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Environmental health officers shut grocery store after finding dead rat behind freezer

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Environmental health officers closed a grocery store down on the spot after finding a dead rat behind a chest freezer.

Members of the food safety team from Leicester City Council shut the Spar in Millstone Lane, Leicester city centre, during a routine inspection on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Nicki Agalmanyi told Leicester Magistrates' Court yesterday (FRI) how the officers found evidence that the shop was infested with rats.

She said that the team found rat droppings and urine on a number of surfaces in a variety of rooms within the premises.

Ms Agalmanyi said: "The officers found that the premises was suffering from an infestation of rats.

"They found a dead rat behind a chest freezer."

She said the store had started selling hot food such as burgers, jacket potatoes, sausage rolls and sandwiches four weeks ago.

Environmental Health officer Claire Douglas said: "There were droppings on a shelf which shows that the rats were climbing around as well as being on the floor."

She said there were holes under doors which gave the rats access into the shop and free reign to roam once inside the store.

Ms Douglas said that rat droppings had been found near to shelves with fresh fruit and vegetables on sale.

The environmental health officer said they closed the shop on Wednesday and revisited it on Friday.

She said: "Some cleaning had been done and some holes sealed off but there is more that needs to be done. We found more fresh droppings."

Ms Douglas told the court that rats carry a number of diseases such as salmonella and E.coli 0157.

She said: "Bacteria can be transmitted via urine and droppings as well being transferred from the feet and bodies of rats.

"Bacteria can survive in droppings and urine a for long periods so rats present a significant risk to public health."

Martin Tolley, the food business operator at the store, did not appear at court.

He is the sole director of the Famous Enterprise Cocktail Company Ltd which runs the Spar shop.

Ms Douglas said that Mr Tolley had told her he had been having rat problems for three months. He told her he had caught two rats in traps he laid himself.

The court heard that Mr Tolley had now employed a builder to help seal the holes with concrete and to repair the holes under doors.

Ms Douglas said that he had also employed a professional pest control firm to try to get rid of the rat infestation.

Chairman of the bench Tarlochan Rayt granted the application for a hygiene emergency provision order.

He said he was satisfied the shop presented a serious risk to public health.

The shop will be closed until the food safety team deem it is no longer a risk to human health.

Environmental health officers are due to inspect the shop on Monday.

Mr Tolley was ordered to pay £650 costs.

Environmental health officers shut grocery store after finding dead rat behind freezer


Leicester City v Crystal Palace: Stakes could not be higher for both sides

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The stakes could not be higher for Leicester City and Crystal Palace on Saturday when the two sides meet at the King Power Stadium.

Victory for both sides would provide a huge boost in their fight for Premier League survival.

A defeat for both sides would be a huge blow to those hopes.

With City still bottom of the table but just three points from safety, and the fact that Nigel Pearson's men are on home soil, the need for the victory is even greater.

That is especially so as, after tomorrow, City then face three away league games on the trot at Arsenal, on Tuesday, and then at Everton and Manchester City.

Pearson knows it is a big day in City's season but he said whatever the outcome, they still have belief they can take the fight all the way to the last day of the season. 

"We've been bottom for a while and there is always an incentive to know that the three points can give us the possibility of making process," he said.

"It's where we are at the end of May that's the most important. 

"Psychologically it will be nice to make some progress. 

"There are some games that, on the face of it, look more winnable than others, but the reality is not always that straightforward. 

"Both sides will be going into this game in the knowledge that, if they play well enough, they have a good chance of winning the game, and that puts possibly a bit more pressure on the players to go out and perform to get that elusive win we need."

Both sides were active in the January transfer window, and Mark Schwarzer and Andrej Kramaric could make their full home debuts tomorrow.

Palace spent £10million on seven players during the month, signing Shola Ameobi, Jordan Mutch, Pape Souare and Wilfried Zaha on a permanent deal, while Yaya Sanogo joined on loan from Arsenal.

However, Palace will be without influential captain Mile Jedinak after he returned from the Asia Cup with an ankle injury.

Matty James returns for City after suspension, while Riyad Mahrez is back after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Leicester City v Crystal Palace: Stakes could not be higher for both sides

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival: Meet Matt Forde

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Matt Forde: 24 Hour Political Party People

Tomorrow (Saturday, February 7)

Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall

Name: Matt Forde

Age: 35

First show: I was very young, in my teens. It was in Nottingham and I had five minutes – I didn't get many laughs but I didn't get booed off either.

Worst show: I've had a few. I died on my backside in Mansfield, a woman at the back of the room shouted, 'give him a chance' – I felt like she was my mum telling off the bullies. It was horrible, one of the worst gigs of all time.

Best show: Probably Russell Howard's good News, that was very exciting.

What do you if people don't laugh: Soldier on and get on with it. You should never make it awkward by stopping.

What's the worst thing somebody has heckled during one of your shows: I don't usually get heckles, most people just shout out questions.

If you could be any other person for the day, who would it be and why: Ronald McDonald, think of all the hamburgers and chicken nuggets I could eat.

If you were stuck on a desert what one item would you take: Oasis's album, 'Be Here Now' – I listen to it all the time anyway. Obviously I'd need something to play it on too.

