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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Dog interrupts football match
During Tuesday's quarter-final second leg of the Copa Sudamericana between Colombia's Independiente Santa Fe and Brazil's Botafogo, this dog had fun running around the pitch for over three minutes.
YouTube link.
YouTube link.
Police follow sounds of screams to find man lodged in deep hole in hollow tree trunk
Screams for help led deputies down a creek bed in Laguna Hills, California, to find a man stuck inside the hollow trunk of a standing tree on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Deputies discovered the man trapped at about 10:30 a.m. after receiving reports of someone screaming and then conducting a patrol check near Los Alisos Boulevard and Paseo de Valenica, said Lt. Roland Chacon of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Firefighters and deputies said they are not sure why, but the man climbed into a narrow hole located near the base of the tree. The hole led inside the hollow tree trunk and about four or five feet underground, said Battalion Chief Kris Concepcion of the Orange County Fire Authority.
It took firefighters about 90 minutes to get the necessary equipment and safely cut through the branches of the tree to free the man from inside, he said. The only body parts visible outside the tree truck were the man's head and arms, he said. Part of the body was underground. "Why he's in a tree, I have no idea," Concepcion said. The man was freed just after noon and was being checked for injuries, Chacon said.
With photo gallery.
Deputies discovered the man trapped at about 10:30 a.m. after receiving reports of someone screaming and then conducting a patrol check near Los Alisos Boulevard and Paseo de Valenica, said Lt. Roland Chacon of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Firefighters and deputies said they are not sure why, but the man climbed into a narrow hole located near the base of the tree. The hole led inside the hollow tree trunk and about four or five feet underground, said Battalion Chief Kris Concepcion of the Orange County Fire Authority.
It took firefighters about 90 minutes to get the necessary equipment and safely cut through the branches of the tree to free the man from inside, he said. The only body parts visible outside the tree truck were the man's head and arms, he said. Part of the body was underground. "Why he's in a tree, I have no idea," Concepcion said. The man was freed just after noon and was being checked for injuries, Chacon said.
With photo gallery.
Alleged spaceship theft fails at lift-off
A felon and a convicted child rapist are facing theft charges after they were allegedly caught trying to steal a "spaceship" from a neighbour's yard. Arturo Evan Cadena, 22, allegedly told a Do-a Ana sheriff's investigator he "was going to take the spaceship home for his child," according to court documents.
Cadena, who lives in Chamberino, had originally offered to pay 47-year-old Richard Chavez to help him clean the property and load trash in his truck, but then decided to ask Chavez to help him steal the battered aluminum craft from the rental property, on the 400 block of County Line Drive in Chaparral.
Assistant District Attorney Scot Key said the former amusement park ride, worth $4,000 to $5,000, is believed to be from the '50s or '60s, and "heavier than all get go." An anonymous tipster witnessed Cadena and Chavez loading sheets of steel and the dilapidated spaceship into a red truck on Oct. 7, according to court documents. When confronted, the two allegedly threw the metal and the spaceship back over the fence and fled.
Chavez ultimately admitted to the sheriff's investigator that "he was aware of Art's intentions (in) taking the space ship and failed to report the incident," court documents state. Key said while the crime is "probably the most unusual metal theft that we've had in the last few years," it might make a difficult exhibit in court, adding, "I don't want to have to carry it in the courtroom."
Cadena, who lives in Chamberino, had originally offered to pay 47-year-old Richard Chavez to help him clean the property and load trash in his truck, but then decided to ask Chavez to help him steal the battered aluminum craft from the rental property, on the 400 block of County Line Drive in Chaparral.
Assistant District Attorney Scot Key said the former amusement park ride, worth $4,000 to $5,000, is believed to be from the '50s or '60s, and "heavier than all get go." An anonymous tipster witnessed Cadena and Chavez loading sheets of steel and the dilapidated spaceship into a red truck on Oct. 7, according to court documents. When confronted, the two allegedly threw the metal and the spaceship back over the fence and fled.
Chavez ultimately admitted to the sheriff's investigator that "he was aware of Art's intentions (in) taking the space ship and failed to report the incident," court documents state. Key said while the crime is "probably the most unusual metal theft that we've had in the last few years," it might make a difficult exhibit in court, adding, "I don't want to have to carry it in the courtroom."
