Connors Family Found Guilty Of Forced Labour

Five members of the same traveller family who made their staff perform humiliating tasks have been found guilty of forced labour.

William Connors, 52, his wife Mary, 48, their sons John, 29, and James, 20, and their son-in-law Miles Connors, 24, were all convicted of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour between April 2010 and March 2011.

Bristol Crown Court heard how the Connors would pick up the men - many of whom were homeless or drug addicts - to work for them as labourers.

Jurors were told the victims lived in squalid caravans on traveller sites as they moved around the country working on the Connors' paving and patio businesses.

Prosecutors said the men were paid as little as £5 a day for their work, which included emptying the buckets used as toilets by their bosses, and were forced to scavenge from dustbins for food.

The inside of a caravan occupied by two people who worked for the Connors

Some workers were beaten with broom handles, belts, a rake and a shovel, and one had a hosepipe forced down his throat, it was claimed.

By contrast, the court heard, their employers lived in large, well-equipped caravans, enjoyed holidays in Dubai, Mexico and the Caribbean and drove luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce, a Mercedes A-Class and a Mini convertible.

Prosecutor Christopher Quinlan QC said: "It was a clear and unequivocal demonstration of control and dominance of one set - the family - over another.

"If you compare and contrast the lifestyles of the workers and bosses it is like comparing a Maserati with a clapped-out Zephyr."

Police began investigating the Connors following the discovery of a worker's decomposed body in a garden shed close to one of the family's caravan sites.

A fellow worker contacted officers in 2009 to say he had been recruited by William and Mary while living on the streets of Cheltenham.

He told detectives he had his identity documents taken from him, was rarely paid, received little food and lived with other workers in the same situation.

When the Connors family was placed under covert surveillance the following year, police recorded evidence of the men being assaulted.

Caravan sites in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire were raided in March 2011 and 19 men were rescued.

The Connors said their workers were "free agents" who were able to come and go as they pleased.

William and Mary insisted they were "good Samaritans" who provided vulnerable people with food, work and accommodation.

All five defendants had faced a second charge of conspiracy to hold another person in servitude but the judge ordered the jury to find them not guilty of that offence.

They are due to be sentenced on Monday.

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Witches Coven: Child Sex Abuse Pair Jailed

Two men have been jailed for a total of 32 years after sexually abusing several children as part of a witches' coven in Cornwall during the 1970s.

Peter Petrauske, 72, and Jack Kemp, 69, were said to have donned ceremonial robes and pagan paraphernalia before abusing young girls.

Police believe one of their victims may have been as young as three.

During the three-week trial at Truro Crown Court, sex abuse victims said they were given money and sweets to buy their silence.

Petrauske, who described himself as the high priest of a white witches' coven in St Ives, Cornwall, was convicted of one count of rape, one count of aiding and abetting an attempt to rape, and one count of indecent assault, all by unanimous verdict.

Kemp was unanimously found guilty of indecent assault and indecency with a child, as well as seven other sexual offences by a majority verdict.

Jailing Kemp for 14 years and Petrauske for 18, Judge Graham Cottle told them: "The offences range from the extremely serious to the truly horrifying.

"(The trial) has featured ritualistic, sickening abuse of young, young children.

"The scars left are so obvious that it would seem extremely unlikely that either of them have any real prospect of recovery."

The child abuse was only investigated further by police last year when Kemp was arrested in connection with another incident, causing rumours to spread around his home town of Falmouth and prompting the alleged victims of the historic offences to contact detectives.

Petrauske was backed up by female members of the coven who said that, while children were occasionally present, nudity never played a part in the ceremonies.

One female friend also described him as "a gentleman".

Kemp denied any involvement in paganism, saying it "wasn't his cup of tea", and said he was the victim of a bizarre conspiracy.

He said the girls were wrong to name him in the case.

Witnesses also named murdered pagan Peter Solheim and notorious Cornish paedophile Stan Pirie as among their abusers.

Solheim was a 56-year-old parish councillor whose body was found five miles off the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, by fishermen on June 18, 2004. He had been drugged and mutilated with a machete or an axe.

Kemp was cleared of five charges, while Petrauske was also found not guilty of one count.

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Charities Fear For Survival As Donations Drop

One in six UK charities fear they could be forced to close next year because of a drop in donations and funding.

Nearly half of organisations have used reserve funds to cover shortfalls in income, while a quarter have cut staff to stay afloat, according to figures released by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

It also found that public donations to charities are down 20%.

Wozzy Brewster launched the Midi Music Company in Deptford, London, 18 years ago to provide a space where children could be inspired and get into music.

This year, the charity has slashed two staff posts and cut back on its work with poorer families and young people in nearby Lewisham.

"Small charities like ours, in the middle of areas where gang warfare is going on, are in need of far greater donations," Ms Brewster told Sky News.

"At the moment, we are still short of £10,000 for this financial year. If we don't achieve that it will just add to our accumulating deficit."

The figures were released as Lynne Featherstone, the Government's aid minister, called for charities to be more self-sufficient and not rely on Government handouts.

However, Rhodri Davies, policy manager at the CAF, said: "The majority of charities in the UK get no money from Government, never have done and will probably never look to.

"We're realistic; money from Government has been cut back, there's public spending cuts across the board and charities have to bear their share of that.

"But what we're saying is that where Government and local authorities do make cuts to public spending, they shouldn't just disproportionately load those onto charities."

Three years ago, Toby Ord launched a website called Giving What We Can, with the aim of making it easier for people to donate to charities through their salary.

So far, 250 people have pledged at least 10% of their pay to good causes.

"If people think about doing this early enough, they could donate more than £100,000 in their lifetime," Mr Ord said.

Charities minister Nick Hurd suggested that everyone should attempt to give 1% of their annual wage to charity to help stop the decline in donations.

The CAF has also launched its Back Britain's Charities campaign, which calls on the Government, businesses and individuals to get behind the nation's charitable organisations.

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Norovirus: Hospitals Shut Doors To Visitors

Hospitals across the country are closing their doors to visitors because of outbreaks of the winter vomiting bug norovirus.

Birmingham City Hospital has asked visitors to stay away after closing four wards while at Maidstone Hospital in Kent three wards have closed to new admissions and visitors have been banned from all wards.

The George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton has shut one ward, partially closed three wards and is turning away visitors. Five hospitals in Wales are also closed to visitors.

The number of cases of the winter vomiting bug is up 72 per cent on this time last year, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

This season 2,630 cases have been recorded, at the same time last year, just 1,533 had been noted.

However, the HPA admits that for every confirmed case there are likely to be a further 288 unreported sufferers, which means some 750,000 people could have been struck down by the bug across the country.

Norovirus is a highly contagious bug and spreads quickly in close environments such as hospitals and schools.

The symptoms include sudden vomiting and diarrhoea, which usually last for around two days.

Good hygiene is key to stopping the spread of norovirus

Professor John Oxford, a biologist at Queen Mary's College and chairman of the International Hygiene Council, said the best way to avoid the virus is to keep away from people who have it.

He told Sky News: "We don't really know why norovirus pops up its head at this time of year. All we know is that it does with some regularity more or less at the same time as influenza.

"It could be that the winter conditions drive us indoors, we are more close together, and a virus like noro depends on closeness and also lack of hygiene.

"And I must say in the United Kingdom and around Europe There is a lack of hygiene that give the virus an opportunity to start jumping from person to person."

John Harris, an expert in norovirus at the HPA, said: "People should be vigilant in their hygiene and we would like to remind anyone who has typical symptoms suggestive of norovirus infection to avoid visiting friends or relatives in hospital or care homes."

It comes as the P&O cruise ship Azura docked in Southampton carrying 3,059 passengers after an outbreak of the virus on board.

The ship had been on an 11-night cruise of the Iberian peninsular. P&O confirmed there had been 10 cases and those passengers had been confined to their cabins to prevent its spread.

Some 300 people on one of the company's other ships, Oriana, were hit by the virus during a cruise earlier in the week.

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Family Of Royal Prank Call Nurse 'Shattered'

The children of a nurse found dead days after taking a prank call say they are "shattered" by their loss.

Jacintha Saldanha was discovered in a nurses' accommodation block close to King Edward VII's Hospital, London, where the Duchess of Cambridge was treated for severe morning sickness.

The 46-year-old answered a phone call from Australian radio presenters Michael Christian and Mel Greig, who pretended to be Prince Charles and the Queen and asked for an update on the duchess' health.

Jacintha Saldanha worked at the hospital where Kate was treated

A service for Ms Saldanha, a mother-of-two, was held at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday.

Outside, her daughter Lisha said: "We will miss your laughter, the loving memories and the good times we had together.

"We are shattered and there is an unfillable void in our lives.

"We love you mum. Sleep in peace and please watch over us until we meet again in heaven."

Benedict Barboza read a tribute to his wife, Jacintha Saldanha

Ms Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza said his wife was "the light of my darkness who always showed me the way forward".

"From the day we met, you always stood by me, in times of hardship and happiness," he said.

"Nineteen years of togetherness, with a strong bond of affection and understanding, will be cherished forever in my life."

Mr Barboza's son Junal added: "In times of difficulty, you showed us the way forward to happiness and success."

On Friday, John Lofthouse, chief executive of King Edward VII's Hospital, said staff had stood by Ms Saldanha and insisted the nurse was the "victim of a cruel trick".

