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

New hope for dad in hotel fall

0
0

A father of six critically injured in a fall from a hotel balcony in Tunisia opened his eye and raised his thumb when he heard his sister's voice yesterday.

Karl Nethercot, 33, formerly of Leicester, had been in an induced coma for a week after the incident in the resort of Port El Kantaoui.

His mother and father, John and dawn, of West End, Leicester, and sister Mandi Dann, of Newfoundpool flew out to be at his bedside yesterday.

Mandi's partner, Stewart Smith, 36, said: "They went straight to the hospital. When Mandi said his name, he opened his eye and put his right thumb up. She asked if he knew it was her and he started nodding.

"We're ecstatic because it's the first positive sign. You can't put it into words what it feels like. Mandi said it was like all her Christmases had come at once – the signs are looking positive."

"We also know the police are no longer investigating and people are resting a bit easier knowing it was an accident."

Karl's parents have remortgaged their home to pay an expected £22,000 air ambulance bill to bring him home after Mr Nethercot's insurance company said his actions had invalidated his cover.


Lord Coe in Leicestershire to thank Olympic Games volunteers

0
0

The man who helped mastermind this year's Olympic Games is visiting Leicestershire tomorrow to say thank-you for the role played by volunteers.

Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, is visiting Loughborough College, where he will be talking to volunteers about their part in creating a lasting legacy.

The gamesmakers will be thanked by Lord Coe for their contribution towards helping thousands of spectators enjoy this summer's spectacle.

He said: "I'm delighted to be returning to Loughborough, a place I have a huge affection for, to see first-hand the incredible work being done to secure a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Games for Leicester and Leicestershire."

The visit has been organised by Inspire LeicesterShire, a committee set up to create a legacy from the 2012 Games.

The body's chairman, Andy Reed, said: "The past three years has seen some truly inspiring efforts."

He said Inspire LeicesterShire had supported 62 volunteers through a gamesmaker grant scheme and inspired more than 8,000 children and young people by taking elite athletes into schools and community groups.

Lord  Coe in Leicestershire to thank Olympic Games  volunteers

Leicester theatre extension plans set to be rejected

0
0

Plans to expand a theatre are likely to be rejected after a single objection was lodged.

Leicester Drama Society is seeking permission to add a six-storey extension to the 1930s-built, 350-seat Little Theatre, in Dover Street, Leicester.

Planning officers at the city council have received 19 letters of support for the scheme from amateur dramatics enthusiasts and The Theatre Trust.

However, they have also had one letter objecting to it from an agent for BPS, representing overseas investors in a next-door block of flats, who raised concerns about the extension blocking light to the property.

Officers have recommended to councillors meeting on Wednesday that they reject the scheme.

The society wants to build the extension, on stilts, over a car park.

It would include rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, a green room for the actors and storage space for sets.

Drama society chairman Rob Thirlby said: "We have had a lot of support from people since our proposal was written about in the Mercury.

"It was very pleasing but when we found out about the recommendation we were a bit shocked.

"It is not a numbers game but there was only one objection. I think a resident in a flat did not like it and has stirred things up a bit.

"We are going to do our best to garner support from councillors.

"The planning officers' report says what a wonderful thing the project would be but at the end suddenly does a U-turn and recommends refusal."

The theatre, where Lord Attenborough and rock star Jon Lord have trodden the boards, has not had significant redevelopment since a rebuilding in the late 1950s following a fire.

Mr Thirlby said the future success of the venue depended on the redevelopment.

Theatre-goer Jim Matthews, from Thurcaston, said: "The society members have been excellent custodians of the building, which is important in the cultural life of the city.

"It has accommodated top-class live entertainment for longer than any building in the city except De Montfort Hall.

"If it was just a bit bigger it could do much more. More space for bigger and heavier scenery would permit bigger and more ambitious shows."

Peter Butlin, of BPS, was unavailable for comment yesterday but his letter to planners said the extension was "of great concern".

He said: "The light to a number of flats looking out to the car park will be blocked completely."

He also said the car park was a point of access for emergency vehicles which must remain.

Planning officers said the scheme should be turned down because the proposed extension would be of "excessive height and mass" and would have a significant impact on neighbouring properties.

Bullying builder Patrick Doran, found guilty of aggressive practice at Leicester Crown Court

0
0

An unscrupulous builder masquerading as a master craftsman aggressively bullied retired customers.

Patrick Doran, trading as P & D Marshalls, boasted of being the "UK's number one" for block paving services and home improvements.

Despite his leaflets stating "Only quality counts", Doran's unhappy customers found his work was sub-standard.

The leaflet also bore a logo that falsely stated Doran was a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen.

At Leicester Crown Court yesterday, the 22-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in aggressive commercial practice against three pensioners, between January and November last year.

The unhappy customers included a retired man from Sapcote, who arranged to have a £2,500 driveway installed, but half-way through the work the defendant downed tools and demanded full payment in an intimidating manner, insisting he needed to buy materials.

The victim stood firm and refused pay up for what turned out to be a sub-standard job.

