make them look like they had gunshot wounds .
They agreed to play ball .
“ That was a brilliant piece of work by the artist , ” says Ronnie .
“ They did the make-up , they took a Polaroid of them both .
I ’ m sure the poor girl was terrified.
” The images were shown to the mobster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Howard exclaims .
“ I made it very clear there was no way that was going to happen .
“ As far as he was concerned , these were images of two dead people .
I wouldn ’ t hand those over.
” The final piece the tangled saga was played out at a familiar venue , Scratchwood Services .
The go-between , Alex , arrived with a suitcase containing 500,000 Euros – and the undercover team swooped as the handover was made .
“ The whole thing took between six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I couldn ’ t believe how much they ’ d trusted me !
The Met said well done but they didn ’ t hand out commendations .
“ I was 15 years undercover and had a great time .
People ask ‘ Wasn ’ t it dangerous ?
’ Well , I haven ’ t done too bad from it .
”

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A FORMER undercover Birmingham cop has claimed he was recruited by mobsters to execute a child and a senior police officer.
But Ronnie Howard has told how he foiled the contract killings with the help of a BBC make-up artist.
The 62-year-old’s story has now been snapped up by an independent filmaker, who plans to base a movie on the underworld plot.
Ronnie turned to writing after 23 years in the force, where he rose to the rank of detective sergeant and served with the drug squad for 23 years.
Some of his daring operations are chronicled in his book, Ronnie’s Looking for Trouble.
But it was his, as yet, unwritten role as a bogus hitman that has captured the imagination of movie-makers.
Ronnie says he was hired by a behind bars Mr Big facing child sex offence charges to kill the 14-year-old girl at the centre of the case.
He also wanted the detective spearheading the investigation rubbed out. The deal was finalised during visits to Brixton Prison.
Ronnie says he convinced the mobster paymaster that the hit had been carried out by getting the intended targets to pose plastered with fake wounds.
The gangsters were totally taken in, and snared at Scratchwood Services, North London, the pre-arranged pay-off point.
The ex-cop alleges the sting took place during a mid 1990s undercover investigation into forged bank notes – “funny money” – for the Metropolitan Police.
His brief, he says, was outlined during a Scotland Yard meeting with a detective inspector.
“He told me the guy he thought was involved and said I’d have to meet him with an informant, a Greek guy,” Ronnier recalls.
“I met the informant at the entrance to a tube station and he told me we were going to Mayfair.
“Ever been to Mayfair? Fabulous place – all the women look like Princesses!
“We went in this pub and there was the main man and four other guys. I had a conversation and he asked if I could do anything with antiques. I told him I could move anything.”
The meeting then switched to the gangster’s office.
“He had a mirror the size of a door and a tapestry,” says Ronnie. “Remember, he thought I was a criminal. I asked, ‘What about the funny money?’ and he told me he had one million Euros. I’d never seen a Euro.”
That was the start of a job that would plunge the Brummie into the depths of serious organised crime.
The pair exchanged pager numbers,” he says, and it wasn’t long before contact was again made. The mob was entirely satisfied that Ronnie Howard was one of their own.
“He wanted to meet again in London,” he says. “I told him, ‘You’ve got to pay me. If you want me to come down to London, you’ve got to pay me’.
"Before I went, a colleague warned me not to wear brown shoes – undercover officers always wore brown shoes. That’s always stuck in my mind. I did have a £400 suit on, mind.
“At the meeting, he gave me £500. He said he had a computer with all his tax details on. ‘The taxman is going to hit me,’ I was told, ‘and I want to make his job more difficult. Take the computer away and bring it back when I ask you’.
“I took it to the police station and copied the hard-drive. All his tax details were on there, along with and some child pornography.”
(Image: PA)
In hindsight, those tasks were tests – aimed at gauging the new recruit’s true worth, Ronnie reckons.
He was soon to be introduced to a sinister character higher up the chain. Armed with a Visiting Order, he would meet him inside Brixton Prison.
“I went to see him and he said he’d been arrested for interfering with a little girl,” claims Ronnie. “He told me to go to Kings Cross railway station where an accomplice called Alex had something for me.
“There, I was given a key to a ‘left luggage’ locker. Inside was a Jiffy bag with a kilo of heroin in it. I’m shocked – I’m looking at £300,000 worth of drugs. I couldn’t believe what was going on and remember asking ‘Do I look like a drug dealer?’ but I said I could move the stuff.”
The heroin was actually “moved” to the drug squad in Birmingham.
The net was slowly tightening around the gang, who were pleased with the “ask no questions” approach of their newest member. So pleased, in fact, that he was again invited to a Brixton prison meeting with the Godfather.
“The first thing he said was, ‘Did you like what I gave you?’” recalls Ronnie.
“I want another favour, but this is a big one.
“The young girl who made the allegation, I want her murdered – and the detective inspector, too.
“I uttered a one syllable word that sounds like duck, then asked what was in it for me. He owned a lot of property in North London. What was in it for me was two properties.
“I told him I needed all the intelligence. Who is the girl? Where does she go to school? Where does she live? Who is the DI? Where does he work? What’s his car? He’d arrange to get those details to me.”
The fresh bombshell triggered an emergency meeting with top brass at The Yard and during that brainstorming session, a cunning plot was hatched.
“We really had to think about what we were going to do next,” Ronnie remembers.
“I knew someone who worked at the BBC and suggested approaching him to make-up the faces of the would-be victims, make them look like they had gunshot wounds. They agreed to play ball.
“That was a brilliant piece of work by the artist,” says Ronnie. “They did the make-up, they took a Polaroid of them both. I’m sure the poor girl was terrified.”
The images were shown to the mobster. “He wanted to keep them,” Howard exclaims. “I made it very clear there was no way that was going to happen.
“As far as he was concerned, these were images of two dead people. I wouldn’t hand those over.”
The final piece the tangled saga was played out at a familiar venue, Scratchwood Services. The go-between, Alex, arrived with a suitcase containing 500,000 Euros – and the undercover team swooped as the handover was made.
“The whole thing took between six and seven weeks,” says Ronnie. “I couldn’t believe how much they’d trusted me! The Met said well done but they didn’t hand out commendations.
“I was 15 years undercover and had a great time. People ask ‘Wasn’t it dangerous?’ Well, I haven’t done too bad from it.”


