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Passport Luxury Travel Blog | Kiwi Collection: Ambassador Hotel Review – The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

2012-02-15T20:58:00.001-08:00

Passport Luxury Travel Blog | Kiwi Collection

Pages of travel tales gathered from visits to hotels, hammams, beaches, boutiques, bars and everything luxurious in between // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Ambassador Hotel Review – The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Feb 16th 2012, 03:49

- Naomi Watts, Actress

Actress

Accomplished actress Naomi Watts consistently receives rave reviews and accolades, including a 2004 Academy Award Best Actress nomination for her role in Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu's 21 Grams. Recently seen in Doug Liman's Fair Game, Watts is currently starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar.

Review

I would have to say this is one of my favorite hotels… possibly my number 1. We stayed in the luxury tents which were divine as we woke up with the sound of peacocks everywhere.

The beds were unbelievably comfortable. And bathrooms romantic and old fashioned. The kids loved dining in the pool area under the stars. The spa looked gorgeous – and I hope I get a better look at it next time! It was an all around perfect experience with brilliant service and food! I will never forget this hotel. Can't wait for a second experience here…

Naomi's Rating

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Home | Mail Online: Kinky couple arrested after woman spotted naked and bound in the back of Subaru on Valentine's Day date

2012-02-15T19:33:00.004-08:00

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Kinky couple arrested after woman spotted naked and bound in the back of Subaru on Valentine's Day date

Feb 16th 2012, 02:57

By Michael Zennie

Last updated at 2:57 AM on 16th February 2012

Valentine's Day ended badly for Stephanie Pelzner and it's not because she spent part of the afternoon naked and bound with her mouth taped shut in the back of a Subaru.

Pelzner, 26, and her boyfriend Nikolas Harbar, 31, were handcuffed and carted off to jail after their kinky stunt sparked a frantic police search in Portland, Oregon, because witnesses feared Pelzner was being kidnapped.

Harbar and Pelzner say they were just having a romantic bondage-inspired Valentine's Day date, but Portland officers were turned off. Nine squad cars were tied up for 20 minutes while they searched for a woman they believed was in danger, a spokesman said.

Romantic date: Stephanie Pelzner, 26, told police she wanted to be stripped naked and bound for a Valentine's Day sex game with her boyfriend Nikolas Harber, 31

About noon Tuesday, a witness called police to report that a blue Subaru Legacy had left a parking lot with a naked woman in her 20s in the back. She was tied up and her mouth was covered with duct tape.

The witness said she had approached the man, later identified as Harbar, who said that the two were 'were just having some fun.'

However, the witness claimed the woman in the back 'seemed hazy' so the witness called police.

That led officers in northern Portland to scramble as they looked for the Subaru. They went to Harbar's home after they tracked the Subaru's license plate back to him.

When he showed up with Pelzner tied in the back of his car, she confirmed that she was role-playing a sex game with her boyfriend.

Kinky cruiser: Pelzner was spotted in the back of a Subaru Legacy, like this one

Police then arrested Pelzner and Harber for disorderly conduct.

'The concern is their actions created a pretty substantial public alarm, to the point where you have a 911 caller saying she's concerned about this person tied up naked in the back of a car,' Lt Robert King, a police spokesman, told the Los Angeles Times.

The story has prompted dozens of comments on the Portland Police Bureau's Facebook page, many of them critical of the decision by officers to arrest the couple.

One woman simply repeated the unofficial slogan for Portland, which prides itself on being home to an eclectic mix of people: 'Keep Portland Weird, Man,' she said.

Home | Mail Online: Testosterone levels seen prior to birth in fetus' fingers, jawline

2012-02-15T19:33:00.003-08:00

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Testosterone levels seen prior to birth in fetus' fingers, jawline

Feb 16th 2012, 02:40

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 2:40 AM on 16th February 2012

A close look at a newborn's hand can show much testosterone the child was subjected to while in the womb, new research has found.

A child's index finger to the ring finger ratio plays a role in the shape of a face – and it can be seen even before a boy hits puberty.

Digit ratio is non-invasive and easy to measure, and has the potential to provide clues about an individual's prenatal history.

Research: The study found that if the index finger is the same size or longer than the ring finger, the child is more likely to have a narrower chin and a more feminine face

The research found that if the index finger is the same size or longer than the ring finger, the child is more likely to have a narrower chin and a more feminine face.

But if the index finger is shorter, the boy's face will be rounder and have a more masculine look.

Researcher Sonja Windhager, an anthropologist at the University of Vienna, told LiveScience: 'The overall shape patterns associated with high and low digit ratios depicted in our sample of boys closely resemble the ones found for adult men'.

She added: 'In an ongoing study, we are now collecting data of adolescents to compare the magnitude of shape difference associated with [second finger to fourth finger ratio] before and after puberty'.

And that's not all the fingers show.

Handyman: A study in the Asian Journal of Andrology found a correlation between finger length and the length of a man's penis

Last year, a study in the Asian Journal of Andrology found a correlation between finger length and the length of a man's penis.

Men whose index fingers are shorter than their ring fingers may have longer penises, according to the study out of South Korea.

Tae Beom Kim at the urology department of Gachon University Gil Hospital in Incheon, South Korea, said: 'According to our data... the shorter index [second] finger than ring [fourth] finger you have, the longer stretched penile length you have'.

Previous studies have shown strong evidence that prenatal testosterone may determine finger development as well as penile length, a relationship that Kim and his colleagues launched the study to focus on.

Man's men: Actors Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke are both included among those with round, masculine faces

The study involved 144 men suffering from urological problems that did not affect the length of their penis, which was measured under anaesthesia.

Thus, combined with other information, digit ratio offers the potential for clinical usefulness, wrote McQuade in an email reply to questions from Reuters.

Female index and ring fingers tend to be about the same length.

A 2010 study said that men with long index fingers have a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Researchers at Britain's Warwick University and the Institute of Cancer Researcher found that men whose index finger is longer than their ring finger were one-third less likely to develop the disease than men with the opposite pattern of finger length.

Home | Mail Online: Japanese robot works like a hi-tech 'puppet' controlled via a virtual reality suit

2012-02-15T19:33:00.001-08:00

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Japanese robot works like a hi-tech 'puppet' controlled via a virtual reality suit

Feb 16th 2012, 03:25

Suit lets 'pilot' see through robot eyes and feel with its hands
VR-controlled robot could be used in Fukushima-style disasters
Robot controls are so sensitive it can pick up objects

By Rob Waugh

Last updated at 6:46 PM on 15th February 2012

A new robot from Japan is a metal 'avatar' that is controlled via a virtual reality suit - letting users remote-control the robot and see through its eyes.

The Telesar V mimics the movements of its pilot - and is so realistic it can even pick up objects. Scientists hope similar robots could venture into dangerous areas such as contaminated reactors.

The controller dons a 3D head display that covers his whole vision and can 'see' through a robot's eyes. Wheenever he moves sensors replicate that movement on the robot.

Scroll down for video

'Pilots' of the robot can 'see' what the robot sees through its video camera eyes and 'feel' what it feels through its metal hands via sensors in their control suit's gloves

The robot mirrors the movement of the person wearing its 'control suit' - with movements so precise it can even pick up objects

Pressure simulators within the control suit's gloves allow the 'driver' to feel what the robot is touching

The Telesar's temperature sensors are so precise they tell how hot something is when the robot touches it.

It can also feel the shape of something as small as a lego brick - with corresponding impulses being sent back to the controller.

The robot's makers believe it could be extremely useful in situation like the Fukushima disaster when radiation levels are too deadly for humans and the current wheeled robots are not responsive enough.

It could also have applications for bomb disposal, space exploration or for surgery.,

The Telesar V has been developed by Japanese researchers at Keio University and has been made as life-like as possible.

It has eight joints on its neck and seven on its arms, like like humans do.

The pilot simply moves their arms fingers and head to pilot Telesar V

The screen on the top right shows what the 'pilot' is seeing through her VR helmet - the same pink teddy that is directly in front of the robot, bottom right

The body can also move in seven different directions and it has video cameras in its head that are linked up to the 3D head display so the user can 'see' what it is looking at.

Sensory data is sent back via gloves fitted with semiconductors and motors which mimic touch, pressure, texture, heat and cold.

Mashahiro Furukawa of the Telesar team said the aim was to 'make it really feel as if you are in another place'.

He said: 'What you can do with this telexistence robot is you can see things you normally see, even in a remote location.

'If you are a physician, for example, to examine a patient you need to extend your hands.

'With this system you have hands that you can move just like your own.

'You can also hear what's going on around you. Those are the first things that we achieved with this system.

'Now we have added sensors that communicate what the robot's fingers are touching and a system to feed the touch sensation back to the operator.

'The technology makes it possible to operate the robot as your avatar and feel what you are touching, even if you are a long distance away.'

Pofessor Susumu Tachi of Keio university's graduate school of media and design added that the research could allow humans to go into areas that are too dangerous for them but 'require human skills'.

Home | Mail Online: JPs take pity on country estate hunting dog that tore lumps of flesh from a woman's leg

2012-02-15T18:31:00.008-08:00

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JPs take pity on country estate hunting dog that tore lumps of flesh from a woman's leg

Feb 16th 2012, 01:26

Akita dog Fiji must now be muzzed whenever he's roaming outside owner's five acre garden
Wealthy owner Brian Thornton is chairman of Gloucestershire County Council
Victim Helen Bromfield was forced to have skin grafts and spent two weeks in hospital

By Andy Dolan

Last updated at 1:26 AM on 16th February 2012

A dog that tore 'lumps of flesh' from a woman it savaged on a country estate was spared death after magistrates took pity on the 'beautifully behaved' animal.

Helen Bromfield was left permanently disfigured after the Akita – a Japanese hunting dog – attacked her as it ran loose on the estate owned by county council chairman Brian Thornton and his wife Verity.

The court heard how Mrs Bromfield, 52, feared she was going to be killed by the animal, which pounced as she lifted her own dog from her car.

Country estate: Brian Thornton, pictured with his wife Verity, insisted their dog is normally 'beautifully behaved' and should not be put down

The attack took place just yards from the lodge where Mrs Bromfield lived with her gamekeeper partner David in the estate's 50-acre deer park.

Mrs Bromfield, who also worked on the estate, told police that the dog should be destroyed.

However, as Akitas are not classified as illegal under the Dangerous Dogs Act it was left to magistrates to decide the fate of the dog, a male called Fuji.

And after it was brought into the courtroom to meet them, they elected to let it live.

Savage attack: A Japanese Akita dog like the one which attacked Mrs Bromfield (file photo)

Sharon Jomaa, prosecuting, had told Gloucester Magistrates Court that Fuji 'sank his teeth' into Mrs Bromfield's leg, 'knocking her to the floor' at the Priors Mesne estate in Aylburton, Gloucestershire.

She added: 'Helen felt Fuji was tearing her leg apart and saw lumps of flesh flying off. She was very frightened and thought that Fuji was going to kill her.'

Mrs Bromfield, who now lives in Somerset, needed surgery and a skin graft, and spent two weeks in hospital.

Mrs Jomaa added: 'She is angry at what happened and has nightmares and flashbacks.

'She would hate that to happen to someone else, especially a child, and thinks that Fuji should be destroyed.'

However, after the dog made an appearance, its life was spared. Instead, the court ordered for Fuji to be muzzled and kept on a lead whenever it was outside a five-acre section of garden on the estate.

Mr Thornton, 74, told magistrates that he only agreed to allow Mrs Bromfield and her boyfriend to keep their own dog on the estate if it was a female.

Instead, he said, they bought a male lurcher, Blade. The court also heard that Fuji had been kept apart from Blade for four years prior to the incident.

Mr Thornton said: 'This was an accident waiting to happen, as Fuji is a dominant dog which will not tolerate other male dogs on its territory.'

Speaking after the case, he said: 'We are very relieved he's not going to be destroyed. He's a beautifully behaved dog.

'We often have visits from schools to the deer park where there are up to 50 children and there's never been a problem.'

Mrs Thornton, 73, said she was 'extremely sorry for what happened' and had arranged for the couple to be compensated.

Senior Tory: Brian Thornton, chairman of Gloucestershire County Council, brought the dog to Gloucester Magistrates' Court in a bid to prove he is not dangerous

She admitted being the owner of a dog not under proper control following the incident last September.

Priors Mesne boasts a nine-bedroom house with views of the Severn Estuary and Cotswolds, and gardens that are regularly opened to the public. It was the setting for the 1985 film The Assam Garden.

Akitas originate from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. They have been used as fighting dogs but were bred primarily for hunting and can easily bring down prey such as deer and bears.

The Akita Association recommends that the 'powerful' animals should never be allowed to roam unattended.

Roberta Wright, the group's chairman, said: 'Personally, I would not have an Akita running loose on a big estate. They are hunting dogs and it is very difficult to get them back on a lead when running free in your average field, let alone a big estate full of wildlife.'

Home | Mail Online: Queen stands up for Christianity: 'Church of England is misunderstood and under-appreciated'

2012-02-15T18:31:00.007-08:00

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Queen stands up for Christianity: 'Church of England is misunderstood and under-appreciated'

Feb 16th 2012, 01:34

Comments come after High Court supports ban of prayers at meetings
'The Church has a duty to protect free practice of all faiths in this country'

By Rebecca English

Last updated at 1:34 AM on 16th February 2012

Defence of the Church: Queen used a speech at Lambeth Palace to remind the nation of the importance of 'Anglicanism' in everyday life

The Queen yesterday delivered an impassioned defence of the established Church and stressed the continuing importance of religion in an increasingly secular society.

In a strongly-worded speech – one of the most outspoken of her 60-year reign – the monarch described the Church of England as 'misunderstood' and 'under-appreciated'.

Her address to leaders of Britain's nine main religions at Lambeth Palace also highlighted the way religion offered 'critical guidance' for the way in which people live their lives.

And she emphasised that while the Church, of which she is head, was 'woven into the fabric of this country' it also had a 'duty' to protect freedom of worship for other faiths in order to build 'a better society'.

The sovereign's public address is the first of her Diamond Jubilee year and was written by the Queen herself, Buckingham Palace sources said.

It is particularly timely given last week's landmark legal ruling banning the saying of prayers at council meetings.

Christians and politicians reacted with dismay after a judge overturned centuries of custom by stopping a council in Devon putting prayers on the formal agenda.

On the same day, two Christian guesthouse owners failed in an attempt to overturn a £3,600 fine imposed for refusing – because it was against their religious beliefs – to allow a gay couple to occupy a double room.

Royal reception: The Queen and the Duke Of Edinburgh are greeted at Lambeth Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and his wife Jane

Heads of the Church: The Queen and Archbishop greet each other ahead of the multi-faith ceremony. They both used the opportunity to highlight the importance of religion in modern-day Britain

GRAPHIC CHRISTIANS

These and other developments, including recent cases of public sector workers being banned from displaying Christian symbols at work, have sparked a debate over whether the country is becoming too secularised and what effect this will have on society.

Days ago, Tory Party co-chairman Baroness Warsi spoke of a 'militant secularisation' taking hold in some countries.

But the Queen said: 'Prince Philip and I are delighted to be with you today to pay tribute to the particular mission of Christianity and the general value of faith in this country.

'This gathering is a reminder of how much we owe the nine major religious traditions represented here.

'We should remind ourselves of the significant position of the Church of England in our nation's life.

'The concept of our established Church is occasionally misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under-appreciated.

'Its role is not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions. Instead, the Church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country.

'It certainly provides an identity and spiritual dimension for its own many adherents.

'But also, gently and assuredly, the Church of England has created an environment for other faith communities and indeed people of no faith to live freely.

'Woven into the fabric of this country the Church has helped to build a better society – more and more active co-operation for the common good with those of other faiths.'

Warming to her theme, the 85-year-old monarch – who holds the title Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England – continued: 'This occasion is thus an opportunity to reflect on the importance of faith in creating and sustaining communities all over the United Kingdom.

'Faith plays a key role in the identity of millions of people, providing not only a system of belief but also a sense of belonging. It can act as a spur for social action. Indeed, religious groups have a proud track record of helping those in the greatest need.' The Queen was welcomed yesterday by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who paid tribute to her 'personal commitment' and leadership.

She also met leaders of the eight non-Christian religions recognised in this country – Baha'i, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism. She told them in her address: 'Our religions provide critical guidance for the way we live our lives and for the way in which we treat each other.'

Buckingham Palace sources stressed that the Queen did not want to politicise the issue but they said her faith was one of the most important issues in her life.

Controversial victory: Former councillor Clive Bone, pictured outside the town council offices in Bideford, won a legal battle to outlaw prayers at meetings - drawing instant criticism from religious groups

Home | Mail Online: Sean Penn attacks Britain for second time in two days over Falklands

2012-02-15T18:31:00.005-08:00

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Sean Penn attacks Britain for second time in two days over Falklands

Feb 16th 2012, 01:51

By Gerard Couzens

Last updated at 12:08 PM on 15th February 2012

Controversial: Hollywood actor Sean Penn has criticised Prince William's deployment to the Falklands in a second attack on Britain in two days

Hollywood actor Sean Penn has criticised Prince William's deployment to the Falklands in a second attack on Britain in two days.

Madonna's ex-husband was condemned as 'moronic' by Tory MP and former Army officer Patrick Mercer yesterday for claiming Britain's continuing hold on the Falklands was 'colonialist, ludicrous and archaic'.

But the left-leaning actor showed he cannot keep his mouth shut over the islands by accusing the UK of 'insensitivity' for posting William to the disputed South Atlantic territory and labelling Britain a colonial dinosaur for the second day running.

The double Oscar winner went on the attack again after a meeting with Uruguayan president Jose Mujica in Montevideo - less than 24 hours after he savaged Britain over the Falklands during his visit to Buenos Aires to see the Argentine president Cristina Kirchner.

Penn, who once called for U.S. president George W. Bush to be impeached over the Iraq War, met both state leaders in his role as Ambassador-at-large for Haiti.

He condemned criticism of his attack on 'colonial' Britain as 'hyperbole' and again insisted on calling the islands by their Spanish name of Las Malvinas.

Grinning smugly as he praised Uruguay as a 'model of development in the world' he added: 'My oh my, aren't people sensitive to the world colonialism, particularly those who implement colonialism.

Angry: Double Oscar winner Sean Penn (left) went on the attack against Britain for a second day running yesterday after a meeting with Uruguayan president Jose Mujica (right) in Montevideo

Controversial: Actor Sean Penn, pictured here with Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner on Monday, has branded Britain 'colonialist' for its refusal to hand over the Falkland Islands

Annoyed: Sean Penn said that the deployment of Prince William (left) to the Falklands was 'unthinkable'

'It's unthinkable that the United Kingdom can make a conscious decision to deploy a prince within the military to the Malvinas, knowing the great emotional sensitivity both of mothers and fathers in the United Kingdom and in Argentina who lost sons and daughters in a war of islands with a population of so few.

