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24th.March 2003
Fears over terrorism caused by the war in Iraq have prompted West Midlands Police to step up their patrols. The force said no specific threats have been made to the region but there is increased concern about the possibility of terrorist attacks. Officers will be conducting random road checks, and anyone who sees anything suspicious is urged to contact police. MAN DIES AFTER CAR HITS TREES A man has died in North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary after being involved in a car crash on the A531 near Stoke-on-Trent. Medical staff were unable to save the 19-year-old driver after his Fiat Bravo careered off the road between Madeley and Wrinehill and hit two trees. Staffordshire Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident ESTATE PROJECT MOVES FORWARD A £90m regeneration of a run-down estate in Nuneaton has moved a step closer following the creation of a new community organisation. Pride In Camp Hill has brought together residents, councillors and development experts to oversee the work. The project should see the creation of new housing, leisure facilities and job opportunities on the estate. YOUTHS ATTACK COUPLE WITH BATS Youths wielding baseball bats have attacked a couple as they sat in a car on wasteground in Staffordshire. The gang forced the victims from their car and repeatedly beat them before stealing the vehicle from the Halls Road Recreation Ground in Biddulph. The victims suffered bruising and one was left with a head injury. Their car was later found burnt out. TWO ARRESTS AFTER MAN BEATEN Two men have been arrested after a 22-year-old man was found with serious head injuries in Stoke-on-Trent. Staffordshire Police attended a disturbance at a house in Weston Coyney Road, Longton, before discovering the victim in nearby Farnworth Road. He was taken to the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary where his condition is described as serious. CONCEPTUAL ART RUBBISHED The first public exhibition of a new art movement which rubbishes the likes of Tracy Emin is starting in Sandwell. About 30 works by "Stuckists" will be on display at the borough's art museum and gallery until May 10. Stuckists say they are opposed to conceptual art pieces such as Emin's unmade bed and Damien Hurst's shark in formaldehyde. FAULTY TRUCKS REMOVED FROM ROAD Police in Redditch have removed six lorries from the road in a crackdown on drivers flouting safety laws. West Mercia Constabulary and the Vehicle Inspectorate stopped 46 HGVs on the A448 Bromsgrove highway, inspecting defective brakes and suspension. A further 11 drivers were given "delayed prohibitions", giving them a short period to repair faults. WOMAN RESCUED FROM KITCHEN FIRE Firefighters have rescued a woman from her home in Birmingham after she was overcome by smoke during a blaze. Officers said the fire started in the ground floor kitchen of the property in Selly Park, when food was left cooking on the stove. The woman was taken unconscious from her home by ambulance, and is recovering in hospital. EXPERTS HELP IDENTIFY REMAINS Two professors from the Universities of Birmingham and Leicester are helping to locate and identify thousands of people missing after the Balkan conflict. Pathology and archaeology experts John Hunter and Guy Rutty have travelled to Sarajevo to search for hidden graves. The two men will test human bones to assess the time since death and the "life history" of missing people.
MAN DIES AFTER GUN ATTACK A 30-year-old Birmingham man has died a week after he was gunned down during a dispute between members of a mosque. Shaham Ali, from Acocks Green, lost his fight for life at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham after being shot in the Small Heath area of the city. West Midlands Police said two men charged with Mr Ali's attempted murder may face new charges. JURY SET TO CONSIDER VERDICTS A jury at Birmingham Crown Court is expected to retire to consider its verdicts on a man accused of murdering his two sons with a screwdriver. Steven Wilson, from Great Barr, denies stabbing his two sons in the neck behind outbuildings at a golf course near Handsworth last February. It is claimed Wilson committed the crimes to "spite" his estranged wife. BOY, TWO, KILLED IN BIKE CRASH A two-year-old boy from Leominster has died after being involved in an accident with a scrambler motorcycle. Blake Woodhouse Nicholson was crossing the road when he was in collision with the bike in Mountain Ash, South Wales. He was taken to hospital but died. A police spokesman said: "The rider of the motorcycle, a 24-year-old male, is in custody assisting with inquiries." 