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First Person: 'Burqa bans in all public places have no place in a liberal democracy'

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In 2011 it became a criminal offence to wear face coverings, including the burqa and niqab, in any public place in France. This summer the European Court of Human Rights decided this law did not violate human rights. It interferes with rights to religious freedom of expression and our private life, "personality" or "identity" rights. However, these interferences are justified by the "rights and freedoms of others": "living together" argued by the French government.

As the two dissenting judges say this is notion is "far-fetched and vague". It makes a mockery of rights to freedom of expression, religious or otherwise, identity or personality.

This judgement turns the focus in human rights protection on to how the majority perceive a person's identity, allowing governments to criminally ban clothing even though it is part of a person's identity. This is a worrying development in protecting human rights.

The court had previously said that "private life" embraced gender identification, name, sex, personal development, the right to establish and develop relationships with others, and appearance and clothing.

This personality right enables us to make our own choices in life, to have some power and control over our future. So human rights should protect choices and identities even if the majority of the population disagree or are shocked, offended or disturbed.

The French government represented the veil as a "symbolic and dehumanising violence", an "effacement" and "self-confinement" of women who wear it. The dissenting judges do not agree and fieldwork in Belgium and France indicates that veil-wearing women had been happy to socialise in public: others harassed them.

Dr Irene Zempi also found this in her interviews with women in Leicester (where, of course, there are no such criminal bans). Regardless of what the face veil represents, the dissenters convincingly point out that there is no legal right not to be shocked or provoked by different types of personality or identity.

There is no right to enter into contact with other people in public places against their will. Communication is essential for life in society but we also have a right not to communicate, not to enter into contact with others in public places: "the right to be an outsider".

The full face does not need to be shown for us to communicate as is clear when skiing, motorcycling, wearing carnival costumes (these are exempt under the French law). Ear or headphones, talking on the telephone, Skype without a video, email, letters, social media and other virtual communications could also be added to the list. Full face veil bans in all public places have no place in European liberal democracies. It is a shame the European Court of Human Rights missed the opportunity to say so.

Professor Jill Marshall, of the School of Law at the University of Leicester, is author of Human Rights Law and Personal Identity 2014.

First Person: 'Burqa bans in all public places have no place in a liberal democracy'


Man killed riding stolen motorbike had been drinking and taking drugs, inquest hears

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A 26-year-old man who died when the stolen motorbike he was riding hit a traffic light had been drinking and taking drugs, an inquest heard.

Luke Gibbs was killed at the scene of the crash, which happened at the junction of Belton Road and Meadow Lane in Loughborough at 4.45am on June 1.

He was not wearing a helmet when the crash happened and he had sped through a red light at the junction before swerving as a Toyota taxi entered the crossroads.

He went onto the pavement where both the bike and his body collided with the traffic light post.

The inquest in Loughborough today was told he suffered "rapidly fatal" chest injuries that caused heart failure. The bike span off, crashing through a garden fence and coming to rest outside a house in Belton Road.

Reading a post mortem report, deputy coroner for North Leicestershire and Rutland Carolyn Hull said Luke's blood ethanol level put him at "nearly twice" the drink-driving limit.

She said he had also used amphetamines, cannabis and mephedrone - also known as M-Cat or meow-meow.

Mr Gibbs, of Darwin Close, Loughborough, had been driving the stolen bike around the town and had been caught on CCTV with no helmet driving up Nottingham Road out of town and then doing a U-turn and driving back into Loughborough.

Information from traffic sensors showed his average speed going into the junction was about 65mph but he was also braking heavily, leaving an 85-metre black skid mark.

The taxi was being driven by Mohammed Khan, who heard the bike but did not see it coming.

He said: "I was returning home at some time after 4am.

"As I was going along Meadow Lane the traffic light was red and it turned to green as I approached.

"As I was entering the junction I heard the sound of the bike - it was very quick and it was like the sound of a thunderstorm.

"I didn't see which direction the bike came from. I just heard the sound and I was scared.

"I saw him falling down onto the road and then I pulled my car to the side of the road and called the police."

Police and paramedics were sent to the scene and after Mr Gibbs's body had been removed the junction was kept shut for a police investigation, which was led by Pc Adrian Carlyle.

He told the inquest: "The Toyota was being driven within the speed limit and complied with the traffic signal.

"The motorcycle was being driven in excess of the speed limit and failed to comply with the signal and collided with the traffic light post."

The coroner said to family and friends of Mr Gibbs at the inquest: "I offer all of you my condolences on the death of Luke.

"He was a young man in the prime of his life and had everything to live for."

Police have said the 600cc Suzuki Supersport had been stolen from a home in the town earlier in the night.

Reasons why you should buy tomorrow's paper

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Here are five reasons why you should buy tomorrow's Leicester Mercury:

  1. Frozen toys to be won. There are 3 prizes to be won, each prize consisting of two dolls and a DVD
  2. Fenwicks 20% off evenings - token collect (4th December event only)
  3. Win an iPad Mini
  4. If buying from the vendors – Free Children's Ladybird Book – Little Red Riding Hood
  5. Motors 

Speedway: Leicester Lions sign two new riders

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Leicester Lions will have two new riders lining up for them at reserve next season.

