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Poplar Stabbing: Men Arrested For Murder

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 27 Juli 2013 | 20.14

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found stabbed in the back in the street.

The victim, believed to be aged in his early 30s, was found in Poplar in east London shortly after 10pm on Friday and died in hospital a short time later, the Metropolitan Police said.

"Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder," a Scotland Yard spokesman said. "They have been taken to east London police stations."

He said officers believe they know the identity of the dead man, who was found in Simpsons Road at the junction with Poplar High Street, but have yet to formally identify him.


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Michael Cope Held For Murder Of Linzi Ashton

Wanted man Michael Cope has been arrested in Manchester on suspicion of murdering his ex-girlfriend Linzi Ashton.

A statement released by Greater Manchester Police, said: "A man has been arrested following the death of Linzi Ashton, who was killed last month in Salford.

"At about 11.55pm on Friday 26 July 2013, police were called to an address on Larch Road in Leigh following a report a wanted man was at the address.

"Armed officers attended and a 28-year-old man handed himself in to police and was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody for questioning".

Michael Cope Police released this CCTV image of Cope at a supermarket in Wigan

Linzi, a mother-of-two, was found dead at her home on Westbourne Road, Winton by relatives shortly before 6pm on Saturday 29 June 2013.

A Home Office post-mortem concluded she died as a result of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries.

Cope had a brief "acrimonious" relationship with Miss Ashton, 25, who had two daughters, Destiny, seven, and Daisy, two.

In a statement issued shortly after Miss Ashton's death, her family said: "She was the most beautiful, generous, caring person anyone could ever wish to meet. She would never harm anyone and was always there for her children and family.

"Life will never be the same again without her. Our whole family and friends have been devastated by her death. The whole community is in shock."

As part of the manhunt, police searched more than 30 addresses and two men have been charged, one with perverting the course of justice and the other with assisting an offender.

Cope, who is from Salford, had been known to make visits in and around the town centre of Leigh.


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Car Insurance Costs Fall At Record Rate

The cost of car insurance has dipped by record levels, according to new figures.

The average quote for annual comprehensive car insurance has plunged to £594.86 - a 9.8% fall from the figure of £659.53 in July last year, according to AA Insurance.

This is the biggest decrease since the AA insurance index began in 1994.

The figure for third party, fire and theft insurance has also dipped in the last 12 months, going down 4.8% to £820.58.

Comparing July 2013 figures with those of April, the AA showed that comprehensive insurance has fallen 3% and third-party insurance is down 2.2%.

Over the last 12 months, car insurance costs have fallen for all age groups, with those aged 23 to 29 enjoying the biggest decreases with their average costs dipping 12.8% to £738.93.

All age groups have seen 12-month falls of at least 5.4% except those aged 70 or above who have had to settle for a 3.9% fall in premiums. On average, those aged 60 to 69 have the cheapest annual insurance (£342.73) and those aged 17 to 22 have the most expensive (£1,210.54).

AA Insurance director Simon Douglas said: "This will be welcome news for hard-pressed motorists facing sharp fuel price increases.

"Insurers were facing a fast-widening gap between premium income and claims costs, largely driven by whiplash injury claims and fraud which saw very sharp premium increases between 2009 and 2011."

He went on: "That gap is closing and premiums are falling again thanks to competition, as well as improved fraud detection by the insurance industry and tightening of the law that is beginning to curb the number of spurious new whiplash injury claims.

"The news that hundreds of rogue 'no-win no-fee' claims firms have been reined in is welcome and in part, falling insurance premiums reflect that.

"I hope that Britain's shameful reputation as being the 'whiplash claim capital of Europe' will now be put behind us."


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Heavy Rain And Thunder Warning For Britain

Britain's spell of sunshine may be about to end after the Met Office issued a weather warning for heavy downpours and thunderstorms across the country.

Weather experts have warned that some regions of the UK may be hit by localiised flooding this weekend as thousands of holidaymakers prepare to set off for their summer break.

The Met Office has issued a "yellow" warning of rain following concerns that heavy showers and thunderstorms expected over France could move north to affect south-east England and East Anglia.

The thundery weather is then expected to move north to cover large parts of England, with as much as 30mm of rain falling in an hour in South East areas, forecasters have warned.

Sky weather presenter Sarah Pennock said: "Saturday morning will see the cloud build across southern and western Britain. Thundery rain will spread northwards from France, bringing torrential downpours for some.

"Most other places will see a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers with the best of the afternoon sunshine for northwestern England and Wales."

Winter Weather A man walks down a flooded road in Oxfordshire last December

Sean Penston, forecaster at MeteoGroup, said there was "every chance" of flash flooding in areas affected by the torrential rain.

"This rain will keep pushing north on Sunday into northern England and Scotland. Then, moving in from the west, further showers and outbreaks of rain with the risk of thunder will affect south-west England and Wales."

The South East will bear the brunt of the weekend's rain with as much as 30mm expected to fall within an hour, and 50mm within three hours in some places, according to the Met Office.

This compares to an average rainfall of around 80mm for the whole month of July, MeteoGroup said.

In its weather warning, the Met Office said: "Thunderstorms and areas of heavy, thundery rain are expected to move north from France during the course of Saturday afternoon and evening.

"The public should be aware of the risk of localised disruption to travel, due to surface water flooding and lightning strikes."

Temperatures will remain warm for most of the country, however, with highs between 23C to 25C (73F to 77F) for much of England today, Mr Penston said.


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Oxford Shooting: Woman In Serious Condition

Oxford Shooting: Woman In Serious Condition

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Crowberry Road

Oxford's Crowberry Road where the shooting took place


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Royal Baby: Harry Wants George 'To Have Fun'

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 26 Juli 2013 | 20.14

By Tom Parmenter, Sky News Correspondent

Prince Harry has said he is determined to make sure his nephew has fun in life - and joked about his babysitting fees.

He is now fourth in line to the throne after the arrival this week of Prince George of Cambridge.

The proud uncle was one of the first family members to meet the Royal baby and said: "When I saw him he was crying his eyes out like all babies do I suppose."

Royal baby born Prince George has made Harry a 'delighted uncle'

He added: "It's fantastic to have another addition to the family - I only hope my brother knows how expensive my babysitting charges are."

Harry said he was delighted to be an uncle for the first time, and said he wanted to "make sure he has a good upbringing, to keep him out of harm's way and to make sure he has some fun.

"The rest I'll leave to the parents."

He was speaking at an event held at a gallery in central London for his Sentebale charity that works with young children in Lesotho in Africa.


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Equitable Life Victims 'May Get No Payouts'

More than 200,000 victims of the collapse of Equitable Life may miss out on compensation payments because of failings in a government scheme, a scathing report by MPs has warned.

The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee accused the Treasury of adopting an "arbitrary" target of March 2014 to close the compensation scheme.

The Westminster spending watchdog urged the Treasury to take urgent action to track down as many former policyholders of the failed insurer as possible before the deadline passes.

"It is completely unacceptable that more than 10 years after the collapse of Equitable Life so many victims still have not received the compensation they are entitled to," Committee chairwoman Margaret Hodge said.

"Hundreds of thousands of conscientious savers are losing out because of the Treasury's failure to get a grip on the payment scheme."

Mrs Hodge also said she was "stunned" to learn that the Treasury destroyed details and addresses of 353,000 policyholders on data protection grounds.

After a decade-long battle by Equitable savers, the Treasury announced shortly after the coalition Government took office in 2010 that it would compensate up to 1.5 million policyholders.

Margaret Hodge Mrs Hodge slammed the compensation scheme

Chancellor George Osborne capped total payments at £1.5bn in his spending review later that year.

