News Rush: 03/27/14

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Italy calls Cairo to review mass death penalties

Italian flag

Italian Foreign Ministry called upon the Egyptian authorities to review the court’s decision to sentence 529 anti-coup Egyptians to death on Monday.

In a statement issued yesterday the ministry said: “The Italian Foreign Ministry expresses its deep concerns over the death penalty approved by Al-Minya Criminal Court. It also calls for guaranteeing just prosecution for all defendants based on the law.”

A Grand Mufti must now approve the verdicts before they can be carried out. The defendants were found guilty of killing a policeman.

The same court yesterday adjourned the hearing on the case of 683 other defendants, including the Muslim Brotherhood’s supreme leader Mohamed Badie, to April 28. These defendants have been charged with spreading chaos and threatening civil safety.

Christoper Bucktin: Vile protests highlighted the true evil of bigotry

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Muslim Brotherhood channel in Lebanon taken off-air

Lebanese flag

Lebanon based Ahrar 25 TV channel, founded in the wake of Egypt’s military coup, was taken off-air on Sunday, a statement said.

The channel, which affiliates with the Muslim Brotherhood, said it was removed from all frequencies of the Nile Sat and Kuwait’s Gulf Sat Satellites.

“The two satellite companies’ administrations notified Ahrar 25 that the decision was politically motivated and came following pressures from the Egyptian authorities,” the statement said.

Commenting on the decision, the channel said: “It is continuation of suppressing freedoms, curbing media and violating the right to freedom of expression.”

Egypt’s first freely elected President Mohamed Morsi was ousted by the Egyptian army last July. Several Islamic and independent satellite channels were taken off-air after his ouster.

The Egyptian interim authorities, assigned and backed by the army, accused these channels of incitement

Redcar whale jawbone is unveiled at town's revamped Zetland Lifeboat Museum

Watch: The 45-ft long sperm whale which beached on Redcar in May 2011 will never be forgotten after its jaw bone went on display

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Gallery: Beached whale on Redcar Beach

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It was surely one of the saddest, yet most impressive sights ever seen on Redcar beach.

And the 45-ft long sperm whale, which beached in May 2011, will now never be forgotten after its jaw bone went on display at the town’s Zetland Lifeboat Museum.

The preserved 7ft jaw bone, complete with alarming looking ivory teeth, was unveiled when the museum opened for its 2014 season.

Museum chairman Fred Brunskill said: “The fact it’s a maritime-related exhibit in its own right means it should be in a museum like this.

“We had a record number of visitors last year and we hope the jaw bone will help increase those numbers further.”

Locked in a secure cabinet, the jaw bone is a fascinating reminder of the 35 tonne whale, which died of starvation and dehydration on Redcar beach after straying from its usual waters.

Its jaw bone was sawn off and buried at a site near Dunsdale by Redcar and Cleveland Council so the oil and fat could drain out.

With advice from the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts, Fred then preserved the bones in ammonia and hydrogen peroxide before the teeth were set in the jaw bone sockets. “I took the teeth home in a bucket,” he smiled.

The teeth and jaw bone join several attractions at the revamped museum, with new photo displays and, at its heart, the 1802 Zetland, which is about to undergo conservation.

A wall-mounted, newly painted sternboard is also set to grab the attention. Originally attached to the 380-tone barque Lord Byron, the sternboard came off during a fierce storm in 1848 and washed up on Redcar beach.

After years hanging almost unnoticed in the museum, having been rescued from an allotment, Fred wanted it repainted in its original colours and enlisted Thornaby artist Neida Pearson to do the job.

That job is now finished - but don’t expect to see an image of the man whose name it bears.

Fred explained: “The very ornately-carved timbers show the great poet’s books and quill pens, but is lacking an image of Lord Byron himself.

"It’s thought the bust was defaced by the crew as a result of public condemnation of the poet’s promiscuous lifestyle!”

Calling the museum “a jewel in the crown of Redcar,” Redcar MP Ian Swales said he supported a campaign to have “Home of the Zetland Lifeboat” added to the “Redcar” signs on the roads approaching the town.

Dream Home: All about the views at £649,950 five-bedroom Kirklevington house

This five-bedroom detached home on St Martins Way in the village of Kirklevington near Yarm was built to make the most of its aspect

Views, views and more views - that’s what the owners of this week’s Dream Home loved first about their property.

In fact, the five-bedroom detached home in the village of Kirklevington near Yarm was built to make the most of its aspect, looking out to a wide panorama that takes in the sweeping Cleveland Hills.

What’s more, the inside is just as stunning as the outside - with contemporary rooms, light filled spaces and the perfect spot for relaxation in the shape of a galleried area created off the master bedroom where the views are wide open and simply stunning.

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Dream Home: St Martin's Way, Kirklevington

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“We bought it in the mid 90s,” explains the owner. “We lived in Kirklevington at the time and became aware of this piece of land.

“We built the property in 1996 and it was built to our specifications.

“It is on the edge of the village and faces south with fabulous views over the hills. We wanted the lay-out to take advantage of the views, it has a fabulous panorama.”

With small children at the time, she says, they also wanted to create a big kitchen diner to give the home a real family space - and this room has proved to be a real hub of the St Martins Way house ever since.

