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Nigel Pearson 'deserves to be Premier League boss'

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Nigel Pearson deserves to be a Premier League manager, Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has said.

City begin their play-off campaign tonight with their semi-final first leg against Watford at King Power Stadium, with a place at Wembley and possible promotion to the Premier League at stake.

Schmeichel believes no manager deserves to be in the top flight more than Pearson.

Now Schmiechel says the players are determined to win the play-offs, not just for themselves, but also for their manager.

"He deserves to be a Premier League manager in my opinion," said Schmeichel.

"He is very good. He has done a very good job here and I hope we can go out and do what is right for him and ourselves.

"That is what makes him a very good manager, he doesn't get carried away when things are going well and he doesn't get too down when things aren't going well.

"He is a very level-headed guy. He comes at us on an even keel.

"He has a philosophy of wanting to play young players, which is great for the game. He has stuck with a lot of the young players even when things haven't been going well and that takes a lot of courage I think.

"It is always good for the game when young players are being brought through.

"The way the Championship works you have to have hard work first and foremost before anything. If you don't work hard, you aren't going to go anywhere in this league.

"Young players tend to do that. They have the hunger and desire to want to work hard and we have worked hard all season."

Schmeichel also complimented City's owners for not panicking when the club's promotion dreams started to slip away in the final third of the season.

"That is testament to how the club is run," he said.

"The owners seem very level-headed. They don't make rash decisions. I think they are very good. As players, it is a nice environment to have.

"It is a club which seems to be stable. There is no point chopping and changing all the time and I hope the club gets the rewards it deserves."

Nigel Pearson 'deserves to be Premier League boss'


Simon Galton re-elected as Leicestershire County Council's Liberal Democrat leader

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County Hall's Liberal Democrat group re-elected its leadership at its annual general meeting. The party's members on Leicestershire County Council met on Monday afternoon in the aftermath of Thursday's election, won by the Conservatives. Councillor Simon Galton, representing the Launde division, was re-elected as group leader unchallenged. Coun Sarah Hill, for the Harborough East division, was also re-elected as deputy leader unopposed. The party selected her as chairman of the council's health scrutiny panel. The Liberal Democrats share of councillors fell from 14 to 13 after the election but they held on to their position as the council's main opposition party. Labour has ten seats, the Tories 30 and UKIP two.

Simon Galton re-elected as Leicestershire County Council's Liberal Democrat leader

MATCH DAY LIVE: Leicester City v Watford, Thursday, May 9, 7.45pm

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It is going to be a massive week for Leicester City in their pursuit of Premier League football. And we will be with the team every step of the way in the two-legs of their play-off semi-final against Watford, on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. The Leicester Mercury's website will be covering the game live with text commentary from the King Power Stadium and Vicarage Road, Watford. It is a huge game with the prize of a Wembley final and a £120 million cash jackpot in the Premier League. Matchday commentator James Sharpe will be providing details of the action and analysis of the game. You will be able to put your questions, views and comments to James during the game through an interactive link on the match commentary or you can tweet him @TheSharpeEnd. Some of those comments and tweets will be shared with the website audience, so keep them free of abuse. The action will start at 7.30pm on Thursday with the announcement of the teams and pre-match build-up.

MATCH DAY LIVE: Leicester City v Watford, Thursday, May 9, 7.45pm

City schools where halal lamb burgers have been removed from menus

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Halal lamb burgers have been removed from 19 city schools after tests revealed pork content in a sample burger. Halal products are used in 24 city schools, but only 19 of these are affected because the lamb burger was served there. For the full story click here These are the schools: Coleman Primary, Crown Hills. Crown Hills Community College, Crown Hills. Hazel Primary, in the Filbert Street area Humberstone Infants school,in Humberstone Humberstone Junior school, in Humberstone Linden Primary, in Evington Medway Primary, in Highfields Northfield House Primary, in Northfields Oaklands Special School, in Evington Shenton Primary, in Spinney Hills Slater Primary, near Frog Island Sparkenhoe Primary, in Highfields Spinney Hill Primary, in Spinney Hills St Barnabus CofE Primary, in Evington St Paul's School, in Evington Taylor Road Primary, in St Matthews Uplands Infant School,in Highfields Uplans Junior school, in Highfields Whitehall Primary, in Evington

