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Drug dealer caught with stash of heroin and cocaine begins his 41st birthday with a two-and-a-half year jail sentence

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A drug dealer caught with a stash of heroin and crack cocaine began his 41st birthday with a two-and-a-half-year jail sentence.

Jonathan Finnemore also had £2,480 in cash – seized on his arrest – confiscated by the court.

He admitted two counts of possessing A drugs, with intent to supply, on July 1.

The drugs, found during a raid at his home in Malabar Road, St Matthew's, Leicester, had a street value of £3,610.

Neil Bannister, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court when officers arrived to execute a search warrant the defendant was at home, with others.

The haul included four 1.5 gram pieces of heroin, two other pieces weighing 2.8g and 1g, as well as 64 individual half-gram wraps of heroin – totalling 43.4 grams.

Various amounts of crack cocaine weighing a total of 34.1 grams were also seized.

"A set of scales were found to have traces of heroin on them," said Mr Bannister.

David Watts, mitigating, said: "He was more of a gofer for the organisation.

"He was until recently a heroin addict and others took advantage of him to use him as the deliveryman and he was paid in drugs.

"His house was used as a base for the operation.

"Today is his birthday and he has received a card from his mother, although she's not in good enough health to visit him and he's concerned about her welfare."

"He's prepared himself for a sentence of some length and has undertaken education while in prison and has six certificates for courses.

"He's turning his life around so that he is going to come out in a far better position than when he was arrested."

Judge Nicholas Dean QC told Finnemore: "Significant quantities of heroin and crack cocaine were found.

"The way they were being stored indicated they were to be supplied to others.

"Undoubtedly you played a part in the supply in class A drugs.

"However the account of your role seems to be plausible.

"No doubt you were taken advantage of, but you did play an important part in the supply of class A drugs.

"You've taken steps to rid yourself of your drug addiction and that's key to you remaining away from offending."

Drug dealer caught with stash of heroin and cocaine begins his 41st birthday with a two-and-a-half year jail sentence


Winter 2014 set to be cold, wet and frosty

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This winter is set to be a cold one, according to meteorologists.

The mild weather experienced last year is an indication of blustery winds, minus temperatures and blanket frosts, experts have said.

The jet stream, a system of strong winds which control the Earth's climate, are in a different position to last year and will bring much colder temperatures for November, December and beyond.

October has already been a stark contrast to the low 20c temperatures of the previous month.

Leicester Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said: "We seem to have skipped autumn and gone straight to winter - that didn't take long.

"But I said a week or two back that we're due a cold winter.

"We had it quite mild last year, which usually means we'll get it much colder this time round.

"The jet stream is coming further south so we're getting the depression coming in. In September, it was further north so it felt much warmer."

Dave said the upcoming forecast for this week appeared to indicate a wet and windy few days.

He said: "We've got quite a lot of rain coming through tomorrow and the sky will be clouding up.

"We've got a few gale force winds on the horizon as well, and they'll be coming from the north and the east - so they'll be cold.

"Tuesday will be better than Monday, but it's going to rain again on Wednesday.

"It's going to be quite windy and temperatures will be about 15C."

The Met Office said the risk of unsettled conditions increases during the winter months due to weather coming in from the Atlantic.

A spokesman said: "This is a fairly typical set up for the time of year, when we do expect unsettled weather, but the outlook does suggest the risk of more unsettled than normal conditions.

"As the outlook covers the transition from autumn into the start of winter, there will be big changes in how UK weather is influenced by prevailing weather patterns during the period.

"The current settled conditions bring us generally warm weather in early autumn, but the same weather pattern in winter would likely bring cold weather in from the rapidly cooling continent."

Winter 2014 set to be cold, wet and frosty

A drug user who supplied cannabis to friends to fund his own habit given a suspended jail sentence

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A drug user who supplied cannabis to friends to fund his own habit has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Derek Woolnough (25) was arrested when the police searched his home.

They found a small amount of cannabis consistent with personal use.

However, his mobile phone contained incriminating text messages indicating he had been dealing in the class B drug to about 23 associates.

Woolnough, of Garth Avenue, Mowmacre Hill, Leicester, admitting possessing cannabis and being concerned in offering to supply it.