400 TAXIS UNFIT FOR ROAD More than 400 taxis operating in Stoke-on-Trent are unfit for the road, according to a new report. The city council said 20% of the 2,000 cabs and private hire vehicles have serious faults. Councillors have been asked to consider approving new regulations which prevent vehicles more than seven years old from operating as taxis. CAMPAIGNERS CRITICISE SENTENCE Road safety campaigners have criticised a five-year jail term imposed on a hit-and-run drug-driver who killed a three-year-old West Midlands girl. The Campaign Against Drink-Driving said Gary Clarke should have been jailed for longer after pleading guilty to causing the death of Isobel Appleton. Isobel was knocked down on a pedestrian crossing on Hagley Road West, Quinton. MP OPENS MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE The Environment Secretary has opened England's first rural multi-service community centre in Shropshire. Margaret Beckett said she hopes the parish centre at Waters Upton, which includes a variety of facilities, will be replicated in other regions. The MP added the "ground-breaking" initiative is an excellent example of effective local partnership. DRIVER DIES IN CRASH WITH TREE A man has died after crashing his Ford Escort car into a tree in Telford, police have said. The driver, who has not been named, died in hospital after the accident on the A442 Queensway, near Hollinswood. A police spokesman said: "For some reason the Escort left the carriageway, struck the central reservation, the nearside barrier and then the tree." TRUCK CRASH TEENAGER NAMED A teenager who was killed when the truck he was travelling in rolled over near Redditch has been named. James Evans, 18, of Reading, died at the scene in Edgioak Road, Astwood Bank, after the Mercedes overturned on farmland. The driver was thrown clear. A post-mortem found James died from severe head injuries. An inquest is due to be opened at Stourport-on-Severn. TAXI RULING COULD THREATEN JOBS West Midlands firms which make London's black cabs may face difficult futures if plans to allow inferior vehicles to operate in the capital are approved. Proposals have been submitted to allow taxi firms to use converted vans in place of traditional Hackney carriages. Jobs at London Taxis International in Coventry and Metrocab in Tamworth could be at risk if the market is opened up.
26th.March 2003 PROBE LAUNCHED INTO TANK DEATHS An investigation is under way after two Staffordshire soldiers died in Iraq when their tank was mistakenly targeted by another British tank. Corporal Stephen Allbutt, 35, from Stoke-on-Trent, and Trooper David Clarke, 19, from Littleworth, were part of the 1st Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Four British servicemen have now been killed in "friendly fire" incidents. KEY TALKS TO AVERT RAIL STRIKES Crucial talks are being held in a bid to avert a series of nationwide strikes by train guards which threaten to disrupt rail services in the region. The Rail Maritime and Transport Union is meeting managers from Thames Trains, Central Trains and Virgin Trains in a row over the safety role of guards. Strikes have been proposed for Friday, next Monday and on April 17. FATHER GUILTY OF MURDERING SONS A 44-year-old former soldier found guilty of murdering his two sons with a screwdriver has been jailed for life at Birmingham Crown Court. Steven Wilson, from Great Barr, stabbed the boys behind outbuildings on a golf course near Handsworth last February. He killed Brad, seven, and Brett, eight, in revenge after his wife Denise walked out on their violent marriage. MP WILL NOT FACE COCAINE CHARGE Coventry North West Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson will not face prosecution over cocaine found by police who stopped him for alleged motoring offences. West Midlands Police said the drug was found in a police vehicle after the MP was pulled over in Walsall in December. A force spokesman said evidence linking the 64-year-old MP to the substance had not been established. POLICE GET TOUGH ON TAX CHEATS Staffordshire Police have launched a crackdown on vehicle tax cheats which could see cars crushed and offenders fined up to £23,000. The DVLA has joined forces with police to use roadside cameras to identify offending vehicles. The DVLA estimates there are 29,000 untaxed vehicles in Staffordshire, costing the public £3.4m each year. PARENTS PAY TRIBUTE TO TODDLER The parents of a Leominster toddler who died in an motorcycle accident have paid tribute to their son. Blake Nicholson, two, died at Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, after the collision as he crossed the road in Penrhiwceiber. Parents Declan Nicholson and Kelly Woodhouse said: "We will miss his cheeky smile and love of life." MAN BLUDGEONED TO DEATH IN HOME A man found dead at his Birmingham home had been bludgeoned to death
with a blunt instrument, police have said. The unnamed victim, in his
70s, was found murdered at a terraced house in Green Lane, Small Heath.
A post-mortem showed the cause of death to be head and facial injuries
consistent with the victim having been struck with a blunt instrument.