But the report found that the Government "failed to learn the lessons" from previous schemes, such as those for former miners and Icelandic trawlermen.

The Treasury focused on an arbitrary deadline of June 2011 for making the first payments, at the expense of planning properly for how the scheme would be administered, said the report.

A "lack of good planning" led to "unacceptable delays" in payments, with only £168m paid out by March 2012, rather than the expected £500m.

By the end of March this year, some £577m had been paid out to 407,000 policyholders, with a further 664,200 payments totalling £370m due to be made by the time the scheme winds up in March 2014.

But the Treasury estimates that it may not be able to trace some 17%-20% of policyholders - between 200,000 and 236,000 people eligible for payments - by that date.

And ministers are not planning to publicise the closure of the scheme until September, which provides little time for applications to be submitted by these savers, many of whom are elderly.

Urging ministers and the government agency National Savings & Investment (NS&I) to bring forward the publicity campaign, the cross-party committee said it was "concerned" that some policyholders will miss out.

"With less than a year to go before the scheme closes in March 2014, the Treasury still has 664,200 payments worth £370m left to make," Mrs Hodge said.

"Unless the Treasury and its administrator, NS&I, get their act together there is a real risk that large numbers of policyholders will miss out."

A Treasury source said: "While Labour did absolutely nothing about the Equitable Life scandal for a decade, this Government has allocated up to £1.5bn to help people who suffered a great injustice, with tens of thousands of policyholders receiving around £700m in payments since 2011.

"We make no apology for starting to get payments out the door a year after the Coalition was formed.

"We do not agree that the Government has failed to get a grip on the planning or delivery of this important work.

"We continue to monitor the progress of the Equitable Life Payment Scheme very closely and are working hard to maximise the numbers of people who will eventually receive payments.

"Instead of scaremongering, the Labour chairman of this committee should explain why her party shamefully did absolutely nothing about this scandal for a decade."


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Ex-Police Chief Bettison Faces IPCC Probe

Sir Norman Bettison is to be investigated over claims concerning the public inquiry following the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

The claims suggest he tried to influence the way a witness gave evidence at the public inquiry following the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

The witness was not a member of the Lawrence family, the Independent Police Complaints Commission said.

Police systems may have been misused and that it would investigate whether commissioning a report on the witness to the Macpherson Inquiry was racially motivated, the IPCC said.

However, it also said that former undercover officer Peter Francis, who has claimed Metropolitan Police officers were told to look for information to smear the Lawrence family, has yet to respond to the watchdog's request to speak to him.

He has already refused to speak to chief constable Mick Creedon, who is leading a police investigation into the activities of officers from Scotland Yard's  Special Demonstration Squad.

Part of the investigation into Sir Norman will involve whether or not racism played any part in the decision-making.

"This matter therefore requires investigation," the IPCC said in a statement.

"It does not form part of Operation Herne and is clearly separate from it.

"Given the considerable public interest in this matter and the potential damage to public confidence in allegations of inappropriate surveillance or intelligence-gathering, I have decided this should be independently investigated by the IPCC.

"The investigation should also consider whether the tasking was motivated or influenced by racial discrimination. "

 


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Welby Defends Wonga After Church Link Emerges

The Archbishop of Canterbury has insisted he was not picking on Wonga after it emerged the Church of England invests in the payday loan firm.

The Most Reverend Justin Welby admitted being "irritated" and "embarrassed" by the revelation but went on to heap praise on Wonga and its management.

Mr Welby hailed the company for its professionalism and suggested it was far from the worst organisation in the loan sector.

The link between the Church and the firm emerged hours after the Archbishop said he wanted to force Wonga out of business by expanding credit unions.

The Financial Times found the Church's pension fund had put money into Accel Partners, a US venture capital firm that led Wonga's 2009 fund-raising efforts.

Until the report emerged, Mr Welby had no idea about the connection.

Sources suggested he was "furious" but on Friday, in a lengthy interview, he merely said: "I was irritated for a few minutes but, you know, these things happen."

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Justin Welby: 'It's very embarrassing'

He did admit the affair was "very embarrassing" and vowed to investigate, signalling there could be a review of the Church's entire investment portfolio.

But he said: "I never took on Wonga in particular. The context was talking about the entire payday lender movement.

"Wonga is actually a very professionally managed company. Errol Damelin, the chief executive is a very clever man, [who] runs it extremely well."

Despite praising the company, he said he was still unhappy about the Church's investment.

"They shouldn't be investing in Wonga. We don't think that's a good thing," he told the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme.

And he insisted he was not backtracking on his commitment to clamp down on the industry, which is currently the subject of a Competition Commission probe.

"We need to provide a proper alternative to these very, very costly forms of finance. The worst people are not Wonga. There are plenty of others much worse," he said.

Mr Welby said Church policy allows investments in a company where 25% of its business is in the loan area, indicating the arrangement with Wonga may be against its rules.

"I think we have to review these levels and make sure we are consistent between what we're saying and what we're doing," he said.

The Archbishop conceded that it was almost impossible for the Church to make an investment that was not somehow tainted.

He said: "If you exclude any contact with anything that directly or indirectly gets in any way bad, you can't do anything at all."

Lambeth Palace has said it will ask the Assets Committee of the Church Commissioners to investigate the link to Wonga and review the holding.

It added: "We will also be requesting the Church Commissioners to investigate whether there are any other inconsistencies as normally all investment policies are reviewed by the Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG)."

Mr Welby is seeking to expand the reach of credit unions as part of a long-term campaign to boost competition in the banking sector and clamp down on short-term loan firms.

The Government announced an investment of £38m in credit unions in April to help them offer an alternative option to payday lenders.

The Office of Fair Trading referred the entire payday lending industry, which is worth £2bn, to the Competition Commission last month after finding "deep-rooted" problems.

It said it decided to make the referral because it continues to suspect that features of the market "prevent, restrict or distort competition".

Wonga said in March that it welcomed any attempt to encourage responsible lending and that it has been "instrumental" in helping to raise industry standards.

Mr Damelin, its founder, said: "The Archbishop is clearly an exceptional individual and someone who understands the power of innovation.

"There is mutual respect, some differing opinions and a meeting of minds on many big issues.

"On the competition point, we always welcome fresh approaches that give people a fuller set of alternatives to solve their financial challenges. I'm all for better consumer choice."

The company has launched a new advertising campaign setting out "ten commitments" about its lending practices in an apparent tongue-in-cheek reaction to the Archbishop's original remarks.


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Stuart Hall Has Prison Sentence Doubled

Disgraced former broadcaster Stuart Hall's 15-month jail sentence for sex offences has been doubled to 30 months by Court of Appeal judges.

At the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge said Hall "got away with it" for decades and had "lived a lie for more than half of his life".

Attorney General Dominic Grieve had earlier told the packed courtroom: "The total sentence of 15 months' imprisonment ... failed adequately to reflect the gravity of the totality of the offences, and the public concern about offences of this nature.

Dominic GrieveStuart Hall, who was arrested over a rape allegation 051212 Dominic Grieve argued Hall's sentence did not reflect public concern

"Some of the sentences should have been made to run consecutively, so that the total sentence passed reflected the culpability of the offender, the harm caused and to deter others."

After the verdict, Mr Grieve said: "I asked the court to consider the multiple offending by Stuart Hall over a prolonged period of time which involved numerous victims.

"I also asked that the court take into account the breaches of trust in this case - Hall carried out some of these offences in places where the victims were entitled to feel safe, he used his celebrity status to invite them to attend the BBC, and he also displayed an element of planning and premeditation".

