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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tyne/7121791.stm	The director of a £46m arts centre on Tyneside, has quit to head one of Eastern Europe's largest contemporary art houses. In March it was revealed visitor numbers had fallen by 11% Peter Doroshenko became the third director of Gateshead's Baltic complex when he took up the post two years ago. Now it has emerged he has been named president and artistic director of the Pinchuk Art Centre in Kiev. The Pinchuk, which opened a year ago, is the first large-scale contemporary art centre in Ukraine. Baltic opened in July 2002 and is attracting about 400,000 visitors a year. Mr Doroshenko, an American of Ukrainian descent, said he believed he had left Baltic a more "approachable and visitor friendly place". Recently, the Baltic was rocked by a child porn probe, when Northumbria Police began an investigation after a photograph owned by Sir Elton John was seized from an art exhibition at the centre. The photo, Klara and Edda Belly Dancing by American Nan Goldin, was withdrawn the day before it was due to go on display. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided it was not indecent. Baltic chairman, Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, said: "Peter has produced an exciting and, at times, controversial programme of exhibitions. "It will be a challenge for to us to maintain that level of activity and interest in future years." Mr Doroshenko added: "I think we have made Baltic a much more approachable and visitor friendly place, which has greatly extended its activities in education and in the community."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13666912	Twitter users who breach injunctions risk legal action People who use Twitter to breach privacy injunctions may face legal action, according to the government's senior law officer. Attorney General Dominic Grieve said that individuals could be prosecuted for contempt of court for publishing sensitive material. Enforcement was normally a matter for whoever had taken out a privacy order. But Mr Grieve told the BBC he would take action himself if he thought it necessary to uphold the rule of law. In an interview with Radio 4's Law in Action programme, the attorney general said that individuals who used Twitter or other internet sites to undermine the rule of law could face the consequences of their actions.'Rude shock' He was referring to court powers to fine or even imprison people who deliberately break court rulings. Mr Grieve explained that enforcement of orders made in civil cases was normally a matter for whoever had taken them out. A claimant could go to court and seek to have people punished if they had broken the terms of an injunction. But when asked if he should bring contempt proceedings himself for breach of a privacy order, Mr Grieve said he would take action if he thought it necessary. It was not something he wanted to do, he added. But the attorney general made it clear that proceedings could be brought against individual Twitter-users in England and Wales as well as against newspapers that dropped heavy hints about the identity of a person protected by an injunction. In the Commons two weeks ago, Mr Grieve warned people who thought they could use modern methods of communication to "act with impunity" that they might well find themselves in for "a rude shock".'Civil and criminal liability' His warning was overshadowed by a question a few moments later from John Hemming MP, in which the Liberal Democrat MP identified Ryan Giggs as the footballer who had taken out an injunction to block reports of an alleged relationship with Imogen Thomas, a reality TV contestant. Mr Grieve's latest comments go further in his warning to Twitter users that he may himself take action against those who breach injunctions. End Quote David Allen Green Media Lawyer With the rise of the internet, everybody's a publisher” And the attorney general's comments were endorsed by David Allen Green, a media lawyer and expert on social media. "With the rise of the internet everybody's a publisher," he said. "The law treats self-publication in the same way [as publication by the mainstream media]. It means that a whole lot of people are exposed to civil and criminal liability who wouldn't have been ten years ago." Like the attorney general, Mr Green acknowledged the unreality of taking legal action if thousands of people broke a court order, especially if they were based outside England and Wales. But these people were running a risk, he said. Tweeters could not expect Twitter to act in a "libertarian" way and protect them from the courts, the lawyer added. Twitter was a corporation like any other and would have to comply with orders from local courts requiring personal information to be disclosed. Last month South Tyneside Council said it had gone to court in the US to force Twitter to release the identity of a Twitter user behind allegedly libellous statements about three of its councillors and an official.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-12238544	Mental health delays criticised over High Wycombe death Delays in the mental health care of an arrested man who died after a cocaine package ruptured in his body have been criticised by an independent watchdog. Marcus Cottoy, 31, of High Wycombe, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in March 2009. He was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and died in hospital. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said Thames Valley Police acted professionally but a mental health assessment was delayed. Mr Cottoy was arrested and taken to Amersham police station in the early hours of 21 March. The IPCC said it found that custody staff regularly checked on him and at 0630 GMT Mr Cottoy told a police doctor that he had been on a cocaine binge.'Increasingly agitated' The doctor recorded that Mr Cottoy was agitated, paranoid and required a full mental health assessment, which the IPCC found did not happen until 1100 GMT when a mental health team visited the police station and sectioned him. Mr Cottoy became "increasingly agitated" en route to the psychiatric unit, shouting at officers, twisting his handcuffs and banging into the sides of the detention cage, the IPCC said. On arrival at 1345 GMT he remained in the police van for 40 minutes because of his aggressive behaviour, while staff worked out an admission plan. IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin said: "I am concerned that it took more than four hours for the mental health team to arrive. "I believe it would have been distressing for Mr Cottoy to be kept in a cell for this extra length of time and it also put additional pressure and demands on police resources. "The amount of time that it took to admit Mr Cottoy to the psychiatric unit was a source of frustration and concern for the police officers involved." The IPCC recommended a formal protocol be agreed between police and Oxford and Buckinghamshire NHS Mental Health Trust (OBMH) to ensure detainees received treatment as soon as possible. Mr Franklin said he had been informed that the recommendations had been addressed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7429435.stm	Protesters say Mr Samak is protecting his predecessor Thousands of people have demonstrated in Bangkok, defying warnings of a crackdown issued by Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. Riot police were deployed, but the authorities did not carry out the PM's threats, saying force would not be used as long as the protest was peaceful. Opposition activists accuse Mr Samak of changing the constitution to protect his predecessor, Thaksin Shinawatra. Reports say the instability coincides with rumours of an imminent coup. The demonstration was led by the People's Alliance for Democracy, the group which led mass protests in 2006 that led to the military coup that ousted Mr Thaksin. On Saturday, some protesters wore helmets and masks, apparently to protect themselves in case tear gas was used. There has been heightened political tension and demonstrations in recent weeks over the government's plans to revise the military-drafted constitution. Riot police were on the streets but did not use force against protesters The opposition says Mr Samak is a close ally of Mr Thaksin, who they believe has a hidden, anti-monarchy agenda. It says Mr Samak is trying to change the military-backed constitution to hold on to power and to prevent Mr Thaksin from facing corruption-related charges. On Friday, a Thai cabinet minister accused of insulting the king - which is taken very seriously in Thailand, where the king is a revered figure - announced his resignation in an attempt to calm political tensions. Jakrapob Penkair, who will be charged next week, strongly denies insulting the king, but said he was stepping down to end rumours of a military coup which were prompted by the allegations.