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

Body of woman found in road near Tigers Way, Leicester

0
0
The death of a woman whose body was found in Leicester this morning is not being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed. Officers were called to a service road just off Lancaster Road, near its junction with Tigers Way, at 6.24am. The body was found lying between Opal Court, a 12-storey block of student flats, and a multi-storey car park. The area was sealed off throughout the morning as forensics experts examined the scene. Sandwich bar assistant Dominika Stawicka, 22, arrived at work next door at Subway shortly before 6am. She said: "I did not see anything when I arrived. But shortly afterwards the police arrived and closed off the side road. "We have heard that a young woman had fallen to her death." A student, who did not wish to be named, said: "We think a young student fell from the multi-storey car park." A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "The area was cordoned off to allow for a forensic examination to take place but that cordon has since been lifted. "The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner." People who have any information are asked to contact the police on 101.

Body of woman found in road near Tigers Way, Leicester


De Montfort University student Amerdeep Singh Tara illegally claimed £27,000 of benefits

0
0
A man has been given a suspended prison term after illegally claiming nearly £27,000 of benefits while studying at De Montfort University. Amerdeep Singh Tara, claimed £26,467.96 in Council Tax benefit, Job Seekers Allowance and Employment Support for almost three years, despite renting out his home and studying for a degree at De Montfort University. Tara, 33, of Harrowgate Drive, Birstall, also claimed Single Persons Discount on his Council Tax, despite living with tenants. The council investigated Tara after two of his tenants applied for housing benefit. Officials also found that he had been advertising for tenants online. At a hearing on November 17, Tara admitted all five charges of fraud and was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge. The illegally claimed money will also be recouped. After the hearing the council's cabinet member for revenues, benefits and customer services Councillor Jenny Bokor said: "There is no excuse for benefit fraud and we will not tolerate people stealing from the public purse. "It is simply not fair that this money is being diverted away from people who are genuinely in need and we welcome this successful prosecution. "We take benefit fraud extremely seriously and will investigate any allegations. I hope this case acts as reminder to potential fraudsters that we will take action."

De Montfort University student Amerdeep Singh Tara illegally claimed £27,000 of benefits

Leicester busker Matthew Fearon to star in John Lewis advert on Christmas Day

0
0
Leicester busker Matthew Fearon has hit the big time with his version of the song 'Somewhere Only We Know' - currently at number one in the UK charts. The 29-year-old entered a national competition by retailer John Lewis to record a version which was judged by the song's original writers, Keane. It has just been re-released by pint-sized pop star Lily Allen as part of the John Lewis Christmas advertising campaign, soaring into the top spot with a little help from the heart wrenching animation featuring a bear and a rabbit. Now Matthew's paired down version of the song is to be recorded in a London studio and will be broadcast along with the advert on Christmas Day as part of his prize. An elated Matthew, who earns his living as a busker on the streets of Leicester with his acoustic guitar, said: "It's all a bit surreal and a dream come true. Music is my life and it's all I've ever loved doing since I was very young. It doesn't quite feel real at the moment but I'm looking forward to going into the studio with the producers - who knows it could open some doors for me." In a coincidental twist, the young busker, who lives in Leicester's Cultural Quarter, had already been spotted by staff at Leicester's John Lewis store, in the Highcross. Branch manager, Cliff Vanstone, explained: "Our marketing manager heard him playing in the street and was absolutely bowled by his talent. She asked him to come and play in store over the Christmas period and that's when he heard about the national competition. He recorded it on the shop floor and uploaded it to a special channel dedicated to the competition on You Tube. We're elated it's actually won and so excited to hear it on Christmas Day. "Matthew's going to be playing on several more dates in the run up to Christmas for us so everyone who comes in will have a chance to hear him." Matthew, who says he likes an eclectic range of music, describes his version as " very simple". He added: "I had only ever sung it once before I recorded the song for the competition. I had no idea just how popular it was, but it's great that Keane have been the ones to judge it because it's their song." Matthew will be asking a friend to record the broadcast on Christmas day as he is heading to a log cabin for the holidays and will not be near a television. He will be playing in John Lewis in Leicester, on December 13 from noon until 3pm, and 18, 19, and 20 from noon until 5pm.

