Leicester Tigers' Richard Cockerill: Return to rucking could reduce growing injury problems

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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There seems to have been a lot of long-term injuries in the Aviva Premiership this season, and our club has seen its fair share, believe me.

I don't think the game has got a lot more dangerous all of a sudden.

It is hard to try to put your finger on why there seems to have been so many players out for so long.

I am convinced, however, that the current breakdown laws can lead to injuries.

Now that you are allowed to compete for the ball in that area, players stay there, lodged over the tackle, in a contorted position, battling for possession.

When they finally get "cleared out'' by an attacker, not only can they suffer on impact but they can also get themselves into some very dangerous positions as they fall backwards. Knees can get bent and ankles twisted.

We saw it with Jake Abbott a couple of weeks ago when we played at Worcester.

He is a powerful loose-forward who had got himself into a good position to compete for the ball at the breakdown.

But when he got cleared out, he got twisted around and the result was he suffered some damage to his knee ligaments.

I have seen that happen quite a lot this year.

Previously, you were told to move out of the way by the referee and get your "hands off".

Before that, there were the good old-fashioned rucking laws. At the time when they were outlawed, there was a lot of bad press because seeing someone rake their studs down another player's back produced a spectacle that some people found unedifying.

I am no doctor, but maybe the return of rucking would make the game a bit cleaner and perhaps reduce the amount of serious injuries in this part of the game. I don't mean players should be allowed to use their boots on exposed joints or limbs, that is not part of it, but if you could use your feet on the body between the shoulders and the waist, that should be okay.

Yes, there are people who will say it looks bad for the game. But at the minute, people are dislocating knees and ripping anterior cruciate ligaments and the likes from being caught in position at the breakdown and still fighting for the ball.

Those sorts of injuries would stop me letting my son or daughter play the game more than a few scratches on their back every so often.

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Bank raiders smash hole in wall of Lloyds in Belgrave, Leicester

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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Raiders smashed a hole in the wall of a bank in an apparent attempt to raid its cash machines. Intruders broke into the Lloyds branch in Melton Road, Belgrave late last night or early this morning. The hole, which is approximately 2ft by 2ft, is in a section of wall in an alleyway at the side of the building and was visible from the main road. The break-in point would have given the intruders access to the rear of an out-of-hours cash deposit box and, possibly, the branch's cash machine. However, the Leicester Mercury understands nothing was taken from the bank and that no staff were inside the building at the time. Police sealed off the area and forensics experts were examining the scene this morning.

Belgrave resident Bill Martins called the police when he spotted the hole when he arrived for work at a neighbouring business shortly before 8am. The 51-year-old said: "I went to get my van out of the alley when I saw a big piece of board in the way. "I moved the board and then I saw the large hole in the wall and thought 'I'd better leave that alone'. "I called the police straight away and they said they were already on their way. "It's a big hole and it must have taken whoever did this some time to make it and get inside." A Lloyds spokesman said he could not comment in detail but said the company was working with police. The branch has been closed all morning, but is expected to re-open shortly, the spokesman added.