City schools where halal lamb burgers have been removed from menus

Naik takes five wickets for Leicestershire at Worcester

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Off-spinner Jigar Naik completed a five-wicket haul to keep Leicestershire in the championship game against Worcestershire at New Road on day two. The home side had moved from their overnight score of 198-3 to 227-3 before Naik made the first breakthrough of the morning when he had Alexie Kervezee caught at short leg by Matt Boyce. And seven balls later he had Neil Pinner caught low down at midwicket by Michael Thornely without any addition to the total to claim his third victim of the innings. Naik then struck with consecutive deliveries just before lunch as he bowled Michael Johnson and then had Gareth Andrew caught behind to give him the impressive figures of 5-80 from 30 overs. Thilan Samaraweera continued to frustrate the County attack, however, and he was closing in on a century after lunch before rain forced the players from the field. The Sri Lankan was unbeaten on 92 and Worcestershire were 294-7 when an early tea was taken. The rain continued and no further play was possible.

Naik takes five wickets for Leicestershire at Worcester

Man punched in nightclub

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A man needed hospital treatment after he was punched in the face in a nightclub. The incident took place at around 2.30am on Sunday, May 5, in the Fan Club in Abbey Street, Leicester. The 22-year-old victim had gone to the club with a group of friends. During the time that they were inside the club the victim became separated from his friends and was punched to the side of his face. He suffered a serious injury to his jaw which required hospital treatment. Police have said the victim is white, 6ft 2in, and was wearing a pink shirt and tie. Detective Constable Gary Dunigan, the investigating officer, said: "What should have been an enjoyable night out with friends resulted in serious injury to the victim causing distress to his family and friends. "We are appealing for witnesses who were in the club that night and remember seeing the victim prior to or the assault taking place to contact us." Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 1939 Gary Dunigan on 101, or contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Man punched in nightclub

Thief steals cash from man in wheelchair

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A thief stole cash from a wheelchair-bound man after he refused to give him money. The man in his 40s was travelling in his electric wheelchair in Sparrow Hill, Loughborough, when he was approached by the thief who demanded cash. When the victim refused to give over any money the thief took £20 from his wallet which was in a bum bag. The theft happened at around 2.45pm on Friday April 26 and the thief made off towards Aumberry Gap. The thief was white, with a local accent, slim and 18 to 20 years old. He was between 5'4" to 5'6" tall and was he wearing a dark baseball cap, dark jeans and a dark jumper. PC Rachel Chapman, the investigating officer, said: "This was a distressing incident for the victim. I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw a man matching this description in the area, or saw the incident take place to contact me as soon as possible. "Even the smallest bit of information could help with our enquiry." Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Chapman on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Thief steals cash from man in wheelchair

Paul O'Grady backs 1 million meals plan

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TV star and dog-lover Paul O'Grady is helping to launch a firm's pledge to donate one million meals to dogs for a year. Pedigree pet foods has pledged to donate one million meals to rescue dog centres nationwide. Leicester Animal Aid is one of the charities benefiting from the 'Feeding Brighter Futures' campaign. Linda Carlton, Centre Manager at Leicester Animal Aid, said: "From past experience re-homing animals, we've witnessed dogs being admitted into our care suffering from a variety of conditions relating to nutrition from obesity to severe malnutrition, as well as other problems such as poor oral hygiene. "The 'Feeding Brighter Futures' pledge from Pedigree will make a hugely positive impact on the day-to-day running of our home, helping dogs on the road to a loving new home and freeing up more resource so we can help even more dogs in our area." Jo Gale, Pedigree nutrition expert said: "Latest survey findings around rescue dog nourishment further demonstrate why we feel our expert nutrition can help them on the road to a brighter future. "That's why we are so proud to pledge a million meals to rescue dogs across the UK – helping them take another step towards finding their forever home." Dog-lovers everywhere are invited to find out more about the campaign and how they can get involved by visiting www.pedigree.com/brighterfutures