To buy tickets to any of the events mentioned, click here.

Have you voted for you Legend of Comedy 2015 yet? Vote here.

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival 2015

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival: Meet Matt Forde

Leicester City v Crystal Palace: Villain who became fans' hero – Alan Pardew

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Every manager needs a thick skin, but Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has shown he has the hide of a rhino.

The Palace boss is experiencing a complete transformation in how he is perceived by his own supporters following his departure from
Newcastle to take up the reins at Selhurst Park.

The controversial 53-year-old was vilified by the Magpies fans and suffered vitriol on a game-by-game basis as large sections of the
supporters wanted his, and owner Mike Ashley's, departure.

During City's defeat at St James' Park, Pardew was targeted by his own supporters at half-time despite the game being locked at 0-0 and completely in the balance. 

Newcastle went on to win that game, which sparked a run of six consecutive victories but still the discontent continued. 

And yet this was a manager who won Premier League Manager of the Season award for the 2011-12 campaign, becoming the first
Newcastle manager to do so. 

He was given the award after an impressive season with Newcastle where he guided them to a European place.

He also won the LMA Manager of the Year award, which made him the first and only English manager to win the two individual awards in a single Premier League season.

With those achievements long forgotten by the Geordie faithful, it was no surprise he decided to swap St James' Park for Selhurst Park, in December, and joined a club where his achievements as a player still stick in the memories of the club's supporters.

Pardew is highly regarded by the Eagles fans, who associate him with one of the greatest moments in the club's history, when he scored the dramatic winner in the FA Cup semi-final that took them to Wembley in 1990.

As Nottingham Forest fans will note, being a playing hero only buys you so much time as a manager but Pardew has got off to good start and last week's defeat at home to Everton was his first since his return.

Palace begin Saturday's game against Leicester City only four points above the relegation zone, and the last time Pardew took over a London club when they were in a similar, although slightly worse, position was Charlton in 2006. He failed to keep them up, resulting in his first relegation as a player or manager.

But Palace have shown they are prepared to back their new man as they look to build on the fact that last season was the first time in Premier League history they have been able to survive in the top flight for more than one campaign.

Palace spent £10million in the January transfer window to bring in seven new players and now boast a hugely impressive array of attacking options.

They also arrive at the King Power Stadium with influential midfielder Mile Jedinak back from Australia's Asia Cup triumph.

Pardew also seems to have managed to gain a level of self-control on the touchline after several unsavoury clashes with rival managers and even Hull player David Meyler.

The question is can he maintain his cool and Palace's Premier League status?

Leicester City v Crystal Palace: Villain who became fans’ hero – Alan Pardew

Leicester v Crystal Palace: 4-4 draw and City went on to stay up – match of yesteryear

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When Leicester City welcomed Crystal Palace to Filbert Street on January 2, 1988, the result would go on to define their season.

There is certainly the same feeling of importance heading into Saturday afternoon's meeting.

On that day 27 years ago, struggling City fought back from 4-2 down to secure a 4-4 draw against an Eagles side flying high in the old Division Two.

Goals came from striker Paul Reid, a penalty from Gary McAllister, as well as from young defender Tony Brien and striker Steve Wilkinson, both making rare appearances in the first team.

Within the Palace team was a certain Alan Pardew, now in charge of the side he made 170 appearances for as a player.

The remarkable, if somewhat ironic, comeback from a side that had failed to score in their seven previous games sparked what was a dismal season into life.

The 1987-88 campaign had started as badly as the previous one had ended.

Having suffered relegation from Division One the season before, City went on to lose five of their first six games.

Something had to be done. Manager Bryan Hamilton signed the imposing strike duo of the 'Mighty Finn' Jari Rantanen, a Finland international from IFK Goterberg, and Mike Newell from Luton Town for a club-record £350,000.

Results picked up, but only briefly. City lost midfielder Ian Wilson to Everton for £300,000. Normality resumed.

The club embarked on a record run of seven games without a goal. Six defeats and a goalless draw saw them flirting firmly with relegation.

Amid this dire run, with City languishing, Hamilton was sacked. 

David Pleat was named his successor, just two months after his successful spell at Tottenham had ended for what can only be described as 'non-footballing reasons'.

Support was beginning to fade. Attendances at Filbert Street had dropped to as low as 7,500 that season and were averaging just a few thousand more.

The eight-goal thriller that followed, then, came as quite a shock. The only thing more surprising was that 10,000 fans had still bothered to turn up.

Perhaps they had come to see the high-flying Eagles, who had fired in 56 goals in 26 games and were just a point off the top.

Against a side so relentless in front of goal, the last thing City wanted to do was gift the visitors easy goals. That was exactly what they did.

Young central defenders Phil Horner and Brien could hardly put a foot right.

Horner was at fault for Phil Barber's opener on 14 minutes before Brien, while managing to equalise five minutes later, quickly turned from hero to villain as his misplaced pass allowed Glenn Pennyfather to smash home a spectacular 25-yard half-volley.

McAllister scored from the penalty spot to put City back on level terms.

Again, it was short-lived. Horner, at fault once more, nodded into the path of Ian Wright, who gave Palace the lead for a third time.

