A man has been jailed for a campaign of physical and sexual abuse.

Ryan Schofield (34) of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years at Bolton Crown Court yesterday.

He had pleaded guilty to making threats to kill, assault, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and false imprisonment.

The court heard how Schofield (pictured) went online and befriended his victim, used controlling behaviour and engaged in horrific physical and sexual abuse.

Schofield was originally arrested for being in breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, but officers found evidence on his phone of him abusing his victim.

Between March and October 2022, Schofield subjected his victim to several incidents of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault, rape and false imprisonment.

Detective constable Chris Doran, of Tameside Challenger Team, said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case. I cannot begin to imagine her pain and suffering but hope she finds solace in the sentence this monster was handed today.

“Greater Manchester Police take domestic violence and sexual offences very seriously and I would like to highlight this case as an example of this. If you are a victim of domestic or sexual offences you will be heard.

“Today’s sentencing is testament to our investigation team in providing the good work bringing Schofield to justice.”

A garden centre that has been run by the same family for 60 years, is now in need of a new owner.

Business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to market Giants Seat Garden Centre, located next to the River Irwell to the north west of Manchester.

Established in 1964, the centre has been successfully run by the Kidd family for more than six decades, and is well-known for offering a wide range of seasonal and perennial outdoor plants, garden tools, equipment, fertilisers and more.

After decades of stewardship, the Kidd family plan to retire and are seeking a new owner to take the reins.

Alan Kidd said: “After serving the gardening community around Giants Seat Garden Centre, retirement plans for our family-run business now loom large.

“Our family have run the successful nursery/garden centre surrounded by wildlife along the bank of the River Irwell for six decades, developing a strong reputation with our customers for quality and service along with our homegrown plants. We have always strived to offer the highest quality and the best value for money, and now it is time to attend to our own gardens.”

The site boasts a prime location overlooking the river and spans just over two acres, including a three-bedroom detached house which has historically been used as owners’ accommodation. The property offers potential for further development and expansion to grow trade further.

Andrew Birnie, director of retail at Christie & Co, said: “Focussing primarily on growing high-quality horticulture rather than garden centre retail sales, and including a three-bedroom house on site, this opportunity should appeal to owner-operator buyers with an interest in horticulture. The profitable centre sits alongside the River Irwell and therefore enjoys lovely views. We welcome enquiries from interested parties.”

The centre is on the market with a guide price of £845,000 freehold plus stock.

The family of Darren Orme have paid tribute to him.

On March 24, police recovered his body following a search in the Stadium Way area of Wigan.

When he was reported missing on March 5, supporters, the town and its respective football and rugby league clubs rallied in the search for the 54-year-old amid a huge public response.

Darren from Wigan has been described by his family as having a ‘heart of gold and a beautiful soul.’

Greater Manchester Police thanked the public for their support in enabling the search teams to carry out their work, and to everyone who shared their appeals in efforts to locate Darren.

Officers do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding Darren’s death.

Darren’s family said: “Darren was a loving brother with a beautiful and infectious smile, he was truly the glue that held our family together.

“He had a heart of gold and a beautiful soul, he always saw the good in everyone. He was confident yet quirky but also vulnerable in his own way. He possessed a playful and mischievous character.

“Darren loved his football, and he was a passionate Wigan Athletic fan. We’ve always described Darren as Latics royalty, and these past few weeks have really shown our family just how much he means to our community.

“The messages of support and efforts to search for him have been truly amazing.”

“Darren meant the absolute world to us, he will be greatly missed by his family and all of us that knew and loved him.”

Manchester Community Leisure Services (MCLS), the team behind the newly restored  Withington Baths, have been appointed to manage Broadway Baths in New Moston.

MCLS was created to take on additional leisure facilities, aiming to enhance services through greater community engagement.

Broadway Baths is the first centre to be operated by MCLS, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the 1930s facility.

Moving to a community-led model, the Baths will become a leisure hub for future generations, while ensuring it remains a firm favourite for local residents.

Broadway Baths will offer a packed schedule, including swimming lessons, baby and after-school swimming, adult sessions, family fun swims, and aqua fitness classes. A refurbished health suite with a steam room and sauna, as well as a gym, will also be available.

Dennis Shannon, leisure centre manager, said: “Swimming is the heart of Broadway Baths.

“We know how important it is for health and well-being, as well as generally being a place where the local community comes together to connect.”

Broadway Baths is a non-profit operation, meaning that every penny made will go straight back into improving the baths, making it financially sustainable for the long term.

Paul Smith, managing director of Manchester Community Leisure Services, said: “Withington Baths has proven that a community-first approach achieves greater social value. By bringing that model to Broadway Baths, we’re creating a space that truly serves the people who use it. We recognise area is different, so local people will be at the heart of every decision.”

The transition brings several key changes, including the removal of pre-booking requirements for gym and swim sessions, and the introduction of an over 60’s membership covering both swimming and the health suite.

There will also be new opportunities for local teenagers to gain experience as junior swim assistants and train as future swim teachers.