Person airlifted to hospital and three others injured following crash in Kilby Bridge

November 24, 2013, 6:53 am

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One person has been airlifted to hospital and three others injured following a crash in Kilby Bridge, near Wigston. Fire crews were called to the incident on the A5199 at 1.30pm yesterday, where they found the car rolled over. The police, ambulance and air ambulance were also in attendance. One of the casualties was airlifted to Walsgrave Hospital, in Coventry. Another patient was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary by ambulance. The other two casualties were treated at the roadside butlater went to hospital. No further information about the condition of the patients has yet been released.

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The Nagar Kirtan: Thousands of people take part in Sikh procession in Leicester

November 24, 2013, 7:37 am

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Leicester's streets were filled with music and colour today (Sun) as 10,000 people joined in a procession to mark the birthday of the founder of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanah Dev Ji. The Nagar Kirtan event, which has been staged in Leicester for more than 20 years, began at Guru Tegh Bahadar Gurdwara, in East Park Road and ended at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara at Holy Bones, near St Nicholas Circle. Harjot Kaur, 27, of Evington, said: "It is an important day, it means a lot to us - everyone has really been looking forward to it." Her sister-in-law, Sarika Kaur, 26, said: "We're known for being colourful, so this day reflects our culture perfectly." The celebration began with prayers and hymns, before worshippers took to the streets for a three-hour long parade. Food stalls lined the route, offering a selection of treats, including pizza, samosas and onion bhajis, to the passing crowds. Peté Singh, 26, of Highfields, said: "It meant a lot of things - getting together with everyone and getting away from everyday life." Preetam Singh, 18, of Rowley Fields, said: "It is extremely important to carry on these traditions, it makes us feel closer to the Guru." Indey Singh - Nihang, 37, of Oadby said that the procession enabled the Guru to live on. "It meant everything to us. "It's not just about celebrating, it was about bringing people together too." Rajwant Kaur, 28, of Thurnby Lodge attended the parade with her family. She said: "The procession makes you feel a sense of belonging. "It was great to bring the kids along, it is extremely important that they learn about our culture." Davinder Kaur, 39, of North Evington, agreed that the parade gave parents an opportunity to educate youngsters about their religion. "The Guru taught that everyone is equal and it is important to keep that alive in today's community. "It's good that we can teach the children and younger generation and the pass the message on through this procession." Nirmal Dhesi, 69, of Oadby, said: "The day was very important. "He was our first Guru, our founder - we have a lot to thank him for. "It was the biggest day in the Sikh year." The Nagar Kirtan event is the second of two religious processions by member of the Sikh community in Leicester every year. The other is Vaisakhi, the Sikh new year, in April.

Sapcote Sailor Honoured By HRH The Princess Royal

November 24, 2013, 8:29 am

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Sapcote sailor, Derek Bunting, was presented with one of the RYA's (Royal Yachting Association) most prestigious awards - an RYA Lifetime Commitment Award - by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, on Thursday (21 November).  
Derek, recognised for work with Hollowell Sailing Club and formerly Naseby Sailing Club, was one of 43 award winners, hailing from as far afield as Cornwall to Argyll, honoured at the annual RYA Volunteer Awards ceremony at London's One Great George Street.  The Leicestershire man first learnt to sail on a camping holiday on Scotland's North West coast in 1964, and he joined Naseby SC the following year. Having obtained his Yachtmaster Offshore qualification in 1975 he taught the Yachtmaster syllabus for some 20 years and was also as an Offshore Cruising Instructor for 30 years.
Although Derek rarely sails now he continues to provide much valued advice and guidance with respect to club management, previously acquired as Naseby SC club commodore. His expert knowledge and practical construction skills have greatly benefited Hollowell SC and he is a wonderful example of how personal commitment and effort can make a difference and have such a positive impact on people's lives.
Derek admits he was humbled when he discovered he had won the award.
He said: "It is not something you seek or even think about. I have had a long and happy life associated with sailing, and in my eyes, you put back in what you have got out, so that others hopefully can reap the same rewards.
"At Hollowell I am one of the 'Wrinkly' team that tries to keep on top of the maintenance of the club, as well as undertaking various improvement projects. It is very satisfying to see the continued improvement of the club over the years, both on and off the water, and feel that I have played a little part in that.
"I take part as an 'Assistant Dinghy Instructor' in our annual Junior Week. It is so satisfying to see all the youngsters enjoying themselves on and off the water in such a friendly and safe environment. Seeing youngsters that have never been in a boat before suddenly realise they can sail by themselves makes all the efforts worthwhile.
"Sailing has allowed me to have a healthy outdoor activity that, whilst being competitive, is also a good social event at the club. The offshore aspect also allowed me to be undertake passages to different ports in various areas of this country and overseas. These places you visit this way always appear different, when you come in from sea, rather than when they are approached from the land."
Derek was nominated for the award by Hollowell SC and selected as a winner by the Awards panel. He and his fellow RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive says "The RYA is delighted to make this award in recognition of Derek's enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years' contribution to the region's boating scene. The winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their hard work and dedication."
For more information about the RYA Volunteer Awards visit www.rya.org.uk or to find out more about boating in Leicestershire visit www.rya.org.uk/regions/eastmidlands