Car dealer prosecuted after selling vehicle that failed to make the journey home

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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A Leicester car dealer has been prosecuted after selling a vehicle in such poor condition that it failed to survive the journey home with its new owner. The car, which was sold by SMS Motors Ltd, of Aylestone Road, had such severe corrosion to its braking pipe that it could not be repaired without replacing the whole braking system. It has since been scrapped. Leicester magistrates heard how the company sold the 2004 registered Mazda 6 to a couple from Cambridge in September last year. But during the drive back home to Cambridge along the A14, the car's brakes failed. The driver was forced to stop the car with the handbrake, narrowly missing a number of other cars which had to brake suddenly to avoid it. At court on Tuesday, SMS Motors Ltd received a £4,000 fine after pleading guilty to selling an unroadworthy car. Leicester City Council, which brought the prosecution, was also awarded £2,000 in costs. A spokesman for SMS Motors Ltd told the court that they had brought in a number of measures to prevent anything similar happening again. Speaking after the hearing, Roman Leszczyszyn, the city council's head of trading standards, said: "Traders have a duty to take all reasonable precautions and should undertake some mechanical and safety checks on every vehicle they sell to satisfy themselves that they are roadworthy. The consequences of not doing so are the risk of prosecution and death or serious injury for customers. "As part of National Consumer Week in November, we visited 20 car businesses across the city to remind them of their legal responsibilities when selling cars, including giving them the checklist that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) recommends for car traders. "We were surprised that a number of the dealers we visited said that they did not carry out any checks and relied solely on an MOT certificate being in place. Although this can form part of the checks carried out it not good enough for dealers to rely on as proof that a car is roadworthy." The OFT checklist calls on car dealers to carry out checks on the car's history including any serious damage, theft or commercial use, as well as running mileage checks and a safety inspection. Traders should tell potential buyers about any safety issues with a vehicle, along with details of any after sales service such as a warranty, refund or replacement of faulty or unroadworthy goods. Councillor Sarah Russell, assistant mayor for neighbourhood services, said: "People buying used cars from dealers need to have the confidence that those vehicles are up to at least a basic standard of safety and roadworthiness, which sadly wasn't the case in this instance. "People purchasing cars deserve better and I'd urge all car dealers in the city to be aware of the OFT advice and ensure they heed it." Anyone wanting to report a faulty or dangerous car they have purchased can report it to Citizens advice Consumer Advice service on 08454 04 05 06.

Hinckley United fans campaign to resurrect the club from the ashes of liquidation

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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Diehard football fans are campaigning to resurrect their beloved club from the ashes of liquidation by forming a new sporting trust. Supporters are still reeling from the winding up of Hinckley United at the High Court in Birmingham on October 7, ending more than 100 years of football in the town. But the fightback has begun with a band of fans forming a working group determined to write a new chapter in United's history. Spokesman Russ Abbott, 47, from Hinckley, who has supported the Knitters for more than 16 years, said: "Since the demise of our beloved Hinckley United, we have been thinking of a way to bring football back to the town with a club free from the shackles of the old regime. "We think a football club is almost unique in the way it brings people together in the community. "So we have formed a working group to see if, like us, there are other people who believe having a football club for the town is a good thing." The group insists any new club should be run for and by the fans and is looking to the example set by fans of clubs such as AFC Telford United and Portsmouth – which formed under similar circumstances – and to two of European football's giants. "If people want a football club, we believe it should be owned by the many and not the few," said Russ. "What's more, we aren't the only ones – from Champions League holders Bayern Munich and 'pass masters' Barcelona to Portsmouth and AFC Telford United a bit closer to home, it's a model that works and thrives at all levels." Hinckley fans have sought help from Supporters Direct, an organisation which has helped with the formation of other community-owned clubs. The new club would feature democratic ownership, one-member-one vote to elect directors and full consultation on big decisions. Profits would be reinvested, its assets would be protected and collectively owned and "community shares" issued to attract investment. The working group has organised a public meeting at the Clarendon Club, in Coventry Road, on Monday evening. Speakers will include James Mathie, development manager of Supporters Direct, and Lee Carter, managing director of AFC Telford. "It's all very well us thinking it's a good idea, but it will only work if others feel the same way," said Russ. "The club after all would be owned by the people of Hinckley." United went to the wall with debts of more than £2 million. Their final game was a 3-0 away defeat to Chesham United on October 5. Fan Simon Blyth, 47, of Coventry Road, Hinckley, said: "It still hurts. But out of the ashes, this could be a new dawn."

Bobble hat flasher may have struck again in Beaumont Leys - this time wearing just a dressing gown

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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Police are searching for a man who indecently exposed himself to a woman while he was wearing only a dressing gown. The incident happened near the junction of Krefeld Way and Beaumont Leys Lane, where the man appeared out of bushes and exposed himself to the woman. It took place between 10pm and 10.30pm last Thursday. Officers believe the same man may have been responsible for a similar incident in nearby Anstey Lane on Monday, October 28. The suspect in that incident was naked apart from a bobble hat on his head. He is white, 6ft 2in, slim and thought to be in his 30s. Pc Joe Turner said: "There are similarities between the two so they may have been committed by the same person. "We would urge anyone who was in the area at this time to contact us if they saw this man or anyone acting suspiciously." Contact Pc Turner on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Glen Parva inmates tied up fellow prisoner and held him hostage in cell for four hours