Cool, white contemporary units give the space a modern look. There are fitted units, a central island and built-in appliances ensuring everything any cook needs is right at his or her fingertips. The space leads on into a dining area with French doors out to the garden and stunning views over the hills.

“It is a fantastic party house and a great space for big get-togethers,” adds the owner.

So what else is inside?

The entrance hall leads to all of the ground floor rooms. The 25ft sitting room has views out to open countryside and boasts three sets of French doors leading out to the gardens at the side and back of the house. There’s an ornate gas fire on a marble hearth too.

Another sitting room follows, with another French door, there’s an office, a cloakroom and then it is on to the stunning fitted kitchen.

There are five bedrooms on the first floor including the master with its wow factor galleried area, a full wall of wardrobes, dressing room and en suite. The family bathroom is on this floor too with its free standing bath and double sized walk in shower cubicle.

Stairs lead up to the next floor where there’s a studio room and a music room.

Outside, cast iron gates flank the driveway and there’s a double garage. The outside space makes the most of the stunning views, lawns surround the house and there’s ornamental trellis in the side garden and shrubbery.

Kirklevington is a lovely village, says the owner.

Yarm is close by with everything the town has to offer and so is the A19 with its commuting links.

“Our children are all grown up now. The house needs a family, it was built for a family,” adds the owner, of the decision to put it on to the market.

The St Martins Way home is on the market for £649,950. For more information, contact the Stokesley office of estate agent Your Move Scott-Collier Taylor on 01642 711570.

NSA director defends spying on other countries

The retiring director of the US National Security Agency on Wednesday defended the spy agency’s electronic surveillance and intelligence gathering on other countries as a way to keep those countries safe.

General Keith Alexander made the remarks on “Special Report with Bret Baier” after the host pressed him about the revelations that the agency had spied on German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s phone calls.

Alexander said other nations “fully comprehend” the agency’s methods and mission in acquiring data. He stressed that such surveillance is necessary to keep the United States and its allies safe.

“In Germany, they know that NSA brings a great deal of information to the table to protect their country and other European allies,” he added. “It’s the right thing to do. We work together.”

“At the end of the day, we know our partners collect on us at times. We know that’s going to happen,” Alexander, who is leaving the NSA this year, said.

Documents disclosed by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden have brought to light the scope and scale of Washington’s spying activities across the globe.

Snowden’s revelations showed, among other things, that the NSA has been eavesdropping on phone calls of at least 35 world leaders including that of Merkel, one of Europe’s most influential leaders.

Other documents also revealed that the US spy agency collects Americans’ phone records and tracks the use of US-based Internet servers by all people around the world.

The administration of US President Barack Obama has unveiled a proposal to change the way Washington spies on Americans’ phone calls.

The proposal would require Americans’ phone records to be kept by private phone companies and the NSA would need permission from a judge, using a new kind of court order, in order to obtain the records.

However, critics say the proposed reforms do not address some major issues regarding the NSA’s spying programs, like the collection of data related to online communications of people around the world.

AHT/ISH

Arab Summit refuses to recognise Israel as Jewish state

Al Aqsa Mosque

The Arab Summit’s final statement has refused to recognise Israel as a Jewish state and condemned the Israeli illegal settlements established on the Palestinian territories.

The Arab delegations attending the summit in Kuwait denounced Israel’s continued settlement activities and attempts to Judaise Jerusalem and its violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque as void and contrary to international law. The summit’s statement stressed on the Arabs support to the Palestinian struggle and called on the UN Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities towards the Palestinian cause.

The statement called to intensify all efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem and invited the UN Security Council to take the necessary steps to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict and end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and hold it responsible for the peace process’ failure.

The Arab leaders praised Egypt’s ongoing efforts to reconcile the Palestinian factions and renewed their commitment to provide political and technical assistance to the Arab countries that have experienced political shifts to rebuild their institutions and achieve social peace, security and political stability.

The statement stressed on Arab solidarity with the Syrian people and their legitimate demands to live in a state based on freedom and equality.

The Arab leaders announced their unwavering support for the National Coalition for Syrian revolutionary and opposition forces as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. They called on the Syrian regime to immediately stop targeting citizens and condemned the bloodshed and crimes committed against the Syrian people and called for a political solution according to the Geneva I statement.

Finally, the Arab leaders invited the international community to put an end to the war in Syria and eliminate the suffering of the Syrian people.

Opener will be a good gauge, says Redcar Bears boss

Team manager Jitendra Duffill believes Berwick Bandits test will be a decent gauge of what to expect over the next seven months

Tapes go up on Redcar Bears’ new season tonight, and team manager Jitendra Duffill believes it will be a decent gauge of what to expect over the next seven months.

Berwick Bandits visit South Tees Motorsports Park for the first leg of the Tees Tweed Trophy (7.30pm start) as the new-look Ecco Finishing Bears take to the track for the first time.

The concluding leg of the early season challenge takes place at Shielfield Park on Saturday and, with the serious business of Premier League Cup action not starting until Sunday’s trip to Newcastle, Duffill knows it will be largely a case of getting back into the groove.

But he says the Bears’ performance against a strong-looking Bandits side featuring former Redcar favourites Matej Kus and Kevin Doolan, will go some way to suggesting how they’ll do over the coming season.