An 80-year-old man, also from Sapcote, was bullied and intimidated by Doran in relation to a £1,400 driveway.

When the victim did not want to pay for the unprofessional job, Doran produced a pick-axe and threatened to dig up the drive.

In the end, the pensioner paid £900 to the defendant.

Doran, of Gapton Hall Road, Great Yarmouth, admitted fraudulently representing to the second victim that he would be carrying out a competent job.

A 64-year-old woman from Earl Shilton originally agreed to have a £120 Tarmac path.

Doran then said more work was needed, costing about £600, and then demanded £320, which the woman refused.

When she offered a cheque for the agreed amount, he tried to insist on taking her to the bank to get cash.

Doran's defence counsel said he was still in "the business of driveways" and would be producing references from satisfied customers at the sentencing hearing on November 2.

Doran was released on bail for the preparation of a report.

The offence relating to aggressive commercial practice is relatively new and is designed to protect customers from unscrupulous selling techniques.

After the hearing, David Bull, head of Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards, said: "We will continue to bring prosecutions against those rogue traders that adopt these aggressive methods and mislead consumers."

The trading standards team advised people to be cautious when approached on their doorstep by traders, especially those offering home improvement work.

It said cold callers should not be allowed into the home and people should not agree to buy any goods and services on the doorstep.

Anyone with concerns about trading practices can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 404 0506.

National block paving company Marshalls plc, of Huddersfield, has no connection with the defendant, who trades under a similar name.

Bullying builder Patrick Doran,  found guilty of aggressive practice at Leicester Crown Court

Leicester Tigers' Tom Youngs aims to silence French crowd

0
0

Hooker Tom Youngs has emphasised the importance of silencing the French crowd when Leicester Tigers travel to Toulouse for their Heineken Cup clash with the four-time European champions.

The French giants boast an impressive record on home soil, having won 10 of their last 11 Heineken Cup games there.

Youngs has started all six of Tigers' Aviva Premiership games this season and could make his Heineken debut if selected for Sunday's encounter.

It would also be the first time Youngs has played competitive rugby in France. The former centre said he expects it to be a very loud and hostile place to play rugby.

"The French crowd will be loud and noisy and banging their drums," he said. "But you can silence them if you get stuck into their side and make them work hard. If we can do that, the crowd will start to settle down a bit.

"You've just got to take the crowd away from them.

"It will be great though – these are the sorts of occasions you want to play in, when it's like an arena and you're in battle."

Tigers have not enjoyed their visits to France in recent years, having lost all of their last five trips. Toulouse has also not been a happy hunting ground – Tigers have won only once there, back in 1997.

Despite the tough prospect facing them, Youngs said it is essential they chase something in the game.

"We are very confident. We are going to go there and try and win the thing and I think we've got the squad to do that," he said. "But, also, if they're in the lead, we'll be chasing that bonus point – you've got to chase something.

"Win or lose, we have to come away with something. If we win it, fair enough, we've got four or five points, but if we lose it, we've got to come away with that bonus point. End of."

Tigers will be looking to emulate Harlequins, who returned from Toulouse triumphant last season after picking up a famous 31-24 victory.

Youngs added that he is trying to stay as relaxed as possible.

"I think if you build it up in your heads too much you won't perform," he said. "You can't worry about them too much – they're a good side, but we play good sides week in, week out.

"It's about us getting our set-piece right, our line-out and scrum right and go from there.

"We will be trying to keep our discipline and not give away any silly penalties, but also build the pressure on them.

"You've just got to grab the bull by the horns as they say, really go for it and enjoy the whole experience.

"The pressure is on them. They don't want to lose at home. We've just got to go and perform."

Leicester Tigers' Tom Youngs aims to silence French crowd

Dean Thomas quits as boss of Hinckley United

0
0

Dean Thomas has resigned as manager of Hinckley United after 15 seasons in charge.

The 1-0 FA Cup qualifying round defeat by lower league Ossett Albion on Tuesday night was the final straw for a man who has becoming increasingly frustrated by the financial situation the club has found itself in.

Reduced budgets, unpaid tax bills and transfer embargoes have been a regular part of life for Thomas and his squad.

The 50-year-old former Notts County midfielder has finally decided to call it a day as this season's young squad have slumped to bottom of Conference North with just three points from nine games.

"I feel it appropriate to end my relationship with Hinckley United," said Thomas, who took charge of the club when Hinckley Athletic and Hinckley Town merged in 1997.

"It is with great sadness that I feel I can no longer take this club forward. We like to see improvements every season but, unfortunately, this just has not been achievable.

"The last three seasons have been seen as a constant battle against massive financial problems both for me, the players and the club, which has been well documented.

"I would like to wish all the board the very best in the future."

Dean  Thomas quits as boss of Hinckley United

Traders in Granby Street, Leicester, want action to help 'dead' city centre route

0
0

Business owners are concerned at the number of empty shops in what used to be a busy street.

At least 16 shops and offices in Granby Street, Leicester, are empty.

Jaswinder Lidder, owner of City Surplus Army and Navy outdoor clothing and equipment store, said: "Six years ago, the street was still quite vibrant.