'There are many places to deploy the prince. It's not necessary, when the deployment of a prince is generally accompanied by warships, to send them into the seas of such shared blood.'

Penn, who has received praise from crackpot Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, insisted he was proud of America's long-standing alliance with the UK but felt he had the responsibility to criticise when criticism was due.

And he said that while he understood and respected the wish of people living in the Falklands Islands to remain British, they should also understand the need for Argentina and Britain to negotiate the sharing of the islands' natural resources.

Graffiti: A mural in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires commemorates its soldiers who fell in the Falklands Conflict

Protest: Stencilled graffiti across Buenos Aires saying 'They are not British, they are Argentine' (left) and 'English out of the Malvinas, we will return!' (right)

Demonstration: A Buenos Aires street daubed in pro-Argentine graffiti, with a sign that says: 'The Malvinas were, are and will be Argentine'

In an ugly attack on the press before ending his address to newsmen after his meeting with Uruguay's president, he added: 'Good journalism saves the world. Bad journalism destroys it so to all of you good journalists in the room I thank you. And the rest I will leave you to your own reflections.'

Penn, who had no previous knowledge or connection with the Falklands, later left by a side door of the skyscraper where he had met Jose Mucija, disappointing fans who had travelled miles to see him.

His comments have incensed Falkland veterans and islanders ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

Patrick Mercer added: 'What on earth has this got to do with Sean Penn? He's neither British nor Argentine and seems to know nothing about the situation judging by this moronic comment.

'A good number of his movies have been turkeys, so I suppose we shouldn't expect much better coming out of his mouth.'

Inspection: Actor Sean Penn (right) alongside Argentina's Social Developer Minister Alicia Kirchner (left) during a visit to a factory in Berazategui, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Monday

Disputed: Argentina calls the Falkland Islands (pictured) Las Malvinas and claims they were 'stolen' by Britain 180 years ago

Penn waded into the row over the disputed territory's future after he met President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in Buenos Aires on Monday, by insisting he was 'firmly' on the side of the South Americans.

Tensions between the UK and Argentina have been running higher than usual after Prince William's deployment to the islands as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot. Penn's remarks will further inflame relations as the anniversary of the start of the Falklands War approaches on April 2.

A total of 255 British soldiers were killed retaking the islands after an Argentinian military junta invaded the 'Malvinas', as the Falklands are known in Spanish, in 1982, while 649 Argentine troops died.

ARGENTINIAN POLICE CLASH WITH FALKLANDS WAR VETERANS

Argentine police clashed with a group of Falklands War veterans in Buenos Aires yesterday, demanding inclusion in a pension plan for war vets.

The protesting veterans, who were deployed in the 1982 Falklands War when Argentina invaded the British-ruled South Atlantic islands, are disqualified from a Falklands war veterans package because they never actually deployed on the islands.

The demonstrators were blocking a major downtown thoroughfare when riot police, led by a massive water cannon truck, moved in on them to break up the demonstration.

The ex-soldiers, who began their protest on Monday night, resisted the police and hurled rocks, sticks and other projectiles. The police responded with batons and riot shields.

The police finally fired tear gas and advanced against the demonstrators chasing them through the streets and detaining several.

The protesting veterans say they want the government to recognize them as 'continental combatants' and afford them a 'minimal pension'.

Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Falkland Islands, attacked the actor's comments as 'nonsense'.

He said: 'He shows complete ignorance of the issue if he comes out with nonsensical statements like that. In the 21st century people have a democratic right to their own future.

'It is Argentina that is trying to impose its wishes on the people of the Falklands. As an American he should remember that freedom is precious, and it is something his countrymen have defended around the globe.

'He must understand that the UK is equally entitled to defend the freedom of the people of the Falklands, even if they are 8,000 miles away.'

Dick Sawle, a member of the Falklands Legislative Assembly, said: 'I don't know Sean Penn's films or what he looks like so I know as much about him as he does about the islands. His remarks are ridiculous.'

Even comedian Jim Davidson weighed in. Davidson, patron of the Falkland Veterans Foundation, said: 'The fact of the matter is Argentina broke all the laws of the UN and attacked the Falkland Islands. What's next? Do we expect the French to land on the Isle of Wight and do nothing about it?

'Should we give Gibraltar back to Spain because Spain is nearer or do you think the Gibraltarians have a say?'

Penn, who called on Britain to join UN-sponsored talks over the islands, said: 'I hope that diplomats can establish true dialogue between the UK and Argentina in order to solve the conflict as the world today cannot tolerate ridiculous demonstrations of colonialism.

'I think the world today is not going to tolerate any kind of ludicrous and archaic commitment to colonialist ideology.' Britain has said repeatedly that those living on the Falklands – which have been in British hands since 1833 – have the right to decide under which country they want to be governed.

The 3,000-strong population has declared its wish to remain under British rule. Argentina has made a formal complaint to the UN over the UK's supposed 'militarisation' of the South Atlantic, based on the Type 45 destroyer Dauntless being ordered to the region, as well as Prince William's deployment in his RAF role.

The MoD says the deployments are 'routine'. The Royal Navy is also sending a nuclear-powered submarine to patrol the islands. In a fresh development, it was announced yesterday that all British-flagged ships will be boycotted by Argentina's transport workers' union.

A HOLLYWOOD REBEL WITH EVERY LEFT-WING CAUSE

As the acknowledged king of Hollywood's liberals, there is scarcely a single fashionable Left-wing cause Sean Penn has not championed in recent years.

Vehemently anti-Republican and achingly trendy, he counts Fidel Castro and Venezuela's hardline president Hugo Chávez among his friends.

He has also made anti-American propaganda visits to Iran and post-war Iraq.

Penn has met Chávez at least twice and defended the Left-wing leader, arguing that anyone calling him a 'dictator' should face jail. He has also said: 'Chávez may not be a good man. But he may well be a great one.'

Penn even once took out a £40,000 full-page newspaper advertisement to attack President George W Bush for his 'simplistic and inflammatory view of good and evil'.

Friends: Sean Penn (right) who has been labelled a 'communist' for his friendship with Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez (left) who he met in 2008

Later he would call for Bush and former vice president Dick Cheney to be jailed for 'deceiving the American people into a war (Iraq) that was murdering young men and women'.

Last October Penn visited 'inspirational' post-Gaddafi Libya.

The 51-year-old actor, who was married to Madonna from 1985 to 1989 and has two children from his second marriage to Robin Wright which has also now ended, was reported to have flashed a V for Victory sign as he arrived in Tripoli fresh from visiting Egypt.

Amid even Tinseltown's numerous famous bleeding hearts then, Penn stands out.

But despite his tough political posturing the Oscar-winning star of Milk and Mystic River is also famously sensitive to criticism.

When he was lampooned as a naive egotist in the 2004 satirical puppet movie Team America: World Police, he complained bitterly.

In the film, written by South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, a puppet of Penn made outlandish statements about how happy Iraqis were before the war.

But while Alec Baldwin, George Clooney and Matt Damon all saw the funny side to the film, in which they too were parodied, Penn sent Parker and Stone an angry letter inviting them to tour Iraq with him and signing it off with '**** you'.

Parker explained: 'In the movie we were making fun of him for always saying "I've been to Iraq, you don't know what you're talking about, I've been there", and then he writes in the letter "I've been to Iraq...".'

More recently, Penn set up a charity in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake in the country. It led to him being named 'ambassador-at-large' by President Michel Martelly, which is why the actor was visiting Buenos Aires.

He has also championed causes such as gay-rights and America's poor, as well as supporting countries most Americans would consider to be enemies.

On screen he won an Oscar for his portrayal of homosexual politician Harvey Milk and appeared in a promotional advert for the Occupy movement.

In 2005 he helped rescue people in New Orleans, Louisiana, who had been injured by Hurricane Katrina. But some thought it was merely a PR stunt.

The Mystic River star has also visited Iran, Iraq, and Cuba - and most recently has been seen in Libya (following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime) and Egypt (after Hosni Mubarak was ousted).

Home | Mail Online: Teenage witness receives £600,000 compensation from CPS and Metropolitan Police

2012-02-15T18:31:00.003-08:00

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Teenage witness receives £600,000 compensation from CPS and Metropolitan Police

Feb 16th 2012, 01:48

Boy was promised anonymity to give evidence against violent gang
His identity was inadvertently disclosed to gang members

By Kerry Mcqueeney

Last updated at 9:32 AM on 15th February 2012

Payout: The compensation came from the Metropolitan Police (headquarters pictured) and the Crown Prosecution Service

A teenage court witness was given a £600,000 payout after his identity was revealed to a violent gang he gave evidence against.

The boy was promised anonymity to give evidence about a violent attack but his details were inadvertently given to gang members.

The payout, awarded in 2008 by the Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police, is thought to be one of the largest of its kind and came as the family of three had to be moved for their protection.

A CPS spokesman said: 'This payment relates to a case dating from four years ago where information was passed to the defence which led to concerns about the safety of a young witness and their family, so that they had to be provided with protective measures.

'The CPS recognised that its actions in this case fell below our accepted standard and, together with the Metropolitan Police Service, reached an agreed settlement of damages and an apology with the parties concerned.

'We regret that on this occasion we did not provide the support which is normally available to witnesses.'

A Met spokesman added: 'The Metropolitan Police Service aims to always provide victims and witnesses with the support they require.

'When we get it wrong we acknowledge it with those involved and if appropriate provide compensation.'

Danger: The teenager had given police information about a violent gang (file picture)

The family were relocated into the witness protection scheme after being threatened once details of the boy's identity were disclosed.

It is believed the family launched legal action against the CPS and Met for psychiatric damage, lost earnings and disruption to their lives.

The damages paid totalled £550,000, with the CPS paying £350,000, and also paid the family's £50,000 legal costs.

However, the family told the broadcaster that for the young witness, 'no sum of compensation would have given him back his youth'.

'He will never recover from this experience, he has lost trust in the police and if he were to witness a similar crime tomorrow - he would simply look away.'

Home | Mail Online: Children's cereals so sugary 'they should be in a supermarket's biscuit aisle', says watchdog

2012-02-15T18:31:00.001-08:00

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Children's cereals so sugary 'they should be in a supermarket's biscuit aisle', says watchdog

Feb 16th 2012, 02:04

By Ian Fletcher

Last updated at 2:04 AM on 16th February 2012

Children's breakfast cereals are so full of sugar they would be better placed alongside chocolate biscuits on shop shelves, it has been claimed.

Consumer watchdogs accused manufacturers of failing to do enough to reduce sugar levels.

The research group Which? said: 'Cereals aimed at children were particularly disappointing, with high levels of sugar found in 12 out of 14, meaning that many would be more at home in the chocolate biscuit aisle.'

Hidden excess: A study for Which? magazine has found that many cereals are high in sugar content

Kellogg's Frosties came out worst on the basis it is 37 per cent sugar. Supermarket chocolate rice cereals came a close second.

A high-sugar diet is implicated in rising obesity and tooth decay among the nation's children.

Worst offender: Kellogg's Frosties contains 37 per cent sugar, according to a Which? magazine survey

Overall, 32 out of 50 cereals were high in sugar, including several that are marketed as healthy or slimming options, such as Kellogg's Special K.

Executive director at Which?, Richard Lloyd, said: 'Parents will be particularly surprised by the fact the majority of children's cereals contain so much sugar. More action is needed by retailers and manufacturers to provide a wider choice of healthier cereals.'

He said a lack of consistent labelling across brands makes it difficult for families to quickly identify the healthier options.

Many companies print nutrition information on packs, but they use different serving sizes as the basis for their calculations.

The consumer group is a supporter of so-called traffic light labels, which identify when products are high in sugar, salt or fat using red, amber and green icons.

Mr Lloyd said: 'The Government needs to encourage manufacturers to take action over sugar levels and provide consistent nutrition labelling that includes traffic light colour coding so it is easy to see exactly what you are buying.'

Nestle's Shredded Wheat was the healthiest cereal, with low levels of sugar, fat and salt.

Which? experts said they were pleased to see reductions in salt across the majority of breakfast cereals.

Kellogg's rejected the criticism, saying it provides clear information on sugar and salt levels and gives shoppers a huge choice.

The Breakfast Cereal Information Service, which speaks for manufacturers, denied there was a link between sugary cereals and obesity.

It said: 'A huge number of studies show that consumers who eat breakfast cereals have a lower body mass index than non-consumers and are at less risk of being overweight.

'A recent study looking at children confirmed that breakfast cereals are the most nutritious choice. The study found that prevalence of obesity was higher in breakfast-skippers than cereal consumers.'

Highs and lows: Many Kellogg's products, such as Coco Pops, were high in the sugar chart, while Nestle's Shredded Wheat was both low in sugar and salt

Home | Mail Online: BBC wins battle to keep report on its 'biased' journalism a secret

2012-02-15T17:24:00.006-08:00

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BBC wins battle to keep report on its 'biased' journalism a secret

Feb 16th 2012, 00:42

Report examined corporation's coverage of Israeli-Palestinian conflict

By Liz Thomas and Nicholas Mcdermott

Last updated at 12:42 AM on 16th February 2012

The BBC has been accused of a cover-up after spending almost £350,000 on a legal battle to suppress an internal report about bias in its Middle East coverage.

A seven-year campaign to gain access to the 2004 document, which examined the corporation's coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ended in defeat yesterday after the Supreme Court ruled it could remain secret.

Lawyer Steven Sugar, who passed away last year, made a Freedom of Information request in 2005 for disclosure of the 20,000-word Balen Report.

Report: The case centres around an investigation into claims of bias in BBC coverage of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The BBC has won the right not to publish the report (file picture)

But the corporation argued it was exempt from revealing information it held for the purposes of 'journalism, art or literature'.

After years of courtroom battles and Mr Sugar's death, his widow Fiona Paveley continued on his behalf.

Her lawyer, Michael Levey, said the family were 'considering their options' after the Supreme Court dismissed the latest appeal after ruling the report was 'outside the scope' of the FoI Act.

By September 2010, the BBC had spent £270,000 on the case, but senior insiders admitted this had now increased to as much as £350,000.

Legal battle: The BBC has spent hundreds of thousands of pounds in the case in a bid to suppress the report

Probe: BBC veteran Jeremy Bowen who is the Middle East Editor

The broadcaster's reluctance to reveal the details of the dossier – which was compiled by Malcolm Balen, a senior journalist and editorial adviser at the BBC – has led to speculation that it was highly critical.

Lord Janner of Braunstone, chairman of the Britain Israel Parliamentary Group, said last night: 'What have they got to hide?'

Tory MP Mike Freer, vice-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group Against Anti-Semitism, added: 'This is the worst of all outcomes.

'It fuels suspicion they have got something to hide.'

A spokesman for the BBC insisted it did not have anything to hide about its Middle East coverage but had pursued the case to defend its right to protect information about its journalism.

He added: 'We welcome the Supreme Court's judgment, which will ensure that the BBC is afforded the space to conduct its journalistic activities freely.

'Independent journalism requires honest and open internal debate free from external pressures. This ruling enables us to continue to do that.'

BALEN REPORT THAT EXAMINES CLAIMS THE BBC HAD A PRO-PALESTINIAN BIAS IN REPORTING

Revelation: Barbara Plett said she cried when Yasser Arafat was close to death in 2004

The BBC has faced claims that its reporting of the Arab-Israeli conflict has been skewed towards the Palestinian cause.

Critics cite the revelation from Middle East correspondent Barbara Plett (pictured) that she cried when Yasser Arafat was close to death in 2004.

And a confidential report put together by the Corporation lifts the lid on whether they really had a pro-Palestinian bias.

However, the 20,000-word document compiled by veteran journalist Malcolm Balen will now be kept secret after the Supreme Court ruling.

Lawyer Steven Sugar requested to see the 2004 document under freedom of information laws.

It examines hundreds of hours of BBC radio and television broadcasts.

However, the BBC turned down the request and - after seven years - the highest court in the land has finally ruled that it will remain secret.

The decision will disappoint the Jewish community which would have wanted to know whether the document had found any evidence of anti-Israeli bias in news programming.

The BBC said that, under the Freedom of Information Act, it is exempt from disclosing information held for the purposes of 'journalism, art or literature'.

However, Mr Sugar, who represented himself in court, said the Balen Report should be published as part of a debate about alleged anti-Israeli bias.

His widow Fiona Paveley took the case to the Supreme Court after he died from cancer in January last year.

Home | Mail Online: Tory minister blocks 'sensitive personal' story about her son, 17, with High Court injunction

2012-02-15T17:24:00.005-08:00

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Tory minister blocks 'sensitive personal' story about her son, 17, with High Court injunction

Feb 16th 2012, 00:21

By Sam Greenhill and Jason Groves

Last updated at 12:21 AM on 16th February 2012

Caroline Spelman made the urgent application for the injunction against Express Newspapers on behalf of her son

A Cabinet minister has won a gagging order to hush up 'private information' concerning her teenage son.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman was granted the High Court injunction banning publication of a story about 17-year-old Jonny, a promising rugby player.

The nature of the story cannot be disclosed, but Mr Justice Lindblom said it contained 'sensitive personal information' regarding which the boy was entitled to privacy.

However he refused the minister's application for her family to remain anonymous in the proceedings, citing the principle of open justice.

Senior Tory figures are aghast at her decision to go to the courts, with one suggesting she had failed to heed advice that it was 'not a good idea'.

It means millionairess Mrs Spelman joins the ranks of a string of footballers and celebrities who have turned to the Human Rights Act to keep their secrets.

It is thought to be the first time the courts have suppressed a story about the child of a cabinet minister since 1997, when then Home Secretary Jack Straw's son Will bought drugs from an undercover reporter. Mr Straw famously led his son to a police station to report his misdemeanour.

In this case, there is no suggestion that privately educated Jonny, who has represented England at under-16s rugby, has done anything illegal.

His injunction was obtained on his behalf by his mother and his father Mark, a senior executive at the management consultancy firm Accenture, against Express Newspapers in a private late-night court hearing on Saturday.

The Daily Star Sunday's lawyers argued its story was 'massively in the public interest', but the judge ruled against them.

Making public his reasons yesterday, Mr Justice Lindblom said he bore in mind that it was a case of a minor facing the prospect of considerable press scrutiny in a tabloid newspaper.

He added the fact that Jonny's mother was a senior politician had played a role in his decision to grant the order. 'There is a political dimension which cannot be ignored.'

The judge added that the information concerned came into the newspaper's hands through a leak, although it was not clear how it occurred or who was responsible for it.

