Met PC sacked for hitting vulnerable teenage girl with baton 34 times - BBC News

A Met Police officer has been sacked after hitting a vulnerable teenager 34 times with a baton.

The 17-year-old girl, who was on escorted leave from a mental health unit, became distressed after becoming separated from a group in May 2019.

A misconduct panel heard PC Benjamin Kemp tried to handcuff the teenager and then used CS spray less than a metre away from her face and his baton.

Ch Supt Richard Tucker said the force used was "utterly inappropriate".

The family's solicitors said it was a "deeply disturbing case where a black child with learning disabilities was brutalised".

But the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said there was no indication racial discrimination had been a factor.

Following the hearing, the girl's family said in a statement: "Rather than helping her as he should have done, he violently assaulted her, using up to 34 baton strikes and CS spray."

The panel heard the girl was seen near a main road in east London and police were called by a concerned member of the public.

The girl herself flagged down a passing police car and body-worn video showed her telling officers she was a vulnerable child with mental health problems.

She agreed to get into the police car, but then got out of it, the panel heard.

Officers tried to speak to her but PC Kemp, of the Met's North East Command, then attempted to use handcuffs.

'Poor communication'

When this was unsuccessful, he then used CS spray before taking out his baton seconds later.

The hearing followed an IOPC investigation into complaints made by an NHS Trust staff member and the girl's mother.

IOPC regional director Sal Naseem described the incident as "shocking".

He added: "Immediately resorting to use of force without considering other de-escalation tactics, and particularly where the person involved has mental health issues, is of concern.

"PC Kemp's immediate reaction when the girl exited the police car was to try and handcuff her, even though he didn't have her under his control.

"The poor communication by this officer got the incident off to a bad start and, once he started to use the baton, he was unable to change tack."

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The family's solicitor, Sophie Naftalin, said the case sent a "powerful message" that more needs to be done by the Met when training officers about how to deal with vulnerable people.

She added: "There have been too many cases of disproportionate force being used by police officers upon members of the black community."

PC Kemp was dismissed from the Met without notice following the misconduct hearing in west London.

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2021-04-30 17:30:41Z
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Covid: More than 20 million living in areas with zero deaths - BBC News

Reuters

About 22 million people in the UK are living in areas that have not reported any Covid-19 deaths that happened in April, according to BBC News analysis.

By comparison, in a four-week period during January's peak, fewer than 50,000 people lived in such places.

The findings were greeted as "really good news [which] give us confidence" by one expert.

The government has urged people to keep following restrictions and have the Covid vaccine when called.

The BBC's data analysis reveals the extent of the improvement since January's peak.

Fewer than 600 deaths within 28 days of a positive test have been reported so far this month, compared with more than 30,000 in the first four weeks of January.

• How many coronavirus cases are there in your area?
• How many people have been vaccinated so far?

The figures suggest the UK's pandemic is moving into a new phase, with many areas seeing low levels of coronavirus.

The latest lockdown and the vaccination programme have successfully reduced cases, and as a result, deaths.

"This is really good news," said Dr Mike Tildesley, an expert in the spread of infectious diseases. "It's a really good sign and we've seen several parts of the country where prevalence is really, really low. So, I think it gives us confidence."

But he echoed another expert who urged caution.

"[W]e have seen before, when things go wrong they can go wrong quickly," said Prof Graham Medley, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Slowly lifting restrictions means this is less likely to happen, he added.

Areas that did not report any April deaths tended to have fewer confirmed coronavirus cases in March, the data suggests. On average, those places had 150 cases per 100,000 people in March.

By comparison, districts that have reported deaths in April had just under 240 positive cases per 100,000 people in March.

Worst-hit areas

Some parts have gone even longer without seeing Covid deaths. Plymouth, a major city and home to more than a quarter-of-a-million people, has not reported a Covid death in the last 58 days. In Oxford and Maidstone it's 60 days.

