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Worldwide impression: Three-year-old's paintings a global phenomenon

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A three-year-old artist has become a global phenomenon after her story appeared in the Leicester Mercury.

Autistic youngster Iris Grace Halmshaw's gift for impressionist-style artworks has been featured on websites around the world, and orders for her paintings have flooded in.

She has appeared on the websites for the China Times, Italian newspaper La Repubblica and German tabloid Bild, which described the youngster, from Harborough, as "ein kleiner Monet", or "a little Monet".

Her parents said dozens of people from across the globe have inquired about buying prints and all of her original paintings were sold, one for as much as £1,500.

Her father, Peter-Jon, 43, said people in 203 countries had read the story since the Mercury first wrote about her last month.

He said: "We're still going through all the orders and they keep on flooding in. We are amazed at the response and are very thankful for all of the supportive e-mails that have been coming in from other parents of autistic children.

"In the days after the Mercury article appeared we had up to 14,000 page views on Iris Grace's website each day. Then the story started cropping up in the nationals and publications as far away as Taiwan picked it up.

"We had a piece in the Daily Mail and after that we had a quarter of a million page views one day." He said Iris Grace had been "mesmerised" to see her story appear in print, as well as online.

He said: "I think she has an inkling of what's happening. Whether she could understand people in 200 countries are reading about her, I don't know."

She was two when diagnosed with autism. She rarely made eye contact with her parents and, fearing she was slipping away from them, they tried different therapies.

She started painting as part of her home-schooling with her mother, Arabella, who said: "With the help of many therapists, she changed dramatically in a short space of time. We still have a long way to go with her social skills and speech, but have many more good days."

The money from the art sales will help pay for her therapies, which cost more than £7,000 per year.

But the family's main aim in publicising their daughter's story was to share a positive view of autism and to inspire other parents.

www.irisgracepainting.com

Worldwide impression: Three-year-old's  paintings a global phenomenon


The Apprentice 'is bad for business'

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Viewers who watch hit BBC1 show The Apprentice might already think it paints a slightly unrealistic picture of the business world. Now, University of Leicester professor and business expert Martin Parker has spoken out against Lord Alan Sugar to say just that. With the latest series in full swing, he has said that not only does the programme paint a bad picture of business but actively encourages the candidates who take part to be "morally bankrupt". Prof Parker, an expert in business organisation and culture at the university's school of management, even issued a challenge to Lord Sugar to explain how the blind ambition shown by the candidates would be at all useful in business. He said: "The Apprentice presents the idea that you have to be sociopathic in your relations with others in order to succeed in business. "This is evident in the kind of things the candidates say about themselves. Apparently, you have to say things like 'I would sell my own grandmother for a bag of chips' in order to do well in business. "It actually encourages people to behave in ways that are morally bankrupt and reprehensible. "The show puts across a presentation of self which is about an arrogance and self belief – which I feel is personally damaging to those taking part. "Either they really believe these things they are saying about themselves, or they think this is how they are supposed to act because they see it on television. "Alan Sugar comes across as a Victorian melodrama version of a chief executive. I don't for a second think that he could have got to where he is by acting like this. "I would like Alan Sugar to explain just how the behaviour he expects of his candidates is useful in the business that he runs." Prof Parker said he feared The Apprentice could also be affecting the way students imagine they should behave once they are in the world of work. He said: "The values presented in the show are precisely not the message we want to be sending out to our students. The business education offered by Leicester School of Management is about ethics, diversity and responsibility – not bullying, one-upmanship and backstabbing." Prof Parker said the negative stereotypes didn't end with The Apprentice. They could be linked back to characters such as the greedy dragons on Dragon's Den, David Brent from The Office and even Homer Simpson's slimy boss Montgomery Burns. Melody Hossaini was living in Newfoundpool, Leicester, when she became the first social entrepreneur to appear in The Apprentice in 2011. She runs InspirEngage International, aimed at improving the lives of young people, and is campaigning for the BBC show – which she still loves – to include business tasks that are more socially responsible. She said: "I share some of the concerns highlighted by Professor Parker and certainly welcome the discussion. "There is an element, perhaps because it's a TV show that depicts it as much more dramatic than it needs to be. However, my main call to action is a new way of doing business. "The Apprentice is still a great show and the number one business programme in the world - however, the business world is changing, so it should reflect this. Contestants should measure success by profit but also need to ask themselves what difference they made – which is all about social enterprise." "At InspirEngage International, we've recently launched 'Social Enterprise Revolution' working with schools, colleges and universities to build social enterprise and the mindset into the curriculum and would welcome Professor Parker's involvement in this." A spokeswoman for The Apprentice said they rarely commented on criticism and left it up to viewers to make up their own minds.• What do you think? Share your views here.

The Apprentice 'is bad for business'

Six arrests over David Ross murder

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Six men have been arrested in connection with the murder of of a former Market Harborough bouncer David Ross. Mr Ross, 39, died following an assault last year. The doorman's body was discovered at the Village Express Hotel, in Corby, on December 17. Northamptonshire Police said a post-mortem examination confirmed Mr Ross died from head injuries following the assault. Mr Ross, also known as Les, once worked as a doorman at Harborough's Enigma nightclub, in Coventry Road. The six men - whose ages range from 20 to 35 - were arrested after police raided addresses in Corby. The arrests were part of an operation involving 50 officers from Northamptonshire Police, Leicestershire Police and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit. Detective Chief Inspector Martin Kinchin, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "We believe the people we have arrested have vital information around the circumstances that led to the murder of Mr Ross." Mr Ross was found dead at the hotel on the morning of Monday, December 17 – his home in Corby had been burgled three days previously. Det Chf Insp Kinchin said: "We now know that the burglary on Friday, December 14 was not an opportunist crime but a planned crime targeting Mr Ross. "He moved into the hotel but was keeping his whereabouts very quiet. However, somebody who knew of his location has likely provided the information to Mr Ross's enemies. "We know there are still people with key information for our inquiry and continue to encourage people to contact us directly or, on an anonymous basis, through Crimestoppers."

