Leicester Headlines on One News Page [United Kingdom]

This is Leicestershire --

Charlton boss Chris Powell has admitted he would be interested in taking Leicester City striker Jeff Schlupp on loan if nothing comes of his training stint with Manchester United.

The 20-year-old has been training with United for the past two weeks and City boss Nigel Pearson has agreed to extend his stay at Carrington.

Powell, a former city coach, said he has been tracking Schlupp's progress and would love to take him to The Valley.

"I hope it goes well for him, but if it doesn't there is another team in red that he can always wear the shirt of," he said.

"I have kept a close eye on Jeff. He played when I took the development team at City. He played a number of times and you could see him becoming a player there." Reported by This is 3 days ago.

This is Leicestershire --

Police have arrested two more people in connection with the disorder at the Moghul Durbar restaurant in Leicester earlier this month.

Two men, aged 73 and 31, were arrested yesterday morning, and were last night in police custody.

The incident of disorder happened at the East Park Road restaurant at about 9pm on Monday, January 14.

A large group of people smashed the windows of the restaurant, and a number of people inside were assaulted. Six people were treated at Leicester Royal Infirmary for both minor and serious injuries.

Seven men, aged 20, 21, 24, 25, 25, 26 and 28, have already appeared in court in connection with the incident. They have all been charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder and are due to appear at Leicester Crown Court tomorrow.

Police said officers were continuing to work with community leaders and people living and working in the East Park Road area to offer reassurance.

Officers are also continuing to urge people not to listen to rumours or get involved in speculation about the incident, but to report any concerns to the police. Reported by This is 3 days ago.

This is Leicestershire --

Leicester City have got Championship leaders Cardiff City in their sights, insists Danny Drinkwater.

City will be in the automatic promotion places if they beat Wolves at the King Power Stadium – and that would put pressure on their rivals when they play on Saturday.

Drinkwater, who is expected to return to the City starting line-up after being rested at Huddersfield Town last week, said opening up a gap in the automatic spots is the immediate aim – but also said they had not written off reeling in Cardiff, who are currently 10 points clear at the top.

"We are in a good position and before last might's match (Huddersfield versus Crystal Palace) we were second," said Drinkwater. "We need to stay there.

"We have been up there before but then dropped off. Even though we had a bad run we still managed to stay in the play-off places. That was a big positive for us.

"It is massively important to get some breathing space between us and the chasing pack and, if we can get the three points, I am sure we will have a better weekend off. We can watch how the other sides get on.

"I can't see why we can't catch Cardiff even. There are still 18 games to go. It is a weird league and anything can happen.

"The defence and keeper have been great. We haven't conceded many goals and our goal difference is mad. If we can continue that then I am sure we will be up there."

If City win tonight, they will be seven points behind Cardiff, who face a tricky trip to Leeds United, Tottenham's FA Cup conquerors, on Saturday.

Drinkwater admits he needed a break when he dropped to the substitutes' bench at Huddersfield, but he is raring to go against an underachieving Wolves side.

"It was nice to be rested after playing so much, but I am looking forward to the game now," he said.

"On paper, they are a great team. They have a lot of good individual players there and players with Premier League experience. We have to concentrate on ourselves and get the three points." Reported by This is 3 days ago.

This is Leicestershire --

George Ford has described his decision to leave Leicester Tigers as "one of the toughest" he has ever made.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill revealed last week that the 19-year-old had told him he wants to leave Welford Road when his 12-month contract is up at the end of the season, with Premiership rivals Bath seeming the likely destination.

Ford, who is set to make his second start for England Saxons at home to Scotland tomorrow, said it was something he had mulled over in his mind for a long time.

"It was one of the toughest decisions I have had to make, and I didn't take it likely," he said.

"I spent a lot of time mulling it over and thinking about it.

"But it is over now and I will be 100 per cent committed to Tigers and doing everything I can to make sure we win something this season."

Ford's decision was not looked upon kindly by Cockerill, who said he was disappointed by the teenager's rejection of a new deal.

Cockerill said Tigers had done "everything they could, both financially and contractually" to keep him at Welford Road.

But Ford said the issue of game-time, by being out in the middle as often as possible, was imperative as he continues to improve his game.

As it stands, Ford has made nine starts to Toby Flood's 12 so far this season.

"It is difficult when you are on the bench and you are coming on for 10 or 20 minutes each game," said Ford.