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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Two inmates tied a fellow prisoner to a chair and held him hostage in a cell for four hours. The victim was barricaded inside with both captors at Leicestershire's Glen Parva Young Offenders' Institution. Iain Matthews and Tressor Muko, both 20, made demands through the door hatch to specialist negotiators called in to handle the incident, on June 10. Both inmates, from the London area, were insisting they be transferred to the South of England, closer to home. During the protest they precariously placed the victim, still bound to a chair, on a top bunk-bed. The duo also demanded tobacco and Matthews wanted a mobile telephone to speak to his girlfriend. The pair eventually surrendered and both pleaded guilty, at Leicester Crown Court, to false imprisonment. Matthews received 33 months detention and Muko, who had an earlier original release date than his co-accused, was sentenced to 30 months. Judge Michael Fowler said: "The victim was a pawn in your attempt to get yourselves moved closer to your families. "He was detained for four hours but after 30 minutes he realised he wasn't in the sort of danger he initially thought. "For a number of hours, the security and discipline of Glen Parva Young Offenders' Institution were undermined substantially and it's clear that can't be allowed to happen." He said: "There's no reason to distinguish between you in the commission of the offence, but Matthews is serving a longer sentence, several months of which would be wiped off by this sentence, whilst Muko is due to complete his (original) sentence this month." Mark Achurch, prosecuting, said the victim spoke to police afterwards but refused to make a formal complaint. He said that during inmate "association" at 11.50 am, he was making his way back to his cell when the defendants both "jumped" on him. Mr Achurch said: "In the cell he was tied to a chair with strips of bedding taken in there by his attackers. "His arms were bound to the back of a chair and his legs tied to the chair legs. "He didn't try to get away, for his own safety. "They barricaded the door using cell furniture." They told their hostage: "It's not personal, we just want to get transferred out." Mr Achurch said: "The act of putting the inmate on the top bunk carried an inherent risk that if he became unstable he could fall and suffer injury. "Eventually he was taken down and untied, after four hours." The shocked victim thought their initial aggressive behaviour, including shouting demands at the guards, meant he might be harmed and remained quiet, said Mr Achurch. Yasin Patel, mitigating, said both defendants were anxious to be transferred nearer to their homes in the London area, so that loved ones could regularly visit. He said they felt their applications, through the proper channels, to get transferred "had not been listened to." He said both men regretted their actions and the victim was only in fear for "the first few minutes." Both defendants were on licence-recall for breaching parole when they committed the false imprisonment. Matthews was serving the unexpired remainder of a two year sentence, imposed in May 2012, for non-dwelling burglaries and three violent disorders, whilst Muko's original 20-month sentence, imposed in July last year, was for a robbery.

CCTV appeal in hunt for attacker who assaulted man in Regent Court, Hinckley

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to trace in connection with a serious assault in Hinckley. The 51-year-old victim of the attack, which happened in an alleyway in Regent Court, near Regent Street in the town was taken to hospital with injuries to his face. Police said he was attacked by a man at 1.15am on Sunday, October 20. The victim was treated at the George Elliott Hospital, Nuneaton for severe swelling and bruising to his face. Pc Luke Binnington said today: "This was quite a vicious assault which left the victim with some nasty facial injuries and I'm sure the events of that night will leave a lasting effect on him. "We would urge anyone who recognises the man in the images to contact us. "Even if you have the slightest suspicion you may know who they are we would still ask you to come forward. "I would also appeal to anyone who believes they may have witnessed the incident. Any calls received will be treated in confidence." The suspect is white, approximately 5ft 9ins and of medium build. He was wearing a white top and has a tattoo on his right arm. Contact Pc Binnington on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Paul Walker death: Car enthusiasts pay tribute to Fast and the Furious actor

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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More than 100 people met to remember the Hollywood actor Paul Walker, who died in a car crash last week. The actor, best known for the Fast and the Furious films, was the focus of a minute's silence at Thurmaston shopping centre car park. The 40-year-old was killed on Saturday, when the Porsche he was in hit a lamppost, smashed into a tree and burst into flames in Los Angeles. The tribute event was organised by Cruise Leicester - a group of county car enthusiasts. Dan Martin, 23, was one of those who took part in the remembrance event. He said: "Paul Walker is a big influence in the car world. When the Fast and the Furious came out, in 2001, it gave different generations of people the inspiration that it isn't bad to want to like cars the way they do in the Fast and the Furious movies. "We felt that because of the tragedy that killed both Paul, and the driver Roger Rodas, it would show our respect as car enthusiasts to provide a minute respect to show that he is not just another dead actor but and inspiration to many people worldwide."

