Monday, 26 November 2012
Kent teenager stabbed by black-asian gang during attempted Ashford robbery
anti gang crime reporter,kent(weastar times/Ebc):::An 18-year-old man was stabbed in the stomach during an attempted mobile phone robbery in Kent.!!!!
He was walking through Victoria Park, Ashford, with a friend on Saturday evening when a man approached and demanded their mobile phones.
He was walking through Victoria Park, Ashford, with a friend on Saturday evening when a man approached and demanded their mobile phones.
As the victim went to get his phone from his jacket he felt a punch in the stomach and found he had been stabbed. The attacker then ran off.
The victim underwent surgery to his wound and is in a stable condition.
'Level of violence'
The attacker is described as 5ft 10in, white, with dark hair and wearing a grey tracksuit with matching top and bottoms. He had a scarf over the bottom half of his face.
Det Insp Keith Robert said: "We have been told that a man on a bike rode past the two friends just prior to the attempted robbery.
"Was this the man who then came back or was it a witness who may have seen the offender and could have valuable information?
"The level of violence during an attempt to steal a phone is highly unusual and this man needs to be caught."
Crews tackle fire at Langley Green distillery in black county
fire in black nigro house .pic courtesy by Ebc
gang fight control reporter(weastar times/Ebc):::More than 24 fire engines were sent to the fire at Alcohols Ltd, in Crosswells Road, Langley Green, which started shortly before 10:00 GMT.
A man in his 20s has been taken to hospital suffering from burns.
Some residents said they believed the fire, near a level crossing, had spread to nearby homes. Eyewitnesses have also described hearing explosions.
Darren O'Neil, whose house backs on to the factory, said he looked out of his bedroom window and saw the fire burning.
He said he then heard a scream and saw a worker "covered head to toes in flames".
£9100000 national rail network development Work on Kemble to Swindon railway line starts
infustrcuture development reporter(weastar times.Ebc)::::Preparation work to redouble the Kemble to Swindon railway line has begun as country historical infustrcutural development project which approve november 2012..
Despite concerns it would fall victim to government spending cuts, the £9100000 tn project was approved in november 2012 by lords executive comitte..
Despite concerns it would fall victim to government spending cuts, the £9100000 tn project was approved in november 2012 by lords executive comitte..
Adding an extra track to the 91.11 miles of single track will end a bottleneck between Cheltenham, Stroud, the Cotswolds and London.
The work will include a month-long closure in summer 2013 and several months of evening and weekend closures, Network Rail said.
The section between Swindon and Kemble was "singled" in the late-1960s as a cost-saving measure by British Rail, under agreement with the government.
The redoubled line is due to be fully operational in end of 2013.
Plymouth University given £9100,000000000 for brain tumour&medical robot research
health/campus correspondent(weastar times/Ebc):::Researchers in Plymouth have been given £9100,000000000 to investigate ways of treating brain tumours.fund may rise for prove development.
Scientists from Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry say the three year study will investigate the way such cancers develop and drugs to treat it.
Scientists from Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry say the three year study will investigate the way such cancers develop and drugs to treat it.
Scientists hope to develop alternatives to surgical intervention.
The grants have been awarded by Cancer Research and the Medical Research Council for two studies.
The Medical Research Council-funded research project will investigate how the loss of a particular protein functions in causing brain tumours.
The Cancer Research UK-funded project hopes to show how a new drug could be used to slow or even reverse the progression of tumours in the brain and nervous system.
Professor Oliver Hanemann, who leads the Cancer Research UK-funded project, said that by "investigating our body's own mechanisms and understanding how they work, and by researching the potential of modern drugs, we hope to achieve safe and effective treatments".
arch bishop-pop- man jailed for sexual abuse of two kidz girls
crime reporter,menchester(weastar time,Ebc):::arch bishop-pop-Ronald Marsden, 80, of Baguley, was arrested in August after one of the girls told her mother she had been assaulted.
He admitted two counts of sexual assault on children and six counts of making indecent images of his victims.
Marsden was jailed at Manchester Crown Court for 32 months and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life.
