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Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery stolen from house in Melton

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Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery has been stolen during a burglary at a house in Melton. Police are appealing for information about the incident, which happened in Melton Spinney Road on June 16, some time between 7.15am and 4.30pm. During the break in various items were stolen including a number of valuable items of jewellery. An 18ct gold pocket watch, four gold diamond rings, gold necklace, silver ingot and chain, a gold bracelet and gold watch chain was all stolen. Other items taken include a laptop, Apple iPod, digital camera, satellite navigation and Euros. Detective Constable Emmy Thresh said today: "We are interested in hearing from anyone who may recognise the stolen items or has information about their current whereabouts. "We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious on Melton Spinney Road during this time." People who have information on the incident should contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery stolen from house in Melton


Police appeal after two motorbikes stolen in Hinckley

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Police are appealing for information after two motorbikes were stolen from a house in Hinckley. A pair of motor-cross motorbikes were taken from a semi-detached house in Hollycroft Crescent. The incident took place some time between 10.45pm on Tuesday, June 17 and 6am on Wednesday, June 18. Both are KTM85 machines, in black, orange and white and have the number 22 on the front and back. Pc Graeme Smith, the officer investigating the burglary, said: "The garage door was forced and the motorbikes were taken. "If anyone saw these motorbikes being taken or has information about their whereabouts I'd urge them to get in touch." Call police on 101.

Police appeal after two motorbikes stolen in Hinckley

Cases at Leicester Magistrates' Court

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Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Marcin Wozniak (33), of Kashmir Road, Belgrave, Leicester, was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for six months after pleading guilty to using a vehicle in Abbey Park Road, Leicester, without third party insurance on February 1.

He was also fined £180, with £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Clayton William Astill (27), of Avon Street, off London Road, Leicester, was given an 18-month community order, including 30 days on a Building Better Relationships programme and attending probation appointments, after pleading guilty to assault by beating on February 22.

The court made a restraining order preventing him from contacting a named woman and going to a named address.

Astill was ordered to pay £200 compensation, £120 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Victor Zhuk (73), of De Montfort Square, Leicester, was fined £225 after pleading guilty to racially or religiously-aggravated assault by beating on March 22.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation and £300 costs.

Cases  at Leicester Magistrates' Court

Image released after man touches girl, 15, indecently in street

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A 15-year-old girl was touched indecently in the street. Police have today released an e-fit of a man they want to speak to in relation to the incident, which happened in Kilwardby Street, Ashby, near to Trinity Close. The victim was approached by a man who touched her inappropriately, at about 3pm on Friday, May 16. The suspect is white man, about 5ft 10in and heavily built. He had short, brown hair, and was wearing a red top and baggy blue jeans. He had moles along the jaw-line of his face. Pc Phil Porter said: "This was a distressing incident for the victim, and I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the suspect either before or after the incident. "Please take a look at the image and if you believe you know who it is, please get in touch." Call police on 101.

Image released after man touches girl, 15, indecently in street

Boy, 13, racially abused and punched on his way to school in Leicester

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Police are investigating an incident in which a 13-year-old boy was racially abused and punched on his way to school in Leicester. The incident happened in an alley way between Perkyn Road and Wintersdale Road, Thurnby Lodge, between 9am and 10am on Tuesday, June 17. The youngster was targeted by two older teenage boys, who began with racial abuse, then threw stones and finally punched him. His injuries did not require medical treatment. The two attackers are white and aged around 15 or 16. One suspect is about 5ft 8in, slim and was wearing a grey hooded top, Adidas tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. The other was riding a BMX bike. He is about 5ft 6in and slim. He was wearing a black hooded top with a Puma logo, tracksuit bottoms and grey footwear. The bike he was riding was black and red with a silver chain wrapped around the seat post. The officer investigating the assault, Pc Ben Orton, said: "This was despicable crime against a young boy who was on his way for school and I'd urge anyone who witnessed it or has any information about those responsible to contact the police." Call police on 101.

Boy, 5, in hospital with serious injuries after being hit by car in Leicester

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A five-year-old boy is in hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car in Leicester this morning. The incident happened in Constance Road, in the Spinney Hills area, just after 8.30am. The youngster was taken to Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, by road ambulance. A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police said the child's injuries were serious and possibly life-changing. However, his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. The boy is in a stable condition, said the spokeswoman. No more information about the incident has yet been released.

