Killer drivers, a murderer and Piccadilly Gardens’ rapists among those locked up for Christmas in Greater Manchester

An evil hit-and-run driver who left a grandmother for dead is amongst those who have been locked up for Christmas in Greater Manchester.

Also spending the festive season behind bars are two killers who murdered a beloved new dad, and two rapists who raped a woman in Piccadilly Gardens.

Prison terms are handed out to the most serious offenders. And Manchester Evening News court reporters are on the press bench to cover such cases.

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A hit-and-run driver who killed a much-loved grandmother then tried to hide evidence by arranging for his car to be repaired in the aftermath before going on holiday has been jailed. The family of Katherine West, who was 59, said they will 'never forgive' Jack Knowles for his actions after he was locked up.

Police said he returned to the scene in the aftermath posing as a bystander as others, including an off-duty paramedic, raced to her aid. Knowles, 34, watched on, but did nothing to help.

Greater Manchester Police said Knowles drove onto Ladies Lane in Hindley, Wigan, from the roundabout with Bridge Street before his car hit Ms West. He briefly stopped, but then 'quickly' left the scene without checking on her, said a GMP spokesperson in a statement after last week's sentencing hearing at Bolton Crown Court.

The collision happened at around 9.40pm on Friday, November 5, 2021 as Ms West was crossing Ladies Lane, close to the junction with Haworth Street.

Police said she had reached hatched markings in the centre of the carriageway, with one car slowing to allow her to cross, when Knowles drove onto the road.

"In the days