Josh Auty and Simon Lambert will join the Lions following this week's meeting of speedway promoters, in Rugby, where the selection process took place to allocate 16 of the best young British riders to the eight Elite League clubs.

As Leicester finished bottom of the Elite League last season, their position entitled them to have first pick from the list of Grade A riders.

Rapid Solicitors Lions promoter David Hemsley chose Auty first. 

Lambert was then selected from the second round of the process.

"The draft system, in my opinion, has been enhanced by the inclusion of people like Josh Auty," said Hemsley.

"He has undoubted talent and needs to be riding regularly at the top level in British speedway to further his career, and this is an ideal opportunity for Josh to do just that.

"He is an out-and-out racer who comes with bags of experience and is familiar with tracks in the Elite League, so I am sure he is going to be a big asset to the team.

"My second choice was Simon Lambert, who rode in all three divisions last season and acquitted himself very well.

"(Lions team manager) Norrie Allan and I were impressed with his commitment and spirit when he guested for us at King's Lynn in July, and his seven points were a vital factor in the team gaining a bonus consolation point that night."

It will be a return to the club for Lambert, who rode for Lions during their Premier League days.

The 25-year-old also led his National League club Kent Kings to the semi-finals of the play-offs last season. Auty, who is a year younger than Lambert, is a former British Under-15 champion and has past experience of riding in the Elite League with Coventry and Birmingham.

"Both Josh and Simon rode together at Sheffield a few years ago, so they should be in tune with one another as a pairing when they race in the two reserve heats," said Hemsley.

"Having a stronger reserve pairing will give Norrie opportunities during a match, particularly if we need to make a tactical change due to a rider having an off-day or who has hit mechanical problems."

Speedway: Leicester Lions sign two new riders

Leicester City striker Chris Wood has no regrets about turning down move to Wolves

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Chris Wood said he has no regrets about turning down the chance to move away from Leicester City in search of regular first-team football.

The New Zealand international rejected the chance to join Wolves in August because he wanted to stay and fight for a place in the City side and prove he could be a success in the Premier League.

City did hold talks with Wolves but, once Wood indicated it was of no interest to him, Leicester pulled out of the negotiations.

The 22-year-old striker has not made a league start this season and has appeared as a substitute in five of the 12 games so far, but he said he is still prepared to wait for his opportunity.

"I think I made the right decision in staying because I knew in my heart I wanted to stay and fight," said Wood, who scored on the opening day against Everton after going on as a substitute.

"I wanted to show what I am about and prove to everyone what I can do. 

"I haven't had that chance yet but, hopefully, if I do get that chance, I can show them what I am all about.

"The gaffer has just told me to keep on going. I have worked hard in training and he said I have given him problems.

"Hopefully I can keep doing that, keep showing what I am all about and I will be in the mix for selection."

Wood admits it has been a frustrating time for him, especially as City have been struggling for goals in recent weeks and have failed to score in their last five games.

"It is frustrating but it is one of those things in football," he said. "It is not always rosy.

"I have to wait for my chance and hopefully it will come.

"I have to do the business when I come on and work hard to get into those positions to score."

Wood admits it is not just himself who feels frustrated by City's lack of goals.

"The chances don't seem to be falling for the strikers," he said.

"It is just one of those things and, whoever gets the chance, we need to start putting it in the back of the net.

"I know our team has goals in them and we have great players throughout the squad."

Leicester City striker Chris Wood has no regrets about turning down move to Wolves

PHOTOS: Two Leicester criminals are on the run from prison

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Police are searching for two Leicester criminals who have gone on the run from prison. Wayne Smart and James Sheldon, apparently together, absconded from HMP Sudbury, Derbyshire yesterday, police said. Officers have released photographs of the pair and urged members of the public to help them to trace them. Smart, 37, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court last year to four years in prison for burglary. Sheldon, 34, was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection in 2006 for assault with intent to rob. Smart is white, 5ft 7ins, of medium build and has short brown hair. He has 'Wayne' tattooed on his left arm and love hearts on his right. Sheldon is white, 5ft 7ins and of medium build. He has a tattoo of a smiley face on his left arm and LCFC tattooed on his right. Both offenders still have links, thought to include family, in Leicester. Derbyshire Police has circulated the men's details and photographs. A force spokeswoman said it was likely the pair had headed for Leicestershire, adding: "It isn't confirmed, but we are investigating the possibility they are together." In an official report released in March this year Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said the number of escapes from HMP Sudbury was rising year on year. In 2011/12, 24 men absconded, rising to 29 in 2012/13 and 17 in the first six months of 2013/14. The report, which was published in March, said the prison had introduced new measures to improve the situation and that information about previous escapes had been collated and analysed in order to trends and patterns. The pair are the latest inmates to abscond from the Derbyshire open prison, including a number of men from Leicestershire. In October this year, Martin Casey was arrested in Leicestershire after six months on the run. Casey was serving a sentence for killing a senior Army officer in a crash. His arrest followed an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch programme last month. Casey, formerly of Golf Course Lane, Braunstone Frith, was jailed in April 2011 for causing the death of 50-year-old Major Richard Angove, of the Royal Signals Corp. Major Angove, a father of two from Gloucestershire, was killed when Casey – who was being pursued by police – forced his car into the path of oncoming traffic. In April 2012, another Leicestershire prisoner, Marcus Barney, was arrested in Australia and extradited to Britain. Barney disappeared from Sudbury in September 2009, two years into a seven-year sentence for causing the death of 26-year-old Carol Tegg. Barney, formerly of Dale End Close, Hinckley, failed to return to custody after a day's temporary leave. He was tracked down in Australia last year during an investigation into rogue traders. He was living there under an assumed name. Information about Smart and Sheldon's whereabouts should be reported to Derbyshire police on 101, quoting incident 699 of November 26. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