Hall, 83, who appeared in court via video link, was convicted of sexually assaulting several girls the youngest of whom was nine. The former It's A Knockout presenter was sentenced to 15-months in June.

Hall's QC Crispin Aylett had argued there was "nothing wrong" with the sentence imposed. He told the court: "If the object was to see this man punished, disgraced and financially ruined then all of that has been more than achieved."

Stuart Hall arrives at Preston Crown Court for sentencing. The former broadcaster was jailed in June for sexual assault

The former broadcaster, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, admitted 14 counts of indecent assault between 1967 and 1987.

Hall directly exploited his role as a popular BBC presenter to target four of his victims, while he assaulted another four on the pretence of giving elocution lessons to them at his home.

Before entering his guilty plea in April, he had made a public pronouncement on the steps of a court, describing all the claims against him as "cruel, pernicious and spurious".

Hall was arrested and subsequently charged on December 5 last year with indecently assaulting three young girls.

More women came forward as a result of publicity and he was rearrested before he later admitted sexual offences relating to 13 victims.

Judge Russell told Hall: "Several of these cases reveal an abuse of the trust placed in you by the parents of these children but all of them reveal an abuse of power by you because your status gave you an influence and standing which you abused."

The judge said Hall would have received 20 months after a trial but he reduced the sentence to reflect his guilty pleas.

At Hall's original sentencing, Mr Aylett said that 27 years had passed since the last offence and the presenter had led an "unblemished" life over those years.

The length of the jail term was immediately criticised as "unduly lenient" by shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry.

Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the Labour party, also added to calls for the sentence to be referred.


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Michael Cope: Helicopter Joins Murder Manhunt

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 25 Juli 2013 | 20.14

An investigation involving a helicopter is ongoing near Wigan as part of the police hunt for murder suspect Michael Cope.

The 28-year-old is wanted in connection with the "brutal and violent" killing of Linzi Ashton at her home in nearby Winton, Salford, last month.

A post-mortem examination revealed the 25-year-old mother-of-two, who had a brief relationship with Cope, died from multiple injuries and pressure to the neck.

CCTV showed Cope buying food and drink at a convenience store on July 14 but detectives have so far been unable able to track him down.

Michael Cope CCTV shows Cope at a convenience store in Hindley, Wigan

However, a police spokesman confirmed a helicopter seen hovering over the Mather Lane Estate, Leigh, less than 10 miles from where Ms Ashton's body was found, was launched as part of the search.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton, of Greater Manchester Police, has warned Cope is "dangerous and could be armed" and should not be approached.

He said the suspect is "familiar with the canal pathways between Salford and Leigh and may have spent time near the canal and waterways in Hindley".

"He may have been sleeping rough and we would urge people to report any suspicious behaviour around outbuildings, sheds or gardens, as well as disused railway lines and open land," he added.

Footage of Linzi Ashton suspect Michael Cope. Cope is seen buying snacks the night before Ms Ashton's body was found

Meanwhile, detectives will appeal for information about Cope's whereabouts on the BBC's Crimewatch programme.

It comes as one of Ms Ashton's former partners pleaded for anyone harbouring Cope to contact police.

Liam Grime, who discovered her body and tried to resuscitate her, told Manchester Evening News: "It sickens me to think there are still people helping him.

"If it was any decent person they would hand him over."

A reward of £25,000 is being offered for anyone with information that leads to Cope's arrest and conviction.

:: Anyone with information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5092 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


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Wonga: Archibishop Aims To End Payday Lenders

Church Credit Union Plans Q&A

Updated: 10:52am UK, Thursday 25 July 2013

:: What is a credit union?

A credit union is essentially a co-operative whose members pool their savings to provide credit at a low interest rate. Members may live in the same community, work together or belong to the same organisation. Consumer group Which? estimates there are now around 450 credit unions in Britain. Around 950,000 people are members, according to the Association of British Credit Unions (ABCU). Rules regarding membership were relaxed in January 2012, allowing organisations as well as individuals to sign up.

:: How safe are savings invested in a credit union?

Just like savings accounts offered by high street banks and building societies, accounts offered by credit unions are protected up to £85,000 per person through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

:: Are loans offered by credit unions more affordable?

Interest rates vary but according to the ABCU they can be as little as 1% per month (12.7% APR). It means a £1,000 loan paid back over 12 months would incur around £70 in interest charges. By contrast, paying back a one-year, £1,000 loan from a high street bank at a typical 29.9% APR would cost around £170.

:: What is the Church of England proposing?

The proposed Anglican Mutual Credit Union (AMCU) would allow clergy, ordinals, licensed lay ministers and employees or trustees of Anglican churches and charities to become members. People living in the same household as existing members would be able to join, as would Anglican churches and charities based in Britain.

:: Why does the church believe a credit union is needed?

Its website says the credit union model is "increasingly recognised as a more responsible and ethical form" of lending. It adds: "The subsequent banking crisis and the increasing understanding that the Church of England's financial resources are limited, underlined the need to assist clergy in taking personal responsibility for their finances and to help them plan for both living on a stipend and future retirement."

:: What sort of services would the credit union provide?

The AMCU would offer savings accounts, including cash ISAs, as well as loans for the purchase of cars, the consolidation of existing debts and the purchase of retirement houses or flats.

:: How far advanced are the plans?

The idea for a church credit union came about in 2008 at the height of the financial crisis. Those behind the project have applied for start-up funding and are waiting to hear whether the scheme has been approved by the Financial Services Authority. They hope to launch the scheme in autumn 2014, four years after a business plan was originally drawn up.


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Party Shooting: Parent Hurt At Child's Birthday

By Mark White, Home Affairs Correspondent

Police are urgently trying to trace a 20-year-old man after a shooting at a child's birthday party in southeast London.

Detectives have released a photograph of the suspect, Alfie Gannon, who is alleged to have opened fire on another man as he stood next to his young stepson.

The shooting took place on May 18 at a house in Bromley but police have been unable to trace Gannon, who is believed to have links to West Yorkshire.

The shooting followed an argument at a house in Ravenscar Road, where a 10-year-old girl's birthday party was taking place.

After an argument, during which threats to kill were allegedly made, the suspect was thrown out of house.

Police say he returned a short time later and shot a 22-year-old man on the doorstep with a semi-automatic pistol. The victim has since made a full recovery.

Detective Constable Paul Buckley, of the Metropolitan Police's gang unit Trident, which is leading the search for Gannon, described the shooting as "shocking".

"Understandably both the children and guests at the party were extremely traumatised by the senseless actions of the suspect," he said.

"We have released an image of a man wanted in connection with the shooting in the hope that he himself will come forward, or that those who may know his whereabouts contact the police.

"I would like to reassure any potential witnesses who may be worried about making contact with police that Trident has extensive expertise in protecting witnesses and there are a range of measures that can be taken to protect you.

"Members of the public are urged not to approach the suspect and instead call 999, the Trident team on 0208 785 8580 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."


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Daniel Pelka: 'Mum Permitted Child's Death'

By Lisa Dowd, Midlands Correspondent

A mother's defence barrister has told a court she is guilty of "permitting the death of her own child" but not guilty of his murder.

Daniel Pelka, four, was allegedly beaten to death after being starved for months at his home in Coventry in March last year.

His mother, Magdelena Luczak, and stepfather, Mariusz Krezolek, deny the child's murder and causing or allowing his death.

But Stephen Linehan QC, in his closing speech to the jury, said: "My submission to you is she (Luczak) is guilty of the dreadful crime on the third count of the indictment, permitting the death of her own child, but she is not guilty of his murder."

