birminghammail--2020-02-13--Touts who re-sold £4m worth of tickets for £10.8m found guilty of fraud in landmark trial

Two internet ticket touts who re-sold tickets to high-profile events worth millions of pounds have been found guilty of fraudulent trading following a landmark trial .
Peter Hunter and David Smith - who traded as Ticket Wiz and BZZ - used multiple identifies and computer bots to buy £4 million worth of tickets over two-and-a-half years , selling them on secondary ticketing websites for £10.8 million , prosecutors told Leeds Crown Court .
The prosecution is the first of its kind in the UK since National Trading Standards began investigating the reselling of tickets on the internet in 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pair were `` internet ticket-touts '' who harvested and resold large numbers of tickets to a range of events including top music acts like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift and West End hits like Harry Potter And The Cursed Child .
They sold the tickets on secondary ticketing sites , including the `` big four '' - Viagogo , GetMein , StubHub and Seatwave - at inflated prices , the prosecution said .
Jonathan Sandiford , prosecuting , told the jury that Hunter and Smith were `` dishonest fraudsters motivated by greed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they did nothing wrong .
Hunter 's defence team told the jury that they were a trusted and reliable source of tickets and pointed to the thousands of positive reviews Hunter had when he started out selling on eBay .
Ben Douglas-Jones QC , for Hunter , said that his client was no more greedy than other businessmen providing a service .
He said the prosecution 's focus on high-profile , high sought-after events missed the fact that sellers like Hunter , who is originally from Dublin , provided a valuable service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues and to punters who , like barristers , found it difficult to be available to buy from the primary sellers in the tiny windows when tickets are issued .
Mr Douglas-Jones said his client did not shirk from the fact that some of his actions breached terms and conditions of the primary ticket sellers .
But he said that this did not constitute a criminal offence and told the jury it was known across the industry that many of the T & Cs were unenforceable .
He told the jury : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are bought and sold .
They are only sold at a price which people are willing to pay for them . ''
Hunter , 51 , and Smith , 66 , of Crossfield Road , north London , were both found guilty of fraudulent trading and possessing an article for fraud on Thursday .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Press Association, James Rodger)

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Two internet ticket touts who re-sold tickets to high-profile events worth millions of pounds have been found guilty of fraudulent trading following a landmark trial.
Peter Hunter and David Smith - who traded as Ticket Wiz and BZZ - used multiple identifies and computer bots to buy £4 million worth of tickets over two-and-a-half years, selling them on secondary ticketing websites for £10.8 million, prosecutors told Leeds Crown Court.
The prosecution is the first of its kind in the UK since National Trading Standards began investigating the reselling of tickets on the internet in 2017.
During a three-month trial prosecution barristers said the pair were "internet ticket-touts" who harvested and resold large numbers of tickets to a range of events including top music acts like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift and West End hits like Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.
They sold the tickets on secondary ticketing sites, including the "big four" - Viagogo, GetMein, StubHub and Seatwave - at inflated prices, the prosecution said.
Viagogo, GetMein, StubHub and Seatwave
Jonathan Sandiford, prosecuting, told the jury that Hunter and Smith were "dishonest fraudsters motivated by greed".
But Hunter and Smith argued that they did nothing wrong.
Hunter's defence team told the jury that they were a trusted and reliable source of tickets and pointed to the thousands of positive reviews Hunter had when he started out selling on eBay.
Ben Douglas-Jones QC, for Hunter, said that his client was no more greedy than other businessmen providing a service.
He said the prosecution's focus on high-profile, high sought-after events missed the fact that sellers like Hunter, who is originally from Dublin, provided a valuable service to acts who struggled to sell out venues and to punters who, like barristers, found it difficult to be available to buy from the primary sellers in the tiny windows when tickets are issued.
Mr Douglas-Jones said his client did not shirk from the fact that some of his actions breached terms and conditions of the primary ticket sellers. But he said that this did not constitute a criminal offence and told the jury it was known across the industry that many of the T&Cs were unenforceable.
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He told the jury: "We live in a society where things are bought and sold. They are only sold at a price which people are willing to pay for them."
Hunter, 51, and Smith, 66, of Crossfield Road, north London, were both found guilty of fraudulent trading and possessing an article for fraud on Thursday.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--The real reason Sajid Javid dramatically quit as Chancellor revealed

Sajid Javid has dramatically quit as Chancellor in a row with Boris Johnson over his closest aides .
The Prime Minister had been expected to keep Mr Javid in post and news of his resignation shocked Westminster .
Allies of the former chancellor said the Prime Minister had ordered him to fire all of his senior aides if he wanted to remain at the Treasury - something Mr Javid refused to do .
The bombshell came after long-standing rumours of tensions between the ex-chancellor and Mr Johnson 's closest aide Dominic Cummings .
In August he had fired Mr Javid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Number 10 wanted to go further in keeping a closer eye on the chancellor .
Mr Javid said that `` no self-respecting minister '' could accept the condition being imposed .
`` He has turned down the job of Chancellor of the Exchequer , '' a source close to Mr Javid said .
`` The Prime Minister said he had to fire all his special advisers and replace them with Number 10 special advisers to make it one team .
Stay up to date with live updates from your postcode area Looking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have launched a brand new website InYourArea.co.uk allowing you to stay up to date with what 's happening near you .
It also has an app .
Search the latest news , property listings , jobs , planning applications , public notices and more .
To get breaking news sent to your phone , download the BirminghamLive app here .
`` The Chancellor said no self-respecting minister would accept those terms . ''
Mr Javid had walked smiling into Number 10 in a sign that he expected to remain in place ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departure came after Julian Smith was unceremoniously dumped as Northern Ireland Secretary , Andrea Leadsom was sacked as Business Secretary and Theresa Villiers lost her job as Environment Secretary .
Other senior ministers axed by Boris Johnson included Geoffrey Cox from his post as Attorney General and Esther McVey as housing minister .

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Sajid Javid has dramatically quit as Chancellor in a row with Boris Johnson over his closest aides.
The Prime Minister had been expected to keep Mr Javid in post and news of his resignation shocked Westminster.
Allies of the former chancellor said the Prime Minister had ordered him to fire all of his senior aides if he wanted to remain at the Treasury - something Mr Javid refused to do.
The bombshell came after long-standing rumours of tensions between the ex-chancellor and Mr Johnson's closest aide Dominic Cummings.
In August he had fired Mr Javid's aide Sonia Khan and it appears Number 10 wanted to go further in keeping a closer eye on the chancellor.
(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Javid said that "no self-respecting minister" could accept the condition being imposed.
"He has turned down the job of Chancellor of the Exchequer," a source close to Mr Javid said.
"The Prime Minister said he had to fire all his special advisers and replace them with Number 10 special advisers to make it one team.
Stay up to date with live updates from your postcode area Looking for the latest news in your postcode? We have launched a brand new website InYourArea.co.uk allowing you to stay up to date with what's happening near you. It also has an app. Search the latest news, property listings, jobs, planning applications, public notices and more. To get breaking news sent to your phone, download the BirminghamLive app here.
"The Chancellor said no self-respecting minister would accept those terms."
Mr Javid had walked smiling into Number 10 in a sign that he expected to remain in place ahead of the March 11 Budget.
His departure came after Julian Smith was unceremoniously dumped as Northern Ireland Secretary, Andrea Leadsom was sacked as Business Secretary and Theresa Villiers lost her job as Environment Secretary.
Other senior ministers axed by Boris Johnson included Geoffrey Cox from his post as Attorney General and Esther McVey as housing minister.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Asda shoppers spot £25 12-piece unicorn dinner set being sold for just £1.80

If you 're a fan of gorgeous homeware and kitchen items , you 'll want to get yourself down to your local Asda .
Savvy shoppers who are frequently on the hunt for bargains have flocked to Facebook after spotting a staggeringly good deal .
On Facebook , there are countless social media groups dedicated to supermarket bargains , money saving and financial tricks , tips and hacks .
This week , customers at Asda have all been left wowed over a £25 dinner set - being sold at a reduced price of just £1.80 .
Asda 's George Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online on Asda 's website .
It includes four dinner plates , four smaller side plates and four bowls .
News of the reduction has sent Extreme Couponing And Bargains UK Facebook group members into a frenzy .
The bargain was posted by a user who wrote : `` £1.80 for these in asda still marked on the shelf as £25.00 '' alongside a picture of the items and the self-scanner with the reduced price .
The post has spread like wildfire on Facebook , with users impressed , and the message racking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this article 's publication .
Asda operates multiple stores across Birmingham and throughout the wider Midlands region .