It was extended four minutes from the break when Pardew set up Wright at the back-post.

At half-time, City looked dead and buried. But Reid inspired the resurrection in bizarre circumstances 10 minutes into the restart.

Palace keeper George Wood raced out of his area to the right touchline, only to clear the ball straight upfield to Reid who curled home from nearly 50 yards.

The comeback was complete soon after. Great work from Newell set up Wilkinson for his first goal for the club.

He almost won it for City late on, too, when he headed over from Rantanen.

"This is the fourth time I have seen the side now," said Pleat. "I am learning all the time and today I learned that they were never going to give up, no matter what."

And they didn't. The result sparked a dramatic upturn in results, seeing Leicester lose just three of their last 18 games, winning 10 and drawing five. City finished the season 13th and safe.Thanks to Leicester City historian John Hutchinson for his help on the article.

Leicester City: Andrews, James, Venus, Horner, Brien, Jobling, McAllister, Wilkinson, Newell, Ramsey, Reid. Subs: Morgan (51 for James) Rantanen (85 for Reid). Goals: Brien (19), McAllister (pen 32), Reid (54), Wilkinson (61)

Crystal Palace: Wood, Stebbing, Burke, Pennyfather, Nebbeling, Cannon, Pardew, Thomas, Barber, Wright, Redfearn. Subs: Bailey (85 for Barber), O'Doherty. Goals: Barber (14), Pennyfather (21), Wright (37, 41)

Attendance: 10,104

Leicester v Crystal Palace: 4-4 draw and City went on to stay up – match of yesteryear

Leicester Cathedral's alcohol licence bid is rejected

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Councillors have refused permission for a bar to be set up in Leicester's Cathedral Gardens.

The cathedral's St Martin's House wanted to be able to sell alcohol in the recently-opened £2.5 million public space outside the historic church.

Cathedral officials applied for a new licence which would allow them to open the bar in the gardens for events catering for up to 5,000.

However, members of Leicester City Council's licensing committee said St Martin's House had not provided enough information on how they would stage events such as weddings, films shows and carnivals.

They were not persuaded the public would not be able to use the bar if they were not specifically attending events.

They did however grant a licence allowing two events a week in the summer months of June, July and August and allowed a bar to dispense alcohol in the cathedral.

Cathedral bosses have previously successfully gained temporary licences to serve drink within the cathedral for fund-raising events.

Before the licensing hearing, residents had complained about potential noise and nuisance from outdoor events.

Ward councillor Patrick Kitterick said the application could turn an area of quiet contemplation into a "glorified nightclub" and that the cathedral was acting in bad faith

He was unable to attend the hearing on Thursday where St Martin's House manager Nick Quinn challenged his comments.

Mr Quinn said: "I find the term 'glorified nightclub' is extremely unhelpful and the Church of England is not acting in bad faith whatsoever.

"My goal is to work with residents. There has been a lot of interest in Cathedral Gardens to have events.

"It would be nice to offer the public dispensed alcohol at certain times."

He stressed all events would be managed tightly by his trained staff and pointed out St Martin's House already had a licence covering most of it requirements.

He said it had not led to any problems with nuisance or noise.

Mr Quinn was asked how many outdoor events could be held. He said: "It could be a dozen, it could be one a month. Who knows? It could be every weekend but I doubt it."

He added: "I think a lot of this has been blown out of proportion. I run a property in a ward and for my councillor to speak out on this is unfair and questionable."

Guildhall Lane resident Ena Martin opposed the application. She said "It's the noise that concerns me most. There would be large events every weekend.

"It would give the cathedral free rein to do whatever they want."

Leicester Cathedral's alcohol licence bid is rejected

Leicester City's home form is key to survival, says Nigel Pearson ahead of crucial Crystal Palace match

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Leicester City have to address their disappointing home points return if they are to survive in the Premier League.

That is the view of manager Nigel Pearson ahead of Saturday's huge clash with Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium (3.0).

While performances on home soil have been generally positive, they have masked the fact that City have won just once in eight Premier League games at the King Power Stadium.

Five of those have been defeats, the last being against Stoke three weeks ago. Pearson said that has to change if City are to survive.

"We are aware of the fact that our home form has to improve, there's no doubt about that," said Pearson. 

"Even before a ball has been kicked you know the home performances and results are going to be very important. 

"The reason many people aren't aware of it is because we have not played that badly, and that's frustrating. 

"We have seen plenty of good performances but the results haven't really come. We're still very confident that will change.

"Looking at a number of the games we have failed to win, the draws against Burnley and Sunderland were frustrating.

"The defeat against Stoke we didn't feel we performed as well as we could on the day, but again that was another tight game. 

"Then, of course, we have had draws against a couple of really decent sides as well. 

"I suppose it shows you that to be a success at home is not just about playing well, it is about being effective when you are not firing on all cylinders. 

"We would have expected to have had better home form in terms of results, but we still feel we can change that."

Despite that record, Pearson said there is no anxiety or negativity in the camp ahead of such an important game.

"I don't know whether people make the assumption that because of our league position there is a sense of negativity," he said. 

