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

No respite from the icy blast as more snow forecast for Leicestershire

0
0

Gritters throughout the county have been in action for the third night in a row as Leicestershire continues to be gripped by an icy blast.

Snow has been predicted to fall in the county today as temperatures were not expected to get above freezing.

One of the first major casualties of this week's wintry weather was the Loros Twilight Walk, which was due to take place tonight.

The fund-raising event for the Groby Road hospice, which was due to see 1,000 women completing a 10km walk around Leicester city centre, has been postponed until next month.

Event organiser Christian Weikert-Picker said: "I am very disappointed that we have had to postpone the Twilight Walk. The decision has been made as the safety of our 1,000 female participants and 90 volunteers has to take priority over fund-raising.

"I apologise to all the ladies who were looking forward to the event, but very much hope they will join us on our new date."

The walk, one of the charity's biggest annual fund-raisers, which was due to start from the King Power Stadium, has now been rescheduled for Saturday, April 13.

Last year, it generated more than £50,000 for Loros, which supports about 2,500 patients and their families each year.

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, in Whitwick, was the only school to be closed yesterday due to the cold weather.

Youngsters were told to stay at home but staff remained on site to meet pupils returning from a residential trip.

The Mercury could not reach anyone at the school for a further explanation as to why it was closed.

Both the county council and city council's gritters were out last night.

A city council spokesman said: "We gritted last night from 8pm covering all of our primary routes. The drivers worked through until 6am.

"The same arrangements are in place for Sunday and into Monday.

"We have got about 1,200 tonnes of salt left, and six lorries to cover 180 miles of primary routes."

Leicester Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton predicted the icy blast will last well into next week.

He said: "I am afraid to say the very cold east wind is with us for a while. It is going to dominate the weather, giving us very, very cold conditions well into next week.

"The only comfort I can offer readers is that it looks as though we could be in for a hot May and a flaming June."

No respite from the icy blast as more snow forecast for Leicestershire


Leicester Tigers roll out big guns for 'massive' clash at Exeter

0
0

Leicester Tigers have all their big guns out in force for today's Aviva Premiership clash against Exeter (5.0).

All seven of their England contingent are back in the starting line-up for the trip to Sandy Park after returning from their Six Nations campaign.

Tom Youngs, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling and Tom Croft start in the Tigers pack, while Ben Youngs, Toby Flood are at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

Manu Tuilagi slots back into the centres alongside Anthony Allen, who makes his return after a leg injury.

Martin Castrogiovanni, who captained Italy during their Six Nations campaign, is named on the bench.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "It's great to have everyone back for the start of the run-in.

"We've had a good week back together and now we just want to get back out on the field.

"Exeter have a very good record at home, but every game from now until the end of the season is massive for us and we have to get it right."

Fly-half Flood will lead out the side the first time in the absence of both Geordan Murphy and Louis Deacon.

Cockerill faced a tough decision on who to replace the injured Deacon, and Ed Slater has been given the nod over fellow lock Graham Kitchener, who is on the bench.

But Kitchener he is confident Tigers can get a result at what will be a hostile atmosphere.

Tigers lost 19-11 at Exeter last season, which left them needing to win all eight of their remaining matches to secure a home semi-final – a feat they duly accomplished.

"We have our internationals back now, so I am sure we will be in the right place," said Kitchener. "Exeter are a different animal at home. Their pack is strong and, from one to 15, they are a physical side with a good set-piece.

"We know what we have to do to get a result.

"We need to front-up physically and make sure our set-piece is good and that we get over the gain-line on first and second phase. They have a lot to play for, too, and that will add fuel to their fire at home."

Leicester Tigers roll out big guns for 'massive' clash at Exeter

Father posing as girl in online chatrooms to track down paedophiles defends his tactics

0
0

A father who poses as a 14-year-old girl on social networking sites in an attempt to track down suspected paedophiles has defended his tactics.

The man, a father-of-one who lives in Leicestershire, began visiting online chat rooms as a fictitious 14-year-old girl recently.

As a result, he says, a number of men from across the country have sent highly sexual messages to the girl's account.

He and the three people he works with claim to have met at least two men in public following prolonged online conversations.

The group has published online footage of them accusing the men of being there to meet the 14-year-old girl.

A 54-year-old man was arrested in Warwickshire on Tuesday, which the father claims is as a result of allegations arising from one of the campaign group's inquiries.

The father told the Mercury he decided to launch his campaign after a close friend had been convicted of offences against a child and possession of indecent images of children.

