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King Power Stadium flashing adverts caused headaches and nausea, say Leicester City fans

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Fans are being dazzled by the latest displays at the King Power Stadium – but it has nothing to do with the football on show.

They are complaining that new electric advertising hoardings are proving a major headache.

Hundreds of City supporters have bombarded internet message boards since City's 2-1 home defeat against Charlton on Tuesday to complain of being distracted by the moving images and not being able to concentrate on the match.

Long-time supporter Dave Johnson's view was typical of the reaction.

He said it was the "worst football experience in my 46 years of supporting my beloved Leicester City''.

He said: "I'm really not sure how good the game was, or not, as my concentration was constantly drawn to the bright neon flashing advertising hoardings.

"They were so bright and fast-moving I simply couldn't concentrate on the match.

"The worst times were when they went to bright red or green as, from my angle, I could no longer distinguish the blue shirts.

"I could not see Paul Konchesky or Ben Marshall in the first half and wouldn't have known they were on the pitch but for their white shorts."

Matt Davis, vice-chairman of the Foxes Trust, said: "We have been contacted by hundreds of fans who were at the Charlton game.

"The advertising hoardings were very distracting. I could hardly see some of the players myself or track the flight of the ball.

"It was like having looked into the sun, with all the shapes on my retina. It made it difficult to read the programme at half time.

"We are aware of a number of season ticket holders who have stated their intention of not renewing their tickets if the issue is not addressed. Other fans have reported suffering headaches, sore eyes or feelings of nausea."

The trust has raised the issue with the club, saying it could not wait until the Fans' Consultative Committee on Thursday, as there is a home game against Blackburn on Tuesday and it does not want a repeat of the problem at that match.

The new boards were installed for the FA Cup clash with Huddersfield, which City lost 2-1.

City Supporters Club chairman Cliff Ginetta said: "I know a lot of people were complaining. But on the whole, I think they are an improvement on the wooden boards.

"It shows the club is moving forwards to where we want to be. Perhaps the light level could be toned down a bit to avoid people being affected."

No-one from the club was available for comment yesterday.

But in an e-mail, club spokesman Ian Flanagan told fan Lynn Billingham the new advertising system was on trial and would be used at all remaining home games this season.

He wrote: "The system is a state-of-the-art LED (light-emitting-diode) system, which is currently used by UEFA for all Champions League knock-out stage games and is in place at Wembley Stadium and Twickenham.

He said: "The LED system was set at this brightness level for the Charlton Athletic match. In response to supporter feedback during the first half, the brightness level was reduced by one-third (to 40) for the second half.

"These levels are exactly in line with average brightness levels for Premier League LED systems in this country.

"The LED system is part of a wider programme to improve the King Power Stadium and to provide a top-class match-day experience for all LCFC supporters."

King Power Stadium flashing adverts caused headaches and nausea, say Leicester City fans


Pet goat stolen from a field in Packington, Leicestershire

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A pet goat has been stolen from a field in Packington. Mona the pygmy goat was taken sometime between 11am on Friday February 15 and 10am on Saturday February 16 from a field on Coleorton Lane. The goat, which is black and white, is around eight-years-old and wears a red collar. Officers who are appealing to anyone who knows anything about the theft, think Mona was lifted out of her pen because the lock was still intact. PC Claire Burrows, the investigating officer, said: "The owner is obviously very upset by the loss of the goat. She is particularly concerned as there is a possibility that the goat was stolen for breeding but could potentially die if bred from as she has a health condition. "We would like to appeal to anyone you may remember seeing someone in these areas between these times acting suspiciously. Did you see someone putting the goat into a vehicle? "We would also like anyone who has been approached by a person trying to sell a goat to call us and aid us in our investigation." Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Burrows on 101.

Pet goat stolen from a field in Packington, Leicestershire

Leicester Tigers star Castro to captain Italy

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Leicester Tigers prop Martin Castrogiovanni will captain Italy in tomorrow's Six Nations clash against Wales.
Castrogiovanni, who wins his 94th cap, takes over from Sergio Parisse for the game at the Stadio Olimpico, in Rome.
Parisse is serving a ban after being sent off playing for his club Stade Francais last week..

