Sabtu, 29 Juli 2023

Andrew Malkinson: End living cost charge for wrongfully convicted, Tory MP says - BBC

Andrew MalkinsonPA Media

A senior Conservative MP has urged ministers to change prison compensation rules after it emerged a man who wrongly spent 17 years in jail may have money deducted from his payout.

Andrew Malkinson, 57, was cleared of a rape he did not commit. He called the current rules "kind of sick".

Under existing rules, savings made on living costs while in prison can be deducted from compensation.

Sir Bob Neill said: "Any fair-minded person thinks this is just wrong."

The government has no plans for any changes but keeps all laws under review.

The rules date back to a decision made in 2007 by the House of Lords.

It said that money could be deducted from compensation for "saved living expenses". This refers to costs the prisoner would have incurred if they had not been locked up, such as food and accommodation, according to a House of Commons briefing paper.

Sir Bob, who is chairman of the Justice Select Committee, said that at the time the decision was made, it was thought that taxpayers would be offended at paying money to someone who was freed on a technicality.

He said Mr Malkinson, however, was not cleared on a technicality, but on DNA evidence.

"This was a serious miscarriage of justice," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"It's clearly not right that somebody who was deprived of their liberty, because of the failures of the state and its institutions for a number of years, then should pay the state or be obliged to give some money back to the state, for the privilege of having been wrongly incarcerated.

"That surely offends any any kind of sense of justice," he added.

He said he would like ministers to change the rules to protect those wrongly convicted from paying such costs.

"The sums involved are trivial in the overall scheme of things," he said.

The maximum payment in cases where someone has been in jail for more than 10 years is £1m.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This was a deeply troubling case and we recognise the pain of any individual punished for a crime they did not commit - which is why we continue to support the work of the independent Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).

"It is only right victims of miscarriages of justice can apply for compensation and that all requests are properly assessed independent of government."

In 1997, convictions against cousins Vincent and Michael Hickey for the murder of Carl Bridgewater at a farm near Stourbridge in 1978 were found to be fundamentally flawed.

Michael Hickey was subsequently awarded £1.02m and Vincent Hickey £550,000 but, in each case, a 25% deduction was made from the part of their compensation that reflected loss of earnings while in prison.

This was because of living expenses they did not have to pay while in prison.

On the programme, criminal defence lawyer Matthew Ryder KC described the difficulties of getting the Court of Appeal to consider cases of possible wrongful conviction.

He said two Parliamentary committees had found the CCRC needed to be "less hesitant" about referring cases to the Court of Appeal.

"We've got to get ourselves in a position where if there's a risk of injustice, a risk of someone like an innocent man staying in custody for a very long time when their cases should be considered, we've got to find a mechanism where those cases get considered by the Court of Appeal," he said.

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2023-07-29 12:42:19Z
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Police recover two motorbikes in Walsall hit-and-run inquiry - The Guardian

Police investigating the death of a seven-year-old girl in a hit-and-run in Walsall say they have found two abandoned motorbikes, while a 14-year-old boy arrested over the incident has been released on bail.

The discovery came after Katniss Seleznev’s mother, Tsvetelina Selezneva, spoke of her devastation at her daughter’s death, saying her “soul is aching” after losing her “star”.

The child was found with critical injuries and was taken to Birmingham children’s hospital, but later died. The 14-year-old boy was arrested by West Midlands police officers on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Paying tribute to Katniss in a Facebook post, her mother said that her “heart is bleeding”. She said: “God took her away too young and fragile. I don’t have strength and I don’t want to say goodbye to you, my star. How to let you go, my heart is bleeding, my soul is aching.”

On Saturday, Det Sgt Paul Hughes, from the force’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “Our work to establish the facts around this tragic incident is continuing.

“We have recovered two motorbikes and they will now be forensically examined as part of those extensive enquiries. And, at this awful time, our thoughts remain with the family of Katniss, who are being supported and have asked to be left to grieve in private.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to all those people who have already come to us with information – it is truly appreciated. We would ask again that anyone who was at the scene does still come forward, as what they know may be valuable to our ongoing investigation.”

