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Leicester City tell Hull: Kasper Schmeichel is going nowhere

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Leicester City have won their battle to hold on to goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel after telling Hull: 'He is going nowhere'.

The Tigers have had a third bid rejected for the keeper and have turned their attention to alternative targets after City refused to alter their stance.

The first two bids were of £1.25million and £1.75m, and the third was reportedly £2m plus a player, believed to be former City centre-back Jack Hobbs.

But now sources in Hull say the Tigers have switched their attention elsewhere and are on the verge of signing former Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

City are looking for a new centre-back having lost out on target Alex Baptiste to Bolton.

The former Blackpool defender instead opted for the Reebok Stadium, despite City offering a better financial package.

Hobbs, who has reportedly also been offered to Birmingham as part of a deal for defender Curtis Davies, is certainly highly-rated by City boss Nigel Pearson, who signed him from Liverpool in 2009 and then took him to Hull when he took over at the KC Stadium in June 2010.

Schmeichel was Hull's number one target, and the Tigers were said to be confident they could land the Denmark international.

Hull manager Steve Bruce is close friends with Kasper's dad Peter Schmeichel from their time together at Manchester United, and were offering him Premier League football, which Kasper has always admitted is his target.

But the 26-year-old, who has a year to run on his contract, now looks to be staying at the King Power Stadium.

City certainly want to keep their better players as they plot another promotion push, but their attempts to off-load seven of the squad have so far been frustrated.

The names of the players have been circulated to other clubs and include Jermaine Beckford, Neil Danns, Richie Wellens, Paul Gallagher and Sean St Ledger. It has been reported that the other two are Martyn Waghorn and Danny Drinkwater, but that is unconfirmed by City.

There has certainly been interest in several of the players, with Bolton interested in Beckford and Doncaster among a group of Championship clubs keen on Wellens, while St Ledger has been linked with Sheffield Wednesday. But no deals are imminent.

Meanwhile, City goalkeeper Conrad Logan has signed a new two-year contract.

Leicester City tell Hull: Kasper Schmeichel is going nowhere


Missing Lorna Vickerage: 'Sightings in Leicestershire'

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Police have received reports to suggest that missing 14-year-old Lorna Vickerage and 35-year-old John Bush may be in the Leicestershire area. Sightings of Lorna and John, in Sproxton, were reported yesterday teatime. Detectives believe the pair may have travelled to Melton Mowbray train station. Officers are working to establish if they purchased train tickets and it is not yet known whether they boarded a train. It is believed they were staying in accommodation in the Sproxton area. The silver Ford Mondeo they were thought to be travelling in, was recovered at around 6.40pm yesterday (Thursday) after being located in Sproxton Leicester. The car and accommodation is now being forensically examined. Lorna is described as white, of a slim build, about 5'4" tall, with long straight, thick blonde hair. John is described as white, of a stocky build with receding dark blonde hair. Det Chief Insp Craig Robinson said: "We are working closely with colleagues in Leicestershire Police to search for Lorna Vickerage and John Bush. We have extended the search from yesterday and have notified British Transport Police. "We are still appealing for sightings of Lorna Vickerage and John Bush. Anyone who may have seen them is urged to call police on 101 quoting incident 609 of 10 June 2013." Yesterday, police arrested a 35-year-old man from Askern, Doncaster on suspicion of child abduction and he remains in police custody this morning. Anyone with any information on their whereabouts is urged to please call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident 609 of 10 June 2013.

Missing Lorna Vickerage:  'Sightings in Leicestershire'

VIDEO: Compare the meerkat babies!

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Four tiny new meerkat arrivals are proving a hit at Twycross Zoo. The zoo has released these cute snaps of the quadruplet pups, which were born to mum Tallulah on May 11. Julian Chapman, the zoo's large mammals team leader, said it was the largest litter of pups the zoo had seen in the last few years. "The pups are doing very well and mum is doing a great job caring for them, despite probably having her hands full," he said. "At four weeks old, the pups are still feeding from mum and will become fully weaned and eating solids at around 60 days old." Meerkats are part of the mongoose family and live in large families in burrows in the desert. They are highly social animals and live in groups called mobs. Julian added: "Aunties and older sisters will help mum out with babysitting whilst she goes off to feed, and some of the other members of the family will stand on their hind legs keeping a look out for predators. "The pups spent the first few weeks in their underground burrows and have just started venturing out. If you can't see the pups, we advise our visitors to wait patiently."

VIDEO: Compare the meerkat babies!

Teachers' strike at troubled school called off for inquiry

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Further strike action at a school has been called off while an independent investigation is carried out into concerns raised by staff about how the school is run.

Teachers from the National Union of Teachers (NUT) at Uplands Junior School, in Highfields, Leicester, took strike action yesterday, against proposals to axe several teaching assistant posts at the end of the summer term.

