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Connors Family Found Guilty Of Forced Labour

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 15 Desember 2012 | 20.14

Five members of the same traveller family who made their staff perform humiliating tasks have been found guilty of forced labour.

William Connors, 52, his wife Mary, 48, their sons John, 29, and James, 20, and their son-in-law Miles Connors, 24, were all convicted of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour between April 2010 and March 2011.

Bristol Crown Court heard how the Connors would pick up the men - many of whom were homeless or drug addicts - to work for them as labourers.

Jurors were told the victims lived in squalid caravans on traveller sites as they moved around the country working on the Connors' paving and patio businesses.

Prosecutors said the men were paid as little as £5 a day for their work, which included emptying the buckets used as toilets by their bosses, and were forced to scavenge from dustbins for food.

Slavery court case The inside of a caravan occupied by two people who worked for the Connors

Some workers were beaten with broom handles, belts, a rake and a shovel, and one had a hosepipe forced down his throat, it was claimed.

By contrast, the court heard, their employers lived in large, well-equipped caravans, enjoyed holidays in Dubai, Mexico and the Caribbean and drove luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce, a Mercedes A-Class and a Mini convertible.

Prosecutor Christopher Quinlan QC said: "It was a clear and unequivocal demonstration of control and dominance of one set - the family - over another.

"If you compare and contrast the lifestyles of the workers and bosses it is like comparing a Maserati with a clapped-out Zephyr."

Police began investigating the Connors following the discovery of a worker's decomposed body in a garden shed close to one of the family's caravan sites.

A fellow worker contacted officers in 2009 to say he had been recruited by William and Mary while living on the streets of Cheltenham.

He told detectives he had his identity documents taken from him, was rarely paid, received little food and lived with other workers in the same situation.

When the Connors family was placed under covert surveillance the following year, police recorded evidence of the men being assaulted.

Caravan sites in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire were raided in March 2011 and 19 men were rescued.

The Connors said their workers were "free agents" who were able to come and go as they pleased.

William and Mary insisted they were "good Samaritans" who provided vulnerable people with food, work and accommodation.

All five defendants had faced a second charge of conspiracy to hold another person in servitude but the judge ordered the jury to find them not guilty of that offence.

They are due to be sentenced on Monday.


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Man Arrested Over Bus Attack In Ipswich

A man has been arrested after a passenger was shoved off a bus in Ipswich, leaving him with a serious head injury.

It happened as the man, who is now fighting for his life in hospital, was travelling on a number 10 bus on Thursday evening.

Just after 6pm it stopped in Defoe Road near to the junction with Macauley Road and as he went to get off he was pushed.

It caused him to fall backwards and hit his head, leaving him unconscious.

The passenger, who is in his 60s, was taken to Ipswich Hospital where he is said to be in a critical condition.

On Friday morning, a 26-year-old local man was detained and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Earlier, police said three males were involved in the pushing incident and that they ran off into Macauley Road.

All three are described as white, of medium build, around 5ft 7in or 5ft 8in tall and in their late 20s.

One was said to be wearing a woolly hat and a grey bomber jacket, while another wore a grey hoodie under a jacket.

Police have impounded the bus and are reviewing CCTV footage. Officers have also been speaking to other passengers and local residents.

Malcolm Robson, the managing director of Ipswich Buses, said the firm was "very concerned" about the incident.

He told the Ipswich Star: "Our driver is back at work this morning and is very upset about it and we hope (the victim) makes a full recovery.

"We're doing what we can with witness statements and providing CCTV footage and are just helping the police in any way we can."

Anyone with information that could help police is asked to contact Ipswich CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


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Witches Coven: Child Sex Abuse Pair Jailed

Two men have been jailed for a total of 32 years after sexually abusing several children as part of a witches' coven in Cornwall during the 1970s.

Peter Petrauske, 72, and Jack Kemp, 69, were said to have donned ceremonial robes and pagan paraphernalia before abusing young girls.

Police believe one of their victims may have been as young as three.

During the three-week trial at Truro Crown Court, sex abuse victims said they were given money and sweets to buy their silence.

Petrauske, who described himself as the high priest of a white witches' coven in St Ives, Cornwall, was convicted of one count of rape, one count of aiding and abetting an attempt to rape, and one count of indecent assault, all by unanimous verdict.

Kemp was unanimously found guilty of indecent assault and indecency with a child, as well as seven other sexual offences by a majority verdict.

Jailing Kemp for 14 years and Petrauske for 18, Judge Graham Cottle told them: "The offences range from the extremely serious to the truly horrifying.

"(The trial) has featured ritualistic, sickening abuse of young, young children.

"The scars left are so obvious that it would seem extremely unlikely that either of them have any real prospect of recovery."

The child abuse was only investigated further by police last year when Kemp was arrested in connection with another incident, causing rumours to spread around his home town of Falmouth and prompting the alleged victims of the historic offences to contact detectives.

Petrauske was backed up by female members of the coven who said that, while children were occasionally present, nudity never played a part in the ceremonies.

One female friend also described him as "a gentleman".

Kemp denied any involvement in paganism, saying it "wasn't his cup of tea", and said he was the victim of a bizarre conspiracy.

He said the girls were wrong to name him in the case.

Witnesses also named murdered pagan Peter Solheim and notorious Cornish paedophile Stan Pirie as among their abusers.

Solheim was a 56-year-old parish councillor whose body was found five miles off the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, by fishermen on June 18, 2004. He had been drugged and mutilated with a machete or an axe.

Kemp was cleared of five charges, while Petrauske was also found not guilty of one count.


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Charities Fear For Survival As Donations Drop

One in six UK charities fear they could be forced to close next year because of a drop in donations and funding.

Nearly half of organisations have used reserve funds to cover shortfalls in income, while a quarter have cut staff to stay afloat, according to figures released by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

It also found that public donations to charities are down 20%.

Wozzy Brewster launched the Midi Music Company in Deptford, London, 18 years ago to provide a space where children could be inspired and get into music.

This year, the charity has slashed two staff posts and cut back on its work with poorer families and young people in nearby Lewisham.

"Small charities like ours, in the middle of areas where gang warfare is going on, are in need of far greater donations," Ms Brewster told Sky News.

"At the moment, we are still short of £10,000 for this financial year. If we don't achieve that it will just add to our accumulating deficit."

The figures were released as Lynne Featherstone, the Government's aid minister, called for charities to be more self-sufficient and not rely on Government handouts.

However, Rhodri Davies, policy manager at the CAF, said: "The majority of charities in the UK get no money from Government, never have done and will probably never look to.

"We're realistic; money from Government has been cut back, there's public spending cuts across the board and charities have to bear their share of that.

"But what we're saying is that where Government and local authorities do make cuts to public spending, they shouldn't just disproportionately load those onto charities."

Three years ago, Toby Ord launched a website called Giving What We Can, with the aim of making it easier for people to donate to charities through their salary.

So far, 250 people have pledged at least 10% of their pay to good causes.

"If people think about doing this early enough, they could donate more than £100,000 in their lifetime," Mr Ord said.

Charities minister Nick Hurd suggested that everyone should attempt to give 1% of their annual wage to charity to help stop the decline in donations.

The CAF has also launched its Back Britain's Charities campaign, which calls on the Government, businesses and individuals to get behind the nation's charitable organisations.


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Family Of Royal Prank Call Nurse 'Shattered'

The children of a nurse found dead days after taking a prank call say they are "shattered" by their loss.

Jacintha Saldanha was discovered in a nurses' accommodation block close to King Edward VII's Hospital, London, where the Duchess of Cambridge was treated for severe morning sickness.

The 46-year-old answered a phone call from Australian radio presenters Michael Christian and Mel Greig, who pretended to be Prince Charles and the Queen and asked for an update on the duchess' health.

A service for Ms Saldanha, a mother-of-two, was held at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday.

Jacintha Saldanha was a nurse King Edward VII's Hospital, London Jacintha Saldanha worked at the hospital where Kate was treated

Outside, her daughter Lisha said: "We will miss your laughter, the loving memories and the good times we had together.

"We are shattered and there is an unfillable void in our lives.

"We love you mum. Sleep in peace and please watch over us until we meet again in heaven."

Ms Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza said his wife was "the light of my darkness who always showed me the way forward".

"From the day we met, you always stood by me, in times of hardship and happiness," he said.

"Nineteen years of togetherness, with a strong bond of affection and understanding, will be cherished forever in my life."