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If you're a fan of gorgeous homeware and kitchen items, you'll want to get yourself down to your local Asda.
Savvy shoppers who are frequently on the hunt for bargains have flocked to Facebook after spotting a staggeringly good deal.
On Facebook, there are countless social media groups dedicated to supermarket bargains, money saving and financial tricks, tips and hacks.
This week, customers at Asda have all been left wowed over a £25 dinner set - being sold at a reduced price of just £1.80.
Asda's George Home porcelain set is now out of stock online on Asda's website.
It includes four dinner plates, four smaller side plates and four bowls.
News of the reduction has sent Extreme Couponing And Bargains UK Facebook group members into a frenzy.
The bargain was posted by a user who wrote: "£1.80 for these in asda still marked on the shelf as £25.00" alongside a picture of the items and the self-scanner with the reduced price.
The post has spread like wildfire on Facebook, with users impressed, and the message racking up over 1,700 comments at the time of this article's publication.
Asda operates multiple stores across Birmingham and throughout the wider Midlands region.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Burglars steal cash and alcohol from Halesowen Indian restaurant

Police want to speak to these men following an early-hours raid at an Indian restuarant .
Ameena in Hagley Road @ @ @ @ @ by burglars on January 25 .
The thieves managed to get away with cash and @ @ @ @ @ into an Indian restaurant .
West Midlands Police is investigating the burglary and has released @ @ @ @ @ men they would like to trace .
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community @ @ @ @ @ group here .
A spokesman for the force said : '' Know these men ?
@ @ @ @ @ them following a burglary at a Halesowen restaurant .
`` Thieves forced their way into @ @ @ @ @ the early hours of January 25 this year .
`` They fled with cash , @ @ @ @ @ '' Anyone with information that could help officers with their enquiries is asked to get @ @ @ @ @ at www.west-midands.police.uk or by calling 101 .
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 @ @ @

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Police want to speak to these men following an early-hours raid at an Indian restuarant.
Ameena in Hagley Road, Halesowen, was targeted by burglars on January 25.
The thieves managed to get away with cash and alcohol after forcing their way into an Indian restaurant.
West Midlands Police is investigating the burglary and has released a CCTV image of two men they would like to trace.
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join our dedicated Facebook group here.
A spokesman for the force said:"Know these men? We want to speak to them following a burglary at a Halesowen restaurant.
"Thieves forced their way into Ameena in Hagley Road during the early hours of January 25 this year.
"They fled with cash, alcohol and other items."
Anyone with information that could help officers with their enquiries is asked to get in touch via Live Chat at www.west-midands.police.uk or by calling 101.
People should quote crime reference number 20DY/21523X/20.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--'A second shadow' - Dean Smith's Aston Villa favourites likely to start vs Tottenham

Aston Villa welcome Jose Mourinho 's Tottenham to Villa Park this weekend as the battle for the drop intensifies once again .
Dean Smith gave his players an extended week-long break ahead of a 14-game run-in with Spurs , Southampton and the Wembley cup final against Manchester City next up over the next fortnight .
The Great Barr gaffer , meanwhile , will be looking for an immediate response after a deflating defeat to Bournemouth before the winter break .
`` We feel like we 've left a lot of points out there , '' Smith said .
`` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the case at Walsall and Brentford , Villa last season .
We 're hoping to leave it late this season and go on another good run .
`` I 'm confident in the players I 've got .
Out of the 13 games left to go we feel there 's enough games there to go and get the wins we require .
`` I always said at the start of the season , our season will be defined by Villa Park .
We 've been fairly strong there all season with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sunday 's 2pm showdown with Spurs , BirminghamLive club writer Ashley Preece looks at the selection dilemmas facing Smith ...
This week we heard from goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler who declared how Pepe Reina 's distribution and ability in possession is currently keeping Orjan Nyland out of the Premier League starting XI .
The Spaniard , despite an error at the Vitality Stadium last time out , will keep his place between the sticks .
In front of Reina there 's been a strong clamour by supporters to bring Bjorn Engels back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last started a league game before Christmas after the 3-1 defeat by Southampton at home .
The summer signing was previously an ever-present alongside Tyrone Mings but , since Smith 's reshuffle to a back three , has n't featured .
Engels , though , came on for Ezri Konsa at half-time at Bournemouth and played the second half .
Villa dominated the large spells after Jefferson Lerma 's red card with Engels slotting in on the right of a back three alongside Mings and Kortney Hause .
Against Spurs on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's indifferent form of late .
The manager was n't happy with Hause 's concentration levels just seconds into the Bournemouth fixture and a reshuffle at the back could be on Smith 's agenda , meaning it could be a back three of Konsa and Mings as Villa 's outside centre-backs with Engels tasked with sweeping things up from the middle .
Tottenham have pace to burn up front with the likes of Heung-Min Son , Lucas and new signing Steven Bergwijn , meaning Mings could be deployed wider to combat the threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does lack pace , though , which could see Hause keep his place .
On Villa 's flanks it 'll be Matt Targett from the left and Freddie Guilbert from the right , with the former expected to really hurt Tottenham given the frailties of right-back Serge Aurier .
Targett has linked up beautifully with skipper Jack Grealish this season - and the pair could do so again to great effect knowing Aurier likes to bomb forward .
It 'll be a gap Smith will look to exploit , especially from a counter-attacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting over direct rival Ahmed Elmohamady given yes , you 've guessed it , the Frenchman 's pace and ability to get up and down .
Now , in midfield is where a real selection dilemma could occur .
Smith would have started Danny Drinkwater at Bournemouth - only for a calf strain to rule the Chelsea loanee out .
The head coach has been building Drinkwater 's fitness back up after arriving short of match fitness .
What 's clear is Smith 's a big fan of Drinkwater 's intensity , doggedness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his new team-mates to get nastier .
And it 's that nastiness Villa lacked in droves against Bournemouth , with Philip Billing , Dan Gosling and Lerma chewing up and spitting out Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz during large spells .
Spurs will likely play Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks sitting in midfield on Sunday .
The pair like to dictate the player so they 'll need to be stopped in their tracks - and Drinwkater could be the man to do just that , biting and squeezing high to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luiz is a ball player , though , while Nakamba would be tasked with following No.10 Dele Alli like a second shadow to halt the play-maker .
Drinkwater could just get the nod to play alongside Nakamba , given Smith 's admiration .
Douglas Luiz would have clocked up the air miles during his mini-break back home .
Up top , captain fantastic Grealish will start as an inside-left forward once again .
The 24-year-old will look to put on another show in front of the club that thought he was n't worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rumours to Manchester United have been rife this week - but Grealish 's sole focus will be on Villa and only Villa .
The skipper will be refreshed from a break , too .
He 's been carrying Villa for weeks on end now - but will no doubt do so again .
Spurs ' weak-link is their right-side and Grealish must be licking his lips at the prospect of really hurting Spurs in front of Mourinho .
As for Villa 's opposite flank , another Smith favourite , Anwar El Ghazi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once more .
Smith has a real affinity for the Dutchman , which was evident being at close quarters to the dugout at Bournemouth previously .
The manager would shout `` Ghazi , Ghazi ! ''
at the top of his voice , ordering Villa 's players to find him inside .
El Ghazi 's like-for-like option from the right , Trezeguet , will look to make an impact from the bench again .
Tanzanian Mbwana Ally Samatta , meanwhile , will lead the line up against Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Smith to work at while in Dubai last week to get back up to full fitness after arriving amidst Jupiler Pro 's winter break .
The 27-year-old poacher will look to keep up his goal-a-game ratio in the Premier League .