Teachers also took industrial action on Tuesday, and further action was planned later this month.

However, the NUT has now confirmed no teachers will strike while an investigation into a formal grievance, lodged by staff in March against head teacher Tim Luckcock and chairman of governors Abid Matak, is under way.

The investigation is expected to start on Monday.

The calling off of the planned industrial action was good news for parents who gathered at the school yesterday to hold their own protest about further strikes.

Although the school was able to stay open during Tuesday's action, after supply staff were brought in, it was forced to shut yesterday.

Parent Dilnashin Latif, who has two children at the school, was among those protesting outside Uplands.

She said: "I'm a working parent and finding someone to look after my children while this action takes place is difficult.

"Not all parents are against the restructure of the school. I think change can sometimes be good and is more innovative.

"I've got about 600 signatures from parents at the junior and infants opposed to this.

"The children are suffering at the end of the day."

Shabnan Dabhad has a daughter at the school. She said: "I think there are other ways of resolving this. We weren't told of the closure until the last minute and it's difficult to sort childcare out at such short notice.

"A friend of mine says she might lose her job because she keeps having to take time off."

Another parent, who did not give his name, said: "It feels as though our children are being used in some sort of political game and that's not right."

Union leaders had urged the council to suspend Mr Luckcock while the investigation into the grievance took place, but have agreed for it to go ahead without this being met.

Ian Leaver, assistant secretary for Leicester's branch of the NUT, said: "Members have agreed to suspend their strike action to allow an independent investigation to begin. This is for the sake of the education of the children.

"We'd like to assure parents we have only taken this action because of deep concerns the plans for next year will damage their children's education."

A spokesman for Leicester City Council, said: "The investigation will get under way by Monday at the latest."

It is not yet known who will carry out the investigation.

Teachers' strike at troubled school called off for inquiry

Bus changes planned for subsidised city services

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Subsidised bus services in Leicester are to be revamped as the council aims to cut funding by £200,000. The 10/11 inner ring service and the service 36 will be stopped while 10 other routes will either be amended, replaced by a dial a ride service, or left untouched. The proposals were announced today by City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and will be subject to four weeks' public consultation. Sir Peter said: "The city council is having to make savings from its current annual budget for supported bus services, meaning its budget will fall from £500,000 a year to £300,000 a year. "While a number of these supported bus services really do provide a vital link for passengers, others rely on a very large council subsidy and are used by very few passengers. "We are working closely with the Bus Users' Panel, Leicester Disabled People's Action Group, bus companies and the county council on these proposals. The consultation is a chance for other people who use the buses to get involved in that decision-making process." The routes in question involve 500,000 journeys a year but only represent 1.4 per cent of the city's total bus traffic. Each route was examined against use, subsidy and need. The 40 outer ring service will be retained as it was used by 249,713 people and attracts subsidies worth £124,000 - about 50p a journey. Sir Peter said: "This is very important route used, for example, by people working at Beaumont Leys and in the Troon Way area." However, the 10/11 route only attracted 38,682 passengers over the year attracting a subsidy of £5.16p per passenger journey and will be axed. The proposals were outlined to a meeting of the Bus Users' Panel on Thursday. Panel member Paul Southwood said: "The proposals do not fully take into consideration the needs of senior citizens or people with disabilities. "The proposals involve more people having to change buses to complete journeys. That will cause a great deal of inconvenience." Mr Southwood, who is the disability officer for Leicester and District Trades Union Congress, added: "We came up with proposals about improving services and saving money but we have not even had that acknowledged by the city." The consultation will start on Monday June 17 and last four weeks. The city council executive will make a decision on the proposals towards the end of August. The new arrangements will come into force in October if they are approved by the Traffic Commissioner. For full details of the bus proposals annouced by Sir Peter Soulsby click here: (PDF)

Bus changes planned for subsidised city services

Richard III: Leicester visitor centre designs unveiled

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Detailed plans and artist's impressions of the proposed Richard III visitor centre have been unveiled.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby also revealed the logo and motto, "Dynasty, Death and Discovery" which will accompany the Richard III branding at the museum, in Peacock Lane.

It is expected to be ready by April, said designer Paul East, of Maber Architects.

The £4 million visitor centre will incorporate the king's former grave and could include a full-size replica of his skeleton.

However, a suggestion the actual remains could be put on display before they are reinterred at Leicester Cathedral was dismissed by Sir Peter.

He said: "We are looking at having a series of processions leading up to the reinterment, but we have to treat the remains with dignity and respect.

"Putting them on display might not be the best way to honour that.

"But there's a possibility, a strong one, we'll have a replica of the remains as part of the exhibition."