He said: "The first thing we say when we get into conversations online is, 'I am only 14 years old'. We are absolutely clear about that and we repeat the age throughout any conversations we have online.

"But we have still received highly sexual responses – in one case within 10 minutes of posting the girl's profile on a site.

"When we have met men in public there is an adrenaline rush.

"If I stop one of these people who target children online then I have potentially saved a lot of children from being abused.

"There are people out there who are doing work like this for profit but we are doing it because we want to save children from paedophiles, it's that simple.

"I am totally against violence and I have said from day one if anyone we film is assaulted in any way, we would stop doing this straight away."

He stressed that he passes all the information he receives to the police.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "While we always encourage members of the public to contact us with any information they have about a crime, officers would advise against this kind of action.

"Investigations and inquiries into potential sex offenders are extremely sensitive and detailed, and have to be conducted in a way which ensures that prosecution of an offender isn't affected.

"Consideration also has to be given to any threats and harm to anyone involved in the investigation, plus family and friends of potential offenders.

"Anyone taking actions like this could find themselves at the centre of an investigation."

Father posing as girl in online chatrooms to track down paedophiles defends his tactics

Graham Kitchener says Leicester Tigers have turned the corner

0
0

Leicester Tigers' trip to face Exeter at Sandy Park last season proved to a massive turning point.

The 19-11 defeat back in February came after a poor and mistake-ridden showing.

It left Tigers needing to win all of their remaining eight games to earn a home semi-final.

Some brutal home truths followed in the post-game review – and they duly won all eight of their following league matches. Job done.

Lock forward Graham Kitchener, who starts from the bench today, believes Tigers have already experienced their turning point this season.

He insists they will make their longest trip of the domestic season with confidence after thumping Sale Sharks in their last game three weeks ago.

"We had those tough games before we beat Sale, at home to Saracens and away at Harlequins," said the 23-year-old.

"To lose both of them was a turning point in our season, especially the Saracens game, where we were excellent in the first half but poor after the break and they got a bonus point.

"That was unacceptable and we talked long and hard about that in the week before the Sale game.

"The performance we then put in against Sale showed everyone that we had turned the corner.

"I would rather we had kept playing after that. You are always grateful for a rest playing rugby but, after that win against Sale, I felt we had lots of things in the right place.

With the injured Louis Deacon out for the rest, Kitchener and Ed Slater are the players looking for that vacant slot in the line-out next to Geoff Parling.

For today's game, director of rugby Richard Cockerill has given Slater the nod. But Kitchener, who many consider to be a likely contender for England's summer tour of Argentina, will be raring to go should he enter the fray at Sandy Park.

"It's a big blow to lose Louis," he said. "He is a leader in our pack and an experienced guy.

"To lose him for the rest of the season is tough but we have players who can step up.

"I feel good after two weeks with no game and am fresh and ready to go if needed."

Graham Kitchener says Leicester Tigers have turned the corner

Police in Belgrave, Leicester, step up bid to catch wheel thieves

0
0

Police have issued a fresh appeal for help tracing thieves who are stealing wheels from cars.

The problem first came to the attention of police in Belgrave, Leicester, in February.

Since then, there have been 38 thefts reported.

On one night last week, nine cars were targeted in the space of a few hours.

Most of the victims' vehicles were propped up on blocks of wood or bricks, while others were left to rest on their axles.

In most cases, the thieves have stolen just one wheel from each car, although a small number have had all four removed.

Police told the Mercury they believed the thieves were stealing the wheels to sell them as spares.

However, they have not ruled out the possibility the thieves are also taking the wheels for the metal.

However, new regulations introduced have made it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen metal to scrap merchants.

A Belgrave resident said how earlier this week he found his car resting on its axle after thieves stole the front passenger wheel.

The 21-year-old student, who asked not to be named, said: "My neighbour's car had a wheel stolen the week before mine was done.

"I would never have thought they would come back and steal from the same street.

"It's cost me more than £100 to replace. Also, there might be some damage to my brake disks where the car was left resting on the road.

"People in the street all know about what is going on and we are all looking out for the people who are doing this.

"Used wheels aren't all that expensive, so I can't see them making much money from this. It seems a lot of effort for little financial gain."

Police are increasing patrols in the affected streets, which include Harrison Road, Catherine Street, Canon Street and Loughborough Road.

Sergeant Danny Paddock, of Keyham Lane police station, which covers Belgrave, said: "They are not targeting any particular kinds of cars or even expensive models.