Aston Villa welcome Jose Mourinho's Tottenham to Villa Park tomorrow as the battle for the drop intensifies once again.
Dean Smith gave his players an extended week-long break ahead of a 14-game run-in with Spurs, Southampton and the Wembley cup final against Manchester City next up over the next fortnight.
The Great Barr gaffer, meanwhile, will be looking for an immediate response after a deflating defeat to Bournemouth before the winter break.
"We feel like we've left a lot of points out there," Smith said. "My teams usually finish better. It's been the case at Walsall and Brentford, Villa last season. We're hoping to leave it late this season and go on another good run.
"I'm confident in the players I've got. Out of the 13 games left to go we feel there's enough games there to go and get the wins we require.
"I always said at the start of the season, our season will be defined by Villa Park. We've been fairly strong there all season with the backing of our fans."
Ahead of tomorrow's 2pm showdown with Spurs, BirminghamLive club writer Ashley Preece looks at the selection dilemmas facing Smith...
This week we heard from goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler who declared how Pepe Reina's distribution and ability in possession is currently keeping Orjan Nyland out of the Premier League starting XI. The Spaniard, despite an error at the Vitality Stadium last time out, will keep his place between the sticks.
In front of Reina there's been a strong clamour by supporters to bring Bjorn Engels back in from the cold. The Belgian last started a league game before Christmas after the 3-1 defeat by Southampton at home. The summer signing was previously an ever-present alongside Tyrone Mings but, since Smith's reshuffle to a back three, hasn't featured.
Engels, though, came on for Ezri Konsa at half-time at Bournemouth and played the second half. Villa dominated the large spells after Jefferson Lerma's red card with Engels slotting in on the right of a back three alongside Mings and Kortney Hause. Against Spurs on Sunday, Engels could come straight in given Hause's indifferent form of late. The manager wasn't happy with Hause's concentration levels just seconds into the Bournemouth fixture and a reshuffle at the back could be on Smith's agenda, meaning it could be a back three of Konsa and Mings as Villa's outside centre-backs with Engels tasked with sweeping things up from the middle. Tottenham have pace to burn up front with the likes of Heung-Min Son, Lucas and new signing Steven Bergwijn, meaning Mings could be deployed wider to combat the threat of Spurs' speedy wingers. Engels does lack pace, though, which could see Hause keep his place.
On Villa's flanks it'll be Matt Targett from the left and Freddie Guilbert from the right, with the former expected to really hurt Tottenham given the frailties of right-back Serge Aurier. Targett has linked up beautifully with skipper Jack Grealish this season - and the pair could do so again to great effect knowing Aurier likes to bomb forward. It'll be a gap Smith will look to exploit, especially from a counter-attacking breakaway. You'd also envisage Guilbert starting over direct rival Ahmed Elmohamady given yes, you've guessed it, the Frenchman's pace and ability to get up and down.
(Image: PA)
Now, in midfield is where a real selection dilemma could occur. Smith would have started Danny Drinkwater at Bournemouth - only for a calf strain to rule the Chelsea loanee out. The head coach has been building Drinkwater's fitness back up after arriving short of match fitness. What's clear is Smith's a big fan of Drinkwater's intensity, doggedness and on-field chatter, often barking orders at his new team-mates to get nastier. And it's that nastiness Villa lacked in droves against Bournemouth, with Philip Billing, Dan Gosling and Lerma chewing up and spitting out Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz during large spells.
Spurs will likely play Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks sitting in midfield on Sunday. The pair like to dictate the player so they'll need to be stopped in their tracks - and Drinwkater could be the man to do just that, biting and squeezing high to stop passes hurting Villa from deep. Douglas Luiz is a ball player, though, while Nakamba would be tasked with following No.10 Dele Alli like a second shadow to halt the play-maker. Drinkwater could just get the nod to play alongside Nakamba, given Smith's admiration. Douglas Luiz would have clocked up the air miles during his mini-break back home.
Up top, captain fantastic Grealish will start as an inside-left forward once again. The 24-year-old will look to put on another show in front of the club that thought he wasn't worth £25m two summers ago. The money-spinning rumours to Manchester United have been rife this week - but Grealish's sole focus will be on Villa and only Villa. The skipper will be refreshed from a break, too. He's been carrying Villa for weeks on end now - but will no doubt do so again.
Spurs' weak-link is their right-side and Grealish must be licking his lips at the prospect of really hurting Spurs in front of Mourinho. As for Villa's opposite flank, another Smith favourite, Anwar El Ghazi, will get the go-ahead from the start once more. Smith has a real affinity for the Dutchman, which was evident being at close quarters to the dugout at Bournemouth previously. The manager would shout "Ghazi, Ghazi!" at the top of his voice, ordering Villa's players to find him inside. El Ghazi's like-for-like option from the right, Trezeguet, will look to make an impact from the bench again.
Tanzanian Mbwana Ally Samatta, meanwhile, will lead the line up against Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez. Samatta was given a gruelling training programme by Smith to work at while in Dubai last week to get back up to full fitness after arriving amidst Jupiler Pro's winter break. The 27-year-old poacher will look to keep up his goal-a-game ratio in the Premier League.
Predicted Aston Villa XI vs Tottenham, 3-4-3 : Reina; Konsa, Engels, Mings; Guilbert, Drinkwater, Nakamba, Targett; El Ghazi, Samatta, Grealish.
Predicted Tottenham XI vs Villa, 4-2-3-1 : Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Tanganga; Winks, Lo Celso; Son, Alli, Bergwijn; Lucas.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Reshuffle shock for Boris Johnson as Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid resigns as Chancellor

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid has walked out of Boris Johnson 's government by resigning as Chancellor .
The shock resignation came as Mr Johnson attempted to carry out his first big reshuffle since his victory in December 's general election .
Mr Javid was replaced by Rishi Sunak , the MP for Richmond in Yorkshire , who had previously been Chief Secretary to the Treasury and is now the new Chancellor .
It apparently followed a row between the two men over Mr Javid 's `` special advisers '' , his personal advisers whose duties include dealing with the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had refused demands to sack two advisers , known as SPADs .
Mr Javid said that `` no self-respecting minister '' could accept the condition being imposed , PA news agency reports .
`` He has turned down the job of Chancellor of the Exchequer , '' a source close to Mr Javid said .
`` The Prime Minister said he had to fire all his special advisers and replace them with Number 10 special advisers to make it one team .
`` The Chancellor said no self-respecting minister would accept those terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unlikely ever to be officially released , but are nonetheless likely to leak out over the next few hours or days .
Particular attention will be paid to the role played by Mr Johnson 's adviser , Dominic Cummings .
It appears Number 10 wanted to create a joint SPAD unit , bringing together advisers working for the Chancellor and the Prime Minister , but this would have meant Mr Javid had to sack two of his current SPADs .
The Bromsgrove MP had previously been Home Secretary .
Mr Javid had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and his decision to walk our means that Mr Johnson is likely to be forced to change many of his reshuffle plans .
He had been due to deliver a Budget on March 11 .
Join our Facebook group or sign up to our weekly newsletter Birmingham and the West Midlands is home to informed , passionate people devoted to their political causes who are not afraid to tell you what they think !
This Facebook group is an extension of the unrivalled political coverage you get from Birmingham Live and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will find our stories from Parliament and the Council chambers , alongside stories from your communities which show how political decisions are having an impact .
It 's also the place for you if you want to share your own views , engage in debate and tell us about the issues we are missing .
The reshuffle gives Mr Johnson the chance to shape the Government ready for the challenge of governing the country after Brexit .
The Prime Minister is expected to face criticism for failing to promote more women to top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted to pre-empt this by arguing that more women will be appointed to junior positions - giving them the opportunity to gain experience and , possibly , win promotion to more senior roles in the future .
A Number 10 source said : `` The Prime Minister wants this reshuffle to set the foundations for government now and in the future .
`` He wants to promote a generation of talent that will be promoted further in the coming years .
`` He will reward those MPs who have worked hard to deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the whole country and deliver the change people voted for last year . ''
Julian Smith became the first casualty of Boris Johnson 's Government reshuffle after being unceremoniously dumped from the Northern Ireland Office .
His departure comes just weeks after brokering the deal which restored the powersharing administration in Stormont .
Other senior ministers axed include Andrea Leadsom from her role as business secretary and Esther McVey , who attended Cabinet as housing minister .
Rishi Sunak became Chancellor of the Exchequer Dominic Raab remains Secretary of State for Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Duchy of Lancaster , and Minister for the Cabinet Office Robert Buckland remains Lord Chancellor , and Secretary of State for Justice