Leicester Tigers star Castro to captain Italy

Blackpool vs Leicester: No issues for Ince

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Paul Ince has no new injury worries as he prepares to take charge of a Blackpool home game for the first time against Leicester.

Ince's Seasiders reign got underway with a 2-0 defeat at Leeds on Wednesday night, although no players were added to a casualty list featuring defensive duo Ian Evatt (knee) and Bob Harris (toe).

Veteran midfielder Barry Ferguson was handed a first npower Championship start since October and will hope to keep his place.

Forward duo Nathan Delfouneso and Matt Derbyshire could both push for starts in attack after Pool drew a blank for the second consecutive game.

Leicester dealt Blackpool their first league defeat of the season after a trio of opening wins in the reverse fixture.

Only seven further victories have followed amid two managerial changes and Ince now leads a team in 15th position and 11 points shy of the play-offs.

Leicester look like being without Matty James.

James is nursing a knock following the 2-1 home defeat to Charlton on Tuesday night and the midfielder is rated doubtful.

His absence could pave the way for Andy King to return to the starting line-up.

With striker Chris Wood making a goalscoring return from a knee injury against Charlton, winger Ben Marshall also back in the side for the Addicks' visit after an ankle problem and defender Sean St. Ledger on the bench after a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury, Foxes boss Nigel Pearson has an otherwise full strength squad at his disposal as he looks to get Leicester's promotion challenge back on track.

He has also signed Harry Kane ahead of the trip and the Tottenham striker, who will remain with Leicester for the remainder of the season, will go straight into the squad at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool vs Leicester: No issues for Ince

Leicester Tigers announce team to face Saracens

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Geordan Murphy and Tom Croft both make their return to the Leicester Tigers line-up for their top-of-the-table clash with Saracens at Welford Road on Saturday (kick-off 8pm).

Full-back Murphy is named captain on his 297th start for the club for a game which sees third-placed Tigers face a Saracens team just one place and one point ahead of them in the Aviva Premiership.

Croft returns to the Tigers back-row, while Ed Slater takes over from Louis Deacon at lock. Matt Smith, Dan Bowden and George Ford return to the backline this weekend.

"We weren't far away at Quins last week, we defended very well and scored two good tries, and this is another important game against another good side who are just above us in the table," said Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill.

Tigers have eight players on Six Nations duty this week, while Louis Deacon, Anthony Allen, Niall Morris, Boris Stankovich and Steve Mafi are unavailable due to injury.

Leicester Tigers team
15 Geordan Murphy (capt)
14 Scott Hamilton
13 Matt Smith
12 Dan Bowden
11 Adam Thompstone
10 George Ford
9 Sam Harrison
1 Marcos Ayerza
2 Rob Hawkins
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
4 Ed Slater
5 Graham Kitchener
6 Tom Croft
7 Julian Salvi
8 Jordan Crane

Replacements
16 George Chuter
17 Kieran Brookes
18 Fraser Balmain
19 Brett Deacon
20 Richard Thorpe
21 Micky Young
22 Matt Cornwell
23 Mathew Tait

Leicester Tigers announce team to face Saracens

Richard III: 15,000 visitors in two weeks at Leicester's Guildhall exhibition

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An exhibition about Richard III at Leicester's Guildhall has attracted more than 15,000 visitors in two weeks.

It means Richard III: Leicester's Search for a King seen over a third of of the total annual number of visitors to the venue's for the year in just a fortnight.

The exhibition opened on February 8 – four days after University of Leicester academics confirmed the Greyfriars' remains were those of the last Plantagenet king.

The temporary exhibition, housed in the Guildhall Lane building's visitor centre, is the first phase of a larger planned Richard III visitor experience.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "These extraordinary visitor numbers show how much the Richard III story has captured the imagination of people across Leicester and beyond. It is wonderful to see so many taking an interest in this exciting chapter of the city's history."

www.visitleicester.info/richardIII

Richard III: 15,000 visitors in two weeks at Leicester's Guildhall exhibition

VIDEO: Facebook appeal to find kidney for Matthew Pietrzyk, seven, from Glenfield, Leicestershire, attracts global support from 300,000 people

