Clare's Law Rolled Out To Expose Abusers

By Mike McCarthy, North of England Correspondent

New measures to protect victims of domestic abuse come into effect today.

Clare's Law, which enables people to check the police records of partners, has been launched across England and Wales after being piloted by four police forces.

The father of murder victim Clare Wood, whose name has been given to the scheme, has welcomed its introduction, describing it as "a bittersweet moment".

Clare's killer George Appleton

Michael Brown discovered five years ago that his daughter had been raped and strangled at her Salford home by ex-boyfriend George Appleton, who set fire to her body before going on the run. He was found hanged several days later.

Appleton, who Clare met on Facebook, had a history of violence against women, including knife-point kidnapping.

Mr Brown told Sky News: "When you lose a family member in these circumstances it is always with you. To realise that the last moments of your daughter's life were kicking and screaming in a room in Salford sticks with you."

The 70-year-old said Clare's Law was "not a panacea for domestic violence" but added: "If it can help others - just one - I and all the other campaigners will have succeeded. 

"This is just another piece of armour plate for people to put on when they are in trouble."

The launch coincides with International Women's Day and also marks the introduction of Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), which are designed to provide support for victims in the immediate aftermath of violent incidents.

Michael Brown has fought for a new law to help women like his daughter

DVPOs can last for up to 28 days, during which time a perpetrator can be prevented from having contact with the victim.

Speaking about Clare's Law, Home Secretary Theresa May said: "What we saw from the pilots was a real benefit for women who were able to go to the police where they had suspicions about the behaviour of their partner.

"As a result of that, they were able to make a decision about whether to stay with that partner or to leave."

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Driver Who Took Baby On 100mph Chase Is Jailed

A banned driver who drove a stolen car at 100mph on icy roads with his pregnant girlfriend and a baby in the back seat has been jailed for 22 months.

Ashton Dellamonica, 21, took police on an 11-mile chase on Christmas Day last year after he was spotted by officers in an unmarked car in Nottingham.

He avoided a police stinger operation on the A610 to burst the vehicle's tyres before continuing on at speeds in excess of 100mph.

A police helicopter filmed Dellamonica driving through six sets of red lights before he crashed the stolen Audi in The Meadows area of the city.

Police then continued to chase him on foot.

Dellamonica went through six sets of red lights during the chase

He was arrested after police found him hiding under a parked car in a residential street.

Detective Constable Emma Pollard, of Radford Road CID, said: "Officers involved said they had not seen such dangerous driving in years of policing.

"Anyone seeing the footage of his driving will be shocked that no one was seriously hurt by such wilful and dangerous behaviour.

"Claiming he was concerned about a small amount of cannabis on his person, he chose to risk the life of his unborn child, his girlfriend, brother and baby, by driving at speeds of more than 100mph in icy and wet conditions.

"I am pleased with the sentencing and I hope it sends out a message that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in our communities."

Earlier this week, Dellamonica pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and having no insurance.

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Blackpool 'Methadone' Toddler: Two Charged

A man and a woman have been charged in connection with the death of a two-year-old girl found to have ingested methadone.

Barry Jones, 41, and Michelle King, 29, have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Blackpool Magistrates Court today.

They have both been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child by means of an unlawful act contrary to Section 5 of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004.

An ambulance was called to Jameson Street on Tuesday night

Sophie Jones was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital from a house in Jameson Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, on Tuesday night but later died.

Toxicology tests have confirmed Sophie ingested the synthetic heroin substitute methadone but a post-mortem examination has failed to ascertain the cause of death.

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Sochi Paralympics: Jade Etherington Wins Silver

Visually-impaired skier Jade Etherington has won ParalympicsGB's first medal at the Winter Games in Sochi, less than an hour into the event.

She took silver in the women's downhill, clocking a time of one minute 34.28 seconds with the aide of her guide Caroline Powell.

It is Britain's first Paralympic slope medal in 20 years and means the team has already bettered its haul from Vancouver four years ago.

The medal is an early birthday present for the 22-year-old from Lincoln

Etherington and Powell had not even met a year ago, and this was only their third competitive downhill run together.

The pair communicate on the slopes via radio.

There was a worrying moment when Etherington crashed crossing the finish line, but she was soon back on her feet.

Jade Etherington is helped by her guide Caroline Powell

The 22-year-old trainee teacher from Lincoln, who celebrates her birthday on Sunday, said: "I can't believe what's just happened.

"We knew it was it was a solid run because we were shouting 'go, go, go' and we had good, solid communication.

"I'm so proud and excited and I can't wait to get that medal in my hands."