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Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid has walked out of Boris Johnson's government by resigning as Chancellor.
The shock resignation came as Mr Johnson attempted to carry out his first big reshuffle since his victory in December's general election.
Mr Javid was replaced by Rishi Sunak, the MP for Richmond in Yorkshire, who had previously been Chief Secretary to the Treasury and is now the new Chancellor.
It apparently followed a row between the two men over Mr Javid's "special advisers", his personal advisers whose duties include dealing with the media.
Rumours at Westminster suggested Mr Javid had refused demands to sack two advisers, known as SPADs.
Mr Javid said that "no self-respecting minister" could accept the condition being imposed, PA news agency reports.
"He has turned down the job of Chancellor of the Exchequer," a source close to Mr Javid said.
"The Prime Minister said he had to fire all his special advisers and replace them with Number 10 special advisers to make it one team.
"The Chancellor said no self-respecting minister would accept those terms."
Full details of the row are unlikely ever to be officially released, but are nonetheless likely to leak out over the next few hours or days. Particular attention will be paid to the role played by Mr Johnson's adviser, Dominic Cummings.
(Image: PA)
It appears Number 10 wanted to create a joint SPAD unit, bringing together advisers working for the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, but this would have meant Mr Javid had to sack two of his current SPADs.
The Bromsgrove MP had previously been Home Secretary.
Mr Javid had been expected to stay in his post, and his decision to walk our means that Mr Johnson is likely to be forced to change many of his reshuffle plans.
He had been due to deliver a Budget on March 11.
Boris Johnson's reshuffle continues
The reshuffle gives Mr Johnson the chance to shape the Government ready for the challenge of governing the country after Brexit.
The Prime Minister is expected to face criticism for failing to promote more women to top jobs, and Downing Street officials have attempted to pre-empt this by arguing that more women will be appointed to junior positions - giving them the opportunity to gain experience and, possibly, win promotion to more senior roles in the future.
A Number 10 source said: "The Prime Minister wants this reshuffle to set the foundations for government now and in the future.
"He wants to promote a generation of talent that will be promoted further in the coming years.
"He will reward those MPs who have worked hard to deliver on this Government's priorities to level up the whole country and deliver the change people voted for last year."
Julian Smith became the first casualty of Boris Johnson's Government reshuffle after being unceremoniously dumped from the Northern Ireland Office.
His departure comes just weeks after brokering the deal which restored the powersharing administration in Stormont.
Other senior ministers axed include Andrea Leadsom from her role as business secretary and Esther McVey, who attended Cabinet as housing minister.
A new job
Rishi Sunak became Chancellor of the Exchequer
Alok Sharma becomes Business Secretary
Staying in their post
Dominic Raab remains Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Michael Gove remains Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Priti Patel remains Home Secretary
Robert Buckland remains Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice
Resigned
Sajid Javid resigned as Chancellor
Sacked
Julian Smith, former Northern Ireland Secretary
Andrea Leadsom, former Business Secretary
Geoffrey Cox, former Attorney General
Theresa Villiers, former Environment Secretary


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Man suffered fractured skull after punch up outside Stourbridge nightclub

A man was left with a fractured skull after he was punched outside a Stourbridge nightclub .
The 31-year-old victim was attacked as he tried to stop a fight outside The Arena in Hagley Road in the early hours of January 1 .
He also suffered jaw injuries and is still experiencing hearing problems as a result .
West Midlands Police is investigating the assault and has released a CCTV image of a man officers wish to speak to in relation to the incident .
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community , join our dedicated Facebook group here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Do you recognise this man ?
`` We ’ d like to speak to him about after another man was punched outside The Arena club on Hagley Road in Stourbridge at around 3am on New Year ’ s Day .
`` The 31-year-old was left with a fractured skull and injuries to his jaw after trying to stop a fight .
He is sadly still experiencing problems with his hearing . ''
Anyone with information should contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , or call 101 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
People are asked to quote crime reference 20DY/24069B/20 when passing on information .

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A man was left with a fractured skull after he was punched outside a Stourbridge nightclub.
The 31-year-old victim was attacked as he tried to stop a fight outside The Arena in Hagley Road in the early hours of January 1.
He also suffered jaw injuries and is still experiencing hearing problems as a result.
West Midlands Police is investigating the assault and has released a CCTV image of a man officers wish to speak to in relation to the incident.
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join our dedicated Facebook group here.
A spokesman for the force said: "Do you recognise this man?
"We’d like to speak to him about after another man was punched outside The Arena club on Hagley Road in Stourbridge at around 3am on New Year’s Day.
"The 31-year-old was left with a fractured skull and injuries to his jaw after trying to stop a fight. He is sadly still experiencing problems with his hearing."
Anyone with information should contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
People are asked to quote crime reference 20DY/24069B/20 when passing on information.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Call for permanent police presence at Queen Elizabeth Hospital after stabbing horror

Police should be permanently based at Birmingham 's Queen Elizabeth Hospital after a rampage that ended with a man being stabbed .
That was the call from BirminghamLive readers after the shocking violence , which reportedly left parts of the site on `` lockdown '' .
Some told how they had felt at risk when visiting the giant hospital in the past .
Sue Lane said : `` Disgraceful behaviour .
I ’ ve been in A and E on a Friday night into Saturday morning .
It was rammed .
I wasn ’ t in a good place and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not good and felt threatened .
It ’ s so very sad . ''
Sheena Price posted : `` It ’ s a brilliant hospital , a shame people have ruin it by doing these things .
I was in there three years ago and a woman was banging my door ( at ) about 2am .
`` I was so scared I phoned my husband they had a mental health patient and she was really bad kicking off attacking the nurses they at to sedate her it ’ s so horrible what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sarah Caughey Broadfield said : `` Awful disgraceful behaviour .
Staff trying to offer sick people help then this behaviour , disgusts me . ''
Sarah Perry posted : `` There needs to be a police presence all the time inside the hospital . ''
Maria Wood said : `` What a complete Disgrace !
!
!
People are in there for various reasons and to have witnessed this is unimaginable . ''
And Jules Morris added : `` It 's the staff I feel sorry for - having seen how understaffed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is awful without having to deal with that .
`` Shame they have to treat these morons that cause trouble .
What a frightening world we live in . ''
The latest violence flared just after midnight on Sunday , February 9 .
Witnesses told how a number of men arrived at the hospital and appeared to confront another group already waiting inside .
Patients attempted to intervene but the violent clash escalated .
One woman told how the fight started in A & E but burst through doors into an another part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knifed in the hand .
In the chaos , one patient who was waiting to see a doctor suffered a panic attack .
West Midlands Police said four people had been arrested and released on police bail pending further enquiries .
A spokeswoman said : `` We are investigating after a man was stabbed in the hand during a disorder at the QE Hospital , Edgbaston , shortly after midnight on Sunday , February 9 .
`` Four people , aged between 17 and 23 , were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enquiries continue . ''
A hospital spokesman said : `` We are aware of an incident that took place on Saturday night .
The matter is now in the hands of West Midlands Police and we will support them with their enquiries . ''
Anyone with information should contact police quoting crime reference number 20BW/36744K/20 , via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , call 101 or contact Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

