Stephen Lee Hallmark, now 28, was 27 when he met the then 13-year-old girl in Bolton, first through Facebook in late 2025 and then via Snapchat.

Bolton Crown Court heard how, despite knowing her age, he went on to sexually abuse the girl, leaving her with lasting trauma.

In a victim impact statement read in court, the girl said: “Since what happened to me, I feel like my life has been destroyed.

“I don’t think I will ever fully heal from what happened.

“I’m constantly questioning myself and being tormented by flashbacks. I struggle to do anything now without it constantly being on my mind.

“I don’t like leaving the house without my mum or dad.

“I hate looking at myself in the mirror or in the shower because it’s a reminder that he’s touched my body, and I also struggle with nightmares and sleeping because I just can’t stop thinking and replaying everything.

“One of the hardest things for me has been grieving the person I thought Ste was.”

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Phil Taylor)

Hallmark groomed the girl online over several weeks, falsely claiming to be just 20 while he was actually 27 and persuading her to tell her family he was only 15.

When asked in a police interview why he lied about his age, Hallmark said: “I didn’t want her to think I was an old b*****d.”

Despite knowing the child’s age, Hallmark arranged to meet her in person.

The sexual abuse began when they first met at the girl’s home , and continued during three further meetings.

Stephen Hallmark has been jailed (Image: GMP)

Hallmark was arrested and interviewed on February 21, 2026.

During the investigation, Hallmark tried to discourage the girl from speaking to police, telling her to “go no comment” and threatening to kill himself if she disclosed what had happened.

In her victim impact statement, the girl said: “Having to realise that it was wrong and that it wasn’t love, just lies, makes me feel weak and gullible for believing him.

“Even though I know it, I still question whether he ever loved me.

“He made me believe that I was the only person who genuinely cared about him, and he would tell me about how bad his life had been and how I made it better and meant everything to him.

“This made me not want to say anything because I felt like it would make his life worse again and like I would be hurting him by getting him into trouble.”

She added: “He has taken something away from me that I can never get back.

“I opened up to him and was vulnerable with him because I genuinely thought he loved and cared about me.

“I still struggle with the fact that I believed his lies, and it’s made me question people and even myself.

“Even when the case is over, what happened to me will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Brought before the court, Hallmark, of Allington Street, Liverpool, confessed to meeting a girl under 16 following grooming.

He also admitted to four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child aged 13 to 15.

This week, the Honorary Recorder for Bolton, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC, jailed Hallmark for six years and handed him a 15-year sexual harm prevention order with a 15-year restraining order.

Hallmark will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Alex Dibden, of Bolton’s Child Protection Investigation Unit, said: “I want to thank the survivor for bravely coming forward and supporting our investigation.

“She has shown immense courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“Stephen Hallmark exploited a child for his own sexual gratification after deliberately establishing contact with her online and arranging a series of meetings, despite knowing she was only 13 years old.

“Even after his offending came to light, he attempted to manipulate the teenager and discourage her from speaking to police.

“Thanks to the survivor’s courage and the evidence gathered during our investigation, Hallmark has now been held accountable for his actions.

“This case should serve as a reminder to parents and carers to have regular conversations with young people about their online activity.

“Offenders can use social media and messaging platforms to build trust, manipulate children and arrange contact in the real world.

“If you have concerns about a child’s online activity or believe they may be at risk of exploitation, please report it to police.”

The multi-platinum artist has announced three shows in the UK and Ireland in 2027

Noah Kahan has announced three shows in Ireland and the UK as part of a new world tour next year.

The multi-platinum artist has revealed he will be playing in Dublin, London and Glasgow as part of his The Last of the Bugs World Tour in 2027.

This will see him play at Glasgow’s Hampden Park on July 13th, followed by Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 17th, before culminating with a landmark performance at London’s Wembley Stadium on July 23rd. The show in Wembley will be the largest show so far in his career.