Flowers, balloons and stuffed toys were left at the scene of the crash on Friday.

Dozens of bunches of brightly coloured bouquets paid tribute to the girl, with one reading: “I will remember your beautiful soul for ever. Thinking and praying for your family.” Another says: “Rest in peace beautiful girl.”

A steady stream of people have been visiting the scene to add their own tributes and comfort each other.

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2023-07-29 08:01:00Z
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Jumat, 28 Juli 2023

London mayor Sadiq hails Ulez expansion ruling by High Court - BBC

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The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) across London can go ahead after the High Court ruled it lawful.

Five Conservative-led councils had challenged the Labour mayor of London's plans to charge older, more polluting vehicles £12.50 a day from 29 August.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told the BBC: "This landmark decision is good news as it means we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London."

Surrey Council's leader branded the decision "incredibly disappointing".

The judge, Mr Justice Swift, said the mayor's expansion decision "was within his powers".

He wrote: "Having carefully considered the decision published for the purposes of consultation, I'm satisfied sufficient information was provided to permit this wanting to respond to the consultation to provide informed responses.

"I'm further satisfied that when taking the decision on the grant to meet the cost of the vehicle scrappage scheme, the mayor understood the likely provision that would be made.

"While the consultation conducted was not in-depth, it was lawful."

When and where will Ulez be extended?

Map of expanded Ulez area

The Ulez currently covers the area between the North and South Circulars, but this judgment means it will be spread across Greater London from the end of August.

When it was first introduced in 2019, the zone covered the Congestion Charge area in central London, then was enlarged in October 2021.

The new borders of the zone will reach Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey.

You can check if your vehicle meets the emission standards on the Transport for London website.

City Hall has claimed that 90% of cars seen driving in outer London complied with Ulez standards which has been backed by the UK Statistics Authority, although the watchdog criticised the mayor over data transparency.

Mr Khan said: "The decision to expand the Ulez was very difficult and not something I took lightly and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have.

"This unambiguous decision today in the High Court allows us to press on with the difficult but vital task of cleaning up London's air and tackling the climate crisis."

On Wednesday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the mayor to reflect on the expansion in the wake of a by-election victory for the Conservatives in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, which he said was due to the "impact it's having on people".

Bus in background, ULEZ sign in foreground
Reuters

The action was launched by February by the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon, as well as Surrey County Council.

Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey Council, said: "Whilst we respect today's court decision, it is incredibly disappointing."

Bromley Council leader, Colin Smith, said: "To the legion of families who will now have to trade in perfectly good cars at significant cost they can't really afford, for a newer vehicle they don't want or need, I can only say sorry.

"We've tried our very hardest to protect you but ultimately, today's judgement does mean that the mayor has taken another step closer to getting his way."

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Harrow, Surrey and Bromley, which spent £32,000 contesting the expansion, have confirmed they will not appeal the court's decision.

Air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, can cause and worsen respiratory problems like asthma, and can affect those with heart conditions, according to multiple scientific studies.

Dr Anna Moore, a respiratory doctor working at a London hospital, called Ulez a health policy which was "going to improve the health of millions of Londoners".

She said: "I see patients suffer from the effects of toxic air week in and week out. There is no organ in the body which is not harmed by air pollution."

Ulez expansion protest
PA Media

Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at the RAC, said: "While the principle of cleaning up London's air is the right one, it has come at a time where drivers can ill afford to replace their vehicles during a cost-of-living crisis.

"This is being made by worse by new evidence which shows drivers are having to pay far more than they should have to purchase a compliant vehicle on the second-hand car market."

Steve Tuckwell, the newly elected MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said: "Uxbridge and South Ruislip sent mayor Sadiq Khan a clear message last week - halt your Ulez expansion.