Neil Bannister, prosecuting, told the city's crown court that officers raided his ground floor flat on April 2.

The defendant unsuccessfully tried to escape out of the back of the property.

Half a gram of cannabis, a cannabis grinder and £600 were seized.

The cash was confiscated by the court.

Woolnough, a father of two, was given a 10 month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £480 court costs.

Judge Ebraham Mooncey said: "For a three month period, earlier this year, you were supplying cannabis to at least 23 people in order to fund your habit.

"You were able to make some money out of it because, on your arrest, the police seized £600. "I'm told you're almost certain of getting full time employment in the near future.

"You've made a conscious effort to turn your life around."

Thomas Schofield, mitigating, said: "He's significantly reduced his cannabis intake and there's some ray of hope he'll be in full-time work soon."

A drug user who supplied cannabis to friends to fund his own habit given a suspended jail sentence

​Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for week commencing Monday October 13.

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Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and \Rutland for week commencing Monday October 13.

A563 Colchester Rd / Hungarton Blvd, Leicester

A47 Uppingham Rd, Leicester (Spencefield Lane)

A5460 Narborough Road, Leicester

A6030 Wakerley Road / Broad Avenue, Leicester

B568 Victoria Park Road, Leicester

A594 St Georges Way, Leicester

A47 Hinckley Road, Leicester

Fullhurst Avenue / Braunstone Avenue, Leicester

A447 Hinckley Rd, Cadeby

B4114 Leicester Rd, Sharnford

B581 Broughton Way / Station Rd, Broughton Astley

B4114 Leicester Road, Enderby 40mph

B4114 King Edward Ave Narborough

Fosse Road South, Leicester

A563 Braunstone Way, Leicester

A563 Lubbesthorpe Way, Braunstone (40mph)

A6 Abbey Lane, Leicester

B5366 Saffron Lane, Leicester

A563 New Parks Way, Leicester

A50 Groby Rd, Leicester (40mph)

Beaumont Leys Lane

A607 Melton Rd, Waltham

A607 Melton Rd, Waltham on the Wolds

A6 Loughborough Rd, Birstall / Wanlip

A50 Route: Field Head - Groby

Leicester Road, Ibstock

A6 Derby Rd, Loughborough

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

A5199 Welford Road, Leicester

A512 New Ashby Road, Loughborough

A5 Route North: Dodwells - Highcross

A6 London Road, 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

A4304 Kilworth Rd / High Street, Husbands Bosworth

A4304 Lubbenham Hill, Market Harborough

A563 Glenhills Way, Leicester

A5199 Leicester Road, Wigston

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

Aikman Avenue, Leicester (Community Concern)

A47 Normandy Way (40mph), Hinckley (Community Concern)

A4304 Lutterworth Road, Walcote (Community Concern)

A444 Route (Fenny Drayton – M42) (Community Concern)

A47 Clickers Way (40mph), Earl Shilton / Elmesthorpe (Community Concern)

Markfield Road, Ratby (Community Concern)

​Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for week commencing  Monday October 13.

Leicestershire entrepreneur nominated in Young Achiever Awards

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At just 24, Mitul Gadhia has shown his entrepreneurial credentials.

The young man from Mountsorrel has already set up his own estate and letting agency in Loughborough and is part of the franchise group Martin & Co.

He has grown the business significantly since 2012 in and has already won 'Best Young Business Award' at the Martin & Co Annual Awards in 2014.

Mitul has now been nominated for a Leicester Mercury Young Achiever Award in the Business and Enterprise category.

He was nominated by proud mum, Rekha, who said: "He's extremely hard working and always has been. He thoroughly deserves to be nominated.

"Mitul employs four full time team members and is continuing to grow the business. He's also offered training and guidance to two school leavers in the form of apprenticeships and has gone on to open a second office Martin & Co (Mountsorrel)."

Mitul said: "I had no idea I'd been put forward for this. It's a big surprise, but a nice one.

"I started off as a Saturday boy in a branch of Nationwide and it developed from there. When I did my degree, part of it enabled me to complete a work placement and that was invaluable to me.

"I've also taken on some apprentices because I really appreciated the help and guidance I got in my younger years and if I can pass any of that on, I will."