Leicester busker Matthew Fearon to star in John Lewis advert on Christmas Day

Leicester council bosses to roll out red carpet for X Factor star Sam Bailey

0
0
Council bosses in Leicester are to roll out the red carpet for X Factor star Sam Bailey tomorrow. Leicester City Council chiefs are to lay on a reception with fireworks to welcome home the 36-year-old mum from Leicester Forest East. The civic reception outside Curve will see Sam meet and greet fans for 30 minutes before her homecoming gig at the Athena. The concert has been organised as a thank you to the Leicester fans of Sam who have voted for her each week and enabled her to reach this weekend's final iof the TV show. Some 1,800 free tickets for the event, which will be filmed for The X Factor, will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis from 10am tomorrow at the Athena on Rutland Street. Those who miss out on a ticket can still enjoy Sam's homecoming by gathering outside Curve, in Orton Square, from 5pm to watch the fireworks that will greet her arrival on the red carpet. Radio station Gem 106 are to provide entertainment outside Curve from 5pm. Presenters Dan Wood and Dave from the Sam and Amy breakfast show will be there. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: "Sam Bailey's achievement is extraordinary when you consider the competition she has had to overcome to secure a place in the X Factor final. "She is clearly a gifted singer whose talents have finally been given the recognition they deserve. "Leicester is extremely proud of Sam and I'm sure the people of the city and the county will turn out in force on Wednesday to welcome her home – and to wish her luck in the final." Sam is expected to spend at least 30 minutes meeting fans during the red carpet event, before she makes her way into the Athena to prepare for the gig which starts at 7pm.
Download your 'VOTE Sam Bailey' poster Help us back Sam to win - download the poster and put it on display to show your support. Good luck Sam! DOWNLOAD YOUR VOTE SAM BAILEY POSTER HERE - A3DOWNLOAD YOUR VOTE SAM BAILEY POSTER HERE - A4

Leicester council bosses to roll out red carpet for X Factor star Sam Bailey

X Factor: Sam Bailey to perform free gig at Athena Leicester

0
0
X Factor star Sam Bailey is to perform at a homecoming gig in Leicester tomorrow. The 36-year-old Leicester Forest East mum is to take centre stage at the Athena after clinching her place in the final of the TV talent show this weekend. The free, ticket-only show at the venue in Rutland Street has been organised as a party and thank-you to Sam's fans. Tickets will be available from 10am tomorrow at Athena - on a first-come first-served basis. There are 1800 tickets to be given away with a maxiumum of three per person. Mum-of-two Marie Baker started to wait for tickets at 1.30pm today and was first in the queue. The 32-year-old from Coalville, who now lives in Desborough, Northants, said: "I promised my 10-year-old daughter Abigail that I would get her tickets for this. "I read about the show on the Leicester Mercury website and I am going to camp out. My partner Nigel is going to be with me and we will have flasks of hot drinks and lots of blankets. "We all love Sam Bailey and can't let an opportunity for free tickets pass us by." Sam Bailey said: "I can't wait. I am very excited about performing in my home town of Leicester." Husband Craig Pearson said: "The show is a one-off organised by the X Factor people and a radio station. "It is going to be fantastic and Sam can't wait to sing her heart out for her fans." It is believed Sam's mentor, Sharon Osbourne, will be at the show on Wednesday. Sam, a prison officer at Gartree, near Market Harborough, is also to star at a karoake session at Eyres Monsell Working Men's Club on Thursday afternoon. Craig said: "This is to be a smaller affair, mainly for friends and family, but there will be space for members of the public, too. "It is going to be a big karoake session and Sam will kick things off in style." Sam reached the final along with Nicholas McDonald and Luke Friend. She said: "I can't believe I have made it to the final. "I want to thank all the people who have voted for me and continue to believe in me and vote for me. "This is a dream come true for me and I will give it my all to win the final. "I just need everyone to be behind me and to keep voting." The weekend's semi-final attracted 8.44 million viewers – up from last year's semi-final figure of 7.8 million. Sam is to sing Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory and The Power of Love, by Jennifer Rush, as her two solo songs this weekend. X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger is tipped to duet with Sam in the final. Luke Friend is being lined up with either Ellie Goulding or former The Voice UK coach Jessie J. Louis Walsh's other act, Nicholas McDonald, will reportedly sing with former Westlife star Shane Filan. Craig, 40, said he and their children Tommy and daughter Brooke were going to both shows on Saturday and Sunday. He said: "Wild horses could not drag me from that show at the weekend. "I will be there and will be the proudest husband on the planet." The X Factor final will be screened live from London's Wembley Arena on Saturday and Sunday, on ITV. William Hill have tipped Sam to win the show. She is a red-hot favourite at 1-4, with Nicholas at 4-1 and Luke the outsider at 10-1.• Who's your favourite to win X Factor - vote in our poll on the right of this page.
Download your 'VOTE Sam Bailey' poster Help us back Sam to win - download the poster and put it on display to show your support. Good luck Sam! DOWNLOAD YOUR VOTE SAM BAILEY POSTER HERE - A3DOWNLOAD YOUR VOTE SAM BAILEY POSTER HERE - A4