Man in hospital with serious injuries after falling 20 foot in Leicester

November 24, 2013, 10:16 am

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A man is in hospital today with serious multiple injuries after falling 20 foot following a crash in Leicester. Police were called to an incident involving a bus and a cherry picker on the A594 Welford Road, just after 2.30pm on Friday. The crash happened outside Sandicliffe car showroom, near the Tower Street junction and the Counting House Road junction. A man was unconscious and had suffered life-threatening injuries after fallen 20 foot whilst working on the cherry picker. Ambulance crews called a volunteer emergency doctor out to help assist the patient. The man was taken to the Regional Trauma Centre at Queens Medical Centre, in Nottingham by ambulance. It is believed that he is currently in the Intensive Therapy Unit with serious multiple injuries. Severe delays were caused following the accident. Two county-bound lanes were closed for at least four hours during the afternoon. Congestion tailed back to the A47 St Nicholas Circle junction. Police were advising motorists to avoid the area and choose an alternative route. Anyone who has any further information on the incident should contact the police on 101. No further information about the condition of the patient has yet been released.

Snooker: Mark Selby and Tom Ford in UK Championship action

November 25, 2013, 11:54 pm

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Leicester's Tom Ford gets his UK Championship bid under way in York today.

The world No.25 plays Thailand's Noppon Saengkham in the first round.

Defending champion Mark Selby begins his quest to retain the title on Saturday, when he plays 15-year-old amateur Shane Castle.

"A lot of people are raving about him already as one to watch," said Selby.

"I've never seen him play, so I'll be going into the match blind, but I'll be confident and in the right frame of mind."

Ben Woollaston completes the county line-up in this year's event. He plays Stuart Carrington tomorrow.

England's World Cup win of 2003 relived by Leicester Tigers legend

November 25, 2013, 11:55 pm

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Hundreds of rugby fans flocked to Welford Road to see Martin Johnson and Sir Clive Woodward relive the moment that England lifted the World Cup.

It is 10 years since former Leicester Tigers captain Johnson lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy following victory over Australia thanks to Jonny Wilkinson's drop-goal.

England coach Woodward, captain Johnson and fellow winners Martin Corry, Trevor Woodman and Dorian West were among the special guests for the evening in front of 600 people.

The heroes of 2003 shared their recollections of the tournament, the battle to reach the final and then the rollercoaster of the decisive game.

"We had to battle right through the tournament," said Johnson. "We never had a smooth run but, in many ways, that was good because it meant we kept battling."

Too early to take any notice of the league table, says Leicester Riders head coach Rob Paternostro

November 25, 2013, 11:56 pm

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Leicester Riders head coach Rob Paternostro insists that it is still too early in the season be looking at the league table.

Riders had the weekend off as they prepare for a big weekend of basketball.

They travel to Plymouth for the first leg of the BBL Cup semi-final on Friday night, before returning home for a BBL Championship match against Manchester Giants on Saturday at the John Sandford Centre.

