Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live

Family's relief as balcony fall dad is 'not paralysed'

0
0

The family of a father of six critically injured in a fall from a hotel balcony in Tunisia say they are delighted he is not paralysed.

Karl Nethercot, 33, formerly of Leicester, had been in an induced coma for a week after the incident in the resort of Port El Kantaoui.

The latest good news comes after Mr Nethercot opened his eye and raised his thumb when he heard the voice of his sister, Mandi Dann, on Wednesday.

Mandi, 38, of Newfoundpool, and her parents, John and Dawn, of West End, Leicester, flew out on Wednesday to be at his bedside during his recovery.

Mandi's partner, Stewart Smith, 36, said: "After what had happened to Karl, they were worried about the possibility of him being paralysed. But she told me Karl was able to move both his arms and legs on Thursday.

"She said they all got very emotional about it because it was such a huge relief to see him move everything, which means he is not paralysed.

"He is not able to talk because he has a ventilator in his throat but he is able to breathe on his own.

"The family say it is only needed to help him.

"Mandi and everyone is so happy because Karl is looking better and better every day.

"We are all praying he will get well enough soon for us to have him flown home, so he can be treated over here."

Mr Nethercot was on holiday in the Tunisian town of Port El Kantaoui with his partner, Emma Huszarik, and two children, plus members of his partner's family.

He suffered head and chest injuries after plunging from a second-floor balcony on Tuesday, October 2.

Mr Nethercot had been in an induced coma on a life-support machine in Sahloul Hospital, in Sousse.

On Monday, doctors said a brain scan showed signs of activity which persuaded them he was ready to be woken.

His insurers have refused to pay his hospital bills or repatriation costs because they said Mr Nethercot had drunk alcohol which "put him in breach of the terms and conditions and therefore invalidated his cover".

Karl's parents have re-mortgaged their home to pay an expected £22,000 air ambulance bill to bring him home.

Staff at Abberdale House care home, in Hinckley Road, Leicester, where Mandi works part-time as a care assistant, have already raised £60 towards a fund to bring Karl home.

Karl's brother-in-law Stewart has been putting up posters advertising a football match at Fullhurst Community College, in Braunstone, on Saturday, October 20, from 10am to noon, to raise money.

The family has organised a fund-raising evening at West End Working Men's Club, in Braunstone Avenue, Braunstone, on November 22.

Donations can be made out to account number 35349490, sort code 09-01-28 at Santander, in Narborough Road.

Family's relief as balcony fall dad is 'not paralysed'


Man died after being struck in a street row

0
0

A man struck during a row in a street died from head injuries he sustained when he hit the pavement, a coroner has ruled.

An inquest heard Paul McAllister, 55, managed to get home unaware of the severity of the injury he had suffered.

But he collapsed at home and was taken to hospital in Leicester before being transferred to the Queen's Medical Centre. He had earlier been found unconscious in the street by his wife.

He had extensive neurosurgery but died 12 days later, on May 23.

Coroner Trevor Kirkman told a hearing in Loughborough that Mr McAllister had been involved in an "altercation" in the street.

He said a police report said Mr McAllister, of Queniborough, had suffered a blow and fallen backwards and struck his head on the pavement. The incident occurred at 10.30pm in Melton Road, Syston, on May 11, while he was out with his wife Sue.

Mr Kirkman said Mr McAllister, who was suffering from end-stage chronic leukaemia, was unaware of the serious injury, which had caused severe bleeding inside his skull.

He said Mr McAllister collapsed at home and was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

He was then transferred to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham and had three operations, but died.

A medical report showed that Mr McAllister's leukaemia may have contributed to the fatal consequences of the head injury.

Shortly after the incident, his wife Sue found him unconscious in the street and managed to wake him and take him home in the car.

A 22-year-old man was later arrested in connection with the altercation and released on police bail.

Detective Inspector Simon Preston thanked people who came forward.

He said: "We would like to thank people for their assistance and for the response we've had so far to the appeals for information and witnesses."

After the inquest, a spokesman for Leicestershire Police said officers had sent a file on the incident to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which decided, after examining the evidence, not to proceed with the case.

A spokesman for CPS East Midlands said: "The evidence in this case was reviewed carefully by a senior crown prosecutor to determine whether any criminal charges should be brought.

"Having examined the circumstances, it was determined that the evidence supported the claim of self-defence, without excessive or gratuitous force, and it was therefore decided that there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

"None of these circumstances take away from the fact that Mr McAllister's family have had to cope with the loss of someone close to them. We offer our condolences."

Mrs McAllister said: "I knew the police were not going to charge the lad. My husband was terminally ill and I am sure he would not have wanted to blight the young man's life.

"We were married for 35 years and I loved him to bits. He is now at peace."

Decaying pit buildings to be preserved in £1.4m revamp

0
0

More than £1 million is to be spent on preserving landmark pithead buildings at a former colliery.

Leicestershire County Council, which owns Snibston Discovery Museum, in Coalville, said repairs would start soon.

The 19th century buildings are listed as an ancient monument but have fallen into decline.

The announcement of the £1.4 million repair package coincided with the buildings again appearing on English Heritage's annual "at risk" register.