X Factor: Sam Bailey to  perform free gig at Athena Leicester

Leicester City: Manager Nigel Pearson disappointed for injured striker Tom Hopper

0
0

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has expressed his disappointment at the injury which has stalled young striker Tom Hopper's progress.

Hopper has broken into Pearson's first-team squad this season but has picked up a stress fracture of his leg.

The 19-year-old could face several weeks on the sidelines and Pearson said the injury was unfortunate, but the experience could make him stronger.

"He had some pain in his shin so we had it scanned and you can sometimes get these sorts of problems in young lads," he said.

"It is a stress fracture, so we will have to be careful how we move forward.

"He has done really well so far. He has broken into the squad. Although he hasn't had pitch-time, the players and the staff recognise the strides he has made in the past 12 months.

"It is disappointing for him but it is part-and-parcel of growing up in football.

"You have to deal with the disappointments. Ultimately, those are the situations that define you, whether you are a player or manager.

"It is dead easy to enjoy the good moments, it is dealing with the difficult times that really do shape how you maximise what you have got."

Experienced defender Sean St Ledger continues to have treatment after picking up an injury on international duty, and Pearson admits it is another set-back for the centre-back, although he stressed the injury was not as bad as first feared.

"It is not as bad as we thought it might be but, again, because he has had one or two injuries this year, it is important for him to get some decent training time in there once he is back to give him the chance of remaining fit," said Pearson.

"It is unfortunate for him as he hasn't played a lot of football this season.

"It is a set-back for the player and a set-back for us."

• Follow live coverage of the League Championship match between Leicester City and Burnley at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, December 14, 2013.

Leicester City: Manager Nigel Pearson disappointed for injured striker Tom Hopper

Man with head injuries found in house in Saddington: Police not treating the incident as suspicious

0
0
Police investigating how a man suffered head injuries yesterday are not treating the incident as suspicious. The man, who is thought to be in his 50s, was airlifted to hospital after he was found in a house in Saddington, near Kibworth. Police were called to the scene by paramedics at 11.30am. A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said today: "The man remains in a critical condition at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire. "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, but inquiries are still ongoing."

Man with head injuries found  in house in Saddington: Police not treating the incident as suspicious

Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha aids fund-raising dad Richard Page

0
0

A dad cycling to all Leicester City's away games to raise money for research into his son's rare condition has been given a massive boost.

Richard Page, 28, started the text "ellis" campaign at the start of this season and is aiming to raise £100,000 to help find a cure for MECP2 duplication syndrome, the rare genetic disorder his son Ellis suffers from.

Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has now pledged to donate £1,000 for every ground he rides to this season – a total of £23,000.

Cycling to each of the 23 Sky Bet Championship away fixtures during the 2013/14 season will see Richard clock up 3,500 miles.

He said: "I'm totally overwhelmed by the huge generosity the owner has shown us.

