Live: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Evening Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Friday 2 May, 2014.

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Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Two Boro fans convicted of tearing up pages of the Koran at football match

Julie Phillips, 50, and Gemma Parkin, 18, found guilty of committing religiously aggravated public order offence following incident at Birmingham City match

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Gallery: Julie Phillips and Gemma Parkin

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Two football fans - one a council worker who used to work with disabled children - were this afternoon convicted of tearing up pages of the Koran during a Boro away match.

Middlesbrough supporters Julie Phillips, 50, and Gemma Parkin, 18, admitted tearing up a book but told magistrates they did not know it was the holy book of Islam.

It happened as Birmingham City drew 2-2 with Boro at St Andrew’s last December.

The pair were both found guilty of committing a religiously aggravated public order offence.

Phillips told the court she only found out it was the Koran when she was questioned by police after stewards spotted what was happening.

“I was mortified,” she said. “Very ashamed and disgusted in myself. It was just a book of some sort, I can’t remember if the cover was on. It was just white paper.”

She said pages of the book were passed around to be ripped up for confetti.

The court heard Phillips, a Middlesbrough Council employee, worked with the elderly but used to have a role with disabled children.

She also arranges travel for other football fans.

Parkin said she took the Koran into St Andrew’s after she was handed it at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market.

She claimed not to have looked at the book, saying she had no idea it was the Koran.

She said her friend Mark Stephenson, earlier convicted of a religiously aggravated public order offence, took the book from her bag.

“He took it off me and it was ripped and turned into confetti,” she said. “Everyone else was ripping it up so I just ripped it.”

But magistrates described her account as “unbelievable”.

Chairman of the bench Gordon Sayers told Phillips: “You ripped up the Koran and passed pages to several other supporters. Your behaviour was both offensive and insulting. You do a good job for them but you’ve let yourself down badly.”

And Mr Sayers told Parkin: “Your account is unbelievable.

“You were well aware of what you were doing.

“At times you were seen to be instigating chanting.”

Parkin, of Kimberley Drive, and Phillips, of Kenmore Road, both Middlesbrough, were among fans seen by match stewards and caught on the ground’s CCTV system.

Steward Matthew Corns told the court he heard chants about Muslims and the Koran as the book was passed around and ripped up.

He later followed Phillips and Parkin and pointed them out to police officers after the match ended.

Both were spared a football banning order. Phillips was fined £300, with £400 costs and a £30 victim surcharge. Parkin was fined £200, with £400 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

In March, Boro season ticket holder Mark Stephenson also avoided a matchday banning order after ripping up pages torn from a copy of the Koran.

Stephenson, 25, from Shrewsbury, admitted causing racial or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and was fined £235 by magistrates.

US drones kill three in northeastern Afghanistan

At least three people have been killed by US assassination drones in Afghanistan’s northeastern province of Kunar.

The US military has confirmed the strike that was carried out in Asad Abbad village on Wednesday.

According to Afghan officials, the attack targeted armed Taliban men, but the militant group has not commented on the strike yet.

Afghan police officials said that a US assassination drone attack also killed two people in northeastern Afghanistan on April 22.

The US carries out targeted killings through drone strikes in several Muslim nations such as Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Somalia.

Washington claims the targets of the drone attacks are militants, but local officials and witnesses maintain that civilians have been the main victims of the attacks over the past few years.

The United Nations says the assassination drone strikes are “targeted killings” that flout international law.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of tens of thousands of US-led troops.

DB/MAM/MHB

Dimi Konstantopoulos signs new one-year deal with Boro

Greek goalkeeper has established himself as Boro's number one and has been rewarded by head coach Aitor Karanka

Dimi Konstantopoulos has agreed a new one-year deal with Boro.

Former Hartlepool goalie Konstantopoulos has impressed since breaking into the first team in March .

In 12 consecutive starts, he’s kept five clean sheets and established himself as the first choice keeper.

He’s kept former No1 Jason Steele out of the team - though the former England Under-21 international will start against Yeovil Town on Saturday.

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Chris Vaughan/CameraSport

Dimi Konstantopoulos

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“We’ve been speaking with Dimi and the contract is done,” said head coach Aitor Karanka.

“Dimi will be with us next season.

“He is very happy here, he is playing very well, I am very happy with him, the goalkeeping coach is very happy with him - we are both happy with him.”

The Gazette reported last month how Boro were working towards extending Konstantopoulos’s contract with the club

Watch: Nazi terrorist jailed for plotting mosque bomb campaign plays video games dressed in SS hat

Ian Forman, 42, has been jailed for ten years for plotting a home-made bomb plot against mosques in Liverpool

This is the moment a "pathetic" Neo Nazi bomb-plotter filmed himself playing a football video game and sipping wine while wearing his SS hat.

Terrorist Ian Forman, 42, was obsessed with Hitler and was even nicknamed 'Adolf' by disgusted colleagues because of his far right-wing opinions.

Today he was jailed for ten years after being found guilty of planning a home-made bombing campaign against mosques in Liverpool.

A trial at Kingston Crown Court heard how he downloaded pictures of two mosques near his home - one of them at the Beatles-inspired Penny Lane - labelling them 'targets' before making a string of YouTube posts threatening to 'blow them up'.

On Facebook, Forman described Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik as his 'hero' and boasted about making a pilgrimage to Hitler's wartime headquarters in Berghof, Germany.

He stockpiled potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal, and drew up a shopping list of bomb components after months of internet research from his bedroom at his parents' home.

Forman, who frequently expressed his racist ideology and views against the disabled to friends and workmates, posted on YouTube about 'Mosques lighting up the sky to keep us warm in the winter'.

A jury at Kingston Crown Court found him guilty of engaging in conduct in the preparation of terrorist acts.

Jailing him for 10 years, judge Paul Dodgson said: "You are someone who has held extreme right-wing views for a number of years.

"A number of your messages express your admiration for Adolf Hitler - an admiration that led you to have parts of an SS uniform in your bedroom and you intended in due course to obtain a mannequin so the uniform could be displayed in full.

"On occasions you have provoked understandable anger and disgust from people who have seen the material that you put on sites such as YouTube which gave vent to your extreme opinions."

Earlier the judge said: "The defendant had, in my judgement, very extreme and evil thoughts - I think the word evil is appropriate."

Police were alerted when horrified colleagues at a glass recycling plant discovered Forman had been researching how to obtain dangerous chemicals from the workplace.

His home in Oxton, Merseyside, was raided on June 6 with officers finding over a kilogram of gunpowder and, in his bedroom cupboard, a briefcase containing a homemade explosive device alongside an SS uniform.

Subsequent analysis of Forman's computer and 16 mobile phones revealed his research of mosques in his local area and saved photos of them.

Forman labelled Penny Lane Mosque in Liverpool and the Wirral Islamic Centre, near his home in Birkenhead, as his 'dreck ziels', the German for 'dirt targets'.

He also text messaged a friend stating he was making an explosive with ball bearings and nails, adding: "It might be destined for the Muslim centre in Birkenhead".

David Mason QC, defending, said Forman has been finding prison life at Belmarsh 'extremely difficult' due to the high number of inmates from ethnic communities.

The court was told Forman ran tests on black powder and filmed himself testing improvised explosive devices in his own back garden.

He also sent Merseyside Police a letter issuing a series of threats if they 'sided with the Muslim filth'.

Dressed scruffily in a blue shirt in the dock, Forman waved to his wife in the public gallery as he was led down to the cells.

South Bank jailbird with 64 previous offences back behind bars for burgling a grandad's home

Paul Mannion, 31, has already served sentences totalling almost 16 years, and has been jailed again for three years and four months

A despairing jailbird who spent most of his adult life in jail is behind bars yet again for burgling a grandad’s home.

At 31, Paul Mannion has already served sentences totalling almost 16 years for burglary and robbery.

He wrote a letter to Teesside’s top judge as he faced sentence for yet another house burglary.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, told him: “What you’ve set out in your letter is that you are 32 and you have no life whatsoever thus far.

“At a time when you should have been enjoying life, you’ve spent most of it in custody.”

Mannion crept into an unlocked front door on Fabian Road, Normanby, Middlesbrough in the early hours of April 7.

He stole the keys to the householder’s works van from the top of the microwave, along with money and a pack of cigarettes.