The Leicester Mercury is looking for nominations for its Young Achiever Awards 2014.

We are asking schools, organisations and individuals to nominate people aged between 14 and 25 who are worthy of recognition.

We aim to reward those who have achieved successes against all odds despite, and not because of, background or personal circumstances.

Leicester College is sponsoring the Business and Enterprise award category alongside the overall sponsors, Fullhurst Community College.

A spokeswoman for Leicester College said: "We're very proud to sponsor this award for the third year running. As a member of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, Leicester College offers young entrepreneurs the chance to realise and achieve their business ambitions by studying for a Peter Jones Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

"We're a passionate advocate of business and enterprise and nurturing talent is what we do best, from identifying a budding entrepreneur to developing successful accountants. Studying at Leicester College prepares you for a successful future, with 95 per cent of our 16 to 18 year old students who completed a business or computing course in 2012/13 entering into further learning or employment.

"We work closely with local and regional business to ensure our training opportunities and courses reflect the needs of industry as well as offering our learners master classes, guest speakers and work experience opportunities with these businesses."

Salahuddin Safi, a business diploma student at the college, is among those to benefit from its courses.

He said: "I chose the business diploma so that I could learn all the basics I would need to start working professionally and I've really enjoyed working with my peers on projects."

The winners of the 10 categories will be announced at a ceremony on December 4 at Leicester City's King Power Stadium.

Each will receive £250 and a trophy. Two category runners-up will receive £50 each and a certificate of merit.

Capital FM presenters Dino and Pete will again be hosting the ceremony.

The closing date for nominations is Sunday, October 19.

Nominate online at:

leicestermercury.co.uk/youngachiever

Leicestershire entrepreneur nominated in Young Achiever Awards

Belgrave Rugby Club stalwart John Goddard recognised with Lord Mayor's award

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A man who has dedicated much of his life to his local rugby club is due to receive an award recognising his efforts from the Lord Mayor of Leicester.

John Goddard, of Birstall, has been a volunteer with Belgrave Rugby Club for more than 50 years.

The 71-year-old, who described himself as "Belgrave born and bred", is due to be presented with an Honoured Citizen Award by Councillor John Thomas at a ceremony in the Town Hall on

Wednesday.

He first became involved with the Thurcaston Road outfit in the early 1960s.

Now a life member and committee member for fundraising, he spent 22 years as club secretary.

The former hooker's roles have included player, captain, youth coach, manager, referee, vice-chairman, chairman and president.

John was nominated by Abbey Ward councillor Annette Byrne.

She said: "I've only known John for a year or so but I am hugely impressed by what he has done for the rugby club and the wider community.

"To be so involved as he has been for more than 50 years shows a great deal of commitment and true dedication.

"He is quite a humble man and called me a little so and so when he found out it was me who nominated him, but I don't care – I think he really deserves this recognition."

Behind the scenes, John was instrumental in the project to build the club's first clubhouse in the 1970s.

He also helped to raise £330,000 towards a brand new clubhouse , which opened in 1999.

In fact, the job of treasurer is the only one John hasn't held.

Commenting on his nomination for the award, he said: "It has come out of th blue, but I am more than happy.

"When the letter arrived through my door, I wondered what the hell was going on.

"But it's an absolute honour for me and I'd like to thank Annette for putting me forward."

Belgrave Rugby Club is the only amateur club in the city to own its own ground, where sport and functions are organised for all parts of the community, including schoolchildren.

John, who ran his own painting and decorating business until his retirement, said: "I love the sport of rugby, and love being involved with the club and the community.

"To have watched some of the youngsters come right through and end up representing the senior team has given me tremendous satisfaction.

"And it's also been a social thing for me, and my wife Pat. It's where all my best friends are."

Bruce Ord, who took over as club secretary from John 10 years ago, said: "I'm couldn't be more pleased for him. John is Mr Belgrave Rugby Club.

"He's the go-to person if ever we need any guidance or advice and is always there to help out – not just with the rugby but he supports everything we do at the club.

"An all round nice guy."

Belgrave Rugby Club stalwart John Goddard recognised with Lord Mayor's award

Woman who taught herself to walk again after being left paralysed is to tackle Leicester half-marathon

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A woman who has self-taught herself to walking after a disease left her paralysed will be running the Leicester half marathon.