Radio Djs Michael Christian and Mel Greig talk on australian tv show 'today tonight' about the telephone prank they played on now deceased nurse Jacintha Saldahna. Australian DJs Michael Christian and Mel Greig made the prank phone call

Mr Barboza's son Janul added: "In times of difficulty, you showed us the way forward to happiness and success."

On Friday, John Lofthouse, chief executive of King Edward VII's Hospital, said staff had stood by Ms Saldanha and insisted the nurse was the "victim of a cruel trick".

Writing in reply to a letter sent by Keith Vaz MP, Mr Lofthouse said: "Jacintha believed that the call was genuine, and she felt it appropriate to put the call through. We stand by her judgement.

"Jacintha was reassured on a number of occasions by senior management that no blame was attached to her actions and that there were no disciplinary issues involved, because she had been the victim of a cruel trick."

Ms Saldanha's funeral will be held at a church in India on Monday.

An inquest into her death, which opened on Thursday, heard Ms Saldhana had hanged herself. She left two notes in her room and another among her personal possessions.

A provisional date of March 26 has been set for the next inquest hearing.


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Missing Girl: Police Say Fears Are Growing

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 14 Desember 2012 | 20.14

Police are appealing for information about a teenage girl who has been missing for five weeks.

They say concern is growing for the safety of 14-year-old Shelley Pratt from Croydon in Surrey.

Detectives have released new CCTV images which show her walking with a young black man along Croydon High Street just after midnight on Friday, November 9.

She is wearing her school uniform trousers and a hooded jumper with the slogan 'I love (heart symbol) London'.

Minutes later, police believe Shelly's Oyster card was used to board a route 60 bus heading towards Coulsdon.

The day before Shelley got off a 196 bus outside Harris Academy in South Norwood, Croydon, and walked south with a girl and a boy.

She was later spotted around 9.30pm on CCTV at George Street tram stop in Croydon town centre.

CCTV image of missing Croydon teenager Shelley Pratt CCTV image of Shelley in Croydon High Street

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dunne said: "It has now been five weeks since Shelley went missing and concerns for her safety and welfare, especially in this extremely cold weather, are heightened.

"Shelley has had absolutely no contact with friends or family since her disappearance and it is possible that she may be with someone, perhaps in a house or a flat.

"I am encouraging people, particularly Croydon residents, to look closely at the image of the young man seen next to her.

"Do you recognise him or see him moments before approaching Shelley, talking to a number of passing girls on the opposite pavement, clearly trying to get their attention?"

CCTV image of missing Croydon teenager Shelley Pratt Shelley's parents have urged her to get in touch

Shelley, who is described as white and around 5ft 6in or 5ft 7in tall with long brown hair, has gone missing twice before but not for so long.

Her parents, Lisa and Tony Pratt, have begged her to come home in time for Christmas.

They said: "Shellz, please get in touch with us, we are desperate to hear your voice and know that you are safe and well.

"You're not in trouble. We love you and we miss you and just want you home, without you there will be no Christmas.

"Your presents are under the tree waiting for you. We are all missing you like mad. We love you - please, please come home."

Anyone with information is urged to call the Metropolitan Police incident room on 020 8721 4906.


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Norovirus Cruise Ship Oriana Docks In UK

A luxury cruise liner described as a "plague ship" after an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug has returned to dock in Southampton.

Around 300 passengers on P&O's Oriana are thought to have been struck down with norovirus during a 10-night Baltic cruise.

The company's owners, Carnival, initially said there had been "an incidence of a mild gastrointestinal illness" among the 1,800 people on board.

Paul Gilman, who had booked onto the cruise, said: "It has been outrageous from start to finish.

P&O liner Oriana The Oriana docked in Southampton at the end of a 10-night cruise

"People were falling like flies, yet the crew were trying to insist everything was fine.

"Everyone is saying, 'this is a plague ship'. It's a living nightmare."

Carol Marlow, managing director of P&O Cruises, told Sky News the Oriana had undergone a "full sanitisation process" before it set sail from Southampton on December 4.

She said the first cases of norovirus, which has an incubation period of between one and two days, were reported to the ship's medical centre within a couple of hours of the vessel leaving port, indicating the virus was brought on board by one of the passengers.

Ms Marlow, who sent a letter of apology to all customers, said: "We don't want one person to be ill on any of our holidays, and we'll learn from this and try to make sure it doesn't happen again."

More than 750,000 people could be affected by the latest outbreak of norovirus in the UK, according to estimates by the Health Protection Agency.

The stomach bug is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea.


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Hunt For Bus Attackers As Man Fights For Life

A bus company has vowed to do everything possible to help police catch the three men who pushed a passenger from one of its vehicles.

The man, in his sixties, suffered a serious head injury and is now fighting for his life in hospital.

He was travelling on a number 10 bus when it stopped in Defoe Road, Ipswich, and the men shoved him off.

They jumped off the vehicle, which has been impounded by police, and ran off into Macauley Road.

All three are described as white, of medium build, around 5ft 7in or 5ft 8in tall and in their late 20s.

One was said to be wearing a woolly hat and a grey bomber jacket, while another wore a grey hoodie under a jacket.

Malcolm Robson, the managing director of Ipswich Buses, said the firm was "very concerned" about the attack.

He told the Ipswich Star: "Our driver is back at work this morning and is very upset about it and we hope (the victim) makes a full recovery.

"We're doing what we can with witness statements and providing CCTV footage and are just helping the police in any way we can."

The unnamed victim was taken to Ipswich Hospital where his condition is described as critical.

Police are speaking to other passengers and are searching the area close to the incident in an effort to trace the attackers.

Anyone who may have seen them running from the bus or in the nearby area is asked to contact Ipswich CID on 101.


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Eva Rausing Died Of Drugs Dependency

Multi-millionairess Eva Rausing died as a result of dependent drug abuse, an inquest has ruled.

The 48-year-old's body lay undiscovered for two months before she was found at the £5m west London home she shared with her husband Hans, heir to the Tetra Pak fortune.

She was discovered in a fly-filled room hidden under a pile of bedding with a foil pipe in her hand, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

Police found the mother-of-four's body in an advanced state of decomposition after they had arrested Hans Rausing on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on July 9.

He was given two suspended sentences in August after admitting preventing the lawful and decent burial of his wife's body.

Eva Rausing as a teenager Eva Rausing as a teenager

A post-mortem found his wife had died on May 7 and had drugs in her system, including cocaine.

Deputy coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said Mrs Rausing died as a result of cocaine intoxication contributed to by a heart condition - tricuspid valve disease.

Delivering her verdict, she said: "Mrs Rausing's death was as a result of the dependent abuse of drugs."

The inquest heard that her pacemaker recorded heartbeats up to 384 beats per minute on the calculated day of her death. The normal rate is 65.

Pathologists found no signs of violence on Mrs Rausing's body.

Hans Kristian and Eva Rausing Hans and Eva Rausing on their wedding day

An investigating officer told the court how Hans Rausing lied to his housekeepers after his wife died, saying she was in the US.

The couple lived a reclusive life on the second floor of their home. Housemaids were not allowed into certain areas. The hearing was told that staff noticed Hans Rausing had stopped sleeping in his bedroom and had started eating downstairs.

The couple had fought a public battle against addiction to drugs.

In 2008 police launched an investigation after Mrs Rausing was caught with drugs as she tried to enter the US Embassy in London for a function.

Subsequent searches of her car and the couple's Georgian townhouse uncovered huge quantities of class A drugs.

They faced drug charges but were given conditional cautions instead, meaning the hearings did not go ahead.

Hans Rausing's parents and siblings said then they were supporting the pair as they fought to overcome drug addiction.


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Jamie Theakston Gets Phone Hacking Damages

Jamie Theakston, Jeff Brazier and Colin Stagg are among the latest names to settle their damages actions over phone hacking.

The presenter, the boyfriend of the late Jade Goody and the man wrongly accused of murdering Rachel Nickell are among 22 claimants to have recently accepted offers of substantial damages from News Group Newspapers, the High Court has been told.

Others among the group are Lisa Brash, former girlfriend of Robbie Williams, golfer Colin Montgomerie's ex-wife Eimear Cook, and Major David Brooks, a relative by marriage of Mr Justice Vos, the judge presiding over the litigation.

The announcement came during the latest in a series of case management conferences ahead of a hearing next June, when compensation is to be assessed in any claims outstanding in this second wave of the litigation.

Hugh Tomlinson QC said it was likely that there would be a number of other settlements before the end of the year.