In Riders' absence from action at the weekend, the position at the top of the BBL Championship became even tighter with all the top teams winning.

Newcastle Eagles, London Lions and Sheffield Sharks are now joint top, and Riders have slipped down to fifth.

"It is far too early to be looking at the league table," said Paternostro.

"I look only at team losses, because the scheduling means teams have not necessarily played the same number of games and, more importantly, the strengths of the schedules can vary significantly.

"What we do know is the BBL Championship is likely to be very close.

"We are seeing that all the top teams are proving extremely difficult to beat at home, with all having at most a single defeat at home.

"We are also seeing teams putting a greater focus on defence, which can help keep you in games, and the home fans involved.

"I tend to only start paying attention to the league table at the end of January or February.

"Then we will have a clearer idea of how things are shaping up, and which clubs are holding up well to the rigour of the BBL season.

"Injuries can become a factor, particularly with playing back-to-back games at the weekend.

"We have a huge opportunity in the semi-final against the Raiders on Friday, and we will be totally focused on giving ourselves the best possible chance of progressing in the tie."

Sheffield reached the semi-finals of the BBL Cup at the weekend after out-lasting Durham Wildcats 70-58 at home on Friday night, and will now meet Newcastle.

Newcastle went top of the BBL Championship on Friday night when they beat Worcester 86-74 in overtime.

Sheffield joined the Eagles at the top after an overtime 91-79 win against Manchester on Sunday.

London Lions made it a three-way tie at the top with a comfortable 101-69 win against bottom club Surrey.

Results: Sheffield 70 Durham 58 (Cup); Newcastle 86 Worcester 74 (after OT); Birmingham 60 Glasgow 88; Durham 72 Plymouth 67; London 101 Surrey 69; Manchester 79 Sheffield 91; Cheshire 90 Glasgow 102.

Leicester City v Millwall - live

November 25, 2013, 11:57 pm

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Leicester City were back to winning ways on Saturday with 2-1 victory over Ipswich at Portman Road. This Saturday Nigel Pearson's men welcome Millwall to The King Power Stadium and will be looking to follow the away win against the Tractor Boys with a win against Steve Lomas' men. Millwall secured a 1-0 over Barnsley at home last weekend and are looking to continue climbing out of the bottom half of the Championship in what has been an inconsistent season so far for The Lions. Match-day commentator James Sharpe will be providing details of the action and analysis of the game. You can put your questions, views and comments to James during the game through an interactive link on the match commentary, or you can tweet him @TheSharpeEnd Some of those comments will be shared with the website audience. The action will start at 2.45pm on Saturday with the announcement of the teams and pre-match build-up.

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Gruelling game against London Irish took its toll on Leicester Tigers forwards

November 25, 2013, 11:58 pm

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The kind of dominance Leicester Tigers exerted at the scrum against London Irish on Saturday took its toll on both sets of forwards.

Tigers held the whip hand from the start of the game and the Irish pack buckled to such an extent that they conceded two penalty tries, while prop John Yapp was also yellow-carded.

But if it was gruelling work for the visitors, Tigers' forwards also had to dig deep.

"The first penalty try was fine," said Leicester lock Graham Kitchener after Tigers' 20-11 Aviva Premiership win at Welford Road.

"The second one dragged on for a long time. It was pretty draining but we got the reward in the end, so it was worth it.

"We stuck at it and didn't cough up position."

The game is not one that will live long in the memory of many of the participants or the bulk of the 23,284 crowd.

"It was very scrappy," said Kitchener, who was sin-binned late in the piece after being penalised at a ruck close to halfway.

"We were defending a lot of the first half and couldn't get our patterns going.

"In the second half, there were a lot of mistakes from both sides, but at the end of the day we came away with a win."

Kitchener added that Tigers had to be alert to the running threat of the Irish, which has been boosted of late by the arrival of full-back James O'Connor, who certainly had his moments on Saturday and is bound to cause headaches for whoever Irish face this season.

"They have got a very talented back-line, particularly the back-three," said Kitchener.