He drove off in the Ford Transit van and was later picked up by police, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The victim said he was shocked someone had snuck into his home while he slept, said prosecutor Sue Jacobs yesterday.

Mannion stole CDs and a purse containing a bank card from a woman’s car on nearby Normanby Road on the same night.

Caught with the bank card, Mannion, of Middlesbrough Road, South Bank, denied the crimes to police, saying he’d only taken a lift from a friend.

He admitted the “third strike” burglary – which alone carried a minimum sentence of three years – and theft, vehicle taking and driving offences.

On licence at the time, he has been recalled to prison until October 2016.

His 64 previous offences on a record stretching back to 1996 included sentences of four years, 30 months and 39 months for home burglaries and six years for robbery.

Duncan McReddie, defending, said: “There isn’t very much to say.”

He said Mannion told police “stuff and nonsense” while still suffering the after-effects of a drink and drugs cocktail.

He said Mannion pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, showed insight and referred to rehabilitation, psychological help and counselling.

Mr McReddie added: “He realises he’s going to need some assistance to extricate himself from that cycle of despair, consumption and then criminality.”

The judge jailed Mannion for three years and four months – a sentence which “gives you some hope”, concurrent to his recall – and banned him from driving for two years.

Local Teesside football round-up: Whinney Banks battle back to clinch championship

JACK HATFIELD SPORTS TEESSIDE LEAGUE

WHINNEY Banks YCC were last night crowned league champions, after they fought back from going behind to a first minute Dean Talukder goal at Acklam Steelworks, then missed a penalty but went on to win 2-1.

Marc Dolan equalised in the 50th minute and Danny Lockwood with his 42nd of the season made it 2-1 15 minutes later.

Acklam receive the runners-up trophy.

Fishburn Park who won the Raine Trophy against BEADS on Easter Monday, won their penultimate match of the season 4-1 against Grangetown Boys’ Club.

Fishburn entertain Whinney Banks in the league’s final league match of the season on Saturday.

Alan Shepherd gave the Boys Club a 20th minute lead but Mark Waterfield made it 1-1 by half time.

Waterfield gave Fishburn a 2-1 lead with a 60th minute penalty, then Liam Beckett made it 3-1 in the 78th minute and Jack Wilson secured the victory with a last minute goal.

Northallerton Town finished the season with a 3-1 victory over Macmillan Bowl finalists Redcar Newmarket.

Michael Gunnell gave Town a 1-0 first half lead, David Cooke made it 2-0 on the

hour but Liam Jackson pulled it back to 2-1 five minutes later.

Sam Bamber-Lister secured the 3-1 victory for third placed Northallerton with a goal in the last minute.

Guisborough Globe and Second Division Champions Thirsk Falcons finished their league games off with a 2-2 draw.

Chris Moore gave Thirsk a 25th minute lead, but Gary Round with his 30th goal of the season pulled it back for a 1-1 half time score.

Moore regained the Thirsk lead at 2-1 on the hour but Chris Bulmer made it a final score of 2-2 with 10 minutes remaining.

New Marske were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes when they entertained Richmond Town Reserves in both teams’ last match of the season.

Shaun Taylor was booked in the 25th minute and received his second yellow and the red 10 minutes later.

The game remained at 0-0 at half time, but with twenty minutes remaining New Marske secured the victory and third place when Mitchell Morris scored the only goal of the game to make it 1-0.

The Teesside League seek applications from teams who would like to be entered into the second division for season 2014/2015.

The league would also welcome applications from clubs wishing to move from

junior football into senior football, into the third tier of the league which would be named as the Development Division.

This will be an open age division so clubs can have players from 16 years playing with players from older age brackets.

For further information contact league secretary Dave Marsay on 01287 637087.

REDCAR SUNDAY LEAGUE

ENNIS Square Social Club have regained the league title after three impressive high scoring victories.

They beat Redcar Rugby Club comfortably before hitting double figures against Clarendon Hotel, who may just have had their cup final appearance on their minds, and finally they beat title challengers Grangetown in a high-scoring game.

They were impressive in all three games and the only game in which they conceded goals was against Grangetown but that was after they had blown them away in the first half as they built up a seven goal lead. Grangetown got some pride back in the second half as they scored four times through youngster, Ross Smith, who continues to impress.

The fight for runners up spot is still on with Grangetown earning a single goal victory over Eston Ship Inn thanks to an Alan Taylor strike.

Redcar Rugby Club bounced back from their mauling by Ennis Square to beat Eston Ship Inn and then Lakes Social Club.

The Rugby Club were made to work hard for their victory over Ship Inn with Danny O’Brien opening the scoring before Dom Matthewman equalised.

Jamie Graham put Rugby Club back in front but the victory was not sealed until Michael Smallwood scored a third for the home side in the last minute.

On Tuesday night the Rugby Club entertained basement side Lakes Social Cub and scored three first half goals through Luke Wallace, Jamie Graham and Paul Curry before scoring four more in the second half through Graham, Curry, Mark Farrell and Jon Berry.

Sunday sees the final of the AEC Trophy between Eston Ship Inn and Redcar Rugby Club at Mackinlay Park, Green Lane, Redcar.

STOCKTON SUNDAY LEAGUE

THORNABY Jolly Farmers survived an amazing fightback by the Star and Garter from the Langbaurgh Sunday League to win the North Riding Sunday Challenge Cup at Stokesley.

Thornaby Jolly Farmers built up a two-goal lead through Gareth Poole and Martyn Chambers and appeared to be coasting to victory.

However, Star and Garter threw caution to the wind and drew level.

With the game heading to penalties, though, Chambers scored an injury-time winner for Jolly Farmers.

Farmers followed that victory by progressing to the final of the John Jackson Memorial Trophy thanks to

a 6-2 win over second

division champs Stockton Hardwick.

Star man for Farmers was Daniel Jones, who notched a hat-trick.

In the Ian Gorman Memorial Trophy, Norton WMC and The Royal had to switch the game to Stillington.

The Royal progressed to the final with a 4-1 win with Paul Cleary (2), Mark Ferguson and John Paul Spence scoring their goals.

In the Premier Division, Hardwick Social beat Thornaby Cricket Club in their final league match of the season to achieve a 100% record at home.

In Division One Layfield Arms entertained Billingham The Merlin and came out on top by the odd goal in five.

There were three games in Division Two.

Market Tavern secured runners-up spot with a 5-4 win against St Marys College and an 11-0 midweek win against Sun Inn.

Castle and Anchor finished third, completing their season with a 3-1 win away to Hartburn.

Eaglescliffe Bazookas were beaten 7-0 by Roseworth Social at Harold Wilson.

The John Jackson Memorial Trophy final will be played on Tuesday at Stockton Town, Bishopton Road West (6.30pm).

Thornaby Jolly Farmers will play The Royal and admission is £2 (adults) and £1 (concessions).

MSV SPORT TEESBOROUGH LEAGUE

THE first of the league’s cup finals takes place on Sunday.

All-conquering North Ormesby Cons Club look to make it a league and cup double over league runners-up Eston Villa in what should be a keenly contested game.

Eston Villa will have to be on the top of their game in order to become the first Teesborough side to inflict a defeat on the Cons.

But they have had an excellent season in their own right and they will certainly make it difficult

for Cons to retain the trophy they won last season.

It all adds up to a hectic few days for Craig Hopson’s Villa side who then face a resurgent Virginmedia side in the semi-final of the Hunter Cup on Tuesday evening.

And there is the possibly another final to follow shortly after if they overcome that hurdle.

UPVC SUPPLIERS LTD ESKVALE AND CLEVELAND LEAGUE

Brotton Railway Arms pulled off a surprise victory in the semi-final of the Eileen Hodgson Bowl when they beat Lingdale United to set up a final tie against Boosbeck United.

In a fairly even game, Brotton ran out winners by the odd goal in five.

Paul Agar put the visitors in front before Wayne Skelton equalised.

Goals from Robert Ovington and Scott Templeman saw Brotton home.

In league action, the top two met and honours ended even meaning Loftus could no longer catch Staithes for the title.

Carl Gray gave Loftus a deserved lead before Staithes battled back to level.

Stokesley Sports Club moved into third place following their victory over Great Ayton United.