PHOTOS: Two Leicester criminals are on the run from prison

Missing student Nickyle Perry found 'safe and well'

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An 18-year-old university student who was reported missing last Friday has been found safe and well. Nickyle Perry was last seen in Loughborough town centre. Police and his family were concerned because his disappearance was out of character. Nickyle, who is studying at the town's university and is from London, was found safe and well yesterday, Leicestershire Police said.

Missing student Nickyle Perry found 'safe and well'

City council receive multi-million boost after auctioning off unused properties

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City council bosses have received a multi-million pound boost after auctioning off a number of unused properties.

The authority had a number of lots at a property auction at Leicester Racecourse course this week which had been expected to reach a maximum of £1.6 million.

The buildings included two former care homes – closed to save cash despite campaigns to save them – and former community centres as well as a number of surplus homes.

Although one house failed to sell, the remaining properties were sold for £3.3 million – more than twice the expected income.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "This is part of my determination to sell unused and underused council properties.

"We do that to get the properties back into some kind of use as well as giving us a very useful capital receipt that we can reinvest in the city.

"What we got from the latest sales was more than twice the valuation. I think that shows we sold them at the right time and that the economy of Leicester is recovering."

There were more than 400 people at the auction on Wednesday but the council has not revealed who purchased any of the properties.

A house in Woodstock Road did not sell but the Douglas Bader Centre, in St Matthew's, was bought for more than £800,000 when it had been expected to fetch £325,000.

It was formerly a day centre for disabled people who have now been offered alternative places.

Former care home Nuffield House, off Narborough Road, was the most expensive of the council's properties and sold for £1.4 million – almost three times the amount anticipated.

Other lots included former care home Elizabeth House, in New Parks, which sold for £625,000, and a lot consisting of the disused Ek Awaaj youth club, in Belgrave Road as well as a property in Moorgate Street.

Campaigners had urged Sir Peter to sell it to a community group for £1 in line with similar deals he has agreed for other groups. It sold for £382,000.

A property in Latimer Street sold for £91,000 which represented a small increase of the guide price.

Yahya Thadha, a trustee of the Muslim Khatri Association (MKA), had appealed for the Douglas Bader Centre to be withdrawn from the auction because he wanted it to remain as an asset for the community.

He said: "It went to a local group so the outcome is positive. It will be welcomed by the community."

Sir Peter said both the care homes and the Douglas Bader Centre were expensive to run and did not offer the best type of care for either elderly or disabled residents.

leicestermercury.co.uk/politics

City council receive multi-million boost after auctioning off unused properties


A50 branded worst entrance into city as Vaughan Way shopping and flats complex approved

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A senior councillor has branded the A50 the worst major entrance into Leicester city centre.

Patrick Kitterick, chairman of the city council's planning committee, spoke about the need to improve the route when he and his colleagues approved a £25 million shops and flats complex off Vaughan Way.

Coun Kitterick said he hoped the scheme would set off a chain of regeneration in the former industrial area which has proved notoriously hard to attract investment.

He said: "If you ask anyone in the city or the county which is the worst entry way into the city, they will say it is the A50 going through Woodgate and going through Highcross Street.

"The problem is by the time you have taken the whole length, it is nearing a mile you need to regenerate."

Sowden Developments' scheme will provide 150 flats, a food store and a Decathlon sports shop with rooftop pitch on a vacant site in Vaughan Way across from the Highcross shopping centre. Coun Kitterick said: "The biggest challenge is getting investment to jump the ring road.

"I have described it like reverse dominoes. The hope is when one development goes up someone will be encouraged to put another up and then another.

"This can achieve that and is a prize worth going for."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he agreed with Coun Kitterick.

He said: "Patrick is absolutely right. It is the worst artery into the city.

"That area is a great challenge but it is one we are addressing."

The city council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Partnership will see £28 million spent on improving the A50 and the A6.

There will also be £20 million for plans to regenerate the city's rundown riverside area around Frog Island.

It is hoped the Government cash will lead to further private sector investment like the Sowden scheme. Sir Peter said the project's approval was "absolutely brilliant" news.