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Redcar Bears 2014

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“It’s their first time out so some of them will be quite rusty,” said Duffill. “It’s been a few months since our last meeting.

“So, as much as we want to win, it’s as much about blowing the cobwebs away and getting used to being back on a speedway bike.

“But it will be a good test for us and a yardstick for what we can expect this year.”

The return to Teesside of former Czech champion Kus has created a good deal of interest and Duffill expects him to be back with a point to prove.

Kus, who spent three years in the Bears team, was often fast and spectacular and his all-action style was a hit with fans.

But despite wearing the No 1 racejacket for a spell, last year was a disappointing one for him and he was left out of this year’s side.

“I know he was disapponted not to be back at Redcar this year,” said Duffill, “but he struggled and had a lack of confidence.

“I’ve spoken to him a couple of times over the winter and he seems a lot happier.

“So we wish him well, although that won’t stop us wanting to get one over on him tonight!”

Duffill also believes the visitors could have a sting in the tail in the shape of Steen Jensen, although he’s backing his own Danish reserve, Jan Greaversen, to make an impression.

“Jensen has been going well on the contintent and could be a big threat if he repeats his Danish form over here,” he said. He was one of our transfer targets over the winter.

“But Jan comes in on a high average for reserve and I’m hoping he can score well for us.”

Tonight’s match sees the Bears wear their new matching kevlar race suits in competitive action for the first time.

“The team really look the part,” said Duffill. “They are going to turn some heads.”

Castleford Castles take on the Berwick Border Raiders in a second half Northern Junior League KO Cup match.

BEARS: Aaron Summers, Carl Wilkinson, Hugh Skidmore, Jan Graversen, Luke Crang, Richard Hall, Richard Lawson

BANDITS: Claus Vissing, David Bellego, Kevin Doolan, Liam Carr, Matej Kus, Matthew Wethers, Steen Jensen.

Stuart Hall: I've got the brains and brawn to keep hold of belt

Stuart Hall claims his physical and mental strength will be the decisive factors when he defends the IBF bantamweight title for the first time against North-east rival Martin Ward on Saturday night.

Darlington’s Hall showed thudding power and an unflinching will to win when he captured the vacant title in Leeds last December, coming through 12 hellacious rounds to beat South African southpaw Vusi Malinga on unanimous points.

And the former roofer insists West Rainton left hander Ward will be unable to find an answer for those weapons when they exchange blows with his belt and regional bragging rights up for grabs this weekend at Newcastle Arena.

“The Malinga fight showed me I’ve got even more toughness than I thought I had,” 34-year-old Hall said.

“I had about five little voices talking inside my head at the same time after the sixth round, and they were all saying different things.

“But I showed I’ve got world class power when I dropped Malinga in the third round.

“And I know I’ve got a head like a silverback gorilla. I took some big shots but they just bounced off me.

“You have got to take yourself through deep waters, and I came through them that night.

“I don’t know if Martin Ward can do that. He is a talented and tricky boxer, but I’m a steam engine and don’t stop.

“He hasn’t proved he can do it at this level - I have.

“I’m world champion, and I’m staying world champion.”

Hall is going into the contest as a heavy favourite as only four of Commonwealth champion Ward’s 18 wins have come inside the distance, while his two defeats arrived by stoppage.

But he insists he is not being over-confident for the BoxNation-televised clash.

“Complacency won’t come into it,” said Hall, who has 16 wins, seven by knockout, and two points defeats and a draw.

“He is sharp and he is a dangerous and hungry fighter.

“He will have trained hard because I know what it’s like to challenge for a world title.

“But I’m not complacent at all. I’ve stepped up a level if anything.

“My mind will be sound on the night and I’m just excited.

“I can’t wait to get in the ring and show Martin Ward he is not going to beat me at all.”

Traveller Ward, 26, has said he could not have prepared better for his chance to break into the big time after sparring WBA No 10 ranked super bantamweight Tshifhiwa Munyai, even claiming that the South African is levels above Hall.

By contrast, Hall’s sparring against amateur prospect Jack Daniel and rookie professionals Samson Sykes and Jamie Sampson has been somewhat more low key.

But the defending champion said his sparring partners fitted the bill perfectly in terms of Ward’s counter-punching style, and he is is pleased that Ward is coming into the fight so well conditioned and assured.

“Martin Ward has been going on about how good his sparring has been with Munyai,” Hall said.

“He even said he is better than me. If he is, why hasn’t he won a world title?

“People go on about him beating Lee Haskins, but how long ago was that? I think I was about 12.

“He could have been sparring Floyd Mayweather for all I care, but I’m glad he is so confident.”

He added: “I want the best Martin Ward to show up on the night, like I wanted the best Vusi Malinga when I won the title.

“Because when I beat him, what can he say?”

I still expect to be world champion’s trainer after the fight

Stuart Hall’s trainer Michael Marsden talks up the champion’s chances of defending his world title:

“IT is a bit of an awkward fight with us all knowing each other inside out.

“But I’m glad I’m coming out of our corner. I just think Stuey is too experienced and too strong for Martin Ward.

“Stuey is a very strong, game fighter who has world class power.

“He proved that when he dropped Vusi Malinga in the third round on

the way to winning the title.

“We are not underestimating Martin Ward.

