'Burglary Takes Courage' Judge Reprimanded

A judge who said burglary took courage has been given a formal reprimand.

Judge Peter Bowers told an offender who raided three homes in five days: "It takes a huge amount of courage, as far as I can see, for somebody to burgle somebody's house. I wouldn't have the nerve."

He admitted he might be "pilloried" when he spared the burglar jail at Teesside Crown Court in September.

The case caused an outcry, with Prime Minister David Cameron commenting that burglars were not brave, but "cowards" and their crimes were "hateful".

Following an investigation, the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice upheld complaints about the judge's comments and issued him with a reprimand after his remarks "damaged public confidence in the judicial process", the Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) said.

They believed the use of the word courage was a "serious error of judgement" and "offensive" to those who have been victims of a burglary, according to a letter from the OJC to one of the complainants, radio presenter Nick Ferrari.

The Evening Gazette newspaper reported that when Judge Bowers handed 26-year-old Richard Rochford, from Redcar, a suspended 12-month term, he said: "I'm going to take a chance on you."

After acknowledging the trauma burglary victims face, the judge explained he would not jail Rochford, who had quit drugs since the February break-ins.

He was given a two-year supervision order with drug rehabilitation and 200 hours' unpaid work, with a one-year driving ban.

Following the decision to reprimand the judge, the OJC replied: "Whilst His Honour Judge (HHJ) Bowers regrets his use of the word 'courage' the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice believe that this was a serious error of judgement and offensive to those who have been victims of a burglary.

"They also believe that HHJ Bowers' conduct has been damaging to the respect of the judicial process. For this reason, HHJ Bowers has been issued with a formal reprimand."

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Andrew Parsons Charged Over Wife's Death

A man has been charged with murdering his American beauty therapist wife at their home in Oxfordshire.

Andrew Parsons, 38, will appear at Oxford Magistrates Court, accused of killing his wife Janee in Lucerne Avenue, Bicester.

Mrs Parsons, 31, was found by police after they were called to her detached home on Saturday.

Despite attempts by officers and ambulance staff to resuscitate her, she was declared dead at hospital.

A post-mortem examination found that the mother-of-two died from multiple stab wounds, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Joe Kidman, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keen to speak with anyone in Lucerne Avenue who may have important information to help us establish the circumstances of this tragic incident."

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Dane Bowers Gets Community Service For Brawl

Ex-Big Brother star Dane Bowers has been ordered to undertake community service after admitting common assault during a drunken night out.

Norwich Crown Court heard how Bowers led a group of men in a violent confrontation against another group, including two black men, outside a nightclub in the city on June 2.

During the attack, the 33-year-old former partner of glamour model Katie Price grabbed a man by the neck and "shook him around", the court heard.

Witnesses said they heard Bowers shouting racist language, but when challenged he told them: "Don't accuse me of being racist, my father's black."

When arrested Bowers told police that he was "eight out of 10 drunk" with 10 being a state of total drunkenness.

Bowers had been due to go on trial accused of two counts of assault on separate victims and one of harassment - all allegedly racially aggravated.

Bowers admitted one count of common assault and one of threatening behaviour, both without any racial element. His lawyer said his grandfather is Jamaican.

Judge Stephen Holt ordered that he compete 120 hours of unpaid work for the community. He must also pay £1,000 in legal costs.

Prosecutor John Farmer said the other charges would not be proceeded with.

Judge Holt told him: "You got thoroughly drunk, putting it politely, and got in all sorts of trouble. It seems highly unlikely that you, given your background, would have made racist remarks."

Bowers, of Coulsdon, Surrey, has two previous convictions for drink driving and was cautioned for common assault on New Year's Eve, 2005.

The singer, who is now a DJ, rose to fame with boy band Another Level in the 1990s. He appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2010.

A spokesman for Bowers said after the hearing: "Dane Bowers has been found not guilty of any racial elements of the allegation made against him."

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15 Police Injured In Belfast Union Flag Riots

Eighteen people, including 15 police officers, have been injured during a riot at Belfast City Hall after the passing of a vote to stop flying the Union flag all year round.

The violence spread to parts of east Belfast on Monday night where loyalists who had earlier tried to smash their way into the grounds of City Hall attacked a Catholic church.