"It is also right to say that there will remain a substantial number of claims going forward."

In October, it was said that 167 claims were currently on the register.

The court is due to sit again on Monday to consider the publisher's attempt to strike out the claim brought by Mary-Ellen Field, former adviser to model Elle Macpherson, on the basis that no phone interception took place.


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ScotRail Strike For Staff On Christmas Eve

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 13 Desember 2012 | 20.14

ScotRail staff will strike on December 22 and Christmas Eve in a dispute over the sacking of an employee, the RMT union has said.

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) warned of "massive disruption" to services from the two 24-hour walkouts.

Union members on the firm's sleeper services will also strike for 24 hours from the evening of December 21 and again from the evening of December 23.

The union said the action was in support of Scott Lewis, who the RMT claimed had been dismissed for trying to help a member of the public buy the correct ticket.

The union maintained that Mr Lewis was trying to make sure the passenger had the correct ticket, but that he was dismissed for making "unwanted contact" with the man.

General secretary Bob Crow called for immediate reinstatement, adding: "Scott Lewis has been victimised and sacked for trying to help a passenger within the written procedures set out in ScotRail's own policies in what is an absolute travesty of justice.

"RMT members will not sit back and watch while their colleagues are picked off in this fashion by a management who think that they can fire staff without a single shred of evidence to support their case, and that is why RMT had no choice but to announce this programme of action."

ScotRail said the union's decision "reeks of selfishness" and that the dates had been chosen to give staff a paid day off in the run-up to Christmas.

It described the move as "a clear attack on the travelling public across Scotland at Christmas as well as people heading home from England, let alone last minute shoppers and party-goers - rather than the company."

A spokesman said: "This reeks of selfishness - designed to give those on strike extra time off and full wages while having the maximum impact on the travelling public in the run up to Christmas.

"It also appears mercenary and opportunistic to choose times when families and friends will be travelling for festive reunions and many other people, including staff in hospitals and shops, still have to get to and from work."

Although 548 of the 819 votes cast were in favour of the strike action, ScotRail said that figure only accounted for 24% of the union's members.


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Maria Miller: Expense Probe Is Launched

Parliament's sleaze watchdog is to investigate expense claims made by Culture Secretary Maria Miller.

John Lyon, Parliament's Commissioner for Standards, will look at a complaint about the senior Tory minister's second home allowances.

The decision to investigate follows revelations that Mrs Miller claimed more than £90,000 for the cost of a house her parents had apparently been living in.

She received £90,718 between 2005 and 2009 - almost the maximum allowed - for mortgage payments, bills and other costs at the property in south London.

Labour MP John Mann filed a complaint earlier this week, arguing that the arrangement was "identical" to that of ex-Labour minister Tony McNulty.

Mr McNulty had to pay back more than £13,000 in expenses in 2009 because they were spent on a second home occupied by his parents.

The Commissioner ruled in that case that the MP had effectively "subsidised" his relatives from the public purse, allowing them to live rent free.

Mrs Miller insisted on Sky News earlier this week that her claims were "absolutely as they should be".

Craig Oliver Downing Street Communications Director Craig Oliver phoned The Telegraph's editor

A spokesman added on Thursday: "Mrs Miller's expenses have been audited twice and found to be wholly proper and above board.

"Any suggestion to the contrary is simply untrue. She would fully co-operate with any inquiry."

Downing Street added that David Cameron still has full confidence in the Culture Secretary, who is in the spotlight as she oversees negotiations over press regulation.

The minister's claims were originally revealed by The Telegraph, sparking a row with the Government amid claims aides had tried to suppress the story.

Mr Cameron's head of communications Craig Oliver and Mrs Miller's special adviser Joanna Hindley have been accused of using the Leveson report to put pressure on the newspaper.

The Telegraph claims that Ms Hindley referred to the report, apparently in an attempt to threaten them, when she was called for a response to the expenses revelations.

Mr Oliver then also mentioned the issue in a telephone call to the newspaper's editor - reportedly saying "she is looking at Leveson at the moment".

Number 10 has insisted Mr Oliver was only highlighting concerns about how the paper pursued the story because it had spoken to the minister's elderly father.

Mrs Miller has since insisted the affair has nothing to do with the Leveson report. "My concern is that any investigation is done in accordance with the rules, the Editors' Code," she said.

The Telegraph said it had lifted the lid on the conversations behind the scenes to show the risk of politicians being involved in how the press is regulated.

:: Further cross-party talks on press regulation took place on Thursday but broke up without agreement amid continued divisions over the need for a system backed by law.


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Chef Jamie Oliver Sued In 'Pink Slime' Row

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is among those being sued by a worker laid off by a beef processing firm after "pink slime" was apparently used in fast food and school lunches.

Bruce Smith is one of 750 employees fired earlier this year by Beef Products Incorporated (BPI) following a flood of reports about the substance. He is suing Oliver, ABC News, and blogger Bettina Siegel.

The lawsuit accuses them of "the dissemination of untrue facts and misinformation" about Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB) and argues they "engaged in negligent, wilful and reckless behaviour" against BPI.

The process involves heating beef scraps and running them through a centrifuge to separate out fat, then treating the final product with ammonium hydroxide to prevent contamination by e.coli and other pathogens.

The company, which had produced 350,000 tons of the substance each year, insists LFTB is a "significant, safe and reliable source of lean beef meat" and that the ammonium hydroxide is not considered an ingredient.

"Pursuant to USDA and FDA regulations, LFTB was, and is, 100% beef," it said.

Mr Smith, 58, has requested $70,000 (£43,000) in compensation, saying a larger amount may mean the case is transferred out of his Nebraska community and into a federal court.

He said he wants the public to understand "how consumer fears and concerns were falsely hyped and manipulated by the traditional and social media, celebrities, politicians and others".

In an episode in April 2011 of his Food Revolution show, Oliver spun beef scraps in a washing machine and doused them with ammonium hydroxide to illustrate the process, referring to the finished product as "pink slime".

"You've just turned dog food into potentially your kids' food," Oliver said at the end of the demonstration, adding "everything about this process to me is about no respect for food, or people, or children".

The following March, Siegel, author of The Lunch Tray blog, launched an online petition to ban LFTB in school lunches, gathering 250,000 signatures. ABC News then ran a series of stories on the substance.

At around the same time, a picture of strawberry-coloured chicken paste was widely circulated on the internet, falsely labelled as LFTB.

ABC News and Oliver could not immediately be reached for comment, but Ms Siegel wrote on her blog that she was confident the constitutional freedom of speech protects her from "meritless attempts at censorship like this one."

She added: "I will vigorously defend my right, and the rights of all of us, to speak out on matters of public importance and to petition the federal government."


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Yellowist Jailed For Defacing Rothko Painting

A 26-year-old man has been jailed for two years for defacing a Mark Rothko painting at London's Tate Modern gallery.

Wlodzimierz Umaniec, also known as Vladimir Umanets, vandalised the mural worth £5m to £9m at the gallery on October 7 this year.

The Polish national, who co-founded the artistic movement Yellowism, stepped over a barrier and daubed his name and the words "12 a potential piece of Yellowism" before fleeing.

He admitted criminal damage in excess of £5,000 - but estimates suggest the restoration of the painting, called Black On Maroon, will cost around £200,000.

Rothko seagram murals The artist's works have fetched millions of pounds at auction

Inner London Crown Court Judge Roger Chapple described his actions as "entirely deliberate, planned and intentional".

The court heard Umaniec, who lives in Worthing, West Sussex, went to the gallery intending to put his "signature" on a picture, but decided to damage the Rothko painting only at the time he saw it on display.

Speaking about Yellowism, Judge Chapple said it was "wholly and utterly unacceptable to promote it by damaging a work of art", which he called a "gift to the nation".

He added that it was "abundantly clear" that Umaniec was "plainly an intelligent man" and told the court he had described Rothko as a "great painter" in a letter he had written to him.

Mark Rothko's Orange, red, yellow canvas sold for a record amount Orange, Red, Yellow sold for a record £53.8m

Gregor McKinley, prosecuting, said it would take about 20 months to restore the painting as part of a "complex" process.

He said: "Complications to this work include the unique painting technique used by the artist and the fact the ink used by Umaniec has permeated the paint layers and the canvas itself."

Paintings by Russian-born artist Rothko often fetch tens of millions of pounds.

Earlier this year, his Orange, Red, Yellow sold for £53.8m - the highest price paid for a piece of post-War art at auction.

The defaced painting was donated to the Tate in 1969 by Rothko himself.