Mr Linehan told the jury that Luczak had "totally failed to care (for) and protect" Daniel and had "put her relationship with Mariusz Krezolek ahead of Daniel", but, he said, she did not kill him.

Mr Linehan admitted at Birmingham Crown Court that Luczak was guilty of an "appalling, wicked and criminal failure to protect him (Daniel)".

And the lawyer said Luczak could not explain why she allowed Daniel's abuse, because she was being "abused" by Krezolek.

The barrister reminded the jury of evidence of Daniel's sibling who said Krezolek had "hurt" Luczak "loads of times".

Mr Linehan added it will be Luczak's "eternal shame" that she did not stop Daniel's abuse but she did not join in the "campaign of cruelty" as is alleged.

The trial was later adjourned for the day and is due to resume on Friday.


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Danny Nightingale Given Suspended Sentence

A former SAS sniper has been handed a suspended sentence after being convicted for a second time of illegally possessing a gun and ammunition.

Danny Nightingale, 38, from Crewe in Cheshire, was given two years military detention, suspended for 12 months.

He was originally jailed for 18 months last year but had his sentence cut and then quashed by the Court of Appeal after an outcry over his treatment.

At the latest sentencing, Judge advocate Jeff Blackett said Nightingale would be going to prison if it was not for the Appeal judges' previous decisions.

"In our opinion, the seriousness of this case does merit an immediate custodial sentence but we feel constrained by the decision of their Lordships," he said.

The senior NCO was found guilty at a retrial of having a 9mm Glock pistol and 338 rounds of ammunition in the bedroom of his shared army house in Hereford.

The Glock 9mm gun found at Danny Nightingale's house The 9mm Glock pistol found in Nightingale's wardrobe

The gun and bullets, said to have been brought back from Iraq, were recovered from the rented house by civilian police in September 2011.

The pistol was found in the father-of-two's wardrobe and the ammunition was under his bed in a plastic box.

Nightingale had pleaded not guilty, saying he had no knowledge of them being in his bedroom and claimed someone else had put them there.

The court heard he received a head injury during an endurance marathon in 2009 that affected his memory and caused confusion.

Mr Blackett said the soldier's account about how the gun came to be in his room "lacked credibility".

Ammunition found at Danny Nightingale's house More than 300 round of ammunition were discovered under the bed

However, he said there were "exceptional circumstances" that allowed the court to suspend the sentence "because of your exceptional character".

The judge also said that "criticism of the prosecution and the army is unmerited and totally without foundation".

He told Nightingale: "We understand how difficult these proceedings have been for you and your family.

"However, you have brought much of that anguish upon yourself and your public assertions that you are scapegoat or the victim of some wider political agenda is absolute nonsense," he said.

"You are simply someone against whom there was a strong prima facie case of serious wrongdoing and, given the dangers to society caused by illegal firearms and their misuse, it was in the public interest to prosecute you.

"You have now had a fair trial before a civilian judge and an independent and impartial board.

"All of the issues you wished to raise and all the submissions you wished to make have been fully considered and verdicts properly given.

"It would have made no difference had you been tried before a civilian jury. The evidence against you was overwhelming and I have no doubt the verdicts would have been the same."

Sergeant Danny Nightingale Nightingale said he was suffering memory loss after a head injury

The hearing was told that Nightingale and his family, who were all present, have spent around £120,000 trying to clear his name.

Outside court, his wife Sally said they would have to sit down and discuss their next steps and would be taking advice about a further appeal.

"We are obviously very disappointed with the sentence but pleased Danny will be coming home with us tonight," she said.

She said she had been upset by the judge's comments, insisting that the family had been nothing but "honest and open" and had never misled anyone.

"Nobody wants to go through what we've been through. I could never have imagined myself in this position. But we've done it for the right reasons and we have been true to ourselves so I have no regrets," she added.

The soldier, who served in the former Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan in an 18-year career, has received a medical discharge which will start next February.


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HS2 Challenges Rejected By Court Of Appeal

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 24 Juli 2013 | 20.14

By Tom Parmenter, Sky News Correspondent

Campaigners have vowed to fight on after the Court of Appeal rejected their latest challenges to the Government's HS2 high-speed rail project.

Objectors including 15 councils and residents' associations along the route had wanted judges to order further assessment of the entire scheme.

But their plea was dismissed on all grounds - although they were granted the right of a final appeal to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land.

The Department for Transport said the ruling would allow them to press on with the project.

High Speed Rail minister Simon Burns said: "This is the second time in four months a court has rejected attempts to derail HS2.

"I urge opponents not to waste any more taxpayers' money on expensive litigation and instead work with us on making HS2 the very best it can be."

However, campaigners declared they would battle on to ensure the Government does not "duck its environmental responsibilities".

Hilary Wharf, director of the HS2 Action Alliance (HS2AA), said: "We are confident that our position is a strong one and we are pleased that the Court has allowed our appeal to the Supreme Court.

Peter Mandelson Lord Mandelson has raised doubts about HS2

"It's concerning however that we have to go to the highest court in the land to make the Government give the environment the respect it deserves."

The scheme is the country's largest infrastructure project for a generation and the largest single rail project since the 19th century.

The proposed route would run from London to Birmingham before splitting into lines that run through Manchester and Leeds.

The estimated cost of the scheme has recently risen from £33bn to £42bn, although critics put the figure at closer to £60bn.

They also argue it will cause environmental damage, the loss of homes and disruption to many communities.

Former Labour cabinet minister Lord Mandelson and ex-transport secretary Alistair Darling are among those to have cast doubt on it in recent weeks.

But on Tuesday, David Cameron reiterated its importance to securing Britain's position in his much-trumpeted "global race".

David Elwin QC, appearing for the HS2AA, argued that the scheme needed a strategic environment assessment (SEA) before it could proceed.

He claimed the Government had broken a European directive requiring an SEA and called for the High Court's ruling in March to be overruled.

Nine areas of legal challenge were brought to the High Court but the only one to succeed related to the property compensation consultation, which is now being re-run.

Despite the latest failure, campaigners drew comfort from a split in the three-judge panel on whether an SEA should have been carried out.

Lord Dyson, the Master of the Rolls, and Lord justice Richards, backed the Government but Lord Justice Sullivan disagreed.

Councillor Martin Tett, chairman of the 51m alliance and leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, expressed disappointment at the latest ruling.

He said: "This is another example of the Department for Transport and HS2 Ltd riding roughshod over public opinion, ploughing ahead regardless of what local communities want and ignoring the environmental merits of the alternatives.

"We have evidence that our alternative to HS2 would provide all of the capacity required, far more quickly, at a fraction of the cost and would be less damaging to the environment."

Construction on phase one of the route between London and Birmingham is due to start in 2017.


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Shrien Dewani To Be Extradited Over Murder

Shrien Dewani will be extradited to South Africa to face charges of orchestrating his wife's murder, a court has ruled.

However, the 33-year-old's lawyers have said they intend to appeal against the decision.

Dewani was seeking to delay his extradition on account of his mental health.

Speaking outside the court, Ami Denborg, Anni Dewani's sister, said it was "one step in the right direction" and that her family hoped he would be sent to South Africa "very soon".

She said the legal process was still a big strain on her family.

Shrien Dewani, 31, with his wife Anni, who he is accused of hiring a hitman to kill. Shrien Dewani denies plotting to kills his wife

"We've been struggling every day. Look at my mum, look at my dad - you can see on their faces," Ms Denborg told reporters.

She added: "We don't want to forget Anni in this. For us, this is still all about Anni.

"It's all about finding out what happened to her and we will fight this battle to the end."

