Libya taunts UK over rebel death

30 July 2011 Last updated at 10:57 GMT Abdel Fattah Younes had defected from the government in February Libya's government has taunted the UK over the death of rebel military commander General Abdel Fattah Younes.

It has been claimed the former Libyan government minister was shot by an Islamist militia linked to the rebels.

A Libyan government spokesman said the incident showed the UK government had made a mistake by recognising the rebel council as the sole authority in Libya.

He said it was "a nice slap to the face of the British" that the rebels were unable to protect their army chief.

On Saturday, the rebels' Oil Minister, Ali Tarhouni, told reporters in Benghazi that a leader of the Obaida Ibn Jarrah Brigade had provided information on the circumstances of Gen Younes's death.

But he did not provide a motive for the killing, which he said was still being investigated.

On Wednesday, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said the UK would recognise the Libyan National Transitional Council of the rebels as the "sole governmental authority", as it expelled Gaddafi-regime diplomats from the UK.

Gen Younes and two aides were killed by gunmen after being recalled from the front line of fighting.

Hundreds of mourners carried a coffin containing the general's body into Benghazi's main square on Friday.

Col Muammar Gaddafi's government in Tripoli said the killing was proof the rebels were not capable of ruling Libya.

'Nice slap to face'

Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said: "It is a nice slap to the face of the British that the council that they recognised could not protect its own commander of the army."

Speaking before Mr Tarhouni's comments, Mr Ibrahim suggested Gen Younes had been killed by al-Qaeda and repeated a claim that the group was the strongest force within the rebel movement, which is based in the east of the country.

"By this act, al-Qaeda wanted to mark out its presence and its influence in this region," he said.

"The other members of the (rebel) National Transitional Council knew about it but could not react because they are terrified of al-Qaeda."

Gen Younes - a former interior minister who had served at the heart of Col Gaddafi's regime since the 1969 coup - joined the rebels at the beginning of the Libyan uprising in February.

On Wednesday, the Libyan charge d'affaires in the UK was called to the Foreign Office to be told he and other diplomats must leave.

Instead the UK will ask the National Transitional Council to appoint a new diplomatic envoy.

It follows similar moves by the US and France. The UK had previously said it recognised "countries not governments".

Meanwhile, Nato said a "precision air strike" had disabled three Libyan state TV satellite transmission dishes.

Nato said the operation was intended to stop "inflammatory broadcasts" by Col Gaddafi's regime.

View the original article here

DVT linked to video gamer's death

30 July 2011 Last updated at 15:44 GMT Chris Staniforth would spend up to 12 hours playing on the console. A man whose son died after playing video games for long periods is campaigning for greater awareness of the risk posed by their excessive use.

Chris Staniforth, 20, who would play his console for up to 12 hours, died in May from deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

His father David believes the condition may have been triggered by long gaming sessions.

DVT can form during long periods of immobility and can kill if the clots travel to the lungs.

Computer records showed his son would sometimes play online on his Xbox for periods up to 12 hours.

The coroner said a clot formed in Chris' left calf before moving to his lungs.

Once there, it caused a fatal blockage, known as a pulmonary embolism.

Mr Staniforth said: "After my research I saw there was no difference to Chris sitting at a desk on his Xbox and someone on a long-haul flight.

"Sitting still is literally the danger zone. Chris loved to play and would stay up all night.

"Millions of people worldwide are playing these games for hours, and there is a risk."

While Mr Staniforth has no problem with games consoles, he wants to highlight the heightened risk of DVT associated with being immobile, and is in the process of setting up a website.

In a statement, Microsoft, who manufacture the Xbox console, said: 'We have always encouraged responsible game play through our education campaigns such as Play Smart, Play Safe.

"We recommend that gamers take periodic breaks to exercise as well as make time for other pursuits."

David Staniforth calls for greater awareness of DVT after the death of his son, Chris

View the original article here

Hospital death probe woman named

16 July 2011 Last updated at 16:01 GMT Tracey Arden's brother Gary said news of the investigation was a shock

A 44-year-old grandmother has been named as one of three patients whose deaths at a Stockport hospital are being investigated by police.

