Savile: Celebs 'Frightened By Police Probe'

Dozens of big name stars from the 1960s and 70s have contacted Max Clifford "frightened to death" they will become implicated in the widening Jimmy Savile child abuse scandal, the PR guru has claimed.

He said the stars, some of whom are still big names today, were worried because at their peak they had lived a hedonistic lifestyle where young girls threw themselves at them but they "never asked for anybody's birth certificate".

Scotland Yard is leading the current investigation into accusations of abuse by former BBC DJ and presenter Savile, which now involve around 300 potential victims.

Officers have searched a cottage belonging to Savile in Allt na Reigh in Glencoe, Scotland, to look for "any evidence of any others being involved in any offending with him".

Speaking on London's LBC radio, Mr Clifford said young pop stars at the time had gone from working in a factory one week to performing in front of thousands of people "and girls are screaming and throwing themselves at them then".

"All kinds of things went on and I do mean young girls throwing themselves at them in their dressing rooms at concert halls, at gigs, whatever," he said.

"They never asked for anybody's birth certificate and they were young lads ... suddenly everyone's dream was a reality."

He added: "We are talking about a lot of people that were huge names in the 60s and 70s and a lot of them barely remember what they did last week, genuinely.

"For them to try and recount what happened in a dressing room in 1965 or 1968 or 1972, genuinely they are frightened to death."

Mr Clifford said that he did not condone the men's behaviour, but that it could be understood, adding: "No one had heard the word paedophile in those days, the 60s and 70s."

Seven alleged victims of Savile made complaints to four separate police forces, Surrey, London, Sussex and Jersey, while the disgraced television presenter was alive but it was decided that no further action should be taken.

Scotland Yard revealed on Friday that a retired officer had told them that he had investigated Savile in the 1980s while based in west London but did not have the evidence to proceed.

Commander Peter Spindler said he believed the allegation was of an indecent assault, possibly in a caravan on BBC premises in west London, but officers have still not found the original file.

Another allegation, of inappropriate touching dating back to the 1970s, was made by a woman in 2003, but this was treated as "intelligence" by police because the victim did not want to take action.

Surrey Police submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service containing references to four potential offences, including an allegation of indecent assault on a young girl at a children's home.

The allegations related to three potential victims in Surrey and another in Sussex, and Savile was interviewed under caution in 2009, but prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

The seventh allegation emerged in 2008 when Jersey police received a claim that an indecent assault occurred at children's home Haut de la Garenne in the 1970s.

Again it was decided that there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

Mr Spindler said Savile was "undoubtedly" one of the most prolific sex offenders he had come across and that Operation Yewtree, looking into Savile's crimes, would be a "watershed moment" for child abuse investigations.

Claims have been made that former DJ Savile, who died last year aged 84, targeted children while they were in hospital.

He had a bedroom at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, an office and living quarters at Broadmoor and widespread access to Leeds General Infirmary.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smokers Who Quit 'Live Up To A Decade Longer'

By Nick Martin, Sky News Correspondent

The largest ever study of the hazards of smoking amongst women has revealed that those who give up by middle age can extend their lives by more than a decade.

The research, published in the medical journal The Lancet today, shows that women who stop smoking before the age of 30 slash their chances of a smoke-related death by 97%.

In one of the biggest studies of its kind more than 1.3m women were recruited between 1996 and 2001.

Those who were still smokers after three years were nearly three times as likely as non-smokers to die over the next nine years, the study revealed.

Professor Sir Richard Peto from the University of Oxford, who co-wrote the report, said: "If women smoke like men, they die like men.

"But whether they are men or women, smokers who stop before reaching middle age will, on average, gain about an extra 10 years of life."

Leanne Dixon, 21, a customer service assistant from Manchester, started smoking when she was 13.

"These statistics really make me think," she told Sky News.

"I've thought about giving up for ages but never have. But it makes you think that you have to stop while you're young."

Alyson Aston and her friend Lyn Faulkner started smoking at the age of 15. Now in their 40s, they say giving up is not an option.

"It's not these statistics that make me want to give up, it's the cost," said Ms Aston.

Ms Faulkner added: "I think a lot about giving up but I don't have the willpower.

"But when you think about living an extra 10 years, it really is a long time."

Those who have had a brush with cancer have a cautionary tale to tell.

June Atherton, 66, used to smoke 60 cigarettes a day. She gave up at the age of 50 but was diagnosed with lung cancer 10 years later.

She said: "I stop young women in the street and tell them that they're killing themselves by smoking. They think I'm mad but it's an important message."

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, told Sky News: "This is important research and tells us that stopping as early as you can will prolong your life.

"More women are being diagnosed with lung cancer and we need to bring those figures down by supporting those who want to give up and making sure the young don't start."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

CCTV Clue In Hunt For Fugitive 'Sex Attacker'

Police hunting for a fugitive who is believed to have sexually attacked two schoolgirls while on the run have released CCTV pictures.

Ivan Leach, also known as Lee Cyrus, did not return from day release from North Sea Camp open prison in Boston, Lincolnshire, earlier this month.

People are being warned not to approach him under any circumstances and described him as "dangerous and predatory".

Officers fear he carried out a very serious sexual assault in Tayside, Scotland, since he absconded on October 9.

Despite a large police search and numerous reported sightings 47-year-old Cyrus remains at large.

New CCTV footage, believed to be of Cyrus in Preston city centre on October 17, has now been released in the hope that someone might come forward with information. It shows him walking down Friargate at 6.50pm in the direction of the railway station.