"We had to be aware of that. Perhaps we gave them a bit too much respect and space in the first half.

"We spoke about that at half-time and they weren't as much of a threat in the second half."

That is the type of approach Tigers have to adopt on Friday night when they travel to Kingsholm to face Gloucester in the Premiership.

They may have banked four points and returned to winning ways on the league front against the Irish at the weekend, but there is still plenty to work on in the Tigers camp and there will be no resting on laurels.

"We will analyse where we went wrong and put those things right," said Kitchener.

"If we play the way we want to play at Gloucester, there is no reason why we can't come away with a win."

Impressive Matty James hopes for Leicester City start

November 25, 2013, 11:59 pm

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Leicester City midfielder Matty James hopes he has done his claims for a starting place in Nigel Pearson's side the world of good with his second-half showing at Ipswich.

James has not started a game for City in the league since the defeat at Charlton at the end of August, and admits it has been frustrating having to sit on the sidelines.

However, the 22-year-old came on at half-time with City losing 1-0 at Portman Road and produced an excellent display as Pearson's men claimed their 11th win of the campaign.

James now hopes he will get the nod from Pearson to face Millwall at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

"When you are not in the team you try to do as much as you can to get back in," he said.

"The lads have done fantastically well over the last couple of months and you just have to sit back and wait for your opportunity.

"Hopefully, I have put my case forward.

"It has been tough but you have to support the lads and be part of the team because you never know when your chance will come.

"I am itching for a start. I want to start as many games as I possibly can.

"I think I have been a little bit unlucky but the lads have been on a fantastic run.

"You just have to sit on the sidelines and clap because they have been playing well. It is frustrating, but it is part and parcel of being a footballer.

"I have just been as patient as possible. As players, you have to support each other and, if you are not in the team, you have to help the lad who is in the team ahead of you.

"It is only by sticking together that we are going to achieve our goals. When your time comes, you have to be ready."

James and fellow substitutes Ignasi Miquel and Chris Wood all made an impact as City turned the game around at Portman Road.

James said that showed what a good squad City have.

"I think that showed the strength in depth we have in this squad," he said.

"I think every single player can walk into the team and give something different. You need that when you are trying to push for promotion.

"You need that strength in depth. If you have 11 players and the lads on the bench aren't capable of making an impact, then it can jeopardise your chances. Every player that has come on in games this season has done very well."

I want to sign new Leicester City deal, says striker David Nugent

November 26, 2013, 12:00 am

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Leicester City striker David Nugent hopes to hold new contract talks before the end of the year.

Nugent is City's leading goalscorer this season and bagged both goals in the 2-1 win at Ipswich on Saturday.

But he is out of contract at the end of the season and said he plans to hold talks with the club about a possible new contract around Christmas.

Nugent is keen to sign a new contract and stay at City, especially after becoming a dad for the first time to daughter Rose.

"We haven't sat down and talked yet, but I hope to soon," said Nugent.

"When Christmas comes, my agent and I will sit down and talk to the gaffer (Nigel Pearson) and Terry (Robinson, director of football) and try to do a deal.

"I really hope we can because I want to stay here. The lads are quality and the coaching staff are quality. I am really enjoying being at the club.

"This is my third year so, hopefully, I can stay for a few more years.

"I am still renting a place but if I sign a new contract then, with the baby now here, we will buy a place .

"Hopefully that can get sorted and I can be a Leicester player for a few years to come.

"I am concentrating on my Leicester career and I love it here so, hopefully, we can sort something out for next year."

Nugent admits he is enjoying playing in City's attack and said the counter-attacking play of Lloyd Dyer and Jamie Vardy in the second half at Ipswich had caused mayhem for the hosts.

City were facing back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, having lost at home to Nottingham Forest just before the international break.

But Nugent said a half-time rocket from manager Pearson had fired up City for their second-half comeback.

"We showed we can bounce back after a defeat and that we had the character to come back after going a goal down," he said.

"The gaffer gave us a good talking to at half-time and it could have been any one of us that came off.