Crying baby doll saves family from house fire
A toy doll that was part of a project to give teens a realistic look at parenting woke up 17-year-old Christian Deason just as a fire was destroying the family home. The doll is programmed to cry at different times of the day and night, just like a newborn baby. Deason's teacher had programmed the doll on Friday before school finished for the weekend.
Deason took the doll home not knowing when it was programmed to cry. At 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 24 the baby doll began to cry, waking Deason up just as the fire was eating its way through her La Vergne, Tennessee house. Deason immediately got everyone out of the house.
"It was a big white wall of smoke, I fanned it for a second, and I see flames. I ran straight to my mothers room got her out, got my dog out, put the toy baby in the carrier, and we were out," said Deason. La Vergne Fire Marshall Victor Woods said the fire detectors in the house were not working and the family had only about a minute to get out of the house.
YouTube link.
"The toy doll crying was really the key to getting them out safely," said Woods. Marina Deason, Christian Deason's mother, believes fate may have played a hand in the teacher setting the programme for the doll to cry at 3:30 a.m. "I think God works in mysterious ways, definitely fate had something to do with it," said Marina Deason.
Deason took the doll home not knowing when it was programmed to cry. At 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 24 the baby doll began to cry, waking Deason up just as the fire was eating its way through her La Vergne, Tennessee house. Deason immediately got everyone out of the house.
"It was a big white wall of smoke, I fanned it for a second, and I see flames. I ran straight to my mothers room got her out, got my dog out, put the toy baby in the carrier, and we were out," said Deason. La Vergne Fire Marshall Victor Woods said the fire detectors in the house were not working and the family had only about a minute to get out of the house.
YouTube link.
"The toy doll crying was really the key to getting them out safely," said Woods. Marina Deason, Christian Deason's mother, believes fate may have played a hand in the teacher setting the programme for the doll to cry at 3:30 a.m. "I think God works in mysterious ways, definitely fate had something to do with it," said Marina Deason.
Man tried to kill cat because it depressed him
A cat had 22-year-old Freyando Bizardie so "depressed" on Sunday afternoon that he tried to choke it to death. He also tried to stab it with a pen before he bit two of his sisters. According to court documents, police were dispatched to Bizardie's Phoenix home on Sunday afternoon for a domestic disturbance. When they got to the house, officers found an agitated Bizardie.
Bizardie told the responding officers that he was "depressed and angry with the cat" because it got hair all over his clothes. So, he tried to choke it to death - but that was only before he tried to stab it with a pen and he bit his sisters who were trying to keep him from killing the cat. As Bizardie was choking the cat, one of his sisters grabbed his arm, forcing him to drop it. The cat then ran under a couch, but Bizardie was apparently on a mission to kill the feline that had put him in such a foul mood.
Bizardie grabbed a pen and chased after the cat. He even moved the couch so he could reach the scared animal. Meanwhile, Bizardie's two sisters were fighting with him to prevent him from killing the cat. During the fight, Bizardie stabbed one of his sisters behind the ear with the pen, causing minor injuries. He then bit each of his sisters - one on the arm, the other on the shoulder.
Bizardie was arrested and taken to the Central City Precinct where he told officers his plan was to kill the cat and throw it in a dumpster. He also told police he was still mad about the cat and his sisters shouldn't have tried to stop him from killing it. Bizardie was booked into a Maricopa County jail on one count each of animal cruelty, aggravated assault with a weapon, and assault. Bizardie's next court date is scheduled for October 31.
Bizardie told the responding officers that he was "depressed and angry with the cat" because it got hair all over his clothes. So, he tried to choke it to death - but that was only before he tried to stab it with a pen and he bit his sisters who were trying to keep him from killing the cat. As Bizardie was choking the cat, one of his sisters grabbed his arm, forcing him to drop it. The cat then ran under a couch, but Bizardie was apparently on a mission to kill the feline that had put him in such a foul mood.
Bizardie grabbed a pen and chased after the cat. He even moved the couch so he could reach the scared animal. Meanwhile, Bizardie's two sisters were fighting with him to prevent him from killing the cat. During the fight, Bizardie stabbed one of his sisters behind the ear with the pen, causing minor injuries. He then bit each of his sisters - one on the arm, the other on the shoulder.