"It doesn't take them long to jack a vehicle up and take the wheel off.

"People may have seen these people and assumed it was just someone changing a wheel because they'd had a puncture.

"The word is out and people are aware these thefts are happening. Hopefully they will call us if they see something suspicious."

Sergeant Sarah Widdowson, who leads the beat team for the Belgrave area, said: "We have been delivering leaflets in the area warning motorists and asking them to check their cars.

"We have had one person try to drive away, not realising their wheels had been stolen.

"I am also appealing to the public for their help. If you see anybody removing wheels or have been offered any for sale, please call 101."

Ratilal Govind, chairman of Belgrave United Neighbourhood Watch, said: "Police have increased patrols and I'm sure they will get to the bottom of this, but they will need our help."

Police offered the following crime prevention advice to motorists:

Consider fitting locking wheel nuts to your car. These are relatively cheap and easy to fit but hard to remove without the correct fitting.

If possible, store your car in a garage.

Fit sensor-activated security lights outside your home.

Have you had a wheel stolen? Call us on 0116 222 4241, or e-mail us and leave your name and number.

newsdesk@leicester mercury.co.uk

Police in Belgrave, Leicester, step up bid to catch wheel thieves

Leicester City have to show they've got the stomach for a fight, says Steve Walsh

0
0

Leicester City must display a fighting spirit in their final push for promotion, says former captain Steve Walsh.

City's promotion challenge has faltered in recent weeks.

After their automatic promotion challenge faltered, their play-off challenge is now looking precarious as they head into the final eight Championship games holding on to sixth spot on goal difference alone.

Walsh, who captained City to play-off glory twice, in 1994 and 1996, admits he has been surprised by the recent slump.

However, he still believes City can achieve promotion and has urged everyone around the club to get behind Nigel Pearson's men for the final push.

He also said City need to show a real fighting spirit to accompany their technical ability during the run-in.

"I am surprised by the recent blip," said Walsh.

"It is disappointing, especially for the fans, because after they signed Chris Wood it looked to me as though we were going to steam-roller teams.

"But we have to get behind the club now. There is speculation about Nigel's position and that is bad timing.

"We have to pull together as a club and help get them into the play-offs. The main objective is to cement our place in the play-offs.

"We had a great run of wins and, technically, by far we have the best team in the league.

"We have the best defensive record and we have the best goal difference. With those two stats, you should be top of the league.

"We can't give up on this season just because they have had a rough patch. We have to rally behind Nigel and the team and try to get us into those play-offs.

"If we get into the play-offs, we have seen that this side has the potential to get up.

"There is still a lot to play for but it will be a backs-to-the-wall job to get in there. But I still believe we can do that and get promotion."

Walsh believes City must hold their nerve during the run-in as the pressure builds.

"It is worrying that we could miss out on the whole lot if we don't stand up and fight now," he said.

"There is pressure going into the run-in and you have to be strong-minded. It is going to come down to mental strength. They have to dig deep now and fight for everything."

Walsh and KKong Promotions are presenting soul legend Alexander O'Neal in concert at the 02 Academy, Leicester University on June 1. Call 0116 254 3901 for ticket details.

Leicester City have to show they've got the stomach for a fight, says Steve Walsh

Leicester City defender Michael Keane called up for England Under-21s

0
0

Leicester City defender Michael Keane has been called into the England Under-21 squad for their clash with Austria.

The 20-year-old has caught the eye of manager Stuart Pearce, and the young defender will join up with a side looking to continue their eight-game unbeaten run at Brighton's Amex Stadium on Monday night.

Keane has impressed since arriving at the King Power Stadium in November on loan from Manchester United.

After a hamstring injury on his debut ruled him out until January, the former England Under-19 international has shown why he is a star in the making.

Keane has made 17 appearances for City this season and has even started to find an eye for goal.

He has found the net three times in the last nine games, the latest being his 72nd-minute header in the 1-1 draw with league-leaders Cardiff.

Keane will join up with an impressive group of England players who have not conceded a goal, let alone been beaten, in 16 months.

The call-up comes as Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace), Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest) and Declan Rudd (Preston) return to their respective clubs.

Keane joins four other City stars currently on international duty in Andy King (Wales), Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark), Sean St Ledger (Republic of Ireland) and Chris Wood (New Zealand).