"But we came out well for the second half and we looked really dangerous on the counter-attack, me, Lloydy and Vardy.

"The pace we have caused mayhem in the second half."

Leicestershire CCC fixtures for 2014 season

November 26, 2013, 1:19 am

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Leicestershire will kick off the 2014 season with a County Championship fixture at home to Derbyshire. The four-day match at Grace Road, which starts on Sunday, April 6, is at the top of the fixtures list, which were announced this morning. Bizarrely, Derbyshire also provide the opposition when County start their T20 and 50-Over Cup campaigns, as well as being the final match of the season when the Championship draws to a close in September. The Foxes' T20 opener sees them host Derbyshire on May 16, while the same opponents are back at Grace Road on July 27 for the 50-over Cup. A major highlight next year is the visit of India to Grace Road for a three-day fixture on June 26. It will be the tourists' first match in this country as they prepare for a Test series with England.APRILSun 6, Derbyshire (CC) HSun 20, Kent (CC) ASun 27, Glamorgan (CC) HMAYSun 4, Essex (CC) AFri 16, Derbyshire (T20) HSun 18, Hampshire (CC) HFri 23, Northamptonshire (T20) ASun 25, Glamorgan (CC) AJUNESun 1, Warwickshire (T20) HMon 2, Gloucestershire (CC) HFri 6, Worcestershire (T20) HMon 9, Leeds/Bradford MCCU (Uni) AFri 13, Lancashire (T20) ASun 15, Worcestershire (CC) HThu 19, Nottinghamshire (T20) HFri 20, Durham (T20) ASun 22, Surrey (CC) AThu 26, India (Tour) HJULYTue 1, Yorkshire (T20) AFri 4, Northamptonshire (T20) HSun 6, Derbyshire (T20) AMon 7, Kent (CC) HFri 11, Lancashire (T20) HSun 13, Worcestershire (CC) AFri 18, Durham (T20) HSun 20, Nottinghamshire (T20) AFri 25, Warwickshire (T20) ASun 27, Derbyshire (50L) HThu 31, Essex (50L) AAUGUSTTue 5, Gloucestershire (50L) AWed 6, Hampshire (50L) AFri 8, Yorkshire (50L) HSun 10, Northamptonshire (50L) HThu 14, Worcestershire (50L) HFri 15, Surrey (CC) HThu 21, Lancashire (50L) ASun 31, Hampshire (CC) ASEPTEMBERTue 9, Gloucestershire (CC) AMon 15, Essex (CC) HTue 23, Derbyshire (CC) A

Convicted arsonist Giovanni Carrino goes on the run from HMP Sudbury

November 26, 2013, 4:16 am

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A "dangerous" convicted arsonist branded has gone on the run from an open prison, police said today. Giovanni Carrino failed to return to HMP Sudbury, Derbyshire after a period of temporary leave on Saturday. The 37-year-old was one of four prisoners who absconded from the prison in the course of two days, police said. Police have urged the public not to approach any of the men. Carrino was jailed at Leicester Crown Court in October 2007 for an indeterminate period for arson and witness intimidation. The court heard that he endangered the lives of a mum and her two daughters in March that year by setting fire to their home in Earl Street, Earl Shilton while they slept. Carrino, who also lived in Earl Street, set fire to a newspaper and pushed it through the letterbox of the house at 3.20am. The fire set light to some net curtains by the door, but the smoke alarm went off and the mum, who was sleeping on the sofa, awoke and was able to extinguish the flames. Her two daughters, then aged eight and 13, had been upstairs in bed. Jeremy Janes, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court: "The defendant was seen by a neighbour running down the road. "He went home and put his clothes in a washing machine. "He was arrested in his underpants with the washing machine going." Carrino, then 31, admitted arson being reckless as to whether lives would be endangered. The prosecution said the motive for Carrino's crime was unclear, however the victim's daughter had a minor dispute with the defendant's girlfriend several weeks earlier. John Hallissey, defending, told the court Carrino never wanted to hurt anyone, was sorry for his actions and had undergone counselling and group therapy to address his problems. Judge Christopher Plunkett said Carrino was "dangerous" and imposed a public protection sentence. That meant he could not be released until a parole board was satisfied he was no longer dangerous and that he would serve a minimum of two-and-a-half years before a parole board would consider him for release. The other absconders are Michael Sayers, 32, of Leeds, Jackie John O'Neill, 31, of Scunthorpe and 35-year-old Lee Naylor, of Bradford. Information about the men's whereabouts can be reported to police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Topps Tiles sales are up

