Vernard Murray, 26, was stabbed twice in Cheetham Hill on 23 October last year, moments after a dramatic car crash, as Lee Williams was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years

A teenage killer has been sentenced to life imprisonment, alongside two others jailed for manslaughter, following the fatal stabbing of a young father in a street ‘revenge’ attack.

Vernard Murray, 26, lost his life after being knifed twice in Cheetham Hill on October 23 last year, mere moments following a dramatic vehicle collision.

In the wake of the incident, one of the teenagers was filmed performing a ‘stabbing gesture’ before summoning an Uber. A BMW involved in the killing was subsequently set alight after another youth was heard during a phone conversation saying: “Yo, can you do that mission for me? Burn it. The car.”

Lee Williams, 19, (11/08/2006); John Harte, 19, (08/01/2007); and Riley McDermott, 18, (16/03/2008); all pleaded not guilty to murder. After a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, the jury unanimously found Williams guilty of murder, while Harte and McDermott were found guilty of manslaughter, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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During Friday’s sentencing hearing (July 17), Williams was handed a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 21 years and 74 days. McDermott received eight years detention in a young offenders institution while Harte was given six years.

Passing sentence, Mr Justice Andrew Baker stated: “This was a group attack, with planning and premeditation. You were all motivated by revenge.”

The court was told that at approximately 2.20pm on October 23 last year, a vehicle was heard travelling at high speed before a loud impact was heard on Hambridge Close, Cheetham Hill. CCTV footage shown to the court revealed Williams and McDermott leaping from a hired silver BMW that had pursued a silver Ford Focus moments before.

As the BMW obstructed the path of the Focus, driven by Mr Murray, both accused (clad in black, wearing balaclavas and each wielding a knife) were observed rushing to opposite sides of the vehicle.

Mr Murray ‘managed to drive’ his vehicle away from Hambridge Close, but the two teenagers returned to the BMW, which then raced after him into Manswood Drive.

“There was a further collision and a dramatic one, causing the Ford Focus to flip over onto its roof,” prosecutor David Temkin KC told the court.

The court was informed that Mr Murray sustained his first stab wound to the upper chest from Williams while still trapped inside the overturned vehicle before he fled, pursued by both Williams and McDermott.

He was chased into an alleyway where he suffered a second stab wound to the buttocks. The court heard later during the trial that Williams was responsible for a second knife wound.

After successfully scaling a fence, Mr Murray collapsed on a patio behind a property on Cardinal Street, where he had hammered on the windows seeking assistance. He was transported to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, but tragically was pronounced dead.

Both Williams and McDermott had fled the scene, returning to the BMW where Harte was said to be front passenger. The vehicle was being driven by a fourth male who has never been identified.

The BMW was abandoned on Modbury Walk before the trio fled together. The fourth individual had departed from the group earlier and evaded capture.

McDermott subsequently requested an Uber, after they were filmed on CCTV seemingly discussing the incident.

“Footage shows a clear gesture of celebration and congratulation between McDermott and Williams, who performed a fist bump,” said Mr Temkin. “Seven seconds later, Williams demonstrated his stabbing movement. It is likely he was re-enacting one of the fatal stabbings.”

They returned to Williams’ residence where Harte was recorded on Ring doorbell footage making a phone call, telling an unknown person: “Yo, can you do that mission for me? Burn it. The car.”

“This was Harte giving the green light,” the prosecutor said. Less than two hours afterwards, the BMW was torched, the court was told.

Both Williams and McDermott then switched their clothing, with Williams accepting he had put his in the washing machine.

Upon his arrest the next day, he ‘lied to officers’, stating he had ‘been in his gaff all day’.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Murray’s father Patrick Murray said: “He wasn’t just my child, he was my pride, my hope for the future and a huge part of who I am.

“He had his whole life ahead of him. He had hopes and dreams and people who loved him.

“I am left wondering how people can be so callous to attack another person with a knife. I wonder what he was thinking when he ran as fast as he could after already being stabbed. How much pain did he endure? The silence he has left behind is unbearable.

“I just think of what he has missed and the life he should have had. To the people responsible – your actions didn’t just take one life. They have destroyed mine.”