"I'm sure this will be a huge motivation when we're cycling in freezing temperatures over the next couple of months."

Football League sponsor Sky Bet is also backing Richard's campaign and gave Ellis a sixth birthday to remember in the directors' box at the Amex Stadium when Leicester took on Brighton on Sunday.

Ellis was also given a chance to see his heroes up close, when he, Richard and his mum Leanne, 27, of East Goscote, were taken out on to the pitch before the game.

Richard was interviewed pitchside and saw donations flood in after the game, taking the running total to nearly £26,000.

He said: "It's great to know people are really getting behind the text "ellis" campaign.

"I think the campaign really resonates with other dads and football fans and people from all over the country have donated generously."

Brighton also donated a signed Albion shirt to the campaign, which will be auctioned at an end-of-season golf day.

Richard said: "It was a pretty tough 171-mile cycle to Brighton, which I did with my brother-in-law, Aaron Lagor.

"I had cycled to Sheffield on Tuesday with Gary, Ellis's great-uncle and when we got back we were up at 7am the next morning to start the journey to Brighton.

"Ellis had a fabulous birthday weekend in the directors' box and was fixated on it for the whole game. It's just a shame about the result.

"So far I've cycled about 1,300 miles, with 13 more games to go.

"With pledges, including the fantastic amount from the club, we'll have about £42,000 which is getting close to being on track for the £100,000 target we're aiming for.

"What the chairman did for us is a massive boost.

"I certainly didn't expect it because the club is already helping us in so many other ways with things such as tickets.

"I can't thank the club enough."

To make a donation, text 70070 with "MECP77" followed by £1, £2, £3, £5 or £10 or visit:

richard@textellis.com

Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha  aids fund-raising dad Richard Page


Leicester City winger Anthony Knockaert - still learning the game', says boss Nigel Pearson

0
0
Anthony Knockaert is not the finished article but still has a key role to perform for Leicester City, said manager Nigel Pearson. The French winger was left out of the starting line-up for Saturday's defeat at Brighton after being withdrawn at half-time in the midweek loss at Sheffield Wednesday. But he made a big impact after going on at half-time at the Amex Stadium. Knockaert teed up Andy King for City's goal which pulled them back into the game after going 2-0 down during a desperately disappointing first-half display. Potential Pearson said the 22-year-old was City's potential match-winner but still had plenty to learn about his role within the team. "He did some good things and he is still learning the game," said Pearson. "I think it's always important not to just watch a player when he's got the ball at his feet, but there is more to his performances than just that. "Players have roles within the structure of the side and sometimes you need to freshen it up. "He's taken it very well. He's coming on nicely as a player, he is a potential match-winner for us and he has been already this year, and he will continue to be so. "I rate him very, very highly as do his peers and the staff. "Him not starting (against Brighton) was certainly not the reason for us putting on a disappointing show. "The players on the pitch are more than capable of doing what's expected of them but they didn't do it." Pearson was certainly encouraged by the performances of Knockaert and fellow substitute Gary Taylor-Fletcher as City began to gain the upper hand, until Wes Morgan was penalised for a push on Seagulls striker Ashley Barnes in penalty area, the Brighton man sealing the win from the penalty spot. Pearson felt the penalty award was harsh on his team. "I thought Knockaert had his moments and I thought Taylor-Fletcher showed good touches and intelligence in terms of the positions he took up," said the City boss. "We had our chances and I thought we got back into the game, but the third goal really killed us. "There was a little bit of contact but some lads these days really can't stay on their feet, unfortunately. "It was a cheap penalty from our perspective. We got ourselves back into it and although we had to take a lot of risks, we looked as though we could get something. We lost it in the first half again."• Follow live coverage of the League Championship match between Leicester City and Burnley at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, December 14, 2013.

Leicester City winger Anthony Knockaert - still learning the game’, says  boss Nigel Pearson

Leicester City footballers brighten up day for patients in city's hospitals

0
0

Leicester City players brightened up the day for patients during a pre-Christmas tour of the city's three main hospitals.

The entire City squad took time out from preparations for their table-topping match with Burnley on Saturday to spread a bit of festive cheer.