Hammerson, the owner of Highcross, said it supported the Sowden development in principle but asked councillors not to approve it because they had concerns about a proposed footbridge from the new building to the existing John Lewis car park.

Hammersons also owns some of the land Sowden wants to be developed and no agreement has yet been reached between the two.

Planning officers said resolving the matter was a civil issue rather than a reason not to grant permission.

A number of councillors were unhappy Sowden would not be asked to provide affordable housing but were told it would make the scheme unviable.

leicestermercury.co.uk/politics

A50 branded worst entrance into city as Vaughan Way shopping and flats complex approved

Better Call Saul trailer and release date (VIDEO)

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Better Call Saul the prequel to the Emmy award-winning series Breaking Bad will be aired in the US on February 8, it has been revealed.

The shows creators have released this trailer to whet audience appetites - although no date has been set for the UK release as of yet.

However, Netflix made the original Breaking Bad series available to British viewers the day after it was aired in the States and rumours are they could do the same thing with the latest spin off show.

The new series stars Bob Odenkirk as lawyer Saul Goodman and follows his life prior to meeting chemist and drug kingpin, Walter White.

It is understood that while the show will focus on Goodman there could be cameos from Bryan Cranston (White) and Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman).

Better Call Saul trailer and release date (VIDEO)

Phillip Hughes: Former teammate Neil Pinner of Leicestershire County Cricket Club plays tribute to the Australian killed by ball

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A Leicestershire cricketer has paid tribute to his former teammate Phillip Hughes, who died after being hit by a cricket ball.

Neil Pinner, who was playing for the county's Second XI last season and joins the main Leicestershire team next season, used to play with Phillip in Worcestershire in 2012.

He said: "He was an infectious character and every day you could see how much he loved cricket and loved being with the lads.

"He was always great fun to be around and we all felt he had a long career ahead of him.

"No one expected this."

Phillip was injured during a game in Australia on Tuesday. He was struck in the neck by a bouncer from New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott.

The ball struck the back of his head under his helmet and the incident has been described as a "freak accident" by many commentators.

Phillip was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and then was taken to hospital where he was placed into an induced coma for surgery.

After the surgery he never regained consciousness and his life support was switched off on Thursday.

He died three days before his 26th birthday.

Neil, 24, was an academy player at Worcestershire, having grown up in that county, and was there for four years.

He was a middle order batsman in 2012 when Phillip was an opening batsman and said he learned a lot from the Australian player.

When Neil heard about the accident on Tuesday he was in shock.

He said: "Everyone was talking about the accident when he was in a critical condition in hospital and we were all shocked at how severe the injury had been.

"But we assumed it would work out okay and he would be alright.

"When we heard he'd passed away it was just a massive shock."

During his career Phillip played for New South Wales, Middlesex, Hampshire, Sydney Thunder, Worcestershire, South Australia, The Adelaide Strikers and The Mumbai Indians.

Cricketers and fans alike from Leicestershire to South Australia have been using Twitter to post photographs of cricket bats in memory of Phillip.

Former Leicestershire captain Paul Nixon joined the trend, tweeting a picture of his own cricket bat leaning against the front door of his home in Leicester.

Other cricketers have been expressing their grief through Twitter.

Stuart Broad tweeted: "Just can't believe it, heartbreaking stuff. RIP Phil Hughes."

Jonathan Agnew, BBC commentator and former Leicestershire and England player, tweeted: "That ball could have been bowled at any time in any game.

"Tragic that it should end like this for the Hughes family and for Sean Abbott."

The accident has prompted a review of safety in the sport.

Phillip Hughes: Former teammate Neil Pinner of Leicestershire County Cricket Club plays tribute to the Australian killed by ball

Everards Leicester still searching for elusive first win in Premier Squash League

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Everards Leicester are still searching for their first win of the Premier Squash League season after suffering a 3-2 defeat to local rivals Air-IT Nottingham.

Leicester could not profit from home advantage and slipped to their fourth straight loss, albeit narrowly.

Tania Bailey took on Nottingham's Emma Beddoes in the first encounter, taking the game to her younger opponent early on. But, Beddoes had an answer to everything, edging the first two games 12-10.

And Beddoes was notably fresher than Bailey in the third clash, running away with the game to close out a convincing 3-0 win.

On the adjacent court, Leicester's national under-19 champion George Parker faced Mark Fuller.

The Nottingham man finished on top in a tightly-contested first game, but a motivated Parker upped the pace in game two, racing to victory and levelling the match.

Both players had periods of domination over the next two games, and the match moved to 2-2, but bolstered by a partisan crowd, Parker took the decider to level the overall scores.

Nottingham's Ollie Holland took advantage of loose play by Leicester's Darren Lewis in the opening exchanges of the fourth-string clash to take the first game 11-7.

Although Lewis pushed on to a 6-3 lead in the second, Holland won eight of the next nine points to create a 2-0 lead.

The third game had a similar story, Lewis earning a three-point lead before Holland staged an impressive comeback. He won 11-9 and boosted Nottingham to a 2-1 overall lead.

In the fourth tie, Nottingham underdog Chris Fuller produced a stunning fightback to beat Leicester's Ben Coleman.