Mr Murray’s mum, Nicola Costello, said: “Those responsible are given numbers to serve sentences, while I am left with a cemetery plot to visit and a lifetime of grief. I find myself asking where the justice is in this. In many ways, it feels as though I am serving a sentence alongside them, carrying the pain and consequences of their actions every day.”

His partner, Tynne Connolly, said: “Although the court will sentence those responsible today, my son and I will continue serving our own life sentence of grief.

“We will wake up every day knowing that Vernard is never coming home. Our son will grow up with memories instead of a father, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill a space that can never be filled.”

For Williams, John Harrison KC said he did not dispute that the level of force used was ‘severe’. “There was a plan to inflict harm, it seems that Lee Williams went beyond that,” he said.

Richard Littler KC, for McDermott, said: “It’s quite clear Riley McDermott is maturing and understands the impact of his actions. It’s quite clear he demonstrates true remorse. He accepts full responsibility for his actions, he will forever regret what happened.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Moses KC, appearing for Harte, argued there was an ‘intent to scare and chase, but not to hurt anyone’. “He does not leave the car, and he is not armed with a knife. He is a young man of hitherto good character,” he told the court.

Mr Justice Baker remarked: “Vernard Murray was not a saint. The jury heard about his criminal record. The evidence indicates he was dealing drugs on October 23, shortly before the BMW moved in for the attack. We should not pretend that side of him did not exist.

“But that does not provide a beginning of any kind of excuse for what happened. It does not reduce the devastation his loss has brought to those who cared and loved him.

“The story you gave to the jury was you intended to scare Vernard Murray away – it’s obvious nonsense.”

Following the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith from GMP’s Major Incident Team commented: “Today’s sentencing reflects the devastating consequences of a shocking attack that claimed the life of Vernard Murray.

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“This was a truly shocking case, occurring in a residential area, with fatal consequences. The violence inflicted upon him was horrific, and those actions have left a family grieving their loved one forever.

“No sentence can undo the loss they have experienced, but we hope today’s outcome can provide them with some measure of justice and closure.

“I would also like to thank the officers and staff whose dedication and professionalism helped us identify the offenders and piece together significant amounts of evidence to secure these convictions.

“Violence of this nature has no place in our communities. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing those responsible for serious violent crimes and bringing them before the courts.”

Apricot upside-down cake is one of my favourite summer desserts. This version is sweetened further by the cornmeal and has a tangy, moist crumb because of the buttermilk. If you can’t find buttermilk, use plain kefir.

Requires 10 minutes cooling time

The Met Office has issued a weather forecast for Northern Ireland, with cooler temperatures expected to return next week

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Northern Ireland has enjoyed basking in a hot and sunny July, but the date the sweltering temperatures are set to drop has been revealed.

On Friday, temperatures are down a bit, especially in the northwest, but still warm or very warm in the sunshine. There will be some light north-westerly winds and a maximum temperature of 24°C.

The weather forecast for this weekend remains sunny and dry, however, we should expect to see cooler temperatures next week, according to the Met Office.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “While it will remain very warm across Northern Ireland through the weekend, temperatures are expected to ease early next week as weather systems move in from the Atlantic.

“Temperatures on Friday and Saturday are widely expected to reach the mid-20s Celsius. Sunday is also expected to remain warm. From Monday, temperatures are likely to return closer to average for the summer.”

This is the Met Office’s weather outlook for the next few days across Northern Ireland:

Saturday:

A dry day. A rather cloudy start then the cloud breaking up to allow some sunny spells again. Maximum temperature 21°C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Dry with sunny periods on Sunday, warm with light winds. More cloud at times on Monday and Tuesday but still dry with some sunny intervals.

UK long range weather forecast: Wednesday 22 July – Friday 31 July

Most places will be dry at first with sunny spells, especially in the south, while northern and northwestern areas see more cloud and occasional patchy rain or drizzle. Through the weekend and into next week, conditions become a little more changeable, with showers and some longer spells of rain increasingly likely, mainly across northern parts of the UK.