Fans can sign up now for access to the artist presale, with registration closing August 24 at 5pm. The artist presale begins August 25 at 10am local time, followed by the general on-sale on August 28 at 10am local time. For more information and to sign up for presale access, visit noahkahan.com/pages/tour.

The announcement comes following a huge year for Kahan, who is currently on the North American leg of his The Great Divide World Tour. At the weekend he played for more than 56,000 fans at a sold-out Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA, where he brought out Chappell Roan as a surprise special guest to duet her song “California”.

The tour has seen more than 1.5million tickets sold across the globe. It will be coming to arenas across Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and Europe this Autumn.

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NEW YORK (AP) — The pilot of a speedboat that capsized during a tour around the Statue of Liberty, drowning an infant and her mother, has been arrested by U.S. immigration authorities who say he was in the country illegally.

Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, who has a pending federal criminal case in connection with the Aug. 8 crash, lied to a border officer and falsely claimed he was a U.S. citizen when he entered the country in Texas in 2007, the Department of Homeland Security said Monday.

Hernandez-Umana, 46, a citizen of El Salvador, is being held at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, according to online records. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he will eventually be deported.

Immigration authorities arrested him after he was released on bail in his criminal case, where he is charged with causing the deaths of 5-month old Antonella Garcia and 27-year-old Sara Sanchez through misconduct or neglect.

According to prosecutors, Hernandez-Umana wasn’t licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, wasn’t aware of basic safety rules and told investigators he’d borrowed his friend’s personal vessel for the New York Harbor excursion. The boat was illegally chartered and overcrowded, prosecutors said.

“Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country,” Mullin said in a statement.

Hernandez-Umana’s lawyer, Amy Gallicchio, declined comment.

Hernandez, who had been living in Manville, New Jersey, was not required to enter a plea at his initial court appearance in the criminal case on Aug. 10. He wiped his eyes as he arrived to the courtroom, still wearing the T-shirt, swim trunks and water shoes he’d had on during the voyage. He is due back in court on Sept. 9.

According to Coast Guard investigators, Hernandez was piloting a 21-foot Yamaha AR210 with 14 people aboard — well over its 10 person capacity — when it swamped and sank as it made a U-turn in choppy waters. The tour began around 7 p.m. and the vessel capsized more than three hours into its journey.

The infant wasn’t wearing a life preserver because the boat didn’t have any for small children, prosecutors said. Instead, Hernandez told Sanchez she needed to wear a life vest and hold the infant throughout the hourslong tour, a violation of federal regulations, prosecutors said.

The tour was organized through Zeus Luxury Rental Inc., which advertises its services on social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok. A boat chartered by the company caught fire last year during a birthday cruise on Long Island Sound.

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Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) , said: “This is a significant development in our investigation, and my thoughts are with all those affected by the attack, particularly the bereaved loved ones and survivors.

“We have updated them and continue to offer them as much support as possible.”

He added: “Since the attack took place, we have been unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full picture behind the incident and identifying anybody who may have been involved in any way.”

In July, Mohammad Bashir, 31, who planned an attack on a military base with the Manchester synagogue attacker was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years.

He drove his friend Jihad Al-Shamie on a 10-hour round trip to conduct hostile reconnaissance at the UK’s Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, on 14 August 2025.

Weeks after that journey, Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police after carrying out the Heaton Park Synagogue attack.

A new homeowner has been left feeling stressed after his neighbour asked him to install hedges along their shared fence for extra privacy – but he refuses to contribute a penny towards the costs

A first-time buyer has been left scratching his head after moving into a new home because of his neighbour’s “entitled” demand for hedges to be planted along their shared fence for extra privacy. But the neighbour refuses to pick up the tab for their request.

After moving house and getting everything unpacked, it’s usually a significantly calmer period of time after dealing with all the stress, paperwork and endless admin that comes with buying a property. For one new homeowner, the stress and anxiety looks to be continuing though. Just a month after moving in, he got a knock on his door from his new neighbour who asked him to arrange the installation of tall hedges along their shared fence to give them both a bit more privacy – but they’re not willing to chip in to help cover the costs.