Writing in reply to a letter sent by Keith Vaz MP, Mr Lofthouse said: "Jacintha believed that the call was genuine, and she felt it appropriate to put the call through. We stand by her judgement.

Australian DJs Michael Christian and Mel Greig made the prank phone call

"Jacintha was reassured on a number of occasions by senior management that no blame was attached to her actions and that there were no disciplinary issues involved, because she had been the victim of a cruel trick."

Ms Saldanha's funeral will be held at a church in India on Monday.

An inquest into her death, which opened on Thursday, heard Ms Saldhana had hanged herself. She left two notes in her room and another among her personal possessions.

A provisional date of March 26 has been set for the next inquest hearing.

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Missing Girl: Police Say Fears Are Growing

Police are appealing for information about a teenage girl who has been missing for five weeks.

They say concern is growing for the safety of 14-year-old Shelley Pratt from Croydon in Surrey.

Detectives have released new CCTV images which show her walking with a young black man along Croydon High Street just after midnight on Friday, November 9.

She is wearing her school uniform trousers and a hooded jumper with the slogan 'I love (heart symbol) London'.

Minutes later, police believe Shelly's Oyster card was used to board a route 60 bus heading towards Coulsdon.

The day before Shelley got off a 196 bus outside Harris Academy in South Norwood, Croydon, and walked south with a girl and a boy.

She was later spotted around 9.30pm on CCTV at George Street tram stop in Croydon town centre.

CCTV image of Shelley in Croydon High Street

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dunne said: "It has now been five weeks since Shelley went missing and concerns for her safety and welfare, especially in this extremely cold weather, are heightened.

"Shelley has had absolutely no contact with friends or family since her disappearance and it is possible that she may be with someone, perhaps in a house or a flat.

"I am encouraging people, particularly Croydon residents, to look closely at the image of the young man seen next to her.

"Do you recognise him or see him moments before approaching Shelley, talking to a number of passing girls on the opposite pavement, clearly trying to get their attention?"

Shelley's parents have urged her to get in touch

Shelley, who is described as white and around 5ft 6in or 5ft 7in tall with long brown hair, has gone missing twice before but not for so long.

Her parents, Lisa and Tony Pratt, have begged her to come home in time for Christmas.

They said: "Shellz, please get in touch with us, we are desperate to hear your voice and know that you are safe and well.

"You're not in trouble. We love you and we miss you and just want you home, without you there will be no Christmas.

"Your presents are under the tree waiting for you. We are all missing you like mad. We love you - please, please come home."

Anyone with information is urged to call the Metropolitan Police incident room on 020 8721 4906.

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Hunt For Bus Attackers As Man Fights For Life

A bus company has vowed to do everything possible to help police catch the three men who pushed a passenger from one of its vehicles.

The man, in his sixties, suffered a serious head injury and is now fighting for his life in hospital.

He was travelling on a number 10 bus when it stopped in Defoe Road, Ipswich, and the men shoved him off.

They jumped off the vehicle, which has been impounded by police, and ran off into Macauley Road.

All three are described as white, of medium build, around 5ft 7in or 5ft 8in tall and in their late 20s.

One was said to be wearing a woolly hat and a grey bomber jacket, while another wore a grey hoodie under a jacket.

Malcolm Robson, the managing director of Ipswich Buses, said the firm was "very concerned" about the attack.

He told the Ipswich Star: "Our driver is back at work this morning and is very upset about it and we hope (the victim) makes a full recovery.

"We're doing what we can with witness statements and providing CCTV footage and are just helping the police in any way we can."

The unnamed victim was taken to Ipswich Hospital where his condition is described as critical.

Police are speaking to other passengers and are searching the area close to the incident in an effort to trace the attackers.

Anyone who may have seen them running from the bus or in the nearby area is asked to contact Ipswich CID on 101.

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Jamie Theakston Gets Phone Hacking Damages

Jamie Theakston, Jeff Brazier and Colin Stagg are among the latest names to settle their damages actions over phone hacking.

The presenter, the boyfriend of the late Jade Goody and the man wrongly accused of murdering Rachel Nickell are among 22 claimants to have recently accepted offers of substantial damages from News Group Newspapers, the High Court has been told.

Others among the group are Lisa Brash, former girlfriend of Robbie Williams, golfer Colin Montgomerie's ex-wife Eimear Cook, and Major David Brooks, a relative by marriage of Mr Justice Vos, the judge presiding over the litigation.

The announcement came during the latest in a series of case management conferences ahead of a hearing next June, when compensation is to be assessed in any claims outstanding in this second wave of the litigation.

Hugh Tomlinson QC said it was likely that there would be a number of other settlements before the end of the year.

"It is also right to say that there will remain a substantial number of claims going forward."

In October, it was said that 167 claims were currently on the register.

The court is due to sit again on Monday to consider the publisher's attempt to strike out the claim brought by Mary-Ellen Field, former adviser to model Elle Macpherson, on the basis that no phone interception took place.

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Eva Rausing Died Of Drugs Dependency

Multi-millionairess Eva Rausing died as a result of dependent drug abuse, an inquest has ruled.

The 48-year-old's body lay undiscovered for two months before she was found at the £5m west London home she shared with her husband Hans, heir to the Tetra Pak fortune.

Eva Rausing as a teenager

She was found in a fly-filled room hidden under a pile of bedding with a foil pipe in her hand, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

Police found the mother-of-four's body in an advanced state of decomposition after they had arrested Hans Rausing on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on July 9.

He was given two suspended sentences in August after admitting preventing the lawful and decent burial of his wife's body.

A post-mortem found his wife had died on May 7 and had drugs in her system. Toxicology reports showed cocaine, opiates and amphetamines in her blood.

She had been fitted with a pacemaker following heart surgery in August 2006, which revealed she had suffered a "non-survivable" heart rhythm on the morning of May 7.

Deputy coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said Mrs Rausing died as a result of cocaine intoxication contributed to by a heart condition - tricuspid valve disease.

Delivering her verdict, she said: "Mrs Rausing's death was as a result of the dependent abuse of drugs."

Hans and Eva Rausing on their wedding day

The inquest heard that her pacemaker recorded heartbeats up to 384 beats per minute on the calculated day of her death. The normal rate is 65.

Pathologists found no signs of violence on Mrs Rausing's body.

In a statement read to the inquest, Mr Rausing said he had been left devastated by the death of his "beloved wife".

He explained how he discovered Mrs Rausing after hearing her slide off the bed while he was in the bathroom.

"She landed sideways and her head was resting on a pillow," Mr Rausing said. "I tried to pull her up. I shouted 'Eva, Eva, Eva"'.

Mrs Rausing was caught with drugs at the US Embassy in London

Mr Rausing said he could see his wife's eyes dim before covering her lifeless body with duvets and bedding.

"I could not cope with her dying or confront the reality of her death," he added.

An investigating officer told the court how Hans Rausing lied to his housekeepers after his wife died, saying she was in the US.

The couple lived a reclusive life on the second floor of their home. Housemaids were not allowed into certain areas. The hearing was told that staff noticed Hans Rausing had stopped sleeping in his bedroom and had started eating downstairs.

The couple had fought a public battle against addiction to drugs.

In 2008 police launched an investigation after Mrs Rausing was caught with drugs as she tried to enter the US Embassy in London for a function.

Subsequent searches of her car and the couple's Georgian townhouse uncovered huge quantities of class A drugs.

They faced drug charges but were given conditional cautions instead, meaning the hearings did not go ahead.

Hans Rausing's parents and siblings said then they were supporting the pair as they fought to overcome drug addiction.

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Hacker Gary McKinnon Faces No Further Action

Computer hacker Gary McKinnon will face no further criminal action, the Director of Public Prosecutions has announced.

The decision follows a review of the case after the Government's decision to block his extradition to the US in October on health grounds.

Mr McKinnon, 46, from Wood Green, north London, would have faced up to 60 years in prison if convicted in the US.

More follows...

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Red Arrows Pilot Death: Wife Saw Plane Go Down

By Alistair Bunkall, Sky News Correspondent

A Red Arrows plane that crashed near Bournemouth Airport in August 2011 "belly-flopped" onto the ground, an inquest has heard.

An eyewitness to the crash told Bournemouth Coroners Court that she had felt the "plane was in control".

"It wobbled and skidded away. A puff of something came from the back," she said.

Denise Charles, who lives next to Bournemouth Airport, said the whole thing happened in seconds and she assumed it was part of a Red Arrows routine.

Jon Egging, 33, from Rutland, who flew as Red 4, was killed in the crash.

Dr Emma Egging arrives to give evidence at the inquest

His wife, Dr Emma Egging, earlier described to the court how he had previously suffered from neck pain but was in "good spirits" on the day he died.

She watched the performance that day in Bournemouth along with the partners of other pilots.

Chris Lyndon-Smith, who flew Red 2, described how he saw Flight Lieutenant Egging's plane go down as they manoeuvred to land.

He said he shouted over the radio, instructing Mr Egging to check his altimeter, but he got no response.

The inquest is scheduled to last two days. The hearing continues.

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David Tait: Ex-Rugby Star In Deadly Fall

Former international rugby player David Tait has died aged 25 after falling from an apartment block in Hong Kong.

His rugby career was cut short by injuries, and he then became a corporate finance manager for multinational firm KPMG.