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Robber escapes with cash after threatening staff at shop in Sileby

December 5, 2013, 11:00 pm

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Police are hunting a robber who threatened staff in a village shop before escaping with cash from the till. The business, in High Street, Sileby was robbed shortly after 5.30pm on Tuesday. The owner of the business has asked for its name to not be made public. The robber ordered staff to open the till. Police do not believe the man was armed. Detective Constable Michelle Bigg said: "The road outside the business is busy with vehicles going past and there may be witnesses who saw the man responsible going in or out of the premises. "We would like to appeal to anyone who may remember anything in connection with the robbery to please get in touch." The owner said: "Fortunately, nobody was physically harmed but they are shaken up, obviously." The raider is white, 50 to 60 and of medium build. He was wearing a black or blue hooded waterproof style jacket, jeans and a black or blue beanie hat with a white logo on the front. Contact Det Con Bigg on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

December 5, 2013, 11:25 pm

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8.15am: A broken down lorry on the westbound A14 near the Catthorpe interchange at junction 19 of the M1 is causing tailbacks.The A42 is now clear.7.15am One lane is closed on the A42 southbound between junction 12 and B5006 Measham Road, Measham, and the M42 junction in Chilcote, because of a broken down vehicle.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 for Leicester and LeicestershireCONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Woman dies in two-car crash in Coalville

December 5, 2013, 11:26 pm

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A woman has died in a road collision in Coalville. She was the driver of one of two cars involved in the collision on the A511 Stephenson Way at about 7pm last night. The collision took place between Stephenson College and the Hoo Ash roundabout, where the A511 meets the A447. The man driving a black car involved in the crash sustained injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening. Police believe there were no passengers in either car. The black car was being driven towards the college, away from the Hoo Ash roundabout. Officers would like to speak to anyone who saw this car on any part of its journey, or who saw the collision itself. Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101.

UK weather: High winds damage homes in Leicestershire

December 6, 2013, 12:02 am

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Fire crews across Leicestershire were kept busy yesterday responding to calls for help from homes, businesses and a hospital which suffered damage in the high wind. Crews from Birstall dealt with a large tree which fell onto a house in King Street, Seagrave, a large branch which fell on the roof of a home in Rothley and tiles blown from the roof of another home in Mountsorrel. Loughborough crews dealt with a tree which fell onto a roof in Gerrard Crescent, Kegworth and a loose satellite dish on the roof of the Carillon Court shopping centre in Loughborough. In Shepshed, a crew from the town's fire station was called to metal hanging from the roof in Gelders Hall Road and in Countrymans Way in the town they were called to a tree which had fallen on a house. In Nuneaton Lane, Higham on the Hill a crew from Hinckley was called after a telegraph pole was blown down, blocking the road. A tree fell on to an electricity sub station on Willow Park industrial estate in Upton Lane, Stoke Golding, near Hinckley. Elsewhere, a crew from Moira was called to an aerial hanging over the road in Wilkes Avenue, Measham. In the city, crews from Leicester's central fire station were called to the Leicester Royal Infirmary's Balmoral building after sheeting came loose in the high winds.The firefighters used an aerial ladder platform to remove the sheets. They were also called to deal with loose flashing on a roof at the hospital. Two crews were also called to deal with guttering hanging dangerously from a building in Castle Street, to Grange Lane, in Leicester to a large sign falling from a building and to Albert Road, Stoneygate, Leicester to remove an unstable window frame. Storms batter the UK

Two people have been killed as fierce winds battered the country.

A man died after he was struck by a falling tree in a park in Retford, Nottinghamshire, and a lorry driver was killed when his HGV toppled on to a number of cars in West Lothian, Scotland.

The powerful storm has also led to the evacuation of thousands of families living on the east coast.