Goals from Mark Shimwell (3), Jamie Edwards (2) and Stuart Wise saw Stokesley take all three points with Flynn Johnson and Alex Grainge replying for Great Ayton.

Injuries and results put paid to Lingdale’s chances of retaining the league title.

They were beaten by Stokesley by the odd goal in five and

then they were beaten by Hollybush United, a result which

saw Staithes Athletic confirmed as league champions without playing.

The final of the D and G Trophies League Challenge Cup between Hollybush and Stokesley will be played at Whitby tomorrow evening while the Eileen Hodgson Bowl final will be contested by Boosbeck United and Brotton Railway Arms on Monday at Guisborough.

BATTLEZONE PAINTBALL LANGBAURGH LEAGUE

The Cleveland won their final Division One game of their season 10-2 against The Star.

There were four goals for Joe Woods, a brace each for Richard Cook and Richard Taylor, while Craig Honeyman also scored, alongside goalkeeper Nathan Liddell who had gone up for a last minute corner.

The Cleveland have already been crowned champions, as they rounded a hugely successful season off in style.

O’Connells beat Village Park Rangers 5-3.

In Division Two The Globe turned in a massive scoreline, overcoming The Apple Tree 23-3 away from home.

The Coronation cruised to victory over CCMI in Division Three with a hat-trick from Connor Richardson, a double for Ashley Richardson, and a goal apiece for Daniel Mercurio and Kris Pennock.

Star & Garter edged past Marstons with a solitary goal to win 1-0.

In the Terry Smith Trophy, sponsored by CS Sports, Division One side Park End won 3-0 in a well-contested final of the Terry Smith Trophy against second division Riverside FC.

The league is inviting applications from clubs to join the league for the 2014/15 season.

To join, contact league secretary Steve Phelps on 07725 614101 or email: stevephelps57@gmail.com

Teesside Tornado Richard Kilty set for home run in BT Great City Games in Manchester

Richard Kilty will return from a warm-weather training camp in Florida to contest the 100m race

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Richard Kilty: World Indoor 60m champion

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Teesside Tornado Richard Kilty will run on home soil as a world sprint champion for the first time in the BT Great City Games in Manchester this month.

The Stockton speed machine, who upset the odds to lift the coveted men’s 60m crown at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Poland last month, will return from a warm-weather training camp in Florida to contest the 100m race in the annual festival of world class street athletics on May 17.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Kilty said. “I couldn’t think of anything better than to come home and run as the world champion.

“I’m proud to be a northerner and to run in front of a northern crowd in my first race after the World Indoor Championships is going to be really special.

“I love Manchester. I’ve run there in the Great City Games before and I’m really looking forward to coming back.”

Confirmation of Kilty’s appearance is boost for an event that has become established as a hugely popular curtain-raiser to the outdoor track season.

Jamaica’s Yohan ‘The Beast’ Blake, the 2011 world 100m champion will run in the 150m on the special pop-up track on Deansgate.

Gateshead Harrier Kilty, 24, will be gunning for his first win at the event.

Last year he was runner-up in the 100m behind ex-world champion Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis.

And in both 2011 and 2010 he finished second over the same distance to 2004 Olympic 4 x 100m relay gold medallist Mark Lewis-Francis.

This time Kilty will faces Trell Kimmons, a member of the London 2012 US silver medal winning 4 x 100m relay team, and Ujah Chijindu, the British sprint starlet, 20, who won the European junior 100m title in Rieti last summer.

Kilty has three targets for the 2014 summer season - to break 10 seconds for 100m and to finish on the podium at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

The Teessider, who almost quit track and field after being controversially overlooked for Olympic selection two years ago, is in the form to achieve those aims and follow in the footsteps of American icon Maurice Greene, who also won the world indoor 60m title.

“When I was growing up, Maurice Greene was my idol,” Kilty said. “Back when I used to watch him running on television, I could only dream of becoming like him.

“To be a world indoor champion alongside him is an indescribable feeling.”

Last winter Kilty was so short of funds he was forced to do his training beside the River Tees.

Shorn of sponsorship and missing out on Team GB for 2012, he couldn’t afford the £5 to go through his paces at Clairville Stadium.

“It’s a cycle path and walkway,” Kilty said. “Just across from the Infinity Bridge, a cycle path that stretches for about 300m. I’d go there to do sessions in my trainers – 150m repetitions, things like that.

“Sometimes I had nobody to run with and friends from the council estate would come along on a motorbike and stay just a little bit ahead of me. I’d run after the motorbike until I got tired.

“It makes everything I have now such a luxury, with a training base in Loughborough, where I’ve got great athletes around me, a great coach in Rana Reider, a great support team and great facilities.”

The Games are free for spectators and the meeting will be shown live on BBC One and BBC One HD from 1.15pm. The weekend climaxes in the Bupa Great Manchester Run, Europe’s biggest 10K on Sunday, May 18.

Nine myths about the Gujarat Genocide of 2002

By Shehzad Poonawalla,

This article was first published in DNA but removed after a day.

For those who have developed “selective and motivated” amnesia about the Truth of 2002 riots in Gujarat and are suddenly buying into the myths being perpetrated by the PR machinery of Mr. Narendra Modi, here are a few myth-busters to refresh your memory and perhaps your conscience.

Myth No. 1: Post-Godhra Violence was brought under control within 2-3 days by Narendra Modi’s Government…

Truth: “The violence in the State, which was initially claimed to have been brought under control in seventy two hours, persisted in varying degree for over two months, the toll in death and destruction rising with the passage of time.”

Source:Final Order of the National human Rights Commission chaired by the very respected Justice J.S Verma available here http://ift.tt/QXJTTc

Myth No. 2: Gujarat Police acted fairly by taking action against rioters from every side…

Truth: “We women thought of going to police and telling the police as in the presence of police, the houses of Muslims were burnt, but the police told us ‘to go inside, it is doom’s day for

Muslims” –

Source: PW219 testimony which was admitted as part of Naroda Patya judgment that led to conviction of Mayaben Kodnani, Narendra Modi’s cabinet minister who led murderous mobs during 2002 riots! Available here: http://ift.tt/1kmlfTI

Myth No.3 No conspiracy by the Gujarat government, Post-Godhra violence was a spontaneous reaction…

Truth: “A key state minister is reported to have taken over a police control room in Ahmedabad on the first day of the carnage, issuing directions not to rescue Muslims in danger of being killed:”

“Voter lists were also reportedly used to identify and target Muslim community members” –

Source: Report of Human Rights Watch- April 2002, Vol. 14, No. 3(C) Available Here: http://ift.tt/QXJU9N

Myth no. 4 : Modi allowed a fair prosecution of those accused in rioting and hence even his cabinet colleague Mayaben Kodnani was convicted…

Truth : “The modern day ‘Neros’ were looking elsewhere when Best Bakery and innocent children and helpless women were burning, and were probably deliberating how the perpetrators of the crime can be saved or protected.”

“Law and justice become flies in the hands of these “wanton boys”. When fences start to swallow the crops, no scope will be left for survival of law and order or truth and justice. Public order as well as public interest become martyrs and monuments.”

“From the facts stated above, it appears that accused wants to frustrate the prosecution by unjustified means and it appears that by one way or the other the Addl. Sessions Judge as well as the APP (Shri Raghuvir Pandya, the public prosecutor in this case at the time was a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contested elections from Ward 20, Vadodara in the 1996 Corporation Elections on a BJP ticket!) have not taken any interest in discharge of their duties.” -

Source: Supreme Court in Zahira Habibulla H Sheikh And Anr vs State Of Gujarat And Ors on 12 April, 2004 CASE NO.: Appeal (crl.) 446-449 of 2004 . Available Here: http://ift.tt/1pJcriV

Myth No.5 : Narendra Modi never justified post-Godhra killings…

Truth: “Responding to queries regarding various statements attributed to him by the media, Mr Modi denied citing Newton’s law. Nor had he spoken of “action-reaction”; he had wanted neither the action (at Godhra) nor the subsequent reaction. When we cited footage in Zee to the contrary (Annexure 4A), there was no reaction from Mr Modi”

Source: Editors Guild Fact Finding Mission Report dated 2002, available here http://ift.tt/1fwjGH3

Myth No.6 : Narendra Modi speaks only about development in his speeches. Even after 2002 riots, his speeches were never laced with communal poison..