"This used to be the main shopping street in Leicester but since then many businesses have either stopped trading or moved.

"The vacant shops bring the tone of the area down and put off shoppers."

Fabio Vassallo, general manager of San Carlo Italian restaurant, said: "This is supposed to be the city centre and it doesn't look good."

Another retailer, who did not want to be named, said: "I don't see the point in even talking about it – Granby Street is dead."

Recent companies to move out or close include Game Station, La Tasca restaurant, Blacks, Burger King and Cecil Jacobs.

Jessops is moving to the former Clinton Cards store in Gallowtree Gate.

The closures come despite a revamp which saw £3 million invested by the city council in paving, road layout and cycle lanes and the filling in of the underpass near the railway station.

But shoppers and visitors were unimpressed.

Emma Billingham, 20, a student who lives in Leicester's West End, said: "I don't normally come down here – it's not a nice side of town.

"The roads have improved, but they could have spent more on improving shops."

Julie Harrison, 45, of Leicester, said: "The street looks a bit run-down and dead."

Christine Guthrie, 63, of Oakham, said: "It looks like a rough area to me, judging by all the empty shops."

Mr Vassallo said: "The city council did the right thing by resurfacing Granby Street but after three years of disruption from the work, businesses need help – reduced rates would be an idea, at least in the short-term.

"The council also needs to do something to improve the appearance of the empty shops and deal with the piles of rubbish in alleyways."

Khalid Mohamad, manager of Wisla supermarket, said: "There needs to be an action plan to promote business.

"This should be a very good area right in the city centre."

City councillor Neil Clayton, whose Castle ward includes Granby Street, said: "I think the improvement works have made a huge positive difference.

"The reason for the lack of occupancy is the economy."

Fellow councillor Patrick Kitterick said: "There is cause for optimism in the long-term.

"When High Street was pedestrianised it took a couple of years to get going, and I think it will be the same for Granby Street."

Sarah Harrison, city centre director, said negotiations to reopen a number of empty premises were taking place with solicitors.

Traders in Granby Street, Leicester,  want action to help 'dead' city centre route

Leicester Mercury Sports Awards 2012: Event set to be a night to remember

0
0

It has been a sporting year that no-one will ever forget.

The sponsors and organisers of the 2012 Leicester Mercury Sports Awards are determined the night of honours will be a memorable event, too.

Champions (UK) Plc will be the event's headline sponsors for a second year, as well as organising the ceremony at Leicester Tigers' Welford Road stadium in January.

It will celebrate the sporting year across the country, which saw county athletes featuring on the Olympic and Paralympic stage in London.

The aim is to celebrate Leicestershire's outstanding sporting talent, from elite to amateur and junior level.

Amelia Benskin, senior manager at Costock's events management company Champions, said the company was "really pleased" to be involved again. She said: "Last year's awards night was an amazing occasion, demonstrating the importance of sport in communities.

"The awards also offer an opportunity to celebrate individual and team success that unite whole communities and provide inspiration for young people.

"I know the awards are going to be another amazing celebration of our most inspirational sporting heroes from the county.

"For us personally, 2012 has been a sporting year we will never forget and what better way to continue that amazing legacy than by celebrating the best sports stars from right here in Leicestershire?"

The Sports Awards, which will be launched later this month for a 16th year and take place on January 17, have already secured a high level of support from sponsors in the business world.

Amelia said: "It's an excellent opportunity to highlight the links between sport and business."

David Simms, Leicester Mercury Publisher, welcomed Champions' continued support.

He said: "Champions have made a massive impact on the Leicestershire business scene over the past few years," he said. "The business has seen its turnover soar by £9.12 million between 2008 and 2011 making it the fastest-growing business in Leicestershire over that period.

"We are looking forward to working once again with Amelia and the team on what we believe will be another truly magnificent event."

Snooker star Mark Selby was named the Mercury's Sportsman of the Year for 2011, athlete Gemma Steel taking the Sportswoman honours. Leicestershire Foxes were honoured as the Team of the Year, while the inaugural Lifetime Achievement award went to former Leicester City and Leicestershire CCC star Graham Cross.

Leicester Mercury Sports Awards 2012: Event  set to be a night to remember


Manu Tuilagi urges Leicester Tigers team-mates to 'seize the moment'

0
0

Manu Tuilagi says Leicester Tigers will have to 'seize the moment' when they take on four-times Heineken Cup winners Toulouse on Sunday.

The 21-year-old centre will be making his first-ever trip to the hotbed of French rugby.

Tuilagi believes that a Tigers win would give their Pool Two Heineken Cup campaign a "dream start".

With a huge salary bill and amazing depth in their squad, Toulouse will, once again, start as one of the favourites to lift Europe's Holy Grail.

And Tuilagi is relishing getting stuck into their star-studded line-up.

"As a rugby player, you want to challenge yourself against the best there is and sides like Toulouse are right at the top," he said.

"These sort of opportunities don't come along very often. You have to take them and make sure that you relish them.

"Personally, I have never been to Toulouse but I have seen and heard what a top side they are.