Boy, 5, in hospital with serious injuries after being hit by car in Leicester

Driver in critical condition after car hits telegraph pole

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A woman is in a critical condition after the car she was driving hit a telegraph pole. The incident happened at about 7.20am yesterday in Bosworth Road, Snarestone, and involved one vehicle, a blue Ford Ka. The driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to University Hospitals of Coventry, where she remains in a critical but stable condition. Officers from the East Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses. Detective Constable Kath Orr is investigating the collision. She said: "The vehicle was travelling southbound on Bosworth Road towards Newton Burgoland when it left the road and collided with a telegraph pole. "We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle beforehand." Call police on 101.

Pensioner who fell out of tree is in stable condition

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A pensioner who fell out of an 18ft-high tree yesterday is in a stable condition. A man in his 70s sustained serious injuries after he fell from a tree in Syston Road, Cossington at about 11.30am. Fire crews were called to the scene to release the man from branches in which he was entangled at the bottom of the tree. He was airlifted to Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, where he remains.

Pensioner who fell out of tree is in stable condition


No new developments in Madeleine McCann case following questioning of suspects

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No new developments have been made in the Madeleine McCann case following the questioning of four suspects. According to the BBC, a a source close to the inquiry 'played down' the significance of the interviews with suspects, which took place in Portugal on Tuesday. The source said: "Questioning of the four suspects was concluded yesterday evening. Unfortunately the interviews have led to no new developments and we are back where we were seven years ago." Madeleine, from Rothley, was three when she went missing during a family holiday in the resort of Praia da Luz in 2007. One of the four persons of interest questioned was Sergey Malinka, who was previously questioned as a witness in 2009. Mr Malinka has always denied any involvement. All of those questioned are Portuguese citizens. British Police sat in on the interviews but it was only the Portuguese detectives who asked any questions. The source added: "The 'arguido' [suspect] status was given to the suspects to protect them. It gives them legal rights including the right to remain silent and to have a lawyer present during interviews. "They ware declared arguido due to being identified as suspects in a letter of international request sent by the British to the Portuguese authorities." A total of 11 people will be questioned, after being summoned to interviews. No arrests have been made. The Met launched a fresh investigation into Madeleine's disappearance last July. In June of this year, Portuguese and British officers searched three sites in Praia da Luz but found no evidence relating to the case. Scotland Yard said at the time that "more activity" had been agreed with Portuguese police and the searches were the "first phase" of a major investigation. The McCann family - from Rothley, Leicestershire - were staying in an apartment in the resort of Praia da Luz in Portugal when three-year-old Madeleine was last seen. Her parents had been at a restaurant near their apartment when she went missing.

No new developments in Madeleine McCann case following questioning of suspects

Matty James signs new Leicester City deal

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Leicester City midfielder Matty James has signed a new four-year contract. James joins fellow midfielder Danny Drinkwater and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in committing his future to the club until 2018. Captain Wes Morgan and top scorer David Nugent are also believed to be close to signing new deals.

Matty James signs new Leicester City deal

Golf: Leicestershire players narrowly miss out on Open Championship final qualifiers

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Local golfers turned in some eye-catching performances before narrowly missing out in the Open Championship final qualifiers.

Four courses were in use with just three slots through to the Open, which starts at Royal Liverpool later this month, available at each.

Matthew Cort (Rothley Park) came tantalisingly close for the second successive season. He was aiming to play in his third Open Championship.

He ended on 3-under-par-141 at Hillside after his 70-71 cards and tied in sixth place. At Hillside, there were four tied on 6-under who played off to decide the three to tee-up in the Open.

Cort said: "I had four birdies in my first round 2-under-70, then had to go off from the 10th tee – a tricky par 3 - just 20 minutes or so after I got in.

"I promptly dropped a couple there, but recovered with a birdie at the 11th, my second, and played some good stuff after that with back-to-back birdies at four and five – my 13th and 14th holes.

"I carded 1-under-71, so just failed to be right there at the climax."

The Leicestershire playing pro Neil Chaudhuri competed strongly at Sunningdale New.