Caroline Spelman's husband Mark, pictured here speaking at the 2010 Summer Davos Forum in Tianjin, China, is involved in the court battle to block a story about his son

He said that publication at this stage would not advance the public interest to a 'material degree', but was likely to have 'a very significant harmful effect' on the minister's son.

However he said it was not necessary to take the 'exceptional' course of anonymising the proceedings. He ruled it was sufficient for the 'subject matter' to remain under wraps without the need for the Spelman family's name to be kept secret.

The case is due to return to court today, with the Daily Star Sunday saying it will seek to overturn the injunction.

Mrs Spelman, 53, has been Tory MP for Meriden since 1997. She and her husband, who have two other children, have homes in the West Midlands, London and Portugal.

Jonny attends £10,000-a-term Tonbridge School in Kent – motto Deus Dat Incrementum ('God gives increase'). Former pupils include novelist Frederick Forsyth and historian Dr Anthony Seldon.

Jonny is a front-row hooker whose success in the schools rugby system has attracted attention. He is a member of the Harlequins Academy and in April 2011 was selected to play for England Under-16s against Italy and Wales.

INJUNCTIONS GRANTED TO PROTECT REPUTATIONS OF RICH AND FAMOUS

Injunctions are handed down by the courts to prevent private information being made public.

Developed from judges' interpretations of human rights rules, the privacy laws have made it unlawful to speak or write the truth about matters covered by the decisions.

Critics have said that the orders are used by the rich and famous to protect their reputations.

Jonathan Spelman was granted an injunction because a judge ruled publishing the information about him would breach his right to privacy under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human rights.

However, he was refused an all-encompassing so-called 'superinjunction'. Once such an injunction is granted, it cannot even be reported that the order exists.

Critics have branded injunctions pointless in the digital age as the information often leaks out online on Twitter and other social networking sites.

Almost a year ago a number of high-profile injunctions were broken when the names of the celebrities involved were published online.

Last year, he wrote to EAS, a U.S. company selling sports nutrition products, requesting sponsorship and asking if it would be possible to receive sample sachets or a discount.

He said he would be playing for England under-18s this year. The letter, full of errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar, was posted on Facebook.

During the 2009 expenses revelations, it emerged that Mrs Spelman claimed £40,000 for cleaning and bills at her £2million 15-bedroom Georgian mansion near Solihull.

That year, she was forced to apologise and pay back £9,600 of Commons allowances she 'inadvertently' misused to pay her children's nanny.

MPs on the Commons standards and privileges committee said that in 1997 and 1998 – when Jonny was three – she overpaid her nanny £4,800 a year in return for secretarial work – meaning her childcare was 'cross-subsidised'.

Last year she suffered humiliation in the Commons after the Prime Minister announced he was dumping her policy of privatising forests following a public backlash.

Mrs Spelman's decision to seek an injunction is politically risky, considering how this has backfired for other well-known figures including footballers John Terry and Ryan Giggs, and Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

Last night a spokesman for Mrs Spelman declined to discuss the injunction, saying it was a 'private matter'.

Home | Mail Online: The unselfish gene? Biologist believes that 'group cooperation' trumps looking after number one

2012-02-15T17:24:00.003-08:00

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The unselfish gene? Biologist believes that 'group cooperation' trumps looking after number one

Feb 16th 2012, 00:36

By Rob Waugh

Last updated at 12:36 AM on 16th February 2012

Team effort: A biologist champions the idea that, rather than evolution being driven just by individual self-interest, ¿multilevel selection¿ sees individuals evolve to behave in a way that benefits their group, which then does better as a result

Group co-operation beats being selfish, according to a biologist - and it isn't just theory.

The idea of 'multilevel selection', that individuals evolved to work in groups, actually has implications for businesses today.

David Sloan Wilson champions the idea that, rather than evolution being driven just by individual self-interest, 'multilevel selection' sees individuals evolve to behave in a way that benefits their group, which then does better as a result.

Prof Wilson is attempting to test out his theories in a struggling city in New York state, Binghamton, encouraging community projects ranging from creating parks to rewarding school children for good behaviour and co-operation.

The researcher, who is professor at the department of biological sciences at the State University of New York, has come to the UK to speak at a conference organised by the Co-operative Group.

He said: 'For decades we have been told that evolution is based entirely on individual and genetic self-interest which does not extend to groups.

'Is it any wonder that we have produced countless business leaders, financiers and politicians for whom the selfish pursuit of self-interest is a natural law and a maxim to live by?

'The truth is that individuals can evolve to behave for the good of of their groups and that co-operation is the signature adaptation of our own species.

'Selfishness might beat co-operation within groups, but co-operative groups beat selfish groups.'

Paul Monaghan, head of social goals at the Co-operative Group, said Prof Wilson's work showed 'not only can good guys finish first, if they work together, but this is the natural way of things'.

He said the group, which is owned by its members, will be showcasing the 'most optimistic of truths' later in the year and supporting research to see how to build 'resilient, co-operative communities' in the UK.

Home | Mail Online: The rare bear bunch! Rare ¿white¿ black beast captured on camera is not a polar bear

2012-02-15T17:24:00.001-08:00

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The rare bear bunch! Rare ¿white¿ black beast captured on camera is not a polar bear

Feb 16th 2012, 01:19

By Anthony Bond

Last updated at 1:19 AM on 16th February 2012

You could be forgiven for thinking it was a polar bear that had wandered off the ice and somehow found itself in a forest.

But this golden, almost white, beautifully unique creature is in fact a white variant of the North American black bear known as the spirit bear.

The animal, also known as the Kermode bear, lives among more conventional-looking black bears in the dense green forests of British Columbia in Canada.

Standing its ground: The spirit bear comes into contact with another forest bear, , which is a more traditional black colour

Extremely rare: The animal, also known as the Kermode bear, lives amongst the dense green forests of British Columbia

Just hanging around: The bear is able to climb into the trees to look for food

Once thought to be a myth, these legendary creatures are now so precious to the people of British Columbia, the Government has made it an offence to shoot one - with a fine of up to $100,000 CAD.

Wildlife photographers now travel from across the globe for the chance to capture the white bear on camera, which are virtually impossible to photograph, due to their scarcity.

But one lucky photographer who captured this series of images of the spirit bear in it's natural habitat is Paul Nicklen.

The 43-year-old from Vancouver, Canada, said: 'This little bear is amazing its pure white, it's not a polar bear and there are only 200 left in the world - it's more rare than a panda.

Popular: Wildlife photographers now travel from across the globe for the chance to capture the white bear on camera, which are virtually impossible to photograph, due to their scarcity

Catch of the day: These legendary creatures are now so precious to the people of British Columbia, the Government has made it an offence to shoot one. The bear is pictured here with a large fish for its lunch

Big feed: The bear carries its snack while keeping a watchful eye out

Tasty: The bear tucks into its large catch

'I sat in this forest for two months without ever seeing one and I felt sure I was going to leave empty handed.

'But then after two months of wondering what I was going to do, this incredible big white male came right beside me about three feet away, he grabbed a fish and ate it.

'I then spent my entire day living my childhood dream walking around with this bear through the forest.

'I actually got to sleep within three feet of this bear and photograph him, it was a truly amazing experience.'

Stunning: Although this looks like it is a polar bear which has somehow found itself in a forest, it is actually an extremely rare 'white' black bear

Chilling out: Paul Nicklen managed to capture the amazing images of the rare bear, including this one of it relaxing in the forest with a meal

Home | Mail Online: Britain's fattest woman weighs 40STONE and is so big she hasn't been outside for FOUR years

2012-02-15T16:17:00.002-08:00

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Britain's fattest woman weighs 40STONE and is so big she hasn't been outside for FOUR years

Feb 16th 2012, 00:01

Brenda Flanagan-Davies eats more than 6,000 calories per DAY - including nine chocolate bars and three litres of fizzy drinks
She can't walk 20ft to shower without getting out of breath
Former shop assistant has spent most of her adult life on benefits
Married Brenda once tipped the scales at 45st
She was forced to marry husband Ron, 65, in her house because she is too fat to leave

By Rob Cooper

Last updated at 12:01 AM on 16th February 2012

Meet Britain's new fattest woman - who weighs 40 stone and is so big that she has not left her house in four years.

Brenda Flanagan-Davies, 43, has never once sat in her taxpayer-funded living room because it takes too much effort for her to walk there from bed.

Once as heavy as 45 stone, Brenda is now the heaviest women in the UK following the death of 45-stone Sharon Mevsimler in 2010.

Big Brenda: She tips the scales at 40st and has not left her house for four years. But Brenda is addicted to food and eats more than 6,000 calories of food each day

The former shop assistant, from Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, eats more than 6,000 calories per day - including nine chocolate bars and three litres of fizzy drinks.

The recommended daily calorie intake for women is 2,000.

Brenda is virtually bed-bound by her extreme girth and is so addicted to food she even has a fridge next to her reinforced bed crammed full of chocolates and soda.

Now after years of being confined to her tiny bungalow, Brenda is begging for help after doctors warned her 'lose weight or die.'

She said: 'I spend my life in bed - that's not a life. I have tried countless diets but I can't stop eating. I can't walk 20 feet to my shower without getting out of breath.

'I hate this life. I want to have children while I still can, but I'm not healthy enough to get pregnant.

'Doctors have warned me my weight could eventually kill me - I'm putting so much stress on my organs. But food is an addiction I can't fight. I need help.'

Reinforced bed: Brenda spends her life in her bedroom - with a fridge full of snacks at her side. She spends a lot of time watching the television and has never even been in the living room

CHOCOLATES, CHIPS, A LARGE PIZZA, FIZZY DRINKS AND A TAKEAWAY: WHAT BRENDA EATS

Breakfast: Brenda eats a yoghurt with two slices of toast with cheese and pickle

Snack: Three bottles of Coke and three chocolate bars - Wispas are her favourite

Lunch: An entire large pizza with chips, then banoffee pie for dessert.

Snack: Three further chocolate bars and chips with cheese as a snack. Three bottles of Irn Bru

Dinner: Either a large portion of sausage, egg and chips or a Chinese takeaway.

Evening treat: Another three chocolate bars before bed.

Unlike Sharon, who had a gastric band fitted at her heaviest in 2009, Brenda has been told her heart is under so much strain from the fat she wouldn't survive invasive surgery.

Sadly, mother-of-four Sharon, from Chelmsford, Essex, died of a heart attack just 13 months after her surgery.

Brenda, who is married, said: 'I don't want to end up like Sharon. I've been as heavy as 45 stone - the same as her. I feel ashamed of myself that I'm even in this position.'

Brenda, who has spent most of her adult life on benefits, is terrified of leaving the house in case she falls over and can't get up.

In fact she has not left the house since a doctors appointment four years ago.

She said: 'I struggled to get in and out of the car to get to the doctors and when I was there I was terrified of sitting down in case I broke a chair. I had to stand up and it was totally humiliating with everyone staring.

'After years of being called "monster" and "lardy" in the street, I'd had enough of it.

'People looked at me like I was a freak. They didn't see a person, they saw a massive blob they didn't think had any feelings.

'Sometimes wanted to scream, and tell them I'm still a person. Everyone has their issues, but my addiction is more obvious because of my size.

'Brenda's days are filled with surfing the internet, watching her favourite shows and, of course, eating.

Amazingly, Brenda insists that is healthier than what she used to eat before - causing her to be her heaviest weight of 45 stone in 2006.

She said: 'I used to eat a couple of bacon rolls plus a full English for breakfast, and I've cut back on takeaways.

'To me, food is like a drug. I am constantly craving chocolate and sweets.

'I get tired easily, so every day I drink a litre and a half of diet Coke and the same in diet Irn Bru. I pick diet to save on a few calories.'

Huge meals: Brenda's daily menu includes a large pizza, chips, six bottles of fizzy drink and up to nine bars of chocolate

Just moving 20 feet from her reinforced bariatric bed to the bathroom or her giant 'wet room' shower leaves Brenda gasping for breath. Sitting up straight for too long causes her severe pain.

It's the sad reality for a woman who has been overweight her entire life, falling into a cycle of binge eating when she was a young girl.

Growing up with two average-sized parents and two slim brothers and a sister, Brenda always felt like the black sheep.

By the time she was eight Brenda weighed seven stone - the average for a 13-year-old.

She said: 'When I was little my mum fed us normal dinners, chicken and spuds with cake after. But I would always go for seconds if I could.

'No one else in the family seemed to gain weight. When I was eight my mum took me to see a specialist. Nothing came of it.

'I started comfort eating as a young girl - the little pocket money I got I spent on bags of sweets. I didn't like sport and didn't do anything active.'

Although Brenda's worried family continued to nag her about watching her weight, she took no notice.

She said: 'My older brother offered to buy me a leather jacket if I lost weight, but I would just laugh it off and say 'I will never be a size 10 - I'm a big girl.''

By the time she was 18, Brenda tipped the scales at 20 stone and was a size 18. She said: 'I used to be in denial about my size. I am without a doubt an emotional eater.

'I would eat whenever I was sad, happy, lonely or depressed. And the heavier I got, the sadder I got, so I just continued to eat more.'

In 1989, aged 18, Brenda got her first job as a shop assistant at a Topman in the Gateshead Metrocentre.

She said: 'I quit after a year of working full time because I found it so tiring being on my feet all day. It was torture being surrounded by skinny, pretty girls out shopping with their boyfriends.

Obese: In six years Brenda's weight has ballooned by 11 stone and she has never even been into her own living room because she is too big

Small meal: Brenda was overweight as a child and saw her size balloon in her 20s as she turned to comfort eating

'I wish I could have worked more of the years, but I just wasn't up to it physically or mentally.'

In her 20s, Brenda moved into bedsits, shutting herself off from the world.

She said: 'I didn't have any money and few friends. I didn't see my family much. I couldn't see any way through my problems and used food as comfort. I was about 28 stone by the time I was 25.'

Brenda didn't work again until 2000, when she was hired at her local Wok And Roll takeaway shop.

But she quit after just four months because she didn't like it.

At one point doctors prescribed Brenda course of weight-loss drugs which initially seemed to help.

Brenda said: 'I lost four stone quite quickly but when the course finished I put twice that on again.

'I have tried Weight Watchers and Slimming World but I can never stick to a strict diet.

'I take so much pleasure in chocolate that when I can't eat it I feel like I am being punished.'

Ashamed of her body, Brenda only started dating in her 30s.

She said: 'It was sporadic, but I had boyfriends. No matter what they said, I always felt I wasn't their dream woman.

'Once I went up to meet a boyfriend's parents. They were really nice but outside his house someone called me a fat cow. It destroyed my confidence and all I could think about was going home and hiding.'

Then six years ago, at a community centre day out, that Brenda met her husband, retired labourer Ronnie Davies, 65.

The two hit it off and Ronnie, who is still living down the street from Brenda, proposed in 2010.

40 stone: During one trip out with her husband Ronnie, Brenda's weight broke the suspension on the vehicle

She said: 'I loved his sweet nature and personality and he liked me for my cheeky sense of humour. He was able to see past my weight.'

The pair wed in January 2010, but by then Brenda was housebound. They had a registrar from Gateshead Civic Centre come into her home to perform the ceremony, followed by a buffet and drinks.

Of the ten guests at the wedding many were former carers.

Brenda, a size 9XL, wore black trousers and smock because that was the nicest outfit she had that fit.

She said: 'Like all women, I used to dream of a white wedding in a church. I can at least say I have found the man of my dreams.'

These days Ronnie is responsible for caring for Brenda, along with a team of hired carers.

The carers cook her normal-sized meals, but Brenda dips into the chocolate as soon as they leave.

Devoted Ronnie washes up to four loads of laundry per day as her bed sheets and clothes quickly become drenched in sweat.

Each day she is helped into her wet room where a carer helps her to shower and clean her excess skin.

Later Brenda receives a 'deep crease clean' on her bed to tackle the sores which develop from being in bed so much.

Brenda buys her clothes from specialist online shops which cater for the morbidly obese, using her money from incapacity benefit and disabled living allowance.

Ronnie, who draws a state pension, also receives incapacity benefit for a leg injury he sustained in 1997 as well as a carer allowance.

He is planning to move in with Brenda later this year when she is settled in her new home.

She said: 'It's tricky, but Ronnie and I do have a sex life. Hopefully we'll eventually have a bed big enough for both of us.

'Ronnie used to take me out in his car, a Ford Mondeo, but eventually he wasn't able to turn the steering wheel or change gear because my flab was in the way.

'And the front suspension went, which we both knew was because of me. Ronnie is very sweet and loves me for who I am, but he is honest.

'Once we were sat in Ronnie's car outside Tesco and a couple were stood staring at me.

'Ronnie made a joke that they were looking at him because he was smoking - but then he told me the truth, they were looking at my flab.'

Still, Brenda remains hopeful that eventually she will get help in time to become a mum.

She said: 'My ideal weight would be 20 stone, then I could get a gastric operation to help me lose some more.

'I know my weight is stopping me from getting pregnant. If I had a child, I'd make sure they stayed fit and healthy.

'I want to help my self but I don't know where to start.'

Last year Brenda was moved out of her bottom-floor flat into a council-owned bungalow which has been equipped with a bariatric bathroom and reinforced bed.

It took a team of five people to get her into a specially reinforced ambulance and transport her to her new home.

The footage was filmed for new Channel 5 programme Big Body Squad, which kicks off on February 22 at 8pm.

The programme follows teams of paramedics, firemen, carers and other specialists as they cope with the task of transporting and treating the extremely obese.

Brenda said: 'I was so terrified of leaving the house and I still can't believe they got me out.

'Now I'm happy with my new house and my husband, but I'm still screaming inside about my situation.

'I put on a brave face to the rest of the world but this can't go on.'

Big Body Squad is on Channel 5 at 8pm starting on Wednesday, February 22.

Home | Mail Online: Casey-Lyanne Kearney fatally knifed in Elmfield park: 26-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of teen's murder

2012-02-15T16:17:00.001-08:00

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Casey-Lyanne Kearney fatally knifed in Elmfield park: 26-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of teen's murder

Feb 16th 2012, 00:00

26-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder
Another teenager says she was screamed at by drunk woman at park yesterday afternoon
Forensics tent set up by playground as police probe killing

By Chris Brooke, Louise Eccles and Katherine Faulkner

Last updated at 11:54 PM on 15th February 2012

A Girl of 13 was knifed to death in a park on a half-term day out by a woman with a history of psychiatric problems, it emerged last night.

Casey Kearney managed to phone 999 from her mobile and told the operator she had been stabbed in what police said was a 'random and unprovoked' attack.

Children playing in the town centre park who saw her slump to the ground then watched in horror as she struggled to breathe before they ran to get help.