Rachael Burbage, 25, of South Wigston, is currently training to run the 13-mile route, two years after an unexpected illness left her paralysed.

In 2012, the then 23-year-old was suddenly diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a condition which meant she lost all feeling from the waist down and was unable to walk.

Just more than two years later and Rachael, a nurse at Leicester's Royal Infirmary, will be running a half-marathon at the end of this month.

"I know how lucky I am because around 65 per cent of people who are diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis end up living their life in a wheelchair," said Rachael.

"I remember sitting on my own when it happened and thinking, wow, I might not actually be able to walk again.

"I know how different things could be today."

It was June 2012 when Rachael said she began to feel unwell and had serious leg pains.

She was taken to hospital but was sent home the following day.

That night, Rachael said she tried to get out of her bed "but couldn't".

"An ambulance was called for me," she added.

"At first, they thought I'd had a stroke."

Following a number of tests, Rachael was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological condition that involves the inflammatory of the spinal cord.

"I couldn't move my hips and I had lost all function of my bladder and bowels," she said.

"I couldn't stand, let alone walk.

"I just don't know what triggered it. It was like I had a virus and it was attacking my body.

"I was so healthy and fit before, it was so unexpected."

Almost immediately, Rachael started physiotherapy sessions.

She said: "For one week, I was in a wheelchair.

"Then I was able to wiggle my toes and soon, I could move my hips.

"I had to completely re-learn how to walk."

Rachael stayed in hospital for three weeks and every day, her legs got stronger and stronger.

"My head wanted to do everything but my legs just wouldn't allow me to," she added.

"I just knew I was going to do everything in my power to keep walking, I tried to stay as positive as possible."

Rachael went home after three weeks but she was not "officially discharged" until June this year.

"I've still got nerve damage," she said, "and I feel tired a lot of the time but that's one of the side effects."

Rachael is now preparing to run the Leicester half-marathon to raise awareness of the disease, as well as money for the Transverse Myelitis Society.

"I've found training very difficult," she said.

"But I've got a fighting, determined attitude, I just have to keep telling myself I'm lucky to be walking and not in a wheelchair."

To donate to Rachael's appeal, visit: www.justgiving.com/Rachael-burbageTM

Woman who taught herself to walk again after being left paralysed is to tackle Leicester half-marathon

Arsonists set fire to bus in Hillsborough Road, Glen Parva, twice in one night

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Firefighters were called out to the same location twice in one night to tackle an arson on a double decker bus.

Crews from southern station extinguished the first blaze, which had been started deliberately on the back seat of a bus in Hillsborough Road, Glen Parva, at about 2.20am today.

The fire service received a second call at about 3am to the same spot – near the Glen Pub – and found flammable materials had been used to start another fire on board the vehicle.

They used hose reel jets to put out the flames and left the scene a short time later.

A spokesman said there was a small amount of damage to the bus's seats.

Arsonists set fire to bus in Hillsborough Road, Glen Parva, twice in one night


Crash in Knightthorpe Road, Loughborough, leaves one person needing hospital treatment

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Firefighters were called to a road in Loughborough after a car overturned.

Crew from Loughborough and Shepshed stations arrived at the scene of the crash, in Knightthorpe Road, to find a car had flipped onto its roof.

The incident happened at about 5.30am today.

All of the occupants were able to free themselves of the vehicle before the emergency services arrived.

However, paramedics treated one casualty and took them to the Queens Medical Centre, in Nottingham, after assessing them at the scene.

Crash in Knightthorpe Road, Loughborough, leaves one person needing hospital treatment

Leicester 98 Surrey 80: Riders make good start to BBL Cup defence

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Leicester Riders 98

Riders: Bernardini 28, Hassan 20, Losonsky 15, Roland 14, Watson 8, Anderson 7, Lamble 6, Washington, Gamble, McSwiggan, Noel, Rowe.

Surrey United 80

Setty 25, West 19, Crecco 15, Knutson 11, Dusha 8, Callum 2, Forson.

Leicester Riders made a successful start to the defence of their BBL Cup crown, seeing off Surrey United 98-80 in the first round.