Tracey Arden, from Stockport, and two men, aged 71 and 84, died following the deliberate contamination of saline solution at Stepping Hill Hospital.

Police were alerted when insulin was discovered in a batch of 36 saline ampoules that had been tampered with.

Detectives said the deaths were being treated as unexplained.

Officers are awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations.

Eleven patients who survived the effects of the medication are to be interviewed by police.

Concerns were raised on Tuesday when an experienced nurse at the hospital reported a higher than normal number of patients with low blood sugar levels on her ward.

Continue reading the main story

We have someone deliberately contaminating saline in the one place that people should feel they are being most cared for”

End Quote Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney Insulin was subsequently found in a batch of 36 saline ampoules in a hospital storeroom.

Multiple sclerosis patient Ms Arden, a mother-of-two and grandmother, died on 7 July.

Her parents, Keith and June, visited her on that afternoon but were later called by hospital staff and told she had "taken a turn for the worse".

By the time they arrived back at Stepping Hill their daughter had died.

Ms Arden's funeral has been delayed while police investigate.

Her brother, Gary Arden, said news of the investigation was a shock as the family had initially been told she had died from a lung and chest infection related to her multiple sclerosis.

The contamination of the saline was not restricted to a single ward, the hospital said

"We accepted that as a family, that her time had come and that was the cause," he said.

"At this point in time my hope for me and my family is that the investigation takes its due course and we find that Tracey has nothing to do with this. "

The two male victims died this week. The 71-year-old man is believed to have been terminally ill while the nature of the 84-year-old man's illness has not been disclosed.

Greater Manchester Police said it was focusing its investigation from 7 July onwards but would review previous deaths at the hospital if new information came to light.

Increased security measures have been put in place at the hospital to protect patients currently receiving treatment there.

Anyone entering may now be searched and police are interviewing staff and visitors.

Chris Burke, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust's chief executive, said: "We have increased security both in terms of access to the hospital and access to medicines and already replaced all saline ampoules across the hospital.

"We are doing all we can to protect our patients and ensure their safety while under our care."

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "We have someone deliberately contaminating saline in the one place that people should feel they are being most cared for.

"I want to reassure everyone connected to the hospital - staff, patients, visitors and the wider community - that we are determined to prevent further harm and to bring the offender to justice."

Mr Sweeney said police were still waiting to find out if the contamination of the saline "contributed to the deaths of these three people".

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle, said: "This is obviously a very serious matter, I have to say I think the hospital have acted entirely responsibly, acted very promptly calling the police in as soon as they knew there was a problem."

View the original article here

Tributes to death crash teenager

8 July 2011 Last updated at 15:02 GMT Emma Jayne Allman was studying to be a primary school teacher The parents of teenager who died after the car she was driving hit a bridge in Cardiff on Wednesday, have spoken of their "tragic loss".

Penylan student Emma Jayne Allman's Mini crashed on the northbound A4232 at the Culverhouse Cross interchange.

The 19-year-old's parents described her as "beautiful" and said she had a "bubbly, fun loving" personality.

Two male passengers were treated at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for injuries.

In a statement, Miss Allman's mum Jacqueline, said the former Howells Girls School pupil had finished her first year of studying at university at Caerleon, Newport and was looking forward to fulfilling her lifelong ambition to become a primary school teacher.

"Emma had a bubbly, fun loving personality and was adored by all who knew her," said her mother.

"This is a tragic loss and Emma will be deeply missed by all her family and friends."

Her father Gary said in a separate statement: "My beautiful daughter was all to me. I will sadly miss her laughter and smile. My heart will never mend.

"Her spirit will be with me always. My love for her will continue until one day I will be with her.

"Emma was loved by her friends and I hope that she as found peace. When she took her first step I caught her. We loved each other always.

"Emma - I love you with all my heart Dad x."