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/low/dates/stories/january/1/newsid_3413000/3413749.stm	\|Search ON THIS DAY by date\| Thousands of Cubans took to the streets in celebration this morning as word spread of Batista's departure for the Dominican Republic in the early hours of this morning. There was a carnival atmosphere as cars cruised through the streets of the capital, Havana, with Cuban flags draped over their bonnets, blowing their horns continuously. A large crowd gathered at the Principe prison as high court judges issued orders granting the release of hundreds of political prisoners. President Batista handed over to a nominal military junta before he left. They ordered a ceasefire and appealed to the rebel forces of Dr Fidel Castro for co-operation. Dr Castro, however, announced this morning on rebel radio that operations would continue. "The triumph of the revolution must be complete," he said. There appeared to be little sign of anyone in charge on the streets of Havana today, as the city descended into anarchy. People armed with steel bars overturned virtually every parking meter in the city. Hundreds of slot machines from casinos - a symbol of the corruption of Batista's regime - were dragged into the street and smashed. One casino was looted. The homes of relatives and close friends of President Batista were also looted, as were the houses of the former Minister of the Interior, Santiago Rey, and his hated police chief, Colonel Esteban Ventura. The rebel movement has gone from strength to strength in the last year. They have had growing support from the general population since President Batista, who came to power in a coup in 1952, began cracking down with increasing ruthlessness on any signs of dissent. In one of the worst examples, even some of Batista's supporters expressed concern after police tortured or summarily hanged those suspected of organising a general strike last April. Some of those killed were still in their teens. In latter years, he has headed an increasingly ruthless and corrupt police state. He once boasted that he was one of the most shot-at heads of state in the world, and never appeared in public without being surrounded by bodyguards. President Batista lived the rest of his life in exile in Portugal and Spain. He died in 1973. His police chief, Esteban Ventura, was controversially granted a permanent visa for the United States in 1979. Washington refused repeated attempts to extradite him to stand trial for acts he is alleged to have committed in the latter days of the Batista regime. He died of a heart attack, aged 87, in Miami in 2001. Fidel Castro took control on 2 January, although initially he did not take political office. However, by July he had become president, and Cuba has been a one-party state ever since. One of Dr Castro's first moves was to nationalise American-owned utilities and sugar estates. The policy was the start of an antagonism between the two nations which has dominated the Castro regime. In 1962, Fidel Castro brought the world to the brink of nuclear war as his alliance with the USSR provoked the Cuban missile crisis. Diplomatic relations have never been restored, and the US continues to enforce trade sanctions against Fidel Castro's regime. \|Search ON THIS DAY by date\|
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19310647	Julian Assange expected to make statement Julian Assange is expected to make a public statement today on the diplomatic row that has engulfed him since being granted asylum by Ecuador. The Wikileaks founder reportedly plans to speak outside the Ecuadorean embassy in London where he has taken refuge. He faces extradition to Sweden over sexual assault claims, which he denies. Ben Geoghegan reports.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14434318	Riots in Tottenham after Mark Duggan shooting protest Police are on the streets of Tottenham, north London, where overnight riots saw petrol bombs thrown at officers and patrol cars and buildings set alight. Eight injured police officers were taken in hospital, at least one of them with head injuries. The unrest began after a protest over the fatal shooting by police of 29-year-old Mark Duggan on Thursday. About 300 people gathered outside the police station on the High Road after demonstrators demanded "justice". London Ambulance Service said a total of 10 people had been treated and nine had been taken to hospital. Two empty patrol cars were set alight at about 20:20 BST. Shops in the area were looted, with people seen pushing away shopping trolleys full of goods. One local resident told the BBC that looting continued beyond daybreak on Sunday. A double-decker bus was set on fire at the junction of High Road and Brook Street while a shop on the High Road was also set alight. Fire crews were initially unable to reach the shop due to the disorder but later began tackling the flames. A BBC TV news crew and satellite truck also came under attack from youths throwing missiles. The youths had begun attacking another police patrol car before the TV crew were targeted and they were withdrawn in the interests of their own safety. The police car was later set alight. The BBC's Andy Moore says the rioters appear to have dispersed on Sunday morning and police were trying to restore calm. Our correspondent says that since riots in 1985 relations between the local community and police have been generally good, but last week's shooting raised tension. He says elements of the community were looking for instant answers but the investigation into Mr Duggan's death would be more long-term.'Calm and normality' Commander Stephen Watson, of the Metropolitan Police, earlier told BBC News a significant number of officers had been deployed with the aim of restoring "calm and normality to the area as soon as possible". Police were continuing to deal with "isolated pockets of criminality" involving a few people, he said in a statement. Mr Watson said police did not have warnings of last night's level of disorder, despite being aware of raised tensions after Mr Duggan's death. "What we experienced earlier on yesterday evening was a peaceful protest outside Tottenham police station - there was no indication it would deteriorate in this way. For those who involved themselves in this level of violence, there is no excuse." Tottenham MP David Lammy appealed for calm on Saturday, saying: "The scenes currently taking place in our community are not representative of the vast majority of people in Tottenham. "Those who remember the destructive conflicts of the past will be determined not to go back to them. "We already have one grieving family in our community and further violence will not heal that pain. "True justice can only follow a thorough investigation of the facts. "The Tottenham community and Mark Duggan's family and friends need to understand what happened on Thursday evening when Mark lost his life. To understand those facts, we must have calm." Protesters are believed to have gathered outside the police station at about 17:00 BST. The force said the situation turned violent when two patrol cars parked about 200 metres away on Forster Road and High Road were attacked. The spokesman said: "A number of bottles were thrown at these two cars - one was set alight and the second was pushed into the middle of the High Road. It was subsequently set slight. "The officers were not in the vehicles and were unhurt." A friend of Mr Duggan, who gave her name as Niki, 53, said marchers had wanted "justice for the family" and "something had to be done". She said some of them lay in the road to make their point. "They're making their presence known because people are not happy," she added. "This guy was not violent. Yes, he was involved in things but he was not an aggressive person. He had never hurt anyone." Vanessa Robinson said she had joined the original protest outside the police station and it had begun peacefully. She said the situation had then turned into "absolute chaos". One person at the scene, who gave his name as Tim, said: "It's an absolute war zone. I walked up there. "I saw about five youths, all faces covered up. They set a wheelie bin on fire and threw it into the riot police.Toughened glass "The whole of the police station is surrounded by... about 100 police officers in riot gear and they threw a wheelie bin into it and then started throwing bricks, street signs, anything they could get their hands on, straight at them." Another resident, David Akinsanya, 46, said several shop windows had been smashed. He said: "There was a police line of about 15 riot police sort of in front of the police station on the north side and then there were loads of uniformed officers on the south side of the police station. "They weren't making any effort to go into the crowd. Every now and again they would rush the crowd and the crowd would run. "But there seems to be a lot of anger in Tottenham tonight... as I left they were starting to attack the police station." The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the shooting of Mr Duggan. A police officer was also injured in the incident, which happened when police stopped a minicab containing Mr Duggan. IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said: "I understand the distress that the shooting of Mark Duggan has caused to his family and in the community and that people need answers about what happened to him." She said the IPCC was in close contact with Mr Duggan's family, adding: "I have tonight spoken to community representatives and hope to meet with them and others as early as possible." A spokesman for Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Violence and destruction of property will do nothing to facilitate [the IPCC] investigation and we urge those involved to respect the rule of law."