"Playing a full 80 minutes is what I need to be doing. Like any young player, you need to be playing and, the more you play, the better you get.

"For any young player who is willing to learn and progress in their career, they need to be playing as much as they can.

"I will hopefully be playing in a few games during the rest of the season and challenging for the No.10 shirt.

"Hopefully, it will be a successful season and we can win things at Tigers."

Ford's immediate attention, however, will be to the national cause as he and the rest of the England Saxons prepare to take on Scotland at Newcastle tomorrow night.

The fly-half played a key role in the Saxons' win against Ireland in Galway last Friday and, having been on the wrong end of a real thumping by Scotland A last year, Ford is keen for a second victory in eight days.

"Friday was a good start and I am hoping to improve again this week," he said.

"It is a great experience for us all to be involved. There are quite a few new lads who are playing, and it is another step up from the under-20s that most of us played last year.

"It is different to the Premiership, playing against a different group of lads.

"I have been looking forward to this for a while.

"To get a start and get a couple of games under my belt is exactly what I wanted." Reported by This is 3 days ago.

We won't let our standards drop now, insists Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson ahead of Wolves clash

This is Leicestershire --

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has vowed his side will not underestimate struggling Wolves tonight.

Wolves have suffered a hangover from their relegation from the Premier League last May and are languishing in 18th place in the Championship, just five points above the drop zone.

New manager Dean Saunders, who was appointed after the sacking of Ståle Solbakken, is attempting to arrest Wolves' slide.

They have picked up just two points from their last six league games and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by non-league Luton.

However, Pearson said Wolves still possess players capable of punishing City if his side let their standards drop in tonight's Championship clash at the King Power Stadium (7.45).

"We know they have some good players and we have to make sure our performance is right ourselves," he said.

"We are aware of the players they have and how good they are. We know what to expect from them.

"As most Championship games are, it will be another good test for us. We can't spend too much time concerning ourselves with the opposition's status. Our focus has to be on our performance."

Pearson admitted City must adapt their mindset after the game was brought forward to a Thursday night, instead of the usual Saturday afternoon.

But he said it was a good opportunity to put down a marker on their promotion rivals.

"Mentally, you have to change it all around," he said. "If you allow it to affect your psychology around your preparation, then it will affect it.

"The important thing is you get on with it and accept that, for us, it is another opportunity to get ahead of our rivals. If we get the right result, then we put a bit more pressure on the teams around us."

Anthony Knockaert is City's biggest injury concern, and several other players have been carrying knocks in recent weeks.

But Pearson believes resting the likes of Chris Wood, David Nugent, Danny Drinkwater and Matty James, who are all expected to return to the starting line-up tonight, at Huddersfield last week has helped preparations for the visit of Wolves.

"I hope they have benefited from the rest," he said.

"It is not always an easy call with resting one or two, but we did have a few players who were carrying knocks. It is important to get the balance right, wanting to win the game and make sure our players are fit." Reported by This is 3 days ago.

Transfer news: Charlton manager Chris Powell would like to take Leicester City's Jeff Schlupp on loan

This is Leicestershire -- A boy thought to be as young as 12 tried to snatch a woman's handbag as he cycled past her.
The youth targeted the 22-year-old woman in Gallowtree Gate, in Leicester city centre, at 6pm on Monday.
The victim was walking towards the Clock Tower while on her phone when she was approached by the youth who tried but failed to grab the bag as he passed her.
Detective Constable Peter Bown said: "The victim was walking on the right hand side of the road towards the Clock Tower when the incident happened.
"I would ask anyone who saw the incident take place, or who recognises the description of the suspect to contact us as soon as possible.
"Even the smallest piece of information could help with our inquiry."
The youth is white, 12 to 15, slim and has short, cropped ginger hair. He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up.
Contact Det Con Bown on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111. Reported by This is 3 days ago.

