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Landlords and tenants of Leicester industrial units turned into shops without permission ordered to pay more than £100,000 between them

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The landlords and tenants of industrial units that were turned into shops without planning permission have been ordered to pay more than £100,000 between them.

The financial penalties were made at Leicester Crown Court because the owners and shopkeepers defied city council enforcement notices ordering them to stop trading.

The court was told they "disregarded" the notices and continued business as usual at 244 to 248 Green Lane Road, North Evington.

The council took a tough stance and refused retrospective planning applications.

The traders at the Maharaja Superstore, Greens DIY and Discount Flooring campaigned against the council's decision, bolstered by supporters including two ward councillors and Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.

The defendants ended up pleading guilty before city magistrates, in April last year, to breaching enforcement notices requesting they cease trading and remove all fixtures and fittings.

The supermarket and DIY store were based at units owned by Kulbir Khakh (51) and his wife, Satbir Khakh (46), of Norman Court, Oadby.

At a sentencing hearing at the crown court today, the couple were jointly fined £30,000 with £8,000 costs. They also had £6,558 confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The Khakhs bought units 244 and 246 Green Lane Road in January 2010 for £559,888, knowing they only had planning permission for industrial use.

But several months later, they leased them out as retail units.

The council refused applications for change of use at the units, the site of a former hosiery warehouse, because of "incompatibility with existing Leicester City Council policies relating to the economic prosperity of the area and concern about parking problems".

The judge said the culpability of the tenants was less than that of the landlords.

Dalbir Singh (55), of Dorothy Road, Leicester, and business partner Jatinder Singh (49), of Drumcliff Road, Leicester, who leased unit 246 to run the Maharaja Supermarket, were each fined £2,500, with £4,000 costs, and each had £8,400 confiscated by the court.

Subash Khunti (38), of Harringworth Road, Leicester, who leased unit 244 to run Greens DIY, was fined £2,500, with £4,000 costs and had £11,345 confiscated.

Reshma Patel (37), of Maynard Road, Leicester, who leased unit 248 from part-owner Gurmaj Kaur Kler, to run a carpet and flooring shop, was fined £2,500 with £4,000 and had £6,000 confiscated.

Landlord Mrs Kler was sentenced in January last year for her role, and fined £5,000 by city magistrates, with costs.

Simon Hunka, prosecuting on behalf of the city council, said that when Mr Khakh was interviewed in September 2012 he said he failed to comply with the enforcement notice because there was "no interest" from anyone wanting an industrial unit.

He said: "I wanted to pay my mortgage and I can't pay that if it isn't rented out."

In interview, Dalbir Singh confirmed the supermarket had been open since July 2011 and he set the company up because he did not have a job.

He said: "I invested so much money in that shop.

"If your enforcement notice means I should close my shop down, where will I go?

"Where will I eat? How can I live my life?"

He said he had borrowed £50,000 from relatives and friends to set the business up.

His business partner, Jatinder Singh, expressed similar concerns in interview, saying he had invested £30,000 in the business.

In mitigation the court heard that the defendants continued trading because of "mixed messages", and the fact that they had strong support which gave them false hope their business would be saved.

A city council spokesman said after the hearing: "We look at issues such as the future size and scale of local shopping centres on a city-wide basis, to ensure any expansion is balanced and sustainable across the city as a whole.

"In the case of these premises, they simply set themselves up without any permission to do so.

"We carried out a survey of traders and residents in early December 2012 for their views on the future of the Green Lane Road shopping centre, and the results of this work are now being used to help us plan for the future of shopping areas across the city.

"The first stage of consultation on the new Local Plan is due to start later this month, with a view to being adopted in 2016."

Landlords and tenants of Leicester industrial units turned into shops without permission ordered to pay more than £100,000 between them


Leicester City news: 'Unknown' Riyad Mahrez making impressive strides, says Nigel Pearson

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has warned against rising expectation placing too much pressure on midfielder Riyad Mahrez.

The Algerian international has experienced a meteoric rise over the past nine months after being plucked from the second tier of French football by City.