“He has got very good, technical boxing ability and we respect him.

“This is a potential banana skin, and a very twitchy fight.

“Some people are predicting a stoppage win because of Stuey’s strength.

“But nobody can predict a stoppage when you are boxing a kid with feet as good as Martin Ward.

“We aren’t focusing on anything like that. We are just going from round one and being as professional as we can.

“There is local pride at stake, as well as a world title, and Stuey has just got to do his job on what is a massive night for the North-east.

“Martin Ward is a very credible opponent after Stuey’s mammoth last fight.

“He is ranked No 15 in the world, so he is a genuine world title challenger and it has made massive sense to match them.

“Two North-east lads fighting for a world title has made it into an arena show.

“But I’m still expecting to be a world champion trainer at the end of the night.”

Pal Stuey deserves respect for title victory

MARTIN Ward’s trainer Neil Fannan from Hartlepool gave the Gazette his thoughts on Saturday’s big fight:

“We are obviously paying Stuey Hall all the respect in the world.

“He deserves it after his last performance, because it was awesome.

“If any critics were wondering how he got a world title fight, he pushed it in their face at the end.

“I was over the moon for him because Stuey and his trainer Mick Marsden are both my mates.

“I’ve cornered him loads of times, and Mick has cornered Martin on numerous occasions.

“So it’s a pretty unique world title fight in that respect. But it’s strictly business for us all on Saturday night.

“This fight is a step up for Martin really, although he has served his apprenticeship.

“We are going in as the underdog, but it’s a nice position to be in because we have got nothing to lose.

“But I do believe Martin Ward has another gear.

“All being well, he will get chance to show that.

“It’s a total clash of styles, and whoever gets it right on the night will win.

“I’m expecting Stuey to try and walk through Martin.

“Maybe justifiably, Stuey thinks he has mixed in good class and Martin won’t have the tools to keep him off.

“Martin is a nice little boxer and an awkward southpaw.

“I’m expecting a really good, entertaining fight.

“Martin knows he is the challenger, and it’s a boyhood dream to win a world title.

“Now he has got the chance and he is going to try and take it.”

Cordell Group: Expansion, growth and new jobs at Teesside engineering firm

Cordell Group bosses have decided to increase both its footprint and workforce

A Teesside engineering firm is expanding into a Portrack workshop and creating 30 new jobs to take on larger contracts.

Cordell Group, a multi-discipline engineering specialist, employs around 500 on Teesside and has seven sites across the North-east including Stockton, Middlesbrough and Thornaby.

The company has been growing its order book with specialist work - and with some “lucrative” potential contracts on the horizon, bosses have decided to increase both its footprint and workforce.

Its pipe and vessel fabrication workshops, based in Middlesbrough, will be relocated to the newly acquired premises and 30 new roles will be created “in the coming months” across all disciplines.

Towards the end of last year the company, which also has sites in Glasgow, Kent and Saudi Arabia, acquired Canadian training equipment specialists DarbyTech Training Equipment Inc.

Operations director Peter McIntyre, who is spearheading the site transfer, said: “Cordell Group continues to grow through its ability to build on its continued excellent client relationships, however we cannot be complacent and must ensure that our client expectations are met.

“We are therefore continually reviewing our practices to ensure that our products and services are cost effective, whilst not compromising quality and safety.

“This opportunity will provide the perfect platform for the group to expand the pipe and vessel fabrication workshop, with enhanced build space to service the increased size of pipe work contracts being undertaken by the group.”

The new site has “excellent” road links and four distinct bays covering more than 80,000sq ft to accommodate projects of varying size. Each bay also has “significant” overhead, for cranes of up to a 30 tonne capacity.

Managing director Rob McBride said: “Cordell Group is clearly making significant progress to build on the provision of engineering services across all of our market sectors of choice.

“We aim to deliver a full range of services across the life cycle of a project, tailored to our client’s requirements.

“This opportunity for Cordell to gain the competitive advantage by the streamlining of workshop operations and increasing efficiencies through logistic synergy cannot be ignored.

“We will embrace this revised strategy and continue to work hard to ensure that the needs of our clients are satisfied to ensure that our strong partnerships are maintained. This will undoubtedly benefit the business and the region as we continue to build on our previous success.”

TTE creates undergraduate training programme in partnership with Teesside University

TTE has created undergraduate engineering training programme in partnership with Teesside University to provide students with practical industry skills

Training organisation TTE has teamed up with Teesside University to give undergraduates hands-on experience of industry.

Middlesbrough-based TTE has created the undergraduate engineering training programme in partnership with Teesside University to provide students with practical industry skills to underpin their academic studies.

The Process Engineering Industrial Awareness Programme provides hands-on experience for first year undergraduates studying chemical engineering at Teesside University.

The training will introduce the undergraduates to the specialist chemical plant equipment that they could be operating once in employment.

Working on TTE’s in-house chemical process pilot plant, the students will be given comprehensive training including start up, continuous running, and shut down procedures of the plant as well as an introduction to standard operating procedures, safe systems of work and fundamentals of process related health and safety.

In addition, it will test the students’ practical problem solving abilities by generating a range of scenarios such as process faults that they will need to react to and correct.