27 HELD AFTER DRUGS SWOOPS Twenty-five men and two women have been arrested as part of a major anti-drugs operation centred on Coventry. West Midlands Police said officers swooped on addresses in the Hillfields, Coundon, Foleshill, Radford and Stoke Heath areas of the city. Warrants were also executed in Dudley and Birmingham in Operation Maytime, which also involved immigration chiefs. MAN, 22, HELD OVER OAP DEATH A 22-year-old man has been arrested after a pensioner died of heart failure while trying to protect his wife from intruders in Wolverhampton. The man, from Liverpool, was detained after the death of retired factory worker Kenneth Pritchard. The 84-year-old collapsed and died last May after conmen tricked their way into his tower block flat in Hallett Drive. 27th.March 2003
PM PLEDGES TANK DEATHS INQUIRY Prime Minister Tony Blair has promised the "fullest possible" inquiry into the deaths of the two "immensely brave" Staffordshire soldiers killed in Iraq. Corporal Stephen Allbutt, 35, and Trooper David Clarke, 19, were in a tank hit by "friendly fire". Mr Blair told MPs in the Commons: "There will be the fullest possible inquiry into what went wrong." ARMY'S TRIBUTE TO TANK CREW The Army has paid tribute to the two Staffordshire soldiers who died when their tank was hit by "friendly fire". Trooper David Clarke's commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Fattorini, said the 19-year-old was a "diligent and popular soldier". Father-of-two Corporal Stephen Allbut was said to be "an immensely dedicated and competent NCO". RAIL STRIKES TO GO AHEAD A series of strikes by train guards in a dispute over their safety role will go ahead in the region after peace talks broke down. RMTU members at firms including Central Trains, Thames Trains and Virgin Trains will stage 24-hour strikes on Friday, next Monday and on April 17. The union's general secretary Bob Crow said there would be "major disruption". JUDGE CAUTIONS BOMB CASE JURY Jury members at the trial of three men charged with organising a Real IRA bomb attack in Birmingham have been told to ignore their revulsion of terrorism. Brothers Robert Hulme, 23, Aiden Hulme, 26, and Noel Maguire, 34, deny conspiring to cause explosions in 2001. In summing up, Judge Justice Gibbs told the jury at the Old Bailey: "Evidence is what counts, not prejudice." MP PUSHES UNIVERSITY STATUS Worcester MP Mike Foster is joining a delegation of education leaders to lobby for the city's University College to be granted full university status. The delegation is meeting higher education minister Margaret Hodge to discuss speeding up the process. Labour MP Mr Foster said the Government has signalled its intentions for more academic institutions to be upgraded. APPEAL OVER 'BRIDGE BOMBING' West Mercia Police have appealed for information about a string of so-called "bridge bombing" incidents in Redditch. At least four cars have been hit by objects, including stones and rocks, thrown off a bridge in Headless Cross onto the A448 dual carriageway. One car had the windscreen smashed and the woman driver suffered cuts to her hand, said a police spokesman. SHARK HUNTING MACHINE ON SHOW The UK's first simulator which enables fishermen to catch a virtual shark is being unveiled at Birmingham's NEC. Shark hunters can step onto a boat, take up a rod and try their hand at reeling in the ocean's most feared creature without getting wet. The simulator has been specially created for the Angling Times Go Fishing event, which runs until Sunday. SEE OUR FEATURE MAN QUIZZED OVER OAP'S DEATH Detectives have been granted more time to quiz a man over the murder of a Wolverhampton pensioner who died trying to protect his wife from intruders. The 22-year-old man, from Liverpool, was detained after the death of retired factory worker Kenneth Pritchard. The 84-year-old collapsed and died last year after confronting conmen who had tricked their way into his flat. PARENTS PAY TRIBUTE TO SON The Shrewsbury parents of a 19-year-old student killed in a hit-and-run crash have paid tribute to their son. Jonathan Roberts, a second-year student in Manchester, died after being hit by a car as he crossed a road in the city. His parents John and Julie, from Nescliffe, said: "Jonathan was all you could ever wish for in a son. Our whole family is completely devastated." BODY FOUND IN CAR PARK A man has been found dead at the foot of a multi-storey car park in Birmingham city centre. The body, thought to be that of a man aged in his 30s, was discovered near the Scruffy Murphy's bar in Dale End, close to Birmingham Crown Court. The area has been closed to pedestrians and traffic. West Mercia Police are not treating the death as suspicious. LOCAL HISTORIAN OPENS NEW SAINSBURY'S MAYPOLE The new Sainsbury's Birmingham Maypole store opens its doors today following an investment of £19 million and the creation of