Further south, many places should stay drier overall with some good sunshine, although a few showers cannot be ruled out. Towards the end of the period, confidence becomes lower, but there are signs that more settled and drier conditions may return, particularly in the south.

Winds will be mostly light or moderate, though occasionally fresh in the north, while temperatures are expected to be near or above average, warmest in the south.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Best camping gear to shop now

Camping tents

In case you feel like assembling another object with poles, a windbreak can be a useful addition to your set up to give your tent that little extra protection from the elements. It also has a handy little window so you can see what’s going on on the other side – like if you’re being approached by a mountain lion or your kids are running off into the forest. That’s the kind of thing that happens when camping, right?

Desperate to get away, but the weather isn’t looking promising? Don’t worry, this tent has you, and all the family, covered for all weather eventualities. As well as being suited for a family of six, or four if you’re sleeping next to smelly teenagers. It even comes with room dividers, so you can opt for extra privacy, and has double the ‘living’ area so you can get some alone time even if it’s raining. Speaking of rain, this one comes set with 4,000mm waterproof protection to get you through the roughest of storms.

Should you be planning a walk, and you’re not keen on lugging around a huge heavy tent, here’s a lightweight option that can happily fit a couple. It weighs just 2.5kg, but somehow manages to still tick all our boxes. Namely: it has a mesh upper and double doors to keep it fresh inside, takes under five minutes to set up, and has 3,000mm waterproof protection. Plus, it’s our lifestyle writer’s favourite dome tent, thanks to being surprisingly roomy in both porch and tent.

If you want to avoid resting your head next to your stinky, soggy boots, this tent has its very own porch area that makes for great storage. Or, you know, just sheltering from the rain without getting crumbs all up in your sleeping bag. It can comfortably fit a double blow up bed and, more importantly, it’s easy to set up. Should our sporadic British weather catch you off guard, it can also withstand up to 200L per hour for three hours, and comes with a 2,400mm waterproof groundsheet so you can stay cosy while you sleep.

There’s nothing worse than a steaming hot tent, so this one from Mountain Warehouse has mesh doors to keep the air flowing all summer long. You’ll need it, too, because this tent fits up to four people (although some reviewers say it fits three more comfortably). It also comes with its a sewn in groundsheet and comes with 2000m hydrostatic head waterproof protection, meaning you’ll stay protected if things get showery. Just avoid full-on torrents.

Sleeping bags, mattresses, and roll mats

Just look how happy this guy is; that could be how happy you are camping, too. But it won’t be if you don’t have enough blankets to keep you warm. This thermal double bed-sized one will keep you warm, or can be scrunched up into its little bag to double as an extra pillow.

Speaking of that cold, hard ground, there is a way to improve it – and that’s to lift yourself off it. This 190 x 120 cm inflatable mattress is great value for money. Not only does it stay inflated the whole night through (which you’d think would be the bare minimum, but…) it also inflates in just under two minutes, so you can have your sleeping arrangement set up in a pinch. It also comes in a single size, if you’re sleeping in a tent that comes in on the smaller side.

For a less extreme investment, this oh-so-lightweight mat comes in at just 520g. You’ll barely notice that you’re adding another thing to carry around with you because, rolls up to into the size of that dinky little bag. It even has its own pillow for neck support, while the hexagonal design evenly distributes your weight across its surface so you won’t wake up with achey muscles.

Unlike your favourite Simba mattress, the hard dirt floor won’t mould around your body weight or warm up throughout the night (that is, unless something’s seriously wrong). To give yourself a boost of heat while you sleep, adding a reflective mat can help trap warmth between you and the earth to prevent any unpleasant moments of waking up shaking with the cold.

I think we can all agree that a good night’s sleep is invaluable. So don’t skimp on what you’re going to sleep in: fleece-lined sleeping bags are far cosier than their plasticky counterparts. This one comes with four ounces of filling, which makes for a comfortable sleep anywhere between 0 and 15 degrees. And if you buy two, you can connect them with one another thanks to having a handy double zipper.

You’re already camping, you don’t need to punish yourself any more than that. This is us giving your permission to buy yourself a pillow that feels like home, like this foam-filled one from Sea to Summit that rolls up into 17% of its original size for easy transportation.