Riders' full-court pressure defence was too much for the visitors to handle, although some good early shooting kept United in the game until half-time. But as so often before in recent seasons, Leicester pulled away in the second half to win at a relative canter.

Tyler Bernardini's impressive shooting had Riders 15-10 in front after only four minutes, before the visitors replied with seven unanswered points. Derek Roland came off the bench to hit eight in a row for the Leicester as a spell of 13 points to five around the first break saw them 28-22 ahead.

With Bernardini regularly punishing Surrey from behind the arc, Pavol Losonsky was causing them just as many problems close to the basket as Riders stretched their advantage to 49-40 at half-time.

It was only the fact that Surrey had managed to make five of their 11 three-point attempts in the first half that the game was even that close. Riders swarming defence had forced them to turn the ball over 10 times and they probably deserved a bigger advantage.

But that didn't take long to get, after Jamell Anderson's triple early in the third quarter made it 54-42, the gap was never in single figures again.

Bernardini and Rashad Hassan combined to edge them further ahead and Anderson's alley-oop dunk from a Roland pass had Riders well clear at 85-66 with still over six minutes to play.

A pair of back-to-back triples from Neil Watson, either side of a steal from Conner Washington, saw the lead peak at 21 points late in the game. Riders' fans were on their feet with 90 seconds to go to give Anthony Rowe a standing ovation as he made his first return to competitive action since suffering a serious knee injury in January.

Bernardini continued his impressive start to life in Leicester with an effortlessly efficient 28 points, including five three-pointers, whilst Losonsky and Hassan combined for 35 points and 19 rebounds. Roland had his most impressive offensive night so far with 14 points off the bench.

'It is impossible to keep all Leicester City players happy,' says Nigel Pearson

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Nigel Pearson says it is "impossible" to keep all of his Leicester City squad happy.

City have had to operate with a bigger squad this season because loan deals are not available in the Premier League if clubs suffer a spate of injuries.

That has meant several of Pearson's squad have not tasted much first-team action so far.

On Wednesday, a friendly was arranged against Aston Villa to give those players some pitch time but Pearson fully expects to have to deal with some disenchanted players this season.

"In terms of keeping players happy, I accept it is impossible to keep them all happy but it is important to show a level of fairness, and that the selection process has a rationale behind it," said Pearson.

"If you do that correctly, you have a better chance of keeping people on side.

"I am not here to be the players' friend. I am here to be the manager of the football club and it is my job to make decisions on what I feel is the best side to take on whoever we are playing.

"We have the situation where, potentially, more players are unhappy because they are not involved, but that is a great position for us to be in because it means we have more players to select from and it gives us more options about how we set up.

"The important thing is the players recognise we do need to have options.

"But I don't expect players to be happy if they are not involved. If you have players who are happy not to be involved, then you probably have not selected the right players to be a part of the set-up.

"It can change quickly. For the first game of the season, the team pretty much picked itself, but now, of course, we have very few players unavailable through injury or suspension.

"Because of the differences in the loan rules between the Premier League and the Championship, you have to protect yourself and make sure the squad is able to deal with setbacks along the way.

"We are still in the very early days of the season so the players who are possibly not very happy at the moment may not be the players who are not happy towards the end of the season.

"Things change very quickly and the players have to be ready to take their opportunity when they get it.

"If you speak to any manager they would say the same type of thing. It is not about keeping them happy, it is about us all having the common goal.

"I accept that from time to time I will be dealing with one or two players who are not particularly enchanted with me or the situation. But it is a team game and that is what they have to remind themselves of."

'It is impossible to keep all Leicester City players happy,' says Nigel Pearson

Leicester Tigers 22 Harlequins 16 - Martin Crowson's match verdict: Brad Thorn is inspiration in important win

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There have been some glorious and memorable nights at Welford Road over the last two decades of professionalism.

But there might not have been many more important wins than Leicester's 22-16 verdict over Harlequins.

The quality of the fayre on offer might not have got anywhere near some of those days of yesteryear.

And while the four points Leicester picked up may not have rescued the club's season, they were certainly a shot in the arm for the players, coaching staff and supporters.

Tigers have been fair game for anyone wanting to stick the boot in over the past three weeks as they shipped 100 points in losses to Bath, London Irish and Gloucester.