It is the second tragedy to hit the family after his father Campbell Tait, a barrister and judge, was found hanged at his home in Sale in 2004.

David Tait, a back-row forward for Sale Sharks in Greater Manchester, was described as a "gifted and popular young man" and "a talented rugby player".

He was also "extremely and bright and successful" in his life outside the sport.

Tait spent five years with Sale, who signed him as a teenager, and was part of England's training squad for the 2008-09 International Rugby Board world sevens series, but did not play.

While at the club - where he usually played Number Eight - he was selected for the England Under-20s, but never played for that side either.

He later represented Scotland at the 2009 Dubai Sevens.

He made 40 appearances for the Sharks over five years. But his Premiership career came to an abrupt end in 2010 after club bosses let him go following a series of injuries.

Tait's family issued a statement which read: "The family is devastated and we would ask you to please respect our privacy."

David Tait pictured playing for Sale Sharks

Harlequins and England player Danny Care tweeted: "Couldn't believe the news y'day. Lost a good friend and an absolute legend of a bloke David Tait. RIP mate. Sending all my love to his family."

Wasps rugby player James Haskell tweeted: "Very shocked to wake up to the news of former Sale player David Taits death. Very sad news. Top player and man."

Adam Powell of Saracens tweeted: "So sad to hear about Dave Tait. Absolutely gutted!"

Northampton Saints player Ryan Lamb tweeted: "Terrible news about the death of David Tait. Top player and a top bloke, had some awesome times playing through the age groups with him. Thoughts go out to his family and to the sale lads in such a bad time. #RIP"

Danny Cipriani described it as "devastating news!" and tweeted: "Horrible news about David Tait, he was a legend of a bloke and very talented. Thoughts with his family sending my love."

Rugby Players' Association chief executive officer Damian Hopley said: "The rugby community will be shattered by the passing of such a gifted and popular young man who was respected by everyone he played alongside.

"He wasn't simply a talented rugby player, he was also extremely bright and successful in his life outside of rugby.

"We will do everything we can to help support David's family and the players who played alongside him. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers."

Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said: "David is well remembered by staff at the RFU as a talented player who represented England whole-heartedly in our age grade sides. He will be greatly missed by the rugby community and our thoughts are with his family and friends at such a sad time."

Tait's death is also the second in a year to rock Sale Sharks.

Former player Selorm Kuadey, who was 24, died in an apparent suicide in January. He was picked for the England Under-20s side, but retired the same year as Tait due to long-term injuries.

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Toddler Heroin Death: Parents In Court

By Lisa Dowd, Midlands Correspondent

The parents of a toddler who died of a heroin overdose have appeared in court charged with manslaughter.

During a 10-minute hearing, Emma Bradburn, 33, and Simon Jones, 29, spoke only to confirm their names, date of birth and gave the same address in Penn, Wolverhampton.

They are also accused of causing or allowing the death of their 23-month-old son, Daniel Jones.

He was pronounced dead when paramedics were called to a house in the city at 6.15am on May 29.

Daniel's death was initially treated as unexplained by police but forensic tests showed he died from a heroin overdose.

Bradburn and Jones, who were arrested on Wednesday, indicated they would enter not guilty pleas.

There was no application for bail and they were remanded in custody.

They are due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 7 for a plea and case management hearing.

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Litvinenko: Russia 'Was Involved' In Death

Alexander Litvinenko was a triple agent working for MI6 and the Spanish secret service when he died, a coroner has heard.

Mr Litvinenko had been hired by MI6 for a number of years and was working with Spain to investigate the Russian mafia shortly before his death, a pre-inquest review was told.

He would regularly meet with an MI6 handler, named only as Martin, in central London and was paid by both the British and Spanish secret services into a joint bank account he held with his wife, the hearing was told.

The British Government also believes it has found evidence showing that the Russian state was involved in Mr Litvinenko's death.

The ex-KGB agent was poisoned with polonium-210 after allegedly drinking tea at a meeting with two former Russian colleagues in London's Milennium Hotel in November 2006.

He died three weeks later in University College Hospital - after authorising the release of a photo showing the devastating impact of radiation poisoning on his body.

The former spy's wife Marina arrives at the pre-inquest review

Russia has refused to extradite the prime suspects, Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun, both of whom deny involvement.

The hearing also revealed for the first time that Mr Lugovoy - now a Russian MP - was double-crossing his government and helping with an investigation into the Russian mafia's links with the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Hugh Davies, counsel to the inquest into Mr Litvinenko's death, said assessments of confidential material submitted by the British Government had "established a prima facie case as to the culpability of the Russian state in the death of Alexander Litvinenko".

Ben Emmerson QC, representing Mr Litvinenko's wife Marina, said the inquest should also consider whether MI6 failed in its duty to protect against a "real and immediate risk to life".

Assessments of confidential material submitted by the British Government had shown no evidence to suggest it was involved in the poisoning of Mr Litvinenko or that it failed to take necessary steps to protect him, Mr Davies said.

Dmitry Kovtun (L) and Andrei Lugovoy (R) deny involvement in the murder

The evidence also ruled out the involvement of other parties, including friend Boris Berezovsky, Chechen-related groups and the Spanish mafia, he added.

Mr Emmerson said Mr Litvinenko had been asked by MI6 to work with the Spanish secret service and the inquest should consider whether "detailed risk assessments" were carried out.

He had been due to travel to Spain with Mr Lugovoy shortly before his death to provide intelligence in the Russian mafia investigation, Mr Emmerson said.

The investigation was looking at links between Russian political parties, organised crime and arms trafficking, he added.

Neil Garnham QC, representing the Home Office, told the hearing he could "neither confirm nor deny" whether Mr Litvinenko was employed by British intelligence services.

The Russian Federation has now indicated its wish to become an interested party in the inquest, which is to be held on May 1.

The inquest will be held before High Court judge Sir Robert Owen, who has been appointed assistant deputy coroner.

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Libyan Wins £2.2m Payoff For Illegal Rendition

The Government has agreed to pay £2.2m to a Libyan sent back with his family to face prison and torture under Colonel Gaddafi's regime.

Sami al Saadi, a leading Gaddafi opponent, was forced to fly home in 2004 after spending years trying to avoid agents working for the Libyan dictator.

He, his wife and his four children were made to board a plane to Tripoli when they were in Hong Kong in a joint UK, US and Libyan operation.

Mr al Saadi was jailed and tortured for several years. When he was eventually released from Abu Salim prison, he apparently only weighed seven stone and was close to death.

Lawyers claim the case is the only known example of extraordinary rendition of a family with young children during the war on terror.

Mr al Saadi said the money would allow his family to be educated in Libya and cover medical treatment for his prison injuries. Some will also go to help other Libyan torture victims.

But he criticised the Government for still refusing to tell him the truth and indicated that he had only agreed to take the money because he feared a secret British trial.

"I went through a secret trial once before, in Gaddafi's Libya. In many ways it was as bad as the torture. It is not an experience I care to repeat," he said.

"Even now, the British Government has never given me an answer to the simple question: 'Were you involved in the kidnap of me, my wife and my children?' I think the payment speaks for itself."

He added: "We look forward to the result of the police investigation and hope there will be a full and fair public inquiry into our case."

Mr al Saadi's experience only emerged after the fall of Gaddafi's regime when CIA correspondence with Libyan intelligence was found in an office belonging to Moussa Koussa, the head of the dictator's intelligence agency.

It apparently said: "We are aware ... that your service had been co-operating with the British to effect (Sami al Saadi's) removal to Tripoli.

"The Hong Kong government may be able to co-ordinate with you to render (Sami al Saadi) and his family into your custody."

The operation in 2004 following the controversial "deal in the desert" struck with Gaddafi by then prime minister Tony Blair.

Human rights lawyer Sapna Malik said: "The sheer terror experienced by the al Saadi family when they were bundled on to their rendition flight and delivered up to their nemesis clearly lives with them all to this day.

"Having concluded one part of their quest for justice, they now look to the British criminal courts to hold those responsible for their ordeal to account and await the judge-led inquiry they have been promised."

A Government spokesman confirmed a settlement had been reached but stressed it had not admitted liability or been found liable by a court.

Libyan military commander Abdul Hakim Belhaj, another alleged victim of illegal rendition who went on to lead the battle for Tripoli, is still taking legal action.

He said: "I intend to fight to ensure the truth is told. I have said before, and I say again now: my wife and I will not allow the truth to be concealed.

"We look forward to giving evidence at trial, and seeing those responsible for our torture and that of Sami and his family held to account."

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April Jones: Search To Continue Into New Year

By David Crabtree, Midlands Correspondent

As police continue their search for the body of April Jones, her parents say their tragic loss does not get any easier to bear.

It has been 10 weeks since the five-year-old vanished near her home in Machynlleth, Powys.

A statement from her parents, Coral and Paul, said: "We understand that Christmas will be a particularly difficult time without April being amongst us, but as parents of Harley and Jazmin, we will obviously acknowledge the festive season as best we can.

"We realise that this is a big news story, but for us it is our life, and we are coming to terms with the fact that our baby girl has been taken from us."

Police say officers from all corners of the UK are helping in the search operation.

There are 16 search teams comprising of a leader and six officers, as well as twelve specially trained dogs.

They are involved in one of the largest search operations in police history.

Specialists have been searching rivers and the sea as well as mines and quarries.

