As the New Year approaches, we reflect on some of the most tragic and shocking news stories of the year:
5. 10-year-old boy dies after receiving electric shock at hotel
Jack Piper-Sheach, from Grimsby, was found unresponsive in the reception area of Tiffany’s Hotel on the Promenade at around 10.40pm on Sunday, September 3. His injuries were consistent with him having received a "high voltage of electricity", a spokesman for Lancashire Police said. The 10-year-old was taken to hospital in Blackpool before being transferred to Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool. He sadly died four days later on September 7 with his family by his bedside. Photo: n/a
6. 19-year-old boy dies after stabbing in Ormskirk
Matthew Daulby, 19, died in hospital after suffering stab wounds during a disturbance in Railway Road at around 12.05am on Saturday (July 29). Henry Houghton, 19, and Finley Cook, 20, pleaded not guilty to murder when they appeared at at Preston Crown Court. They will stand trial on February 19, 2024. Photo: Lancashire Police
7. Man admits to murdering woman who died after suffering 'multiple injuries'
The body of Fiona Robinson, 37, was found at an address in Congress Street, Chorley, after police responded to reports of a sudden death at 2.30am on Friday, May 26. A post-mortem found she died from multiple injuries. Jason Gowen was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder on Saturday, May 27. The 26-year-old pleaded guilty to murder after appearing at Preston Crown Court on October 27. He will be sentenced over January 16 and January 17, 2024. Photo: Lancashire Police
8. Driver inhaled laughing gas moments before van crash which killed 15-year-old girl
Cameron Hughes, who was inhaling laughing gas just before a crash which killed Bonny Rae Barrow, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years by a judge at Preston on Monday (October 30). The 24-year-old had also been sending messages on his mobile phone seconds before his van ploughed through a metal barrier and plunged down a steep ravine, the court heard. Bonny, 15, suffered catastrophic injuries from which she died in hospital the following day. Photo: Lancashire Police