"And, as a team, we are really excited to get back into the Heineken Cup.

"We didn't do too well in the competition last year and all of the boys and the coaches want to get back into it.

"We want to show everyone that we can compete in the best competition in the northern hemisphere.

"I think we have the squad to do well this year.

"We have been looking forward to this game for ages and have had a really long week with plenty of time to prepare mentally and physically.

"Winning this game would be a dream start for us."

Tuilagi is set to start his fifth game of the season and will be involved in a fascinating battle in the centres with the likes of French internationals Yannick Jauzion and Florian Fritz.

While there will be plenty of other tasty head-to-head battles all over the pitch, Tigers will also have to put up with a cauldron of noise from the 35,000-capacity Municipal Stadium.

"Guys like Toby Flood and Ben Youngs have been there before and they know what it is like which really helps when you go to an intimidating place like that," said Tuilagi.

"I love playing at big grounds and against big sides like that. I really enjoy the challenge and, this week, it's going to be a huge challenge."

Tuilagi also promised that he would be seeking out elder brother Henry this week for some insider advice on how to win in the current Top 14 champions' back yard.

Former Tigers star Henry, 36, has been there on many occasions since joining Perpignan, in 2007.

"They are playing in Italy so he won't be at the game but I will ring him this weekend for some advice," said Tuilagi.

Manu Tuilagi urges Leicester Tigers team-mates to 'seize the moment'

'Hapless' mugger denies sex attack in Little Bowden, near Market Harborough

0
0

A man who admits he mugged two women as they walked home at night has denied the attacks were sexually-motivated attempted abductions.

Peter Smith (33) told police he was short of money when he robbed the victims in separate attacks, in Little Bowden, near Market Harborough, and Desborough, Northamptonshire.

He is accused of attempting to kidnap the women for sexual reasons.

Prosecutor Mary Loram told Northampton Crown Court that a 23-year-old woman was walking home in Scotland Road, Little Bowden, at 7pm on November 17 last year when Smith pulled up in a black Renault Clio.

"When he got out of the car, she became nervous and went down an alleyway towards a park area," said Miss Loram.

"The defendant followed her, approached her and pulled out a Stanley knife.

"He said this to her: 'Do what I tell you or otherwise I am going to stab you.'

"He told her to lie on the ground, which she did.

"He laid on top of her and seemed to be thrusting himself while on top of her. He tried to pull down her tights and skirt and she could tell he was aroused. But he was, in fact, quite hopeless and gave up.

"He got up and told her to get up, and said he was going to stab her.

"You might think pretty impressively, she grabbed his arm and realised she could overpower him and started to shout for help, so he ran away."

The jury was also told a 17-year-old walked past Smith sitting in his car in Desborough, at 8pm on February 18. He approached her, carrying a knife, and told her to get into his car.

The teenager managed to flag down a passing car and he fled, but she noted down part of his registration plate and he was arrested two hours later.

Smith was later picked out from an identity parade by the 23-year-old victim.

Miss Loram told the jury: "You are in an unusual position of not being asked to decide whether crimes were committed, but of having to decide which crime was committed.

"Is the defendant a hapless robber, or is this an attempt by him to limit the damage, to hide a much more worrying and sinister motive behind these assaults against these two young women?"

She said Smith said the women had "misinterpreted his actions".

But Miss Loram said Smith "did not actually steal anything" from the women, which "flies in the face of him being a robber".

She added: "And he has done it before, not robbery but kidnap of a young woman, in fact a girl."

Smith, of Rushton Road, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, is charged with possessing a Stanley knife, kidnap and sexual assault of the woman in Little Bowden, and attempted kidnap of the teenager in Desborough. He denies the charges.

The trial continues.

'Hapless' mugger denies sex attack in Little Bowden, near Market Harborough

Court lands coach firm Ausden Clark with a bill for £21,015 over safety breaches

0
0

A coach firm faces a £21,015 bill for breaching rules over drivers' hours and how they record their shifts.

Bosses at Ausden Clark Ltd, of Dysart Way, St Matthew's, Leicester, and 14 drivers admitted a string of charges at Leicester Magistrates' Court.

The company has 100 staff and 70 vehicles. It holds the contract for 35 school runs with the county council and provides coaches to hire for UK and European travel.

Prosecutor Chris Hallsworth told how police and officials from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) executed search warrants on the firm in October last year.

He said the raids, in which tachograph documents were seized, were carried out after VOSA received a tip-off that "ghost drivers" were in operation at the company.

He described ghost drivers as drivers using false names to enable them to work longer hours past the legal limit.

The court heard there was no evidence of "ghost drivers" but the seized documents showed breaches of regulations relating to drivers' hours and how they recorded their shifts.

He said drivers were allowed to fill in time sheets which did not correspond to hours they had worked according to the tachograph records.

Mr Hallsworth said: "We are talking road safety, road safety, road safety here. What all the cases do show is that there was a lack of system in place."

The company admitted 16 counts of using a vehicle when the driver failed to use a tachography record sheet or driver card.