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An online appeal to find a kidney for a poorly seven-year-old boy from Leicestershire has attracted support from almost 300,000 well-wishers from around the globe. Matthew Pietrzyk, from Glenfield, was born with a rare genetic disorder which has damaged his kidneys. In a bid to find a live donor - and raise awareness of donation - his mum Nicola uploaded a picture of Matthew to Facebook, appealing for one million people to 'like' the image. In less than a week 293,547 people have 'liked' the photo and more than 38,000 people have joined a Facebook page supporting Matthew's search. "It is absolutely overwhelming and I never believed for a second that I would get this kind of response," said Nicola, 33. "I would love if this campaign found a kidney for Matthew, obviously I would, but if it encourages more people to join the organ donation register, and helped even one more person, that would be amazing." Matthew was born with congenital nephrotic syndrome which means his faulty kidneys get rid of protein through his urine that would usually transport fluids around his body. He had his first kidney removed in October 2007 to prepare him to receive a donor one from his mum, which he had in January 2008. But the new kidney failed immediately and Matthew was put on the national waiting list, along with hundreds of other children. His second kidney was removed in May this year, to help ease his condition. His family have been tested to see if they could donate a kidney, but Nicola recently found out none were a close enough tissue match, so took to the internet to widen the search. To support Matthew online, or find out how you can help, visit www.facebook.com and search for 'A million likes for a kidney for Matthew.' For more about Matthew and his family's search for a kidney, see tomorrow's paper.

VIDEO: Facebook appeal to find kidney for Matthew Pietrzyk, seven, from Glenfield, Leicestershire, attracts global support from 300,000 people

Graffiti scrawled on crucifix outside Leicester church

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Vandals scrawled graffiti 'tags' on a crucifix in the grounds of a city church. The figure outside the Church of St Andrews, in Jarrom Street, near Leicester Royal Infirmary, was targeted this week. Two designs – TW3 and, possibly, LGC3 – were written on the figure in what appeared to be black marker pen. The incident is believed to have happened between Monday and Wednesday. Canon Barry Naylor, who discovered the damage, said: "It has caused a great deal of upset. "There is a 4ft fence with spiked railings they would have to get over and then the crucifix itself is quite all. So they have gone to some effort to do this. "I am hoping that someone will be able to tell the police who did this. "I have told the police that, if possible, I would like to speak to this person or people and explain to them how much they have upset people. "Another reason people here are so upset is that when I first came to the church the figure on the cross was old and damaged and people in the church raised money to buy a new one. "It has become quite a focal point and people will sometimes stop in the street and make the sign of the cross in front of it." Pc Tahir Mahmood, who is investigating, said: "This is obviously a distressing crime for the church, who are saddened that someone would do this to their property. "I would appeal to anyone who was in the area between Monday and Wednesday and saw either anyone acting suspiciously or loitering in the area to get in touch. "I would also like to speak to anyone who has heard anything about the incident, whether it be from, friends or heard rumours. "Even the smallest piece of information may help." Contact Pc Mahmood on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Graffiti scrawled on crucifix outside Leicester church


Murder detectives name woman found dead inside Loughborough flat

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Detectives have named a woman who was found dead in a flat in Loughborough as 42-year-old Alexis Mary Durant. Officers launched a murder investigation after her body was found at an address in Gallico Close on Wednesday. Police were called to the property by the ambulance service shortly after 8.10pm. As part of ongoing inquiries, police are waiting to speak to a 30-year-old man who is receiving treatment in hospital. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Cure, who is investigating the incident said: "I would like to speak to anyone who saw someone coming and going around Gallico Close between Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon. "Did you see or hear anything unusual? Any information could help with our inquiries." Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101.

Murder detectives name woman found dead inside Loughborough flat

Leicester College students register as Anthony Nolan appeal donors

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Dozens of staff and students from Leicester College turned out to put their names on the Anthony Nolan register yesterday.

A special session was set up by the college in conjunction with the charity, which offers a lifeline to those in need of a stem cell transplant by keeping a register of potential donors.

The session aimed to encourage more people from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds to come forward as there is a shortage of them on the register.

Among those who joined was Mandeep Panesar, 19, from Braunstone, who is studying a BTEC in childcare.

She said: "A lot of my friends registered today and if there was something I could do to help save someone's life, then I'd like to help. As I come from an Asian ethnic background I'd like to do my bit."