Powell added: "We were really excited today and we knew that being excited rather than nervous usually means we'll have a good run. I'm so proud of Jade and what she's done."

Etherington's teammate Kelly Gallagher, skiing with her guide Charlotte Evans, finished sixth.

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TV Licence Dodgers May Not Be Prosecuted

Pressure Grows Over TV Licence Prosecutions

Updated: 1:18pm UK, Saturday 08 March 2014

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

What crime led to 180,000 people being hauled in front of magistrates in 2012, resulted in 70 prison sentences and accounted for one in nine of all cases heard by the courts?

OK, OK, I know you've read the news story and realise the answer is failure to pay a television licence fee.

Magistrates have long objected to being asked to deliver criminal records to these offenders, who tend to be poor, are often older and about two-thirds of whom are women.

They think it is an over-reaction and a waste of court time.

Instead, they want to divert cases to the civil system, along with parking offences or failure to pay your gas bill.

So could their argument be gathering steam in Parliament?

An amendment calling for the change by Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen is gathering support from across the political divide with a variety of motivations.

Some object to the "poll tax" nature of the fee - a £145.50 levy on the rich and poor is clearly regressive.

Others feel that criminal sanctions including prison are simply not the right response, particularly given the vulnerability of those it affects.

Then there is the idea of easing pressure on courts and prisons appeals across the political system.

And finally, there are those who simply detest the BBC.

The corporation itself would be uneasy about the change because of fears it would reduce the incentive to pay.

Even a 1% rise in evasion would cost £35m, which the Beeb tells us is equivalent to 10 local radio stations (or, to put a different spin on it, 11 Jeremy Clarksons).

What is notable about this story is that Chris Grayling, the Justice Secretary, has called Mr Bridgen's intervention "really interesting".

He says Maria Miller, the Culture Secretary, agrees and both departments will be doing some "serious work on the proposal".

In reality, any such change would be discussed as part of BBC Charter renewal.

The next round is due to be completed by the end of 2016, with talks starting around 18 months beforehand.

That means the middle of next year - probably not until after the General Election.

The magistrates, it seems, will have to wait.

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Girl Found In Grave: Cause Of Death Revealed

A teenager found dead in a freshly disturbed grave died from "pressure to the neck", police have said.

The body of 17-year-old Jayden Parkinson was discovered in the Great Western Cemetery in Didcot, Oxfordshire, in December.

Her ex-boyfriend Ben Blakeley, 22, has been charged with murder and perverting the course of justice.

Toxicology tests were ordered after an initial post-mortem examination was inconclusive.

Jayden was last spotted alive on CCTV

"Those results have now been received and Thames Valley Police can confirm that the cause of death is consistent with pressure to the neck," a police spokesman said.

The Oxford teen was last seen leaving Didcot railway station on December 3.

Police were led to the graveyard by "significant" information. Some 100 officers searched for her body.

Blakeley, of Christchurch Road in Reading, is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court for a plea hearing on March 17.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with perverting the course of justice by allegedly helping to dispose of Jayden's body and other evidence.

A third person, a 48-year-old woman from Didcot, was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has been bailed.

Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating whether Thames Valley Police's response to Jayden's was "appropriate and proportionate in the circumstances".

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Cameron 'Profoundly Shocked' By Aide Arrest

David Cameron has expressed profound shock at the arrest of one of his closest aides over child pornography allegations.

Patrick Rock, who was deputy head of Downing Street's policy unit, resigned last month just before his arrest at his home in the early hours of February 13.

Mr Cameron said: "Obviously when I heard these allegations I was profoundly shocked and remain profoundly shocked today.

"I have to be careful about what I say about this issue because a criminal investigation is under way."

The Prime Minister also defended accusations of Downing Street secrecy over the issue and said: "But as soon as questions were asked, as questions would inevitably be asked, we have given very full and straightforward answers, which is absolutely the right way to answer this."

Mr Cameron, who was speaking during a visit to the Midlands, said he was happy the matter had been handled in an "absolutely correct way" by No 10.

He acknowledged Mr Rock played "an important role at Downing Street" but, he said, Mr Rock had resigned that position.

Mr Rock, 62, who is not married and is from west London, was one of a number of advisers and officials involved in drawing up the Government's policy on internet porn filters.

The search engine companies Google and Microsoft agreed last year to introduce changes to make it harder to find child abuse images online.

He comments came as Downing Street disclosed Mr Rock had also been the subject of a complaint of "inappropriate behaviour", which "was dealt with immediately at a senior level in full accordance with HR policy."

However, no further details were given about the matter.