Six arrests over David Ross murder

We need a win on the board now, says Josh Cobb

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Leicestershire Foxes are forced to make a change at the top of their batting order for the visit of Durham Dynamos this evening (5.30) in the Friends Life T20.

Opening batsman and wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien is on World Cup duty with Ireland and will miss the next three games, hardly what the Foxes need as they search for their first victory in this season's competition.

Ned Eckersley will take over the gloves and looks most likely to open alongside Josh Cobb, leaving Joe Burns to come in at No.3 and Shakib Al Hasan at No.4.

Seam bowler Robbie Williams is ruled out with a hamstring injury and Matthew Hoggard is set to replace him, while all-rounder Rob Taylor is restored to the line-up after his own World Cup stint in Scottish colours.

Cobb believes that Taylor's presence down the order was missed in Saturday's defeat by Derbyshire, although he still feels the Foxes should have claimed victory.

"Having Rob come in at No.9 could have made a difference," said the Foxes captain.

"But one of our main batters had to take a bit more responsibility and get us over the line.

"It was a game we lost rather than Derbyshire winning it.

"We need to get a win on the board now and get going. We've made a slow start but, hopefully, with a few changes, we will see things start fitting into place a bit better.

"It would give us a lift and a confidence boost to help us pick up momentum."

Head coach Phil Whitticase also spoke about the need for responsibility, although he accepted that the Foxes, especially with the loss of O'Brien, remain an inexperienced side who are still largely learning the 20-over art.

"We need a little bit more responsibility from people in the roles they play," said Whitticase.

"You want people to stand up and wins game for you. I watched Shiv Chanderpaul do that for Derbyshire the other night. He made 83 in 70 balls, paced it perfectly and played the right shots."

What will frustrate the Foxes is that they have shown in their two games to date that they are capable of batting and bowling to good effect – they just have not put the two disciplines together in the same match.

"In both games we have played some really good cricket," said Whitticase. "But in T20 it is down to fine margins.

"One good over for the batting side can change a game. One good over from a bowler, with a couple of wickets going, can also change a game."

The crowd at Grace Road this evening will be swelled by the presence of a number of Leicester City players and staff, who will be available for autographs and photographs.

Leicestershire batsman Michael Thornely has received a reprimand from the ECB.

Thornely was reported by umpires Mike Burns and Trevor Riley for showing dissent at an umpiring decision during the second XI match against Derbyshire on July 2.

We need a win on the board now, says  Josh Cobb

Now we can focus on challenge ahead, says Richard Cockerill

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Richard Cockerill said "everyone's minds will be focused on the challenge" at Leicester Tiger after the fixtures for the 2013-14 season were announced.

Tigers open the defence of their Aviva Premiership crown with a home clash against Worcester on Sunday, September 8.

Their first away trip of the 2013-14 campaign will be at the Rec six days later to face a Bath team that beat them there at the end of last season.

Leicester legend Dean Richards then returns to Welford Road the following weekend with his newly-promoted Newcastle side.

Director of rugby Cockerill said the fixtures will help Tigers focus on what awaits them next season.

"Everyone will be looking forward to a new season in the Aviva Premiership, especially as we start with a home game at Welford Road," he said.

"The announcement of the fixtures will help to focus everyone's mind on the work ahead of us, and we'll be looking forward to having everyone back and being ready for the start of the season.

"Worcester are always tough opponents and they have a new coaching team alongside Dean Ryan.

"We won there with a last-minute try last season, and the home game was another close one, so we know what they bring to the game.

"We're still early in the pre-season period, but the start of the season will come around quickly and we have to be prepared."

Tigers' match against Worcester will be shown live on television on the new BT Sport channel that is being launched at the end of this month.

Six of the club's opening seven games will be broadcast live after BT took over screening rights from Sky and ESPN.

Traditionally slow starters, Tigers will see their opening skirmishes as a decent chance to gets early points on the board with two of this season's expected strugglers at home in the opening three games.

In other season highlights, the first East Midlands derby will take place on October 5 when Tigers meet Northampton for the first time since their controversial clash in last season's Premiership final.

The knock-on effects of that final will still be in evidence as the game will take place five matches into Cockerill's nine-match ban for 'unprofessional and inappropriate behaviour'.

He will therefore not be allowed to coach during the game and will watch the match from the stands in the same way that a spectator would.

Leicester are at home for both fixtures over the festive period, with Sale the visitors on December 28 and Bath coming to Welford Road on January 4.

Tigers end their 22-game campaign on May 10 with a visit from Saracens.

Now we can focus on challenge ahead, says Richard Cockerill

'Expect long prison sentence'

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A former children's home worker is facing a substantial jail term after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing a vulnerable boy.

The victim, Aaron Leafe, committed suicide six weeks after making a police complaint about Anwar Ismail, who had groomed him from the age of 12.

A Leicester Crown Court jury found Ismail (31) guilty of seven charges and acquitted him of three other counts.

Remanding him into custody to await sentencing next month, Judge Robert Brown told Ismail to expect "a long sentence".

During the trial, Aaron spoke from the grave when his 93-minute video account of what happened, recorded by the police, was played in court.