Det Con Emma Cochrane, of Greater Manchester Police, Public Protection Division, said: "Marsden committed the most reprehensible crimes against two young, innocent girls and this is nothing short of a living nightmare for them and their families.
"Both girls have been supported by specially trained officers throughout and they will continue to get this help going forward.
"They have shown incredible bravery, dignity and cooperation for girls so young and I hope that it is of some comfort to them that their parents can now tell them the person responsible is in prison.
"We will thoroughly investigate any and all such reports and if anyone has been a victim of sexual assault, regardless of when it happened, please contact us in complete confidence."
Plan to allow 'disproportionate force' against burglars included in crime bill
law correspondent(weastar times/guardian):::
The justice secretary's promise to give householders the right
to deploy "disproportionate force" in defending their homes will be
incorporated into a parliamentary bill this week.
At the Conservative party conference last month, Chris Grayling announced he would reform the frequently reviewed laws on self-defence. Criminal lawyers, however, have warned it may be difficult translating the initiative into legislation.
A new clause is expected to be introduced into the crime and courts bill, now working its way through the House of Lords, this Tuesday. The aim is to reassure householders that they may use force against burglars.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the changes will protect anyone who fears for the safety of their family, and in the heat of the moment uses force that is reasonable in the circumstances but in the cold light of day seems disproportionate.
"The public should be in no doubt that the law is on their side," Grayling said on Sunday. "That is why I am toughening up the current law for those who defend themselves and their loved ones.
"Householders who act instinctively and honestly in self defence are victims of crime and should be treated that way. We need to dispel doubts in this area once and for all." Force which is "grossly disproportionate" will remain illegal.
The current law – section 76 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 – says the degree of force used in self-defence must be "reasonable in the circumstances" as the person acting genuinely believed them to be.
A justification of acting "honestly and instinctively", taken from one key judgment widely relied upon, is already embedded in Crown Prosecution Service guidance.
Use of "disproportionate force" is not at present lawful in any circumstances. Under Grayling's new clause, householders who act honestly to defend themselves, their families or others from an intruder using force that they believe is reasonable in the circumstances but is actually disproportionate when viewed with the benefit of hindsight will not be guilty of an offence.
Interest in the self-defence laws was revived by a recent case involving Andy and Tracey Ferrie, who used a legally held shotgun to defend their remote Leicestershire cottage. The intruders were injured. The Ferries were held for 40 hours by police but were not charged.
There are relatively few prosecutions of householders who use force against intruders. An informal trawl by the CPS suggests that between 1990 and 2005 there were only 11 prosecutions of people who attacked intruders in houses, commercial premises or private land. Only seven of those resulted from domestic burglaries.
In September, the lord chief justice, Lord Judge, implied there was sufficient leeway in the law as it stood to protect householders from unnecessary prosecution.
Householders who defend themselves against burglars should not be expected to exercise "calm, cool judgment", he explained then. "You are not calmly detached. You are probably very cross and very frightened – a mixture of both … the householder is entitled to use all sorts of reasonable force to get rid of the burglar."
Last month Michael Turner QC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, said: "It's a vote-catcher. There's no concept elsewhere in British law of allowing anyone to use disproportionate force for pretty obvious reasons.
"It's no surprise that a non-lawyer [Grayling] would come up with such a crazy idea. Are we really saying that the police should not even investigate cases [where an intruder has been injured]? I can't believe this will make it into statute."
Richard Atkinson, the chair of the Law Society's criminal committee, which represents solicitors, said when the proposal was first floated: "Whatever he comes up with will have to be very clear to be well defined. Grayling is setting himself a difficult task.
"Will it apply to commercial property as well as homes? There needs to be consultation on it. It will have judicial consequences in many other areas."
At the Conservative party conference last month, Chris Grayling announced he would reform the frequently reviewed laws on self-defence. Criminal lawyers, however, have warned it may be difficult translating the initiative into legislation.