Little was known of the 23-year-old winger when City paid Le Havre £400,000 for his services in January but Mahrez has settled into English football remarkably quickly and, after establishing himself in Pearson's starting line-up and helping City to the Championship title, his performances earned him an international call-up and a place at the World Cup finals. Mahrez returned to the City starting line-up, set up one goal and scored the other in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Burnley.

But while Pearson has praised Mahrez's emergence he said he hoped too much wouldn't be expected too quickly of Mahrez.

"He was an unknown player when he joined us," said Pearson. "I thought he did exceptionally well for us last season, to such an extent he was selected for Algeria and went to the World Cup.

"That is a huge, steep ascent in terms of stature in the game.

"He has ability. We feel we have a number of match-winners at both ends.

"It's not just about being able to create but certainly it's good to get that blend.

"One of the dangers for people like Riyad would be that expectation can climb through the roof if you're not careful. What can go with that, and what's probably not as easy to deal with, is those expectation levels may change.

"We have to keep an eye on how players develop and he's done very well in his time here.

"But of course, he's a young player and he will make mistakes but he will also have a very positive impact.

"He's a popular member of our squad."

Leicester City news: 'Unknown' Riyad Mahrez making impressive strides, says Nigel Pearson

Leicester father and daughter singing 'Frozen' song becomes internet sensation

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if you're a fan of those cute YouTube clips then this is definitely one for you.

A Leicester father and his daughter have become and internet sensation after filming themselves singing along to the theme tune of Disney's 'Frozen'.

Chris Price, 26 and his four-year-old daughter Lily singing 'Let it go', has gone viral after being viewed nearly 20 million times in three days.

Chris uploaded the clip onto Facebook and within days, it had already been viewed millions of times and liked by more than 800,000 people.

Leicester father and daughter singing 'Frozen' song becomes internet sensation

Leicester builder Amos Taylor who overcharged customers is brought to justice in fraud case

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A rogue builder convicted of defrauding customers by overcharging them for substandard work has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Amos Taylor was trading as North Star Roofing, which was based in Blairmore Road, Braunstone Frith, Leicester, at the time of the offences.

The 38-year-old, of Bewicke Road, Braunstone, appeared before Leicester Crown Court for sentencing.

He had pleaded guilty an earlier hearing, on September 11.

The court had heard how Taylor had charged the owner of a house in Stoneygate, Leicester, £1,914 for roof repairs in July 2012.

The repairs were examined by independent expert on behalf of Leicester City Council, who estimated the work to be worth only a quarter of that amount.

In addition, Taylor had not carried out some of the work for which he had invoiced the customer.

The second offence, in February 2013, involved charging the owner of a house in Narborough Road nearly £500 for roofing work, which inspections then showed to be worthless.

Both victims complained immediately to Leicester City Council's Trading Standards service, and did not part with any money.

In addition, Taylor admitted using a false VAT registration number and a false Companies House registration number on his invoices.

He also admitted using a Trust Mark logo on his website despite not being a member and not being authorised to use it.

Taylor was given an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, for each of two counts of fraud. The sentences will run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs.

Councillor Sarah Russell, Leicester's assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, said after the case: "This fraudulent trader both attempted to overcharge people for repairs and lied about his business credentials.

"Fortunately, in both of these cases, the householders contacted our Trading Standards service rather than handing over any money."

Leicester builder Amos Taylor who overcharged customers is brought to justice in fraud case

Live traffic and travel news from Leicester and Leicestershire

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7.34am: There are currently no new incidents to report.

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 Leicestershire

CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live traffic and travel news from Leicester and Leicestershire

Leicestershire weather forecast

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Today: Some sunny intervals but generally rather cloudy at times with occasional heavy showers moving in from the south through the day, some prolonged with a risk of thunder. Moderate south to southwest winds. Maximum Temperature 15C.

Tonight: A few showers are still likely at first, but they should generally die out overnight with clear spells developing, although a few showers may persist over the Peak District. Minimum Temperature 9C.

Thursday: Some sunny spells, but rather cloudy at times with occasional heavy showers, perhaps prolonged with a risk of thunder. Breezy with moderate to fresh southwest winds. Maximum Temperature 16C.