More than 10,000 homes in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex are being evacuated after officials warned that the lives of people across the region could be at risk from the worst coastal tidal surge expected for more than 60 years.

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued a number of severe flood warnings – the highest category, which are only issued when flooding poses a danger to life – to the east coast and north Wales as high tides and strong winds threatened to swamp the coastline.

In Norfolk, 9,000 homes are being evacuated as local officials attempt to stem the damage from the coastal surge.

A further 1,000 properties are to be evacuated in affected areas in Suffolk and some residents in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, are also being urged to leave their homes.

Local officials are setting up emergency accommodation and handing out sandbags to help people protect their homes, police said.

Police in Humberside have also declared an emergency situation as they prepared for coastal surges last night.

The EA has issued more than 250 flood alerts across England and Wales, including 42 severe flood warnings which are only issued when flooding poses a "significant threat to life".

The agency said communities along the North Sea coast from Northumberland to the Thames Estuary and Kent, in addition to those on the Irish Sea coast from Cumbria down to Cheshire, could see significant coastal flooding until later today.

A spokesman said in some areas sea levels could be higher than those during the devastating floods of 1953 – which battered the east coast of England and claimed the lives of hundreds of people.

Defences built since then – including the Thames and Hull barriers – mean that many parts of the country are much better protected, he said. However, some coastal flood defences could be "overtopped" by the combined effect of high tides, high winds and a large tidal surge, he said.

Across the country, tens of thousands of properties have been hit by power cuts as winds battered powerlines.

The Met Office said the severe gales had seen gusts of 140mph.

Motorcyclist killed in Troon Way crash named as Leicester man Paul Millis

December 6, 2013, 1:20 am

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A motorcyclist who died after a crash in Leicester on Tuesday has been named as Beaumont Leys man Paul Millis. The collision happened just after 10pm in Troon Way, Rushey Mead. The city's coroner is trying to trace the 55-year-old's next of kin, and has isued an appeal for them to come forward. The coroner's office said it understood Mr Millis was divorced, and that his ex-wife is called Julie. They are thought to have had two children, who will now be grown up and in their 30s, namely Anthony and Rebecca. The crash involved two cars, a red Peugeot 406 and a Silver Peugeot 206, and the blue Kawasaki motorcycle Mr Millis was riding. He was travelling towards Melton Road when the collision happened. Mr Millis was taken to Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, where he later died. If anyone knows of the whereabouts of Mr Millis's next of kin, they are asked to contact the coroner's office on 0116 454 1030.

Snooker: Mark Selby raring to go for UK Championship semi-final

December 6, 2013, 1:34 am

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Leicester potter Mark Selby is expecting the big occasion to bring the best out of him in the UK Championship semi-finals. Selby, who lifted the trophy last year, came back from 5-3 down to beat Barry Hawkins 6-5 late last night at York's Barbican Centre to move into the last four. The world No.2 admitted it was a scrappy affair, after the decisive frame almost took the match to five hours in length. Selby knows there is much improvement needed if he is to retain the title, but he was just pleased to keep his name in the hat. "I didn't perform great but I've got to take the positives that I'm still in the tournament," he said. "I play Ricky in the semi-final and if I can't get up for that, then there's something wrong. Hopefully that will bring the best out of me. "It was a horrible match to be involved in really. A lot of the time I put it all on myself. "I go out there and I keep missing ball after ball and then I have to drag it out. "I just wish I could go out there and hit century, century, century like (Ronnie) O'Sullivan. "Barry should have been 5-2 up and it he's 5-2 up he more or less wins the game. "My timing went and every time I came to the table anything half difficult I didn't really fancy the job of getting. I managed to just crawl over the line in the end." Selby has made a habit of coming from behind in this tournament, after he found himself 3-1 down in each of his opening two matches. But once again the reigning champion produced a gritty fightback to move into the next round. And he admitted to a slice of good fortune in the final frame, when he almost let Hawkins back into the match. "It was always going to be a scrappy frame from where the red went at the start," he added. "Anyone who got a decent lead was always going to be a huge favourite. "At the end I nearly tried to do my best to chuck it away when he needed snookers and I left him a free ball. "I was quite fortunate with where the white landed – if it lands anywhere else he probably takes the free ball and wins the match." British Eurosport is the home of snooker, showing 19 tournaments this season including the World Championship, UK Championship, the Masters and all ranking events, available on Sky, Virgin Media & BT or online/on mobile via eurosportplayer.co.uk