Bizardie was arrested and taken to the Central City Precinct where he told officers his plan was to kill the cat and throw it in a dumpster. He also told police he was still mad about the cat and his sisters shouldn't have tried to stop him from killing it. Bizardie was booked into a Maricopa County jail on one count each of animal cruelty, aggravated assault with a weapon, and assault. Bizardie's next court date is scheduled for October 31.
Mother pleads guilty to driving drunk with 2 children in car
A woman accused of driving drunk at high speeds with two children in her back seat has pleaded guilty. Police stopped Betty Jean Turner, 46, of Warren on Sept. 18 on southbound I-75 near 14 Mile Road in Troy. Three separate motorists had called 911 to report a vehicle driving erratically as it headed south on the freeway from the area of Adams Road.
Troy Police Lt. Robert Redmond said Turner’s red Ford Contour was seen travelling at high speeds, tailgating other cars and weaving in and out of lanes. Officers found two girls, ages 7 and 10, sitting in the back seat, crying.
Turner said the girls said they were scared they were going to die and wanted to jump out of the car. He said one of the girls was Turner’s daughter, and the other her friend. Turner’s blood alcohol level was .23, nearly triple the legal limit in Michigan.
LiveLeak link.
She was charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence with an occupant younger than 16 and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, third offence. Court records show that Turner entered a guilty plea earlier this month, and the second count against her was rescinded. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 9 by Oakland Circuit Judge Wendy Potts.
Troy Police Lt. Robert Redmond said Turner’s red Ford Contour was seen travelling at high speeds, tailgating other cars and weaving in and out of lanes. Officers found two girls, ages 7 and 10, sitting in the back seat, crying.
Turner said the girls said they were scared they were going to die and wanted to jump out of the car. He said one of the girls was Turner’s daughter, and the other her friend. Turner’s blood alcohol level was .23, nearly triple the legal limit in Michigan.
LiveLeak link.
She was charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence with an occupant younger than 16 and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, third offence. Court records show that Turner entered a guilty plea earlier this month, and the second count against her was rescinded. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 9 by Oakland Circuit Judge Wendy Potts.
Couple face charges after having sex on public bus
A Pennsylvania couple are facing an assortment of criminal charges for having sex on a city bus, carnal activity that was captured by the vehicle’s surveillance camera. According to a police criminal complaint, Amanda Confer, 24, boarded the bus on a Friday afternoon in late-August. She was “accompanied by her infant daughter,” a detective reported. Also riding the bus through Montoursville that day were “Pre-release inmates” Randell Peterson and Joshua Schill.
The men were part of a work release program that allows inmates to come and go from the county jail at specified times. Investigators allege that Confer and Peterson, 32, sat next to each other in the rear of the bus, with Schill sitting in front of them. Before the illicit action commenced, however, Confer “turned over her infant daughter” to Schill, who apparently served as babysitter/lookout during the subsequent rendezvous.
In short order, Confer and Peterson moved from hugging and kissing to oral sex (which was provided by Confer). “After a couple of minutes of oral sex,” Detective Alberto Diaz reported, Confer “lowered her underwear” and, “upon sitting on” Peterson’s lap, “both defendants proceeded to have sexual intercourse for several minutes.” Shortly after the tryst ended, Peterson and Schill exited the bus together, while Confer continued to ride on with her daughter.
Since the “aforementioned acts were captured by surveillance equipment,” investigators were able to identify Confer and Peterson as suspects. In an interview late last month with a Lycoming County detective, Confer admitted to the bus sex. During a September 30 interview at the county jail, Peterson also confessed to the illegal automotive interlude. Confer and Peterson were charged earlier this month with conspiracy, indecent exposure, open lewdness, and disorderly conduct. They are scheduled for a November 4 preliminary hearing in Magisterial District Court.
The men were part of a work release program that allows inmates to come and go from the county jail at specified times. Investigators allege that Confer and Peterson, 32, sat next to each other in the rear of the bus, with Schill sitting in front of them. Before the illicit action commenced, however, Confer “turned over her infant daughter” to Schill, who apparently served as babysitter/lookout during the subsequent rendezvous.