Leicester's playing style, quality of squad, recruitment, training methods, approach to the game, medical set-up and basically anything that represents the fabric of the club, has been questioned.

That criticism has hurt to the core. Should Leicester achieve something tangible out of this season come May, there will be plenty of pundits in line for a metaphorical two-fingered salute.

Make no mistake about it, a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in 11 years would have sent those doubters into a frenzy.

So Friday night's 22-16 verdict at Welford Road, at the very least, put a stop to that for the time being.

Whether that result can also act as a kick-start to the club's season will be seen over the next few weeks. With European Cup games against Ulster and Llanelli and a debilitating injury list showing little sign of abating, it will still be a huge ask to keep that winning feeling going.

But Leicester have earned some respite and the right to smile again. They will feel a lot better for it.

From the opening kick-off, Tigers were more direct, more dogged and more successful than they have been on their three-game losing run.

Blaine Scully's fourth-minute try was the ideal start to the evening's entertainment and gave Tigers an early seven-point buffer.

The American was in outstanding form. His game has improved immeasurably since joining the club on a short-term Sevens trail last season.

Superb under the high ball, strong in the tackle and pacey with ball in hand, the 26-year-old was the game's stand-out back-three man. With Mike Brown and Marland Yarde on the opposition's side, that is serious credit.

Flanker Jamie Gibson was inspired in the first half earning turnovers, blocking kicks and stealing line-outs. Graham Kitchener was in good form and Julian Salvi was a menace at the breakdown and often seen chasing down 40-metre up-and-unders.

With Quins' England prop Joe Marler getting no change out of 22-year-old Fraser Balmain in the front-row, the two men squared up to each other in the second half as Marler began to get frustrated.

The Mohawk-headed Quins skipper had been giving Brad Thorn some stick apparently. Asking the 39-year-old if he needed a chair to "sit down and have a rest".

Balmain decided to have a word of his own.

And as for the 'old man'? There were few people questioning why Gibson, Kitchener and Balmain had their best games of the season. Thorn's very presence in a pack can lift it to new levels. The players around him seemed to find an extra 20 per cent.

Thorn is the ultimate enforcer. He commands respect from his peers. Take a backward step in a pack with Thorn in it and you would know about it.

With Ed Slater and Louis Deacon nursing long-term injuries, Thorn is a crucial signing.

Leicester's defence looked sharper too and they missed fewer tackles. Quins were poor all night in attack but Tigers will have gleaned confidence from their organisation.

Leicester should have won a lot easier and that will concern them in training. Owen Williams missed a few kicks for a change and some of Tigers game management at important times was questionable.

But even though Karl Dickson's late try to make the score 22-16 for the last nine minutes, led to some gnarled nails, it couldn't stop Tigers winning.

You could hear the sigh of relief a mile away.

Leicester Tigers 22 Harlequins 16 - Martin Crowson's match verdict: Brad Thorn is inspiration in important win

Leicester Tigers and England flanker Tom Croft out for six weeks after more knee surgery

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Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft will miss the next six weeks of action after having surgery on his knee.

The 28-year-old blindside flanker had an operation yesterday to remove a screw that had been inserted during the knee reconstruction which led to him missing nearly the whole of last season.

Croft had a strong pre-season and played in two friendlies as well as the defeat at Bath. But he has missed the last three games with the problem and went to hospital to finally have it corrected.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said he was "disappointed" for him.

"Tom Croft will not be fit. He has had a screw taken out of his knee that was irritating the joint. He is probably six weeks away from playing now," said Cockerill.

"He has had some work done in there and when you get back to playing, sometimes the metalwork can irritate the joint. It's is one of those things.

"That was done yesterday and that is clearly disappointing for him and us."

Croft will miss the club's opening two games in the Champions Cup against Ulster and Llanelli. The operation also rules him out of what was a slim chance of returning to the England squad for the forthcoming autumn internationals.

Tigers now have England quartet Croft, Geoff Parling, Dan Cole and Tom Youngs all out of action with long-term injuries.

Leicester Tigers and England flanker Tom Croft out for six weeks after more knee surgery

"We don't fear anyone in Premier League," says Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy

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Leicester City's Jamie Vardy has sent out a defiant message to the Premier League: "We don't fear anyone!"