A police spokeswoman said reinforcements had to be called in to deal with hundreds of loyalists throwing missiles, including fireworks, bricks and bottles.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said three men had been arrested over the disorder. 

An 18-year-old was arrested in Clandeboye Street on suspicion of riotous behaviour and possession of a petrol bomb.

A 22-year-old was arrested in the Donegall Square area, and a 17-year-old was detained on suspicion of riotous assembly in east Belfast.

Two female officers were taken to hospital

Trouble broke out minutes after Belfast city councillors voted to remove the flag from City Hall.

It is the first time the Union flag has been taken down from the Edwardian building since it opened in 1906.

Councillors agreed by 29 votes to 21 to bring City Hall into line with Stormont and other Government buildings and fly the flag on 17 designated days.

Sinn Fein Policing Board member Gerry Kelly said the PSNI had serious questions to answer about their operation.

He said: "I have to say, and I don't use these words unless I really mean them, it was a disgraceful police operation - or lack of a police operation.

"If that had been 1,000 or more republicans out there ... they would not have left it that they were able to come into the back of City Hall.

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags block the back of City Hall

"They indiscriminately attacked cars. We are very, very lucky that they didn't get into the building or we could have been dealing with a lot more injuries."

Cars belonging to elected members and council staff were damaged during the disorder.

DUP councillor Christopher Stalford condemned those responsible for violence.

He said: "The violence has distracted from the issue we should be focusing on - the parties in Belfast City Council who have voted as a block to strip the City Hall of its flag."

Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford said: "The violence which took place at the City Hall and round St Matthew's Church was the responsibility of two groups of people.

The Union flag will now be flown on 17 designated days

"The first is those who went to the City Hall spoiling for a fight, who attacked police officers and council staff.

"But there is a second group which bears responsibility. DUP and UUP politicians fomented this protest, with both leaflets and the use of social media. They called people on to the streets.

"They must have known, from experience as recent as this summer, that violence was almost inevitable. They cannot avoid their responsibility.

"Such violence should be condemned by all civic and community leaders."

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Corfu Sex Attack Video Given To Essex Police

Police are trying to trace a young woman, believed to be British, who was videoed being sexually assaulted while on holiday in Corfu.

Essex Police were handed footage from a video camera in August which features the "shocking" attack alongside more routine holiday clips.

They are now trying to track the woman who was subjected to the ordeal on a hotel bed in Kavos during the early hours of July 30.

It is suspected that her attacker was a fellow Briton who was holidaying with a group of friends.

Most of the people staying in the resort at the time are thought to have been British.

Police have been investigating for months but have now decided to make their appeal public.

Detective Inspector Hayley King said: "We don't know when the young woman returned to the UK or which airport she flew back into. We strongly believe that she is from the UK.

"The offence took place in a hotel room. We don't though know which hotel it is in Kavos, and there are many."

In a bid to help the victim identify herself, police have said she was wearing a number of coloured wristbands obtained from local clubs.

:: Anyone with information is urged to contact Essex Police's sexual offences investigation team in Brentwood on 01279 625428 or email soit@essex.pnn.police.uk

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Leveson: Cameron Demands Urgent Action

David Cameron has warned newspaper editors that they must act "urgently" to set up an independent press regulator.

The Prime Minister met with newspaper editors in Downing Street in the wake of the Leveson Report on press standards and ethics.

Senior industry figures at the summit, which was also attended by Culture Secretary Maria Miller, argued against having a system underpinned by law.

And they set out their progress towards the creation of a new independent watchdog in the hope this will go far enough to avoid legislation.

Mrs Miller has warned that any failure to unite behind a sufficiently tough and independent self-regulatory body could leave the Government no choice but to legislate.

The Prime Minister adopted a harsh line with the group, making clear that they only have a few months to get their house in order.

Fraser Nelson, editor of The Spectator, and The Telegraph's Tony Gallagher

Speaking afterwards, he said: "They have got to do it in a way that absolutely meets the requirement of Lord Justice Leveson's report.

"That means million-pound fines, proper investigation of complaints, prominent apologies, a tough independent regulatory system.

"And they know, because I told them, the clock is ticking for this to be sorted out."

Mrs Miller added: "There was unanimous agreement that what we need now is for the press to go forward with developing a tough independent self-regulatory body.