Anni Dewani, 28, was shot dead on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010 while the couple were on honeymoon.

Her husband, who has depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, strongly denies any involvement in his wife's murder.

While he remains moderately depressed, he is improving and will eventually recover, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

His lawyers had expressed concerns that his recovery would suffer a setback if returned to South Africa.

Shrien Dewani Shrien Dewani (left) pictured earlier this month

They have also argued he would be a high suicide risk and his human rights could be breached because of the risk of violent and sexual assaults in jail, and of contracting HIV.

"Shrien Dewani remains unfit to be extradited or to face trial," said his lawyers following the decision.

"Shrien remains committed to returning to South Africa when his health would permit a full trial and when appropriate protections are in place for his health and safety."

Despite the extradition, a trial could still be some way off.

District Judge Riddle said Dewani would need continued treatment in South Africa and may not be fit to enter a plea for some time.

Newlywed Mrs Dewani was shot when a taxi in which the couple were travelling was hijacked in the Gugulethu township.

SAFRICA Honeymoon 4 Xolile Mngeni was a hit man hired by Mr Dewani, claim prosecutors

Mr Dewani and driver Zola Tongo were ejected from the car before Mrs Dewani was driven away and killed.

She was found dead in the back of the abandoned vehicle with a bullet wound to her neck.

Last year, South African Xolile Mngeni was convicted of premeditated murder for shooting Mrs Dewani.

Prosecutors claimed he was a hit-man hired by Shrien Dewani to kill his new wife, something that Dewani has consistently denied.

Tongo was jailed for 18 years after he admitted his part in the crime, and another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, also pleaded guilty to charges over the murder and was handed a 25-year prison sentence.

South African authorities said they were "very excited" about the extradition.

"We have worked very hard to convince the UK authorities that the South African justice system is fair," said Bulelwa Makeke, from the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa.

"He (Dewani) will face a fair trial. Any health concerns will be also be taken care of appropriately."


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Tug-Of-Love Mother 'Acted On Instinct'

A mother who acted on "maternal instinct" when she abducted four of her children has been cleared of breaching a court order to hand them back to her ex-husband.

Jennifer Jones, 46, faced contempt proceedings when she failed to send the children to Spain to live with their father, Spanish army officer Tomas Palacin Cambra.

But she argued her children's behaviour made it impossible to comply with the order and she did not do it "deliberately".

Lawyers had argued she should be penalised for failing to hand the children over in Cardiff in October, but Ms Jones resisted the contempt application at a hearing in London.

The judge was told that a Spanish court had ordered that, following a marriage break-up, the four children should stay with their father in Spain.

Palacin Jones Tomas Palacin Cambra, 53, with the couple's children

He heard that they had been visiting their mother when she allegedly breached the order.

The case hit the headlines last October when Ms Jones and the four children - Jessica, now 15, Tomas, now 13, Eva, now 10, and David, now eight - disappeared.

They were all found safe and well within days after a public appeal for help.

Government legal advisers were asked to consider whether contempt proceedings should be brought against Ms Jones, who argued that two of her children were traumatised and had run to the local police station.

"Those children didn't want to go back," Miss Jones told the court. "All I knew was that my daughter and my son had run away and escaped. I was very concerned about my children.

"I was so frightened because I knew I was supposed to be in Cardiff. I was going through a lot of emotions. As a mother you go by your instincts".

The maximum penalty Ms Jones faced for being in contempt was two years' imprisonment.


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Royal Baby Arrives At Kate's Parents' House

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have travelled with the Royal baby to Bucklebury to spend time with Kate's parents.

The couple, who were driven from Kensington Palace in a black Range Rover, set off shortly after the Queen met her great grandson for the first time.

The as-yet-unnamed baby, who was born at the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital, London, on Monday, also met his uncle, Prince Harry, before his parents made the 50-mile trip to Berkshire.

The Queen previously said she was "thrilled" by the arrival of the future king, who is third in line to the throne.

It is possible William and Kate may have told Her Majesty what they intend to call their son during her visit, bringing the world a step closer to finding out the baby's name.

A Son and Heir, Tonight at 8.30pm

Harrison said it would have been a "very special moment" and an "extremely emotional time" for the Queen.

"We knew the Queen was keen to finally get to meet her great grandson but it was important for her, and certainly for William and Kate, for the baby to stay out of the public gaze for the time being," he said.

"After that huge photocall outside the Lindo Wing on Tuesday, the Duke and Duchess want to spend time getting used to becoming a mum and dad and getting the baby settled."

The Queen arrived without the Duke of Edinburgh, who continues to recover at Windsor Castle after exploratory abdominal surgery.

She made the short journey from Buckingham Palace, where she has been staying before leaving for Balmoral for her traditional Scottish summer break, in a dark green Bentley.

Queen Elizabeth II sits in the back of a Chauffeur driven Bentley, after going visit her new great-grandson for the first time at Kensington Palace in central London The Queen leaves Kensington Palace after meeting her great grandson

Historically, she would have had to approve the name of any Royal baby and although that is no longer the case, the Duke and Duchess are still likely to reveal their son's name to her before announcing it publicly.

The Queen and Prince Harry are the latest in a line of visitors to meet the future monarch.

Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton were the first to be introduced to the newborn, followed later on Tuesday by William's father Prince Charles, who was accompanied by his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Pippa Middleton, Kate's sister, met her nephew when the couple arrived at Kensington Palace.

Earlier, William and Kate took turns to cradle their baby as the family posed for pictures on the steps of the Lindo Wing.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave hospital with their baby son The Duke carries his son to a waiting car

The Duke, who drove his wife and son from the hospital, told reporters: "He's got a good pair of lungs on him, that's for sure. He's a big boy, he's quite heavy."

"It's very emotional, it's such a special time," the Duchess added. "I think any parent will know what this feeling feels like."

After the excitement of the Royal baby's first public appearance, a spokesman for Kensington Palace said William and Kate were now focused solely on caring for their firstborn.

"This is now a private and quiet time for them to get to know their son," the spokesman said.

More follows...


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River Wear: Girl Died Trying To Save Friend

One of the two teenage friends who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Wear was trying to save the other, police have said.

Tonibeth Purvis, 15, jumped into the water to save Chloe Fowler, 14, who had entered the river near Fatfield, Washington, Tyne and Wear, to "keep cool" in the heat.

River Wear deaths Tributes from friends at the scene

Superintendent Alan Veitch, of Northumbria Police, said: "Chloe went in first, Tonibeth and others went in to help her. Tonibeth got into difficulties and so have the others."

He said Chloe, from Shiney Row, near Sunderland, got into the river of her own free will.

A lot of children jumped in after "to effect a rescue", he said, adding that the survivors had been left traumatised by the tragedy and were receiving counselling.

He said the victims' families were also "completely distraught" and were being supported.

"This is an absolute tragedy and our deepest sympathies are with the families of the two girls," he added.

Chloe's family said in a statement: "Chloe was a beautiful, kind and caring girl and we as a family are devastated by what has happened.

"We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us look for the girls. We would ask that we are given some time and privacy to grieve."

An off-duty policeman and a member of the public also tried to save the girls after they were spotted in the water at around 3pm on Tuesday.

River Wear deaths A family leaves a bunch of flowers by the river

A boy who also tried to help was pulled to safety by the police officer, before around 100 emergency service personnel joined the search and rescue effort.

Fire crews joined police specialists including a helicopter, as well as a coastguard team, in the search.

The girls' bodies were recovered by police dive teams last night and taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Paul Cronin, 63, who lives nearby, saw one of the men who had attempted a rescue.