Loughborough University has expressed an interest in creating a 3D print of the entire skeleton, similar to the replica Richard III skull it produced last year.

The life-size model would sit among interactive displays and story boards focusing on three aspects of the king.

Sir Peter said: "We want to tell the story of the period Richard was alive, which will include the Wars of the Roses.

"We want to tell the story of Richard and explore the man versus the myth and we want to tell the amazing story of the discovery and identification of Richard's remains."

Last year, the council bought the former Alderman Newton School building, which stands next to the car park where the monarch was unearthed.

Some preparatory work on the 150-year-old building, including removing asbestos, started this week.

Workers must await the approval of a planning application – due to be submitted today – before carrying out any major alterations.

The plans show the site will include seven exhibition spaces, a function room, courtyard, shop and cafe.

Architect Paul East said: "We've got some really nice subtle references to the medieval site where the new centre will stand.

"For example, the courtyard will be in Herrick's garden and some of the exhibition spaces will form what was the choir of the Greyfriars abbey."

Alderman Robert Herrick bought the former Greyfriars friary in the early 1600s and built a mansion and garden on the site.

The temporary free exhibition at the Guildhall has had more than 80,000 visitors in four months.

Sir Peter said the new museum would charge for entry, but it was not the time to reveal prices.

"This does have to be something which produces enough revenue to be sustainable," he said.

"People do need to pay if it's going to be more than just a 12-month wonder."

The mayor estimated it would get 100,000 visitors a year, raising £4.5 million.

Richard III: Leicester visitor centre designs unveiled

Castro signs for Toulon

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Toulon have confirmed the signing of Leicester Tigers prop Martin Castrogiovanni. Rumours of the Italy international's move to the French giants had been strong throughout last season although the deal was said to be "on ice" as talks between the two clubs stuttered. But the Heineken Cup champions have finally confirmed his arrival for next season. Castrogiovanni, who made 146 appearances for Tigers, topped off his time at Welford Road by lifting the Premiership trophy alongside retiring club captain Geordan Murphy following their victory over Northampton Saints. The tight-head prop, currently on tour in South Africa with Italy, will now link up with the side that knocked Tigers out of the Heineken Cup last season.

Castro signs for Toulon

In the courts

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Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include: Ricky Middleton (23), of Homefield Road, Sileby, admitted using a motor vehicle in Beaumont Road, Loughborough, on December 4 last year, without insurance. He was fined £110 and ordered to pay £30 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. His driving licence was also endorsed with six points. Liam Rennie (23), of Chesterton Court, Southey Close, Enderby, was convicted in his absence of driving a vehicle in Forest Road, Enderby, on October 25 last year, without a valid driving licence. He was fined £37, ordered to pay £45 costs and a £20 victim surcharge and banned from driving for six months. Hussein Abdo Sallam (21), of Ambassador Road, Crown Hills, Leicester, pleaded guilty to using a motor vehicle in Newarke Street, Leicester, on October 24 last year, without valid insurance. He was fined £110 and ordered to pay £20 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. He also had his licence endorsed with six points and was disqualified from driving until he passes his driving test. Billy Smith (41), of Nevada Park, Park Avenue, Melton, was convicted in his absence of failing to give information to police on February 24, last year, relating to the identity of the driver of a vehicle alleged to be guilty of a traffic offence. He was fined £600 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. His driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points but he was not disqualified from driving due to mitigating circumstances of having to care for a family member. Shaun Tully (30), of Aikman Avenue, New Parks, Leicester, was convicted in his absence of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a vehicle in Fosse Road North, Leicester, on August 2, last year. He was fined £200, ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge and had his driving licence endorsed with three penalty points. Ivelin Ivanov (37), of Beaumanor Road, Stocking Farm, Leicester, pleaded guilty by post to using a motor vehicle without insurance and without a valid licence in Butterwick Drive, Leicester, on February 18. He was fined £400 and ordered to pay £60 costs and a £40 victim surcharge. His driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points and he was disqualified from driving until he passes his driving test. Julie O-Connell (40), of Kenilworth Avenue, Loughborough, pleaded guilty by post to breaking the speed limit while driving a vehicle in a 30mph speed limit zone on the A6, London Road, Kegworth, on November 4, last year. She was fined £105, ordered to pay £60 costs and a £20 victim surcharge and had her driving licence endorsed with three penalty points. Ali Imran Razaq (22), of Dowling Drive, Evington, Leicester, was convicted in his absence of using a motor vehicle without insurance in Hinckley Road, Leicester, on April 26. He was fined £600 and ordered to pay £135 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. His driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points. Carl Poyner (44), of Shaw Lane, Markfield, admitted to breaching a restraining order imposed by Leicester Crown Court on July 20, 2011, by contacting by phone, between September 2 and 23, 2011, a person he was prohibited from contacting under the order. He also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to the custody of Leicester Magistrates Court on May 1 while on bail. He was sentenced to nine weeks in prison. Kristian Johnstone (32), of Charnwood Avenue, Thurmaston, Leicester, admitted to beating up a woman in Thurmaston on January 7, and to causing £50 of damage to a police telephone handset on the same date. He was given an 18-month community order involving supervision and behaviour therapy. He was ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £50 compensation to Leicestershire police. Tony Smith (26), of Emburn House, Aikman Avenue, New Parks, Leicester, was sentenced to a total of 16 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to beating up a woman on December 31, last year. His sentence includes nine weeks for committing the offence while subject to a 12-week suspended prison sentence imposed by Ashby and Market Bosworth magistrates on September 6, last year, for a spate of bicycle thefts in Loughborough and Birstall involving four machines worth a total of £1,100. David Hallam (34), of Huncote Road, Narborough, admitted to stealing metals of value unknown belonging to Ashcroft Hostel, Narborough Road, Leicester, on December 3, last year – and to stealing a copper pipe of value unknown from a restaurant in Narborough on February 15. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for the earlier offence and a further six weeks for the second, which will run concurrently. Ian Bourne (59), of Newmarket Street, Knighton, Leicester, was convicted in his absence of speeding in a 30mph speed limit zone in King Richards Road, Leicester, on November 4, last year. He was fined £200, ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge and had his driving licence endorsed with three penalty points.