In short order, Confer and Peterson moved from hugging and kissing to oral sex (which was provided by Confer). “After a couple of minutes of oral sex,” Detective Alberto Diaz reported, Confer “lowered her underwear” and, “upon sitting on” Peterson’s lap, “both defendants proceeded to have sexual intercourse for several minutes.” Shortly after the tryst ended, Peterson and Schill exited the bus together, while Confer continued to ride on with her daughter.
Since the “aforementioned acts were captured by surveillance equipment,” investigators were able to identify Confer and Peterson as suspects. In an interview late last month with a Lycoming County detective, Confer admitted to the bus sex. During a September 30 interview at the county jail, Peterson also confessed to the illegal automotive interlude. Confer and Peterson were charged earlier this month with conspiracy, indecent exposure, open lewdness, and disorderly conduct. They are scheduled for a November 4 preliminary hearing in Magisterial District Court.
Indian man becomes real-life 'Slumdog Millionaire'
A man from one of India's poorest states has become the first person to win a Rs. 5 Crore (£629,384, $1,006,389) jackpot on Kaun Banega Crorepati 5, the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Sushil Kumar, a computer operator from the eastern state of Bihar, took home the top prize. His win echoes the plot of the blockbuster film Slumdog Millionaire. "I never thought in my wildest dreams that I could do this," he said.
The 27-year-old, who married five months ago, earns a monthly salary of Rs. 6,500 (£82, $131). Mr Kumar said: "First and foremost, I will build a house for myself and then I will help my brothers start their businesses. I'm also very fond of reading, so now I will buy many books, start a library and read a lot,"
YouTube link.
Sushil's is literally a rags to riches story and according to him, getting to the Rs. 5 Crore mark wasn't as difficult as one would imagine. "I didn't do any special preparation for this. This is just what we used to study. Anyway, the questions asked here are similar to the ones asked in our exams," he said.
Sushil Kumar, a computer operator from the eastern state of Bihar, took home the top prize. His win echoes the plot of the blockbuster film Slumdog Millionaire. "I never thought in my wildest dreams that I could do this," he said.
The 27-year-old, who married five months ago, earns a monthly salary of Rs. 6,500 (£82, $131). Mr Kumar said: "First and foremost, I will build a house for myself and then I will help my brothers start their businesses. I'm also very fond of reading, so now I will buy many books, start a library and read a lot,"
YouTube link.
Sushil's is literally a rags to riches story and according to him, getting to the Rs. 5 Crore mark wasn't as difficult as one would imagine. "I didn't do any special preparation for this. This is just what we used to study. Anyway, the questions asked here are similar to the ones asked in our exams," he said.
Woman kept dead husband's corpse for a month in hopes of resurrection
A Colombian woman kept her dead husband's corpse hidden in her house for a month in hopes that he would pull a Jesus and resurrect himself. Huila local Alba Yacue went about her daily life for 30 days with the body of her rotting spouse, Lucio Chacue, because when still alive he had told her that he would "come back to life."
After dying of unknown causes, Yacue stashed the corpse in their house on a religious whim, and waited for Chacue to arouse from his deathly slumber. Neighbours became suspicious of where Yacue's husband had disappeared to, and eventually gave notice to Colombian soldiers who reported the case to the investigations unit of the Prosecutor General's Office.
When Colombian officials arrived at the home, they found the body of the late Chacue, aged 61, dead and entombed in the master bedroom. "What was left of his body a month after his death was wrapped in a sheet. It was in a state of decomposition and gave off a nauseating odour that Alba Yacue endured in hopes of the possible resurrection of her companion, as he had promised her in life".
"In over 40 years of funerals, I have never seen anything of this magnitude. It has left us perplexed," stated Evangelista Ome of the La Paz Funeral Home that received Chacue's decaying body. Yacue reportedly asked La Paz to fix up the body, but then return it to her so that she could bury it in her backyard. The couple hail from a village called La Umbria in the rural area of the Garzon municipality in Huila, a department in southwest Colombia.