He has links to Preston, and has known to be in the city on a number of occasions since he absconded, but it is believed he could be anywhere in the country.

Police enquiries are also ongoing in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Tayside.

Cyrus was jailed in 2005 for robbing a 90-year-old woman in Ribbleton, Lancashire. He was given a life sentence with a minimum tariff of five years. He also has convictions for burglary and robbery and assault.

Detective chief inspector Ian Dawson of Preston Police said Cyrus "is an extremely dangerous and predatory individual who poses a serious threat to members of the public".

He added: "He has previous convictions for burglary, sex offences against a young girl, assault and robberies in which he has targeted elderly people in their own homes.

"We believe he could be sleeping rough and travelling extensively throughout the country."

Cyrus is described as white, around five feet 11 inches tall, of stocky build with cropped hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with any information about his possible whereabouts is being urged to contact local police either in person or on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Medic And Marine Killed In Afghanistan Named

A Royal Marine and Army medic killed in Helmand province, Afghanistan, have been named as Corporal David O'Connor and Corporal Channing Day.

Cpl O'Connor, 27, from 40 Commando and Cpl Day, 25, from 3 Medical Regiment were attacked while they were on patrol to conduct low level training with the Afghan Local Police.

They "came under small arms fire" in the Nahr-e Saraj district.

An Afghan man who is believed to be a member of the Afghan Uniformed Police but who was not wearing uniform at the time also died in the incident, said the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Ms Day from Comber, Co Down, was "bubbly, sporty, beautiful and lived her life for the Army", her family said.

They added: "She will be remembered by all who knew her as a wonderful girl who never stopped smiling and who had an infectious laugh.

"Channing played football for Northern Ireland as well as ice hockey and also gained her qualification as a ski instructor through the Army.

"She was a fabulous daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, niece and friend. She will be so sadly missed by all."

Her former teacher, Strangford College acting principal Paul Maxwell, said: "She always said she wanted to join the army, she was pretty much focused on wanting to join the army."

Mr O'Connor was described as a "devoted" and "professional individual" having served four operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Colonel Matt Jackson, Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Royal Marines said: "He was loved and respected by those around him and was relentless in the pursuit of excellence in his duties.

"Brave, committed and humorous it is difficult to find words that can possibly fill the void which has been left by this truly excellent junior commander."

The pair were on a patrol when they "came under fire"

A MoD spokesman said: "Corporal O'Connor and Corporal Day were participating in a patrol with C Company, 40 Commando to conduct low level training with the Afghan Local Police.

"While en route to conduct that training, the patrol came under small arms fire near the village of Char Kutsa. As a result of the engagement Corporal O'Connor was fatally injured alongside his colleague and patrol medic, Corporal Day."

Sky's Niall Paterson said it was unclear as to what happened with various explanations emerging from Afghanistan.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility, saying the Afghan involved was one of their men. The provincial police have suggested it was a case of mistaken identity.

However sources close to the investigation told Sky this was a "green on blue" insider incident and that a member of the Afghan security force approached the British patrol from the rear and opened fire, killing two and injuring one.

The remaining patrol then returned fire, killing the Afghan.

"Green on blue" is where Coalition forces are attacked by supposed Afghan security personnel.

The latest deaths take the total number of UK service members to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 435.

Mr Maxwell said Ms Day was always physically fit and achieved top grades in PE, excelling at gymnastics, trampolining and netball.

"It was not just that she was good but that she always showed commitment, she stayed after school and did all the practice," he added.

Ms Day left school at 16 and Mr Maxwell said he believed she went straight into the Army.

The acting principal added: "Every pupil is dear to us and I can remember Channing as if it was yesterday, somebody we remember as being young, and still so young, is suddenly killed in such a tragic way."

Meanwhile US forces in Afghanistan confirmed that two American soldiers were killed by a man in an Afghan police uniform -  the latest in a series of insider attacks that have seriously undermined trust between the allies.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Trainee Teachers Face Tough New Tests

Prospective teachers will have to sit new tougher tests in English, maths and reasoning before they can start training.

The changes will see calculators banned from maths tests, and pass marks in English and maths raised.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said the "rigorous selection" of trainee teachers was key to raising school standards.

All trainee teachers currently have to pass basic skills tests in literacy and numeracy. However, until this September they were allowed unlimited resits.

Figures showed that around 98% of trainees passed the tests, potentially calling into question the level of challenge.

Candidates have already been limited to two resits for each test from this September, and the pass mark has been raised.

Now a panel of head teachers and education experts has recommended that the tests are toughened-up further.

The Government has said it will accept the panel's recommendations in full.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has backed the overhaul

Following the changes, candidates will have to achieve separate passes in English, mathematics and reasoning in order to be able to start teacher training.

Mr Gove said: "The evidence from around the world is clear - rigorous selection of trainee teachers is key to raising the quality and standing of the teaching profession.

"These changes will mean that parents can be confident that we have the best teachers coming into our classrooms.

"Above all, it will help ensure we raise standards in our schools and close the attainment gap between the rich and poor."

The panel's chairman, Sally Coates, said: "We believe that the whole selection process needs to be sufficiently rigorous to ensure that anyone who gains a place on a course of initial teacher training would be highly likely to succeed in that training, and go on to make an excellent teacher."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat education minister David Laws has criticised teachers for leaving children with "depressing low expectations" of what they can achieve in life.

He said too many children were led to believe that top exam grades, places at elite universities and professional careers were beyond them.