It also admitted two counts of using a vehicle when the driver has insufficient rest within 24-hour period. It was ordered to pay £21,015.

The firm's transport manager Leslie Watts (57) of High Street, Kibworth admitted 10 counts of failing without reasonable excuse to make a relevant record/ entry, three counts of being the employer of a person using a vehicle when the driver has insufficient rest within 24 hour period and three counts of using a vehicle when the driver failed to use a tachography record sheet or driver card. He was ordered to pay £2,115.

Fourteen drivers also admitted offences.

In mitigation, Mark Laprell, for Ausden Clark, said it was a well-run, reputable company with no culture of cutting corners.

All charges relate to June and July last year.

After the hearing Paul Ausden-Clark, managing director of the firm, said he was going to write to the Traffic Commissioner to demand a public inquiry in to the case.

He said: "After examining more than 5,000 driver movements they came up with a small number of minor infringements. You would find that at any company like ours."

After the hearing, a spokesman for the East of England Traffic Commissioner said he would consider what action to take, which could include calling the firm to a public inquiry.

Last month Paul Ausden-Clark was ordered to pay £28,000 in fines and costs after admitting 74 offences of forging reports of coach inspections and maintenance work.

Leicester Crown Court was told at the time the company's licence could be revoked by the traffic commissioner because of the prosecution.

THE OFFENCES

Admitted failing without reasonable excuse to make a relevant record/entry:

Andrew Barratt (59) of Cross Hedge Close, Beaumont Leys, Leicester. Ordered to pay £615.

Robert Butler (33) of Green Walk, New Parks, Leicester. Also admitted knowingly making a false record. Ordered to pay £975.

Howard Curtis (54) of Somers Road, Thurnby Lodge. Ordered to pay £515.

John Dakin (54) of Tolcarne Road, Netherhall, Leicester. Also admitted insufficient daily rest in 24 hour period. Ordered to pay £525.

Gary Dilkes (40) of Paget Road, Lubenham. Two counts of this offence. Ordered to pay £765.

Stephen Gretton (46) of Wentworth Road, off Fosse Road, Leicester. Two counts of this offence. Ordered to pay £785.

Michael Pole (65) of Silbury Road, off Anstey Lane, Leicester. Two counts of this offence. Ordered to pay £1,115.

Robert Rayner (68) of Stoneywell Road, Beaumont Leys, Leicester. Two counts of this offence. Ordered to pay £1,235.

Matthew Smith (38) of Glaisdale Close, Beaumont Leys, Leicester, Two counts of this offence. Ordered to pay £1,075.

Found guilty in his absence of failing without reasonable excuse to make a relevant record/entry:

Carl Skidmore (44) of Waltham Avenue, Braunstone Leicester. Ordered to pay £535.

Admitted insufficient daily rest in 24-hour period:

Kelvin Cooper (56) of Barry Close, Kirby Muxloe. Ordered to pay £425.

Norman Berrington (56) Clowbridge Drive, Loughborough. Ordered to pay £455.

Parbhubha Mistry Bharatbhai (53) of Uttoxeter Close, Rushey Mead, Leicester. Admitted two counts. Ordered to pay £1,498.

Admitted knowingly making a false record:

Nigel Brotherton (53) of Sedgefield Drive, Thurnby. Ordered to pay £535.

Court lands coach firm  Ausden Clark  with a bill for   £21,015  over safety breaches

CCTV plea after woman assaulted in park in Beaumont Leys, Leicester

0
0

A 25-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in a park after being approached by a group of men.

The victim was in the park area between Krefeld Way and Bennion Road, in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, between 4pm and 6.30pm on Thursday September 27, when she was approached by four men.

Two of the men then sexually assaulted her.

Police officers have released CCTV images of four men who were in the area at the time of the incident, whom they would like to trace to help with inquiries.

Detective Constable Ros Coulton, the investigating officer, said: "The victim was left feeling distraught and upset by this assault and we are doing all we can to support her.

"We have been carrying out inquiries in the area since the incident was reported to us but now we want members of the public to help us locate those responsible.

"From our CCTV enquiries, we have identified four men as being in the area at the time of the incident. If you are these men, or know them, then I would urge you to come forward and help us with our enquiries."

Anyone with any information about the incident can contact Det Con Coulton on 101.

CCTV plea after woman   assaulted in  park  in Beaumont Leys, Leicester

Thurlaston teenager's care home death case is settled out of court

0
0

A teenager's parents have received a £6,000 payout from the care company that was looking after him when he suffered fatal injuries in a fall.

James Brotherhood, from Thurlaston, near Hinckley, died after falling from a windowsill while being supervised by staff at a home for people with brain injuries, run by Rushcliffe Care.

His parents, Suzanne and Dean, started legal action against the firm after a coroner raised concerns about his care.

Yesterday it emerged they had settled out of court.

The 18-year-old's inquest heard he was strapped into a wheelchair when he climbed up to see a motorbike he had heard outside the Aaron's Unit in Loughborough.

The hearing was told nearby carers did not physically intervene for "health and safety" reasons and that he fell, banging his head on the ground.

