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CCTV appeal after thefts from Tesco store in Leicestershire

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Police have released the images of two people they want to trace after two thefts from a shop in Ashby. Both thefts happened at Tesco in Resolution Road. In both incidents various items of food and other products were taken from the shop. The thefts took palce on November 2 and Saturday, December 15, last year. Pcso Tom Gregory, the investigating officer, said: "We have been carrying out enquiries around these two thefts since the incidents were reported to us and have now obtained these images. "If you recognise the people in the images or you have any suspicions about their identity please contact us. Any calls received will be treated in confidence." Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pcso Gregory on 101.

CCTV appeal after thefts from  Tesco store in Leicestershire


Long-awaited Leicester Riders cup win is celebrated by fans

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Twelve years of hurt have come to a triumphant and emotional end for devoted Leicester Riders fans following the stunning victory in the British Basketball League Cup Final at the weekend.

The players' hard-fought 85-80 victory over championship rivals, cup holders and favourites Newcastle Eagles, secured the club its first silverware since its championship play-off win at Wembley Arena, in 2001.

It has been a rocky road for the club in the intervening years – they were forced to move from the city to Loughborough in 2000 and faced the prospect of folding completely just four seasons ago.

However, all that was forgotten for the impressive Riders faithful among the 7,500-strong crowd in Birmingham's National Indoor Arena on Sunday.

Ursula Routledge, 62, of Victoria Park Road, Leicester, has followed the club through thick and thin for 40 years.

"It's just fabulous," she said. "I've seen all the highs – when we had crowds of 3,000 at Granby Halls – and the lows, like when we had to leave Leicester.

"This is right up there. I'm still on a high. When I looked around the arena on Sunday and saw a sea of red it gave me goosebumps.

"We all shed a few tears afterwards – it was just fantastic.

"This is the best bunch of lads we've ever had. They are just lovely.

"They give me and my friend Karen a hug every game and we went to the team hotel to celebrate with them.

"I didn't get back home until midnight, when I watched the game back on TV. I didn't get to bed until 3am."

Basketball fans have looked on as Leicester's illustrious rugby and – to a slightly lesser extent – football clubs have hogged the headlines and newspaper column inches. "This is our time," said Mark Ellis, 50, from Wigston, who has been following the club since 1991.

"What a game. The final quarter, when Newcastle fought back, was really nerve-wracking.

"They made us suffer in the final quarter, but you expect that from a Leicester sports team don't you?

"This puts us well and truly back on the sporting map after years in the wilderness.

"It's something the whole city and county should feel rightly proud of.

"Being the oldest club in the country, with such a fine tradition, makes it extra special to see us back up there at the top.

"It's been a long time coming but well worth the wait."

Russell Levenston, Riders' general manager, paid tribute to the club's supporters.

He said: "This one was for the fans and sponsors who have supported the club through many ups and downs."

Founded in 1967 as the Loughborough All Stars, the Riders moved to Leicester in 1981, but had to leave the city for Loughborough with the closure of Granby Halls in 2000.

In 2004, they returned to the city thanks to a sponsorship deal with De Montfort University, and they now play at the university's John Sandford Sports Centre.

Fans helped stave off liquidation in 2007 by forming a consortium to raise funds and, when financial crisis loomed again the following year, county builder Jelson Homes stepped in to save the club.

Darren Chown, 36, of Earl Shilton, said: "We've had some hard times but it makes Sunday's triumph all the sweeter."

Alan Johnson, 65, from Narborough, said: "Brilliant. I've been watching the Riders home and away since 1984.

"It's a world away from being so close to folding.

"Coach Rob (Paternostro), the management and owners deserve so much credit."

Long-awaited Leicester Riders cup win is celebrated by fans

Richard Cockerill: Desire to improve was the key for Leicester Tigers' Geoff Parling

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Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill believes Geoff Parling's decision to stay at Leicester was based around his desire to keep improving.

The out-of-contract 29-year-old ended weeks of speculation surrounding his future by agreeing terms to remain at Welford Road.

That means Parling turned down the advances of Gloucester, who were keen to sign him as Jim Hamilton is off to Montpellier this summer.

Cockerill said he was delighted with former Newcastle man Parling's decision, and hopes he will continue improving as much as he has done since joining Tigers in 2009.

"Geoff's decision shows the quality of the environment we have at Leicester Tigers, and that plays a big part in players wanting to stay here," said Cockerill.