"There isn't that at all. Whenever you see the players train or play there is a freedom.

"I don't think they play with anxiety or fear, which is important.

"I have had belief and the players have had belief all season."

Leicester City's home form is key to survival, says Nigel Pearson ahead of crucial Crystal Palace match

Leicester City v Crystal Palace - Premier League LIVE!

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Leicester City face a huge clash in their fight for Premier League survival as they welcome Crystal Palace to the King Power Stadium. Nigel Pearson's men remain three points from safety after a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend. Crystal Palace currently sit 13th in the table, six points ahead of Leicester, following their 1-0 defeat to Everton – Alan Pardew's first since taking charge. The last time these sides met saw Palace come away 2-0 victors at Selhurst Park, which kicked off City's dismal 13-game winless run. A result, therefore, is crucial. If you can't get to the match, we will be covering the game live with text commentary from the King Power Stadium. Sports reporter James Sharpe will be providing details of the action and analysis of the game. You can put your questions, views and comments to James during the game using the interactive link on the match commentary or you can tweet him @TheSharpeEnd. The action will start at 2.45pm on Saturday with the announcement of the teams and the pre-match build-up.
Live Blog Leicester City v Crystal Palace - Premier League LIVE!
 

Leicester City v Crystal Palace - Premier League LIVE!


The Big Question: Do you think e-cigarettes are a good idea?

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As part of our Stop Smoking campaign, two GP have given their views on the arguments for and against the use of e-cigarettes. Dr David Shepherd, a GP at Saffron Group Practice, in Saffron Lane, said he was concerned their use would mean smokers would continue to have a conventional cigarette from time to time. He was also concerned they may glamourise smoking again. However, Dr Paul Danaher, from Groby Road Medical Centre, in Newfoundpool, Leicester, said e-cigarettes have revolutionised nicotine replacement for many people. He said there are many stories of smokers switching to e-cigarettes and never touching tobacco again. What do you think? Have your say in our poll at the bottom right of this article.

The Big Question: Do you think e-cigarettes are a good idea?

Conservative councillor could face expulsion after "racist, sexist and pornographic" email allegations

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A Tory councillor alleged to have sent "racist, sexist and pornographic" emails could face party disciplinary action.

Councillor Peter Batty stepped down as leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council's Conservative opposition group earlier this week following a report in a Sunday newspaper that he forwarded a string of offensive messages to a circle of colleagues and associates.

Acting Conservative group leader councillor Kevin Morrell has now said the members will look at possible sanctions against Coun Batty.

They could include a formal reprimand or expulsion from the group.

Coun Batty denies sending some of the more extreme emails, sent in a dossier to the Mercury, but admits sending others including jokes about Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg and one with an image of a naked woman.

He has apologised for any offence that was caused and resigned the leadership just before his colleagues were to hold a vote of no confidence in him.

Coun Morrell said: "Peter Batty's conduct has fallen well below that expected of someone in his position and the group acted decisively to deal with the matter.

"It is good that Peter finally realised what other group members knew all along, that his position was untenable.

"It is a matter of regret that this situation is likely to be a distraction in respect of the good work of councillors across Hinckley and Bosworth."

Coun Batty has alleged some Conservatives have conducted a hate campaign against him to remove him as leader.

He has said he plans to ask county Tory officials to investigate the alleged campaign against him.

Coun Morrell said: "Peter is entitled to make whatever complaints he likes.

"We have taken advice and we have done everything properly.

"We cannot be accused of not taking strong and robust action, even in the face of an upcoming election.

"There has been no witch hunt or campaign in the group against Peter."

Coun Batty said: "This disgraceful and disingenuous hate campaign against me, driven by a small group of individuals with personal grudges has made my wife very ill and that is why I decided to resign as the council's Conservative group leader."

Conservative councillor could face expulsion after

Progress in A&E waits despite dip in performance

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A top hospital manager has praised staff for their efforts in working to speed up treatment for patients in the A&E department at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Figures for the past week show that not as many people were seen within the Government's four hour target as they should have been.

However, Richard Mitchell, chief operating officer at Leicester's hospitals, told fellow directors that "it does feel better at the moment - it does feel as if progress is being made".

Mr Mitchell said there had been some "difficult" days this week.

Figures show that on Sunday (Feb 1), more than 98 per cent of the 376 patients in A&E were seen within the target time of four hours. The minimum requirement is 95 per cent of patients being seen within that time.

The target was narrowly missed on Wednesday and Thursday, with just under 94 per cent patients seen in four hours.

However, Mr Mitchell said he was "very concerned about the admission level continuing to be up" at A&E.

Latest figures show during December 2014 there were 6,759 emergency admissions, compared to just over 6,000 for the previous December - a 12 per cent increase.

Mr Mitchell said: "There is no doubt that in recent weeks the wider system has stepped up its response, in particular by extending on-site presence of community and social care staff.

"This has been of significant benefit and it is important that this input is maintained."

He added: "Thank you to all staff and to staff from the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust for their efforts in helping to support us with patient discharges."

Mr Mitchell said that the position had been helped by an improved discharge process and increasing the number of senior managers working over weekends.