South Wales Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash involving her black 08-registered Mini at around 2140 BST, to contact the serious collision investigation unit on 01656 869332.

View the original article here

Death mother 'punished enough'

1 July 2011 Last updated at 13:09 GMT Yvonne Freaney admitted the manslaughter of her son Glen at a hotel near Cardiff Airport in May 2010

A judge has told a mother who killed her severely autistic 11-year-old son she has been punished enough as he spared her prison.

Yvonne Freaney, 50, of Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, had admitted the manslaughter of her son Glen at a hotel near Cardiff Airport in May 2010.

Mr Justice Williams gave her a three-year supervision order at Cardiff Crown Court. She had been cleared of murder.

The judge said it was the hardest sentencing exercise he had undertaken.

Freaney was cleared of murder at a trial in May.

The court heard she and son Glen were staying at the Sky Plaza hotel in May last year.

She had moved out of the family home and had been living in hotels for about a month before Glen was killed after her marriage broke down.

Glen Freaney was described as a "wonderfully friendly boy"

The court heard she had suffered years of physical abuse by her husband Mark, a former RAF serviceman, whom she married in 1996.

On the day she killed Glen, she was discovered alive in her hotel room, despite trying to cut her wrists and taking an overdose.

As she was arrested, she told emergency services: "It's funny. He was laughing when I was strangling him. That is when I knew he was happy.

"I had to do it because now no one can point fingers at him. My only regret is that I couldn't end my own life."

During her trial, the court heard that Glen communicated through a computer by tapping on symbols on the screen.

He suffered from severe autism and still wore nappies.

As well as being his main carer, Freaney also looked after her three other children - who suffered hyper-activity disorder, dyspraxia and Asperger's syndrome - and her elderly mother.

After her arrest, Freaney was detained at a secure mental health unit ahead of her trial before being remanded in custody.

A jury of seven men and five women decided she was suffering "extreme mental stress" at the time she strangled Glen with and cleared her of murder.

Defending barrister John Charles Rees QC said Freaney had never disputed killing her son and was a woman with no previous convictions.

'Substantial mitigating factors'

He called the prospect of imposing an immediate prison term a "pointless exercise" given that Freaney has "effectively been in custody" since being arrested and would be out on licence within a few days or weeks.

Mr Justice Williams described her as a "loving mother" and accepted there was low risk of her re-offending but said she needed help to address her mental health issues.

He said he wanted to make it clear the taking of a life was a very serious issue, even when a plea of diminished responsibility was accepted by the court.

But he said there were several and "substantial mitigating factors" in the case.

"I found this sentencing exercise the most difficult I have ever taken," the judge said.

"I believe you have been punished enough."

View the original article here

Boy is stabbed to death in London

1 July 2011 Last updated at 19:32 GMT A 16-year-old boy has been stabbed to death in south-east London, Scotland Yard has said.

Police were called at 1700 BST to reports of a stabbing in Upper Wickham Lane, Welling.

He was taken to a south London hospital where he later died. Police believe they know his identity but his next of kin are yet to be informed.

A man has been arrested and remains in custody at a south London police station.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Officers attended and a 16-year-old boy was taken to a south London hospital where he died at 1810 BST."

The spokesman said the police were called by the London Ambulance Service.

Officers from the homicide and serious crime command have been informed, he said.

View the original article here

'Good response' to car death plea

21 June 2011 Last updated at 10:21 GMT Owen Wightman's parents described him as a "perfect little man" Detectives hunting a hit-and-run driver who left a six-year-old boy to die in West Yorkshire have said they had a good response from the public.

Owen Wightman, of Kettlethorpe, Wakefield, was hit by a car on Fishponds Lane, in nearby Chapelthorpe, shortly after midday on Saturday.

CCTV is being examined after the driver, believed to be a young white male, failed to stop at the scene.

The Sun newspaper has put up a ?10,000 reward in the search for the driver.

Det Supt Paul Taylor, from West Yorkshire Police's homicide and major inquiry team, said: "We've had a good response and we are grateful to the people who have rung in and continue to urge the driver to come forward."