"Teachers, colleges, careers advisers have a role and a responsibility to aim for the stars and to encourage people to believe they can reach the top in education and employment," Mr Laws told The Daily Telegraph.

"That's not happening as much as it should do at the moment."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Biggest Cancer Killer Among Women Revealed

Lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer to become the most common cause of cancer death among women in the UK, figures have revealed.

Some 15,449 women died from lung cancer in 2010, compared to 11,556 from breast cancer the same year, according to statistics from Cancer Research UK.

While new data published last month by the charity suggests the number of women dying from breast cancer in the UK is in decline and is expected to drop almost 30% by 2030 - the number of women dying from lung cancer is on the increase.

The mortality rate has risen to around 31 deaths per 100,000 women from 18 per 100,000 women in 1971 - an increase of around 72%.

It accounts for around one-fifth (21%) of all cancer deaths in women, and kills more women each year than breast, uterine or ovarian cancers.

With the cancer becoming more common among women, a campaign is being launched next month to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease, and the need to diagnose it early.

Liz Darlison, Macmillan consultant nurse specialist, from University Hospitals of Leicester, said: "While the statistics paint a frightening picture, there's a great deal that can be done to help ensure women are diagnosed earlier, treated earlier and live longer.

"By raising awareness of the tell-tale signs - for example, a persistent cough that lasts longer than three weeks - there's the potential to save thousands of lives every year."

Dr Mick Peake, consultant respiratory physician at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, said: "Although most women know that a lump in their breast could be a sign of cancer, awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer remains comparatively low.

"No doubt linked to this is the fact that patients in the UK are diagnosed at a later stage in their disease and, as a result, has significantly worse lung cancer survival rates compared to other major European countries.

"More needs to be done to raise awareness of the increasing incidence of lung cancer in women and to encourage early diagnosis - catch it early and it can be cured."

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, added: "Once considered a man's disease, we need to get the message out that anyone can get lung cancer.

"Although it remains a devastating disease for many, if caught early, it can be treated more effectively."

Lung Cancer Awareness Month starts November 1.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Petrol Prices Cut By Up To 2p By Supermarkets

Supermarkets across the UK have lowered their petrol prices following a fall in the wholesale cost of fuel.

Asda was the first to announce it would cut up to 2p off a litre of petrol, saying customers would pay no more than 133.7p.

Rivals Sainsbury's and Tesco followed with similar pledges of price reductions of up to 2p.

The AA broadly welcomed the move, but urged other retailers to do the same.

"Unless the rest of the market reflects the lower cost, it's a case of the same old story - prices up like a rocket, falling like a feather," said the AA's head of public affairs, Paul Watters.

The roadside recovery group is in the process of providing information to the Office of Fair Trading, which is investigating whether a fall in oil prices is being passed on to motorists.

"Last week, our fuel price report pointed to a 4p drop in petrol wholesale prices working its way through the system," Mr Watters said.

"UK average petrol pump prices reached a late summer high of around 140p a litre in mid-September and sat there for more than a fortnight.

"More than a month on, the average petrol price yesterday was down to only 138.70p a litre."

Asda cut its petrol prices by 3p a litre at the end of September and other retailers said they would follow suit.

Meanwhile, average diesel prices have fallen by 1p a litre - almost exactly reflecting the late summer fall in diesel wholesale costs, according to the AA.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Olympic Medals Stolen: Pair Plead For Return

Two of Team GB's Olympic heroes have had their medals stolen just hours after attending a Buckingham Palace celebration of their success.

Rower Alex Partridge and hockey team member Hannah Macleod took to social networking site Twitter to appeal for information in an attempt to find their Olympic bronze medals.

Partridge won bronze as part of the men's eight rowing team. He tweeted that his Olympic blazer had also been stolen from a club in Mayfair, central London.

Macleod wrote on the site: "My medal was also stolen at the same time. Totally devastated."

Both athletes later published a photograph of a man captured on CCTV who they wished to talk to about the alleged thefts.

Partridge said: "To the chap who took my @London2012 Olympic Blazer & Medal last night The police have u on CCTV Please return it."

Macleod said she was not looking for punishment, she just wanted the medal back.

"If you picked up a Bronze Olympic medal that isn't yours pls just send anonymously back to GB hockey-Bisham Abbey," she tweeted.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it was investigating reports of a stolen Olympic medal and blazer, but said it had not yet been contacted about a second stolen medal.

A spokesman said: "An Olympic medal and blazer were reported stolen from a venue in Mayfair in central London.

"It was believed the items were taken between midnight and 5am on Wednesday, October 24."

A host of Olympic and Paralympic stars had earlier been invited to the palace to mark their achievements along with the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Duchess of Cambridge, Prime Minister David Cameron and London 2012 chief Lord Coe.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Mortgage Rules Focus On Ability to Repay

Tough new mortgage lending rules to make sure borrowers are only given deals they can afford to repay and prevent a return to irresponsible lending have been outlined.

Lenders will need to consider a borrower's income and outgoings and interest-only mortgages will only be offered to people with a firm repayment plan, rather than relying on hopes that house prices will rise, when the new measures come into force in April 2014.

They will also have to factor in the impact that future interest rate increases could have on repayment costs.

Martin Wheatley, managing director of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) said: "We recognise that many lenders are now using a far more sensible set of lending criteria than before, but it is important that these common sense principles are hard-wired into the system to protect borrowers.

"We want borrowers to feel confident that poor practices of the past, which led to hardship and anxiety, are not repeated."

The clampdown follows a period during the property boom when would-be buyers increasingly stretched their finances to get on the ladder.