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Mother of Holly Lodge High School viral video bully attack victim claims she was being 'forced out'

A teenager attacked in a viral bullying video furore is being forced out of school , her mother has claimed .
Natalija Makejeva alleged Holly Lodge High in Smethwick `` did not want '' 16-year-old Anastasija back in school after the footage was spread across social media .
But the school refuted the claim and said it was supporting the girl in her studies .
Filmed at the school last month , the video showed the victim being kicked and punched in the head by two girls until she fell to the ground .
Natalija said she shared the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullying and to urge parents to have conversations with their children .
But the mum-of-three alleged she was instructed not to bring her daughter back to Holly Lodge .
Natalija told Black Country Live : `` We had a meeting in school .
They do not want my daughter to come back to this school because of my actions on social media .
`` The school has said too many students and their parents are very angry at my daughter because I have shared this video .
`` The school said it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this school and it 's all my fault .
`` They have said I need to be very careful when I 'm sharing any information , because it can cause more trouble for our family .
`` I 'm in shock , I do n't have any words and I ca n't stop crying .
`` After my daughter was so brutally attacked , school and police brushed everything under the carpet . ''
But Holly Lodge headteacher Paul Shone said : `` We can confirm the pupil you refer to is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family to move forward with her education . ''
A West Midlands Police investigation into the attack is ongoing .
A spokesman for the force said : `` We are aware of a video circulating online of a teenage girl being assaulted on Holly Lane , Smethwick at 5pm on Friday , February 7 . ''
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A teenager attacked in a viral bullying video furore is being forced out of school, her mother has claimed.
Natalija Makejeva alleged Holly Lodge High in Smethwick "did not want" 16-year-old Anastasija back in school after the footage was spread across social media.
But the school refuted the claim and said it was supporting the girl in her studies.
Filmed at the school last month, the video showed the victim being kicked and punched in the head by two girls until she fell to the ground.
Natalija said she shared the video to raise awareness about the impact of bullying and to urge parents to have conversations with their children.
But the mum-of-three alleged she was instructed not to bring her daughter back to Holly Lodge.
Natalija told Black Country Live: "We had a meeting in school. They do not want my daughter to come back to this school because of my actions on social media.
"The school has said too many students and their parents are very angry at my daughter because I have shared this video.
"The school said it's not safe for my daughter to attend this school and it's all my fault.
Anti-bullying advice
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"They have said I need to be very careful when I'm sharing any information, because it can cause more trouble for our family.
"I'm in shock, I don't have any words and I can't stop crying.
"After my daughter was so brutally attacked, school and police brushed everything under the carpet."
(Image: Google Street View)
But Holly Lodge headteacher Paul Shone said: "We can confirm the pupil you refer to is not excluded and we are working with the family to move forward with her education."
A West Midlands Police investigation into the attack is ongoing.
A spokesman for the force said: "We are aware of a video circulating online of a teenage girl being assaulted on Holly Lane, Smethwick at 5pm on Friday, February 7."
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Please quote crime reference number 20SW/37988H/20.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Anna Bee and Top Rock at The Oasis set to close down after 40 years

One of Birmingham 's oldest and most iconic stores is set to shut down .
The owners of Anna Bee and Top Rock at The Oasis complex in Corporation Street are set to retire after more than 40 years .
And that means the business will be consigned to history on Saturday , April 18 , unless a buyer can be found .
Anna Lalji and her husband Ashiq have owned Anna Bee and Top Rock since 1980 .
Their daughter Ayesha Pusey is organising a sale of stock accumulated over the years .
She told BirminghamLive she hoped a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's heartbreaking , '' she said .
`` My parents have owned this place since before I was born .
It 's been a second home to us - and my three children !
`` But it 's the right time for my parents to retire .
My mum 's not very well and is not supposed to be on her feet that much so it 's no good for her to be here - because she wo n't rest .
`` At the same time , it will be so sad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our regulars .
We want someone to step into the business and carry on with all our support .
The name is well-established and we have a lot of great exclusive suppliers for Birmingham .
`` We have the option to sell on stock to shops outside of Birmingham - so our regulars will have to buy online . ''
The Oasis complex , a much-loved complex of independent and quirky businesses , is due to be bulldozed in 2022 as part of the £550 million Martineau Galleries scheme .
The project was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anna Bee and Top Rock made the announcement in a notice on social media .
It said : `` We are retiring !
Thank you Birmingham for shopping with us for the last 40 years .
We would love to see someone to carry on with the shop ; if you are interested in buying it please contact us asap . ''
The Oasis venue itself has been going for 49 years .
Anna Bee is famed for gothic and retro gear including burlesque dresses .
The store also sells hair dyes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with BirminghamLive last year , Anna said customers who shopped at Anna Bee in their youth were now bringing their teenage children through the doors .
She said : `` I have women who used to buy clothes from me , now bringing their daughters - shopping for prom dresses - it ’ s nice they have such great memories of the store.
“ What is the The Martineau Galleries scheme ?
The Martineau Galleries scheme is part of Birmingham City Council ’ s ‘ Big City Plan ’ to transform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dale End , linking the Bullring and High Street with Eastside regeneration .
It will see the demolition of The Square , the neighbouring NCP car park and 1-7 Dale End .
The Oasis markets will go as part of the redevelopment .
Last year , Hammerson Assistant director Guy Wells said : `` There is a clear desire for the Martineau Galleries site to be regenerated to match Birmingham 's ambition for the future , creating new high-quality homes , workspace , public space and jobs for local people . ''
Martineau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new homes , including one potential building of 35 storeys .
It will see existing shopping centres expanded with housing , workspace or hotels .
As well The Oasis , McDonalds Dale End will also be demolished .
The 7.5-acre Martineau Galleries site will also deliver a signature gateway to Birmingham from the proposed Curzon Street HS2 terminal .

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One of Birmingham's oldest and most iconic stores is set to shut down.
The owners of Anna Bee and Top Rock at The Oasis complex in Corporation Street are set to retire after more than 40 years.
And that means the business will be consigned to history on Saturday, April 18, unless a buyer can be found.
Anna Lalji and her husband Ashiq have owned Anna Bee and Top Rock since 1980.
Their daughter Ayesha Pusey is organising a sale of stock accumulated over the years.
She told BirminghamLive she hoped a new owner would step in.
"It's heartbreaking," she said. "My parents have owned this place since before I was born. It's been a second home to us - and my three children!
"But it's the right time for my parents to retire. My mum's not very well and is not supposed to be on her feet that much so it's no good for her to be here - because she won't rest.
"At the same time, it will be so sad to no longer have Anna Bee for our regulars. We want someone to step into the business and carry on with all our support. The name is well-established and we have a lot of great exclusive suppliers for Birmingham.
"We have the option to sell on stock to shops outside of Birmingham - so our regulars will have to buy online."
(Image: Sanjeeta Bains)
The Oasis complex, a much-loved complex of independent and quirky businesses, is due to be bulldozed in 2022 as part of the £550 million Martineau Galleries scheme. The project was given the official go-ahead in January.
Anna Bee and Top Rock made the announcement in a notice on social media.
It said: "We are retiring! Thank you Birmingham for shopping with us for the last 40 years. We would love to see someone to carry on with the shop; if you are interested in buying it please contact us asap."
The Oasis venue itself has been going for 49 years.
Anna Bee is famed for gothic and retro gear including burlesque dresses. The store also sells hair dyes, hats, bags and jewellery.
In an interview with BirminghamLive last year, Anna said customers who shopped at Anna Bee in their youth were now bringing their teenage children through the doors.
She said: "I have women who used to buy clothes from me, now bringing their daughters - shopping for prom dresses - it’s nice they have such great memories of the store.“
What is the The Martineau Galleries scheme?
The Martineau Galleries scheme is part of Birmingham City Council’s ‘Big City Plan’ to transform the north-eastern part of the centre around Dale End, linking the Bullring and High Street with Eastside regeneration.
It will see the demolition of The Square, the neighbouring NCP car park and 1-7 Dale End. The Oasis markets will go as part of the redevelopment.
Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects created the masterplan for Martineau Galleries.
Last year, Hammerson Assistant director Guy Wells said: "There is a clear desire for the Martineau Galleries site to be regenerated to match Birmingham's ambition for the future, creating new high-quality homes, workspace, public space and jobs for local people."
Martineau Galleries will eventually house up to 1,300 new homes, including one potential building of 35 storeys.
It will see existing shopping centres expanded with housing, workspace or hotels.
As well The Oasis, McDonalds Dale End will also be demolished.
The 7.5-acre Martineau Galleries site will also deliver a signature gateway to Birmingham from the proposed Curzon Street HS2 terminal.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Scared and threatened in the street - teens who escaped Iraq violence are terrified of Birmingham