Coleman, ranked 51 places above his opponent, showed his strength early on, taking the opening two games 11-7, 11-9.

Fuller dug deep to win a nail-biting tie-break in the third and his tactical, aggressive squash earned him the fourth game.

The Nottingham player increased the intensity in the deciding game, moving 10-5 ahead. Coleman saved four match balls, but Fuller eventually prospered 11-9, securing the overall victory for his team.

Although the outcome of the match was already assured, both first-string players, Leicester's world number 11 Daryl Selby and Nottingham's Alan Clyne, produced a high-intensity match.

Selby's quality showed and he took a 2-0 lead, but a lapse in concentration allowed Clyne to win the third 11-5, and he consolidated with an 11-8 victory in the fourth. However, Selby's experience helped him triumph in the decider.

Everards Leicester still searching for elusive first win in Premier Squash League

"Beneath contempt" - Harborough MP Edward Garnier on Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk's child abuse debate remarks

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Sir Edward Garnier has described the comments of a Labour MP about an encounter they had before a parliamentary hearing on historical child sex abuse as "beneath contempt."

Simon Danczuk accused the Harborough MP of discouraging him from challenging former Home Secretary Lord Brittan the night before he gave evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee.

Rochdale MP Mr Danzcuk said Sir Edward warned him to think carefully about what he would say in to the committee which is chaired by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.

Mr Danczuk made the claim about Sir Edward in a House of Commons debate yesterday using Parliamentary privilege.

That means he cannot be sued or face other legal action over his remarks.

Mr Danczuk, who has campaigned to uncover child abuse by his Rochdale predecessor Liberal MP Cyril Smith, described "an encounter" he had with Sir Edward in June at 10pm the day before he was due to give evidence to the committee.

Mr Danczuk told the House: "Earlier this year, I told the Home Affairs Committee that a dossier containing allegations about child abuse by politicians had been handed by Tory MP Geoffrey Dickens to the then Home Secretary Leon Brittan.

"That revelation helped lead to the Wanless and Whittam review and to the establishment of the overarching inquiry, but not everybody was pleased with the idea that I might challenge Lord Brittan. "The night before my appearance before the Committee, I had an encounter with the hon. and learned Member for Harborough.

"After the 10pm vote, he drew me to one side outside the Chamber and warned me to think very carefully about what I was going to say the following day.

"He told me that challenging Lord Brittan on child abuse would not be a wise move and that I might even be responsible for his death, as he was unwell.

"I understand that people are cautious about naming parliamentarians, but I think that people who might know about child abuse allegations should answer questions, whatever their position. We should not shy away from that."

Sir Edward, one of the country's leading defamation lawyers, and former solicitor general, told the Mercury: "Simon Danczuk's remarks are beneath contempt as he ought to know.

"He describes an encounter. It was a conversation. I spoke to him and he knows why.

"Anyone who thinks my attitude on paedophilia is lukewarm is very much mistaken.

"Simon Danczuk's values are all wrong. Taking lumps out of me doesn't advance the interests of the victims."

Sir Edward said he defended Lord McAlpine when he was falsely accused of child abuse and he said he had prosecuted paedophiles.

Sir Edward said he spoke to Mr Danczuk because he is a friend of Lord Brittan's wife who was concerned about her husband's ill health at the time.

Sir Edward said she had fears over the impact of the Rochdale MP naming her husband in the select committee meeting.

Mr Danczuk has claimed that when Lord Brittan was home secretary from 1983 to 1985, he was sent a dossier of allegations, compiled by Geoffrey Dickens, of sexual abuse by Westminster figures.

That dossier has never been recovered.

The BBC reported that Lord Brittan said he was given a "substantial bundle of papers" by Mr Dickens and told officials to report back to him if "action needed to be taken."

Lord Brittan says any suggestion he acted inappropriately is "wholly without foundation."

Current Home Secretary Theresa May has announced an independent inquiry into whether public bodies, such as the police, NHS and BBC, have failed in their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse.

However its first chairman retired senior judge Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, stood down over questions about her independence.

Ms May then chose corporate lawyer Fiona Woolf to replace her, but she also stood down after questions were raised over her experience and personal connections.

Mrs Woolf disclosed that she lived in the same street as Lord Brittan and had dinner with him five times between 2008 and 2012, although she said they did not have a "close association".

The government is now looking for a third person to chair the inquiry.

Where to get your Christmas trees in Leicester

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Bradgate Christmas Tree Plantation - Open daily 9:30am-6pm. The plantation is opposite Bradgate Parks Old Johns car park on Warren Hill between Newtown Linford and Woodhouse Eaves. The address is: Warren Hill, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE6 OAL. Contact number: 07852 513045.

Digby Farm - Open Monday to Saturday 10am-5:30pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Digby Farm is located in the village of North Luffenham, Rutland. Found between Oakham and Stamford on the south shore of Rutland water, the farm is easily accessible from the A1, A43, A47 and the A606. The address is: Station Road, North Luffenham, Rutland, LE15 8LF. Contact number: 01780 720607

Friezland Farm: Bosworth Water Trust - Open daily 9am-5pm. The address is: Wellsborough Rd, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV13 6PD. Contact number: 01455 291876.