November 26, 2013, 4:36 am

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DIY giant Topps Tiles has reported modest growth while taking on a bigger share of the tile market. The national retailer, based at Grove Park, Enderby, said revenue from its 327 stores and website was £177.8 million in the year to September 28 – up from £177.7 in the previous year. The annual results, out this morning, showed adjusted pre-tax profit rose from £12.8 million to £13 million in the year. Like-for-like sales – ignoring new shops – slipped 0.5 per cent, although the company said they had jumped 7.4 per cent in the last eight weeks. Chief executive Matthew Williams said: "We have successfully achieved our primary goal of growing profitable market share this year. "We have made a strong start to the new financial year, with like-for-like sales ahead by 7.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis in the first eight weeks. "While it is too early to confirm that this is a sustained trend, we are encouraged by this performance. "Shareholders can be confident that, as market leader, Topps remains well positioned to continue to grow profitable market share and capitalise on any further improvement in the UK housing market and consumer confidence in 2014." The business, which is 50 years old this year, is set to trial a new range of smaller "Boutique" stores in the coming months.

CCTV appeal after woman is indecently assaulted in a Leicester nightclub

November 26, 2013, 5:00 am

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Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to question after a woman was indecently assaulted in a nightclub. The 19-year-old woman has told police she was assaulted in the un-named Leicester venue this summer. Detective Constable Rob Arthur said: "The victim wasn't injured during the incident but she has been left extremely shocked and distressed by it and we need to catch the person responsible. "If you recognise the man in the image or you have any suspicions about their identity please contact us. "Even if you're not 100 per cent sure we would still urge you to come forward." The incident took place at 3.15am on Tuesday, June 11. Police released the CCTV image today. The suspect is black, approximately 5ft 10ins and of medium build. He was wearing a black jacket with a light coloured square logo on the front. He spoke with a non-English accent. Contact Det Con Arthur on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

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Cafe in Leicester's West End closed down after three dead rats found on premises

November 26, 2013, 5:27 am

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A cafe was shut down after health inspectors found three dead rats on the premises.

The city council's environmental health team also found droppings throughout City Cafe, in Upperton Road, West End, Leicester, during their visit to the venue on November 21, magistrates were told.

The first rat was found in a cupboard used to store eggs and dinner plates, and another two were found in the cellar.

There were also droppings next to open food packs and inside a kitchen cupboard used to store cleaning materials.

The owner, Santokh Singh, was told the cafe would have to be shut down until the problem was dealt with.

It re-opened yesterday morning and a hearing at Leicester Magistrates' Court was held later in the day to get magistrates' backing for the closure.

The court was told the closure was necessary to protect the public from diseases including salmonella, listeria and Weil's disease, that rats can transmit via their urine and droppings.

Hannah Price, representing the city council, said: "An inspection was undertaken on November 21 and the officers decided at that time there was an imminent risk to public health."

She said the officers returned to the premises on November 22 and again on Monday morning, when they found that the rat infestation had been dealt with. She said: "This hearing is to ask for a declaration from the court that an imminent risk to public health existed and that the actions taken were the appropriate ones to take."

The magistrates were handed photographs showing the corpses of dead rats as well as droppings on surfaces and even on the head of a mop found in the cafe.

Andy Woods, one of the two inspectors involved in the case, said: "On Friday, November 22, I left a list of outstanding cleaning issues and they had been addressed.

"There had been no further rat activity and all the holes had been blocked."

The magistrates agreed to make a declaration that the environmental health officers had acted properly in closing the cafe for four days.

Mr Singh, who was not present in court on Monday, was ordered to pay £678 towards the city council's costs.