Superintendent Ian John said: "We will keep looking until we are satisfied that we have exhausted all lines of inquiry.

"We are not putting an end date on the operation and we are not willing to speculate how long it will last.

"But we will say that we are committed to stay here until we can be sure that there are no more viable places to look for April's body.

"The investigation team will continue their work to uncover what happened that evening and to prepare for the trial."

Mark Bridger, 46, from Ceinws, near Machynlleth, has been charged with April's murder, child abduction and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

He remains in custody with a court appearance set for next month.

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Royal Prank Call Nurse 'Was Found Hanged'

Timeline: Kate Prank Call Tragedy

Updated: 4:38am UK, Tuesday 11 December 2012

Here are some of the key developments surrounding the death of hospital nurse Jacintha Saldanha following a hoax phone call by two Australian radio hosts.

Monday, December 3
The Duchess of Cambridge is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London with severe morning sickness.

Tuesday, December 4
2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian make their hoax call to the hospital in the early hours of the morning, posing as the Queen and Prince Charles. Nurse Jacintha Saldanha puts them through to a colleague who divulges details of how doctors have been treating the Duchess.

Wednesday, December 5
A King Edward VII's Hospital spokesman confirms the Australian radio station made the prank call, saying it "deplores" the act and is conducting a review of its phone system.

Thursday, December 6
The Duchess of Cambridge leaves hospital.

Friday, December 7
:: Ms Saldanha is pronounced dead at staff accommodation close to the hospital. She is thought to have taken her own life, although a post-mortem examination is yet to be held.

:: King Edward VII's Hospital releases a statement saying: "It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Ms Saldanha. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues."

:: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge send their condolences to Ms Saldanha's family.

Saturday, December 8
:: Ms Saldanha's family in southwest India speak of their heartache. Her mother-in-law, Carmine Barboza, says: "Jacintha was a very caring woman. She used to call us every Sunday without fail. We just cannot believe what has happened."

:: Ms Greig and Mr Christian go on indefinite leave from the radio station after they are bombarded with abusive and threatening messages on social media websites.

::  Lord Glenarthur, chairman of the King Edward VII's Hospital, writes a latter to 2Day FM calling for the "truly appalling" broadcast to "never be repeated".

:: Max Moore-Wilton, chairman of Southern Cross Austereo which owns 2Day FM, describes the events over the past few days as "tragic", but adds: "The outcome was unforeseeable and very regrettable."

Sunday, December 9
:: It emerges Mel Greig and Michael Christian may be questioned by London's Metropolitan Police.

:: Ms Greig and Mr Christian express a desire to speak about the tragedy, but are still in hiding.

:: The Australian Communications and Media Authority, which regulates radio broadcasting, says it is considering whether it should launch an investigation into whether the presenters breached the commercial radio code of practice.

Monday, December 10

:: Mr Christian and Ms Greig break their silence, expressing their regret and sorrow over the tragedy in a series of emotional Australian TV interviews. They insist they never expected their phone call to go so far and thought hospital staff would hang up on them. Both extend sympathy to Ms Saldanha's family.

:: Ms Saldanha's family pay tribute to a "loving mother and wife". Speaking on their behalf, MP Keith Vaz says: "They are really grateful for the support of the British public and the public overseas for the messages of support and kindness."

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Navy Man Jailed Over State Secrets Breach

A Royal Navy petty officer was jailed for eight years today for trying to pass Britain's nuclear submarine secrets to men he believed to be Russian spies.

Edward Devenney, 30, was told he had betrayed his country and his colleagues.

Mr Justice Saunders, sentencing him at the Old Bailey, said Devenney knew what he was doing when he met the two men in January.

He added: "He did supply details of movements and operations carried out and to be carried out by nuclear submarines.

"I am satisfied that in the wrong hands it was capable of affecting the operational effectiveness of nuclear submarines.

"This is a very serious case. The defendant was prepared to betray his country and his colleagues."

Devenney, form Northern Ireland, had suffered as the result of a rape allegation of which he was later cleared.

But by January this year, when he met the men in London, Devenney was a "controlled and rational man".

No damage had actually been done to national security because the Russians were in fact MI5 intelligence officers, but Devenney had not known that at the time.

Devenney pleaded guilty to breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering classified information and misconduct by meeting the supposed spies.

Outside court, solicitor Richard Cannon read a statement on behalf of Devenney which said: "I am deeply sorry for the hurt and shame that I have brought on my family and loved ones.

"Prior to these events I gave the Royal Navy 11 and a half years of service and I deeply regret my actions and the effect they have had on the Submarine Service and colleagues."

Mari Reid, unit head for the CPS counter-terrorism division, said: "This was a classic story of betrayal.

"Edward Devenney was employed by the Royal Navy to protect this country from potential threats to our security. Instead, he pursued a course of conduct likely to put his country at risk.

"We rely on the men and women of our armed forces to keep us safe. It is hard to imagine a greater breach of that role than Devenney's actions."

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'Shocking' State Collusion On Finucane Murder

The notorious murder of Pat Finucane in Northern Ireland may never have happened had it not been for "shocking" state collusion, according to a new report.

A review by a leading QC found there was "significant doubt" that Mr Finucane would have been shot dead without the involvement of state agents.

State employees "actively furthered and facilitated" the murder, which was carried out by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989 as Mr Finucane ate dinner with his family.

Sir Desmond de Silva's report concluded that they and state agents played "key roles" in the killing, which is one of the most controversial in Northern Ireland's bloody history.

MPs heard that this involved targeting Mr Finucane, supplying and then helping dispose of a murder weapon and later seeking to obstruct the police investigation.

"It cannot be argued that these were rogue agents," Prime Minister David Cameron said in a sombre statement to the Commons.

Geraldine Finucane and daughter Katherine

The report even said that an officer with the Royal Ulster Constabulary - the official police force at the time - probably proposed Mr Finucane as a possible target.

However, it did dismiss the idea of a wider conspiracy - stressing that no ministers had been aware of the plot or later cover-up.

Despite the stark findings, Mr Finucane's family claimed the review was a "suppression of the truth" that sought to exonerate the British government, Army and intelligence services.

The solicitor's wife Geraldine said: "The dirt has been swept under the carpet without any serious attempt to lift the lid on what really happened to Pat and so many others.

"This report is a sham, this report is a whitewash, this report is a confidence trick dressed up as independent scrutiny and given invisible clothes of reliability but most of all, most hurtful and insulting of all, this report is not the truth."

Other shocking conclusions in de Silva review include:

: The Army and Special Branch had advance notice of a series of planned assassinations by loyalists but nothing was done.

:: Brian Nelson and William Stobie were agents in the pay of the state involved in the Finucane murder and a third man became an agent after the shooting.

:: There was a "relentless" effort to cover up after the killing as senior Army officers "deliberately lied" to investigators and tried to mislead the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Finucane represented high profile republicans including IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands and was at the peak of his career when he died.

He was shot 14 times in front of his wife and children in the attack on February 12 1989.

His family have led a long campaign for a full public inquiry but their pleas were rejected last year in favour of a new review conducted in private.

David Cameron deliving his statement on the report in the Commons

Sir Desmond wrote: "My review of the evidence relating to Patrick Finucane's case has left me in no doubt that agents of the State were involved in carrying out serious violations of human rights up to and including murder.

"However, despite the different strands of involvement by elements of the State, I am satisfied that they were not linked to an over-arching State conspiracy to murder Patrick Finucane."

The report was handed to the family earlier on Wednesday before the Prime Minister updated MPs in an address reminiscent of his statement after the Bloody Sunday inquiry.

Describing the killing as "an appalling crime", Mr Cameron said reading the findings was "agony".

"The collusion demonstrated beyond any doubt by Sir Desmond - which included the involvement of state agents in murder - is totally unacceptable," he told MPs.

"We do not defend our security forces - or the many who have served in them with great distinction - by trying to claim otherwise.

"Collusion should never ever happen. So on behalf of the Government and the whole country, let me say again to the Finucane family: I am deeply sorry."

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M6 Chemical Tanker Fire: Nine People Treated

Firefighters were among a group of people treated at the scene of a chemical tanker fire that closed the M6, north of Coventry.

West Midlands Ambulance said nine people, including the lorry driver, were overcome by chemical fumes after the tanker caught fire at about 9.40am.

A section of the motorway was closed in both directions and motorists experienced long delays, the Highways Agency said.

Some caught up in the traffic queue behind the accident were evacuated from their cars after firefighters put in a 1km exclusion zone.

The ambulance services said more than 100 people were taken to a nearby service station to undergo checks, while local residents were advised to shut their windows.

Some motorists were evacuated (Image: Andrew Hawley)

Warwickshire Police said the drama happened after a tyre blew out and caught fire.

Andrew Hawley, who was at the scene, said on Twitter that the situation was "a nightmare" and he expected to be stuck for hours.

Drivers were being advised to stay away from the area as delays were expected to continue for several hours.

The motorway was closed northbound between J3 and J3A and southbound between J4 and J3.

Motorists experienced long delays

The J2 and J3 northbound access and the slip road from Corley Services between J3 and J4 were also closed.

The Highways Agency advised northbound traffic to come off at J2 and use the A46 southbound, A45 and then A452 in order to rejoin the motorway at J4.