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/4460828.stm	The mother of a murdered teacher has handed in more than 50,000 signatures to the House of Commons calling on MPs to ban violent internet porn. Liz Longhurst, 74, of Reading, Berkshire, said new laws would "represent a wonderful memorial" to her daughter, Jane, who was killed in 2003. The 31-year-old music teacher from Brighton was murdered by her violent porn-obsessed friend, Graham Coutts. Her mother has been campaigning ever since to ban violent internet images. Musician Coutts, who was convicted of strangling Miss Longhurst with a pair of tights in February 2004, was obsessed with looking at violent images involving women on the internet. Distributing extreme pornography is illegal in the UK but material from abroad is still accessible through websites and it is not an offence to possess it. Mrs Longhurst said she was hopeful that a new law would be introduced during the current Parliament. "This petition shows the government just how many people really oppose this horrendous imagery," she said. "I am very hopeful that there will be a change in the law, which will act as a memorial to Jane, who may still have been with us had her killer not been able to access these sickening Internet images, which fuelled his dangerous fantasies. "This campaign has been excellent therapy for me. I feel I am perpetuating her memory. She was a wonderful person, very gifted, very witty, very loving, very kind and very loved." 'Strength of feeling' The Home Office and Scottish Executive have been consulting on whether new laws are needed and what should be covered. They have proposed making it an offence to download and possess violent and abusive porn. Mrs Longhurst's MP, Martin Salter, added: "This campaign has taken a huge amount of time and effort but it has struck a chord right across the country and this massive petition demonstrates the strength of feeling behind our demand to clean up the internet. "We are now pretty confident that the government is serious about bringing forward proposals to change the law to treat violent internet pornography in the same way as child pornography."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18438925	British author Jon McGregor wins Impac literary award British author Jon McGregor has won the 100,000 euro (£81,000) International Impac Dublin Literary Award for his third novel Even the Dogs. The writer beat off competition from 146 other shortlisted titles to receive the accolade, the world's largest prize given to a novel published in English. According to publisher Bloomsbury, Even the Dogs is "an intimate exploration of life at the edges of society". McGregor is the third British author to win the lucrative prize. Andrew Miller was the first, winning in 1999 for Ingenious Pain, while Nicola Barker won the following year with Wide Open. Two other British novelists - Tim Pears and Animatta Forna - were among this year's ten shortlisted authors. On his Twitter feed, McGregor said it was "a great prize" to win and that he felt "in good company". The international judging panel, which included Irish book of the year nominee Mike McCormack praised Even the Dogs as "a fearless experiment which shows us in close-up detail the lives of a gathering of homeless addicts". The Top 10 was whittled down from submissions nominated by 162 public libraries from 45 countries. The award is organised by Dublin city libraries on behalf of Dublin City Council and is sponsored by Impac, an international management productivity company. It is open to novels written in any language by authors of any nationality, provided the book has been published in or translated into English.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-12275600	Inquiry team visit Colin McRae helicopter crash site A sheriff and lawyers have visited woods in Lanarkshire where rally driver Colin McRae's helicopter crashed, killing four people. The crash in September 2007 killed Mr McRae, his five-year-old son Johnny, six-year-old Ben Porcelli and family friend Graeme Duncan, 37. The visit to the woods near Mr McRae's home in Lanark is part of a fatal accident inquiry into the tragedy. The inquiry, at Lanark Sheriff Court, is expected to last several months. The court party, who had swapped their wigs and gowns for outdoor clothing and walking boots, was driven around a number of sites where witnesses had seen Mr McRae's final flight. Their last destination was the Mouse Water Valley, a thickly-wooded gorge next to the McRae family home, where the 39-year-old's Eurocopter Squirrel aircraft crashed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/sussex/8099604.stm	The contest was first staged in Worthing in 2008 More than 40 competitors, including former G4 tenor Jonathan Ansell, will take part in this year's Worthing International Birdman contest. The organisers said entry had been closed and 48 aviators would throw themselves off Worthing Pier in August. Thousands of people are expected to watch contestants attempt mechanically unaided flight off the end of the pier. It was moved to Worthing in 2008 after Bognor pier was shortened by 80ft (24m), making it unsafe for flyers. Ansell, who embarked on a solo career after the X-factor group G4 split up, has been named as the event's benchmark flyer, the competitor who sets the distance that determines whether other contestants have flown or flopped. On a Justgiving website, Ansell said: "The thought of leading the way as the benchmark flyer in front of 25,000 people is obviously terrifying, but it is going to be a lot of fun and, most importantly, a brilliant opportunity for me to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care, a charity that is very close to my heart." The organisers said it was a real honour to have him in this year's contest. A spokeswoman for Worthing Council said: "Jonathan is a local lad who was brought up in Bognor, the previous home of the Birdman, and as a daredevil has had a desire to take part for a long time. "We are very fortunate that Jonathan will be breaking off from a series of summer shows to take part in the Worthing Birdman this year." A £30,000 prize is on offer to anyone who can fly the furthest distance over 328ft (100m). The contest raises thousands of pounds for charity every year and has attracted interest from around the world, even inspiring a similar event in China. The first contest was held in 1971 at the nearby resort of Selsey with a £1,000 prize fund, rising later to £3,000, for a flight of 150ft (46m).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8151402.stm	England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has announced he will retire from Test cricket at the end of the current Ashes series against Australia. The hero of England's victorious 2005 Ashes campaign has fought a constant battle against injuries and will now concentrate on one-day cricket. The 31-year-old is currently fighting to be fit for the second Test at Lord's because of a knee problem. Flintoff said: "My body has told me it's time to stop." The latest knee injury flared up after the drawn first Test against Australia in Cardiff and Flintoff explained: "It's been something I've been thinking about for a while and I think this last problem I've had with my knee has confirmed to me that the time is now right. Flintoff decides to quit Test cricket "I've been through four ankle operations, I had knee surgery just a couple of months ago and had three jabs in my knee on Monday, just to get me right for this Test, so I took that as my body telling me that I can't cope with the rigours of Test cricket. "For the next four Test matches I'll do everything I need to do to get on a cricket field and I'm desperate to make my mark." The burly Lancastrian dismissed suggestions that his impending Test retirement would overshadow the remainder of the series. "An Ashes series is bigger than any one player," he said. "The focus will be on England trying to win a special series." Strauss full of praise for Flintoff So far Flintoff has played for his country 76 times in an 11-year Test career since his debut against South Africa in a famous England victory at Trent Bridge. But undoubtedly his finest hours came during the 2-1 series success at home to Australia in 2005, a summer that resulted in Flintoff being hailed for his sportsmanship as well as his cricketing ability. After a duck and then three in the first Test at Lord's, he made half-centuries in each innings and took seven wickets as England fought back thrillingly to win by only two runs and level the score at Edgbaston - where his hand-on-shoulder consolation for a beaten Brett Lee became perhaps the iconic image of the whole series. Flintoff's maiden Ashes hundred helped bring a second home win in Nottingham and there were more runs and wickets as England regained the urn in a fifth-Test draw at The Oval. Flintoff retirement surprises Ponting With 2005 captain Michael Vaughan out injured, Flintoff himself was to lead England in their ill-starred bid to retain the Ashes in 2006-07, a series that ended in a 5-0 whitewash. He lost the vice-captaincy