As the neighbour previously paid for hedging along the fence he shares with the homeowner on his other side, he believes it’s only fair they should bear the cost of planting and maintaining matching hedges along their shared boundary.

The neighbour is also expecting the new homeowner to cover all watering expenses once the hedges have been put in.

While the idea of added privacy does appeal to the new homeowner, the request has nonetheless taken him by surprise, leaving him both puzzled and worried about his relationship with his next-door neighbour.

Turning to Reddit for guidance, the homeowner explained: “He already pays for the one on the other side for the fence he shares with his other neighbour, but that has nothing to do with me.

“Is it fair that he’s asking me to do that? I mean he’s not forcing me, but I feel like it’s kind of a d**k move to ask me to do it and not pitch in at all. I asked if we could somehow split the cost and he said no, but is still suggesting I do it.

“Not gonna lie, the privacy would be nice, but I don’t think it’s fair I have to pay for all of it.”

WARNING: Some strong language below…

Another issue is the telephone at the end of the homeowner’s garden, which also seems to have been cause for concern for his neighbour. Before the new homeowner moved in, the “entitled” neighbour planted a cypress tree “literally two feet away” from the pole in the homeowner’s garden to “mask” the sight of it.

While the neighbour’s sprinkler system waters the tree from his own property, the new homeowner worries this “could be a fire hazard”. He questioned whether he should remove the tree given it’s on his land, despite the neighbour having planted it and continuing to water it.

In the comments section, other Reddit users were eager to weigh in. One person said: “If he wants it, he can help pay for it. ‘You benefit too’ isn’t a great argument for making it your bill.”

Another said: “People are too nice to their entitled neighbours. If he told me no there’s no way I’m paying for it, got some damn nerve.” A third simply commented: “It’s fair to ask. It’s fair to say no.”

While a fourth said: “The level of entitlement some people have is mind boggling. I’d tank that cypress too. Not a good tree around water pipes.”

Someone else shared: “Your neighbour sounds pretty entitled to expect you to cover all the costs for shared privacy.”

And another Reddit user added: “If he wants hedges for privacy, he should plant them on his side and at his expense. If you desire privacy, install a privacy fence on your side.”

If you’re facing a similar issue with your neighbour and aren’t sure what to do, Citizens Advice states: “If the wall or fence is safe and there’s nothing about repairing it in your legal documents, it’s up to you whether you do what your neighbour’s asking.”

Property specialists Hamptons advise homeowners to check their title deeds for ‘T’ marks to determine responsibility over boundaries.

A ‘T’ on one side indicates the property owner is responsible, while an ‘H’ mark shows joint responsibility between neighbours.

The judge said: “I don’t think it is safe to release him under any conditions at the moment.”

A man charged with the manslaughter of children’s nurse Karen Cummings in December 2024 was today denied compassionate bail to attend a specialist for ongoing back problems.

Kevin McGuigan, 44, whose address was given as c/o Maghaberry Prison, is currently awaiting trial in December this year for the gross negligence killing of the mother-of-two.

The 40-year-old was found unconscious with a serious head injury in a house at Laurel Heights, Banbridge, Co Down, on December 14, 2024.

Emergency services attended the scene and Ms Cummings, who worked at Newry’s Daisy Hill Hospital, was pronounced dead a short time later.

Last month, McGuigan was arraigned at Belfast Crown Court and formally pleaded not guilty to her manslaughter and also denied three firearm offences.

In addition, he pleaded not guilty to handling stolen goods, namely a double-barrelled shotgun on December 14, 2024.

Co-accused Glenn Robert King, 44, c/o Magilligan Prison, is also charged with manslaughter and possessing a firearm in suspicious circumstances.