Motorists wanting to travel along the M6 from the junction of the A14 and M1 J19 at Catthorpe are advised to use the M1 and A50 instead, while those heading north from London were advised to use the M40.

"Due to the motorway being closed there is a massive tailback of traffic and we are currently advising people to stay away from the area," a police spokeswoman said.

"Fire service are in attendance at the moment at the vehicle and it looks like it could be quite a long job."

Three ambulances were sent to the scene, as well as a rapid response vehicle, paramedics and specialist hazardous area response teams.

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Libor Scandal: UK Police Make Three Arrests

The Serious Fraud Office has made three arrests as part of its investigation into the manipulation of the interbank lending rate, Libor.

Its statement read: "Today the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), with the assistance of the City of London Police, executed search warrants at three residential premises" - one in Surrey and two in Essex.

"Three men, aged 33, 41 and 47, have been arrested and taken to a London police station for interview in connection with the investigation into the manipulation of Libor."

It concluded: "The men are all British nationals currently living in the United Kingdom."

Major UK banks declined to comment on the development but Sky sources have suggested that one of the people detained used to work as a trader at the Swiss bank UBS, which has a big presence in the City.

The SFO's criminal inquiry began in July when it decided existing legislation gave it the scope to bring potential prosecutions.

While the identities of those arrested and their employers are not known at this stage, it is known that the SFO's inquiry has been wide-ranging and not limited to Barclays - the only UK bank so far to have been fined in connection with the scandal.

Bob Diamond quit Barclays after its £290m fine came to light

The £290m penalty inflicted on Barclays preceded the departure of its chief executive Bob Diamond and forced the British Bankers' Association to signal it would abandon its responsibility for oversight of Libor amid a clamour among politicians for reform.

Libor, which stands for London interbank offered rate, affects more than £350trn in global transactions and the rates created through the submissions bear a heavy influence in the calculation of a host of financial products including mortgages.

The City regulator, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has been working closely with the SFO in its investigation.

A review of Libor by the FSA's boss Martin Wheatley has suggested a new body be created to oversee Libor with the rates set being based more on actual trades rather than just banks' own estimates.

Around 20 financial institutions have been investigated worldwide over alleged Libor rigging.

Taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland has previously said it hopes to settle any claims over Libor manipulation soon and warned that potential penalties could be significant.

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Royal Nurse: Radio Gives £320K To Family Fund

A memorial fund for the family of the dead nurse who was the victim of the royal hoax call has been set up by the radio station responsible for the prank.

Southern Cross Austereo, the parent company of radio station 2Day FM, said the remainder of the profits for 2012 should go to a memorial fund to benefit Jacintha Saldhana's family.

The sum is expected to amount to AUS$500,000 (£326,000).

It has also cancelled its Christmas party, saying it would be "inappropriate" to go ahead with the celebrations, and would instead donate the money it would have spent to charity.

Rhys Holleran, SCA's chief executive, said: "We are very sorry for what has happened. It is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts continue to be with the family.

"We hope that by contributing to a memorial fund we can help to provide the Saldanha family with the support they need at this very difficult time."

A post-mortem examination on Ms Saldanha, who initially answered the prank call made to the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge, is being held today.

Ms Saldanha's family have been left "devastated" by their loss

Ms Saldanha was found dead on Friday days after she was tricked by Australian radio hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who called the King Edward VII Hospital in central London.

She transferred the presenters, believing they were the Queen and the Prince of Wales, to a colleague who divulged details about Kate's treatment for severe morning sickness.

Ms Saldanha, 46, from Bristol, was found dead in a block of nurses' flats close to the hospital, where she stayed while working in London.

MP Keith Vaz met her family on Monday and said they had been "devastated" by the loss of a "loving mother and a loving wife".

Flanked by Ms Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza and her two teenage children, Mr Vaz said: "They miss her every moment of every day, but they are really grateful to the support of the British public and to the public overseas for the messages of support and kindness."

Mr Vaz has called for the hospital to provide the family with more support and to hold an inquiry.

His criticism came after the DJs broke their silence about the nurse's death.

Interviewed on Australian TV networks, the 2Day FM presenters said there had been a "tragic turn of events no-one could have predicted or expected".

Mr Christian and Ms Greig have spoken emotionally about the tragedy

Police in London have contacted their Australian counterparts with a view to interviewing the pair ahead of an inquest into Ms Saldanha's death.

In response to Mr Vaz's criticism the hospital said its chief executive John Lofthouse had spoken to the nurse's husband on Friday by phone and offered to meet him whenever he wanted.

Under Australian regulations, the permission of anyone on the receiving end of a radio prank must be sought before the call can be broadcast.

The hospital has denied that anyone within its senior management or media unit was contacted.

The radio station insists appropriate checks were conducted before the pre-recorded item was broadcast.

Ms Saldanha was originally from Mangalore in southwest India, according to reports which have named her children as daughter Lisha, 14, and son Junal, 16.

Scotland Yard said the post-mortem would be held at Westminster Mortuary and it was likely an inquest would be opened and adjourned at Westminster Coroner's Court later this week

The Duchess of Cambridge has cancelled an appearance at the UK premiere of The Hobbit tomorrow because of her pregnancy sickness but The Duke of Cambridge will attend.

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Census: Rise In Immigrants Boosts Population

There has been a large rise in the number of migrants living in England and Wales, according to the results of the 2011 census.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the population of England and Wales now stands at 56.1 million people - a rise of 3.7 million since 2001.

Some 55% of the growth - around 2.1 million people - was due to migration from outside the country.

The number of foreign-born residents has increased to 13%, from 4.6 million to 7.5 million.

In London one person in three was born abroad, compared to the North East where the figure is one in 20.

The majority of those from abroad come from India, Poland and Pakistan. Poland is a new addition to the top ten of where people came from and did not feature at all in the last census in 2001.

Dr Scott Blinder, deputy director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said there had been "a very noticeable change in the population of England and Wales" over the last decade.

It is the second major tranche of information to be revealed from the 2011 census, covering topics including ethnicity, country of birth, religion, health and housing.

The data also shows there has been a big fall in the number of people who consider themselves to be Christian.

Numbers dropped by four million over the past decade - from 37.3 million in 2001 to 33.2 million last year.

There was a 10% increase in those stating "no religion".

The census shows the make up of the population is changing

The British Humanist Association (BHA) described the increase in the number of non-religious people - from 15% in 2001 to 25% last year - as an "astounding" 67% relative rise.

But it said the figures did not offer a complete picture when it came to the number of practising Christians living in England and Wales.

The census also shows 86% of people recorded their ethnicity as white, a fall on 2001. It remains the majority ethnic group in all areas apart from London.

All other ethnic groups grew over the 10 years since 2001.

Two million respondents listed their partners or fellow household members as being of different ethnic groups - 47% more than in 2001.

The number of people claiming to have mixed ethnicity almost doubled, up by 563,000.

Some 91% of respondents to the 2011 census claimed to speak English. Just 4% of households had no English speaking residents.

The statistics also offer a snapshot of how people live.

Since 2001, the proportion of people owning properties through a mortgage or loan has decreased from 39% to 33% but the number of people who own homes outright increased from 29% to 31%.

Ownership of cars and vans has also gone up - increasing by 14% from 3.4 million to 27.3 million.

Last year there was an average of 12 cars for every 10 households - up on 11 cars per 10 households in 2001.

London was the only region where the number of vehicles was lower than the number of households.

Four out of five people claimed to be in good health.

The questionnaire was sent to around 26 million households in England and Wales on March 27 last year.

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Ian McKellen Reveals Prostate Cancer Battle

Sir Ian McKellen, fresh from fighting the goblins of the Misty Mountains, has revealed how he has been battling something closer to home - prostate cancer.

The 73-year-old will be hitting cinema screens across the UK on Friday with the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

But Sir Ian, who plays Gandalf the Grey in the Hobbit trilogy, revealed he had been coping with cancer for the past "six or seven" years.

He told the Daily Mirror: "You do gulp when you hear the news. It's like when you go for an HIV test. You go 'Aargh! Is this the end of the road?'"

Sir Ian said his cancer was being monitored to ensure it does not spread.

But he explained: "If it is contained in the prostate it's no big deal.

"Many, many men die from it, but it's one of those cancers that is totally treatable, so I have 'waitful watching'."

Sir Ian returns to the big screen as Gandalf The Grey on Friday

He told the paper the cancer had been contained, it was not spreading and he had not needed any treatment.

Sir Ian also had some advice for people of a similar age - do some exercise, which in his case is pilates.

He said: "I recommend it to anyone of my age because the temptation is not to exercise as you get older. Well you should."

Sir Ian recalled how he was initially undecided about reprising the role of Gandalf following the three Lord Of The Rings films.

But he said: "I didn't want anyone else to play Gandalf. It's mine!"

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Belfast Flag Protest Riots 'A Disgrace'

Rioters have been warned against "holding Belfast to ransom" after a petrol bomb attack on a police officer by suspected loyalists which is being treated as attempted murder.

A gang of 15 men targeted surrounded and smashed the unmarked vehicle on Monday night outside the offices of Alliance Party MP Naomi Long in Newlands Road.

It was the worst incident in another night of violence in parts of east and south Belfast involving loyalists who took to the streets again in protest against a decision to restrict the flying of the Union Flag at Belfast City Hall.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said that while the matter was a sensitive issue, the clashes would not be tolerated.