under Vaughan after his drunken late-night escapade on a pedalo at the start of a notably unsuccessful 2007 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean. Australia captain Ricky Ponting said his team were "a little surprised" by Flintoff's decision, but added they will not treat him any differently for the second Ashes Test at Lord's which begins on Thursday. "We know how big a figure he is in the England team," said Ponting. "I think you could even see that last week with his first spell back in the Test side - the whole ground sort of lifted, it changed the real feel around the ground last week. "I thought we did a good job. We played him very well last week whether it was with the ball when he was bowling or when we had a chance to bowl to him." Ponting added: "He's been a great figure in the game. The way he's gone about his cricket, the way he's played the game and how much he's enjoyed the battle - probably particular in Ashes cricket - is something that's been very fun to be a part of for me." Flintoff's former Lancashire team-mate Sourav Ganguly said he was paying the price for England's over-reliance on him. "I always said England needed to balance his bowling with his batting if they wanted him to survive longer in Test cricket," said the former India captain. "With England, every time they are under pressure it is Freddie with the ball because he is their best bowler. "He's a big boy and injuries are part and parcel of sport, but there are other fast bowlers around the world who are running in and keep playing and doing well in Test matches. "I think it more about Freddie Flintoff's body than the rigours of international cricket. To be honest it's the amount of bowling he does for England." BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said the news was not a surprise and rather than distracting England from the task in hand, it might inspire them in the Ashes. "It's interesting that he's done it now - it's been talked about a great deal and has been a bit of a distraction," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Now he's got it out, he'll want to enjoy his last Tests so if I was an Australian, I'd think 'oh dear', - it might be galvanising for the England camp." Some cynics have pointed out that sacrificing his Test career means Flintoff is saving himself for the more lucrative limited-overs formats but Agnew said Flintoff was not being selfish. "There's a very lucrative one-day league - the Indian Premier League - for which he's now fully available," he added. "They're paid per match, so if he goes and plays the whole thing, he picks up all the money. "But I'm not cynical, he's been on the bench for the last couple of years and England need to know what's going and build for the future. If he does have problems with his fitness, that uncertainty is removed from their planning." This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19921276	Travis Perkins confirms weaker sales during Olympics Building supplies group Travis Perkins has confirmed that its sales fell over the summer. The Wickes owner said that sales, excluding the effect of bank holidays and changes in floorspace, fell 3.5% in the three months to 30 September. It blamed the downturn on disruption from the Olympics and bad weather, and said sales recovered during September. Separately, the firm's finance head, long-serving Paul Hampden Smith, said he would step down in September 2013. Mr Hampden, who has worked at the firm for 22 years, 17 of them as finance director, has said he wants to "develop a portfolio career". The sales figures were dragged down by weak demand for plumbing and heating equipment. "Trading improved in September after the uneven and fragile trading conditions experienced so far this year, and our continuing tight management of costs and efficiency gains from self-help projects, mean we remain on target to meet market expectations," said chief executive Geoff Cooper.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19415635	Winnie Johnson funeral takes place in Manchester The funeral of Winnie Johnson, mother of Moors murder victim Keith Bennett, has taken place at a Manchester church. Mrs Johnson, 78, died on 18 August without being able to fulfil her last wish of giving her son a proper burial. After being diagnosed with cancer last year, Mrs Johnson appealed again to killer Ian Brady to reveal the location of Keith's body, without success. More than 200 people attended the service, held at St Chrysostom's Church, Victoria Park. The hearse included floral tributes reading 'Gran' and 'Mam', with a smiling photo of Winnie on top of the coffin. A book of condolence opened at the church, with a private burial taking place following the service.'Bingo with angels' Keith was one of five children murdered by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley between 1963 and 1965. The then 12-year-old was abducted on 12 June 1964, and was the only victim whose body has never been found, despite several large-scale searches of Saddleworth Moor. During the service, hymns The Old Rugged Cross, Lord Of All Hopefulness and The Lord Is My Shepherd were played. Elizabeth Bond, a friend of Mrs Johnson, gave a eulogy calling her a "woman ahead of her time". She said: "Her mother was a great influence in her life, and when she became a mother herself she described it as the best thing that she ever did. "Sadly in 1964, Keith was taken away from his family and Winnie became more and more of a public figure under the tagline - Keith Bennett's mother. "I don't want us to forget that Winnie was so much more." She added: "I hope you are playing bingo with the angels like you said you would and all the ones you loved are by your side when you shout house." Floral tributes at the funeral included wreaths from Greater Manchester Police and her local bingo club.'Candle for Keith' Assistant priest Father John Grant, said Winnie was a regular face at St Chrysostom's Church. "The abiding memory is of her arriving and leaving church in the electric scooter and she used to come in the side door, scoot across, park up and into the front pew," he said. "At the end of every Sunday service she would go and light a candle for Keith. "We have commended her into God's care, we have prayed that she will be at peace, we have prayed that she is reunited with Keith." The day before Mrs Johnson's death, police said they were looking at claims Brady had revealed details about Keith's grave to his mental health advocate, Jackie Powell, from Carmarthenshire, south Wales. Mrs Johnson's solicitor John Ainley said she had not known about the latest development as "she wasn't capable of accepting it". Teresa Walsh, who helped Winnie search Saddleworth Moor for any signs to where Keith's body might be, attended the service. She said: "She was a very strong lady, she loved her family. "She just never gave up looking for Keith, she just wanted to find her son, that's all she wanted, to find him and lay him to rest." A fund has been started to provide a memorial to Mrs Johnson inside the church and a community garden at the side of the building.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21415102	Pope Benedict XVI resignation: Who could be successor? Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85. The unexpected development - the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years - surprised governments, Vatican-watchers and even his closest aides. The Vatican says it expects a new Pope to be elected before Easter. The BBC's Matthew Amroliwala asked Catherine Pepinster, editor of Catholic newspaper The Tablet, where the Catholic Church goes next.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3753581.stm	A man is suing the estate of diet guru Robert Atkins for $28,000, claiming the eating plan caused his cholesterol levels to soar dangerous levels. Atkins dieters are urged to eat a high amount of red meat Jody Gorran, 53, took up the low-carbohydrate, high-protein Atkins diet for two years in a bid to lose weight. He says it raised his cholesterol so much that he had to undergo a medical procedure to unclog blocked arteries. Mr Gorran's case is being backed by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, who advocate veganism. He says he wants Atkins products to warn of the potential dangers of raised cholesterol levels. The diet encourages people to eat low amounts of carbohydrates and higher amounts of fat and protein. The New York Times newspaper reported that Mr Gorran, of Delray Beach, Florida turned to the diet in 2001 when his weight increased to 10.5 stones (67kg). But after two months, his cholesterol rose from a healthy level of 146 milligrams per decilitre to 230, considered potentially dangerous. He said he continued to adhere to the diet because the book warned one in three dieters could see a rise. Mr Gorran says the book tells these people to eat lean proteins such skinless chicken breast and fish but to return to the normal version of the diet if they prefer it. In October 2003, after three episodes of chest pain, doctors found that a major artery was almost completely blocked. He needed an angioplasty and a stent inserted to unblock the artery. Mr Gorran says that, before he started the diet, tests showed that his arteries were clear. 