He opened with 1-under-68, then added 73 for 141 and in the end shared fifth place. The leader scored 4-under but 1-over claimed third.

Another county playing professional Charlie Ford (Kirby Muxloe) ended on 72-74-146 at Woburn where scoring was low – Irish amateur Paul Dunne led the way on 10-under-par.

County first team amateur Paul Dixon (Willesley Park) hit 78-86-164 at Gailes Links where top spot was on 9-under.

But one county man is set to be part of the 2014 Open Championship – Sam Voss, head greenkeeper at Forest Hill. He has been appointed from 142 applications from around the world to join the greenkeeping staff – if and when needed to help to ensure the course is in tip-top condition. He will go round with one of the groups playing in this Major.

Forest Hill GC captain Dave Deacon said it is an honour for Voss and a very well deserved appointment for him and his staff.

Bradley Watkins topped Division One of Ullesthorpe Court's monthly medal with 70 net. He also had the best gross with his 75 card.

Overall winner Dale Wilkinson won Division Two with 66 net.

Golf: Leicestershire players narrowly miss out on Open Championship final qualifiers

Cricket: 'We can't afford any more slip-ups in T20, says Leicestershire's Josh Cobb

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Leicestershire Foxes captain Josh Cobb knows his side cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the T20 Blast quarter-finals.

Cobb admitted their 14-run defeat to Yorkshire Vikings at Headingley means they will now probably need to win their remaining six fixtures to have any hope of reaching the knock-out stages.

Foxes welcome Northamptonshire Steelbacks to Grace Road tomorrow before travelling to Derbyshire Falcons, the side they beat in the opening game of the campaign, on Sunday as games come thick and fast.

"We are fighting. We can't afford any more mix-ups but, hopefully, we can be positive, give it our all and just believe in ourselves," said Cobb.

Like so often this season, Foxes found themselves in a strong position on Tuesday chasing their target of 169 against the Vikings.

But a flurry of needless dismissals, including two run-outs, saw Cobb's side fall 14 runs short.

In truth, those crucial extra runs had been conceded in the first innings. Foxes' fielding had left much to be desired with three dropped catches and a fumbled run-out attempt.

"We got given a good stat at the start of the day saying we have scored the most runs per over in the whole country," said Cobb.

"When you hear that, you have got to question the other half of what you are doing, the bowling and fielding, only to have two wins to your name.

"I thought we did a great job for the first 15 overs but the last five they came very hard at us. Our fielding has cost us the most in the last five overs – they got nearly 60 runs.

"Yorkshire out-fielded us big time and probably took another 15 runs away from it with their fielding and catching."

Cobb himself was dismissed for 27 by a stunning piece of fielding in the deep as Adam Lyth, in midair over the long-on boundary, flicked the ball back to Aaron Finch inside the rope, who took the return catch diving forward one-handed.

"It was a special bit of fielding. I was just disappointed I could not go on to make a winning contribution," said Cobb.

"If one of the top four had been in at the end, getting 60 or 70 not out, we probably win the game.

"We set off very well for the first 10 overs, we were up with the rate but then we didn't build partnerships to be able to launch from. When Greg (Smith, who made 56) got out, we had no one set."

After Northants and Derbyshire, it is back to Championship action against Kent on Monday – another format where winless Leicestershire have consistently failed to capitalise on positive starts.

"We are playing two good days of cricket with the bat and ball and then the third day, which is arguably the biggest of the four, is just killing us a little bit," said Cobb. "That is what we need to work on."

Cricket: 'We can't afford any more  slip-ups in T20, says Leicestershire's Josh Cobb

Players are good about what you say about them - former Leicester Tigers lock Ben Kay

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Former Leicester Tigers lock Ben Kay has the sort of CV that anyone in the sports industry would steal if they had the chance.

A World Cup winner in 2003, a British & Irish Lion, 281 appearances during an 11-year spell with England's most successful club. He has won Heineken Cups and Premiership titles.

He has gone on to become a public speaker, both in business and on the after-dinner circuit and he has set up his own advertising agency too.

There were some who thought Kay's move into TV as a pundit for ESPN on his retirement would be his biggest challenge to date though.