Fellow student Leera Williams, 18, from Beaumont Leys, said: "It's been promoted at Leicester College as part of our Healthy Living Week. We've all been recommending it to friends on other courses, so a group of us came together."

Those who wish to join the register must be aged between 16 and 30, weigh more than eight stone and have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 35.

To find out more, visit:

www.anthonynolan.org

Leicester College students register as    Anthony Nolan  appeal donors

Clean-up campaign group honoured by Leicester Lord Mayor Councillor Abdul Osman

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Residents who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty have had their clean-up efforts officially recognised.

Members of the Evington Road Neighbourhood Association (Erna) are the latest recipients of the Honoured Citizen Award.

The honour was presented at Leicester Town Hall yesterday by Lord Mayor Councillor Abdul Osman to mark their work in improving their environment and getting across the message about keeping the neighbourhood tidy.

The association was formed to tackle the increasing piles of rubbish, including items of furniture, accumulating in their streets. They were responsible for removing more than eight tonnes of waste or unwanted items in three clean-up sessions last year.

Membership secretary Cynthia Mackay said: "In Devana Road it was incredible what was left on the street – settees, chairs, tables, beds. You could have set up home outside with all the furniture."

Helped by a £1,250 grant from the city council's Stoneygate ward community budget, the association organised the clean-up sessions and told people of the means available for them to get rid of rubbish.

Vice-chairman Helen Everett said: "One property had a very dangerous side wall in a state of collapse. The tenant could not let her children play in the yard because of the risk of them being injured or even killed."

Through Erna's intervention, the problem was sorted out and the wall made safe.

Stoneygate ward councillor Lucy Chaplin, who nominated the group for the award, said: "These clean-up days were an excellent example of residents working together with their city wardens to make a real difference to their neighbourhood."

Clean-up campaign group honoured  by Leicester Lord Mayor Councillor Abdul Osman

We have no idea what to expect, says Leicester Tigers fly-half Toby Flood

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Leicester Tigers fly-half Toby Flood says he has "absolutely no idea" what to expect from France when unbeaten England host Les Bleus at Twickenham today.

Philippe Saint-Andre's side were many people's favourites for a Six Nations' grand slam this season.

But after a shock opening-day defeat in Italy, the French lost on home soil to struggling Wales a fortnight ago, meaning they will arrive in London without a win to their name.

Flood, who starts the game from the bench, with Saracens' Owen Farrell in the No.10 shirt, says the French could produce anything from the sublime to the ridiculous.

"I have absolutely no idea what to expect from the French this week," he said.

"It's an odd one. They have not won at Twickenham for so many years so, knowing them, they could come here and put 40 points on us or they could just roll over in the first half.

"We have no idea what is going on in-house there either after losing their first two games.

"It's massively hard to prepare for a game against them at the best of times because they can do anything, let alone now.

"The scariest part of preparing to play the French is that, as the 2011 World Cup proved, they could just ignore their coach, as they did with Marc Lievremont and just decide to play how they want to.

"The senior players just drove the game plan themselves.

"Things like that create a sense of the unknown when you are playing France and this weekend is no different.

"They are bright and talented footballers so who knows what they are going to produce."

Flood played a full 80 minutes for Tigers at Harlequins last week and looked in good form.

But he will have to wrestle the No.10 shirt from Farrell on national duty after the 21-year-old impressed during wins against Scotland and Ireland.

"Owen is a top lad and he wants to get better," said Flood.

Tigers prop Martin Castrogiovanni will captain Italy in today's Six Nations clash against Wales.

Castrogiovanni, who wins his 94th cap, takes over from Sergio Parisse for the game at the Stadio Olimpico, in Rome.

Parisse is serving a ban after being sent off playing for his club Stade Francais.

We have no idea what to expect, says Leicester Tigers  fly-half Toby Flood

VIDEO: Musicians in Sunday morning surprise for brass band stalwart Phil Read

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Brass band players from across the county got together to give a moving performance outside the home of a musician who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

In a scene akin to that in hit '90s British film Brassed Off, more than 30 performers gathered to play a number of tunes underneath the bedroom window at Phil Read's home in Narborough.

The 40-year-old father-of-two was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer last month, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Despite being ill in bed, he was up on his feet to watch as soon as he heard the first notes played by the musicians as they marched down his street.

