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Eight men sentenced to 96 years in Rotherham abuse case

Eight men who sexually abused three teenage girls in Rotherham between 1999 and 2003 have been sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court for a total of 96 years. The men were convicted of a total of sixteen charges after a month-long trial. The judge said their victims had been “targeted, sexualised and subjected to degrading and violent acts”. One victim said she and her family had been forced to move to escape the abuse. Sageer Hussain, said to be the ringleader, was described by Judge Sarah Wright as having run a “campaign of violent rape” against a vulnerable 13-year-old. After the verdict DCI Martin Tate spoke to the press. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Jane Tomlinson Appeal hands Sheffield charities a funding boost

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal has awarded two Sheffield charities significant grants to support their healthcare work. Weston Park Hospital will be assisted to provide essential support to older cancer patients, while Paces Sheffield will receive a grant for a fieldworker to support children with complex health needs. Azz Mohammed spoke to Helen Gentle of Weston Park Hospital.

Campaigners raise plight of Kashmir in Town Hall protest

A demonstration outside Sheffield Town Hall has sought to raise awareness of the unresolved conflict over Kashmir and related human rights abuses. The conflict, which dates back to the partition of India in 1947, has its roots in the contest for territorial control of the Kashmir region primarily between India and Pakistan, but also involves China and a number of local insurgent groups, including independence supporters. The conflict has led to many civilian deaths and widespread human rights violations. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to campaigners outside the Town Hall.

Green Party call for Sheffield to become ‘fossil free’

Sheffield’s Green Party councillors are calling for the City Council to set an ambition of making Sheffield the UK’s first ‘fossil-free city’. In a motion for debate, the Greens are calling for Sheffield to tackle climate change by becoming the first city in the UK in which all major local government, higher and further education, and faith organisations have divested their investments and pension funds from fossil fuels. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with Green Party councillor Rob Murphy.

https://vimeo.com/190105493

London to Sheffield walk for pancreatic cancer awareness

Jenny Christie who lost her father to pancreatic cancer is to walk 210 miles from London to Sheffield to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Her walk is planned to coincide with the pancreatic cancer awareness month of November and, all going well, will be completed in 10 days. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Jenny Christie about her campaign.

Sheffield Renewables launches new community-owned solar energy scheme

Sheffielders and renewable energy supporters are being invited to invest in new community owned solar energy installations to promote a low carbon economy. Sheffield Renewables is seeking to raise £70,000 pounds to install solar energy panels which will produce 55 kilowatts of renewable energy and save around 2.5 tonnes of CO2. Sheffield Renewables was set up in 2009 to promote a cleaner, more sustainable city by developing community owned renewable energy projects. The organisation is run on co-operative principles accountable to its community shareholders. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Dave Berry, a volunteer working with Sheffield Renewables.

Sheffield Eagles welcome decision on 2021 Rugby League World Cup

Sheffield Eagles are hoping the decision to hold the 2021 World Cup in England signals a brighter future for the game. The Rugby League International Federation gave England the nod ahead of the United States in the competition to stage the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. The decision, recognising the popularity of the sport in England together with government backing, is expected to boost fan numbers and bring more cash into the game. Sheffield Eagles has been looking for a new home since the demolition of Don Valley Stadium and with players reverting to part time status finding new financial backers has been a priority. Sheffield reporter Simon Thake spoke with Eagles head coach Mark Aston.

Orgreave campaign to seek judicial review

The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign are to seek a judicial review of the decision not to hold an enquiry into the events of 1984. Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced that the government would not open a new investigation into the Battle of Orgreave. The Orgreave campaign, which has been seeking a Hillsborough style enquiry, held a press conference at the National Union Of Mineworkers headquarters in Barnsley. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Orgreave campaign press officer Granville Williams.