Man found guilty of attempted murder and two counts of rape in Leicester

This is Leicestershire -- A man has been found guilty of attempted murder and two counts of rape in Leicester. Arturas Ardavicius (26) of Bonchurch Street, off Fosse Road North, in the city, was convicted at Leicester Crown Court today after a nine-day trial. During the trial, the jury heard that at about 3.30am on Saturday, July 7, last year, a woman in her 30s was sexually assaulted in a car in Richard III Road, close to St Nicholas Circle. The victim did not know her attacker but had spent time with him just prior to the incident. The victim managed to get out of the car and alert a member of the public. A red hatchback was seen in the area and officers released CCTV images of the vehicle along with an appeal for witnesses. Speaking after today's verdict, the victim said: "I'm really pleased with the result of the trial. "I hope he receives a lengthy custodial sentence so he can't do this to anybody else because he's a dangerous man." Detective Constable Nikki McLatchie, the investigating officer, said: "This is a good result and should send a positive message to other victims of sexual assault. "Leicestershire Police takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously and we always investigate them thoroughly. "This was a horrific assault and a very difficult and complex investigation and the victim showed commendable bravery." Ardavicius, a Lithuanian national, is due to be sentenced on Friday, March 15, at Leicester Crown Court. Reported by This is 3 days ago.

This is Leicestershire -- The Jessops camera brand has been bought by a group of business people, including Dragons' Den star Peter Jones, it was announced tonight.
The 78-year-old Leicester-based chain went into administration earlier this month, resulting in the closure of all 187 stores with the loss of 1,500 jobs, including 177 in the county.
Administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) announced the buyout this evening, but did not disclose its value.It is not known at this stage if the deal will result in the reopening of stores.
A statement from PwC said: "We can confirm we have sold the brand and certain other assets to a number of buyers, including entrepreneur Peter Jones CBE."
The retail group, founded in Leicester in 1935 by Frank Jessop, suffered in recent years as a result of tough competition from supermarkets and online operators.
Last week it was reported business turnaround specialist Hilco was interested in buying the Jessops brand and opening camera concessions in HMV, the entertainment group it took control of earlier this month after it too went into administration.
The Jessops deal is not the first time Mr Jones has become involved with a respected Leicestershire business. A few years ago the telecoms tycoon secured a tie-up with Hinckley sock maker HJ Hall, which saw him sport the knitwear during episodes of BBC TV show Dragons' Den. Reported by This is 2 days ago.

Leicester City's relentless pursuit of a place in the Premier League continues to gather momentum, with this fifth successive Championship victory, courtesy of a fine goal from David Nugent, strengthening their hold on second spot and deepening the problems for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ahead through a solo goal from the impressive Anthony Knockaert, Leicester briefly lost their way in the second half when Bakary Sako, another Frenchman, struck a splendid equaliser for Wolves. The complexion of the game changed for a period as Wolves began to play with renewed belief, but Nugent provided a touch of class with a composed finish in the 73rd minute to score his 14th goal of the season and give Leicester a lead they just about held on to in a frantic finale.

Sako stung Kasper Schmeichel's hands with a shot from distance and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake screwed a left-footed effort against the outside of the upright in the closing seconds as Wolves cranked up the pressure. A second equaliser failed to arrive, however, leaving Dean Saunders still looking for his first win as manager and Wolves in 19th place, only five points above the relegation zone. For Leicester, who are now three points clear of third-placed Hull, albeit having played a game more, the future looks much brighter.

It was no surprise that the opening goal came from Knockaert. The 21-year-old winger shimmered with menace whenever he picked up the ball on the right flank. Prepared to run at defenders at pace and able to turn on a sixpence courtesy of his low centre of gravity, the Frenchman registered three efforts on goal in the opening 10 minutes and was generally giving Stephen Ward one of those evenings that the left-back will be keen to forget

The goal was a case in point. Kasper Schmeichel's intelligent kick from his hands picked out Knockaert close to the touchline with Ward out of position. Although the defender managed to get back, Knockaert accepted the invitation to run at him. Ward continued to back off and Knockaert, twisting and turning, stepped inside before cutting back on to his left foot and sweeping a shot from the edge of the six-yard box that Carl Ikeme was unable to prevent from finding the far corner of the net, despite getting a strong hand to the ball.

The goal was no more than Leicester deserved after a bright opening against a Wolves side desperately lacking in confidence. Playing at a high tempo, Leicester moved the ball around with purpose and looked the much more accomplished team. They also had a decent shout for a penalty when Bakary Sako rather clumsily bundled over Knockaert, a player almost half his size, in the area in the 26th minute. The referee, Robert Madley, was not impressed, however, and waved away the appeals.

Two minutes later Wolves squandered a reasonable chance to level. Danny Batth, who was making his full league debut for Wolves in place of the suspended Roger Johnson in central defence, was left unmarked but he was unable to direct his free header from Sako's corner on target.