TTE provides specialist training to support the oil, gas, manufacturing, process and chemical industries. Its workshops enable trainees to gain practical experience to help prepare them for careers in these sectors.

Steve Grant, managing director of The TTE Technical Training Group, said: “The programme that has been developed for the undergraduates is a very valuable part of the training process.

“It will supplement their academic learning perfectly and provide skills and competencies that cannot be developed in a classroom environment, which will serve them well when looking to gain employment.”

Dr Dimitri Nicolaou, assistant dean of the School of Science and Engineering at Teesside University, added: “The Process Engineering Industrial Awareness Programme launched in partnership with TTE is an important addition to the academic and practical elements embedded in our degree programmes.

“Our professionally accredited degrees combine academic theory, group and individual projects and industry experience which taken together provide our graduates with a strong and highly desirable blend of academic and employability enhancing skills and competencies.”

Obama defends US invasion of Iraq

US President Barack Obama delivers a speech in Brussels, Belgium on March 26, 2014.

In an effort to muster Washington’s European allies in an “isolation” and sanctions campaign against Russia, US President Barack Obama has defended the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

During a speech in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday, Obama said Washington at least tried to seek approval from the United Nations before it invaded Iraq. The US invasion of Iraq was not sanctioned by the UN and several experts say it violated any standard reading of international law.

“America sought to work within the international system,” Obama said, referring to a presentation to the UN in 2003 by then-Secretary of State Colin Powell in which he gave a detailed description of Iraqi weapons programs that turned out not to exist.

Under the pretext that former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, possessed weapons of mass destruction, the US and its allies invaded Iraq in March 2003. In October 2004, however, a CIA report revealed that Saddam Hussein did not possess any weapons of mass destruction at the time of the invasion.

Obama defended the invasion of Iraq as he described a March 16 referendum in the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in which people overwhelmingly voted to break away from Ukraine and rejoin Russia as illegal and “outside the boundaries of international law.”

“We did not claim or annex Iraq’s territory. We did not grab its resources for our own gain,” added Obama. However, according to Ryan Grim writing for the Huffington Post, Washington forced privatization upon Iraq’s state-owned oil industry after the invasion and required the country to accept foreign ownership of the industry.

Grim also writes that the word “ours” used by Obama requires some clarification because American taxpayers were worse off by Washington’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq while contractors like Halliburton, a company where former Vice President Dick Cheney served as CEO, reaped tremendous gains.

ISH/ISH

UN chief witnesses climate change impacts in Greenland

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday saw first-hand the impacts of climate change during a visit to Greenland, where the melting of ice sheets is accelerating.

“The secretary general has been in Greenland today to see first-hand the impacts of climate change,” Xinhua quoted Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesperson, as saying at a daily news briefing here.

“He spent the morning in the town of Uummannaq, which is several hundred kilometres above the Arctic Circle.”

“He went dog sledding and met with indigenous people,” Haq said.

Together with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, and Greenland Premier Aleqa Hammond, Ban hoisted flags and observed a prayer ceremony in a local church, Haq said.

Also on Wednesday, Ban toured the Ilulissat Icefjord by boat. Designated a World Heritage site by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the fjord is the mouth of a glacier which has been studied for more than 250 years and has contributed to better understanding of climate change.

He is also expected to be briefed on solutions available and innovations that are under way to address climate change in Greenland.

The UN chief’s visit is aimed at building momentum ahead of a climate summit that he is convening Sep 23, a day before the UN General Assembly begins its annual high-level debate.

Ban has invited leaders of government, business, finance and civil society to bring bold announcements and actions to address climate change to the summit, which will focus on solutions that demonstrate how early action can result in substantial economic benefits.

–IANS

James Cook University Hospital parking charge increase leads to angry public reaction

Move to increase parking charges 17% for patients and visitors at James Cook Hospital has angered users

Plans for a hospital trust to increase parking charges have led to an angry public reaction.

Agreed changes will see prices rise by up to 17% for patients and visitors to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital from May 1.

But the move has angered users.

Assistant manager Veronica O’Loughlin, 48, visits the hospital regularly with her son Carl.

She said: “We normally go for at least a few hours, sometimes longer.

“If you added it up it would be £35 a week.

“The thing is you’ve got no choice. We have to come and if the parking’s bad you can’t get in.”

Warehouse worker Craig Brown, 34, said: “It’s disgusting, it’s expensive enough as it is now.

“They do need more spaces, I’ve sat there before for two hours waiting for a parking space.”

After the new charges come into effect, a 15-minute stay will be free, two hours and under will cost £2.70, up from £2.30, three hours and under will cost £3.50, up from £3, and four hours and under will cost £5.50, up from £4.80.

Four to 24 hours will cost £5.70 - up from £5.

Shop volunteer Yvonne Greensitt, 44, said: “It’s terrible, the amount of people who complain about it is amazing.

“There isn’t enough spaces, people drive round for 10 minutes looking for somewhere to park.”

Full-time mum, Emma McLeod, 23, agreed.

She said: “It’s like a tax on being ill, you would think the hospital would have more compassion.”

Gazette readers also took to Facebook to show their anger.

Leeann Clemmitt wrote: “You shouldn’t even have to pay to park at a hospital. Being at hospital is bad enough without worrying about the parking meter.”