Leicester City defender Michael Keane called up for England Under-21s

Geoff Parling fully switched on for Premier return

0
0

As soon as Leicester Tigers lock Geoff Parling pressed the delete button on his Sky Box, he began the process of moving on from England's Six Nations defeat in Cardiff.

By his own admission, that will be some task having got so close to the Holy Grail of a Grand Slam – and come away with nothing.

But the 29-year-old is a straight-talking and pragmatic second-rower who will be totally switched on when he puts his Leicester Tigers hat back on for the first time in over two months at Exeter this afternoon.

"We got a chance to win a Grand Slam and to lose it was devastating," he said.

"The build-up and the atmosphere was amazing but I absolutely hated the game because we lost.

"We were still winning the championship at half-time and to lose from there was gutting.

"Afterwards, I got home, sat down, pressed play and, as soon as the 80 minutes were up, I pressed delete. I always have to watch games, even if I don't want to.

"It was difficult to take but you have to get over it. That is sport. You have to move on and work towards putting yourself and your team in good positions again."

Parling returned to the sanctuary of his own bed, home and nappy changing for just the eighth night in the last eight weeks and quickly began to turn his mind to club matters.

His immediate concern was getting back to grips with the Leicester line-out calls after spending February and March working with England ones.

"I gave Richard Blaze (Tigers' line-out coach) a call on Sunday night and it takes time to get through all of the calls again.

"As soon as you have done it, it starts to sink it but you need to run a few calls and go through it all first. You just get on with it."

Tigers face some critical games in the remainder of the season.

"There are five league games left and a quarter-final of the Heineken Cup," said Parling. "We have got to make sure that there is a hell of a lot more than those six games left. The pressure is on us to get into the top two. We have to be more clinical and close out games.

"Away at Toulon, it will be a big occasion and we have to make the most of that opportunity.

"Last year, we let ourselves down on the big occasion at Ulster in Europe and the Premiership final. This season, the big one was Toulouse at home – and we won that. We need to keep on winning those big games."

Geoff Parling fully switched on for Premier return


VIDEO: A glimpse of life inside Glen Parva Young Offenders' Institute

0
0

From the outside, Glen Parva feels foreboding. The high fences and colourless facade get your pulse racing before you even step foot inside. This week, Leicester's 808 capacity jail was visited by Prisons Minister Jeremy Wright who was given a tour of the building.

Mr Wright was doing his ministerial duty and meeting and greeting staff and inmates as they went about their business, surrounded by razor wire and CCTV cameras.

Principal prison officer Paul Downs said that most of the 670 inmates serving their sentences at Glen Parva were involved in some sort of work or educational programme.

One such youngster is 21-year-old Martin Jones – who is on his fourth stretch in a young offenders' institute.

"I've had enough of this now," he said. "I think it's time for a change."

The only thing I was told not to ask is why the inmates had been jailed – Martin was locked up in November 2011 and is due for release in May.

"If you add together all the times I've been in, it's about two-and-a-half-years," he said.

He is one of a number of prisoners taking part in a scheme called Trackwork, which teaches the practical skills needed to build and maintain railways.

Martin is aiming for an NVQ and has been given contact details for someone who will help him find a job (something he has never had before) once he gets out.

"The course is quite enjoyable, I'm looking forward to actually having a job.

"It's my first proper chance to do something different."

Fellow inmate James Porter, 20, was convicted in November and returns to the outside world in June.

He's also part of the scheme.

"It would be boring without it," he said. "I'd probably be more likely to get into trouble.

"I've done quite a few courses, but this is the best one I've done so far.

"It's the one that gives you a proper feel of what it's like to be doing work and I think it's going to be the one which gives me the most opportunities to get a job when I get out."

Mr Wright, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, backed the scheme and said Glen Parva was one of only a handful of prisons to offer the course.

"It think there are two ways in which this kind of course is beneficial," he said.

"The first is providing those harder skills – the kind of training they're getting here is the same as they would receive in the outside world.

"But it's also about the softer skills, the idea of getting up in the morning, going to work, working in a team."

Mr Wright was given a tour of the rest of the prison by the governor, Alison Clarke.

We followed them to Unit 15 – the induction wing.

All prisoners spend their first week here when they arrive.

It looks like you'd expect – cell doors on three levels with metal grates everywhere so officers can see all corners of the wing at all times.

The rest of the prison was quiet, except for a few inquisitive glances at the camera and my notepad, followed by colourful language and gestures for our attention.

Some of the prisoners barracking Will and I looked very young, which is probably a reflection of my age rather than their's.