Mr Rock was arrested after Downing Street reported concerns over child abuse images to police when officials became aware of the potential offence, it was confirmed on Monday night.

A spokesperson for Number 10 said: "Subsequently, we arranged for officers to come into Number 10 have access to all IT systems and offices they considered relevant.

"This is an ongoing investigation so it would not be appropriate to comment further, but the Prime Minister believes that child abuse imagery is abhorrent and that anyone involved with it should be properly dealt with under the law."

Mr Cameron brought Mr Rock into Downing Street in 2011 after working with him at the Home Office under Michael Howard in the 1990s.

He was a protege of Margaret Thatcher and is credited with coining the phrase "cows moo, dogs bark. Labour puts up taxes".

Mr Rock stood for MP in 1984 for the Tory safe-seat of Portsmouth South but after a disastrous by-election campaign he suffered a crashing defeat losing out to the then Liberal SDP Alliance candidate, Mike Hancock.

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Ukraine: Document Reveals UK Stance On Crisis

A document detailing the UK's position on the Ukraine crisis has been seen being taken into Downing Street.

It was photographed as an official went into Downing Street for a meeting of the National Security Council as the crisis deepened.

It makes clear the Government is not considering curbing trade with Russia - or closing London's financial centre to Moscow as part of any possible package of sanctions against the country.

The papers also suggest the UK will lobby to exclude any talk of a military response to the deepening crisis.

Sky's Jason Farrell said: "It looks like some kind of a briefing document that's being taken into the meeting.

"It does give away some of Britain's position towards Russia.

The unknown official with the document in Downing Street

"It does suggest there may be suspension of contracts with Russia. There is talk about suspending Russia from the G8 and putting in visa restrictions.

"But it says the UK should not support, for now, trade sanctions or close London's financial centre to Russia.

"It also talks of what the UK can do for Ukraine - technical assistance packages - ideally jointly with Germany and about the EU working to provide some kind of alternative gas supply if Russia cuts them off."

The document also talks of pushing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon "to take the lead in calling and creating a forum for engaging Russia on Ukraine", and accepting "a special European Council" for leaders to meet and discuss the crisis.

It also says the UK should "discourage any discussion" of any "contingency military preparations".

Farrell added: "It is extremely embarrassing that the points of discussion have come out in this way."

Prime Minister David Cameron said after the meeting Russia would face "diplomatic, political, economic" pressure in response to "violating the sovereignty" of Ukraine.

"What we want to see is a de-escalation rather than a continuation down the path that the Russian government has taken, violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another country.

"So we shall have to bring to bear diplomatic, political, economic and other pressures in order to make this point.

"That is the very clear message the whole world needs to send to the Russian government."

EU leaders are to hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

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Childcare 'Costs Families More Than Mortgage'

The cost to families for part-time childcare is more than the monthly mortgage repayment, figures show.

According to the Family and Childcare Trust study, parents are spending more than £7,500 a year on part-time childcare for two children - around 4.7% more than the average mortgage bill.

Those with two children in full-time childcare are hit with an annual bill of £11,700 - 62% higher than the average yearly mortgage bill.

Its also says some families may be spending more on childcare than they do on their weekly shopping.

Information for the report came from family or children's information services at councils in England, Wales and Scotland.

Each local authority was asked to give the cost of 25 hours and 50 hours of childcare as provided by nurseries and childminders.

They were also asked to give figures on the average cost of 15 hours childcare in an after-school club, or for a childminder picking youngsters up from school.

It found a family with one two-year-old child attending nursery part-time and a five-year-old in an after-school club will be forced to spend £7,549 a year on average.

This is higher than the UK average annual UK mortgage, which the report puts at £7,207.

Education and childcare minister Elizabeth Truss insisted the cost of childcare in England had stabilised for the first time in 12 years.

"In fact, once inflation is taken into account costs for the majority have actually fallen," she said.

"This means more parents are able to access affordable childcare and support their families.

"These reductions contrast with rising costs in Scotland and Wales, highlighting the difference this Government's reforms are making."

The Department for Education said that the survey shows that the cost of nursery for a child over two was now £106.19, compared to £106.52 per week last year, which it said was a 2% reduction in real terms.

Dr Steven Toole, head of policy at 4Children, said: "The cost of childcare remains a major challenge for too many families, resulting in some parents getting into debt and others having to give up or being prevented from taking up work.

"Recent 4Children research shows the scale of the struggle parents face with childcare, with one in four saying that affordable, flexible and accessible childcare would make the most real, positive difference to their family life."