Much-loved: Devastated friends left tributes to murdered Casey Lyanne-Kearney on social networking sites

Shaken: Local tennis coach John Willis (pictured), found the girl at the park after she phoned 999

She died in hospital and last night police charged Hannah Bonser, 26, of Doncaster, with murder and two counts of possession of a bladed article. She will appear before Doncaster magistrates this morning.

Witnesses have told of seeing a woman, clearly drunk and swearing loudly, on the day of the murder.

Officers revealed the suspect was known to a 'number of agencies', believed to include a local NHS Trust and the council's social services department.

Casey had been on the way to see a friend as she walked through the centre of Doncaster at lunchtime on Valentine's Day.

Murder probe: Police set up a forensics tent beside a children's playground near where the attack took place

Police at Elmfield Park, which was described by locals as 'rough' and unsafe for children

She caught the No 55 bus into town from her home in Rossington, about five miles away. She had just got off the bus to walk to a friend's house when she was stabbed once in the abdomen. She was rushed to hospital but died eight hours later.

The teenager was in Elmfield Park when she phoned 999 from her mobile at 1.18pm and told the operator she had been attacked. She then slumped to the ground near a play park. Several passers-by rushed to help her.

Tennis coach John Willis, 58, was teaching in courts inside the park when his children Owen, ten, and Matthew, five, rushed over from the playground and said a 'lady was having a fit, she is on the ground. Can you come and help, Daddy?'

He said: 'I ran over as quickly as I could and another woman who I had seen in the park earlier was already tending to her.

'The girl was on the ground and her breathing was very shallow. She was on the unconscious side of semi-conscious and stirred a bit as we put her in the recovery position.'

Emotions: Heartfelt messages at the scene included one from the Willis family, left, after father John found the girl at the park

Violence: The injured teenager managed to stagger away after the attack in Elmfield Park, Doncaster and dialled 999

Mr Willis said his elder son had seen the girl 'walking normally' through the park and when he looked across again she was 'on her knees and leaning forward as if she was trying to get something out of her bag'.

The boy then saw her fall forward on to her face. The girl had blood on one of her hands, Mr Willis said.

Police arrived moments later and took over the first aid until a paramedic arrived. He checked her over and then said: 'Clear the area – she's been stabbed.'

Mr Willis added: 'It was shocking at the time and even more upsetting to find out the poor girl has not survived. It all felt very surreal but the full horror of what has happened is beginning to sink in.

'I cannot imagine what that young girl's family are going through. My thoughts are with them.'

Panic: Casey-Lyanne was treated at the scene after making a frantic call to police from her mobile phone

Police have appealed for information from anyone who saw Casey during her trip out on Tuesday. They want to establish whether she was stabbed inside the park or outside before walking in while calling 999.

Elmfield Park has been sealed off while police search for clues and carry out forensic tests. Two knives have been found, but police do not know if either is the murder weapon.

Casey was 5ft 3in tall with long straight ginger hair. She was wearing a black waist-length jacket and blue jeans and carrying a black Bench shoulder bag with purple writing.

Detective Superintendent Terry Mann, of South Yorkshire Police, said: 'The death of a 13-year-old is very tragic, they are a loving family. It's a very sad case and they are very traumatised.'

Appealing for witnesses, Mr Mann said: 'I can't urge anyone enough, any detail no matter how small, please come forward. Think about what Casey's family are going through – imagine if this was your daughter, sister, niece or friend.'

Grisly: An ambulance and two rapid response cars rushed to the park at around 1pm yesterday to help the girl

Mr Mann said they had yet to establish a motive and that the attack was not believed to be a robbery. Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Norman added: 'This appears to be an isolated, unprovoked and random incident.'

He said there had been only three minor assaults in the park over the past 12 months and 39 reports of 'low-level anti-social behaviour'.

Another girl of 13 said she and two friends were screamed at by a woman in the park on Tuesday afternoon. The woman swore at them for no reason and she appeared to be drunk and was holding a can. 'We kept walking fast away from her and didn't say anything back,' she said. Agencies in the town have already met with Mr Norman to pool information about the victim and suspect.

Jo Miller, chief executive of Doncaster Council, said: 'We can confirm that we are all working hard to piece together what happened yesterday and also gathering any information we can.

Tragic death: The schoolgirl was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary after the brutal assault - but died of her injuries hours later

'The person in custody was known to a number of local public agencies and we are working together to establish all the circumstances involved with this case.'

Casey's parents have split up and are both in new relationships.

She has a younger sister Sophie, ten. Her mother Kerry Day, 32, and father Anthony Kearney, 31, were too upset to comment yesterday.

Friend Natalia Bojor, 14, described Casey as a 'really lovely' girl with 'loads of friends'.

She added: 'She worked really hard at school and I think she wanted to go into something to do with the media.

'Everyone is really upset about what's happened.'

Home | Mail Online: Brandon Bishop, stepfather faces 20 years in prison after punching stepdaughter 2, who was 'spoiled princess'

2012-02-15T15:17:00.007-08:00

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Brandon Bishop, stepfather faces 20 years in prison after punching stepdaughter 2, who was 'spoiled princess'

Feb 15th 2012, 23:01

Brandon Bishop, 25, said girl 'needed to be toughened up'
Girl's mother jailed for 18 months after she knew about abuse... but did nothing to stop it

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 10:33 PM on 15th February 2012

A stepfather who admitted repeatedly punching, suffocating, dropping and kicking his wife's two-year-old daughter has been sentenced to up to 20 years in jail.

Brandon Bishop, 25, was given ten to 20 years in prison for the lengthy assaults on two-year-old Kamryn Hummel who he believed was a spoiled princess and 'needed to be toughened up'.

In a video played for the court, Bishop showed a police detective how he kicked, punched, choked and dropped the girl after picking her up by her hair at the family's home in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Savagely beaten: Kamryn Hummel, two, had a fractured skull and bruising all over her body after her stepfather's prolonged attacks

The girl's mother Candace Watts, 22, admitted to knowing about the assaults and failing to alert police.

Watts was also sentenced yesterday to between 18 months and seven years in prison.

The girl is now in the custody of her father and undergoing counseling to help her deal with the trauma she suffered.

Outside Lehigh County Court, Nicholas Hummel, Kamryn's father, told WFMZ-TV: 'I was very disgusted. I just wanted to break down in tears.'

Cuffed: Brandon Bishop (left) faces up to 20 years in prison while his wife Candace Watts (right) will serve between 18 months and seven years

However Jarod Bishop, brother of Brandon, appeared to be of a different opinion about the video played in court of his brother's attacks.

He also told the local station: 'I believe the video was very cartooney. I don't think a child would go flying in the air like a plastic doll.'

'I believe the video was very cartooney. I don't think a child would go flying in the air like a plastic doll.'

Jarod Bishop after watching video detailing his brother's abuse of stepdaughter

Brandon Bishop pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in December after abusing the little girl repeatedly between March and May.

Police said the abuse was reported by a great aunt who noticed the girl was limping and missing clumps of hair.

The next day a hospital found she had bruising all over her body and a fractured skull.

Distraught: Nicholas Hummel, the girl's father, had to leave court when shown the video of the abuse his daughter suffered

Officers who interviewed Bishop say he told them he beat the girl to make her tougher.

He admitted punching and kicking her in the face, body and groin, choking her, and dropping her on to a concrete floor at their home.

Watts admitted she knew Bishop was abusing her daughter from March until May 18.

In a written statement read in court in December, Watts said she told Bishop to stop but he wanted to make sure the girl was 'not a weak one who got made fun of at school'.

Bishop said he was the toddler's babysitter and had been abusing her since they moved into their apartment on March 7.

Doubtful: Jarod Bishop, Brandon's brother questioned the video detailing the toddler's abuse, calling it 'cartooney'

When police officers asked him why he did it, Bishop said the girl was a princess and her upbringing had been too lenient, The Morning Call reported.

The girl's mother also admitted she witnessed many acts of abuse by Bishop, but 'I can only imagine the stuff he does when I'm not around,' according to the Morning Call.

Before she was sentenced, Watts said she had let her child down and one day hoped to have a relationship with her.

The couple got married a few days before their arrests in June.

Attacks: Bishop would beat the little girl while babysitting her at their apartment in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Home | Mail Online: Subway horror: Woman relives moment chef 'pushed her into path of moving train'

2012-02-15T15:17:00.006-08:00

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Subway horror: Woman relives moment chef 'pushed her into path of moving train'

Feb 15th 2012, 22:36

By Rachel Quigley

Last updated at 10:36 PM on 15th February 2012

A woman who fell on to a speeding subway train testified in court against the man accused of pushing her, saying he first gave her a 'crazy stare' before forcefully shoving her in the path of the train.

German native Ute Linhart was standing on the platform of a New York subway in August 2010 when she said she felt two hands push her hard from behind, forcing her off the platform and in front of the train.

Authorities said that after Jose Rojas, 26, pushed the fashion executive, he told bystanders he could not explain his behaviour.

Alleged victim: German native Ute Linhart appeared in in Manhattan court yesterday for the trial of the man accused of pushing her into a subway train in 2010

New York nightmare: Ms Linhart claims she was forcefully pushed onto the tracks of a New York subway on 28th street when a train was approaching

Yesterday Ms Linhart told a Manhattan Supreme Court: 'I felt the push hard from behind. It was not accidental.

'There was too much force behind it, it was very forceful.

'I had no chance to avoid hitting the oncoming train.

'I was basically in the air for lack of a better word. Flying into the oncoming train.'

According to DNAInfo, Rojas looked at her with 'what seemed like a crazy stare' before getting so close to her that it made her feel uncomfortable.

Rojas told police he had too much to drink and bumped the woman by accident in the 28th street subway, causing her to fall on to the platform. He is facing attempted murder charges.

The victim was hospitalized with broken ribs, a crushed sinus cavity, a broken shoulder, jaw, cheekbone and several smashed teeth.

The impact also punctured her lungs and filled them with blood.

'As the impact happened, I'm thinking, "I'm going to be dead",' the 39-year-old told the New York Post. 'Then I realized that I was in so much pain, I couldn't possibly be dead.'

Rojas menaced another man on a Manhattan subway platform on the same night before walking up to Ms Linhart, according to a court complaint.

Rojas was a chef at Cipriani's on West Broadway at the time and was said to have spent the afternoon watching a soccer game at a deli where he was caught on CCTV downing four 22-ounce cans of beer.

Assistant District Attorney David Drucker told jurors in his opening statements that had the 26-year-old struck one second earlier, it would have been a murder trial.

He said his client will 'never be 100 per cent the same again'.

Ms Linhart spent eight days in hospital and six months out of work and said she still suffers from spinal injury since the accident, according to the New York Post.

Home | Mail Online: Stanley Murray, 78, jailed after going to river he was banned from for salmon poaching

2012-02-15T15:17:00.005-08:00

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Stanley Murray, 78, jailed after going to river he was banned from for salmon poaching

Feb 15th 2012, 22:16

By BRIAN HORNE

Last updated at 10:16 PM on 15th February 2012

Outcast: Stanley Murray spent 18 days in jail after going near the river, despite it being in 1968 that he was banned from the area for salmon poaching

Like any loving grandfather, Stanley Murray was keen to introduce his grandchildren to the pursuits of his youth.

But a simple plan to take them on a river trip ended with the 78-year-old being thrown in prison.

Mr Murray, a notorious salmon poacher in his younger days, was jailed for three months for breaching a ban on venturing near the river – 43 years after it was imposed.

He served eight days but managed to get the sentence overturned this week – and was warned to behave himself.

And he was told by appeal judges that he would be treated 'without sympathy' and could even be jailed for two years if he breaches the 1968 court order again.

Mr Murray said before the ruling: 'My poaching days are long past and I'm determined to get this ban lifted. I just want to be able to enjoy the river with my grandkids and I won't back down till I get justice.'

Mr Murray was jailed last year for defying the order after he approached the home of the man who originally took him to court.

After finding the decades-old ban was still in place, Mr Murray decided to challenge it. But because he could not afford legal costs to fight his case, he decided on a new approach.

In September, he turned up at Grandhome House on the River Don in Aberdeen.

Waving a placard, he intended to plead his cause before David Paton, son of John Paton, the landowner whose fish he had stolen in 1968. Instead, the authorities were called and Mr Murray appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where, after refusing to give up his campaign, he was jailed.

Fishing trip: Mr Murray, 78, has now had his three-month prison sentence overturned. He had gone down to Aberdeen's River Don, pictured, in protest at the ban

He was freed in October after promising to obey court orders but could have been sent back to jail on Tuesday if he had lost his appeal at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Lord Clarke said: 'Whatever grievance he may have, which may go back a long time, that can never form the basis for refusing to obtemper [obey] a valid order of the court.'

The judges quashed the three-month sentence and, having taken the eight days he had already served into account, freed him. But Mr Paton, 76, stood by the court ban, saying the former poacher was a 'serious annoyance'.

Home | Mail Online: Whitehall lavishing £2m on bonuses every month (... so are we STILL all in it together?)

2012-02-15T15:17:00.003-08:00

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Whitehall lavishing £2m on bonuses every month (... so are we STILL all in it together?)

Feb 15th 2012, 22:40

By Daniel Martin, Whitehall Correspondent

Last updated at 10:40 PM on 15th February 2012

Payout: Jeremy Beeton

Civil servants are scooping £2million in bonuses each month, despite a pledge by ministers to stamp down on spending.

Whitehall bureaucrats have been handed sums of up to £187,500 – more than the Prime Minister earns in a year – on top of their annual salaries.

Official figures show that in four departments, the cost of performance-related awards to civil servants has actually increased since Labour's final year in power.

At the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the bonus bill went up 21 per cent between 2009/10 and 2010/11, while former energy secretary Chris Huhne, who recently quit the Cabinet, saw the Department of Energy and Climate Change's bill rise by 12 per cent during his first year in charge.

The Department for Education shelled out £1.9million in both 2009/10 and 2010/11, but the proportion of the pay bill which went towards bonuses increased between the two years. The Scotland Office also saw its bill increase – up to £3,670.

The astonishing payments, which total £22.8million during the Coalition's first year, help explain why ministers have demanded a review of public sector bonuses.

The full total will be even higher because three departments have not provided details.

Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, told ministries that bonuses should only be for 'genuine excellence' and not 'run-of-the-mill performance'.

The highest bonus bill was racked up by the Foreign Office, which handed out £6.7million during 2010/11, while the largest individual award was given by the DCMS.

Jeremy Beeton, director general of the Government Olympic Executive, which is linked to the DCMS, received £187,500 – more than David Cameron's salary. Finance director David Goldstone benefited from a bonus of £130,000. Mr Beeton, who was hired in 2007 from U.S. construction firm Bechtel, earns a salary of around £220,000 – meaning he is pocketing more than £400,000 a year.

Cashing in: Whitehall bureaucrats have seen their bonuses increase since Labour was in power

The agency is responsible for overseeing the building, financing, legacy and staging of the Games.

Bonuses are linked to a complicated series of targets which can range from cost savings to hitting diversity quotas. Details of the huge payments emerged following a series of Parliamentary questions by backbench Tory MP Priti Patel.

The departments of Transport, Communities and Local Government, and Work and Pensions did not reply to the questions.

Last night Jon Trickett, Labour's Cabinet Office spokesman, said: 'Awards should be based on a transparent and fair system. There is no place within the civil service for the excessive bonus culture.'

A spokesman for the DCMS said: 'Jeremy Beeton's annual bonus is linked to achievement of specific targets. David Goldstone was recruited on a similar basis.'

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: 'The Government has reduced the number of senior civil servants eligible for bonuses from the top performing two thirds to the top 25 per cent.

'This has helped reduce the spend on bonuses last year by £15million. This means we can still retain an element of performance-related pay for the very best performers.'

Home | Mail Online: Mervyn King: UK economy still faces 'choppy waters' says Bank of England governor

2012-02-15T15:17:00.001-08:00

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Mervyn King: UK economy still faces 'choppy waters' says Bank of England governor

Feb 15th 2012, 23:03

Banks received £10.7billion more in loan repayments last year than they gave out in new loans
Calls for Lloyds and RBS to be forced to lend to small businesses

By Hugo Duncan

Last updated at 10:31 PM on 15th February 2012

The full scale of how the banks are still failing to lend to Britain's desperate small firms emerged yesterday.

Despite a series of public promises from senior ministers and bank officials, lending to business has tumbled in every single quarter of the past three years.

Bank of England Governor Sir Mervyn King yesterday spoke out against the 'harsh treatment' of small companies which are still 'suffering' at the hands of the banks.

Difficult times: Sir Mervyn King's explosive comments, about lending made a mockery of the Government's attempts to get banks to lend

He said 'market failure' meant firms are being starved of the funds they need to grow, create jobs and drive the economic recovery.

The startling statistics emerged in Bank of England figures showing that net lending fell by £10.7billion in 2011 – in other words, the banks received £10.7billion more in loan repayments than they gave out in new loans. That took the total fall since the end of 2008 to £82.7billion.

Sir Mervyn's explosive comments, as the Bank unveiled its quarterly inflation report yesterday, made a mockery of the Government's attempts to get banks to lend.

Critics called on ministers to force part-nationalised Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland to supply small companies with the crucial loans they need to kick-start the recovery.

It came as Sir Mervyn warned that the economy faces 'substantial headwinds' and hinted that interest rates would stay at historic lows of 0.5 per cent until 2014.

The Governor said Britain would 'zig-zag' between growth and decline this year as one-off events such as the additional bank holiday for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee disrupt business.

'We are going through an adjustment that will take a long time,' said Sir Mervyn. 'I think patience is a quality I would urge on all of us. We can't expect to get through this quickly.'

Official figures published on Monday showed that five of Britain's banking giants missed crucial 2011 lending targets set under the much-maligned Project Merlin deal with the Government.

The banks – HSBC, Barclays, Santander, Lloyds and RBS – lent £74.9billion to small businesses in 2011 compared with the £76billion promised under the Merlin deal. RBS, which is 82 per cent owned by the taxpayer, was the main culprit.

But separate Bank of England figures showed the picture was even worse because net lending – the amount handed out to firms, less the amount paid back – in fact fell.

The Bank of England has unleashed a £325bn quantitative easing programme in order to prevent 'a worse recession that in the 1930s'

Net lending by the five Merlin banks slumped by £9.6billion last year, while net lending by all banks was down £10.7billion.

'It's obvious that net lending by banks to businesses as a whole has fallen quarter-on-quarter through 2011,' said Sir Mervyn.

The last time net lending increased was in the final three months of 2008 when the collapse of U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers plunged the world into recession.

It fell by £875million in the first three months of 2009 – meaning businesses paid back more than they borrowed – as the global economy crumbled.

It has fallen every quarter since then, with banks getting back £82.7billion more in repayments than they issued in loans to business.

