A BEREAVED mum believes jurors should be given "the full story" in serious cases after a jury cleared the man convicted of killing her baby son of separate sexual offences – but were not told of his previous crime.

As reported, Karly Hopson, 24, was "fuming" after Jason Redgrave, 25, of Grimsby – who is in jail for killing her six-month-son, Ethan – was cleared of two charges of sexual activity with a woman who had a mental disorder by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday following a four-day trial.

In June, Redgrave was sentenced to eight years in prison when the jury at Hull Crown Court cleared him of murdering Ethan, but convicted him of manslaughter – although he will be eligible to be released on licence in just three years from Monday – a year to the day that he inflicted the fatal injuries on the tot while babysitting for Karly at her then home in Cleethorpes.

Her appeal – on the basis that the sentence was too lenient – was rejected, although she was aware of these other charges against him and had been hoping that he would be convicted and spend extra years behind bars.

However, she says she was sorely disappointed when the jury cleared him and were nottold about previous convictions – just as the jury who cleared him of murder were not told about the sexual offences charge.

It is common practice for juries not to be told such information to avoid prejudicing the case, and that was also why this latest case was transferred to Nottingham Crown Court – where members of the jury were unlikely to have heard about Ethan's tragic death. A jury's decision is also supposed to be made only on the facts of that individual case.

It also impacts how newspapers can report court proceedings – the Telegraph was aware of these other charges at the time of the murder trial, but was unable to report on them until now.

Karly, who now lives in Humberston, said: "In cases as serious as these, I think the jury should know the full story and be given a briefing of the defendant's past and any pending trials.

"In my opinion, this jury should have known that the man on trial was responsible for the death of a six-month-old boy, charged with murder and convicted of manslaughter – less than a year ago.

"Why should the courts cover things up for him?

"The system is concerned about justice for him but what about justice for me and my family?

"In three years, he will be out and moving on with his life but me and my family have a life sentence – and Ethan had his life taken away."

The news comes at a difficult time for Karly, who lost her son a year ago on December 22 following his fight for life at Sheffield Children's Hospital, where he was taken after he suffered devastating head injuries on December 17.

As reported, Redgrave is believed to have viciously slapped, hit and shaken Ethan.

On the anniversary of his death – which prompted a huge public outpouring of grief – Karly will release a lantern in his memory from Ross Castle, as she and more than 100 others did last year, as reported.

"In some ways, this Christmas will be worse than the last one because it was so soon afterwards that it hadn't really sunk in," added Karly.

However, the brave mum is trying to move on with her life and now has a job as a support worker, working in Bradley Low Secure Unit with people who suffer mental health disorders or disabilities, including former offenders.

She will be spending this Christmas with her family – but there will be plenty of tributes to Ethan over the holiday period.

Karly added: "I'm trying to have a life and some days are better than others but there isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about him.

"Me and my family will never forget about Ethan and that's why it makes me so angry that in a few years, the man who killed him will be able to get on with his life again."

What do you think? Comment on this story at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk and e-mail viewpoint@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

A FISHERMAN floundered for a weapon to protect himself after coming face-to-face in the dark with what he believed to be a lynx.

Phil Beach was fishing near Laporte Road, in Stallingborough, when he saw a "huge cat" – measuring three foot long and two foot high – picking up fish from the sea wall, and walking towards him from 100 yards away.

The sandy-coloured cat crept towards Phil, 34, of Dunster Walk, Immingham, until it was less than 20 yards away.

"I spotted this huge cat picking up fish but it seemed to be attracted to my head torch and started getting closer," he said.

"It jumped over the Humber wall in one go and I realised it wasn't a domestic cat or a fox – it was too big and had pointy ears.

"There was a big ditch between us and it just jumped right over it like it was nothing.

"I turned and ran to my car to get a beach spike to protect myself, but when I turned round it had gone.

"It must have ran nearly 150 yards in about 10 seconds."