Aaron said on the tape: "Anwar always pressured me into having sex with him. I didn't want to do it.

"He gave me money. He got me a flat. He let me drive his car.

"He bought me cigarettes and cannabis. I was scared of him. I just did what I was told. That's why I did it."

Prosecutor Mary Prior told the court Aaron took his own life in June 2010 by tying a curtain cord around his neck.

She said he left a note saying: "I can't get over what happened with me and Anwar. I hate him so much."

Ismail, of Matlock Street, Spinney Hills, Leicester, denied all the allegations, saying he genuinely cared about Aaron and wanted to help him.

Former security guard Ismail became a care worker at Woodland Retreat children's home, Chantry Lane, off Groby Road, Leicester, in 2007, where Aaron, then 12, was living.

Staff were concerned about their apparent closeness.

Ismail was dismissed in 2008 for forcibly restraining Aaron, causing an arm injury.

Contact continued privately between them after Aaron was moved to another children's home, Duncanwood Lodge, near Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

Ismail drove from Leicester to meet him.

The guilty verdicts relate to December 2009 and 2010, when Aaron was 14 and 15.

They involved Ismail taking Aaron from Duncanwood Lodge back to his home in Spinney Hills, and keeping him there for three days.

Ismail phoned in sick to get time off work.

Sexual activity took place and Aaron was raped.

Ismail then continued to visit Aaron, driving to Duncanwood Lodge on 16 occasions between December 2009 and April 2010, according to mobile phone cell site evidence tracing his movements.

He would park his Audi in a secluded car park opposite the Lodge and Aaron would climb out of his bedroom window at night to escape, said Mrs Prior. There were door alarms in the bedrooms to alert staff, but no alarms on the windows.

The two would spend hours on the telephone. If Aaron did not answer, Ismail would bombard him with phone calls – on one night alone he rang the teenager 111 times.

In March 2010, Ismail rented a flat in Radford Road, Nottingham, so he could continue to meet Aaron.

On one occasion he pushed Aaron on to the bed in the flat, and kissed him.

Aaron punched him and fled.

He rang the children's home asking to be collected.

Ismail contacted the landlord saying he was giving up the flat and asked him to "destroy" all the paperwork and pretend he had never lived there.

Aaron stopped contact with the defendant.

Ismail then sent him text messages falsely claiming to have throat cancer.

He also sent Aaron a text saying: "I can't live without you."

Mrs Prior said: "As a result of him sending those texts, Aaron took an overdose and disclosed everything to staff at the home."

The staff warned Ismail they would report him to the police if he did not cease contact.

Ismail ignored the warning and drove to Duncanwood Lodge on April 16, 2010, to see Aaron, who refused to go outside.

Ismail was arrested the next day.

When later informed of Aaron's suicide by the police, Ismail asked: "Does that mean the charges are dropped?"

Giving evidence in his defence, Ismail said he told Aaron he loved him in a caring way, not a sexual way. He said he continued to see him to help him, because he was threatening suicide, he said.

Ismail was found guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a child, three of child abduction, a rape and sexual activity with a child, between 2009 and 2010.

He was cleared of two counts of sexual activity with a child and one of attempted rape at Woodland Retreat, in 2007.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Brighouse said after the hearing: "Ismail took advantage of a vulnerable boy.

"He abused a position of trust and continued to abuse him over a number of months.

"This is a very sad case and there's no good outcome.

"I am glad the jury saw fit to find him guilty and hope this verdict offers Aaron's family some form of closure."

He paid tribute to the investigating officer, Det Sgt Cat Partner, who he said had "worked tirelessly to get Aaron justice".

'Expect long prison sentence'

Soldier jailed for attack on friend

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A soldier's successful Army career was left in ruins when he was jailed for brutally attacking his best friend.

Lance Sergeant James Southall, a highly-regarded sniper commander with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was locked up – despite a plea by the Army to keep him.

Southall (34) was on leave when he drunkenly punched his friend unconscious outside a bar in Leicester.

As he lay defenceless on the ground, Southall leaned over and dealt him 10 more blows in rapid succession, before twice stamping on his head.

The victim's facial injuries included a deeply-cut tongue, which needed 19 stitches, and left him permanently scarred.

His face was so swollen his children were too frightened to go near him for two weeks, Leicester Crown Court was told.

Southall, formerly from Leicester, was stationed at barracks in Windsor.

He admitted unlawfully wounding his friend, whom he had known for 15 years, on Saturday, October 13.

The defendant was twice commended for brave actions on tour in Afghanistan, in 2002 and again in 2010.

Major Nigel Overton, HQ company commander, said L/Sgt Southall's skills were valuable and he had been due to return to Afghanistan in the autumn.

The court heard a prison sentence, either suspended or immediate, would result in his dismissal, after 11 years' service.

The major told the court: "His job is to find the enemy and report back, so strike operations can be organised. His role includes covering critical areas on the battlefield.

"It takes six years to get to the standard he's at, with considerable cost to the tax-payer."

Sentencing, Judge Mark Rogers said: "The law applies to everyone, whether they are a civilian or in the armed services.

"The court has to consider the particular stresses and strains of those who support their country, in service life, and that's why this is such a difficult case.

"I cannot avoid the serious nature of this assault. It's a very sad case but I have my duty and have to weigh up all the factors."

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said the defendant and his friend spent the evening in Leicester city centre drinking in a number of bars.

He said: "It's plain they were drunk and were asked to leave a comedy club, before ending up at the Looking Glass, in Braunstone Gate.

The defendant, married with a daughter, was then joined by a woman he was having an affair with. His friend made his disapproval clear and the pair argued and went outside, where the attack took place.