"Londoners cannot go on being ignored by the Labour Party, who are making the choice to expand Ulez, saddling families and businesses with a £4,500 a year charge - a tax on carers, parents, patients, sole traders and all hard-working Londoners."

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2023-07-28 12:04:34Z
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Boy, 14, arrested after hit-and-run death of seven-year-old girl in Walsall - The Guardian

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after a seven-year-old girl was killed in a hit-and-run involving a motorcycle in Walsall.

West Midlands police said officers were called to the Blakenall area of the town after the fatal collision on Thursday night.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, has been arrested and remains in custody, the force said. It did not disclose what offence the teenager had been held on suspicion of.

Police said the girl was hit by a blue and black motorcycle on Turnstone Road shortly after 7pm on Thursday. Officers have appealed for help to trace the motorcycle and identity the make and model.

DS Paul Hughes from the serious collision investigation unit said: “This is an absolutely tragic event which has resulted in the death of an innocent child. We have still to recover the motorbike involved and I know someone out there in the local community knows where the bike is.

“I now need that community to come together and work with me. This is not about protecting people, this is about doing the right thing. As such I would urge anyone with any information, however large or small, to make contact with us.

“This is a heart-breaking situation that no family should ever go through and my thoughts are with the family of this young girl.”

The girl’s family are being supported by family liaison officers.

Anyone with information can contact the force via 101 or email the investigation team at SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk.

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2023-07-28 10:13:00Z
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Gatwick Airport chaos as passengers evacuated leaving hundreds of Brits rushing for flights - The Mirror

Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from London's Gatwick Airport early this morning due to a fire alarm being activated. Crowds were seen gathering outside the airport's north terminal, and a fire crew was pictured climbing up an escalator.

One traveller took to Twitter complaining of a "lack of guidance" from staff, posting: "Evacuated at Gatwick due to a fire alarm! Not great from the staff here as no guidance. Poor operations!"

Another wrote alongside a photo of two firefighters: "Gatwick Airport evacuation, fire alert", while a third shared a video of people milling around outside, saying: "Fire alarm at Gatwick, this is going to be fun."

As of 7.30am, passengers were being allowed back inside the airport. A Gatwick spokeswoman apologised to passengers for any inconvenience, and said the evacuation took place for a "short time".

As of 7.30am, passengers were being allowed back inside the airport
As of 7.30am, passengers were being allowed back inside the airport ( @DanDEnglish/Twitter)

She told the Mirror: "London Gatwick’s North Terminal was evacuated for a short time this morning due to a fire alarm being activated. As always, safety and security are our number one priority. We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience."

Meanwhile, an easyJet flight was forced to land back at the airport this morning shortly after takeoff, before being escorted off the runway by emergency vehicles.

The evacuation comes after Unite union called off strike action that was due to take place amongst baggage handlers and ground staff at the airport this weekend. ASC workers voted in favour of a double digit pay rise, while workers at Menzies voted in favour of a 13 per cent increase for ground handling staff and a 17 per cent increase for the lowest paid staff, as well as enhancements to annual leave and sick pay.

The votes in favour of the deals mean that both disputes have now ended, and all strike action related to them cancelled, said the union. Earlier this week, strikes by Gatwick DHL workers were also called off after workers voted to accept a 15 per cent pay deal.

A fire truck seen outside the airport
A fire truck seen outside the airport ( @DanDEnglish/Twitter)

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "These excellent results were achieved because Menzies and ASC workers at Gatwick are unionised and stood strong. Unite does what it says on the trade union tin: Defend and improve jobs, pay and conditions for our members."

Meanwhile, workers at GGS have started balloting on an improved pay offer, for which a further announcement will be made in due course, added the union.

Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said: "As these results demonstrate, workers looking to improve their wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleague to do the same."