Young refugees have spoken out about escaping war-torn Iraq - only to find themselves in fear as they walk around Birmingham .
Teenagers Marwa Abdullah , 17 , and Skala Abdullah , 19 , whose family sought asylum to escape violence , say they feel danger is ever present as they walk to and from South & City College Birmingham .
They are the stars of a new anti-knives project which aims to bring home the fear that haunts the lives of young people .
The girls have contributed to a group poem and film called Lay Down Your Knives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick up other , more useful craft tools instead .
It is the culmination of a youth-led project funded by The Prince 's Trust and West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner 's office , which has also featured workshops and discussions about why kids carry knives .
The project , led by filmmaker and activist Salma Zulfiqar of ARTSConnect , received its premiere in front of college students on March 10 .
Its second showing will be at the Prince 's Trust HQ on March 23 and it will then go 'on tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her contribution : `` This is a good way to send the message to young people , it is from other young people to say how we feel .
I ca n't feel safe when I go to school and college , I feel unsafe because so many have dangerous knives . ''
She recalled an incident when she was approached and threatened in the street by a man close to her home - `` we did not know if he had a knife , we were very scared . ''
Youngsters from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the film .
Saad Hadj-Mohand , aged nine-and-a-half , said there were much better things to do than carry dangerous knives .
`` Knives will bring you no good in life .
You will just kill an innocent life . ''
Eimaan Saghir , ten , also a pupil at Anderton Park School , said she had taken part to tell people to stop murdering innocent people .
`` We need to spread the peace - peace and love is the most powerful thing on earth . ''
Art work created by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feature in the film .
Said Salma : `` The students and children have together produced a poem which we have filmed as a message to inspire young people to lay down their knives .
`` I started the project by holding workshops with the students - almost all of them put up their hands when I asked if any had been directly affected by knife crime .
That was shocking .
A lot of the young women said they do n't feel safe on the streets and were very passionate about wanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safer . ''
You can view the short film and poem at the top of this story .

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Young refugees have spoken out about escaping war-torn Iraq - only to find themselves in fear as they walk around Birmingham.
Teenagers Marwa Abdullah, 17, and Skala Abdullah, 19, whose family sought asylum to escape violence, say they feel danger is ever present as they walk to and from South & City College Birmingham.
They are the stars of a new anti-knives project which aims to bring home the fear that haunts the lives of young people.
The girls have contributed to a group poem and film called Lay Down Your Knives, supported by artwork encouraging youngsters to pick up other, more useful craft tools instead.
It is the culmination of a youth-led project funded by The Prince's Trust and West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's office, which has also featured workshops and discussions about why kids carry knives.
The project, led by filmmaker and activist Salma Zulfiqar of ARTconnects, received its premiere in front of college students on March 10. Its second showing will be at the Prince's Trust HQ on March 23 and it will then go 'on tour'.
Said Skala, talking about her contribution: "This is a good way to send the message to young people, it is from other young people to say how we feel. I can't feel safe when I go to school and college, I feel unsafe because so many have dangerous knives."
She recalled an incident when she was approached and threatened in the street by a man close to her home - "we did not know if he had a knife, we were very scared."
Youngsters from Anderton Park School in Sparkhill also star in the film.
Saad Hadj-Mohand, aged nine-and-a-half, said there were much better things to do than carry dangerous knives.
"Knives will bring you no good in life. You will just kill an innocent life."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Eimaan Saghir, ten, also a pupil at Anderton Park School, said she had taken part to tell people to stop murdering innocent people. "We need to spread the peace - peace and love is the most powerful thing on earth."
Art work created by students at the college and school also feature in the film.
Said Salma: "The students and children have together produced a poem which we have filmed as a message to inspire young people to lay down their knives.
"I started the project by holding workshops with the students - almost all of them put up their hands when I asked if any had been directly affected by knife crime. That was shocking. A lot of the young women said they don't feel safe on the streets and were very passionate about wanting to do something to make the streets safer."
You can view the short film and poem at the top of this story.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--The day Birmingham SAS hero was hired to kill drugs lord Pablo Escobar

A Birmingham soldier has lifted the lid on how his SAS skills led to him joining a taskforce to kill Colombian cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar .
The revelation is contained in an archive of documents chronicling the career of former Birmingham publican Peter McAleese .
He is bidding a farewell to arms – and the papers mapping his fascinating military history are coming up for auction in Lichfield .
Glaswegian McAleese , now 77 , has served with Britain ’ s Parachute Regiment , the SAS , Rhodesia ’ s SAS and the South African Defence Force .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodyguards in Moscow and taken on security work in Algeria and Iraq .
He was even part of a special security taskforce set up in an attempt to “ rub out ” Pablo Escobar .
McAleese ’ s personal collection goes under the hammer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers ’ Fine Arts and Specialist Sale on Saturday , March 24 .
Taking place at The Lichfield Auction Centre , Fradley Park , the collection includes his three-bar General Service Medal , dedicated simply to “ Trooper SAS ” .
It also contains McAleese ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hand-made ceramic plaque painted by staff in Algeria as a tribute during his stint organising security there .
In all , the collection is expected to fetch up to £22,000 .
The divorced dad-of-three has decided to part with the archive after downsizing to a one-bed flat in his adopted Birmingham , where he once ran The Gunmakers Arms pub .
“ I ’ m just an ordinary person who happened to find himself doing extraordinary things , ” he says .
“ I mean that from the bottom of my heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great life .
I ’ m extremely happy at the moment and I have a marvellous relationship with my family .
“ I enjoyed the Army – the Army was good to me .
It just came to an end .
“ I was a professional soldier and like a guy who is a brickie , for example , you go where the work is.
” He added : “ I ’ ve ended up with quite a lot of personal militaria relating to my career and there was just too much stuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McAleese has detailed his extensive experiences in several books , including the stone-cold classic No Mean Soldier .
Nick Thompson , medals specialist at Richard Winterton Auctioneers , says : “ Peter McAleese not only served his country with distinction but led a very colourful military career throughout .
“ In the world of collecting military medals , those to the British Special Forces hold a particular place in people ’ s hearts .
“ They are the classic British troops dropped behind enemy lines and working undercover – no different to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ point of view , whenever groups like this come on the market they ’ re always sought after because of the story to tell .
“ The beauty of this group is that McAleese has published books highlighting his military career with the British Army , Rhodesian SAS , South Africa Defence Forces 44 Parachute Brigade and private security work .
“ What sets this group out from others which have come to market is the variety of medals and awards that have been issued to this man and from different countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as being totally unique .
“ Because of the secretive nature in which the SAS is run – for all the right reasons – it ’ s sometimes very hard for the collector to find out the story behind the medals , but not in this case .
It ’ s all there in the books .
“ This group represents a unique insight into the tough world of a professional soldier.
” Viewing ahead of the sale takes place on Saturday , March 21 and Monday , March 23 .
Call 01543 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was born on September 7 , 1942 in Glasgow , near Barlinnie Prison .
He enlisted in the Parachute Regiment in Aberdeen at the age of 17 and after basic training became a member of the 1st Battalion Mortar Platoon until 1962 .
That ’ s when he completed the legendary selection course to become a member of 22 Regiment SAS .
McAleese subsequently went to train with US Special Forces at Fort Bragg in North Carolina , one of the first SAS troopers to complete HALO parachute training with the US Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crisis in the 1960s , later returning to become one of the first SAS troopers to freefall parachute into a ‘ hot zone ’ .
The soldier also served in Bahrain , Cyprus and Borneo with the SAS 16th Air Troop , fighting in the gruesome jungle warfare of the latter .
He left the British Army in 1969 and after a stint on the North Sea oil rigs in 1975 , took up a new career as a professional soldier fighting in the Angolan Civil War on behalf of the National Liberation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the formation after the capture of British mercenary Costas Georgiou , who was executed by firing squad following the Luanda Trial .
In early 1977 , McAleese went to Rhodesia where he enlisted with the Rhodesian SAS as a non-commissioned officer .
Two years later , he joined the Special Branch in South Rhodesia and in 1980 enlisted with the South Africa Defence Forces 44 Parachute Brigade , where he served as colour sergeant .
In the early 1980s he helped create a new Pathfinder Reconnaissance unit and served in the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McAleese had set up home in Pretoria and worked for the COIN security group , a military police private contractor .
He was severely injured in a near-fatal parachute display jump before returning to the UK .
At the end of the 1980s he spent two years working for government forces in the Colombian drug wars , joining a covert operation to locate and “ deal with ” narcotics baron Pablo Escobar .
McAleese went on to work in Moscow as a bodyguard training instructor and undertook security work in Algeria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Birmingham , he ran The Gunmakers Arms public house .
He still lives in the city .
What 's going under the hammer ...
The medals group up for auction comprises : Also included in the lot for auction are : • His official British Army dog tag – stamped with the wrong blood group • Large ceramic tile plaque , handmade and painted by staff in Algeria • Hardback copy of No Mean Soldier by Peter McAleese • Various frames containing cloth and metal insignia