But the 19 worst-hit councils accounted for more than a third of the deaths occurring in April.

The areas with the highest death rates include two in Northern Ireland: Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey, as well as Sedgemoor in Somerset and Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Scientists advising the government believe that the focus in the coming months will turn to identifying and containing local and regional outbreaks.

• How much longer until I can meet friends inside?
• How old do I have to be to get my vaccine?
• Postcode check: How are the rules changing for you?

There are some differences in the figures from 1-28 April across the UK.

• Some 56% of local authorities in Scotland reported no deaths - only Glasgow reported more than nine
• In England, 44% of local authorities in 138 areas across all regions did not report deaths, suggesting the situation is improving nationwide
• In Northern Ireland, 9% of authorities reported no deaths, and a further 55% reported only one
• Every local health board in Wales, which represent many more people than councils, reported at least two deaths, but only Betsi Cadwaladr reported more than seven

A modern browser with JavaScript and a stable internet connection are required to view this interactive.

How many cases and deaths in your area?

Enter a full UK postcode or council name to find out

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Data for the most recent days may be revised upwards as new test results are received

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What do these charts show?

Cases are people who have tested positive for coronavirus. Public health bodies may occasionally revise their case numbers. Case rate by age only available for England. *The "average area" means the middle ranking council or local government district when ranked by cases per 100,000 people.
The case rate chart shows how many people have tested positive each day for every 100,000 people in that area. The dark blue line shows the average daily rate over the past seven days. This average helps to show whether cases are rising or falling. The case rate by age chart shows how many people have tested positive in each age group per 100,000 people. Steeper rises in older age groups are of more concern because older people are more likely to be badly affected by the virus and are more likely to need hospital care. The case rate by age shows a rate. This means the values for the two age groups cannot be added together to get the overall case rate in each area.
Source: UK public health bodies - updated weekdays.

Vaccines are data for first doses. England and Scotland data is by local authority, Wales is by health board area, Northern Ireland is national data. The percentages of people vaccinated is calculated using the most recent mid-year population estimates published by the Office for National Statistics. The actual size of the population in each area may differ and so the percentages are also estimates.
Source: NHS England, Public Health Wales, Public Health Scotland, gov.uk dashboard, Office for National statistics. England and Wales updated weekly. Scotland and Northern Ireland updated weekdays

Deaths are where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. The chart shows the number of deaths recorded each week per 100,000 people in that area. Covid deaths are in red, other deaths are in grey. The average is the monthly average of deaths in the last five years between 2014-2019. This average will continue to be used in 2021. Recording of deaths over Christmas and New Year was affected by the bank holidays - trends should be treated with caution.
Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA - data updated weekly.

These figures are based on deaths that occurred within 28 days of a positive test. There is usually a delay in reporting deaths, so the official numbers for April will increase, but by this point in March, more than 90% of the month's deaths had been reported.

The Office for National Statistics records deaths in a different way, and under this definition more areas may have seen fatalities.

Despite the surge in areas with zero deaths, a government spokesperson encouraged people "to follow the rules so that our roadmap out of lockdown is irreversible".

"We urge everyone to keep coming forward to get their vaccine when called. This is the best way to keep each other safe and see our roadmap through in full."

Meanwhile, Liverpool is hosting a government-organised live music event as part of a Covid safety pilot, on Friday, to check what impact easing the rules will have ahead of a full lifting of restrictions later in the year.

An indoor club night for about 3,000 people will take place at Circus Nightclub with no social distancing and no face coverings under the government's Events Research Programme (ERP), which will explore the risk of transmission and the effectiveness of measures such as ventilation and testing.

Additional research by Kristina Gray

Do you live in an area with zero Covid deaths, or where deaths remain high? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

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• Upload pictures or video
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2021-04-30 06:57:30Z
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Boris Johnson's phone number has been available online for 15 years, ex-security chief warns - The Times

The prime minister’s mobile number has been online for 15 years, meaning thousands of people might have access to it, a former security chief has warned.