The Grimsby Telegraph reported the sighting, at 9pm on Tuesday, to the British Big Cat Society, who identify big cats seen by members of the public from all over Britain.

Founder Danny Bamping said he believes that the animal was a lynx.

"Judging by the size and the fact it was hunting at night, I think it was probably a lynx, but it could have been a puma," he said.

"Usually they are not dangerous unless approached and threatened.

"They are top of the food chain, so their only real worry is man."

Craig Gledhill, joint owner of Jungle Zoo, in Cleethorpes, said it wouldn't be surprising to find a lynx or similar creature on the loose.

He said: "We have been told stories about wild and exotic animals in the area. I have not heard any stories of wild cats recently.

"The lynx is good at hiding and will probably hunt at night like in this occasion. In the wild, animals will look for any kind of food to eat.

"There are many collectors of wild and exotic animals, some of them not legally.

"It's possible one of these animals could be on the loose, but the owner won't have reported it because it's an illegal pet."

It is not the first time a big cat has been spotted in the area.

In August 2008, a dog-walker spotted a black cat the size of a great dane in Humberston.

Three years previously, in 2005, there were a series of big cat sighting in locations including Holton-le-Clay, Market Rasen and Friskerton Airfield, just outside Lincolnshire.

Mr Bamping added: "We have had a few sightings in North East Lincolnshire over the years and in neighbouring counties – these animals have huge territories."

CHRISTMAS has come early for poorly Brandon Hall who has been inundated with Lego gifts following the theft of his own.

As reported, thieves took £3,000 worth of Lego from a shed at the seven-year-old's family home in Stanley Street, Grimsby, at the weekend.

We reported the story on Thursday, and by yesterday lunchtime, our offices were awash with brightly coloured bricks from kind-hearted readers and Lego themselves, who leapt into action when the story was brought to their attention and shipped three huge boxes of Lego sets, models, clothing and board games to us to hand over to Brandon.

And it appears reading about Cystic Fibrosis sufferer Brandon's devastation at the theft of the toys, which he plays with while undergoing hospital treatment, struck a chord with whoever took it – as the family discovered it on their doorstep in bin liners just hours after the story hit the streets.

His dad Andy said: "It's all been returned, we can't believe it. It's in bin bags and will take me about two weeks to put back together for him, but it seems to be all there. It's brilliant."

And he was delighted with the thoughtful donations.

"It's wonderful, we are so grateful. Anything that he has duplicates of, he will take up to the hospital for the other children to play with."

Lego spokesperson Emma Owen said: "As soon as I read the article about Brandon I knew that Lego could do something to help. My colleague Ian has been rushing around the office collecting lots of really cool Lego toys from our various cupboards – resulting in three massive boxes crammed full of brightly coloured bricks and sets.

"I hope that this helps bring a smile back to Brandon's face."

Meanwhile, members of Yarborough Round Table spent £150 on brand-new Lego kits for Brandon, and Darren Walters, from Cleethorpes, donated his Pro-Builder creations.

Keisha Kirkham, 12, from New Waltham, has donated her Lego collection to Brandon, as her late auntie also suffered from Cystic Fibrosis, and Steve Harrison, of Harrisons News on Freeman Street, also bought him some.

Collecting his new toys, Brandon said: "It's like Christmas. I like them all. It's really good.

"Thank you very much."

Brandon's grandad, John Currie, also of Stanley Street, added: "We have been absolutely overwhelmed by people's generosity.

"The kindness that they have shown is incredible and their wishes have been really heartfelt. It just goes to show that the people of Grimsby are good, despite how it might seem sometimes."

Carl Roberts, from the Round Table, added: "We always try to help good causes locally and when we heard about what happened to Brandon we wanted to cheer him up."

Darren, who built Pro-Builder models when he was undergoing hospital treatment himself, said: "As soon as I read the story I knew I wanted to help.

