25/09/2008

Other News In Brief

Rugby Player Jailed For Biting Opponents Ear

A rugby player has been jailed for 12 months for biting off a piece of a rival's ear during a match. Flanker Gareth Jones, 25, of Cardiff side Star RFC had bitten Rhiwbina RFC opponent Daniel Hobbs ear, leaving him requiring 20 stitches to reattach his earlobe. The 25-year-old from Rhoose denied wounding with intent, but was convicted after a trial at the court last month. The incident occurred during the match after the referee awarded a penalty. Sentencing Jones today, Judge Stehen Hopkins said: "This remains an appalling piece of gratuitous violence. The unprovoked and mindless, deliberate, biting of an opponent's ear during a rugby match can only be described as a barbaric attack."

Closing In On Cheats Abroad

A new whistleblowers hotline to help catch benefit cheats living it up on the 'Costas' was launched today in Spain. In the first trial of its kind, ex-pats in Alicante suspected of benefit fraud will be able to report their concerns on a local number. The operator will pass cases to investigators in the UK, who will also be able to draw on the team's on-the-ground intelligence. The cost of benefit fraud committed abroad is an estimated £93m a year. Anti-Benefit Fraud Minister, James Plaskitt said: "Most ex-pats are law abiding and outraged by people who abuse the system. Helped by this hotline, the "sun will now set on the cheats".

Daring Success For Royal Navy

The first of the Royal Navy's new powerful T45 Destroyers, HMS Daring, has completed her final set of contractor sea trials with great success. During the five-week trial, the 7,350 tonne vessel was put through her paces. In particular, the full range of communications equipment was tested to ensure that all elements of the system can talk to each other. Previous trials have seen Daring demonstrate her speed and manoeuvrability in varied conditions, as well as testing her state of the art radar and missile systems. These further sea trials have reaffirmed her capability.

(JM)

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