In the courts


Roadworks in Leicester

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New work starting week commencing Sunday, June 16:• Peacock Lane: Royal Tigers parade. Road closures for short time only along parade route (Peacock Lane, St Martin's, Hotel Street, Horsefair Street and Bishop Street) on Sunday (Jun 16).• Queens Road: Queens Road Summer Fair. Road closed between Clarendon Park Road and Victoria Park Road on Sunday (Jun 16) only. Diversions in place.• Lutterworth Road: new bus lane. Lane closures at junction with Soar Valley Way and Glenhills Way on Sunday (Jun 16) only. Expect delays.• Tyrrell Street: carriageway resurfacing. Road closed between Bosworth Street and Nugent Street on Monday (Jun 17) and Tuesday (Jun 18) only. Diversion in place.• High Street: Armed Forces Day parade. Road closures for short time only along parade route (High Street, East Gates, Humberstone Gate West) on Saturday (Jun 22). Ongoing works in the city:• Bonners Lane: bus lane improvements. Temporary signals and lane closures as required at junction with Oxford Street.• Berridge Street: improvements as part of Connecting Leicester. Road closed. Diversions in place.• Lutterworth Road: new bus lane. Various restrictions in place including temporary lane closures and temporary signals, moving along from Glen Parva.• Carlton Street: new bus lane. Off peak lane restrictions in place between Welford Road and Oxford Street.• Melton Road: new development. Lane restrictions in place near to Troon Way junction.• Pluto Close: new development. Road closed.• Rutland Street: building works. Lane restrictions as required at junction with Charles Street.• Western Road: building works. Road closed between Saxon Street and Roman Street. Diversions along Celt Street, Narborough Road, Gaul Street and Wilberforce Road.• Wimbledon Street: construction work. Road closed at junction with Humberstone Road. One-way order reversed, access from Southampton Street.• Applegate: Resurfacing works to be carried out before the road is reopened to traffic. Note that emergency situations may require work schedules to be changed at short notice. For queries, contact Area Traffic Control on 0116 254 0000. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 6.30pm, and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Roadworks in Leicester