Richard III: High Court legal battle adjourned until 2014

November 26, 2013, 6:23 am

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Leicester Cathedral and the University of Leicester have said they are disappointed that the judicial review into the exhumation licence of Richard III has been postponed until the New Year. A group of 15 people calling themselves the Plantagenet Alliance – who claim to be related to the king – have brought the case to the High Court in a bid to quash the Ministry of Justice document which states the bones are to be reburied at Leicester Cathedral. However, the High Court adjourned the case today (TUES) after it was agreed that Leicester City Council's role in the proceedings should be upgraded from an interested party, to defendant – along with the Ministry of Justice and the University of Leicester. The move means that the judicial review will have to be delayed until 2014 - a specific date is yet to be set. The packed courtroom, which included representatives from the council, university, cathedral, Alliance and Richard III Society, sighed at the news. A spokeswoman for Leicester Cathedral said: "Once the licence had been issued we'd been adhering to a legal process and we thought it be concluded today. "It's disappointing that it's come to this." Senior pro-vice chancellor at the university professor Mark Thompson was also at the hearing. He said: "It's disappointing. We didn't want a delay, we had hoped to have this resolved by Christmas." The request to upgrade the council's position was put forward by the representative for the Plantagenet Alliance, Gerard Clarke QC, who said that the council needed to be bound by any ruling made by the court. As an interested party, there was no legal obligation for the authority to adhere to any judgement handed down by the bench. Mr Clarke QC said that Leicester City Council, as the owner of the land where Richard III was discovered in August 2012, potentially had a claim to the remains if the exhumation licence was annulled. He said: "It regards itself as having the final say in what happens to the remains because it granted the original permission to dig up the remains. "As an interested party, it means it would not be bound by your judgement." Lady Justice Hallett, presiding, said the application was not in the interest of a speedy resolution. "You should have thought of that all along," she told the claimants. She added: "It gives me no pleasure to grant your application because it means we cannot proceed today. We need to get on with it. "But there is clearly an issue to be determined as to whether Leicester City Council has a role to play." Norman Palmer QC, acting on behalf of the council, also said that the authority would be willing to enter into a public consultation regarding the final resting place of the king. This could potentially end the need for the judicial review, as the Plantagenet Alliance has said it would consider a consultation in lieu of legal proceedings. However, the proposal added further confusion to the situation as it meant that the University of Leicester would be in breach of the exhumation licence should the consultation decide that the remains are buried anywhere other than Leicester Cathedral. A reapplication to the Ministry of Justice – to reword the licence – would be necessary. Both the University of Leicester and Leicester Cathedral said they had no idea the council would make the offer of a consultation today. A spokeswoman for the cathedral said: "We have worked as a partnership and discussed everything, but we did not know about this until today." After the hearing Canon Missioner Peter Hobson who has been involved in plans for the reinterment of the remains at Leicester Cathedral said they would still meet with the Cathedral Fabric Committee in January to discuss those plans.

Driver jailed for trying to smuggle liquid amphetamine in windscreen washer bottle

November 26, 2013, 6:54 am

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A driver who attempted to smuggle liquid amphetamine worth more than £1 million into the UK hidden in a windscreen washer bottle has been jailed. Marcin Leon Prokop, a Polish national living in Leicester, was jailed for three years and four months after he was stopped as he entered the country in Kent. The 32-year-old, who appeared at Canterbury Crown Court, admitted a charge of attempting to import a controlled drug. Border Force officers stopped Prokop as he arrived at Dover eastern docks on October 22. When they searched his British-registered Peugeot tests showed that a yellow liquid in the windscreen washer bottle contained amphetamine. Prokop told investigators from the National Crime Agency (NCA) that he collected the drugs in Belgium and was due to deliver them to a location in Birmingham where he would be paid about £2,000. The bottle contained eight litres of liquid amphetamine which if processed and sold would have had an estimated street value of £1.19m. Prokop admitted a charge of attempting to import a controlled drug at a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday November 22. He faces deportation after serving his sentence. Malcolm Bragg, from the NCA's border policing command, said: "This was a clever concealment involving a considerable amount of drugs. "It demonstrates the lengths some criminal groups will go to in an effort to avoid detection. "The NCA is determined to tackle those responsible for trafficking illegal substances into the UK and we are working with our Border Force colleagues to stay one step ahead of the smugglers." Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South, said: "This was an excellent detection of what was quite an unusual attempt to circumvent border controls and is testament to the vigilance and expertise of Border Force officers. "Working alongside our NCA colleagues we will continue to work hard to keep our borders safe and crack down on drug smuggling." The NCA is a new law enforcement agency leading the UK's fight to cut serious and organised crime. It has over 300 border investigators at major ports, investigating detections of drugs, firearms, cash and other non-fiscal crime made by Border Force.

