Good afternoon, these are the latest ECHO headlines.
'Mothvodka' and 'Unawaregiraffe' ran major EncroChat drug gang
The ringleaders of an organised crime gang led their operation through EncroChat.
The gang's drug operation was uncovered when police discovered they were using the previously encrypted data system known as EncroChat. Officers found thousands of messages sent from the criminal world, including key players in an Ellesmere Port gang.
Chester Crown Court heard that James Webb, 32, and Thomas Riley, 31, were using handles to source large amounts of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis which was then distributed to dealers and addicts across Chester and Ellesmere Port.
READ MORE: 'Model prisoner' wrote 'free' on stomach before taking own life after jail move refused
The investigation into the pair began in May 2020 and after reviewing the EncroChat messages a series of raids were carried out in May 2021.
Read the full story here.
'Exceptional' teenager found dead in his bedroom 'will always live on'
A teenager found dead in his bedroom was described as a "fantastic" brother and loving son.
Kofi Bowen, 19, was found by his mum in the family's home in Botanic Road, Southport, at around 11.20am on December 4, 2021.
At his inquest at Bootle Town Hall today, November 16, coroner Johanna Thompson heard how the much-loved teenager had struggled with 'depressive episodes' before he died, and was on a waiting list to be seen by doctors.
Read the full story here.
Liverpool café opening on Christmas Day so 'nobody feels alone'
A café in Liverpool is opening on Christmas Day after saying “nobody should have to feel alone”.
People can come to the café for a free hot drink and pastry if they need some company on the day. The owners of Catherine Braidy Cake Parlour, in south Liverpool, did the same back in 2019 and 2021, though were unable to in 2020 due to lockdown.
In the post, they said: “We’re opening on Christmas Day. You won’t be able to buy cake but you’ll be able to pop in and see some friendly faces, have a warm drink and have some Danish pastries all free of charge."
Read the full story here.
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