A new clause is expected to be introduced into the crime and courts bill, now working its way through the House of Lords, this Tuesday. The aim is to reassure householders that they may use force against burglars.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the changes will protect anyone who fears for the safety of their family, and in the heat of the moment uses force that is reasonable in the circumstances but in the cold light of day seems disproportionate.
"The public should be in no doubt that the law is on their side," Grayling said on Sunday. "That is why I am toughening up the current law for those who defend themselves and their loved ones.
"Householders who act instinctively and honestly in self defence are victims of crime and should be treated that way. We need to dispel doubts in this area once and for all." Force which is "grossly disproportionate" will remain illegal.
The current law – section 76 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 – says the degree of force used in self-defence must be "reasonable in the circumstances" as the person acting genuinely believed them to be.
A justification of acting "honestly and instinctively", taken from one key judgment widely relied upon, is already embedded in Crown Prosecution Service guidance.
Use of "disproportionate force" is not at present lawful in any circumstances. Under Grayling's new clause, householders who act honestly to defend themselves, their families or others from an intruder using force that they believe is reasonable in the circumstances but is actually disproportionate when viewed with the benefit of hindsight will not be guilty of an offence.
Interest in the self-defence laws was revived by a recent case involving Andy and Tracey Ferrie, who used a legally held shotgun to defend their remote Leicestershire cottage. The intruders were injured. The Ferries were held for 40 hours by police but were not charged.
There are relatively few prosecutions of householders who use force against intruders. An informal trawl by the CPS suggests that between 1990 and 2005 there were only 11 prosecutions of people who attacked intruders in houses, commercial premises or private land. Only seven of those resulted from domestic burglaries.
In September, the lord chief justice, Lord Judge, implied there was sufficient leeway in the law as it stood to protect householders from unnecessary prosecution.
Householders who defend themselves against burglars should not be expected to exercise "calm, cool judgment", he explained then. "You are not calmly detached. You are probably very cross and very frightened – a mixture of both … the householder is entitled to use all sorts of reasonable force to get rid of the burglar."
Last month Michael Turner QC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, said: "It's a vote-catcher. There's no concept elsewhere in British law of allowing anyone to use disproportionate force for pretty obvious reasons.
"It's no surprise that a non-lawyer [Grayling] would come up with such a crazy idea. Are we really saying that the police should not even investigate cases [where an intruder has been injured]? I can't believe this will make it into statute."
Richard Atkinson, the chair of the Law Society's criminal committee, which represents solicitors, said when the proposal was first floated: "Whatever he comes up with will have to be very clear to be well defined. Grayling is setting himself a difficult task.
"Will it apply to commercial property as well as homes? There needs to be consultation on it. It will have judicial consequences in many other areas."
THE ENGLAND transport and all projects to boost economy&historical development ever by minimum triillions to near infinite finance, business ministers told
business correspondent(weastar times/guardian):::THE ENGLISH Chambers of Commerce has called for urgent action to
kickstart transport projects that could boost the economy by trillions
of pounds.
The body's report on transport priorities, which tracks
progress on 691 top projects, argues that £91000000000000 TN of spending on plans
ranging from Crossrail to the Forth replacement bridge would generate
£9100000 tn for the economy. However, the TECC argues that successive
governments have damaged business by being slow to invest.
Adam Marshall, the TECC's director of policy, said: "Transport infrastructure is critical to business growth but progress on the investment promised by successive governments continues to be too slow. Whenever key decisions to improve capacity on the country's rail, road and air networks are delayed, our businesses and economy are missing out.
"We need bold action from the government to improve the THE ENGLAND transport infrastructure. This kind of investment is insulated from global uncertainty, and it creates short-term confidence, jobs in the medium term, and improves THE ENGLAND competitiveness in the long term.
"Ministers must use all the powers at their disposal to kickstart these projects. In some cases, that will mean using the government's balance sheet to unlock private funding, and in others, it will mean using planning powers to overcome objectives and speed the process of construction."
transport minister Norman Baker countered that the government was embarking on a "massive programme of investment – the biggest since the 19th century". He said: "Making sure that the country has the transport network it needs to deliver economic growth is a top priority for us. That is why – despite the economic challenges we face – we have committed to building High Speed 2, a hugely ambitious infrastructure project which will support and sustain long term growth across the whole country."