In a poignant moment, he then stepped in to conduct the final piece.

Phil and his wife, Jo, are members of the Oddfellows Brass Band, based in Markfield.

Jo said: "I thought it was absolutely amazing, just brilliant. I knew they were going to do it as they'd contacted me before to make sure Phil would be well enough to cope.

"When he heard them it actually got him out of bed, which he hadn't done since he started his treatment. He was completely overwhelmed by it all.

"It was a very emotional day, we were feeling so upset, but so happy at the same time. I'd like to say thank you, on behalf of me and Phil, to everyone who turned up to show their support. It really was amazing."

The performance was organised by Phil's friends Paul Hing and Andy Platts.

The pair gathered musicians from the Wigston, GUS, Enderby, Newstead, Ratby, Melton, Croft Silver, Foresters Brass and Burbage Silver bands, as well as Oddfellows Brass.

After meeting in the Narborough parish council car park and quickly working out their parts, the ensemble marched to Phil's house nearby.

They then set up on the drive with music stands and a full drum kit before playing a mini concert of Music, by John Miles – Phil's favourite piece – Troublemaker, by Mike Davis, and regular finale piece, New York, New York.

Paul, who lives in Wigston and plays cornet in the Wigston Band, said: "We wanted to get everyone together, march down the road and make a big noise for Phil.

"The turnout was absolutely unbelievable. We had more than 35 people playing and probably about 50 people in total with other friends coming along to support us.

"Me and Andy had prepared to do Something Stupid as a duet if no-one had turned up but, luckily, we didn't have to.

"Phil wasn't well but he came out for it and conducted the last piece, which was brilliant.

"It was a lovely day and the sun came out for us and all the neighbours came out and clapped.

"We wanted to do something nice for him. Hopefully it will give him a boost to get him through his chemo. He said he would be expecting it once a month from now on.

"It was really emotional. The last piece, I was struggling to play. I was just watching Phil conducting. I sent him a text after, saying, 'It's just like old times – you conducting and me playing bum notes.'

"It was nice to see him smiling."

VIDEO: Musicians in Sunday morning surprise for  brass band stalwart Phil Read

I refuse to be silenced on referees - Leicester Tigers' boss Cockerill

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Richard Cockerill is refusing to be silenced after criticising refereeing standards in the Aviva Premiership.

The Leicester Tigers director of rugby, along with much of his coaching and playing staff, were bitterly frustrated by the officiating of referee Wayne Barnes in the defeat by Harlequins last Saturday.

Leicester lost the game 25-21 – and the penalty count 15-6.

Cockerill has since been criticised in some quarters for voicing his opinions in public, instead of expressing them solely through the 'correct channels'.

But he said that the days when referees were always right are now "long gone" in the professional era and that he will continue to make public comment on the standards of refereeing because it is the "only way to get change".

Tigers have sent a report to the referees' department at the Rugby Union (RFU) outlining the problems they saw in the game at The Stoop.

"I can take getting penalised 15 times at Quins, I just want the opposition to be penalised for the same things," said Cockerill.

"I don't want any favours. All referees bring different interpretations and that is no problem for me. Just referee it the same for both teams, please.

"I get plenty of criticism for talking about it, but why should we ignore it?

"It was a four-point ball game and the penalty count was more than double against us.

"My main concern was that the other side were doing the same things and not getting penalised for them.

"We have sent those clips to Ed Morrision (head of the RFU's Elite Referees Development) and I am not going to let that lie.

"If we get beaten by the better side and the referee was mainly right, I wouldn't complain. But when they are not right, I have every right to air those opinions.

"If you go through the right channels and things don't change, you are forced to discuss them in public. How else can you get change?

"These are massive games. My job is to represent Leicester and things that are important to Leicester.

"There were issues in the Grand Final with that referee and how it was refereed then – issues that the Elite Refereeing Department agreed with after the game.

"There were similar issues on Saturday. Am I just to ignore that just because he is a referee?

"Well I am not going to sit here and be quiet because that keeps the status quo."

Other coaches have not been shy in coming forward to criticise referees this season.

Last month, Quins' Conor O'Shea said he was "incensed" with the referee after his side's win over London Welsh. He added that he may "give up" going through the correct channels because he had been "feeding stuff in and it's not being listened to or acted on".