"Geoff wants to continue to develop as a player, and he agrees with us that he can do that best by playing for Leicester Tigers."

Parling has made more than 50 starts for the club, and his consistency has made him an ever-present in the squad.

He bounced back from knee reconstruction surgery to lead Tigers' line-out and make 12 appearances for England in the last year.

Cockerill added: "We told Geoff that he has always been part of our plans going forward, and it is very good news that he has decided to stay."

Richard Cockerill: Desire to improve was the key for Leicester Tigers' Geoff Parling

Michael Keane wants to see Leicester City competing with Manchester United

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Michael Keane wants to follow in the footsteps of defensive giants Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic – but not before helping Leicester City reach the Premier League.

The 19-year-old defender is on loan from Manchester United until the end of the month and has admitted he would love to stay at the King Power Stadium until the end of the season.

Keane says there are some similarities between United and life at City, and he is backing City to be competing with his club in the near future.

"I didn't really know what to expect when I came," said Keane, who is enjoying his first taste of first-team football.

"There is not much difference in the training between here and United. It is just minor things that make a difference at this level.

"I have been impressed with the quality in this squad and the division. There is no weak link in this team. Everyone is talented.

"There are some really good midfielders and some great players going forward but, at the same time, there are some really experienced players at the back, great defenders.

"We have an all-round team who can do really well together, and I think it is only a matter of time before City are in the Premier League."

Although Keane would like to see out the current campaign at City, his ultimate goal is to follow in the footsteps of his heroes, Ferdinand and Vidic, and become a United regular.

"I have always admired Rio Ferdinand, he is good on the ball," said Keane.

"Vidic as well for his defensive qualities. The perfect defender would be a bit of them both.

"In the short term, my ambition is to stay here and get promotion with Leicester. In the long term, I want to go back to United next year and become a first-team regular, and win everything I can with them.

"I would love to play for the England senior team as well. I have caps at under-19 level and I really enjoying playing for England.

"This is a completely different experience for me. It is good to be around first-team players and get first-team treatment off everyone, and play in big games. That is all I want to do when I am older.

"I am getting used to that. There is always pressure playing in league games but it is something you have to get used to.

"If you want to achieve things then you have to play in big-pressure games."

Michael Keane wants to see Leicester City competing with Manchester United

Belgrave Flyover demolition: One month to object to Sainsbury's plans

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People have a month to object to plans to decommission Belgrave Flyover.

The Leicester landmark, between the city centre and Belgrave Road, is earmarked for demolition as part of a plan by Sainsbury's to relocate from its nearby store to a new site in Rushey Mead.

The firm has agreed to meet the multi-million pound cost of dismantling the concrete structure, which is nearly 40 years old.

Planning permission has been granted but before Sainsbury's can proceed with work to pull it down, the Government has to approve an order to stop the traffic.

Both the supermarket chain and Leicester City Council hope the matter will be a formality, but a 28-day consultation on the issue began yesterday.

Anyone who opposes the closure can write to the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin.

Leicester Civic Society chairman Stuart Bailey said: "I can't imagine very many people would want to save it. At least I hope they don't.

"It is an unwanted colossus and needs removing as soon as possible.

"It was built as a dual carriageway back in the day but has only ever been used as single carriageway and that is why it is much bigger than it ever needed to be. Good riddance."

Sainsbury's yesterday confirmed its intention to remove the flyover by the end of next year.

A spokeswoman said work would commence once the new store in Melton Road, Rushey Mead, had opened but did not give a firm date for that.

The company hopes to flatten the 25-year-old Belgrave store and build 10 shops and eight business units in its place.

"We hope the stopping up order will be a formality," the Sainsbury's spokeswoman said.

"We can say that nothing will happen in Belgrave until the new store in Rushey Mead opens.

"We have now commissioned a company to actively market the Belgrave site."

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said there had been "considerable interest" in the Belgrave site.

"But nobody will definitely commit to it until they are certain the flyover will be demolished," he said.

Sir Peter said the removal of the flyover would create a much more pleasant environment in the area and allow better connections to be established between The Golden Mile and the city centre.

Plans for the demolition of the flyover can be seen at Leicester City Council's headquarters, in New Walk.

Any objections raised over the next few weeks will be sent to Sainsbury's to be considered.

There is an unlikely possibility that objections could trigger a public inquiry into the stopping up of the route.