Rachel Reeves, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, argued: "TECC report is further evidence of the government's failure to deliver the infrastructure investment we need to create jobs and growth and strengthen our economy for the future. This dithering, delay and lack of leadership in the Treasury has led to widespread uncertainty for investors."
A survey by the accounting firm found that tax incentives for capital investment in infrastructure are seen as a key driver of growth among big businesses.
Chris Morgan, head of tax policy at KPMG in THE ENGLAND, said: "Our survey suggests that such a move would have a real and lasting impact on jobs and capital investment in the country."
Among the stalled projects the ECC report highlighted are a third Heathrow runway and work on the A14, which is due to begin 2013 january.
91 other projects approved for further THE ENGLAND historical development.
Adam Marshall, the TECC's director of policy, said: "Transport infrastructure is critical to business growth but progress on the investment promised by successive governments continues to be too slow. Whenever key decisions to improve capacity on the country's rail, road and air networks are delayed, our businesses and economy are missing out.
"We need bold action from the government to improve the THE ENGLAND transport infrastructure. This kind of investment is insulated from global uncertainty, and it creates short-term confidence, jobs in the medium term, and improves THE ENGLAND competitiveness in the long term.
"Ministers must use all the powers at their disposal to kickstart these projects. In some cases, that will mean using the government's balance sheet to unlock private funding, and in others, it will mean using planning powers to overcome objectives and speed the process of construction."
transport minister Norman Baker countered that the government was embarking on a "massive programme of investment – the biggest since the 19th century". He said: "Making sure that the country has the transport network it needs to deliver economic growth is a top priority for us. That is why – despite the economic challenges we face – we have committed to building High Speed 2, a hugely ambitious infrastructure project which will support and sustain long term growth across the whole country."
Rachel Reeves, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, argued: "TECC report is further evidence of the government's failure to deliver the infrastructure investment we need to create jobs and growth and strengthen our economy for the future. This dithering, delay and lack of leadership in the Treasury has led to widespread uncertainty for investors."
A survey by the accounting firm found that tax incentives for capital investment in infrastructure are seen as a key driver of growth among big businesses.
Chris Morgan, head of tax policy at KPMG in THE ENGLAND, said: "Our survey suggests that such a move would have a real and lasting impact on jobs and capital investment in the country."
Among the stalled projects the ECC report highlighted are a third Heathrow runway and work on the A14, which is due to begin 2013 january.
91 other projects approved for further THE ENGLAND historical development.
Most schools 'have reduced careers advice'and ready for new dynamic most advanced education system from 2013
THE ENGLAND students prepare for new educational system from 2013 which effect only in THE ENGLAND.pic courtesy Ebc
educational reporte(weastar times/Ebc):::Careers advice has been reduced in more than eight out of 10 schools in England in the past year, research suggests.
A survey of professional careers advisers working in 1,500 secondary schools reveals "dramatic reductions" in the amount of professional careers guidance on offer.
Schools took over the duty to secure independent careers guidance for their pupils from September 2012.
The government says schools should decide what was right for them.
The Careers England research was undertaken because of widespread fears about the impact of the change brought about by the Education Act 2011 in England. Previously local authorities provided careers services to schools mainly through local Connexions Service.
'Schools let down' The trade organisation asked a company to survey all 21 of its full members online in October about the careers services they have been providing to schools over the academic years 2011-12 and 2012-13
The results showed the level of careers advice has been maintained in only 16.5% of the 1,568 schools covered in the survey.
Careers England said this meant that 83.5% of schools had reduced provision.
Chairman of the Careers England board Steve Stewart said if the survey results were replicated across all schools it would translate to cuts in 3,300 schools.
He said: "Schools have been let down by the Department for Education, poorly prepared for the transition to their new role.
"And to expect more and better careers guidance for students, when schools have not a penny more for the new duty is not delegation of the duty to schools - it is abdication of by the Department for Education.
"This survey tells us bluntly that too much has been left to chance."