Leicestershire weather forecast

Vicky Snow, of Oadby, named as the pedestrian who died in town crash

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Vicky Snow, 43, of Oadby, has been named by police as the pedestrian who died in a crash in the town at the weekend.

Police were called to scene of the collision, on the A6 Harborough Road, just after 9pm on Sunday.

Vicky was crossing the road when she was hit by a blue Toyota Avensis, travelling away from the city on the duel carriageway.

Ms Snow was declared dead at the scene.

Leicestershire Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident.

Detective Constable Kath Orr, who is investigating the incident, said: "We are appealing for witnesses who saw the collision to please come forward.

"We would also like to speak with anyone who saw the pedestrian as she crossed the city-bound carriageway of the A6 or whilst she was on the central reservation.

"In addition, we would like to speak to anyone who saw the blue Toyota as it was driven on the A6 before the incident."

Anybody who has any information on the accident is asked to call Leicestershire Police on 101.

Vicky Snow, of Oadby, named as the pedestrian who died in town crash

VIDEO: Celebrities re-make The Beach Boys' classic 'God Only Knows'

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Dozens of celebrities have re-made The Beach Boy's 60's masterpiece, 'God Only Knows', to help celebrate the launch of BBC Music.

From rock to pop, the single - which is also this year's Children In Need single - features the best of the best.

With an 80-piece orchestra at the heart of the track, teamed with 27 of the most talented musicians in the world, the single represents the reflects the passion for music at the BBC.

Pharrall Williams, Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John, One Direction and of course, Brian Wilson - who recorded the original version -  are among those who sing on the track.

The single, which is now available to download and is the first collaboration in history between all three major record labels, Sony, Warner and Universal Music.

And if you're finding it hard to spot each of the singers, then here is a full list for you, in the order that they appear:

Martin James Bartlett; Pharrell Williams; Emeli Sande; Sir Elton John; Lorde; Chris Martin; Brian Wilson; Florence Welch; Kylie Minogue; Stevie Wonder; Eliza Carthy; Nicola Benedetti; Jools Holland; Brian May; Jake Bugg; Katie Derham; Lauren Laverne; Gareth Malone; Alison Balsom; One Direction; Zane Lowe; Jaz Dhami; Paloma Faith; Chrissie Hynde; Jamie Cullum; Baaba Maal; Danielle de Niese; Dave Grohl; Sam Smith

VIDEO: Celebrities re-make The Beach Boys' classic 'God Only Knows'


Inquest into the death of Brenda Leyland to open today

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An inquest into the death of Brenda Leyland, who sent abusive Tweets about the parents of Madeleine McCann, will open today.

Ms Leyland, 63, from Burton Overy, fled her home after being confronted about the online abuse by Sky News reporter Martin Brunt on Thursday.

It has emerged that she had sent more than 4,000 tweets about Kate and Gerry McCann blaming them for the disappearance of their daughter.

Ms Leyland's body was discovered at the Leicester Marriott Hotel, in Enderby, at the weekend and  police confirmed it was the mother-of-two on Monday.

Leicester coroner Catherine Mason will open the inquest at midday today.

Inquest into the death of Brenda Leyland to open today

Firefighters attend blaze at Coalville factory

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Firefighters are currently attending a blaze at a factory in Coalville.

Crews were called to Mantle Lane just before 8.30am this morning.

A single story unit, measuring 10 x 20 metres was well alight.

Two fire-engines initially attended the incident but upon arrival, two additional engines were required.

No-one was in the building at the time of the fire and nobody was injured.

More to follow...

Firefighters attend blaze at Coalville factory

Fire crews set up safety cordon around blazing outhouse thought to contain gas cylinder

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Fire crews were called to deal with a fire in an outhouse in Narborough, which was originally reported as containing an acetylene gas tank.

Firefighters from Leicester's southern and western fire stations closed off Desford Road in the village while they dealt with the incident this afternoon.

The cordon around the scene, opposite Blaby District Council's offices, was lifted after firefighters discovered the tank actually contained argon, an inert gas.