After dying of unknown causes, Yacue stashed the corpse in their house on a religious whim, and waited for Chacue to arouse from his deathly slumber. Neighbours became suspicious of where Yacue's husband had disappeared to, and eventually gave notice to Colombian soldiers who reported the case to the investigations unit of the Prosecutor General's Office.
When Colombian officials arrived at the home, they found the body of the late Chacue, aged 61, dead and entombed in the master bedroom. "What was left of his body a month after his death was wrapped in a sheet. It was in a state of decomposition and gave off a nauseating odour that Alba Yacue endured in hopes of the possible resurrection of her companion, as he had promised her in life".
"In over 40 years of funerals, I have never seen anything of this magnitude. It has left us perplexed," stated Evangelista Ome of the La Paz Funeral Home that received Chacue's decaying body. Yacue reportedly asked La Paz to fix up the body, but then return it to her so that she could bury it in her backyard. The couple hail from a village called La Umbria in the rural area of the Garzon municipality in Huila, a department in southwest Colombia.
Rare white wombat nursed back to health in Australia
He was found thirsty, tired and close to death by sheep shearers working on nearby property.
But the rare white wombat was taken in by a wildlife volunteer in south Australia, and nursed back to health. Now the Southern hairy-nosed wombat, who's called Polar, is on the mend.
YouTube link.
Wildlife experts say they will now use Polar to help educate people about wombats, and in a couple of years he will be placed him in a breeding programme to produce more animals like him.
Southern hairy-nosed wombats can grow up to 100 cm (40 inches) and when fully developed they can weigh between 18 to 32 kg (40 to 68 pounds).
But the rare white wombat was taken in by a wildlife volunteer in south Australia, and nursed back to health. Now the Southern hairy-nosed wombat, who's called Polar, is on the mend.
YouTube link.
Wildlife experts say they will now use Polar to help educate people about wombats, and in a couple of years he will be placed him in a breeding programme to produce more animals like him.
Southern hairy-nosed wombats can grow up to 100 cm (40 inches) and when fully developed they can weigh between 18 to 32 kg (40 to 68 pounds).
Bird doused with beer and stuffed in ticket vending machine
Animal abusers doused a cockatiel with beer and stuffed it in a train station’s ticket machine in Saxony, Germany, before a firefighter rescued the frightened bird.
The 15-centimetre-tall bird was discovered at the Flöha train station by a customer who wanted to buy a ticket Saturday afternoon. Police couldn’t free the parrot-like bird and decided to call the mayor for help. He remembered a local firefighter is a member of a bird breeders’ association.
The firefighter managed to wriggle the bird out of the machine, but not before it attacked him. “The bird bit him several times on his fingers,” said Mayor Friedrich Schlosser.
Although the cockatiel apparently drank some beer and was a bit tipsy, he is now jumping about happily again, according to his rescuer. It isn’t clear who might have stuffed the bird into the machine or why. But officials said they were investigating the case as animal abuse.
The 15-centimetre-tall bird was discovered at the Flöha train station by a customer who wanted to buy a ticket Saturday afternoon. Police couldn’t free the parrot-like bird and decided to call the mayor for help. He remembered a local firefighter is a member of a bird breeders’ association.
The firefighter managed to wriggle the bird out of the machine, but not before it attacked him. “The bird bit him several times on his fingers,” said Mayor Friedrich Schlosser.
Although the cockatiel apparently drank some beer and was a bit tipsy, he is now jumping about happily again, according to his rescuer. It isn’t clear who might have stuffed the bird into the machine or why. But officials said they were investigating the case as animal abuse.
Man called 999 about hovering UFO that turned out to be the moon
An emergency 999 caller summoned police after spotting a mysterious object hovering above his house only to find out it was the moon.
The man made the call, not thought to be a prank, in a state of panic saying the object's 'lights were blazing'.
YouTube link.
However, just moments later the caller phoned back the operator to say he had mistaken the UFO for the moon.
The call was released by Hertfordshire Police to remind callers not to block the emergency lines over the busy Hallowe'en weekend. The call was made earlier this month and was initially treated seriously by the force.
The man made the call, not thought to be a prank, in a state of panic saying the object's 'lights were blazing'.
YouTube link.
However, just moments later the caller phoned back the operator to say he had mistaken the UFO for the moon.
