City In 250 News: Thursday 18 August

LESS THAN seven hours after being released from Strangeways prison, Thomas Downey (48) was arrested for looting a box of doughnuts from Krispy Kreme doughnuts on Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester Crown Court heard. Just released at 7pm Tuesday 9 August, Downey attended an alcoholic’s anonymous meeting in Manchester. Soon after, he drank a bottle of sherry; stumbled into and looted the store previously attacked by rioters and was arrested by 1.30am. Mr Downey’s due for sentencing today.

UNIONS have called for industrial action on First TransPennine Express trains following a dispute over pay. Train drivers, conductors and station staff will strike on the 24 and 26 of August against the rail company which operates between Manchester and other northern towns. The second day of action coincides with Manchester Pride and Leeds Music Festival.

A GMP OFFICER has quit the force after he was arrested by fellow officers for possession of extreme animal pornography on his mobile phone. Gareth Tench admitted watching a ‘grossly offensive’ 35-second clip featuring a horse sent to him via text message in 2006. He believed he had deleted the message but the clip was later found on his home computer.

TESCO Metro staff at Salford Shopping City have been told they will make up their lost hours after fleeing the store before the city riots. A Tesco spokesperson said the procedure was company policy. One staff member said: “It is disgusting they expect us to work the hours. It wasn’t our fault the store had to close.”

Fact of the day. This week in August 1826 Sir Oswald Mosley, Manchester's lord of the manor, won a court case against fishmonger John Walker, regarding sales of fish.

For more Manchester facts check @revealmcr