The heritage watchdog said the pithead structures were in a very bad condition.

Councillor David Sprason, County Hall's cabinet member for adults and communities, said: "I'm pleased to announce that the county council is spending £1.4 million to conserve the former pithead colliery buildings at Snibston, over the next 18 months.

"The work was agreed in the council's current budget, to comply with the requirements of English Heritage and ensure that the buildings are wind-proof and watertight.

"While work takes place, it is intended that the museum will remain open and that tours of the colliery will continue, subject to certain restrictions as different phases of work take place.

"For a period of time next year, the colliery headstocks will be covered with sheeting and scaffolding, but we will explain to visitors what work is taking place on them.

"There have been a number of plans for the buildings in the past, which, at the end of the day have not proved viable, but we do want to protect the historic structure.

"It is the last standing pithead of its type."

The council chose to take the £1.4 million from its reserves after dropping a Lottery funding bid for £4.2 million in December which could have paid for improvements to the discovery museum.

County council leader Nick Rushton said at the time he did not want to take the cash on offer from the Heritage Lottery Fund because it might have to be paid back in the future and because of conditions that would be attached to the grant.

Coalville's Labour district councillor John Legrys said the £1.4 million would allow merely "patchwork" improvements.

He said: "Those buildings have the same heritage status as Stonehenge but are in a bad state.

"However, the work they are proposing is like painting over rotting timber frames. It's just cosmetic.

"Those buildings have been on the English Heritage at risk register for years and need some fundamental work doing.

"The £1.4 million won't be enough for the job.

"The Conservatives at County Hall could have taken the money from the Heritage Lottery Fund but they didn't.

"As a result, all they will be able to do is prop things up rather than repair them as needed."

Former miner Roy Howe, 87, who worked at the colliery for 36 years, said: "People seem to be attached to those buildings, but they are dilapidated.

"I don't think they can be saved now. People have criticised me in the past when I've said this, but I don't think it would be a bad thing.

"You can remember the mining that happened there without having those buildings."

Next week County Hall's cabinet will be discussing the future of the driving range and nine-hole golf course that make up part of Snibston's 98-acre country park.

The council leases the land to a business, but the contract is coming to an end and future option for the area will be considered in a meeting behind closed doors.

Decaying pit  buildings to be     preserved in £1.4m revamp

Meeting attendance system' inaccurate'

0
0

City councillors say the current system of recording their attendance at meetings does not reflect the time and effort they put in.

Yesterday, the Mercury published the attendance rate of all 54 members from May last year, using information on the authority's website.

A number of councillors have said the statistics are either incorrect or give an unfair picture.

Deputy mayor councillor Rory Palmer said he would now be looking to get the system altered.

He was listed as being expected at 40 meetings between May and October and attended 34.

He said: "This figure accounts for less than 20 per cent of the meetings I have attended. They are just a fraction of the work done.

"The meetings recorded are very selective and I will be looking to get it changed."

Liberal Democrat councillor for Aylestone, Nigel Porter, has contacted officers to say the council's website lists him as being a member of the audit and risk committee, adult social care and housing scrutiny commission, heritage, leisure and sport scrutiny and licensing enforcement sub-committee.

He says he does not sit on any of these, so his 62 per cent attendance rate is inaccurate.

He said: "The information is out of date and it is just wrong."

Meeting attendance system' inaccurate'

Bronze medals? I can't believe it's not gone better!

0
0

Butter sculptor Vipula Athukorale has seen the top prizes slip through his fingers at the Culinary Olympics.

The talented chef, from Belgrave, Leicester, picked up two bronze medals at the event in Germany.

The father-of-one painstakingly handcrafted a a scene from fairytale Little Red Riding Hood and a 2ft-long Mercedes Benz, which featured a couple on their wedding day.

Vipula, 49, who has worked in hotels all over the world, said he was disappointed he did not get a top prize in his category.

"I've been doing this for 30 years and I really was hoping for a gold medal," said Vipula.

"I'm disappointed, but it really was an amazing event and the food I saw was amazing.

"Butter sculpting really is very difficult and takes a long time, and I'm really pleased with the sculptures I created for the competition."

Vipula made his sculptures at his home in Ellis Avenue from a type of margarine used for making puff pastry – he did not want to reveal the brand – before boxing them up and taking them on a 20-hour bus journey to the competition in Erfurt, Germany, which finished on Wednesday.

"You have to keep them out of the sun so they do not melt and you have to keep them covered up so they do not attract dust, but other than that, they are fine because pastry butter does not melt too easily," he said.

"I put in a lot of detail to the sculptures. I even carved the undercarriage of the Mercedes Benz. Getting the proportions correct was the hardest bit.

"I chose it because it was a German car, and I chose Little Red Riding Hood because everyone around the world knows the story.

" The little girl was the hardest bit to do because she was in a seated position, which was difficult to get right."

Vipula was part of a 22-strong culinary 'Team GB'. Other team members competed in a range of events, including buffet creation and the making of a three-course meal.

Vipula got two bronzes in the butter sculpting category – beaten to the top prizes by chefs who made a dancing couple and Greek gods.