Outside court before the sentencing, Ben Smith, who called himself a Yellowist, attempted to explain the concept: "Everything is equal. Everything is art. Everything is a potential piece of Yellowism."


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David Tait: Ex-Rugby Star 'In Deadly Fall'

Former international rugby player David Tait has died aged 25 after apparently falling from an apartment building in Hong Kong.

His rugby career was cut short by injuries, and he then became a corporate finance manager for multinational firm KPMG.

It is the second tragedy to hit the family after his father Campbell Tait, a barrister and judge, was found hanged at his home in Sale in 2004.

David Tait, a back-row forward for Sale Sharks, was described as a "gifted and popular young man" and "a talented rugby player".

He was also "extremely and bright and successful" in his life outside the sport.

Tait spent five years with Sale, who signed him as a teenager, and was part of England's training squad for the 2008-09 International Rugby Board world sevens series, but did not play.

While at the club - where he usually played Number Eight - he was selected for the England Under-20s side but never played.

He later represented Scotland at the 2009 Dubai Sevens.

He made 40 appearances for the Sharks over five years. But his Premiership career came to an abrupt end in 2010 after club bosses let him go following a series of injuries.

Tait's family issued a statement which read: "The family is devastated and we would ask you to please respect our privacy."

Rugby Players' Association chief executive officer Damian Hopley said: "The rugby community will be shattered by the passing of such a gifted and popular young man who was respected by everyone he played alongside.

"He wasn't simply a talented rugby player, he was also extremely bright and successful in his life outside of rugby.

"We will do everything we can to help support David's family and the players who played alongside him. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers."

Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said: "David is well remembered by staff at the RFU as a talented player who represented England whole-heartedly in our age grade sides. He will be greatly missed by the rugby community and our thoughts are with his family and friends at such a sad time."

Tait's death is also the second in a year to rock Sale Sharks.

Former player Selorm Kuadey, who was 24, died in an apparent suicide in January.

He was picked for the England Under-20s side, but retired the same year as Tait due to long-term injuries.


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April Jones: Search Continues Into New Year

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 12 Desember 2012 | 20.14

By David Crabtree, Midlands Correspondent

As police continue their search for the body of April Jones, her parents say their tragic loss does not get any easier to bear.

It has been 10 weeks since the five-year-old vanished near her home in Machynlleth, Powys.

A statement from her parents, Coral and Paul, said: "We understand that Christmas will be a particularly difficult time without April being amongst us, but as parents of Harley and Jazmin, we will obviously acknowledge the festive season as best we can.

"We realise that this is a big news story, but for us it is our life, and we are coming to terms with the fact that our baby girl has been taken from us."

Police say officers from all corners of the UK are helping in the search operation.

There are 16 search teams comprising of a leader and six officers, as well as twelve specially trained dogs.

They are involved in one of the largest search operations in police history.

Specialists have been searching rivers and the sea as well as mines and quarries.

Superintendent Ian John said: "We will keep looking until we are satisfied that we have exhausted all lines of inquiry.

"We are not putting an end date on the operation and we are not willing to speculate how long it will last.

"But we will say that we are committed to stay here until we can be sure that there are no more viable places to look for April's body.

"The investigation team will continue their work to uncover what happened that evening and to prepare for the trial."

Mark Bridger, 46, from Ceinws, near Machynlleth, has been charged with April's murder, child abduction and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

He remains in custody with a court appearance set for next month.


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Royal Prank Call Nurse 'Was Found Hanged'

Timeline: Kate Prank Call Tragedy

Updated: 4:38am UK, Tuesday 11 December 2012

Here are some of the key developments surrounding the death of hospital nurse Jacintha Saldanha following a hoax phone call by two Australian radio hosts.

Monday, December 3
The Duchess of Cambridge is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London with severe morning sickness.

Tuesday, December 4
2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian make their hoax call to the hospital in the early hours of the morning, posing as the Queen and Prince Charles. Nurse Jacintha Saldanha puts them through to a colleague who divulges details of how doctors have been treating the Duchess.

Wednesday, December 5
A King Edward VII's Hospital spokesman confirms the Australian radio station made the prank call, saying it "deplores" the act and is conducting a review of its phone system.

Thursday, December 6
The Duchess of Cambridge leaves hospital.

Friday, December 7
:: Ms Saldanha is pronounced dead at staff accommodation close to the hospital. She is thought to have taken her own life, although a post-mortem examination is yet to be held.

:: King Edward VII's Hospital releases a statement saying: "It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Ms Saldanha. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues."

:: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge send their condolences to Ms Saldanha's family.

Saturday, December 8
:: Ms Saldanha's family in southwest India speak of their heartache. Her mother-in-law, Carmine Barboza, says: "Jacintha was a very caring woman. She used to call us every Sunday without fail. We just cannot believe what has happened."

:: Ms Greig and Mr Christian go on indefinite leave from the radio station after they are bombarded with abusive and threatening messages on social media websites.

::  Lord Glenarthur, chairman of the King Edward VII's Hospital, writes a latter to 2Day FM calling for the "truly appalling" broadcast to "never be repeated".

:: Max Moore-Wilton, chairman of Southern Cross Austereo which owns 2Day FM, describes the events over the past few days as "tragic", but adds: "The outcome was unforeseeable and very regrettable."

Sunday, December 9
:: It emerges Mel Greig and Michael Christian may be questioned by London's Metropolitan Police.

:: Ms Greig and Mr Christian express a desire to speak about the tragedy, but are still in hiding.

:: The Australian Communications and Media Authority, which regulates radio broadcasting, says it is considering whether it should launch an investigation into whether the presenters breached the commercial radio code of practice.

Monday, December 10

:: Mr Christian and Ms Greig break their silence, expressing their regret and sorrow over the tragedy in a series of emotional Australian TV interviews. They insist they never expected their phone call to go so far and thought hospital staff would hang up on them. Both extend sympathy to Ms Saldanha's family.

:: Ms Saldanha's family pay tribute to a "loving mother and wife". Speaking on their behalf, MP Keith Vaz says: "They are really grateful for the support of the British public and the public overseas for the messages of support and kindness."


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M6 Tanker Fire: Nine Treated At Scene

Firefighters were among a group of people being treated at the scene of a chemical tanker fire that closed the M6, north of Coventry.

West Midlands Ambulance said nine people, including the lorry driver, were treated because they were overcome by chemical fumes after the tanker caught fire about 9.30am.

A section of the motorway was closed in both directions and motorists experienced long delays, the Highways Agency said.

Some motorists caught up in the traffic queue behind the accident were evacuated from their cars after firefighters put in a 800m exclusion zone.

M6 fire Some motorists were evacuated (Image: Andrew Hawley)

Warwickshire Police said the vehicle had a tyre blow-out which caught fire and, as a result, the north and southbound carriageways had to be closed.

Andrew Hawley, who is at the scene, described the situation as "a nightmare" on Twitter and said he expected to be stuck for hours.

Drivers were being advised to stay away from the area as delays were expected to continue into the afternoon.

The motorway was closed northbound between J3 and J3A and southbound between J4 and J3.

The J2 and J3 northbound access and the slip road from Corley services between J3 and J4 were all closed.

Scene of M6 tanker fire Motorists experienced long delays

The Highways Agency advised northbound traffic to come off at J2 and use the A46 southbound, A45 and then A452 in order to rejoin the motorway at J4.

"Due to the motorway being closed there is a massive tailback of traffic and we are currently advising people to stay away from the area," a spokeswoman for Warwickshire Police said.

"Fire service are in attendance at the moment at the vehicle and it looks like it could be quite a long job."

Three ambulances were at the scene, as well as a rapid response vehicle, two paramedic officers and some specialist hazardous area response teams.


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Mutant Rats: Catchers Call For Stronger Poison

Rat catchers are asking for permission to use stronger poisons to deal with a plague of super rats that have developed resistance to common vermin control methods.

The mutant brown rats, which carry life-threatening diseases, have been emerging from their traditional havens in sewers and ditches and taking refuge in people's homes.

The problem has been made worse by recent wet weather, which has driven hordes of rats from flooded drains.

Some of the worst-hit areas are in the affluent home counties including Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames, home to the Royal Regatta.

The Health and Safety Executive has been running a consultation after poison manufacturers applied to use stronger poisons, including brodifacoum which is currently restricted to indoor use, to control the UK's estimated 80 million rat population.