"My models are just gathering dust now so I hope they bring him hours of enjoyment."

• Comment: Many thanks to our kind-hearted readers

IT'S the kind of potential banana skin that Grimsby Town fans have become all too wary of.

This afternoon's visit of Havant & Waterlooville in the Second Round of the FA Trophy might look a good draw on paper.

But, to coin a well-used phrase from former Telegraph Football Writer David Pye "football isn't played on paper, it's played on grass."

The Hawks come to North East Lincolnshire in decent form, with just one defeat in six matches and a victory over Braintree in the last round to their name.

True, Lee Bradbury's side remain just outside the Conference South drop-zone, but the ex-Bournemouth boss seems to be turning things around following his arrival in October.

And many of the former Manchester City forward's young squad will see today's clash as the ideal 'shop window' to showcase their skills and, maybe, help them earn a move up a level or two.

Former QPR trainee Christian Nanetti is one who will be targeting a return to the pro game. The 21-year-old winger made a big impact following his arrival at West Leigh Park in March and has more tricks than Paul Daniels.

Chelsea are amongst those supposedly keeping tabs on 20-year-old striker Ollie Jones, who has netted 26 time since signing for the Hawks last year.

Fellow forward Scott Jones, 22, is another to watch, while goalscoring midfielder Steve Ramsey is aiming to get back into league football after being released by Portsmouth.

However, all that should be irrelevant if – and it's a big if – Grimsby Town play to their potential.

In simple terms, it's one of the Conference's top sides at home to strugglers from the division below.

It should be easy to call and the bookies – who don't often get it wrong – have the Mariners as 2/5 favourites.

But, as the First Round encounter with Buxton showed, Town don't always have it their own way against lesser opposition.

The hosts boasted a three-man attack that day.

But it all came to nothing as the Northern Premier League battlers frustrated Town and forced an unwanted replay.

That inability to break down the part-timers remains a concern.

On a positive note, though, ten goals in the Mariners' last three league matches at Blundell Park show they have the creativity to unlock visiting defences.

They will need to unleash more of that attacking flair to break down a determined Hawks outfit later today.

HAVANT & Waterlooville fans are hoping their 'lucky' pink kit does the trick again.

The Hawks have worn the unusually bright strip in their two FA Trophy victories this campaign, and look set to don it again today at Blundell Park.

Here's hoping it's the only dazzling aspect of the visitors' display!

A DEDICATED volunteer who has saved hundreds of lives over 10 years has won the Market Rasen Rotary Club Community Service Award.

Steve King has been the leading light in the Lives first responders organisation, serving as the area co-ordinator and attending 1,200 call-outs in a career which has spanned a decade.

It was his recovery from a heart attack that inspired Steve to train as a volunteer, having previously driven his Lives responder wife Jenny to some calls.

Mobilised following 999 calls alongside an ambulance, Steve attends various calls with issues ranging from respiratory difficulty, falls and cardiac arrests at home, to road traffic incidents.

He is often the first medically-trained person on the scene of an incident.

He is now one of very few volunteers trained to be able to attend category A calls, the most life-threatening kind. He administers life saving drugs and pain relief, and uses nebulisers and blood monitor kits.

Lives is important in the rural Wolds. Located within their own communities, volunteer responders attend call-outs within minutes, stabilising patients and reassuring loved ones, until paramedics arrive.

This early intervention sometimes means the difference between life and death.

Mr King has also taken a lead role as area co-ordinator in the organisation and helped several villages start up volunteer Lives groups, trained new responders and supported their development.

Before retiring last year, the Olympic torchbearer was a familiar figure at Market Rasen Racecourse as manager of the stables there.

And his work was recognised at a packed carol concert in Market Rasen Methodist Church.

He said: "This award has left me speechless. I accept it on behalf of all the responders in the area.

"We are all proud to help our community. Thank you ever so much."