Yesterday's visit saw the footballers hand out gifts, stop for a chat, sign autographs and pose for pictures at the Royal, Glenfield and General hospitals.

Keeper Kasper Schmeichel, strikers David Nugent and Chris Wood, and midfielders Danny Drinkwater and Matty James were among nine players to meet patients and staff at Glenfield Hospital.

For season ticket holder Mariusz Gregory, who has cystic fibrosis – a chronic condition effecting his lungs and digestive system – the visit was just the tonic.

"It's a massive boost for me," said the 27-year-old, from Stoney Stanton, who has spent the past 16 days undergoing intensive treatment.

"I'm a big football fan and City is my team, so it's really nice to see the players take the time out to come and visit us."

Mariusz said that he hoped to be fit enough to be at the King Power stadium on Saturday, and chatted about the game to Nugent.

Schmeichel spent time talking to parents Angela and Andrew Preston, from Narborough, whose nine-week-old twin daughter, Annabelle, was born with pulmonary atresia, a condition in which blood cannot flow properly from the heart into the lungs.

"It's lovely that the players made the effort and came in to see the patients," said Angela, 31. "Kasper was a real gentleman."

The players gathered round the bedside of fan Dorothy Sterland, from Syston, to sing happy birthday on her 81st birthday.

"It was fantastic!" said Dorothy, who is being treated for cancer.

"I'm a lifelong City fan and it was a lovely surprise to see the lads – it's definitely made my day!"

Schmeichel said: "It's been a good experience but a very humbling one. I've got young kids myself and it's not nice to see some of them so ill. You can't imagine what their parents are going through. But if we can help in some small way then that's fantastic."

The other players who visited the hospitals were striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher, midfielder Dean Hammond, winger Lloyd Dyer and defender Paul Konchesky.

Gary said: "It's good to give a bit back and I hope we've managed to put a smile on a few faces for 10 or 15 minutes.

"Seeing what people are going through and the great jobs the staff do puts things into perspective a little. Football is not everything."

Elizabeth Aryeetey, deputy head of nursing at Glenfield, said: "Everyone has been so excited. We have a lot of City fans who miss their football when they're in hospital so to get the opportunity of actually meeting some their heroes is a big morale boost."

Leicester City footballers brighten up day for patients in city's hospitals

Seven arrested in probe into human trafficking

0
0

Seven people have been arrested as part of a crackdown on suspected people trafficking and benefit fraud.

Leicestershire and Northamptonshire police, the National Crime Agency and the Department of Work and Pensions staged the joint operation in Leicester and Northampton yesterday morning.

Six men and one woman are in police custody being questioned by Department of Work and Pensions and National Crime Agency officials.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Newcombe, of Leicestershire police, said: "We worked with colleagues from other agencies who have been involved on a long and complex investigation, which has led to the execution of seven warrants.

"This operation went extremely well and reflects the collective commitment of the wider law enforcement community to tackle this type of criminality and to work to protect the vulnerable and bring offenders to justice."

Andrew Ralph, of the Department of Work and Pensions, said: "This operation clearly shows that criminals need to know we are sharing intelligence with our partners and we are ready to strike together to stop their activities."

Search warrants were executed at properties in Gilbert Close, Shearer Road and Strathmore Avenue, Rushey Mead; Cossington Street, Belgrave; Bartholomew Street, Highfields and Gwendolen Road, Crown Hills.

Two search warrants were also executed in Northamptonshire.

Seven  arrested in probe into human trafficking

Remarkable pictures of rare albino squirrel captured on iphone in Leicestershire

0
0

An extremely rare albino squirrel has been caught on camera by Leicester Mercury reader Sam Barker.

Sam, 20, said: "I first saw something white flashing though the trees near my home in the Pastures, Narborough.

"I thought it was a ferret. But I took a closer look and discovered it was a squirrel with red eyes."

Sam, who had just returned home from work on Saturday morning, ran to get his iphone to capture the images after he went on line to discover how rare they are.

He said: "The animal was still there and seemed perfectly at home darting among the branches of the trees. It seemed unconcerned as I took photographs and a video.