Paul O’Grady backs 1 million meals plan


Man found guilty of murdering ex-boxer Shaun Cummins

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A carer has been found guilty of murdering ex-boxer Shaun Cummins. Thomas Dunkley (29) was today jailed for life for the murder of the 45-year-old former champion. He will serve a minimum of 34 years. Dunkley denied murdering Mr Cummins, claiming he died of natural causes. But he accepted later chopping up Mr Cummins' decomposing corpse with a chainsaw, which he said he did in a panic. Today a jury at Leicester Crown Court jury found Dunkley, of no fixed address, guilty of murder with an 11-1 majority verdict, following an eight day trial. Mr Cummins' body was found in 10 pieces in two freezers at his bungalow in Marriott Road, Saffron Lane, Leicester, on September 12. High court judge, Mrs Justice Dobbs said: "It was a murder for gain. "There are many aggravating features. "Cutting up his body was a grotesque act, violating his person and dignity in death and violating the sensitivities of his family. "The use of his chequebook and cards was disgraceful. "It's life imprisonment with a minimum term of 34 years." Dunkley, wearing a striped open neck shirt and grey trousers, sat impassively in the dock as he was sentenced. When the guilty murder verdict was announced, there were gasps of "yes," from Mr Cummin's family and friends. Dunkley shook his head in disagreement. Mr Cummins, who retired from boxing in 1995 was later left paralysed from the waist down following a motorbike crash in 2004. He needed daily help and Dunkley, his friend, gave up his job to look after him. Dunckley was also today found guilty of the theft of Mr Cummins' credit card and taking out a payday loan in his name, prior to the death. He pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial and four counts of fraudulently using Mr Cummins' bank accounts and cheques from his trust fund, after the death. During the trial, the jury was shown CCTV footage of Dunkley visiting stores to buy a chainsaw, a freezer, cleaning materials, goggles, a mask, plastic gloves and shoe covers, on September 6 and 7. There was also footage of him using Mr Cummins' bank cards to withdraw cash from Oadby Asda, on September 6.
After today's verdict, Superintendent Matt Hewson, the senior investigating officer, said: "This has to be one of the most harrowing murder cases I have dealt with. No murder scene is a pleasant experience but to attend a property and be faced with this particular situation was horrific and disturbing for many involved in the investigation. "Dunkley is a deceitful, calculated and greedy man. After murdering a man who was not able to fully defend himself, he then slept at his home with his body nearby and returned over a number of days deciding how to dispose of it and cover his tracks. He then insultingly used Shaun's own money, he was awarded following his terrible accident, to casually buy the equipment to dismember him. "Dunkley had become frustrated as he did not appear to be compensated financially for helping Shaun and had increasing personal debt. He was not paid for his work and believed he would one day receive some payment or profit from a business venture with Shaun. It was known that Shaun was considered by some bitter since his accident and that Dunkley felt manipulated by Shaun but this in no way justified his murder or the disgraceful and disrespectful way his body was treated. "This was a difficult and complex investigation and I am pleased that the hard work by all those involved contributed to the outcome today but saddened that Dunkley did not see fit to plead guilty and continued to lie throughout this trial. "Shaun's family and friends have had to endure the unnecessary gruesome details of his death which I am sure it is not a memory they wanted to be left with of him. All I hope is that they now have some comfort that the man who killed Shaun is starting a prison sentence."

Man found guilty of murdering ex-boxer Shaun Cummins

Man charged with dishonestly handling £500 camera

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A 19-year-old man has been charged with handling a stolen £500 camera. He is accused of dishonestly handling it at a second hand shop in Churchgate, Loughborough, on April 14. He has also been charged with fraud. He is due to appear at Loughborough Magistrates' Court on June 5.