When ESPN's coverage was taken over by BT in 2013 and his stable-mates were named as the likes of quick-witted and cocky former Tigers team-mate Austin Healey, along with cheeky chappie Matt Dawson and big and brooding Martin Bayfield, people wondered where Kay might fit in.

But the 38-year-old has successfully carved his own niche in a very short space of time.

Kay is well-informed having been there and done that.

He talks sense and is not afraid to give an opinion.

He is tactically astute but, crucially, is able to get over the technical side of the game in a manner that is easy for Joe Public to grasp.

And he is quick-witted with a dry sense of humour too. He is, you suspect, one of the few people who could trade punches with Healey in a knock-about banter session.

And that is some feat.

Kay said he entered his life as a pundit with the intention of focusing on positives of the game a lot more than negatives.

And that he would try and go about his business without pretence and like he was "talking to his mates at the pub".

"It took me a while to feel part of the media," admitted Kay.

"It's not rocket science. You have to be honest, give people your opinions and back them up.

"As long as you do not make things up, the players are really good about what you say about them. They know you have a job to do.

"Players know that you have no axe to grind. You just have to judge things on what you see and give opinions accordingly."

"One of the things that I have always tried to do, especially as an ex-player, is to try and focus on the positives a lot more.

"It's about trying to promote the game as well and there are some seriously good players in the Aviva Premiership.

"I am sure there are some people that will roll their eyes at times and moan about the quality of the commentating.

"But we like to think people have seen what we are trying to do and have enjoyed it."

BT have nailed their match-day coverage with Nick Mullins' spot-on commentary, extensive discussion and interviews afterwards and a midweek magazine show that blends incisive comments with a light-heated agenda.

"Sometimes, pundits can talk down to people," said Kay. "But we try and talk like we would when talking to our mates.

"That's when people discuss sport. When they are happy and relaxing.

"One of the big things about rugby is the camaraderie of the fans. They take the mickey out of each other and can laugh at each other. That is something we have tried to bring out in the coverage."

Long may it continue with Kay at the forefront of BT's efforts.

Players are good about what you say about them - former Leicester Tigers lock Ben Kay

Kasabian fan travels 940 miles to see rock idol – and buy his jacket

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Kasabian fan Patsy Palfreyman had a 940-mile round trip to Leicester to see her idols – and buy a jacket once worn by Tom Meighan.

The mum-of-two journeyed from Inverness to the band's homecoming gig at Victoria Park last month as a treat for her 50th birthday.

While she was here, Patsy popped into the Oxfam shop, in Market Street, after reading a Mercury story online about how clothes worn by the Kasabian frontman were on sale.

Bosses at the store said the sale of Tom's clothes had raised £4,200 so far – more than they normally take in a year in the men's clothing section.

Patsy said it was an opportunity she could not miss.

"I am Kasabian mad and saw a story online about how the local Oxfam shop was selling a collection of Tom's clothes," she said.

"I got the gig ticket for my 50th birthday and thought it was the opportunity of a lifetime to also buy some clothes which had been worn by one of my heroes."

Patsy and her husband, Keith, 70, popped into the shop on June 21, the day of the gig.

She bought herself a red Levi's jacket for £85 and then picked up a few other items.

"Keith saw how excited I was and bought me a Comme de Garcon hoodie for £100 as yet another birthday treat," she said.

"That was not the end of the splashing out as I went into the shop again a bit later when I met a friend of mine called Geraldine, from Taunton, who is also a mad Kasabian fan and was in town for the gig.

"She bought a black Vivienne Westwood jacket for £250 so I just had to get a Vivienne Westwood sweater for £85. It was still my birthday, after all."

Patsy said the jackets she and Geraldine bought were the ones that were pictured in the Mercury article about the sale. Oxfam store manager Ahsan Sheikh said the sale of the frontman's clothes had already raised £4,200, with about a dozen items left.

He said it was more than they normally take in a year in the men's clothing section.

He said: "We set ourselves a target of £4,000 so we are very happy.

"There are about a dozen out of 50 or so items left so we are starting to lower the prices and are open to offers on items."

Ahsan said a woman from Buffalo, New York, had come into the shop and bought a trench coat for £199 and a shirt for £100.

He said: "We had people from all over the country and many from overseas in the shop after the story in the Mercury."

For more details about remaining clothes, call the shop on 0116 255 6455.