"They are very rare and I have never seen one before. But it seemed to get on fine with grey squirrels in the area."

There are only about 50 sightings of albino squirrels in the UK each year. The rare animals have a tough time in their habitat, losing any natural benefits of camouflage.

They may also be rejected by others of their kind.

In recent months, two albino squirrels have been sighted in separate parts of the south of England.

Katie Field, a conservationist with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, said: "The albino condition is genetic and it is likely that it would appear in groups.

"It is extremely rare in Leicestershire and apart from a sighting reported to us a few weeks ago, we have not come across one.

"It could be that this is sighting is the same animal."

Remarkable pictures of rare albino squirrel captured on iphone in Leicestershire

Live traffic and travel updates in Leicester and Leicestershire

0
0
8.41am: Care is needed on the A14 in south Leicestershire where a lane is closed due to an accident approaching the M1 and M6 at the Catthorpe interchange, causing delays.8.13am: Heavy traffic on the M1 southbound between junction 21a, at the A46, Leicester, and junction 21 at the M69.7.25am: There are temporary lights at the Rugby Road, Hawley Road junction, in Hinckley, due to emergency gas works. Further delays are expected today. Motorists in the county are also warned of foggy conditions.For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - CLICK HERE.LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE. FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report for Leicester and LeicestershireCONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live traffic and travel updates in Leicester and Leicestershire

Sian Green's lawyers sue New York City for $27.5m over taxi crash

0
0
Lawyers acting for Leicester woman Sian Green, who lost her left leg when she was hit by a yellow cab, are reported to have filed a $27.5million law suit against the City of New York. Sian Green's decision to sue, reported in the national press, follows last month's announcement by the assistant district attorney investigating the case not to bring criminal charges against cab driver Faysal Himon. Her claim says that the driver's hack licence should have been suspended by the city authorities before the August 20 accident because he had prior driving violations. Sian, 23, was on the second day of a holiday when she was hit when the vehicle jumped the kerb. Passersby rushed to her aid and she had to undergo emergency treatment to save her life. She was in hospital for six weeks. Last month her lawyer Daniel G.P. Marchese, said: "As the legal representative for Sian's civil case, I believe this incident was not an accident, but rather a negligent act of calculated recklessness to which my client was the victim. "We will continue to aggressively pursue legal action to help remedy this tragic incident that changed Sian's life."

Sian Green's lawyers sue New York City for $27.5m  over taxi crash

Man and woman critically ill after crash on the A6003 in Oakham

0
0
A man and woman are seriously ill in hospital after their car collided with a van. The crash occurred at 11.25am on Friday on the A6003, Burley Park Way, at its junction with Uppingham Road, in Oakham. It involved the man and woman's blue Ford Mondeo and a white DAF van. A man and woman were taken to the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire where their condition is said to be critical but stable. The van driver was also injured and was taken to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre and was later discharged. Detective Constable Paul Bingham said the Ford was at the T-junction waiting to turn right into the A6003 and the van was travelling along the A6003 towards Oakham when the collision happened. Det Con Bingham said: "We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle beforehand to contact us. "If you haven't already spoken with the police and believe you may have been in the area at the time of the collision please get in touch." Contact Det Con Bingham on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Man and woman critically ill after crash on the A6003 in Oakham


Woman attacked by dog in Eyres Monsell, Leicester

0
0
Police have appealed for help tracing the owner of a dog which bit a woman. The woman was injured while she was walking her dog in Eyres Monsell, Leicester. A white Staffordshire Bull Terrier approached the woman and her dog. The woman injured her leg when she fell and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier bit her arm. She was treated for her injuries at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The incident happened at 5.45pm on Tuesday, November 26 in Caversham Road. Pc Duncan Tebbatt said today: "We've been carrying out inquiries locally to identify the dog responsible and are now calling upon anyone who believes they may know who the owners are to contact the police. "It is believed the owner of the dog was also close by and pulled the dog away but didn't leave their details. "If you were out walking your dog on Tuesday November 26 and were approached by a similar dog please contact us. Any calls received will be treated in confidence." Contact Pc Tebbatt on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Woman attacked by  dog in Eyres Monsell, Leicester