Ray Pearson, community service chairman for Market Rasen Rotary Club, said: "Steve is a true ambassador for Lives.

"When he gives talks locally on Lives, his passion and gentle humour shine through, inspiring others. He is also a very active volunteer."

To find out how you can get involved in Lives, visit www.lives.org.uk

A ONE-STOP advice centre will open in one half of a building owned by Grimsby's oldest electrical store.

Rayners has agreed to sell its former furniture shop at 146 Freeman Street to business partners Steve Ryder, managing director of CPO Media, and Paul Silvester, Foresight's chief officer, for £135,000.

The shop, which has been vacant since April, will be converted into a two-floor training centre, boasting careers, debt, credit housing, and benefits advice – as well as a creche on the ground floor.

The adjoining Rayners electrical store at 136 to 144 Freeman Street is not included in the sale.

However, owner David Neale confirmed that the store will close in the new year after 90 years of trading.

The advice shop will get a number of businesses on board to man the shop such as Grimsby Institute, Franklin College, Shoreline Housing, Credit Union, Lincs 2 Guidance, Jobcentre Plus.

Work on converting the store is due to start in January next year and the partners hope to open the centre, with 40 car-parking spaces at the rear, in April 2013.

There are also plans for 40 KW solar panels and biomass heating.

Mr Ryder said: "A number of people said they are looking for a community learning space in the East Marsh and I thought the space in Rayners was perfect with a large shop front window to display job and volunteer opportunities.

"People will be able to get advice from a range of services which will be based on desks in the huge ground-floor area.

"The second floor will have IT training rooms and an open space for training skills for people such as young mums."

Steve Kay, head of young peoples support services at North East Lincolnshire Council and chair of Lincs 2 Guidance, said: ""We hope it will also open up doors for businesses to work in partnership to give people of Grimsby access to information and guidance they may need."

Mr Neale, who runs Rayners with his wife Ann and his father-in-law Fred Rayner, said: "We have agreed a sale for half of our building and that is pending with our solicitors.

"There are no talks about a sale of the electrical store, but that is closing down and we, as a family, are retiring."

The half of the building being sold used to be Rayners furniture store. After it closed about 10 years ago, the company leased the space to another furniture company, which folded in April. The shop has been vacant since then and was put on the market in late summer.

Mr Neale added: "I am now 60 years old, my father-in-law is 85 and we have got no continuity for the business. We will close when we will have sold all our stock."

TEENAGE boxer Milli Hansen has taken a step towards her 2016 Olympics dream by winning a top national title.

The 13-year-old has achieved a historic feat for the Grimsby region by lifting an Amateur Boxing Association of England National Championship belt.

The Cleethorpes Academy pupil, who trains at Grimsby Boxing Academy, beat Portsmouth's Shanay Bennett by majority decision in the under-54kg category at the Female ABAE Championships, held in Cannock.

Hansen, who took up boxing four years ago, capitalised on her shot in the national competition, promoted by organisers as 'The Road to Rio Starts Here!'

"I'm so pleased and everyone is so proud," said Hansen, who got the nod from the judges after three one-and-a-half-minute rounds.

"All the hard work has paid off. Everyone has congratulated me and the gym is buzzing.

"I knew she was ahead after the first round. She was taller than me and threw lots of straight shots coming forward.

"It was a bit intimidating with her being undefeated going into the fight too.

"But in the second and third rounds I used as much power as I could. I caught her with a big shot when she was on the ropes, and she got a standing-eight count.

"It was just amazing when I got the decision."

Hansen is now in line to represent England in competitions abroad – and she hopes to follow in the footsteps of London 2012 Olympics gold-medallist Nicola Adams, who was crowned an English amateur champion in 2003.

"It's great to think that it could be me representing England in the future," said Hansen.

"I want to box in the 2016 Olympics, that's my dream.

"This title is a big step for me. It was my big chance. It means so much to have won it."

