TV Licence Dodgers' Excuses In Video Campaign

Officials have exposed some of the excuses people give for not having a television licence.

One thought he was exempt because his pet corgi was said to be related to one of the Queen's dogs.

Another household claimed they merely used the glow from the set as a lamp to help them read.

More than 400,000 people were caught last year watching TV without valid paperwork, which is more than 1,000 a day.

The annual levy - £145 for a colour licence and £49 for a black and white - is used to help fund the BBC's domestic television, radio and internet services.

TV Licensing has launched a drive to encourage more people to pay up and has teamed with a Bafta-winning animator to bring some of the excuses to life in a short-film, published on YouTube.

One person is said to have told officials they did not bother to buy a licence because they had stolen the TV set.

"Joking and wacky excuses apart, it's breaking the law to watch live television without a licence, so anybody doing this risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000," said spokesman Stephen Farmer.

"Some of the excuses are simply hilarious whilst others show a great deal of imagination and creativity, but being caught without a valid TV licence is a criminal offence and no laughing matter."

The revenue-raising authority provides reduced rates for certain people.

Those certified as either blind or severely sight-impaired are entitled to a 50% reduction in the fee.

Care home residents may qualify for a discounted fee of £7.50, but are warned that residents, staff and residents' families all need a separate licence for their own living area.

Senior citizens are entitled to a free licence when they reach the age of 75.

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Murray Walker Reveals He Is Fighting Cancer

Motor sport commentator Murray Walker is to have chemotherapy over the next few months after being diagnosed with cancer.

The 89-year-old said he had a form of lymphatic system cancer, but said the condition was treatable.

He told the BBC: "They've caught it incredibly early. It's treatable, the doctors say my condition is mild and I'm very hopeful."

Walker was diagnosed with the illness during tests after breaking his pelvis in a fall last month.

His distinctive commentating style became synonymous with motor racing as he covered the sport for more than half a century before retiring in 2001.

According to the Cancer Research UK website, the lymphatic system is a system of thin tubes that runs throughout the body. These tubes are called lymph vessels or lymphatic vessels.

The lymphatic system is like the blood circulation - the vessels branch through all parts of the body like the arteries and veins that carry blood.

But the lymphatic system tubes are much finer and carry a colourless liquid called lymph, which contains a high number of lymphocytes or white blood cells.

Plasma leaks out of the capillaries to surround and bathe the body tissues. This then drains into the lymph vessels.

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Army Cuts: Thousands Told They Will Lose Jobs

Nearly 4,500 Army staff have been given their redundancy notices in the latest round of staff cuts, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

A total of 4,480 are being axed as the Government tries to reduce the number of regulars by about 20% to 82,000.

Sky's Defence Correspondent David Bowden said those who take voluntary redundancy will be leaving within six months, and compulsory redundancies will be complete in a year.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the move was necessary to help balance the books, but insisted operational capability would not be affected.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed there will be no further reductions in manpower in the next round of spending cuts.

Announcing the latest tranche of redundancies, the third to arise from the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, he said: "It is with great regret that we have had to make redundancies to deliver the reduction in the size of the armed forces, but unfortunately they were unavoidable due to the size of the defence deficit that this Government inherited.

 "Although smaller, our armed forces will be more flexible and agile to reflect the challenges of the future with the protection and equipment they need.

Shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy said the redundancy notices being issued today "represent not just broken promises but a failing strategy" to reform the Army.

"There is a huge effort going into sacking soldiers, but nowhere near as much is being done to plug the gap by recruiting new reservists," he said.

"These redundancies represent not just broken promises but a failing strategy, and the level of voluntary applicants will be a signal of morale."

The MoD said: "Tough decisions needed to be made to address the multibillion-pound deficit and bring the defence budget back into balance.

"This unfortunately included making some redundancies across the armed forces. However we can be clear that these reductions will not affect our operational capability.

"The end of combat operations in Afghanistan and the restructuring of our armed forces means they will be more reflective of the complex global situation and more adaptable to future challenges and threats."

Chancellor George Osborne, speaking from the G8 summit in Northern Ireland earlier, said Britain had to make "difficult decisions" about spending to "live within its means".

He told Sky News: "We've got to have an Army we can afford ...

"And when it comes to the military what we've said is we want to make sure that Britain can still project itself abroad, defend itself at home, and that our soldiers have all the latest equipment they need to do that.

"As part of these changes, yes there have been difficult decisions about getting the size of the Army right, but we're also purchasing for them the latest equipment."