"I asked to have a conference call with Wayne Barnes so we can discuss some of our issues," said Cockerill. "Coaches and referees have to work together because this is a professional era. I am not always wrong because I am the coach and they are certainly not always right because they are referees."

I refuse to be silenced on referees - Leicester Tigers' boss Cockerill

'I had nothing to do with drugs, says gran ordered out of Leicester flat

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A great-grandmother who was ordered out of her council flat after a court found drugs had been used and sold there has told how she is adjusting to temporary homelessness.

Pamela Chamberlain, 73, is technically homeless and cannot return to her flat because it is the subject of a "crack house" closure order for the next three months.

In the meantime, Leicester City Council has placed her in a bed and breakfast hotel in London Road, near the city centre. The authority will decide next week whether to move her elsewhere.

Miss Chamberlain's grandson, 21-year-old Spencer Mottram, who was also ordered to leave the flat in Topcliffe Walk, Stocking Farm, Leicester, is staying with her.

She said: "On the first night Spencer and I slept in an empty house a friend let us use. There was no heating, so it was very cold. Then we were moved to the hotel in London Road. We're sharing a room – he has a single bed and I've got the double. We will still be here on Sunday night and then we'll see what happens.

"The council has offered to put us in a 19th-floor flat in Highfields, but I don't think I could go there because I can't go in lifts and I can't climb even one flight of stairs."

Mr Mottram was allowed into her flat to retrieve medication and clothing before it was sealed at 5pm on Wednesday.

Miss Chamberlain's two cats are being cared for by friends.

She said: "Spencer brought me my medication but not any clothes. I've had to borrow a frock off a friend."

Throughout Wednesday's hearing, Miss Chamberlain disputed the evidence presented by police and council officials. She maintained her stance when she spoke to the Mercury yesterday.

She said: "I wouldn't mind going through this if I was guilty of the things the police said, but I'm not."

During the hearing, Miss Chamberlain told the court she would be willing to take a lie detector test on the Jeremy Kyle television show.

Police presented evidence that Miss Chamberlain had ignored a number of warnings about incidents in and around her home. They said the behaviour of a group of young men, who were said to be Mr Mottram's friends, had left some people in the neighbourhood scared and intimidated.

Police executed a drugs warrant at the flat in early January. Officers found a package which contained heroin and crack cocaine worth £3,500 underneath her flat's kitchen window in a communal yard.

Once inside, officers arrested six young men, four of whom were sitting in the kitchen.

Lists of names and figures which police said were records of drugs transactions and two digital scales were also recovered in the flat. Officers had watched the flat and observed a number of people approach it, meet a man outside it and then leave after a few seconds.

Sergeant Michelle Zakoscielny, who runs the Abbey ward beat team, which collected evidence for the hearing, said: "The effect on local residents has been significant.

"In the immediate vicinity are young families and pensioners who have, at times, feared for their safety due to the anti-social behaviour caused by a constant stream of visitors to this address.

"I want to express my sincere thanks to residents who have been more than willing to come forward and provide statements to the police."

'I had nothing to do with drugs, says gran ordered out of Leicester flat


Attacker Janusz Wiszniewski stamped on victim at house in Jarrom Street, Leicester

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An attacker who kicked and stamped on a man while he was helpless on the floor has been jailed for 10 years.

Janusz Wiszniewski (45) left the 34-year-old victim with a punctured lung, fractured ribs and extensive facial bruising.

He was convicted on Thursday of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

The attack happened on May 2, 2011, at a house in Jarrom Street, near Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The victim shared the property with a number of Polish nationals, including a nephew of the defendant, Krzysztof, and a friend, Dawid.

The defendant was a visitor to the house.

Ben Gow, prosecuting, said that after being given notice to quit the property, the occupants were in the process of moving out.

The victim said everyone had left apart from him.

At 8pm, he was still packing in his room.

The defendant, along with Dawid and Krzysztof, suddenly burst into his room.

"I don't know what the reason was," he told the jury, through an interpreter.

He said Dawid – whose surname and current whereabouts are unknown – began punching him repeatedly in his face, knocking him to the ground.