He told Sky Tyne and Wear: "There's a fella, come running up the park in his boxer shorts, screaming, 'can you swim?'

"He dived in from the other side and tried to rescue her, got into difficulties himself. I ran down to the river to the point where he came out ... heard some screaming a little further down."

Tributes were also paid to the two teenagers by friends, with Tonibeth, from Barmston, Washington, being hailed a "hero" in one card left with flowers at the scene.

Joss Richards, 13, in the same school class as Tonibeth, said she was "absolutely lovely", while Aimee Bell, 13, described Chloe as a "fantastic girl".

Girls vanish in river Rescue teams searched for the girls into the evening

The headteachers of the schools the girls attended also paid tribute.

Oxclose Community Academy head Tony Cunningham, where Chloe was a pupil, said everyone at the school was "devastated".

He added: "Chloe was a popular pupil who had many friends in school. She was determined to succeed in everything she set her mind to and she will be sadly missed by staff and pupils alike."

Tonibeth had moved to Washington School this year, where headteacher John Hallworth said: "She had settled into school life here very well and had already made a good and close group of friends.

"Her teachers and pastoral staff speak of a quiet and caring young lady who had a most promising future and who was looking forward to achieving a broad suite of qualifications.

"Tonibeth was a lovely girl and a valued member of our school community. There is a very palpable sense of loss at school this morning."

On Twitter, friends expressed their shock at the death of the two teenagers.

One user, @shannon97xxxxxx wrote: "cant get over whats happened, rip toni beth and chloe fowlerx."

Another, @laurenlsmithx, said: "Rest in peace Toni-Beth Purvis and Chloe Fowler, rest in peace angels, you will both be such a big miss."


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Royal Baby: Birth Marked With Gun Salutes

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 23 Juli 2013 | 20.14

Gun salutes are sounding across London to mark the birth of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company are carrying out the ceremonial royal salutes in honour of the new addition to the Royal Family.

This includes a 41-gun salute at London's Green Park and 62 rounds at the Tower of London.

Gun salutes are fired for the birth of every prince or princess, no matter where their place is in the line of succession, the Ministry of Defence said.

The last royal salute for a birth was for Princess Eugenie in 1990.

Changing the guard Crowds gather to watch a special changing the guard for the new prince

The gun salutes are part of various celebrations being held today to mark the special occasion.

This morning guardsmen marked changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace by playing 'Congratulations'.

The bells at Westminster Abbey, where Kate and William married just over two years ago, will also ring out for three hours from 2pm this afternoon.

Earlier today the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge issued a statement thanking the hospital where their baby boy was born for the "tremendous care" they received.

The Royal couple said: "We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received.

A Royal Son

"We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time."

A Kensington Palace spokesman added: "Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning."

The new parents have also pledged support for a charity supporting St Mary's Hospital in London in celebration of their first born's birth. They are backing Imperial College Healthcare Charity, which raises money for research and studies designed to improve services to St Mary's and four other hospitals constituting Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

The Royal baby boy, whose name has not yet been revealed, was born at 4.24pm on Monday, weighing 8lb 6oz (3.798kg).

Prince William was at his wife's bedside at the private Lindo Wing during her labour.

Hospital staff and patients look at the media outside the Lindo Wing

The Duchess spent the night in hospital, as did her husband. She and William could leave the hospital with the future king in their arms later today.

Sky News Royal Correspondent Paul Harrison said: "We understand that the Duke and Duchess will depart either later this evening, not before 6pm, or tomorrow morning."

Crowds are gathered outside the hospital in anticipation. The world's media are also waiting with cameras at the ready to snap the first pictures of the Royal heir.

Excitement was fuelled when Kate's hairdresser reportedly arrived at just after 10am, indicating their departure could be imminent - although Royal officials denied such reports.

It is understood the new family of three will go back home to Kensington Palace.

Royal baby gun salute sign at the Tower of London A sign at the Tower of London. Pic: @HRP_Palaces or Historic Royal Palaces

But it is not yet known how the Royals will negotiate putting their newborn into a car seat, as required by law.

No such legislation existed when Prince Charles and Princess Diana left the hospital in 1982 after the birth of Prince William. 

News of the birth was issued in a statement by Kensington Palace at 8.30pm on Monday.

A very brief statement from the Duke, speaking on behalf of himself and the Duchess, added: "We could not be happier."

William telephoned his family to tell them the good news, speaking personally to the Queen, his father Prince Charles and younger brother Prince Harry.

The Prince of Wales First-time grandfather Prince Charles on his visit to Yorkshire

The Prince of Wales today said he was "thrilled and very excited" about the birth of his first grandchild.

He and the Duchess of Cornwall were met by cheering crowds of well-wishers on a visit to East Yorkshire.

Villager after villager offered Charles and Camilla their congratulations as the royal couple walked around the green in Bugthorpe, which was decked out with Union flags and bunting for the visit.

Many people asked whether the new baby had a name, but Charles gave little away.

One member of the crowd, Alec Dale, said to him as he passed: "We popped a bottle of bubbly last night at our house. I hope you did too."

Royal baby born The birth was announced on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace

To this, the Prince replied: "Yes. But just a little bit."

Camilla told the BBC that Charles was "brilliant with children so he'll have a wonderful time".

Later, the Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips in Bridlington.

She said: "I think these are celebration fish and chips. Celebrating the birth of the new baby."

Camilla added that the haddock and chips, which she ate out of a box, was the "best thing I have eaten in an awfully long time".

BRITAIN-ROYALS-BABY Queues forming outside Buckingham Palace to see the official announcement

Chip shop owner John Hutchinson said: "Sue, my other half, tried to prise the name out of her but she wasn't having any of it."

Meanwhile, a huge queue of people eager to get a photo of the easel displaying the official Royal birth announcement has formed outside Buckingham Palace.

Officials said it will be on show on the forecourt for about 24 hours after confirmation of the birth, meaning is is likely to be removed soon after 8pm tonight. 

Many people told Sky News they had come before work as they expect larger crowds later.

Kashmira, 31 and from Hertfordshire, told Sky News: "I didn't really want to come last night when it was so hot but it's such a historical event I couldn't not come."

Employees hang a sign celebrating the news that Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has given birth to a son, in New York Celebrations are taking place across the world

Lauren, 27, from Surrey, said she popped by on her way to the office, adding: "It's a pretty prestigious event so I dashed here before work. It's so exciting."

Police and security have been putting up barriers to keep the queue orderly.

The jubilation of last night has died down but hundreds of people, from all over the world, still want their slice of the Royal baby excitement.

The Weiner family from Los Angeles, US, told Sky News that they were glad their holiday to the UK coincided with the baby news. They said came to the Palace to take a photo of the announcement because "it's a once in a lifetime opportunity".

There is also great anticipation surrounding the name of the new third in line to the throne, who will be known as the Prince of Cambridge.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did not find out if their baby was going to be a boy or girl prior to the birth, meaning they are believed to have considered a stock of names for a future monarch of either sex.

George, James, Alexander, Louis and Henry are currently among the favourites at the bookmakers.

The Queen will be informed of the baby's name before it is announced, which may even be weeks away.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were said to be "delighted at the news".

William's uncle and brother of the late Princess Diana also described his joy at the new Royal baby.

Earl Spencer said: "We're all so pleased: it's wonderful news.

"My father always told us how Diana was born on just such a blisteringly hot day, at Sandringham, in July 1961. It's another very happy summer's day, half a century on."


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Weather: Heatwave To End With Torrential Rain

Britain's three-week heatwave will be brought to an end by strong and violent storms, weather forecasters have said.