Leicester were also guilty of profligacy. A nice move at the end of the first half should have delivered a second goal but Ben Marshall, running on to Nugent's adroit flick from Paul Konchesky's pass, wastefully blazed over the bar. It was a miss that became more significant six minutes into the second half when Sako, teed up by Tongo Doumbia, stuck a glorious half-volley from 25 yards that arrowed into the corner of the net. Saunders, who had been a picture of frustration on the touchline, finally had something to celebrate.

Leicester, though, should have restored their lead almost immediately. Ritchie de Laet drilled a centre across the face of goal but Wood, with the goal at his mercy, failed to make a clean connection. It proved to be merely a temporary reprieve for Wolves. Nugent, picking up the ball on the halfway line, was allowed to carry it to the edge of the penalty area without a Wolves defender closing him down. With the time and space to pick his spot, the forward curled a fine shot beyond Ikeme and into the bottom corner. Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 days ago.

This is Leicestershire --

Striker David Nugent secured three vital points for Leicester City with a wonderful strike to beat Wolves 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.

The experienced centre forward's goal came as a Wolves side fought back after a first-half strike by City's Frenchman Anthony Knockaert.

The win was City's fifth on the trot and gave them a three-point cushion over third-placed Hull in the fight for the two automatic promotion places.

The visitors struggled to settle into the Championship match and deservedly went behind to the Knockaert strike, but fought back with a spectacular 51st-minute equaliser from midfielder Bakary Sako.

Despite Wolves looking a much-improved team after the break, David Nugent sealed all three points in the 73rd minute.

Both teams made four changes to the sides that started their weekend fixtures, with Wolves manager Saunders handing a full league debut to defender Danny Batth as Roger Johnson began his three-match ban for a red card picked up against Blackpool on Saturday.

Leicester started brightly and went close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute with a long-range effort from Nugent, before Knockaert fired a 25-yard strike narrowly over the crossbar just minutes later.

Wolves almost went ahead against the run of play in the 15th minute, when Kasper Schmeichel punched the ball into the path of Sako, who aimed a powerful pass across the six-yard box, narrowly out of the reach of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's outstretched foot.

Recent Leicester signing Chris Wood almost added to his already-healthy goalscoring account at the club with a dipping effort from 25 yards out, but the strike crept just over the crossbar.

The Foxes made their considerable pressure count on 24 minutes, when Knockaert dribbled the ball into the Wolves area unchallenged, created an angle for himself, and fired past Carl Ikeme, whose touch was not enough to turn the effort around the post.

The impressive Knockaert continued to cause problems for the Wolves defence and had calls for a penalty denied after feeling a nudge in the back from Sako.

Karl Henry was lucky to still be on the field minutes later after his reckless challenge caught the ankle of Andy King, but referee Robert Madley felt a free-kick was punishment enough.

Leicester continued to dominate, but were unable to extend their lead before the break, despite a glorious opportunity for Ben Marshall on the stroke of half-time.

Wolves made the best possible start to the second half, with Sako firing a spectacular equaliser into the bottom-right corner of the goal from the edge of the penalty area in the 51st minute.

The visitors looked a much-improved side after the equaliser, but Nugent produced a superb solo goal from the edge of the Wolves area to put Leicester back in control.

He could have doubled his tally five minutes from time when the ball fell to him on the edge of the six-yard box - but the striker could not find the finish.

Wolves had a flurry of chances in the closing stages, Ebanks-Blake going agonisingly close to pulling Wolves level with an effort that struck the foot of a post. Reported by This is 2 days ago.

This is Leicestershire --

Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Alifia Samiwala (36), of Uppingham Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone, in Humberstone Road, Leicester, on May 20.

She was given three penalty points and fined £45.

Thomas Woodward (26), of Avenue Road, Ashby, was found guilty in his absence of driving while holding a mobile phone, on May 20,in Ashby.

He was fined £200, given three penalty points and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Jacob Natzel (19), of Fosse Close, Braunstone Town, pleaded guilty to burgling and taking a £400 television from a house in Upperton Road, Leicester, on November 23.

He was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and to pay £85 costs. He was given a 12-month community order.

Rajshibhai Odedra (38), of no fixed abode, admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place on January 7.

He was fined £50.

Vladimir Daniel (48), of Woodgreen Road, Northfields, Leicester, was banned from driving for 18 months.