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson describes Leicester as a "beacon for the world"

December 6, 2013, 1:51 am

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American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson described Leicester as "a beacon for the rest of the world" during a visit to the city yesterday. He was in Leicester for the inauguration of Jesse Jackson Park, off Troon Way, in Rushey Mead. His visit marked 50 years since Dr Martin Luther King's march on Washington and famous I Have A Dream speech. The park was named after the 72-year-old Baptist minister and former US presidential candidate to thank him for his tireless campaigning for race equality and civil rights. "It is an honour to have this park named after me," he told a crowd at the new park. "I am pleased to be in a city as diverse as Leicester again." Rev Jackson was serenaded on his arrival in Rushey Mead by schoolchildren singing the civil rights song We Shall Overcome, followed by music from a saxophonist and the De Montfort University Gospel Choir. Describing Leicester as a "garden of Eden" for its harmonious community relations, he told the crowd: "You are a fine example of people from different communities coming together and living in harmony. "You are a beacon for the rest of the world." He concluded his speech by reciting one of his lyrical messages of inspiration. "I am somebody," he said, asking his audience to repeat after him. "Respect me; protect me; never neglect me. My mind is a pearl; I can learn anything in the world.... Everybody is somebody; keep hope alive," ending with a simple but heartfelt "I love you all" to cheers from those gathered. Soar Valley College student India Navsaria, 11, from Thurmaston, who presented Rev Jackson with a welcome garland, said: "It was so nice to meet him. I really felt privileged – he is an inspirational man." Stin Mattu, 38, of Jacklin Drive, Rushey Mead, said: "For me, Jesse Jackson is one of the most important social and political figures of the 20th century. When he speaks, you get the power and gravity of his message – but it's one of hope." Parveen Hayer, 44, of nearby Nagle Grove, said: "It's wonderful to welcome him here, and for our park to take his name – he's a great man." Rev Jackson was joined by city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and Leicester East MP Keith Vaz. Together they planted the first trees on the revamped open space, which also boasts a walking trail featuring excerpts from Martin Luther King's iconic speech, and a bench dedicated to Rev Jackson. Sir Peter said Rev Jackson was at the forefront of the "ongoing struggle for a world that's equal and just". Mr Vaz, who invited Rev Jackson to visit Leicester, said: "This is truly a historic day for our city. Rev Jackson is a global icon who has spent his whole life fighting against injustice and for equality, values that we in this city share." Jesse Jackson Park joins Nelson Mandela Park, in Welford Road, and the Mahatma Gandhi statue, in Belgrave Road, in commemorating the lives of some of the key figures in the civil rights movement.•Rev Jackson, who has dedicated his life to fighting inequality, poverty and violence in American cities, also visited Leicester Nirvana FC, in Hamilton. There he unveiled a plaque in remembrance of tragic street attack victim Antoin Akpom, the popular young football coach who died aged 20 after being set upon in Kent Street, Leicester, in September. At Nirvana FC, Rev Jackson wrapped an arm of support and hope around the shoulders of Cheryl Armatrading, the bereaved mother of Antoin. The Rev Jackson's daughter, Santita, sang a beautiful rendition of Greatest Love Of All. Mrs Armatrading said: "It was a very emotional day, but a very proud one. It was a real honour and privilege to have Jesse Jackson present this tribute to my son."•Rev Jackson, was in the city just hours before the death of Nelson Mandela was announced. He later paid tribute to Mr Mandela describing him as a global force for good and praising him for "reconciliation over retribution". "That sense of principle, tough mind, tender hear, was Nelson Mandela," he said.

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Leicester City's Nigel Pearson and Lloyd Dyer miss out on monthly awards

December 6, 2013, 2:13 am

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson and winger Lloyd Dyer have missed out on the Sky Bet Championship manager of the month and player of the month awards. Both were nominated after City rose to the top of the Championship during November. However, the awards went to Brighton boss Oscar Garcia, who takes on City tomorrow, and Leeds striker Ross McCormack, who scored seven goals in November.• Follow live coverage of the League Championship match between Brighton and Leicester City at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, December 7, 2013.