'Make people think' Two months after coming off the Atkins diet, where his favourite foods were cheese every day and cheesecake three times a week, his cholesterol dropped to 146. He said: "I contend there ought to be a warning on this diet. "I'm seeking an injunction to prevent them from selling their products, books, or having their website without a warning, because they know one-third of the people on the diet will have what Atkins referred to as 'less favourable cholesterol.' " He added: "The whole thing is based on getting the word out. Even if the suit never gets anywhere, we'll be out there and people will start to think." A statement from Atkins Nutritionals and the estate of Dr. Atkins said it stood by "the science that has repeatedly reaffirmed the safety and health benefits of Atkins." It added that the Physicians Committee for Responsible Nutrition was "a well-known vegan and animal rights group, has a long history of initiating these kinds of scare tactics that are designed to convince the American public to stop eating animal protein of any sort." Mr. Gorran said he had linked up with the group because it was "familiar with publicity.'' The American Heart Association said it would not comment on the lawsuit, but a spokesman said, "Eating large amounts of high-fat foods for a sustained period raises the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer." Professor Benjamin Zipursky, of Fordham University's School of Law in New York, said the lawsuit had legal shortcomings which he felt would prevent it succeeding. Professor Zipursky added: "It really reads as if it were done by someone who is doing it for reasons of publicity rather than private gain.'' Dr Amanda Wynne, of the British Nutrition Foundation, would not comment on the individual case. But she said: "Diets that are high in saturated fats are linked with increases in blood cholesterol."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3015838.stm	In much of India, parents pray for a male child. Daughters are seen as a burden and the killing of female foetuses is widespread. Khasi women make all the major family decisions But in the country's remote north eastern state of Meghalaya, the situation is very different. Here the local Khasi and Jaintia tribesmen value their daughters who inherit all their ancestral property. Much of the property goes to the Ka Khadduh - the youngest daughter - who becomes the centre of attraction. "There is no scope for a dowry because women inherit all property here," says David Syiemlieh, who teaches history in the state's Northeastern Hill University. In Meghalaya, women run family businesses, dominate the households and take all key family decisions. "Nothing happens in the family unless we want it," says housewife Julia Lyngdoh. "My husband leaves it all to me and same is the case throughout our state." We have been reduced to baby-sitters or housekeepers - we have no role in our society except fathering babies According to India's National Family Health Survey, Meghalaya is where parents have shown the least interest to have a male child - 73% less than the national average. In Meghalaya, the sons get nothing. But Meghalaya men who have travelled to other parts of India and seen how the males dominate there are beginning to resent their role back home. "We have been reduced to baby-sitters or housekeepers. We have no role in our society except fathering babies," says Enoch Kharkhongor, a shopkeeper in the state's capital Shillong, now in his mid-twenties. Six years ago, Meghalaya's angry men formed a Male Liberation Group - called Symbai Rimbai Tongbai (SRT). The women inherit all property Ablemann Swer led the group until his death two years ago. The SRT demands equal property rights for the male child and a greater role for men in the family. "You know why our men are taking to liquor and drugs in such a big way. They feel they don't count," says John Lyngdoh, who now runs the group. But the group is beginning to collapse. "Nobody took us seriously. I now realize this is not going to work here in Meghalaya," says John's colleague Nicholas. But Angela Rangad of the North East Network - a Meghalaya-based non-government organisation - says although the Khasi and Jaintia society remains matrilineal, the patriarchal values are gaining ground. "Domestic violence against women is increasing in Meghalaya. It may not be as bad as Bihar but we are worried at the way it is increasing," says Ms Rangad. Businesses are run by the women of Meghalaya She has a point. The number of cases of rape and sexual abuse against women has been rising in Meghalaya. There was outrage when a stepfather raped his daughter recently in the state's capital Shillong and also when a pregnant woman was raped in the city. Residents say Meghalaya's matrilineal society is already being challenged. The influence of the rest of India and its culture, carried through Bollywood films, is all beginning to have an effect. "These Hindi films, full of women-beating, dowry fights and all that, are affecting our values. Our males are getting upset," says Roshan Wajri, a former woman legislator of the state assembly. One of the reasons the demand for change in property laws is gaining ground in Meghalaya is because many Khasi and Jaintia women have married people from outside the region, -Dhkars as they are known. "Our property may be lost to these outsiders. We cannot accept that," says Mick Bareh. That is the sign of changing times.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/4214976.stm	Kenny Miller reignited Scotland's World Cup qualifying campaign with a fine, first-half double that defeated Norway in the Group Five match in Oslo. The striker, who scored in Saturday's draw with Italy, pounced on a James McFadden flick to poke home the opener. A poor clearance by Andre Bergdolmo presented Miller with the chance to drive in the second. Ole Martin Aarst fired in late on for Norway, but the Scots moved to within two points of the second-top side. Scotland manager Walter Smith had been forced into a change because of an injury to midfielder Nigel Quashie. Smith drafted in McFadden and reverted to playing three at the back with Steven Pressley back from suspension to replace the banned Christian Dailly. Former Rangers striker Egil Ostenstad started for Norway with Stefen Iversen out injured. Liverpool wing-back John-Arne Riise was back from suspension, but Norway were without banned trio Jan Inge Hoiland, Erik Hagen and Morten Gamst Pedersen, who scored Saturday's winner against Slovenia. That did not prevent the home side starting in confident mood and they were unlucky not to take the lead after five minutes when Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon missed his punch at a corner. Southampton defender Claus Lundekvam put the ball in the net, but referee Alain Hamer ruled it out for a soft foul on Darren Fletcher. Scotland took the lead with their first proper attack. Barry Ferguson's cross to the back post was headed back into the six-yard box, where Miller stole in to flick the ball past Thomas Myhre. Things got better for Scotland after half an hour, when Bergdolmo headed a Paul Hartley cross straight to Miller's feet and the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker slotted the ball into the far corner of the net from 16 yards. Miller was denied a hat-trick before going off injured when a desperate dive by Bergdolmo blocked the striker's goalbound 12-yard drive. Norway coach Age Hareide made three changes at the break, throwing on Kristofer Haestad, Daniel Braaten and Aarst and hauling off Ostenstad, Jan Gunnar Solli and Alex Valencia. Gordon prevented them making a scoring start to the second half, blocking bravely at the feet of Christian Grindheim after a John Carew flick on. Carew was next to threaten, but Gordon smothered the striker's downward header. Craig Beattie gave fellow substitute Neil McCann the chance to settle the game with a low cross into the six yard box, but the Southampton winger's effort was blocked on the line by Myhre. Aarst drove the ball home from the edge of the box late on to set up a nervous finish for the Scots, but they held on for a deserved victory. Norway: Myhre, Bergdolmo, Riseth, Lundekvam, Riise, Solli (Haestad 46), Andresen, Grindheim, Valencia (Braaten 46), Carew, Ostenstad (Aarst 46). Subs Not Used: Holtan, Hangeland, Helstad, Karadas. Booked: Ostenstad, Carew. Goal: Aarst 89. Scotland: Gordon, Alexander, Weir, Pressley, Webster, Fletcher, Ferguson, McNamara, McFadden (Beattie 72), Hartley, Miller (McCann 40). Subs Not Used: Douglas, Severin, Thompson, Murray, O'Neil. Goals: Miller 21, 31. Ref: Alain Hamer (Luxembourg)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympic_games/london_2012/8690467.stm	London 2012 organisers have unveiled cartoon animations named Wenlock and Mandeville as the mascots for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Focus groups of children and families helped form the designs and children's author Michael Morpurgo added a story concept for an animated series. "We've created our mascots for children," said Locog chair Lord Coe. "They will connect young people with sport, and tell the story of our proud Olympic and Paralympic history." The characters are named after the small town of Much Wenlock in Shropshire - which hosted a precursor to the modern Olympic Games in the 19th Century - and the birthplace of the Paralympic Games, Stoke Mandeville hospital in Buckinghamshire. Children told us a number of things: they weren't that sold on furry animals and they actually wanted a story The Wenlock Games gave inspiration to Baron Pierre de Coubertain as he formed his concept of the modern Olympics in 1896. Olympic motifs chime through the design: Wenlock wears the Olympic rings as friendship bracelets, and although predominantly silver in colour, also contains flashes of gold and bronze. Mandeville's head reflects aspects of the three crescent shapes of the Paralympics symbol. In a deliberate homage to London taxis, each has a yellow light on top of its head, with an initial in the middle. In author Morpurgo's vision, the pair begin life as two drops of steel from a factory in Bolton, taken home by a retiring worker who fashions characters out of the metal for his grandchildren. They appear to have a single central eye, explained as a camera lens, through which they'll see the world, and respond to it. Mandeville and Wenlock will feature in an animated series In a series of animated updates, linked to the official games website, they will be seen learning to play different Olympic sports in a narrative that will be regularly revised between now and the opening of the Games. "The children told us a number of things: they weren't that sold on furry animals and they actually wanted a story," Coe added. "Youngsters will be able to make a case for the mascots coming to their school if they've done something that is inspired by the Games. It's a way of engaging in a fun way." The mascots are an important revenue generating tool for the Games, and Locog's commercial partners were consulted throughout the design process. They will also be used to front London 2012's Get Set education programme, which will focus in part on the Olympic values. Both will have their own Facebook and Twitter pages, with an emphasis on interactivity. The mascots will also form a key part of 2012's marketing and merchandising, with organisers keen to avoid the controversy which surrounded the unveiling of the Games logo in 2007. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/leicester/7619142.stm	Leicester Tigers head coach Heyneke Meyer has increasing injury problems ahead of the trip to Sixways to take on Worcester Warriors. Harry Ellis, Dan Hipkiss and Richard Blaze are all likely to miss the game after picking up knocks on Saturday. Meyer told BBC Radio Leicester: "We're not where we want to be yet and all the injury problems don't help." Club captain Martin Corry will return after missing the opening two games with a groin injury. Meyer added: "It's good to have him back for this away game which will be mentally tough." The Tigers already have Lewis Moody, Martin Castrogiovanni, Louis Deacon, Derick Hougaard and Alesana Tuilagi on the long-term injury list and Seru Rabeni suspended. But the South African says the situation will give opportunities to others in the squad: "They've been great coming in and it's a learning experience for the youngsters which will give us a better squad going forward." You can hear live commentary of Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers on BBC Radio Leicester DAB and online at bbc.co.uk/leicester This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17868326	Saleh nephew 'quits as Yemen presidential guard chief' The nephew of the former Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, is reported to have agreed to stand down as head of the Presidential Guard. Gen Tariq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh was sacked on 6 April along with nearly 20 other senior officers as part of a restructuring of the armed forces. But he refused to accept the decision of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. On Tuesday, the head of the country's air force, Gen Mohammed Saleh al-Ahmar, also finally agreed to step down. Gen Ahmar - a half-brother of the former president - had demanded the dismissal of the country's defence minister and other senior officials.Enduring power President Hadi's decision to replace senior military officers, including Gen Ahmar and Gen Saleh, was agreed by Yemen's main political parties. It was also supported by the United States and neighbouring Gulf states, which brokered a power-sharing deal that saw Mr Saleh step down in November, Mr Hadi elected president in February, and the formation of a national unity government. On Sunday, the US ambassador, Gerald Feierstein, warned members of the former government that the international community could take unspecified steps if the president's orders were not implemented. One unconfirmed report said Gen Ahmar had been appointed assistant to the defence minister after agreeing to step down as air force chief. Mr Saleh, who ruled Yemen for 33 years, packed the senior ranks of the armed forces with his supporters and relatives. His son and other allies remain in place as commanders of powerful military units.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2881781.stm	Patients taking anti-inflammatory steroid drugs for conditions such as asthma are at a greater risk of heart disease, research suggests. Glucocorticoids are used to treat asthma Glucocorticoids are commonly prescribed to alleviate conditions including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Scientists from the University of Dundee have found that use of the drugs may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by up to 70%. The study focused on over 164,000 people from the Tayside area of Scotland. Nearly half had received at least one glucocorticoid prescription between 1993 and 1996. The higher the dose of the drug taken, the higher the risk of heart disease appeared to be. A decade of glucocorticoid use at the highest doses, taken by about 2% of the group, increased the risk of heart disease in over-40s from approx 19 people in every 100 to 32 in 100. Researcher Professor Brian Walker urged people not to worry. He said: "These drugs are very effective in the treatment of certain conditions. "The overall benefits of treatment with glucocorticoids outweighs the risks for most patients. "However, this study reminds doctors to be cautious when using high doses for extended periods, especially in patients already considered to be at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease." Glucocorticoids, also called corticosteroids, are a group of anti-inflammatory drugs that are related to cortisol, a natural steroid hormone produced by the body. They can produce serious side effects including a thinning of the bones, susceptibility to bruising, infections, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, high blood pressure and weight gain. Professor Martyn Partridge, Chief Medical Advisor of the National Asthma Campaign, also warned against drawing firm conclusions from the study. He said: "The study reported has only been presented in part at a scientific meeting and the full report has not yet been published. "It is important to note that any perceived risk for those with asthma is with steroid tablets, and at high doses and over a long period, whereas of course most people with asthma are on low doses of inhaled steroids and use steroid tablets only occasionally for very short periods. "It is also important to realise that such population studies do need to be interpreted with great care." He said previous studies suggesting people with asthma were at greater risk of heart disease had been skewed by mis-classifying people with smoking-related conditions as asthmatic. Chicken and egg Professor Sir Charles George, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "It should be remembered that high dose steroids are very effective at controlling inflammatory processes, some of which themselves carry an increased risk of coronary heart disease e.g. rheumatoid arthritis. "The study does not make it clear whether it's a "chicken or egg" situation - is it the underlying condition that is causing an increased risk of heart disease, or the medication? "We fully agree that patients should not be scared off taking their medication and should contact their GPs if they have any concerns." A spokeswoman for the Arthritis Research Campaign told BBC News Online patients were always prescribed the lowest dose of steroids to treat their condition. "Unfortunately rheumatoid arthritis can be associated with cardio vascular events, so it might be difficult to know whether it was steroids or the disease itself which caused any heart probems." The research was presented at a meeting of the British Endocrine Societies in Glasgow.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3987863.stm	Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has hit out at Panathinaikos fans, saying he was the target of racial taunts during the Champions League draw on Wednesday. Henry scored from a penalty, but did not celebrate the goal, opting to stand still while glaring at the stands. "Of 162 goals I've scored, I've not celebrated two against Panathinaikos," he told the Sun newspaper. "And there is an explanation for that. They [the supporters] had been making monkey noises at me." Henry continued: "After scoring, I just stared at the fans for a few seconds. What else could I do? "I could not make a sign with my hands otherwise I would get into trouble. "And what happens next - I get criticised from various people for the way I celebrated. Sometimes, I just cannot win." Arsenal's black players claim to have received similar treatment during last month's trip to the Greek capital, when Henry also scored in a 2-2 draw.