Even so, all of the inmates are aged between 18 and 21.

Mr Wright said the aim of the prison service was to punish, but also to rehabilitate and make sure institutes such as Glen Parva were not incubating future criminals.

He said: "People need to understand that if they offend, and offend, and offend again then they'll get longer and longer prison sentences.

"In order to break that cycle, we have to persuade them that what they really should be doing is buckling down to activities and learning the skills they need to get and keep a job."

The site itself is huge – much bigger than Leicester's Welford Road Prison.

It would take about 45 minutes to walk the perimeter fence, said chief officer Mr Downs, who guided us round.

He also warned us not to film or photograph the officers unlocking doors.

"It's a nice but expensive shot," he said.

If footage of the keys was published the prison would have to change every lock in the compound – at the Mercury's expense – which would cost about £250,000.

And he wasn't not joking – a television company recently had to pay £100,000 towards changing all the locks and keys at Welford Road prison after footage appeared on TV.

VIDEO: A glimpse of life  inside Glen Parva Young Offenders' Institute

Pensioner fought off attacker who tried to rape her in her home

0
0

A judge has praised a pensioner for fighting off an attacker who tried to rape her in her home.

Judge Simon Hammond spoke of the victim's "courage, tenacity and presence of mind" as he yesterday jailed Abraham Nhliziyo for 10 years over the attempted rape.

Judge Hammond said: "He didn't desist because he wanted to – but only because she fought like a tigress for her honour."

The woman, who is in her 70s, had gone to investigate a noise outside her Thurnby Lodge home in the early hours of September 15 last year.

Prosecutor Philip Gibbs told Leicester Crown Court: "The complainant heard a noise and thought it was a cat. She went to the kitchen and heard a noise at the back door.

"She saw a figure and thought it was a neighbour who had just come out of hospital. It was the defendant.

"She opened the door and the defendant didn't say anything, he simply shoved her back into her home."

Nhliziyo (21), who was drunk, then attacked her in the kitchen.

He grabbed her around the neck and touched her inappropriately.

Mr Gibbs said: "She tried to push him away and she tried every excuse she could think of, including that her husband was coming."

After the assault had been going on for five minutes, the woman managed to push Nhliziyo away.

Describing how the woman fought back, Mr Gibbs said: "When the defendant's arms raised towards the ceiling, she pushed him out of the open back door into the garden, where he fell into a bush.

"Remarkably, and for good measure, the complainant kicked him twice to the bottom, pulled the door to and swiftly locked it."

Nhliziyo tried to open the door but could not and shouted abuse at the terrified woman.

The victim called the police and Nhliziyo, of Carpe Road, Northfields, Leicester, was arrested.

She told police she had never felt so degraded in her life and her sleep had been affected. She is still scared to go in her kitchen at night.

Mr Gibbs said: "She can still see this man's face when she shuts her eyes and lives in dread of the dark."

Nhliziyo pleaded guilty to sexual assault and attempted rape at an earlier hearing.

Helen Johnson, mitigating for Nhliziyo, a student, said her client had been drinking vodka and had no recollection of the incident.

She said: "The defendant is a young man and prior to this was entirely of good character."

Pensioner fought off attacker who tried to rape her in her home

Loughborough mum-of-five who ran £23,900 benefits scam spared jail

0
0

A woman ran a £23,900 benefits scam making 90 false crisis loan claims with the help of her mother and partner, a court heard.

Mandy Marshall operated a system making fraudulent claims for hundreds of pounds for herself and on behalf of others, Leicester Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Laura Hobson said Marshall, of Victoria Street, Loughborough, was the "prime mover" in the operation where she made claims on behalf of other people then claimed half as payment for her services.

She said Marshall (30) used friends and her partner (now her ex-partner) as minders to ensure her share of the loan pay-out was handed over.

Department of Work and Pensions investigators had surveillance camera footage showing Mandy Marshall and her accomplices outside Loughborough Post Office.

Ms Hobson said: "On one piece of footage you can see Marshall holding a bundle of cash aloft to show it to someone across the road."

Ms Hobson said when Marshall's home was searched, police found scripts to use in telephone conversations to claim crisis loans, which help with essential costs after an emergency.

She said Marshall's mother, Jennifer Glover (52), of Gladstone Street, Loughborough, had become involved because of her daughter.

Ms Hobson said Daniel Stevens, who had lived with Marshall and had been her partner, was involved as a "minder" and helped make sure she got her money.