He pleaded guilty to driving while holding a mobile phone, without third party insurance and while disqualified, in Catherine Street, Leicester, on November 29.

He was placed on a year-long community order and told to do 180 hours of unpaid work. Reported by This is 2 days ago.

This is Leicestershire --

Cyclists are to benefit from more than £1 million of investment in the city.

Leicester railway station – the scene of several bike thefts – will be getting secure storage for 200 bikes, as well as changing rooms, thanks to £600,000 from the £15 million Linking Local Communities Fund.

East Midlands Trains will also use the money to install new lockers and build a bike shop at the station to turn it into a "high-capacity bike hub" for passengers.

The same fund is giving £217,000 to Leicester City Council to improve cycle paths, including the Great Central Way. The council will also be putting in £200,000 from its own funds.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "Only this week I was talking about cycling priorities with Leicester Cycle Campaign Group, so this announcement couldn't have come at a better time.

"This cash will help us to fill some of the missing links in the city's cycle network and allow us to make significant improvements to the routes – widening cycle-ways where necessary, cutting back vegetation, improving surfaces and generally raising the standard.

"I am determined to do even more to make cycling attractive and safe in Leicester."

According to the city council, the number of people cycling each day in Leicester has doubled over the past five years to about 13,000.

However, the station has stands for only about 20 bikes and more can be seen each day chained to nearby railings.

Cyclist Jane Salt, 39, of Knighton, said it would be good to have more places for people to secure their bikes.

She said: "It's a nightmare at the moment. I use the station but I don't feel confident leaving my bike there – it's hard to find anything to lock it to. It seems a lot of money, though."

William Swinford, 22, of Braunstone, said: "It's getting a bit better at the station since they did all the work there – at least there's CCTV pointing at the bikes now. If they can do even more, that would be good."

John Smith, 24, also from Braunstone, is pleased more cash is being spent on bike tracks around the city.

He said: "I ride along the Great Central Way quite a bit and it's good they are going to make it better along there.

"It would be good if they could put jumps in – there's only one decent bike park in Leicester and I'd like them to spend more on that sort of thing."

Jonny Wiseman, route manager for East Midlands Trains said: "The funding is great news for passengers and will allow us to build even further on the improvements already made at Leicester station.

"We have been working closely with the city council and Network Rail on our plans for a cycle hub and look forward to developing this in further detail.

"East Midlands Trains has already invested heavily in cycle facilities across the route with introduction of hundreds of additional cycle spaces." Reported by This is 2 days ago.

Violent sex attacker Arturas Ardavicius faces life in jail, Leicester court told

This is Leicestershire --

A man convicted of raping and attempting to murder a woman on an isolated track was warned he could be facing life imprisonment.

Judge Simon Hammond said the pregnant victim, a prostitute, would have died if two milkmen had not chanced upon the scene.

He said it was "a miracle" she survived her violent ordeal at the hands of Arturas Ardavicius, who fled when two milk floats appeared.

The 26-year-old defendant was found guilty by a Leicester Crown Court jury yesterday of attempted murder and two counts of rape.

Judge Hammond told Ardavicius, a Lithuanian national: "If it's not a life sentence, it's going to be 20 years or so."

He said: "On the face of it, this man is a very serious danger.

"I'm giving a public commendation to the two milkmen from Kirby and West.

"I've no doubt if they hadn't happened to drive by, this woman would have been murdered.

"She behaved with huge courage and dignity when she gave evidence.

"Prostitutes are entitled to the protection of the courts.

"Like all women, they are entitled to be protected from wicked men."

Ardavicius picked up the 31-year-old woman in the Highfields area of the city.

He drove her to a remote dirt track on Richard III Road, near the depot of Kirby and West's dairy, in Leicester.

Ardavicius suddenly turned violent during consensual sex in his car.

He twice throttled his vivtim until she blacked out, smiling with pleasure while squeezing her neck. He then twice raped her.

Petrified, she was unable to fight him off.

When she tried to run away, he chased her and forced her to the ground, in the early hours of July 7 last year.

She said: "He grabbed my windpipe and stuck his fingers down my throat, like he was trying to rip my throat out. I was gagging and could feel myself passing out."

She said she imagined her mother identifying her dead body.

She told the court: "I remember seeing bright lights and as soon as he saw the milk floats he got up and ran off."

She said the two Kirby and West milkmen, who stopped to help her, saved her life and she was "lucky to be alive."