However, Vipula, who is no stranger to competitive butter sculpting, does hold a top title, having won first prize at the Culinary World Cup, held in Luxembourg in 2010.

He has worked in top hotels all over the world, including Bahrain, Greece, Cyprus, England and Iraq and designed the food for Saddam Hussein's 50th birthday party in 1987.

Vipula said: "I hope to compete at the Culinary Olympics next time but it will not be for another four years so I am worried I am getting too old."

Bronze medals? I can't believe it's not gone better!

Politicians split over award of Nobel Peace Prize to the EU

0
0

Local politicians are divided over the decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union.

East Midlands MEP Roger Helmer has attacked the Norwegian prize committee for the move, announced yesterday.

The UK Independence Party politician, who represents Leicestershire in Brussels, said the choice brought the award "into disrepute".

Explaining its decision, the committee said the award was given to the EU for "six decades of contributions" to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights on the continent.

Mr Helmer said: "This ridiculous decision brings the whole Nobel Peace Prize system into disrepute.

"The prize committee say the EU is responsible for six decades of peace. This perpetuates that myth, when it's Nato and 100,000 US troops that have been responsible for maintaining the peace.

"You only have to look at the unrest in Greece and Spain to see the division the Euro project has caused. It's shocking."

But Labour deputy city mayor Rory Palmer believes the EU is a worthy recipient of the prize.

He said: "A lot of people are going over the top in their negative reaction to this award.

"The EU has brought countries together and its democratic institutions have been a massive force for good.

"For example, we have the European Court of Human Rights, which enshrines the rights of citizens.

"The EU has also played a big part in dealing with conflicts around the world, for example in Bosnia in the 1990s. Therefore, I feel it is entirely appropriate the EU has received this recognition."

Andrew Bridgen, Tory MP for North West Leicestershire, said: "I would have liked to see the prize go to Nato, which I think is responsible for keeping six decades of peace in Europe.

"I'm particularly surprised at the timing of the award, given the civil unrest in Greece and Spain over the Euro crisis.

"But having said that, the role played by the EU in fostering free trade and much greater cooperation between different countries cannot be denied."

European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and European Council president Herman van Rompuy jointly declared the award a "tremendous honour".

Raihan, 16, is Diana champion fund-raiser

0
0

A teenager has won a Diana Award for inspiring other young people through his fund-raising efforts.

Raihan Latif, from North Evington, Leicester, was presented with the Diana Champion Fundraiser Award at Barclays Bank's head office, in Canary Wharf, London.

The 16-year-old, who attends Crown Hills Community College, was nominated by his teachers for helping his school and community.

Through a series of gala dinners, he helped to raise £1,150 for his school and has also collected money for his mosque.

He was one of 65 young people to receive an award at the ceremony – collecting his from Diana Award ambassador and 1980s pop star Sinita.

The awards, set up in memory of the late Princess of Wales in 1999, recognise young people for making positive contributions to their communities and being a role model to others.

"It's a great honour to receive the award," said Raihan.

A spokesman for Crown Hills school said: "Raihan is dedicated, inspirational and a strong leader."

Dad Mohamed Yousuf Latif said: "I'm very proud of him. Raihan deserves this award for all his hard work.

"He is one of those people who thinks of others before himself."

Tessy Ojo, acting chief executive of the Diana Awards, said: "Raihan and his fellow award winners have demonstrated the qualities associated with the late Princess – namely compassion and a selfless commitment to improving the lives of others."

We're not snookered yet, say Willie Thorne backers

0
0

Willie Thorne's niece has launched a petition to try to save the snooker hall her father ran.

Olivia Thorne is fighting the closure of the Willie Thorne Club, founded by her uncle over 30 years ago and run by her father, Malcolm.

The Charles Street hall, most recently known as Riley's Willie Thorne Club, was ordered to close last week because landlord Leicester City Council wants the building back.

The club was opened by Willie in 1981 and run by Malcolm, with help from the wider family.

"The club is much more than a snooker club, it is a way of life for many people," said Olivia, 22, of Loughborough.

"We ran it as a family concern and the customers were our extended family.

"I can remember spending weekends there working, collecting glasses and plates, when I was 13, while my older sister, Hayley, worked behind the bar.

"My mum, Mary, was in the kitchen while dad was the man everyone went to.

"My auntie Jane and even my grandmother, Nancy, worked there, too. My dad put his heart and soul into the club and it should be allowed to carry on."

Olivia has launched an online petition to save the club.

She said: "It is never too late. People can change their minds and I want the councillors to find it in their hearts to let us reopen and keep this place going."

Joy Woollaston, general manager of the club, said it would be a sad end to a great club.

Joy, whose son Ben is a professional snooker player, said: "We have had customers in tears. It has been very upsetting indeed.

"My boy cut his snooker teeth here. It is a very special place which will be lost forever."

Professionals including Steve Davies and Alex Higgins have played at the club and it was where stars Mark Selby and Joe Jogia honed their skills.

Willie Thorne, who now has no involvement with the club, said: "It's the end of an era."