Kasabian fan travels 940 miles to see rock idol – and buy his jacket

Nothing should shock us any more, says manager Ian Baraclough - sacked despite winning three trophies

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Ian Baraclough knows all about the fickle nature of football management.

The 43-year-old, from Wigston, has been sacked by Sligo Rovers, despite winning three pieces of silverware in three seasons with the League of Ireland side.

Baraclough, a life-long Leicester City fan, came through the City youth ranks during David Pleat's time with the club before moving on to serve the likes of Notts County, QPR and Scunthorpe.

He won Sligo's first league title for 35 years before leading them into the Champions League and lifting the FAI Cup the following season.

This campaign, Sligo had already won the Setanta Sports Cup but a spate of injuries hampered their league campaign and Baraclough's successes were soon forgotten.

He was informed of his sacking while back with his family in Leicester, a decision that has sparked controversy in Ireland.

"I was really disappointed and surprised at the timing," said Baraclough, whose first managerial post was with Scunthorpe.

"We had just got to the mid-season break and had seven professionals injured over the last few games. The two-week break was going to be ideal for getting bodies back.

"In the one game, I could only name three substitutes and one of them was a goalkeeper. It was frustrating.

"Then I got a phone call to tell me the news when I was at home with my family. I was shocked with how it was done but I suppose nothing should shock us in football.

"But I am moving on. I enjoyed the experience and I feel I am a much better manager now.

"I am looking forward to getting straight back into the game and am looking for the next opportunity."

Baraclough isn't the only manager who has realised just how quickly fortunes have changed.

There have been a succession of managers over the past few years whose reward for getting their team promotion to the Premier League has been the sack after struggling starts in the top flight.

Last season, Malky Mackay was dismissed by Cardiff just after Christmas and, in previous seasons, Brian McDermott at Reading, Nigel Adkins at Southampton, Neil Warnock at QPR, and Chris Hughton at Newcastle United have all felt the consequences of clubs pressing the panic button.

Nigel Pearson's City face a tough start to their first season back in the Premier League for a decade.

But Baraclough believes the club's owners will not panic and will stand by Pearson and give him their full support.

"I think it was an important decision last summer to stick with Nigel and that bore fruit," he said. "They blitzed the league and I was delighted for Nigel and for my hometown club.

"There was a clamour for change and their does seem to be a thirst amongst supporters that at the first sign of trouble they want to change the manager.

"This season will be tough and they need to consolidate, and it is a difficult start. The supporters need to understand that they need to stick with the manager and the players and they will get rewarded.

"Those young players will learn together in the Premier League and get stronger.

"Nigel is very level-headed. He doesn't get too high or too low. They will add a few players to the group and won't spend copious amounts of money."

Nothing should shock us any more, says manager Ian Baraclough - sacked despite winning three trophies


Woman guilty of breaking the nose of her boyfriend's former partner

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A woman wept in court yesterday after a jury found her guilty of breaking the nose of her boyfriend's ex-partner.

Tara Davis denied causing actual bodily harm to Natalie Maher, claiming she acted in self-defence.

But the jury of nine women and three men at Leicester Crown Court rejected her version of events and convicted her following a trial.

The 23-year-old was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and fined £250, with £250 costs.

The assault happened when Davis, of Ulleswater Crescent, Ashby, confronted Miss Maher in the Revolution bar, in Baxter Gate, Loughborough.

Although they had not previously met, the women had communicated via Facebook and mobile phone.

Miss Maher is the mother of a child fathered by Davis's boyfriend – and the two women got into an argument about access arrangements.

Davis, a beauty therapist, was described as being "aggressive" towards Miss Maher before striking out with her open palm, hitting Miss Maher on the nose.

Miss Maher felt immediate pain, the court heard, and went outside in an upset state.

Her nose was bleeding and she called the police, on the night of June 24, 2012.

She went to hospital with a fractured nose and blurred vision from a scratched cornea.

James Varley, prosecuting, said: "The nasal bones were broken and nasal cartilage damaged. The nose was bent out of shape. It was reset but remained deformed.

"She's been referred for surgery, which is still awaited.

"Miss Maher was given pain relief at hospital on the night."

She was also prescribed ointment for damage to her right eye.