Truth: Narendra Modi’s reported speech: “For several months, the opposition has been after me to resign. When I did, they did not know what to do and started running to Delhi to seek Madam’s help. They realised that James Michael Lyngdoh, the Election Commissioner of India, is their only saviour. Some journalists asked me recently, ”Has James Michael Lyngdoh come from Italy?” I said I don’t have his janam patri, I will have to ask Rajiv Gandhi. Then the journalists said, ”Do they meet in church?”. I replied, ”Maybe they do.” James Michael Lyngdoh came and visited Ahmedabad and Vadodara. And then he used asabhya basha (indecent language) with the officials. Gujaratis can never use such language because our rich cultural heritage does not permit it. Then he gave a fatwa ordering that the elections can’t be held. I want to ask him: he has come to this conclusion after meeting only members of the minority community. Are only minority community members citizens of India? Are majority community members not citizens of this country? Is the constitutional body meant only for the minority community? Did he ever bother to meet the relatives of those killed in the Godhra carnage? Why didn’t he meet them? Why didn’t he ask them whether the situation was conducive for polls? Why? James Michael Lyngdoh ( says it slowly with emphasis on Michael), the people of Gujarat are posing a question to you.” –

Source: Reported speech of Narendra Modi, 30th September 2002, available here http://ift.tt/1pJcqvx

Myth No. 7: Narendra Modi never applied for a US Visa (when it came to light that he was denied one)..

Truth: “The Chief Minister of Gujarat state, Mr. Narendra Modi, applied for a diplomatic visa to visit the United States. On March 18, 2005, the United States Department of State denied Mr. Modi this visa under section 214 (b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act because he was not coming for a purpose that qualified for a diplomatic visa.

Mr. Modi’s existing tourist/business visa was also revoked under section 212 (a) (2) (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 212 (a) (2) (g) makes any foreign government official who “was responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom” ineligible for a visa to the United States.

The Ministry of External Affairs requested that the Department of State review the decision to revoke his tourist/business visa. Upon review, the State Department re-affirmed the original decision.”

This decision applies to Mr. Narendra Modi only. It is based on the fact that, as head of the State government in Gujarat between February 2002 and May 2002, he was responsible for the performance of state institutions at that time. The State Department’s detailed views on this matter are included in its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and the International Religious Freedom Report. Both reports document the violence in Gujarat from February 2002 to May 2002 and cite the Indian National Human Rights Commission report, which states there was “a comprehensive failure on the part of the state government to control the persistent violation of rights of life, liberty, equality, and dignity of the people of the state.”

Source: Statement by David C. Mulford, U.S. Ambassador to India, March 21, 2005, Available Here http://ift.tt/1mwA3Cc

Myth no. 8: Vajpayee never asked Modi to observe “Rajdharma”, did not rap him for 2002 riots..

Truth: “In comments which appeared to back criticism of the state authorities, Mr Vajpayee said he would speak to political leaders about allegations that they had failed to do their job. “Government officials, political leaders, need to respond to the task. The constitution guarantees equal rights for all,” he said.The state government is controlled by the BJP, and the Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, has come in for particular attack over the way the authorities reacted to the violence.

At the Shah Alam camp in Gujarat’s commercial capital, Ahmedabad, Mr Vajpayee said that the Godhra attack was “condemnable” but what followed was “madness”. “The answer to madness is not madness,” he said in an emotional speech.”The duty of our government is to protect the property, life and honour of everybody… there is no scope for discrimination,” he said in an apparent reference to allegations that local officials had turned a blind eye to the killings.”

Source: Vajpayee says riots “shameful” – BBC News report April 4th 2002, available here http://ift.tt/1fwjEPl

Myth no.9 : It’s not sheer opportunism that well-known Modi-baiters like Smriti Irani, have today become his cheerleaders..

Truth:“Smriti Irani who unsuccessfully contested from Delhi’s Muslim-dominated Chandni Chowk constituency in the April-May parliamentary elections, blamed Modi for BJP’s recent electoral reverses. “Whenever people mention Gujarat they only talk about the riots and try to corner the Gujaratis on the issue. So, in order to maintain the respect that I have for Atalji and the BJP, I won’t hesitate to take this step( of going on a fast to seek Modi’s removal) ,” she said.”

Source: Times of India report dated 12th December 2004,

http://ift.tt/1fwjGXl

These myth-busters took me just one hour to compile. So it’s quite surprising that none of the stalwarts who interviewed Modi, (some of whom saw the events of 2002 unfold in front of their very own eyes), never counter-questioned him further and exposed the glaring gaps in his “rebuffed” narrative. Much like Smriti Irani, I guess, each night they must be saying to themselves “Hey Ram”….

Migrants die as hundreds left in Libya desert

Nine immigrants have died among around 300 abandoned by smugglers in the scorching Sudanese-Libyan desert, with the others in poor condition, Khartoum’s army says.

“They were on their way to Libya as illegal immigrants,” spokesman Sawarmi Khaled Saad told AFP on Wednesday.

“The smugglers left them in the desert… on the border between Sudan and Libya,” he said, adding that all of the dead were Sudanese.

The others are from various nationalities and include Ethiopians, Eritreans, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, Saad said.

Separately, the defence ministry website said that the total number of victims was 319 and that the rescue was by a joint force of Sudanese and Libyan troops.

“Nine of them died and the others are in a bad condition. They are getting treatment and being transferred to Dongola,” the statement said, referring to a town about 500 kilometres northwest of Khartoum

Sopurce: Al Jazeera

Guisborough's Milwaukee Yamaha aim to make mark at Oulton Park

Josh Brookes and Tommy Bridewell will bid for the top step of the podium at Oulton Park

Guisborough's Milwaukee Yamaha team are targeting their first victory of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season this weekend as Josh Brookes and Tommy Bridewell bid for the top step of the podium at Oulton Park.

Brookes scored his first podium finish with the team at the Brands Hatch opening round after claiming pole while Bridewell is geared up to turn around his fortunes after a disappointing start.

Brookes said: “Brands Hatch was good for us apart from the obvious crashes, but now we are ready for Oulton Park.

“I have seen from previous years how strong the Yamaha is around that track, especially from the years racing against Tommy Hill - it is set in stone in my memory.

“I want to be able to emulate that pace and speed this weekend and that is the aim. Normally a few crashes on the same weekend would hinder your confidence, but it hasn’t knocked it at all.”

And Bridewell said: “Brands Hatch wasn’t an ideal start for me but we have had the chance to reflect on that now and have looked at all the angles ready for Oulton Park.

“If you look at previous years and who won eventually, the results at the first round didn’t affect the championship.

“I feel better about Oulton Park and I look at the success the team have had there previously and that is a huge positive for us before we get started.

“The first round didn’t go as well as I had hoped but Oulton Park is more a territory that should be good for us.”

Boro fans deny deliberately tearing up copy of the Koran at Birmingham City match

Julie Phillips and Gemma Parkin, both of Middlesbrough, admit ripping pages from a book at St Andrew's - but deny knowing it was the Koran

Two women have gone on trial after denying committing religiously aggravated harassment by tearing up a copy of the Koran during a Boro match at St Andrew's.

Middlesbrough FC fans Julie Phillips, 50, and Gemma Parkin, 18, both say they ripped pages from a book at the Birmingham City game at St Andrew's this season.

But they denied knowing it was the Koran last December.

The pair were at St Andrew's where the Blues drew 2-2 with Boro.

The court was told that it was during the second half of the match that stewards saw a book being handed around the away fans and being ripped up.

After inquiries, it emerged the book was the Koran.

Parkin, of Kimberley Drive, Pallister Park, and Phillips, of Kenmore Road, Netherfields, were among Boro fans pointed out to police.

They are appearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court today, each facing a charge of religiously aggravated harassment, which they deny.

Giving evidence, match steward Matthew Corns told the court he heard chants about Muslims and the Koran as the book was passed around and torn up on December 7.

Proceeding

Bernie Slaven: Boro players are at a massive disadvantage in getting in teams of the year

When you are at a club like Boro you get overlooked, writes the club goalscoring legend - it goes back years

The PFA teams of the year were announced this week - and once again there were no Boro players.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that anyone of this bunch should be in there this season because, while a few players have caught the eye in flashes, not many have pulled up trees all the way through.