He added: "We are still a long way from where we need to be consistently but it is better."

Health campaigner Zuffar Haq, a member of the Leicester Mercury Patients' Panel said more should have been done earlier in the winter.

He added: "It was too little, too late. All parts of the NHS need to work together earlier from October onwards to alleviate the A&E problem."

Progress in A&E waits despite dip in performance

Leicester man, 71, jailed for sexual offences against four boys

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A 71-year-old man has been jailed for 18 years for committing sexual offences against four boys.

Michael Sharman, of Harrowden Court, Rowlatts Hill, Leicester, was found guilty of buggery, attempted buggery and indecent assault after a trial in December last year.

He was sentenced today at Leicester Crown Court.

In August 2012, a man disclosed to police he was sexually assaulted by Sharman when he was a child.

Following police investigations, a further three men were identified as potential victims of Sharman's abuse and later gave individual accounts of the abuse they suffered. At the time of the offences, they were aged between nine and 15 years old.

Sharman was later arrested and charged with the offences, which happened between 1987 and 1994.

As well as being jailed today, Sharman was also issued with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

After the case, Detective Constable Gareth Gimson, the investigating officer, said: "The victims have showed immense bravery in reliving the details of their abuse and supporting the investigation throughout.

"We would like to assure victims of non-recent sexual abuse that police will thoroughly investigate their reports with a view to prosecuting the offender and support the victim throughout the investigation. We will also ensure that the victim is referred to relevant agencies that can assist the victim both practically and emotionally."

