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Police seeking man after burglary

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Police have released a photo of a man they are trying to trace in connection with a burglary.

The theft happened in Wilberforce Road, off Narborough Road, Leicester, between 11pm on Tuesday, May 7, and 2am the following day.

A number of items were taken from the home, including an Apple laptop computer and an Xbox console with two controllers, cables and games.

Police said thieves entered the house through the back door.

Detective Constable Ivor Messiah said: "We have carried out a number of inquiries to trace the person responsible and recover the stolen property and are now in a position to release images of a man we wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

"If you recognise the man or have any suspicions about his identity, we would urge you to contact us.

"Any calls received will be treated in confidence.

"We would also like to speak to anyone who has any information about the stolen property.

"Have you been approached by anyone selling the items or do you know someone who has recently acquired these items? If you can help, contact the police."

Call police on 101.

Police seeking man after burglary


VIDEO: Boyfriend's marriage proposal unfolds on the big screen

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It is a storyline which would do credit to the schmaltziest of Hollywood love stories.

A man makes a film about how he and his intended met, is shown asking her mother's permission to marry her, before racing to the cinema on a motorbike to ask for her hand.

The intended recipient of the proposal watches the film on the big screen, dumbstruck.

The final shot of him in the film entering the cinema's foyer links into him actually walking down the steps to his girlfriend's seat.

The romantic scene was played out at Melton's Regal Cinema at the weekend as Mihail Banciu completed three months of work on the project.

Girlfriend Yassmina Denideni, who had gone to the cinema with friends, got the shock of her life when her man on the screen was suddenly at her side, getting down on one knee to propose.

Thankfully, she said "Yes".

Mihail, 27, who is originally from Romania, said: "It took me more than three months to make the movie.

"I wanted to make it in actual time with the final shot of me in the cinema, having a drink for my nerves before walking down the steps to where Yaz was sitting.

"The friends she'd gone to the cinema with were in on it and there were about 20 of her family sat in darkness at the back of the cinema so she didn't know they were there.

"She started to cry and the audience applauded as I put the ring on her finger – thankfully, she said 'yes'."

He said: "When I first met Yassmina I knew I had to be with her no matter what.

"I was so nervous on the day, I woke up at 4.30am. I just wondered what would happen. The cinema was so helpful and said whatever we needed they would help with."

The couple, of West Avenue, Melton, who have been together for 16 months, met while working on cruise ships.

Beauty therapist Yassmina, 23, said: "I was so shocked I was shaking for hours afterwards, but it was such an amazing surprise.

"I couldn't believe it, I've never been so shocked in my life. I couldn't work out what was going on at first. It was all too much, but in a good way. I had a good cry."

She said of the film: "It showed pictures of a beach and the commentary was about a couple who met on a cruise ship and fell in love and I thought, 'that's a coincidence'.

"Then when I saw the picture of me as a baby I worked out something was going on. He was very smooth and I had no hesitation in saying 'yes'.

"He is a pretty romantic kind of person, but I was surprised he wanted to do this in front of everybody.

"Everyone in the cinema was cheering, although I think at first some people wondered what was going on. Everyone thought it was sweet."

Yassmina's mum, Michelle Greenwell, 43, who appears in Mihail's film, said: "I thought it was fantastic, he really wanted to go the whole hog.

"There were 22 of us at the back of the cinema. We were all crouching down so we wouldn't be spotted and he was in the projection room.

"There were a lot of tears and then we were all cheering and hugging – it was lovely."

VIDEO:  Boyfriend's  marriage proposal unfolds on the big screen

Freak storm leads to £500,000 claims

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Claims of more than £500,000 for damage to caravans and motor-homes in Hinckley were made after a freak hailstorm, an insurance company has revealed.

Chunks of ice larger than golf balls rained down on the town as the summer storm hit the county on June 28 last year.

Mini tornadoes smashed windows and destroyed property across the county.

However, the hailstorm was particularly fierce around Hinckley, with shoppers having to take cover in the town centre, which also suffered flooding.

Shops in Castle Street closed, including the Britannia Centre and the Co-op, while Hinckley Leisure Centre had to shut because of a power cut.

Hinckley bus station was flooded, as were Brunel Road and Hill Street in the town.

Now, an insurance firm which specialises in protecting caravans, said it received claims worth more than £500,000 from 96 clients who had suffered severe damage to their vehicles.

A spokesman for Caravan Guard said: "Over the course of 24 hours and in the days that followed, Caravan Guard's in-house claims team was inundated with customers claiming for roof damage, damage to exterior panels, windows and skylights.

