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Facebook abuse led to fight in which Leicester man bit and hit victim

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A man was bitten on the face and repeatedly punched after challenging his attacker to a fight over abusive Facebook postings.

The victim suffered a black eye and a bite mark on his cheek in the confrontation at Merchants Common, East Goscote, on November 25.

Leicester Crown Court was told there was ongoing ill-feeling between the man and his assailant, Luke Hill.

They were the partners of sisters who were also not getting on at the time, said Neil Bannister, prosecuting.

The complainant was said to have been annoyed by a series of "abusive and insulting" Facebook posts and text messages, resulting in him challenging Hill by text to "come out and fight".

Mr Bannister said CCTV footage showed them meeting in the street, with the victim, after a conversation, throwing the first punch.

Mr Bannister said: "Both men go to the floor and Hill quickly got on top of him. Hill bit him on the side of his face and they struggled."

The defendant then got up and punched the victim "eight or nine times" as he lay on the ground, before walking off.

In a police interview, Hill (23), of Rawsthorne Walk, Leicester, said: "I accept I went too far.

"I shouldn't have bitten him but he put his finger in my eye and grabbed my testicles."

He admitted causing actual bodily harm and was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Judge Simon Hammond said: "There are two side to this, but the defendant repeatedly punched the victim on the ground when he was defenceless, which makes it particularly distasteful."

He told Hill: "I'm giving you a chance. You must learn to walk away."

Hill said from the dock: "I'm really sorry. I lost my temper and I shouldn't have done it."

Timothy Bowden, mitigating , said: "The complainant was at some fault because he was the initial aggressor and went looking for a fight, but came off worse.

"There was some whipping up of the situation between the sisters.

"The two sisters no longer live close to each other and it's given things a breathing space."

He said Hill was currently estranged from his partner but was hoping for a reconciliation.


Cases at Leicester Magistrates' Court

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Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Joe Toon (21), of Park Lane, Loughborough, admitted speeding in a 30mph zone on October 22. He was fined £140, had four points put on his licence and was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Bernice-May Kinnie (53), of Larch Street, Humberstone, Leicester, admitted speeding in a 30mph zone and driving without insurance on February 20.

She was fined £110, had six points put on her licence and was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Norberrt Kozubik (24), of Narborough Road South, Braunstone Town, was found guilty in his absence of speeding in a 40mph zone on December 6.

He was fined £300, had three points put on his licence, was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Chipo Marowe (39), of Castle Fields, Beaumont Leys, Leicester, was found guilty in his absence of speeding in a 40mph zone on December 6.

He was fined £300, had three points put on his licence and was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Alexander Mushata (48), of Blissett Road, New Parks, Leicester, admitted driving without insurance or an MoT certificate on October 18.

He was fined £200, had six points put on his licence and was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Linas Olechnavicius (25), of Mountcastle Road, Rowley Fields, Leicester, admitted speeding in a 40mph zone on October 29.

He was fined £140, had three points put on his licence and was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Athena Orchard: Millions of people worldwide inspired by teenage cancer victim's message on mirror