Villagers angry about plans to build homes near Bushby

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Residents are to fight plans to build up to 275 homes on farmland near their homes. Villagers are to object to plans by Bloor Homes and a local farmer to build on a 17-hectacre site off the A47 Uppingham Road, in Bushby. The proposals for the development, which include a 40 percent "affordable housing provision", were unveiled at a public exhibition at Wadkins Sports Centre, Bushby, on Thursday and at Thurnby Memorial Hall yesterday. The plan is to develop farmland on the north-eastern edge of Thurnby and Bushby, to the east of Wadkins Way and Devenports Hill, and to the north of the disused railway line. Resident Phil Pickering, who lives in Devenports Hill, Bushby, has started a petition against the plans. The 43-year-old, who lives with his partner and three children, said: "This will be right on our doorstep. "A planning application was put in on this site two years ago for 150 homes and was turned down by Harborough District Council. "The objections then were that it is in the countryside and there is not the infrastructure in place to cope with the influx of extra people. As far as we are concerned nothing has changed at all. "This is site that should not be spoiled by a development like this." His partner Sarah Norton, 45, said: "We know there is shortage of homes but there are more appropriate sites than this." startled Tony Bott, of Goddard Close, said he was surprised by the scale of the development. The 57-year-old said: "To be honest I am startled by the number of homes being proposed and the sheer size of the site. There is no way they should let this through in the form it is. The area could not cope with another development on this scale." Resident Stewart Murray, of Wadkins Way, said he and his wife Susan would be objecting to the plans. The 63-year-old said: "One of the major issues is that the proposed number of homes means that up to 500 cars will be trying to get on to and off the already very busy A47. "There are many brownfield sites in and around Leicester better suited for a development such as this." Susan, 57, said: "I am worried. All things considered this is totally inappropriate for here." However, Malcolm and Shirley Taylor, of Winkadale Close, which is across the road from the proposed development, said they were pleased to see the plans. Malcolm, 77, said: "We used to live in Devenports Hill and are looking to move back. "We are pleased to see this and want to know more as we might buy a house and move back." A Bloor Homes spokesman said: "Feedback from this consultation event will be used to inform the preparation of an outline planning application. "This will seek to establish the principle of residential development on this location and, if successful, would be followed by a detailed design and a further application." The Leicester Mercury was unable to reach the farmer for comment.

Villagers angry about plans to build homes near Bushby

County draw as rain sets in

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Leicestershire's match with Northamptonshire finished in a draw as heavy showers hit the County Ground on the final afternoon. Having resumed on 142-3 in their first innings Leicestershire were 238-6 when rain drove the players from the field for what proved the final time shortly before the scheduled tea interval. The County had batted solidly in the morning. Joe Burns was bowled by Andrew Hall for 77 but Matthew Boyce and Michael Thornely ensured there would be no dramatic collapse. They added 77 runs either side of rain breaks for the fifth wicket, Thornely eventually caught behind for 46. Rob Taylor followed to Steven Crook's next delivery to leave the County on 236-6 but the weather ensured there was precious little time for either side to pick up more bonus points, Boyce closing unbeaten on 40.

County draw as rain sets in

Man in critical condition after attack in Highfields

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A man is critically ill in hospital following an attack in Highfields, Leicester. Police were called to Farnham Street at about 8.55pm yesterday following reports that a man had been assaulted in the street. Five men and a woman have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in police custody. Police said the victim, who is in his forties, was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary after being found with serious injuries. He is still being treated in hospital, and his condition is currently described as critical but stable. Detective Constable Joanna Brown, the investigating officer, said the victim's injuries were "very serious". She said: "Investigations are in their very early stages and officers have been carrying out a number of inquiries surrounding what happened. "This was a nasty attack on this man and he is receiving treatment for some very serious injuries. "We believe that there may have been several people who witnessed the assault and we would urge these people to please contact police with whatever information they have. "We would like to reassure anyone who may call us with information that it will be treated with the upmost confidence and that they can always leave information with Crimestoppers anonymously if they wish." Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Brown by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Man in critical condition after attack in Highfields

Missing teenage girl found in London

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A 14-year-old girl who was spotted in Leicestershire yesterday has been found safe and well in London. The disappearance of Doncaster teenager Lorna Vickerage, who went missing along with 35-year-old John Bush on Monday, sparked a nationwide hunt. He has now been arrested by police. Lorna was seen in Sproxton, Leicestershire, yesterday evening. The silver Ford Mondeo the pair were travelling in was recovered near a hotel in Sproxton at 6.40pm. Detectives believed the pair had travelled to Melton train station. Leicestershire police were working with South Yorkshire police in the hunt for the pair. South Yorkshire police today confirmed that John Bush had been arrested in London after an off-duty officer recognised them near Euston Road train station at 2.35pm. Another 35-year-old man, from Askern, near Doncaster, was arrested in connection with the case yesterday.