Ardavicius (26), of Bonchurch Street, off Fosse Road North, Leicester, denied the offences.

A jury of 10 women and two men rejected his defence claim that the woman stole his wallet and he was only holding her in a headlock, trying to get his money back, when the milkmen arrived.

The dairy workers, who took her to their depot, found her distraught, with ripped clothing and strangulation marks on her neck.

Judge Hammond also commended Dc Nikki McLatchie, of the police rape specialist Signal Team, for leading a "skilful and thorough investigation."

He said the defendant took "every step" to cover his tracks, including cleaning out his car, taking identifying flags from it and deleting messages from his phone. He was traced through traffic camera footage of his car.

Ardavicius, a haulage firm warehouse worker, was jailed in Lithuania for a stabbing during a fight when he was aged 17.

Sentencing was adjourned until March 15, for a pre-sentence report. Reported by This is 2 days ago.

Tailors UK to open second Leicester shop at gallery

This is Leicestershire --

A tailors which has made suits for Sven-Goran Erikkson is opening a flagship store in one of Leicester's busiest streets.

Tailoring UK, which already has a branch in Church Gate, is to launch a second shop in Granby Street after owner and creative director Ketan Jethwa bought the building formerly occupied by the City Gallery.

The business will employ about 10 people and be spread across two floors, with a showroom on the ground floor and consultation room on the first floor.

The building is undergoing a refurbishment and is due to open at the start of March.

Mr Jethwa said he hoped the opening would help breathe some life into Granby Street, which has been hit hard by the closure of shops such as Blacks, Cecil Jacobs and Jessops. He said: "Taking on a premises in Granby Street, I was very conscious of the fact it has become a bit rundown.

"But for us this was more about the convenience of our customers being able to get to us, rather than having a high street location.

"We have bought the building outright, which means we can invest in it.

"It's a good place to be in terms of the parking and accessibility."

The business enjoyed a successful summer last year, during which it created a number of outfits for business people based in London.

This month, it opened a shop in an exclusive part of South Kensington.

Tailoring UK has made a name for itself by creating garments for the likes of former Leicester City and England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, former snooker world champion Neil Robertson and millionaire businesswoman Kavita Oberoi.

In addition to Leicester and London, it has shops in Cambridge and Derby and carries out work at its unit in Wheat Street, near Lee Circle, Leicester.

Mr Jethwa said: "The new store in Granby Street will have a lot of garments on show, a lot of fabric.

"We will keep the Church Gate shop, because that stands on its own two feet.

"This is a busy but very exciting time for us."

Mr Jethwa said the new shop in Leicester would act as an outlet for another recent addition to the business, bridal gown service Jessica Farringdon Brides.

He also hopes to eventually to display art work.

The business also carries out alterations through 25 branches of shoe repair specialists Timpsons. Reported by This is 2 days ago.

Men accused of conspiring to commit violent disorder at Moghul Durbar restaurant, Leicester, in court

This is Leicestershire -- Seven men accused of conspiring to commit violent disorder at the Moghul Durbar restaurant in Leicester appeared in court today. They are charged in connection with an alleged incident at the restaurant in East Park Road, Spinney Hills, on the evening of Monday, January 14. A large group of people allegedly burst into the recently opened premises, and smashed windows. A number of people were assaulted, and six people attended Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment to serious and minor injuries. After an application made by the Leicester Mercury during today's hearing at Leicester Crown Court, Judge Michael Pert QC lifted an order made earlier by city magistrates forbidding the press from reporting the addresses of the accused. The restriction was lifted despite requests from all defence advocates for it to remain. Judge Pert said there were insufficient legal grounds for making such an order, and overturned the magistrates' ruling. Six of the accused men are from Derby. They are: Surjit Pandher (28), a former prison warden, of Northfield; Gurmukh Singh Cheema (25), of Harrington Street; Ranjit Singh (21), of Harrington Street; Sundeep Singh Sangha (25), a gas heating engineer, of Wordsworth Avenue; Rajveer Singh Sangha (24), a college student, of Wordsworth Avenue; and Ranvir Singh (21), of Harrington Street. The seventh defendant is Kahan Khalsa (26), of Rectory Gardens, Oldbury, Birmingham. No pleas were entered and the case was adjourned for a plea and directions hearing. All seven men were remanded back into custody. Reported by This is 2 days ago.