Both the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, and the Head of the Army, General Sir Peter Wall, are concerned about the impact of further defence cuts.

Sir Peter has exclusively told Sky News that Britain's chances of success on the battlefields of the future could be at serious risk if the Army was downsized in the latest spending review, the results of which will be announced next week.

The Prime Minister was forced to respond to Sir Peter's comments by saying there would be no further staff cuts to the Army, Navy or Air Force.

British Army spokesman Major General James Chiswell told Sky News it was a "hard day" for staff but that the redundancies had been carried out "as fairly as we could hope for".

Personnel are being offered help with resettling into civilian life.

:: Britain's Last War? The Jeff Randall documentary on the impact of Army spending cuts is on Sky News, Tuesday at 8.30pm.

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UK Weather: Hottest Days Of Summer So Far

Britain is expected to bask in its hottest days of the year so far today and tomorrow, forecasters say.

Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 26 to 30°C (79-86°F) in the south east of England.

But it does not look to be a completely dry day.

The heat will trigger some heavy showers and thunderstorms across southern England and East Anglia, lasting into the night.

Weather experts say this wet end is not unusual.

Sky News Weather Presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "This pattern of weather is not unusual at this time of year.

"In fact, it is well summarised by the well-known, if somewhat tongue in cheek, definition of a British summer - three fine days then a thunderstorm."

For those further north and in the west of the UK and in Ireland it will remain drier but not as hot.

On Thursday, temperatures will fall back to the low 20Cs.

The welcome warm blast follows what the Met Office said was the coldest spring since 1962.

There was a mean temperature across March, April and May of 6C (43F), which is calculated as being 1.7C below the long-term average.

:: Proud of your photo skills? Upload your pictures to the glorious summer section on Sky's Your Photos.

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Child Abuse Online: Web Firms Attend Talks

By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent

Leading internet companies have agreed a new strategy with the Government in an attempt to crack down on child abuse online.

Firms including Google, Microsoft and Facebook attended the summit called by Culture Secretary Maria Miller.

And Mrs Miller told Sky News they had agreed a "fundamental change" to the way the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) works, with the industry-funded body set to adopt a role actively seeking out and blocking child pornography.

"What we've agreed today is a fundamental change to the way in which the industry will be working to remove illegal child abuse images that are too readily available online," she said,

"Now the Internet Watch Foundation will be able to seek out those images and that will be an important way of increasing the number of those images that are removed."

The main UK internet service providers (ISPs) have agreed to provide extra funding for the IWF, understood to amount to £1 million, to help it take on the extra duties.

Mark Bridger accessed child abuse images online before killing April Jones

Under existing arrangements the IWF only acts on content that has been reported to it rather than proactively seeking out illegal images.

The meeting comes after two child killers were found to have viewed such material online.

Mark Bridger, convicted of murdering five-year-old April Jones, and Stuart Hazell, who murdered Tia Sharp, 12, both accessed images of abuse.

Web giants outlined some action in the 12 days following the announcement of the summit.

TalkTalk and BT confirmed customers trying to view inappropriate material will be confronted by a pop-up warning.

And Google has pledged millions of pounds to organisations who try to tackle child abuse online, such as the Internet Watch Foundation, which maintains a blacklist of images.

It was unclear exactly what concrete action - if any - the Government would demand from the meeting, which comes as the Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre struggles with budget cuts of 10%.

Companies providing internet services in Britain have already rejected a call from the Prime Minister's adviser to impose parental filters for adult content as a default setting when viewing content online.

The Internet Service Providers Association said it remained opposed to default filtering because it "can be circumvented and lead to over- or under-blocking" of offensive web pages.

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Saatchi: 'Nigella Lawson Caution Was Best'

Advertising guru Charles Saatchi says he took a police caution for assaulting his wife Nigella Lawson to avoid having the incident "hanging over all of us".

The 70-year-old voluntarily attended a central London police station and accepted the caution after photographs emerged showing his hand around Lawson's neck.

The pair were pictured having an argument on the terrace of a restaurant on June 9.

Lawson, 53, the daughter of former chancellor Lord Lawson, was reportedly seen weeping following the episode outside Scott's in Mayfair, central London.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Saatchi said: "Although Nigella made no complaint, I volunteered to go to Charing Cross station and take a police caution after a discussion with my lawyer because I thought it was better than the alternative of this hanging over all of us for months."

Police cautions are not criminal convictions and are given to adults who admit minor offences. Failure to agree to be cautioned can lead to an arrest or charge.