But for me, if you are playing for Boro you are at a massive disadvantage when it comes to these kind of things.

Firstly, because you are stuck away in the top corner in the North-east and all the media care about is the big six teams.

Clubs like Boro get no media coverage at all, in the press or on the telly so the people who are voting - whether it is the players’ award or the writers’ one - don’t really know much about our team.

And secondly, even within the North-east region, we are in the shadow of Newcastle when it comes to media spin.

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Doug Moody Photography

George Friend

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Boro have always been the poor relations in this region - even if we were in a higher division than them and the Mackems.

Boro have never had the recognition they deserve. That goes back years.

I remember when Bruce Rioch’s team swept up from third division to first division playing great attacking football and I think Mogga and Pally made the PFA team and that was it.

We had great talent in that team - I’m not talking about me by the way - and a lot of those players went to be internationals and million pound moves but we never got a look in when it came to the league team of the year.

Personally I was never bothered about those national awards because the people voting don’t know the players.

But the local ones, I was more bothered not getting recognition in those.

They are voted for by the press and most of those are in Newcastle so of course they will be swayed by that.

They will be biased towards voting for the players they see most often.

I won the North-east award once so I can’t complain - but for me, there is not doubt Boro are overlooked.

You have to be absolutely brilliant to win ahead of a very good Geordie or Mackem.

I remember the year I scored 32 goals in the league for a struggling team - including two against both our rivals - and I went to the World Cup.

Yet I was second behind Marco Gabbiardini who had scored about a dozen.

But I’m not bitter. That’s life. When you are at a club like Boro you do get overlooked.

That’s not paranoia. That’s a fact.

• Call the last Bernie Does Boro show of the season after the Yeovil game on Saturday. Listen to the alternative phone-in on Community Voice Radio (104.5FM) and have your say on 01642 688104.

Woman killed in twin blasts at Chennai Central station

A woman was killed and at least 18 others were injured in twin blasts in one of the coaches of the Bangalore-Guwahati superfast express (Train No. 12509) at Chennai Central railway station on Thursday morning.

The victim has been identified as Swati (22) from Guntur who was travelling from Bangalore to Vijayawada. Four passengers are said to be critical and have been admitted to the GH. Of the 14 others injured, most have injuries on the legs, while one person has a neck injury.

Police say the explosions was reported shortly after the Guwahati Express pulled into platform no. 9 at the railway station at around 7-30 a.m.

The blasts have damaged three coaches (S3, S4 and S5). As of now, police are yet to confirm from which coach the blast was triggered.

Many trains approaching Chennai were detained at various stations. There was commotion in the busy Central station and traffic congestion on all roads leading to it.

Southern Railway Additional General Manager S. Vijayakumaran said the three damaged coaches would be detached from the formation for detailed forensic analysis. The other coaches are being readied for onward journey.

A multi-agency probe was launched to investigate the source and nature of the bombs. The explosions came two days after the State police arrested Mohammed Zakir Hussain, a Sri Lankan national, who was part of an alleged plot to target vital installations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The arrival and departures of several morning trains from Chennai Central has been delayed even as the Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force have cordoned off the area and pressed in sniffer dogs and bomb detection squads. Investigators were perusing the CCTV footage in Chennai and Bangalore to look for clues.

Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police K. Ramanujam said the cause of explosion was not established yet.

The Railways has opened two helplines in Chennai — 044 25357398 and 044 64502416 — and one in Bangalore 080 22876288.

PTI adds that one person has been detained in connection with the blast.

(With additional reporting by S. Vijay Kumar)

Dream Home: Delightful spaces inside and out at £825,000 five bedroom Stokesley house

19th century built Levenside House on Helmsley Road in Stokesley is a real haven of peace and tranquillity

When it comes to naming a favourite room in their house, the owners of this week’s Dream Home have a ready answer.

And it is easy to see why.

The honours go to the garden room at the 19th century built Levenside House on Helmsley Road in Stokesley - a real haven of peace and tranquillity looking out over stunning grounds and gardens where Richard and Lee Tolmie spend most of their time.

A showstopper of a space, it has underfloor heating to keep it warm, a stove and French doors to let the outside in.

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Dream Home: Levenside House on Helmsley Road in Stokesley

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“Our favourite room is the garden room, we spend a lot of time there - it is a garden room come dining room and we live in there come the summer,” says Mr Tolmie.

“We took the old garden room and extended it - we’ve done a lot of work on the garden, something my wife and I love.”

It isn’t the only space in their elegant five bedroom home that shouts out, though. Set out over three floors and with 3,000 square feet of living space to luxuriate in, there’s lots more to talk about inside and out.

It has been home to the couple for 15 years - it was its location and its position near the River Leven that first caught their eye, and they’ve loved it ever since.

“It was the position,” adds Mr Tolmie. “We are bordering the River Leven and surrounded by gardens and trees making it quite peaceful.”

So what’s inside?

The ground floor leads the way - starting with the stunning reception hall with its cast iron fireplace and tiled floor. Doors lead to the kitchen and the inner hallway, the kitchen is fitted with cool creamy white units, granite worktops and an island unit with windows looking out to the garden and driveway and a built in hob, double oven and fridge.

The timber panelled inner hallway leads to the garden room and the drawing room.

Upstairs, the first floor is home to the master bedroom, with en suite, two more bedrooms, a computer room and the family bathroom fitted with panelled bath and step in shower cubicle. Features on the landing include a cherub filled stained glass window.

The fourth and fifth bedrooms are on the second floor - bedroom five with exposed beams and trusses.

Outside, the stunning grounds have a mixture of trees, shrubs and borders. There are two areas, the second with a lawn with pond, patio and planted beds just perfect for a spot of al fresco dining. There’s a single stable in the grounds too, a workshop and a double garage as well as a driveway.

Joined to next door, the property dates back to 1885 and it was one big house until 1965 when, believes the owner, it was split into two.

Since moving in, as well as work on the garden and the garden room, the owners have also put in a new kitchen and decorated the house with an eye on its traditional style.

With plans to move closer to family, however, the couple have taken the decision to put their home on to the market.

Levenside House is for sale with a guide price of £825,000. For more information, contact the Stokesley office of estate agent GSC Grays on 01642 710742.

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Aker Solutions divides business after announcing a rise in first-quarter earnings

Norwegian company, which employs around 200 at Preston Farm office in Stockton, provides products, systems and services to oil and gas industry

Global oil and gas company Aker Solutions will divide its business to slash costs and boost competitiveness - after announcing a rise in first-quarter earnings of more than a third.

The Norwegian company, which employs around 200 at its Preston Farm office in Stockton, provides products, systems and services to the oil and gas industry.

It will split its global business in two, in a move to “meet the needs of customers in an increasingly competitive global energy industry.”

The announcement comes as the company recorded a year-on-year leap in EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) of more than £28m in January to March (Q1) , to £104.5m.

This is compared to £76.3m in the same period of 2013, when earnings were hit by losses in both its umbilicals and OMA (Oilfield Services & Marine Assets) businesses, and increased costs on the Norwegian oil project Ekofisk Zulu.

Revenue rose from £1.02bn in 2013 to £1.11bn during the same period of 2014.

The company says the increase was driven by sales of subsea products and services, single drilling equipment and umbilical systems in America and Norway.

Aker Solutions has a history in Stockton that dates back to 1986. The office provides support services to the company globally within IT, finance, accounting and HR.

Under the new changes, Aker’s Subsea, Umbilicals, Engineering and Maintenance, Modifications and Operations (MMO) areas will form a new company under the Aker Solutions name.

The other units, including Drilling Technologies, Aker Oilfield Services and Process Systems, will be developed independently as part of a new oil-services investment company, named Akastor.

The new Aker Solutions will focus on the fast-growing deepwater and subsea oil-services, and similar, markets.

A spokesperson said: “We expect strong growth in subsea spending, as we continue to develop our factory solutions.”

The growth is also expected to create opportunities for the umbilicals and process systems areas, and the company is tendering for subsea contracts and umbilicals in key markets, including the North Sea, Brazil, Africa, the U.S. and the Asia Pacific region.