Mr Taylor said CCTV of the car taken from a passing bus was being analysed.

Officers believe forensic analysis of the video images may reveal part or all of the vehicle's number plate.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Taylor said: "I would appeal for the driver to come forward and give his version of events prior to us receiving information about what vehicle it was and prior to us knocking on his door."

'Absolute angel'

He said the driver of the car was believed to have got out and inspected his vehicle for damage immediately after the incident.

The vehicle involved was a small, grey or light-coloured hatchback and officers said it was "likely to have front-end damage as a result of the collision".

In a statement released on Monday, Owen's parents Joanne and Neil said their son was "a bundle of joy - our little ray of sunshine".

Owen's brother left a note at the crash scene saying he was the "best bro' ever"

Mr Taylor said the boy's parents were "devastated, absolutely devastated".

He said: "When you see a picture of Owen you'll realise what a perfect little boy he was.

"Absolute angel. Blue eyes. Blond hair. And you can imagine what a blow this must be to his mum and dad and his family."

The youngster had been out playing with his seven-year-old friend and was on his way home when he was hit by the car.

Masses of floral tributes and teddy bears have been left at the crash scene.

Owen's elder brother Jack left a note which read: "You were the best bro' ever.

"Even when we used to fight and argue I still loved you anyway."

Another note said: "To mummy and daddy's little soldier, forever in our hearts, love u always."

View the original article here

Murder arrests over woman's death

17 June 2011 Last updated at 22:45 GMT Police have begun a murder inquiry after an elderly woman robbed in the street in West Yorkshire died of her injuries.

The 89-year-old was mugged in Quarry Road, Gomersal, shortly before 1400 BST on Friday.

Police said she was reportedly attacked by a man who made off with her bag and left her with serious head injuries.

She died in Bradford Royal Infirmary. A 26-year-old man and a woman, 25, are being held on suspicion of murder.

View the original article here

Man's death treated as suspicious

12 June 2011 Last updated at 08:32 GMT Officers were called to reports of a disturbance in Whinhall Avenue, Airdrie The death of a 30-year-old man in Airdrie is being treated as suspicious, police have said.

Officers found the man seriously injured after reports of a disturbance in the town's Whinhall Avenue at about 1350 BST on Saturday.

The man was taken to Monklands Hospital for treatment but died from his injuries.

Strathclyde Police have appealed for anyone with information about the death to come forward.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "A post-mortem will be carried out in due course to establish the exact cause of death, however, meantime the death is being treated as suspicious."

View the original article here

Power station death £450,000 fine

3 June 2011 Last updated at 14:26 GMT Christopher Booker fell through an unguarded opening at Aberthaw Power Station in the Vale of Glamorgan Two companies have been fined a total of ?450,000 after a maintenance worker fell to his death at a power station.

Christopher Booker, 49, from St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, fell about 12m (39ft) through an unprotected opening at Aberthaw power plant in June 2007.

Plant owner RWE npower Plc admitted breaching health and safety rules and was fined ?250,000 with ?30,000 costs at Cardiff Crown Court

Contractor AMEC Group Ltd of Cheshire was fined ?200,000 with ?30,000 costs.

Mr Booker, an agency worker, died of multiple injuries to his chest and pelvis.

Continue reading the main story

Both companies had a duty of care to Mr Booker that they failed to meet with catastrophic consequences”

End Quote Caroline Bird HSE Inspector The court heard that on the evening in question work was being carried out to insert equipment into a large deep pit in the water cooling system to hold back the seawater when the tide rose.

Sections of the floor gratings at the top of the pit had been removed to allow the work to proceed.

Mr Booker was working with eight others.

As the natural light faded, electric lights were turned to face those doing the grinding work which left the top of the pit in near darkness.

Mr Booker fell through the opening in the walkway to the floor below.

'Confusion and misunderstanding'

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a large opening in the walkway was left unprotected after the floor gratings had been removed.