While Lisa Louise Cambridge wrote: “It is disgusting. Patients go in hospital ill and pay parking and TV.”

However some didn’t see it as a problem.

Chris Scott wrote: “There’s a hospital there to treat you, not provide parking. If you want to go in your car you pay, it’s as simple as that.

“Get a taxi there if you don’t like it.”

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust director of service strategy and infrastructure Jill Moulton said: “The trust has not increased its charges since 2011. However to pay for these developments the board does accept that parking charges will have to go up and while that’s never a popular choice, it is necessary.”

Redcar teenager makes her dream international debut by bagging a goal for England U19s

Sophie Warnes, 17, who plays for Redcar Town, scored one of the goals as England beat Wales 4-0

By Sam Jones

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Sophie Warnes

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A teenage footballer from Redcar made a sensational impact on her international debut for England U19s by bagging a goal.

Sophie Warnes, who plays for Redcar Town, couldn’t have dreamt of a better start to her call up for the England U19 College squad after netting one of the goals against Wales in a 4-0 victory on Friday.

Sophie, 17, said: “I have played football since I was seven and playing for England has always been my dream.

“I have never felt so happy and privileged, knowing I have finally achieved my goal.

“I played for Middlesbrough Academy for five years. However I have spent the last year at Redcar Town Ladies. When I received the phone call asking me to play for my country, it was immense, I nearly burst with excitement and I nearly cried with happiness.

“I owe a massive thank you to all my family, friends and former teachers from Galley Hill and Laurence Jackson for the great support they have given me over the years, also Prior Pursglove where I study now. However, my biggest thank you must go to Mark Sunley, because without him I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”

Dave Johnston, sports development coordinator at Prior Pursglove College, said: “Sophie has been called up to the British Colleges Sport National Representative squad after being on the standby list following the trials process.

“She attended the phase 1 trial (North East & North West) along with 50 other female students from a number of different colleges. The final phase was a North/South trial where the final squad was selected. After an impressive trial, she narrowly missed out making the final squad and she was placed on the standby list.

“She was called up last Thursday to take part in the game vs. Wales on Friday, again impressing by scoring on her debut.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Sophie to impress at the highest level possible for a college student. The added bonus for her is that she is only in her first year here at Prior, so hopefully bigger opportunities will materialise and help her develop even further.

“Sophie is another name on the long list of Prior students representing the BCS National teams over recent years and I’m confident we will keep on promoting, encouraging and helping our sporting elite students in whichever way we can.”

'I just tried to psyche the boys a bit': Albert Adomah grows into new role as Boro changing room leader

Unlikely Boro leader Albert Adomah admitted he had been on his soapbox during the half-time break at HUddersfield

Albert Adomah has grown into a new role as changing room leader.

The wing wizard is a key figure on the field. His double at Huddersfield in midweek took his term’s tally to 11 and helped Boro claw back to a 2-2 draw.

Aitor Karanka revealed Adomah inspired in the interval too with a stirring address.

“He told the players what was needed,” said the boss.

And the unlikely leader admitted he had been on his soapbox at the break.

“I just tried to psyche the boys a bit,” he explained.

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Action Images / Ed Sykes

Gallery: Albert Adomah

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“Everyone was a bit down. We didn’t have a great start, there were a lot of mistakes and we didn’t get going. I just told the boys to believe more and be much more positive.

“After that everyone psyched each other up to get ready to get out there and grab it by the throat and we did that.”

Adomah admits he is growing into his role as a senior player.

“I haven’t asked to take more responsibility,” he said. “It is coming naturally from me and from the senior players. We are all growing into it.

Every game someone picks up the team, lifts it, either on the pitch or in the changing room.

“It is good that we have that spirit in the squad.”

Four wounded as Israeli navy opens fire on Gaza fishing boats

Gaza fisherman attacked

Four fishermen were wounded and two boats damaged when an Israeli naval force opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats while fishing in the Mediterranean Sea opposite Rafah this morning, witnesses said.

Witnesses said the Israeli navy opened fire at the boats, which fled. The navy then used heavy weapons to damage the boats after they reached land.

Palestinian gunmen at the coast responded to the Israeli fire and heavy shelling. The Israeli forces left after damaging at least two boats.

At first, Palestinian medical sources reported two injuries; however, after firefighters extinguished the fire on the boats, they found two people with moderate injuries.

Israeli sources claimed that the Palestinian fishing boats were travelling from Egypt’s Sinai to Gaza and they were smuggling weapons.

Fishermen refuted these claims and said that the Egyptian and Israeli navies have imposed restrictions on them since the ouster of the elected President Mohamed Morsi.

Several Palestinian fishermen have been arrested by Egyptian forces while fishing near the Egyptian borders, or when they have mistakenly travelled a few metres in to the Egyptian territories.

Israeli and Egyptian forces fire at Palestinian fishermen from time to time if they go more than a couple of hundred metres into the sea

Young biker who went into cardiac arrest at scene of crash near Skelton remains in critical condition

Man, 24, suffered 'serious multiple injuries' after collision on Marske Lane close to the junction at the A174

A young biker is fighting for his life after a collision with a car near Skelton.

The 24-year-old man suffered serious multiple injuries following the collision and went into cardiac arrest at the scene.

Paramedics from the rapid response team and the Great North Air Ambulance attended and treated the man before he was flown to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital.