Carl Gaskell, mitigating, said: "He had no recollection of the event, but when he saw the CCTV footage of it he was utterly ashamed and disgusted.

"He's highly thought of and the Army want to keep him. He faces losing everything."

In a personal impact statement, the victim said the injuries meant the loss of a part-time job at a call centre and interfered with his three-year degree course at De Montfort University.

Mr Murphy said: "He was upset because the person who caused the injury was, at the time, his best friend."

The court heard that Southall had previous convictions.

In 1999 he caused an affray, and assaulted male victims by punching them in 2009 and 2010, all resulting in non-custodial sentences.

Soldier jailed for attack on friend

Win a share of £250k and help make a real difference

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Schools, charities and community groups are being urged to apply for a share of a £250,000 fund aimed at making a difference to people's lives.

The Leicester Mercury has teamed up with the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) to offer grants of between £10,000 and £30,000 to good causes and community projects.

To avoid missing out, groups need to tell fund organisers about their idea or project before the deadline for applications passes a week on Sunday.

Whitwick Community Coffee Shop, in North Street, Whitwick, is a group already making a difference thanks to the Big Lottery Fund.

The social enterprise put £10,000 awarded in last year's round of funding to use to support a pre-apprenticeship training scheme.

Training director Rhonda Dean said: "The aim of the project is to help young people in the village who are unemployed and not involved in education.

"It is designed to lead to actual apprentice schemes for teenagers who are struggling.

"We needed specialist support workers to work with them, and that's what BIG provided."

Some of the money was also used to pay for equipment such as cameras to support the scheme and record trainees' progress towards NVQ qualifications.

"We took five young people through that last year and three of them have now got full-time jobs, so it's a successful programme," said Mrs Dean.

Trainee Charlotte Elliott, 18, from Whitwick, is about to complete an apprenticeship in catering after turning to the charity for help last year.

"I was really bad before I worked here," she said. "I had no confidence and, if I was in the street and I saw somebody I knew, I couldn't speak to them, I'd hide.

"But I feel different now. I've regained my confidence and feel optimistic about the future."

Trainer Kirsty Smith, who works with children who have been expelled from school, said: "With the children you get coming from the school, they lack confidence, they have no self-esteem.

"But over time you can see how their confidence grows.

"It's fantastic to see."

Whether your organisation is looking to run classes to get people more physically active, or set up after-school cooking clubs or tea dances for older people, any inspiring idea will be in with a shout of winning lottery backing.

To make it more exciting, Mercury readers will vote to help decide which projects get a grant.

England Big Lottery Fund director Dharmendra Kanani said: "People's ideas and enthusiasm are essential and funding like this will help to bring people and communities together– particularly in difficult times."

The strongest entries will be short-listed by a panel of judges. Mercury readers will then vote for the finalists they think should get the cash.

The groups with the most votes will get a grant.

Groups eligible for funding Grants of between £10,000 and £30,000 are available. To apply, groups need to operate in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland. Examples of groups that can apply include community groups, not-for-profit organisations, parish or town councils, health bodies and schools. Groups do not have to be a registered charity to be eligible, but they must have a bank account requiring at least two people to sign each cheque or withdrawal. They must also be in a position to use the grant within a year. Individuals cannot apply. The deadline for applications is July 14. A shortlist of the best ideas will be published in the September 2 edition of the Mercury, and every day for two weeks readers will have the chance to vote for the projects they would like to see get a grant. The projects with the highest number of votes will be awarded the funding until all £250,000 of the Big Lottery Fund money has been spent. Winners will be announced on September 23. So, what are you waiting for? For details and to apply, call the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation on 0116 2624 916, or: www.llrcommunity.org Standard Local World promotions rules apply. See: www.leicestermercury.co.uk/houserules

Win a share of £250k and help make a real difference


Woman, 87, cut free from car

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Firefighters had to cut an 87-year-old woman free from her car following a crash in Arnesby yesterday. The driver was taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary following the one-car collision on the A5199 (Welford Road), near Market Harborough, at about 4pm. The elderly lady's car left the road and ended up in a ditch. Welford Road was closed in both directions, between Arnesby and Husbands Bosworth, while fire crews cut the motorist free and helped paramedics load the injured pensioner into a waiting ambulance. Crews from the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance were also at the scene. However, they were not needed after assessing the lady's injuries. A spokeswoman for the charity said: "We went to an road traffic collision on the A5199. An 87-year-old woman had left the road and crashed into a ditch. "We assessed her, she wasn't thought to have significant injuries, so went to Leicester Royal Infirmary by land ambulance." Recovery crews then removed the vehicle, a blue people carrier, and cleared debris from the highway. The collision happened at the Shearsby cross roads. Police were also at the scene. The road was opened at about 5pm.

Woman, 87, cut free from car

Leicester 'free' school praised

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The first of the Government's "free" schools to open in the city has been given a good Ofsted report.

The visit was the first by inspectors from the education watchdog to Krishna Avanti Primary, in Evington, which opened two years ago.

Inspectors said pupils made good progress from their starting points, teaching was good and Krishna Avanti had a warm and caring environment which made good provision to support pupils' strong spiritual development.

Interim head teacher Sally Hughes, who took over from outgoing principal Christopher Spall when he left just before Easter, said: "It's fantastic news. The inspection was rigorous, but the outcome was just as we expected, showing that we know exactly what level we're operating at and what we need to do to become outstanding. It's well within reach."

Free schools can be started by charities, parents or teachers. They are outside local authority control, but are paid for by the state.

The report said pupils' behaviour was outstanding and they were "highly motivated learners who were kind, considerate, and caring" towards one another.