The defendant then joined in, kicking him in the face and ribs, while Krzysztof watched but took no part.

The victim said: "I was curled up on the ground, trying to cover my face. I was being kicked in my back, chest and face.

"I remember Janusz had shoes with heels as he kicked me continuously, while Dawid was hitting me with his fists."

Mr Gow said afterwards, the victim managed to get to the infirmary, where he spent two days receiving treatment.

Wiszniewski, of no fixed address, denied the offence, saying he did not know the victim, having only met him for the first time earlier that day, when he had a drink with Krzysztof and Dawid in the garden.

He said he left the property before any violence and was the victim of mistaken identity.

The victim disagreed, saying the defendant had visited several times and had stayed overnight.

He picked him out in a police identification procedure.

Sentencing, Judge Philip Head said: "It was a sustained assault lasting several minutes by two people.

"You weren't the first attacker. He (Dawid) punched, but you kicked and were equally responsible ."

Edward Barr, mitigating after the verdict, said Wiszniewski had a drink problem and because he spoke no English he would find himself isolated in prison.

Attacker Janusz Wiszniewski stamped on victim at house in Jarrom Street, Leicester

Don't put too much pressure on Chris Wood, says Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson

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Nigel Pearson is keen to avoid too much pressure being heaped on the shoulders of Chris Wood.

Wood has scored eight times in his first seven games for City and has contributed nearly half of the club's goal tally since his arrival on New Year's Day, despite missing two of the nine games.

Tuesday's defeat at home to Charlton, in which Wood grabbed the equaliser, was the first time City had been beaten with him in their side. But Pearson is keen too much emphasis should not be placed on the 21-year-old.

Wood will lead the City attack at Blackpool today but will receive support from strike partner David Nugent and possibly new signing Harry Kane, who is hoping to make his debut after completing his loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

"Chris' record speaks for itself and he is a player who will get better," said Pearson.

"He will continue to score goals, there is no doubt in my mind about that.

"It is a bit silly to put too much emphasis on him because he is still a young lad. He is not exactly in his late 20s with hundreds of appearances. He is learning the game as well.

"He has had a positive impact in our squad so far and he is a super lad to work with."

Wood shook off a knee injury to face the Addicks on Tuesday and was once again City's most dangerous attacking threat.

"He has had a couple of weeks out of the team but came back and had an impact against Charlton the other night," added Pearson.

"I think they limited the opportunities for our strikers by making it difficult to have any impact down the middle.

"Consequently, our strikers spent more time playing wide to find space for themselves, but Chris took his goal exceptionally well and could have scored another late on.

"In the context of what happened on Tuesday, he got us back into the game.

"Unfortunately, however, we couldn't get something out of the game."

Don't put too much pressure on Chris Wood, says Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson

Injured Louis Deacon's tribute to his Leicester Tigers team-mate Ed Slater

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INJURED Louis Deacon today paid tribute to the man who will replace him for tonight's big clash with title rivals Saracens at Welford Road.

Deacon believes Ed Slater's "natural old school attitude" has turned him into a "proper Leicester Tiger."

Slater will take injured Deacon's place in the second-row for the game, live on ESPN, with an 8pm kick-off.

While 32-year-old Deacon is bitterly disappointed to miss out on such a big game, he thinks the man who is eight years his younger, is fully equipped to stand toe-to-toe with the big and bruising Sarries' pack for what will be his 61st appearance for the club.

"I like Slates' attitude," said Deacon. "He has worked very hard since he arrived here and he does not take any messing.

"He is old school and he has that old school mentality which is nice because he has not been around for too long and so has not played with the guys who instilled that attitude at the club.

"He has naturally got that attitude which I like to see and he never takes a backward step on the field. Some of that has rubbed off on him while he has been learning here but a lot of that is natural.

"He is a proper Leicester forward. When he first joined, he was a back-rower and very raw, but he has just got better and better.

"I would say Ed is a typical Leicester player. He has been patient because he has been behind me and Geoff Parling in the squad.

"I had to be patient too when I was waiting for my chance behind Ben Kay and Martin Johnson. You just have to bide your time and not get frustrated.

"Eventually, you get your opportunities to play, then those guys retire and you get even more opportunities. He's doing really well."