Southern station watch manager Joe Finn said: "It was going well when we got here. We were originally told there was an acetylene gas tank in the outhouse and we closed off Desford Road as a precaution.

"We later discovered the tank contained argon, an inert gas, used in welding."

Crews wearing breathing equipment tackled the blaze which broke out shortly before 3pm.

The road was closed between King Edward Avenue and Coventry Road.

Police officers went door-to-door in the area warning householders they may have to be evacuated before the gas was discovered not to be dangerous.

The outhouse, in the grounds of a home, was severely damaged in the incident.

The owners of the property declined to comment.

Fire crews set up safety cordon around blazing outhouse thought to contain gas cylinder

Leicester City news: Chris Wood must be ready when his first-team chance comes along, says assistant manager Craig Shakespeare

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Leicester City striker Chris Wood has to ensure he is ready to take his chance when it comes, says assistant manager Craig Shakespeare.

Wood gave a reminder of his striking prowess with a double strike in the friendly victory over Aston Villa yesterday.

The New Zealand international got his season off to a superb start with the opening day equaliser against Everton but has only featured three times in total so far and hasn't seen any pitch time since the Capital One Cup defeat against Shrewsbury in August.

Wood, who rejected a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers during the transfer window, scored twice as City beat Villa 3-2 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Bodymoor Heath and Shakespeare said Wood had shown an excellent attitude, as did the rest of a very strong City side which included Danny Simpson, Esteban Cambiasso, Marcin Wasilewski, Matty James and Anthony Knockaert.

"He has had to be patient this season, as a lot have to be and have been," said Shakespeare.

"Chris has looked sharp in training and he took his goals well against Villa. He could have had more but he will be pleased to score two.

"All strikers are judged on their goals and Chris did well to put them away.

"Chris has had a frustrating start but it is a long season. The players who haven't featured much have to make sure whenever they are called upon, whether to start or off the bench, that they are ready.

"That is why this performance was so pleasing. They all didn't let not being involved at certain times this season affect them.

"They went about it in the right way, as you would expect and want. We all know sometimes that doesn't happen. They can all be pleased with that."

On-loan striker Nick Powell was also on target for City and Shakespeare said the work-out was extremely useful.

"It served its purpose and gave some really important pitch time to a lot of players who haven't been involved a lot this season," he added.

"It was pleasing to win, as it is with every game, but the manner of the performance was very good.

"We could have scored a few more goals with better finishing but I have to say the players were very good from start to finish.

"The pleasing thing is not only was it good to get minutes under their belts but we played some good stuff as well against a strong Aston Villa side.

"Apart from Callum Elder and James Pearson all the others were first team squad members so it was important, with the international break, we were able to top them up with some game time."

Leicester City news: Chris Wood must be ready when his first-team chance comes along, says assistant manager Craig Shakespeare

Leicester artisan bakery Brucciani wins a clutch of medals at national bread awards

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A Leicester bakery has left its competitors with only crumbs of comfort after winning a national bread title.

Brucciani received a series of accolades in the Tiptree World Bread Awards in London last night.

The company, which has its main bakery in Bath Lane in the city, as well as cafes in Churchgate and Fox Lane, came top in the 'Great British White' category for its large white tin loaf.

The company claimed a further gold for its ciabatta, a silver for its sourdough and a bronze in the real bread category where it also entered a sourdough loaf.

Managing director Tom Brucciani said he was delighted with the clutch of awards for his artisan bread.

He said: "I would love to be cool about it but it is great to win these awards.

"It is vindication of the care, time and effort we put into our products.

"We are proud of what we do and to receive such recognition from people, who are of some standing too, is very satisfying."

At a harvest supper-style awards ceremony at St John's Church, Hyde Park, in London, Stephen Hallam, Master Baker, managing director of Dickinson & Morris and Chair of the Judges was delighted to hand the trophy for the 'Great British White' category to Stuart Smith, chief baker at Brucciani.

