City News In 250 Words: Wednesday 25 January

CONVICTED paedophile and former TV psychic, Martin Smith, has been found hanged in his cell at HMP Manchester. Smith, 46, originally from North Shields, was jailed for 16 years in March 2011 for raping an underage girl in Cumbria. His partner is also in custody on suspicion of murdering their two children in the Spanish resort of Lloret de Mar. GMP said the death was not thought to be suspicious.

A POLICE officer wrote off a £40,000 ‘supercar’ whilst test-driving it on a public road at 2am. The Volkswagon Golf R, which has a top speed of 155mph, skidded off the road after the officer lost control at a roundabout in Wharfside Way, Trafford Park. The vehicle had been loaned as VW are trying to sell the super fast Golf R’s to the force. The officer, who suffered spinal injuries but has discharged from hospital, has been suspended from driving duties.

A STUDENT from Rochdale is to have her unusual sculptures made of Sellotape displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry. Abbie-Lee Hollister, a sixth-form student at Wardle High School, used 80 rolls of tape to create the designs for her art A-Level. She was inspired by Mark Jenkins, and American artist who creates street installations using parcel tape.

THREE MEN have been charged with drug offences following the death of teenager Serena Harding in Stockport last August. Thomas Donelan, 20, Dean Williams, 18, and Michael Millington, 29, have been charged with the supplying of a Class A drug.

This week in 1840: The River Irwell overflowed. Manchester’s chief of police made a raft out of a gate and rescued many residents from their houses.

Thanks to @RevealMcr