Pest controller Graham Chapple Graham Chapple says the mutant rats are "breeding prolifically"

Graham Chapple from Newbury-based Rapid Pest Control told Sky News: "They're super rats in that they've genetically mutated and developed resistance to the poisons we currently use.

"The recent wet weather and flooding we've had has seen them pushed out of the sewers and we've had a lot more calls about people seeing rats in the loft or spotting them during the day, which used to be relatively rare.

"They're just looking for somewhere safe to do what rats do, which is breed prolifically.

"The mutations seem to be spreading reasonably quickly and I know they are having problems in Birmingham, Scotland, Hampshire and other areas.

"It is not so much that brodifacoum is a stronger poison, just that the rats haven't developed resistance to it, so it will be much more effective."

Rats carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, including Weil's disease, which can lead to kidney failure.

Olympic champion Andy Holmes, Sir Steve Redgrave's partner in the 1988 Seoul Games, died from Weil's disease in 2010 after falling ill following a rowing event in Lincolnshire.

Last month a couple in Camden, north London, found their baby girl covered in blood after being bitten by a rat.

Brian Watson with a giant rat Brian Watson, with the "giant rat" he found and killed

In April, grandad Brian Watson told how he battered a "giant rat" to death in Consett, County Durham.

University of Reading researcher Alan Buckle has backed the use of new poisons after finding evidence of rats in Oxfordshire and Berkshire developing resistance to conventional rodenticides.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "Studies show a large part of southern England has rats who have mutated to resist standard poisons.

"Pest controllers are having problems and more potent poisons need to be used carefully and responsibly."

Environmental experts have raised concerns about the danger of brodifacoum - which bleeds the rodents to death - and other strong poisons killing other wildlife, such as barn owls who would eat dead rats, if used outdoors.

The Health and Safety Executive said it had been running a consultation on the issue for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A spokesman said: "We recognise there may be problems with resistance to some rodenticides in certain areas within the UK and therefore there is a demand for certain products to be used outdoors, which currently are restricted from such use.

"We are considering the current position for dutyholders to be able to use these products.

"To help inform the decision making process HSE has recently conducted a stakeholder engagement initiative and HSE is in the process of reviewing the responses received as a result."


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'Shocking' State Collusion On Finucane Murder

A report into the notorious shooting of a solicitor in Northern Ireland during the Troubles has found "shocking" levels of state collusion.

Pat Finucane was shot 14 times by loyalist paramilitaries on February 12 1989 as he was eating Sunday dinner with his family in Belfast.

Mr Finucane represented high profile republicans including IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands and was at the peak of his career when he died.

His death is one of the most controversial in Northern Ireland's bloody history and his family have led a long campaign for a full public inquiry.

David Cameron resisted their pleas but commissioned a review by leading QC Desmond de Silva last year.

The QC had found state employees "actively facilitated" the killing and played "key roles".

Pat Finucane's widow Geraldine and her daughter Katherine Geraldine Finucane and daughter Katherine

"It cannot be argued that these were rogue agents," the Prime Minister said in a sombre statement in the Commons.

This is the latest in a series of reports over the years which have indicated there was collusion.

Canadian judge Peter Cory reviewed a number of controversial killings in Northern Ireland and in 2004 recommended the Government should hold an inquiry into the Finucane case.

The Finucane family, including his wife Geraldine, have always believed the security forces were involved in his murder and have long campaigned for an independent public inquiry.

Instead, last year, David Cameron ordered for a review of the case by QC Desmond de Silva.

The Finucane family are still pressing for a public inquiry.

Mr Finucane's son John said they would read the report "with an open mind" but criticised the move to have a "behind-closed-doors" review.

He told Sky News: "Today represents what we feel is an embodiment of a broken promise by the British Government.

"We have always been very clear - this represents more than just the case of my father.

"There are people on all sides of the community who we feel have been allowed to die to protect intelligence and we think that is wrong and should never have happened.

"To ensure it never happens again and restore public confidence in rule of law then there needs to be a public examination of what went wrong. Failing to do that will only lead to further myths and suspicion which will allow this wound to fester."


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Ian McKellen Reveals Prostate Cancer Battle

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 11 Desember 2012 | 20.14

Sir Ian McKellen, fresh from fighting the goblins of the Misty Mountains, has revealed how he has been battling something closer to home - prostate cancer.

The 73-year-old will be hitting cinema screens across the UK on Friday with the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

But Sir Ian, who plays Gandalf the Grey in the Hobbit trilogy, revealed he had been coping with cancer for the past "six or seven" years.

He told the Daily Mirror: "You do gulp when you hear the news. It's like when you go for an HIV test. You go 'Aargh! Is this the end of the road?'"

Sir Ian said his cancer was being monitored to ensure it does not spread.

But he explained: "If it is contained in the prostate it's no big deal.

"Many, many men die from it, but it's one of those cancers that is totally treatable, so I have 'waitful watching'."

Sir Ian McKellen at the US premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Sir Ian returns to the big screen as Gandalf The Grey on Friday

He told the paper the cancer had been contained, it was not spreading and he had not needed any treatment.

Sir Ian also had some advice for people of a similar age - do some exercise, which in his case is pilates.

He said: "I recommend it to anyone of my age because the temptation is not to exercise as you get older. Well you should."

Sir Ian recalled how he was initially undecided about reprising the role of Gandalf following the three Lord Of The Rings films.

But he said: "I didn't want anyone else to play Gandalf. It's mine!"


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Royal Nurse: Radio Gives £320K To Family Fund

A memorial fund for the family of the dead nurse who was the victim of the royal hoax call has been set up by the radio station responsible for the prank.

Southern Cross Austereo, the parent company of radio station 2Day FM, said the remainder of the profits for 2012 should go to a memorial fund to benefit Jacintha Saldhana's family.

The sum is expected to amount to AUS$500,000 (£326,000).

It has also cancelled its Christmas party, saying it would be "inappropriate" to go ahead with the celebrations, and would instead donate the money it would have spent to charity.

Rhys Holleran, SCA's chief executive, said: "We are very sorry for what has happened. It is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts continue to be with the family.

"We hope that by contributing to a memorial fund we can help to provide the Saldanha family with the support they need at this very difficult time."

A post-mortem examination on Ms Saldanha, who initially answered the prank call made to the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge, is being held today.

Nurse Jacintha Saldana and her two children Ms Saldanha's family have been left "devastated" by their loss

Ms Saldanha was found dead on Friday days after she was tricked by Australian radio hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who called the King Edward VII Hospital in central London.

She transferred the presenters, believing they were the Queen and the Prince of Wales, to a colleague who divulged details about Kate's treatment for severe morning sickness.

Ms Saldanha, 46, from Bristol, was found dead in a block of nurses' flats close to the hospital, where she stayed while working in London.

MP Keith Vaz met her family on Monday and said they had been "devastated" by the loss of a "loving mother and a loving wife".

Flanked by Ms Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza and her two teenage children, Mr Vaz said: "They miss her every moment of every day, but they are really grateful to the support of the British public and to the public overseas for the messages of support and kindness."

Mr Vaz has called for the hospital to provide the family with more support and to hold an inquiry.

His criticism came after the DJs broke their silence about the nurse's death.

Interviewed on Australian TV networks, the 2Day FM presenters said there had been a "tragic turn of events no-one could have predicted or expected".

Radio Djs Michael Christian and Mel Greig talk on australian tv show 'today tonight' about the telephone prank they played on now deceased nurse Jacintha Saldahna. Mr Christian and Ms Greig have spoken emotionally about the tragedy

Police in London have contacted their Australian counterparts with a view to interviewing the pair ahead of an inquest into Ms Saldanha's death.

In response to Mr Vaz's criticism the hospital said its chief executive John Lofthouse had spoken to the nurse's husband on Friday by phone and offered to meet him whenever he wanted.

Under Australian regulations, the permission of anyone on the receiving end of a radio prank must be sought before the call can be broadcast.

The hospital has denied that anyone within its senior management or media unit was contacted.

The radio station insists appropriate checks were conducted before the pre-recorded item was broadcast.

Ms Saldanha was originally from Mangalore in southwest India, according to reports which have named her children as daughter Lisha, 14, and son Junal, 16.

Scotland Yard said the post-mortem would be held at Westminster Mortuary and it was likely an inquest would be opened and adjourned at Westminster Coroner's Court later this week

The Duchess of Cambridge has cancelled an appearance at the UK premiere of The Hobbit tomorrow because of her pregnancy sickness but The Duke of Cambridge will attend.