Two pillow people, listen up. Providing 12cm of distance between you and the floor, this blow-up pillow will help support your neck. And if it does happen to get dirty (finger crossed it doesn’t) it’s easy to clean thanks to having a removable fabric cover.

Tables, kettles, and more eating/drinking essentials

Don’t waste your time trying to find somewhere to frolic in the grass. There are times for that (namely: at your local park on the hottest day of the year) but this is not one of them. You’ll want a surface to rest your plates on, and this one even has drink holders so you don’t have to shoulder the tragedy of losing your hard-earned G&T to the wind. It also folds up nice and thin, and clicks into place, making for a quick set up and getaway in emergencies.

Don’t worry, this isn’t another thing to put in another little bag. This fold up chair is held together by its very own elastic strap, meaning you won’t have to play mix and match with all the little holding bags you have stowed away in your tent at the end of your trip.

If your idea of a holiday is not having to make small talk with your family while you eat, this chair has all the accoutrements you need to fly solo, like a side table, drinks holder. It even has a storage holder at the arm, so you can really hunker down and get some solo time.

At home you might wait until 6pm to be polite, but out camping 5pm sharp is cocktail time. These tumblers will keep your drink cool for longer than most, and they also double as a great mug for warm coffee, tea, or soup.

You might think you can survive on dips, crisps, and snacks (a girl can only dream) but at some point the reality of needing a warm coffee or hot chocolate will hit you. And we’re going to estimate it’ll be sooner rather than later. This three piece set fits snuggly within itself, and includes a kettle and two pans that can be converted from frying to saucepan and back again using the handles.

You go without a lot of basic comforts while camping, but you shouldn’t have to forfeit a cold can at the end of the day. This cooler from Yeti can comfortably hold up to 20 cans, and when paired with the Yeti’s medium ice sheet, will keep them cold for three whole days, according to one reviewer. “I didn’t think I needed it until I did and now it goes with me every where,” they said. This is what dreams are made of.

You wouldn’t believe just how versatile the humble sandwich bag could be. For keeping food safe and dry, yes, but also for rubbish, packing individual items of extra layers in your bag so you don’t have to fish around in the dark for hours, and even for putting over your feet when you have to wear leaky shoes.

You might be thinking: £65 for a glorified mini tool box? And we’d forgive you for that. Now think of the rage you’ll feel if you forget one of the things on this knife that you need. Yup, really puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? This knife has 21 functions to cover everything you’ll need to do out in the wilderness, from cracking open a cold one to filing a broken nail.

Stoves, firestarters, and torches

Okay, everyone has a torch on their phones nowadays. But when you’re in the wilderness you’re going to want something a bit more reliable than that; this handheld one lasts for up to 35 hours. It’s also IPX 6 waterproof, meaning it can withstand heavy rainfall, so even if you leave it outside in the rain (I mean, don’t) it’ll be able to give you light provided the batteries haven’t died.

Despite the idyllic idea of camping you have going on in your head, your fire won’t be lit all the time, and it goes without saying you won’t have one inside your tent. These wind-up lanterns come in handy for running for a nighttime wee, or just for being able to see where you’re going when you get into your sleeping bag.

We’ve covered a lot of equipment without even mentioning cooking, and if you’re already thinking you can’t be bloody bothered to deal with all the effort of lugging around a huge stove, look no further.

This tiny pocket stove weighs just 90g but has the same power as a full-sized gas stove. Simply slip it on to a gas canister and you’re good to go. Yes, chef!

Unless you’re embracing the analogue lifestyle, we’re going to take a leap of faith and assume you’ll want something to charge your phone with. This 60,000 mAh charging bank lasts for days of phone charges – and it’s speedy at it, too. Plus, it’ll come in handy if you need to recharge lights or other devices as it has USB-A and USB-C ports.

For longer and wilder camping stints, a solar panel could solve the problem of not being able to recharge your power bank. This one folds up to the size of a laptop, making it easy to carry, but you’ll need to buy a converter to go alongside it.