"Although a handful of customers claimed for minor dents and scratches, the majority had suffered extensive – in some cases irreparable – damage to their caravan or motor-home."

Caravan owners in the town made claims totalling £415,660, while camper van owners claimed for a further £86,514.

The spokesman said: "This is a phenomenal figure considering Caravan Guard has received just 117 hail damage claims in total since July 2007, 83 per cent of which came as a result of this one day's torrential hail."

Neil Menzies, the company's head of relations, said: "Who would have thought hailstones in June would cause so much devastation? It goes to show you can never predict what's around the corner."

Liam McWeeney, branch manager of the Swinton Insurance office in Hinckley, said: "It was not only the owners of caravans and camper vans who were lodging claims immediately after the storm hit.

"We were extremely busy because the hail stones and flooding had caused major damage to house roofs, conservatories, cars and other property.

"There were areas in Hinckley where you could see the worst of the storm had hit by looking at the cars with their roofs pitted by the hail stones. To make things more difficult, we had to handle the calls while our office was flooded."

Nigel Coppen, of Club Care Insurance, insurance providers for the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: "We saw a significant spike in the number of caravan insurance claims in the Hinckley area during this time.

"This incident really highlights the importance of taking out caravan insurance."

Freak storm leads to £500,000 claims

Leicester Tigers duo on scoresheet in big Lions win

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Leicester Tigers duo Tom Croft and Geoff Parling were both on the scoresheet as the British & Irish Lions demolished Western Force 69-17.

All six Leicester players in the 23-man squad played their part in the rout, which saw the tourists overwhelm the Super 15 opposition, at Patterson Stadium, in Perth.

Centre Manu Tuilagi was impressive and his link-up with Brian O'Driscoll showed that they could be the pairing that head coach Warren Gatland decides to go with for the opening Test against Australia later this month.

The Lions were left sweating on an ankle injury suffered by Ireland prop Cian Healy.

The Leinster forward was carried off and taken to hospital for an X-ray.

Healy's departure was the only setback for a Lions side far quicker in thought and deed than their spirited, but outclassed, opponents.

The tourists ran in nine tries from captain O'Driscoll (2), Jonathan Sexton, Croft, Jamie Heaslip, Mako Vunipola, Tommy Bowe, Owen Farrell and Parling, while full-back Leigh Halfpenny produced a goal-kicking masterclass.

Halfpenny booted all nine conversions – several from the touchline – and two penalties for 24 points and a 100 per cent record.

The Force replied with touchdowns by forwards Richard Brown and Lachlan McCaffrey, while scrum-half Brett Sheehan converted both and landed a penalty, but they had no answer to some perpetual motion rugby by the tourists.

O'Driscoll steered the ship majestically, but he had any number of willing workers alongside him, most notably the sublime Sexton and strong-running flanker Sean O'Brien.

It was just the start Gatland would have wanted to a nine-game Australian tour schedule highlighted by three Test match appointments with the Wallabies.

The Lions have already clocked up 128 points and 17 tries in two games, and the early signs are hugely encouraging for what awaits them during the next month.

The Lions went ahead through an early Halfpenny penalty after Bowe sliced open Western Force's defence.

And Bowe's break proved a sign of things to come as the Lions relentlessly built pressure.

The Force had their work cut out keeping a consistent defensive shape, and they were horribly outfoxed by Sexton when he danced his way over from 20 metres, beating three players in the process.

Halfpenny converted, only for the Force to find themselves immediately back in their 22 and play was briefly held up when referee Glen Jackson – the former Saracens fly-half – sought video assistance for alleged foul play.

An unnamed Force player claimed he had been bitten, but no evidence could be found despite the television match official reviewing play from a number of angles.

It sparked the Force into action, though, and a committed counter-attack briefly shunted the Lions out of their rhythm, but they had no real problem successfully defending their line. A Sheehan penalty eight minutes before half-time then opened the Force's account, before O'Driscoll claimed a well-worked touchdown and then Croft also scored.

The third quarter was one-way traffic with Heaslip powering over before Healy's replacement, Vunipola, touched down in the corner.

It was relentless by the Lions, and even though Brown's try momentarily knocked them out of their stride, they quickly surged back upfield to camp deep inside Western Force's 22.

The Force struggled to contain wave after wave of attacking red shirts, and their job was made even tougher midway through the half when centre Ed Stubbs was sin-binned.

Stubbs' poor discipline was immediately punished when the Lions easily worked Bowe across for try six, which Halfpenny again converted from the touchline.

