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12/05/2006
Animal rights graverobbers sentenced to 40 years
Four animal rights activists who pleaded guilty to conducting a terror campaign against a family of Staffordshire guinea pig breeders have been jailed for a total of 40 years.
Their campaign against the Hall family gained widespread notoriety with the desecration of a family grave and the theft of the remains of grandmother Gladys Hammond in 2004.
Jon Ablewhite, 36, Kerry Whitburn, 36, and John Smith, 39, received 12 year sentences for conspiracy to blackmail while Josephine Mayo, 38, was jailed for four years.
Gladys Hammond's remains were found near Hednesford earlier this month and identified by DNA test.
Mrs Hammond was the mother-in-law of John Hall who ran the farm with his brother.
In a statement the Hall family said they had been the victims of "psychological warfare, verbal abuse, criminal acts and very offensive propoganda."
"We struggle to comprehand how anyone could conceive such a plan. We could only assume that they were devoid of all emotions."
Alistair Currie, Campaigns Director of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection said: "We hope that the sentencing of the activists who have admitted responsibility for the utterly unacceptable tactics used against Darley Oaks Farm will mark the end of this depressing chapter.
"This was an ugly campaign against an ugly business. These four people must face the consequences of their crimes but we are now anxious to see the focus of this debate go back to where it belongs — on the waste and animal suffering that takes place inside the labs."
In January this year the six-year campaign caused the family to end their guinea pig breeding programme.
(GB)
Their campaign against the Hall family gained widespread notoriety with the desecration of a family grave and the theft of the remains of grandmother Gladys Hammond in 2004.
Jon Ablewhite, 36, Kerry Whitburn, 36, and John Smith, 39, received 12 year sentences for conspiracy to blackmail while Josephine Mayo, 38, was jailed for four years.
Gladys Hammond's remains were found near Hednesford earlier this month and identified by DNA test.
Mrs Hammond was the mother-in-law of John Hall who ran the farm with his brother.
In a statement the Hall family said they had been the victims of "psychological warfare, verbal abuse, criminal acts and very offensive propoganda."
"We struggle to comprehand how anyone could conceive such a plan. We could only assume that they were devoid of all emotions."
Alistair Currie, Campaigns Director of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection said: "We hope that the sentencing of the activists who have admitted responsibility for the utterly unacceptable tactics used against Darley Oaks Farm will mark the end of this depressing chapter.
"This was an ugly campaign against an ugly business. These four people must face the consequences of their crimes but we are now anxious to see the focus of this debate go back to where it belongs — on the waste and animal suffering that takes place inside the labs."
In January this year the six-year campaign caused the family to end their guinea pig breeding programme.
(GB)
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167 people lost their lives at the coast last year, the highest number in four years, according to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The charity is launching a drowning awareness campaign today, Respect the Water, warning people to stay safe this summer.
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167 people lost their lives at the coast last year, the highest number in four years, according to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The charity is launching a drowning awareness campaign today, Respect the Water, warning people to stay safe this summer.
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'Virtual Court' To Help Sentence Drink Drivers
Drink Drivers caught in the act over Christmas could loose their licences within 90 minutes of being charged with the help of a "virtual court". The idea of a "virtual court" is that video links between stations and courts will be used to help hand out swifter punishment to motorists found under the influence.
'Virtual Court' To Help Sentence Drink Drivers
Drink Drivers caught in the act over Christmas could loose their licences within 90 minutes of being charged with the help of a "virtual court". The idea of a "virtual court" is that video links between stations and courts will be used to help hand out swifter punishment to motorists found under the influence.
07 November 2006
M&S profits rise on makeover
Marks & Spencer’s resurgence has continued with the retailer reporting a 32% hike in half-year profits. Pre-tax profits were reported as £405.1m on the back of strong sales in food and clothing, and an advertising campaign featuring Twiggy. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Rose said: “We had a good first half.
M&S profits rise on makeover
Marks & Spencer’s resurgence has continued with the retailer reporting a 32% hike in half-year profits. Pre-tax profits were reported as £405.1m on the back of strong sales in food and clothing, and an advertising campaign featuring Twiggy. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Rose said: “We had a good first half.
19 October 2006
Street crime still on the rise
Official statistics have revealed that street crime and robbery in England and Wales rose by 5% between April and June this year. The increase follows an 8% rise recorded in the year to April – an upward trend which has been attributed to a higher level of thefts from people carrying electronic items such as MP3 players and mobile phones.
Street crime still on the rise
Official statistics have revealed that street crime and robbery in England and Wales rose by 5% between April and June this year. The increase follows an 8% rise recorded in the year to April – an upward trend which has been attributed to a higher level of thefts from people carrying electronic items such as MP3 players and mobile phones.
10 May 2006
Women rescued in sex trafficking raid
Police investigating sex trafficking in the UK have rescued 19 women in a string of early morning raids on suspected brothels. More than 50 officers were involved in the series of early morning raids which took place at a number of addresses in London and the West Midlands.
Women rescued in sex trafficking raid
Police investigating sex trafficking in the UK have rescued 19 women in a string of early morning raids on suspected brothels. More than 50 officers were involved in the series of early morning raids which took place at a number of addresses in London and the West Midlands.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