He died in hospital the following day – May 30, 2009.

As previously reported in the Mercury, coroner Robert Chapman recorded a verdict of accidental death caused by bleeding on the brain.

He said: "The issue I find the most difficult to deal with is that, for one or two minutes, James was holding on to the window frame with his wheelchair strapped to his back.

"The staff realised it was dangerous. No attempt seems to have been made to take simple action to intervene."

The coroner said his criticisms of the unit did not amount to neglect.

Yesterday solicitor Neil Clayton, of Harvey Ingram Shakespeares solicitors, who represents James' parents, told the Mercury: "James died as a result of a tragic accident that we say would have been avoided if Rushcliffe Care's staff had taken steps to stop him falling.

"We believe there were several opportunities that were missed to prevent him climbing on the window and to get him down safely once he had done so. I hope that lessons have been learned.

"I am pleased it has been settled relatively quickly because Suzanne and Dean have been struggling with this for more than three years."

Yesterday, Mrs Brotherhood, who is separated from James' father, said: "There were carers in the room at the time and they just stood next to him and watched him for several minutes before he fell. I believe they should have just grabbed him and stopped him from doing it, then my little boy might still be here."

She said she "didn't care about the money" but just wanted to understand how her son's death had happened.

James was being looked after by Rushcliffe Care as he had suffered brain damage after surgery to remove a tumour when he was nine.

The Mercury contacted Rushcliffe Care and was told nobody would be commenting.

Thurlaston teenager's care home death case is settled out of court

Midfielder Richie Wellens delighted at return to action

0
0

Midfielder Richie Wellens has spoken of his relief to be finally back in action after his knee injury.

Wellens made his debut for Ipswich against Cardiff on Saturday after joining the Tractor Boys on loan to gain match fitness following more than six months out of action with a knee injury.

"It's good to have played and been out on a pitch again, but it was just a shame we couldn't get the win," he said after the 2-1 defeat, a result which saw Cardiff knock City off top spot in the Championship.

"I thought we performed well against the team at the top and, in the end, we've made two mistakes and been punished.

"I remember coming here a few years ago and playing in the snow, I should have brought my shovel!

"It wasn't a great day for me as we lost the game, live on Sky and then after a long trip home I got back to find my house had been burgled, so that wasn't a great day!

"But I also know what a great stadium Portman Road is and I'm looking forward to playing here, getting some games and helping the side move up the table."

Marko Futacs and Martyn Waghorn were on target as the Leicester City's development squad continued their recent good form with victory over Nottingham Forest.

Both goals came in the first half as City made it five consecutive victories, to mirror the first team's form.

The under-21s are next in action at home to Coventry on October 19.

Midfielder  Richie Wellens delighted at return to action

Leicester City are better equipped for promotion this season, says striker David Nugent

0
0

Leicester City's squad this season is stronger and better equipped for a promotion push, believes striker David Nugent.

City's top scorer, who has netted five in the last five games as City have embarked on a winning streak, believes Pearson's summer signings have now bedded in and the squad has gelled superbly into a close group.

"I think we are a stronger squad this season, we are more of a unit," he said. "We are a close-knit bunch and we work for each other.

"It is a team game and we cover for each other every time someone is out of position. That is the main change.

"If we are all working together on the pitch, we will do well this season."

Last Saturday's 2-0 home victory over Bristol City at the King Power Stadium saw City sit briefly on top of the Championship table.

Nugent said that, although it was a brief stay at the summit, as Cardiff's win at Ipswich saw them regain top spot, it was reward for City's hard work in recent weeks.

However, City will now be a big scalp for Championship sides who are likely to raise their game against the promotion favourites, but Nugent backed City to be able to cope.

"I had not been at the top of the Championship since my Preston days and it is a nice feeling," he said. "It has been a long time and we deserve it because of the way we have been playing recently.

"Being top of the league makes you the team to beat but we have shown in the last five games that we are not going to let it go lightly.

"We have Birmingham when we come back from the international break, which will be a tough game but they are beatable."

As Bristol City showed, opponents have been paying City the ultimate compliment of changing their systems to stifle City's numerous attacking threats, but Nugent said they are still confident of creating chances.

"Most teams coming here do that but me and Jamie Vardy have to press from the front and put them under pressure," he said.

"We have shown in the first 20 minutes on Saturday that we were all over them and created plenty of chances. We didn't take them but we did get the lead.

"We took our foot off the pedal, as we usually do, but it was a good solid performance."

Leicester City  are better equipped for promotion this season, says striker David Nugent


Rugby World Cup snub of Leicester Tigers is 'nonsensical'

0
0

Sports fans are demanding that the organisers of the 2015 Rugby World Cup rethink their decision to snub Leicester Tigers' famous Welford Road ground as a tournament venue.

More than 500 Tigers fans have set up a Facebook page calling for Welford Road to be included in rugby's premier event, and Leicestershire MPs have been quick to back the campaign.

Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth has written to Sport Minister Hugh Robertson, and to the tournament organisers, England Rugby 2015, calling for the decision to be reconsidered.