Brighton v Leicester City: Contract issues must not distract players, says Pearson

December 6, 2013, 2:16 am

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Nigel Pearson has urged his players not to allow the on-going contract situation to distract them from Leicester City's promotion push.

Eleven of Pearson's first-team squad, and the manager himself, are all out of contract at the end of this season and City are yet to open talks over new deals.

Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan, David Nugent, Lloyd Dyer, Sean St Ledger, Marcin Wasilewski, Paul Konchesky, Zak Whitbread, Neil Danns, Martyn Waghorn and Gary Taylor-Fletcher are all in the last year of their contracts.

Morgan, Nugent, Dyer and Konchesky have all voiced their desire to extend their stay with City and Pearson believes it will not affect their form, but hopes there will be a resolution soon.

Pearson has also expressed a desire to sign a new contract and continue his work with City.

"It is a subject that is going to keep cropping up until there is some sort of resolution to it," he said.

"All the players can do is what they have been doing so far, that is to remain focused on the job in hand and play as well as they can play. Whether it has an effect on us remains to be seen, but we are not alone in terms of clubs being in this situation.

"But the incentive is there for all of us to be a success this season and, if we do that, everything else will take care of itself.

"I understand why the question continues to be asked, but it is not going to be a straightforward solution to the situation. I know the players are saying the right things. We have to make sure we focus on what we can affect, which is our own performances and results."

Pearson said he was unlikely to make big changes to his side for tomorrow's trip to Brighton just because they lost at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.

"You have to keep things in perspective," he said. We are still in a good position and our performance levels have been good. For the most part this season, we have performed pretty well.

"It is not a case of wholesale changes. It is about picking the right team and formation.

"It was an off-night for us as a side. All in all, we have to make sure our level of performance is right tomorrow."

• Follow live coverage of the League Championship match between Brighton and Leicester City at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, December 7, 2013.

Brighton v Leicester City: De Laet returns to boost City options

December 6, 2013, 2:18 am

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The return of Ritchie De Laet will give Leicester City a different attacking dimension at Brighton tomorrow, believes manager Nigel Pearson.

The right-back has been out of action for two months after having surgery to heal an infected cut on his shin but, after returning in the Development Squad's 3-0 victory against Doncaster on Wednesday, Pearson confirmed the Belgian could be in contention to face the Seagulls.

Liam Moore and Marcin Wasilewski, both recognised centre-backs, have deputised for De Laet during his absence, but Pearson said it was good to have the 25-year-old back involved.

"Hopefully, he will be available to join the squad," said Pearson.

"He is looking forward to getting back. It is nice for him to get some pitch-time and it will be nice to have him back as we come into what will be a very hectic period for us. It will give him and everyone else a lift.

"I think his game has developed well since he arrived here. He always gives you a different dimension because of that pace.

"Pace in the modern game is very important. It isn't the be-all and end-all, but it is nice to have different options. He brings more competition as well."

Only defender Sean St Ledger (groin) and striker Tom Hopper (shin) are likely to be missing for the trip to the Amex Stadium. "We have one or two knocks but I don't see them being a major problem for the weekend," said Pearson.

"As it stands at the moment, we will probably have everyone available for the trip to Brighton that we had in midweek at Sheffield Wednesday.

"That is pleasing going into another fixture with options."

Brighton will be without strikers Craig Mackail-Smith (ankle) and Will Hoskins (cruciate), while winger Kazenga LuaLua (knee) will also be missing for Oscar Garcia's side.

The Seagulls have an injury doubt over playmaker Andrea Orlandi (knee), who has been out for three months and came on as a substitute last Saturday against Bournemouth but then missed the midweek defeat to Barnsley.

Leo Ulloa is close to a return to action after two months out with a fractured metatarsal, and Rohan Ince should be fit after missing the Barnsley game.

Midfielder Kemy Augustien could also feature after returning as a substitute on Tuesday night following three months out of action with a calf injury.

• Follow live coverage of the League Championship match between Brighton and Leicester City at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, December 7, 2013.