"The challenge has been thrown down to them. They have responded positively. It is now for them to go away and to develop those plans.

"The industry will be setting that out in the next two days."

The Sun's editor Dominic Mohan, The Times' editor James Harding and Daily Telegraph editor Tony Gallagher were among the figures at the talks.

Mr Gallagher said on Twitter: "19 editors & industry reps, 9 mandarins, 3 ministers and 1 PM. We got coffee and still tap water. No beer & sandwiches."

He later added that it had "felt like the summoning of the Five Families in The Godfather".

Chris Blackhurst, the editor of The Independent, told Sky News that newspapers were very united and had recognised this was their final chance.

"We can't go through this again. This has to be the end... and something good is going to come out of this," he said.

The Sun's Dominic Mohan and The Guardian's Alan Rusbridger

The editor admitted that Mr Cameron had effectively done the industry "a favour" by not imposing statute and that it was not time for them to "give something back".

"We have got to come up with a strong system of independent self-regulation. We haven't got much time," he said.

The Prime Minister last week declared his "serious concerns and misgivings" about Lord Justice Leveson's recommendation of a new system supported by law.

But he is under huge pressure from campaigners who are furious that he has rejected the central proposal of the report and are insisting on full implementation.

His own backbenchers are also split and the Liberal Democrats and Labour are currently mostly united in favour, raising the prospect of a damaging Commons vote.

An online petition launched by campaign Hacked Off has so far attracted more than 135,000 signatures in favour of statutory underpinning.

Press Complaints Commission chairman Lord Hunt says he already has the support of 120 publishers, representing 2,000 editors, for a new independent regulator.

He insists it is not necessary to back that up with legislation because newspapers could instead sign legally-enforceable membership contracts.

Officials at the Culture Department are drawing up a draft Bill to enact Lord Justice Leveson's recommendations in full.

But Mrs Miller has indicated that she expects it to confirm concerns about the complexity and potential negative consequences of statutory control.

Any legislation could be amended by future administrations to muzzle the press and would harm the UK's reputation abroad as an advocate of free speech, she told MPs on Monday.

However, Labour leader Ed Miliband is not backing down. He insisted on Tuesday that enacting Lord Leveson's proposals was "the right thing" because the new system had to be robust.

"We need the promises that have been made to be put into legislation so that what we actually have is independent self-regulation but we have the guarantee of law," he said.

"I do not believe and I wouldn't be supporting it if it was about restricting freedom of the press. This is actually about protecting the freedoms of ordinary people to go about their business and not face intrusion and harassment."

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Kate Pregnant: William At Wife's Bedside

The Duke of Cambridge has returned to his pregnant wife's bedside as she continues her hospital treatment for severe morning sickness.

Kate was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in central London on Monday where she is likely to remain for the next few days.

Prince William headed in ignoring the massed ranks of the world's media on the pavement outside.

Presenters and crews from TV networks in America and elsewhere have set up camp since the couple's news was announced on Monday.

It is understood the rest of the royal family were told about the pregnancy only a few hours before the rest of the world.

Prince William arrives at the hospital on Tuesday

The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Kate's family are said to be "delighted".

The child will be third in line to the throne, whether it is a boy or girl, after Prince Charles and Prince William.

The Prime Minister was among the first to congratulate the royal couple on Twitter. "I'm delighted ... They will make wonderful parents," David Cameron said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg tweeted: "... a perfect way to round off the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year."

Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: "A royal baby is something the whole nation will celebrate."

Julia Gillard, prime minister of Australia, called it "delightful news" and Jay Carney, press secretary to US president Barack Obama, said: "On behalf of everyone here in the White House, beginning with the President and the First Lady, we extend our congratulations."

Only last week Kate took to the hockey field while visiting her old school

Thomas Misrachi, a journalist with BFM TV in France, is among the media throng outside the hospital. On Monday he immediately booked the Eurostar from Paris.

He told Sky News: "Their wedding was huge news in France and news of a baby is just the same.

"Your royal family still has a certain magic - it is unusual for us because we don't have a royal family."

St James's Palace would not say when the royal couple became aware of the pregnancy - only that it was "recently".