She said Daniel Baughen had made a false claim and acted as a "minder".

Ms Hobson said Wayne Marshall had made false crisis loan claims.

Mandy Marshall, a mother-of-five, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the Department of Work and Pensions between October 9, 2010, and March 24, 2011.

Sheetal Modhwadia, defending, said she had turned to operating the fraud after she got into financial difficulties.

Recorder David Sweeting QC gave Mandy Marshall an eight-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered her to carry out 180 hours unpaid work.

Glover pleaded not guilty to the same charge, but was found guilty after a trial.

Mary Prior, defending Glover, said her client was a woman of previous good character who had never been in trouble with the police.

The judge gave her a six-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Daniel Stevens (26), of Hermitage Road, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Paul Tubb, defending, said Stevens was only involved at the end of the operation after he lost his job as a labourer.

He was given a four-month prison sentence suspended for a year and told to carry out 80 hours unpaid work.

Wayne Marshall (25), of Gladstone Street, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to same the charge.

Richard Holloway, defending, said his client had committed the offence while a heroin addict. He said he was now drug free. He was given a four-month prison sentence suspended for a year. He was told to carry out 80 hours.

The court was told that all but £6,400 of the £23,900 was being repaid by the defendants.

Loughborough mum-of-five who ran  £23,900 benefits scam spared jail

Buses and flights in Leicestershire disrupted by snow

0
0
Snow is continuing to fall across Leicestershire today, after a heavy fall last night brought parts of the county to a standstill. Arriva has said some of its bus services in the Coalville area are disrupted, as are flights into and out of East Midlands Airport, in Castle Donington, where runway operations are suspended. However, there is good news for drivers in much of the county. Area Traffic Control said the main roads in Leicester, Loughborough, Melton and Hinckley are clear. The county council's fleet of 17 gritters has been treating key roads, and some side roads, overnight, and drivers are out on key routes again today. Farmers have been assisting with ploughing in areas subjected to drifts and deeper snow. East Midlands Trains is not reporting any weather-related problems with its services. Some events have been cancelled because of the snow, including the Sock Man Dash due to take place in Loughborough tomorrow. Last night, drivers in parts of North West Leicestershire had to abandon their cars as heavy snow blocked roads. Email your snow pictures, with your contact details, to newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk. For live flight information from East Midlands Airport, visit: www.eastmidlandsairport.com

Buses and flights in Leicestershire disrupted by snow

East Midlands Airport re-opens as snow continues to fall across Leicestershire

0
0
East Midlands Airport has re-opened, after it suspended runway operations this morning because of the snow. A spokesman said it was now working to clear the backlog of flights that had built up. Passengers are advised to check the latest information about their flight with their airline. Ryanair flights from the Castle Donington airport to Palma, Lanzarote and Treviso have been cancelled and are not likely to come back onto the schedule today, said the spokesman. Passengers will be offered seats on the next available flights. Snow is continuing to fall across the county, after a heavy fall last night brought parts of Leicestershire to a standstill. Arriva has said some of its bus services in the Coalville area are disrupted. However, there is good news for drivers in much of the county. Area Traffic Control said the main roads in Leicester, Loughborough, Melton and Hinckley are clear. The county council's fleet of 17 gritters has been treating key roads, and some side roads, overnight, and drivers are out on key routes again today. Farmers have been assisting with ploughing in areas subjected to drifts and deeper snow. East Midlands Trains is not reporting any weather-related problems with its services. Some events have been cancelled because of the snow, including the Sock Man Dash due to take place in Loughborough tomorrow. Last night, drivers in parts of North West Leicestershire had to abandon their cars as heavy snow blocked roads. Email your snow pictures, with your contact details, to newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk. For live flight information from East Midlands Airport, visit: www.eastmidlandsairport.com

Hunt for missing 87-year-old from Scraptoft, Leicestershire UPDATED 4.45pm

0
0
An 87-year-old woman who went missing this morning from her home in Scraptoft has been found. Police issued an appeal for information about Norma Holden when she was reported missing at 1pm today. Officers said Norma was found just before 4pm today in Leicester city centre, and has been taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary as a precaution. Police said they wanted to thank the public for their assistance in finding her.

Hunt for missing 87-year-old from Scraptoft, Leicestershire UPDATED 4.45pm

Fire at a house in Northfields, Leicester

0
0
Firefighters tackled a blaze at a house in Leicester this morning. Crews were called out at 2.58am to the property in Culham Avenue, Northfields. The fire service said the blaze was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials. Everyone in the building was out on the street by the time the fire crews arrived. No-one was hurt in the incident. The lounge of the property was damaged by fire and smoke.