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A Birmingham soldier has lifted the lid on how his SAS skills led to him joining a taskforce to kill Colombian cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar.
The revelation is contained in an archive of documents chronicling the career of former Birmingham publican Peter McAleese.
He is bidding a farewell to arms – and the papers mapping his fascinating military history are coming up for auction in Lichfield.
Glaswegian McAleese, now 77, has served with Britain’s Parachute Regiment, the SAS, Rhodesia’s SAS and the South African Defence Force.
He has battled drug barons in Columbia, trained bodyguards in Moscow and taken on security work in Algeria and Iraq. He was even part of a special security taskforce set up in an attempt to “rub out” Pablo Escobar.
McAleese’s personal collection goes under the hammer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ Fine Arts and Specialist Sale on Saturday, March 24. Taking place at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park, the collection includes his three-bar General Service Medal, dedicated simply to “Trooper SAS”.
It also contains McAleese’s berets, dog tags and even a hand-made ceramic plaque painted by staff in Algeria as a tribute during his stint organising security there. In all, the collection is expected to fetch up to £22,000.
The divorced dad-of-three has decided to part with the archive after downsizing to a one-bed flat in his adopted Birmingham, where he once ran The Gunmakers Arms pub.
“I’m just an ordinary person who happened to find himself doing extraordinary things,” he says. “I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
“I’ve had a great life. I’m extremely happy at the moment and I have a marvellous relationship with my family.
“I enjoyed the Army – the Army was good to me. It just came to an end. “I was a professional soldier and like a guy who is a brickie, for example, you go where the work is.”
He added: “I’ve ended up with quite a lot of personal militaria relating to my career and there was just too much stuff – it was just gathering dust.”
McAleese has detailed his extensive experiences in several books, including the stone-cold classic No Mean Soldier.
Nick Thompson, medals specialist at Richard Winterton Auctioneers, says: “Peter McAleese not only served his country with distinction but led a very colourful military career throughout.
“In the world of collecting military medals, those to the British Special Forces hold a particular place in people’s hearts.
“They are the classic British troops dropped behind enemy lines and working undercover – no different to the modern SAS. “From a collectors’ point of view, whenever groups like this come on the market they’re always sought after because of the story to tell.
“The beauty of this group is that McAleese has published books highlighting his military career with the British Army, Rhodesian SAS, South Africa Defence Forces 44 Parachute Brigade and private security work.
“What sets this group out from others which have come to market is the variety of medals and awards that have been issued to this man and from different countries. “That sets the group apart as being totally unique.
“Because of the secretive nature in which the SAS is run – for all the right reasons – it’s sometimes very hard for the collector to find out the story behind the medals, but not in this case. It’s all there in the books. “This group represents a unique insight into the tough world of a professional soldier.”
Viewing ahead of the sale takes place on Saturday, March 21 and Monday, March 23. Call 01543 251081 or visit www.richardwinterton.co.uk.
Life of wild adventure
Peter McAleese was born on September 7, 1942 in Glasgow, near Barlinnie Prison.
He enlisted in the Parachute Regiment in Aberdeen at the age of 17 and after basic training became a member of the 1st Battalion Mortar Platoon until 1962.
That’s when he completed the legendary selection course to become a member of 22 Regiment SAS. McAleese subsequently went to train with US Special Forces at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, one of the first SAS troopers to complete HALO parachute training with the US Green Berets.
He served in the Aden Crisis in the 1960s, later returning to become one of the first SAS troopers to freefall parachute into a ‘hot zone’. The soldier also served in Bahrain, Cyprus and Borneo with the SAS 16th Air Troop, fighting in the gruesome jungle warfare of the latter.
He left the British Army in 1969 and after a stint on the North Sea oil rigs in 1975, took up a new career as a professional soldier fighting in the Angolan Civil War on behalf of the National Liberation Front of Angola, even assuming command of the formation after the capture of British mercenary Costas Georgiou, who was executed by firing squad following the Luanda Trial.
In early 1977, McAleese went to Rhodesia where he enlisted with the Rhodesian SAS as a non-commissioned officer. Two years later, he joined the Special Branch in South Rhodesia and in 1980 enlisted with the South Africa Defence Forces 44 Parachute Brigade, where he served as colour sergeant.
In the early 1980s he helped create a new Pathfinder Reconnaissance unit and served in the South Africa Border War. By the mid-80s, McAleese had set up home in Pretoria and worked for the COIN security group, a military police private contractor. He was severely injured in a near-fatal parachute display jump before returning to the UK.
At the end of the 1980s he spent two years working for government forces in the Colombian drug wars, joining a covert operation to locate and “deal with” narcotics baron Pablo Escobar.
McAleese went on to work in Moscow as a bodyguard training instructor and undertook security work in Algeria, and later Iraq, for several years. In Birmingham, he ran The Gunmakers Arms public house. He still lives in the city.
What's going under the hammer...
The medals group up for auction comprises:
ERII General Service Medal 1918-1962, 3 bars (Borneo, South Arabia, Cyprus) 1963-64
United Nations Medal (UNICYP) Cyprus
Zimbabwe Independence Medal
South Africa Pro Patria Medal, South African Defence Force
Southern Africa Medal, 1987
South African General Service Medal
Jasa-Malaysia (Malaysian Service Medal) 1968-69 Emergency
Rhodesian Independence Medal, 11.11.65-11.12.79
Also included in the lot for auction are:


birminghammail--2020-03-15--'I didn't mourn for my daughter' - Birmingham mum of transgender teen speaks out