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Top Rugby Player May Lose Eye In Street Attack

Police have released CCTV images of three men they want to speak to over an attack on a Super League rugby player who may now lose an eye.

Sean Gleeson was punched in the face a number of times outside a nightclub in Wigan, Greater Manchester, around 4am on Sunday.

Following a row with three men, Gleeson was involved in a fight with one of them near Ibiza Bar in King Street, police said.

The others joined in before they left the Hull KR centre in the road and ran away.

He suffered serious injuries to his eye and eye socket and was taken to hospital where he is still being treated.

The three men that police want to trace

Wigan-born Gleeson, 26, signed for Hull KR last year but has had a string of injury problems.

He previously played for Salford City Reds, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Widnes Vikings and Wigan Warriors. He has represented Ireland at international level.

Detective Chief Inspector Howard Millington, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "We are now in a position to release images of three people we are very keen to speak to.

"If you recognise these men I would urge you to get in contact. A young man has been left with serious, potentially life changing, injuries as he could lose his eye.

"Imagine if this was your son, brother, cousin, or close friend who was ill in hospital, you would want answers.

"In addition, if anyone was there that night and saw the assault or if you know something that might be relevant to our investigation I would urge them to get in contact with police.

"You might not have seen the actual attack but you may have seen a group of white men running away. I would urge anyone who thinks they may know who is responsible to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone with information should call Wigan police on 0161 856 7259 / 7967 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Hague Says 'No Military Action' Over Ukraine

Putin Is Cracking The Whip On The West

Updated: 10:29am UK, Monday 03 March 2014

By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor

He's done it again.

With the swashbuckling approach to international affairs that fits his popular bare-chested public persona, Vladimir Putin has outmanoeuvred his Western rivals and local challengers.

Barack Obama, the leader of the world's greatest superpower, has been left looking like a salmon gasping on a river bank.

John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, unwittingly put his finger on why.

"You just don't in the 21st century behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pretext," he harrumphed.

Well, if you're Mr Putin, you do.

You destabilise regions where you have cultural linguistic ties, like Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia, and then if you feel the time is right you invade them like a 19th-century Tsar and take charge in the name of protecting your natural subjects.

There is nothing surprising about what happened in the Crimea. Only that the Western powers, nests of super-expensive spy agencies and cyber surveillance, were left entirely gormless and thunderstruck when Russian commandos, posing as "gunmen", quietly took over airport and government buildings.

But one did not need MI6, the CIA, European spooks and cyber nerds to guess that Mr Putin meant business when he identified the new government in Kiev as being the products of a fascist revolution and mobilised 150,000 troops on Ukraine's borders. You just had to keep your head out of the sand.

But that is where Western powers have been shoving it throughout the recent Putin years.

They did this because they are powerless to stop him. They don't have his dash or his amoral lack of concern for anything other than what he perceives to be Russia's interests.

He has not been wringing his hands over Syria - a country he has repeatedly said should be left to make its own sovereign way (unlike Ukraine).

He has behaved with the total hypocrisy and certainty of purpose that made nations great in the 19th century.

Empires were built, the biggest by the Brits, on perfidy, dash, ruthlessness and clarity.

He has backed Bashar al Assad. He has backed Iran.

As a result he has the most influence in the Syria nightmare.

He also has the most influence in determining or at least shaping Iran's nuclear future - and if Tehran gets the bomb, then making sure that he's on the right side of its leadership.

As in Ukraine, the West is enjoying baying at the Russian bear from the moral high ground.

But it has no levers that it is serious about pulling, either in the Middle East or in Crimea.

Threats of snubbing the G8 pow-wow in Sochi in June, even of economic sanctions, hardly matter to the Kremlin.

Moscow can cause economic mayhem in Europe just by turning off the gas taps.

Mr Kerry told the CBS programme Face The Nation that there would be "very serious repercussions" for Moscow and said G8 nations and some other countries are "prepared to go to the hilt to isolate Russia" with an array of options.

"They're prepared to put sanctions in place, they're prepared to isolate Russia economically, the rouble is already going down. Russia has major economic challenges," he said.

That may be true.

But Mr Putin has the whip in his hand, and he's already doing the cracking.

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Missing Megan Roberts: Body Of Woman Found

Police looking for a female student who went missing in York six weeks ago have taken the body of a woman from a river.

Megan Roberts, who studied at York St John University, disappeared during a night out with friends in January.

Police believe Miss Roberts, from Wetherby, became separated from friends while drunk and fell into the Ouse near Lendal Bridge.

A pedestrian reported the sighting of a woman's body on Sunday afternoon near the Ship Inn pub in the village of Acaster Malbis, five miles south of York.