Leicester Tigers team news: Niki Goneva, Marcos Ayerza and Pablo Matera all set to return

November 26, 2013, 7:10 am

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Leicester Tigers will have their squad reinforced by three key figures for Friday night's Aviva Premiership trip to Gloucester. Niki Goneva is due to return to the squad after missing six weeks with a calf injury. And Argentine duo, Marcos Ayerza and Pablo Matera are back at the club after representing the Pumas in the autumn internationals. Centre Matt Smith's hamstring injury is not as bad as once feared either with a two-week lay-off more likely than the six-week spell on the sidelines that was expected. Steve Mafi will still miss Friday's date at Kingsholm, however, as he deals with personal family issues back home in Australia.

Tributes paid to BBC cricket commentator John Shaw

November 26, 2013, 8:46 am

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Tributes have been paid to a sports broadcaster who has died after a short illness. John Shaw, 56, of Wymeswold, spent the summer providing ball-by-ball commentary on almost all of Leicestershire County Cricket Club's matches for BBC Sport Online and doing on-air reports and interviews for BBC Radio Leicester. BBC Radio Leicester editor Jane Hill said: "John had worked in radio across the East Midlands in a huge variety of roles. "Most recently he was the voice of our cricket reports. He was a wonderful broadcaster with a passion for cricket, for radio, for music and for the English language. "But much more than that, he was a much-loved colleague. He was a great teacher who was very generous with his time, and did a lot to encourage and train younger broadcasters. "He was a very kind man, always ready to chat – and always ready to share his experience of radio. "We had hoped he'd be able to join us next summer as our cricket reporter, and he will be very much missed." MIke Siddall, chief executive at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, said: "John was a lovely bloke, a true gentleman who was highly regarded by everyone here at Grace Road. "He was well liked by the players and the coaching staff who admired his knowledge of cricket and his professionalism." From Australia BBC Test Match Special producer Adam Mountford tweeted: "On behalf of all at Test Match Special can we send our condolences to the family and friends of BBC Leicester cricket commentator John Shaw." Veteran sports journalist Neville Foulger said: "He was a lovely chap, he loved his cricket, loved his music and he was very knowledgeable about both. "He was great company and a superb broadcaster. He will be sadly missed." Sky cricket commentator and former England cricketer and coach David Lloyd tweeted: "Very sad news. Remember Here Be Dragons on a Sunday night and more recently enjoyed his cricket commentary on BBC Leicester." BBC sports broadcasting colleague Charles Dagnall tweeted:"It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of BBC Leicester cricket commentator John Shaw." John was born and spent his early years in Lincoln before the family moved to Wymsewold. After going to Loughborough Grammar School he studied history at Oxford University's Keble College. He began his broadcasting career at BBC Radio Nottingham on arts, culture and music before moving to Radio Trent in Nottingham and helped establish Leicester Sound in 1984. Returning to the BBC in the early 1990s he worked for Radio Nottingham and Radio Leicester going out in the radio car interviewing people and doing features and doing sports shifts. His brother Nick said: "He took over this season broadcasting Leicestershire's matches home and away, something he enjoyed very much "We are proud of everything he achieved in his broadcasting career. "He worked to very high standards and regularly used to train newcomers to broadcasting and was delighted when people he had trained went on to the highest level within the industry." Mr Shaw leaves two brothers Nick and Pete and three nephews,