Last year, a house was worth around five times the buyer's income on average, compared with 3.7 times a decade ago.

The regulator estimated that as a result of lenders already tightening their borrowing criteria, up to 45% of borrowers who had taken out a deal since 2005 could be mortgage prisoners.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) previously raised concerns that many more existing borrowers could find themselves trapped under the new rules.

But the FSA has now altered its plans so that lenders would be able to "switch off" the requirements for existing borrowers who wanted to get a new mortgage for the same amount or less, provided they had a good repayment history.

It also announced a new rule which takes effect from today, stating that lenders must not take advantage of a borrower who cannot get a mortgage elsewhere by treating them less favourably than other similar customers, for example by offering them a worse interest rate or terms.

The FSA has previously warned that a "ticking time bomb" has been created over the last 20 years, with an estimated 1.5 million interest-only loans worth around £120bn due for repayment in the next decade.

Paul Broadhead, head of mortgage policy at the Building Societies Association (BSA), said: "No-one can argue with the objective that lenders lend what consumers can afford to repay.

"It is common sense that a mortgage should be repayable from income, rather than rely on increasing property prices, and this is the approach that building societies and other mutual lenders already take."

However, he added that it was also good to have had confirmation that interest-only mortgages could still be the right product for some people.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Savile: Pressure Mounts On BBC Bosses

Charities helping victims of sexual abuse have been swamped with inquiries – prompted by the widening Jimmy Savile controversy.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) has seen nearly a trebling of calls to its hotline.

Napac chief executive Pete Saunders told Sky News: "As we speak it is well over 2,500 calls we have received and is rapidly heading towards 3,000.

"It has been relentless. Normally we deal with up to 300 inquiries weekly but since Savile it is up to 800 a week.

ITV broadcast a documentary on Savile's on October 3, after a similar programme was halted by the BBC Newsnight show, and it included the Napac hotline number for adults who suffered childhood abuse.

"We had 150 calls on the night the documentary was aired and it has remained consistently high. It has been relentless and we have to thank our amazing team of volunteers who have answered calls," Mr Saunders said.

Abuse claims by BBC star Savile date back decades

The NSPCC, which deals with stopping cruelty to those who are children now, also received calls relating to Savile victims who are now adults.

A spokeswoman told Sky News: "We have received 157 calls directly related to claims against Jimmy Savile, and these have been passed to police.

"We have also received 99 other calls of abuse unrelated to him since the documentary was broadcast."

The spike in calls to charities comes as pressure has continued to mount on BBC bosses, past and present, over the halting of an investigation into sexual abuse by Jimmy Savile.

According to The Times, the corporation's director of news insisted on an "impossibly high barrier" on Newsnight journalists over allegations of Savile being a paedophile.

Sources at the current affairs programme told the newspaper that Helen Boaden allegedly intervened last year, insisting staff gather evidence as if the late star were still alive and able to sue.

The Times said sources at Newsnight claimed Ms Boaden's approach subsequently influenced the show's editor Peter Rippon to halt the investigation.

BBC Newsnight editor Peter Rippon has "stepped down" amid an inquiry

Mr Rippon has since "stepped aside" while the corporation launches a review into Savile's predatory behaviour over several decades on BBC premises.

The spreading concerns of BBC managerial responsibility have also drawn in the previous BBC boss, Mark Thompson, about how much he knew.

Mr Thompson, who recently resigned as director general, said: "There is nothing to suggest that I acted inappropriately in the handling of this matter.

"I did not impede or stop the Newsnight investigation, nor have I done anything else that could be construed as untoward or unreasonable."

On Tuesday, current director general George Entwistle was urged to "get a grip" on his organisation during a hostile grilling by MPs about the broadcaster's handling of the claims.

Condemning the "broader cultural problem" at the BBC that had allowed Savile's alleged behaviour to take place, he conceded the corporation had been slow to react to the emerging crisis.

Mr Entwistle told the committee he had ordered an internal audit of the operation of the BBC's child protection policies and would report its results to the BBC Trust in December.

He said the corporation was now investigating up to 10 "serious allegations" involving past and present employees over the "Savile period".

Scotland Yard said 60 of the 200 people who have come forward since ITV first aired a documentary on the former DJ's sexual abuse have made claims against people other than Savile.

Lord Patten has been urged to resign by a former colleague

It is understood that the Metropolitan Police have made preparations for the first arrests in its own investigation.

Meanwhile, in a letter to BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten, Culture Secretary Maria Miller warned that the scandal had raised "very real concerns" about public trust in the corporation.

She said it was vital that the independent inquiries were "able to follow the evidence wherever it takes them".

In his response Lord Patten wrote: "You know how seriously the Trust takes the allegations surrounding Jimmy Savile and the need to maintain public trust in the BBC."

The peer said the inquiries would be "comprehensive and independent", but also delivered a thinly-veiled warning that the Government should not wade into the row.

"I know that you will not want to give any impression that you are questioning the independence of the BBC," he wrote.

Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale, a former director of current affairs programmes for the BBC, suggested Lord Patten and Mr Entwistle may have to "fall on their swords".

He said: "Chris Patten is an old friend and a former parliamentary colleague for whom I have had a high regard but in his comment he has made it clear that he is out of touch.

"Not only with the strength of feeling and concern in Parliament about the 'Savile affair' and related matters but, more importantly, with the strength of public revulsion at what has happened at Television Centre and with the corporate culture that, for the best part of 40 years, has apparently covered it up.