Belgrave Flyover demolition: One month to object to Sainsbury's plans

Nigel Pearson rates Leicester City squad as best he's worked with

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Nigel Pearson has hailed his current squad as the best he has worked with at Leicester City.

The City boss said the current crop is as good as any he had assembled previously, and are a pleasure to lead.

City moved into third place in the Championship after their 4-0 demolition of Bristol City at Ashton Gate, and Pearson said his squad was definitely stronger than the side he fielded against the Robins last season.

"This is possibly the best group we have had, yes," he said. "It is certainly better than the group we brought here last season.

"We had the so-called bigger names in the side but showed a soft underbelly last season. This time, we were a totally different proposition."

Pearson said City's good team-spirit was down to meticulous research when looking to add to his squad.

Pearson and his assistants, Steve Walsh and Craig Shakespeare, have worked hard to move on players who do not fit their profile, and have recruited young and hungry players who are easier to coach and work with.

"We do a lot of hard work to get the right people to bring in," said Pearson.

"They are a good group to work with because they work hard and they are honest, and they get on pretty well.

"You can't expect them all to be best mates because there are times when you have to confront each other with certain things that happen, but they are a very good group to work with and are focused on trying to get success for the club and themselves."

In-form City have the chance to move into the automatic promotion places on Friday when they face fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough at the King Power Stadium.

City are just two points behind Hull, and victory will see them move above the Tigers until Steve Bruce's side travel to Peterborough on Saturday.

Boro, who are fifth but on the same number of points as City and Crystal Palace, have injury doubts over striker Ishmael Miller and Josh McEachran after the pair limped out of their home defeat to Watford on Saturday. Marvin Emnes and Jonathan Woodgate also face a race to be fit to face City.

Nigel Pearson rates Leicester City squad as best he's worked with

Sell Haymarket Theatre for £1 to save £150,000 pa cost to taxpayer, says Leicester councillor

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A disused theatre should be sold for just £1 so it no longer leaves taxpayers with a yearly bill of £150,000, a councillor has suggested.

The Haymarket Theatre closed in 2007 and efforts by Leicester City Council to find a buyer have so far failed.

The council, which is about a third of the way through a 99-year lease on the former 753-seat venue, is looking to dispose of it for £500,000.

But Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Porter said the asking price was putting off potential purchasers.

He urged mayor Sir Peter Soulsby to give the building away for a nominal sum so it is no longer a financial burden.

Under the terms of the lease, the council has to pay £120,000 as a service charge to the landlord – the next-door shopping centre – as well as £20,000 in rates and about £10,000 in maintenance.

Coun Porter has raised the issue at the council and it will now be investigated by one of the authority's scrutiny committees.

He said the theatre, which closed to be replaced by Curve, was an unacceptable drain on the council's resources when finances were tight.

He said: "Attempts to sell the Haymarket have been unsuccessful and each year it remains unsold it will be a huge cost.

"The asking price is obviously deterring potential buyers.

"The mayor should look at selling it for a £1 just to get it off the books. In the short term it is a loss, but if the lease continues to run its course it could cost the council millions.

"It wouldn't be the first time a council has done this and I think it makes good sense financially."

Sir Peter has previously said he would be willing to listen to reasonable offers for the property, which is being marketed as a potential museum, art gallery, cinema, meeting hall, sports venue or theatre.

He agreed there was a need to dispose of the building but said giving it away was not the answer.

The mayor also said he had been contacted by two religious organisations and a leisure firm interested in taking on the building.

"I would not say we are close to exchanging contracts but they are interested and the council is continuing to work with them," Sir Peter said. "What Nigel does not seem to have got his head around is the purchase price is not the issue. The asking price is reasonable.

"It is the large expense of refitting the building that is the challenge .

"It is a shell – all the seats have been stripped out."

However, Coun Porter said a peppercorn price would allow any interested parties to spend any money they had on a refit.

"The council would of course need to see a proper business plan but it just gives a potential buyer more of a chance to do something with a prominent city centre building that could and should be in use," he said.

Former Haymarket theatre-goer Diane Jones, 51, of Knighton, Leicester, said: "If the council has a realistic sale on the horizon then obviously it shouldn't give the place away.

"If not, it should be considered."

Angelos Minter, 19, of Highfields, Leicester, said: "It's stupid so much of our money is being spent on it. Whatever it takes, get shot of it."