The Lions were in no mood to take their foot off the accelerator, and further scores followed in quick succession for O'Driscoll and Farrell, although Croft's evening ended early when he left the action gingerly after a clash of heads with Brown.

Lions lock Alun-Wyn Jones received a late yellow card, but his team were long home and hosed, ready to begin preparations for a far sterner encounter against Queensland, on Saturday.

Leicester Tigers duo on scoresheet in big Lions win

Holiday-making family facing return to fire-damaged home

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A fire seriously damaged a family's home while they were away on holiday.

A heater is believed to have started the blaze, which broke out in a first floor bedroom and roof of their semi-detached house in St Peter's Drive, Thornton, near Coalville, yesterday.

Two fire crews from Coalville and one from Ashby responded to the incident, which was reported by neighbours at 4.59am.

They found the property well alight and wore breathing equipment to tackle the blaze.

A building inspector was called to examine the safety of the property.

The Fire Emergency Support Service vehicle was called out and used to accommodate a family from the neighbouring property while firefighters inspected their home for damage.

Crew manager Steve Page, of Coalville fire station, said: "The family whose home was involved in the fire were on holiday.

"They were due to return home today. It is very unfortunate for them."

The fire badly damaged the roof and first floor and there was water damage to the ground floor.

Holiday-making  family  facing return to fire-damaged home

Amazon's free ads boost for firm

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Sales have surged by 30 per cent in a week at a clothing business selected for a month's worth of free online advertising by Amazon UK.

Universal Textiles, run by 2012 Leicester Mercury Young Executive of the Year Ravi Karia, of Syston, sells specialist workwear and casualwear via Amazon.

Its sales site so impressed the internet giant that the company will feature it on its home page for the whole of June under the line "Who will want to buy socks?".

The advert will be seen by an estimated 687,000 website visitors a day.

Ravi said: "We have seen an uplift of 30 per cent in our online sales during the first week of our success story being featured on Amazon's home page.

"It said we were a shining example of a company that had transformed from a traditional to an online business."

The company's move to online retailing transformed it, safeguarding the future of the family business.

Today, the company employs 22 staff.

It sells 4,000 lines of clothes, towels and accessories and has forecast sales of £4 million this year, compared with £2.5 million last year.

Universal Textiles began life in 1986 when Ravi's grandfather, father and uncle began manufacturing socks and selling clothes wholesale in and around Leicester.

However, as hosiery manufacturing declined, Ravi, a computer science graduate, spotted the opportunity to reinvent Universal Textiles by focusing online.

Although he had a hard time convincing his family, he set up the first website in 2006.

Sales were slow, so Ravi began selling on Amazon's Marketplace in 2008. It proved a good move.

"Sales sky-rocketed and we had to move warehouses twice to cope with the increase in business," said Ravi.

When the Universal Textiles website ran into technical issues in 2012, the site was moved to Amazon Webstore.

This allowed Ravi to use Amazon websites in other countries to build export sales, which have driven the company's growth.

In terms of next steps for Universal Textiles, Ravi said: "Spain and Italy are next on the list. I will be looking to sell on Amazon.es and Amazon.it later this year, hopefully."

Ravi clinched the Mercury award in November.

Amazon's free ads boost for firm

Man appears in court charged with burglaries

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A 34-year-old man has been charged with two burglaries in the London Road area of Leicester. The first is alleged to have occurred at a flat in Springfield Road on June 1, where mobile phones worth £600 were stolen. The second is alleged to have occurred at Victoria Park Road on June 2, where property worth £8,000 was taken. The man is further charged with assaulting a 63-year-old man, also on June 2, in Victoria Park Road. The man appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, where he was remanded in custody until a further hearing at Leicester Crown Court on June 18.

Man appears in court charged with burglaries

Woman confronts burglar with gun

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A woman woke up and was confronted by four burglars.

Police said one of the men, who entered the house in Coalville, was believed to be carrying a gun.

The incident happened at the woman's home in Cropston Drive, Greenhill, at 6.45am on Saturday.

The woman was woken by her dog barking downstairs.

She went to investigate and found the men stealing items including her television.

Police said she was frightened but unharmed.

Neighbour Samantha Bentham said neighbours were shocked by the incident.

The 34-year-old said: "We just can't believe it. This woman was confronted in her own home by these men.

"The family has a bull mastiff dog, so who would take that on?''

Mum-of-three Samantha: said: "It is normally really quiet round here, so it was a real shock when the police told us what had happened.

"They asked me if I had seen or heard anything but I hadn't.

"We will be making sure all our doors and windows are firmly locked every night in future."