Police have not confirmed that the body is that of Miss Roberts

The 20-year-old's family has been told of the discovery.

A police spokesman said: "Formal identification has not yet been completed, therefore we cannot confirm the identity of the deceased at this stage. The family of Megan Roberts have been informed of the discovery."

Miss Roberts was last seen on CCTV on the corner of Rougier Street and Lendal Bridge at about 2.20am on January 23.

A week later her mother, Jackie Roberts, explained the disappearance of her "beautiful daughter" as "a tragic run of events with no one to blame".

Police had searched the Ouse using sonar equipment but had no success.

A Facebook page, Help Find Megan Roberts, was set up to aid the search and attracted 8,535 followers.

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Leytonstone Murder: Victims Stabbed To Death

Police investigating a double murder say the two victims found in a car were stabbed to death.

Officers were called by paramedics to Montague Road, Leytonstone, northeast London, shortly before 1am on Saturday.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Post-mortem examinations found that Aaron Carriere, 21, died after being stabbed in the neck while the other, Josiah Manful, 20, died from stab wounds to the chest, shock and haemorrhaging, according to Scotland Yard.

Flowers were left at the scene of the killings in Leytonstone

No arrests have been made and a police incident room has opened in Barking.

Part of Montague Road was cordoned off while police forensic teams combed the area, including checking gutters and drains.

Flowers have been left at the scene.

A note attached to one bunch said: "rip aaron, always in our hearts, miss you. From jordan & mum xxx."

In one tribute a person wrote: "Nothing but love my brothers, may you rest in peace. Love Tony."

Young mourners turned up to pay their respects

One resident said: "I left and when I came back I saw it. It's horrible and I just heard what happened. I am so sorry - it's terrible."

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the killings to come forward, by calling the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Computer Coding Skills For Children 'Crucial'

By Afua Hirsch, Social Affairs and Education Editor

A generation of British schoolchildren risks being left behind in an analogue world unless they learn computer programming skills, a group of some of the UK's leading digital entrepreneurs warn today.

Writing on the Sky News website, figures including Baroness Martha Lane Fox, co-founder of Lastminute.com, and Ian Livingstone CBE, whose company created Tomb Raider, say young people could miss out on jobs if they are not taught skills like coding.

"Employers, entrepreneurs and government are aware how important the digital world will be in the future and we have to have a workforce with the right skills. It is vital that the UK is not left behind because we don't have the right talent who understand problem solving and are digitally literate," they write in an open letter.

"To ensure the next generation doesn't miss out on the potential this digital world will bring and the ability for them to succeed in it, we need to teach them about the fundamentals that underpin it."

The warning comes as the Hour of Code campaign is launched the UK, an initiative encouraging everyone to spend one hour learning how to write code.

It is part of a series of projects which will also see code taught in schools for the first time, following changes to the national curriculum from September.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has encouraged children to learn code

Computer science will be taught in all schools for the first time - and at one school in central London where classes are already under way, pupils voiced their enthusiasm.

"I think this should be taught everywhere," said Arb, a Year 9 pupil at Westminster City School. "It will enrich children, it will inspire them to go into coding and software production.

"It's more fun than actually playing [computer games], it's fantastic," Arb added. "You play the game but you don't actually appreciate how much time is put into making it. Now you realise that just making a simple game like this is incredible."

But one tech entrepreneur warned that root and branch reforms of the education system were needed if young people are really to be equipped with the right skills in a changing world.

"There is a massive skills shortage of digital savvy teachers - it's an unfortunate reality of the internet revolution moving a lot faster than anyone would imagine," said the enterpreneur, who wanted to remain anonymous. "I'm supportive of the Hour of Code and the changes to the curriculum, but we are still taking baby steps."

The Government said its changes to the curriculum would give children the right start.

Education Minister Elizabeth Truss said: "It is vital our children have the skills they need to succeed in the modern-day world which is why we are scrapping the old curriculum and replacing it with a forward-thinking programme that will teach them how to make computers work for them.

"From September every student will be learning code in the classroom so the Hour of Code is a great way for young people to learn about this exciting new skill and get a head-start for the new school year."

As people of all ages are encouraged to learn code this week, Ian Livingstone said he believed the UK could become a world leader if coding skills were more widespread.

"I would argue that we are the most creative nation in the world - if you look at our music, our fashion, our film, our design, our architecture, our advertising, and of course our games," said Mr Livingstone. " But we have to release digital creativity, and by learning how to code we can do that."