"Attack may be the best form of defence but in seeking to criticise a Culture Secretary who has not, ever, sought to challenge the independence of the BBC, he indicates how very little, within that corporate arrogance, has really changed," Mr Gale said.

Mr Entwistle told MPs he believed the Newsnight investigation into Savile should have continued and said there had been a "breakdown of communication" between its reporters and the editor and he did not feel "confident" that he could get an explanation over what happened from within the BBC.

Conservative MP Therese Coffey branded as "chilling" an email sent by Mr Rippon last November that said "our sources so far are just the women" and questioned whether the culture had really changed at the BBC.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Young Inmate Deaths 'Show Justice Failing'

Young people are dying in custody because of "bad practice" in prisons, according to a new report.

In the Fatally Flawed report, former chief inspector of prisons Lord Ramsbotham said the criminal justice system and community services "have demonstrably let young people down, for all the wrong reasons, for far too long".

Nine children and more than 190 other young people aged 24 and under have died in prisons or secure training centres in the last 10 years, according to campaigners.

The report, which looked at 98 of the deaths, found that in many cases there were communication failures between community agencies and prisons while, in others, the inmates were placed in prisons with unsafe environments and cells.

It added that poor medical care and limited access to therapeutic services in prison also caused problems and some children and young people had been exposed to bullying, segregation or restraint.

The dead were "some of the most disadvantaged in society" and had experienced problems with mental health, self-harm, alcohol and drugs, it said.

Deborah Coles, co-director of the campaign group Inquest, said: "This shocking death toll has been obscured for far too long.

"Working on a daily basis with bereaved families, we see inquest after inquest raising the same issues and, despite promises of change, the deaths continue."

"This report must prompt an independent review as a matter of urgency as there is a pressing need to learn from the failures that cost these young people their lives."

The report comes more than 10 years after 16-year-old Joseph Scholes hanged himself in his cell at Stoke Heath Young Offenders' Institution in Shropshire on March 24 2002.

Yvonne Bailey, Joseph's mother, who has long called for a public inquiry, said she read today's report "with sorrow".

"It is now over a decade since my son Joseph died in fear and distress hanging from the window bars of his squalid cell in a children's prison," she said.

"The deaths of a further nine young boys are devastating evidence that the changes implemented were yet again wholly insufficient to fulfil the duty on the state to protect the right to life of the children it imprisons."

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said that self-inflicted deaths in custody have fallen by about 40% since 2004.

"Young people in custody are some of the most vulnerable and troubled individuals in society and their safety is our highest priority," she added.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-Council Staff Win Equal Pay Ruling

Former employees of Birmingham City Council can launch unequal pay claims, the Supreme Court has decided in a landmark ruling.

The council had appealed against a ruling by the Court of Appeal to allow claims to go through civil courts instead of only through employment tribunals.

Until today, people were only allowed to make claims through tribunals within six months of employment.

Now former staff will be able to claim through the civil courts within six years of their employment ending.

Lawyers describe the judgment, given in London, as a "landmark" and say it could have "huge implications".

Last November, the Court of Appeal said scores of cooks, cleaners, catering and care staff previously employed by Birmingham City Council were entitled to launch pay equality compensation claims in the High Court.

The city council challenged that decision in the Supreme Court but a panel of five justices dismissed the appeal by a majority.

Judges heard that 170 women were among female workers denied bonuses similar to those handed out to employees in traditionally male-dominated jobs such as refuse collectors, street cleaners, road workers and grave-diggers.

The court was told that, in 2007 and 2008, tens of thousands of pounds were paid to female council employees to compensate them.

More payments have also been made to women who took cases to an employment tribunal.

But only workers still employed or who had recently left were eligible to make claims in a tribunal.

Those who had left earlier were caught by the six-month deadline for launching claims.

More follows...

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Insurance Report: AA Says It's Good And Bad News

Car insurance costs are going down - but home insurance premiums are rising, the AA has revealed.

Taking an average of the cheapest five premiums, fully-comprehensive car insurance policy fell 2.9% to £844 in the period July-September 2012 compared with the previous three months, according to AA Insurance.

But after a summer of storms and floods, a similar survey of home buildings insurance revealed an average rise of 2.4% to £181, while home contents insurance rose 1% to £242.

Over the late summer period, young male drivers saw their premiums fall 0.7% to £1,603 on average, while those for young women fell 2.2% to £1,127.

All regions of the UK saw average car insurance premiums fall except Anglia, where they rose 1.4%.

Scotland remains the cheapest region in which to buy car insurance, averaging £438, while Greater Manchester and Liverpool are the most expensive areas at £1,059.

On home buildings insurance, the AA reported a rise in every region in the UK over the late summer period.

The biggest regional increase, of 3.5% to £177, was in Yorkshire and East Anglia, while London and southeast England were the regions with the highest average premiums, up 2.9% to £200.

Wales and the West Country had the cheapest home building premiums, up 1.1% to £157.

AA Insurance director Simon Douglas said: "I am very concerned that no agreement has yet been reached in finding an affordable option to the 'statement of principles' between the insurance industry and the Government.

"(This) ensures that families in flood-prone properties can continue to obtain flood cover.

"This expires in June next year, and if no agreement is reached soon, could lead to the most vulnerable homes becoming uninsurable."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hillsborough: IPCC 'Can't Cope' With Inquiry

Questions have been raised about the ability of the police watchdog to cope with its own investigation into the Hillsborough disaster.