Detective Constable Luke Brooks said: "This was a frightening incident for the victim.

"Fortunately, incidents of this nature are extremely rare in Leicestershire.

"We are taking the report very seriously and are determined to identify those responsible.

"The television that was stolen has a vertical scratch down the centre of the screen.

"If anyone knows someone who has acquired a similar television since Saturday, we would like to speak to them as soon as possible."

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Woman confronts burglar with gun


School's staff to strike again

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Teachers at a junior school are to hold two more strikes next week.

Uplands Junior, in Highfields, Leicester, shut for a day last month when members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) took action over proposals by the governing body to axe eight teaching assistant posts at the end of term.

Now union leaders have announced another two days of strikes, on Tuesday and next Thursday.

It is expected the school will have to shut on both days.

Staff at Uplands Junior lodged a formal grievance in March against head teacher Tim Luckcock and chairman of governors Abid Matak over a number of issues, including the redundancy proposals.

Union leaders, the local authority and governors have agreed to an independent investigation into the grievances, but not on who should carry this out.

Independent conciliation service Acas had been suggested by the local authority, a proposal accepted by the union.

Ian Leaver, assistant secretary for Leicester's NUT branch, said: "Despite our efforts, the governors have failed to agree on an investigator."

The governors said they were taking legal advice to ensure any decisions were in the best interest of the school.

Mr Leaver said: "The situation is deteriorating, with staff now choosing to leave for other jobs.

"There could be a shortfall when pupils return in September and that could seriously affect children's learning.

"It could be very difficult to attract people to work there, given the current situation.

"We're taking this action very reluctantly and would urge the city council to suspend the head teacher while an investigation takes place and remove the governors.

"No-one wants to see a good school like Uplands destroyed."

Margaret Libreri, council director of learning services, said: "We're confident we are now extremely close to reaching agreement on the grievance investigation arrangements.

"The intention is to begin this on June 10.

"Local authorities do have the power to issue formal warning notices to governors, or to remove governors in exceptional circumstances, but it's better if we can work with governors to get the investigation started.

"It's in the best interests of the children these matters are resolved before the end of term."

Mr Luckcock was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Mr Matak said he was "disappointed" to hear of further strike action, saying it would cause "disruption" to pupils.

He said: "Given the legal obligations on governors, we can't make decisions in respect of the grievances and complaints until there is a full investigation and outcome.

"Further, because of the nature of the grievances, it's necessary to seek independent legal advice."

School's staff to  strike again

Leicester Tigers stars to make first British Lions start

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Leicester Tigers trio Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs and Geoff Parling have been handed their first starts of the British & Irish Lions tour in Australia. They were named in the 23-man squad to face Queensland Reds at the Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane, on Saturday. Manu Tuilagi is also in the starting XV after making his debut in the nine-try romp over Western Force yesterday. This time though, head coach Warren Gatland has picked Tuilagi in his regular club position of outside-centre. He will form a hard-hitting partnership in midfield with Wales' Jonathan Davies. Geoff Parling is named alongside Scottish lock Richie Gray in the second-row, while Ben Youngs partners Saracens' Owen Farrell at half-back. Tom Youngs will have Wales' Gethin Jenkins and England's Matt Stevens on his shoulders in the front-row. Lions skipper Sam Warburton makes his first appearance of the tour after recovering from injury. The Reds look like putting up much stronger opposition than Western Force did having named nine internationals in their squad. Lions: Hogg, Cuthbert, Tuilagi, Davies, Bowe; Farrell, B Youngs; Jenkins, T Youngs, Stevens, Gray, Parling, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau. Replacements: Hibbard, Vunipola, Jones, O'Connell, Tipuric, Murray, Sexton, North

Leicester Tigers stars to make first British Lions start

Murder trial about to start

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The murder trial of a husband accused of deliberately killing his wife is due to start this afternoon. Sally Marie Lawrence (47) was found dead after a Peugeot 406 she was a passenger in crashed into a tree on Gartree Road, Oadby, at 6.30 pm on October 6 last year. Iain Philip Lawrence (53), of Ratcliffe Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, denies murdering her. Mrs Lawrence was the managing director of a company, Clear Spill, in Oadby. She had a young son with the defendant and two daughters from a previous marriage. The jury of six men and six women were selected at Leicester Crown Court this morning. They are due to be sworn in this afternoon, before the prosecutor Nirmal Shant QC, opens the Crown's case. High Court Judge Mr Justice Leggatt is presiding over the trial, which is due to last three weeks.