While there is clearly plenty of a young Deacon in Slater, it is the 24-year-old who will have to go out and get things done tonight as the elder of the two locks nurses a troubled shoulder, picked up at The Stoop last weekend.

And it was that 25-21 defeat by Harlequins that Deacon believes gives greater importance to the latest meeting between two sides that drew 9-9 at Wembley earlier on in the season.

"This week's game is now more important after last week's loss," said Deacon.

"This is a tough period for us with our internationals away and we just have to get the best out of ourselves.

"They don't lose many forwards to international duty. They are really strong up front and they have a really good set piece. We will have to do well in that area of the game."

Injured Louis   Deacon's tribute to his Leicester Tigers team-mate Ed Slater

Vandals scrawled graffiti tags on a crucifix at Leicester church

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Vandals scrawled graffiti tags on a crucifix in the grounds of a city church.

The figure outside the Church of St Andrew's, in Jarrom Street, near Leicester Royal Infirmary, was targeted this week.

Two designs – TW3 and, possibly, LGC3 – were written on the figure in what appeared to be black marker pen.

The incident is believed to have happened between Monday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 20.

The tags have also been found at other locations in the neighbourhood. Canon Barry Naylor, who discovered the damage, said: "I don't believe they have done this from any particular religious perspective.

"The same designs are in other places in the street, so at least it seems we have not been singled out.

"But it has obviously caused a great deal of upset.

"There is a 4ft fence with spiked railings they would have to get over and then the crucifix itself is quite tall.

"So they have gone to some effort to do this.

"I am hoping someone will be able to tell the police who did this. I have told the police that, if possible, I would like to speak to this person or people and explain to them how much they have upset people.

"Another reason people here are so upset is that when I first came to the church the figure on the cross was old and damaged and people in the church raised money to buy a new one.

"It has become quite a focal point and people will sometimes stop in the street and make the sign of the cross in front of it."

Barbara Whitcombe, head of Leicester City Council's city wardens, said: "We believe TW3 is a group's tag

"They may think that what they do is some form of art, but how can defacing a crucifix outside a church be art?

"We have a lot of information about tags across the city and people have passed us a couple of names for who may be responsible for the TW3 tag and we are looking into that."

Pc Tahir Mahmood said: "This is obviously a distressing crime for the church.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area between Monday and Wednesday and saw either anyone acting suspiciously or loitering in the area to get in touch.

"I would also like to speak to anyone who has heard anything about the incident, whether it be from friends or heard rumours.

"The smallest piece of information may help."

Leicester City Council is offering a £500 reward for information about the tags Kase and SO 12, which have appeared at more than 2,500 locations since last summer.

Contact Pc Mahmood on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Vandals scrawled graffiti tags on a crucifix at Leicester church

Leicester City: Ritchie De Laet prepares for pitch battle at Blackpool

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Ritchie De Laet believes Leicester City must prepare for a war on the shore when they face Blackpool today.

There is arguably as much sand on the Bloomfield Road pitch as there is on the beaches of Blackpool.

De Laet said City may have to abandon their usual approach and match their opponents physically as they look to return to winning ways after three consecutive defeats.

"The pitch is not the best," he said. "It is going be a strange game, a bit of a battle, and whoever wins the battle will come out on top.

"We have to be mentally prepared to go there and know it is not going to be a tippy-tappy game where we like to pass it and do one-twos.

"There will be times where we have to launch it and deal with the second ball. As long as we get the result, the performance doesn't matter."

Blackpool have had a troubled season and new boss Paul Ince is the fourth man to have taken charge of them during the campaign. But De Laet said they will still be tough opposition and, in highly-rated winger Tom Ince, they have one of the most dangerous players in the division.

"It has been a strange season for them," he said. "They were unbeaten when they came to our stadium, they were flying, and we beat them. They have dropped back a bit now but they are still a team we have to be aware of.

"They have quality in the side and Tom Ince is a very good player, one we have to watch. But I am not really worried about Tom Ince. He is just one player and there will be 11 on the pitch.

"If we go there and do what we are capable of, we will win the game.

"It is three games in a row now where we have lost 2-1 and we have to get back to how it was in January when we were winning games.

"We need to get back to how we were before and get the three points on the board."

Leicester City: Ritchie De Laet prepares for pitch battle at Blackpool

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