Royal baby memorabilia is already being created (Pic. Emma Bridgewater)

It is understood that the pregnancy has not passed the 12-week point and the announcement was prompted by the Duchess's medical condition.

It was reported that the Queen's former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who delivered the Countess of Wessex's two children, is treating her.

Kate is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a rare condition which causes severe vomiting during pregnancy and can cause dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine called ketosis.

News that Kate's condition may indicate she is carrying twins has prompted bookmaker William Hill to cut the price of the royal couple having two babies from 33/1 to 25/1 following a number of bets overnight.

The Duchess' engagements this week have all been cancelled, said St James's Palace.

Kate and William were married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.

:: Bookmaker William Hill said the favourite names so far are Frances and John, both at 9/1, while Charles, Victoria and George are 10/1.

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Remembrance Day 'Devil' Sorry For Disruption

A man who skateboarded beside marching troops during a Remembrance Sunday parade has apologised for causing offence.

Jose Paulo Da Silveria who was wearing a pink outfit and horned mask at the time, said he had not intended to disrupt the parade at the Cenotaph in Bristol city centre.

The 38-year-old's lawyer said he suffers from psychiatric problems and was not protesting against the ceremony. 

Da Silveria claims he stumbled upon the service accidentally on his way to College Green.

He said: "I apologise for the distress but I wasn't really thinking. I ran into the middle of this thing and I didn't realise what was going on.

"I just came down from Nelson Street and I don't remember seeing any restrictions and no one was stopping me from carrying on.

"It was only when I saw the photographs in the newspaper that I realised what was going on."

Da Silveria, who was speaking outside Bristol Magistrates' Court, received a £65 fine and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

He pleaded guilty to an offence under the Public Order Act of using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Da Silveria wore black and blue striped stockings, red shorts, a turquoise corset, blue blouse, a lace face mask, hat and makeup to court.

Da Silveria, of Somerset House, Lawfords Gate, Bristol, was seen riding through the gathering at 11.45am.

Prosecutor May Li told the court: "He was wearing striped tights, pink frilly knickers, a corset and he had a red and black face cover.

"He was causing harassment, alarm or distress to the public and there was a strong reaction to his presence."

John Roberts, defending, said his client had stopped receiving medication for psychiatric problems but since his arrest his treatment had recommenced.

"As far as he is concerned it was not any form of protest. His care package had come to an end in August and he was not taking any medication."

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BMW Crash: Man Bailed Over Motorway Deaths

A man has been released on police bail after his arrest in connection with a motorway crash that left two people dead and six others injured.

The 25-year-old-man, from east London, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a collision involving two BMWs on the M1 near Watford in Hertfordshire.

The driver and rear seat passengers of one of the cars were killed in the crash, which happened just before 2.40am on Monday.

The two men have not been named by police but were aged 22 and 24 and both from east London.

The injured survivors were taken to hospital for treatment following the crash.

Witnesses reported seeing a scuffle involving survivors and four men who arrived in a Mercedes shortly after the crash.

Five junctions of the motorway and its southbound stretch were closed in both directions for several hours after the crash, which happened between junctions five and four.

The force has appealed for witnesses to the collision or the events leading up to it to contact them on 101.

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Woman And Child Hurt In Level Crossing Crash

A train has hit a car on a level crossing in South Yorkshire, seriously injuring a woman and child who were in the vehicle.

Emergency crews were at the scene of the accident at the Beech Hill crossing, Finningley.

After some confusion over the number of occupants in the car, the British Transport Police said two people were aboard the vehicle.

"The car contained two occupants, a woman and a child. The child sustained serious injuries and has been airlifted to hospital in Sheffield. The driver, a woman, received minor injuries and has been taken to hospital in Doncaster," a spokesman said.

"The train, a Lincoln to Doncaster service, is damaged but has remained upright and on the tracks. Passengers have been removed from the train and there are no reports of injuries at this time."

Officials were trying to determine what caused the collision.

The East Midlands Trains said the incident had happened at 12.35pm.

"Our staff ensured that passengers were safely escorted from the train and these passengers will be taken forward to Doncaster by alternative road transport," said a spokesman.

"We will work with Network Rail and the British Transport Police to ensure those involved in this incident are given every assistance."

The spokesman added that a bus service is operating on the affected route between Lincoln and Doncaster.

More follows...

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