His condition today continues to be described as “critical”.

The motorbike was in collision with a Nissan Quasqai car at Four Lane End on Marske Lane, near the junction of the A174 just after 11am yesterday.

Police, paramedics and the Great North Air Ambulance crew were called to the scene.

A spokesman for the Great North Air Ambulance said the helicopter was in the air on its way back from a callout in Yorkshire when the crew got the call.

The spokesman said: “We were on the scene within four minutes of us receiving the call.

“The motorcyclist had serious multiple injuries and went into cardiac arrest at the scene.

He was treated by paramedics from the rapid response team and the air ambulance.

“He was then flown to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

“When we left the hospital he was in a critical condition.”

The driver of the Nissan is not believed to have been injured.

The A174 Marske Lane was closed in both directions between the B1268/Hob Hill Lane and A173 Marske Lane/Skelton Castle roundabout for about four hours following the collision.

The closure affected traffic between Skelton Green and Quarry Lane.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.

Officers would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the Nissan Quasqai and the motorbike prior to the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Steve Harbisher the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference number 049912.

Live: Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin split reaction, exclusive detail and more

Chris was appointed editor of the Evening Gazette in January 2012. He is also a former Gazette news editor. Chris has more than 20 years experience as a journalist and has previously worked in senior positions in Newcastle, Exeter and Nottingham.

Morning news headlines for March 27, 2014

ENERGY FIRMS FACE COMPETITION PROBE

Britain’s Big Six energy suppliers are to face a full-scale competition investigation after regulator Ofgem said profits in the sector quadrupled to more than £1 billion in three years.

The watchdog said a probe by the Competition and Markets Authority would “consider once and for all whether there are further barriers to effective competition”. “Profit increases and recent price rises have intensified public distrust of suppliers and highlight the need for a market investigation to clear the air,” it said.

Ofgem has launched a consultation on its proposals which it must complete before making a final decision on referring the sector to the CMA.

CHANGES TO DRUG-FUNDING CRITERIA

Thousands of cancer patients could be denied access to life-extending drugs under new plans for approving medicines on the NHS, campaigners have said.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which decides which new medicines are cost-effective, is changing its criteria on how funding should be allocated.

The body’s appraisal committees will be asked to adopt a more “favourable approach” when considering treatments for people whose conditions represent a high burden of illness and where there is a wider impact on society.

DOMESTIC ABUSE ’SECOND-CLASS CRIME’

Thousands of domestic violence victims are being failed by police forces across England and Wales due to “alarming and unacceptable weaknesses” in the way cases are investigated, inspectors have found.

In a damning report, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary said eight out of the 43 forces responded well to domestic abuse and the most vulnerable victims faced a “lottery” in the way their complaints were handled.

Poor attitudes, ineffective training and inadequate evidence-gathering were all heavily criticised by the watchdog, which called for an urgent shake-up of the response to domestic abuse, from frontline officers up to police chiefs.

THOUSANDS GET NEW PENSION CHOICES

The first phase of the Government’s pensions revolution has come into force, giving thousands of people greater freedom over how they use their retirement savings.

The shake-up means that around 400,000 people will be able to access their pension savings in a more flexible way in the coming financial year.

The Government is expected to make a further announcement about charges that can eat into pension savings later.

BMJ: PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE CASH CUT

Cash aimed at improving the nation’s health is being diverted to other areas due to Government funding cuts, research has found.

An investigation by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) concluded that cuts are having an impact on how local authorities manage their money, with some spending public health cash on other areas such as housing.

It also found public health staffing in some parts of the country is being scaled back to save cash while the existing workforce is being spread too thinly.

PM WARNED AGAINST DEFENCE CUTBACKS

David Cameron has been given a sharp warning by MPs against any further cutbacks to Britain’s armed forces in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

The Commons Defence Committee said the crisis in Ukraine underlined the continuing threat of state-on-state conflict - despite the ending of the Cold War.

It warned that Britain’s national security depended upon its ability to maintain a “credible deterrent” against a full range threats from cyber attack to a nuclear strike.

FARAGE WINS EU DEBATE WITH CLEGG

Nigel Farage emerged as the winner in a head-to-head debate with Nick Clegg over Britain’s future in the European Union, according to an instant poll.

Some 57% of those surveyed thought Ukip leader Mr Farage performed best, compared with 36% for the Deputy Prime Minister.

The poll followed a debate hosted by LBC radio and televised live by news channels in which Mr Farage said it was time to leave the European Union, calling it a “failed project”.

WARTIME CODEBREAKER DIES AT 93

One of the last surviving wartime codebreakers has died at 93.

Captain Raymond “Jerry” Roberts, who died on Tuesday following a short illness, was part of a team at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire which helped to crack the German Tunny system used by Hitler, Mussolini and other high ranking generals during the Second World War, a Bletchley Park spokeswoman said.

He was the last survivor of the nine cryptanalysts who worked on Tunny.

COWELL HAILS X FACTOR SPOOF SHOW

Simon Cowell said attending the world premiere of Harry Hill’s X Factor spoof musical I Can’t Sing! was like seeing his second baby born this year.

The music mogul - who last month became a father for the first time - is one of the show’s financial backers, and his recent parenthood is reflected in its script.