Leicester man, 71, jailed for sexual offences against four boys

Premier League predictions - with Leicestershire CCC fast bowler Alex Wyatt

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What is the score going to be when Leicester City welcome Crystal Palace to the King Power Stadium in a crucial game in the battle for Premier League survival? That's the question we are asking Mercury sports writer James Sharpe, who gives his prediction and also casts his eye over the weekend's action. It's 3pts for getting the correct score and just 1pt for only getting the right result. Every week, we are inviting a guest to go up against him. This week, the challenger is Leicestershire CCC fast bowler Alex Wyatt. Wyatt, currently enduring the rigours of pre-season at Grace Road, is confident Nigel Pearson's men will get that much-needed victory tomorrow. Last week, Sharpe narrowly came out on top against Leicester City club historian John Hutchinson. The results are at the bottom of the page.
Premier LeagueScoreSharpeWyatt
SATURDAY
Tottenham v Arsenalx-x1-22-2
Aston Villa v Chelseax-x0-20-3
Leicester v C Palacex-x2-11-0
Man City v Hullx-x3-03-0
QPR v Southamptonx-x1-21-1
Swansea v Sunderlandx-x1-12-0
Everton v Liverpoolx-x1-21-0
SUNDAY
Burnley v West Bromx-x1-11-2
Newcastle v Stokex-x2-12-0
West Ham v Man Utdx-x1-12-1
Leicester City v Crystal Palace King Power Stadium, Saturday, 3pmVerdict: This is a game Leicester City simply have to win. Nigel Pearson's men only sit three points adrift of safety, and victory could see them actually move out of the bottom three. But with the sheer brutality of City's surrounding fixtures – Arsenal, Everton, Man City away; Chelsea at home – this is a chance they have to take. This is also Andrej Kramaric's big chance. He has not really been able to show his capabilities in a dead last 30 minutes against Stoke and an hour at Old Trafford where he spent most of it camped in his own half. With Riyad Mahrez also back from international duty, and Marc Albrighton pushing for a start after impressing greatly with his last few substitute appearances, Kramaric and Leonardo Ulloa should receive the service they need. I'm feeling confident. We've got to, haven't we?Sharpe's prediction: 2-1 Wyatt says: "This is a huge game for the Foxes" 1-0
Tottenham v Arsenal White Hart Lane, Saturday, 12.45pmVerdict: Arsenal were incredible against Villa last time out. Granted, Villa offered little – sorry, nothing – in the way of opposition but the way the Gunners cast them aside was severely impressive. And that was even without Alexis Sanchez, who will also miss this clash. But in Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud firing, they boast an array of attacking talents. A trip to Spurs, though, will be a much tougher test. Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen continue to inspire and tore apart what had been a very resilient West Brom side. But, if Arsenal can show the grit they had when they went to the Etihad and won, I fancy them to edge it. But only just.Sharpe's prediction: 1-2Wyatt says: 2-2
Aston Villa v Chelsea Villa Park, Saturday, 3pmVerdict: As good as Arsenal were (see above), Aston Villa were equally dismal. Paul Lambert's side are being dragged well into the relegation battle now. Any side that fails to score in six Premier League games – 612 minutes and counting – surely has to be a candidate for the drop. New signings Carles Gill and Scott Sinclair will aid Villa up top but, with Christian Benteke not firing either – it's a huge, huge concern. Even more concerning is that they are welcoming Chelsea tomorrow. They simply won't get anything from this game. Villa are too poor. Chelsea, too good.Sharpe's prediction: 0-2Wyatt says: 0-3
Man City v Hull Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 3pmVerdict: This game highlights another reason why City's game against Palace is so crucial. Their fellow relegation rivals have it tough this weekend. Villa first, now Hull. Man City have not been their usual selves recently – showing how much they miss Yaya Toure's influence in the middle of the park – but, even so, they should simply be too strong for a dismal Hull. City were actually the better side in the draw with Chelsea. While Sergio Aguero has not scored in four games, his longest run without a goal, he showed glimpses in that game to suggest he could well be set to enjoy himself tomorrow. Leicester fans will hope so, too.Sharpe's prediction: 3-0Wyatt says: 3-0
QPR v Southampton Loftus Road, Saturday, 3pmVerdict: 'Arry's gone. Citing knee injuries, not results, Redknapp resigned just a handful of hours after the transfer deadline passed. A deadline which saw QPR do very little. With Rangers pointless on the road – in more than one sense – that puts incredible pressure on their home games. The problem is, though, they have all the top sides to play at Loftus Road. Saints slipped up last week against Swansea, despite having had plenty of chances to be ahead at half-time. Southampton have shown already this season that they can bounce back after disappointment. I see that happening again here.Sharpe's prediction: 1-2Wyatt says: 1-1
Swansea v Sunderland Liberty Stadium, Saturday, 3pmVerdict: As mentioned above, Swansea somehow came away with all three points against Southampton last weekend, courtesy of Jonjo Shelvey's thunderstrike. Even though, on paper, a home clash with Sunderland should seem like an easier prospect, I don't think it is. The Black Cats are in decent form, with victories over Burnley and Fulham. They have become pretty resilient at the back and, in Jermain Defoe, have a proven goalscorer up front. I think this will be a tight one.Sharpe's prediction: 1-1Wyatt says: 2-0
Everton v Liverpool Goodison Park, Saturday, 5.30pmVerdict: If this game is anything like the last Merseyside derby, we will be in for a treat. That one finished 3-3, although I doubt we will be in for the same excitement this time around. Daniel Sturridge showed just how much Liverpool have missed him, scoring just a few minutes into his return from a long-term layoff in the victory over West Ham. Everton finally ended their eight-game winless run with a triumph, albeit a narrow one, at Crystal Palace. That upturn in form is much-needed but not, I fear, as profound enough to keep out a Liverpool side who seem to be finding their stride.Sharpe's prediction: 1-2Wyatt says: 1-0
Burnley v West Brom Turf Moor, Sunday, 12noonVerdict: This game provides a battle of short-term versus long-term wills for Leicester City fans. A defeat for Burnley would allow City to move outside the relegation zone this weekend, if other results also go their way. But it would also mean West Brom pull further away from the mire. A draw, though, would mean City would have to spend longer in the drop zone but would keep both Burnley and West Brom within in touching distance. The more clubs in the scrap, the more chance City have of survival. If West Brom's trip to Everton is anything to go by, Tony Pulis will have his side set up not to concede, at any cost, not even at the expense of the fans' ability or desire to stay awake. I can see this being a tight one.Sharpe's prediction: 1-1Wyatt says: 1-2
Newcastle v Stoke St James' Park, Sunday, 2.05pmVerdict: Mid-table mediocrity beckons for both these sides, who sit just two points apart and in no real danger or hope of going to Europe or the Championship. John Carver picked up his first victory in full charge with a superb 3-0 win over Hull. Stoke are in pretty good form and, despite the injury to Bojan, beat QPR 3-1, thanks to a John Walters hat-trick. Not much to play for in this one but I'm going for a home win.Sharpe's prediction: 2-1Wyatt says: 2-0
West Ham v Man Utd Boleyn Ground, 4.15pmVerdict: United may have cast Leicester aside last week but I still didn't think they were all that convincing. A lot of it came down to City's failings. They have plenty of flair and pace and skill in their side but no one who can really match the physicality that West Ham will bring them. If fit, I can see Andy Carroll giving United lots of problems up top. United will find this tough.Sharpe's prediction: 1-1Wyatt says: 2-1
Last week, Sharpe went up against Leicester City historian John Hutchinson. Hutch picked up four correct results but, crucially, Sharpe picked up one of only three perfect scores - Man City's 1-1 draw at Chelsea - to go with his two other right results. That gave the Mercury man a narrow 5-4 victory over Hutch. But it was Mercury reader iancarn who came out on top, with a perfect score (again the Chelsea/Man City draw) to go with another four results.
  • iancarn: 7 (1S, 4R)
  • DaveOakham: 7 (7R)
  • Luxpaul: 7 (7R)
  • blueboy08: 6 (1S, 3R)
  • Sharpe: 5 (1S, 2R)
  • foxmanlondon: 5 (5R)
  • raoa4x: 5 (5R)
  • foxeerod 4 (4R)
  • Hutch: 4 (4R)
  • LCFCMike: 4 (4R)
  • Valefox1: 4 (4R)
  • USA_Mark: 3 (3R)
DaveOakham's relentless consistency sees him retain his place at the top of the league table, despite having played two weeks fewer than the chasing pack.LEAGUE TABLE:
PunditWeeksScoresResultsScore
DaveOakham171871125
Luxpaul191869123
foxmanlondon191768119
Valefox1181765116
USA_Mark181861115
Sharpe191665113
LCFCMike191271107
Krueger22161460102
Guests191070100
Stuart_Young15144991
foxeerod17125086
blueboy0813104373
raoa4x893461
AlexMay14933140
Rachel_Leics723137
OutfoxedYa2732534
heath34uk632130
iancarn451328
Bobdobfred341123
carlnicol1241022
Fox94411922
bluegatelane1136
bobbyboyLCFC1066
Scotty2Hotty1033

Premier League predictions - with Leicestershire CCC fast bowler Alex Wyatt

Leicester empty store numbers remain way above national average

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The number of stores in the centre of the city which lie empty is still way above the national average, according to a new report.