"The competition was exceptional," said Mr Hallam, whose fellow judges were Charles Campion from MasterChef, David Tomlinson, a former technical director at Warburtons and Andrew Whitley, founder of The Real Bread Campaign.

Mr Hallam said: "We had very exacting criteria for judging, and every loaf was judged anonymously."

Brucciani beat off competition from loaves sent in from around the country to take the Great British White crown - they were brought by courier, taxi and even hand-delivered on the morning of the judging at Cathedral Hall, Westminster Cathedral, to ensure peak freshness.

Mr Brucciani said: "Most mornings we have a queue of people as we open our doors so we must be doing something right.

"We have people who have regular daily standing orders and they travel into the city to get their fresh bread from us."

The company is no stranger to winning awards for its bread.

Last year Brucciani won a gold award for the large sourdough loaf, a gold award for the mushroom, garlic and thyme focaccia and a silver for the large white tin.

Leicester artisan bakery Brucciani wins a clutch of medals at national bread awards

Health bosses sign pledge to cut number of city smokers

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City health bosses have signed a national pledge to support tobacco controls.

The pledge acknowledges smoking is the single greatest cause of premature death and disease in the city and that two-thirds of smokers start the habit when they are under 18.

It commits health authorities and local government to work together to reduce smoking.

The NHS declaration on tobacco control acknowledges that reducing smoking among the most disadvantaged people is the single most important way to reduce health inequalities – the preventable differences in health that can mean poorer people are likely to die earlier.

Deputy city mayor Councillor Rory Palmer, chairman of the city's health and well being board, will sign the declaration before the board's meeting today (Oct 9th).

He said: "It's vitally important that we reduce the numbers of people who smoke.

"As well as being hugely damaging to health, whole communities can feel the impact of smoking, missing out on the social, economic, environmental and welfare benefits that come from stopping."

Professor Azhar Farooqi, co-chairman of the Leicester City clinical commissioning group (CCG), will also sign the declaration.

He said: "Smoking is the biggest cause of lung disease in Leicester city.

"In fact 84 per cent of all deaths from lung disease are attributed to smoking.

"On average a smoker lives 10 years less than a non-smoker."

The pledge comes during Stoptober, a national month-long campaign to encourage people to give up smoking.

To find out more about Stoptober and local stop smoking services, call 0116 295 4141 or visit www.leicester.gov.uk/smoking

Health bosses sign pledge to cut number of city smokers

US Air Force jet crash lands in a Lincolnshire field

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The pilot of a US military jet has escaped with minor injuries after crashing in a field in Lincolnshire.

Emergency services were called to Broadgate, in Weston Hills, at about 3.30pm today following reports of a plane crash.

The aircraft, which is believed to have come from RAF Lakenheath, came down in an "isolated field" according to police.

The pilot was taken away by helicopter with "very minor injuries" officers said.

A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire police said: "Members of the public contacted emergency services around 3.30pm this afternoon to report that they had seen a jet come down in a field.

"The plane has come down in an isolated rural area and no premises have been affected.

"A cordon has been put in place and the public are advised to avoid the area as the plane is alight and the fumes may be hazardous.

"The plane belongs to the US Air Force based at RAF Lakenheath and the pilot has escaped with only very minor injury."

US Air Force jet crash lands in a Lincolnshire field


Keith Vaz shocked after his public meeting leaflets are dropped ..... in a bin

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When Leicester East MP Keith Vaz organised a leaflet drop to announce a public meeting he did not

expect them to dropped in a bin.

The MP was handed back a thick bundle of his leaflets at the meeting at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre last night.

Mr Vaz had organised the meeting to canvass the views of the residents and businesses about the overdue roadworks being carried out on Belgrave Road.

Local resident Sujata Barot told the meeting that more than 70 people would have turned up if it had been properly publicised.

She told Mr Vaz: "I only found out through reading about it in the Mercury the night before.

"You should have publicised it better."

Mr Vaz said he had his people dropping leaflets about the meeting through every letter box in the area.

It was then that Jayantilal Ghadia, of Belgrave, stood up, walked to the desk of speakers and handed Mr Vaz a bundle of his leaflets back.