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The poignant words written by a dying teenage cancer victim on the back of her bedroom mirror have touched the hearts and minds of millions of people worldwide. The 1,000-word message written by 13-year-old Athena Orchard, of New Parks, Leicester, has become headline news all over the world. Newspapers, websites and television channels in many countries have retold the Mercury's story of Athena's message from beyond the grave. Athena's mum, Caroline Orchard, said she felt proud and humbled that her daughter's words have touched and inspired so many. Caroline, 37, said: "We have lost a very special person in Athena but this amazing reaction gives us a little comfort. "On the one hand I am surprised her words can touch people all over the world but on the other one it does not surprise me. "Her words are innocent and beautiful and came from the heart and mind of a young girl who knew she was dying. "I don't think anyone can read her message and not be touched." The schoolgirl died at home on May 28, after battling cancer for several months. After her death, Caroline and Athena's father, Dean, 33, found the message hidden on the back of her bedroom mirror, which detailed her feelings about life, death and love. Part of the secret note, scribbled in black marker pen, said: "Every day is special, so make the most of it. "You could get a life-ending illness tomorrow so make the most of every day. "Life is only bad if you make it bad." Caroline said she and her eldest daughter Ria, 17, had seen the messages from all over the world on various social media networks. She said: "It has been incredible and magical. Every time we looked on Twitter or Facebook there was just another story or someone else quoting Athena's words." The family have turned their living room into "Athena's Room". Caroline said: "Athena came out of hospital in April and we all knew she did not have that long to live. "She was so positive to the end that it was incredible. "She died in the room, surrounded by all her family, and there was so much love in there I have to try to preserve that. "I now sleep in the room because it makes me feel closer to her. "All her stuff is still in here and, of course, the mirror takes pride of place. "It is not morbid it is positive – a place where we can all feel a little closer to Athena." Athena was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, at the age of 12, after collapsing just before Christmas in the kitchen at home. She had an emergency seven-and-a-half hour operation to remove a tumour on her spine, followed by months of chemotherapy targeting the cancer in her spine, shoulder and head. Athena lost her hair and much of her strength – but not her positive outlook. Part of her message on the back of the mirror says: "Happiness depends upon ourselves. Maybe it's not about the happy ending, maybe it's about the story. "The purpose of life is a life of purpose. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." Caroline said Athena celebrated her 13th birthday in March with a big party at New Parks Social Club. She said: "She was a big fan of the TV show The Only Way Is Essex so we went to the shop run by a couple of the cast in Brentwood. "Athena bought an outfit and got to meet Harry from Towie. She was loving it. "She was poorly but managed to summon the strength to go to the party at night. She was probably the first person to leave when she went home at 10 o'clock. "Athena was shattered but she had a smile on her face. She told me she was delighted to finally be a teenager. "I told her she had been acting like one most of her life. We hugged each other and laughed so much." People have left floral tributes outside the family home and friends and relatives have written on the window of the house. Caroline said: "Athena's dad started it by drawing an angel on the window with a marker pen. "His friend filled it in with coloured pens and it went from there. In a way, it echoes how Athena left her mark." Athena, who leaves behind six sisters and three brothers – Naysa, one, Letissia-Dior, two, Indika-Mayah, four, Tiana, five, Harley, eight, Porscha and Ethan, 11, Clayton, 14, and Ria, 17 – also wrote movingly about love. Her words, on the mirror, say: "I'm waiting to fall in love with someone I can open my heart to. "Love is rare, life is strange, nothing lasts and people change." Caroline said: "I will treasure those amazing words and the mirror forever. The words are timeless. It is Athena's legacy." Athena's funeral will take place on June 12 at Gilroes Cemetery in Leicester.
'Her story is really incredible... It's gone totally wild and been shared all over the place'

Since the Mercury told the story of Athena's heartbreaking posthumous message this week, her last words have become a global phenomenon.

Newspapers, websites and television channels in the UK, Germany, United States and Australia are among many around the world to have taken up the story.

Meena Duerson, senior editor at US network NBC's Today programme, filmed in New York, said: "I originally saw the story picked up by the Telegraph and then just kept seeing it and seeing it.

"It's so moving – really incredible. I know it's gone totally wild and been shared all over the place."

America's Fox 8 news also published the tale.

The service's executive producer, Scott Gustin, said the story had reached more than 300,000 via its Facebook page and inspired more than 3,000 comments and messages of support and sadness at Athena's death.

The family have received numerous messages from people who were moved by the teenager's actions.

Artist Mathew Worcester, from Tiffin, in Ohio, USA, has offered his talents as an artist to preserve the mirror.

He said: "I was blown away about the notes she left behind on the back of the mirror.

"I am a very talented artist and woodworker. I would like to extend my services to the family – for free.

"Their mirror should be a token they keep with them for the rest of their lives.

"If they are willing, I would like to preserve the mirror in a way that it will be with the family for some time – either by insetting the mirror into a table, or sealing it and turning it into a piece that is hung on a wall, whatever they like."

Chris Adams, from Connecticut, in the US, e-mailed the Mercury to offer his condolences to Athena's parents and siblings and said the message was "profound".

He said: "I was deeply moved by your article, which has quickly made its way to the US on the internet.

"The loss of a child to a parent is the most horrible thing to imagine, but her wisdom seems to be a gift possibly heightened by her condition.

"Regardless, her words recorded on the mirror are profound.

"I would like to see her last messages recorded into a book of sorts and made for sale to the public via Amazon.

"Maybe some of the proceeds can go to cancer research.

"I know many, many people would gladly purchase a book of her quotes – her own version of The Last Lecture."

Professor Steve Cifelli, of the University of Redlands, California, said: "I teach graduate-level students who desire a counselling master's degree to work with children in school grades kindergarten through grade 12 and some at college level.

"I have been a school counsellor, school psychologist and volunteered many years for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on a personal and professional basis.

"I think the words Athena wrote – that I only saw a glimpse of – would be very special if I could share them with my students and her brave story."

Athena Orchard: Millions of people worldwide inspired by teenage cancer victim's message on mirror

Man taken to hospital after stabbing in city centre

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Police have cordoned off a block of flats in Charles Street after reports of a man being stabbed. Officers were called to Midland House, near Primark, at about 3.45pm today. The victim, thought to be in his mid-20s, left a trail of blood along the pavement, from the block of flats to a neighbouring newsagent where he asked the owner for help. Imran Mohammed, who runs the shop, said the man was in shock and gave him cloths to bandage the wound. He said: "He was quite young, about mid-twenties and he came in holding arm and spraying blood everywhere. "He showed me his arm and there was a wound about two or three inches long – and then I was just looking at his blood spraying all over the place." Mr Mohammed called an ambulance and it arrived within a few minutes and paramedics treated the man at the scene before taking him to hospital. Police cordoned off the flats and the pavement outside as they waited for forensics experts to arrive. Officers could not confirm what had happened to the man, but said that no one had been arrested.