MPs said they were concerned the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) did not have the resources or manpower to handle the investigation on its own as it emerged it had been given the names of 1,444 officers, including the identities of 304 who are still serving.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the investigation could not be run just by the watchdog, while Keith Vaz, Labour chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, said there was a "problem in respect of resources".

An independent panel recently released a damning report into the tragedy

Speaking during a debate in the Commons, Ms Cooper said: "It is clear this investigation cannot be done solely by the IPCC, they have neither the powers nor the resources to do so ... these investigations are beyond the scale of anything the IPCC have done before and it will also require powers that the IPCC simply doesn't have."

The watchdog was asked to investigate South Yorkshire Police's role in the disaster which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans during a crush at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium in April 1989.

The damning Hillsborough Independent Panel report revealed a cover-up took place to shift the blame on to the victims and that 41 of the lives lost could have been saved.

Keith Vaz MP said there was a lack of resources to deal with the cases

Meanwhile, Mr Vaz said he favoured the idea of a special prosecutor being appointed to look at all the cases and to act as a co-ordination point.

He added: "As I said to the House earlier, 1,444 names have been sent to the IPCC, of that 304 are still serving officers at South Yorkshire.

"So immediately when you look at the numbers of names that have been referred there will be a problem in respect of resources.

Hillsborough was one of the world's worst football disasters

"I think that we should not wait for the IPCC to come and see the Home Secretary, actually a meeting needs to be convened pretty quickly to ask them what they need and to give them the resources that they need."

Home Secretary Theresa May said she would work with Labour to see if new laws were needed to compel former officers to co-operate with the IPCC.

"This includes proposals to require current and ex-police officers who were maybe witnesses to a crime to attend an interview, and whether this might require fast-track legislation," she said.

Speaking during the opening of a Commons debate on the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report, Mrs May added: "There is the IPCC investigation and there is also the investigation that is taking place by the DPP.

"If he believes that wider investigation is necessary the Home Office will make resource available under the ambit of the incoming National Crime Agency, with an investigator who is completely separate and has no connection whatever with these particular issues."

Her comments came after Attorney General Dominic Grieve last week asked the High Court to consider ordering fresh inquests into the 96 deaths after the report concluded some fans could have survived if emergency services had responded sooner.

Labour former home secretary David Blunkett said any investigation must not focus on the ordinary officers who made an accurate note of what happened at Hillsborough only to have them altered on the orders of senior officers.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

April Jones: Clock Tower Lit Three Weeks On

The clock tower in missing April Jones' home town has been lit up pink, exactly three weeks since the youngster disappeared.

The 24m-tall landmark in Machynlleth, mid-Wales, was illuminated last night at 7pm, the time five-year-old April went missing on October 1.

She was last seen playing near her home on the Bryn-y-Gog estate.

Machynlleth's clock tower was lit for 12 hours - the colour pink chosen because it is April's favourite.

In the countryside around the town, the search for the schoolgirl continues.

Dyfed Powys Police say 150 specialists are scouring mountainous terrain and checking caves, potholes and mines, often in challenging conditions, in the hope of finding the youngster.

The hunt could last until Christmas or beyond.

April's disappearance has shocked the people of Machynlleth, many of whom joined the search for the youngster in the days after she was reported missing.

Pink ribbons have become a common sight around Machynlleth

Earlier this month, more than 700 people joined a procession through the town to St Peter's Church, where an emotional service was held.

Many of those in the congregation wore pink ribbons, which have also been tied to gates and lampposts in the area.

Chinese lanterns have also been released in the weeks since her disappearance.

Mark Bridger, 46, from Machynlleth, has been charged with April's murder and abduction.

He was remanded in custody until January 11 after appearing via video link at Caernarfon Crown Court on October 10.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Workers 'Need Benefits' To Avoid Eviction

Working families are becoming increasingly dependent on state benefits to avoid eviction due to a soaring housing market, a report has said.

A failure to build enough new homes in recent years has pushed rents and house prices up, and led to an 86% increase in housing benefit claims since 2009 by those in employment, according to the National Housing Federation (NHF) report.

The study revealed 10,000 more working families now need housing benefit every month to help pay their rent, with 417,830 more workers claiming it over the past three years.

David Orr, chief executive of the NHF, called for a solution for "millions of families" who are struggling to keep on top of their rents and being priced out of the housing market.

"These people are the 'strivers' the Government wants to help, yet their future is looking bleak," he said.

"This cannot continue - we need action now to address the causes of rising housing costs, not just the symptoms."

The cost of privately renting a home has gone up by 37% and is set to continue its upward spiral by a further 35% in the coming years, the research found.

With the economy in dire straits, house prices will continue to fall going into 2013, but the NHF expects price growth of 6% a year across England from 2015 to 2017.

The umbrella organisation, which represents 1,200 housing associations in England, said 390,000 new families were formed in 2011 but only 111,250 new homes were built.

It called on the Government to take a "long-term joined up approach", with measures such as releasing publicly-owned brownfield land to housing associations so they can build more new properties.

Responding to the demands, housing minister Mark Prisk said: "With over three million people relying on the private rented sector for their housing needs, we are determined to attract new players to the market and pull out all the stops to get Britain building.

"That's why we're offering £10bn in loan guarantees to provide up to 15,000 new homes for rent, putting £19.5bn public and private funding into an affordable homes programme, and why we've identified enough formerly used surplus public sector land to sell for 100,000 new homes.