He told Mr Vaz he had found them in a bin.

Mr Vaz was speechless for a very short time then asked him: "Could you not have delivered them?"

Mr Ghadia said he found the leaflets in a bin at the Ram Mandir temple in Hildyard Road.

He said: "I do recycling there and found the leaflets on the top of a pile of rubbish in a bin.

"At least I got to hear about the meeting. I decide to hand them back so Mr Vaz could recycle them himself."

Mr Vaz said: "I shall have to investigate what has happened here."

Keith Vaz shocked after his public meeting leaflets are  dropped ..... in a bin

Suspect's photo issued after sexual assault in Leicester's High Cross pub

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Police have released a photograph of a man they want to question after a woman was allegedly indecently assaulted in a pub. The 19-year-old victim has told police a man grabbed her and kissed her on the mouth while she having a meal with a friend in the High Cross pub, in High Street, Leicester. The incident happened between 4.30pm and 5.15pm on Friday, September 26. Pc Charlotte Measey said: "We would appeal to anyone who recognises the man in the photograph to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible. "We would also ask if anyone saw the suspect acting inappropriately at the time of the incident to please get in touch." Contact Pc Measey on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Suspect's photo issued after sexual assault in Leicester's High Cross pub

Former undercover detective faces the sack after illegally claiming more than £3,000 in benefits

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A former undercover police officer faces the sack after being sentenced for illegally claiming more than £3,000 in benefits.

Lee Anthony Smith, a serving police constable,  appeared in court yesterday after pleading guilty to three charges at an earlier hearing.

Leicester Magistrates were told Smith (43) of High Street, Coalville, started claiming benefits when he was sacked from the force.

However he was re-instated but failed to notify North West Leicestershire Council that he had obtained work before re-joining the force.

Yesterday Smith was ordered to pay a total of £1,787, including a £275 fine and costs. He had already repaid £3,000 in benefits he was not entitled to.

The court heard that Smith failed to notify the council of changes in his circumstances in relation to his entitlement to housing and council tax benefits.

He worked as a truck driver while he appealled a decision by Leicestershire Police to dismiss him for reasons not discussed in court.

He illegally claimed a total of £2,791.89 in housing benefit, and a further £399.40 of council tax benefit between July 1, last year, and January 24.

Dave Gill, prosecuting for the council, said Smith received Jobseekers' Allowance, and submitted claims for housing and council tax benefit, on June 3, last year, following his dismissal the previous month.

He said: "Smith applied for his benefits to be backdated to May 13, last year, due to an ongoing appeal process regarding his job with the police.

"He was told he could claim, but several letters were sent to his address asking for further evidence to support his claims."

On July 25, the defendant was notified by letter that his benefit claims were unsuccessful as he had failed to provide evidence within the required time limits.

Mr Gill said Smith provided this evidence to the council on August 8, including a tenancy agreement and bank account details, which resulted in backdated lump sums being awarded.

After reinstatement to the police force in January this year, Smith's dishonesty came to light during a review of his discontinued Jobseekers Allowance claims.

It emerged that although his unemployment benefit had ceased six months earlier, his housing benefit and council tax benefit payments had continued.

Smith told investigators in April that: "From July, 2013, to my reinstatement with Leicestershire Police I have utilised savings that I accrued whilst employed as a police officer and used housing benefit to pay for rent at my property."

Checks, however, revealed that he was employed with an agency, Premier Recruitment UK Ltd from June 3 to August 5, and on a permanent basis with Premier Logistics hauliers from August 4 to January 7.

Mr Gill said: "Investigations were carried out and it was found that Smith was suspended from the police. His last day of service was May 21, 2013 and he was reinstated on January 27, this year.

"When interviewed again, he said it was neglectful on his part and he should have come in to tell council officials of his change of circumstances.

"He said he was struggling to cope on just £69 per week, and said what he had done was dishonest, but that it was not out of greed."

Paul Tubb, mitigating, said: "My client admitted his guilt at the first opportunity and is extremely remorseful for what has happened.

"He also paid back all he owned within 48 hours."