The online petition has been signed by people from all over Europe, many of whom have left messages of support.

Lynn Gandy, who lives in Cyprus, said: "I worked at Willie Thorne's Snooker Club in the 1980s and saw the hard work and dedication Malcolm put into the place.

"He was Willie Thorne's Snooker Club and if anything, it should be converted into a snooker museum dedicated to him."

Stefan Mazrocis, of Leicester, said: "Malcolm Thorne and his family built up arguably the best snooker club in the world.

"The times and memories will never be forgotten by us all."

It is understood the space will be used as a base for city council staff who are being moved out of the authority's crumbling New Walk Centre.

The club was taken over 14 years ago by the Riley's chain.

A city council spokesman said it had given the operator notice that the authority would be ending its tenancy and said it "had accepted this".

He said: "We own the building and already have some offices there.

"We are looking at the options for using the rest of it for office accommodation, but no plans have yet been drawn up."

No one from Riley's was available to comment yesterday.

To sign the petition, put "Willie Thorne" in the search field of the website below:

www.change.org

We're not snookered yet, say Willie Thorne backers


Two held over park sex attack

0
0

Police investigating a sexual assault in park have arrested two men in connection with the incident.

Officers are now hoping to identify two other men, pictured below, who were in the area at the time of the incident.

The victim, a 25-year-old woman, was targeted in park area between Krefeld Way and Bennion Road, in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, between 4pm and 6.30pm on Thursday September 27.

She was approached by four men, and was sexually assaulted by two of them.

Two men, aged 21 and 22, have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

The 21-year-old has been released on police bail pending further inquiries. The 22-year-old remains in police custody.

Detective Constable Ros Coulton said: "From our CCTV inquiries we have identified four men as being in the area at the time of the incident.

"We have identified two of the men, but if you are one of the men we are still trying to identify, or you know them, I urge you to come forward and help with our inquiries.

"The footpath that runs near to the park leads to a BMX track and, considering the time of day, we would expect a number of people to have been in the area. If you were there that afternoon and think you may have witnessed the incident, or have heard rumours locally about who may be involved, then please get in touch.''

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Det Con Coulton on 101.

Assault on man in the city centre

0
0

A man was punched in the face in a city centre attack.

The incident happened near to the Clock Tower at about 6.30pm on Monday, October 1.

The 31-year-old victim and his two friends were approached by two men.

One of the men then assaulted the victim, punching him in the face, before walking away with the second man along Gallowtree Gate.

The first suspect is white, about 5ft 10 in, of medium build and aged in his late 20s to early 30s.

He had short, messy hair with short facial hair and was wearing blue jeans and blue shoes with white soles and laces.

The second suspect is of a similar appearance but slightly shorter. He was wearing a grey hooded top.

Pc Charlotte Measey, who is investigating the incident, said: "Although the victim wasn't seriously hurt this was still quite a distressing incident for him.

"If you were in the city centre around 6.30pm on Monday, October 1, and you witnessed the incident or saw two people matching the descriptions of the suspects then please get in touch."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pc Measey on the police's non-emergency number, 101.

Thug punched young mum walking with son

0
0

A woman was punched from behind while walking down an alleyway with her young son.

The incident took place at about 11.30am on Monday, October 1, just off Glenbarr Drive, in Hollycroft, Hinckley.

The 19-year-old was approached from behind by a man who punched her before running off back down the alleyway towards the park.

The victim suffered minor injuries to her face during the incident but did not require any medical treatment.

Pc Paul Hickman, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a shocking incident for the victim which has understandably left her quite frightened. We need to catch the person responsible.

"The suspect has been described as a white man who was wearing a black hooded top and grey jogging bottoms.

"If you saw a man fitting this description in the area during the morning of Monday, October 1, we would urge you to contact us.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any suspicions about who may be responsible. Any calls received will be treated in confidence."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pc Hickman on 101.

Baby boomer boozers 'most likely to fall ill'

0
0

More "baby boomers" are being admitted to hospital with alcohol-related health problems than any other age group, new figures have revealed.

A report by charity Alcohol Concern showed that 132,532 people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland were treated for injuries and illnesses caused by booze in 2010-11.

It cost the NHS an estimated £43.8 million to treat them.

The number of people treated represents accident and emergency patients, inpatients and outpatients. However, age group breakdowns were only available for in-patients.

These showed that more people aged 55 to 74, the bracket which includes many of the post-Second World War baby boom generation, were treated than any other age group – 6,973 in total.

In contrast, the smallest group was those aged 16 to 24, with 917 patients.

The 25 to 54 age group had 6,085 inpatients and the over-75s had 4,537.

Eric Appleby, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: "It is the common perception that young people are responsible for the increasing cost of alcohol misuse.

"But our findings show that this is not the case. It is the middle-aged, and often middle-class, drinker, regularly drinking above recommended limits, who is requiring complex and expensive NHS care."

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, president of the British Gastroenterology Society, said: "It is the unwitting chronic middle-aged drinkers who are taking serious risks with their health. They present in hospital with conditions attributable to their alcohol consumption, such as stroke, heart disease, cancer and liver disease.