over 350 new jobs. Local historian, writer and broadcaster, Professor Carl Chinn MBE will mark this historic opening for local people by opening the 41,000 sq ft store. Birmingham Maypole has been designed using customer research to provide the ideal shopping environment. With an exciting range of fresh and grocery foods, tempting food counters, and a large range of clothing, toys, baby accessories and items for the entire home - the store is a perfect one-stop-shop for the whole family. Store Manager, Sharon Neal, said, "Customers can pick-up stylish, great value clothes, toys, homeware and electrical goods, and be tempted by our delicious hot food choices - all alongside their weekly shop. I am really looking forward to welcoming new colleagues and customers to such a futuristic shopping experience." Birmingham customers will have the choice of 30,000 products, from washing-up liquid and olive oil to DVDs and chopping boards. Easy access parking is available underneath the store and an airport-style travolator will take shoppers from their cars to the entrance. The store has been designed to make shopping more enjoyable and hassle-free. The easily identifiable zones and wide aisles, mean shoppers will find navigating their way around the new store easier. Professor Carl Chinn said, "Sainsbury's have worked very closely with local residents in developing this store, and I am pleased to be opening it. Supermarkets are critical to the wellbing of the community and it is important that they reach out to their customers as they are almost like community centres. "
REFUGEE MURDERED IN CITY PARK A murder inquiry has been launched after an asylum seeker died after a stabbing in Canon Hill Park, Edgbaston. The 19-year-old refugee, thought to be from Kosovo, was with two friends when he suffered a chest wound during an argument with a man and woman. Witnesses described a stocky white man, about 5ft 9in, running from the scene, possibly carrying a weapon. MAN SHOT IN FRONT OF DAUGHTER A Birmingham man, in his 30s, has been shot in front of his young daughter in a pub car park, police said. The man was blasted in the back from a shotgun after two men approached him and his eight-year-old daughter, as they left the King Edward pub in Aston. The man was taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious, but not life-threatening. BISHOP'S PLEA FOR VICAR'S SON The Bishop of Wolverhampton has called for prayers for a vicar whose adopted son has been banned from Cannock town. The Rt Rev Michael Bourke asked for people to remember the Rev Anthony Osbourne after magistrates imposed an anti-social behaviour order on his son. Donovan Osborne, 17, was the ringleader of a gang responsible for car thefts, and his ban will last five years. BID TO CLEAN UP STREETS Anti-litter campaigners are to target an "environmental disaster zone" in the Birmingham suburb of Lozells. Groups are determined to clean up the rat-infested streets in the area, where two teenage girls were shot dead at a New Year's party. Churches and community groups will be joined by the council and environmental groups such as Keep Britain Tidy. BUSINESSMAN BEGINS PRISON TERM A Nigerian businessman has begun a nine-year prison term for trying to smuggle £250,000 of cocaine through Birmingham International Airport. Afour Afgwu Agbai Agidi, 38, was caught by Customs and Excise Officers with 3.5kg of the drug in his suitcase. A judge at Warwick Crown Court ordered the trader, who pleaded guilty, to be deported when he ends his sentence. COUPLE RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGE A couple arrested over the death of a Redditch woman have been released without charge. Lynda Mills, 44, died from heart disease in Sutton Close, Winyates, where she was staying with relatives. Police have said the death was no longer being treated as suspicious and Ms Mills had a history of coronary problems leading up to her death. MAN DIES IN TOWER BLOCK FALL A man has died after leaping from the 13th floor of a Coventry tower block as he was being arrested, police said. Police had visited the tower block in Wood End after the man was recalled to jail for breaching his parole licence. A West Midlands Police investigation into the incident is under way and the force has referred the matter to the Police Complaints Authority. POLICE CONDUCT BUS PATROLS Birmingham police are conducting high visibility patrols on buses as part of a bid to cut crime on public transport. Officers from Sparkhill Crime Team are working in partnership with Travel West Midlands on the A34 Stratford Road. Sgt Simon Cook said: "The Stratford Road is a main arterial route and officers will be patrolling in high visibility uniform for maximum impact." AFRO-CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL STARTS Thousands of students are gathering in Birmingham for Europe's largest African