They said that staff used innovative IT to bring learning to life and this supported children well.

In addition, they praised the quality of teaching in the Early Years Foundation stage for being "outstanding".

They said that classrooms and their displays were vibrant and learning was "well-organised".

Mrs Hughes was also praised for settling in so quickly and rapidly winning the confidence of parents and staff.

They said she had an "accurate overview" of the school's performance.

She said: "The report is a true reflection of what we're doing here and highlights many of our strengths.

"I think the school's ethos of tolerance and respect shone through during the inspection. It's evident in our pupils' eagerness to learn and enthusiasm to be here.

"We have some outstanding teachers and have employed two more, along with four extra teaching assistants who start in September to accommodate our growing numbers."

The school will have 165 pupils in the new academic year and will be at planned capacity.

Mrs Hughes said: "We're a school that embraces all cultures and that was highlighted in the report through our pupils' spiritual, moral, and cultural development."

Pradip Gajjar, chair of governors, said: "We've done exceptionally well in our first report and we know what we need to do to be even better. The school is oversubscribed for September and that speaks volumes for the confidence of parents in what we're doing.

"We feel very proud of what's already been achieved."

To improve even further, inspectors said that teachers should be more confident to adapt activities.

Leicester 'free' school praised

Lip-readers used in Richard Cockerill's case

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Richard Cockerill's not guilty plea was a major factor in the length of his nine-match suspension by the RFU.

The full written judgement of the Leicester Tigers director of rugby's disciplinary hearing has made public the full details from his four-hour hearing.

The RFU made it clear in their summary that Cockerill's failure to admit he was guilty of "unprofessional or inappropriate behaviour" made them hand down such a serious punishment.

Tigers have until 10am today to appeal against the decision.

The document depicts the events in and around Cockerill's exchange with fourth official Stuart Terheege during the Aviva Premiership final on May 25 against Northampton Saints.

And, as part of a vigorous defence of his actions, Tigers also hired the same lip-reading expert that was used in the high-profile alleged racial abuse case between footballers John Terry and Anton Ferdinand, Sue Whitewood.

But their attempts to exonerate Cockerill from blame were futile as the three-man panel accused the Leicester boss of an "insidious and petulant act intended to threaten match officials into altering the way they officiated."

They added that "the game's core values, namely respect, discipline and sportsmanship, seem to us, to have passed Mr Cockerill by.

"If subjectively he feels entitled to behave in this manner... (that) must be factored into our approach to sanction."

The basis of Cockerill's frustration was that the match officials were not asking for a TMO review of an incident in which Saints' Courtney Lawes was penalised for a late hit on Tigers fly-half Toby Flood, who then left the game with concussion.

While admitting that he swore in an exchange with Terheege, Cockerill said his words were "justified in the circumstances" and that his use of such words "did not make his actions aggressive".

Cockerill added that he "had every right to defend his players" and that, in future, he would "make the same point again but perhaps without using the same language".

Supporting their case, the RFU used footage from an "opposing coach" – believed to be Saints assistant Dorian West – who claimed during an ESPN interview at half-time that Cockerill was trying to "intimidate the officials".

They also referred to complaint e-mails from members of the public and clippings from nationals newspapers – both of which called for action against Cockerill.

The RFU maintained, however, that "the decision to bring the charge against Mr Cockerill was not influenced by any pressure from the media or from members of the public."

Key witness, Terheege, claimed he "had not felt threatened or intimidated" by Cockerill.

But he added that he regarded comments made to him as "highly unprofessional, ill-disciplined and inappropriate".

Tigers club officials reacted angrily this week to the suspension of their director of rugby and said the results of the hearing were "very disappointing".

They also hammered the RFU over their handling of the case and called into question the new disciplinary structure at the game's HQ.

Lip-readers used in Richard Cockerill’s case

Man crushed between vehicles by hit-and-run driver

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A young man is in hospital with horrific leg injuries after being crushed between two vehicles by a hit-and-run driver.

Jarvis James should be in France today getting ready to celebrate his uncle's wedding.

Instead, the 21-year-old is under sedation in Leicester Royal Infirmary awaiting surgery to set and pin a badly broken leg.

Jarvis has been loading up uncle and groom Lee James's van, in Roseneath Avenue, Rushey Mead, Leicester.

They were preparing to go to Bordeaux when the crash happened at about 12.15am on Tuesday.

A Mercedes E24 came up the street and crashed into a number of vehicles before hitting a car which then ploughed into Jarvis.

Another uncle of Jarvis's, Viv James, was nearby and saw the silver Mercedes E24 shortly before the incident.

"Jarvis was loading up Lee's van with his uncle and his sister with gear for the wedding reception before a night-time drive to catch the ferry to France," said Viv, 50, of Anstey Road, Leicester.

"I was dropping some stuff off in a friend's car and stopped at the traffic lights in Barkby Road when I saw this silver Mercedes come under the railway bridge in the opposite direction, through the junction and into Gleneagles Avenue.

"He was going at some speed. I saw him take a straight right into Roseneath and I heard a loud crash."

Viv realised something terrible had happened. He went to Roseneath Avenue and saw the silver Mercedes embedded in the back of his own car, also a Mercedes, which he had parked in the street, where a family member lives.

"My brother Lee shouted 'don't let him get away!' and I saw this guy running down the road so drove after him," said Viv. "He ran into Strathmore Avenue and through a jitty into Peebles Way. By the time I got out of the car to chase on foot he was gone."

It was not until he returned to the scene that he realised Jarvis had been hurt.