When we think about the impact of bullying , we often think of the mental health of the victim - but their loved ones are taking the blows too .
Secondary school can be a rough time for kids trying to fit in , but struggling with gender identity can put a target on their backs .
When Maggie's* son told her he was transgender she was proud and thought he could finally be happy living his truth - but this was not the case .
The former teacher said : `` He became very depressed around the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He first told me he was non-binary at 11 , but a couple of weeks later he said he was definitely a boy .
`` He said he 'd only said he was non-binary because he was worried about telling me .
I was surprised but relieved too because it was finally starting to answer questions .
His gender really made no difference to me .
`` I did n't 'mourn for my daughter ' as some parents do .
Obviously , I was worried about other people 's reactions , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I felt honoured that he could talk to me about it .
`` He was very happy when he came out and I think we both thought life would suddenly be easier , but you just get a whole new set of worries . ''
But since then her son , now aged 13 , has been the target of relentless bullying which has led to him repeatedly fleeing from school , becoming isolated and self-harming .
The mum , based in the east of Birmingham , has shared how different their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't exist .
`` Without transphobia , my son would be able to hang out near his friend 's house without fear of being beaten up , spat at and yelled at by children from his previous school and their friends , '' Maggie told Birmingham Live .
`` He would n't be banned from certain friend 's houses , or pretend he 's a girl at others .
My son would be able to go to school . ''
Maggie 's son began suffering even worse with depression and she had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` He was running away from school a lot of the time , or I 'd be called to pick him up .
`` He 'd be called names and teased and teachers struggled to change pronouns .
`` I 'd be coming out every day or two to pick him up .
`` Then it got to the point where he just would n't go to school .
So as an ex-teacher I thought the best thing to do would be to put my business on hold and home-school him so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that was n't his fault . ''
Maggie has struggled with her own mental health as she has tried her best to support her son to be himself .
She says has become isolated in the same way as she has had to cut ties with friends and family who have not been understanding of her child 's identity .
Her advice for other parents going through the same thing is to `` let your child guide you , teach out to any trans adults you may know , or join LGBTQ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice from the older generation of trans people who have been through it all and to `` not let friends and family tell you you 're wrong , or that you 've pushed it onto your child .
`` You are the parent and know your kid better than anyone . ''
*Maggie 's name has been changed to protect the identity of her and her son .
Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community , living in Birmingham ?
Join our dedicated Facebook Group and share your stories with us .

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The weekly email brings you all the latest news from the LGBTQ+ community plus exclusive interviews direct to your inbox
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The weekly email brings you all the latest news from the LGBTQ+ community plus exclusive interviews direct to your inbox
When we think about the impact of bullying, we often think of the mental health of the victim - but their loved ones are taking the blows too.
Secondary school can be a rough time for kids trying to fit in, but struggling with gender identity can put a target on their backs.
When Maggie's* son told her he was transgender she was proud and thought he could finally be happy living his truth - but this was not the case.
(Image: Simon Dack / Brighton Argus)
The former teacher said: "He became very depressed around the age of eight but didn't know why.
"He first told me he was non-binary at 11, but a couple of weeks later he said he was definitely a boy.
"He said he'd only said he was non-binary because he was worried about telling me. I was surprised but relieved too because it was finally starting to answer questions. His gender really made no difference to me.
"I didn't 'mourn for my daughter' as some parents do. Obviously, I was worried about other people's reactions, but ultimately I was incredibly proud of him and I felt honoured that he could talk to me about it.
"He was very happy when he came out and I think we both thought life would suddenly be easier, but you just get a whole new set of worries."
But since then her son, now aged 13, has been the target of relentless bullying which has led to him repeatedly fleeing from school, becoming isolated and self-harming.
The mum, based in the east of Birmingham, has shared how different their life would be if transphobic abuse didn't exist.
"Without transphobia, my son would be able to hang out near his friend's house without fear of being beaten up, spat at and yelled at by children from his previous school and their friends," Maggie told Birmingham Live.
"He wouldn't be banned from certain friend's houses, or pretend he's a girl at others. My son would be able to go to school."
Maggie's son began suffering even worse with depression and she had to start home schooling him.
She said: "He was running away from school a lot of the time, or I'd be called to pick him up.
"He'd be called names and teased and teachers struggled to change pronouns.
"I'd be coming out every day or two to pick him up.
"Then it got to the point where he just wouldn't go to school. So as an ex-teacher I thought the best thing to do would be to put my business on hold and home-school him so he wouldn't be in trouble for something that wasn't his fault."
Maggie has struggled with her own mental health as she has tried her best to support her son to be himself.
She says has become isolated in the same way as she has had to cut ties with friends and family who have not been understanding of her child's identity.
Her advice for other parents going through the same thing is to "let your child guide you, teach out to any trans adults you may know, or join LGBTQ groups."
She also recommends seeking advice from the older generation of trans people who have been through it all and to "not let friends and family tell you you're wrong, or that you've pushed it onto your child.
"You are the parent and know your kid better than anyone."
*Maggie's name has been changed to protect the identity of her and her son.
Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community, living in Birmingham? Join our dedicated Facebook Group and share your stories with us.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Drunks, football hooligans and trespassers cause hours of delays on Black Country trains

Drunks , disorderly people and trespassers caused 35 hours of train delays in the Black Country last year .
More than 400 trains were held up because of people who had drank too much alcohol , were being rowdy , or trespassing on train lines in the 12 months to August last year , analysis of Network Rail data has revealed .
That ’ s only looking at delays caused by incidents at railway stations used by passengers - so the figure would likely be even higher if trespassing at depots , sidings and other parts of the track was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different incidents across the region caused 432 trains to experience delays - leading to a combined 34.8 hours worth of lost time - with many delays caused by physical abuse and fighting .
Other reasons include rowdy and intoxicated football supporters , people taking shortcuts that lead onto railway lines , and people going trackside to retrieve items that they have dropped .
The worst station for drunk , disorderly and trespassing delays in the Black Country was Wolverhampton .
The 68 incidents there led to 306 trains being delayed - setting passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Walsall , which had four hours worth of delays caused by 26 incidents and Rowley Regis , which saw 15 incidents and delays of two hours .
Stourbridge Junction experienced three hours of delays due to 14 incidents in that time .
On a national level , there were 140 days worth of rail delays in during this period , with a report by Network Rail revealing trespassers were a key generator of delays - and that trespass disruption has increased significantly for the last six years .
It said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors towards railway disruption .
“ Groups of youths are committing trespass offences in the spring/summer at high impact disruption locations in line with bank and school holidays .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Michael Goodier, Kelly Ashmore)