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'Bullying A Factor' In Female Soldier's Suicide

A female soldier who hanged herself at an Army barracks was bullied after alleging she was raped, a coroner has ruled.

Nicholas Rheinberg ordered the Army to review its care of vulnerable soldiers following Corporal Anne-Marie Ellement's death at Bulford Barracks in Wiltshire.

Bullying, the "lingering" mental effects of an alleged rape, "work-related despair" and a romantic break-up were all factors, Mr Rheinberg said.

Two years before her death Corporal Ellement accused two soldiers of raping her while stationed in Germany - an allegation that did not lead to charges.

In a statement read outside court in Salisbury, her family welcomed the coroner's conclusions - which come more than two years after her death in October 2011.

Her sister, Sharon Hardy, said: "The family are delighted with this verdict we have today.

"The coroner has confirmed what we have always known - that Anne-Marie was treated appallingly and let down by the Army.

"She was never able to recover from the allegation of rape she made in Germany.

"She then suffered bullying by the Army and was subjected to unacceptable work practices.

"Victims of sexual abuse in the Army need proper support, which the coroner has recognised, and we are delighted with his recommendations."

Mr Rheinberg said that, although the care given to Corporal Ellement in the aftermath of her rape allegation had been of "high quality", the transfer of information when she returned to the UK was "unforgivably bad".

Bridgadier John Donnelly, director of personal services for the Army, said: "The Army deeply regrets the tragic death of Corporal Anne-Marie Ellement and although there were aspects of her care that were praised, I want to apologise to her family for the failures the coroner has identified.

"This second inquest has been an extremely thorough investigation, and Anne-Marie's family has shown great dignity throughout.

"We now have a clear understanding of the complex circumstances surrounding her death and where the Army needs to learn lessons.

"Our priority is to study the coroner's conclusions and then identify what further steps can be taken, to help prevent a recurrence of this kind of tragedy in the future.

"At present, however, our thoughts and sympathy lie with Anne-Marie's family and her friends at this difficult time."

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or CALM on 0800 58 58 58.

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Leytonstone Murder: Victims Stabbed To Death

Police investigating a double murder say the two victims found in a car were stabbed to death.

Officers were called by paramedics to Montague Road, Leytonstone, northeast London, shortly before 1am on Saturday.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Post-mortem examinations found that one, aged 21, died after being stabbed in the neck while the other, aged 20, died from stab wounds to the chest, shock and haemorrhaging, according to Scotland Yard.

Flowers were left at the scene of the killings in Leytonstone

Neither man has been formally identified and officers are contacting their next of kin.

No arrests have been made and a police incident room has opened in Barking.

Part of Montague Road was cordoned off while police forensic teams combed the area, including checking gutters and drains.

Flowers have been left at the scene.

A note attached to one bunch said: "rip aaron, always in our hearts, miss you. From jordan & mum xxx."

Young mourners turned up to pay their respects

In tributes to the pair, mourners identified the victims as "Josiah and Aaron".

In one tribute a person wrote: "Nothing but love my brothers, may you rest in peace. Love Tony."

One resident said: "I left and when I came back I saw it. It's horrible and I just heard what happened. I am so sorry - it's terrible."

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the killings to come forward, by calling the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Moazzam Begg Remanded Over Terror Charges

Ex-Guantanamo detainee Moazzam Begg has appeared in court charged with providing terrorist training and funding terrorism overseas.

The 45-year-old British citizen, from Hall Green, Birmingham, was one of four people arrested earlier this week on suspicion of terrorism offences linked to the Syria conflict.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today alongside a woman, Gerrie Tahari, 44, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, who also denied funding terrorism overseas.

Begg was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on March 14.

Both were arrested on Tuesday with two other men held on suspicion of facilitating terrorism overseas.

Begg was released from Guantanamo Bay in January 2005

The pair - a 36-year-old man from Shirley, Solihull, and a 20-year-old man from Sparkhill, Birmingham, who is the son of Tahari - remain in police custody.

Begg was held by the US government at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba for nearly three years after being arrested in Pakistan in February 2002.

He was detained on suspicion of being a member of al Qaeda before being released without charge in January 2005.

He was allowed to return to the UK where he was arrested by police before being released without charge.

Begg is a director of Cage - which campaigns "against the War on Terror" - and has always maintained that he has never been involved in any kind of terrorist activity.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Floods Fund: £2m To Support Tourism Firms

Tourism businesses affected by the recent flooding are to get a £2m boost from the Government.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller says the money will fund experts who will visit affected areas and offer practical advice to tourism firms such as how to access business support measures.

The advice sessions will be hosted by VisitEngland and run throughout March.