Murder trial about to start

Local universities in UK top 14

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Two of Leicestershire's universities are ranked in the UK's top 14. The University of Leicester is ranked 13th in the Guardian newspapers universities league table for 2014, and Loughborough University, 14th out of 119 institutions. While Leicester has risen six places from 19th last year, Loughborough has slipped three. De Montfort University in Leicester improved, jumping from 85th to 83rd. The table has just been published and places the University of Leicester top among all other East Midlands institutions. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Robert Burgess said: "We're very pleased to see Leicester continue to rise in the national league tables. "At a time when students have much choice in the type of course and institution available to them, Leicester students can be assured of a top quality, world-class education and experience, as the league tables testify." The rise means that the University of Leicester has passed prestigious institutions including York, Bristol and Edinburgh. Independent consultancy firm Intelligent Metrix compiled the data which is based on information including teaching, student satisfaction, expenditure per student, career prospects and student-to-staff ratios. A spokeswoman for Loughborough University, said: "Each league table uses a different set of criteria to determine its rankings. The Guardian is particularly influenced by the National Student Survey. "Loughborough has continued to build upon its good position, but other universities have also improved, which has had an impact on the overall rankings in The Guardian. "The tables are just one of a number of factors that students consider when choosing a university. Loughborough is strong in a broad range of areas, such as teaching quality and the wider student experience, which prepares our graduates for every aspect of their life and career. "Our strengths in these will ensure that we are able to continue attracting the highest-quality applicants." A spokesman for De Montfort University said: "We're pleased that the university continues to improve its league table position, which reflects our continued commitment to deliver the best possible student experience." Cambridge University came top of the table overall, followed by Oxford in second place.

Local universities in UK top 14

Future of birthing unit should come under scrutiny, say experts

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The future of a midwife-led birthing unit in Melton should come under scrutiny, according to independent experts. They said services at the St Mary's Birthing Unit should be reviewed due to the low number of births – about 250 year – and the distance to the nearest acute hospital. It is one of nearly 50 recommendations from an independent obstetrician and midwife who carried out a review of maternity services at Leicester's hospitals for the three local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) responsible for providing local health services. They have also recommended that plans for all maternity services to be based at one site should be kept on the table. Dr Dave Briggs, the accountable officer for the East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG which covers the Melton area, said: "We know that the women who use the birthing unit really value it. "Our next steps are to explore the issues raised and no changes will be considered until we have done this." The review found good standards of care and safe services. However, it added that services can become over-stretched at times and the number of midwives, doctors, support staff and beds should be looked at. Dr Avi Prasad, co-chairman of the Leicester City CCG and chairman of the group set up to oversee the review, said: "We wanted a review to make sure the population we serve is getting a good standard of care and to see what support is needed. "We are pleased with the overall findings but know there is still a lot more to do. We will be working with the hospitals to make improvements." However, he has ruled out a new single maternity hospital in the "foreseeable future." A new maternity hospital was included in the multi-million pound Pathway scheme to transform Leicester's hospitals, which collapsed in 2007. The idea of a new unit was scrapped in 2010 when the then primary care trusts said it was too expensive. Dr Prasad said: "The financial challenges have not changed and the money simply doesn't exist for us to invest in a new maternity hospital. It is a long-term solution that won't be delivered in the foreseeable future, but we've agreed to keep it on the agenda." He said extra money which has been used on more midwives and increasing the number of maternity and delivery rooms "has had a positive impact." Ian Scudamore, a consultant obstetrician and director of women's and children's services at Leicester's hospitals, said: "The report says that we deliver safe, compassionate care, and that our doctors and midwives are enthusiastic, passionate and hard-working. "It emphasises that mums praised our service with 84 per cent using the service in the past year rating their care as excellent or good. "The report also recognised that the current service now has 11,000 births a year but was designed for less than 9,000 and so it is not surprising that there can be issues with capacity."