Boris Johnson’s contact details were listed at the bottom of a press release from his time as a shadow minister in 2006, a security breach that could mean it is in the possession of hostile countries or individuals.

Lord Ricketts, a crossbench peer who was chairman of the joint intelligence committee, said that a minister changing their number when they come into office was an “elementary” security precaution.

“Access to the prime minister is a very valuable commodity and if this same mobile number has been used for 15 or 20 years then hundreds if not thousands of people

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2021-04-30 08:00:00Z
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William and Kate: 10 years in 10 pictures - the classics and some you might not have seen - Sky News

To mark 10 years since their wedding day, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released two new photos.

The images - taken at Kensington Palace this week by photographer Chris Floyd - capture William and Kate beaming just as much as they were 10 years ago.

But throughout their marriage - and ever since their very early days dating at St Andrew's University - the couple have had to get very used to life in front of the lens.

Here are some of their most memorable moments:

We start with a ring - a very special sapphire

Image: 2010: The official engagement announcement is made. Pic: AP

Prince William proposed with his late mother Prince Diana's engagement ring while the couple were on holiday in Kenya - a 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in white gold.

In an interview following their engagement, William said: "It's my mother's engagement ring. I thought it was quite nice because obviously she's not going to be around to share in the fun and excitement of it all, so this was my way of keeping her close to it all."

The big day

Image: 2011: The Kiss

Married life started with a fairy-tale ceremony at Westminster Abbey with 2,000 people in attendance. It was sealed with a kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

"The kiss" picture was on the front pages of the world's newspapers.

Doing things normal couples do

Image: 2016: Fishing fun. Pic: AP

As well as their support for various charities, they have travelled the globe representing the Queen and the Royal Family - and managed to have a spot of fun at the same time.

On a trip to Canada in 2016, they enjoyed a spot of fishing. And in an unguarded moment, the Duke of Cambridge excitedly shows off to his wife the salmon he caught, prompting what looks like high praise.

Every couple has a hat snap

Image: Pic: Reuters

The duke and duchess, on a visit to Canada in 2011, went full western as they watched bull riding in Calgary, Alberta.

Who wore it best? (Kate)

All the ceremonies

Image: Pic: AP

The pair have obviously been determined to enjoy every moment of their life in the spotlight and make the best of it - as images of this trip to Wales show a very happy newly engaged couple in love.

Kate was in charge of pouring the champagne over the 'Hereford Endeavour' - an RNLI lifeboat - during a naming ceremony in Wales in February 2011. The visit had been highly anticipated because the couple had been keeping such a low profile since announcing their engagement the previous November.

Then come the kids

Image: Kate and William introducing baby George to the world in 2013

In their decade as a married couple, the pair have had three children, Prince George, who is now aged seven, Princess Charlotte, now five, and three-year-old Prince Louis.

Remember the crowds waiting outside the hospital for news of the birth of a future monarch? This was the moment the new parents emerged to reveal their first-born to the world.

George Alexander Louis was born at 4.24pm on 22nd July 2013 at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London.

All families have conflict

This snap has been used to illustrate lots of reported conflict between sisters-in-law Kate and Meghan - and likewise brothers William and Harry. Of course nobody outside the family knows what really happened behind closed doors, but one thing that can't be denied is that this wasn't a comfortable moment.

All the glamour. Oh, so much glamour

Image: 2017: Style icon Kate and the prince attend the BAFTAs. Pic: AP

What's the best thing about being a princess? Well, we don't know, and we never will, but one of the perks has got to be the fashion.

It's hard to choose just one - but this is a fine example.

Here Kate wears a black, floral print dress by Alexander McQueen with off-the-shoulder straps for the BAFTA in 2017.

Sorry Wills, this one's all about her.