Missing teenage girl found in London

VIDEO: Man jailed for three years for child indecency offences

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A computer expert who set up websites advising paedophiles about accessing child pornography has been jailed for three years. Martin Jarvis (65) also downloaded more than 300,000 indecent pictures of children, and distributed around 20,000. Leicester Crown Court was told that officers from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre accessed a chat forum which led them to a website linked to the defendant. Jarvis's former home, in St Bernards Road, Whitwick, was raided, and police seized his computer equipment. Jarvis pleaded guilty to 12 counts of distributing child pornography during 2012, 11 counts of making indecent images by downloading them between 2010 and last year, five counts of possessing illegal pictures of children, from 2001 until January this year, and an offence of intentionally encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence by creating internet sites and administering other websites, between 2008 and January this year. Victoria Rose, prosecuting, said that as well as distributing child pornography, Jarvis advised other like-minded people on how to avoid detection by the police or vigilante-style internet groups. He created "safe" areas for paedophiles to communicate online, she said. In total the offences related to 349,643 images at level one, the least serious category of image, 764 images and 32 videos at level two, 877 images at level three, 969 images and 11 videos at level four and 60 images in the most serious category, level five. The images were mainly of young girls. Sentencing Jarvis, Judge Michael Pert QC said: "Anyone who even briefly viewed the material subject to these charges, as I've had to do, can see the images have come from third world countries. "One can imagine the economic circumstances that led to these children being exploited for their creation, for the sexual gratification of others thousands of miles away. "Your active participation in the exchange of information not only helped others to administer material to each other but also to avoid detection." Jane Hinds, mitigating, said Jarvis had no previous convictions. She said: "He's always had considerable technical ability. "His interest in computers and creating web pages brought him to commit these offences. "His interest was in images in the lower range of seriousness. "He's been a lonely person with limited family and friends." He lost his mother 14 years ago, and his interest in technology took a more sinister turn after that, the court was told. Mrs Hinds said: "He's lost contact with his sibling who wants nothing more to do with him and he understands and accepts that." Detective Constable Robert Waddington, of Leicestershire Police, said after the hearing: "This was an incredibly detailed investigation involving several agencies. "Jarvis was responsible for distributing many thousands of indecent images of children to like-minded individuals around the world. He used his technical skills to help others to commit offences. "Offenders such as Jarvis think they can contact, coerce and cause harm to young people via the internet, and believe they will not have to face the consequences of their actions. "They must realise that everything done online leaves a digital footprint and we will use this information to locate them and ensure they are brought before the courts to face justice." VIDEO: Raid on the address where Jarvis was living at the time.

VIDEO: Man jailed for three years for child indecency offences

Hospital fall man's family question safety

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The family of a Leicester man who plummeted to his death through a fourth-floor hospital window have raised concerns over safety at the hospital. Joseph Tauya, of Braunstone, smashed a window on the neuro spinal post-operative unit at Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), Nottingham, and flung himself out at about 1.30pm on March 1 last year. He had just had a tumour removed from his brain and was on strong steroids, the side-effects of which had severely effected his mental state. Mr Tauya leapt onto the window ledge, smashed the window and threw himself out, having been preaching about Jesus moments earlier and referring to himself as the "saviour". A team of nurses and doctors hung onto his legs and tried to prevent him from falling. They were successful for around seven minutes before they lost their grip and the man fell down onto the pavement below. The four-day inquest in Nottingham has heard evidence from some of the nurses involved in the struggle to save the father-of-three, who is originally from Zimbabwe, and many of whom have suffered psychologically as a result of the nature of the death. On the final day the inquest heard that the family had raised questions over whether it was suitable to have glass windows on a ward which frequently looked after patients in a confused state of mind. Notts coroner Mairin Casey said: "Before I return my verdict, there is one other matter that ought to be addressed, and I know it has been a concern for the family and that is the issue of the suitability of the glass in the window on the hospital ward. At an early stage I referred this matter to the Health and Safety Executive." A spokesman for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the QMC, declined to comment on the glass or safety on the ward. He said: "We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Tauya following his tragic death and fully support the coroner's verdict." The coroner recorded a narrative verdict into the case, and did not apportion any blame to the hospital trust or its staff. Concluding the case Miss Casey said: "My final words in this case are for the family – for Mrs Tauya, her three children, and to all of Mr Tauya's extended family and friends. "I extend my condolences to you all for the terrible loss you have suffered – the loss of a husband, father, brother – a man well loved and well respected man by you, and by his community. "I only hope that you feel the exploration of these painful memories in this very public arena will help you to comprehend more fully the circumstances leading up to Mr Tauya's death. I offer you my most sincere sympathies." Mr Tauya leaves behind his wife of 18-and-a-half years, Moirah, and three children aged three, 12 and 17.

Hospital fall man's family question safety


Richard's story in TV spotlight

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A new historical TV drama is set to thrust Richard III back into the national spotlight.

The White Queen charts the years leading up to the Battle of Bosworth, where Richard was killed in action, through the eyes of the women in the royal courts.

The epic 10-part series, which begins tomorrow on BBC1, is described as a "stunningly rich tale of love and loss, seduction and deception, betrayal and murder".

The White Queen is based on Philippa Gregory's best-selling historical novel series The Cousins' War.

Emma Frost, who has dramatised the book for the television series, has told how the figure of Richard III cast a spooky shadow over the filming of the series in Belgium last year.

She said: "We all avidly followed the news about a skeleton being found in a car park in Leicester. Like many people we just assumed it would not be Richard III, but when it was revealed it was him we were astonished.

"It was particularly eerie for Aneurin Barnard, the actor playing Richard III, because just as he was bringing him to life, the remains of a king were being lifted out of car park in Leicester.