The company also recorded increased revenue in its OMA business and its process systems unit, bolstered by strong demand in Norway, the Americas and the Asia Pacific.

Executive Chairman Øyvind Eriksen said: “The new Aker Solutions will be a leaner and more focused company.”

The split is scheduled to occur around the end of September. Both companies will be listed on the Oslo stock exchange. Aker employs 28,000 people worldwide.

Rockcliffe Hall MD Nick Holmes shortlisted for major award

Nick Holmes has made it down to the final three in the 'Manager of the Year' category of the Caterer and Hotelkeeper 'Catey' Awards

A hospitality boss has received one of the highest industry accolades after being shortlisted for a major award.

Nick Holmes, MD of Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, has made it down to the final three in the ‘Manager of the Year’ category of the Caterer and Hotelkeeper ‘Catey’ Awards.

The awards recognise the sector’s highest flyers, strongest performers and best brands as determined by industry insiders.

The final winner will be announced on July 1 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, where Nick will be up against Erick Kervaon from the Bingham in Richmond-upon-Thames and Peter Avis of the Babylon at The Roof Gardens in London.

Rockliffe Hall, an AA-rated 5* leisure resort set within 375 acres on the banks of the Tees, is the only hotel in the North of England to have made it onto the shortlisted entries.

Nick’s career has spanned 35 years, starting at Gleneagles Hotel during the 80s as one of the executive management team, before becoming general manager of the 4 star Craigendarroch Hotel in Ballater, near Aberdeen.

He opened Cameron House, on the banks of Loch Lomond, as resort managing director and became involved with the development of a number of award-winning golf and leisure projects in the Midlands and the South West.

Nick joined Rockliffe Hall in 2008 and the resort opened the following year.

He said: “The industry is so full of talented individuals and it’s a privilege to work with so many at Rockliffe Hall, meet so many on my travels and constantly learn from so many.

“To have made this incredibly prestigious shortlist is such an honour and I’ll be flying the flag for the North of England.

“These awards are considered the most high profile in the hospitality and catering sector as they are decided by industry insiders and experts.

“So it’ll be quite an exciting ceremony to attend later this year.”

Last month, Rockliffe Hall announced that it had been shortlisted for VisitEngland’s ‘Large Hotel of the Year’, a title it also clinched in 2012.

The 5* resort is also the only hotel in the North of England to have made VisitEngland’s final five in the Large Hotel category.

India becomes world’s third-largest economy

India emerged as the world’s third-largest economy in 2011 from being the 10th largest in 2005 in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), according to a new study by the world’s leading statistical agencies.

The 2011 International Comparison Program (ICP), which involves the World Bank, ranked India before Japan and after the US and China. The last survey in 2005 had placed India on the 10th place

PPP is used to compare economies and incomes of people by adjusting for differences in prices in different countries to make a meaningful comparison.

The report has given India’s ruling Congress party a short in the arm which has been targeted by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party for the country’s slow growth.

On Wednesday, the Congress leadership hailed the World Bank report as an ‘answer’ to the party’s critiques (BJP).

“This is an answer to Modi and other leaders of opposition for their false accusations against us,” said General Secretary of Congress party, Shakeel Ahmad.

The opposition BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi often launchs sharp attacks on the Congress party blaming the Congress-led government of weak economic policies and development fallouts during its ten year long term.

Ahmad said that India has achieved the feat because of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s efforts.

“This is the result of his efforts that yesterday World Bank has said India is number third,” he said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Watch: Jeremy Clarkson uses n-word in unseen Top Gear footage

Under fire Jeremy Clarkson last night sparked a new racism row after he was caught using the n-word while filming for Top Gear.

In the unseen footage – which was later edited out of the show – the £1million a year TV host is seen swinging his finger between two cars, while reciting a racist version of a children’s counting rhyme.

Clarkson can be heard chanting: “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe...” He then mumbles: “Catch a n***** by his toe”.

This morning the TV presenter denied using the n-word and said he has "never" used it.

The shocking footage comes not long after Clarkson was involved in another offensive outburst, when he was accused of using the term “slope” while filming in Thailand for the flagship BBC car show.

Last night, legal experts said that the recent language used by the 54-year-old, who last year reportedly took home £14million thanks largely to his stake in a firm which exploits Top Gear’s global brand, could even result in a breach of the law in some cases.

Solicitor Lucy Scott Moncrieff said: “It is all about context. If there was a crew member who was distressed by it, then there could well have been a breach of equality legislation.”

Fellow lawyer Lawrence Davies blasted: “Clarkson has to be sacked, no matter how much money he makes for the BBC. Use of that word is not acceptable.”

The Mirror hired a firm of audio forensic experts to analyse the clip and they confirmed that the n-word was indeed used by Clarkson.

An investigator – working for digital forensics company CY4OR – produced a transcript as part of the study. It stated Clarkson said the following: “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, catch a n***** by his toe, when he squeals, let him go, eeny, meeny, miny, moe.”

Clarkson was filming for Series 19 Episode 3 when he used the phrase. The start of the show featured a segment where he was test driving the £25,000 Toyota GT86 and the similarly priced Subaru BRZ.

The outspoken star took both cars for a spin around the famous Top Gear race track while delivering a review of how they performed.

Clarkson said: “Both cost the same, they have the same bodies and the same interiors with the same equipment. They are even built by the same people in the same factory. You might imagine then that it’s quite hard to chose between them, but actually, it isn’t.”

The footage then cut to him standing on the side of the track between the two motors.

The presenter rolled up his sleeves and said: “Watch, because this is how you do it.”

In the unaired version – which was later passed to the Mirror – he then recited the rhyme and muttered the n-word before pointing at the Toyota and shrugging: “Toyota it is.”

But in the version aired by the BBC in February 2013, the offensive term was not used. Clarkson recited the rhyme, but this time used the word “teacher”.

The BBC’s own editorial guidelines state: “Reclamation of the language has led to the term ‘n*****’ being used by some in the black community and terms such as ‘cripple’ are sometimes used humorously or ­sarcastically by people with disabilities.

“But this usage may still cause distress within these communities and is also much more likely to cause offence when employed by someone who is not a member of the community in question.”

Top Gear – which is seen in more than 100 different countries around the world and makes the BBC tens of millions of pounds – recently came under pressure following Clarkson’s “joke” about a Thai man standing on a bridge.

At the completion of a bridge-building task over the River Kwai in Thailand, Clarkson commented to fellow presenter Richard Hammond: “That is a proud moment.”

Then, just as an Asian man is seen walking into shot, he added: “But there’s a slope on it.”

The use of the word – which is a derogatory term for people of Asian descent – led to complaints and the threat of legal action from Equal Justice, a law firm specialising in discrimination cases.

Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman was last week forced to apologise. He released a ­statement which said: “When we used the word ‘slope’ in the recent Top Gear Burma Special it was a light-hearted word-play joke referencing both the build quality of the bridge and the local Asian man who was crossing it. We were not aware at the time, and it has subsequently been brought to our attention, that the word ‘slope’ is considered by some to be ­offensive.

“Although it might not be widely recognised in the UK, we appreciate that it can be considered offensive to some here and overseas for example in Australia and the USA.

“If we had known that at the time we would not have broadcast the word in this context and regret any offence caused.”

Indian-born actress Somi Guha, 36, instructed legal firm Equal Justice to provide evidence to the BBC Trust about the case.

The BBC’s own Diversity Strategy 2011-2015 stated: “A core organisational value is that we respect each other and celebrate our diversity so that everyone can give their best.”

Its guidelines state that celebrities should be treated the same as all members of staff and not given preferential treatment.

A Respect at Work Review said: “Talent is the widely used term in the BBC for presenters or star names that make a programme more likely to attract higher ­audience figures.

“There is a perception that ‘talent’ are treated differently and don’t have to adhere to the same rules because they wield power over the organisation and anyone who tries to manage them.

“In many cases the BBC does not directly employ them and so people are quite unsure about what ­interventions are possible.”

Speaking about Clarkson’s ­offensive clip, Solicitor Ms Scott Moncrieff said: “If it had been broadcast then I can well imagine plenty of people might have been distressed by it.

“It is gross bad taste. It is sticking two fingers up at what is now considered civilised language.

“If it had been brought to the attention of the police, they would have considered whether an offence had taken place and whether it was in the public interest to ­prosecute.