Oakberry Christmas Trees - Open Monday to Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 9-5. They will shut at 4pm on Christmas Eve. The address is: Oakberry Farm, Lutterworth Road, Dunton Bassett, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 5JU. Contact number: 01455 208879.

Sapcote Garden Centre - Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Sapcote Garden Centre is located right next to the M69, just off the first junction as you come from the M1 at Leicester. The address is: Hinckley Rd, Sapcote, Leicester, LE9 4LG. Contact number: 01455 274049.

Gelsmoor Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm - Open Monday to Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-4:30pm. The address is: Gelsmoor Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 8JF. Contact number: 01332 810611.

Sence Valley Forest Park - For one weekend only: 13th-14th December, 9am-5pm. The address is: Sence Valley Forest Park, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6NW. Contact number: 01283 551211 

Where to get your Christmas trees in Leicester

New Leicestershire CCC head coach Andrew McDonald relishing challenge at Grace Road

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Andrew McDonald is champing at the bit as he prepares to wade into his new role as head coach at Grace Road.

However, the Australian all-rounder will have to wait a good while longer before he travels to Grace Road in person.

McDonald is currently in the thick of the Australian domestic season, where he is opening the batting for South Australia.

That means he is unlikely to arrive in Leicester before March.

However, he already knows what he is taking on in terms of the players he will have available and feels that there is a good deal of promise to work with.

"I have had a look through the squad and spoken to the coaches about every player, and there is a good mix of youth and experience," he told Leicestershire's website.

"I know the players will be working extremely hard this winter.

"It will be good to meet everyone and I can't wait to get my teeth into the challenge when it comes around."

McDonald, who had a productive two-year stint with the Foxes in 2010 and 2011, is in constant touch with the staff at Grace Road and believes communication will be vital in his new role.

He said: "Coaching, for me, is all about communication, and I think it is an advantage to me that I am coming straight out of playing the game.

"I understand that it can be a difficult game, and I think the longer that you are out of playing, the more you can forget what playing is actually like.

"There will be new challenges, like making tough decisions and communicating those to players, but that is what it is all about.

"Coaching has always been something I have thought about as I got my level three qualification back in 2008.

"I am very honoured to have been given the role and it is something I can't wait to get stuck into."

McDonald is a man to lead by example, too. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he has taken on the role of facing the new ball for the Redbacks.

"I am playing a different role for South Australia and really enjoying it," he said.

"As you get older, you tend to find yourself moving around the order a bit more and I am now opening the batting in my old age.

"I am thoroughly enjoying playing for South Australia and then there will be some new challenges on the horizon. It's an exciting time for me."

There will be a good deal of familiarity when he does rejoin County, both on the field and among the back-room staff, while there will be an element of home from home, too.

"There will be a bit of an Australian feel to the changing room with myself, Angus Robson and Clint McKay," said McDonald. "I know some players have left and that is never ideal, but we have the chance to create a new dressing room culture. Experienced players like Clint will be vital for us."

Leicestershire get their County Championship campaign under way against Glamorgan at Grace Road this season. See the full list of County fixtures here: FIXTURE LIST.

New Leicestershire CCC head coach Andrew McDonald relishing challenge at Grace Road


Carer of the Year 2014: Supporting Independence nominee Hazel Weston

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Hazel Weston selflessly spent more than a decade caring for her parents as well as having a family to look after and a full time job.

The Leicester Mercury is once again looking to recognise the efforts and dedication of people like Hazel in our 2014 Carer of the Year Awards.

Hazel, 57, has been nominated for the second year running in the Supporting Independence category.

Hazel, who lives off Narborough Road South, said: "I am shocked. It is a nice surprise - I was not expecting it."

Hazel's mum died in October 2013 and her dad died in 2002. She had been caring for the couple, then her mum alone, since 2000. She would cook their dinner every night, do the shopping and cleaning.

Hazel's mum Joyce Talbot was wheelchair bound, had dementia and was then diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

In January 2013 Hazel was told her mum only had 24 hours left to live.

Hazel, who works at Glenfield Hospital in the respiratory physiology department, said: "Every week the Macmillan nurses came in and said she would probably die over the weekend."

Joyce died in October 2013.

Between January and October 2013 either Hazel or her husband stayed by Joyce's bedside all night a couple of times a week.

Hazel said: "I would go to work Friday and probably not go to bed until Sunday.

"I was running on adrenaline.

"But, it is harder now because I am lost."

Hazel has now started to help out her elderly neighbour.

"I have taken up making dinner for a man down the road.

"I have done odd meals for him for the past couple of months. I know it gives him something to look forward to."

Hazel's friend Anthony Robson nominated her.

He said: "Hazel held a full time job, yet at night and weekends devoted her time to her mum and dad.

"From cooking meals and shopping and general care, she was a dedicated daughter who went well beyond love.

"She had very little time for herself.

"After looking after her mum she would go home and look after her family, then went back and put her mum to bed."