Man taken to hospital after stabbing in city centre

2502 (Hamilton) Squadron Air Cadets Dig for Remembrance in Evington

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Cadets and staff of 2502 (Hamilton) Squadron Air Cadets braved the elements on Saturday helping Evington villagers to rejuvenate their war memorial gardens.  As part of the Leicester City Council plans to repair and rejuvenate the war memorials in the city, to coincide with the 100th Anniversary of the First World War.

Over the last few years with the help of Hamilton squadron the Armistice Day Parade has grown with more of the community attending the service.  The present garden set up makes it difficult for everyone to have access to pay their respects.  The new layout of the garden will incorporate ramps and larger areas around the memorial to for people to congregate.  Leicester City Council is contributing £19,000 for the refurbishment but the community are helping with manpower. So with this appeal from Evington, cadets picked up their spades.

The cadets removed turf and dug new flower beds and boarders.  Despite the rain pouring down the cadets continue to dig, planting however had to stop part way through the day due to the heavy rain.  Throughout the day members of the local community came out to show their thanks to the cadets supplying them with cakes, biscuits and drinks.  Drivers also showed their support by beeping horns and shout out encouraging comments.

The memorial garden will have it official opening on the 4th August just before the local village fete on the 9th August 2014.

2502 (Hamilton) Squadron Air Cadets Dig for Remembrance in Evington

Britain's Got Talent: Lucy Kay narrowly misses out on top spot

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Leicester-born opera singer Lucy Kay has narrowly missed out on winning the Britain's Got Talent final. The opera star, who was born in Braunstone Frith, gave it her all but her passion for classic music was only enough to see her to second place. Her rendition of Nessun Dorma - made famous by Luciano Pavarotti - was described as "gutsy" by Simon, and "incredible" by Amanda Holden. But the public vote went to male vocal group, Collabro. "I knew they would win from the start," said 25-year-old singer Lucy, after the result was revealed. "I should have put a bet on them." Lucy also apologised to the person who bet £1,000 on her to win the competition. After weeks of auditions, rehearsals, performances, praise and disappointment the final 11 acts battled it out one last time for the BGT crown. The winner of the ITV show will get £250,000 and will go on to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen. Leicester-based dancers the Addict Initiative turned heads earlier in the series with their unique take on modern fairy tales by giving them a sombre twist and prompting Simon Cowell to describe them as "refreshingly evil". Tonight's performance of the Grimm fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, was "sensational" according to judge Simon, but only good enough for tenth place. His co-panelist Amanda Holden said: "It's like watching a mini movie. "You're like a dance troupe that belong to epic TV shows like Game of Thrones. "I think you would be fantastic on the Royal Variety Show." Alesha Dixon said: "You always bring the energy. The fire the determination." X-Factor winners Little Mix and champions of the third series of Britain's Got Talent, dancer group Diversity, also performed.

Britain's Got Talent: Lucy Kay narrowly misses out on top spot

Emergency as plane comes into East Midlands Airport

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Fire crews were called to East Midlands Airport yesterday when a Boeing 737 jet reported a fault with its braking and tyre mechanism. The incoming aircraft landed safely. However, three teams of firefighters from Loughborough and Shepshed were called to the Castle Donington airport at about 3.50pm as a precaution. The crews were not needed and were sent back before they reached the airfield. A number of flights were delayed due to the incident.

Emergency as plane comes into East Midlands Airport

Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland this week starting June 9