Sell Haymarket Theatre for £1 to save £150,000 pa cost to taxpayer, says Leicester councillor

Matty James salutes Chris Wood's impact at Leicester City

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Chris Wood has been the spark that has ignited Leicester City's recent run of good form, says midfielder Matty James.

Wood has scored six goals in his first three games since joining City from West Bromwich Albion, including a hat-trick against Bristol City on Saturday.

As a result, City have climbed up to third in the Championship, just two points behind Hull City in the automatic promotion places.

James believes Wood's arrival at the start of the month has been key.

"I think Chris has been the difference in recent weeks," he said.

"He has given us a different option in that, if we are under pressure away from home, we can clip balls up to him.

"Although he is young, he is quite a big lad, strong and mobile. That gives us that different element.

"We have two strikers like that, who can sniff out chances in and around the box, but at the moment they are falling for Chris. David Nugent made a great run for Chris' third goal at Bristol.

"The team is very unselfish at the minute and, hopefully, that will continue."

Wood's first half-treble put City in complete control at Ashton Gate and it was James who rounded off the win with his first league goal for the club.

"I am over the moon," said the midfielder.

"I wanted to score goals when I came here and, hopefully, that one will be a stepping stone for me now.

"If I can continue to be selected, I hope I can go on to score more goals for the club now.

"At the start of a match, you just want to stay solid, stay focused and give nothing away, and let the strikers do their jobs.

"But if you can get on the scoresheet and have a few strikes on goal it is a bonus for midfield players.

"The whole team was solid and we didn't let them settle. We pressed as high up the field as we could and didn't give them a sniff in the game.

"We tried to score early to get the crowd on their back and it worked."

Matty James salutes Chris Wood's impact at Leicester City


Man in critical condition after attack at restaurant in Leicester

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A man is in a critical condition in hospital after gang attacked several people in a restaurant in Leicester. The attack happened in East Park Road when a large group of people smashed the windows at the Moghul Durbar restaurant. Once inside a number of people were assaulted and others were injured. The incident happened at about 9pm last night. The incident happened at about 9pm last night. Six people were taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment to both minor and serious injuries. Two people, both men, are in a stable condition in hospital and a third man is in a critical condition. Police have arrested six men in connection with the incident and they remain in police custody. Police closed East Park Road and some of the surrounding roads while they carried out inquiries. The roads have since been re-opened but an area around East Park Road and Nottingham Road remains cordoned off. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Detective Inspector Simon Preston said: "We have had a team of officers working on this incident since last night and already have six people arrested. However, that doesn't mean that we don't still need witnesses to come forward. "We are currently working closely with the witnesses and victims we have spoken to so far to find out as much as possible about the incident, and officers are looking into various lines enquiry. "If you think you can help us, or have any information that might be linked to the incident, we would urge you to get in touch. You can call us direct on 101, talk to your local officer, inform a trusted member of your community or even call us anonymously through Crimestoppers. If you think you can help please don't hesitate to call." Chief Superintendant Rob Nixon, who is the police commander for the city area, said: "I would like to reassure the local community in the East Park Road area that we are treating this incident very seriously. Local officers will be patrolling the area to offer reassurance and will be speaking with faith community leaders throughout the coming days to provide regular updates regarding the investigation. "I would ask local people not to listen to rumour or get involved in speculation. If you have any information about the incident or have any concerns please contact the police immediately." Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111. Related article: Six arrested in connection with disorder at Leicester restaurant

Man in critical condition after attack at restaurant in Leicester

Dozens of Leicestershire jobs at risk as HMV goes into administration

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Dozens of Leicestershire jobs were put in jeopardy today after high street chain HMV went into administration.
The music and DVD retailer, founded in 1921, employs 4,000 staff and has 223 stores, including outlets in High Street, Leicester and Loughborough.
The company has suffered financial problems after a sharp decline in trade. It has been hit hard by the rise of digital downloads and the flight of physical DVD and CD sales to the internet.
Trevor Moore left his role as chief executive of Leicester-based camera chain Jessops in July to lead the turnaround of the struggling group. Last week Jessops closed all of its 187 stores with the loss of around 1,500 jobs after plunging into administration.
HMV this morning appointed Deloitte partners Nick Edwards, Neville Kahn and Rob Harding as administrators, who will continue to run the business while a buyer is sought. Administrators said HMV stores would not be accepting gift vouchers or offer exchanges or refunds. It comes after an electrical goods chain, with a store in Leicester, closed yesterday with the loss of 22 jobs. The Sony Centre, in Highcross shopping centre, ceased trading along with sister stores in Nottingham, Derby and Lincoln. The company's owner, Raresupply, had gone into administration after a downturn in trade.