He said: "Welford Road is the largest club ground in the country and Tigers is the most successful professional rugby club in England. The decision not to include Welford Road is nonsensical."

The row erupted yesterday after the tournament organisers announced a list of 17 potential venues for World Cup matches which did not include Welford Road, even though it is England's largest club rugby stadium with a capacity of 24,000.

The majority of the venues are football grounds, including Leicester City's King Power Stadium. Only one is a club rugby ground – Gloucester's Kingsholm stadium, which holds 16,000.

The shortlist will be cut to either 10 or 12 venues next year.

The organisers said that the main reason Welford Road was not selected was because the pitch is not big enough. It is four metres shorter than the smallest criteria of 95 metres.

John Griffiths, of the Leicester Tigers Away Supporters' Club, said: "This is a slap in the face for the spirit of rugby. The atmosphere at a full Welford Road is amazing, much better than a two-thirds-full football ground."

Harborough MP Sir Edward Garnier said: "It is unthinkable that Welford Road would be unsuitable to host a match between the likes of Argentina and Japan, for example.

"Welford Road is the capital of Midlands and international club rugby.

"This is not to decry the excellent facilities at the King Power Stadium. But that is a venue dedicated to a sport using a different shaped ball."

Leicestershire MPs David Tredinnick, Liz Kendall and Andrew Bridgen also called for a rethink.

In yesterday's Mercury, Tigers chairman Peter Tom said the club was "hugely disappointed" with the decision and pointed out that Welford Road had hosted many major occasions over the years, including visits from South Africa, Australia and Argentina national teams in recent seasons.

Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage.

Paul Wright posted on the Leicester Tigers Ultras Facebook page: "Another slap in the face from the powers-that-be. Why we bother contributing so much to the national cause is beyond me."

On Twitter, Warren Manger said: "Feel sorry for LeicesterTigers that Welford Road not shortlisted."

Matt Elliott said: "It is a shocking decision that Welford Road hasn't been chosen for the RWC. But at least Leicester is represented."

Rugby World Cup snub of  Leicester Tigers is 'nonsensical'

Runners set to pound Leicester's streets this Sunday

0
0

Leicestershire's Claire Lomas who famously completed the London  Marathon in 16 days using her ReWalk suit will officially start the Leicester Marathon on Sunday (October 14). 

The marathon, which starts in Victoria Park, raises funds for local charities, LOROS and the Matt Hampson Foundation.

Claire, who was paralysed from the chest down after a horse riding accident in 2007, is an ambassador for the charity Spinal Research. 

She completed this summer's London Marathon to raise funds for rehabilitation and research into spinal cord repair. 

Her epic feat was recognised throughout the athletic and Paralympic community and she was invited to open the London Paralympic Games.

 

Claire said: "I'm delighted to be asked to start the race in aid of such great charities, but also glad to not be taking part in this marathon. I wish all the runners the very best of luck."

 

This year the marathon will include the LOROS Maza Fun Run which is for people of various fitness levels to get involved in. 

The Fun Run will start in Abbey Park and finish in Victoria Park, where the full and half marathon runners finish and collect their medals. 

Race programme

Entry desk opens at 7.30am on the day - (on the day entry fee is £50)

Enquiry desk opens 8am

START - 9.15am The Leicester Marathon, the Half Marathon and Freeth Cartwright Corporate Relay.

START - 9.30am Ted Toft Mile For Young People

At 10am awards will be presented to the Ted Toft Mile winners in Victoria Park

At 10.15am first half marathon finisher expected at Victoria Park

At 11am  awards will be presented to the half marathon winners in Victoria Park

At 11.45am the first full marathon runner is expected back at Victoria Park

At 12.15pm the last of half marathon runners are expected back at Victoria Park

At 12.30pm awards will be presented to the full marathon winners in Victoria Park

At 3.15pm the last of the Leicester marathon runners expected are back. 

ROUTE: There are no major climbs during the course, only gradual inclines, but the last mile is uphill, the first mile is downhill. 

The course is run in a predominately anti-clockwise direction. 

Please follow the instructions of the marshals and adhere to the highway rules. 

Runners should always keep to the left hand side of the road, unless otherwise instructed.

PARKING There will be roadside parking around the park and university. 

People should arrive between 7.30am - 8am the free spaces fill up the quickest. 

Disabled parking is  available at the front of De Montfort Hall. 

Granville Road car park will be limited to pay and display.

There is an NCP Car Park on East Street, which is only a 10-15 minute walk from Victoria Park.

For extra parking - Park on Regent College's ground for £5.

NUMBER 

Runners can collect their numbers prior to the day. 

This will also have a timing chip attached which runners must wear and the race number should be on the front of competitors running tops. 

Any altering of the number will lead to disqualification. 

The number is only to be worn by the person who signed the disclaimer and must not be passed to anyone else.

THE ROUTE The Marathon will split off at the six mile point and rejoin at the same point 13.1 miles later. Toilets will be at miles six, 15, 19 miles and at the finish.

MP3 PLAYERS Please leave these at home. Please do not bring them to the event. 