Tough fixtures against Burnley, Man City and QPR "perfect challenge" for Leicester City

0
0
In his latest blog, Leicester Mercury football correspondent Rob Tanner looks at a huge week ahead for Leicester City.
A week on the road proved to be a frustrating one, and not just because of the typical night-time motorway closures and road works. You would have hoped the performance at Sheffield Wednesday was a one-off, as previous defeats this season had proven to be. However, it was a similar story at Brighton on Saturday and Nigel Pearson delivered a particularly honest and damning assessment after the game. He said he wouldn't argue if his side were accused of becoming complacent and said they hadn't shown enough desire. Ominously for the players, he said they needed to liven up, and he promised to do just that. It would be fair to assume this week that the players may be in for a few tough training sessions in preparation for what promises to be a the most testing and challenging week of the season to date. Sandwiched between games against City's automatic promotion rivals Burnley and QPR is the small matter of a Capital One Cup quarter-final against Manchester City. It would be fair to say that we will know much more about this City squad's promotion credentials after this week. They may be going into these fixtures on the back of two poor displays, but it may be the perfect challenge to snap them out of any perceived malaise. The prospect of showing exactly what they are about, especially to the watching world on television, against the best teams in the Championship and one of the best teams in the country should be motivation enough. It should bring out the best in City. I expect Pearson will make changes for the visit of the Clarets on Saturday. Hopefully, Ritchie De Laet will now be up to speed and can slot in at right-back. He has been missed more than many may have expected during his injury absence. His pace and attacking prowess down the right gives City balance and they do appear to be a more potent force going forward. It will be interesting to see what defensive pairing Pearson goes with if De Laet does return at right-back. Wes Morgan is obviously a certainty to start but who should partner him? The pairing of Moore and Morgan looked solid earlier in the season, but Marcin Wasilewski deputised when Moore switched to right-back and certainly looks better down the middle than at right-back. Then there is Ignasi Miquel, who has been one of the few players to emerge from the last two games with any credit. Anthony Knockaert continues to excite and frustrate in equal measure. On his day he is a match-winner, when he isn't on it he is a luxury, but still a fantastic prospect and the sort of player that gets fans excited. But which one will turn up on Saturday? Then there is the question of who plays in central midfield. Danny Drinkwater seems to be the man in form at present. Andy King came back into the side at Brighton having been rested and popped up with a goal. Then there is Matty James, who impressed early in the season until his red card at Charlton, while Dean Hammond has done well when called upon and was unlucky to make way at Brighton as City changed formation. Finally, Pearson has the conundrum of who plays in attack. David Nugent has been out of form in the last two games, although he isn't the only one, but tends to score against former clubs, while Jamie Vardy has been much improved this season. Chris Wood hasn't featured much lately but could come in, while Gary Taylor-Fletcher has been used predominantly as a substitute. Earlier in the season the City side seemed to pick itself. You could name the line-up with confidence. That isn't the case this week and Pearson has a few selection issues to ponder. Let's hope he gets it right because it is a big week for the club. On another note, I accompanied some of the players to Glenfield Hospital yesterday for their annual Christmas visit. Nugent, Wood, Taylor-Fletcher, Hammond, James, Drinkwater, Lloyd Dyer and Paul Konchesky toured several wards to put a smile on people's faces, and they certainly did that. It wasn't just the patients who were pleased to see them, the staff were clamouring for photographs and autographs too. It may be a busy time for the players at Christmas with the hectic schedule, but the staff will be working long shifts and, for many of the patients, Christmas dinner will be on a ward, not in their own homes. And then there were the children's wards, including the intensive care unit. That is the biggest tragedy of all and I could tell it affected one or two of the City players, especially the ones who have recently become fathers.