The striker said City have not been fazed by facing the Premier League's heavyweights during their tough start to the season and believes their performances against Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal and especially Manchester United proves their strong mental approach.

"We fear no-one," he said. "You can't fear any team because, if you do, there is only going to be one result – and that's a loss.

"We know how good we are and that we will always create chances.

"We look at teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and look for ways to exploit them.

"I think we have made a pretty good start.

"We go out to try to win every single game. That is the only way we know how to play.

"We all have the same attitude. We will fight until the last minute and run through a brick wall for each other. That is how it should be."

Vardy has certainly not been a respecter of reputations so far this season and his all-action display against United, in particular, summed up his approach.

"I don't know any other way to play but to be aggressive and run," he said.

Vardy earned City two penalties in that game and had another shout for a spot-kick turned down at Crystal Palace a week later.

Vardy won a host of penalties last season as well and, while he has been criticised for going down too easily inside the penalty box in the past, manager Nigel Pearson said the penalty outcomes were due solely to his style.

"Jamie won a lot of penalties last season due to his aggression and his pace," said Pearson.

"Players have to be very careful about contact in the box.

"I look at the penalties from last year and, I have to say, people did moan but if you look at them and review them all, you would be hard pushed to find a penalty that definitely wasn't a penalty.

"If you are looking at Jamie for instance, his commitment and pace in the box is such that

it commits defenders. I think you will find in the Premier League defenders have more nous.

"You hear a lot about simulation but I think the players are aware of the dangers of simulation this season.

"We will have to see how the season develops in terms of whether penalties are prolific or not. I have not seen too many players going down too easily so far. The only thing I have seen so far is that players getting around the referee seems a little more common in the Premier League than the Championship. That is only an observation, whether that is right or wrong."

Masked knifepoint robber jailed

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A masked robber who sneaked into a house and threatened a woman, with a knife held at her face, was jailed for nine years.

Mitchell Patrick Butler shouted "Give me your money" and made a grab for her designer handbag.

The victim, who was staying overnight at her sister's home, in South Wigston, had been asleep on the settee, in the early hours of November 18 last year.

Two adults and children were upstairs – and one little girl awoke and was distressed by the shouts and screams.

Leicester Crown Court was told Butler got in through an unlocked back door and made off with a bag, containing £100.

Stephen Kemp, prosecuting, said: "The covering on his face slipped and she recognised him."

He was the son of her mother's friend and she shouted: "Mitchell," but he replied "Who's Mitchell?"

She also recognised his voice.

The victim was found "crying and shaking" in the kitchen by her sister, who went to investigate the disturbance, at 1.45am.

The sisters unsuccessfully tried text messaging the defendant and phoning him, to ask for the bag and money back, before calling the police.

Mr Kemp said: "The police arrived at the defendant's flat in Blaby Road, Wigston, at about 2.15am.

"They saw him and another man go out onto the street and stopped them.

"The defendant produced a sword from behind his back, but when warned they had a Taser, he threw it to the ground."

The sword had a 40-centimetre long blade and was in a sheath.

A black handled knife used in the robbery was recovered from his flat.

Butler, 35, admitted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Judge Nicholas Dean QC said: "You targeted the premises and knew the person involved.

"You went there expecting to steal something of value.

"You were masked and wielding a knife when you threatened her.

"At first she didn't know who you were, until your mask slipped.

"There were others asleep in the house, including a child who woke up and was upset by what was going on.

"This was an extremely serious robbery.

"You also took a sword into the street, which is bad enough in itself.

Vasanti Vaitha, mitigating, said: "His background is one of drug abuse.

"He's remorseful for his actions and realises the enormity of the impact his offending has had on his own family as well as the victim.

"He acted impulsively and didn't think about his actions.

"His drug use spiralled out of control.

"He's not been before the courts since 2007 and it's his first appearance before a crown court

Masked knifepoint robber jailed


Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

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<b>9.15am: </b> Narborough Road clear. A606 at Upper Broughton, near Melton, remains closed.

<b>8.45am: </b>The A606 at Upper Broughton, just over the Leicestershire border, in Nottinghamshire, near Melton, is closed after a collision. Traffic continues queuing back past Fullhurst Avenue following the Narborough Road collision.