The lending drought has left companies short of the funds they need to invest, expand and hire new staff – a crisis highlighted by the Daily Mail's Make The Banks Lend campaign.

Small businesses are crucial to Britain's economy because they offer the best chance of creating jobs for redundant State workers and the unemployed.

Calls: There are demands for taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds to supply small companies with the crucial loans they need to kick-start the recovery

Lord Oakeshott, the former Lib Dem Treasury spokesman who quit over the Merlin deal, said: 'The Governor got it right and the Government got it wrong on making the banks lend to small business.

'After the abject failure of Project Merlin, it is time to set new lending targets for the nationalised banks with the boot, not a bonus, as the reward for failure.'

Sir Mervyn urged the Government to lean on Lloyds and RBS, which are part-owned by the taxpayer, to make them lend. 'For a long period I have pointed out that the Government owns two of the biggest four lenders,' he said. 'If they own them, they can do something about it directly.'

He added: 'There will, however, continue to be a problem for small businesses until the banking system is really back in a healthy condition. That is something the banks are working very hard to do.'

The Government's latest attempt to help small firms is through a 'credit easing' plan called the National Loan Guarantee Scheme, designed to lower interest rates paid by small and medium-sized firms by as much as 1 per cent.

Chancellor George Osborne is expected to outline the details in the Budget next month. But with only five weeks to go, none of the major High Street banks has formally signed up.

Home | Mail Online: Ed Bazinet, multimillionairem taken to mental hospital after blowing $20m on trinkets at New York gift fair

2012-02-15T14:15:00.001-08:00

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Ed Bazinet, multimillionairem taken to mental hospital after blowing $20m on trinkets at New York gift fair

Feb 15th 2012, 21:36

Retired tycoon Ed Bazinet, 68, spent $39.4m at an event in Paris last month
Businessman 'had a manic episode' and spent $1.6m on soap
Designer 'cut him off' after he bought $200,000 of cake platters

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 9:13 PM on 15th February 2012

Spending spree: Business tycoon Ed Bazinet, 68, spent $20million on trinkets at a trade fair in New York before being hospitalised, suffering a manic episode

A business tycoon who spent $20 million on luxury gifts - including $1.6million on soap - has been taken to hospital after concerns over the state of his mental health.

Ed Bazinet, 68, raced around the booths at the International Gift Fair in the Javits Center, New York, buying up everything he could lay his hands on.

Last month, sources said he spent $39.4 million at a similar event in Paris.

The huge sums of money that Mr Bazinet was spending left friends alarmed and he was taken to hospital yesterday, the New York Post said.

The tycoon had a manic episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a spokeswoman told gawker.com.

He placed orders between $200,000 to £2million on a variety of items.

The New York International Gift Fair takes place twice a year and the latest winter exhibition was attended by 28,000 stall holders and 35,000 visitors.

Most of the products are homeware and trinkets, ranging from kitsch pots and pans to luxury toiletries and expensive textiles.

Word quickly spread around the fair about the enormous sums of money Mr Bazinet was shelling out.

Designer Nima Oberoi told the Post: 'He'd just say, ''Give me 1,000 of this and 1,000 of that!''

'I feel awful for him; there was clearly something going on.'

The designer cut him off after he spent $200,000 on cake platters. Over at the elizabethW stand, Mr Bazinet ordered $1.6 million of soap, sachets and hanger covers, amounting to 96,000 items, sources said.

The company, which sells handcrafted bedroom linens and toiletries, was unavailable for comment when contacted by MailOnline.

Splurge: Mr Bazinet spent $20 million over four days at the gift fair in the Javits Center on the west side of Manhattan

Cleaned out: Mr Bazinet reportedly spent $1.6 million of soap, sachets and clothes hanger covers at the elizabethW stand

Mr Bazinet, who is originally from Minnesota, started his career making flower arrangements and is now reportedly worth $100million.

He made his fortune selling porcelain Snow-baby figurines and miniature ceramic villages after seeing the lucrative market in mail-order trinkets.

He'd just say, 'Give me 1,000 of this and 1,000 of that!'

Nima Oberoi, designer at the gift fair

In the mid-Nineties, he sold his company Department 56 for $270 million. The firm deals mainly in hand-crafted collectables and holiday decorations.

It was best known for coming up with the original Snow Village scenes in the 1970s - hand-painted, ceramic models depicting winter scenes of small town America.

Mr Bazinet has a lavish, 10,00 square-foot Tribeca penthouse worth $28 million which has 19 rooms, five floors, four terraces, sweeping spiral staircases and is filled with modern art. There is also a private roof garden and rooftop gym.

The main bedroom takes up a full floor and has a fireplace, bathrooms, skylit walk-in closet and a separate Jacuzzi room, according to Luxist.com.

The penthouse also boasts a 1,000-bottle wine storage, stainless steel and glass spiral staircase and private elevator connecting the floors. There is also a media room and large library.

Lavish lifestyle: Mr Bazinet, who has an estimaed worth of $100 million, lives in this five-floor Tribeca penthouse in Manhattan, worth $28 million

Dramatic pad: Mr Bazinet's penthouse is spread over five floors, has four terraces, a gym and is filled with modern art

Super-rich: The 68-year-old's New York apartment has dramatic views across the city and also features millions of dollars of modern art, media room and wine cellar

New York socialite: Mr Bazinet used his fortune to purchase a 19-room, five floor penthouse in downtown Manhattan

Sky's the limit: Ed Bazinet was featured in a 2007 book called Richistan - about New York's wealthiest people

WHAT IS BI-POLAR DISORDER?

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, affects moods, swinging from one extreme to another.

Sufferers often feel periods of mania, high points when they are full of energy, hardly eat and sleep - before experiencing extreme lows.

Episodes often last for weeks or months but can be successfully managed with medication and therapy.

Last year, it was revealed that Catherine Zeta-Jones was being treated for the condition.

Mr Bazinet also co-owns a Gulfstream jet.

In a 2007 book, Richistan: A Journey Through the American Wealth Boom and the Lives of the New Rich, Mr Bazinet told the author that he didn't want to live such a lavish lifestyle and was trying to sell his penthouse.

He said: 'It's not comfortable. Sometimes you don't know until you're living in a space. But this feels too big for two people.

'It's great when you have people for a party. But upstairs it feels like a big fishbowl with just a few people.'

According to the New York Sun in 2008, Mr Bazinet shares his New York penthouse with his partner, a Belgian photographer, and two rare breeds of cat.

How he made his millions: Ed Bazinet started a company Department 56 in the 1970s selling kitsch trinkets, including 'Snow babies' (pictured). He sold the firm for $270 million in the mid-Nineties

Home | Mail Online: Teenager, 15, found walking barefoot in pyjamas 'after years of beatings and starvation from parents

2012-02-15T13:11:00.004-08:00

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Teenager, 15, found walking barefoot in pyjamas 'after years of beatings and starvation from parents

Feb 15th 2012, 21:05

By Associated Press

Last updated at 5:11 PM on 15th February 2012

A severely malnourished 15-year-old Wisconsin girl found walking barefoot in pyjamas near her home last week told police her father and stepmother had forced her to live in the basement for years and that they beat her, starved her and even forced her to eat her own faeces.

A hearing was set for Thursday to review the bail and talk to the judge about the status of the charges, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said Wednesday.

He said police had not yet forwarded him the evidence and that he couldn't comment on when charges might be filed.

Investigation: Joshua Drabek, left, and Chad Chritton, right, were 'both involved'

Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain said someone notified police after seeing the girl barefoot in her pyjamas on Feb. 6.

According to a police affidavit, the girl said her father, 40, and stepmother, 42, had forced her to live in the basement since 2006 and that an alarm would sound if she went upstairs.

She said she ate what she could find on the floor and in the garbage, and that her father and stepmother had forced her to eat her faeces and drink her own urine.

The girl weighed just 70 pounds when she was brought in, and Dr. Barbara Knox, of American Family Children's Hospital, told police the malnutrition the girl suffered 'poses a significant risk of death' and that chronic starvation had caused her puberty to be arrested.

Mugshot: Melinda Drabek-Chritton was arrested by police involved with the case

Knox also said the girl would be at high risk for other disorders and complications that can lead to death, according to the affidavit.

The girl told investigators she fled her home because she was afraid her stepmother was going to throw her down the stairs.

She said she had been let out of the basement to 'clean some papers' for the woman, who became angry because she wasn't doing it fast enough and threatened to throw her down the stairs.

DeSpain said the girl's father initially gave police medical explanations for her condition, but a hospital social worker told police there was likely much more to the case.

More to follow

Home | Mail Online: Mother dies in hospital from prescription drug overdose just three days after giving birth by C section

2012-02-15T13:11:00.003-08:00

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Mother dies in hospital from prescription drug overdose just three days after giving birth by C section

Feb 15th 2012, 20:49

Stephanie Maylee, 25, had been released from hospital but was returning to visit her son
Baby kept in for observation

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 7:22 PM on 15th February 2012

Mother: Stephanie Maylee died from a drug overdose at the hospital while visiting her newborn son

A mother who gave birth to a baby boy by C-section and was subsequently released from hospital died three days later from an apparent drug overdose.

Stephanie Maylee, 25, from Missouri, returned to Rolla Hospital to visit her son Blake who had been kept in for observation due to an undisclosed health problem.

Her body was found in the hospitality room on Monday morning and an autopsy revealed she died of an apparent self-induced prescription drugs overdose.

It is unclear whether it was accidental or on purpose.

Pain medication is sometimes given to new mothers who have had cesarean sections.

The hospital's CEO John Denbo says the mother gave birth to her newborn son on Friday, but had since been released from the hospital.

Scroll down for video

Scene: Rolla Hospital in Missouri is conducting an investigation into how the 25-year-old died from an overdose in their 'hospitality room'

Excited mother: Stephanie posted pictures of her scan on her Facebook page where she counted down the weeks until he was born

He said: 'O.B.'s a happy place generally speaking and this is not a happy event. This is a very tragic event.

Hospital CEO: John Denbo says the mother gave birth to her newborn son on Friday, but had since been released from the hospital

'There apparently had been some discussion, "Well, you can't take your baby home with you yet, your baby's not ready to go home, but you can come back and visit".'

She was last seen by hospital staff at 2.30am on Monday. Her body was found seven hours later.

Phelps County Coroner is still waiting for toxicology results to come back. Foul play is not suspected.

Her son Blake, is still in hospital as child services try to decide who will gain custody.

The baby's grandparents are thought to be seeking custody.

The hospital has no record of the baby's father and doesn't recall anyone being with Maylee while she was a patient.

Home | Mail Online: The Wild West meets beauty pageants as Little Miss Silver Spurs rodeo queen is crowned - but where are the tantrums and competitive moms?

2012-02-15T13:11:00.001-08:00

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The Wild West meets beauty pageants as Little Miss Silver Spurs rodeo queen is crowned - but where are the tantrums and competitive moms?

Feb 15th 2012, 21:07

By Daisy Dumas

Last updated at 8:26 PM on 15th February 2012

For one night each year, the lights in the Kissimmee, Florida, Silver Spurs Arena shine down not on stamping bulls, unflinching cowboys and expert lasso technique, but on a group of pretty young girls in their very best ranch attire.

The annual search to find Miss Silver Spurs and Little Miss Silver Spurs is very much a local affair - open to those who live in Osceola County only - but its queens have an important part to play in the national cattle ranching culture.

And while they look their hair-curled, ironed and polished best, that is where similarities between child beauty pageants such as Toddlers and Tiaras end. No tears, no tantrums, no outfit changes and scholarships as prizes make the event a very different kind of competition.

Little Miss dancing queen: Caitlin Harris, the 2011 Little Miss Silver Spurs, leads the current contestants during a dance to kick off the 2012 pageant

While the Little Miss Silver Spurs 2012 prize went to 10-year-old Miss Courtney Clair of St Cloud County, spirits remained high for losing peer Rachel Shirah, whose 17-year-old sister was crowned Miss Silver Spurs at the 2011 pageant.

As a disappointed but upbeat Rachel, 11, acknowledges her loss with a conciliatory 'oh, well', her father, Tim Shirah, calmly explained that 'you never know how the judges will call it.'

Despite preparing with the help of her mother Beth, who gave Rachel a layer of mascara, eye shadow and lip-gloss, and much practice at her ranch home, it was not to be the rodeo hopeful's year.

Victorious: Courtney Clair, 10, from St Cloud, Florida, is crowned Little Miss Silver Spurs after impressing the judges across all categories

As his elder daughter's year of representing the famous not-for-profit club, established in 1941, comes to an end, making way for new queen, Melissa Albert, 18, of Kissimmee, Mr Shirah's younger daughter's year ahead will be rather less glamorous.

Wendy Jeannin of the Silver Spurs club told MailOnline that contestants have to have good school grades or a High School diploma or GED to enter the pageant. Entry forms even include a section for school details so that judges can perform background checks on the high-flying pupils.

Rodeo drive: The Little Miss Silver Spurs contestants line up in front of the audience of 800 and judging panel (left), while Rachel Shirah is followed off the stage by her father a good-natured Tim Shirah

Ms Jeannin explained: 'It's a year-long commitment - they become ambassadors and help promote and represent rodeo.'

'There's a lot more to it' than beauty, she said. 'It's definitely not a beauty pageant, These girls are awarded with scholarships.' She explained that prize money is strictly earmarked to go towards the girls' education only, with Little Miss Silver Spurs awarded $500 and Miss Silver Spurs taking home $1,000.

Warpaint: Rachel's mother Beth Shirah helps her daughter prepare for the evening ahead, with a coat of mascara, lip-gloss and rollers for requisite country curls

Lookin' pretty: Rachel Shirah, 11, has her lips painted by her mother Beth on the morning of the 52nd Miss and Little Miss Silver Spurs Pageant

At last night's pageant, girls battled it out in front of an audience of 800 and a panel of judges made up of Miss Rodeo America and two locally prominent officials.

Girls, aged nine to 11 for the Little Miss category and 16 to 21 for the Miss category, pay an entry fee of $85 each and are asked, on their not undetailed application forms, to name hobbies and interests and to specify what they'd like to do when they grow up.

Their favourite music, TV programme, singer, actor, rodeo event and movie are all questioned, as are pets' names as club managers whittle down entries for suitable candidates for the voluntary roles.

Take to the mike: Rachel is handed the microphone before delivering her one minute welcome speech. Contestants were told to keep it 'short, sweet and age appropriate'

Watching on: Rachel watches as the crowd greets the winners of the pageant. She seemed upbeat about her loss, saying 'Oh, well'

They are judged on appearance, knowledge of the rodeo sport, history and traditions of the Silver Spurs club and have to deliver a welcome speech and take part in a Q&A session.

Leaving nothing to chance, guidance for the compulsory one minute speech - delivered to the entire crowd - specifies that it needs to be 'short, sweet, to the point and age appropriate'.

Outgoing queen: Sheila Shirah, 17, the 2011 Miss Silver Spurs, rides around the arena during a prayer at the start of the Silver Spurs Monster Bull event this weekend

The 16- to 21-year-olds, competing for Miss Silver Spurs, also have to prove their horsemanship skills, competing a pattern of running with the horse and performing specific horseback challenges, said Ms Jeannin.

Silver Spurs, a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, is a power house in cattle ranching performance.

Over he goes: Greg Hall of Carrier, Mississippi, attempts to ride "Big Boy" during the Silver Spurs Monster Bull event, he wears a traditional Stetson instead of something more safety conscious

The club stages the largest rodeo competition east of the Mississippi - and as such, has its own very own rodeo queen culture. Cowboys and cowgirls will come head-to-head at this weekend's annual rodeo event, and winners of the 128th Silver Spurs Rodeo will head to the national finals in Las Vegas.

As much as the pageant is tied into the deep local traditions of cattle ranching, there is an element of showmanship to the rodeo circuit.

This is Florida, after all, said Ms Jeannin, and 'we're here with Disney.'

Tech2Date: Single-click credit card checkout launched by Buck

2012-02-15T12:50:00.001-08:00

Tech2Date

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Single-click credit card checkout launched by Buck

Feb 15th 2012, 18:57

Mobile payments company Billing Revolution, now named just Buck, launched today a single-click credit card checkout to allow shoppers make payment without any account, username or password.

The company has tied up with several high-profile customers such as Glamour, Papaya Mobile, SpyderLynk and Braintree. Once a transaction is made, the phone automatically becomes a wallet and hence other Buck-enabled merchant can recognize you being a member of the Buck network. This benefits no more typing of the required information in the next check out time on a Buck-powered site.

Buck is not limited to the web merchants only. It has tied up with credit card processor and payment gateway Braintree for non-web merchants' payment options.

When almost all the major merchants adopt similar platform then truly the Buck will be helpful. Buck is trying hard to include as much customers as possible in the network.

For Further Reading:

Tagged as: billing revolution, buck, credit card, payment, Shopping

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Home | Mail Online: Prolific naked rambler gets off jail despite terrifying woman dog walker

2012-02-15T12:06:00.007-08:00

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Prolific naked rambler gets off jail despite terrifying woman dog walker

Feb 15th 2012, 19:44

By Jaya Narain

Last updated at 7:44 PM on 15th February 2012

As an avowed naturist Nigel Keer likes nothing better than to stroll naked through the countryside or take a skinny dip in a remote reservoir.

But today the naked rambler found himself hauled before the courts after he stumbling over a shocked policeman.

The off-duty officer had been alerted after a woman dog walker wandered past him with a 'disgusted' look on her face.

Scroll down for video

Naked rambler Nigel Keer was charged with a public order offence after a fellow walker complained about his state of undress

And when he continued his jog across the rural beauty spot he spotted the object of her revulsion - a portly, middle-aged man wearing only a pair of walking boots and a rucksack.

PC Mark Buxton said: 'I saw a middle aged male with short, dark hair, who was slightly overweight.

'He was wearing nothing but a pair of walking boots and a back pack and I could clearly see his p***s and genitals. I couldn't believe what I had seen. I was shocked and surprised.'

PC Buxton told Leeds Magistrates' Court he felt 'shock and horror' at the naked man in front of him but decided he was 'duty bound' to arrest Keer.

He ordered him to take out some clothes from the rucksack he was carrying and put them on.

Keer, 41, initially refused to believe PC Buxton was a police officer as he was dressed in jogging gear, but eventually he agreed to put his clothes on and accompany him to a nearby car park where fellow officers arrived.

Fully clothed: Mr Keer is a keen rambler who says he will continue to 'go naturist' even after being hauled before the courts

Yesterday, Keer was fined £150 and ordered to pay £150 costs after he was found guilty of causing alarm or distress.

The court heard the incident happened on October 2 last year at Otley Chevin, a beauty spot in Yorkshire.