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-10627873	Former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner dies Argentina's former President, Nestor Kirchner, has died at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack. Mr Kirchner served as president from 2003 to 2007, and was being tipped to stand for election again in 2011. His wife, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, succeeded him as president in 2007, after he had overseen Argentina's recovery from a severe economic crisis. Mr Kirchner, who had a heart operation in September, died in El Calafate in southern Argentina. The couple had faced some criticism within Argentina for appearing to get around presidential term limits by stepping aside for each other, and suffered a setback last year when their Peronist party lost its absolute majority in both houses of Argentina's Congress.Health issues A lawyer by training, Mr Kirchner served as mayor of Rio Gallegos, his hometown in Argentina's Patagonian south, before becoming governor of the wider region - the oil and gas-rich province of Santa Cruz. He was elected president after Argentina had seen a series of presidents come and go following a major financial crisis in 2001. Mr Kirchner died with his wife by his side after being admitted to hospital in El Calafate in the early hours of Wednesday morning, reports said. In Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez announced three days of national mourning, and praised Mr Kirchner as someone who fought for international justice. "I think the bells should chime in Venezuela and in the whole of Latin America and in all the places where they struggle for a world of equals, for a world of peace," said Mr Chavez. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said her country mourned with all Argentines. "They have lost a leader and the Kirchner family has lost a beloved husband and father. Today our thoughts and prayers are with the president and her children," she said. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said his death represented a "great loss" for Latin America. "He was a man who dedicated his life to public service for the whole world," said Mr Pinera. Mr Kirchner had been been dogged by ill-health since leaving office in 2007 and had undergone two major operations in 2010 alone. In February Mr Kirchner had surgery to remove a blockage in his carotid artery, which carries blood to the brain. He had emergency angioplasty in September, when he complained of numbness in his legs and routine tests revealed a blocked coronary artery.Economic recovery As president Mr Kirchner encouraged changes in Argentina's justice system that set in motion dozens of trials against members of the 1976-1983 military government, who were accused of human rights abuses. He oversaw Argentina's recovery from the country's economic crisis in 2001 and 2002, and many Argentines credit him with fighting poverty and unemployment. However, Mr Kirchner and his wife also faced allegations that they used their influence over local authorities to accumulate wealth. The couple denied the claims. According to their own statements, the Kirchners made most of the money through property deals in Santa Cruz, the province Mr Kirchner governed before becoming president. The politician was confrontational towards his opponents, and some critics called Mr Kirchner authoritarian. He also sharply criticised big business, and his unorthodox economic policies were unpopular with investors. While the Argentinian stock exchange was closed due to a public holiday on Wednesday, Argentine bond prices gained after the news of Mr Kirchner's death. Since leaving office Mr Kirchner continued to remain politically active despite his health problems. He had remained a member of the Argentine congress and secretary general of the South American regional grouping, Unasur. With that role he maintained political influence beyond the borders of Argentina, playing a role in disputes and issues across South America, including in recent civil unrest in Ecuador.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4320111.stm	Freed Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena has been hurt by US troops firing at a car taking her to Baghdad airport soon after her release. Giuliana Sgrena was interviewing people when she was abducted An Italian secret service agent was killed in the shooting at a checkpoint. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi summoned the US ambassador demanding an explanation for what he called "such a serious incident". The US military in Baghdad confirmed that forces shot at a vehicle and said an investigation had been launched. "About 2100 [1800 GMT], a patrol in western Baghdad observed the vehicle speeding towards their checkpoint and attempted to warn the driver to stop by hand and arm signals, flashing white lights, and firing warning shots in front of the car," it said in a statement. "When the driver didn't stop, the soldiers shot into the engine block, which stopped the vehicle, killing one and wounding two others." Mr Berlusconi, a staunch supporter of the US-led invasion of Iraq, said there were "disquieting questions" that needed to be answered. "We are petrified and dumbfounded by this fatality," he said of the death of the agent, named as Nicola Calipari. Mr Calipari died trying to shield Ms Sgrena with his body when they came under fire, Mr Berlusconi said. "It is a pity. This was a joyful moment which made all our compatriots happy, which has been transformed into profound pain by the death of a person who behaved so bravely." Ms Sgrena had a minor operation to extract shrapnel from her shoulder and a second agent was reported injured. Earlier, a video was broadcast on the Arabic al-Jazeera satellite network showing an apparently healthy Ms Sgrena thanking her captors for the way they treated her. A little-known militant group, Islamic Jihad Organisation, had said it kidnapped her and demanded that Italy withdraw its troops from Iraq. The same group said in September it had killed two Italian aid workers, Simona Torretta and Simona Pari, who were later released by another organisation. Ms Sgrena's colleagues cheered the initial news of her release Two weeks ago, Ms Sgrena appeared in a video begging for help and urging foreign troops to leave Iraq. In the emotional footage, a tense and tearful Ms Sgrena said: "You must end the occupation, it's the only way we can get out of this situation. I'm counting on you." Shortly after the video appeared, the Italian Senate voted to extend the country's military presence in Iraq. It has been suggested that the video was released to coincide with the vote. Many foreigners have been kidnapped by Iraqi militants, usually demanding the withdrawal of foreign troops or companies associated with the US-led invasion of the country. Some have been killed, while others have been released. Many more Iraqis have been kidnapped, usually for ransom. Florence Aubenas, a reporter with the French Liberation newspaper, is still being held in Iraq. Her mother criticised the French government on Wednesday, saying that internal squabbles were hampering attempts to secure her release. Ms Sgrena is the eighth Italian to have been taken hostage. An Italian journalist and Red Cross aid worker, Enzo Baldoni, was kidnapped last August and killed by a group calling itself the Islamic Army in Iraq. Four Italians were taken hostage in Iraq in April. One of them, civilian security guard Fabrizio Quattrocchi, was later shot dead by his captors, while three were released.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/school_report/9547667.stm	With one year to go until the start of the 2012 Olympics, School Reporters from Burlington Danes Academy investigated how things have changed since the first time London held the Games in 1908. The BBC buildings in White City are built on the site where much of the London Olympics were staged more than 100 years ago. Burlington Danes Academy is almost next door to the site, but four School Reporters said they knew very little about the Games and set about finding out more. By looking at some of the original artefacts, now held by the University of Westminster, they discovered where athletes had travelled from to take part, more about the Games themselves and why the current marathon distance is not a neat 26 miles. They also visited the unit to animate some of their findings, which can be seen in their film. But first, Jasmine, Amy, Jay Vee and Kennon started their journey of discovery outside the BBC, on the site of the original finishing line. BBC News School Report is a project which gives 11-16 year-old students in the UK the chance to make their own news reports for a real audience.