The call was released by Hertfordshire Police to remind callers not to block the emergency lines over the busy Hallowe'en weekend. The call was made earlier this month and was initially treated seriously by the force.
Man has smartphone dock built into prosthetic arm
A British man has become the world's first ever patient to have a smartphone docking system built into his prosthetic arm. Trevor Prideaux, who was born without his left arm, used to have to balance the smartphone on his prosthetic arm or put it on a flat surface to use it.
But now Mr Prideaux, 50, can call and text his loved ones without moving the mobile, which is embedded into his fibreglass and laminate limb. The catering manager sought help from medical experts and communications chiefs at Nokia to build the special prosthethic.
Photos from SWNS.
They carefully carved a phone shaped fibrecast cradle into the skin-coloured prototype, allowing his Nokia C7 to sit inside it. Mr Prideaux, of Wedmore, Somerset, said: "I think this is the first time this has ever been done in the world - and it is brilliant.
"I can now take calls and make texts just by using my one hand, while the phone sits inside my arm. The phone slots smoothly and securely within my limb and is easily removable, when required. I think this would help a lot of people with prosthethic arms - especially those who were not born with the disability."
But now Mr Prideaux, 50, can call and text his loved ones without moving the mobile, which is embedded into his fibreglass and laminate limb. The catering manager sought help from medical experts and communications chiefs at Nokia to build the special prosthethic.
Photos from SWNS.
They carefully carved a phone shaped fibrecast cradle into the skin-coloured prototype, allowing his Nokia C7 to sit inside it. Mr Prideaux, of Wedmore, Somerset, said: "I think this is the first time this has ever been done in the world - and it is brilliant.
"I can now take calls and make texts just by using my one hand, while the phone sits inside my arm. The phone slots smoothly and securely within my limb and is easily removable, when required. I think this would help a lot of people with prosthethic arms - especially those who were not born with the disability."
Brave shopkeeper snatches robber's gun
CCTV images show the moment a shopkeeper and a customer bravely tackle a gunman in a shop in Sunderland.
The 33-year-old Sunderland newsagent, Rasaratnam Rahulan refused to hand over any money to John Buckley who brandished a gun at him when he came into his shop in Roker Avenue, Sunderland at 8.50pm on 5 August 2011. Buckley ordered Mr Rahulan to put his hands on the counter and repeatedly told him to give him money but the shopkeeper refused to comply.
YouTube link.
When Buckley turned to tell other customers to leave the shop, Mr Rahulan snatched the gun from his hands and another customer tackled the would-be-robber and wrestled him to the ground. Buckley was pinned to the floor until the police arrived. The gun turned out to be a replica firearm.
At Newcastle Crown Court, Buckley, 32, of no fixed abode, admitted attempted robbery and having an imitation firearm at the time of committing the offence. The case was adjourned until 23 November and Buckley was remanded in custody.
The 33-year-old Sunderland newsagent, Rasaratnam Rahulan refused to hand over any money to John Buckley who brandished a gun at him when he came into his shop in Roker Avenue, Sunderland at 8.50pm on 5 August 2011. Buckley ordered Mr Rahulan to put his hands on the counter and repeatedly told him to give him money but the shopkeeper refused to comply.
YouTube link.
When Buckley turned to tell other customers to leave the shop, Mr Rahulan snatched the gun from his hands and another customer tackled the would-be-robber and wrestled him to the ground. Buckley was pinned to the floor until the police arrived. The gun turned out to be a replica firearm.
At Newcastle Crown Court, Buckley, 32, of no fixed abode, admitted attempted robbery and having an imitation firearm at the time of committing the offence. The case was adjourned until 23 November and Buckley was remanded in custody.
Spurned lover drank bottle of anti-freeze before driving car into ex-girlfriend's house at 80mph
A spurned lover who drank a bottle of anti-freeze before driving his car at 80mph into his ex-girlfriend's home in an attempted suicide has been jailed indefinitely. Edmund Bruton, 42, from Wembley, said he wanted to 'go out causing as much damage as he could' when he drove his Peugeot into the home of former partner Tara Lavery in Caversham, Berkshire.