Off-duty PC Buxton was jogging in a popular beauty spot when he spotted the woman dogwalker.

PC Buxton, who has had 16 years' experience with West Yorkshire Police, told the jury: 'She kept looking behind her to her left and I could see from the disgusted frown on her face and body posture that she was upset about something.'

He continued jogging through the grassland when he noted the object of her concern, the court heard.

During police interview Keer, who retains his job with a local coach firm, said he had walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks - Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingle borough - naked for charity and had been a member of the Naturist Association since 2004.

Keer told the court most negative reactions to his naturist hikes amounted to 'tutting' but most people were positive.

On the day in question he had walked past 15 people and not had a single negative comment and claimed he had not seen the lady with a dog.

He claimed PC Buxton had approached him and told him 'Get a life you sad git', to which he replied: 'I've got a life, I'm a naturist.'

Keer said he had not seen the woman in distress or her dog, and told the court: 'I don't believe she even exists.'

He added: 'I wasn't flashing because I was already naked. If someone was flashing on the moor I would have been the first one to say that was wrong.'

Beauty spot: Otley Chevin, near Leeds, west Yorkshire, is a popular place for ramblers and dog walkers

Catherine Dowson, prosecuting, claimed Keer had walked on Otley Chevin to 'get a reaction' and that is why he had kept a scorecard, an allegation Keer denied.

Under cross examination from Keer's solicitor Peter Byrne, PC Buxton admitted the lone female dog walker had not been traced.

After the hearing, Keer said: 'I will continue to "go naturist" outdoors and in the countryside, but I will have to be more careful in the future.'

Stephen Gough, 52, earned the title Naked Rambler by walking unclothed from Land's End to John O'Groats after quitting his job as a lorry driver.

He has been repeatedly arrested walking naked through the streets and was last year jailed for 657 days for his latest breach.

Home | Mail Online: Al Amin Dhalla: Former City worker faces prison for harassment of ex-lover and her mother

2012-02-15T12:06:00.005-08:00

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Al Amin Dhalla: Former City worker faces prison for harassment of ex-lover and her mother

Feb 15th 2012, 19:47

Al Amin Dhalla had van containing targets and details of his ex-girlfriend's workplace
He hired a private investigator to watch his ex girlfriend 24 hours a day
Allegedly set fire to thatched cottage of victim's parents
Police helicopter 'airlifted them to safety after he discovered their secluded holiday home'
He posed as a doctor at the hospital where his ex worked

By Louise Eccles and Chris Parsons

Last updated at 7:23 PM on 15th February 2012

A jilted man who subjected his ex-girlfriend to a terrifying four-month campaign of harassment had a loaded crossbow, knife and petrol cans in the back of his car when he was arrested at the hospital where she worked.

City worker Al Amin Dhalla, 42, stalked Alison Hewitt and pursued her parents – even setting fire to their cottage after her stepfather raised concerns about their relationship, a court heard.

When he was arrested he had been posing as a doctor at the hospital, asking her colleagues for details of the rota system to try and find out when she would next be on duty.

In happier times: Al Amin Dhalla and Alison Hewitt when they were in a relationship

Stash: When police swooped on Dhalla's van, they found details of where his ex-girlfriend worked, as well as a target

In this CCTV image, Dhalla is spotted wandering the halls of the hospital where his ex Hewitt worked, where he asked nurses 'bizarre' questions about the staff rota

Dhalla had moved in with Miss Hewitt after meeting the 35-year-old doctor through an exclusive dating agency.

But she ended their one-year relationship when her stepfather David Gray discovered Dhalla had lied about his past.

In revenge, Dhalla set fire to the thatched cottage Mr Gray shared with Miss Hewitt's mother, Pamela.

Yesterday the Canadian-born bank auditor was found guilty of seven offences, including arson, harassment, theft and damaging property.

Today, following further deliberations, jurors also convicted Dhalla of perverting the course of justice, having an offensive weapon and found him not guilty of another theft charge.

Ms Hewitt said after today's hearing she wanted to get her life 'back to normal'.

Bad break up: Al Amin Dhalla turned on his ex girlfriend Alison Hewitt when she broke off their year-long relationship

Internet dates: Hewitt and Dhalla met on an elite online dating site for professionals

She said: 'I feel very relieved that it is all over now. I am looking forward to getting back to my normal life.'

Lewes Crown Court heard that when the couple split in December 2010, Dhalla sent malicious letters to Miss Hewitt's colleagues and neighbours in Brighton, and hired a detective to watch her day and night.

Then in April last year, he allegedly bought weapons – an air rifle with telescopic sight, a pistol and two crossbows – and drove toward her family's holiday home on Lundy, off the coast of Devon.

Al Amin Dhalla bought weapons from two different gun shops 30 miles apart, including this crossbow

Ammo: Jilted lover Dhalla also purchased these crossbow bolts during his four-month harassment campaign against Hewitt

Dhalla, pictured during a court appearance, was found guilty of harassment, theft and damaging property

On the way, he stopped for target practice in a field in Wiltshire where he was spotted and arrested on weapons charges.

He was released on bail but, the next day, drove straight to Mrs Hewitt's cottage in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. He set it alight using diesel and petrol.

Neighbours saw flames shooting up the front of the building and the fire was quickly put out.

Police decided to airlift Mrs Hewitt and Mr Gray from their Lundy property amid fears Dhalla might come after them again.

A day later he was spotted posing as a doctor at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, where Miss Hewitt worked.

Wearing a white coat and stethoscope and carrying a blue folder, he gained access to the maternity ward and asked staff 'bizarre' questions about rotas.

Richard Barton, prosecuting, said: 'He was masquerading as a doctor and seeking details of the trainee doctors' rota, to include times when Alison was on duty.'

He returned the next day and was arrested by armed police.

Ordeal: Alison Hewitt, pictured outside court today, said she wants to get her life 'back to normal'

Mr Barton, prosecuting, said: 'In his hire car, located nearby, were found a loaded crossbow, a large knife, fuel cans with remnants of their contents, his fake doctor's outfit including a second stolen stethoscope and a fuel–soaked envelope addressed to Pamela Hewitt.'

Mrs Hewitt said today outside Lewes Crown Court: 'When we found out Dhalla had been arrested at the hospital, just an hour before Alison was due to start work it was like a horror movie.

'I am just grateful that we are all still here.

'When the police told me there had been an incident at the house I felt elated, a house can be replaced but my children can't.

'People are people and some will always have disturbed personalities.'

Dhalla and Miss Hewitt met through an elite online dating agency, The Executive Club of St James, which can cost up to £9,000 to join and is aimed at high-earning professionals.

He lied by claiming he was 35 and that he was an orphan who had lived in Britain for many years. In fact, he arrived in the UK in 2009, the year he met Miss Hewitt.

She was already suspicious about his desire to marry quickly when his true background was exposed by her stepfather.

The details emerged when Mr Gray, who worked for MDBA, a missile manufacturer, was required to tell his workplace about family relationships.

Dhalla was cleared of two counts of putting a person in fear of violence and harassment.

Terror: Alison's mother Pamela Hewitt, pictured with her step-father David Gray, said Dhalla's stalking ordeal was 'like a horror movie'

Home | Mail Online: Former model hanged himself after suffering years of crippling toothache

2012-02-15T12:06:00.003-08:00

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Former model hanged himself after suffering years of crippling toothache

Feb 15th 2012, 19:51

By Leon Watson

Last updated at 7:35 PM on 15th February 2012

A former model hanged himself after suffering years of crippling toothache, an inquest heard today.

Dorian Thomson, 41, who worked as a model and as an art director for a Japanese fashion company, suffered from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which causes increased elasticity in muscles and joint tissue.

But the court heard Mr Thomson, of north west London, suffered from toothache in every tooth for six years which he believed was triggered by a visit to the dentist, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

Dorian Thomson, 41, was described as 'outgoing' and 'sociable' before a visit to the dentist left him in constant pain

His friend Ross Illingworth told the court that, as a result of his condition, Mr Thomson suffered from sleep deprivation and a lack of nutrients as he was unable to eat properly 'because of damage to his teeth'.

He said: 'He was in an enormous amount of pain, almost all of his jaw suffered from tooth ache. [The pain] was unceasing... For the last few years of his life he was taking morphine.'

Mr Illingworth, 41, who had been friends with Mr Thomson for ten years, said he had been helping him put together 'evidence concerning the orthodontistry which left him with his teeth in that condition' in the time before his death.

Mr Illingworth was due to meet him on December 7 last year but arrived at his friend's flat in Maida Vale to find him hanged.

He told the court: 'He was hugely outgoing. He very much enjoyed the social life and social activities. He was previously a model and a model booker and a large amount of that job is social and he thrived on that. He was a high-flyer.'

Mr Thomson had previously attempted to take an overdose.

Mr Thomson eventually hanged himself after suffering crippling toothache for years, the inquest heard

'I talked to Dorian about it and given the amount of medication, he was trying to end his life', said Mr Thomson.

He was in 'more pain than anyone could ever conceive of for about six years', he added, and 'in addition to his tooth ache from every single tooth he suffered from Temporomandibular joint disorder. It meant that there was no support from his jaw and the jaw joint had been worn down.'

By the time of his death, he said, Mr Thomson had become antisocial thanks to 'the onslaught of pain'.

He described his body as feeling like it 'had pins in it' when he walked, which would cause 'grievous amounts of pain'.

He told the inquest Mr Thomson, who turned on the Regent Street Christmas lights in 1999, had spoken about contacting Swiss assisted dying group Dignitas.

'Given the degenerative nature of his condition and the complete lack of help that he was being given, he wanted to know that there was a way out,' said Mr Illingworth.

Recording a verdict of hanging, adding that Mr Thomson killed himself 'while his mind was disturbed', Coroner Dr William Dolman said he was 'a man suffering from a number of serious medical problems.

He had the genetic disorder EDS and the orthodontic treatments had not been successful.

'He was a man in severe, constant pain for many years... He clearly had been a highly successful, outgoing man, but retreated into himself... he had issues with the unsuccessful treatment he had with orthodontics.'

Mr Thomson had worked as a male model and as an art director for a Japanese fashion company before his tragic death

He added: 'This intelligent man knew he had come to the end of his tether. A man with no way out of his predicament but to end his life.'

Mr Illingworth said outside court Mr Thomson had undergone treatment to realign his jaw.

He said: 'The EDS was triggered by orthodontic treatment and when that went wrong the orthodontist dumped him and refused to deal with him anymore. Other orthodontists were refusing to treat him and his condition deteriorated.

'We believe there is systematic failure in the knowledge of EDS. We have to improve knowledge of it and get testing for it before orthodontistry or any form of surgery. That was Dorian's wish, that nobody should ever go through it again.'

His partner of 12 years, Susan Millard, 48, added: 'I want to raise awareness of this. If any person can be prevented from going through what he went through it is worth it.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 909090 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details

Home | Mail Online: Multi-million pound windfarm set to be scrapped after walker finds 'line of ancient stones'

2012-02-15T12:06:00.001-08:00

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Multi-million pound windfarm set to be scrapped after walker finds 'line of ancient stones'

Feb 15th 2012, 19:55

By Emma Reynolds

Last updated at 7:54 PM on 15th February 2012

A multi-million pound windfarm looks set to be scrapped after an ancient Stone Age monument was spotted on the site using Google Earth.

Workers had already begun installing 15 wind turbines on the mountain top in Wales when a walker stumbled upon a row of stones on the site and realised they were of historical interest.

Archaeologists then plotted the line of stones on Google Earth and decided the relics must be around 3,500 years old.

Blown away: Sandy Gerrard uncovered the fascinating formations while out walking on Mynydd Y Betws, Carmarthen

Monumental discovery: Archeologists traced the stone line on Google Earth after Mr Gerrard's amazing find

One expert says the 500-metre long monument is 'almost as important as Stonehenge' and could be part of an ancient site of worship.

The British Archaeological Trust today demanded work be halted on the windfarm in Carmarthenshire, West Wales.

SECRETS OF THE STONES

A stone row (or stone alignment) is a linear arrangement of standing stones set at intervals along an axis.

These usually date from the later Neolithic or Bronze Age, and can stretch over a few metres or several kilometres.

They are thought to be religious or ceremonial and could mark out a processional routes or be aligned with other monuments or topographical or astronomical features.

Another theory is that each generation would erect a new stone to contribute to a sequence that demonstrated a people's continual presence.

The rows have been found in the British Isles, parts of Scandinavia and northern France.

Experts had supposedly already searched Mynydd Y Betws for archaeological relics ahead of the building work, so the Trust is now calling for a survey of the whole mountain.

Trust spokesman Peter Alexander-Fitzgerald said: 'It is surprising the planners missed this important find - it is visible on Google Earth's satellite pictures of the area.

'It could be one of the most important stone alignments in Britain - a sort of flattened Stonehenge.

'You have to remember that all is showing is the top of these stones - we don't know what else is there.'

The line of stones is very similar to ones found on Dartmoor and could have a stone circle at its end.

Mr Alexander-Fitzgerald added: 'This could form a landscape of major importance.'

Local rambler and amateur archaeologist Sandy Gerrard spotted the stones while out walking with friends.

Mr Gerrard, 52, said: 'I was having a look around the site area when I saw what looked like a stone row.

'My wife was walking in a separate group and when we met up she told me she had also spotted them - there was nothing else they could be.

'If people carrying out the surveys could miss something as important and as obvious as this, what else could be hiding up there?'

Freelance archaeologist Helen Gerrard described the find as 'tremendously important'.

She said: 'There is only one of its type in Britain which has even been partially excavated.

History lesson: The British Archaeological Trust has called for work on the ancient site to stop and a full survey to be carried out

Intriguing: An archaeologist said the find on a Welsh mountainside could be 'almost as important as Stonehenge'

'This could be almost as important as Stonehenge.'

The Welsh Government gave Carmarthenshire County Council the go-ahead for the windfarm, which will supply enough electricity to supply 23,800 households.

A spokesman for Cambrian Renewable Energy Ltd said: 'We can confirm that a stone alignment was recently discovered traversing the construction corridor.

'Although a comprehensive archaeological survey of the site, including a large series
of trial excavations was undertaken these previously hidden features were only revealed
following a gorse fire since the archaeological survey was completed.

Construction works in the area were diverted while we worked with Carmarthenshire County Council and the Welsh Government's heritage organization Cadw to fully survey the area and catalogue the finds.

'This work is now complete and Cadw and the council are satisfied that construction works in the area can proceed.

'The significance of the find has yet to be evaluated but three stones have been
excavated and removed under controlled conditions by our professional archaeologists.

'We will continue to work closely with experts from the council and Cadw.'

The turbines, at 416ft high, would be almost as tall as the London Eye, bigger than Big Ben and bigger than Wales' highest residential building, the Swansea Marina Meridian Quay Tower.

Home | Mail Online: Christianity is 'under-appreciated and misunderstood': Queen's staunch defence of a traditional faith under increasing attack

2012-02-15T11:03:00.007-08:00

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Christianity is 'under-appreciated and misunderstood': Queen's staunch defence of a traditional faith under increasing attack

Feb 15th 2012, 18:56

Comments come after High Court supports ban of prayers at meetings
'The Church has a duty to protect free practice of all faiths in this country'

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 6:56 PM on 15th February 2012

Defence of the Church: Queen used a speech at Lambeth Palace to remind the nation of the importance of 'Anglicanism' in everyday life

The Queen launched a robust defence of Christianity today, saying that she believed the concept of the established Church in the UK was 'commonly under-appreciated' and 'occasionally misunderstood'.

Her comments came in a speech at a multi-faith reception at Lambeth Palace in central London - and just days after a landmark legal ruling backed an anti-religious campaign to abolish official acts of worship.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh at the reception, the Queen said that the Church of England had a duty to protect the freedom of all faiths in the country.

The Queen was clearly aware of the controversy that has erupted since the High Court ruled against the tradition of saying prayers at council meetings.

Atheist former councillor Clive Bone won a case against Bideford town council, claiming he had been 'disadvantaged and embarrassed' when religious prayers were recited at formal meetings.

The ruling was denounced as an 'assault on Britain's Christian heritage'.

In her speech, the Queen said: 'Here at Lambeth Palace we should remind ourselves of the significant position of the Church of England in our nation's life.

'The concept of our established Church is occasionally misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under-appreciated.

'Its role is not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions. Instead, the Church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country.'

Royal reception: The Queen and the Duke Of Edinburgh are greeted at Lambeth Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and his wife Jane

Heads of the Church: The Queen and Archbishop greet each other ahead of the multi-faith ceremony. They both used the opportunity to highlight the importance of religion in modern-day Britain

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND... AND THE QUEEN'S ROLE

The English Church was separated from Rome and the Catholic Church in 1534 by King Henry VIII.

Henry wanted an annulment of his Catholic marriage to Catherine of Aragon so he could marry Anne Boleyn. But Pope Clement VII refused.

Although opposed to Protestantism, Henry took the position of Supreme Governor of the Church of England to ensure the annulment of his marriage, and was subsequently excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church.

Successive British monarch have assumed the title, and Queen Elizabeth is the current Supreme Governor of a faith that boasts 25 million baptised members.

The archbishops of Canterbury and York automatically have seats in the House of Lords, as do the bishops of London, Durham and Winchester.

Although the Queen's authority over the Church of England is not strong, her role is still considered very important to the church and is mostly observed in a symbolic capacity.

The main role of the Supreme Governor is to formally appoint high-ranking members of the Church on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is in turn advised by church leaders

The Queen and Prince Philip were greeted at Lambeth Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, before meeting representatives of eight non-Christian religions and Christian representatives.

Each presented a treasured object or text that is important to their faith.

In an address before the Queen's speech, Dr Williams drew laughter from the multi-faith crowd when he said the Queen has shown that being religious was 'not eccentric or abnormal'.

Referring to her, he said: 'Thus, you have been able to show so effectively that being religious is not eccentric or abnormal in terms of the kind of society we claim to be.

'On the contrary, if we take seriously the way our constitution works, the United Kingdom is a society where we might expect people to grasp the importance of symbols and traditions, not as a sign of mere conservatism or nostalgia but as a sign of what holds us together, what commits us to each other.'

The reception was one of the Queen's first public engagements to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee year, and she wore a red wool dress and jacket by Angela Kelly, finished off with a hat decorated with feathers.

Linking the concept of religion with her anniversary, she said: 'Many of the values and ideas we take for granted in this and other countries originate in the ancient wisdom of our traditions. Even the concept of a jubilee is rooted in the Bible.'

Multi-faith gathering: Buddhist guests (from left) Chairman of the Buddhist Society Dr Desmond Biddulph, Venerable Ajahn Amaro Bhikku, and Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala pray before the Queen and Archbishop

The High Court ruling in favour of Mr Bone's objections meant prayers will not be allowed at the start of council meetings across England and Wales, though they may still be said before the official start.