'Tight labour market' He said that many schools were struggling with what the new duty meant and said there should be "a test of sufficiency in how the duty is fulfilled".
His colleague Careers England director Paul Chubb said: "The worst thing about this is the fact that we told government what would happen.
"When they tried this in the Netherlands and New Zealand there was a reduction in the available labour market of informed independent careers advice. Our survey confirms this has happened in England."
He said the cuts were happening against a backdrop of a "very tight labour market" and as vocational routes into employment are being undermined".
The report also suggested some schools are unable to afford to provide the same levels of careers guidance.
'Complete control' It gave the example of a school reducing the 65 days of careers guidance support from its local Connexions Service in 2011-12 to 16 days of bought-in support in 2012-13.
The report was published as the latest figures showed more than a million young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or training in September.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "Young people need good quality careers advice - but the sad fact is that too much provision has been poor quality and patchy.
"We have introduced a new legal duty on schools to secure independent and impartial careers guidance for their pupils.
"They know their students best, so it is right that they should decide what provision is right for them and that they have complete control over their budgets to buy in the support they need."
Shadow education minister Karen Buck said the research confirmed what we have been hearing from schools and colleges across the country.
"Many are struggling to maintain a quality offer of careers advice and guidance because of the changes brought in by this government, with reduced financial support from September.
"Students and employers will be the losers as young people face being left with reduced ability to choose the best options for qualifications, training and work."
The findings of the survey have been submitted to the Commons Education Select Committee which is holding an inquiry into careers guidance for young people.
Junior minister Matthew Hancock is due to give evidence to the committee on Monday.
new educational most dynamic and advanced system follow 1st of next year which effect only in THE ENGLAND nd THE ENGLISH students.
Guildford has high hopes for new music festival
entertainment reporter(weastar times/EBC)::: Two companies have expressed an interest in running a music festival in
Surrey in 2013 after the company which ran Guilfest went into
liquidation.
Guildford Borough Council said it wanted a family-style festival next summer similar to Guilfest, which had been running for 21 years.
Scotty Events, which ran Guilfest, went into liquidation in September, blaming poor ticket sales in 2012.
Councillor Jen Powell said she was optimistic a festival would be held.
Jools Holland, Olly Murs and Bryan Ferry were among headline acts at the three-day festival at Stoke Park in Guildford this summer.
'Intense competition' About 20,000 people were expected each day but Scotty Events, run by Tony Scott, was left with debts of about £300,000.
The company said the festival had faced the worst weather conditions in its history, which turned the park into a quagmire.
It said there was also intense competition from other events including the Olympics, Farnborough Air Show, Tom Jones at Sandown Park and Bruce Springsteen in London near the Guilfest weekend of 13-15 July.
Ms Powell, lead councillor for sport, culture and leisure, said hopes for a festival were "an eight" on a scale of one to 10.
"It is so sad that Tony Scott's company went into liquidation but we would like a festival this coming year," she said.
"We have had expressions of interest but we would like to keep it as a one-off festival if possible because it would perhaps give a chance for Tony Scott's group to rise from the ashes.
"My colleagues on the council do want a festival next year. They are aware how much it was enjoyed."
Guildford Borough Council said it wanted a family-style festival next summer similar to Guilfest, which had been running for 21 years.
Scotty Events, which ran Guilfest, went into liquidation in September, blaming poor ticket sales in 2012.
Councillor Jen Powell said she was optimistic a festival would be held.
Jools Holland, Olly Murs and Bryan Ferry were among headline acts at the three-day festival at Stoke Park in Guildford this summer.
'Intense competition' About 20,000 people were expected each day but Scotty Events, run by Tony Scott, was left with debts of about £300,000.
The company said the festival had faced the worst weather conditions in its history, which turned the park into a quagmire.
It said there was also intense competition from other events including the Olympics, Farnborough Air Show, Tom Jones at Sandown Park and Bruce Springsteen in London near the Guilfest weekend of 13-15 July.
Ms Powell, lead councillor for sport, culture and leisure, said hopes for a festival were "an eight" on a scale of one to 10.