Caribbean Festival for young people. The three-day ACFEST at the International Convention Centre celebrates all aspects of culture from Africa and the West Indies. Highlights include a ball, sports day and careers fair. Last year's event drew 8,000 visitors. LABOUR WINS COUNCIL BY-ELECTION A Labour candidate has defended a Staffordshire County Council by-election by only 66 votes. Janos Toth defended The Hayes division with 624 votes from the Lib Dems who polled 558. The Conservatives finishing third with 507 votes. The poll saw barely one in eight people voting. There was a swing of 12.6% from Labour to the Lib Dems. Local teacher's 'top tips' broadcast on www.talkingteaching.co.uk the UK teaching profession's best practice forum Steve Hudson, a teacher at the Church of the Ascension in Wall Heath,
Kingswinford, has had his teaching advice broadcast on 30th.March 2003
FUNERAL FOR TRAGIC FIREFIGHTER Relatives and friends of a Birmingham firefighter who died after falling from a hydraulic platform during a training exercise are gathering for his funeral. The body of Andrew Clinton, 52, will pass by Bournbrook station while an honour guard of serving officers stands outside. Mr Clinton died a week after suffering severe injuries in the fall. KILLER FATHER FOUND DEAD A Birmingham father who was convicted last week of murdering his two sons has been found hanged in his prison cell. A fellow prisoner found former soldier Steven Wilson, 44, at Blakenhurst jail in Worcestershire. He was hanged by shoelaces from an upturned bed. Wilson, of Great Barr, was jailed for murdering his young sons by stabbing them in the neck with a screwdriver. MOTHER'S ANGUISH AT DEATHS The Birmingham widow of Steven Wilson has described the pain and anguish she has gone through since her husband brutally killed their sons last year. Denise Wilson, 26, said she will always see the look of terror in her two boys' faces when her husband killed them. Wilson, who was found hanged in prison, killed Brett, eight, and Brad, seven, after Denise said she was leaving him. MOTHERS LAUNCH GUNS AMNESTY The mothers of the two teenagers killed in a New Year shooting in Birmingham are launching a nationwide gun amnesty. Marcia Shakespeare and Beverley Thomas are joining West Midlands Police at the Community Fire Station in Handsworth. Mrs Shakespeare's daughter Letisha, 17, and Mrs Thomas's daughter, 18-year-old Charlene Ellis, were shot dead during a confrontation between rival gangs. JURY TO RETIRE IN BOMBS CASE A jury is expected to retire to discuss verdicts in the trial of three Irishmen accused of plotting a Real IRA bombing campaign in Birmingham and London. It is alleged the RIRA were responsible for two bombs detonated in west London and another in Birmingham, all in 2001. Robert Hulme, 23, Aiden Hulme, 25, and Noel Maguire, 34, all deny at the Old Bailey conspiring to cause explosions. PRAYERS FOR GULF VICTIMS Prayers have been offered at churches across Staffordshire for two soldiers from the county who died in Iraq. Tpr David Clarke, from Stafford, and Cpl Stephen Allbutt, of Stoke-on-Trent, died when their tank was accidently fired upon by other British troops. Reflecting the Mothering Sunday theme, prayers were also said for the mothers of troops still serving in the Gulf. MOTORIST DIES IN ACCIDENT A motorist has died and two passengers have been injured in a car crash in Ashbourne, police said. Police believe the three were travelling in the same vehicle when the car hit a verge. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Another occupant was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. A third person did not require treatment. INDUSTRIAL LAND TO BE CLEARED Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands is to invest £2.3m into a Nuneaton foundry, closed since 2001. Obsolete side-buildings will be cleared and the land decontaminated at the former L Dunn works in Caldwell Road. Chief executive, John Edwards, said: "This project will help create jobs, diversify the local economy and open up the site's potential." BISHOPS PRAISES TEACHERS The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, has praised the achievements of teachers. Addressing headteachers at a service at the Secondary Heads Association, the bishop told delegates their role was "a life of service to the sacred." "The influence of a good teacher goes way beyond what is immediately recorded as achievement," he added. AIRLINE CLAIMS SUCCESS Low-fare Midlands airline FlyBE has claimed its additional routes from Birmingham have proved successful. The firm has taken more than 14,000 bookings on the new daily flights to Milan Bergamo and the Isle of Man. "We have been delighted with the enthusiastic response from the region's business community and the travel trade," said spokesman John Brayford.
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