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Police should be permanently based at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital after a rampage that ended with a man being stabbed.
That was the call from BirminghamLive readers after the shocking violence, which reportedly left parts of the site on "lockdown".
Some told how they had felt at risk when visiting the giant hospital in the past.
Sue Lane said: "Disgraceful behaviour. I’ve been in A and E on a Friday night into Saturday morning. It was rammed. I wasn’t in a good place and felt really ill. The atmosphere was not good and felt threatened. It’s so very sad."
Sheena Price posted: "It’s a brilliant hospital, a shame people have ruin it by doing these things. I was in there three years ago and a woman was banging my door (at) about 2am.
(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)
"I was so scared I phoned my husband they had a mental health patient and she was really bad kicking off attacking the nurses they at to sedate her it’s so horrible what the nurses and doctors go through."
Sarah Caughey Broadfield said: "Awful disgraceful behaviour. Staff trying to offer sick people help then this behaviour, disgusts me."
Sarah Perry posted: "There needs to be a police presence all the time inside the hospital."
Maria Wood said: "What a complete Disgrace!!! People are in there for various reasons and to have witnessed this is unimaginable."
And Jules Morris added: "It's the staff I feel sorry for - having seen how understaffed and pressured they are this past week is awful without having to deal with that.
"Shame they have to treat these morons that cause trouble . What a frightening world we live in."
The latest violence flared just after midnight on Sunday, February 9.
Witnesses told how a number of men arrived at the hospital and appeared to confront another group already waiting inside.
Patients attempted to intervene but the violent clash escalated.
One woman told how the fight started in A&E but burst through doors into an another part of the hospital where a man was knifed in the hand.
In the chaos, one patient who was waiting to see a doctor suffered a panic attack.
West Midlands Police said four people had been arrested and released on police bail pending further enquiries.
A spokeswoman said: "We are investigating after a man was stabbed in the hand during a disorder at the QE Hospital, Edgbaston, shortly after midnight on Sunday, February 9.
"Four people, aged between 17 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and have been released on bail while enquiries continue."
A hospital spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident that took place on Saturday night. The matter is now in the hands of West Midlands Police and we will support them with their enquiries."
Anyone with information should contact police quoting crime reference number 20BW/36744K/20, via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Toilet breaks & injury setbacks - Scott Hogan's journey from Hyde, to Aston Villa to Birmingham City

Scott Hogan 's Birmingham City career has got off to the perfect start .
Three goals in three starts helping Blues to three wins .
It 's a massive departure from his troubled time at Aston Villa .
Since signing from Brentford in January 2017 , Hogan has been plagued by injuries which have limited his impact .
With only seven goals in two years his time at Villa Park has so far been a disappointment .
It might even be over .
We take a look at his career so far .
Hogan was born in Salford on April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Everton for two years and had a series of failed trials at Manchester United .
As a teenager he was studying for a BTEC Sport qualification at Salford City College when he was invited to join Rochdale , but left before he made a first team appearance .
He was only earning £30 a week expenses and because his mates away from football were earning much more , he admitted losing focus and passing up a chance to prove himself and earn a professional contract at Spotland .
After leaving Rochdale he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combining his jobs with part-time non league football .
“ I worked in warehouses , order picking , in a chemical factory – it got to the stage where I would try to fit in two half-hour toilet breaks just to break the day up ! ''
Hogan told the Independent .
“ I just don ’ t want to go back to a 9-5 job , ” Hogan said .
“ I have done it before and I don ’ t want to do it again .
“ I never want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will always fight for everything I have got in football .
Hogan made a name for himself in non league .
He was at Halifax , but found himself in the shadow of a certain Jamie Vardy .
Stocksbridge Park Steels , another of Vardy 's former clubs , was a place where Hogan also furthered his reputation as a goalscorer , and he had spells at Woodley Sports , Mossley , Ashton United and Hyde .
His goal exploits caught the eye of Rochdale boss Keith Hill again and after some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave him a fresh chance .
It paid off .
In 2013-14 , Hogan scored 19 goals in 40 appearances for Dale , including his first , 14 minutes into his debut , a 3-0 win over Hartlepool United in League Two .
Many clubs were taking notice of him by now , including Hull City , who were then managed by Steve Bruce .
While others hesitated , Brentford 's Mark Warburton swooped for him in the summer of 2014 , snapping him up for a reported £750,000 .
Hogan 's pre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was to get worse .
After coming on as a 67th minute substitute in a 2-0 Championship win at Rotherham ( his second cameo after a cup debut ) , he lasted just 16 minutes , sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage to his left knee .
He had surgery in September 2014 , but experienced further agony the following April when he snagged his foot in the turf in training , suffering the same injury again and going under the knife for a second time .
Hogan has spoken of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his injury ordeal , twice sending him to Philadelphia to recover with with conditioning coach Bill Knowles as well as offering him a contract extension .
“ Brentford offered me an extra year when I first did my knee , to make up for the year I had lost , ” he said .
“ They have looked after me , sent me to Philadelphia twice for treatment and paid for me to go away .
I haven ’ t had to use my own money , so I do feel a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to action after an 18-month lay-off in March 2016 and scored seven goals in four matches at the back end of the 2015-16 season , including three braces .
Hogan rattled in 14 goals for Dean Smith 's team before Villa came knocking .
Hogan , as is the case with most goalscorers , has been in demand .
When he was at Hyde , he had a trial with Blues then managed by Lee Clark , just before he joined Rochdale .
Peterborough had a bid accepted for him while he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed an interest in him , but he stayed put until the Brentford move materialised .
In January before Villa landed him , he looked set to join West Ham , but the Hammers gave up after a series of rejected bids , while West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace also made late enquiries .
It just never quite happened for Hogan at Villa .
In his first half season with the club , he managed a solitary goal as Villa finished in mid table .
His second season was blighted by injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some performances in the second half campaign .
Of course that campaign would end in heartbreak for Hogan and Villa when they lost the Wembley playoff final to Fulham .
Once his old Brentford boss Smith came to Villa Park many felt that would finally ignite his career in B6 .
But unfortunately for him and fortunately for Villa , Tammy Abraham has become simply undroppable .
Even Smith , the man who made him what he is , was unable to be the catalyst for his revival .
`` What attracted me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had , like Jamie Vardy .
`` It 's one of those were he 's had it tough , it did n't go his way when he was younger , he thought his way was blocked .
`` He had to go down to non league and work his way back up .
Even when he is doing well and goes to Brentford he has to recover from a serious knee injury .
`` This year he 's been terrific and I think hell be a big favourite of the supporters .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good finisher . ''
`` It ’ s been difficult for Scott to get pitch time because of how Tammy has been doing .
I know it was only 10 minutes but , I tell you what , he was unfortunate not to score at Middlesbrough .
`` That ’ s the Scott Hogan that I had at Brentford and hopefully that can continue .
If anything happens to Tammy with injury then I know I ’ ve got a bright Scott Hogan who ’ s certainly on the leash at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him I don ’ t know the Scott Hogan from Aston Villa and I don ’ t know the Scott Hogan from Stoke but I really know very well the Scott Hogan from Brentford and that ’ s the one we are bringing in .
`` We believe massively .
He is only going to get better the more confident he gets .
`` The whole team is backing him , he works very hard and I have the feeling he has a little bit of a point to prove that will give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother Liam is also a footballer .
He is a central defender for Salford City in the National League North .
The pair played non league football together for Woodley Sports and Halifax .
Liam , who is three years older than Scott , said : `` I had the physical advantage and I 'd always go around telling everyone I was the better player , as you do .
`` I think that helped him rise to the challenge .
If I beat him in a penalty shoot out or keepie uppie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he could beat me back . ''
They made their Football League debuts - Scott for Rochdale , Liam for Fleetwood Town - on the same afternoon , August 3 2013 .
Their parents tend to alternate , watching one brother one week and the other the next .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brian Dick, Mat Kendrick)