The investigation also identified that there was confusion and misunderstanding between RWE npower and AMEC Group Ltd as to who was responsible for controlling the work at the time of Mr Booker's death.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Caroline Bird said: "This tragic case highlights the consequences of failing to do something as simple as adding protection to an opening in a walkway.

"Inadequate planning and a poor choice of safety control measures meant that a very obvious hazard remained.

"Both companies had a duty of care to Mr Booker that they failed to meet with catastrophic consequences.

"This awful incident could so easily have been prevented had the correct safety measures been taken."

View the original article here

G20 death Pc will be prosecuted

24 May 2011 Last updated at 11:43 GMT Keir Starmer explains the decision to charge Pc Simon Harwood with manslaughter

A police officer is to be charged with manslaughter over the death of newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson during the 2009 G20 protests.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, said there was now a "realistic prospect" of convicting Pc Simon Harwood.

An inquest earlier this month returned a verdict of unlawful death on the 47-year-old.

Mr Tomlinson's family said they were "more than happy" about the decision.

The officer is due to appear before magistrates on 20 June.

The inquest heard Mr Tomlinson collapsed and died after he was hit by a baton and pushed to the ground by Pc Simon Harwood in central London on 1 April 2009.

'Conflicting medical evidence'

The officer said after the inquest he had not intended to push him over.

Pc Simon Harwood gave evidence to the inquest over three days

Mr Starmer said: "The difficulty facing any prosecution in relation to the death of Mr Tomlinson lies in the conflicting medical evidence about the cause of death. That difficulty remains."

But he said new medical evidence had been presented at the inquest, and the medical opinion of pathologist Freddy Patel had been tested in extensive questioning at the inquest.

He said this had allowed "a degree of clarity to emerge".

Mr Starmer said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had taken the legal opinion of a senior barrister, Tim Owen, QC.

He said: "Taking the evidence as it now stands, we have concluded that, even with those remaining difficulties, there is now sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of successfully prosecuting PC Simon Harwood for the manslaughter of Mr Tomlinson."

Ian Tomlinson collapsed at the G20 protests in London two years ago

Mr Tomlinson's stepson, Paul King, made a statement on behalf of the family: "We welcome today's decision to bring a charge of manslaughter against the officer.

"We believe this is the right decision. What we have always wanted is to achieve justice for Ian and to show that police officers are not above the law."

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said: "This is clearly a very, very serious matter for all concerned."

He added: "I have got to be very, very concerned at an inquest verdict that returns a verdict of unlawful killing involving, as the inquest did, one of my police officers.

"My sympathies continue to be with the Tomlinson family."

1. 1855: Mr Tomlinson leaves Monument station to head home

2. 1859: He walks north along King William Street, but is turned back by police

3. 1902: The newspaper seller sits on a wall before cutting through onto Lombard Street

4. 1906: A few minutes later, he comes into contact with police again on Lombard Street

5. 1915: Mr Tomlinson then passes through Change Alley and is diverted again by more police officers

6. 1918: He crosses Cornhill towards Royal Exchange Buildings

7. 1920: As police sweep down Royal Exchange, Mr Tomlinson is hit by a baton and pushed to the ground. A bystander helps him to his feet

8. 1921: The newspaper vendor walks along Cornhill before collapsing and dying

Source: Inquest into the death of Ian Tomlinson. Note: Parts of route and some timings are approximate

View the original article here

Scrambler death: PSNI seek rider

16 May 2011 Last updated at 12:10 GMT Daniel Mooney, 12, died in the accident Police want to talk to the rider of a scrambler bike following the death of 12-year-old Daniel Mooney.

Daniel was riding pillion on a scrambler and fell under a parked jeep in north Belfast on Sunday. He later died in hospital.

Police have already spoken to the rider of a second scrambler who was in the area at the time.

However, the rider of the first bike has not been found and police are asking him to contact them.

The accident happened at the junction of Mountcoole Park and Mountcoole Gardens, in Ballysillan, on Sunday evening.

Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

View the original article here