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2023-07-28 06:14:13Z
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The picturesque riverside Nottinghamshire village swarmed by visitors in the summer - Nottinghamshire Live

As the weather gets warmer many residents flock to the seaside or spend a day walking along or sailing in the River Trent, but for some riverside villages this can be problematic. Gunthorpe is a beautiful village located near Lowdham stretching along the river, with Gunthorpe Lock one of the largest locks on the Trent.

But residents have warned that each summer the village's only car park gets full and people fill up Main Street with their cars. Retired Steve Henesy, 63, explained he doesn't experience the issue as he lives "far enough away from the river." He said: "Parking will be a problem closer to the river as the road does tend to get full there."

Steve explained the village often gets busy in summer, and people come from all over to go to the pubs and businesses on the riverfront all year round. He added: "If you're a local then probably you don't go to the pub when the sun is out as it's too busy."

What three words would you use to describe Nottinghamshire? Let us know

He said he didn't think there were enough resources in the village, and added that some years "we have the youths jumping off the bridge which brings the emergency services round".

A retired 75-year-old, who lives in Gunthorpe but did not want to be named, said he had noticed a problem: "Very much so. It's mainly the amount of car parking on the Main Street which is horrific and trying to get round the roads when we know it's going to be busy which is any good sunny Sunday.

Retired Steve Henesy
Retired Steve Henesy

"I don't even attempt to go in from the bridge [Gunthorpe Bridge], I go in from the Lowdham end because it can be quite difficult to get through all the cars." However, he explained that when it's not busy he likes to enjoy the River Trent as well.

He added: "If it's not too busy then we can walk across the river and walk out to Caythorpe." Speaking about the offering for children in the village, the man replied: "They are trying, the school does stuff and the people who operate the village hall try to do stuff for them, so they have even got some junior football teams being sorted."

Regarding the car parking, Gunthorpe mum Emma Kenna, 31, said: "There tends to be a bit more traffic along the main road but nothing that bothers us." Speaking about the businesses on the riverfront, she added: "They get really busy in summer with visitors, so we tend to avoid them at those sorts of times."

Emma explained that sometimes boats come past or people go on the river for water sports. She said: "There's a group of people who all do water sports. They have water skis and stuff like that."

The mum added that there used to be a boat that people could hire to "go along the river for an hour or two" but this stopped a few years ago.

"There's plenty in Gunthorpe, there's a park that not a lot of people know about, there's plenty of nice walks and there are the surrounding villages that are within walking distance like Burton Joyce and Caythorpe."

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2023-07-28 03:00:00Z
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'Exciting' street trading plans 'will help boost town's economy' - North Wales Live

Street trading could soon be allowed on several Llanrwst streets, boosting the economy in the market town with a series of annual events such as Christmas fayres. Llanrwst Town Council has approached Conwy Council, seeking to have "prohibited streets" converted to "consent streets", potentially allowing on-street trading.

If agreed, this would allow traders to apply to Conwy Council through its street trading policy for on-street trading. At a Conwy licensing committee meeting this week, representatives of Llanrwst Town Council spoke by video link, indicating they already had an event in mind this Christmas, should the application be successful.

Llanrwst councillor Aaron Wynne isn’t on the committee but spoke in favour of the application. "I'm very supportive of this application by Llanrwst Town Council," he said.

READ MORE: The two North Wales fish and chip shops named among the best in the UK

"These plans that the council have are very exciting plans and would definitely give a boost to the town's economy, and I think this is the right step forward." Cllr Harry Saville proposed the committee back the proposals, and this was seconded by Cllr Abdul Khan. The committee’s vote was unanimous.

Public notices will now be placed on the streets and in newspapers. Cllr Goronwy Edwards, though, pointed out it was important that provisions for litter at events were put in place.

The streets included in the application are: George Street, Parry Road, Llanddoged Road, School Bank Road, Abergele Road, Denbigh Street, Watling Street, Tan y Graig, Conwy Terrace, Station Approach, Gwydyr Road, Ancaster Square, Church Street, Willow Street, and all streets leading into the above for a distance of 50 yards.

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2023-07-28 04:15:00Z
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