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Libor Scandal: SFO Arrests Three In UK

The Serious Fraud Office has made three arrests as part of its investigation into the manipulation of the interbank lending rate, Libor.

Its statement read: "Today the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), with the assistance of the City of London Police, executed search warrants at three residential premises" - one in Surrey and two in Essex.

"Three men, aged 33, 41 and 47, have been arrested and taken to a London police station for interview in connection with the investigation into the manipulation of Libor."

It concluded: "The men are all British nationals currently living in the United Kingdom."

Major UK banks declined to comment on the development.

Bob diamond treasury select committee Bob Diamond quit Barclays after its £290m fine came to light

The SFO's criminal inquiry began in July when it decided existing legislation gave it the scope to bring potential prosecutions.

While the identities of those arrested and their employers are not known at this stage, it is known that the SFO's inquiry has been wide-ranging and not limited to Barclays - the only UK bank so far to have been fined in connection with the scandal.

The £290m penalty inflicted on Barclays preceded the departure of its chief executive Bob Diamond and forced the British Bankers' Association to signal it would abandon its responsibility for oversight of Libor amid a clamour among politicians for reform.

Libor, which stands for London interbank offered rate, affects more than £350 trillion in global transactions and the rates created through the submissions bear a heavy influence in the calculation of a host of financial products, including mortgages.

The City regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has been working closely with the SFO in its investigation.

A review of Libor by the FSA's boss Martin Wheatley has suggested a new body be created to oversee Libor with the rates set being based more on actual trades rather than just banks' own estimates.

Around 20 financial institutions have been investigated world-wide over alleged rigging.

Taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland has previously said it hopes to settle any claims over Libor manipulation soon and warned that potential penalties could be significant.


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Belfast Flag Protest Riots 'Disgraceful'

Rioters have been warned against "holding Belfast to ransom" after a petrol bomb attack on a police officer by suspected loyalists which is being treated as attempted murder.

A gang of 15 men targeted surrounded and smashed the unmarked vehicle on Monday night outside the offices of Alliance Party MP Naomi Long in Newlands Road.

It was the worst incident in another night of violence in parts of east and south Belfast involving loyalists who took to the streets again in protest against a decision to restrict the flying of the Union Flag at Belfast City Hall.

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said that while the matter was a "sensitive" issue, the clashes would not be tolerated.

"Of course I recognise that feelings can run high about the flying of flags," she said.

"But no matter how strongly people feel about this, it is no justification for rioting, violence and attacks on police officers. Around 27 police officers have been injured since this disgraceful series of events started.

"That is why it is absolutely essential that these violent protests stop. There are ways in which people can express their views, through the ballot box, through reasoned debate.

"It's not acceptable for them to be seeking to hold Belfast to ransom with rioting."

A burnt out car in Belfast A car set alight in the Newtownards area over the weekend

Police Service Of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton said the officer was lucky to escape with her life.

"This was a planned attempt to kill a police officer which also put the lives of the public in danger and it is fortunate there were no injuries," he said.

Officers were also attacked with petrol bombs in south Belfast close to the M1.

More talks are planned later between Peter Robinson, the Northern Ireland First Minister and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, and Mike Nesbitt, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

They will try to agree some sort of political strategy to ease tensions and end the violence.

It follows a meeting in Belfast on Monday between the pair, who have been heavily criticised by nationalists over their leadership since the trouble flared a week ago.

Loyalists clash with police officers following a vote by local councillors on the flying of the Union Flag on top of the City Hall, in Belfast The Alliance Party has been the focus of loyalist anger

Ms Long's Alliance Party has been blamed by loyalists for supporting the nationalist SDLP and Sinn Fein in pushing the vote through Belfast City Council to lower the flag.

She said: "If Northern Ireland is to move forward then we need a strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for the democratic process. We need this urgently before lives are lost."

Mr Robinson said: "The attempted murder of a police officer in East Belfast was a despicable act of terror.

"The masked men responsible do not act in the name of our Union Flag. They are bringing shame on it. My prayers are with the police officers at the centre of this attack."

There were also protests in Limavady, Co Londonderry, Ballyclare, Co Antrim, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, and Cookstown, Co Tyrone, where the car of a DUP member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Ian McCrea, was surrounded by angry loyalists.

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott said some of the violence was intense - and there was clearly some paramilitary involvement.

:: Witnesses have been urged to contact police at Strandtown on 0845 600 8000 or through the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.


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Census: Rise In Immigrants Boosts Population

There has been a large rise in the number of migrants living in England and Wales, according to the results of the 2011 census.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the population of England and Wales is now 56.1 million people - a rise of 3.7 million since 2001.

Some 55% of the growth - around 2.1 million people - was due to migration from outside the country.

The number of foreign-born residents has increased to 13%, from 4.6 million to 7.5 million.

In London one person in three was born abroad, compared to the North East where the figure is one in 20.

The majority of those born abroad come from India, Poland and Pakistan. Poland is a new addition to the top ten of where people came from and did not feature at all in the last census in 2001.

Dr Scott Blinder, deputy director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford said there had been "a very noticeable change in the population of England and Wales" over the last decade.

It is the second major tranche of information to be revealed from the 2011 census, covering topics including ethnicity, country of birth, religion, health and housing.

A busy Oxford street. Photo: Sebastian Allan The census shows the make up of the population is changing

The data also shows there has been a big decrease in the number of people who consider themselves to be Christian.

Numbers fell by four million over the past decade - from 37.3 million in 2001 to 33.2 million last year.

There was a 10% increase in those stating "no religion".

The British Humanist Association (BHA) described the increase in the number of non-religious people - from 15% in 2001 to 25% last year - as an "astounding" 67% relative rise.

But it said the figures did not offer a complete picture when it came to the number of practising Christians living in England and Wales.

The census also shows 86% of people recorded their ethnicity as white, a fall on 2001. It remains the majority ethnic group in all areas apart from London.

All other ethnic groups grew over the 10 years since 2001.

Two million respondents listed their partners or fellow household members as being of different ethnic groups - 47% more than in 2001.

The number of people claiming to have mixed ethnicity almost doubled, up by 563,000.

Some 91% of respondents to the 2011 census claimed to speak English. Just 4% of households had no English speaking residents.

The statistics also offer a snapshot of how people live.

Since 2001, the proportion of people owning properties through a mortgage or loan has decreased from 39% to 33% but the number of people who own homes outright increased from 29% to 31%.

Ownership of cars and vans has also gone up - increasing by 14% from 3.4 million to 27.3 million.

Last year there was an average of 12 cars for every 10 households - up on 11 cars per 10 households in 2001.

London was the only region where the number of vehicles was lower than the number of households.

Four out of five people claimed to be in good health.

The questionnaire was sent to around 26 million households in England and Wales on March 27 last year.


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Kate Hospital: No Contact Before Hoax Aired

Written By Unknown on Senin, 10 Desember 2012 | 20.14

Timeline: Kate Prank Call Tragedy

Updated: 3:46am UK, Monday 10 December 2012

Here are some of the key dates:

Monday, December 3
The Duchess of Cambridge is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London with severe morning sickness.

Tuesday, December 4
2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian make their hoax call to the hospital in the early hours of the morning, posing as the Queen and Prince Charles. Nurse Jacintha Saldanha puts them through to a colleague who divulges details of how doctors have been treating the Duchess.

Wednesday, December 5
A King Edward VII's Hospital spokesman confirms the Australian radio station made the prank call, saying it "deplores" the act and is conducting a review of its phone system.

Thursday, December 6
The Duchess of Cambridge leaves hospital.

Friday, December 7
:: Ms Saldanha is pronounced dead at staff accommodation close to the hospital. She is thought to have taken her own life, although a post-mortem examination is yet to be held.

:: King Edward VII's Hospital releases a statement saying: "It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Ms Saldanha. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues."

:: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge send their condolences to Ms Saldanha's family.

Saturday, December 8
:: Ms Saldanha's family in southwest India speak of their heartache. Her mother-in-law, Carmine Barboza, says: "Jacintha was a very caring woman. She used to call us every Sunday without fail. We just cannot believe what has happened."

:: Ms Greig and Mr Christian go on indefinite leave from the radio station after they are bombarded with abusive and threatening messages on social media websites.

::  Lord Glenarthur, chairman of the King Edward VII's Hospital, writes a latter to 2Day FM calling for the "truly appalling" broadcast to "never be repeated".

:: Max Moore-Wilton, chairman of Southern Cross Austereo which owns 2Day FM, describes the events over the past few days as "tragic", but adds: "The outcome was unforeseeable and very regrettable."