"This guy had crashed into a Ford Ka as he turned into the road, veering over to the other side and hitting first a van and then Astra before slamming into the back of my car, which was shunted into Jarvis, trapping him against my brother's van.

"When I got there, Jarvis was shouting and in a lot of pain. The bone in his leg was sticking out. I could hardly look."

Emergency services were quickly on the scene and Jarvis was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Roseneath resident Amisha Patel, whose husband's Astra was damaged in the incident, said: "We came out to see what was happening. This young boy was in a lot of pain. It was a terrible thing to happen."

Viv's Mercedes was written off in the crash. "I'm not worried about that, it's Jarvis I'm concerned about," he said. "He's absolutely gutted. He keeps on asking 'why did this happen to me?'.

"My brother said the driver reeked of alcohol.

"What gets me is, Jarvis had been so looking forward to the wedding and travelling to France for the first time.

"Instead, he's in hospital waiting to have an operation on his leg. He's such a great lad and doesn't deserve this.

"I hope they catch the person responsible and he's prosecuted."

Viv described the suspect to police as a "middle-aged man of Mediterranean appearance", who was wearing a black jacket and dark trousers.

A police spokesman said: "It appears the driver responsible had decamped from his vehicle and ran off. A search commenced but without success."

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to call the police on the 101 number.

Man crushed between vehicles by  hit-and-run driver

Lord Heseltine wants Bede Island to be a blueprint for UK

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A senior politician who helped regenerate some of the most deprived areas of the UK says a Leicester redevelopment project should act as a blueprint for other schemes across the country. Lord Heseltine was speaking during to visit to Bede Island today where he saw how the area had been transformed from a scrapyard and derelict industrial area to shops, homes and a park. As environment secretary in the 1990s, Lord Heseltine launched City Challenge – a scheme which provided Government cash to help revitalise 10 areas of the UK, including Leicester's West End. The influential Tory grandee's vast experience with regeneration projects is now being used by the current Government. Chancellor George Osborne last week acted on recommendations made by Lord Heseltine when he announced a scheme which means Leicestershire could be allocated up to £50 million each year from 2015 from the Government to support businesses, transport and housing projects. Speaking today at Bede Park, Lord Heseltine said: "We want to see this (Bede Island) done on a much bigger scale." Lord Heseltine said if the county got the £50 million it would be up to local people to decide what the cash was spent on. "This is what happened here with this development," he said. "This is a great example where we have challenged local people. We didn't show them what to do and the result is here to see." Leicester was one of 10 cities which received £37.5 million over five years under the City Challenge scheme. Business leaders and politicians, including city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, want to see areas like Leicester and Leicestershire receive both more funding and control over how it is spent. Sir Peter, who hosted Lord Heseltine's visit to Bede Island, said: "This was about showing Lord Heseltine what was involved with the City Challenge project and what can be done in the future if we have the tools to do it. "Lord Heseltine understands the importance of the public and private sector working together. What we need to do is focus on opportunities which we want and allow the private sector to focus on opportunities which will make it worthwhile for them." Earlier in the day, Lord Heseltine visited the Motor Industry Research Association's Mira Technology Park, near Hinckley. It has been given enterprise zone status by the Government, making it easier to develop the site and create 2,000 jobs. Lord Heseltine said: "It's a brilliant plan – I couldn't be more impressed."

Lord Heseltine wants Bede Island to be a blueprint for UK

Madeleine McCann: Police launch new investigation

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Detectives have launched a fresh search for missing Leicestershire youngster Madeleine McCann. Met officers made the announcement at 2pm today. They said they had identified 38 "persons of interest" who they wanted to speak to in relation to the suspected abduction of Madeleine in the resort of Praia da Luz in Portugal in 2007. Speaking to the media, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, who is heading Operation Grange, said: "There is no clear, definitive proof that Madeleine McCann is dead. "On that basis I genuinely believe there is a possibility she is still alive. And so I would like to ask the public to continue to look for her." Parents Kate and Gerry McCann, from Rothley, have welcomed the new hunt for their daughter. Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCanns, said: "Kate and Gerry warmly welcome the shift in the Met's emphasis from review to investigation. "It is clearly a big step forward in establishing what happened and, hopefully, towards bringing whoever is responsible for Madeleine's abduction to justice." The new investigation will focus on 38 people from five countries who police believe were in Portugal at the time of Madeleine's disappearance. Twelve of those are British nationals. The latest probe comes as a result of a two-year review which has analysed evidence from material collected by British and Portuguese police and numerous private investigators. Detectives have scrutinised some 30,500 documents which they say have "generated new findings and new witness evidence". A spokesman for the Met said: "In the absence of any clear evidence to the contrary we maintain our belief that Madeleine may still be alive." He added: "We are satisfied that our review has now progressed to a position where we have identified 38 persons of interest. These individuals are from a number of European countries and we are now at an advanced stage of dialogue with each country." Officers, working under Operation Grange, are aiming to travel to each of the countries, where they hope to pursue the new lines of inquiry. They are also waiting for confirmation from the Portuguese authorities that a small team is present in Portugal whilst the inquiries are undertaken. DCI Redwood said: "We, and the Portuguese authorities, remain completely committed to finding out what happened to Madeleine, and everything we do is utterly focused on her best interests. "We continue to believe that there is a possibility that Madeleine is alive. "It is a positive step in our hunt for Madeleine that our understanding of the evidence has enabled us to shift from review to investigation. "We have identified 38 persons of interest from a number of European countries. Twelve of those people are UK nationals who we believe were in Portugal at the time Madeleine disappeared. "Our working relationship with the Portuguese police is positive and now that we have moved to investigation we are requesting further specific assistance through normal judicial routes. "We remain in close contact with Kate and Gerry McCann and they are updated on our current position." DCI Redwood said the appeal for information was ongoing and urged people to get in contact if they had not yet spoken to police. He said: "If you were at the resort of Praia da Luz between April 28, and May 3, 2007, either on holiday or in residence in the resort during this period, particularly in the vicinity of the Ocean Club, and you have not been spoken to by police either here or in Portugal then please call us." Call police on: 0800 096 1011. For non-UK residents: +44 2071580 126. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111. RELATED ARTICLE: Madeleine McCann: New evidence and witnesses TIMELINE: Madeleine McCann: Key dates in the search for missing Leicestershire youngster