Fire at a house in Northfields, Leicester


Late drama sees Tigers jump into top two

0
0

Leicester Tigers jumped to second place in the Aviva Premiership table with a 12-9 win over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

Toby Flood's 70th-minute penalty kick was the difference - and the only points scored after the half-time interval.

While Tigers' fly-half was four from four with the boot, the only missed kick of the whole game, came in the final minute.

Exeter's Gareth Steenson seemed to have secured a dramatic draw for his team after Tigers were pinged at the scrum but his 40-metre penalty fell just a metre short of the crossbar.

Leicester's director of rugby Richard Cockerill said that would have been a fair result from an attritional game in which defences were well on top.

Tigers came closest to crossing the line when they blew a clear opportunity just before the break which could have put them 16-6 ahead.

Mat Tait was pulled up a metre short of the line after ignoring Tom Croft on his right.

To make matters worse, Steenson then made it 9-9 before the interval.

The second half was an edgey affair with few opportunities for either side until Tigers won a penalty at a ruck and Flood kicked the winning goal.

"It was a massive win for us," said Cockerill. "Exeter don't lose down here very often and we stuck to our task manfully."

Flights from East Midlands Airport grounded due to snow, as wintry weather continues to batter Leicestershire UPDATED 12.20pm

0
0
UPDATE 12.20pm: The runway at East Midlands Airport has re-opened. Spokesman Jon Greenway said the runway re-opened at 12.10pm. He said: "We have had our snow clearing team working all morning and their hard work has paid off. "We shall now work towards clearing the flight backlog as soon as possible." All flights are grounded at East Midlands Airport due to snow and ice on the runway and airfield. It means a second day of disruption for passengers using the Leicestershire airport, after all runway operations were suspended yesterday morning due to the adverse weather. The live information on the airport's website shows all departures suspended, with more information expected at 12pm. Incoming flights are either diverted or cancelled. Operator Ryanair has cancelled all of its flights - 13 in total - to and from the airport today. Airport spokesman Jon Greenway said: "Unfortunately there is nothing we can do about the weather. "Most passengers are being very patient. We are hoping the runway will open as soon as possible and we can clear the backlog quickly, as we did yesterday." Events cancelled in Leicestershire today include the Loughborough Half Marathon and the Sock Man Dash fun run in the town. Arriva is reporting some disruption to its bus services in the Coalville area. East Midlands Airport passengers are advised to check with their airlines before travelling, or check the live information page on the airport's website: www.eastmidlandsairport.com

Risks: 'It's quite easy to create a misleading online profile'

0
0

Police are investigating a growing number of cases of sex offenders using the internet to prey on victims.

Detective Sergeant Ed Jones, an officer from the Leicestershire Police's Paedophile and Online Investigation Team (Polit), urged parents to take an interest in their children's use of social networking sites.

Det Sgt Jones said: "It's extremely important that parents take an active interest in what and who their children are corresponding with online and to educate them about the dangers of speaking to people they do not know.

"There is no way of knowing 100 per cent that the person you are talking to is who they say they are, and that is extremely important to remember.

"It's quite easy to create a misleading online profile, recorded web cam footage, images and details of others from the internet are easily accessible.

"Try to encourage your children to make friends with only people they already know, like friends through school or family members.

"It's also worth remembering that anything streamed via a webcam can be recorded and unfortunately there are those out there who will take advantage of trusting people.

"If your child says that they have made a new friend online, take an interest and try to learn more about the people they are talking to. If you feel concerned or think your child is being exploited online call police immediately."

Det Sgt Jones suggested two websites for parents to find out more:

www.thinkuknow.com www.parentsprotect.co.uk

Risks: 'It's quite easy to create a misleading online profile'

Basketball: Leicester Riders close in on perfect home record

0
0

With two homes games to play, Leicester Riders are closing in on the perfect home league campaign at the John Sandford Sports Centre.

Riders' 84-71 victory over third-placed Glasgow Rocks on Saturday was their 15th in 15 league games this season – their only loss at home in any competition was the Trophy semi-final that they won on aggregate anyway.

A blistering spell of about five minutes either side of half-time sent the Jelson Homes DMU-backed Riders on their way to a surprisingly comfortable success over a team who, in the last 11 games, have not lost to anyone other than Leicester.