“All employers and programme makers have policies on discrimination and I would have thought that this kind of language would have been a breach of those and could have led to ­disciplinary action.”

Lawyer Mr Davies, who owns legal firm Equal Justice and has previously handled complaints against Clarkson, called for the star to be axed.

He said: “I believe that under the EU’s Race Directive 2000, Clarkson may be in breach of the law because he used discriminatory language in his workplace.

“There is no doubt in my mind that his position is now untenable.”

Knife raider who terrified Redcar shop worker 'changing her life forever' is jailed for over three years

Jamie Cosker, 24, from Loftus, said he couldn't believe the low he'd sunk to after he pulled a knife on a petrified cashier

A knife raider who robbed a terrified shop worker has been jailed for more than three years.

The robbery victim was left scared to work and said her life was changed forever, Teesside Crown Court heard.

She was “dumbstruck with shock” and backed away when Jamie Cosker came to the counter and opened up a knife.

He demanded: “Open the till and give me all the notes.”

The cashier was so frightened she couldn’t move in the Spar shop on Queen Street, Redcar.

Cosker, 24, held out the knife as he shouted: “Open the till. I’m not going to hurt you.”

He had a scarf over his mouth, but the shop worker recognised him from a folder of known shoplifters.

She was “frozen with fear” when a colleague advised her to activate a panic alarm.

Cosker left when another customer came in. He stole about £120 in cash from the till.

Prosecutor Emma Atkinson said the victim trembled with fear and was traumatised and afraid it would happen again.

She added: “She describes this as the most terrifying thing that had ever happened to her.

“This has had a profound effect upon her. She wants the defendant to know that this has changed her life forever.”

Cosker, of High Street, Loftus, admitted robbery and having a bladed article from January 2 and three shoplifting offences, one from the same time period.

He had 95 previous offences including a street robbery of a phone when he was 17.

Graham Brown, defending, said: “He’s deeply disturbed and shocked by where he’s now at. He really thought he had broken the insidious grip of the drugs that have previously controlled his life. He had everything going for him.

“He finds it difficult to believe the depth to which he has sunk after so much progress.” He said Cosker proved he could change and lead a lawful life by keeping out of trouble for almost three years.

Cosker was previously such a prolific shoplifter he was given an Asbo, which was later removed by agreement.

He was settling, coming off drugs and working as a taxi driver, but tragically “generated his own downfall” when he took heroin again and lost his home and relationship.

Struggling on benefits, he robbed the shop after taking sleeping tablets and he had little memory of the crime.

Now Cosker was cleaning up and trying to better himself in prison, helped by his family, and didn’t need to be “thrown away to protect the public”.

“All is not yet lost for this 24-year-old,” added Mr Brown.

Judge Howard Crowson said: “Knifepoint robbery of a small shop is a matter that will always be taken seriously by the courts.”

He jailed Cosker for three-and-a-half years, saying there was hope that there were better sides to him and he could live without drugs.

Homeless man thanks judge for locking him up after breaching Asbo for 166th time

Michael Williams strolled into Middlesbrough Police HQ, told officers he had an Asbo, and promptly breached it by swigging alcohol in front of them

A homeless man thanked a judge for locking him up yet again – after he breached his Asbo for the 166th time.

Michael Patrick Williams made sure he was caught by flouting the order right under the noses of police, a court heard.

Not for the first time, Williams, 57, strolled into Middlesbrough Police HQ clutching an alcoholic drink.

He told officers he had an anti-social behaviour order and promptly breached it by swigging the alcohol in front of them.

It had the desired effect as Williams, of no fixed abode, ended up back in custody for the umpteenth time.

His latest breach happened at the police station on Bridge Street West last Saturday.

Teesside Magistrates’ Court was told how he went to the counter and told staff he had an Asbo and was not allowed to drink in public.

He then held a bottle of alcohol to his mouth and took a long swig from it.

Williams admitted possessing an open container of alcohol in a public place, which he was banned from doing under his Asbo.

His solicitor Liz McGowan told the court it was the 166th time he had breached his Asbo.

“Morning Mr Williams”, said District Judge Andrew Meachin as a familiar face appeared before him.

The district judge told him they had met before and when he was in court he seemed like a reasonable individual.

He asked the serial offender: “Why do you keep doing it?.”

Williams replied: “I think I have just got myself in a rut.”

He added: “What I am thinking of doing is changing areas, moving out of Middlesbrough.”

The judge said Williams was a nuisance who kept coming back again and again and told him he had “reached the end of the line”.

Williams thanked the judge repeatedly as he was led away to start four months in custody.

“I am happy with that,” he was heard to say as he left the dock and headed back to prison.

Vandals destroy newly laid £10,000 Prissick Base cricket pitch in attempt to steal it

Thieves targeted new artificial grass cricket wicket within Prissick Base playing fields complex, ripping up the turf and underlaying material

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Vandalised cricket pitch on Prissick Base

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Vandals have been slammed for destroying and attempting to steal a new £10,000 cricket wicket.

Thieves have targeted the new artificial grass cricket wicket within the Prissick Base playing fields complex.

Initially, failed attempts were made to steal the Astroturf pitch.

But the vandals returned and cut up the wicket in order to steal it.

They have ripped up the turf and underlaying material and using a type of cutting item, cut the layers into sections.

It was found concealed in the surrounding bushes but is now unusable and several thousands of pounds will have to be spent to repair and replace it.

After the incident, which happened sometime overnight between April 29 and 30, the criminals have made off in an unknown direction.

Councillor Nicky Walker, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for environment, said: “The attempted theft of the recently installed artificial wicket is incredibly disappointing, especially with the new cricket season just about to get under way.

“We will do all we can to replace it as quickly as possible but in the meantime will work with the local leagues and teams to find alternative provisions. Cllr Walker said: “We would ask anyone with any information regarding this vandalism to contact the police.”

Cleveland Police say the area has suffered significant damage and theft due to the current redevelopment of the area.

Anyone who can help the force’s inquiries should call 101.

Morning news headlines: Gerry Adams held over McConville murder, boy faces court over teacher stabbing

The latest updates from around Britain and the world

ADAMS HELD OVER MCCONVILLE MURDER

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams remained in police custody overnight after being arrested by detectives investigating the murder of Belfast mother-of-10 Jean McConville.

Mr Adams, who has vehemently rejected the allegations made by former republican colleagues that he had a role in ordering the notorious IRA killing in 1972, was detained last night after voluntarily presenting himself for interview at a police station in Antrim.

Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said the arrest was “politically motivated” and designed to damage the party and its president.

BOY FACES COURT OVER TEACHER MURDER

A 15-year-old boy will appear in court today charged with the murder of teacher Ann Maguire.

The Spanish teacher, 61, was months away from retiring, after working at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds for more than 40 years, when she was fatally stabbed in front of pupils on Monday morning.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was sufficient evidence to charge the 15-year-old with the murder after he was arrested and interviewed under caution by police.

PEACHES GELDOF INQUEST TO OPEN

An inquest into the death of Peaches Geldof will be opened today.

The hearing, expected to last around 10 minutes, will be opened and adjourned by North West Kent Coroner Roger Hatch at Gravesend Old Town Hall from 2pm.

A spokesman for Mr Hatch said a statement from a senior police officer will be heard and the coroner will release the cause of death.

FIFTH OF CRIMES ’MAY BE UNRECORDED’

A fifth of crimes - equivalent to tens of thousands of offences - could be going unrecorded by police, a damning report has found.

An inspection of 13 forces found 14 rapes were among offences not recorded by officers, including an allegation made by a 13-year-old autistic boy written off as “sexual experimentation”.

Another rape was not recorded due to “workload pressure” as recording the crime would “entail too much work”, the report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary said.

DECISION DUE ON PRESS CHARTER

Newspapers and magazines learn today whether they can carry on fighting a legal battle over the new Royal Charter intended to govern the regulation of the press.

Acting on the advice of the Government, the Privy Council granted the charter last October in a form favoured by the three main political parties.

But industry body Pressbof has argued in the Court of Appeal that a decision to reject a rival charter it was promoting was unfair and unlawful.