Sentencing, Judge Nicholas Dean said to Davis: "CCTV images demonstrated to me, and must have demonstrated to the jury, that it was you who was being aggressive.

"It was all two years ago now and I hope it's very much in the past.

"You're both young women and I hope sensible enough in everyday life to recognise an ongoing dispute between the two of you does no-one any good.

"I hope there won't be any repercussions from your side as a result of this jury's verdict.

"You were responsible for what happened that night and I accept you didn't intend to cause the injury you did cause to Miss Maher. It was more of an impulsive push towards her – nevertheless, it was aggressive and caused her nose to be broken.

"I also take into account of the passage of time since it happened and your previous good character.

"I would normally make an order of compensation to the victim, but I'm not doing that in this case because it risks inflaming feelings between you and Natalie Maher and risks further offending occurring.

"I think what has happened to you has been a shock and a lesson to you and I hope you've done some growing up over the last two years and nothing like this happens again."

CCTV images released in hunt for series of thieves

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Police have released several CCTV images of people they would like to speak to in connection with various thefts from stores across the county.

The five thefts, which police say are not being linked, took place at stores in Coalville, Leicester, Cosby, Loughborough and Sileby between May 31 and June 23.

Officers are urging readers to get in touch if they have information about any of the people in the photographs.

Four of the incidents involved thefts from shops, while one involved a driver leaving a petrol station without paying for fuel. Police later discovered the registration plates on the vehicle may have been stolen.

Pc Dean Munsey, one of the officers investigating the thefts, said: "We would like to talk to all of the people in the CCTV images as they may have some valuable information which could help us with our inquiries.

"I would ask members of the public to take a second to view the images and if you recognise anyone to please get in touch."

The details of the incidents are:

1. At about 6pm on Sunday, June 15, a man was seen to enter a store in Meadow Lane, Coalville. A large quantity of coffee was stolen.

2. At 4pm on Friday, June 20, a gold or beige Volkswagen Golf visited the Asda service station near Fosse Park and made off without paying for fuel. Police inquiries later revealed that the registration plates on the vehicle may have been stolen.

3. At about 3.30pm on Saturday, June 7, a man entered a store in Croft Road, Cosby. He took a quantity of meat and left without making payment.

4. At about 2pm on Monday, June 23, a man and woman entered the Superdrug store in Market Place, Loughborough. It is believed they picked up "a quantity" of branded hair straighteners and left the store without paying.

5. At about 2pm on Saturday, May 31, a man entered the Costcutter store in Barrow Road, Sileby. The man took meat and alcohol off the shelves and placed them in a bag before leaving without paying.

Police said two of the stores did not want to be named in the witness appeal.

Anyone with information in relation to any of the appeals is asked to call Leicestershire Police on 101. Alternatively, you pass on any information to Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

CCTV images released in hunt for series of thieves

Primary school burglar sent to jail for sports day raid

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A burglar who knocked over a school secretary after she caught him stealing money has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Craig Austin Glover, of Eyres Monsell, Leicester, burgled Langham Primary School, near Oakham, while children, teachers and parents were outside enjoying a sports day.

After being caught in the act by the school secretary, he pushed her as he fled, causing her to fall and bang her head, leaving her with a black eye and a lump on her head.

Glover, who stole a tin containing about £50 of school funds and the head teacher's purse – which contained more than £40 – was found guilty of burglary by a jury at Leicester Crown Court yesterday.

He was also convicted of common assault upon the victim during the incident.

Glover (34), of Roche Close, had denied the offences.

He told the jury he did not go to the school, although he accepted he was cycling in Langham on the afternoon the offence was committed – Monday, June 25, 2012.

He claimed he was in the area calling at commercial premises looking for work.

Sentencing, Judge Lynn Tayton said: "Immediate custody is inevitable, particularly given the violence.

"The assault upon her was perpetrated when you were escaping. I've seen photographs of the injuries and it's clear she was very shocked and had a nasty injury to her face."

The judge told Glover: "You went to Langham with the idea of burgling somewhere.

"You had with you gloves and were on your bicycle.

"You've been out of trouble for some time but have an unenviable record which aggravates the offences."

The court heard that the victim went back into the school at about 2.40pm, while the sports day was taking place.

Abigail Joyce, prosecuting, said the school secretary saw someone was in the office and asked if she could help him.