The London-based Local Data Company said more than a sixth of city centre shops – 17.8 per cent – were vacant, compared to the national average of 11.8 per cent.

However, the claim has been criticised by the woman charged with attracting new traders to the area.

City centre director Sarah Harrison said her own survey had found the figure was actually 14.2 per cent and claimed the way the data had been collected by the London firm was flawed.

She said the data was many months old, did not include recent store openings and focused on too large an area of the city.

"They just send people out to count empty units and have no idea whether a store is about to open," she said.

"They also use the Department for Communities and Local Government definition of the city centre, which includes parts outside the ring road, and shops around Welford Place down to the Leicester Tigers ground.

"In our survey, we only look at the streets that make up the shopping area itself, from Granby Street to Highcross."

Ms Harrison said the city centre had benefited from a number of new traders in recent months.

These include shops and restaurants in High Street and Granby Street.

"Things are going brilliantly," she said.

Ms Harrison said her own data showed the vacancy level had fallen from 17.2 per cent over the past year. The Local Data Company would not provide comparable statistics from 12 months ago.

Matthew Hopkinson, of the Local Data Company, said the centre of Leicester suffered from being too spread out.

"There's too much space. You have got to create a smaller area which is more dynamic," said Mr Hopkinson, who lives in south Leicestershire.

His views were echoed by Stuart Delahoy, owner of gift and homewares store Set Design, in High Street, who said parts of Church Gate and Granby Street furthest away from the centre would always struggle to attract tenants.

"I'm surprised the figure is above the national average, to be honest" he said. "I actually think the city centre is vibrant at the moment.

"Some of the areas which find it hard to lease stores should be redesignated for a different use to give the centre a concentrated focus."

The proportion of empty stores in Loughborough was just above the national average at 12.3 per cent, while Hinckley and Coalville matched the average. Wigston was 10.1 per cent and Market Harborough was 4.5 per cent.

The town of Burslem in Staffordshire had the highest proportion of empty stores in Britain, at 29.4 per cent.

Leicester empty store numbers remain way above national average

Six men from Leicester jailed for hate crimes

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Six men have been sentenced to a total of more than 20 years in prison for a hate campaign where a man was lured to an isolated area and assaulted.

The men from Leicester had all admitted a variety of charges at an earlier court hearing including inciting religious hatred, planning and carrying out assaults and possession of weapons.

They appeared at Leicester Crown Court today where they were sentenced for their crimes.

Parwinder Baning, 21, of Kitchener Road, Leicester, admitted possession of a bladed article, conspiracy to commit assault, actual bodily harm, possession of an imitation firearm, two counts of purchasing a prohibited weapons, two counts of improper importation, attempting to import and importing prohibited goods. He was sentenced to a total of seven-and-a-half years in prison.

Harjinder Athwal, 25, of Netherhall Road, Leicester, admitted publishing or distributing material with intent to stir up religious hatred, conspiracy to commit assault and actual bodily harm. He was sentenced to a total of two-and-a-half years in prison.

Mehul Lodhia,24, of Lindsay Road, Leicester, admitted conspiracy to commit assault and importing prohibited weapon. He was sentenced to a total of three years in prison.

Amanpreet Singh, 25, of Collingham Road, Leicester, admitted affray. He was sentenced to two years in prison.

Damanpreet Singh, 19, of Collingham Road, Leicester, admitted publishing or distributing written material with intent to stir up religious hatred, conspiracy to commit assault, actual bodily harm and affray. He was sentenced to a total of four years in prison.

Satinderbir Singh, 20, of Woodborough Road, Leicester, admitted publishing or distributing written material with intent to stir up religious hatred. He was sentenced to a total of 15 months in prison.

It started when two of the men were involved in an attack on a car in East Park Road in July 2013.

Days later, one of the men started a conversation on social media where people were encouraged to carry out acts of violence with others from the group joining in.

In August 2013, a man was lured by false pretences to an isolated area in Oadby and attacked.

Baning also ordered a haul of weapons from abroad, some of which were recovered during searches by police.

Detective Constable Beverley Toon, who investigated the cases, said: "The investigation was very complex and demanded a dedicated team working tirelessly over the last 16 months to achieve the right result. This prosecution sends a clear message that we will not tolerate those who plan violence or promote religious or racial hatred."

Six men from Leicester jailed for hate crimes


Man rescued by firefighters and taken to hospital after crash in Dunton Bassett

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One man was rescued by firefighters and taken to hospital after a crash.

The incident happened tonight shortly after 7.30pm on the A426 in Dunton Bassett.