GBA head coach Andy Cox said: "We knew Milli could raise her game and she delivered.

"She was the underdog and a bit nervous at first. But we thought the girl might underestimate Milli and she did.

"Milli came back into it and landed a big shot that made her opponent wobble, and she landed a few more good shots before the final bell too.

"Milli wasn't sure if she'd won, but at the end she was smiling and the other girl looked down.

"When they said it was a majority decision, I had my head in my hands as I thought she'd been robbed – but then that turned to delight when they said Milli's name. She's now number one in the country and everyone at the gym is so proud of her."

FURNISH your home for less this Christmas with another great Buy Local offer.

The Cop Shop, in Bowling Green Lane, Grimsby, is giving Buy Local card holders a "pine" deal – with 10 per cent off all orders and purchases excluding any other offer.

The business has been feeling the benefits of being part of the Grimsby Telegraph's Buy Local campaign.

As reported, the scheme was launched in a bid to encourage shoppers to use their local high streets and boost trade in the region.

Using local, independent businesses and services means more money is likely to be reinvested into North East Lincolnshire's economy. This means the whole community sees a benefit.

Cop Shop proprietor Tim Jay-Smith, 50, from New Waltham, said he has seen many people with the cards.

"Lots of people are taking advantage of the great offer," he said.

"We get a lot of trade through word-of-mouth, and recommendations, which means we trade on our reputation.

"Every customer is special to us and you will only ever deal with myself, or staff members Marion and Dave." The Cop Shop stocks a wide range of homeware, from cane and oak furniture, to gifts, including artwork, mirrors, lamps and clocks.

Tim said: "We have a massive range of great Christmas gifts.

"We also supply made-to-measure pine furniture, and everything is very competitively priced.

"We buy our cane furniture directly from Indonesia, meaning we have the lowest price in the UK.

"Home accessories, gifts, artwork and lighting are also stocked with next-day delivery or even same-day delivery available."

GLAMOROUS guests donned tuxedos and ballgowns to continue the legacy of a charitable businessman.

A memorial fund has been set up in the name of Paul Roe, the managing director of Grimsby's John Roe Toyota dealership, who died from a short illness in May, as reported.

The fund raises money for Humberston Park Hydrotherapy Pool, and the hundreds of children and teenagers who use it.

And a black-tie event at Laceby Manor Golf Course gave it a much-needed boost.

Paul's wife, Lorinda, said: "Paul really wanted to support this special facility after he met children who benefit from it.

"Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to fulfil his wish so this is our tribute to him and keeping his passion alive. If he were still here today, I know Paul would be very proud of what we have all achieved. We raised £6,500 from the event, which is fantastic, and will go a long way in support."

A TEENAGE butcher has achieved his long-held ambition to open his own business.

Harvey Lawrence, 18, learned his trade from the late Tony Thompson, a popular butcher who died in October.

Mr Thompson's family, as reported, decided to close his store in Pelham Road and on Grimsby's Top Town Market.

But the renowned businessman has left a legacy – Harvey and another former employee, Tracy Grantham, have taken over the market stall, split it into two, and both opened their own firms. Harvey, of Macaulay Street, in Grimsby, is now the proud owner of HGT Meats and Co.

He said: "I learned the trade from Mr Thompson and ever since leaving school, my dream has been to have my own butchers.

"There are not many people at 18 who have their own butchers.

"I offer a wide range of meats, everything except poultry but I hope to have the licence for that soon.

"The stall was empty and I saw it as a golden opportunity to achieve one of my life goals.

"The second being to move to Australia!"

Tracy's Go Go Pizzas is on the next stall to Harvey, where Tony Thompson Butchers used to be.

She said: "We bought the fridges and equipment from the Thompson family and thought we would give it a go at starting our own businesses. Go Go Pizzas offers a range of cooked meats and salad as well as a make-your-own pizza selection, something which very few people offer."