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Scott Hogan's Birmingham City career has got off to the perfect start.
Three goals in three starts helping Blues to three wins. It's a massive departure from his troubled time at Aston Villa.
Since signing from Brentford in January 2017, Hogan has been plagued by injuries which have limited his impact.
With only seven goals in two years his time at Villa Park has so far been a disappointment. It might even be over.
We take a look at his career so far.
THE BEGINNING
Hogan was born in Salford on April 13 1992.
He was a schoolboy at Everton for two years and had a series of failed trials at Manchester United.
As a teenager he was studying for a BTEC Sport qualification at Salford City College when he was invited to join Rochdale, but left before he made a first team appearance.
He was only earning £30 a week expenses and because his mates away from football were earning much more, he admitted losing focus and passing up a chance to prove himself and earn a professional contract at Spotland.
THE FACTORY FLOOR
After leaving Rochdale he found work in the real world, combining his jobs with part-time non league football.
“I worked in warehouses, order picking, in a chemical factory – it got to the stage where I would try to fit in two half-hour toilet breaks just to break the day up!" Hogan told the Independent.
“I just don’t want to go back to a 9-5 job,” Hogan said. “I have done it before and I don’t want to do it again.
“I never want to do it again, which is why I will always fight for everything I have got in football.
THE FOOTBALL
Hogan made a name for himself in non league. He was at Halifax, but found himself in the shadow of a certain Jamie Vardy.
Stocksbridge Park Steels, another of Vardy's former clubs, was a place where Hogan also furthered his reputation as a goalscorer, and he had spells at Woodley Sports, Mossley, Ashton United and Hyde.
His goal exploits caught the eye of Rochdale boss Keith Hill again and after some umming and aahing, the Spotland boss gave him a fresh chance.
It paid off. In 2013-14, Hogan scored 19 goals in 40 appearances for Dale, including his first, 14 minutes into his debut, a 3-0 win over Hartlepool United in League Two.
THE INJURIES
Many clubs were taking notice of him by now, including Hull City, who were then managed by Steve Bruce.
While others hesitated, Brentford's Mark Warburton swooped for him in the summer of 2014, snapping him up for a reported £750,000.
Hogan's pre season was disrupted by an ankle injury and it was to get worse.
After coming on as a 67th minute substitute in a 2-0 Championship win at Rotherham (his second cameo after a cup debut), he lasted just 16 minutes, sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage to his left knee.
He had surgery in September 2014, but experienced further agony the following April when he snagged his foot in the turf in training, suffering the same injury again and going under the knife for a second time.
THE COMEBACK
Hogan has spoken of his gratitude for the support Brentford gave him during his injury ordeal, twice sending him to Philadelphia to recover with with conditioning coach Bill Knowles as well as offering him a contract extension.
“Brentford offered me an extra year when I first did my knee, to make up for the year I had lost,” he said.
“They have looked after me, sent me to Philadelphia twice for treatment and paid for me to go away. I haven’t had to use my own money, so I do feel a big debt to them.
He eventually returned to action after an 18-month lay-off in March 2016 and scored seven goals in four matches at the back end of the 2015-16 season, including three braces.
Hogan rattled in 14 goals for Dean Smith's team before Villa came knocking.
WHO WANTED HIM
Hogan, as is the case with most goalscorers, has been in demand.
When he was at Hyde, he had a trial with Blues then managed by Lee Clark, just before he joined Rochdale.
Peterborough had a bid accepted for him while he was at Rochdale and Leeds United also expressed an interest in him, but he stayed put until the Brentford move materialised.
In January before Villa landed him, he looked set to join West Ham, but the Hammers gave up after a series of rejected bids, while West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace also made late enquiries.
HIS TIME AT VILLA
It just never quite happened for Hogan at Villa.
In his first half season with the club, he managed a solitary goal as Villa finished in mid table.
His second season was blighted by injuries, but he did manage to string some performances in the second half campaign.
Of course that campaign would end in heartbreak for Hogan and Villa when they lost the Wembley playoff final to Fulham.
Once his old Brentford boss Smith came to Villa Park many felt that would finally ignite his career in B6.
But unfortunately for him and fortunately for Villa, Tammy Abraham has become simply undroppable.
Even Smith, the man who made him what he is, was unable to be the catalyst for his revival.
WHAT BRUCE SAID
"What attracted me to him is that journey he's had, like Jamie Vardy.
"It's one of those were he's had it tough, it didn't go his way when he was younger, he thought his way was blocked.
"He had to go down to non league and work his way back up. Even when he is doing well and goes to Brentford he has to recover from a serious knee injury.
"This year he's been terrific and I think hell be a big favourite of the supporters. He's quick, dynamic and is a good finisher."
WHAT SMITH SAID
"It’s been difficult for Scott to get pitch time because of how Tammy has been doing. I know it was only 10 minutes but, I tell you what, he was unfortunate not to score at Middlesbrough.
"That’s the Scott Hogan that I had at Brentford and hopefully that can continue. If anything happens to Tammy with injury then I know I’ve got a bright Scott Hogan who’s certainly on the leash at the moment wanting to play.
WHAT CLOTET SAID
"I told him I don’t know the Scott Hogan from Aston Villa and I don’t know the Scott Hogan from Stoke but I really know very well the Scott Hogan from Brentford and that’s the one we are bringing in.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
"We believe massively. He is only going to get better the more confident he gets.
"The whole team is backing him, he works very hard and I have the feeling he has a little bit of a point to prove that will give him extra motivation."
SIBLING RIVALRY
Hogan's brother Liam is also a footballer. He is a central defender for Salford City in the National League North.
The pair played non league football together for Woodley Sports and Halifax.
Liam, who is three years older than Scott, said: "I had the physical advantage and I'd always go around telling everyone I was the better player, as you do.
"I think that helped him rise to the challenge. If I beat him in a penalty shoot out or keepie uppie competition, he'd get working so that he could beat me back."
They made their Football League debuts - Scott for Rochdale, Liam for Fleetwood Town - on the same afternoon, August 3 2013.
Their parents tend to alternate, watching one brother one week and the other the next.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Flare-up as man accused of killing former Birmingham student Lyra McKee appears in court

Supporters of a man charged with murdering journalist and Birmingham graduate Lyra McKee scuffled with police outside court as he arrived for his first appearance in the dock .
Paul McIntyre , from Derry , is accused of killing Ms McKee , 29 , who was shot dead by dissident republicans while observing a riot in Londonderry in April .
McIntyre is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and belonging to or professing to be a member of a proscribed organisation .
His address was given in court as Kinnego Park , Londonderry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is a `` political hostage '' and a `` British scapegoat '' scuffled with up to 40 police officers as they refused to move from the entrance to Londonderry Magistrates ' Court on Thursday .
There were loud cheers as McIntyre was brought out of a Range Rover and taken into the court building .
Ms McKee was standing near a police vehicle when she was hit by a bullet fired by a masked gunman towards officers .
The Belfast writer was living in Londonderry with her partner , Sara Canning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning .
Ms Mckee 's sister Nichola Corner was among several people in the public gallery wearing T shirts emblazoned with her picture .
To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts , join our Facebook group here In a statement on Wednesday , Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said : `` I have always said a number of individuals were involved with the gunman on the night Lyra was killed , and while today is significant for the investigation the quest for the evidence to bring the gunman to justice remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who studied at Birmingham City University , was a gay rights activist and an articulate advocate of a new and more tolerant Northern Ireland and part of the generation which reached adulthood during peace time .
The New IRA said it carried out the killing of Ms McKee .