"There can be absolutely no excuse or justification for this kind of thuggish and lawless behaviour," she said.

"It is a disgrace. We condemn it unreservedly and it should stop immediately.

"...Those people engaged in the kind of violence we have seen in the past few days are not defending the Union flag. They are dishonouring and shaming the flag of our country.

"There is nothing remotely British about what they are doing. They discredit the cause that they claim to support."

A car set alight in the Newtownards area over the weekend

Police Service Of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton said the officer was lucky to escape with her life.

"This was a planned attempt to kill a police officer which also put the lives of the public in danger and it is fortunate there were no injuries," he said.

Officers were also attacked with petrol bombs in south Belfast close to the M1.

More talks are planned later between Peter Robinson, the Northern Ireland First Minister and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, and Mike Nesbitt, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

They will try to agree some sort of political strategy to ease tensions and end the violence.

It follows a meeting in Belfast on Monday between the pair, who have been heavily criticised by nationalists over their leadership since the trouble flared a week ago.

The Alliance Party has been the focus of loyalist anger

Ms Long's Alliance Party has been blamed by loyalists for supporting the nationalist SDLP and Sinn Fein in pushing the vote through Belfast City Council to lower the flag.

She said: "If Northern Ireland is to move forward then we need a strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for the democratic process. We need this urgently before lives are lost."

Mr Robinson said: "The attempted murder of a police officer in East Belfast was a despicable act of terror.

"The masked men responsible do not act in the name of our Union Flag. They are bringing shame on it. My prayers are with the police officers at the centre of this attack."

There were also protests in Limavady, Co Londonderry, Ballyclare, Co Antrim, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, and Cookstown, Co Tyrone, where the car of a DUP member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Ian McCrea, was surrounded by angry loyalists.

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott said some of the violence was intense - and there was clearly some paramilitary involvement.

:: Witnesses have been urged to contact police at Strandtown on 0845 600 8000 or through the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

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'Beast From East': UK Spared Siberian Blast

Britain looks to have been spared heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures from a weather front dubbed the 'Beast from the East' - but some areas will still struggle with freezing conditions.

Forecasters had suggested parts of the country would see the mercury plunge as low as -6C, with icy winds from Siberia expected to blow in over the eastern coast.

But while coastal areas in the east remain likely to receive sleet and snow from the 7,000-mile wide weather front, the extreme conditions are no longer expected to be felt far inland.

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "It was initially thought that freezing east to northeasterly winds would bring a severely cold spell along with the potential for some heavy snowfalls across eastern and southeastern Britain.

"However, despite a chilly start to this week with concerns of patchy hill snow, ice and freezing fog, most places should escape with dry and sunny weather."

Daytime temperatures in northern England and Scotland could struggle to top 2C on Wednesday and Thursday with some isolated spots failing to get above -1C.

And parts of the South West and South East are being warned of a deluge of rain from the middle of the week onwards, with 17 flood alerts in place for the regions.

The ground in these areas is already saturated after last month's higher than average rainfall.

Lang added: "Later in the week the weather is set to turn wetter from the south and west with strengthening winds.

"Some snow may fall for a time but the general theme will be a wetter and somewhat milder one as we head through the end of the week.

"Whether conditions remain mild or turn colder again from the east is open to question from this coming weekend onwards.

"This flip-flopping between air masses is not uncommon at this time of year."

Freezing winds, heavy snow and blizzards have caused chaos in parts of Europe over recent days, with four people reported to have died in Croatia and two in Serbia.

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iPhone App Emails Photo To Owner After Theft

A woman has unwittingly taken her own picture as she attempted to unlock a stolen phone.

The image was then automatically sent to the owner who called the police.

A "rather cool" app downloaded on to the phone takes a picture of anyone who tries to unlock it, maps their location and then sends the information to the owner in an email, Sussex Police said.

The phone was stolen from the Coalition nightclub in Brighton, East Sussex, earlier this month.

Police said they do not know whether the woman pictured was responsible for the theft but they appealed for her or anyone who recognises her to contact them.

"We know where and when the photo was taken and it appears to be in a vehicle with quite a large sunroof," PC Gavin Crute, of Sussex Police, said.

"We don't know that the woman is the person who stole the camera, but she obviously has had some connection with it in the meantime and I'd like to speak to her about it," he added.

:: Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101.

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Kate Hospital: No Contact Before Hoax Aired

Timeline: Kate Prank Call Tragedy

Updated: 3:46am UK, Monday 10 December 2012

Here are some of the key dates:

Monday, December 3
The Duchess of Cambridge is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London with severe morning sickness.

Tuesday, December 4
2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian make their hoax call to the hospital in the early hours of the morning, posing as the Queen and Prince Charles. Nurse Jacintha Saldanha puts them through to a colleague who divulges details of how doctors have been treating the Duchess.

Wednesday, December 5
A King Edward VII's Hospital spokesman confirms the Australian radio station made the prank call, saying it "deplores" the act and is conducting a review of its phone system.

Thursday, December 6
The Duchess of Cambridge leaves hospital.

Friday, December 7
:: Ms Saldanha is pronounced dead at staff accommodation close to the hospital. She is thought to have taken her own life, although a post-mortem examination is yet to be held.

:: King Edward VII's Hospital releases a statement saying: "It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Ms Saldanha. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues."

:: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge send their condolences to Ms Saldanha's family.

Saturday, December 8
:: Ms Saldanha's family in southwest India speak of their heartache. Her mother-in-law, Carmine Barboza, says: "Jacintha was a very caring woman. She used to call us every Sunday without fail. We just cannot believe what has happened."

:: Ms Greig and Mr Christian go on indefinite leave from the radio station after they are bombarded with abusive and threatening messages on social media websites.

::  Lord Glenarthur, chairman of the King Edward VII's Hospital, writes a latter to 2Day FM calling for the "truly appalling" broadcast to "never be repeated".

:: Max Moore-Wilton, chairman of Southern Cross Austereo which owns 2Day FM, describes the events over the past few days as "tragic", but adds: "The outcome was unforeseeable and very regrettable."

Sunday, December 9
:: It emerges Mel Greig and Michael Christian may be questioned by London's Metropolitan Police.

:: Ms Greig and Mr Christian express a desire to speak about the tragedy, but are still in hiding.

:: The Australian Communications and Media Authority, which regulates radio broadcasting, says it is considering whether it should launch an investigation into whether the presenters breached the commercial radio code of practice.

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Manchester Derby: Nine Charged After City V Utd

Nine people have been charged in connection with Sunday's stormy Manchester derby - as a pitch invader apologised for "letting himself down".

Another four arrests were made over incidents connected to the game, but police say they have so far failed to track down the fan who threw a coin at Rio Ferdinand - cutting the United defender's eye.

Meanwhile, one of the nine men charged, Matthew Stott, said he was sorry for running on to the pitch after Robin van Persie's late winning goal for United.

The landscape gardener, who slipped up as he ran on to the field before being restrained by City goalkeeper Joe Hart, issued a statement through his solicitors.

He said: "I would like to apologise to all those affected by my actions yesterday, particularly Mr Ferdinand and the other players.

"I am extremely ashamed of my actions. I have let myself down, my family down, my fellow fans down and Manchester City Football club.

"I intend to write personally to Mr Ferdinand to express my extreme regret and apologies and also apologise to Manchester United and their fans. I would like to thank Joe Hart for his actions when I came on the pitch."

Matthew Stott was held back by Joe Hart

Greater Manchester Police's chief inspector, Steve Howard, said: "To have just 13 arrests for a crowd of this size and a match of this proportion is a testament to the policing operation we put in place.

"Despite fierce rivalry and high tension there was no major disorder. However, we will continue to investigate the coin throwing incident and are determined to work with the club to bring the perpetrator to justice."

All of the men, who were arrested in the wake of the clash at the Etihad Stadium, are due before Manchester City Magistrates' Court on January 4.

They are:

:: Peter Harrison, aged 30, of Kearsley, charged with racially aggravated public order.

:: Matthew Stott, 21, of Knutsford, and Christopher Johnson, 52, of Alderley Edge, charged with pitch encroachment.

:: Warren Singh, 18, of Heald Green, charged with section 5 public order.

:: Sam Weatherby, 21, of Farnworth, Bolton, and Philip O'Leary, 24, of Disley, Stockport, charged with breach of a football banning order.

:: Christopher O'Neil, 21, of Manchester, Nicholas Morley, 21, and Andrew Martin, 20, both of Blackley, charged with being drunk and disorderly.

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M6 Crash: One Killed In Cheshire Pile-Up

One person has been killed and 10 people injured in a nine-vehicle pile-up on the M6 in Cheshire.

The crash on the southbound carriageway between junctions 17 and 16 involved two lorries, five cars and two vans.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said five people had to be cut from the wreckage.

The person who died was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cheshire Constabulary said two people suffered life-threatening injuries and another was seriously hurt.

The casualties were taken to hospitals in Leighton, Crewe and Stoke for treatment.

The M6 remains closed southbound between junctions 18 and 16 while police investigators examine the scene.

More follows...

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

MPs Reveal Plans To Reform Drug Laws

Senior MPs say Britain is losing its war on drugs and needs to consider legalisation, according to news reports.

Members of the powerful Home Affairs Committee are set to tell Prime Minister David Cameron that the current approach has failed and new strategies are required.