Earlier, Saatchi told the Standard: "About a week ago, we were sitting outside a restaurant having an intense debate about the children, and I held Nigella's neck repeatedly while attempting to emphasise my point.

"There was no grip, it was a playful tiff.

"The pictures are horrific, but give a far more drastic and violent impression of what took place.

"Nigella's tears were because we both hate arguing, not because she had been hurt.

"We had made up by the time we were home. The paparazzi were congregated outside our house after the story broke yesterday morning, so I told Nigella to take the kids off till the dust settled."

Lawson's spokesperson said there would not be any comment on Saatchi's explanation, but did confirm that she "isn't at the family home".

Police confirmed they had not received a complaint of assault from Lawson or anyone else.

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Stephen Lawrence: Stars To Play Memorial Gig

Emeli Sande, Rizzle Kicks and Labrinth are among the stars who will perform at a concert in memory of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, 20 years after he was stabbed to death.

The event - to be staged at London's O2 Arena - will raise funds for a trust set up in his name to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Plan B, Jamie Cullum, Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Ed Sheeran are also among the stars taking part in the show on September 29 designed to champion young people.

Stephen's mother, Doreen Lawrence, who founded the trust, said: "We work every day to empower youth and we're so proud that the music industry is joining us in reaching out to change the lives of young people.

"I want young people to feel inspired, be confident and have hope in their own future.

Stephen Lawrence died after being attacked by racist thugs

"There have been a further 106 racist murders since Stephen was killed 20 years ago and there are still too many young people who do not have a sense of hope."

Her son was 18 when he was stabbed in a racist attack in Eltham, southeast London, in April 1993.

Two men - Gary Dobson and David Norris - were found guilty of the murder last year and the police investigation still remains "live".

The Metropolitan Police were criticised for their handling of the initial investigation and, as a result, the force was judged to be institutionally racist in a subsequent public inquiry.

The show, Unity: A Concert For Stephen Lawrence, has been backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Artists also include Rudimental and Soul II Soul.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday at www.aeglive.co.uk.

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Girl Killed With Friend On Rail Line Named

A teenage boy and girl from the same school have died after being hit by a high-speed train in Hertfordshire.

The youngsters - one of whom has been named as 15-year-old Charleigh Disbrey - are believed to have climbed over a fence close to Elstree and Borehamwood station.

There are no level crossings near the station and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

Miss Disbrey, a singer whose music videos have been viewed thousands of times on YouTube, was in year 10 at Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood.

The teenagers' friends at Hertswood Academy are being offered counselling

The other teenager - an 18-year-old sixth form pupil who was midway through his A-level exams - has not yet been named.

Their headteacher, Paul Gillett, said: "As a close community, obviously we are devastated by this tragedy. Both students were talented, hard working and well respected members of our academy. 

"Our thoughts are with their families at this most difficult time.  We are supporting our students and staff in coping with this terrible loss."

Friends of the two teenagers paid tribute to the pair on social networking sites.

The teenagers were struck by a train in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire

One Twitter user wrote: "I'm actually so shocked. I saw them walking together like nearly everyday on the way to Hertswood. They looked so happy. #RIP"

Another said they would both be missed, adding: "I hope heaven looks after you."

"I will never forget you and the memories we made," a friend of Miss Dibrey posted on Facebook.

"At peace and with the angels. God bless," wrote another.

The youngsters were struck close to Elstree and Borehamwood station

A spokesman for British Transport Police said both teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the two teenagers involved in last night's tragic and acutely sad incident," Superintendent Phil Wilkinson said.

"Although my officers are continuing their investigations, as part of our work to prepare a file for the local coroner, there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances and no one else is believed to have been involved."

The empty First Capital Connect train was travelling from St Albans to Sutton when the youngsters were struck.

A spokesman for the train operator said: "This was a shocking incident and our hearts go out to all those involved."

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Ian Brady Said To Have Chronic Anger Levels

Moors murderer Ian Brady has been denied the use of a pen because of fears he will use it as a weapon against other patients at the psychiatric hospital where he is being kept.

On the second day of a mental health tribunal being held in public, a lawyer representing Ashworth Hospital said he has "chronic levels" of anger which "can erupt on the smallest provocation".

The serial killer, who has been at the maximum security hospital for 26 years, wants to be transferred to a prison to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Sky's North of England Correspondent Mike McCarthy, who is watching proceedings, said: "Eleanor Grey QC portrayed Brady as an irritable and frequently hostile and angry individual who lied about the past and targeted other patients or members of staff with 'verbal tirades'.

"She said he was aloof and suffered paranoia and suspicion which made him fearful of attack from fellow patients."