One fire crew was sent from Lutterworth and another from Southern station to the one-vehicle crash.

After being rescued from the car, the casualty was taken to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire by ambulance.

Police said the accident was "serious".

The road was closed in both directions while the emergency services dealt with the incident. 

Man rescued by firefighters and taken to hospital after crash in Dunton Bassett

Firefighters cut roof off vehicle to rescue woman in Sapcote

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The roof of a car was cut off by firefighters to rescue a woman after a crash where a vehicle hit a tree.

Leicester Road in Sapcote was closed after the one-vehicle accident happened at about 7.30pm tonight.

Two crews from Hinckley fire station were sent to the scene.

Firefighters rescued the casualty using hydraulic cutting equipment at about 8.30pm.

She was then taken to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire by ambulance.

The road was re-opened shortly before 10pm.

Firefighters cut roof off vehicle to rescue woman in Sapcote

Caught on camera: Final days of abandoned 1960s mansion in Leicestershire (video)

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These images show the final days of a six-bedroom mansion built in 1966 by a man who dreamed of becoming a farmer, and then abandoned.

Overstone House, in Shrewsbury Avenue, Market Harborough, was built by Patrick Loyd who had inherited a big sum of money from a relative.

The house was built on large grounds and included a tennis court, swimming pool and a spiral staircase.

See a gallery of pictures HERE.

It was built for Mr Loyd and his wife, who lived there for a short time before moving to Guernsey in the late 1970s for tax reasons.

Stephen Marshall, 56, who has been a neighbour of Overstone House since 1973, said he used to work on Mr Loyd's farm when he was at school, and knew the house.

"It had a snooker room and lovely views out the back and over the valley.

"But it was a horrible looking house, and very modern considering it was built in the 1960s."

After Mr Loyd moved out, a Mrs Leslie lived at the house briefly before it was used as offices for commercial businesses.

But for the final 18 months of its life it was left empty, and quickly fell into disrepair. It was also targeted by vandals, who have smashed windows and broken furniture.

The once-grand property has now been demolished, and Careys Homes has been granted planning permission to build 50 houses on the site.

The house, which overlooks the River Jordan, is far back from the main road, invisible from the public gaze, which means few would have ever seen it in its full glory.

Dr Sarah Hill, Leicestershire County Councillor for Market Harborough, said it looked sad and forlorn when it was standing derelict on the top of a hill.

"It is a shame when that happens to buildings. It seems wasteful to me," she said.

See the video here: 

Caught on camera: Final days of abandoned 1960s mansion in Leicestershire (video)

Cases at Leicester Magistrates' Court

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Cases heard before Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Mehboob Khan Zarolia (56), of Bakewell Street, Spinney Hills, pleaded guilty to driving in Southey Hill, Leicester, on December 14 with 52mcg in 100ml of breath. The maximum limit is 35mcg. He was fined £165 with £85 costs, a £20 victim surcharge and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Shane John Adams (28), of Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester, was proven guilty in absence of exceeding 50mph on the M1 southbound, Swinford, on May 14. He was fined £175 with £85 costs, a £20 victim surcharge and three penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Akhtar Pervez Ali (60), of Foxhollow, Oadby, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a red traffic light signal on the A563 Lubbesthorpe Way, Enderby, on April 29. He was fined £100 with £85 costs, a £20 victim surcharge and three penalty points were put on his licence.

Cases at Leicester Magistrates' Court

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Cases heard before Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Mary Cronan Bell (53), of Oronsay Road, Beaumont Leys, pleaded guilty to seven charges of theft from shops committed throughout 2014. These were: items worth £150 from Waitrose, Oadby, on March 29, sentenced to one week to run consecutively, suspended for 12 months with a £20 victim surcharge. Items worth £70 from Waitrose, Oadby, on March 27, sentenced to one week to run consecutively suspended for 12 months. Meat and alcohol worth £100 from Marks & Spencer, Oadby, on April 1. Sentenced to one week, consecutively, suspended for 12 months. Items worth £450 from John Lewis, Highcross, Leicester, on April 24. She was sentenced to three weeks to run consecutively, suspended for 12 months. Items worth £37 from Boots, Highcross, on April 26. One week, conditional discharge imposed on January 24 for stealing razor blades, value unknown, from Boots. One week consecutively, suspended for 12 months. Clothes worth £41 from Primark, Humberstone Gate, Leicester, on April 1, sentenced to one week consecutively, suspended for 12 months and three bottles of perfume worth £48 from Wilkinson, Charles Street, Leicester, on November 17. One week to run consecutively, suspended for 12 months.

Hashim Bakar (20), of Hildyard Road, Leicester, was proven guilty in absence of failing to produce an insurance certificate to a police officer after an accident or suspected offence at Shaftesbury Avenue, Leicester, on April 30. He was given no separate penalty. He was proven guilty for using a motor vehicle at the same time and place without third-party insurance and was fined £600 with a £60 victim surcharge £85 costs and six penalty points on his driving licence. Bakar was also proven guilty in absence of using a vehicle without third-party insurance in St Margaret's Way, Leicester, on July 28. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, a £60 victim surcharge and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for six months.

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