Smith joined Leicestershire Police in 2002 after 12 years as a soldier.

Mr Tubb said that since 2006, Smith had worked as an undercover detective, helping to secure "more than 84 successful prosecutions" involving some of the largest drug investigations of criminal gangs in the country.

He said: "This took a huge toll on his personal life, including his marriage, which broke up, causing him to leave the family home in Hinckley.

"He also suffered the psychological effects of his time as an undercover officer, where he was often in situations of extreme danger, and was in financial difficulty."

Mr Tubb read out several character references from police colleagues praising Smith's "honesty", "bravery" and "integrity". He said Smith accepted that he would now lose his job for good.

A statement from a senior police colleague also said the force should have done more help him in the difficult transition back into his role as a regular police constable.

Sentencing Smith, magistrate Jenny Joannou (CORR) said his position as a police officer was a major aggravating factor in the offence.

He was also ordered to pay a £28 victim surcharge.

No-one from Leicestershire Police or North West Leicestershire District Council was available to comment.

Former undercover detective faces the sack after illegally claiming more than £3,000 in benefits

My first Premier goal was a dream come true, says Leicester City's Jeff Schlupp

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Jeff Schlupp described scoring his first-ever Premier League goal as a dream come true.

However, the moment was tainted by Burnley's late equaliser on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who is on international duty with Ghana this week, swept home Riyad Mahrez's cross for City's opening goal on Saturday but Ross Wallace's free-kick in the sixth minute of added time denied City another victory.

Schlupp said that had taken the gloss off his magic moment.

"It meant so much to me to score that Premier League goal," said Schlupp, who graduated through City's youth academy.

"I have been dreaming and grafting for that first goal so to have finally got it is amazing. It was on my right foot as well. My left foot was a bit wayward early on but I am happy to score it with my right foot.

"Riyad did well to get that cross in. Whenever he gets on the ball you know that nine times out of 10 he is going to produce an end product.

"I just gambled and it got through to me, and I think I took the goal pretty well.

"It was just a fantastic moment."

Schlupp said he thought City had done enough to earn all three points against the newly-promoted Clarets.

He said they must put the disappointment behind them quickly and refocus on their trip to Newcastle United, which comes after the international break.

"I thought in the first half we really took the game to them and had them on the back foot," said Schlupp.

"We didn't dominate so much in the second half and we were unfortunate with the late goal.

"I think it was a cheap free-kick to give away but the player has taken it well and everyone was gutted. We have to move on from it. I still think we are looking at the game as two points dropped, but a point is a point."

My first Premier goal was a dream come true, says Leicester City's Jeff Schlupp

County FA: Under-18 team put on the style to progress in FA Youth Cup

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A highlight of the football season at grassroots level is always watching our County sides participating in their respective competitions.

Last weekend, I was delighted to witness our under-18 team progress to the second round of the FA County Youth Cup.

Hosted at Holmes Park, our under-18s took on Westmorland in a keenly-contested tie that, I'm proud to say, was played in the right spirit.

The Leicestershire & Rutland side took command of the game in the first half, netting twice in the opening 45 minutes through Shay Brennan and Sam Grouse.

However, their opponents from the north-west pulled a goal back before the half-time interval.

Despite the setback before the break, the County side found the net twice in the second half with Ben Stephens and Ryan Gibson on target to go 4-1 ahead.

The game, though, was to be set-up for a grandstand finish when Westmorland replied with a brace of goals to produce a 4-3 scoreline at the final whistle.

Congratulations to everybody involved with our under-18 side, especially manager Nimesh Patel, as the game marked his first match in charge. Winger Lamar Parkes, who played on either flank, also earned his first County cap.

Leicestershire & Rutland's under-18s take on Lincolnshire in the next round, which is to be played at Holmes Park November 8.

The County FA is now welcoming Football Facility enquiries from grassroots clubs and organisations who are looking to develop their facilities between now and 2016.

The Football Association, in partnership with the Football Foundation, is looking to support projects that will make a difference to both clubs and the communities they serve.

Should this be of interest, visit the County FA's website to complete the online form in the first instance.

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