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3203465.stm	The introduction of a local income tax is among options being considered by ministers in a review of how local government should be funded in the future. Many pensioner groups say the council tax penalises their members The proposal - a flagship policy of the Liberal Democrats - emerged following a two-and-a-half month consultation of members of the public who generally agreed that council tax levels were "not acceptable" and "should be seriously reformed or abolished". Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford sent out invitations to interested groups for their views on whether there was a problem with the current tax and what they would do to change it. But despite recent mass protests, particularly by pensioner groups over large increases in council tax, the consultation only attracted 216 responses. Most of those were e-mailed or sent in from local authorities, other organisations, such as the Mayor of London and the Federation of Small Businesses, as well as a few from members of the public. Mr Raynsford, who chairs the Balance of Funding Review Steering Group, which is looking at local government funding, has already admitted recent council tax rises have reached "the limit of acceptability". He said it was now "right to look at some of the most frequently suggested options in more detail". These included a full reform of council tax, the re-localisation of business rates and the introduction of a local income tax. But a spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was swift to make clear that these were just suggestions being considered by the review group and were a long away from becoming firm recommendations. "As part of their review, obviously they have to look at all of the options," the spokeswoman said. "They are looking at the responses from the consultation and the suggestions that have been made. "There are some suggestions for local income tax that came up. That's just one of the things they are looking at. They are also looking at reclassification of business rates and reforms to the current system of council tax. Council tax levels are considered 'not acceptable' by some people "We are just at the stage where they have decided what they are going to look at in the next few meetings. There are absolutely no proposals. Just because they are looking at something, doesn't mean it is going to happen. "There is a great difference between a review group looking at lots of different options, of which local income tax is one, and making any decisions." 'Unaffordable' council tax People who took part in the consultation were reported to generally view the council tax as "unaccountable" due to its complexity. They said it was "unaffordable for those on fixed incomes", and there was "much interest" in having a range of taxes and in more money raised from smaller taxes like local sales tax, vehicle excise duty, trading and charging. Mr Raynsford said: "The group received over 200 responses to its invitation to submit reviews to the review on local government funding. "These response covered a wide range of opinions and it is clear that there are no easy answers, but we thought it was now right to look at some of the most frequently suggested options in more detail." The group will meet again in January, with a final report due later next year. Plans to abolish the council tax and replace it with a local income tax of up to 3% were backed overwhelmingly by Liberal Democrats at their annual party conference in September. They claimed the new local tax, based on earnings, would make 70% of people better off.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8168165.stm	By Ross Hawkins Political correspondent, BBC News Home Office minister Lord West has written to a hereditary peer to reassure him will be able to use his full title on his identity card. Earl Ferrers is concerned about ID card confusion Conservative peer Earl Ferrers was concerned he might simply be named 'Robert Shirley' on the card, causing confusion. Earlier this month, he told the House of Lords: "If I go to a place overseas and ask to cash a cheque and I am asked my name - Ferrers - and my card says Shirley, that will not marry up." A former Home Office minister himself, Earl Ferrers warned the government this little-discussed issue might become a "big elephant trap". In a letter, Lord West made it clear it would be possible to have the words "the Holder is the Right Honourable Robert Washington Shirley, Earl Ferrers" printed on the back of the card. He said members of the House of Lords, their wives and families, and holders of knighthoods and baronetcies and their wives would all be able to have their proper titles included on ID cards. Despite clarifying government policy in his letter, Lord West, who last month became Britain's first cyber security minister, may need to offer a further explanation. Peer pressure: Lord West's letter Although he correctly identifies Earl Ferrers' title, he gets the Tory peers' forename wrong - repeatedly calling him Richard. Earl Ferrers' first name is Robert. Last month, Home Secretary Alan Johnson dropped plans to make ID cards compulsory for pilots and airside workers at Manchester and London City airports. He also ruled out making the cards compulsory - but said he wanted to speed up the introduction of voluntary cards, with a pilot for British citizens to begin on London next year. ID cards are already compulsory for foreign migrant workers from outside the European Union.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19844349	Abu Hamza: Extradition timeline Abu Hamza comes to public attention as a preacher at Finsbury Park mosque. In 2003, police raid the mosque as part of a counter-terrorism operation and seize replica guns and CS gas canisters. In 2002, the Charity Commission tries to suspend Abu Hamza from his post at the mosque over some of his inflammatory speeches. The commission claims he was using the mosque, a registered charity, to spread his brand of radical Islam. Even after police temporarily close the mosque in 2003, Abu Hamza, continues to lead prayers on the streets outside. The US government launches extradition proceedings against Abu Hamza. He is facing 11 terror-related charges including hostage-taking and supporting al-Qaeda. He is accused of acting as a go-between for a terrorist group which took 16 tourists hostage in the Yemen in 1998. Three Britons and an Australian were killed in a rescue attempt. An American woman was shot but lived. The kidnapping was to win the release of Abu Hamza's stepson and five others. The cleric is also accused of attempting to set up a terror training camp in Bly, Oregon, to prepare fighters for the jihad in Afghanistan. The extradition is halted after Abu Hamza is charged in the UK with inciting murder and race hate over his speeches and jailed for seven years. His conviction means extradition will not go ahead until after he has served his sentence. Solicitor Mark Spragg (below) explains why charges were brought. Extradition proceedings resume against Abu Hamza in London. The US government argues that the cleric was a member of a global conspiracy to wage jihad against the US and other Western countries. Abu Hamza's barrister argues that some of the evidence against his client was obtained by torture and so the application should fail. The extradition hearing goes ahead after the House of Lords refuses the cleric leave to appeal against his UK convictions, which would have delayed the proceedings even further. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith signs the extradition order in February 2008. Abu Hamza appeals to the European Court of Human Rights, which begins considering his case with other men facing extradition on terrorism charges. In July 2010, the court says it is satisfied the US will treat the men fairly, but as solicitor Mark Spragg (below) explains the case did not end there. 24 September 2012 After considering more evidence about conditions at the Colorado "supermax" jail, the European Court rules that Abu Hamza and four other suspects can face trial in the United States. The men appeal to the Grand Chamber, but on 24 September 2012 the court's highest judges give their final approval for the extradition of Abu Hamza and four other terrorism suspects to the US. The Home Office says it will ensure the extraditions happen as quickly as possible. The men all argue they would face inhumane treatment in the US, but the court finds there would be no violation of their human rights. 5 October 2012 Abu Hamza fails in his last-ditch bid to halt his extradition to the US. Judges at the High Court say there can be no more appeals and said the extradition 'may proceed immediately'. Speaking in September the Lord Chief Justice expresses his 'fury' at the time the extradition has taken. Features & Analysis - More arrests in Woolwich inquiry - French soldier stabbed near Paris - Hezbollah promises Syria 'victory' - Swedish riots spread beyond capital - Mayor 'sorry' for US brothel remarks - 'Maoist rebels' kill 17 in India - Thousands complete Boston Marathon - Brazil 'cancels' most African debt - Murder sparks anti-Muslim backlash - Apple 1 from 1976 sells for $650,000 Elsewhere on the BBC The BBC's Michelle Fleury meets five very different people who live and work in Quito How far has Microsoft moved from a purist's game console with the XBox One?