Madeleine McCann: Police launch new investigation

Leicestershire weather: High 20s forecast for weekend

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It might have taken quite a while, but it looks like summer is finally here. With temperatures expected to hit the high 20s during the weekend, it is time to get your shorts out and your sun cream on. After months of miserable weather, forecasters are now predicting a heatwave across the country – and it is expected to continue into next week. In Leicestershire, temperatures started to creep up yesterday and the mercury is continuing to rise. Sunday is expected to be the hottest day. Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said: "Temperatures are set to reach about 27C on Sunday and the good weather will continue well into next week. "There's a mini heatwave coming, and Sunday could well be the hottest day of the year. "People need to make the most of it after all the cold weather we've had. It's going to be a bit of a change to the system. So, no umbrellas this weekend, it's sun cream and hats. "People need to make sure they're protected as the sun is very strong at this time of year. A lot of people will go mad but they need to remember to take it easy." Dave, 68, who lives in Cosby, said he would also be taking advantage of the sunshine. "I've got some gardening to finish off but if it gets too hot I think I'll sit in a deckchair and have a nice cold beer," he said. People in the city centre yesterday were already making the most of the start of the sunny weather. Laura Leonard and James Leeson, of Ibstock, were with their children, two-year-old Millie and baby Harry, who is 14 weeks old. Laura, 23, said: "We'll probably go to Twycross Zoo over the weekend, maybe have a picnic at Bradgate Park. Millie loves the sunshine." James, 28, said: "It's lovely. It's just a shame it never lasts as long as you want it to." Mum Leah Osbourne, of Highfields, Leicester, was also out soaking up the sunshine with her 14-month-old twin boys, Michael and Leon. "We're going to Western Park Festival on Saturday," she said. "We'll be out enjoying the sun. "It's been a long wait for it, hasn't it? "We've had little teasers but that's it." Angela Rossa, of the Rossa's Ice Cream kiosk in Cheapside, near Leicester Market, said she was expecting a particularly busy weekend. "The sunshine always brings people out and makes them smile and want to buy an ice cream," she said. While thousands will be out making the most of the sunshine, doctors have warned there is a serious side. They said the high temperatures could potentially be very dangerous for children and the elderly, as well as those with chronic conditions, such as heart problems and diabetes. "These people should avoid too much exertion because when it is hot the heart and lungs have to work overtime and if they aren't functioning as well as they should it can be a problem," said Dr Avi Prasad, co-chairman of the Leicester City clinical commissioning group. "It is very unusual for people in this country to get heatstroke, but if people find they are feeling too hot it can make them feel light-headed. They should cool themselves with cool drinks and sponging with tepid water."• See the latest forecast for Leicester and Leicestershire here.

Leicestershire weather: High 20s forecast for weekend


Gas leak caused by copper pipe theft

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Emergency crews were called to London Road after thieves stole copper piping and gas escaped into a building. Police and firefighters were called to La Tosca Italian Restaurant, close to De Montfort Hall, at about 5.10pm following reports of a gas leak. Engineers from National Grid were able to isolate the supply and cut off the gas by about 5.15pm. Firefighters from central station then ventilated the building. A spokesman for the fire service said the leak was caused by the theft of copper piping from the outside of the property. Crew manager Steve Kisby, who was at the scene, said: "I thought it was a problem that was dying out, but this shows us that it's still out there. "It's a danger to the public and to the people taking the copper pipes." Noman Uddin, from the Akash Indian restaurant, a few doors away, said: "There were police outside La Tosca and we were told there was a gas leak, but it didn't seem too bad." Crews left the scene by about 6pm.

Gas leak caused by copper pipe theft

Live traffic and travel updates

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9.28am: No reports of any major traffic hold ups or incidents.8am: East Midlands Trains services at St Pancras and through the East Midlands are running well with no major delays.7.45am: No reports of any major incidents or congestion on city and county roads. For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - CLICK HERE.LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE. FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report at: www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/weather.CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live traffic and travel updates

Hundreds in line at court to pay bills

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Hundreds of people were left queuing round the block outside a court after failing to pay their council tax bills.

The city council issued 2,163 summonses to residents to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday, to try to sort out unpaid bills.

More than 2,000 of those summonses were sent to residents who received council tax bills for the first time in April, after Government reforms to the welfare system and they had built up arrears of up to £250.

The council applied to the magistrates for legal orders which allow it to automatically deduct money from people's earnings or benefits and called people to court if they wished to challenge the move.

As well as the city council summonses on Friday, North West Leicestershire District Council lodged 1,762 similar orders and there were others from Harborough District Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

One passer-by told the Mercury: "I think there were 200 to 300 people in all.

"They couldn't all get in the court at once and there were huge queues outside going back round the corner.

"It was quite confusing because there were solicitors inside the court telling people that they needn't have turned up."

A city council spokesman said about 100 city residents turned up to court.