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Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland this week starting June 9: A5199 Welford Road, Leicester A5 Route North: Dodwells - Highcross B4666 Coventry Road, Hinckley A447 Hinckley Rd, Cadeby B4114 Leicester Rd, Sharnford B581 Broughton Way / Station Rd, Broughton Astley A47 Peterborough Rd, Barrowden A47 Glaston Rd, Morcott A47 Uppingham Road / Main Road, Glaston A47 Uppingham Rd, Bisbrooke A606 Stamford Rd, Barnsdale A5199 Leicester Road, Wigston A4304 Kilworth Rd / High Street, Husbands Bosworth A4304 Lubbenham Hill, Market Harborough A563 Glenhills Way, Leicester A47 Uppingham Road, Houghton on the Hill A47 Humberstone Road, Leicester A607 Norman Way, Melton (westbound) A606 Nottingham Road Melton A607 Thurmaston Bypass, Thurmaston A607 Melton Rd, Waltham A607 Melton Rd, Waltham on the Wolds A6 Loughborough Rd, Birstall / Wanlip A50 Route: Field Head - Groby Leicester Road, Ibstock A6004 Alan Moss Rd, Loughborough A563 Atlee Way, Leicester A512 Ashby Road, Loughborough B5350 Nanpantan Road (30 & 40mph), Loughborough A563 Asquith Way, Leicester A447 Swan'ton Rd / Wash Ln / Ibstock Rd, R'stone B5006 Tamworth Road, Ashby A6 Harborough Road, Oadby A4304 Lutterworth Road / Station Road, N Kilworth A5199 Bull Head Street, Wigston A6 Glen Road, Oadby A47 Route: Billesdon - East Norton A6003 Rockingham Road, Great Easton (Community Concern) Sacheverell Way, Groby / Ratby (Community Concern) Hardwicke Road, Narborough (Community Concern) Huncote Road, Narborough (Community Concern) B5324 Ashby Road / Rempstone Road, Belton (Community Concern) A4304 Lutterworth Road, Walcote (Community Concern) A444 Route (Fenny Drayton – M42) (Community Concern) A6121 Tinwell Village (Community Concern) A606 Stamford Rd, Tinwell (Community Concern) A6121 Luff' Road / High Street / Stamford Rd, Ketton (Community Concern) A6121 Stamford Road, South Luffenham (Community Concern) B668 Cottesmore Village (Community Concern) Rogues Lane, Cottesmore (Community Concern) B668 Cottesmore Road, Burley (Community Concern) B668 Greetham Road, Cottesmore (Community Concern) B668 Oakham Road / Main Street, Greetham (Community Concern) A606 Burley Park Way, Oakham (Community Concern) A6003 Route (Oakham - Caldecott) (Community Concern) Braunstone Lane East / Middleton St, Leicester (Community Concern) B5003 Moira Road, Shellbrook (Community Concern)

Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland this week starting June 9


Man cleared of unlawfully stabbing housemate with ornamental sword

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A man was cleared by a jury of unlawfully stabbing his housemate with an ornamental sword during a row. Jonathan Himsworth (32) denied wounding Guy Roberts, claiming he was defending himself. The prosecution alleged Mr Himsworth pushed Guy Roberts down the stairs and poked him in the side with the sword. Mr Roberts sustained a four centimetre deep wound. A jury at Leicester Crown Court found Mr Himsworth not guilty of the offence on Friday. Both men were lodging in a house in Druid Road, Hinckley, and were already on bad terms when the incident happened on Tuesday November 20, 2012. Mr Himsworth said Mr Roberts burst in accusing him of having urinated on the seat in the communal lavatory. Mr Himsworth, now of Westleigh Road, off Narborough Road, Leicester, told the jury: "He was screaming and shouting, standing over me. "I told him to get out of my room." He said Mr Roberts walked downstairs but then made his way back up. "I was afraid he was going to hurt me." Mr Himsworth suffers mobility problems following two road accidents when he twice broke his pelvis, in 2010 and 2011. He said he was anxious to avoid a confrontation or being attacked. Mr Himsworth described throwing bedding on top of Mr Roberts in the stairwell, but the complainant pulled it off. The defendant said: "He forced his way onto the top step and pushed me, so I turned and looked for something to throw at him. "The sword was straight in front of me and I picked it up, and held it with the tip pointing down." He told him to go away. Mr Himsworth said: "He took steps backwards then lunged forwards to grab me, or the sword. "I threw more bedding over him and he must have tried to push his way back. "I had the sword still pointing down and I pushed him back and he slipped down the stairs." "I was panicking, put my sword down and rushed to the phone to call the police." When arrested, Mr Himsworth, told the police: "I acted in self-defence."

Man cleared of unlawfully stabbing housemate with ornamental sword

Street robbers in Belgrave threaten man with hammer and pliers

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A 46-year-old man was threatened with a hammer and a pair of pliers and told to hand over cash and his phone. The victim was walking along Ross Walk, in Belgrave, at about 10.15pm, on Friday, May 30, when he was approached by two men. They demanded that he hand over his wallet and mobile. The first suspect is described as being of Asian appearance, 5'6'', thin build, 17 to 18 years old and wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, jeans and trainers. The second suspect is described as Asian, around 5'4'', very thin build, 17 to 18-years-old with a hooded top with the hood. Officers said the crime could be linked to another street robbery, which took place five minutes later, in a nearby park. The second victim was walking through the park, next to the Peepul Centre, in Orchardson Avenue. There a 21-year-old man was approached by a man in a balaclava who asked him what he had in his pockets. A second man then ran up behind the victim and snatched a chain from around his neck before running off into the park towards a group of about 15 men. The victim tried to walk away towards Dorset Street where he was approached by the first suspect again, asking him what he had in his pockets. A third suspect then approached the victim along with some other men, and assaulted him - hitting him in the head. All suspects made of in the direction of the Horse and Jockey pub, in Catherine Street. The first suspect is described as black, in his teens, 5'11" and of slim build. He was wearing black clothing and a balaclava covering his face. DC Aimee Farmer, who is investigating the incident said: "We are currently looking into the possibility that these incidents may be linked. "I would like to speak to anyone who believes they could have information about the incidents. It could be something which you think is really insignificant, but it could be vital to our enquiry. "Please, if you have any information at all, get in touch." Call police on: 101.