Man charged with dishonestly handling £500 camera

VIDEO: Three arrests after Birstall bank robbery bid

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Three men have been arrested after an attempted robbery on a bank in Birstall. The alarm was raised shortly after 12.20pm today at the branch of the Santander Bank in Loughborough Road. Police say that no-one was injured and nothing was taken in the incident. A police spokeswoman said: "Three men aged 17, 20 and 25 have been arrested and are in custody." The bank was sealed off by police and the area has been taped off. Forensic officers have examined the premises including looking for fingerprints on the glass front door.
One shopworker said: "I noticed a police car outside the bank when I went for my lunch at about 12.30pm. Other than that we did not see or hear anything even though the bank is very near to us. "Shortly afterwards more police officers and arrived including members of the scientific support unit "I am pleased no-one was hurt and nothing was stolen."

VIDEO: Three arrests after Birstall bank robbery bid

'Husband killed his wife over divorce'

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A husband stabbed his wife to death in the bathroom of their home because she wanted a divorce, a murder jury has been told.

Two days before the killing, the jury heard that defendant Yacoub Rezai (32) had told his brother-in-law he thought his wife was cheating on him.

The court heard he had told him: "There will be no divorce. I'll kill her and go to the police station."

Rezai, of Hand Avenue, Braunstone, Leicester, denies murdering Raihana Rezayi (23) – the mother of his two children – on November 13 last year.

Judge Michael Pert QC told the jury at Leicester Crown Court yesterday that Rezai accepted he was responsible for the killing – the issue was "whether it is murder or manslaughter".

Stephen Lowne, prosecuting, said that after stabbing his wife to death between 11am and midday, Rezai took his two-year-old son with him to collect his five-year-old daughter from primary school, getting her by pretending she had a dental appointment.

He drove to the victim's sister's home in Reading where he left the youngsters before handing himself in to the police.

During the journey from Leicester, the defendant's brother-in-law, Moshen Rezayi, phoned and asked him if he wanted to speak to a solicitor for advice.

The defendant, a taxi driver, allegedly replied: "It's too late, I've killed her."

The brother-in-law went to the house in Hand Avenue with a neighbour and used ladders to break in through an upstairs window at 2pm.

"The deceased was in the downstairs bathroom," said Mr Lowne. "They called the police."

Mrs Rezayi was dead on the floor, having suffered several knife wounds, including a fatal injury penetrating her abdominal cavity and aorta, he said.

A kitchen knife was found in the bathroom sink.

Mrs Rezayi had wounds to her back, thigh and arm, as well as bruising to her face, possibly where she hit her head on the lavatory seat.

Mr Lowne said: "The Crown say it's consistent with someone wanting to cause serious harm. It was a determined attack."

At the police station in Reading, where he handed himself in at 4.30pm, the defendant confessed to stabbing his wife.

He also said: "Have you checked if my wife is OK?", and then later said he had "killed" her.

After being transferred to Leicester, the defendant gave a "no comment" interview.

Mr Lowne said the couple, both from Afghanistan, were married in Iran in 2005.

They met because their fathers, then living in Iran, were friends.

The defendant brought his wife to England, where they had two children and moved to Hand Avenue in 2011.

Mr Lowne said neighbours described them as "quiet".

"In the two months or so leading up to November 13 there seems to have been a deterioration in the relationship," said Mr Lowne.

"He (Rezai) suspected his wife may have been having an affair.

"She was attending college to learn English and he had some suspicions."

The court heard Mrs Rezayi went to stay with her sister in Reading in October and, while she appeared happy, had told her she wanted to get divorced.

Mr Lowne said: "She said she didn't like her husband anymore."

Towards the end of October, the defendant was "crying, shaking and upset" when he visited his brother-in-law.

Mr Lowne said: "He said his wife had asked him for a divorce. He thought she'd found someone better and younger.

"She'd told him she wasn't happy and her father had forced the marriage upon her.

"She was deleting text messages and he thought she was in contact with a boy from college on Facebook. Her behaviour had changed."

Rezai told his brother-in-law they no longer talked or had sex, nor did she cook for him.

On November 11, the jury was told, Rezai told the brother-in-law: "There will be no divorce. I'll kill her and go to the police."