Pressure on the PM is expected to include the setting up of a Royal Commission into redrafting of drug laws.

According to the Mail on Sunday, the MPs concluded that prison sentences have failed to reduce drug dealing.

The MPs also believe the drug black market is aided by stringent regulations.

Many in the Conservative Party oppose drug law reform, however some coalition colleagues in the Liberal Democrats have recently backed reform.

An unnamed MP on the committee told the Mail on Sunday that the current laws are "unfit for purpose".

Existing legislation was slammed as being a relic of the 1960s and not suitable to cover the current myriad of circumstances involving drugs.

The former Government drugs adviser, Professor David Nutt, told Sky News that a shift in the international position, centred on the United Nation's policy, is also needed.

He said: "We need to review the misuse of drugs act which is 40 years old and is completely out of date in terms of the drugs that are in it.

"The conventions on drugs are probably causing more harm than good in terms of the international global position."

Politicians have been urged to look at Portugal, which has altered its legislation.

The Home Affairs report comes just days after a shift occurred in the United States to drug possession.

Washington state has become the first state in the US to legalise marijuana, with Colorado set to follow suit.

A number of other countries have also sought to approach the issue of drugs from other than a law enforcement perspective.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boy Killed By 'Teen Driver' At Caravan Site

A seven-year-old boy has died after being hit by a BMW car allegedly driven by a teenager at a caravan site.

A 16-year-old boy is being questioned by police after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The accident happened at the Shirenewton caravan site, east of Cardiff, south Wales, at around 3pm on Saturday.

"A seven-year-old boy from the caravan site was apparently in collision with a red BMW 3 series estate," a South Wales Police spokesman said.

"The boy was taken to the University Hospital of Wales where he later died from his injuries. Specially trained police officers are supporting the family.

"A 16-year-old youth from the area, who is believed to have been driving the BMW at the time, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is in custody and inquiries are ongoing."

Anybody who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Top Tories Launch Gay Marriage Campaign

London Mayor Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Michael Gove are among more than a dozen senior Conservatives who have launched a new group to campaign for gay marriage.

David Cameron supports the plans to allow same-sex weddings to be held in places of worship and has promised a free vote, but more than 100 Tory MPs are expected to oppose the change in the Commons next year.

The new group has been put together by Nick Herbert, the former police minister who resigned from the Government in September's reshuffle.

As well as Mr Johnson and Mr Gove, it includes Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who is Catholic, Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, an evangelical Christian, former Tory ministers Lord Fowler and Nicholas Soames and Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson.

In a letter to The Sunday Telegraph announcing the formation of the group, the 19 declared: "Marriage should be open to all, regardless of sexuality.

"We recognise that civil partnerships were an important step forward in giving legal recognition to same sex couples.

"But civil partnerships are not marriages, which express a particular and universally understood commitment."

Former police minister Nick Herbert is spearheading the campaign

Mr Herbert, who is in a civil partnership, said changing the law was "the right thing to do".

"It is precisely because marriage is such a uniquely important institution that we should ensure that all couples who want to enter into it, regardless of their sexuality, can do so," he added.

"Conservatives who believe in marriage should feel this most strongly."

However, Mr Herbert insisted it would be wrong to "compel religious organisations to marry same-sex couples against their will" and called for legal "safeguards" to prevent it.

Under the proposals, due to be fleshed out this week, churches and other venues will be allowed to "opt in" to holding civil marriage ceremonies.

Ministers will offer a guarantee that no institution will be forced to marry gay people on their premises - but Tory MPs and religious groups have questioned whether it would stand up to challenges under the Human Rights Act.

Legislation is expected to be introduced before Easter, and could take effect about a year later - with the first ceremonies likely be held in spring 2014.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Girl Fights For Life After Gas Fire Accident

A four-year-old girl is fighting for her life after her clothes were set alight by a gas fire.

She suffered extensive burns to her face and body when it is thought she walked near to the appliance at a house in Bury, Greater Manchester, on Saturday.

Police were called by the ambulance service to the address in Horne Street at about noon.

The girl was rushed to hospital, where she is in a critical condition.

Police are currently treating the incident as a "tragic accident".

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "It is believed that her clothes had caught fire when she walked near to a gas fire.

"She suffered extensive burns and was taken to Manchester Children's Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.

"Police are still investigating but believe it to be a tragic accident at this stage."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said two fire engines from Bury fire station attended the scene.

A spokesman said: "The fire had been confined to the young girl's clothing but she had suffered approximately 60% burns involving her face and body.

"A full investigation into the cause of the incident has now commenced."

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sir Patrick Moore, 89, Dies At Home

Man Who Brought Space To The Masses

Updated: 2:17pm UK, Sunday 09 December 2012

Sir Patrick Moore - knighted in 2001 - was the astronomer who, more than any other scientist living or dead, could explain to the world at large the marvels and intricacies of the universe - and beyond.

TV personalities come and go, but Sir Patrick, famous for his monocle, outlasted them all.

For more than 40 years, he presented BBC TV's popular The Sky At Night programme, a wonderland of information for the expert, the novice and his huge army of fans who had no particular scientific bent at all.

It became the longest running television series with the same presenter. His knowledge of outer space was prodigious and he possessed a unique ability to transmit that knowledge in a comprehensible and attractive form to the layman.

But Sir Patrick, despite an occasional irascible nature and a tendency towards eccentricity, was a kindly man and modest with it. Once he said he would like to be remembered as an amateur astronomer who played cricket and the xylophone.

Patrick Caldwell Moore was born on March 4, 1923. He was educated privately, because of illness.

His interest in astronomy was fired at the age of six when he read a book called Guide To The Solar System, published in 1898.

"I picked up that book by sheer luck and sat down by the armchair and read it through. I understood most of it - which wasn't bad for a six-year-old."

At the age of eight he was given a 1908 model Woodstock typewriter on which all of his 170 books were written. He claimed to be able to type at 90 words a minute - using only two fingers.

Then, when he was 11, he was nominated as a member of the British Astronomical Association - the youngest ever member. He published his first paper, on small craters in the Mare Crisium on the Moon at the age of 13 - exactly 50 years before he was to be president of the association.

The paper was accepted and he was asked to present it. "I wrote back saying, 'Thank you for your letter. I'd be honoured but you've got to understand I'm only 13'. They replied: 'We don't see what that's got to do with it'."

As a young man Sir Patrick knew Albert Einstein. He said of him: "He was an interesting man, totally unworldly. He was a violin player and I accompanied him playing Saint-Saens's 'Swan'. I wish I had a tape of it."

He served with the Royal Air Force from 1940 to 1945, as a navigator in Bomber Command. To get into the armed forces at only 16 he had to lie about his age and fake his medical.

The girl he was to marry was killed during the war in an air raid. He said since: "My whole life ended in one day. These things happen. You accept them.

"As far as I was concerned, that was that. It's the reason I have never married. But I don't like living alone."

Nevertheless he did live alone for most of his life at his beloved Selsey in Sussex.

His career as an astronomer blossomed. Whereas hardly anybody could name the Astronomer Royal, Sir Patrick became a household name. Within the span of half a century he observed what must be the most spectacular period in the history of any science.

He always said that the Cold War never affected astronomers. "The International Astronomical Union is the only organisation I know that always has been totally international.

"At the very height of the Cold War, at one stage the president was a Russian, the vice-president was American. In space research the Cold War went on. In pure astronomy it didn't."

Sir Patrick's years on television began while space travel was "bunk" in the unguarded words of Britain's then Astronomer Royal in 1956.

But within six months Sputnik I was beeping in the heavens. Within three years men were in space and within 12 years they were on the Moon.

When Sir Patrick began broadcasting, cosmologists contemplated an eternal universe and continuous creation and birth by the Big Bang as equally unprovable.

But his popularity as an astronomer incurred the jealousy of those who regarded themselves as superior to him.

One of his great triumphs was to explain, on TV, the existence of a giant black hole at the centre of our Milky Way galaxy. Various scientists tried to do it, unsuccessfully, in a variety of weird and wonderful ways.

Sir Patrick had a map of the Milky Way drawn on the floor of the studio. He walked towards the centre and then apparently disappeared.

He passionately wanted to go into space himself. "But I'm the wrong age, the wrong nationality and the wrong medical grade. Besides," he joked, "it would need a very massive rocket to launch me."

He used to gaze at the stars and say: "We are a very, very small speck in the universe, about as important as a single ant in the whole of the world."

In 2000 he suffered a paralysis in his right hand which considerably restricted his activities as a musician and a writer. He was also forced to cancel lectures.

This disability even prevented him from opening the letter telling him he was being considered for a knighthood.

He became an OBE in 1968 and a CBE in 1988. He was knighted in the 2001 New Year list "for services to the popularisation of science and to broadcasting", an honour which earned him congratulations from around the world.

In July, 2004, at the age of 81, Sir Patrick by his own admission "nearly died" after a severe bout of food poisoning caused, he believed, by a duck's egg he had eaten.

He battled on and in 2007 presented a special 50th anniversary episode of the show from his back garden with special guests including Queen guitarist Brian May.

Five years on he hit the headlines again when in an interview to mark the show's 55th anniversary he warned of the danger of another world war and declared "the only good Kraut is a dead Kraut".