It is the end of a centuries-old custom, and it prompted concern that it would pave the way for Parliament to abandon prayers before Commons and Lords business, mark the end of hospital and Forces chaplains, and could even lead to the abolition of the Coronation Oath, pledged by Kings and Queens taking the throne.

The ruling came hard on the heels of an unsuccessful appeal by two Christian B&B owners - who refused to let gay couple Steven Preddy and Martyn Hall share a room at their Cornwall home.

The Court of Appeal told Peter and Hazelmary Bull that they were entitled to express their beliefs, but not if they were incompatible with the rights of gay people.

They now face having to pay More than £3,000 in compensation to the gay couple.

After the ruling in favour of Mr Bone, Simon Calvert, of the Christian Institute, said: 'Prayers have been a part of council meetings for centuries, and many people, either for religious reasons or cultural reasons, see them as a positive part of our national life.

'It's a shame the courts have taken sides with those whose goal is to undermine our Christian heritage. It is high time Parliament put a stop to this assault upon our national heritage.'

Home | Mail Online: Tom Holloway suffers horrific burns as exploding electronic cigarette knocks out all his teeth

2012-02-15T11:03:00.005-08:00

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Tom Holloway suffers horrific burns as exploding electronic cigarette knocks out all his teeth

Feb 15th 2012, 18:57

Florida father-of-three Tom Holloway badly injured
Battery in cigarette ignited and blew up in mouth
Debris flew around room melting all that it touched

By Mark Duell

Last updated at 4:50 PM on 15th February 2012

A Vietnam veteran was left with horrific injuries after an electronic cigarette blew up in his mouth, knocking out all his teeth and part of his tongue.

Tom Holloway, 57, of Niceville, Florida, screamed as the device exploded and debris melted everything it touched as it flew around a room at home.

The battery in the cigarette ignited and firemen said the father-of-three was therefore essentially 'holding a bottle rocket in his mouth'.

Serious burns: Tom Holloway, of Niceville, Florida, pictured with wife Becky and children Jessica, Matt and Chad, was left with horrific injuries by the explosion

Mr Holloway had been smoking electronic cigarettes for around two years and took them up after he began suffering lung problems.

'A super nice guy,' neighbour Wendy Jensen told ABC affiliate WEAR. 'He's had some health problems with his lungs and so he quit smoking.'

The incident happened on Monday evening when his wife heard a bang from the study, which she described as sounding like a firecracker.

A North Bay Fire District spokesman said that the battery blew up in his face, knocking out all of his teeth as well as part of his tongue.

Device: The battery in the cigarette ignited and firemen said the father-of-three was therefore essentially 'holding a bottle rocket in his mouth' (file picture)

'Whenever the battery ignited it was basically like him holding a bottle rocket in his mouth,' Chief Butch Parker told WEAR.

'Whenever the battery ignited it was basically like him holding a bottle rocket in his mouth'

Butch Parker, local fire chief

The explosion also set his study on fire and Mr Holloway, who is now being treated in a burns clinic, was left with blood all over his face.

Firemen said this was the first time they've ever heard of an electronic cigarette blowing up, but they haven't yet determined the brand.

'It's horrible,' Ms Jensen told WEAR of the suffering of Mr Holloway, who is also a photographer. 'We were just up all night thinking about it.'

Authorities have reported the incident to a U.S. database and are now investigating whether such an accident has ever happened before.

Home | Mail Online: UK weather: Blizzards head back as Britain swaps Siberian winds for Arctic gales

2012-02-15T11:03:00.003-08:00

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UK weather: Blizzards head back as Britain swaps Siberian winds for Arctic gales

Feb 15th 2012, 19:00

By Eddie Wrenn

Last updated at 5:18 PM on 15th February 2012

Heavy snow and winds are about to return with a vengeance, as forcasters predict another six inches of snow is heading back to Britain.

After a week's respite of surprisingly mild weather, Arctic gales are sneaking up on our shores, replacing the Siberian winds which covered much of the nation with a thick blanket of snow just two weeks ago.

Up to six inches of snow may fall in Scotland and northern England between Friday night and Sunday.

Remember this? Scotland may have to cope with another six inches of snow this weekend, giving places like Moffat, in Dumfries and Gallaway (pictured), another fresh blanket

Warm coat: A blizzard alert is in force from Friday night, with forcasts of heavy snow bringing disruption to people (and animals!)

But forecasters said that, unlike the two previous rounds of snow which saw the east and south worst-hit, the north and west will bear the brunt this time - as easterly Siberian winds are being replaced by north-westerly Arctic gales.

Scotland will feel the first waves, with sleet expected tomorrow - and then Northern Scotland must prepare for the worst as a 21-hour snow and blizzard alert kicks in from midnight on Friday night.

Scotland was warned of transport disruption, with wind gusts of up to 55mph delivering blizzards producing 'significant accumulations' of snow.

Netweather predicted four to six inches of snow in worst-affected areas.

The Met Office are monitoring whether to extend warnings to northern England, where winds of up to 45mph will blow around any snow which falls, which would make driving conditions difficult.

Independent forecasters Netweather and The Weather Outlook said England's north and west face sleet and snow even at low levels.

England's south and east are not forecast to be at risk of snow.

Despite a slightly warmer week, the snow has still hung about, with Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire still being snow-covered as little as five days ago

It will feel like Groundhog Day for many as the country faces its third Saturday shiver on the trot - all caused by similar Atlantic weather fronts sweeping from north-west to south-east.

This weekend's snow comes after up to seven inches of snow fell the weekend before last, and then a -18C post-snowfall plunge made Britain colder than Mount Everest last Saturday.

MET OFFICE BLIZZARD WARNING

The Met Office's blizzard warning is in effect for northern Scotland from midnight on Friday to 9pm on Sunday night.

It reads:

Sleet and snow showers will become frequent and heavy at times over the north-west Highlands during Saturday, with significant accumulations away from the west coast.

In addition, gale-force winds will result in temporary blizzard conditions over higher ground.

The public should be aware that this is likely to cause disruption.

The Met Office forecast most parts to fall to 0C or lower on Saturday and Sunday nights, with a frosty Monday and snow at times next week on higher ground in the north - although temperatures will be milder again for most.

A Met Office forecast said: 'Friday to Sunday will turn colder from the northwest, with wintry showers affecting northern areas and a risk of gales and blizzards across northern Scotland on Saturday.'
Met Office forecaster Dan Williams said: 'We'll keep track of the situation and keep everyone up to date with the latest developments.'

Netweather forecaster Paul Michaelwhite said: 'Much colder air will spread south-east across all areas on Saturday, with frequent snow showers packing in across northern and north-western areas later on Saturday and through Sunday.

'Gales will bring blizzards across hillier parts of Scotland, with a risk of snow showers and blizzards for northern Britain.

'I'd be surprised if somewhere didn't see 10-15cm locally, although it would be on higher ground and depends on temperatures when the snow falls.

'Central and southern areas will be bright and cold once rain clears on Saturday, with a return of overnight frosts everywhere.'

Forecaster Brian Gaze of The Weather Outlook said: 'A cold front will push down from the north-west bringing rain to most, followed by colder air with showers which could well fall as sleet or snow even to low levels in northern and western areas.

'There's also a chance of more persistent rain on the back edge of the cold front turning to sleet or snow before clearing away to the south.'

Home | Mail Online: Greek debt crisis: Lambrousi Harikleia threatens to jump off Athens office building

2012-02-15T11:03:00.001-08:00

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Greek debt crisis: Lambrousi Harikleia threatens to jump off Athens office building

Feb 15th 2012, 19:00

Lambrousi Harikleia is about to lose her job due to euro debt crisis
Husband was also going to kill himself, but has been talked down
Greece under severe pressure to save extra 325million euro
Needs to make savings to qualify for 130bn euro rescue package

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 3:14 PM on 15th February 2012

This is the dramatic moment a Greek woman threatened to jump from an Athens office block - because she was about to lose her job because of the euro debt crisis.

Lambrousi Harikleia today threatened to commit suicide from the second floor of the Labour Housing Organisation building which has been earmarked for closure.

Negotiations are currently continuing with the woman, believed to have a chronically ill child, who decided to kill herself after her wages were slashed and job was put at risk.

Dramatic: Lambrousi Harikleia today threatened to commit suicide from the second floor of the Labour Housing Organisation building which has been earmarked for closure

Desperate: Lambrousi Harikleia had her wages slashed, and her job is now under threat

Greece is currently under severe pressure from the eurozone to make an extra 325million euros of savings as it tried to qualify for a 130billion euro rescue package.

Her husband Spiros Verletis, also an LHO employee, was earlier persuaded to re-enter the building.

The suicide threat came after Greece's Public Order Minister Christos Papoutsis had warned: 'Greece has made all the efforts that it needed to do, and the people cannot take any more.

'The government is making superhuman efforts and we have reached the limits of the social and economic system. From now on, Europe has to take the responsibility.'

Today, some eurozone countries also revealed they had strong doubts over whether a second massive bailout could actually save Greece.

The wrangling over Athens' aid money comes after almost two years of frantic efforts to save Greece from bankruptcy and secure its place in the 17-country currency union.

Anguish: A police officer escorts a relative of Lambrousi Harikleia who was threatening to jump from an office block

Scale: Lambrousi Harikleia is seen clinging onto the railing outside the building

But circumstances have changed since the eurozone agreed on a first 110billion euro rescue for Greece back in May 2010.

Several politicians - especially in rich euro countries like Germany, the Netherlands and Finland - have grown tired of Greece repeatedly missing budget targets and failing to implement promised spending cuts, economic reforms and sales of state assets.

The measures that have been put into practice, meanwhile, have pushed the country into steep recession, with its economy shrinking 7 per cent in the final quarter of 2011 from a year earlier.

At the same time, at least some policymakers are optimistic that the eurozone is now strong enough to handle a default by Greece, which is one of the smallest economies in the currency union, responsible for only about 2 per cent of its economic output.

Elderly protest: Greek pensioners take to the streets of Athens to protest new austerity cuts this week

Clear-up: A worker repairs the Bank of Greece sign which was splattered with red and black paint during rioting in Athens

Meanwhile, other lawmakers are concerned that the shockwaves of a disorderly Greek default would be felt across the rest of Europe and the world's financial markets.

'There are many in the eurozone who don't want us any more,' Greece's Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos told the country's president, Karolos Papoulias, during a meeting to inform him of the latest developments.

Greece, Venizelos added, had to persuade the sceptics that the country could stay in the currency union and regain lost ground in reforming its economy.

'We are facing a situation that is particular because we are constantly being given new terms and conditions,' the finance minister said.

Venizelos' negative assessment was backed by an official in Brussels.

'There is resentments, mistrust, really bitter debate,' said a European official, who has been briefed on recent talks between eurozone finance chiefs.

Nation in crisis: The Greek government today rushed to find extra savings to satisfy EU demands before being handed a 130billion euro (£109billion) bailout

Clean-up: Workers remove debris from the Alpha Bank headquarters in the aftermath of widespread rioting in Athens on Sunday night

Last night, a meeting between eurozone finance ministers planned for today was cancelled after Athens failed to deliver in time on several demands made the previous week.

The country's international creditors - the other 16 countries that use the euro and the International Monetary Fund - are insisting that the austerity measures have to be implemented before Greece can get a second, 130billion euro bailout.

Eurogroup chairman Jean-Claude Juncker said he was still missing details on how to save an extra 325million euro as well as written assurances by the leaders of the main political parties that they will stick to a second bailout program after elections expected for April.

This afternoon, the head of Greece's Conservative party, Antonis Samaras, sent a letter to the country's international creditors committing to the terms of the second international bailout.

'We will remain committed to the program's objectives, targets and key policies,' Samaras, likely to become Greece's next prime minister, wrote.

In ruins: The damaged entrance to one of Athens' most beloved cinemas, the Attikon, which is housed in a building constructed in 1870

Hard times: An elderly woman begs by the Bank of Greece headquarters in Athens today

However, he also stated that policies might have to be modified in order to help the economy recover from the deep recession it is currently in, although he underlined these would not change the ultimate targets in reforming the economy.

Socialist party head George Papandreou sent his letter last night, officials said. They also said that the 325million euro in cuts should be secured by the end of the day.

But the European official briefed on recent talks said even those assurances may not be enough.

'People don't trust the Greeks and that is the main element,' he said.

Adding to that are concerns that the upcoming election campaign will forcibly slow down or hinder implementation - assurances or not.

'Gaps in implementation (during elections) are real,' the official said.

At their most recent get-together, last week, finance chiefs lashed out at their Greek colleague, with Finland's Finance Minister Jutta Urpilainen chewing Venizelos out in front of the cameras over a documents she said still had not been signed.

In flames: A petrol bomb explodes on riot police during a huge anti-austerity demonstration in Athens' Syntagma Square on Sunday

The perceived humiliation of Greece and the real human suffering brought on by four years of recession have often sparked violent protests in Athens and other Greek cities as well as growing resentment against Germany and the EU, which seen as imposing unnecessarily painful cuts.

But politicians in Athens and Brussels have warned about the negative consequences of a default.

'We do not have a choice between a pleasant or unpleasant option - but a choice that is between either unpleasant or even more unpleasant solutions,' Venizelos said today.

Apart from doubts over Greece's commitment to the bailout, there are still several missing elements in the rescue package that are outside Athens' control.

When eurozone leaders in late October tentatively agreed on more aid, they pinned down key parameters: By 2020, Greece's debt has to decline to around 120 percent of economic output - the maximum they said was sustainable without outside help - from more than 160 per cent currently.

Besides the 130billion euro in rescue loans, Athens was asked to negotiate a voluntary debt-relief with banks and other private investors that hold Greek government bonds.

The aim of that deal is to shave some 100billion euro off Greece's 350billion euro debt and give Greece much more time to repay the rest of the money it owes private bondholders.

But even provided that Greece gets the bailout and the deal with bondholders works out, debt inspectors from the EU and the International Monetary Fund believe the 2020 target would still be missed.

Late last month, an EU official said a gap of some 15billion euro remained.

There are hopes that the European Central Bank, which also holds a substantial amount of Greek bonds, can help fill that gap, but so far the ECB has remained vague on whether and how it would do so.

Despite all these problems, several European officials, who also declined to be named, said Wednesday that they expected the bailout to go ahead.

There are fears that an uncontrolled default could hurt other week countries like Portugal and even rock some of the big economies in Europe's core.

Instead of today's meeting, finance ministers will in the evening discuss the latest developments in Greece in a teleconference later, and meet in person in Brussels on Monday.

At that meeting, they are expected to give Greece the green light to move ahead with the bond-swap deal it has negotiated private investors.

For the bond-swap to work it has to be launched quickly, as it will take several weeks to implement and has to be finalised before March 20, when Greece faces a 14.5billion euro bond redemption it cannot afford to pay.

Passport Luxury Travel Blog | Kiwi Collection: Fresh Picks: Haute, Historic, Homey Hotels

2012-02-15T10:49:00.001-08:00

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Fresh Picks: Haute, Historic, Homey Hotels

Feb 15th 2012, 18:37

- Joy Pecknold, Passport blog editor

"Fresh Picks" features the latest luxury properties admitted into the Kiwi Collection. This week, we take a peek inside three hotels that feel like home. More specifically, they're homey in that "I'm an aristocrat with a large country home" kind of way.

Ellenborough Park This country property in Gloucestershire, England (a.k.a. the Cotswolds) dates back as far as the 1500s, but it takes its current name from a later landowner Edward Law, a Tory politician in the Duke of Wellington's 1828 government as well as Governor General of India from 1842 to 1844. There is plenty to do on the property, like snuggling in, or have a day at the races in neighboring Cheltenham.

London Syon Park This Waldorf Astoria hotel was the country home to the Duke of Northumberland for over 400 years. Now the last surviving ducal estate in Greater London, its 137 rooms take in regular folk. Explore the sprawling property which includes the Great Conservatory—the first of its kind to be constructed of gunmetal, bath stone and glass—and forty acres of gardens. For those who like their historic places livened up with slightly more contemporary dress, this is your sort of estate.

The Manor House at Fancourt This grand house in George, South Africa, has the most humble beginnings. Once a workers' base established by Henry Fancourt for the construction of the Montagu Pass in 1847, it's now a place of plush leisure. For those who do want to work up a little sweat on their brow, the 613-hectare Fancourt Estate this boutique hotel is apart of is a golfer's oasis, with three world-class courses from which to tee off.

Tech2Date: Microsoft enhances Windows 8 features to help people with disabilities

2012-02-15T10:48:00.001-08:00

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Microsoft enhances Windows 8 features to help people with disabilities

Feb 15th 2012, 18:21

by sunil on February 15, 2012

in Technology, Technology News

Windows 8 is paving its way to become more friendly to people with disabilities. Microsoft is now busy enhancing some of the accessibility features of the new operating system.

The built-in Narrator in Windows 8 can read text and help to people who are blind and can't see the computer screen. For those who have trouble seeing the screen, Magnifier can help in zooming in the display. Speech recognition software has also been included for those disable person who are not able to type.

In a recent official blog post, Microsoft's senior program manager Jennifer Norberg wrote that these special features of Windows 8 is taking few steps further such as the Narrator will help in upgrading to Windows 8 and the voice assistant lets user select a voice and change its speed.

Microsoft is also providing tools for developers in Windows 8 to help build the features into apps.

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Home | Mail Online: Honduras prison fire: Hundreds of inmates killed in 'hellish' scenes

2012-02-15T09:59:00.007-08:00

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Honduras prison fire: Hundreds of inmates killed in 'hellish' scenes

Feb 15th 2012, 17:41

Dozens die in their cells because guard who had keys could not be found
Blaze possibly triggered by rioting prisoners or an electrical short-circuit
Fears inmates have escaped in one of world's worst-ever prison fires

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 4:01 PM on 15th February 2012

Trapped inmates screamed from their cells as a fire swept through a Honduras jail, killing at least 357 inmates, authorities said today.

They died in the blaze that began late on Tuesday night at the prison in Comayagua, about 75 kilometres (45 miles) north of the capital Tegucigalpa, according to a senior official at the attorney general's office, Danelia Ferrera.

A further 475 people managed to escape from what is one of the worst prison fires ever in Latin America.

Hellish: A prisoner is carried away from Comayagua Prison in Honduras, where hundreds of inmates have been killed in a fire

Horrific: A bleeding man gets treatment in hospital after being rescued from the blaze

Hellish: Police and Army personnel stand guard outside the prison as fears grow that some inmates have escaped during the blaze

There was confusion over the death toll, however, with some reports that the 357 figure included more than 100 inmates who escaped during the fire and others that the dead and missing totalled 402 people - almost half the prison's inmates.