The market is open every day from Tuesday, December 18 until Christmas.

For further information, call 01472 325846.

A POORLY boy given a Christmas treat after a tough year has decided to use it to buy his younger sister a gift instead.

The Grimsby Telegraph has teamed up with the Artie White Foundation for its 12 Days Of Christmas campaign, as reported, giving away Christmas hampers and toy vouchers to deserving members of the community.

One of the recipients of a £100 Argos voucher was 12-year-old William Hall, who has spent this year in and out of hospital after having his first anaphylactic shock last Christmas Eve.

Football-mad William, of Daubney Street, Cleethorpes, has always suffered from eczema and asthma but last year, a number of serious allergies set in, which could kill him if not treated with the EpiPen that he carries with him constantly.

William has also fractured his knee-cap this year, which meant having to endure a plaster cast which reached almost to his hip, and he ruptured his appendix, which led to four days of agonising pain and another operation.

Despite how difficult his year has been, when he was handed the voucher, the first person he thought of was his sister, nine-year-old Amillia.

"I'll get myself a little treat but I want to get my sister something really decent for Christmas," he said.

Mum Victoria Hall, 30, who is a full-time carer to William, said she was inspired by her son.

"It's been a really rough year for him, in and out of hospital, but he always stays upbeat and has a smile on his face," she said. It is tough for his sister, too, because he takes up most of my time, but they get on really well. William is off school more than he is there and he loves football and scooter riding like other kids his age but just hasn't been able to do that.

"He's been really unlucky this year with the fracture and the appendix operation but hopefully, 2013 will be better."

Despite his asthma and other illnesses, William did manage to score a goal playing for his Cleethorpes Academy school football team.

William explained: "We were five-nil up but I thought we needed another goal.

"I've only been able to play two games this season but hopefully it will be more next year."

Dave Boylen, Artie White Foundation co-ordinator, said: "What a fantastic kid – he was bouncing up and down and thinking about his family before himself, even though he has had a tough time.

"He's a very brave lad and lucky to have such a supportive family."

Fellow co-ordinator Debbie Boylen added: "It was very sweet that the first thing he wanted to do was buy his sister something."

THE search is on for a new chief constable of Humberside Police.

The current chief, Tim Hollis, is retiring in the new year, as reported, and Humberside's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Grove, is now advertising the £139,119-a-year role.

Mr Grove said: "Under Tim Hollis' leadership, the force regularly punches above its weight.

"I have no doubt that the single most important decision I will make during my term in office will be to appoint Tim's successor.

"Make no mistake – whoever comes in has big boots to fill.

"We are in a situation where a number of commissioners across the country have to find a new chief constable. I want to make sure Humberside is at the front of the talent queue, which is why I have advertised for a new chief at the earliest possible opportunity.

"I have big aspirations to improve the lives of local people and one of my first steps is to appoint a new Chief Constable who shares my ambition, values and commitment. Someone who will have ambition to improve the service at a time when resources are reducing; someone who is open to seizing opportunities to create new ideas, share services and improve outcomes for local people."

Applications close on January 2. For more information, visit www.humberside-pcc.gov.uk/Take-Part/Chief-Constable- Recruitment.aspx

Meanwhile, Mr Grove has said the budget that will determine how much money is available to spend on policing will be set in "very, very tight financial circumstances".

He faces a busy few weeks, as the budget will directly impact on the policing plan he is working on.

The plan, set to be published in March next year, will shape the future of policing throughout Humberside.

Mr Grove has said that the police is an "indefinite demand" with a "finite financial resource".

"The draft plan will go for consultation in February and will be delivered to town and parish councils, local authorities, community groups and individuals to consult with them on," he said. "The decision for the budget will be made by central Government and we will be given this on December 19.

"But we will be working within very, very tight financial circumstances."

He described the period since taking over as Police and Crime Commissioner as being like a "whirlwind", but said he was enjoying every minute of it.