He was not arraigned with McGuigan and a legal application on his behalf is due to be heard next month.

During a contested compassionate bail application on Thursday, prosecution barrister James Johnston said police objected to McGuigan being released from custody.

“Police say that this does not qualify as a compassionate bail application as the defendant wishes for private medical treatment rather than use the prison health facilities,” said Mr Johnston.

“Police have looked into this gentleman who advertises himself online as a mind and body wellbeing specialist and also advertises himself as willing to go and see patients.

“The other objections are the risk of interference with witnesses, most notably a risk of further offending and there is a concern that he will not abide by bail conditions and may abscond.”

Mr Johnston said McGuigan is facing separate charges on a second bill of indictment of common assault, burglary of the Ramada Hotel in Belfast, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing three kitchen knives in a public place.

The prosecutor told Judge Richard Greene KC: “On November 24, 2024, the defendant was in a nightclub and was captured on CCTV assaulting someone on the dance floor.

“He is later captured on video entering the Ramada Hotel and going into the kitchen and was seen on camera putting three knives into his pockets.

“He goes out of the hotel and punches a man and then slashes him with one of the knives. He was detained by police and the three knives were recovered. He was put on bail for that offence.

“Then two weeks later a more serious offence occurs whereby very tragically a nurse and a mother lost her life when the defendant and his co-accused who were in her home as guests and had with them a sawn-off shotgun.

“The two of them were struggling with the loaded firearm when it went off which tragically killed this woman with a fatal head shot wound.”

The court heard painter and decorator McGuigan left the scene and gave no assistance to Ms Cummings. Following his arrest, he told police that he took the firearm to her house.

“He frankly told police: ‘I am under threat and l am in fear. I take this firearm with me everywhere I go’. He was on bail and was walking around with a loaded firearm which led to very tragic circumstances.”

The court was told McGuigan had relevant convictions on his criminal record. In 2020, he was jailed for 18 months for having a loaded gun and ammunition in the Chimney Corner Hotel in Co Antrim the previous year.

“Police say there is a history of this man being involved in very serious offences, such as pointing a gun at people in a hotel and attacking a man on the street with a knife,” said Mr Johnston.

Defence barrister Caitriona Keenan said McGuigan had been in custody since his arrest two weeks after the killing of Ms Cummings.

“This is his first application for bail and he has been entirely compliant and cooperative (in prison),” said Ms Keenan.

“Mr McGuigan has been experiencing severe back pain since December 2025. His mother and sister are in court with a cash surety and they will pick him up from the prison, see the specialist and take him back to the prison.

“This specialist deals in spinal manipulation and osteo therapies so it will be physical, hands-on treatment. This is a man who has been struggling with back pain for the past seven months.”

Judge Greene said he was not satisfied that it was a proper compassionate bail application and refused it.

“It is not a case that I think it is appropriate for bail given the seriousness of the offences for which he is in custody for,” outlined Judge Greene

“His behaviour while on bail for the Section 18 (wounding) offence which was an egregious event where he armed himself with three kitchen knives and attacked a member of the public who sustained hand injuries.

“Two weeks later he became involved in an incident whereby a lady lost her life when a firearm was discharged and he was charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

“I don’t think it is safe to release him under any conditions at the moment,” added Judge Greene.

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Headteacher Paddy Russell praised the achievements of the Class of 2026 and said every key measure had improved on previous years.

Mr Russell said: “Our 2026 leavers should be very proud of their achievements.

(Image: Ladybridge High School)

“The year group have worked so hard and really deserves the recognition they receive today for their efforts.

“They leave us with the grades to open doors and the skills and qualities to do well once they reach their next destination.

“We wish them all the very best with the challenges ahead.”

(Image: Ladybridge High School)

Although there are no official national progress figures this year due to the cohort missing primary school SATs during the pandemic, alternative assessments point to exceptional academic progress.

Mr Russell said that the group had made the highest progress ever recorded at Ladybridge High School.