Thunder, lightning and hail will last intermittently throughout Tuesday and Wednesday. Torrential rain will increase the risk of flash floods.

Sky News Weather Presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "There are thundery showers this morning across Ireland, Wales and England.

"These showers will be heavy with lightning, hail at times and strong winds.

"There will be a lot of rain in a very short space of time so there is the risk of localised flooding in some of these areas."

Flooding in Hatfield, Worcestershire A car drives through a deep puddle caused by heavy rain in Worcestershire

It follows weeks of scorching temperatures, which peaked on Monday at 33.5C in London - the hottest day since July 20, 2006.

The storms will thunder over the Midlands as well as eastern, central, northern and southern parts of England, with the East Midlands, London and Kent seeing the worst of the weather.

Temperatures will dip to the high 20s and remain humid in the South East, but the west of England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be far cooler before the rest of the country gradually follows.

The humid conditions will bring big hailstones, which have already been seen in south London.

The Met Office issued a low-level alert warning of storms and torrential downpours across England, Wales and Scotland.

Heatwave Britain has been basking in the highest temperatures since 2006

It said: "The public should be aware of the risk of localised disruption to travel, and more generally to summer holiday activities, due to, for example, surface water flooding."

The overall trend for the rest of the week will see the UK gradually cool down, with a continuing risk of showers and thunderstorms.

By next week the temperatures are expected to settle in the low 20s in most places.

The hot weather has taken its toll on the UK in recent weeks, with grass fires in London, mountain blazes in the Welsh valleys and forest fires in Fife, Scotland.


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Royal Baby Name: Odds In Favour Of Tradition

Thousands of punters are banking on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge picking a traditional name for their newborn son.

George is the favourite at odds of 9/4, according to Sky Bet, with James also in the running at 11/4.

Alexander, Louis and Henry are also among the top choices for those placing bets at the bookmaker.

Punters willing to take a long shot can get odds of 66/1 on Daniel, or 50/1 for Andrew - after the baby's great uncle.

Prince Philip operation The baby could have Philip as a middle name

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to follow tradition however, with most Royal infants having names that are passed down through the generations.

Charles Kidd, the editor of Debrett's Peerage & Baronetage, predicted that William and Kate would select a conventional first name for their son.

Prince Charles Charles is another possibility

"I do think that Prince William is quite a traditionalist - that's my feeling," Mr Kidd said.

"The fact that he chose to use the Royal dukedom (of Cambridge) and has followed Royal precedent, I wouldn't be surprised if they use a name that is already familiar in the Royal Family - something that has Royal associations."

Carole and Michael Middleton, parents of The Royal parents may like grandfather Michael to share a name with baby

Midway through her pregnancy, Kate revealed she and William had a shortlist of names and that her friends were giving her ideas.

"We have a shortlist for both (boy and girl) but it's very difficult. My friends keep texting me names," she told a well-wisher.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry And new uncle Harry may get a namecheck too

David Beckham has also had his say, jokingly suggesting to Sky News recently that David would be a good choice.

The baby, who will eventually be king, will be styled HRH Prince (forename) of Cambridge, with - when a surname is needed - Mountbatten-Windsor as his family name.

Royal babies also usually have a number of middle names. The Prince of Wales has four names, as does William.

Charles, Philip and Michael are in the frame as possible middle names in honour of the Royal grandparent and great-grandparent and the baby's maternal grandfather.

Francis is another name considered to be a possible middle name because it has strong ties with the Duchess's family.

William's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was given the female version, Frances, as her middle name.

And then, of course, there is Henry - Prince Harry's real name.


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Mosque Blasts: Murder Suspect Is Charged

A Ukrainian man accused of murdering a pensioner has also been charged with three offences related to explosions near three mosques.

Pavlo Lapshyn, 25, has now been charged in connection with blasts close to mosques in Walsall, Wolverhampton and Tipton.

He was charged on Monday with the murder of 82-year-old Mohammed Saleem, who was stabbed just yards from his house as he walked home from a mosque on April 29.

Police last week found debris from an explosive device close to a mosque in Wolverhampton shortly after arresting Lapshyn - who was detained along with another Eastern European man.

Remnants from a home-made explosive device were also found outside a mosque in Walsall on June 22, and another device, containing nails, exploded near a mosque in Binfield Road, Tipton, on July 12.

Mohammed Saleem, who was killed in an attack in Birmingham in April 2013. Mohammed Saleem, from Birmingham, was killed on his way home from a mosque

No-one was injured in the explosions.

Lapshyn is now charged with carrying out a series of acts with the intention to commit acts of terrorism.

He also faces two separate offences of unlawfully and maliciously causing an explosion with the intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to a person or property.

It is alleged he bought batteries, chemicals, a lunch bag, clock and computer for making explosive devices, as well as carrying out internet research and visiting intended locations to plant the devices.

Prosecutors also claim he modified mobile phones to act as detonators.

Lapshyn is a student on a sponsored work placement at a software firm based in the Small Heath area of Birmingham.

Police have said they do not believe there is any "ongoing threat from this case", but they are working with the Ukrainian authorities to look into Lapshyn's past.

The new charges came during a 10-minute hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Wearing a black round-neck top with short-cropped hair, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and to request to speak to his lawyer.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear at a bail hearing at the Old Bailey on July 25.


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Alton Towers Closes Smiler Ride Over Bolt

Alton Towers has shut down its new multimillion-pound roller coaster amid reports of a metal bolt falling off the ride.

Visitors queuing for the £18m Smiler ride, which opened in May, claim they saw a piece of metal break away and land near them, leaving a gap in the track on Sunday.

Some 48 people had to be rescued from the ride, which was then closed so technical teams could investigate.

Fiona Gilbert, 20, from Wolverhampton, said: "We were stood there when all of a sudden we heard a massive clanging sound.

The Smiler at Alton Towers The ride, which cost £18m to build, was opened in May

"We turned around and there was a metal bar not even a metre away on the floor behind us. It was just under one foot long and about two inches thick."

The Staffordshire amusement park confirmed it had closed the ride while its technical team examined the roller coaster.

"On Sunday 21st July, in line with our standard procedures, Alton Towers Resort closed The Smiler to investigate a small piece of debris that had allegedly fallen from the track," said an Alton Towers spokesperson.

"At no time was any visitor at any risk, and 48 guests on the ride at the time were safely disembarked.

"As the health and safety of our guests is our primary concern, the ride will remain closed whilst the resort's technical team investigate."


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Royal Baby Will Take A Place In History

Written By Unknown on Senin, 22 Juli 2013 | 20.14

By Alastair Bruce, Sky News Royal Commentator

For the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and for all of us, the wait is nearly over and, for the first time ever, the United Kingdom awaits the birth of a child that will take its guaranteed place in the order of succession to the throne as a future sovereign.

Hitherto, the gender of the baby was significant. A baby princess would have raised a muffled hooray because the subsequent birth of a prince would have displaced her claim in his favour. Not any more.

The Succession to the Crown Act, which was passed through Parliament in the closing months of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee last year, ended this ancient practice of favouring men over women.

Interestingly, this legislation, which is to be passed by all 16 nations over which the British monarch is head of state, is not retrospective.

This means that the order of succession that existed before October 2012 remains unaltered. It only affects those born after the Act.

Aerial view of Buckingham Palace and the Mall, which will form part of the route for the cycling events during the Olympic games. The sex of the baby will be announced on an easel at Buckingham Palace

So, the Queen's sons Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and their children still take precedence over their elder sister, Princess Anne.

This detail, which will test the concentration of most royal genealogists trying to plot the order of succession in the future, presumably saves the Crown from claims to the throne from the descendants of people like Queen Victoria's eldest child, who was female and also called Victoria.