Dozens of Leicestershire jobs at risk as HMV goes into administration

Father of Leicestershire councillor David Sprason calls for inquiry into leaked letter

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The father of former county council deputy leader David Sprason has called for an inquiry to find who leaked a letter that ultimately led to his son being sacked from the post.

Ron Sprason claimed his son's political career had been sabotaged by the person who leaked a 2007 letter to the Leicester Mercury about a hardcore pornographic DVD found in the disc drive of Coun Sprason's council laptop.

The letter had been sent by the then county council's solicitor to Coun Sprason.

The councillor gave a frank interview to the Mercury about the find, which led to widespread national media coverage, and he voluntarily stepped down from his senior posts while Tory party whips investigated the matter.

Last week, his Conservative colleagues voted for him not to be re-appointed as deputy leader or a cabinet member, but stopped short of supporting a recommendation that he serve a two-month suspension from the Tory group.

His father, an 84-year-old former soldier, e-mailed senior officers at County Hall on Tuesday night demanding the leak be traced.

Mr Sprason told the Mercury: "I thought long and hard about it.

"I spoke to David and told him what I had in mind.

"He most certainly has not put me up to it.

"He was reluctant but I said I was upset he wouldn't let me. In the end he said 'You are your own man. It's up to you'.

"This has had a terrible effect on David, who worked very hard behind the scenes."

Mr Sprason, from Markfield, said: "I have had e-mails in support of David from Conservative county councillors.

"He has been punished, not for what he did in 2007, but for speaking honestly when asked about it by a journalist. He was too honest – but that is David for you.

"It worries me a confidential letter has been leaked and that more personal information held by the council could come out."

A County Hall spokesman said: "The chief executive has previously advised the Conservative group that he's satisfied the leak of the letter didn't involve any member of our staff.

"Therefore, the council does not intend to carry out any further investigation."

Conservative council leader Nick Rushton told the Mercury: "I did get the e-mail but I can't do anything with it. I will not be looking into this any further. It is time to draw a line under this."

A spokesman for Sir Clive Loader said to date he had not received Mr Sprason's e-mail.

Father of  Leicestershire councillor David Sprason calls for inquiry into leaked letter

Leicester Tigers' Jordan Crane ready to face Toulouse's powerful back row

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Leicester Tigers will be up against "one of the best back rows in the world" when French giants Toulouse arrive for their Heineken Cup showdown at Welford Road on Sunday.

That is the view of No.8 Jordan Crane, who could be tasked with stopping the pace and power of three men who have more than 100 international caps between them.

Thierry Dusautoir, Yannick Nyanga and Louis Picamoles have made a name for themselves as one of the toughest back rows in rugby.

Crane knows the four-times Heineken Cup champions will take some stopping after the 23-9 defeat in France in October.

"We were disappointed with the way that their back row stamped their dominance on the game in wet conditions over in Toulouse in round one," he said.

"We definitely have a point to prove this Sunday.

"Their back row is probably one of the best in the world with Picamoles, Dusautoir and Nyanga.

"It's a massive challenge for us but we are up for it and have the players to compete with them.

"When kick off arrives, we will be well up for it. It's a massive game."

Crane is the man in possession of the No.8 shirt ahead of Sunday's meeting after making his 11th start of the season in the 15-15 draw with the Ospreys last Sunday.

While the late nature of Jon Spratt's equalising try at the Liberty Stadium left Crane and his team-mates disappointed, the 26-year-old insisted Leicester would have taken Sunday's winner-takes-all scenario at the start of the campaign.

"When we scored that second try to go 15-10 ahead, I thought we would just close the game out but a draw was a fair result," he said.

"We would have still had to beat Toulouse at home even if we had won.

"If you would have put us in a position where we had to beat Toulouse in the final group game to go through to the quarter-finals at the start of the competition, we would have taken it.

"And even if we had beaten the Ospreys and then beaten Toulouse, we still might not have got a home semi-final because lots of teams have got lots of points.