This is Leicestershire -- A sixth man has appeared in court over the alleged exploitation of a 16-year-old girl. Chandresh Mistry (37), of Berridge Lane, Belgrave, Leicester, appeared before city magistrates today charged with causing or persuading a child aged 16 to become a prostitute. The court heard that he was arrested on Thursday morning as part of an ongoing police investigation. Five men, aged 20, 22, 25, 27 and 39, have already appeared in court in connection with the case. They face a total of 22 charges, which include trafficking for sexual exploitation, arranging or facilitating prostitution, controlling a child involved in prostitution, inciting child prostitution and paying for sexual services. The five men, who were remanded into custody after their appearance in court, cannot be identified because of a court order banning publication of their names, addresses and dates of birth. The Leicester Mercury has twice challenged the order, but has been unsuccessful on both occasions. No such order was made in relation to Mistry, who did not enter a plea at yesterday's hearing. He was bailed to appear at court again, with the other five defendants, next week. A 17-year-old youth and a 15-year-old youth arrested as part of the ongoing police investigation have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. Reported by This is 2 days ago.

Robber Lee James Shelley jailed for campaign of terrifying knifepoint raids in Leicester

This is Leicestershire --

An armed robber stole £113,000 worth of jewellery during one of five terrifying knifepoint raids.

Lee James Shelley (38) confronted all the victims at their places of work and demanded cash, Leicester Crown Court was told.

He shielded his face with scarves and brandished a variety of blades, ranging from a craft knife to a 12-inch carving knife.

Shelley began his robbery campaign the day after being given a 12-month suspended sentence by judge Michael Pert QC for other crimes.

He was back before Judge Pert yesterday, and was jailed for a total of five-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to three robberies and possessing offensive weapons.

The court was told Shelley went on a spending spree with the proceeds of his crimes.

Shelley, of no fixed address, asked for two other raids to be considered.

James Varley, prosecuting, said that on October 26 last year Shelley posed as a customer at a jewellery shop in Leicester. He inspected two pendants before producing a 10-inch-long kitchen knife and telling the woman sales assistant: "I don't want you to panic."

The woman told him: "I don't want you to hurt me."

He replied: "Just do as I say."

Shelley made off with £200 in cash and a tray of rings worth £113,000, which were never recovered.

A day earlier, he had gone into a home furnishings store in the city and produced a craft knife in front of a female assistant.

Before taking £100 from the till, he told her "I have a knife. You won't be hurt."

Mr Varley said Shelley took changes of clothing with him when committing the robberies, to cover his tracks.

On November 3, Shelley went to a children's clothing shop in Leicester and produced a 12-inch knife. He told the woman assistant: "Open the till, I won't hurt you."

As he helped himself to £200 she ran out of the store and despite "collapsing with shock", flagged down a passing police car. "Officers recognised him and pursued him, but he brandished a knife at them," Mr Varley said.

Shelley made off in a car but was arrested the next day.

One of the raids taken into consideration involved a knifepoint robbery at a pub in Leicester on October 18, the day after Shelley was released from custody by Judge Pert, who gave him a 12-month suspended sentence for offences including harassment.

The other similar offence was at a men's clothing shop in the city centre on October 21. Shelley had 288 offences on his criminal record, including a knifepoint robbery of a man at a cashpoint in September 2011.

Sentencing him, Judge Pert said: "The suspended sentence in October was a complete waste of time as this offending started as soon as I'd passed that sentence. These were knifepoint robberies of small businesses where the occupants were terrified."

Andrew Fryman, mitigating, said: "He told the shopkeepers he wasn't going to hurt them but no doubt they were paralysed with fear. No-one was physically hurt." Reported by This is 22 hours ago.

Mouse found at Bag A Baguette takeaway in Charles Street, Leicester

This is Leicestershire --

A sandwich takeaway was closed after environmental health officers found a dead mouse.

City council officers shut Bag A Baguette, in Charles Street, Leicester, after they found the dead rodent and mouse droppings in the first-floor food preparation area, near to items being prepared for public consumption.

Leicester magistrates ruled yesterday that the first floor of the food outlet must remain closed until further notice because it posed an imminent risk to public health.

Shilpa Thakrar, prosecuting on behalf of Leicester City Council, told the court environmental health officers inspected the takeaway on Wednesday after a complaint.