<b>8.20am: </b> Recovery is under way of vehicles involved in Narborough Road accident.Long traffic queues in the area.

<b>7.30am: </b>An accident on the city-bound Narborough Road near the petrol station, just before the Upperton Road junction is causing some delays, but is expected to be cleared soon, say Area Traffic Control. 

<b>For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:</b>

MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE.

LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/traffic.html... target="_blank">CLICK HERE.

NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/... target="_blank">CLICK HERE.

FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: http://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/flightinformati... target="_blank"> CLICK HERE.

WEATHER: See the latest http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk.co.uk/weather" target="_blank">five-day weather report for Leicester and Leicestershire

CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us http://twitter.com/Leicester_Merc" target="_blank">@Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Weather for Leicestershire

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It's a wet start to the week in the city and county, according to the Met Office.

  • Today

    Largely cloudy and misty with outbreaks of rain, which will be occasionally heavy. A strong northeasterly breeze will develop giving a cool feel to the day.Maximum Temperature 13C.

  • Tonight

    It will continue cloudy with occasional rain, although this becoming mainly light. . Brisk northeasterly winds will persist. Minimum Temperature 9C.

Weather for Leicestershire

Fire breaks out in conservatory of Beaumont Leys bungalow

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Fire has severely damaged a semi-detached bungalow in the Beaumont Leys area of the city.

Fire crews from Leicester's western station were called to Blackthorn Drive shortly after 2am after fire broke out in the wooden conservatory at the rear of the property.

Flames from the blaze spread into the home's roof void and adjoining properties were searched as a precaution.

The conservatory was severely damaged in the blaze, which also caused significant damage to the roof. The lounge was severely damaged by water.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service say the cause is believed to be an electrical fault.

Fire breaks out in conservatory of Beaumont Leys bungalow

Temperatures could hit 21 degrees next weekend

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Forecasters have predicted warm weather in Britain for next weekend with temperatures reaching as high as 21C in parts of the country.

Despite long-term predictions for a cold and frosty winter, chief forecaster Leon Brown at The Weather Channel said warmer weather would be back to southern Britain by next Friday and Saturday, temperatures possibly reaching 21C.

But he said that the weather "further north is likely to stay unsettled and wetter."

The Met office said we will have to pay for it  beforehand.

Heavy rain and thunder will hit the south and Midlands with 50 mph winds in the east. The dreary weather will last until the end of the week.

Temperatures could hit 21 degrees next weekend

Roxhill rail depot plan near Castle Donington which would create 7,000 jobs could soon be approved

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Plans for a massive rail freight depot in Leicestershire which will create up to 7,000 jobs could soon be given the go ahead.

Proposals for East Midlands Gateway, a 250-acre distribution hub near Castle Donington, have been submitted to the Government's Planning Inspectorate.

Rugby-based Roxhill, the developer behind the scheme, first revealed plans for East Midlands Gateway two years ago. It wants to build the development on land bordering Castle Donington, Hemington, Lockington and Kegworth, north of East Midlands Airport and near to Junction 24 of the M1.

The site, which would help to move goods from the airport to other areas of the country by rail and then lorry, would boast improved transport links to the M1, rail network and airport.

It would operate as an inland port – with a freight terminal receiving up to 16 trains a day running on a new railway line and space for container storage and lorry parking. It would also have 557,414 sq metres of warehousing.

Residents living nearby have expressed fears that their villages would be overwhelmed by the development, claiming it would create an eyesore, congestion and noise. But the developer said that as well as improving the surrounding road network, including a bypass at Kegworth and improvements to Junction 24 of the M1, the site would be "strategically landscaped".

In a statement, Roxhill said: "The proposal is expected to generate around 7,000 direct jobs and include training opportunities and integrated public transport facilities.

"Associated with the scheme will be large-scale road improvements and a new direct rail link to the Castle Donington branch freight line."

The plans can be viewed at the Parish Rooms, Castle Donington, from 10am to 12noon, Monday to Friday, until November 3. Roxhill said it hoped a decision on the scheme would be made by the end of next year.

Roxhill rail depot plan near Castle Donington which would create 7,000 jobs could soon be approved

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