Anthony, 58, said Hazel should be recognised for her work.

The Mercury's awards celebrate the selfless hard work of carers across the county.

We are running the awards in conjunction with Woods Coaches, of Wigston, and Sturgess Motor Group, in Almond Road, Leicester.

South Lodge is sponsoring the Supporting Independence category in our Carer of the Year Awards.

Rachael Whittle, client liaison manager at South Lodge Care and Nursing Home, in Stoneygate, said: "Many people come to South Lodge and find their life begins again, joining in a vast range of activities and often re discover a passion for art or poetry and the trips out that the team organise are very well received by all of our residents.

"Supporting Independence is something close to South Lodge's heart and we wish everyone that has been nominated good luck from all of us!"

To nominate a carer click HERE 

Carer of the Year 2014:  Supporting Independence nominee Hazel Weston

Paige Jackson tragedy: Man jailed for killing pregnant mother on Saffron Lane

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A high speed drink and drug-fuelled driver, who killed pregnant 22-year-old Paige Jackson in an horrific crash was jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Floyd Mangove, a care worker, pleaded guilty to causing Paige's death by driving a VW Jetta dangerously on Saffron Lane, Leicester, at 6.55am on February 15.

Paige, who was 28-weeks-pregnant, was walking to a bus stop on her way to work at McDonald's, in Wigston, when Mangove's airborne car struck her from behind.

She died at the scene and an emergency caesarean-section failed to save the life of her baby, Reuben.

Mangove (22), of Hopyard Close, off Lutterworth Road, Leicester, who was described by witnesses as driving at up to 90mph on the 30mph stretch, prior to the crash, was banned from driving for 10 years.

Martin Hurst, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court: "At the junction of Saffron Lane and Knighton Lane, heading out of the city, he failed to negotiate a gentle right hand bend.

"His wheels locked and he mounted the pavement, demolishing a road sign with two upright posts which acted as a ramp, causing the car to take off and rotate 360-degrees, landing on its' wheels on the carriageway.

"In the course of the flight he struck Paige from behind, causing massive injuries to her head, abdomen and leg.

"She died almost instantly and would not have been conscious.

"The baby wasn't injured but died, despite a caesarean, and was otherwise entirely healthy and would have been born normally.

"The defendant stayed at the scene and claimed he could not remember what happened."

He got into his car that morning after what he described as "a rough night."

A blood test revealed he had 142 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

The legal limit is 80 micrograms.

Some of Paige's family and friends, who were in court, wept during sentencing.

Judge Nicholas Dean QC said: "It's hard to imagine a more tragic case than this.

"You were responsible for those deaths by the way you drove your car.

"The way you drove was no doubt as a consequence of the alcohol you took in the hours leading up to the collision and the cannabis you had consumed.

"At the time you drove your VW Jetta in suburban Leicester you were drunk and affected by cannabis."

Witnesses estimated Mangove was travelling at between 60 and 90mph, a quarter of a mile before reaching the crash scene.

CCTV images prior to the collision confirmed speeds of 71-88mph.

Judge Dean said: "Your driving was prolonged, persistent and deliberate.

"I'm treating it as the death of more than one person."

James Varley, mitigating, said Mangove was deeply remorseful and had suffered trauma and depression because of his actions.

He said: "He's going to spend years in a prison cell and he accepts that."

Afterwards, Detective Sergeant Mark Partridge, from the Serious Collision Investigation unit said: "Any fatal road traffic collision is upsetting, but this was made all the more so by the fact Paige was pregnant with her first child.
"I am pleased that Mangove has pleaded guilty, saving Paige's family and loved ones the distressing experience of sitting through a trial.
"Mangove was driving at high speed and the results of his actions have been devastating.

"A family has been left without a daughter and will have to live with the consequences of that for the rest of their lives."

Paige Jackson tragedy: Man jailed for killing pregnant mother on Saffron Lane

VIDEO: England and Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs on autumn international criticism

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Scrum-half Ben Youngs says the criticism England have received this autumn shows just how far they have come.

The Leicester Tigers man has kept his place in the starting line-up for the game with Australia tomorrow at Twickenham (2.30).

He had his first game of the November series in the 28-9 win over Samoa last weekend, replacing an out-of-form Danny Care who wore the No.9 shirt for the defeats against New Zealand and South Africa.

Media and pundits got stuck into Stuart Lancaster's side for those defeats, but Youngs said that is a mark of respect for what is expected from them as a force in world rugby.

"The big thing for us is that we are under pressure to get results now," he said. "All of a sudden, people expect us to beat the likes of New Zealand and South Africa at home and that is a great thing.

"The squad were so disappointed with the losses. We had opportunities to beat New Zealand and we had chances against South Africa, too.

"We looked at the video of the South Africa game in particular and there was no doubt we should have won the game with the chances we created.

"We are doing the right things in terms of creating opportunities, but we have to finish them against the best opposition."

England will be trying to finish on a high against an Aussie side under the new management of former Leinster head coach Michael Cheika.

The Wallabies have lost their last two games to Ireland and France but are playing an attacking brand of rugby that has been pleasing on the eye.

