It has been a devastating year for many families across Merseyside who have been victims of horrific crimes.
From the killings of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Sam Rimmer and Ashley Dale to the death of Karen Dempsey and Ava White through knife crime, there are many events that will never be forgotten. But despite the horrific events that undoubtedly shocked the region and beyond, Merseyside came together in full support of one another, showing the strength of the city and the people in it.
As Merseyside Police work to bring those to justice and before the courts, we have taken a look back at Knowsley in 2022 and just some of the crimes that shocked the borough.
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Karen Dempsey
Karen Dempsey was found in a pub car park in Kirkby with a stab wound to her chest on August 22. Emergency services arrived at Cherryfield Drive in the town centre following reports of a fight.
The 55-year-old was rushed to hospital but died a short time later. Paying tribute to the much-loved nan, her family said she was a beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman who always had a smile on her face and lit up a room". They added: "Her zest for life was infectious and it left others breathless. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends.
"Karen was dedicated to her work and in helping others she made a real difference to people's lives. She was a fantastic advocate for social justice for more than 30 years and her loss will be felt right across Kirkby."
James Dempsey, 32, was arrested and later charged with murdering Ms Dempsey, and an alternative count of manslaughter. He was also charged with wounding another man, Brian Flynn, with intent, possession of a bladed article and affray.
Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court earlier this year, Dempsey denied all charges and a trial date was confirmed for February 20, 2023
Lorraine Cullen
Lorraine Cullen was found dead with multiple stab wounds at her home Radway Road, Huyton, on Wednesday, May 11. The 44-year-old was described at the time as a "one in a million" mum of three in tributes placed near the house.
Close friend Paula McNally said: "She was just the life and soul of the party. She was bubbly, so positive and just chatty. She was just never a negative person."
After the tragic death, a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder a short time later on York Road, just a short drive away. He had been detained under the Mental Health Act as police confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. As of December 22, 2022 there had been no update to report.
Shots fired near school
On the evening of February 2, Merseyside Police rushed to Shaw Lane in Prescot, after shots were reportedly fired at a property. Officers were called at around 7.45pm and a large police presence was seen as the area was immediately cordoned off.
Police confirmed two men riding a motorbike reportedly fired a gun at a house, damaging some brickwork. Witnesses claimed two masked men fired the shots but no injuries were reported.
Speaking to the ECHO, horrified parents were shocked to see the cordon the following morning, right near where they take their children to school. One woman, who has lived in Prescot her whole life, told the ECHO : "On the whole it's not a bad place to live but the few ruin it for the majority.
"It is worrying for the children. I don't like my child being out alone as things are just getting worse." As of December 22, 2022 there had been no update to report.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting incident reference 22000080612. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.
Brutal attack on delivery driver
Just weeks before Christmas, an Amazon delivery driver was attacked as he made deliveries and had his van stolen after keys were "snatched by force". Police were called by the delivery driver in the Knowsley area.
The man made off with the Amazon van containing parcels, which was later found nearby to where the incident happened. The man was later seen by the victim who returned the keys to him before fleeing again.
An arrest had been made as police said the suspect was "forensically linked" to the incident, on Friday, October 21. As of December 22, there had been no update to report.
Man injured in gang attack
A victim in his 20s was walking along Wood Road in Halewood when he was approached by a group of men near the park on September 13. One of the gang attacked the victim and attempted to take his mobile phone.
The assault left him with bruises and fractured ribs as Detective Inspector Barbara Hebden described it as a "despicable act of violence which left the victim seriously injured". Police launched an appeal for witnesses following the incident which happened around 10.30pm that evening.
If you have any information you can contact Merseyside Police on 111 or on Twitter via @MerPolCC with reference 22000685446 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Court cases
It has also been a busy year for court. Karl Townsend appeared before Liverpool Crown Court after the murder of his former classmate.
Jordan Brophy was stabbed to death by former classmate, Karl Townsend, after he broke into his home. Townsend became aware of the burglary after his Ring doorbell sent a notification to his phone, and he and his 23-year-old half-brother Jamie Cunningham "hurriedly made their way to the scene" armed with knives.
Townsend then stabbed Mr Brophy, 31, in his head, face, and arms and wielded the knife "with such force" that it snapped, with a portion of the knife remaining lodged in his brain. Townsend was jailed for 19 years for manslaughter.
The full court case can be found here.
Pie shop robbery
Connor Lunt was in court after trying to rob a pie shop with a pair of tights on his head. Lunt brandished a knife at bakery staff and demanded that they hand over cash from the till. But he left empty-handed and was rapped after police discovered his fingerprints on the counter.
The 26-year-old entered the Waterfields branch on Greenes Road in Prescot at around 11.30am on May 5 this year. Admitting robbery, he was jailed for 30 months at Liverpool Crown Court. The full court case can be found here.
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