City news in 250 words: Tuesday 9 November

BED LINEN BEATINGS: Inmates at HMP Forest Bank in Salford are being tied up in their duvet covers and beaten by other prisoners, according to a report. Managers were said to be unaware of the problem known as ‘sheeting’ however Nick Hardwick, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said inspectors are "satisfied that this does occur and needs to be stopped".

A 99-YEAR-OLD WOMAN HAS BEEN ROBBED by a man who called at her Manchester home pretending to be a gardener last Friday. The offender called the intercom saying he had completed some gardening and needed paying. The woman let him in and once inside he stole cash. Police are appealing for witnesses.

GANGSTER SCARED TO WORK: A 25-year-old member of the gang ‘Fallowfield Mandem’ has refused to carry out community service for an offence of affray because he believes he is a target. Ramone Brown appeared before a judge claiming to be worried about reprisals whilst carrying out the unpaid work in south Manchester. Judge Clement Goldstone said: “This order has got to be given a chance to work. It’s as simple as that. I’m not going to revoke or vary this order.”

CHORLTON TREE LOVE: Workmen may face court action after residents in Chorlton complained a tree known as 'Old Man Willow' was over-pruned. The tree on Sark Road, was pruned by Watson Property Management. The council is considering legal action against the firm who they believe have killed the tree by cutting off all the leaves and branches.

Out of the window weather forecast: It’s hard to type wearing gloves, but necessary now.