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Drunks, disorderly people and trespassers caused 35 hours of train delays in the Black Country last year.
More than 400 trains were held up because of people who had drank too much alcohol, were being rowdy, or trespassing on train lines in the 12 months to August last year, analysis of Network Rail data has revealed.
That’s only looking at delays caused by incidents at railway stations used by passengers - so the figure would likely be even higher if trespassing at depots, sidings and other parts of the track was included.
The figures show that 123 different incidents across the region caused 432 trains to experience delays - leading to a combined 34.8 hours worth of lost time - with many delays caused by physical abuse and fighting.
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Other reasons include rowdy and intoxicated football supporters, people taking shortcuts that lead onto railway lines, and people going trackside to retrieve items that they have dropped.
The worst station for drunk, disorderly and trespassing delays in the Black Country was Wolverhampton. The 68 incidents there led to 306 trains being delayed - setting passengers back 24.8 hours.
That was followed by Walsall, which had four hours worth of delays caused by 26 incidents and Rowley Regis, which saw 15 incidents and delays of two hours. Stourbridge Junction experienced three hours of delays due to 14 incidents in that time.
On a national level, there were 140 days worth of rail delays in during this period, with a report by Network Rail revealing trespassers were a key generator of delays - and that trespass disruption has increased significantly for the last six years.
It said: “Alcohol and travel fraud are significant contributing factors towards railway disruption.
“Groups of youths are committing trespass offences in the spring/summer at high impact disruption locations in line with bank and school holidays.”


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Victim speaks out after ex-boyfriend filmed vile sex attack while she slept

A brave victim who was filmed being sexually assaulted by her ex-partner in her sleep has spoken about her horrific ordeal in a bid to empower others .
The woman , who can not be named for legal reasons , has broken her silence after her holiday romance with Mark Elwell ended in horror and a five-year jail sentence .
She told BirminghamLive that she first met the 38-year-old of Redhurst Drive , Wolverhampton , during a getaway in Cyprus in 2009 and spent the relationship travelling between Ireland and the Black Country .
But following a turbulent on-off relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – things began to dramatically breakdown in 2014 .
“ He was so full on all the time , ” she said .
“ You had to be with him , or reassuring him over text , all the time – it was so persistent .
He was very controlling about if I was going somewhere and it got worse when I broke up with him .
`` After that it was just constant harassment .
He set up dozens of fake accounts , including on Pinterest , as he continued to bombard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used tell me that 'he would be better off dead ' and 'would have nothing else to live for ' – because he knew he could play of my emotions .
But victim claims her world came crashing down after she discovered Elwell had sexually assaulted her while she slept and filmed the ordeal on his phone .
`` He threatened to send the video to people I knew , '' she added .
`` I actually did n't even recognise it was me until around 10 seconds into the clip but after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pure embarrassment .
I felt sick – it was horrific . ''
She continued : `` He spent most of the relationship playing with my emotions , so I 'd feel sorry for him , and when I gave in he would do something violent or hurtful to use it against me to stop me from leaving .
`` It was a vicious circle but I knew after the video I could n't keep accepting that behaviour.
” Sick and tired of living in fear , the brave victim plucked up the courage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police force in Ireland as the vile online harassment continued .
“ It took a long time to actually approach the police about the video because I didn ’ t want anybody else to see it , ” she said .
`` But after getting advice from the police , I knew I had done nothing wrong and it was him that had to be approached about his actions and what he had done .
`` The police , both Gardaí and West Midlands Police , were fantastic how they handled my case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send my phone off for two weeks as part of evidence and as I was handed it back they told me that the phone had not stopped going off . ''
Elwell was arrested shortly after in his hometown and was charged with two counts of assault by penetration .
The 38-year-old was sentenced to five years behind bars after being found guilty following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court on August 13 , 2018 .
He is due to be released on licence , having served half his sentence , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed .
Following the successful conviction the victim has called for those going through similar struggles to speak out and look out for warning signs .
`` It was just pure relief when I heard he had been jailed , ” she said .
“ A weight was lifted off my shoulder knowing he wouldn ’ t be contacting me anymore .
`` There are many people out there that don ’ t know how to go about getting help – but there is support out there .
It may not seem it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way out from online harassment and stalking from a partner who can be dangerous .
`` It took me years to get over what happened to me , and I am still , but sharing my story is a way for me to heal . ''
If you are a woman affected by domestic abuse or violence , you can call 0808 2000 247 , the free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women 's Aid and Refuge .
Men can call the Men 's Advice Line free on 0808 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 5pm ) or ManKind on 01823 334 244 .

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A brave victim who was filmed being sexually assaulted by her ex-partner in her sleep has spoken about her horrific ordeal in a bid to empower others.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has broken her silence after her holiday romance with Mark Elwell ended in horror and a five-year jail sentence.
She told BirminghamLive that she first met the 38-year-old of Redhurst Drive, Wolverhampton, during a getaway in Cyprus in 2009 and spent the relationship travelling between Ireland and the Black Country.
But following a turbulent on-off relationship – which lasted for around five years – things began to dramatically break down in 2014.
“He was so full on all the time,” she said. “You had to be with him, or reassuring him over text, all the time – it was so persistent. He was very controlling about if I was going somewhere and it got worse when I broke up with him.
"After that it was just constant harassment. He set up dozens of fake accounts, including on Pinterest, as he continued to bombard me with abuse.
"He even used tell me that 'he would be better off dead' and 'would have nothing else to live for' – because he knew he could play off my emotions."
But the victim claims her world came crashing down after she discovered Elwell had sexually assaulted her while she slept and filmed the ordeal on his phone.
"He threatened to send the video to people I knew," she added. "I actually didn't even recognise it was me until around 10 seconds into the clip but after it sunk in my initial reaction was pure embarrassment. I felt sick – it was horrific."
She continued: "He spent most of the relationship playing with my emotions, so I'd feel sorry for him, and when I gave in he would do something violent or hurtful to use it against me to stop me from leaving.
"It was a vicious circle but I knew after the video I couldn't keep accepting that behaviour.”
Sick and tired of living in fear, the brave victim plucked up the courage and made an appointment with her local police force in Ireland as the vile online harassment continued.
“It took a long time to actually approach the police about the video because I didn’t want anybody else to see it,” she said.
"But after getting advice from the police, I knew I had done nothing wrong and it was him that had to be approached about his actions and what he had done.
"The police, both Gardaí and West Midlands Police, were fantastic how they handled my case. In fact, when I had to send my phone off for two weeks as part of evidence and as I was handed it back they told me that the phone had not stopped going off."
Elwell was arrested shortly after in his hometown and was charged with two counts of assault by penetration.
The 38-year-old was sentenced to five years behind bars after being found guilty following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court on August 13, 2018.
He is due to be released on licence, having served half his sentence, in May and had a ten-year restraining order imposed.
Following the successful conviction the victim has called for those going through similar struggles to speak out and look out for warning signs.
"It was just pure relief when I heard he had been jailed,” she said. “A weight was lifted off my shoulder knowing he wouldn’t be contacting me anymore.
"There are many people out there that don’t know how to go about getting help – but there is support out there. It may not seem it at the start however there is a way out from online harassment and stalking from a partner who can be dangerous.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"It took me years to get over what happened to me, and I am still, but sharing my story is a way for me to heal."
If you are a woman affected by domestic abuse or violence, you can call 0808 2000 247, the free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge .
Men can call the Men's Advice Line free on 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or ManKind on 01823 334 244.
In an emergency, call 999.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Domestic abuse and violence keep cops busy in Erdington as robbery offences rise in Sutton Coldfield