Cowell, who walked the red carpet at the Palladium in London with girlfriend Lauren Silverman, said: “It’s like my second baby this year, it feels like that.”

PARLIAMENT BIDS FAREWELL TO BENN

Westminster will say goodbye to Tony Benn today at a funeral service yards from the House of Commons where he spent a career spanning more than 50 years.

The former Labour cabinet minister’s body lay in rest before the funeral service in the Palace of Westminster’s Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, only the second politician to be granted the honour after Baroness Thatcher.

The service will take place in St Margaret’s, which is known as “the parish church of the House of Commons”, after his body makes the short journey by hearse from Parliament, with family members following on foot.

Missing plane live: Indian Ocean hunt for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 suspended amid bad weather

The Mideast Test — on The Glazov Gang at the West Coast Retreat in Palos Verdes

[Subscribe to Frontpage's TV show, The Glazov Gang, and LIKE it on Facebook.]

This week’s special episode of The Glazov Gang was filmed at David Horowitz’s West Coast Retreat held at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, California, from March 21-23, 2014.

The panel, titled The Mideast Test, was joined by:

Caroline Glick, the senior contributing editor to the Jerusalem Post who is the author of the new book, The Israeli Solution: A One-State Plan for Peace in the Middle East.

Robert Spencer, the director of Jihad Watch who is the author of an upcoming book, Arab Winter Comes to America: The Truth About the War We’re In.

and

Raymond Ibrahim, a Shillman Fellow at the Freedom Center who is the author of his recent book, Crucified Again: Exposing Islam’s New War on Christians, published by Regnery.

The panelists discussed their books and how to best confront the threats emanating from the Islamic Middle East:

To watch previous Glazov Gang episodes, Click Here .

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Egypt forces fire tear gas to disperse protesters in Minya

Egypt riot police fire tear gas to disperse protesters in Cairo. (File photo)

Riot police have fired tear gas to disperse protesters condemning the mass trial of Brotherhood supporters in the Upper Egyptian province of Minya.

Clashes broke out at Minya University as student protesters gathered to denounce the trial of about 700 brotherhood supporters.

The defendants are facing charges of murder, inciting violence and sabotage.

Reports from Egypt say about a tenth of the defendants were present in court and the others were being tried in absentia.

The Muslim Brotherhood’s top leader Mohamed Badie and other jailed senior Brotherhood figures are among those on trial.

Egypt’s army-backed government prevented them from attending the session, citing security reasons.

Defense lawyers also boycotted the proceedings in protest at the mass death penalties the same court handed down to over 500 alleged Brotherhood supporters on Monday.

Lawyer Mohamed Tousson confirmed that the defense had walked out of Tuesday’s session of the Minya court.

“We boycotted the hearing because the trial is farcical,” he said, adding, “It’s a huge violation of defendants’ rights.”

Tousson later said that the trial was adjourned to April 28 when the judge is expected to deliver his verdict.

This comes as international bodies and human rights groups have already denounced the ruling as a grotesque example of the shortcomings of Egypt’s justice system.

A Press TV correspondent from Cairo says it’s unlikely that international pressures on the military-backed government can change anything on the ground.

Anti-government demonstrators have been holding rallies almost on a daily basis since the army toppled Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically-elected president. The demonstrators demand that Mohamed Morsi be reinstated.

Rights groups say at least 1,400 people have been killed in the political violence since the ouster of Morsi, “most of them due to excessive force used by security forces.”

JR/PR

US ambassador: Modi ‘insular, distrustful person.. reigns by fear and intimidation

NEW DELHI, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was trending on Twitter on Tuesday, thanks to certain uncomplimentary observations by a US consulate official describing him as an “insular and distrustful person” and which have been published on Wikileaks.

While some of the Twitterati gleefully played up certain uncomplimentary observations about Modi, a few others felt the Gujarat strongman needed nobody’s certificate and that all knew how good he was.

While one of the tweets read: “@friendscongress US ambassador: Modi ‘insular, distrustful person.. reigns by fear and intimidation.. hoards power..”, another felt that Wikileaks was using Modi’s name for publicity.

“Modi does not not need any certificate from Wikileaks.. we all know how good Modiji is..,” said @kunalchoudhary9 in his tweet.

In the post, also released on the Wikileaks Twitter handle, US consul general Michael S. Owen makes a number of observations on the Gujarat chief minister’s style of functioning, how the voters in his state perceive him and his ambitions of running for the post of Prime Minister.

The US official gives some interesting insight when he says that while Modi “can be charming and likeable in public appearances, he is a distrustful person who rules with a small group of advisers”.

Modi, who is often seen as trying to strike a chord with the masses and saying at public rallies that he is like the common man, is described as someone who has his group of advisors, “his inner circle”, that act as a “buffer” between him and his party and cabinet.

The official writes that Modi, the prime ministerial hopeful pitched by the country’s largest opposition party, is someone who “reigns more by fear and intimidation than by inclusiveness and consensus”.

Owen writes that Modi is “rude”, “hoards power” and often leaves his ministers in the dark when making decisions affecting their portfolios.

The official, in the filing dated November 2006, also favours interacting with Modi at regular intervals as his rise within the party seemed likely, and it would “shield” his office of the accusations of opportunism later on

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