Well, it’s not going to start itself, is it? Don’t kid yourself with fussing around with ‘natural’ fire starting, especially when you’re camping with other people. It’s all about getting the job done quickly, and this pack of 50 will be your right hand man.

You don’t want to be messing around with matches in the pouring rain; this long lighter will make sure you stay plenty safe when lighting a gas stove. It’s also refillable; just make sure you remember to check if it has enough fluid before you trek off into the wilderness.

Toiletries

Don’t take any risks when it come to bug bits. You might not see them, but they’re there, so make sure to layer up your bug repellant outside of the tent, whether you’re sitting indoors or out.

I stick to a very serious once a week hair washing schedule. While I’m confident my hair can last out in the wild, I’m not taking any chances anywhere I go, which is why I’ve tested a shit ton of dry shampoos in my time, and this one is the so powerful, it’ll even be able to revive your day five campsite hair. Promise.

Things are about to get messy and stinky, all at once. No matter how determined you are, you won’t be showering as much as you think you will be, so having these on hand to clean yourself, and any unfortunate tent spillages up is ideal.

Come rain or shine, if you’re outside, you need face and body sunscreen. Need we say any more?

Activewear Group Ltd, established in March 2014, is a clothing and fashion retailer specialising in affordable activewear, workwear, and uniforms.

The company, which also offers printing and embroidery services, trades directly with leading brands and maintains strong relationships with the UK’s top wholesalers.

Activewear’s LinkedIn profile adds: “Our aim is to provide the highest quality of service to ensure a great end user customer experience through a cost effective approach.”

The company operates online via its website and from a 1,750 square foot warehouse in Redditch, with a 1,500 sq ft area which is used as a showroom, packing, and office/meeting area.

Activewear Group enters administration after 8 years

Now, Activewear Group is at risk of closing after having fallen into administration.

Stuart Kelly and Claire Harsley from Mackay Goodwin Limited were appointed joint administrators on July 8, according to The Gazette.

Activewear Group had registered a charge with Companies House in June, just weeks before entering administration.

The charge represents a loan or debt secured against the company’s assets, giving lenders priority in the event of insolvency.

There is a clearance sale currently running on the Activewear Group website, while other sections are unavailable.

What happens when a company goes into administration?

When a company enters administration, it means that it is unable to pay expenses, debts, or other liabilities, according to SquareUp.com.

Companies House adds: “When a company goes into administration, they have entered a legal process (under the Insolvency Act 1986) with the aim of achieving one of the statutory objectives of an administration. This may be to rescue a viable business that is insolvent due to cashflow problems.

“An appointment of an administrator (a licensed insolvency practitioner) will be made by directors, a creditor or the court to fulfil the administration process.”

A statutory moratorium is put in place once a company enters administration, giving it “breathing space” to allow for financial restructuring plans to be drawn up free from creditor enforcement actions.

A company can continue to trade while in administration, but daily management and control are handed over to the administrators.

Companies House continues: “Within 8 weeks it is the administrators’ role to formulate administration proposals.

“Creditors are then asked to vote by a decision procedure to approve the administrators’ proposals.

“If the administration involves a sale of all or part of the company’s business, the proceeds (after the costs of the procedure) will be distributed to creditors in a statutory order of priority.”

Administration will end automatically after 12 months unless the administrator asks the court or creditors for an extension.

Through administration, a company can be:

• Rescued and passed back to the directors
• Enter liquidation
• Be dissolved

Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands LK Bennett, Claire’s, and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation.

TG Jones will be closing 150 stores across the UK as part of a “restructuring” plan approved by the High Court on Wednesday (July 1).

Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

Several UK travel companies have also ceased trading or entered administration in 2026:

Luxury UK holiday company Salamander Voyages shut down back in April after entering administration.

Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:

UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out over the coming months after being acquired by InPost.

It’s also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.

It hasn’t all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Plus-size clothing brand Evans also returned to the UK high street recently after closing all its stores and concessions in December 2020.

Bodycare is also set to return to the UK high street in 2026 after closing all its stores last year, having fallen into administration.

Have you ever purchased clothing from Activewear Group Ltd before? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.