"Let's just get into the quarter-finals and then, as has been shown before with knock-out rugby, it is anyone's game."

Toulouse have suffered a big injury blow ahead of Sunday's crunch game with the news that teenage centre sensation Gael Fickou has been ruled for a month after suffering an ankle injury.

The 18-year-old picked up a knock with just six minutes left of the French side's 35-14 win over Treviso last weekend.

Leicester Tigers' Jordan Crane ready to face Toulouse's powerful back row

Leicester Shisha cafe breached smoking laws

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The owner of a city centre shisha cafe has been fined for breaking smoking laws.

Ahmed Kasmany (28), of Gwendolen Road, Leicester, had denied four charges of failing to stop a person smoking in a smoke-free premises at the Al Feena, in St George's Way.

But yesterday, magistrates found him guilty and ordered him to pay fines and costs totalling more than £3,000.

His barrister James Bide-Thomas told the court the verdict would have "a terminal" impact on his client's business.

Council enforcement officers visited the shisha cafe, where customers smoke fruit flavoured tobacco, four times at the end of 2011.

The visits came seven months after a court had cleared Mr Kasmany and a partner of similar offences.

The court heard the cafe includes an outer terrace and an inner area, which were separated by security shutters which were always up during opening hours.

Nicki Agalamanyi, prosecuting for Leicester City Council, said officers from the authority had become concerned over the design and inclusion of the shutters.

She said they commissioned a report by architect Philip Dodd to see if the shisha cafe complied with the law, which states at least 50 per cent of the premises must be open to fresh air.

Mr Dodd said the venue did not comply as the shutters meant the inner area was totally enclosed and therefore smoking was prohibited.

However, Mr Dodd did tell the court if the shutters were removed then the building would comply with regulations.

Mr Kasmany said: "I did not think it included the shutters, as they could only be opened by staff and they were always retracted when we were open."

The court heard council enforcement officer Gurdeep Dosanjh visited the bar in November and December in 2011, and found people smoking in the inner area.

Mr Kasmany told the court that following council advice and securing planning permission for the shutters, he believed his business was legal.

He said following acquittal by Leicester magistrates in March 2011, he felt justified in allowing people to use the inner part of the building.

Magistrate Adrian Bradley said: "We found the prosecution expert Phil Dodd a credible witness. He said the smoking area was divided into two parts and that smoking was not allowed in the inner room because of the shutters."

Mr Bradley said he urged the owner of the cafe to meet council officers to see if there was a way of making the venue comply with the law.

Yesterday's hearing also saw Sameer Socranie (38), of Naseby Road, Northfields, Leicester, convicted of one count of failing to stop people from smoking in a smoke-free area.

Mr Socranie, who acted as a business consultant, was cleared of three other similar charges after he told the court he reduced his connection with the business when the council told him the premises did not comply with the law.

He admitted failing to tell the council who the owner of the bar was within the 15 day legal limit.

He was ordered to pay £2,465 in fines and costs.

Leicester Shisha cafe breached smoking laws

Body found in hunt for missing Leicester mother Michelle Grimbley

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Police searching for a missing mother have discovered a body behind the National Space Centre.

Officers were yesterday searching the Abbey ward area of the city for Michelle Grimbley, who was last seen by her family in October.

They confirmed they had found a body in Corporation Road, near to the visitor attraction, shortly before 12.25pm.

However, formal identification had not taken place last night. A spokeswoman for the force said they could not confirm if the body was that of the missing woman.

She said: "They (officers) were searching in the area as part of a missing from home inquiry, but we can not actually say if the body has anything to do with the missing inquiry until formal identification takes place."

The spokeswoman said officers could not yet confirm the age or gender of the body, or whether there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

The riverside footpath behind the space centre was cordoned off for forensic examination yesterday, and walkers were redirected by officers.

A spokeswoman for the space centre said police officers had informed the venue's security team of an "ongoing incident".

She said: "Police said it was an ongoing incident and that they do have officers on site and the area has been cordoned off – but nothing more than that."

Michelle was last seen by her family on Friday, October 19, near to her home in Beaumanor Road, Leicester, about half a mile from the space centre.

Police searched Beaumont Leys Lane, Corporation Road and Abbey Lane on December 18, in the hope of finding something that would lead them to Michelle.

They said there had been sightings of her in Beaumont Leys and the Stocking Farm area of Leicester since she was reported missing.