Friendly faces in a pandemic

Image: The Duke and Duchess in a video call with Casterton Primary Academy in Burnley. Credit: Kensington Palace

In an extremely tough year for everyone, who better than the royal couple to listen to how you've been getting on?

Both passionate campaigners for mental health, William and Kate spent much of the pandemic talking to key workers, NHS staff and just about as many people as they could to show how much they appreciate them.

Here they are on a call with a primary school.

Happy 10 years!

As the official pictures marking Kate and William's decade of marriage are released, the Royal Family has congratulated them.

A message on the monarchy's official social media accounts marking William and Kate's milestone decade of marriage said: "Wishing The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a very happy wedding anniversary.

"Today marks 10 years since Their Royal Highnesses exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey."

The traditional gift on a 10th wedding anniversary is tin, symbolising strength and durability.

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2021-04-29 17:19:17Z
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William and Kate: New portraits released for 10th wedding anniversary - The Independent

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1. William and Kate: New portraits released for 10th wedding anniversary  The Independent
2. Kate and William's 10 years of marriage in pictures  BBC News
3. Scots jeweller giving £100 of jewellery to anyone named Kate or William today  Daily Record
4. Why the Duchess of Cambridge's stunning wedding make-up is still the most timeless look for brides  Telegraph.co.uk
5. In love with Pippa Middleton's bridesmaid dress? We've found a near-identical version  HELLO!
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2021-04-28 23:23:00Z
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Julia James: Killed community officer last seen taking dog for a walk - BBC News

KentOnline

A serving police community support officer found dead in woodland was last seen taking her dog for a walk, the BBC has been told.

A murder investigation was launched after the body of Julia James, 53, was found in Akholt Wood, Snowdown, near Dover, just after 16:00 BST on Tuesday.

Ms James had been off duty at the time, Kent Police said.

Police have been carrying out searches of woodland and nearby fields and Ms James's home has been cordoned off.

PA Media

A white police tent is still in place in the woods, which is popular with dog walkers, after Ms James' body was discovered, and there is a heavy police presence in the area.

A few hundred metres away a house with a car and a van parked on the driveway was under police guard.

Officers in vans have also been posted at the start of footpaths leading off Holt Street where portable facilities have been erected.

The main road between Aylesham and Snowdown remains closed off.

PA Media

Kent Police colleagues confirmed Ms James had served on the force as a PCSO and said they were pursuing "a number of lines of inquiry" into her death.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she had been "so saddened" to learn of the death.

So saddened to hear of the death of @kent_police PCSO Julia James.

I offer my sincere condolences to Julia’s friends, family and colleagues at this awful time. https://t.co/8gfqmA14yV

— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) April 28, 2021

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter

Detectives have appealed for anybody who was in the area on Monday or Tuesday to come forward.

At the scene: BBC reporter Simon Jones

The hunt for Julia James' killer is continuing this morning.

It's a fast-moving investigation but also a difficult investigation for Kent Police officers because of course they are looking into the murder of one of their own officers.

She was last seen by a neighbour leaving her home on Tuesday afternoon as she went to walk her dog.

We've seen a lot of searches of fields - this is a very rural area and a lot of places are cordoned off as officers carried out fingertip searches.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Ayling said it had been "a tough day for many" on the force.

There were "some shattered people today following the loss of one of our own," he said.

Matthew Scott, the Kent police and crime commissioner, said his thoughts were with Ms James's family and friends.

My thoughts are with Julia’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.

If you can help Kent Police with their enquiries, please see the information in the post below. https://t.co/LO9Y4mt4aA

— Matthew Scott (@matthewinkent) April 28, 2021

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter

St Peter's Church in Aylesham opened for prayers on Thursday morning.

Egerton Farmers' Market said Ms James was among a group of PCSOs who held "pop-up" stations at the market where residents could raise their concerns and ask questions.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.