Future of birthing unit should come under scrutiny, say experts

Top-level cyclists to race through Leicester

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Top level cyclists will race past Leicester's historic sites, through Castle Gardens and along the banks of the River Soar this summer. The city is to stage the Leicester Castle Classic cycle race on Sunday, August 18. It is hoped the event will attract elite level teams for the headline race, but amateur cyclists will also have the opportunity to race the circuit with a junior race, corporate challenge, and 'choppers and shoppers' event all proposed. Full details of the circuit are still being finalised, but organisers have confirmed the two-hour race will take place around Castle Gardens in the city's Old Town, and along the banks of the 'Mile Straight' stretch of the River Soar. The inaugural event is being run by Leicester City Council and British Cycling. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: "British Cycling's success at last year's Tour de France and the London 2012 Olympics has given cycle sport a massive boost. "It is fantastic that our partnership with British Cycling means that we are able to bring the spectacle of elite-level cycle racing back to Leicester. " He added: "The Castle Classic bike race is set to be a highlight of our fantastic Summer in the City programme. "The number of people cycling in Leicester grows every year. This new race, and Leicester's incredibly popular Sky Ride, are both great ways of celebrating this achievement and developing our ongoing commitment to cycling." Jonny Clay, British Cycling's cyclesport and membership director, said: "This event is a great addition to the calendar and one we hope to see establish itself for the long term in a city with such a rich cycling heritage. "We're expecting to see all of the country's top domestic teams on the start line when the big day arrives in August." Races will run from midday until 6pm on traffic free roads, with entertainment, refreshments and lots of opportunities to give cycle sport a go available in the race village. Eric Ludlow, of the Leicester Cycling Campaign Group and a member of the Leicester Forest Cycling Club, said: "Anything that brings cycling into the city has got to be good. "We've not seen a race round the city for some time now. It will be a rare spectacle, even for people not that interested in cycling. "If they've not seen a race before, it will be quite an eye-opener." Non-racers will also have the opportunity to ride parts of the circuit themselves the following weekend, when Sky Ride Leicester returns to the city centre on Sunday, August 25. More information about the race, including online registration for racers, will be available at www.britishcycling.org.uk Leicester City Council and British Cycling will be releasing details of this years' Sky Ride later this month. In the meantime, people can register for the event at www.goskyride.org/leicester

Top-level cyclists to race through Leicester

Man 'deliberately crashed car, killing wife', jury told

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A husband deliberately crashed his car into a tree killing his estranged wife following a row about their divorce settlement, a murder jury was told today. Sally Marie Lawrence, 47, suffered fatal head and chest injuries in the collision in Gartree Road, Oadby. Former airline pilot Iain Phillip Lawrence (53) denies murder. He told the police he suffered "total amnesia" and has no recollection of events, Leicester Crown Court was told. The couple, who lived in Ring Road, Oadby, had a young son who was away on a school trip when the alleged killing took place. Mrs Lawrence, managing director of a company, Clear Spill, in Oadby, had two daughters from an earlier marriage. Nirmal Shant QC, prosecuting, told the jury of six men and six women this afternoon: "On October 6 last year, Mrs Lawrence was a front seat passenger in this defendant's Peugeot being driven along Gartree Road. "The car was driven into a tree and the deceased died almost instantaneously, because the airbag didn't detonate. "The reason why it didn't detonate was because it had been switched off. "Who switched the airbag off? "How or why did she come to be in the defendant's car? "Her friends and family insist she was scared of the defendant and they lived separate lives. "His car was extremely untidy and she wouldn't have voluntarily got into the vehicle without either being forced in to it or tricked into it." Mrs Lawrence was not believed to be wearing a seat belt, which she would normally have done. They were in the process of getting divorced with the decree nisi due two days later, on October 8. Miss Shant said: "The day before she died, there were acrimonious discussions about how they were going to divide up their assets, in particular the matrimonial home. "She was scared of the defendant and he was insisting he wanted his half of the house even though he had other assets, such as a pension and an interest in another property. "It was a bone of contention who should keep the equity in the matrimonial home." By this time, Mrs Lawrence was in a new relationship and arranged to see her boyfriend on the evening she died. She allegedly confided in family and friends about being fearful of the defendant, and told one confidante: "One day he'll kill me." Mrs Lawrence also said to the confidante: "What if he did away with me?" Miss Shant said: "That was the measure of how she was feeling." After the fatal collision, the police went to their home and found Mrs Lawrence's Jaguar unlocked on the driveway, with her handbag, purse, iPhone and an overnight bag in it. She was due to see her boyfriend at about 6pm. Miss Shant said: "She was dressed up ready to go somewhere. "However, she found herself on a journey travelling with this defendant on Gartree Road, in his car which friends and family said she wouldn't have got into without being forced or tricked." The police received a call reporting the collision at 6.33pm. Lawrence later told officers he was on friendly terms with his estranged wife and they were divorcing amicably. The trial continues.