Glover turned around and pushed her as he made off.

A motorist saw the defendant cycling in the area and thought he looked suspicious, so took a photo of him, which was later given to the police.

Delyth Crisp, mitigating after the verdicts were announced, said it was "an opportunistic offence".

She said: "It's been two years since this offence and he's not committed any more offences.

"He's living in a different world now because he's now settled down and in a stable relationship with his partner.

"He's also now in employment."

After the offence was committed, the school's head teacher, Janet Lord, told the Mercury: "We were all outside having our Olympic sports day and were about to give out the medals when the incident happened.

"The secretary had a horrible shock, it was very distressing for her.

"The children knew nothing about it at the time and we didn't let it ruin their day."

Primary school burglar sent to jail for sports day raid

Matty James' pledge as new deal agreed with Leicester City

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Matty James has vowed to play a big part in a bright future for Leicester City.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who was City's Young Player of the Year last season after making 39 appearances in their Championship title campaign, has signed a new four-year contract at the club.

He believes there are even greater times ahead.

James joins midfield partner Danny Drinkwater and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in committing his future to City until 2018.

Captain Wes Morgan and last season's top-scorer David Nugent are also set to sign new contracts.

"I'm absolutely buzzing," James said.

"I can't think of any other way to describe it. Heading into the Premier League, after the unbelievable season we've just had, and to sign a four-year deal with this club is just fantastic.

"For any club to offer you a long-term contract is a big compliment and shows a lot of faith in your potential, but to be offered one by a club as ambitious as Leicester City is something else.

"The club's got an exciting future and I'm just delighted that I'm going to be part of it," added James.

Manager Nigel Pearson said James had played a significant role in the club's promotion to the Premier League and he is confident the former Manchester United man can make the step up to a higher level.

"Matty has contributed an enormous amount to the group during the last two seasons – both with his performances on the pitch and with what he brings to the group off it," he said.

"Nobody recognises his value to the squad more than his team-mates.

"We watched him for a long time before he joined us and we were always confident that, given the opportunity to play regularly, he could be a big asset for us.

"He's a great lad, he works hard at his game and he's only just about to turn 23, so he clearly has time to improve even further."

James' signature brings the number of City players set to enter the final year of their contracts down to 13 with talks ongoing with several others, including Jamie Vardy, Liam Moore and Jeff Schlupp.

Matty James' pledge as  new deal agreed with Leicester City

Wimbledon tennis: Katie Boulter confident of going all the way

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Katie Boulter believes she is in the form to go all the way at Junior Wimbledon as she prepares for today's third-round clash at the All England Club.

The 17-year old British junior No.1 from Woodhouse Eaves swatted aside France's Margot Yerolymos 6-3, 6-3 and now faces third seed Tornado Alicia Black for a place in the last eight.

Boulter is brimming with confidence about her chances of making the quarter-finals – one round better than Andy Murray ever achieved in his junior career at SW19.

"I came here thinking I could win and nothing so far has changed my mind," said Boulter, who reached the girl's doubles final at the Australian Open earlier this year.

"I felt pretty tight before the match, so it was great to get through. The match before me took absolutely ages, it was 14-12 in the last set and it was driving me nuts the longer it went on and it didn't really help with my nerves.

"Once I got into the match I started to settle down and I was really pleased with the way I served, even if some of the games were a bit topsy turvy."

Like Boulter, third-round opponent Black has yet to drop a set but she boasts more experience at this level, having reached the US Open final last year. But she admits grass is a surface she is still learning to master – and Boulter insists there is nothing to fear.

"I've been watching her practice and I know her more as a friend than an opponent," she said.

"She's a good player, that's why she's the third seed and it's going to be very tough.

"I know her strengths and weaknesses but, if I play my game, I'm confident I will okay. It's important to do well at these events but it doesn't really mean too much in the long run.

"Nick Kyrgios made the third round of juniors last year and he's in the men's quarter-finals 12 months later."

As the Official Banking Partner of The Championships, HSBC is helping fans get closer to Wimbledon by giving them the chance to win a coaching clinic with Tim Henman. For further information, visit www.wimbledon.com/hsbc

Wimbledon tennis: Katie Boulter confident of going all the way

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