Crime fell in January but rose in February the police chief for Sutton Coldfield and Erdington has said as his officers target key areas .
Birmingham East police inspector , Haroon Chughtai , for the two towns said the start of the year was a ‘ good overall month for Sutton and Erdington ’ with ‘ significant reductions ’ in violence and robberies in Stockland Green .
But ‘ returned back to normal ’ in February despite officers working extra shifts in that ward with Erdington said to be his team 's 'biggest challenge ' .
Reporting on the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chughtai detailed his teams focusing on domestic abuse in January , arresting more that 20 people wanted for offences .
Insp .
Chughtai said Erdington continues to remain ‘ our biggest challenge , particularly in terms of violence ’ .
He said : “ Overall crime remains high , with an eight per cent increase compared to last year , burglaries are down by 18 per cent ( 152 fewer victims ) , which is good however as I mentioned in my last message reducing violence in Erdington is one of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have high levels of domestic abuse , Stockland Green has a high number of robberies and violence offences that plays out in public places .
Finally Tyburn with a younger population has a high number of under-25s violence .
This is where either offenders or victims are under 25 .
“ Each of the ward sergeants are drawing up their reduction plans around violence geared towards their challenges , we are going to be ambitious and aim for 10 per cent reductions .
“ Finally around Erdington High Street and the begging and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing that I have had the most complaints about since starting .
So my thoughts on it are this , there was a public space protection order ( PSPO ) which meant that drinking alcohol and begging were prohibited .
“ A PSPO is obtained by the local authority who work closely with the police .
The PSPO for Erdington expired in February 2019 .
I am determined to get this PSPO back up and running , there is a legal challenge elsewhere in the country around the inclusion of a begging prohibition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in it but I am confident that we have police powers that can tackle begging .
“ The PSPO will at least allow us to tackle street drinking which is something we don ’ t have powers for.
” Insp .
Chughtai said the Erdington team had been tackling begging in February , issuing warnings to beggars .
Four have not been seen since .
In addition the team have made on average four arrests a week for wanted offenders in the High Street .
But the team is keen to rehabilitate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ important part of this work is offering help to anyone who is homeless or/ and begging , our first response is never to criminalise , PC Stuart Toodgood has recently managed to get two of our well known shop lifters/beggars into Rehab continuing his good work and preventing crime and harm being caused.
” While a business watch scheme has been set up to improve communication between them and highlight issues .
Meanwhile the inspector said crime in Sutton ‘ remains steady ’ with burglaries down 27 per cent ( 186 less victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime also fell by nine per cent ( 64 fewer victims ) .
But robbery offences were up in Sutton compared to the same time last year .
Insp .
Chughtai said : “ Sutton Trinity remains the biggest contributor from the four wards in terms of total crime with violent crime standing out compared to the other three wards which is explained to a degree by its makeup .
“ Something that I was keen to do was the policing of the night time economy in the town centre .
In terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time economies it is relatively low but they still happen .
“ Last weekend was the first time when the dedicated policing of the night time economy in Sutton Town Centre outside of the Christmas period , and I am pleased to say it went well .
“ We will continue to do this twice a month , focusing on the busiest weekend of the month.
” He urged people to take ‘ personal responsibility to secure our houses and cars is the most effective way to reduce the chances of being targeted @ @

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Crime fell in January but rose in February the police chief for Sutton Coldfield and Erdington has said as his officers target key areas.
Birmingham East police inspector, Haroon Chughtai, for the two towns said the start of the year was a ‘good overall month for Sutton and Erdington’ with ‘significant reductions’ in violence and robberies in Stockland Green. But ‘returned back to normal’ in February despite officers working extra shifts in that ward with Erdington said to be his team's 'biggest challenge'.
Reporting on the police’s WM Now site, Insp. Chughtai detailed his teams focusing on domestic abuse in January, arresting more that 20 people wanted for offences.
(Image: Google)
Insp. Chughtai said Erdington continues to remain ‘our biggest challenge, particularly in terms of violence’.
He said: “Overall crime remains high, with an eight per cent increase compared to last year, burglaries are down by 18 per cent (152 fewer victims), which is good however as I mentioned in my last message reducing violence in Erdington is one of my key priorities.
“All four Erdington wards have unique challenges.
“Erdington and Kingstanding have high levels of domestic abuse, Stockland Green has a high number of robberies and violence offences that plays out in public places. Finally Tyburn with a younger population has a high number of under-25s violence. This is where either offenders or victims are under 25.
“Each of the ward sergeants are drawing up their reduction plans around violence geared towards their challenges, we are going to be ambitious and aim for 10 per cent reductions.
“Finally around Erdington High Street and the begging and drinking. It is probably the one thing that I have had the most complaints about since starting. So my thoughts on it are this, there was a public space protection order (PSPO) which meant that drinking alcohol and begging were prohibited.
“A PSPO is obtained by the local authority who work closely with the police. The PSPO for Erdington expired in February 2019. I am determined to get this PSPO back up and running, there is a legal challenge elsewhere in the country around the inclusion of a begging prohibition, so it may not include that in it but I am confident that we have police powers that can tackle begging.
“The PSPO will at least allow us to tackle street drinking which is something we don’t have powers for.”
Insp. Chughtai said the Erdington team had been tackling begging in February, issuing warnings to beggars. Four have not been seen since.
In addition the team have made on average four arrests a week for wanted offenders in the High Street.
But the team is keen to rehabilitate. The inspector said: “A very important part of this work is offering help to anyone who is homeless or/ and begging, our first response is never to criminalise, PC Stuart Toodgood has recently managed to get two of our well known shop lifters/beggars into Rehab continuing his good work and preventing crime and harm being caused.”
While a business watch scheme has been set up to improve communication between them and highlight issues.
Meanwhile the inspector said crime in Sutton ‘remains steady’ with burglaries down 27 per cent (186 less victims) compared to last year. Vehicle crime also fell by nine per cent (64 fewer victims). But robbery offences were up in Sutton compared to the same time last year.
Insp. Chughtai said: “Sutton Trinity remains the biggest contributor from the four wards in terms of total crime with violent crime standing out compared to the other three wards which is explained to a degree by its makeup.
“Something that I was keen to do was the policing of the night time economy in the town centre. In terms of violent crime compared to other night time economies it is relatively low but they still happen.
“Last weekend was the first time when the dedicated policing of the night time economy in Sutton Town Centre outside of the Christmas period, and I am pleased to say it went well.
“We will continue to do this twice a month, focusing on the busiest weekend of the month.”
He urged people to take ‘personal responsibility to secure our houses and cars is the most effective way to reduce the chances of being targeted’.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Inside Birmingham's donor centre - what it's really like giving blood for the first time