A female friend of the deceased, Mohammad Afzel Najela, told the jury she saw Mrs Rezayi looking "upset" at a gathering in November, but she seemed normal the next time they met.

Under cross-examination, Mrs Najela agreed with defence suggestions that Rezai was a hard-working, calm and non-violent man.

Rezai's barrister, Bobbie Cheema QC, asked: "Did she ever tell you there was a male friend whom she was regularly contacting on the telephone?"

"No," replied Mrs Najela.

Miss Cheema said: "You were her best friend, but she never told you about it?"

"No," said Mrs Najela.

The trial continues.

'Husband killed his wife over divorce'

Fire fighters helping cow trapped in ditch

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Fire fighters have been called to rescue a cow trapped in a ditch near Anstey. Crews were called to the field next to the A50 shortly after 3pm. They brought in specialist equipment to lift the animal from out of the mud. They were helped by the farmer who used farm machinery to try to free the animal. It had not been released after nearly two hours.

Fire fighters helping cow trapped in ditch

Fire fighters cut person free from car

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A person had to be cut from their car after it was involved in a collision with a lamppost near the Asda superstore in Thurmaston this evening. Fire fighters had to cut the roof off the vehicle after it left the road and mounted the grass verge shortly before 5.30pm. The casualty was taken to hospital. No other vehicle was involved and no-one else was injury. County bound traffic was delayed while the emergency services dealt with the incident.

Fire fighters cut person free from car

Transfer news: Bolton in bid for Leicester City's Beckford

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Bolton are in talks with Leicester City in a bid to sign striker Jermaine Beckford, the Mercury understands. The Trotters, who Leicester piped to a play-off spot, are looking to bolster their striking options for another promotion push next season and have opened negotiations with City for the 29-year-old, who has fallen completely out of the picture at City under manager Nigel Pearson. Beckford made five appearances for City at the start of the campaign but has spent nearly the entire season on loan at Huddersfield Town, scoring nine goals. The former Leeds United and Everton striker has two years left to run on his contract and City want to sell to free up his wages for future squad strengthening. They are resigned to losing the majority of the £2.5 million they spent on him when Sven-Goran Eriksson signed him nearly two years ago. However, they want to recoup some of their outlay. Beckford was signed just 40 minutes before the transfer window closed in August, 2011, and finished the season with 15 goals, including a hat-trick in the 4-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest. However, it was clear from the start of the season that Beckford did not feature in manager Nigel Pearson's plans and his time at City is expected to end this summer.

Transfer news: Bolton in bid for Leicester City's Beckford


Leicester 1 Watford 0: It's advantage City in play-offs

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David Nugent scored his first goal since January to give Leicester City a slender advantage going into Sunday's play-off semi-final second leg at Vicarage Road. The City striker headed home Anthony Knockaert's free-kick to nudge City ahead in their bid to reach Wembley and the Premier League. City, who have been at Wembley four times before in the Championship play-offs, must fancy their chances of another visit after this victory. Watford beat City twice during the season, the second time just two weeks ago at the King Power Stadium, but this was a very different looking Leicester in the first half. long spells Buoyed by the way they reached the play-offs, with that excellent win at Nottingham Forest, City looked like a side that realised they had been handed an unlikely opportunity, something that had seemed impossible after that defeat to the Hornets. Cheered on by a fantastic home support of nearly 30,000, City started superbly and pegged the visitors back in their own half for long spells in the first half and created a host of chances. But were unable to take them, something they have paid the price for many times during games throughout this season. Lloyd Dyer and Anthony Knockaert were the architects in the first half, but City were wasteful with David Nugent and Michael Keane failing to hit the target when well placed. But it wasn't just City, thankfully. The game became very scrappy in the second period, with both sides making mistakes and squandering possession. The Hornets should have stung City on the counter-attack but Matej Vydra scuffed his shot when clean through on goal. It was then Alex Geijo who headed over form close range at the far post. After looking so confident and powerful in the first period, City looked nervy, and the visitors had grown into the tie, and looked the most likely to score. But then Knockaert swung in a delightful free kick and Nugent, the man who had not scored in 16 games, flicked his header superbly into the far corner to give City that slender advantage. However, City will know that the job is only half done, but Nugent's strike has at least nudged them a little closer to Wembley.