Man 'deliberately crashed car, killing wife', jury told


Call for changes after great-grandma dies of dehydration at LRI

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Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has called for "a totally different approach to patient safety" after a 100-year-old great-grandmother died from dehydration at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Lydia Spilner, of Tilton on the Hill, died in February last year following a "catastrophic error" in her care at the hospital. Mr Hunt told ITV News: "I think that story is absolutely devastating and I personally never cease to be horrified. As Health Secretary I read stories every day because I see the letters that come in when things have gone wrong in the NHS and we have to have a totally different approach to patient safety." The Mercury reported yesterday that Mrs Spilner suffered as a result of a catalogue of failures during a four-week period at the infirmary, including not having enough fluids which led to her death from dehydration. The infirmary has admitted the faults and has paid Mrs Spilner's family an undisclosed, out-of-court settlement.

Call for changes after great-grandma dies of dehydration at LRI

Police at scene of armed siege in Thurmaston

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Police are at the scene of an armed siege in Thurmaston following reports that a man fired a gun in a garden of a house. Officers were called at 5.11pm today after reports the firearm had been discharged outside the home in Manston Close. They arrived at the scene to find a man had locked himself into the property. Police have closed Manston Close and cordoned off part of Barkby Thorpe Lane, and told nearby residents to stay inside. A police spokesman said: "Specialist officers are dealing with the situation." There is not thought to be anyone else in the property. A nearby resident said: "The police won't let us leave the house. There's about six police cars and police blocking traffic from coming anywhere near . There's a police dog going round but I can't see anything else."

Police at scene of armed siege in Thurmaston

Community centre faces axe

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An 80-year-old community centre is to be demolished to make way for more parking spaces.

Southfields Community Centre, in Leicester, was built in the 1930s for the Army and has since hosted events ranging from tea dances to judo classes.

However, in recent years, fewer groups have been using the building and it will now be demolished.

Rooms in the nearby Pork Pie library, a five-minute walk up Southfields Drive, will be redecorated to accommodate more community activities.

The sports centre next door will remain, and Leicester City Council also plans to spruce up the inside of that building as part of the £250,000 project.

About 14 extra parking spaces will be provided for the sports centre by the demolition.

Councillor Sarah Russell, assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, said the council would save money in the long term by having one less building to maintain.

She said: "We have worked with people who use the facilities to come up with a project that provides improved and more accessible services.

"The proposals will also help ensure the long-term future of the Pork Pie building and the sports hall – which is very important in these times of financial crisis.

"I hope people take the time to look at the plans and share their views with us."

The only regular group at the community centre is the St Christopher's Friendship Group.

There are 37 regular members who are mostly elderly or have learning difficulties.

Janet Robinson, group leader, said she would welcome the move if the city council agreed to extend the kitchen at the library.

She said: "We're in discussions about the kitchen because we need to be able to cook for people.

"There's a good, big kitchen in the community centre but the one in the library is only about the size of a family kitchen.

"But we do understand the city council can't keep all the buildings open in this financial climate.

"There used to be more groups at the community centre – a judo group, a group for disabled people and one for people with dementia – but they've moved elsewhere."

Tina Parker, a volunteer who works with the group, said: "It's a shame the community centre has to close but I think people will be quite pleased when the work is done and we are in the library.

"There might be a bit of a problem with parking at the library, though."

Sheila Taylor, 83, who goes to the group meetings, said: "I like the library – I used to go dancing there when I was a teenager.

"It's big enough inside and if we get the kitchen extended it shouldn't be much different."

The work is due to be completed in 2014.

A small display detailing the work can be seen in the main corridor of the community centre, in Southfields Drive.

Community centre faces axe

Dodgy internet sales targeted

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Trading standards officers targeting dodgy internet sales have seized a record amount of fake goods.

In the past 12 months, 40,000 items, with a combined sale price of more than £728,000, have been seized, including dangerous electrical goods.

The figure compares with £332,000 for the year before and £237,000 for the year before that.

The leap in the figures is due to Leicestershire County Council's trading standards team searching out more dodgy sales online.

Keith Regan, operations manager for county trading standards, said: "It's a wide range of goods such as clothes and watches, iPads and iPhones, phone covers, car repair manuals and shoes.

"Some are picked up at temporary Sunday markets, but a lot come from auction websites and sales on social media websites.

"Wherever people find there's a footfall the counterfeiters will take the opportunity to sell fake goods.

"There are people who wake up every morning wondering how to deprive people of their hard-earned money."

Between April, 2012, and March this year, the trading standards service also achieved 18 convictions and stopped 22 businesses from unfair trading practices, using formal warnings and agreements.

About £170,000 cash was confiscated from offenders under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Mr Regan said the selling of unsound goods and services harmed the legitimate economy.

He said: "These people take customers away from legitimate businesses and people are left with goods they don't want.

"We also find goods such as make-up, phone chargers and other electrical items that are not safe to use.