Tough fixtures against Burnley, Man City and QPR

CCTV of man released after assault in Abbey Street, Leicester

0
0
Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace in connection with an assault which left a man with a fractured jaw. The 22-year-old victim was punched in the face between 1am and 2am on Saturday, November 9 at a premises in Abbey Street, Leicester city centre. The victim was treated at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Today, police released a CCTV image of a man they want to question. Pc Ramandeep Tanda said: "We would urge anyone who recognises the man in the image to contact us. "Even if you're not 100 per cent sure, we'd still like to speak to you as we can quickly eliminate people from our inquiries. "Any calls received will be treated in confidence." Contact Pc Tanda on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

CCTV of man released after assault in Abbey Street, Leicester

Scrap metal dealers caught trading without a licence in Charnwood

0
0
Five scrap metal traders were caught trading without a licence during a crackdown on metal theft in Charnwood. Two metal collectors were found to be operating in the borough without having applied for a new Scrap Metal Collectors' Licence. Three premises were also trading without applications for the new license. Charnwood Borough Council officers and Leicestershire Police took action after the introduction of new scrap metal laws introduced in October requiring all scrap metal dealers to be registered. Councillor Jane Hunt, the council's cabinet member for regulatory services, said: "Metal theft is a national concern so we are happy to work with Leicestershire Police to help reduce incidents in Charnwood and to deter criminals from trading stolen scrap. "We are keen to ensure all traders are aware of their new legal responsibility to apply for a license before trading." Detective Inspector Steve Durrant, of Leicestershire Police, said; "It sent out a strong message to people who deal in scrap metal that our powers around this offence have been strengthened. "We will continue to carry out random visits to scrap metal dealers to check they are maintaining the right identity checks on those people who bring scrap metal to them." During the operation, in the Syston area, five vehicles carrying metal were stopped and nine sites were visited. The new law bans cash payments from being made at scrap metal yards, to help in the fight against illegal trading. Visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/scrapmetaldealersandmotorsalvage, or call the cuncil's licensing team on 01509 634562 or email licensing@charnwood.gov.uk.

Scrap metal dealers caught trading without a licence in Charnwood

Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates Court

0
0
Neal Patel (22), of Beacon Avenue, Thurmaston, was found guilty of jointly possessing a cloned cash card for use in fraud on January 16. He was ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge. Kayleigh Protheroe (22), of Mulberry Avenue, Braunstone Frith, Leicester, admitted failing to stop after an accident, failing to report and accident and driving without due care and attention on May 31. She was fined £300, ordered to pay £85 court costs and had four points put on her licence. Satwinder Sidhu (31), of Plain Gate, Rothley, admitted driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified on August 22 and committed the same two offences again on September 11. He was given an eight-week jail sentence suspended for 12 months, banned from driving for six months and ordered to pay a £80 victim surcharge. Emma Thompson (26), of Heath Court, Earl Shilton, admitted harassing another woman between April 27 and August 22. She was given an absolute discharge. David Donald (28), of Dart Close, Hinckley, admitted stealing from a shop on October 22 and failing to show up at court on November 7. He was fined £50 and ordered to pay £7 compensation, a £20 victim surcharge and £40 court costs. Craig Sanders (44), of Kimberley Road, Leicester, admitted stealing from a shop on September 16 and failing to show up at court on October 3. He was jailed for eight weeks. Harbans Singh (28), of Gainsborough Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester, admitted stealing from shops on October 7 and October 9, and failing to show up at court on October 23 and again on October 25. He was fined £140 and ordered to pay £85 court costs. Siobhan Stevenson (25), of Bartholomew Street, Evington, Leicester, admitted stealing from shops on August 26, September 24 and October 6. She was given a 12-month conditional discharge. Michael Theron (24), of Griggs Road, Loughborough, admitted three counts of criminal damage on November 7 and two counts of harassment on September 24 and November 7. He was given a 12-week jail sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £135 compensation and an £80 victim surcharge. Benjamin Rodgers (28), of Lincoln Street, Highfields, Leicester, was found guilty of assaulting a woman, using violence to enter a property and causing criminal damage on September 6 He was jailed for 10 weeks. Rian Punter (30), of June Avenue, Thurmaston, admitted two counts of assault and one count of possessing class B drugs on June 30. He was given a six-month conditional discharge, fined £150 and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £400 court costs.
Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images