Leicester 1 Watford 0: It's advantage City in play-offs

Fans believe Leicester City will get to Wembley

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What a difference a few minutes make. Until the 81st minute winner from David Nugent, the near full house crowd at the King Power were anxiously waiting for Watford to score. Despite creating chance after chance in the first half City could not find the net. As the clock ticked towards 80 minutes with the teams locked at 0-0, people began to leave. Some to catch buses and others to get to work. But then came Nugent's winner and a massive roar filled the night sky Andy Rutter, 26, from Wigston, who was working on a burger van outside the ground, checked his phone. "It's Nugent. I hoped we could do it. I think we will now go on to get a draw at their place. After the win at Forest, I think it's gonna go for us. "I was talking to a Watford fan earlier and all their players on loan." Most of the fans who streamed out of the ground after the final whistle believed Leicester will get at least a draw in the second leg. Richard Blewitt, 60, from Market Harborough said: "A resurgent Leicester will beat a dispirited, declining Watford at Vicarage Road and march on confidently to Wembley and reclaim their premiership status."
Mike West, 64, also from Market Harborough said: "It was a great game and a great result." Ian Joshi, 34, from Stoneygate said: "It was a fantastic atmosphere. I have not known anything like it. It was great. We are going to do it." Leicester-born Tom Maton, 13, who travelled up from south Northamptonshire with his mum, said: "It was a good game and a great result. Lisa Parkes, 30, from Ratby, draped in a Leicester flag, said: "I think we will make it past Watford." Her husband Greg, 38, said: "I agree. I thought we were the better side although we did not take our chances." Grahame Davies, 76, from Barlestone, who has supported City since 1946, said: "It was a very even game until we scored. I think we will get past Watford." Andy Brown , 41, from Braunstone, was at the game with his family and had to dash off to work. He said: "I think we deserved to win and I think we will do it."
Luke Carr, 25, from Beaumont Leys said: "The crowd were fantastic. I have never known the ground be like that. We deserved to win as we had most of the chances. "I can't see Watford beating us in the second leg." Louise Gilbert-Smith, 40, of Barkby Thorpe, had to leave early before the goal was scored. She said: "I am confident that we are good enough to get past Watford." Len Vickers, 75, of Hamilton, who also had to leave before the goal said he was not convinced Leicester would get through to Wembley. Kevin Statham, 44, who lives near the stadium said: "If we go up we will have to strengthen the squad on what I have seen tonight. I did not think much of Watford."

Fans believe Leicester City will get to Wembley

Uplands head defends himself

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A head teacher whose colleagues are demanding his resignation has defended himself via the school newsletter.

Employees at Uplands Junior, in Highfields, have called on education leaders at Leicester City Council to request the resignation of principal, Tim Luckcock, and chairman of governors, Abid Matak, due to an "irretrievable breakdown in the relationship with staff".

Despite the school having a good Ofsted rating, the grievance makes claims about Mr Luckcock's management style, frequent and "unexplained" absences, lack of communication between staff, parents and children and a decision to axe up to 10 teaching assistant posts by the end of this summer term, among others.

Parents have also separately raised concerns about some posts by Mr Luckcock on Facebook, which were accompanied by a picture of him apparently wearing a turban, including one in which he stated: "Nearly gone native in Leicester."

One parent told the Mercury he thought Mr Luckcock's comments "offended all religions and faiths".

Staff have told the Leicester Mercury that Mr Luckcock, along with some members of the governing body, personally handed school newsletters to parents outside the school on Tuesday.

In the newsletter, Mr Luckcock stated there had been "intrusion into his private life" and that he had been "misrepresented by the media", and wanted to give "an honest explanation about the Facebook photo".

He stated that the turban was placed on his head during a Diwali celebration by another teacher who took the photograph.