"Sales online are becoming harder and harder to regulate but we are working closely using various sources of intelligence to tackle these rogues.''

Often internet sales to people in Leicestershire are made by people from elsewhere, and trading standards in Leicestershire routinely work with their colleagues elsewhere around the region and the country.

In the past year, the trading standards team has also been tackling sales of alcohol to under-18s, with five cases where enforcement action was taken.

Officers have also provided advice and guidance to 1,195 businesses trading in the county to make sure they comply with their legal responsibilities.

Pam Posnett, Leicestershire County Council's cabinet member for trading standards, said: "Trading standards has been doing some fantastic work, helping businesses to trade fairly and keep residents safe.

"We would always urge anyone with any concerns when buying goods or services to get in touch and let us know."

To report concerns, contact the Citizens' Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

For further details on Leicestershire County Council's Trading Standards service, visit:

www.leics.gov.uk/ tradingstandards

Dodgy internet sales targeted

My Leicester Tigers awards - by Martin Crowson

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The domestic rugby season is now well and truly over and, as the dust settles on another eventful nine months, it is the traditional time for award ceremonies.

So, in Harry Hill style, here are my awards for the past season...

The Steam Out of the Ears Award: London Welsh v Leicester Tigers

The perils of the M1, M25, M6 and M40 are commonplace for any Tigers fan. But nothing could compete with the drastic situation on the opening day of the season at London Welsh's Kassam Stadium. So long was the queue on the one road into the ground, with the game already having kicked-off, that fans simply gave up, turned around and went home in utter frustration.

The Media Darling Award: Jonny Wilkinson

Just when you thought England's World Cup winner would swoon off into the Toulon sunset for a well-deserved pension, he put together two clinical goal-kicking performances in high-profile matches, against Leicester and Saracens, to book his side a place in the Heineken Cup final. Faultless in interviews, self-deprecating and showing astonishing skills in his www.fineside.com videos, is there anything this man still cannot do?

The Watching Paint Dry Award: Saracens v Leicester Tigers (Wembley Stadium)

Thank goodness there was a marvellous stadium to look at because the fayre offered up in the 9-9 draw at Wembley was as tedious as it gets. Defences on top, up-and-unders at a premium and nothing to cheer. Even the Mexican Wave couldn't be bothered.

The Surreal Moment Award: Toulon (Heineken Cup)

One of the strangest moments of my time in the business came in Toulon. Filing my copy on the phone in a toilet – pausing every time someone else flushed so I could hear myself think – was not on the original plans. I doubt the dreadful facilities and lack of WiFi were on ERC's plans either.

The Hairs on the Back of Your Neck Award: Toulon

Thousands of people crowded on to roads, pavements, flats, trees and phone boxes (I kid you not) to gain a vantage point of the Toulon team making their entrance to the Stade Felix Mayol on foot. The noise and passion created was simply incredible. The noise when Tigers came out for their Premiership semi-final against Harlequins was not far off.

The Comeback Kids: Jordan Crane and Tom Croft

Both men sustained injuries that could have ended their careers but both men have fought back to play the best rugby of their lives. Croft broke his neck but is in Australia playing for the Lions, while Crane was out for 12 months with a horrific knee injury and came back to be a major player in a team-leading 31 of Tigers' 36 games last season.

The Fond Farewell: Matt O'Connor

Martin Castrogiovanni will be sorely missed and Geordan Murphy's genius on the pitch will never be replaced but head coach Matt O'Connor's input on both attack and defence was immense. He goes to Leinster as top man and the smoothness of the transition to life without him will be crucial to Tigers' hopes.

The Open Mouthed In Awe Award: The haka at Welford Road

The Moari All Blacks did the traditional war dance at the start of their game against the Tigers at Welford Road to complete silence. With a packed ground, void of the sort of noise that greets the haka at international matches, it made for a noisy and simply stunning spectacle.

The Worst Decision of the Season Award: Referee Alain Rolland v Treviso

Alain Rolland's bizarre decision to award Treviso a penalty try for a collapsed maul 10 metres away from the Leicester try-line will take some beating for years to come. It nearly cost Tigers – as did his decision to wait for six re-set scrums before awarding Tigers a match- winning try in the final seconds.

The Soak It All In Award: Northampton 8 Leicester 36

There have been some memorable wins for Tigers to enjoy over their bitterest rivals in the last 18 months. For any Tigers fan who enjoys heaping as much misery on their nearest opponents, the manner of the 36-8 destruction at Franklin's Gardens in late March will take some beating.

My Leicester Tigers awards - by Martin Crowson

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