18 of the most tragic and shocking Lancashire stories that occurred in 2023

These are 18 tragic and shocking incidents that occurred in Lancashire in 2023.

By Sean Gleaves

Published 26th Dec 2023, 10:00 BST

Updated 26th Dec 2023, 12:26 BST

As the New Year approaches, we reflect on some of the most tragic and shocking news stories of the year:

1. 17 of the most tragic and shocking Lancashire stories

. Photo: Contributed

Edward Forrester, 55, was last seen in Seafield Road at 1.30pm on September 1 and was reported missing the following day. William Wilkinson, of Seafield Road, Blackpool, was later arrested on suspicion of murder on September 5 as the search for Mr Forrester continued. The 65-year-old was subsequently charged and admitted to murdering Mr Forrester after appearing in the dock at Preston Crown Court on Friday (November 17). He was remanded into custody to be sentenced on January 19, 2024.

2. Man pleads guilty to Eddie Forrester’s murder

Edward Forrester, 55, was last seen in Seafield Road at 1.30pm on September 1 and was reported missing the following day. William Wilkinson, of Seafield Road, Blackpool, was later arrested on suspicion of murder on September 5 as the search for Mr Forrester continued. The 65-year-old was subsequently charged and admitted to murdering Mr Forrester after appearing in the dock at Preston Crown Court on Friday (November 17). He was remanded into custody to be sentenced on January 19, 2024. Photo: Lancashire Police

Ashley Dean spent six hours drinking at a pub before getting behind the wheel of his Vauxhall Vivaro van on March 23, 2022. Driving at speeds of between 47mph and 57mph in a 30mph zone, Dean failed to negotiate a left hand bend in Blackpool Road at around 10.15pm. The van crossed into the opposing lane and struck the offside kerbstone before coming to a stop wedged against a lamppost. Lisa Birtwistle, 32, was his front seat passenger. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Rather than ringing for assistance, Dean – who was nearly twice the drink-drive limit – disposed of several bags of cocaine in a nearby alleyway. Tests later showed that as well as being over the drink-drive limit, Dean had cocaine and cannabis in his system. He was also not insured to drive the vehicle. The 39-year-old was jailed for nine years and four months on Friday (November 3).

3. Drink-driver high on cocaine and cannabis spent six hours in pub prior to crash which killed woman

Ashley Dean spent six hours drinking at a pub before getting behind the wheel of his Vauxhall Vivaro van on March 23, 2022. Driving at speeds of between 47mph and 57mph in a 30mph zone, Dean failed to negotiate a left hand bend in Blackpool Road at around 10.15pm. The van crossed into the opposing lane and struck the offside kerbstone before coming to a stop wedged against a lamppost. Lisa Birtwistle, 32, was his front seat passenger. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Rather than ringing for assistance, Dean – who was nearly twice the drink-drive limit – disposed of several bags of cocaine in a nearby alleyway. Tests later showed that as well as being over the drink-drive limit, Dean had cocaine and cannabis in his system. He was also not insured to drive the vehicle. The 39-year-old was jailed for nine years and four months on Friday (November 3). Photo: Lancashire Police

4. Man, 29, groomed girl, 11, on Snapchat before raping her in Preston woods

Jordan Morgan, 29, used the Snapchat profile ‘jayjaydizzy’ to talk to the victim, telling her was just 15. Despite knowing she was 11 years old, Morgan arranged to meet her in Preston on May 14, 2023. He then took her to woods off Banbury Drive and raped her. Morgan, of Murray Street, Salford, was charged with rape and meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming. He pleaded guilty to both offences and was jailed for ten years when he appeared in the dock at Preston Crown Court. Photo: Lancashire Police