"People simply do not realise that chronic drinking significantly increases their chances of suffering health problems."

However, doctors at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said they believed the figures might be an overestimate.

Dr Anna Marquiss, a specialist doctor in emergency medicine at the infirmary, said: "The number of patients admitted to hospital due to alcohol-related harm is difficult to pin down.

"It can include someone who has been hit or hurt by someone who was drunk."

A recent study by Dr Marquiss and her colleagues found that in 10 separate 24-hour periods, 280 patients out of 3,956 received treatment in casualty for injuries or health problems related to alcohol.

Work is under way to try and estimate the costs to the NHS.

Dr Marquiss said: "I have been working in A&E for 20 years and seen a huge increase in the number of people coming in due to alcohol problems.

"I think alcohol catches up with people.

"It is not that people are getting really drunk, just drinking more frequently.

"Also, life is difficult out there at the moment and there will be people who have a bit of a drink because things are hard."

In 2009, an alcohol liaison worker was taken on to help identify patients with drink problems coming in to hospital. There are now two more.

Dr Marquiss said: "There is obviously a problem with alcohol but I am not sure that it is on as large a scale as the figures from Alcohol Concern suggest."

Man on murder charge over crash body

0
0

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a woman who was found dead after a car crash.

Iain Phillip Lawrence (52) appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Sally Marie Lawrence (pictured), said by neighbours to be Lawrence's wife, was found dead after a collision in Gartree Road, Oadby, at about 6.30pm on Saturday.

Police have refused to confirm the relationship between the defendant and the dead woman.

The defendant, of Ratcliffe Road, Knighton, Leicester, who wore a grey tracksuit for his court appearance, spoke only to confirm his name and address. Police released details of the crash on Sunday afternoon, saying a red Peugeot 406 had come off the road and hit a tree. They said the then unnamed passenger had died and that the driver was being treated at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Police also said a 52-year-old man had been arrested over the collision.

On Tuesday, it emerged the deceased was Sally Lawrence, the 47-year-old managing director of company Clear Spill, in Oadby.

Residents living near to Mrs Lawrence's home in Ring Road, Oadby, said police forensic teams had been searching the property over the weekend.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "Within 90 minutes of the incident with the car, the police arrived at the house.

"They stayed there all Saturday night and all Sunday. Neighbours were not allowed near the house and I saw detectives taking away boxes.

"Forensic investigators were there until Monday lunchtime."

The neighbour said police had asked residents if they had security cameras that might have captured pictures of the street. Later on Tuesday, police named Mrs Lawrence, and released a photograph of her.

They revealed the man arrested in connection with the collision had been released on bail, pending further inquiries.

Shortly before midnight on Thursday, police announced they had charged Lawrence with murder. He appeared in court for the first time yesterday.

No details of the incident were given at the hearing.

Lawrence entered no plea and was remanded to appear at Leicester Crown Court next week.

John Boulting, production director at Clear Spill, said: "We are all grieving."

A friend of Mrs Lawrence, who did not want to be named, said: "Sally was adorable, attractive, well-spoken and very good at her job.

"You couldn't fault her."

Neighbours said she and her husband had a 10-year-old son, and that Mrs Lawrence had two adult daughters from a previous marriage.

One resident, who did not want to be named, described Mrs Lawrence as "a lovely woman", but said she and her husband "tended to keep themselves to themselves".

Another neighbour said: "I didn't really know them but knew they had a young son. It is him I feel sorry for."

Another resident said: "There was a great deal of police activity at the house, but they would not say why they were there."

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Castle, from the East Midlands Serious Operations Unit, said: "We are still appealing for anyone who was in the area to contact us. The car travelled from Ring Road via the Oadby racecourse roundabout and then on to Gartree Road – the scene of the collision.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who saw the car at any point or anyone who saw the occupants getting into the car on Ring Road on Saturday evening." Call police on 101.

Man on murder  charge over   crash body

Toulouse is probably the toughest you can get, says Leicester Tigers No.8 Jordan Crane

0
0

Leicester Tigers No.8 Jordan Crane insists every player in the squad will "relish" the chance to pit their wits against European rugby's most successful club tomorrow afternoon.

The 26-year-old is back in the swing of things after three consecutive starts following a year out due to a knee reconstruction.

And he heads to four-times winners Toulouse determined to help get Leicester's Heineken Cup campaign off to a dream start.

"We went there five years ago and lost. Playing anywhere in France is tough but Toulouse is probably the toughest you can get," he said.

"It's going to be a massive game and a massive occasion and every single player is going to relish playing there.

"The Heineken Cup takes every player and team to different levels. You just sit and watch it on television and you can see.

"It brings the best out of every player and is the closest thing you will get to an international game at club level. It's just an awesome experience.

"Tomorrow will certainly be a bit different to being watched by 7,000 at Sale.

"There is a cracking atmosphere for the Heineken Cup whenever we play at Welford Road and they will be going mad in Toulouse as well. When it's a Heineken Cup day, you can feel it in the air.

"There is just a different feel and everyone is a bit more excited and knows the game is going to be a bit more intense."