Riders were without Zaire Taylor, and Pavol Losonsky was given less than 10 minutes, but such has been the level of play of Leicester's back-up players this season, you would scarcely have noticed.

After their epic win against Newcastle on Wednesday, there were probably a few in the capacity crowd who worried it may be a case of after the Lord Mayor's show for Riders, as they spluttered through the opening four minutes and found themselves 12-4 behind.

But defensively they never take a night off and, when Jay Couisnard and Yorick Williams both hit three-pointers, the scores were level at 16.

Donald Robinson had 13 of the Rocks' first 23 points, but once Jamell Anderson had got him under control, Glasgow started to struggle. The visitors still looked good for a half-time lead, but a spectacular triple by Jorge Calvo as the shot clock expired with 20 seconds left tied the game at 37-all.

The Spaniard then stole an inbound pass from Sterling Davis and netted another three on the half-time buzzer to give Riders a 40-37 lead.

They took that momentum into the third quarter and nine unanswered points saw them 52-39 ahead three minutes into the second half.

Drew Sullivan then connected with two three-pointers in 30 seconds as Riders moved 18 points clear.

A spectacular block from Calvo early in the fourth quarter underlined Riders' commitment to defence and helped their lead peak at 72-49. Leicester could have been even further clear had their free-throw shooting not been so wayward.

In the closing stages, Davis hit three three-pointers as the Rocks narrowed the gap, but Riders' home record was never in doubt.

Sullivan, as he has been all season, was immense with 24 points and he will surely be named as the league's player of the season. But Riders' success has been built on contributions from all and Anderson, Williams and Calvo typified that with excellent performances.

Riders 84: Sullivan 24, Couisnard 15, Anderson 15, Calvo 10, Williams 7, Rowe 7, Lamble 4, Maynard 2.

Rocks 71: Robinson 18, Davis 14, Harrison 12, Wedemire 8, Ringgold 8, Murray 7, Vanderbeken 2, Fantazia 2

Basketball: Leicester Riders close in on perfect home record

Jail for ex-soldier arrested after attacking girlfriend

0
0

A former soldier who imprisoned his girlfriend and was later arrested after a five-hour siege at his home has been jailed for four years.

Adam Caird (26) had an argument with his then-girlfriend after a late-night drinking session.

He threw her telephone across the room and stamped on it, before pushing her on to the bed and pinning her down.

Leicester Crown Court heard on Friday how Caird was shouting and screaming incoherently, having got drunk and taken the illegal stimulant MCAT.

Prosecutor James Bide-Thomas said: "She managed to wriggle free and attempted to escape via the upstairs window, but the defendant dragged her back and pulled her down on to the bed.

"She punched him in the face and tried to escape, but the defendant again grabbed her and pinned her against the door."

The woman managed to escape by kneeing Caird in the groin and climbing through a ground-floor window, running barefoot to her mother's house dressed in her pyjamas.

When police arrived at the house in Braunstone Frith, Leicester, at 7.50am on September 30 last year, after the woman had fled, they could hear shouting, banging and smashing noises coming from inside.

Mr Bide-Thomas said: "The defendant appeared at the first-floor window. In his left hand, he had a nine-inch knife and in his right hand, a claw hammer.

"The police decided it was too dangerous to go in.

"The defendant said, 'Any of you come in here and I'll kill you'."

After about three hours, Caird started threatening to "light the place up".

He poured nail varnish remover on the window sill and set a curtain alight before then extinguishing it himself with a duvet, suffering burns in the process.

He eventually came outside and was arrested at 12.40pm after the police had played him a recorded message from his girlfriend.

The court heard that Caird, who has two children from a previous relationship, attempted suicide in prison and was later diagnosed as having a "personality disorder" related to abuse he suffered in his childhood.

He pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, arson, criminal damage and affray, as well as two charges of common assault against his girlfriend and another man a week earlier.

Catarina Sjolin, representing Caird, of The Drove, Collyweston, Northamptonshire, said: "He recognises how terrifying an incident the false imprisonment must have been.

"It was a scary incident for the police and went on for some time, but threats were from a distance and he was persuaded to give himself up.

"This was someone who had lost control of himself in the drink and the drugs.

"He has hurt a person he loved and his actions have shocked and scared him."

Sentencing Caird, Judge Simon Hammond said: "It must have been an absolutely terrifying ordeal."

Jail for ex-soldier arrested after  attacking  girlfriend

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images