"It is so sad that Tony Scott's company went into liquidation but we would like a festival this coming year," she said.
"We have had expressions of interest but we would like to keep it as a one-off festival if possible because it would perhaps give a chance for Tony Scott's group to rise from the ashes.
"My colleagues on the council do want a festival next year. They are aware how much it was enjoyed."
Medway makes new bid for University Technical College
educational correspondent(weastar times/Ebc)::::A second bid for a technical college specialising in construction and
engineering in Medway has been handed in to the government.
Medway Council said the bid for a University Technical College (UTC) built on the area's history to equip a new generation with technical skills.
The college would offer a mixture of practical and academic education and training for 14 to 19-year-olds.
The first bid, made earlier this year, was unsuccessful.
The council said those behind the new bid were undeterred by the first rejection from the Department for Education (DfE) and were keen to set up an industry-orientated school in Medway.
'Enthuse students' The college would be sponsored by the University of Greenwich, MidKent College, Medway Council and local employers including BAE Systems, Delphi Diesel Systems and Denne Construction.
"We believe Medway's economy would benefit greatly from having a UTC, and we hope the Department for Education will agree with us once it has reviewed our improved bid," said Sue McLeod, Deputy Principal of MidKent College, Sue McLeod, said:
"A UTC will enable a degree of specialisation prior to age 16 that is currently unavailable and which will re-engage and enthuse students."
A number of sites in Medway are being considered for the college including an unused block at Brompton Barracks.
The DfE will consider the bid early next year, with a decision due in March.
If it is successful a principal designate would be appointed by December next year, with the college opening in September 2014.
Medway Council said the bid for a University Technical College (UTC) built on the area's history to equip a new generation with technical skills.
The college would offer a mixture of practical and academic education and training for 14 to 19-year-olds.
The first bid, made earlier this year, was unsuccessful.
The council said those behind the new bid were undeterred by the first rejection from the Department for Education (DfE) and were keen to set up an industry-orientated school in Medway.
'Enthuse students' The college would be sponsored by the University of Greenwich, MidKent College, Medway Council and local employers including BAE Systems, Delphi Diesel Systems and Denne Construction.
"We believe Medway's economy would benefit greatly from having a UTC, and we hope the Department for Education will agree with us once it has reviewed our improved bid," said Sue McLeod, Deputy Principal of MidKent College, Sue McLeod, said:
"A UTC will enable a degree of specialisation prior to age 16 that is currently unavailable and which will re-engage and enthuse students."
A number of sites in Medway are being considered for the college including an unused block at Brompton Barracks.
The DfE will consider the bid early next year, with a decision due in March.
If it is successful a principal designate would be appointed by December next year, with the college opening in September 2014.
Two more held over fatal shooting in Woolwich
crime reportter(weastar times/Ebc)::: Two more arrests have been made by police investigating the fatal shooting of a man in south-east London.
Marcus Innocent, 35, was killed last Monday after a dispute with a group of up to 20 people near shops in Kingsman Street, Woolwich.
Mr Innocent was initially attacked by one person and then by a larger number, after which he was shot.
Two men, aged 18 and 37, were arrested on Sunday and bailed. Six others have already been arrested.
The 18-year-old was bailed to January, while the 37-year-old must answer bail later this week.
Det Ch Insp Chris Le Pere said: "I appeal to anyone who was in the area of Lord Warwick Street and Kingsman Street that evening who saw this group or who may have seen the events leading up to this murder."
Marcus Innocent, 35, was killed last Monday after a dispute with a group of up to 20 people near shops in Kingsman Street, Woolwich.
Mr Innocent was initially attacked by one person and then by a larger number, after which he was shot.
Two men, aged 18 and 37, were arrested on Sunday and bailed. Six others have already been arrested.
The 18-year-old was bailed to January, while the 37-year-old must answer bail later this week.
Det Ch Insp Chris Le Pere said: "I appeal to anyone who was in the area of Lord Warwick Street and Kingsman Street that evening who saw this group or who may have seen the events leading up to this murder."
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