Crane continues his back-row partnership with Thomas Waldrom tomorrow. It's an unlikely duo that was thrown together in the wake of injuries to Tom Croft, Steve Mafi and Julian Salvi.

But Crane says it is working well and gives the side different options.

"With me and Thomas on the same side it gives us more carry with ball in hand because we both like doing that," he said.

"It's good to have us both in the starting line-up and if Richard Cockerill thinks it works, then great.

"I am really pleased to be back playing and getting the game time that I need to get myself up to speed and in positions I want to be in to make those tackles and carry the ball.

"Since I came back, I have been making around 20 tackles a game and I have had plenty of carries too so, after a year out, I am hardly being eased back in!

"It's going to be another busy weekend again. They are full of good payers and we are expecting a really tight game. I think it will come down to the team that can enforce their game plan on the other side will go on to win.

"It's about who puts the ball in the right areas and controls the game the best. It will be a great start for us if we can come away with something from it."

Toulouse is probably the toughest you can get, says Leicester Tigers No.8 Jordan Crane

Ex-taekwondo champ jailed for thug attack

0
0

A former taekwondo world champion has been jailed after he used his martial arts skills to seriously injure a man.

Black belt Kenny Nettleton kicked and punched his victim who lost teeth and suffered a broken leg during the "nasty and unprovoked" attack.

Nettleton (23) of Moore Road, Barwell, was sentenced to seven years and four months at Leicester Crown Court yesterday, after he was found guilty of grievous bodily harm last month.

The attack happened in Lismore Drive, Hinckley, on Saturday, October 22 last year, according to Leicestershire police.

The 42-year-old victim was returning home with his wife after an evening out.

Detective Constable John Borlase, who investigated the incident, said: "Nettleton is a taekwondo champion and misused his skills to cause significant injuries to the victim.

"The victim was on his way home with his wife after enjoying an evening out when he was subjected to this nasty and unprovoked attack."

After the sentencing yesterday, police published photographs of the victim's injured left leg, which appears to show a scar and 19 stitches.

"The victim lost a number of teeth and suffered a broken leg during the incident," Det Con Borlase said.

"I hope the conviction and sentence passed will go some way in reassuring the victim and the wider community of how seriously we and the courts take incidents of this nature."

Nettleton was a member of Nuneaton Taekwondo Club, and travelled with the club to the World Championships in Telford in 2010.

Club instructor Nigel Banks confirmed Nettleton was part of a three-man squad from the club who won gold at the championships in the adult red belt division, beating the Polish team.

He said Nettleton had reached black belt level, but said he did not wish to comment further.

A spokesman for British Taekwondo, the national governing body for the Olympic sport of taekwondo, said Nettleton was not one of its members and that there were a number of world championships held by different organisations.

He said: "Our members and players learn self-defence, but the key is that it is self-defence with self-restraint.

"It is fair to say that most of the flashy moves you see in Jackie Chan movies really won't get you very far in a bar fight.

"For the most part, taekwondo involves restraint with minimal damage."

Ex-taekwondo champ jailed for thug attack


Leicester Tigers will field their heavy mob against European giants Toulouse

0
0

Leicester Tigers will tackle European giants Toulouse by sending out one of the biggest packs ever assembled in the club's history.

The inclusion of Logovi'i Mulipola at loose-head prop and Steve Mafi in the back-row means Richard Cockerill has chosen a front eight of huge proportions.

For what is likely to be a monumental battle in the trenches, Leicester's bruising pack will weigh a combined total of 141 stones and average 17st 6lb per man.

Whether they have ever put together a heavier pack is unlikely and open to debate.

Hooker Tom Youngs is the lightest man in the forwards at 16st, while Samoan prop Mulipola is the heaviest at 19st 7lb.

They will be met with a similarly-sized unit from the home side, whose pack includes Mulipola's fellow Samoan prop Census Johnston, weighing in at 20 stones and huge 18-stone French international No.8 Louis Picamoles among some other seriously big units.

With a 35,000-capacity Municipal Stadium roaring approval and jeering their disapproval, there is little doubt that this first-round collision between two sides that have won the competition six times between them is going to be one of seismic proportions.

Tigers also include at full-back Scott Hamilton, who is returning from injury, and Marcos Ayerza is on the replacements' bench after returning from international duty with Argentina.

The titanic battle is one that Leicester Tigers director of rugby, Cockerill is looking forward to.

"It shows just how tough a competition this is when two teams like Leicester and Toulouse can meet in the first round of matches," he said.

"We have watched a lot of their games this week and there doesn't seem to be much structure in what they do.

"They have a good line-out and a good set-piece, but they just seem to go out there and play.

"There is no real pattern. If they are not happy, they kick the ball away and make you play from your own half.

"When you have the sort of quality that they have in their squad and the resources behind it, I guess you can just go out and rely on your natural ability.

"I watched them in Bordeaux last weekend in the Top 14. They were 27-10 down, then they look the lead, then they turned the ball over and Bordeaux scored. But they came back to win.

"We can't afford to turn the ball over against them and we have to make good decisions and play pragmatic rugby.

"Once they get into their flow, they play to the rhythm of the band so we have to be physical, play very well and keep them quiet. We have good enough players to do some damage."