Street robbers in Belgrave threaten man with hammer and pliers

Vandals deface Gandhi statue in Belgrave

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Vandals have defaced the statue of Gandhi in Belgrave. Leicester City Council workers have removed graffiti from the plinth of the bronze monument this morning. Vandals had daubed the words, "Never forget 84" and "We want justice #84" in large letters on two sides. It is believed that the message is in reference to the Indian military attack on the Sikh Golden Temple, in Amritsar, India, in June 1984 – which left an estimated 492 people dead. It is not known who left the graffiti on the statue. Police said they are treating it as criminal damage. Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who represents the area, said the culprits should be "absolutely ashamed of themselves". He said: "People come from all over the world to pray at this statue and to daub it with graffiti which is political is an act of vandalism. "Besmirching the name of this great man is foul. "Whoever is responsible should be absolutely ashamed of themselves." Surinder Pal, general secretary of the East Park Road Gurdwara, said he didn't think anyone should be resorting to acts like this. "There are ways of making people aware of what happened in 1984, but this is not one of them."

Vandals deface Gandhi statue in Belgrave

Flasher exposes himself to woman in Glen Parva

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Police have appealed for witnesses after a flasher exposed himself to a woman in Glen Parva. The incident took place at about 10am, on Sunday, May 18. A 29-year-old woman was walking along Great Central Way, near to Gilmorton Avenue, when the man who was walking ahead of her turned around and exposed himself to her. Police describe the man as white, in his late 40s, about 5'5" tall, of medium build. He has short dark brown hair and stubble on his face. The victim said the flasher was wearing a turquoise short-sleeved T-shirt, navy tracksuit bottoms and dark trainers. Pc Yvonne Roache, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a distressing incident for the victim who is now cautious when venturing out on her own, we need to identify the person responsible and would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or saw a man fitting the description of the suspect in this area on Sunday, May 18."

Flasher exposes himself to woman in Glen Parva

Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan talks about new album and Victoria Park gig

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Multi-platinum selling indie trend setters Kasabian officially release their new album, 48:13, tomorrow. Reporter Peter Warzynski talks to singer Tom Meighan about the music, their forthcoming Victoria Park gig and the fact they're headlining Glastonbury. Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan is sitting in a London hotel room doing phone interviews a few days before the band's new album launch. "I've been at it for about two-and-a-half hours," he says. "It's okay, but my head's banging a bit now." His opening words reinforce the fear that I'm going to mimic the last 500 journalists who, like me, are keen to see what he has to say about 48:13 - named after the total running time of all the tracks. To be fair he does quite well - I lose him every now and then and he apologises and asks me to repeat some of the questions, but I'll take that. At least he's friendly. The first single out from the new album is Eez-eh - released in April. It's not the traditional Kasabian sound that we're used to. It's a bit pop, it's a bit electo, a bit hip hop, but one thing clear, it's proper lest'uh. "Eez-eh – that's what it's all about. It's Leicester. That's exactly it," says Tom. "It's about having a bit of fun. It's cheeky." The 33-year-old frontman admits the new album is slightly removed from their previous sound. "People were shocked when we first played it," he said. "People were like, 'what the f*** is this', but you can't get the stuff out of your head and I love it." But does he have a favourite? "Ah man, yeah I love Eez-eh, it's great. And I love Bumblebee, I love Doomsday, I love them all actually, I can't pick one. Seriously, I'm not just saying that, I really do love them all." Fans will get to hear some of the new numbers played live later this month, when Tom, Serge, Chris and Ian ramp up their amps to 11 and play to 35,000 people at Victoria Park. The sold-out 'home-coming' gig will be the biggest music event to hit the city since Radio 1 treated Leicester to One Big Sunday all those years ago (2001 and 2002). It's part of the group's world tour which sees the Leicester lads travel to Australia, Germany, Poland, Russia and Japan - as well as headlining Glastonbury, just eight days after the Victoria Park event. "I can't wait for the tour," says Tom. "Leicester is the massive one as far as I'm concerned. We're going all over but for me that's got to be the main one. "We're not staying in Leicester after the gig, we're out of town. "To do that gig and then go back to your own bed would be mental. It wouldn't be right. "The buzz that you get from it and the adrenalin – you couldn't just go home after that." Rumours that the boys would 'bring the music home' to Leicester have been circulating for years, but never amounted to much until now, something which Tom admits has been frustrating. He said: "The thing is, we've been trying to get something in the city for years. "We tried to get the King Power stadium, but there were restrictions and it never happened – it was so frustrating. "We would have done it years ago – we would have loved it. "But now it's happening and there's never been an event like it." I asked Tom what fans can expect at the gig on June 21 - support acts? "Ah man, I can't say I'm not sure I know, but I know it hasn't been announced." Fair enough, I didn't want to get him in trouble - so I asked for a clue, or a teaser to whet the appetites of the eager fans. "Err, the Maccabees," he says. We leave it there. I ask about the set list and what people can expect. "There's a mix," he says. "Tracks off the new album and earlier ones. "You look through the set list and it's funky. It's going to be fast-paced." It'll pretty much be the same set list as the band will play at Glastonbury - the mother of all outdoor music events. "It's another level, says Tom. "It's moving up a gear. "It's a huge set-up and you can't really get any bigger – it's massive. "You think of all the bands that have been there before you and it makes you think, 'wow'. "We've had a look at Jay-Z and Beyonce and the Stones to see how they did it. "But we've just got to go up and do our own thing. We can't go and do what other people have already done."

Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan talks about new album and Victoria Park gig

Niall O'Brien leads Leicestershire's rally on opening day of LV County Championship match against Derbyshire

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Niall O'Brien's 89 helped Leicestershire reach 311 on the opening day of their LV County Championship match with Derbyshire at Grace Road. The County had hit early trouble when they slumped to 11-3 inside the first three overs of the day. That early damage was repaired by Josh Cobb (50) and Ned Eckersley (44) before O'Brien continued the fightback during the afternoon. He found good support from Rob Taylor (40) before Ben Raine made 55, he and O'Brien adding 118 for the seventh wicket. Mark Footitt was the pick of the Derbyshire attack as he finished with 6-65, Tony Palladino chipping in with the other four wickets. At stumps the visitors had faced nine overs, reaching 12-0. Leicestershire went into the match without seam bowler Nathan Buck after he damaged a finger in the NatWest T20 Blast match against Worcestershire Rapids on Friday. Slow left-armer James Sykes also came into the side replacing off-spinner Jigar Naik.

Six men jailed for their part in Moghul Durbar restaurant attack

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Six men involved in a large-scale attack on a curry house, which left staff and customers injured, have been jailed. They were caught up in a plan to ransack the Moghul Durbar restaurant, East Park Road, Spinney Hills, Leicester, on January 14 last year. All pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit violent disorder, on the basis they were among the 40 to 50-strong group, but were not armed, played no part in the stabbings and did not enter the premises. The owner and two members of staff suffered serious knife wounds, and customers were also attacked in front of women and children. Leicester Crown Court was told on Friday the group had earlier met at a Sikh temple in Gipsy Lane, Leicester, in response to a text message claiming a member of their community, a 16-year-old girl, was the victim of sexual abuse. They wrongly assumed the police were not taking action and, after being incorrectly informed that one or more of the suspected culprits would be at the restaurant, decided to take the law into their own hands. The owner and two members of staff, who had nothing to do with the allegations, were attending to customers when the group smashed the front windows, at 9 pm. Gordon Aspden, prosecuting, said: "Armed men entered from the front and rear. "Many had their faces covered with scarves and hoods. Some were carrying ceremonial knives, metal bars, nunchucks and bricks. "The sheer terror caused can't be over-emphasised. The premises were completely trashed with furniture, glasses and plates smashed and carpets fouled with food and blood. "The owner was hit on the head by flying glass and forced into the kitchen where he was stabbed in the chest and right arm and punched repeatedly. "The waiter had hot water and chilli sauce thrown over him before suffering a life-threatening stab wound to his liver, whilst being punched and kicked. The chef was stabbed in the back and hit over the head." A husband and wife with three children were finishing their ice creams when the violence erupted. The husband was punched and retreated into the kitchen where a pan of hot curry was poured over him, in front of two of his children who had followed him, and one was injured by flying glass. Sentencing the six men, Judge Philip Head said: "It was a vigilante attack on persons and a place wrongly believed to contain the perpetrators of a sexual crime." He said the fact it did not trigger further tit-for-tat violence "reflects the highest credit on all sections of the community in Leicester." Judge Head said he accepted the defendants played no part in the violence, and they remained outside, or in an adjacent street, with no foresight of the extreme level of violence. Jatinder Singh Chohan (24), of Saxon Road, Coventry, and Parthakh Sunder (26), of West Mead Drive, Oldbury, West Midlands, were each jailed for 27 months. Rajinder Singh Manak (23), of Pennington Way, Coventry; Ishver Dhillon (25), of Hillside Road, Great Barr, Birmingham; Manveer Tiwana (25) of Cotswold Close, Slough, and Gurpreet Singh Palak (25), of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, Birmingham, were each jailed for 25 months. In mitigation the court heard the defendants all played minor non-violent roles, by being near the scene. They came from respectable families, acted out of character and regretted being swept up in the incident. Satnam Bains, mitigating for Tiwana said: "The community took a mature approach after this event and thankfully it did not escalate out of control. "These are young men who were sucked into this offending and they won't find themselves before a court again. "Many of those more deeply involved were never caught." The judge said he accepted the defendants had arrived in Leicester for "legitimate purposes" and a few of them attended the meeting at the Sikh temple out of curiosity. In April last year, six men from Derby and one from Birmingham, were each jailed for two years in connection with the same incident at the Moghul Durbar, after pleading guilty. On Friday, the judge publicly commended Pc Jennifer Collins for her "considerable assistance" to wounded victims at the scene of the restaurant attack. Judge Head also commended investigating officers in the case, Det Sgt David Rock, Det Con Ashwin Chawda and Det Con Nicholas Lant. Last August, six men who admitted exploiting and sexually abusing a "vulnerable" 16-year-old Sikh schoolgirl were sentenced to various jail terms, totalling 14 years. Judge Head said the police investigation into sex offences against the girl was already underway when the attack on the Moghul Durbar took place by people who wrongly thought the police were not taking any action.