"But it's right that we also take action to get the Housing Benefit bill under control and under our reforms, those on housing benefit can still afford up to a third of homes on the local rental market."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cameron's 'Rehab Revolution' To Cut Crime

David Cameron is to call for a "tough but intelligent" approach to law and order as he tries to move on from a difficult week.

In a speech later today, the Prime Minister will announce a "rehabilitation revolution" under which virtually all prisoners will receive help turning their lives around and breaking the cycle of reoffending.

Mr Cameron will say he wants to see an extension of payment-by-results for companies, charities and voluntary groups who help offenders escape a life of crime.

Currently, only those who are jailed for more than a year are given rehabilitation. The new initiative aims to provide support to all but a small number of high-risk prisoners by the end of 2015.

Mr Cameron will say: "I want to see rehabilitation reach more of those who would benefit from it. Today, rehab just goes to those who have been inside for a year or more.

"But that misses all those who go in for shorter sentences yet reoffend time and time again. So I want to look at making them part of the rehabilitation revolution too."

Sky's Political Correspondent Peter Spencer said: "Mr Cameron's plan today is to seriously try to change the subject from his travails over Andrew Mitchell and the 'plebgate' affair with a major speech on crime and punishment and rehabilitation.

"In his speech, he will be adopting a slightly tougher tone than we've heard in the past."

While placing a greater emphasis on rehabilitation, the Prime Minister will seek to reassure supporters of tougher sentencing - including many on the right of his party - that he is not turning "soft or liberal" on law and order.

The PM will say prevention is 'the most effective way to deal with crime'

He will stress that he never in fact uttered the phrase "hug a hoodie" despite it becoming a defining motif of his leadership.

Serious crimes must be met with long prison sentences, he will say, adding: "Retribution is not a dirty word. It is important to society that revulsion against crime is properly recognised."

But he will argue that "just being tough isn't a successful strategy in itself", and prisoners who cannot read, are addicted to drugs or have never worked a day in their life, need help so that they can lead productive lives.

"Recognising this isn't soft or liberal, it's common sense," he will say.

"We'll never create a safer society unless we give people, especially young people, opportunities and chances away from crime.

"Prevention is the cheapest and most effective way to deal with crime - everything else is simply picking up the pieces of failure that has gone before."

He will also say that Justice Secretary Chris Grayling, appointed to replace Ken Clarke in last month's reshuffle, is leading a mission to see more offenders properly punished but fewer returning to prison.

Mr Cameron's speech comes as the Prime Minister tries to recover from the plebgate row sparked by Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell's clash with a police officer in Downing Street.

Mr Cameron had spent weeks trying to shore up Mr Mitchell but he finally quit on Friday, sparking questions about the leader's judgement and the political operation at Number 10.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kirkland Attack: Man Charged With Assault

Police investigating an attack on footballer Chris Kirkland have charged a 21-year-old man with assault.

Aaron Cawley, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is also accused of entering the field of play during a Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United on Friday night.

He is due before magistrates in Sheffield this morning, having been charged by South Yorkshire Police.

Cawley was arrested after Kirkland was struck in the face during the 1-1 draw at Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium.

The home goalkeeper, who has played for England, fell to ground and required treatment but was able to finish the game.

"I was sore and ... really shocked at what had happened and it was a strange feeling because of all the adrenalin you feel in such a big match anyway," he told the club's official website.

"It was scary. I thought of my family watching something like that and it was not a nice feeling.

"I would like to thank everyone from the football world for their messages of support."

The incident was caught on camera by Sky Sports, which was broadcasting the derby game live.

A man could be seen running from a group of away supporters onto the pitch before pushing Kirkland and running back into the crowd.

In a statement issued after the game, Leeds United said: "We would like to publicly apologise for and condemn the actions of the fan who came onto the pitch at Hillsborough.

"There is no place for that type of behaviour and the majority of Leeds United fans will be ashamed of his actions."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Concern Over Elected Police Commissioners

By Becky Johnson, North of England Correspondent

A former senior police officer has told Sky News that rank-and-file officers have serious concerns about the role and powers of Police and Crime Commissioners.

David Anthony, who was a Chief Superintendent with Greater Manchester Police, told Sky News that ex-colleagues were "really worried" ahead of next month's elections.

This week the full list of candidates - who do not need to have policing experience - in the running to be PCCs in England and Wales will be published.

Every force area outside of London will hold elections on November 15.

Mr Anthony said his former colleagues had "just seen their pay and conditions changed, their pension arrangements change; some of them are now going to have to work for an additional five years".

"They're seeing police numbers cut, they're seeing their back office changing out of all recognition, they're seeing their police staff colleagues made redundant and now they're reading and seeing that Police Commissioners are coming in on six-figure salaries, some with no policing experience whatsoever, to actually be in charge of them," he said.

"And they're asking the question 'what value can they add when they've never been involved in policing?'

"The elected commissioner by very nature will be a political appointment. Policing in this country has valued itself on being by consent and free from political bias. This is a major step towards actual political interference."

The idea of having directly elected individuals to oversee policing was a key part of the Conservative manifesto at the last general election.

Policing Minister Damian Green says PCCs are 'a democratic voice'

Currently Chief Constables have to answer to their local Police Authority. The new PCCs will replace those authorities.

Every PCC will be required to swear an oath of impartiality before taking office.

The role of the PCCs will be to decide priorities and budgets for police forces.

They will have the power to sack Chief Constables and appoint new ones.

Salaries will be based on the size of the force area but some are expected to be paid more than £100,000.

Policing Minister Damian Green told Sky News that PCCs would not be in charge of police operations.