Tigers' next European game is against Ospreys, at Welford Road, a week tomorrow at 3pm.

Leicester Tigers will field their heavy mob against European giants Toulouse

Choir master Gareth Malone impressed by Severn Trent staff's TV debut

0
0

Water company workers Mick Sneath and Jamie Turner hit the right notes with their singing debuts on television.

The Severn Trent Water employees were dreading seeing themselves in the latest episode in the BBC 2 series, The Choir: Sing While You Work.

But choral maestro Gareth Malone said he was "really impressed" with their performances on Thursday.

They featured in the mixed choir of Severn Trent employees who sang Proud Mary and Queen and David Bowie's Under Pressure.

Mick, 49, is a member of the choir's bass section and he watched the episode at his Oadby home with his family.

He said: "I was really nervous, much more than when we did our first performances in front of our colleagues. I was very pleased at how we came across and the sound we made.

"It was also good to hear the complimentary comments from Gareth."

Gareth, who made his TV debut setting up a choir at Lancaster Boys' School, Leicester, returned to the city in the search for singers to represent Severn Trent.

He also has set up choirs at Lewisham Hospital Trust, Manchester Airport and Bristol Royal Mail.

They will compete in the final two episodes to find the series winner.

After Thursday's show, Mick said: "I was recognised during the drive to work in Leicester on Friday morning. A bloke in a van slowed down and said he hoped we win the competition."

To prepare for the series, Gareth held auditions at Severn Trent, including sessions at the Leicester Water Centre, in Anstey Lane.

From hundreds of hopefuls from across the Midlands, he whittled the choir down to 30 singers.

Mick, a distribution services technician, was one of three Leicestershire men selected.

Workmate Jamie Turner, who fixes water leaks, did not make the initial line up, but he was drafted in when another singer had to pull out.

Jamie, 22, who is also plays rugby for Birstall, said: "I popped into the club for a quick pint on Thursday and was greeted by 30 of my mates all wearing masks of my face.

"I stayed and watched the programme with them. It was a bit of a party.

"I was really pleased how we looked and sounded and my mates were very complimentary. I think I might have to lead the singing in the bath after matches from now on."

Jamie, of Thurcaston, was featured auditioning for a solo spot in Under Pressure.

He did not get the spot but Gareth said he was really impressed with his "robust singing voice."

Both men are sworn to secrecy over the result of the competition. However, one of the three judges, conductor Manvinder Rattan, dropped in unannounced to see them perform.

Mr Rattan said he was impressed with their "committed approach".

Gareth said the choir had done well preparing for the competition but there was still more work to do.

On Thursday, at 9pm, the Severn Trent Choir will take on the other three choirs for a place in the final.

Choir master Gareth Malone impressed by Severn Trent staff's TV debut

Golden memories: Lord Coe thanks county army of Olympic volunteers

0
0

Their cheerful greetings, helpful advice and hard work were a big part in making the Olympics the success it was.

Yesterday, Lord Sebastian Coe visited Leicestershire to say a personal thank-you to the county's army of Olympic volunteer Games Makers.

He also spoke to torch-bearers and students working to make sure the Olympic Legacy endures.

While he was at the event, at Loughborough College, he was also presented with a montage of Leicester Mercury articles about the Olympics, handed over by the city's deputy mayor, Rory Palmer.

Thanking him for the gift, Lord Coe, chairman of the Olympics and Paralympics organising committees, said: "There are now waiting lists at sports clubs because young people have been inspired by heroes such as Tom Daley.

"We need to find more opportunities for them so that we can build on the excitement that's been generated."

He chatted to Games makers and thanked them for their work.

Among them was 21-year-old Loughborough University graduate Natasha Devonshire, who volunteered at the Olympics and Paralympics.

"It was surreal meeting Sebastian Coe. He's a really personable and friendly person. I was so excited," she said.

Fellow Loughborough graduate Samantha Horn, also 21, said: "I got to meet him when I was working. He came to speak to some of the Games Makers which was a privilege then, never mind now."

Torch bearers were also thanked at the event. John Ball, 69, from Kirby Muxloe, has been involved with football coaching for the blind for most of his life, and ran the last leg of the Paralympic torch relay in London.

He said: "I think Lord Coe did a fantastic job bringing it all together.

Student Dan Headley, 18, from Loughborough, was presented with an award by Lord Coe for young leader of the year for his involvement in Loughborough college's Flames project.

The project trains students to deliver PE lessons to primary schools focusing on the Olympic values and has now been rolled out across the country. Dan was also an official Boccia referee at the Paralympic games – a sport similar to bowls for those with disabilities.

He said: "I feel really honoured to receive an award from him because he's an Olympian. I really believe sport can inspire people and that's why I got so involved in the Flames project."

Pupils from Woodbrook Vale School, in Loughborough, who formed a guard of honour for the athletes at the opening ceremony, also met Lord Coe yesterday.

Pupil Anna Kitching, 13, said: "It was amazing to be part of the opening ceremony. We got to see people such as Usain Bolt, although Jessica Ennis was my hero, and now it's been amazing to meet Sebastian Coe. The Games has definitely made me want to take part in more team sports."

