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June 2026 Page 13 AD SALES 01204 478812 PICTURE SPECIAL A WESTHOUGHTON man who attacked his father and killed his dog on Christmas Day has been jailed for almost four years. Brian Coote also attacked two police officers, one while in police custody and the other, by spitting in his face, while on the way to hospital. Police were called to Quakerfields, West- houghton, on Christmas Day last year. Coote had been drink- ing on the night of Christ- mas Eve and was offered a cup of tea by his father, Alan, after he got up the next morning. Coote threw the cup of tea at his father and gripped him by the arms causing injury to him. Alan and his dog, Max, both fled the address and Alan climbed over the back garden fence to get help and call police. Meanwhile, Coote went back into the address to retrieve the Samurai swords his father had hidden from him and found Max by the back garden fence. He slaugh- tered the dog by slashing him three times. Coote, of Quaker- fields, was jailed for 47 months at Bolton Crown Court. He had previously pleaded guilty to griev- ous bodily harm, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, assaulting an emergency worker and common assault. The court also handed him a 10-year restraining order not to contact his father or go to his house. Speaking after the case, Sergeant Sarah Kirkman who led the investigation, from Bol- ton’s Greater Manchester Police Evidence Review Team, said: “The actions that Coote took towards his elderly father and his dog that he had rescued from an abusive home were nothing short of despicable.” Christmas Day dog killer is sentenced PLANS to create a newmodern main entrance at Royal Bolton Hospital have been submitted by health chiefs. They say it marks ‘a major step’ towards improving the experience for staff, patients and visitors. No figure has been released on the cost of the pro- ject. In a statement Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “If planning permission is granted, the redevelopment will be fully funded and delivered by an external partner, with no impact on the trust’s budget or financial position. “The proposed scheme will provide a brighter, more accessible and comfortable arrival space, that is easy to navigate and helps support visitors during what can often be a stressful time. “Improved facilities, alongside a wider choice of food and drink options will offer greater comfort and flexibility for those attending appointments or waiting for loved ones, helping to make time spent at the hospital as pleasant as possible.” And Fiona McDonnell, managing director at iFM Bolton, who provide estate and facility services on behalf of the trust, added: “This is an exciting pro- posal that has the potential to make a real difference to our patients, visitors and staff.” Subject to planning approval, work is expected to begin later this summer, with completion anticipated by spring 2027. Hospital unveils a new entrance