It sent staff to discuss payment options so they would not have to appear before magistrates or to advise them on whether they could apply for help from a £315,000 emergency fund set up to assist those struggling with bills.

The city council is legally required to collect council tax and only issues summonses to people who have not responded to an initial bill, two reminder letters and a final demand. Those summonsed face a charge of £69.50 on top of their arrears.

If people do not sign up to a repayment plan, or do so and then stop paying, they could be visited by bailiffs.

Assistant city mayor Sarah Russell said: "That would be a very last resort. We do not want to take people to court or send the bailiffs, but we do need to collect the money.

"The Government's welfare reforms have left us in a very difficult position.

"Some of the poorest families are now paying council tax for the first time and we can see they are struggling. It is important they do not ignore the letter we send in the hope the bill will go away.

"If they have a problem they should contact us so we can help them come to an arrangement."

In April, the Government stopped fully funding a national benefit scheme and told councils to run their own system.

The city council saw a 10 per cent cut in the £32 million it received from the Government to meet the costs, which means it could no longer pay 100 per cent of the council tax of 25,000 claimants of working age. They now get 80 per cent of their bill paid.

Hundreds in line at court to pay bills

Sun set to shine on five-festival weekend of fun

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With scorching temperatures and blue skies predicted all weekend, now is the perfect time to head down to a festival to soak up some sunshine and good music. There are numerous events happening across the city and county, starting tonight, and thousands of people are expected to be out enjoying the fun. Whether you are a music-searching for new bands or a family looking for a day out, there's something for everyone. So here's our guide to what's on over the weekend.Lubstock A boutique festival set in the grounds of Thorpe Lubenham Hall, in Lubenham, Lubstock is the perfect place to go to find up-and-coming and unsigned acts. Bands on the bill this year include Funeral Suits, Some Velvet Morning, To Kill A King, Babeshadow and Little Night Terrors. The bands are on tonight and tomorrow, and campers can stay on the site enjoying the beautiful grounds and hot weather until Sunday. Organiser Kate Cazenove said: "We're all so excited about it and I think we'll probably get about 600 to 700 people. It was a mud-fest last year so it's going to be hugely different with the weather this time. "We've had a lot of last-minute ticket sales and the site is looking fantastic." The Lubstock gates open at midday today. To get a discount weekend camping ticket for just £30 – reduced from up to £80 – use the password "happydays" at: www.lubstockfestival.com/GlastonBlaby A festival set up in memory of music-mad Harley Staples, who died of cancer when he was eight years old, GlastonBlaby is now in its fourth year. Local bands will take to the stage at Northfield Park, in Blaby, between 11am and 6pm, with acts including Ferris, Leaving Party, Superevolver, Demons of Ruby Mae and Tom Lewitt and Tom Nurse. There will also be street dancers and other entertainment. Money raised will go to The Harley Staples Cancer Trust, set up by his parents, Katherine and Jamie, to raise funds for other children with cancer. Katherine said: "I've not dared look at the weather but everyone keeps telling me it's going to be a heatwave, which will be brilliant as nice weather can double the numbers. I think Harley must be trying to work his magic for us! "We just hope that lots of people come down and support us." Entry is £10 for adults, £5 for under-18s and free for children under three. www.harleystaples.co.ukWestern Park Festival A free event which started last year, there are now 30 acts on the line-up. These include headliners Leaving Party, who are also on the GlastonBlaby bill, so it's going to be a busy day for them. Other acts include The Brandy Thieves, Midnight Wire, Alice Strafford, Stop That Train and The Fallows. There will also be a disco, face-painting and other family entertainment. A spokesman for the Friends of Western Park said: "Last year saw our first free family festival, with live music, a kids zone, entertainers, food, real ale, cocktails and various stalls selling their wares. "This will be much the same – but, of course, we'll want to better last year!" The festival takes place at Western Park, Hinckley Road, Leicester, from 11am to 8pm tomorrow. (SAT) www.friendsofwesternpark.co.ukWashstock This one takes place in Washdyke field, in Wymeswold, and is also free, although donations will be taken on the day to cover costs and to raise funds for the Wymeswold Project Fund. A spokesman said: "Members of the public can bring their chairs, blankets, picnics and drinks to enjoy a lazy afternoon of local entertainment. It's going to be an ideal occasion for all the family. "There's a huge line-up of musical talent including bands from Wymeswold, such as Spectrum, with bands from further afield including Abandon Her from Leicester, Corinna Jane from Northampton and Nottingham bands Thin on Top and Freddie. Washstock runs from 1.30pm to 8pm on Sunday. Free car parking will be provided on the playing field in Burton Lane, next to Washdyke field. www.wymeswold.com/Fristock This festival is sold out, but organisers say there might be a few last-minute returns available. The event takes place at Frisby, Hoby and Rotherby Cricket Club tomorrow, and acts include Matthew Stone Jazz Band, Maslow, Special Brew, Breeze and The Rox. Money raised from a raffle and a tea and cake stall will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. www.fristock.org Look out for more coverage in Monday's Leicester Mercury and on our website.

Sun set to shine on five-festival weekend of fun

Firefighters rescue boy stuck in bush

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A boy had to be rescued by firefighters after getting himself stuck in a bush. Crews were called to Harris Road, Beaumont Leys, Leicester, at 10.22am, yesterday. A fire service spokeswoman said the emergency call came in from a mobile phone, but she could not say if it was the boy himself who raised the alarm. "The boy was trapped in a bush at height," she said. "An extension ladder was used to get to him and bring him to safety. "The rescue was over in a matter of minutes." She could not say how the boy managed to get himself stuck or what he was doing in the bush.

Firefighters rescue boy stuck in bush

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