Ian Brady in police custody in 1965

Dr Adrian Grounds, a forensic psychiatrist who has interviewed Brady several times over 10 years, said he has been known to target staff with "intense ill-feeling and aggression".

He described him as a "very opinionated man" who occasionally shouts at the television and does not form close relationships.

However, he said Brady no longer requires treatment for mental illness, adding that although he has a severe personality disorder, it does not amount to psychosis.

Miss Grey QC said: "(Brady) is extremely socially withdrawn or isolated, at least since the withdrawal of his pen.

"He's got a nocturnal existence really, only coming out at night time when other patients are not there.

"At present he's currently sleeping under the covers but with his clothes on."

Myra Hindley and Ian Brady became known as the Moors murderers

The tribunal heard Brady has been spotted watching static on a television screen in his room at Ashworth.

He has made it known that he wants to starve himself to death, although Dr Grounds said his hunger strikes are protests against his treatment, not a sign of suicidal intent.

The 75-year-old left the hearing at Ashworth after around an hour, leaving doctors and lawyers to continue without him.

The tribunal is being relayed by video link to Manchester Civil Justice Centre, where journalists and victims' relatives have been watching on TV screens.

The hearing, which is expected to last about a week, was postponed last July because Brady suffered a seizure.

Brady and his partner Myra Hindley were responsible for the murders of five youngsters in the 1960s.

Some of their victims were sexually tortured before being buried on Saddleworth Moor above Manchester.

Pauline Reade, 16, John Kilbride, aged 12, Keith Bennett, also 12, Lesley Ann Downey, 10 and 17-year-old Edward Evans were all victims of the pair.

Keith Bennett's remains were never found, despite extensive searches and police taking the killers back to the Moor in 1987.

Hindley died in jail in November 2002, aged 60.

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Forrest Trial: Wife Found Message From Girl

The wife of a teacher accused of abducting a schoolgirl has told a court how she asked him to stop communicating with the pupil on Twitter after she found a message from the teenager.

Lewes Crown Court has been hearing from Emily Forrest, who said her marriage to 30-year-old Jeremy Forrest was in trouble by the end of 2011.

He is said to have begun a sexual relationship with the pupil and allegedly took the then 15-year-old to France in September of the following year.

Mrs Forrest, who was in tears at one stage as she gave evidence and asked the court for a break, told how her husband had become "really distant" in their marriage and that they would sleep in different beds.

The 32-year-old, who married the defendant in 2009, said she was concerned he would get into trouble with his boss at Bishop Bell C of E School in Eastbourne, East Sussex, after finding the tweet from the schoolgirl.

She asked him to stop sending messages to her because it was "not appropriate", the court heard.

She said: "Teachers shouldn't be tweeting children from their school. They shouldn't even be friends with them."

Earlier, the schoolgirl's mother told the court how she had learned of rumours about the pair in the months before they went missing.

She said she was first warned by the school about claims surrounding her daughter and Forrest after a school trip to Los Angeles in February of that year.

Her daughter "broke down" when she confronted her and said they were "just nasty rumours".

The court heard that in the summer of last year, Forrest called the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The mother said he was "seriously concerned" about his career and that he wanted to "nip (the rumours) in the bud" before the new school year.

"He alluded that (my daughter) was being a bit of a pain, he said (she) kept hanging around him," she told the court.

"He was upset about it getting worse, he kept going on and on about his career."

She said she apologised over her daughter's behaviour and that she was "mortified that my daughter could put someone in that position".

"I was horrified, ashamed and I had a go at her," she said.

"She said 'It's not true', she was in tears, she broke down, she said 'It's not true, it's not true'."

A police officer turned up at the girl's home in September and told the mother there were reports of indecent images of Forrest on her daughter's phone, the court heard.

Her daughter was "angry" about the claims and handed over her phone for them to look at.

The court has heard that, fearing they were about to be exposed, Forrest booked them on a cross-Channel ferry from Dover to Calais on September 20 before spending seven days on the run in France.

The mother said she did not know the whereabouts of her daughter for the seven days before she was found and had feared she was dead.

The court also heard evidence from friends of the girl, who is now 16.

One told police that the girl had stayed at Forrest's house while his wife was away.

The teenage witness, who counted herself among the schoolgirl's best friends, told police that the schoolgirl would be picked up by Forrest in his car after school and they would go to a crematorium to talk.

She said they would spend time at hotels as well as his home.

Scots-born Forrest, of Chislehurst Road, Petts Wood, Kent, denies child abduction.

More follows...

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