Man's death in fire-damaged house in Aylestone Lane, Wigston, is not suspicious

December 6, 2013, 2:22 am

≫ Next: LEICESTER TEENS HAVE AUTUMN OF A LIFETIME WITH NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE

≪ Previous: Brighton v Leicester City: De Laet returns to boost City options

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The death of a man whose body was found in a fire-damaged house is not being treated as suspicious, police said today. Officers were called to the house in Aylestone Lane, Wigston, at 4.30pm on Monday after the man's body was found inside. A fire had also caused some damage to the property. In a statement released this morning, Leicestershire Police said: "The death and fire are not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner."

LEICESTER TEENS HAVE AUTUMN OF A LIFETIME WITH NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE

December 6, 2013, 2:22 am

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Young people from across Leicestershire, including Leicester teen Kanika Cawla, decided to make the most of their October half-term and autumn weekends this year by joining the National Citizen Service programme allowing them to take on new challenges and activities, make new friends and develop essential skills that will benefit them throughout life.
National Citizen Service (NCS), a flagship government initiative, provides UK teens between the ages of 16-17 a chance to give back to their local communities by developing and implementing a social action project within their hometowns.
Phil Everett, Communications Officer for NCS in Lincolnshire, Rutland, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, also known as NCS EM1, commented: "A big part of the NCS Awesome Autumn programme is the Social Action Project – when each group works on a community project that benefits their local town.  
"Not only does NCS build character and confidence in young people, but it also teaches them the importance of public service by providing an outlet to help others and give back to their community." 
Some of the Social Action Projects currently being undertaken throughout the city and county this November include:

• Leicester Charity Link Food Bank – This team are promoting and collecting for a food drive to help provide everyday food items that the majority of us take for granted. They will also be collecting donations to go towards larger items such as beds, cookers and clothing.

• RSPCA, Woodside in Leicester – The project involves awareness raising of the centre and the need for it to fundraise to keep the animals safe and healthy at RSPCA, Woodside Centre in Leicester.

• Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough – Rainbows is a local charity that provides hospice care for sick and terminally ill young children. The team are fundraising and awareness raising for the charity to improve the facilities and care provided to local children.

• Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre – the centre provides adventurous outdoor activity experiences designed to stimulate, educate and motivate all members of society in a challenging and safe environment. The team are revamping areas of the centre including picking, pruning, ditch clearing and painting.  

• Untapped Me in Tugby – Untapped Me C.I.C is a not-for-profit business that works with targeted groups of women who feel isolated in society, aiming to improve their lives and remove this isolation. 

• Desford Sure Start in Leicester – A children's centre for children with special needs. This project involves developing an outdoor area, including creating a sensory wall. 

• Ashmount School in Loughborough – This is a school for students with special education needs and learning difficulties. They have a wish list of things they would love but can't afford. The team are fundraising to help them achieve their wishes.

Kanika Cawla, a 17-year old from the city, who has been working on a Social Action Project with other Leicester teens, commented: "The best part of our Social Action Project so far has been the market stall that Leicester Market let us use on a Saturday. We made over £150 which has been our most successful fundraising event so far. It was great, as everyone in the team got involved and did their personal best in the jobs that we shared out."
Kanika and the rest of her NCS team have dedicated time to promote and raise funds for Leicester Charity Links Winter Food Bank. The team are promoting the food bank and will help out on the main collection day, 29th Nov.  The Charity then gives the food donations to Leicester and Leicestershire's most vulnerable individuals and families.
This autumn's NCS programme also included a four-day outdoor adventure residential complete with team-building activities like rock-climbing, raft building and abseiling, as well as three days of skills development with local and national businesses.
Kanika continued: "I've personally gained a lot of confidence because I'm not usually the person who controls a whole team, but I have done so on occasion with NCS! This also helped me to get organised and manage my time efficiently. The fact that I met loads of people meant that I learnt how to socialise and make conversation, too.
"If I hadn't got a place on NCS, I would have stayed at home most of the time this half-term. I wouldn't have taken part in much physical activity and would've watched TV most of the day. Best of all, though, I met over 100 new people through the programme!"
Kanika had this to say to any young person thinking about joining NCS: "It's a great opportunity to help your community. We all want to help but usually don't have the means to do so. NCS provides us with the chance. Plus, the residential is a one-of-a-kind experience as you understand how it feels to be away from family and it helps prepare you for uni life."