The fund comes on top of  the £10m set aside by Prime Minister David Cameron last month to help flood-hit businesses generally.

Ms Miller said: "We want to help all those tourism businesses that have been affected by the horrendous floods get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

"Experts will be put on the ground to help small businesses with practical advice and communications while a bespoke Easter marketing will bring people back to the areas hit."

Welcoming the funding, VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "Our message to customers is 'Business as usual'.

"Despite many areas having been affected by bad weather and some travel disruption, the tourism infrastructure is largely unaffected."

VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe said: "International tourism is worth around £1.5bn to the economies of south west England and Wales.

"We are already getting out the message that it is a great time to travel to Britain and will be intensifying that activity over the coming months."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

:: Watch Sky News' special programme 'Battered Britain: From The Air' about the effect of the recent storms on the UK's landscape on Sunday, March 2, at 4pm.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Newcastle Boss Fined £100,000 For 'Headbutt'

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was sent off during his side's match against Hull City after appearing to headbutt an opposing player.

Midfielder David Meyler barged into Pardew as he tried to get the ball for a throw-in during the second half of Saturday's match at the KC Stadium.

Pardew squared up to Meyler and was seen to move his head in the direction of the player. Referee Kevin Friend then sent him to the stands. He was later fined £100,000 for his behaviour.

The incident overshadowed Newcastle's win

Speaking to Sky Sports News after the match, which Newcastle won 4-1, Pardew said it was a "heat of the moment thing" he "massively regrets".

"I think I'm going to sit down now because that's two or three incidents I've been involved in. I think I'm going to sit now.

"I didn't meant to do anything aggressive but I moved my head forward and that's enough."

The Football Association could take further action against Pardew

Hull boss Steve Bruce said the club had accepted Pardew's apology and wanted to move on from the incident.

"I think Alan knows he's been stupid and apologised.

"In the heat of the game we all do silly things and I think he regrets it. It's a game of football with emotions."

Pardew apologised after the match

At least one bookmaker has suspended betting on the next Premier League manager to leave after the run-in.

Pardew has been involved in touchline clashes with three opposition managers in the last year, and was given a two-game ban for pushing an assistant referee in 2012.

Later that year he signed an eight-year contract extension up until 2020.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Connery 'Shakes And Stirs' Scotland Debate

James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery is urging fellow Scots to vote for independence as the opportunity is "too good to miss".

The Hollywood star claimed a "new nation" with more hope would be created if Scotland backs leaving the UK in September's referendum.

Sir Sean, who does not live in the country but is a well-known supporter of independence, said a yes vote would "capture the world's attention".

He said: "I fully respect the choice facing Scotland in September is a matter for the people who choose to work and live there - that's only right.

"But as a Scot with a lifelong love of Scotland and the arts, I believe the opportunity of independence is too good to miss.

He added: "Scotland has the chance to make a step change."

Sir Sean said a yes vote would mean a "renewed focus on our culture and politics, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to promote our heritage and creative excellence.

David Bowie wants Scotland to remain part of the UK

"Simply put there is no more creative an act than creating a new nation."

The movie star, 83, said he was "particularly excited" about the prospects that independence could offer the film and creative industries.

He claimed these could be boosted by more investment, helping to create jobs north of the border with the "international promotion of Scotland as an iconic location".

Writing in an article in the Sun on Sunday and the New Statesman, he said a "a bigger and more confident film and broadcast sector" could help bring about "an inflow of resources and new jobs and training".

But the Better Together campaign - which wants Scotland to stay in the UK - says independence would mean losing jobs, and create more uncertainty, instability and barriers for businesses.

Last month, singer David Bowie, in a message read by model Kate Moss at the Brits, urged Scots to remain a part of the UK, saying: "Stay with us Scotland."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

00.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

Moazzam Begg Remanded Over Terror Charges

Ex-Guantanamo detainee Moazzam Begg has appeared in court charged with providing terrorist training and funding terrorism overseas.

The 45-year-old British citizen, from Hall Green, Birmingham, was one of four people arrested earlier this week on suspicion of terrorism offences linked to the Syria conflict.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today alongside a woman, Gerrie Tahari, 44, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, who also denied funding terrorism overseas.

Begg was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on March 14.

Both were arrested on Tuesday with two other men held on suspicion of facilitating terrorism overseas.

Begg was released from Guantanamo Bay in January 2005

The pair - a 36-year-old man from Shirley, Solihull, and a 20-year-old man from Sparkhill, Birmingham, who is the son of Tahari - remain in police custody.