Inner London Crown Court also heard that Bruton had wedged a 'garden fork' into the steering wheel of the car in an attempt to kill himself during the impact. Police also found a screwdriver in the foot-well of the car, which Bruton claimed he had lodged into the sun visor.
The jury also heard Bruton texted his former partner minutes before the crash Bruton saying: 'I will be waiting for you in hell' and 'you could have avoided this if you answered me.' The impact destroyed the garden brick wall and the front bay window before the car stopped in Mrs Lavery's front room. It caused £62,000 of damage to the house.
Bruton was found of guilty of damaging property with intent to endanger life and dangerous driving. He was jailed for a minimum term of seven and half years and disqualified from driving for life.
Inner London Crown Court also heard that Bruton had wedged a 'garden fork' into the steering wheel of the car in an attempt to kill himself during the impact. Police also found a screwdriver in the foot-well of the car, which Bruton claimed he had lodged into the sun visor.
The jury also heard Bruton texted his former partner minutes before the crash Bruton saying: 'I will be waiting for you in hell' and 'you could have avoided this if you answered me.' The impact destroyed the garden brick wall and the front bay window before the car stopped in Mrs Lavery's front room. It caused £62,000 of damage to the house.
Bruton was found of guilty of damaging property with intent to endanger life and dangerous driving. He was jailed for a minimum term of seven and half years and disqualified from driving for life.
Army apology to dead soldier's family after docking his pay because he died
The family of a soldier killed in Afghanistan have received an apology after being sent a letter posthumously docking his pay as he died before the end of the month. LCpl Jordan Bancroft’s parents were told £433 had been ‘overpaid’ into his account – 14 months after he was shot dead in Helmand Province. They described the letter as like ‘being poked in the eye with a sharp stick’. Ministry of Defence officials last night said sorry to the family, promising the gaffe would not be repeated.
LCpl Bancroft, paid in monthly instalments, died ten days before his next payday – an inquest three weeks ago ruled he had been unlawfully killed. Only now has the MoD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre written to the 25-year-old’s family saying they had deducted £433.13 in ‘overpayment’. They explained the money had been taken out of a £1,493.04 refund for holiday time off not taken.
The MoD intended to write off the overpaid wages, only deciding to claim the money back when handling the holiday entitlements. LCpl Bancroft’s father, Tony Bancroft, from Earby, near Burnley, said: ‘When I read the letter, it felt like I’d been poked in the eye with a sharp stick. I want to make clear this is in no way a question of the money, but one of respect for my son – a hugely brave and dedicated soldier who died serving his country. I think it’s undignified and very petty to be sent a bureaucratic letter like this.’
Athol Hendry, from the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, said: ‘Often, there’s not much of a human aspect to the way the process deals with families. It’s very unfortunate for something like this to happen, just reopening a wound that was already very raw and close to the surface. It’s an isolated incident but once is once too often.’ The MoD letter arrived days after the family handed over £10,000 raised from a calendar for troops in LCpl Bancroft’s old Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. The MoD said: ‘We regret any distress this has caused the family.’
There's a news video here.
LCpl Bancroft, paid in monthly instalments, died ten days before his next payday – an inquest three weeks ago ruled he had been unlawfully killed. Only now has the MoD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre written to the 25-year-old’s family saying they had deducted £433.13 in ‘overpayment’. They explained the money had been taken out of a £1,493.04 refund for holiday time off not taken.
The MoD intended to write off the overpaid wages, only deciding to claim the money back when handling the holiday entitlements. LCpl Bancroft’s father, Tony Bancroft, from Earby, near Burnley, said: ‘When I read the letter, it felt like I’d been poked in the eye with a sharp stick. I want to make clear this is in no way a question of the money, but one of respect for my son – a hugely brave and dedicated soldier who died serving his country. I think it’s undignified and very petty to be sent a bureaucratic letter like this.’
Athol Hendry, from the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, said: ‘Often, there’s not much of a human aspect to the way the process deals with families. It’s very unfortunate for something like this to happen, just reopening a wound that was already very raw and close to the surface. It’s an isolated incident but once is once too often.’ The MoD letter arrived days after the family handed over £10,000 raised from a calendar for troops in LCpl Bancroft’s old Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. The MoD said: ‘We regret any distress this has caused the family.’
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