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boy Killed By 'Teen Driver' At Caravan Site

A seven-year-old boy has died after being hit by a BMW car allegedly driven by a teenager at a caravan site.

A 16-year-old boy is being questioned by police after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The accident happened at the Shirenewton caravan site, east of Cardiff, south Wales, at around 3pm on Saturday.

"A seven-year-old boy from the caravan site was apparently in collision with a red BMW 3 series estate," a South Wales Police spokesman said.

"The boy was taken to the University Hospital of Wales where he later died from his injuries. Specially trained police officers are supporting the family.

"A 16-year-old youth from the area, who is believed to have been driving the BMW at the time, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is in custody and inquiries are ongoing."

Anybody who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Whale Skin' Cocktail: London Bar Raided

A London bar has been raided by police for allegedly serving cocktails flavoured with illegal whale skin.

The Metropolitan police targeted the Nightjar bar in Hoxton, East London, where a drink called the Moby Dick was listed in an online menu.

It was described as containing Laphroaig whisky, Drambuie, ale and bitters, along with a "whale skin infusion".

There is a Europe-wide ban on the sale of whale meat and products, except under strict restrictions in Greenland and Denmark.

Police were tipped-off in October that the bar was serving whale skin illegally, and raided the City Road premises on December 3.

It was carried out by officers from the Met's Wildlife Crime Unit and an officer from the United Kingdom Border Force.

"One item from the premises was seized," said a police spokesman. "This has been sent for analysis."

No arrests have been made.

Nightjar director Edmund Weil said: "We did have a drink on this year's menu which included a small amount of scotch whisky infused with a single 2 x 5cm strip of dried whale skin.

"The strip was purchased in a shop by an employee while on a trip to Japan in autumn 2011.

"Until the police visit, neither ourselves nor our employees were aware of the legislation under which the bottle was seized.

"In hindsight we realise that regardless of the legal framework around such products, it was an error of judgement on our part to include this on our menu, and we would like to offer our apologies to anyone who may have been offended by it.

"We have removed the drink entirely from our menu, which will be reprinted before Monday to reflect this."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Top Tories Launch Gay Marriage Campaign

London Mayor Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Michael Gove are among more than a dozen senior Conservatives who have launched a new group to campaign for gay marriage.

David Cameron supports the plans to allow same-sex weddings to be held in places of worship and has promised a free vote, but more than 100 Tory MPs are expected to oppose the change in the Commons next year.

The new group has been put together by Nick Herbert, the former police minister who resigned from the Government in September's reshuffle.

As well as Mr Johnson and Mr Gove, it includes Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who is Catholic, Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, an evangelical Christian, former Tory ministers Lord Fowler and Nicholas Soames and Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson.

In a letter to The Sunday Telegraph announcing the formation of the group, the 19 declared: "Marriage should be open to all, regardless of sexuality.

"We recognise that civil partnerships were an important step forward in giving legal recognition to same sex couples.

"But civil partnerships are not marriages, which express a particular and universally understood commitment."

Former police minister Nick Herbert is spearheading the campaign

Mr Herbert, who is in a civil partnership, said changing the law was "the right thing to do".

"It is precisely because marriage is such a uniquely important institution that we should ensure that all couples who want to enter into it, regardless of their sexuality, can do so," he added.

"Conservatives who believe in marriage should feel this most strongly."

However, Mr Herbert insisted it would be wrong to "compel religious organisations to marry same-sex couples against their will" and called for legal "safeguards" to prevent it.

Under the proposals, due to be fleshed out this week, churches and other venues will be allowed to "opt in" to holding civil marriage ceremonies.

Ministers will offer a guarantee that no institution will be forced to marry gay people on their premises - but Tory MPs and religious groups have questioned whether it would stand up to challenges under the Human Rights Act.

Legislation is expected to be introduced before Easter, and could take effect about a year later - with the first ceremonies likely be held in spring 2014.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Girl Fights For Life After Gas Fire Accident

A four-year-old girl is fighting for her life after her clothes were set alight by a gas fire.

She suffered extensive burns to her face and body when it is thought she walked near to the appliance at a house in Bury, Greater Manchester, on Saturday.

Police were called by the ambulance service to the address in Horne Street at about noon.

The girl was rushed to hospital, where she is in a critical condition.

Police are currently treating the incident as a "tragic accident".

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "It is believed that her clothes had caught fire when she walked near to a gas fire.

"She suffered extensive burns and was taken to Manchester Children's Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.

"Police are still investigating but believe it to be a tragic accident at this stage."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said two fire engines from Bury fire station attended the scene.

A spokesman said: "The fire had been confined to the young girl's clothing but she had suffered approximately 60% burns involving her face and body.

"A full investigation into the cause of the incident has now commenced."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sir Patrick Moore, 89, Dies At Home

Man Who Brought Space To The Masses

Updated: 2:17pm UK, Sunday 09 December 2012

Sir Patrick Moore - knighted in 2001 - was the astronomer who, more than any other scientist living or dead, could explain to the world at large the marvels and intricacies of the universe - and beyond.

TV personalities come and go, but Sir Patrick, famous for his monocle, outlasted them all.

For more than 40 years, he presented BBC TV's popular The Sky At Night programme, a wonderland of information for the expert, the novice and his huge army of fans who had no particular scientific bent at all.

It became the longest running television series with the same presenter. His knowledge of outer space was prodigious and he possessed a unique ability to transmit that knowledge in a comprehensible and attractive form to the layman.

But Sir Patrick, despite an occasional irascible nature and a tendency towards eccentricity, was a kindly man and modest with it. Once he said he would like to be remembered as an amateur astronomer who played cricket and the xylophone.

Patrick Caldwell Moore was born on March 4, 1923. He was educated privately, because of illness.

His interest in astronomy was fired at the age of six when he read a book called Guide To The Solar System, published in 1898.

"I picked up that book by sheer luck and sat down by the armchair and read it through. I understood most of it - which wasn't bad for a six-year-old."

At the age of eight he was given a 1908 model Woodstock typewriter on which all of his 170 books were written. He claimed to be able to type at 90 words a minute - using only two fingers.

Then, when he was 11, he was nominated as a member of the British Astronomical Association - the youngest ever member. He published his first paper, on small craters in the Mare Crisium on the Moon at the age of 13 - exactly 50 years before he was to be president of the association.

The paper was accepted and he was asked to present it. "I wrote back saying, 'Thank you for your letter. I'd be honoured but you've got to understand I'm only 13'. They replied: 'We don't see what that's got to do with it'."

As a young man Sir Patrick knew Albert Einstein. He said of him: "He was an interesting man, totally unworldly. He was a violin player and I accompanied him playing Saint-Saens's 'Swan'. I wish I had a tape of it."

He served with the Royal Air Force from 1940 to 1945, as a navigator in Bomber Command. To get into the armed forces at only 16 he had to lie about his age and fake his medical.

The girl he was to marry was killed during the war in an air raid. He said since: "My whole life ended in one day. These things happen. You accept them.

"As far as I was concerned, that was that. It's the reason I have never married. But I don't like living alone."

Nevertheless he did live alone for most of his life at his beloved Selsey in Sussex.

His career as an astronomer blossomed. Whereas hardly anybody could name the Astronomer Royal, Sir Patrick became a household name. Within the span of half a century he observed what must be the most spectacular period in the history of any science.

He always said that the Cold War never affected astronomers. "The International Astronomical Union is the only organisation I know that always has been totally international.

"At the very height of the Cold War, at one stage the president was a Russian, the vice-president was American. In space research the Cold War went on. In pure astronomy it didn't."

Sir Patrick's years on television began while space travel was "bunk" in the unguarded words of Britain's then Astronomer Royal in 1956.

But within six months Sputnik I was beeping in the heavens. Within three years men were in space and within 12 years they were on the Moon.

When Sir Patrick began broadcasting, cosmologists contemplated an eternal universe and continuous creation and birth by the Big Bang as equally unprovable.

But his popularity as an astronomer incurred the jealousy of those who regarded themselves as superior to him.

One of his great triumphs was to explain, on TV, the existence of a giant black hole at the centre of our Milky Way galaxy. Various scientists tried to do it, unsuccessfully, in a variety of weird and wonderful ways.

Sir Patrick had a map of the Milky Way drawn on the floor of the studio. He walked towards the centre and then apparently disappeared.

He passionately wanted to go into space himself. "But I'm the wrong age, the wrong nationality and the wrong medical grade. Besides," he joked, "it would need a very massive rocket to launch me."

He used to gaze at the stars and say: "We are a very, very small speck in the universe, about as important as a single ant in the whole of the world."

In 2000 he suffered a paralysis in his right hand which considerably restricted his activities as a musician and a writer. He was also forced to cancel lectures.

This disability even prevented him from opening the letter telling him he was being considered for a knighthood.

He became an OBE in 1968 and a CBE in 1988. He was knighted in the 2001 New Year list "for services to the popularisation of science and to broadcasting", an honour which earned him congratulations from around the world.

In July, 2004, at the age of 81, Sir Patrick by his own admission "nearly died" after a severe bout of food poisoning caused, he believed, by a duck's egg he had eaten.

He battled on and in 2007 presented a special 50th anniversary episode of the show from his back garden with special guests including Queen guitarist Brian May.

Five years on he hit the headlines again when in an interview to mark the show's 55th anniversary he warned of the danger of another world war and declared "the only good Kraut is a dead Kraut".

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More