Comayagua fire department spokesman Josue Garcia said he saw 'hellish' scenes while trying to put out the fire, saying inmates rioted in attempts to escape.

He said 'some 100 prisoners were burned to death or suffocated in their cells.'

'We couldn't get them out because we didn't have the keys and couldn't find the guards who had them,' Garcia said.

Radio reports from Comayagua said dozens of prisoners were burned beyond recognition and the prison was destroyed by the flames.

Distressing: Relatives of inmates gather outside the prison gates anxiously waiting for news on their loved ones

Grief: A relative (left) cries outside the prison gates and another (right) is comforted as they comes to terms with the tragedy

Tensions rise: Army personnel stand guard as the emergency response continues into one of the worst-ever Latin American prison fires

Officials are investigating whether the fire was triggered by rioting prisoners or by an electrical short-circuit, said Danilo Orellana, head of the national prison system.

Hundreds of relatives rushed to Santa Teresa Hospital in Comayagua state to find out the fate of their loved ones, said Leonel Silva, fire chief in Comayagua.

The hospital treated about 40 inmates with serious burns and another 40 were sent by ambulance to Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa.

Tough Task: Firefighters respond to the blaze, described as 'hellish' by a force spokesman

President Porfirio Lobo declared an emergency in July 2010 in nine of the 24 prisons in Honduras.

His security minister at the time called the prisons 'universities of crime' that had been overwhelmed by overcrowding.

The country's overcrowded and dilapidated prisons have been hit by a string of deadly riots and fires in recent years.

A 2004 prison fire killed more than 100 incarcerated gang members in a state prison north of the capital. A fire a year earlier at a nearby facility killed 70 gang members.

Honduran authorities have repeatedly pledged to improve conditions but human rights groups say little has been done.

Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world, according to the United Nations, and there are frequent riots and clashes between members of rival street gangs in its overcrowded prisons.

Honduras is plagued by violent gangs known as 'maras', which started in the United States and then spread down into Central America, with members covered in distinctive tattoos.

Soldiers, police and anxious relatives surrounded the Comayagua prison, which housed more than 800 inmates -- well above its capacity.

Home | Mail Online: Heart Attack Grill customer in Las Vegas suffers cardiac arrest eating Triple Bypass Burger

2012-02-15T09:59:00.005-08:00

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Heart Attack Grill customer in Las Vegas suffers cardiac arrest eating Triple Bypass Burger

Feb 15th 2012, 17:45

Paramedics wheel man in his 40s out of restaurant's Las Vegas branch
He was eating a 6,000-calorie burger when he suffered a heart attack
Triple Bypass Burger contains three slabs of meat, 12 bacon rashes, cheese, red onion, sliced tomato and 'unique special sauce'

By Graham Smith

Last updated at 5:45 PM on 15th February 2012

It was always going to be unwise naming a restaurant that glorifies unhealthy food the Heart Attack Grill.

And on Saturday the inevitable happened when a customer suffered a cardiac arrest in the chain's Las Vegas branch.

An onlooker captured video of paramedics wheeling the unidentified man, thought to be in his 40s, out of the fast-food diner.

He was midway through eating a 6,000-calorie Triple Bypass Burger when he began experiencing chest pains.

Scroll down for video

Living up to its name: A customer is wheeled out of the Heart Attack Grill restaurant in Las Vegas on Saturday night after suffering cardiac arrest

6,000 calories: The Triple Bypass Burger contains three slabs of meat, 12 rashes of bacon, cheese, red onion, sliced tomato and a 'unique special sauce'

The restaurant chain - founded in 2005 using the catchphrase 'Taste Worth Dying For!' - is run by a former nutritionist 'Doctor' Jon Basso who, remarkably, used to run a Jenny Craig weight loss diet centre.

He denied the incident was an elaborate publicity stunt.

Mr Basso told Fox News: 'The gentleman could barely talk. He was sweating, suffering.

'I actually felt horrible for him because the tourists were taking photos of him as if it were some type of stunt.

'Even with our own morbid sense of humour, we would never pull a stunt like that.'

The Heart Attack Grill sells calorie-laden fare with names such as Quadruple Bypass Burgers and Flatline Fries.

Controversial: The restaurant, which promises free food to the obese, is located on Sin City's Fremont Street

Meals can exceed 8,000 calories. The recommended daily intake is 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 for men.

The Triple Bypass Burger contains three slabs of meat, 12 rashes of bacon, cheese, red onion, sliced tomato and the Heart Attack Grill's own 'unique special sauce'. And that's before taking into account the accompanying 'Flatliner Fries', cooked in pure lard, and a giant soft drink.

Accentuating the medical theme, waitresses dressed as nurses deliver the artery-clogging food.

A sign at the entrance to an Arizona restaurant reads: 'Go away. If you come in this place, it's going to kill you.'

But the chain has provoked widespread anger with promotions including offering free food to morbidly obese customers.

Scantily-clad: A waitress leaves little to the imagination. Heart Attack Grill meals can exceed 8,000 calories

In an exploitative advertising campaign, the restaurant announced that it would pick up the bill for any patron who weighed more than 25-stone.

Mr Basso hired a 46-stone man, Blair Rivers, to star in a tongue-in-cheek commercial promoting the special offer.

In the ad, Mr Basso says with a smile: 'I personally guarantee a stable upward progression of body weight while you're enjoying great tasting foods.

'Along with a cold beer and cigarette, it's a diet you can stick to for life.'

The advertisement then states the side affects from eating Heart Attack Grill food 'may include sudden weight gain, repeated increase of wardrobe size, back pain, male breast growth, loss of sexual partners, lung cancer, tooth decay and liver sclerosis stroke.

'In some cases mild death may occur.'

Home | Mail Online: Casey-Lyanne Kearney fatally knifed in Elmfield park: 13-year-old's desperate 999 call

2012-02-15T09:59:00.003-08:00

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Casey-Lyanne Kearney fatally knifed in Elmfield park: 13-year-old's desperate 999 call

Feb 15th 2012, 17:47

26-year-old woman arrested for allegedly assaulting girl before she was stabbed
Another teenager says she was screamed at by drunk woman at park yesterday afternoon
Forensics tent set up by playground as police probe grisly murder

By Emma Reynolds

Last updated at 5:47 PM on 15th February 2012

A 13-year-old girl who made a desperate 999 call after being fatally stabbed during half-term week has been named locally as Casey-Lyanne Kearney.

Friends left tributes on Twitter and Facebook to the teenager - who managed to stagger away and make a final call to police after the attack at around 1pm in the 'rough' Elmfield Park, Doncaster.

The injured teenager was found minutes later by local tennis coach John Willis - who today dropped off flowers and a note from his family in the park.

Much-loved: Devastated friends left tributes to murdered Casey Lyanne-Kearney on social networking sites

Shaken: Local tennis coach John Willis (pictured), found the girl at the park after she phoned 999

Police at Elmfield Park, which was described by locals as 'rough' and unsafe for children

Police and paramedics arrived soon after Mr Willis and treated Casey-Lyanne at the scene before taking her to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, where she died from her injuries last night.

Friend Leah Jones wrote on Facebook today: 'No one deserves to die young! rip casey! your death has effected so many people and im sure you will never be forgotten. sleep tight princes33.'

Ciara Batty added: 'R.I.P Casey, i didnt know you that well, but i knew you enough to know that you didnt deserve to die! you were a lovely girl, never forgotten333.'

Another devastated school friend said: 'RIP Casey, you were in my media and were such a lovely girl. It's sick that someone would murder a 13 year old.'

A 26-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault last night and is being held in custody.

Horrified locals said they were frightened to use the Doncaster park, which they described as 'unsafe' for children walking to school.

Emotions: Heartfelt messages at the scene included one from the Willis family, left, after father John found the girl at the park

Violence: The injured teenager managed to stagger away after the attack in Elmfield Park, Doncaster and dialled 999

A woman passing the scene with her 13-year-old daughter said she no longer allowed the teenager to go into the park.

'It is not a very good park, to be honest. There have been a number of incidents in there, it is not like when I was a child.'

Her daughter had come across a drunk woman when she was walking close to the park yesterday afternoon.

The schoolgirl said: 'We were just walking and we decided to run. She was walking past and she asked us why we are running. She started calling us names.'

Panic: Casey-Lyanne was treated at the scene after making a frantic call to police from her mobile phone

A local shopkeeper, who gave his name only as Raja, said a man had set himself on fire in the park five or six years ago.

He added: 'They should put CCTV cameras in the park. A few customers have been saying that.'

'It is such a shock. It is really sad. You see kids playing football in the park. It is the first time we have had a stabbing around here.'

Another woman living nearby said: 'I worry each day for children going to school and entering the park. I don't think it's safe. I don't think it has been safe for many years.'

Police are trying to establish whether the girl was fatally injured on the spot or staggered there before she collapsed.

Murder probe: Police set up a forensics tent beside a children's playground near where the attack took place

The whole of Elmfield Park remained sealed off from the public today and blue police tape was attached to railings and trees.

Police community support officers were posted around the area and a white forensic police tent was set up a few metres from a children's play area.

A local man said: 'I'm not surprised, it is quite rough over that side of the park.'

Another resident added: 'I'm shocked and stunned. I can't believe it on your doorstep. I use that park every day to walk my dogs.'

Doncaster Council's chief executive Jo Miller revealed that the person in custody was 'known to local public agencies'.

Grisly: An ambulance and two rapid response cars rushed to the park at around 1pm yesterday to help the girl

She said: 'We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts are very much with family and friends.

'This incident is in the very early stages of a police-led murder investigation and we would urge anyone with any information to come forward and talk to the police. We can confirm that we are all working hard to piece together what happened yesterday and also gathering any information we can.

'The person in custody was known to a number of local public agencies and we are working together to establish all the circumstances involved with this case.'

Speaking near the scene, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Terry Mann said Casey-Lyanne had left her home at around midday yesterday, intending to catch the bus to Doncaster town centre where she was meeting a friend.

Tragic death: The schoolgirl was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary after the brutal assault - but died of her injuries hours later

He said: 'We believe that she then got off somewhere around this area here, and the next part we know is that, at 18 minutes past one yesterday, a call is received via South Yorkshire Police switchboard from Casey herself to say that she had been stabbed.

'At the same time, a passing member of the public has come by Casey and contacted an ambulance. In a very short period of time both police and paramedics arrived at the park area.'

He said medics worked 'tirelessly' to save Casey-Lyanne but she died at 9.25pm last night.

She had been wearing a black waist-length coat with blue jeans and knee-high boots, he said, and was carrying a black Bench shoulder bag with purple writing.

He appealed for any members of the public who were in or near the park at lunchtime yesterday to contact police.

A specialist incident room has been set up which can be called on 01709 443510, or people can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, he said.

Staff at the nearby Earl of Doncaster Hotel said they were questioned by officers in connection with the attack.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: 'We were called around 1.15pm yesterday to Elmfield Park.

'We sent one ambulance and two rapid response vehicles to the scene and a female patient was treated and taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary for further care.'

Home | Mail Online: Nicolas Sarkozy to announce he's running for re-election as President of France live on TV

2012-02-15T09:59:00.001-08:00

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Nicolas Sarkozy to announce he's running for re-election as President of France live on TV

Feb 15th 2012, 17:48

President launches media campaign in bid to win second term
Opinion polls suggest Socialist rival Francois Hollande will win May 6 election

By Peter Allen

Last updated at 5:48 PM on 15th February 2012

Nicolas Sarkozy tonight booked himself on to prime time television to announce that he is running for re-election as President of France.

The 57-year-old conservative claimed he had 'accepted an invitation' to appear on TF1's hugely popular 8 o'clock news programme.

But insiders at the flagship French broadcaster confirmed that it was all part of a carefully co-ordinated media campaign which Mr Sarkozy hopes will see him win a second term in May.

Co-ordinated campaign: French President Nicolas Sarkozy's new Twitter page, which he used to announce he was appearing on TF1's 8 o'clock news tonight, where he is expected to formally declare his candidacy for a second term

'Mr Sarkozy chooses when he wants to be on TF1, and he saw a prime-time news programme as being the best way of launching his candidacy,' said one.

Opposition Socialists, meanwhile, described the television appearance a non-event, which merely underlined how desperate Mr Sarkozy was in the fact of his plummeting popularity rating.

'The French just aren't interested in this kind of communication, they just want us to deal with their problems.' said party secretary Martine Aubry.

Opinion polls currently suggest that Socialist candidate Francois Hollande will beat Mr Sarkozy by up to 15 points in a May 6 head-to-head, despite Mr Sarkozy's foreign minister Alain Juppe saying: 'Now the real campaign starts.'

Popular: Mr Sarkozy has already attracted nearly 40,000 followers on Twitter despite having only sent two messages

When Mr Sarkozy came to power in 2007, he styled himself as a Margaret Thatcher-style reformer, ready to revive France's ailing economy with lower taxes, longer working hours, and an onslaught against the country's powerful trade unions.

In fact, companies are closing or moving abroad, unemployment remains stuck at just under 10 per cent, and the cost of living is rocketing.

Mr Sarkozy himself is viewed as by far the most unpopular head of state in the history of the Fifth Republic.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with whom Mr Sarkozy has been working closely to try and solve the Eurozone economic crisis, has pledged to campaign on Mr Sarkozy's behalf, but even this looks set to have very little impact.

Committed: Mr Sarkozy (centre) visits children at a day care centre to promote his family policy earlier this month

After credit agency Standard & Poor downgraded France's AAA rating, Mr Sarkozy announced emergency measures including a rise in VAT, and a tax on financial transactions, but these measures are likely to make France even less competitive.

Before his TV appearance tonight, Mr Sarkzoy launched a Twitter account and - after sending just two messages - had attracted almost 40,000 followers.

He will start some 67 days of campaigning tomorrow with a visit to a cheese factory in the Alpine town of Annecy.

Mr Sarkozy's appearance on TF1 coincided with Mr Hollande's second major campaign speech in his home town of Rouen.

Tech2Date: Amazon’s Kindle Touch gets handwriting recognition technology

2012-02-15T09:39:00.001-08:00

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Amazon's Kindle Touch gets handwriting recognition technology

Feb 15th 2012, 17:30

by sunil on February 15, 2012

in Technology, Technology News

Amazon's Kindle Touch now gets handwriting recognition feature. Thanks to Puzzazz, new puzzle-focused technology startup.

Puzzazz has developed exclusive prduct for Kindle Touch called TouchWrite that allows user of the Kindle to write letters and numbers by finger. The TouchWire product then converts the writing into digital versions. The same technology was earlier tried by GeekWire's Todd Bishop.

As of now the new technology is just limited to few Sudoku e-books, but soon it may be the future of books. According to the claims made by Puzzazz, the TouchWrite can recognize wide variety of handwriting styles, and not limited to any particular way of writing the alphanumeric characters.

A month ago Apple announced of launching interactive textbooks that will also include 3Dimages, users' ability to markup titles, and many more such features.

With the release of TouchWire, Puzzazz stands at one end of the spectrum of developing interactive e-books.

For Further Reading:

Tagged as: Amazon, amazon kindle touch, Apple, kindle touch, puzzazz

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Home | Mail Online: Iran loads nuclear fuel into Tehran reactor

2012-02-15T08:50:00.009-08:00

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Iran loads nuclear fuel into Tehran reactor

Feb 15th 2012, 16:46

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 12:58 PM on 15th February 2012

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today loaded nuclear fuel rods manufactured in Iran into the Tehran reactor for the first time in a further act of defiance against the West.

Tehran had announced in January that it had successfully manufactured and tested fuel rods for use in nuclear power plants, a move to show that international sanctions are failing to stop it making advances in nuclear know-how and to strengthen its hand in any renewed negotiations with six world powers.

'The first home-made nuclear fuel roads will be loaded in the Tehran Nuclear Research Reactor in the presence of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,' Ali Baqeri, deputy head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told student news agency ISNA earlier today.

Ambition: Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is guided around the Tehran reactor

The Tehran reactor produces radio-isotopes for use in medical treatments and agriculture.

Iran says it was forced to make its own fuel for the Tehran reactor after failing to agree terms for a deal to obtain it from the West to replenish imported Argentinian stocks expected to run out in the near future. But many analysts doubted Iran would be able to convert its uranium into special reactor fuel.

The West accuses Iran of covertly trying to develop the means to produce nuclear bombs with its uranium enrichment program. Iran, the world's No. 5 crude oil exporter, says its nuclear facilities are part of a peaceful energy program and it would retaliate for any attack on them.

The most recent talks between world powers and Iran failed in January 2011 because of Iran's refusal to suspend its sensitive uranium enrichment work, as demanded by several U.N. resolutions and major powers.

But Iran says it is ready to hold fresh talks with no preconditions. 'We will also send a reply to the EU's foreign policy chief (about nuclear talks) today,' Baqeri said.

Home | Mail Online: Caroline Spelman's son Jonathan, 17, granted injunction to stop publication of 'private information'

2012-02-15T08:50:00.007-08:00

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Caroline Spelman's son Jonathan, 17, granted injunction to stop publication of 'private information'

Feb 15th 2012, 16:46

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 4:38 PM on 15th February 2012

Caroline Spelman made the urgent application for the injunction against Express Newspapers on behalf of her son

The teenage son of Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has won a High Court injunction preventing the publication of 'private information'.

Jonathan Spelman, 17, was granted the interim order against Express Newspapers after an urgent application was brought by his mother and father, Mark, at a private hearing last Saturday.

Giving his reasons today for making the order, Mr Justice Lindblom said the sensitive personal information, to which the Daily Star Sunday's intended story related, attracted a reasonable expectation of privacy.

He bore in mind that it was a case of a minor facing the prospect of considerable press scrutiny in a tabloid newspaper.

'There is an additional aspect to this story in that the claimant is the son of a Cabinet minister. Thus there is a political dimension which cannot be ignored,' he said.

The judge added that the information concerned came into the newspaper's hands through a leak, although it was not clear how it occurred or who was responsible for it.

He said that publication at this stage would not advance the public interest to a material degree, but was likely to have a very significant harmful effect on Jonathan Spelman.

He added that it was not a case in which the court should take the 'exceptional' course of anonymising the proceedings.

'Sufficient protection is afforded by the parties being named in the normal way in the proceedings - so that the public will be able to identify the claimant as the person who has sought particular injunctive relief against the defendant - but ensuring that the subject matter of the application and the precise nature of the relief granted will not be in the public domain.

'This seemed to me properly to reflect the course which the court ought now normally to take in situations such as these.'

The case is due to return to court tomorrow, with the newspaper's lawyers reportedly aiming to overturn the injunction.