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Supporters of a man charged with murdering journalist and Birmingham graduate Lyra McKee scuffled with police outside court as he arrived for his first appearance in the dock.
Paul McIntyre, from Derry, is accused of killing Ms McKee, 29, who was shot dead by dissident republicans while observing a riot in Londonderry in April.
McIntyre is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and belonging to or professing to be a member of a proscribed organisation. His address was given in court as Kinnego Park, Londonderry.
Supporters of the 52-year-old holding placards saying he is a "political hostage" and a "British scapegoat" scuffled with up to 40 police officers as they refused to move from the entrance to Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
(Image: Getty Images)
There were loud cheers as McIntyre was brought out of a Range Rover and taken into the court building.
Ms McKee was standing near a police vehicle when she was hit by a bullet fired by a masked gunman towards officers.
The Belfast writer was living in Londonderry with her partner, Sara Canning, who also arrived at court on Thursday morning.
Ms Mckee's sister Nichola Corner was among several people in the public gallery wearing T shirts emblazoned with her picture.
To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts, join our Facebook group here
(Image: (Image: PA))
In a statement on Wednesday, Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: "I have always said a number of individuals were involved with the gunman on the night Lyra was killed, and while today is significant for the investigation the quest for the evidence to bring the gunman to justice remains active and ongoing."
Ms McKee, who studied at Birmingham City University, was a gay rights activist and an articulate advocate of a new and more tolerant Northern Ireland and part of the generation which reached adulthood during peace time.
The New IRA said it carried out the killing of Ms McKee.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Dean Smith addresses Jack Grealish to Man United transfer rumours as Joleon Lescott has his say

Hello and welcome to Thursday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you up to @ @ @ @ @ Villa news and views as Dean Smith 's side continue to step up their preparations @ @ @ @ @ .
Villa are still in 17th place after the Premier League 's weekend fixtures as @ @ @ @ @ of Jose Mourinho 's Spurs following the winter break .
We 'll be building up @ @ @ @ @ Park and bringing all the latest news and rumours regarding potential summer signings .
Villa @ @ @ @ @ made a huge cash injection last night , and we will keep up in the @ @ @ @ @ Jack Grealish , with the skipper heavily linked with a move to Manchester United - @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Richard Cusack, James Rushton)

Hello and welcome to Saturday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest Villa news and views as Dean Smith's side continue to step up their preparations for the match against Tottenham tomorrow.
Villa are still in 17th place as they gear up for the Villa Park visit of Jose Mourinho's Spurs following the winter break.
We'll be building up to that clash at Villa Park and bringing all the latest news and rumours regarding potential summer signings.
Kappa have also released a new limited edition Villa shirt.
England will also host a match at Villa Park in June, for the first time in fifteen years.
Villa's owners, NSWE, made a huge cash injection last night,and we will keep up in the loop with any developments regarding Jack Grealish , with the skipper heavily linked with a move to Manchester United - still.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Robbie Savage gives his Aston Villa relegation prediction - & it's good news for Dean Smith's side

Former Birmingham City midfielder Robbie Savage has given his prediction as Aston Villa aim to stay in the Premier League .
Villa are currently in 17th with 13 League games left , one point and one place above West Ham United .
Propping up the League are Norwich City , who also came up with Villa .
They have 18 points and are seven off safety .
In 19th are Watford , level on 24 points with West Ham .
Above Villa are AFC Bournemouth , who have 26 points while Brighton and Hove Albion are in 15th one point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13th are one of four sides on 31 points all the way up to Arsenal in tenth .
So it looks like it 's a six-team battle for safety , with Villa 's getting back underway following the cessation of their first ever winter break .
And former Blues midfielder Savage has given his verdict on Villa 's chances of surviving relegation .
He thinks Watford will finish in 14th , while Palace will slip to 15th .
Villa , Savage says , will finish in 16th with 35 points - that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The relegation zone will be made up of , West Ham , Bournemouth and Norwich while Brighton will end the campaign in 17th .

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Former Birmingham City midfielder Robbie Savage has given his prediction as Aston Villa aim to stay in the Premier League.
Villa are currently in 17th with 13 League games left, one point and one place above West Ham United.
Propping up the League are Norwich City, who also came up with Villa.
They have 18 points and are seven off safety.
In 19th are Watford, level on 24 points with West Ham.
Above Villa are AFC Bournemouth, who have 26 points while Brighton and Hove Albion are in 15th one point further on.
Remarkably, Southampton in 13th are one of four sides on 31 points all the way up to Arsenal in tenth.
So it looks like it's a six-team battle for safety, with Villa's getting back underway following the cessation of their first ever winter break.
They play Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (2pm).
And former Blues midfielder Savage has given his verdict on Villa's chances of surviving relegation.
He thinks Watford will finish in 14th, while Palace will slip to 15th.
Villa, Savage says, will finish in 16th with 35 points - that's ten more than they have now.
The relegation zone will be made up of, West Ham, Bournemouth and Norwich while Brighton will end the campaign in 17th.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Inside Dean Smith's Aston Villa team meetings at Bodymoor Heath

Dean Smith continues to make reference to his big post-match debrief after every Aston Villa game - but what do they actually entail ?
The head coach fronts an integral team meeting at Bodymoor Heath each and every week where he , his staff and first-team players dissect their latest performance before looking ahead to the next challenge - this week being Spurs .
Among the first things Smith did at Bodymoor HQ following his appointment back in October 2018 was to change Steve Bruce 's old Analysis Room , renaming it The Learning Zone .
It 's a space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air frustrations , talk tactics while highlighting match video clips of the good and bad of Villa 's performances .
Players like Jack Grealish , Tyrone Mings , Anwar El Ghazi & Co stand up and have their say , too - and it can often get heated , especially after a bad result .
`` We do a debrief after every game , '' Smith explained , `` it 's usually the next working day after a game .
Sometimes I put them in groups to go and chat about things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , set pieces .
Sometimes I will take it and ask questions .
Everything has to be about moving forward .
If you don ’ t do that I think it is disrespectful to the game .
You have to learn , move forward and get better .
The players engage very well in that and are free talking in these meetings . ''
An extensive team meeting was held at Bodymoor Heath prior to the Premier League season starting , with the players choosing the club 's values for the upcoming campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ togetherness , prepared and fearless , words which are now etched around Villa 's training base .
Smith discussed how his new-look Villa side are starting to gel on and off the pitch , referencing seeing `` green shoots of recovery '' while explaining how his side are starting to build up consistency which , he says , will bode well for the all-important Premier League run-in .
The Great Barr gaffer has completely transformed the mood at Villa Park since his arrival , which is something he targeted immediately after signing terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mentioned how he 's never wanted to be a short-term manager at Villa , with Smith looking to mirror what close friend Chris Wilder has done in just 45 months at Sheffield United - to build a tight-knit squad .
Smith firmly believes a strong , together team is as good as a side who , say , have more talented individuals .
BirminghamLive quizzed Smith about the specifics of his team meetings , asking what the players have picked up on in terms of improvement .
Smith said : `` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season we felt we were giving too many big chances away .
That wasn ’ t just down to defenders , sometimes we never stopped counter attacks against us well enough .
We have got better at that and making the most of our opportunities when we have had a lot of ball in the final third .
We have picked up on a lot of things like that . ''
The barren spell Smith would have been alluding to was Villa 's form of seven Premier League defeats from nine games between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , picked up slightly since the turn of 2020 , taking seven points from a possible 15 while seeing off Leicester City over a two-legged semi-final .
Villa , meanwhile , are joint last with rock-bottom Norwich City in terms of goals conceded ( 47 from 25 games ) in the Premier League .
Worryingly , and what Smith continues to refer to throughout his Bodymoor briefings , is Villa 's slackness for gifting sides gilt-edged chances .
Smith 's men are the worst team in the Premier League for expected goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the boss follows religiously which measures the quality of big chances .
Villa 's xGA is 51.73 from their 25 games played meaning , on average , they give the opposition at least two clear-cut chances to score every single game .
West Ham ( 49.68 ) and Newcastle ( 45.92 ) prop up the bottom three for xGA .
Last time out , Villa had an xG - the metric for expected goals - of 3.06 compared to Bournemouth 's 2.29 .
They also outscored Watford and Brighton for xG , meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more frequent chances in front of goal .
Smith 's statement declaring how his teams always finish seasons stronger could yet come true again - just like it did last term during Villa 's meteoric rise to promotion .
Could Villa rocket away from the relegation dogfight this time around ?
Smith will certainly back his players to do so , that 's for sure .