Six men jailed for their part in Moghul Durbar restaurant attack


Riverside Festival shines as rain makes way for sun

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Thousands of people have visited Bede Park for the annual Riverside Festival. The event, which takes place around the River Soar each summer, got off to a soggy start on Saturday, but soon brightened up and is expected to welcome more than 13,000 visitors this weekend. Families took picnics to the park, while others donned life-jackets and straddled canoes for a quick splash about on the river. On the square, a large stage kept a constant crowd entertained with music and live performances - including morris dancing and street performers. Organiser Simon Brown admitted the festival got off to a slow start, but said it heaving by this afternoon. He said: "We had a bit of rain on Saturday, but when the sun came out in the afternoon, it really picked up. "We were trying to get people to tweet pics of the sun to encourage others to come down. "Sunday is a different story - there was no encouragement needed. As soon as the sun comes out the people turn up." Acts on the music stage included Johnny and the Goodtime Boys and former X-Factor duo, Mia and the Moon. In the park, youngsters played on a giant inflatable slide, had their faces painted and ate candy floss and ice cream. Their parents treated themselves to a few beers from the real ale tent and some shelter from the sun beneath a large communal teepee. Phil and Sarah Franks, from Oadby, had brought their three-year-old daughter, Amelia, to have a picnic. Phil, 36, said: "It's nice to see so many people here. We had a picnic on the park – there were quite a few people doing the same. "There's lots of people from all over which is nice. "We used to live round here so this is a bit of a trip down memory lane." Trevor Barnacle, 49, from Glenfield, said: "We've come down here every year since out daughter was about six. She's a at university now, so that shows you how long it's been. "I like it because there's always a nice community atmosphere and we can watch some bands and walk along the canal." Sam Young, 12, from Western Park, was having a go at canoeing for the first time. The youngster had just been paddling along the Soar. He said: "I've never done it before, it was fun. "I like that you can have a go at things like this and I like the music and the burgers and ice cream too."

Riverside Festival shines as rain makes way for sun

Man from Leicester charged in alleged care home abuse investigation

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A Leicester man will be among six men who are due to appear before magistrates to face charges of sexual assault. The man is charged with three counts of indecent assault and two counts of buggery. He is one of five men charged with a total of 26 offences and has been bailed to appear at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 12. A sixth man, from the Wrexham area, has been summonsed to appear at the same court hearing, charged with one offence of indecent assault. The offences are alleged to have taken place against two boys aged under 16, between 1981 and 1986. All the offences are alleged to have been committed at addresses in the Wrexham area. The charges arise from the National Crime Agency's Operation Pallial, an investigation into recent allegations of historical abuse in children's homes. A total of nine people have so far been charged with offences by Operation Pallial.

Handbag stolen from elderly couple's home in Western Park, Leicester, by scrap metal conman

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A man conned into his way into an elderly couple's home and stole a handbag.

The incident happened on Saturday, May 31, between 11.45am and 11.55am in Plymstock Close, Western Park, Leicester.

The couple answered their door to a man who asked if they had any scrap metal. The victims took the man through their house and out to the shed in the back garden.

His phone rang and he said he needed to leave. He left quickly, going through the lounge.

A short while later the woman discovered her handbag had been taken.

The suspect is white, slim, in his 30s, with fairish hair with a wave to it and blue eyes. He was wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt and waistcoat and jeans.

It is believed he was using a large, dark brown van.

Detective Constable 4269 Kim Potter said: "I would like to speak to anyone else in the area who has been approached by someone asking if they have any scrap metal."

Anyone with information should ring the police number, 101.

'Little star' Harry, seven, of Enderby, cycles 17 miles to help children's charity

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Seven-year-old Harry Chapman was determined to help children less fortunate than himself.

He set himself the mammoth challenge of cycling around Rutland Water to raise money for terminally-ill, disabled and disadvantaged youngsters.

Without any help, not only did Harry tackle the 17-mile ride in just under two-and-a-half hours, he then washed his bike when he got home.

Harry, of Enderby, completed the ride with his mum, Michelle, and dad, Andrew.