Begg was held by the US government at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba for nearly three years after being arrested in Pakistan in February 2002.

He was detained on suspicion of being a member of al Qaeda before being released without charge in January 2005.

He was allowed to return to the UK where he was arrested by police before being released without charge.

Begg is a director of Cage - which campaigns "against the War on Terror" - and has always maintained that he has never been involved in any kind of terrorist activity.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Floods Fund: £2m To Support Tourism Firms

Tourism businesses affected by the recent flooding are to get a £2m boost from the Government.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller says the money will fund experts who will visit affected areas and offer practical advice to tourism firms such as how to access business support measures.

The advice sessions will be hosted by VisitEngland and run throughout March.

The fund comes on top of  the £10m set aside by Prime Minister David Cameron last month to help flood-hit businesses generally.

Ms Miller said: "We want to help all those tourism businesses that have been affected by the horrendous floods get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

"Experts will be put on the ground to help small businesses with practical advice and communications while a bespoke Easter marketing will bring people back to the areas hit."

Welcoming the funding, VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "Our message to customers is 'Business as usual'.

"Despite many areas having been affected by bad weather and some travel disruption, the tourism infrastructure is largely unaffected."

VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe said: "International tourism is worth around £1.5bn to the economies of south west England and Wales.

"We are already getting out the message that it is a great time to travel to Britain and will be intensifying that activity over the coming months."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

:: Watch Sky News' special programme 'Battered Britain: From The Air' about the effect of the recent storms on the UK's landscape on Sunday, March 2, at 4pm.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Newcastle Boss Fined £100,000 For 'Headbutt'

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was sent off during his side's match against Hull City after appearing to headbutt an opposing player.

Midfielder David Meyler barged into Pardew as he tried to get the ball for a throw-in during the second half of Saturday's match at the KC Stadium.

Pardew squared up to Meyler and was seen to move his head in the direction of the player. Referee Kevin Friend then sent him to the stands. He was later fined £100,000 for his behaviour.

The incident overshadowed Newcastle's win

Speaking to Sky Sports News after the match, which Newcastle won 4-1, Pardew said it was a "heat of the moment thing" he "massively regrets".

"I think I'm going to sit down now because that's two or three incidents I've been involved in. I think I'm going to sit now.

"I didn't meant to do anything aggressive but I moved my head forward and that's enough."

The Football Association could take further action against Pardew

Hull boss Steve Bruce said the club had accepted Pardew's apology and wanted to move on from the incident.

"I think Alan knows he's been stupid and apologised.

"In the heat of the game we all do silly things and I think he regrets it. It's a game of football with emotions."

Pardew apologised after the match

At least one bookmaker has suspended betting on the next Premier League manager to leave after the run-in.

Pardew has been involved in touchline clashes with three opposition managers in the last year, and was given a two-game ban for pushing an assistant referee in 2012.

Later that year he signed an eight-year contract extension up until 2020.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Leytonstone Murder: Victims Stabbed To Death

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8:46am UK, Sunday 02 March 2014

Police forensic teams combed the scene of the double murder

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Connery 'Shakes And Stirs' Scotland Debate

James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery is urging fellow Scots to vote for independence as the opportunity is "too good to miss".

The Hollywood star claimed a "new nation" with more hope would be created if Scotland backs leaving the UK in September's referendum.

Sir Sean, who does not live in the country but is a well-known supporter of independence, said a yes vote would "capture the world's attention".

He said: "I fully respect the choice facing Scotland in September is a matter for the people who choose to work and live there - that's only right.

"But as a Scot with a lifelong love of Scotland and the arts, I believe the opportunity of independence is too good to miss.

He added: "Scotland has the chance to make a step change."

Sir Sean said a yes vote would mean a "renewed focus on our culture and politics, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to promote our heritage and creative excellence.

David Bowie wants Scotland to remain part of the UK

"Simply put there is no more creative an act than creating a new nation."

The movie star, 83, said he was "particularly excited" about the prospects that independence could offer the film and creative industries.

He claimed these could be boosted by more investment, helping to create jobs north of the border with the "international promotion of Scotland as an iconic location".

Writing in an article in the Sun on Sunday and the New Statesman, he said a "a bigger and more confident film and broadcast sector" could help bring about "an inflow of resources and new jobs and training".

But the Better Together campaign - which wants Scotland to stay in the UK - says independence would mean losing jobs, and create more uncertainty, instability and barriers for businesses.

Last month, singer David Bowie, in a message read by model Kate Moss at the Brits, urged Scots to remain a part of the UK, saying: "Stay with us Scotland."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More