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2021-04-29 08:08:09Z
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Janey Godley in hilarious Arlene Foster voiceover after Northern Irish First Minister resigns - Daily Record

Janey Godley has been keeping Scots entertained through the pandemic with her hilarious Nicola Sturgeon voiceovers.

But today the comedian turned her hand to a new politician - Arlene Foster, who resigned as DUP leader and Northern Ireland's First Minister this afternoon.

Foster is to step down as DUP leader and the country's leader having faced criticism over her handling of Brexit, which sparked calls within the party for a leadership contest.

In a statement, Foster said: "It is important to give space over the next few weeks for the Party Officers to make arrangements for the election of a new leader."

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She delivered the statement on Sky News, and Janey Godley wasted little time getting to work.

Opening the video she said: "Hi there, Arlene here, just to let you know that I am resigning, but the good news is I can finally, finally explore my passion as a wedding singer.

"Me and big Theresa May, we've started our own wedding band singers. We're going to be doing the hits of Gaga, Madonna, Steps, Kylie, Abba... aw the big songs like....mamamamammaa Poker Face!

Janey Godley (Image: DAILY RECORD)

She added: "And I've got the 'the winner takes it all... you can make me wholeeeee..... whole again, yeah that's the words.

"Yeah, so we're looking forward to that, watch out for a caravan site, we'll be coming near you! Thank you!"

And many loved Janey's latest voice over.

One wrote: "Fantastic thank you for the laugh."

Another added: "I can actually see this happening, and what's more, I would pay to see it!"

While one penned: "Belter, Cheers Janey."

And one wrote: "This is just SO funny!"

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Arlene Foster will stand down as DUP leader at the end of May and as First Minister at the end of June after a five year term that saw Brexit and the controversial Northern Ireland protocol enacted.

Foster was under fire from her party colleagues over the political storm caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol which has imposed a customs border down the Irish Sea.

Top news stories today

Recent changes to Northern Ireland's abortion laws and the commitment to implement an Irish language act were unpopular with conservative elements of the DUP ahead of next year's assembly election.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Showbiz newsletterhere.

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2021-04-28 18:20:40Z
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New photos of William and Kate to mark their 10th wedding anniversary - Sky News

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released two new portraits ahead of their 10th wedding anniversary on Thursday.

The photographs were taken at Kensington Palace this week by Chris Floyd.

Second-in-line to the throne William married his former university flatmate Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London on 29 April, 2011.

Image: The couple posed at Kensington Palace. Pic: Chris Floyd/Camera Press

Their wedding came after an eight-year relationship.

They now have three children: seven-year-old Prince George, Princess Charlotte, five, and three-year-old Prince Louis.

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Royal writer Penny Junor said Kate - the Duchess of Cambridge - has supported William over the past 10 years.

She told the PA news agency: "I think she has been absolutely extraordinary and a model of what a future queen should be.

"She has got such poise and elegance and she's not in competition with William. She doesn't seem to be seeking fame.

"Everything about her is measured. She's a grown-up. She seems to care a lot about everything she's put her name to.

"And she's very good with people but she's not on an ego trip and I think that is absolutely crucial in that role."

During the coronavirus lockdowns, William and Kate have baked goods for local vulnerable people, carried out video calls, supported key workers and home-schooled their children.

Kate has also focused on charity work in the areas of mental health, the visual arts and the benefits of outdoor life.

The couple also became joint patrons of NHS Charities Together.

The 240 NHS charities in the UK provide extra funding for hospitals, community and mental health services, and ambulance services.

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2021-04-28 21:48:49Z
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Two police officers are charged with misconduct after 'taking selfies next to murdered sisters' - Daily Mail

Two Met police officers, 47 and 32, are charged with misconduct after ‘taking selfies next to bodies of murdered sisters in Wembley’

• PCs Deniz Jaffer, 47, and Jamie Lewis, 32, will appear in court next month
• The two police officers have both been charged with misconduct in public office
• It came after allegations they took selfies next to the bodies of murdered sisters

By Dan Sales For Mailonline

Published: 14:15 BST, 28 April 2021 | Updated: 15:32 BST, 28 April 2021

Two police officers have been charged with misconduct in public office after allegedly taking selfies next to the bodies of two murdered sisters. 