Sunday, December 9
:: It emerges Mel Greig and Michael Christian may be questioned by London's Metropolitan Police.

:: Ms Greig and Mr Christian express a desire to speak about the tragedy, but are still in hiding.

:: The Australian Communications and Media Authority, which regulates radio broadcasting, says it is considering whether it should launch an investigation into whether the presenters breached the commercial radio code of practice.


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Savile Police Arrest London Man In His 60s

Police investigating sex abuse claims against Jimmy Savile and others have arrested a man in his 60s from London.

Scotland Yard said the man was held at 6.45am on suspicion of sexual offences and taken to a south London police station.

He was arrested as part of Operation Yewtree, the investigation into allegations of sex abuse surrounding Savile and others, and falls under the strand termed "others".

The man is the seventh person to be questioned as part of the probe and the sixth to be arrested.

It comes after publicist Max Clifford was questioned by detectives on Thursday, before refuting the allegations and pledging to do all he could to assist the investigation.

"On a personal level, they are very distressing for myself, my wife, my family and loved ones," he said.

"Anyone who really knew me all those years ago and those who have known me since will have no doubt that I would never act in the way that I have today been accused."

Also arrested in connection with the investigation have been Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr, DJ Dave Lee Travis and a man in his 70s, reported to be former television producer Wilfred De'Ath.

The Metropolitan Police has said it is dealing with around 450 potential victims, the vast majority of whom claimed they had fallen prey to Savile.

The inquiry has been separated into three strands: claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others.


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'Beast From East': UK Spared Siberian Blast

Britain looks to have been spared heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures from a weather front dubbed the 'Beast from the East' - but some areas will still struggle with freezing conditions.

Forecasters had suggested parts of the country would see the mercury plunge as low as -6C, with icy winds from Siberia expected to blow in over the eastern coast.

But while coastal areas in the east remain likely to receive sleet and snow from the 7,000-mile wide weather front, the extreme conditions are no longer expected to be felt far inland.

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "It was initially thought that freezing east to northeasterly winds would bring a severely cold spell along with the potential for some heavy snowfalls across eastern and southeastern Britain.

"However, despite a chilly start to this week with concerns of patchy hill snow, ice and freezing fog, most places should escape with dry and sunny weather."

Daytime temperatures in northern England and Scotland could struggle to top 2C on Wednesday and Thursday with some isolated spots failing to get above -1C.

And parts of the South West and South East are being warned of a deluge of rain from the middle of the week onwards, with 17 flood alerts in place for the regions.

The ground in these areas is already saturated after last month's higher than average rainfall.

Lang added: "Later in the week the weather is set to turn wetter from the south and west with strengthening winds.

"Some snow may fall for a time but the general theme will be a wetter and somewhat milder one as we head through the end of the week.

"Whether conditions remain mild or turn colder again from the east is open to question from this coming weekend onwards.

"This flip-flopping between air masses is not uncommon at this time of year."

Freezing winds, heavy snow and blizzards have caused chaos in parts of Europe over recent days, with four people reported to have died in Croatia and two in Serbia.


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Royal Prank DJs: 'We Are Both Shattered'

Transcript: Prank DJs Break Silence

Updated: 8:33am UK, Monday 10 December 2012

Here is the transcript of the interview carried out with prank call radio DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian by Clare Brady on the Today Tonight programme on Australia's Seven network.

Brady: Considering what we're about to discuss... do you feel emotionally stable to do this interview?

Christian: Yes.

Greig: Yes.

Brady: When you heard the dreadful results following the days after the prank, describe for me how you felt.

Greig: Unfortunately I remember that moment very well because I haven't stopped thinking about it since it happened and I remember my first question was 'Was she a mother?'

Brady: When you found out she was, of two children, how did you feel?

Greig: Very sorry and saddened for the family. I can't imagine what they'd be going through.

Christian: Gutted. Shattered. Heartbroken.

Brady: Does it feel real to you?

Christian: We're still trying to get our heads around everything. Trying to make sense of the situation.

Greig: It doesn't seem real because you just couldn't foresee something like that happening from a prank call. You know it was never meant to go that far. It was meant to be a silly little prank that so many people have done before. This wasn't meant to happen.

Brady: In hindsight, would you do something like that again?

Christian: I don't think that anyone could have predicted what could've happened. It was just a tragic set of circumstances that I don't think anyone could have thought that we'd be here.

Brady: Who came up with the idea of the prank?

Christian: It was just in a team meeting before the show.

Greig: Everything's done as a team.

Brady: Did you have legal advice or senior producers nursing you through this?

Christian: The call to begin with wasn't about speaking to Kate. It wasn't about trying to get a scoop or anything. The call was just - I mean we'd assumed that we'd be hung up on and that'd be that.

Brady: When you weren't hung up on - and, let's be honest, you thought it was a coup at the time - were you quite shocked that you even got that far to talk to the nurse beside Princess Kate?

Greig: Absolutely. And the accents were terrible. You know it was designed to be stupid. We were never meant to get that far from the little corgis barking in the background - we obviously wanted it to be a joke.

Christian: And I suppose, you know, the joke was always on us, not anyone else. It wasn't about trying to fool someone. I mean we just assumed that with the voices that we put on, you know, we were going to get told off and that was the gag - on us.

Brady: Here at the station, at Austereo, do you get any coaching, any training at all as to what you're allowed to put to air? What you've got to tell people on when they're being recorded and they're going to be put on air? Have you been taught that during your tenure here?

Christian: This phone call is the same with any phone call, with any pre-recorded segment that goes to air, there's processes in place and people that make those decisions. I mean our role is just...

Brady: Have you been taught that - sat down in a legal class?

Christian: There are people that make those decisions for us. Our responsibility is just to...

Brady: Did someone listen to that recording and say?

Greig: It went through the processes of every other recorded bit that we do - from interviews to, you know, anything at all that gets recorded and passed on to the appropriate people, goes through the process, and we're told whether it's yes or no to play.

Brady: What was it, if you can give me a rough, and it probably feels all blurry to you, but the time spent from when you did that call to putting it to air? Was it two hours, three hours?

Christian: In between all of that though it wasn't as though we were sitting around waiting for an answer. You know there was...

Greig: We go about our work and just keep going.

Christian: Getting other things organised.

Brady: But you were pretty giddy with what you'd pulled off, weren't you?

Greig: We couldn't believe that it had worked, absolutely. You didn't expect it to. We thought a hundred people before us would've tried the same thing. We just did not see that actually working.

Christian: But it wasn't to get something that no-one else had. It wasn't about getting...

Brady: But you are aware you were trying to get a medical condition and a medical condition on a royal?

Greig: But we didn't actually want that. We just wanted to be hung up on. We wanted to be hung up on with our silly voices and wanted a 20-second segment to air of us doing stupid voices.

Brady: You didn't think of identifying yourselves at the end of that call?

Greig: That's where the process comes in. We just record everything and pass it to the team. That's what we do.

Christian: And again the call itself is - there's no malice in the call. There was no digging. There was no trying to upset or get a reaction.

Brady: Do you feel now that you're part of a witch hunt? That someone wants someone to pay here? There's hackers here threatening to shut down the station and hack into the whole system if you guys aren't sacked. Does that make you feel vulnerable?

Greig (crying): There's nothing that can make me feel worse than what I feel right now. And for what I feel for the family. We're so sorry that this has happened to them.

Brady: How do you move on? Is someone caring for you guys? Are you having counselling too?

Christian: We're getting the support that we need and we've got those around us that are helping us but you know, right now...

Greig: I care more about the family. I want to know that they've got the support that they need and that the public are, you know, being respectful of their privacy.

Brady: Have you tried to contact the family in any way?

Greig: I don't think it's an appropriate time to do that yet. But this is where we want to say that we are thinking of you and if we could call you we would want to reach out to you.

Brady: Or if you could turn the clock back?

Greig: If we played any involvement in her death then we're very sorry for that. And time will only tell.

Brady: Have you been reading a lot, Mel?

Greig: I've been advised not to but I'm doing it on the intention of finding out more about Jacintha.

Brady: What lessons can other DJs, and worldwide, learn from your horrible experience?

Christian: These are prank calls. They've been around for as long as radios existed and they're done by every radio station.

Brady: But this result is just horrific...

Christian: But no-one could have predicted this result.

Brady: What are you guys going to do then? Are you going to pursue your DJ careers?