He added: "It is unfortunate that something so positive and innocent honouring a cultural tradition... is now being used to accuse me of being racist and anti-multicultural."

Mr Luckcock stated his grandparents were born in south India and he grew up "always feeling a strong connection to Indian culture".

He said: "When I use words like 'going native' that means I respect local ways and customs."

Mr Luckcock says in the newsletter he is a Muslim and his Muslim name is Abdul Qadir, and he is married to a Muslim.

In relation to the axing of teaching assistants, Mr Luckcock says it was a "great shame that those opposed to the staffing restructure" were using the media to attack him.

He asks parents to "remain patient" and not be provoked by "malicious lies" being put in the media by "people with their own agenda".

A city council spokesman said the authority had judged that the grievance against the head teacher should be investigated by an independent investigating officer, and that the governors of Uplands had agreed with that decision.

He said: "As always in such situations, we will continue to seek to work with governors to resolve the issues. As the matter is subject to investigation it wouldn't be appropriate to comment further at this stage."

Mr Luckcock defended his Facebook comments on BBC East Midlands last week, stating: "It's been taken completely out of context in a way that's designed to damage my reputation. It was not intended to be insensitive."

• To see the school's newsletter CLICK HERE

Uplands head defends himself

Tom Youngs is Premiership player of year

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Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs has been named the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season. The award came at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Awards at the London Hilton. It caps a remarkable year for Youngs, who not only earned a place on this summer's British and Irish Lions tour to Australia but he became England's number one choice as hooker. Youngs, who will make his 50th appearance for Leicester's first team in their Aviva Premiership semi-final with Harlequins tomorrow, could hardly believe he had been picked to succeed Chris Robshaw, last year's winner. He said: "I'm over the moon. It's been an unbelievable season for me and I'd like to thank all my team-mates at Leicester and the coaching staff who have helped me so much. "Simon Hardy, my throwing coach, has been outstanding for me for the last three years. "I knew I was up for the award, but to win it is fantastic. There are some great players and to win against them. I can't really put into words. "Chris [Robshaw] won it last year and is a great bloke and a great mentor to learn from so it's great to follow in his footsteps." It was the 26-year-old's positional switch from centre to hooker that made him stand out from the other nominees. "His story is extraordinary," said Phil Winstanley, the Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby. "To move from the centre to hooker is practically unheard of in professional rugby. To then go on to make your England debut and a Lions tour the following season is what dreams are made of! "If you'd suggested such a move could be done a few years ago in Aviva Premiership Rugby people would have doubted your sanity, but Tom has proved almost anything is possible. "I am sure that he will be the first to tell you that this award is also a tribute to the coaching staff at Leicester Tigers who have helped him every step of the way. "He wouldn't be on the Lions tour and have become England's first choice hooker without their patience, dedication and expertise and it is such a positive endorsement of the Leicester Tigers academy system which has produced Tom and five of his team mates for this year's Lions tour. "Tom certainly didn't get it his own way in the voting with every player on the shortlist getting significant support. In the end though, it was Tom's positional move and what he has achieved in such a short time that edged it his way."

Tom Youngs is Premiership player of year

Bolton Wanderers in talks to sign Leicester City's Jermaine Beckford

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Bolton Wanderers are in talks with Leicester City about signing striker Jermaine Beckford, the Mercury understands.

The Trotters are looking to bolster their striking options for another promotion push next season and have opened negotiations for the 29-year-old, who has completely fallen out of the picture at City under manager Nigel Pearson.

Beckford made five appearances for City at the start of the campaign, but has spent nearly the entire season on loan at Huddersfield Town.

The former Leeds United and Everton striker has two years left to run on his contract and City want to sell to free up his wages for future squad strengthening.

But they are resigned to losing the majority of the £2.5 million they spent on him when Sven-Goran Eriksson signed him nearly two years ago. However, they want to recoup some of their outlay.

Beckford was signed just 40 minutes before the transfer window closed in August, 2011, and finished the season with 15 goals.

Bolton Wanderers in talks to sign Leicester City's Jermaine Beckford

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