PCs Deniz Jaffer, 47, and Jamie Lewis, 32, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 27 May 2021 for their first hearing.

It comes after they were investigated over inappropriate pictures of Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, who were stabbed to death in Wembley, north-west London, in the early hours of June 6 last year.

The images were then allegedly shared on WhatsApp before ending up in the public domain. 

Experts from the Independent Office for Police Conduct had investigated the claims then passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The CPS London Complex Casework unit authorised the charges following a review of their findings.

PC Deniz Jaffer, 47, has been charged with misconduct in a public office over the pictures

Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, who were stabbed to death in Wembley last year

Reports of the pictures had devastated the mother of Ms Smallman and Henry.

Mina Smallman told the BBC at the time that the pictures 'dehumanised' her children.

'This has taken our grief to another place,' she said.

Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said she was stunned at news of the allegations last yeear. 

The sisters' mother Mina Smallman (pictured) told the BBC that the pictures 'dehumanised' her children

She said: 'My heart goes out to the family.

'In relation to the allegations about a photograph, I am dumbfounded. I am appalled.'

Police previously released pictures of senior social worker Ms Henry, from Brent in north-west London, and photographer Ms Smallman dancing with fairy lights before they were murdered.

The pair had met with friends during the evening to celebrate Ms Henry's birthday.

Danyal Hussein, 18, from Blackheath, has been charged with two counts of murder and possession of an offensive weapon, and faces trial later this year. 

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2021-04-28 13:15:20Z
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Brexit: Boris Johnson hails 'final step in long journey' as European Parliament backs UK-EU trade deal - Sky News

Boris Johnson has hailed the "final step in a long journey" after the European Parliament gave its approval to the post-Brexit trade deal.

With MEPs having overwhelmingly supported the Trade and Cooperation Agreement - which was struck on Christmas Eve - the prime minister said now "is the time to look forward to the future".

The European Parliament consented to the deal by 660 votes to five, with 32 abstentions.

The result was announced on Wednesday morning after MEPs cast their votes on Tuesday night.

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A new beginning' as PM signs EU trade deal

The deal had provisionally been in force since the end of the transition period on 1 January.

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Earlier this year, MEPs declined to set a date for a vote following a row over the UK's action in relation to post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland.

But with an end of April deadline looming by which to ratify the agreement, MEPs have now made their decision.

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There remain a few formalities to be completed over the next few days to complete the EU's ratification process.

Responding to the European Parliament vote, Mr Johnson tweeted: "This week is the final step in a long journey, providing stability to our new relationship with the EU as vital trading partners, close allies and sovereign equals.

"Now is the time to look forward to the future and to building a more Global Britain."

Great news that the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of our zero tariffs, zero quotas Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Now is the time to look forward to a new relationship with the EU and a more Global Britain.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 28, 2021

Cabinet minister Lord Frost, who oversees the EU-UK relationship, said the vote brought "certainty" and would allow the UK and EU to "focus on the future".

"We will always aim to act in that positive spirit but we will also always stand up for our interests when we must - as a sovereign country in full control of our own destiny," he added.

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European Parliament President David Sassoli said MEPs would "monitor closely" to ensure commitments made within the agreement "are kept".

"The agreement voted today lays the foundation for a new EU-UK relationship," he posted on Twitter.

"It will not be as frictionless as what came before, but it is in all our interests to make it work."

On Tuesday, speaking as MEPs began their final debate on the post-Brexit trade deal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed the EU "will not hesitate" to take action against the UK under the terms of the agreement, if there is a dispute.

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2021-04-28 09:23:56Z
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