Golden memories: Lord Coe thanks county army of Olympic volunteers

Athletics: Chris Jordan targets Leicester Marathon glory

0
0

Athletes from all parts of the country will take over the city tomorrow with the return of the Leicester Marathon.

More than 3,000 runners will compete in the event, which includes the full and half-marathons.

They will set off from Victoria Park at 9.15am on their journey around and out of the city before returning to the park for the finish line.

Race organiser Christian Weikert-Picker, from Loros, said some of the top people from last year's event will be returning.

"It's always an open race and you can never quite tell who is going to win it," he said.

Hinckley Running Club's Chris Jordan will be looking to go one better this year after his second-place finish in 2011 with a time of 2hr 47min 18sec.

He lost out to Walton Athletic Club's Warren Kidgell, who completed the course in a personal best time of 2.45.13. But Jordan's run of 2.43.21 at this year's London Marathon should stand him in good stead coming into this event.

Nigel Stirk will be one of the favourites for the half-marathon title. The 40-year-old fireman won the event in 2010 but did not compete last year.

He finished 10th in the Copenhagen Half-Marathon last month in a time of 69.39 and should be there or thereabouts if last year's winning time of 73.13, by Nuneaton's Matthew Amos, is a fair marker.

The event will be opened by Claire Lomas, of Ab Kettleby, who completed this year's London Marathon in a robotic suit. Lomas was paralysed from the chest down after a horse-riding accident in 2007.

The course will wind its way through the city before heading out to Wreake Valley, around Queniborough and East Goscote, to Birstall and back to the city.

Weikert-Picker emphasised the importance of the crowds when giving support to the runners.

"People have seen at the Olympics how much a crowd can boost an athlete's performance," he said.

"We want that for our runners to help them beat their personal bests."

The awards for the half marathon winners will be presented at 11am and to the winners of the full marathon at 12.30pm.

There will also be a Loros fun run, a relay and the Ted Toft Mile for runners aged between 10 and 16, which is in memory of a man who was a massive influence on Leicestershire athletics, and who died in January last year.

Leicester City physiotherapist Tom Freeman will also be taking part in the full marathon, as fundraising for the 2012-13 LCFC Foxes Foundation campaign gets up and running.

Athletics: Chris Jordan targets Leicester Marathon glory

Locked up: Teenager who tried to rape a 91-year-old

0
0

A teenager who broke into a 91-year-old's home and tried to rape her has been jailed indefinitely.

Ashley Lawrence molested the pensioner and tried to force himself upon her while pressing a pillow on to her face.

The 18-year-old was arrested but twice escaped from detention centres.

On the run he committed other offences, including burgling an elderly couple's home while they were asleep and breaking into a shed to spray paint his white, prison-issue trainers black.

At Leicester Crown Court yesterday, Lawrence, who has been offending since he was 10, was jailed for public protection. He will serve at least four years behind bars, and will only be released – on a life licence – when the authorities no longer consider him to be dangerous.

Judge Michael Pert QC told Lawrence: "Your behaviour has escalated in a way that's terrifying."

Lawrence was sentenced via a live video link with HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes, where he is detained.

Prosecutor Felicity Gerry said the elderly victim was "a shell of her former self".

She never returned to her bungalow in Hinckley, and is being looked after by relatives.

Her health has suffered and she still cries about what happened, the court was told.

In a police video played at trial, she described finding a burglar in her bedroom. "I started squealing," she said. "He jumped on top of me. He put a pillow over my face for quite a while. He tried to rape me."

Her phone was ripped out.

Battered and bruised, she got dressed when she was able to and went to a nearby residential home for help.

Lawrence, a quarry machinery worker, of no fixed address but formerly of the Earl Shilton area, was 17 at the time.

He was on remand for the attempted rape when he escaped from a young offender institute in West Yorkshire, on October 3. He stole keys and a car in a burglary in Cleveland and was spotted in Earl Shilton the next day.

Police officers, armed with Tasers, went from house to house searching gardens and sheds while the force helicopter hovered overhead.

He was found hiding in a house. On October 21, Lawrence broke out of a young offender institute near Wigan.

He was apprehended in Birmingham three days later.

In June, a jury found Lawrence guilty of attempted rape and sexually assault of the pensioner, which he denied.

He admitted burgling the pensioner's home and stealing a TV and jewellery, while two accomplices, Curtis Brewin (18) and Alix Moore (20), stood outside as he passed them items, on September 23 last year.

Brewin and Moore, both of Church Lane, Barwell, admitted burglary, but had no knowledge of the sex attack. Brewin was given a 12-month youth rehabilitation order with supervision and Moore was given a 12-month detention sentence, suspended for a year.

Lawrence further admitted two escapes, four burglaries, and asked for seven other offences to be considered.

Matthew Lowe, defending, said: "He's a deeply troubled and a deeply troubling young man."

His mother committed suicide when he was young and his father left him and his siblings on the doorstep of social services when he was seven.

Lawrence will be on a sex offender register for life.

Locked up:  Teenager who tried to rape a 91-year-old

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images