Environmental health officer Susan Clement told the court they had no choice but to close the first floor of the outlet there and then because of the presence of droppings throughout the food preparation area.

It means the whole takeaway has been shut since then.

She said: "In the kitchen on the hob was a pan of boiling eggs. There were droppings behind the hob and on takeaway packaging next to the hob.

"There was other takeaway packaging and there were droppings on and around the packaging and evidence of urine, too."

The dead mouse was found behind a fridge.

Ashfaq Ahmed, the owner of Bag a Baguette, who represented himself in court, admitted the takeaway should have been cleaner.

He said: "With regard to the eggs, I may be being funny, but eggs have shells.

"I don't accept the fact we were in a position to poison someone because of this."

Mrs Thakrar said the food safety officers visited the takeaway the next day but not enough had been done for them to allow it to reopen.

She attended court to apply for a hygiene emergency prohibition order to keep the outlet closed.

Ahmed told the court the business had nearly folded when he was subject to a similar order in 2011.

He said: "I don't know how we survived. If this happens again, there will be three people that are jobless as well as myself."

Chairwoman of the bench Meriel Buxton granted the emergency order. She ordered Ahmed to pay £400 costs.

The court heard Bag A Baguette will remain closed until environmental health officers from Leicester City Council deem it is no longer presents an imminent risk to public health.

After the court case, Miss Clement said food safety officers would be inspecting the takeaway next week. Reported by This is 22 hours ago.

Leicester milkman Mick Swinn disturbed a brutal sex attacker and then gave chase

This is Leicestershire --

A milkman who disturbed a rapist trying to strangle his victim has told how he tried to catch the fleeing attacker.

Mick Swinn, who, with his colleague Pete Walsh was praised by a judge this week for saving the life of the rape victim, yesterday described his actions as "all in a day's work".

Mr Swinn and Mr Walsh came upon the scene, in Richard III Road, near the Kirby and West depot, in Leicester, where they work, on July 7 last year.

Their arrival in the early hours of the morning caused brutal sex attacker Arturas Ardavicius to drive off.

Mr Swinn, 47, a father-of-two, of Saffron Lane, Leicester, said: "I had just loaded up the van and was driving out of the yard at about 4am when I saw this chap on top of a woman with his hand over her mouth.

"I put the full-beam headlights of my van on and he got up and ran off to his car, but he didn't switch his lights on. I knew the lads at the depot would look after the woman and I went after him. I pulled up level with his car, but I had to reverse out of his way or he would have driven into me.

"I followed him along St Augustin Road but lost him in Tudor Road. I wasn't going to chase him with a full load of milk on, but I was able to identify the type of car which had two flags sticking out the back window – the European championships were on at the time.

"He also had damaged hubcaps where he had been hitting the kerb. The description of his vehicle helped the police, because they picked him up pretty quickly.

"I phoned my manager and carried on with my round, it was all in a day's work. I told my wife, Linda, about it afterwards. I suppose she will give me a pat on the back now the story's out.

"Any half-decent person would help anybody out. He probably thought he had picked a quiet spot, but he obviously didn't know the area and that there was all that activity at that time of the morning, but it was lucky for her and probably saved her life.

"I was just acting out of instinct.

"It was just one of those things you do, you don't think about your safety, you just get on with it."

Mr Welsh, who preferred not to have his picture taken, was arriving at the depot when he came across the scene.

He looked after the terrified victim after Mr Swinn drove after Ardavicius.

He said: "I don't want any special thanks for it because I just did what anybody else would do."

Judge Simon Hammond said the pregnant victim, a prostitute, would have died if the two milkmen had not chanced upon the scene.

At Leicester Crown Court on Thursday, he told 26-year Ardavicius, of Bonchurch Street, off Fosse Road North, Leicester, who was found guilty of attempted murder and two counts of rape he could face life imprisonment.

Mr Swinn and Mr Welsh's manager Jason Joyce said: "They're both good lads. If they hadn't have seen her, she'd have been dead.

"Luckily for her, he brought her to a place where there were a lot of people about.

"Pete was just arriving for work and Mick was just leaving. Pete helped bring her into the depot. She was in a real state, very upset. She was uncontrollable, she couldn't breathe or get her words out.

"She was distraught. It was distressing for everyone there. I think the lads deserve all the credit they get." Reported by This is 22 hours ago.

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Leicester milkman Mick Swinn disturbed a brutal sex attacker and then gave chase