Relaxed in a reclined chair , a smiling nurse taps for my vein and after a barely-noticeable 'sharp scratch ' - blood is flowing freely through a tube and into a bag .
Within a week , this vital liquid will have left the Birmingham donor centre and could be saving the lives of up to three people .
Whether it becomes just one of hundreds of bags to take a child through to adulthood , or the blood that saves a critically-hurt crash victim at the scene , this is what everyone - who is able to - should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the city , the NHS is continuing to encourage donors to give blood , ensuring there is enough for hospitals .
So this week , we visited the Birmingham blood donor centre - located centrally on Birmingham New Street - to find out what it 's really like to donate and to urge others to do the same .
I book in online and turn up at the city 's central blood bank on a fairly busy Thursday late morning .
After filling out a tick-box form to check I 'm healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isotonic squash .
This prepares the donor to lose around eight per cent of their blood - a measure our bodies amazingly replenish within just 48 hours .
After going through the form with a nurse , my finger is pricked and the blood is tested to verify the iron levels within it .
Luckily they 're high enough to donate - but if they were n't I 'm told I 'd be deferred for three months until I can try again .
I 'm nervous at first , but seeing several donors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pumped from their veins puts me at ease for what 's to come .
As I join them in the specially-designed chairs , it 's reassuring to see so many people donating - though there are a number of empty spots in the centre that the NHS would love to fill .
The nurse , Katie , cleans my arm twice - once with an alcohol wash - to ensure any skin tags which end up within the bag will not contaminate the liquid .
She cleans her own hands before tapping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to win any races with those veins , '' she laughs , in tune with the light-hearted atmosphere of the centre .
She checks if I 'm ready and with a short sharp scratch , oddly less painful than the finger pinprick , the needle is inserted .
A few advised buttock clenches , leg raises and finger wiggles ensures my blood is flowing freely into a bag beside me .
It 's a strange feeling seeing the needle through the skin , dark red journeying out of my body , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saving lives .
Within just eight minutes the nurse has the full whack - 470ml of blood in a bag .
I choose not to look when she pulls the needle out - but I do n't feel a thing .
She directs me to the rest area , where donors are advised to sit and gorge on sugary snacks - what more could you want ?
Unfortunately , as it 's my first time I ca n't have hot drinks , but I 'm served cold water and - for the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guest at a posh hotel .
Other donors sit beside me - a mix of men and women - but they are predominately white amid desperate calls for BME donors in Birmingham .
Just two per cent of the city 's active donors are black men , despite our cultural diversity - and this massively shows in the waiting room .
I feel a little dizzy , but I 'm told : `` You 're not the first and you wo n't be the last today '' as nurses wait on me with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cool me down .
In a few weeks , I 'll hear back from the NHS in the form of a text message to learn where in the country my blood has gone .
As I leave , several banners encourage me to re-book to donate again when I 'm able to ( in 16 weeks for women ) .
I wanted to give blood for years , but always kept forgetting - as I 'm sure a lot of us do .
But there is no excuse , especially if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a difference by giving around an hour of your time .
It 's incredibly simple to book online or call up and if you ca n't get an appointment immediately , do n't worry there will always be a need for blood !
The Birmingham donor centre is located on New Street , in the city centre and is less than five minutes walk from New Street train and Metro station .
There is also free parking available to donors if you use the NCP New Street Car Park , on St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the Alexander Theatre ) .
You can register to become a blood donor and book your first appointment here .
If you 're already a donor and want to book in again , click here .
For more information on the process , why you should give blood and who can donate , click here .

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Relaxed in a reclined chair, a smiling nurse taps for my vein and after a barely-noticeable 'sharp scratch' - blood is flowing freely through a tube and into a bag.
Within a week, this vital liquid will have left the Birmingham donor centre and could be saving the lives of up to three people.
Whether it becomes just one of hundreds of bags to take a child through to adulthood, or the blood that saves a critically-hurt crash victim at the scene, this is what everyone - who is able to - should be doing.
Even as coronavirus sweeps into the city, the NHS is continuing to encourage donors to give blood, ensuring there is enough for hospitals.
So this week, we visited the Birmingham blood donor centre - located centrally on Birmingham New Street - to find out what it's really like to donate and to urge others to do the same.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
I book in online and turn up at the city's central blood bank on a fairly busy Thursday late morning.
After filling out a tick-box form to check I'm healthy, it's time to drink an isotonic squash. This prepares the donor to lose around eight per cent of their blood - a measure our bodies amazingly replenish within just 48 hours.
After going through the form with a nurse, my finger is pricked and the blood is tested to verify the iron levels within it. Luckily they're high enough to donate - but if they weren't I'm told I'd be deferred for three months until I can try again.
I'm nervous at first, but seeing several donors reclined in rows of chairs as blood is pumped from their veins puts me at ease for what's to come.
As I join them in the specially-designed chairs, it's reassuring to see so many people donating - though there are a number of empty spots in the centre that the NHS would love to fill.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The nurse, Katie, cleans my arm twice - once with an alcohol wash - to ensure any skin tags which end up within the bag will not contaminate the liquid.
She cleans her own hands before tapping my veins. "You're not going to win any races with those veins," she laughs, in tune with the light-hearted atmosphere of the centre.
She checks if I'm ready and with a short sharp scratch, oddly less painful than the finger pinprick, the needle is inserted.
A few advised buttock clenches, leg raises and finger wiggles ensures my blood is flowing freely into a bag beside me. It's a strange feeling seeing the needle through the skin, dark red journeying out of my body, but I feel elated to know I'm saving lives.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Within just eight minutes the nurse has the full whack - 470ml of blood in a bag. I choose not to look when she pulls the needle out - but I don't feel a thing.
She directs me to the rest area, where donors are advised to sit and gorge on sugary snacks - what more could you want?
Unfortunately, as it's my first time I can't have hot drinks, but I'm served cold water and - for the next ten minutes - I feel like a guest at a posh hotel.
Other donors sit beside me - a mix of men and women - but they are predominately white amid desperate calls for BME donors in Birmingham.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Just two per cent of the city's active donors are black men, despite our cultural diversity - and this massively shows in the waiting room.
I feel a little dizzy, but I'm told: "You're not the first and you won't be the last today" as nurses wait on me with drinks, snacks and even a fan to cool me down.
In a few weeks, I'll hear back from the NHS in the form of a text message to learn where in the country my blood has gone. As I leave, several banners encourage me to re-book to donate again when I'm able to (in 16 weeks for women).
I wanted to give blood for years, but always kept forgetting - as I'm sure a lot of us do. But there is no excuse, especially if you're eligible to donate and can genuinely make a difference by giving around an hour of your time.
It's incredibly simple to book online or call up and if you can't get an appointment immediately, don't worry there will always be a need for blood!
Where do I give blood?
The Birmingham donor centre is located on New Street, in the city centre and is less than five minutes walk from New Street train and Metro station.
There is also free parking available to donors if you use the NCP New Street Car Park, on St Jude's Passage, B5 4AN (behind the Alexander Theatre).
You can register to become a blood donor and book your first appointment here.
If you're already a donor and want to book in again, click here.
For more information on the process, why you should give blood and who can donate, click here.