In a plea to the public last month, Michelle's daughter, Nicola, said: "We really miss you Mum, and we want to have you home for Christmas, please come home."

Body found in hunt for missing Leicester mother Michelle Grimbley

Midfielder Matty James in Leicester City warning ahead of clash with Middlesbrough

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Midfielder Matty James has warned that Leicester City cannot afford to get carried away with their recent excellent form and risk losing focus.

City face promotion rivals Middlesbrough on Friday night on the back of three consecutive league victories and back-to-back demolitions of Huddersfield and Bristol City.

As a result, City have moved to within two points of the automatic promotion places and have the chance to go second in the table on Friday with a victory against Boro.

However, James issued a warning to anyone who is getting over-excited.

"The momentum is with us but we don't want to get carried away and look to far ahead of ourselves," he said.

"We have to keep putting in good performances and work hard first and foremost before we start playing our football. That has been a key point all the way through the season.

"We give 100 per cent every game and we just feel if we do that, then our technical ability will see us come out on top.

"We have to focus on Middlesbrough now. We can't get carried away with where we are in the table, we have to focus on this game and try to get three points."

City have been beaten only twice in the league on home soil this season, by Crystal Palace and Cardiff, and James believes their good home record means sides come to the King Power Stadium set-up to frustrate the hosts.

"We need to make the King Power Stadium a fortress, and it has been so far this season," he said.

"Middlesbrough might come for just a point but a lot of teams have done that. If we play our game and focus on what we do best, we will come out on top."

James has struck up a good partnership in the centre of midfield with Danny Drinkwater in recent weeks, and the 21-year-old, who scored his first league goal as a City player at Ashton Gate on Saturday, said it is an understanding they developed together at Manchester United.

"I have played with Drinky before, back in our United days, and we understand each other quite well," said James. "Hopefully, we can continue in this form.

"I think we complement each other well. We try to communicate as much as we can and we concentrate on stopping their midfield players.

"That gives us the platform to keep passing and keep doing the stuff that we do well, keep the ball and keep it moving."

Midfielder Matty James in Leicester City warning  ahead of clash with Middlesbrough


Just wait until we find our top gear, warns Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel

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Leicester City might be in the best form of the season at the moment but, ominously for their rivals, Kasper Schmeichel believes they can get even better.

The Danish goalkeeper said City have still not found top gear this season, and warned that they should not get carried away with their recent impressive victories against Huddersfield and Bristol City.

City have scored 10 goals in those two games, but also have kept the highest number of clean sheets in the Championship, and Schmeichel said they must also have the ability to scrap for victory in tight games.

Schmeichel said league leaders Cardiff were the perfect example of that.

"I think we have to be striving to do better," he said.

"Yes, we beat Huddersfield 6-1 but we played well, and perhaps Huddersfield had a bit of an off-day. We can't go overboard on that.

"Cardiff have been the benchmark in this division because they are top of the league.

"In the game against us (when City lost 1-0 at home last month), we peppered them and they had one chance, but they scored.

"That is the clinical nature you need in tight games. That is what you need to get promoted.

"I think we have that in us now, with the defensive record we have and the striking power we possess.

"We need to win those scrappy games, and Burnley away recently was a great example of that.

"We were under a bit of pressure and it wasn't a pretty game, but we carved out a very satisfactory 1-0 win.

"That is what is needed, especially in tight games like that."

Teenage loan signing Michael Keane has started the last three games and City have conceded just one goal in that time.

Schmeichel was full of praise for the 19-year-old from Manchester United.

"He has done great," he said. "He has been fantastic and I can't praise him highly enough.

"He has slotted straight in, and that is a difficult thing to do when you have come to a new team, especially when it is your first club on loan and first taste of first-team football. That is a quality you have to have."

City's trip to face Derby County will be shown live on Sky Sports.

The Championship fixture will still take place on Saturday, March 16, but will now kick off at the later time of 5.20pm.

Just wait until we find our top gear, warns Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel

Dont let the snow Ruin your weekly Game

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Junior Open Cup

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Goals Leicester is holding their Monthly Junior Open Cup on Saturday 19th January @ 12pm

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Junior Open Cup

New Monday league

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New Monday League starting on Monday 28th January

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New Monday league

Monthly Open Cup

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Goals Leicester is holding their Monthly Open Cup on Friday 25th January @ 7pm 

Its only £25 per team

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Monthly Open Cup

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