The wearing of MP3 players are NOT permitted at this event. 

If you flout this rule you will be removed from the results. 

Under health and safety ruling please do not wear them.

Runners set to pound Leicester's streets this Sunday

English GCSE exam resit: Your questions answered

0
0
More than 45,000 students are to resit their English GCSEs next month after complaining they had been downgraded. Figures from exam boards show about one in 14 of those who took the exam earlier this year will take the paper again. The move follows a row about grades this summer. But what is the dispute about, and who will be affected? Find out with our simple Q&A. The basics The move to allow pupils to resit their papers follows the shifting of English GCSE grade boundaries which left thousands of pupils with lower grades than expected. Many pupils who had been expecting a crucial C grade were given a D as a result of the grade boundary changes. This means many will miss out on college places. Head teachers urged England's exams regulator Ofqual to investigate when it was revealed that grade boundaries for the exams changed between January and June. Heads claim those who sat the exam in June were put at an unfair disadvantage over those who sat them earlier in the year. Exam boards told reporters grade boundaries had changed significantly mid-way through the year. Alterations were as much as 10 marks. Anger intensified when Ofqual refused to order exam boards to regrade the English GCSE. It acknowledged grade boundaries had changed part way through the year, but stood by the new June grading system. Instead of regrading, pupils would be offered early resits in November, Ofqual said. While it has refused a regrade, it is investigating the quality of exam marking, following complaints about the unreliability of some results. Who will retake? Pupils from England, Wales and Northern Ireland have been offered the chance to redo part or all of their GCSE English. Figures from four exam boards, AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC, show more than 45,000 candidates have opted to take part in the November resit. Of these, the majority - around 32,000 - are candidates with the AQA board. This is because AQA has a high number of GCSE English students, with 380,000 sitting the qualification in the summer. Both OCR and Edexcel each have around 4,300 candidates taking part in the resit, and WJEC, the Welsh exam board, has around 4,700. Exam boards are offering the English resits free of charge to schools. However, head teachers have warned thousands of London teenagers will miss out on the chance to re-sit their English GCSEs, the Evening Standard reports. Pupils who have left school, started work or moved house will miss out, and children from schools that do not have sixth forms will be the hardest hit, heads claim. Is everyone happy with the retake plan? No. Head teachers say pupils who were affected should not have to resit, as the problems were not their fault. They are calling for this summer's GCSE English papers to be re-graded. Local authorities, teaching unions and schools have begun a legal challenge against exams regulator Ofqual's refusal to re-grade the papers in England. In an unprecedented move, they have written formally to Ofqual and exam boards AQA and Edexcel, threatening to seek a judicial review. As of today the alliance is pressing for June's papers to be regraded in line with the January C-grade boundaries. In its pre-action letter, the alliance said pupils who took GCSE English in June had been treated with "conspicuous unfairness", BBC News reports. A spokesman for the alliance said that following a meeting of legal representatives on Wednesday, it had been decided a claim for a judicial review will be put forward next week. Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), maintains: "We've said all along this is not the solution, because if the exams are graded in the same way as they were in the summer then students will still find their results are down. "What this shows is that it is a gross injustice that this vast number of students are being subjected to go through a resit when the fact is this is not their fault." Last month a GCSE English moderator of 16 years resigned over the shifting of English GCSE grade boundaries. In his resignation letter Mr McKenzie said the grade boundary shift was "the worst decision ever made by AQA". What has happened elsewhere? In Wales, Education Minister Leighton Andrews ordered the WJEC exam board to regrade Welsh students' English papers. As a result, nearly 2,400 Welsh pupils who took English with the exam board received better results, BBC News reports.

English GCSE exam resit: Your questions answered

Missing 73-year-old man from Leicester found

0
0
A 73-year-old man who was reported missing from his Leicester home has been found. Tat Liu, was reported missing from his home in New Parks, on Wednesday morning. He was found in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, 11 October). Police thanked the public for their help with the search.

Appeal for witnesses after cash van robbery at De Montfort University

0
0
Leicester police are appealing for witnesses after three masked men robbed a cash van at De Montfort University. The raiders threatened two G4S security guards and stole a quantity of cash. One of the guards was injured during the robbery. The robbery happened at about 6.15am on Tuesday when the guards were making a collection from a cash machine in Mill Lane. Police said the robbers fled in a Volkswagen Golf along The Newarke, Western Boulevard and then in the direction of Dunns Lane. The suspects have been described as being of medium build, between 5ft 8in and 6ft and were wearing dark clothing with their hoods up and balaclavas covering their faces. Detective Constable Denise Reidy said: "One of the guards received minor injuries but both were understandably shocked by the incident and we are urging anyone with information to come forward. "We have spoken to some witnesses and carried out various enquiries but the public can help. There were people in and around the university at the time of the incident that may have seen the suspects and I would urge them to get in contact." Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Det Con Reidy or Pc Gail Warden on 101. RELATED ARTICLE: Armed gang grab G4S security van cash at De Montfort University campus

Appeal for witnesses after cash van robbery at De Montfort University

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images