Harry said: "There was quite a lot of going up hills – that was the hardest part."

He was inspired to take part in the ride after his dad, a coach driver, took a group of children to Italy on a ski trip organised by Katie's Ski Tracks charity.

The charity raises money to take terminally-ill, disabled and disadvantaged children on ski holidays from all over the UK.

Harry, who goes to Danemill Primary School, in Enderby, spoke to his dad every night while he was away.

During these chats, Harry asked questions about why the children were there and his parents explained people raised money for the children to go on the trip.

Harry told his mum he wanted to help, too.

He said: "I wanted to do it because I wanted the children to feel better and go on wonderful holidays."

Talking about the bike ride, the youngster said: "It was a little bit hard."

So far, Harry's ride has raised £300 and the family is still hoping to bump up the total.

Andrew, a driver for Ausden Clark, said Harry knew he was more fortunate than the children on the ski trip.

"He knew he was lucky – he knew some of them will never get to ride a bike."

Andrew said during the bike ride Harry kept saying to him "this is for the poorly children you take to Italy".

The 33-year-old said Harry was determined to finish the ride. "It was never considered that he would not make it.

"He is a little star."

Mum Michelle, 32, said: "I am immensely proud of what Harry has done. He is such a caring, young little lad."

During the 17-mile ride Michelle said Harry got to the end without any help.

"He kept saying he was fine. He loves going out on his bike."

She said Harry struggled a little during the last two miles.

She said: "When we were going up hills, he said out loud 'we have go to do this for the poorly children'."

Harry's grandma Sue Chapman said she was very proud of Harry.

"It is a wonderful thing to help other people and for a child to think like that," she said.

Katie's Ski Tracks was founded in 1990 and it costs the charity £60,000 to take 20 children on a trip. The youngsters are nominated for the trip by people who know them.

Andy Winspeare, Katie's Ski Tracks' fund-raising manager, said: "One thing we tell the children is they can do anything they want to. Harry proved this."

For more information about the charity visit:

www.katiesskitracks.org

To donate, e-mail:

helpkaties@gmail.com

'Little star' Harry, seven, of Enderby, cycles 17 miles to help children's charity

Bringing Leicester Tigers' history book bang up to date

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A lot has changed at Leicester Tigers since a keen statistician and a sports journalist put together a book detailing the history of the club back in 1993.

The Tigers Tale was the brainchild of Stuart Farmer and David Hands, and the 416-page initial print run of 3,500 copies sold out in no time at all.

These days, you'll struggle to find a copy anywhere.

That was partly the reason why Farmer has decided to do a thorough and updated version of the club's history, which is already available to pre-order.

The Official History of Leicester Tigers will be published in Leicester and distributed in October.

Farmer is now the club's official historian and statistician, while Hands is in the latter stages of a stellar career that saw him honoured with the position of The Times chief rugby writer.

Farmer said the rugby landscape had changed almost beyond recognition since 1993 and that a lot had happened during the last 21 years at Welford Road.

"Those days were miles away from the game as it is today after turning professional," said Farmer.

"We have not had an update for 20-odd years and we felt that Tigers had embraced professionalism more than most clubs.

"I was running my own computer training company back then and I used to go down to Welford Road as a fan and watch them. I went regularly from the mid-80s onwards.

"I approached the club and asked if anything had been recorded in terms of the club's history.

"David Hands had written a centenary book – but it was just results.

"When I got started researching, I could not believe the amount of amazing information that the club had in the form of clippings from newspapers.

"It was the old honorary secretary's job to do the clippings each week and make sure they were kept safely.

"In the past, I think it had frightened people to try to get all the data together, but it didn't faze me because I loved data. I just whacked it all into a database and that was that."

The Tigers Tale had information and pictures on the men that had adorned the famous shirt since 1880 and stories that chronicled eras in the club's long and, sometimes not so successful, history.

The new book will bring those stories right up to date, covering not only the incredible success of the past two decades but including new research into the early days of life at the club.

With more than 500 pages this time, the new full-colour version includes career details of every player to have played for the club. There are also results, scorers and team line-ups for every first-class fixture, as well as attendances.

There will be new pictures and illustrations and an encyclopedia section full of statistics.

The book costs a subscription of £40 (inc P&P) with any profits going back into the Rugby Development Foundation – a charitable organisation supporting grassroots rugby, including those players who are coming through the Tigers Academy.

"If the book makes any profit, it will go back into the Tigers Academy and that can be used to help fund the club's future," said Farmer.

"This is a really special club and it is made by the players who know what it means to play for Leicester and the shirt.

"They keep in contact with the club and are proud of their association with it, and that has come across in droves when we have been writing it."

The book is available to pre-order until August 1. Any purchase before that date will have their name added to the book.

Books will be sent out during late October and more information is available at:

www.rugby-foundation.org.uk/products/tigers-book

Bringing Leicester Tigers' history book bang up to date

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