She was parcelled off to marry the future king of Prussia and became mother of the infamous Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.

Queen Victoria Queen Victoria was last to see birth of great grandchild to inherit throne

Arguably, his heirs might have claimed to be Britain's rightful monarch.

Not for the Duke of Cambridge then the anguish of Henry VIII, who feared the end of his insecure new Tudor dynasty when successive wives only bore him princesses.

Instead, Prince William knows that the child his wife delivers will be welcomed by a nation that rightly shapes the monarchy through Parliament to meet the needs of a changing world.

But tradition will play out in the manner of the royal birth's announcement.

Despite the thicket of journalists that camp opposite the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London's Paddington, the weight, gender and time of birth of this future monarch will be communicated through a "Notice of Birth".

This document stands ready for the key details to be filled in before a member of the royal household will convey it to the Privy Purse Door of Buckingham Palace.

Waiting there will be a frame. Once securely framed a footman will place it on an easel by the railings for the world to know.

At the same time the Army will bring out the saluting guns to fire a salute.

This child will not be born a boy or girl, as would be the case for any other birth, but either a prince or princess. This is a royal difference and was only enabled recently.

The Queen stepped in to change the rule established by George V in 1917, which restricted princely rank and the prefix of Royal Highness to the grandchildren of a sovereign and no further.

Because the Duke of Cambridge is in the direct line, the Queen has decided that his children will be given the title of prince or princess.

The title of the child will therefore be His (or Her) Royal Highness Prince (or Princess) [first name] of Cambridge.

There has only been one occasion before when a monarch has lived to see the great grandchild who would ultimately inherit the throne.

This was when the future Edward VIII was born during the reign of Queen Victoria.

This nation marks its passing history through the reigns of kings and queens.

One day, that story may be identified through the reign of this coming baby.

No wonder there is such interest and perhaps this makes it the more understandable that the palace has taken trouble to remind us that this is a very private moment for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.


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Body-In-Suitcase Murder: Woman Found In Hendon

A woman's body has been discovered inside a suitcase dumped in woodland in north London, police have said.

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the grisly find near a sports ground at Thornfield Avenue, Hendon, on Sunday afternoon.

The suitcase was hidden among trees and the surrounding area has been cordoned off.

The woman, who has been described as a young adult, has yet to be identified.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said a post-mortem examination would be arranged.

More follows...


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Royal Baby: Duchess Of Cambridge In Labour

The Duchess of Cambridge is said to be "very well" after she was admitted to hospital in the early stages of labour.

Kate, who is thought to be more than a week past her due date, was taken through a side entrance of St Mary's Hospital in London just before 6am.

The Duke of Cambridge travelled with her by car from Kensington Palace, where she went into labour naturally after spending the weekend there.

She plans to have a normal birth at the hospital's private Lindo wing and the couple's spokesman said: "Things are progressing as normal."

Crowds form at Buckingham Palace. Crowds await the official announcement at Buckingham Palace

It appears officials staged a "dummy run" in preparation for her arrival amid reports of police activity at the hospital last night.

Further officially confirmed details are likely to be thin on the ground until the Royal baby is born.

The arrival will be announced in traditional fashion, with a notice on an easel behind the iron railings of Buckingham Palace.

The brief bulletin, on headed Palace notepaper, confirms the sex of the baby but usually gives little else away other than that the baby has been "safely delivered" and perhaps the weight.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Goes Into Labour There is a robust police presence at the hospital

Well-wishers from around the globe have descended on the Palace on the off-chance of catching a glimpse.

Larissa Milare, 25, from Sao Paulo in Brazil, said she was keen to see the announcement for herself. "It would be so special," she said. "I don't want to miss this."

Royal fans have also gathered around the hospital, where there is a strong police presence.

Among them is Terry Hutt, 78, from Cambridge, who has been sleeping at the scene for days and is wearing a Union flag suit and tie for the occasion.

Terry Hutt Terry Hutt is among the royal fans outside the hospital. Pic: Kat Higgins

The former soldier, who served with the Royal Ordnance Corps, said: "I have lost my voice with all the excitement.

"The health of the baby, and Kate, is the only important element."

Residents from Kate's home village of Bucklebury have spoken of their excitement, with bunting out and pubs that normally shut on a Monday preparing to open when the announcement is made.

The Duchess' former music teacher, Daniel Nicholls, said: "Once the baby is born, Bucklebury will take it in its stride that the future, future King or Queen of England will come from here."

Kate is being tended by a top medical team led by the Queen's former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who delivered the Countess of Wessex's two children.

Former midwife Clare Byam-Cook told Sky News: "They'll be monitoring her very carefully to check that the baby is doing well."

Kate's due date has never been announced, but it was widely believed to be July 13.

Sky News' Royal Correspondent Paul Harrison said her condition had been described as "very well".

He said: "Prince William had said from the beginning that he wanted to be alongside his wife when she went into labour."

The world's press have been outside St Mary's, in Paddington, for days in anticipation of the birth.

Some 250 reporters and crew are packed into a relatively small stretch of the street opposite the hospital. Their patch shrunk even further earlier when "twitchy" police herded them from the road to the pavement.

Photographers gather in front of the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, where Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge entered to give birth in London The 'Great Kate Wait', as it was dubbed by the press, is reaching an end

Earlier, Prime Minister David Cameron sent his "best wishes" to the couple, saying: "It is an exciting occasion and the whole country is excited with them, so everyone's hoping for the best."

Others voicing their support included the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, who tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the whole family on this enormously special day."

Broadcaster Piers Morgan tweeted: "Keep Calm ... and Carry On. #Kate"

Prince Charles, who is on a two-day visit to Yorkshire, told Sky News at York's National Railway Museum earlier that he knew "absolutely nothing" about his first grandchild's impending arrival.

The news that the Duchess was in labour at the Lindo wing - on what is set to be the hottest day of the year so far - was confirmed in a brief statement from Kensington Palace at 7.30am.

Royal Birth The '82 scene at St Mary's for William's birth, left, and a shot from today

The Duke and his younger brother Prince Harry were born in the same wing and the Prince and Princess of Wales famously posed on the building's steps in 1982 holding baby William.

Baby deliveries at the wing start at £5,000, while consultant fees and other charges can bring the cost of a two-night stay to more than £12,000. Its other current patients include the pregnant sister of adventurer Ben Fogle, Tamara.

William is known to want a daughter, while the Duchess is hoping for a son.

Betting on the name of their first-born, which will be third-in-line to the throne, has produced one favourite with a number of bookies - Alexandra. According to Oddschecker.com, George and James are the joint top contenders for a boy.

Queen Elizabeth II Hosts A Garden Party At Buckingham Palace Kate is thought to be more than a week past her due date

Whatever name the couple go with, it is likely to set a trend for the next generation of infants.

Recent changes to the rules of succession mean that if it is a girl, she will not be leapfrogged to the throne by a younger brother.

The Queen will be informed of the birth in a phone call from William, according to the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter.

But he said the Royal Family will not visit because it demands an extra level of security. "The last thing they'll want is to disrupt the hospital," he said.

Royals William is at his wife's side

The birth will be a historic first with three heirs in waiting while the sovereign is fit and well, Mr Arbiter added.

Prince William will be on paternity leave from his job as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot for two weeks. It is not known how long Kate intends to put her Royal duties on hold so she can devote her time to the baby.

They are becoming parents more than two years after they were married at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, with the celebrations watched by millions around the world.

Doctors say the Royal Family could have its newest member by midnight - the average length of labour for a first-time mother is 12 hours.


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