"It was surreal. Another member of the cast tweeted that Aneurin was going to extraordinary lengths to grab the limelight on the set."

The drama follows the story of the War of the Roses, which ended with the slaying of Richard III at Bosworth.

The programme's three main female protagonists are Richard III's sister-in-law, Elizabeth Woodville, his wife, Anne Neville, and Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII after the Battle of Bosworth.

Oadby historian David Baldwin, who has written books about Richard III and Elizabeth Woodville, said: "The story has a lot of connections to Leicestershire.

"Elizabeth Woodville, before marrying Edward IV, was married to Sir John Grey and would have lived for some time at Groby Old Hall, which still stands today.

"Sir John was a local knight and an ancestor of Lady Jane Grey. Depending on which source you believe, Elizabeth was as young as 13 when she married and just 14 when she had her first child, but Sir John was killed in battle in 1461 and she went on to marry Edward.

"We know a lot more about her life after she became queen, of course, because the chroniclers of the age were paying much more attention to her."

Anne Neville, Richard III's wife, was also the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, described as the "kingmaker" who put Edward – Richard's brother and Elizabeth's husband – on the throne.

The history books reveal that Anne paid a visit to Leicester during her husband's short reign, but died before his defeat at Bosworth.

David said: "Anne married Richard before he became king and we know she spent three days in Leicester with Richard in the course of their post-coronation tour of their kingdom in August, 1483.

"They stayed at the castle.

"But she was quite sickly and died some months before the Battle of Bosworth."

David said the programme would help keep the popularity of the story of Richard III alive.

He said: "The excitement of finding the skeleton can't continue for ever, but this sort of thing is likely to keep things ticking over."

The White Queen begins on BBC 1 at 9pm tomorrow.

Richard's story in TV spotlight

VIDEO: Refurbished bells ready to ring out over village again

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Church bells can ring out over a village once more, thanks to a year-long, £30,000 project.

The peal of eight bells at All Saints, Gilmorton, has been refurbished and re-hung and is ready to ring.

The work was carried out by John Taylor and Co Bell Foundry, of Loughborough.

Andrew Mills, works director, said: "Because the frame had corroded, new steel had to be put in the base and two extra beams added to strengthen the tower.

"New furnishings have been put into at least five of the bells.

"The work took about a month but was done piecemeal as the money for the project came in.

"The bells were last refurbished 100 years ago and it will probably be at least another 100 years before the work has to be done again."

The eight bells together weigh two-and-a-half tons. The largest, the tenor, alone tips the scales at more than half a ton – the weight of a small car.

The oldest bell was cast in 1738 and the octave was completed in 1909.

The £30,000 to complete the project came from sources including a Bell Fund lottery, concerts and donations from individuals and businesses. A team of volunteers, led by Alan Moult, worked 60 feet up in the tower to dismantle and lower the bells and steelwork and then raise all the refurbished parts.

The bells were returned to the church from the foundry by Enderby builder's merchant E H Smith.

Team vicar, the Rev Emma Davies said: "Bell-ringing is a wonderful activity which brings together people of all ages.

"We really hope that once the bells are re-hung they will attract some more people who would like to learn this ancient art.

"Our local ringers are looking forward to being able to ring again for services including weddings and to celebrate events of local and national importance.

"I know many people are longing to hear our glorious bells ringing out again over the village and I am very grateful for the generosity of all involved."

VIDEO: Refurbished   bells   ready to ring out over village again

Inside Cricket: Don't be surprised if the Foxes are a big hit in T20

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It is only a fortnight until the first ball is bowled in this season's Friends Life T20 competition, and there appears to be sound evidence for Leicestershire Foxes fans to look forward to the 20-over action.

The Foxes have a proud tradition in the competition, having lifted the trophy in 2004, 2006 and 2011, so that record alone should lead to decent attendances at Grace Road.

However, what is really encouraging for 2013 is the positive way that Leicestershire have set about their white-ball cricket in the YB40 competition.

They have banked four wins from five games to date, and it is fair to assume that the confidence developed in the 40-over game will carry over to 20-over matches.

Of course, the best-laid plans can easily fall apart in the quick-fire version of the game.

But they can also work like a charm, which was pretty much the case in 2011 when the Foxes built around the talents of overseas players Andrew McDonald and Abdul Razzaq.

Joe Burns and Shakib Al Hasan carry those mantels this season and, if they both fire, Leicestershire have demonstrated in YB40 cricket this season that they have a batting line-up capable of moving the scoreboard along in a real hurry.

Josh Cobb and Niall O'Brien are both major threats at the top of the order and, with Burns, Shakib, Matthew Boyce and Shiv Thakor to follow, there is scope to set targets or chase down scores.