Greig: I don't want to think about that right now. There's bigger, more pressing issues and that's making sure that family gets through this tough time. You know our careers aren't important at the moment.

Brady: That Scotland Yard is now involved, and you may be called to an inquest, and that inquest will probably be in London and you'll see the family face to face - are you prepared for that?

Christian: Right now we're trying to wrap our heads around what's happened.

Greig: If that's going to make them feel better then I'll do what I need to do, absolutely. If that's something that they want to do, to get some closure, then I'll do that.

Brady: You have had a lot of support. There's a poll out today of 11,000 people and two-thirds have said they feel you're not to blame for this horrible result. And then you've got the other side of horrible Twitter saying 'many lives ruined', 'shame on you', 'you've got blood on your hands'. How do you balance that - the support and the absolute hostility?

Christian: I think that, you know, what's important right now is, you know, that the family of Jacintha are getting the support and the love that they deserve. And I mean that's what's important here. You know, it was, it is nothing more than a tragic turn of events that no-one could have predicted and, you know, for the part that we played, we're obviously incredibly sorry and you know...

Brady: I feel in you, Mel, that you're all but frozen. Is that correct?

Greig: I'm just so devastated for them. I'm really feeling for them.

Brady: It's a shocking turn of events.

Greig: I just couldn't... If we had any idea that something like this could be even possible to happen, you know, we couldn't see this happening. It was meant to be a prank call.

Brady: Do you feel sick now that you were saying 'This is the highlight of my career' and you were excited about getting the call through, to get to this moment?

Greig: We couldn't foresee what was going to happen in the future.

Brady: When you did call them and you were talking - first to Jacintha and then the second nurse - did you think in the days after 'Oh those poor nurses, wonder how they're feeling'? Because I know I did, but I'm an overly cautious person - I think everything through and through and through. Did you think for them at all, or were you just in that giddy sense?

Christian: The call itself was not malicious and no harm was intended on Jacintha, or the other nurse, or Kate, or Prince William, or anyone. It wasn't - from start to finish - there was no harm intended. And obviously, you know, we're incredibly sorry for the harm that we may have helped contribute (to).

Brady: You've been very brave for talking and I just hope that people are caring for you guys too, because it's going to take (a lot). I feel for two DJs who like to put a few smiles on faces and it'll be a while before we hear the two of you laugh.

Christian: Thank you.


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Manchester Derby: Nine Charged After City V Utd

Nine people have been charged in connection with Sunday's stormy Manchester derby.

Another four arrests were made over incidents connected to the game, but police say they have so far failed to track down the fan who threw a coin at Rio Ferdinand - cutting the United defender's eye.

Greater Manchester Police's chief inspector, Steve Howard, said: "To have just 13 arrests for a crowd of this size and a match of this proportion is a testament to the policing operation we put in place.

"Despite fierce rivalry and high tension there was no major disorder. However, we will continue to investigate the coin throwing incident and are determined to work with the club to bring the perpetrator to justice."

All of the men, who were arrested in the wake of the clash at the Etihad Stadium, were due before Manchester City Magistrates' Court on January 4.

Peter Harrison, born 31/1/82, of Springfield Rd, Kearsley was charged with racially aggravated public order.

Matthew Stott, born 21/10/91, of Southfields, Knutsford and Christopher Johnson, born 30/4/60 of Ancoats Lane, Alderley Edge were charged with pitch encroachment.

Warren Singh, born 12/12/93, of Oakdale Drive, Heald Green was charged with section 5 public order.

Sam Weatherby, born 14/8/91, of Grant St, Farnworth, Bolton and Philip O'Leary, born 8/10/88 of Heysbank Rd, Disley, Stockport were charged with breach of a football banning order.

Christopher O'Neil, born 17/1/91, of Swainsthorpe Drive, Manchesterand Nicholas Morley, born 13/4/91, of Chapel Lane, Blackley, were charged with being drunk and disorderly.

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Boy Killed By 'Teen Driver' At Caravan Site

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 09 Desember 2012 | 20.14

A seven-year-old boy has died after being hit by a BMW car allegedly driven by a teenager at a caravan site.

A 16-year-old boy is being questioned by police after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The accident happened at the Shirenewton caravan site, east of Cardiff, south Wales, at around 3pm on Saturday.

"A seven-year-old boy from the caravan site was apparently in collision with a red BMW 3 series estate," a South Wales Police spokesman said.

"The boy was taken to the University Hospital of Wales where he later died from his injuries. Specially trained police officers are supporting the family.

"A 16-year-old youth from the area, who is believed to have been driving the BMW at the time, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is in custody and inquiries are ongoing."

Anybody who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


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'Whale Skin' Cocktail: London Bar Raided

A London bar has been raided by police for allegedly serving cocktails flavoured with illegal whale skin.

The Metropolitan police targeted the Nightjar bar in Hoxton, East London, where a drink called the Moby Dick was listed in an online menu.

It was described as containing Laphroaig whisky, Drambuie, ale and bitters, along with a "whale skin infusion".

There is a Europe-wide ban on the sale of whale meat and products, except under strict restrictions in Greenland and Denmark.

Police were tipped-off in October that the bar was serving whale skin illegally, and raided the City Road premises on December 3.

It was carried out by officers from the Met's Wildlife Crime Unit and an officer from the United Kingdom Border Force.

"One item from the premises was seized," said a police spokesman. "This has been sent for analysis."

No arrests have been made.

No-one from the bar was available for comment, however the Sunday Times reported that the bar's management was unaware the drink may have contained an illegal ingredient until the raid.


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Top Tories Launch Gay Marriage Campaign

London Mayor Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Michael Gove are among more than a dozen senior Conservatives who have launched a new group to campaign for gay marriage.

David Cameron supports the plans to allow same-sex weddings to be held in places of worship and has promised a free vote, but more than 100 Tory MPs are expected to oppose the change in the Commons next year.

The new group has been put together by Nick Herbert, the former police minister who resigned from the Government in September's reshuffle.

As well as Mr Johnson and Mr Gove, it includes Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who is Catholic, Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, an evangelical Christian, former Tory ministers Lord Fowler and Nicholas Soames and Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson.

In a letter to The Sunday Telegraph announcing the formation of the group, the 19 declared: "Marriage should be open to all, regardless of sexuality.

"We recognise that civil partnerships were an important step forward in giving legal recognition to same sex couples.

"But civil partnerships are not marriages, which express a particular and universally understood commitment."

Nick Herbert Former police minister Nick Herbert is spearheading the campaign

Mr Herbert, who is in a civil partnership, said changing the law was "the right thing to do".

"It is precisely because marriage is such a uniquely important institution that we should ensure that all couples who want to enter into it, regardless of their sexuality, can do so," he added.

"Conservatives who believe in marriage should feel this most strongly."

However, Mr Herbert insisted it would be wrong to "compel religious organisations to marry same-sex couples against their will" and called for legal "safeguards" to prevent it.

Under the proposals, due to be fleshed out this week, churches and other venues will be allowed to "opt in" to holding civil marriage ceremonies.

Ministers will offer a guarantee that no institution will be forced to marry gay people on their premises - but Tory MPs and religious groups have questioned whether it would stand up to challenges under the Human Rights Act.

Legislation is expected to be introduced before Easter, and could take effect about a year later - with the first ceremonies likely be held in spring 2014.


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Girl Fights For Life After Gas Fire Accident

A four-year-old girl is fighting for her life after her clothes were set alight by a gas fire.

She suffered extensive burns to her face and body when it is thought she walked near to the appliance at a house in Bury, Greater Manchester, on Saturday.

Police were called by the ambulance service to the address in Horne Street at about noon.

The girl was rushed to hospital, where she is in a critical condition.

Police are currently treating the incident as a "tragic accident".

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "It is believed that her clothes had caught fire when she walked near to a gas fire.

"She suffered extensive burns and was taken to Manchester Children's Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.

"Police are still investigating but believe it to be a tragic accident at this stage."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said two fire engines from Bury fire station attended the scene.

A spokesman said: "The fire had been confined to the young girl's clothing but she had suffered approximately 60% burns involving her face and body.

"A full investigation into the cause of the incident has now commenced."


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Sir Patrick Moore, 89, Dies At Home

British astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore has died at his home at the age of 89, a group of his friends and staff say.

The broadcaster "passed away peacefully at 12.25pm this afternoon", in Selsey, West Sussex, they said in a statement.

It added: "After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish to spend his last days in his own home, Farthings, where he today passed on, in the company of close friends and carers and his cat Ptolemy."

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