Youngs knows England will have to put in their best defensive performance of the autumn. "The Aussies are playing a huge amount of rugby under Cheika," he said. "They have a lot of width and they play a great brand of rugby.

"They keep coming at you and like putting you under pressure. We have to be tight in defence and make our tackles.

"We have been very critical on ourselves this year but we know we are in a great place to compete against these sides.

"And we have lots of players to come back into the mix, too, with the likes of Joe Launchbury, Tom Croft, Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Tom Youngs and Manu Tuilagi out injured. They are big names and there is a big year ahead for us all."


Get behind-the-scenes news from Ben Youngs and his England team-mates with O2 Inside Line. New YouTube episode every Wednesday at: o2.uk/InsideLine #o2insideline

VIDEO: England and Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs on autumn international criticism

Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole believes Wasps' move to Coventry could reignite famous rivalry

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Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole believes Wasps' move to Coventry could reignite the clubs' famous rivalry.

The pair go head to head at Welford Road tomorrow in the final Aviva Premiership game before Wasps make their debut at Coventry's Ricoh Arena.

Cole said the fixture still "means more than your average game," but admitted the Tigers-Wasps rivalry had died down from its peak nearly a decade ago, when the clubs frequently battled out domestic and European finals.

However, Cole thinks Wasps' imminent relocation will help add a spark to the sides' encounters.

"It's not exactly the Martin Johnson-Lawrence Dallaglio clashes of yesteryear, when both teams were the best in Europe, but there's still a rivalry there," said Cole.

"I still think, for the fans and also to the players, it means more than just your average game.

"I think there's a chance that Wasps' move will reignite that rivalry.

"There is a rivalry between Leicester and Wasps from those European games, and them moving down the road to Coventry, if they can build a fan-base there, then it will be a competitive fixture.

"It will be a local derby, and I think it will be a rivalry because of the way Wasps have been re-finding their form, especially these last couple of years.

"I know they've had a couple of lull years recently, but this year and last year, they are better and becoming one of the better teams in the Premiership and that naturally creates a rivalry.

"If you've got two good sides going against each other, that naturally creates a bit of a spark."

With Tigers just one point and one place above Wasps in the Premiership table, the match is expected to be tightly contested.

But with the visitors' poor away record in the league this season – four losses from four games – the Welford Road faithful will be expecting victory.

Cole knows that claiming the four points will not be a simple task, though.

"I expect them to be fired up for the game," he said. "If we look at the team they've got, they've improved their set-piece with Lorenzo Cittadini, the tight-head, and they've got the big ball carriers in Nathan Hughes and Ashley Johnson.

"They've got some great backs, in Elliot Daly, Christian Wade and Tom Varndell, who can score tries, and there's Andy Goode, who can throw the ball around.

"They scored 11 tries against London Welsh, which is quite a lot, so they can break you from anywhere.

"I know they lost to Exeter last weekend. Exeter did a good job on them, but they've got the ability to play and they've got the ability to play forward with big runners."

Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole believes Wasps' move to Coventry could reignite famous rivalry

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson admits gulf between Premier League and Championship sides is growing harder to bridge

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The gulf between the Championship and the Premier League is getting harder for promoted teams to bridge, but not impossible, says Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson.

City head to fellow promoted side QPR tomorrow for a huge clash in the fight for survival, with both sides in the bottom three.

Unsurprisingly, Burnley, who came up with City in the automatic places, occupy the other relegation spot and Pearson said the position of all three promoted clubs demonstrates how difficult the adjustment is.

The statistics also show how tough it can be to survive in the first season in the Premier League. The bottom three places have been filled by at least one newly-promoted club in all but two of the 21 seasons since the Premier League's introduction and, in the 1997-98 season, all three clubs, Bolton, Barnsley and Crystal Palace, were relegated.

The only seasons in which all three teams survived were 2001-02 and 2011-12.

In 2002, those clubs were Fulham, Blackburn and Bolton, who are all now in the Championship, while, from the survivors of 2012, QPR were relegated the next season and Norwich last season.

"If you look at the last few seasons, the statistics would bear that out," said Pearson.

"I am sure all three sides fancy themselves still to do well, but the adjustment is not easy.

"The quality at both ends of the field is something that can, at times, be the problem.

"You will get punished for smaller mistakes at the back at this level but, likewise, you have to be able to convert your chances and if you have a combination of those two things that aren't happening for you, then things aren't going to work for you.

"It is a very difficult league for sides to come in and do consistently well and we have shown so far we have not been able to do that and that has been the case for all three promoted sides. That isn't to say that won't be the case all season."

City head to Loftus Road with only Dean Hammond (calf) and Matt Upson unavailable.

For QPR, Rio Ferdinand is available again after serving his suspension for an inappropriate tweet, but Richard Dunne serves a one-game ban.

Alejandro Faurlin is out for the season with a cruciate problem, while Adel Taarabt is out with a groin injury and midfielder Sandro will also be missing with a knee problem.

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson admits gulf between Premier League and Championship sides is growing harder to bridge

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