He said: "What they are is a democratic voice so for the first time people will be able to vote for someone to represent their views on how their street should be policed, what sort of attitude they should take to antisocial behaviour, drug dealing, all those sorts of things that really worry people in their local area."

The Electoral Reform Society is predicting this election will see the lowest voter turnout of modern times. In a report entitled How Low Can You Go the society projects just 18.5% of people will register a vote.

It blames the Home Office for not giving people enough information on the elections.

It also says that winter elections have significantly lower turnout than those held in the summer.

The report also highlights "unrealistic eligibility rules", which it says could block some strong independent candidates.

Independent candidates are also hampered by a lack of funding and other party resources.

The report said an extremely low turnout "could unfairly advantage extremist candidates who would never succeed in winning over a bigger proportion of the electorate".

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fatal Fire: Woman And Two Children Named

Three victims of a fatal house fire have been named - as police continue questioning two neighbours on suspicion of murder.

Lee-Anna Shiers, 20, was killed with niece Skye Allen, two, and nephew Bailey Allen, four, when their first floor flat in Prestatyn, North Wales, was engulfed in flames.

Miss Shiers' partner Liam Timbrell, aged 23, and their son Charlie Timbrell, aged 15 months, are being treated in hospital.

North Wales Police arrested two ground floor tenants, a man, aged 45, and a woman, aged 42, on suspicion of murder.

Firefighters dragged the five victims from the flat in Maes Y Groes, Prestatyn, at 10pm on Friday.

Forensics experts have attended the scene

A Welsh Ambulance Services spokeswoman said the survivors were taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Mr Timbrell, who remains in a critical but stable condition, was later transferred to Whiston Hospital, Merseyside.

Charlie was moved to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Detective Superintendent John Chapman said: "My heart goes out to the family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

:: Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prayers For Hit-And-Run Dead And Injured

A special church service will be held today for the 14 victims of a series of hit-and-run attacks in Cardiff, which left a mother of three dead and 13 others injured.

Karina Menzies, 32, was killed after she was knocked down during one of the collisions involving a white van outside a fire station in the Ely area of the city on Friday.

Thirteen others were injured in the crashes on the streets of the Welsh capital. Two of the injured adults are in a critical condition and five children are also receiving treatment.

The service, at Church of the Resurrection on Grand Avenue, will take place from 5pm.

Adam and Annie Lewis were walking with their daughter when they were hit

Meanwhile, detectives were last night granted a further 36 hours to question a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

Officers are also appealing for information about a mystery car seen driving on the wrong side of the road shortly before the crashes.

The black Renault Clio was seen on Western Avenue, not far from Cowbridge Road West, where one crash happened. There were no full registration details for the Clio but officers said it carried an 05 plate.

CCTV images show the moment a white van swerved across four lanes of traffic, mounted the kerb and crashed into Adam and Annie Lewis and their two-year-old daughter, Amelia-May.

Ms Menzies, 32, was killed on Friday after being knocked down

Amelia-May's grandmother, Maureen Lewis, said the toddler was catapulted from her pushchair into the air and suffered injuries to her face. She said Annie suffered a broken leg.

Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley confirmed reports that the suspect left his vehicle and physically assaulted people between the crashes and also carried a weapon.

It is believed the weapon was a steering wheel lock.

The officer said: "We are aware the suspect assaulted people outside his vehicle," and he added police were "looking to identify and recover" the weapon.

Father Adam Lewis (top), mother Annie (right) and two-year-old Amelia-May

He said no firearm was involved and there was no suggestion anyone had been stabbed.

According to unconfirmed reports, police are also investigating whether the driver was involved in a domestic incident before the rampage.

The horrific events began when police received calls about an incident in Crossways Road in Ely at 3.30pm.

This was soon followed by other reports of hit-and-run collisions in several locations in the west of the city, including Grand Avenue, Cowbridge Road West and the Leckwith Retail Park.

Police were called to five locations in Cardiff

Seventy officers are working on the investigation.

Floral tributes were laid at the scene where Ms Menzies was killed.

Among those paying their respects was local Labour MP Kevin Brennan.

He said: "Karina was a well-liked mother who had three children. One of her children is disabled and is currently on a dream holiday in Florida."

The white van pictured after being stopped by police

Ely sub-postmaster Shady Taha, 29, had just served two girls aged about 10 and a woman in her mid-20s moments before one of the hit-and-runs in Grand Avenue, immediately outside a row of shops.

He said: "All of a sudden I heard a bang. I looked out and across the road one girl was on the floor and the other girl was screaming. I heard a van speed off but I did not see it."

Lynda Paterson, who lives in Cowbridge Road West, described the scene outside her house as chaotic.

"I was going to pick my children up from school and I could see there were police and someone was lying on the floor, on the pavement."

Other eyewitnesses said pedestrians were deliberately targeted by someone driving a white van.

The crime scenes included Ely fire station, an area near the Merrie Harrier pub in Llandough on the outskirts of Cardiff, where the suspect was arrested, and Leckwith Retail Park - next to the Cardiff City Stadium.

Ms Menzies' brother, Craig Menzies, told Radio 5 Live that she died trying to save the lives of her children.

Describing the moment the van careered towards them, he said: "He went through the traffic, aimed for them and then just hit them head on.

"She just screamed and threw them out of the way as much as she could. He still clipped them but she took it head-on. She saved their lives."

He told the programme it was "a waste of a life".

He added: "She was the world to me. She was my best friend. She was a lively, bubbly person. There's just so many good things you could say about her.

"We'll all be lost without her."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More