The emphasis on Leicestershire's bowling approach looks sure to fall on the spin bowlers, even if Claude Henderson looks unlikely to be a central on-field figure in his final season at the club.

The trio of Shakib, Cobb and Jigar Naik ought to ask plenty of questions of opposing batsmen, continuing a line of attack that Leicestershire have adopted since the first year of the competition when Jeremy Snape, Brad Hodge and Virender Sehwag all nagged away on slow pitches.

On the seam front, Leicestershire do not have the quality of a Stuart Broad or Mark Cleary to blow away top-order batters, so it will be a case of frustrating and keeping matters as tight as possible.

Rob Taylor has been the most effective County paceman in one-day cricket this season, most recently at Yorkshire on Sunday when he claimed 2-40 from his eight overs, while his batting could also come to the fore.

The left-hander showed his capabilities with the willow when he saw the Foxes home at Scarborough, making a crucial unbeaten 48 from 43 balls.

For head coach Phil Whitticase and one-day skipper Cobb, it is a case of getting the right players into the right roles.

"We've been looking at 2011 when we were successful and what we did in those games," said Whitticase.

"That year, Josh and Macca were very good up front, with Will Jefferson coming in behind them.

"So we have to look at the players we have in the squad and the roles in which we can use them. Then it is a case of trying to get those plans into place."

The Foxes are unlikely to be fancied to qualify from a group which also consists of Notts, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham and Derbyshire.

They will not worry too much about that – it has generally been the case, anyway.

There is an intriguing blend, though, in the Foxes' ranks, and a couple of early wins might just have one or two pundits wondering if Leicestershire are about to mount another charge.

Inside Cricket: Don't be surprised if the Foxes are a big hit in T20

Man critical after attack in Highfields

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A man is critically ill in hospital following an attack in Highfields, Leicester. Police were called to Farnham Street at about 8.55pm yesterday following reports that a man had been assaulted in the street. Five men and a woman have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in police custody. Police said the victim, who is in his forties, was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary after being found with serious injuries. He is still being treated in hospital, and his condition is currently described as critical but stable. Detective Constable Joanna Brown, the investigating officer, said the victim's injuries were "very serious". She said: "Investigations are in their very early stages and officers have been carrying out a number of inquiries surrounding what happened. "This was a nasty attack on this man and he is receiving treatment for some very serious injuries. "We believe that there may have been several people who witnessed the assault and we would urge these people to please contact police with whatever information they have. "We would like to reassure anyone who may call us with information that it will be treated with the upmost confidence and that they can always leave information with Crimestoppers anonymously if they wish." Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Brown by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Man critical  after attack in Highfields

Leicestershire village is the exact centre of England

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A monument has been unveiled next to a field in Leicestershire designated as the spot which marks the exact centre of England.

For years, a monument in the village of Meriden, near Coventry, has marked what was thought to be the spot.

But in 2002 new, more sophisticated technology employed by national mapping service Ordnance Survey discovered the true spot to be in the middle of a field in Fenny Drayton, near Hinckley.

A monument and plaque, marking the location for future generations, have been installed next to the field.

Ordnance Survey calculated the exact centre 11 years ago and found it to be in a field at Lindley Hall Farm.

The field, on private land, is still used to grow crops, but the owners say it could become a tourist attraction in future.

It has taken until now for the 6ft monument, made from a railway sleeper, to be installed.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, which paid the £200 for the monument, had to negotiate with the landowners over footpath access.

Stephen Farmer, of Lindley Hall Farm, said: "It's a position on the map, the same as Land's End and John O'Groats.

"People go to see (those landmarks) and have their photos taken, so I definitely think it should be known to the public where it is."

David Bill, deputy leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: "We've been talking about this for some considerable time and it's great that we've now got to the point where the official centre of England has finally been marked.

"The delay in putting up the monument was due to negotiations with the landowner and over footpath access, but they've all been overcome now.

"It only came to my attention about a year ago and I've been in negotiation since. It's taken a long time to resolve with all the various interested parties.

"The £200 we paid is minimal cost for something which could be of great benefit to the area. It has put us on the map – quite literally.

"It is a fascinating, historical piece of England, very close to where the Roman roads of Watling Street and Fosse Way cross.

"It is also very close to Bosworth battlefield – it's great that we've now got another spot which is worthy of national recognition."

Steve Wegerif, chairman of Hinckley and Bosworth Tourism Partnership, said :"It is located just a few miles from where the Battle of Bosworth was fought in 1485, which changed the face of England's monarchy forever.

"I think it's absolutely marvellous that it is now where it should be right in the middle of the borough of Hinckley and Bosworth.

"It reminds me of a pin in the middle of a compass, attracting everyone from north, south, east and west."

Leicestershire village is the exact centre of England

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