TUBE RETURNS TO NORMAL AFTER STRIKE

London Underground services were returning to normal today after a 48-hour strike over ticket office closures which caused travel disruption across the capital.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union ended a 48-hour walkout at 9pm last night and are set to stage a three-day strike from 9pm next Monday unless the deadlocked row is resolved.

Talks will be held at the conciliation service Acas tomorrow in a bid to resolve the dispute.

FOOTBALLER YANKEY TO BE HANDED OBE

Leading names in women’s sport and the arts are among those to be honoured at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace today.

England and Arsenal Ladies forward Rachel Yankey will be present at the event when she will be handed an OBE for services to football, particularly the women’s and youth games.

Yankey, who wears the number 11 shirt for club and country, has more than 100 international caps and is considered one of the national team’s finest ever players.

LABOUR VOWS RENT RISE ’FAIR DEAL’

A Labour government would cap private sector rent rises and abolish letting fees for tenants, Ed Miliband will promise.

The Opposition leader is setting out a package of housing reforms, including legislating to make three-year tenancies the norm.

With his party facing the prospect of finishing behind Ukip in the European elections, Mr Miliband is making the policy the centrepiece of his campaign launch.

Mighty minnows Guisborough stun Boro Academy side to win North Riding Senior Cup

Northern League side Guisborough edged out Boro's Academy lads 1-0 in front of a crowd of 986 at the Riverside Stadium

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Peter Reimann

North Riding Senior Cup final

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Guisborough goal machine Danny Johnson struck again as the minnows beat Boro 1-0 at the Riverside in the North Riding Senior Cup final.

The young striker pounced in the first half - his 57th this season - as the Northern League side edged out Boro’s Academy lads in front of a crowd of 986.

In an even first half Town’s Adam Gell and Boro’s Jordan Jones went close.

But in a bright spell Guisborough took the lead on 31 minutes.

Paul Roddam lofted a ball into the Boro box and keeper Joseph Fryer went to collect but Johnson crunched him with a robust challenge and when the ref waved play on the striker slotted the loose ball home.

Johnson, on trial at Boro last month, almost had a second before half-time but fired wide.

After the break Boro dominated and Charlie Wyke and Thomas McAloon both brought good blocks then on 80 minutes Bradley Fewster wriggled into the box but his angled effort was superbly saved.

BORO: Fryer, Halliday, Burn (McAloon 46), Atkinson (c), Jackson, Bennett, Morris Fewster 76), Cooke (Griffiths 46), Wyke, Jones, Kitching. Subs: Weledji, Dawson.

GUISBOROUGH: Coddington, Bythway, Oldfield (Round 85), Carling, Bishop(c), Roddam, (Marron 76) Gell, Bulmer (Wood 67), Roberts, Johnson, Risborough. Subs: Hume, Dixon, Hodgson, Martin.

George Friend and Ben Gibson receive honours at Boro Player of the Year awards dinner

George Friend was named Player of the Year and Community Player of the Year while Ben Gibson picked up Young Player of the Year award

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Doug Moody Photography

George Friend

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George Friend completed a notable double at the MFC Official Supporters’ Player of the Year awards dinner, which was held at the Riverside last night.

The left-back was named Player of the Year and also received the John Ovington Community Player of the Year prize while fellow defender Ben Gibson picked up the Young Player of the Year award.

“I feel very proud and very privileged to get this award,” said Friend, before adding, tongue in cheek, “I would like to thank all my amazing team-mates for making me look better than I am!

“Everyone is disappointed we didn’t win promotion, but I think we have learned a lot this season that will stand us in good stead for next season.”

Mum was killed by husband because 'she had become too Westernised', court is told

Rania Alayed's controlling husband then 'put on her clothes as part of a plot to pretend she was still alive', murder trial hears

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Gallery: Rania Alayed - Police search on A19

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A devoted mum was killed by her violent and controlling husband who then put on her clothes as part of a plot to pretend she was still alive, a court heard.

Rania Alayed, a mum-of-three who had previously lived in Norton, had become ‘too Westernised’ when she was ‘lured’ to a Salford tower block and killed in June last year, a Manchester Crown Court murder trial heard.

The 25-year-old’s remains, believed to be in North Yorkshire, have never been found.

Rania moved from Norton to Manchester in January 2013.

She had previously lived in Middlesbrough.

Her 33-year-old husband, Ahmed Al-Khatib, is alleged to have subjected her to years of domestic and sexual violence and then murdered her when she found the courage to ‘break free of his shackles’, starting a new ‘independent’ life with the children in the city's Cheetham Hill area.

The court heard that Mr Al-Khatib, of Knutsford Road, Gorton, has told psychiatrists that she died after he pushed her, ‘causing her to stumble, fall and bang her head’.

But he denies murder or having "any intention to kill her", saying he was "possessed of a spirit" at the time.

Ahmed Al-Khatib’s brother, Muhanned Al-Khatib, 38, at whose flat the killing is said to have happened, also denies murder.

Both men admit perverting the course of justice by hiding Ms Alayed’s body.

A third man, Hussain Al-Khatib, 35, of Knutsford Road, Gorton, denies perverting the course of justice, alongside his two brothers.

Moments after prosecutor Tony Cross QC began opening the case to the jury, Ahmed Al-Khatib shrieked and began repeatedly banging his head against the glass wall of the dock.

Court was adjourned while he composed himself.

The jury were told that on June 7, Ms Alayed arranged to go to brother-in-law Muhanned Al-Khatib’s flat at Arthur Millwood Court so that her three children could spend the weekend with their father’s relatives.

She was supposed to meet a friend afterwards in Piccadilly, but never showed up.

CCTV captured her leaving her home at Beechfield Street, Cheetham Hill, on the evening of June 7 with the three children, their bags packed for the weekend.

The Syria-born mum was wearing traditional Muslim clothing, the court heard.

CCTV captures her entering Arthur Millwood Court with the children, and 45 minutes later her brother-in-law Muhanned Al-Khatib leaves with the three children.

Minutes later, her husband Ahmed Al-Khatib emerged from the building, before putting a suitcase, allegedly containing her lifeless body, into a Peugeot he drove from the scene.

Pointing to a CCTV image of Ahmed Al-Khatib, Mr Cross said: “He is wearing some of her clothing - 59 minutes after she had entered the building.

"This deception - the deception that Rania Alayed was alive, was being pursued.

“Minutes later, the body was being transported in a suitcase - brought to the flat that very night, so Ahmed Al-Khatib was to tell psychiatrists later, if he is to be believed - a suitcase which by coincidence was big enough to contain a dead body.

“The defendant was violent, abusive and controlling - eventually though, the deceased lady had the courage to free herself from (Ahmed Al-Khatib), using a combination of Citizens Advice Bureau, the police and other agencies and eventually a solicitor.

"She began to become a little too Westernised - she went to college and had friends, male and female.

"This was all really too much for the first two defendants (Ahmed and Muhanned Al-Khatib)”

Mr Cross told the jury that ethnic Palestinian Ms Alayed was ‘just 15’ when she met Ahmed Al-Khatib, adding that they fled to the UK as ‘a place of safety’.

Proceeding

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Bomb disposal team carries out controlled explosion after shell is discovered

Workers on construction site in Hardwick found the piece of the shell :: Emergency services say there was no need to evacuate the area

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Incidents on Teesside

Gallery: Shell found in Hardwick

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Bomb disposal experts were called to a Stockton building site after part of an old shell was found.

A controlled explosion was carried out after the find was made by construction workers on a site in Hardwick, not far from the University Hospital of North Tees.

Police were alerted shortly after noon yesterday to Lutyens Square, off George Stephenson Boulevard.

The area was taped off after the discovery was made by workers building new homes on the site. No evacuation was necessary.

One resident in Chadwick Walk, overlooking the site of the find, said: “I just heard it was a bomb but I didn’t see anything.

“I lived in Israel for four years, I am not shocked by bombs.”

Another resident said: “I just saw the bomb disposal unit. As to the details we don’t know.

“We have just moved in and there is a bomb disposal unit!”

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said they were called at 12.22pm to Lutyens Square, off George Stephenson Boulevard, in Hardwick.

She said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were called to the scene “following the discovery of a component from a device”.

The spokeswoman said: “The EOD will be carrying out a controlled explosion of the component that was discovered in Hardwick.

"No people have been evacuated.”