Dean Smith continues to make reference to his big post-match debrief after every Aston Villa game - but what do they actually entail?
The head coach fronts an integral team meeting at Bodymoor Heath each and every week where he, his staff and first-team players dissect their latest performance before looking ahead to the next challenge.
Smith was left fuming after Saturday's no-show at St Mary's, going down 2-0 to Southampton. Afterwards, the boss lashed out at his players ahead of today's crucial meeting.
(Image: PA)
"There won't be a heating one," he said. "I'm sure there will be a few players cowering behind the seats that's for sure when we do our debrief.
"I can't change what's happened, it's what we do next now and how we get ready for the next game."
Among the first things Smith did at Bodymoor HQ following his appointment back in October 2018 was to change Steve Bruce's old Analysis Room, renaming it The Learning Zone.
It's a space for every senior member of staff to air frustrations, talk tactics while highlighting match video clips of the good and bad of Villa's performances. Players like Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings, Anwar El Ghazi & Co stand up and have their say, too - and it can often get heated, especially after a bad result.
"We do a debrief after every game," Smith explained, "it's usually the next working day after a game. Sometimes I put them in groups to go and chat about things, with the ball or without the ball, set pieces. Sometimes I will take it and ask questions. Everything has to be about moving forward. If you don’t do that I think it is disrespectful to the game. You have to learn, move forward and get better. The players engage very well in that and are free talking in these meetings."
An extensive team meeting was held at Bodymoor Heath prior to the Premier League season starting, with the players choosing the club's values for the upcoming campaign and beyond. The words chosen were togetherness, prepared and fearless, words which are now etched around Villa's training base.
BirminghamLive quizzed Smith about the specifics of his team meetings, asking what the players have picked up on in terms of improvement. Smith said: "A lot of things. Earlier in the season we felt we were giving too many big chances away. That wasn’t just down to defenders, sometimes we never stopped counter attacks against us well enough. We have got better at that and making the most of our opportunities when we have had a lot of ball in the final third. We have picked up on a lot of things like that."
The Villa players were given Sunday off after the Saints defeat with everyone back in this morning for the team meeting. Errors, attitude and application will be scrutinised heavily and home truths will be discussed before attention turns to stopping Manchester City at Wembley in Sunday's Carabao Cup final.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--KFC selling limited edition Crocs and they smell like fried chicken

KFC has launched a limited edition pair of Crocs - and they will leave your feet smelling like fried chicken @ @ @ @ @ has partnered with the shoe company to create two styles of limited edition Crocs , @ @ @ @ @ York Fashion Week .
The first , a sky-high platform , has been debuted this @ @ @ @ @ classic clog '' will be available for purchase in the spring .
The shoes , @ @ @ @ @ stripes and come with two removable , chicken-scented charms , will retail for 59.99 dollars @ @ @ @ @ Chief marketing officer Andrea Zahumensky said the shoes are `` what fried chicken footwear dreams @ @ @ @ @ Terence Reilly , from Crocs , added : `` We 're thrilled with this 'bucket @ @ @ @ @ Fried Chicken that will bring fans an unbelievably fun and fashionable take on our classic @ @ @ @ @ honoured to feature this fashion-forward style between two iconic American brands at one of New @ @ @ @ @ fashion that promises to surprise and delight consumers around the globe . ''

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KFC has launched a limited edition pair of Crocs - and they will leave your feet smelling like fried chicken.
The fried chicken giant has partnered with the shoe company to create two styles of limited edition Crocs, launched in time for New York Fashion Week.
The first, a sky-high platform, has been debuted this week while a second "classic clog" will be available for purchase in the spring.
The shoes, which feature the KFC red stripes and come with two removable, chicken-scented charms, will retail for 59.99 dollars (approximately £45).
Chief marketing officer Andrea Zahumensky said the shoes are "what fried chicken footwear dreams are made of".
Terence Reilly, from Crocs, added: "We're thrilled with this 'bucket list' partnership with Kentucky Fried Chicken that will bring fans an unbelievably fun and fashionable take on our classic clog.
"We're honoured to feature this fashion-forward style between two iconic American brands at one of New York's biggest weeks in fashion that promises to surprise and delight consumers around the globe."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Tracy Brabin's dress raises £20,200 for charity after she's branded 'tart' for wearing it in Commons

An off-the-shoulder dress worn by Tracy Brabin in the House of Commons has raised more £20,200 for Girlguiding UK .
The Labour frontbencher was forced to defend her attire last week after the dress slipped down her shoulder when she leaned on the despatch box due to a broken ankle .
The final bid for the controversial dress came in seconds before the auction ended at 6.41pm , with the winning bidder paying £20,200 plus £3.48 postage .
Ms Brabin told the PA news agency : `` It 's extremely humbling to be able to do this for Girlguiding and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting tonight and celebrating with the girls .
`` I want to encourage them to really be proud of who they are , to support each other as girls and to not take any criticism from anyone - particularly boys - as I have found in my experiences with Twitter . ''
At the time , in response to the condemnations online , Ms Brabin wrote on Twitter that she was not a `` slag , hungover , a tart , about to breastfeed , a slapper , drunk , just been banged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 180 bids were placed on the dress , which had a starting price of £10 and was originally bought on ASOS for £35 .
Ms Brabin said she listed the dress as a way of standing up for women in the workplace .
`` I thought I would maybe get £500 for it , which would have been amazing , '' she said .
`` I do not think in three years being an MP anything has made quite as much an impact like this . ''
After the auction ended , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting of the 1st Roberttown and Norristhorpe Guides , based in her constituency .
Henrietta , a 15-year-old member of Girlguiding 's Advocate Panel , said : `` You could say that I 'm foolish for wanting to be an MP .
As £shouldergate has shown , female MPs are often vilified for their looks , not their actions .
`` This demeans girls and our aspirations to be politicians .
But Tracy Brabin - and all the people who supported her and Girlguiding by bidding on the dress - have shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Girlguiding helped me persevere against the judgment of my looks .
I 'm elated that the money raised is going to an organisation that inspires girls and builds our confidence at a time where women 's concerns are dismissed as 'humbug ' .
Girlguiding makes the future brighter for girls and young women . ''

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An off-the-shoulder dress worn by Tracy Brabin in the House of Commons has raised more £20,200 for Girlguiding UK.
The Labour frontbencher was forced to defend her attire last week after the dress slipped down her shoulder when she leaned on the despatch box due to a broken ankle.
The final bid for the controversial dress came in seconds before the auction ended at 6.41pm, with the winning bidder paying £20,200 plus £3.48 postage.
Ms Brabin told the PA news agency: "It's extremely humbling to be able to do this for Girlguiding and I am looking forward to attending a meeting tonight and celebrating with the girls.
"I want to encourage them to really be proud of who they are, to support each other as girls and to not take any criticism from anyone - particularly boys - as I have found in my experiences with Twitter."
At the time, in response to the condemnations online, Ms Brabin wrote on Twitter that she was not a "slag, hungover, a tart, about to breastfeed, a slapper, drunk, just been banged over a wheelie bin".
More than 180 bids were placed on the dress, which had a starting price of £10 and was originally bought on ASOS for £35.
Ms Brabin said she listed the dress as a way of standing up for women in the workplace.
"I thought I would maybe get £500 for it, which would have been amazing," she said.
"I do not think in three years being an MP anything has made quite as much an impact like this."
After the auction ended, Ms Brabin said she would be attending a meeting of the 1st Roberttown and Norristhorpe Guides, based in her constituency.
Henrietta, a 15-year-old member of Girlguiding's Advocate Panel, said: "You could say that I'm foolish for wanting to be an MP. As £shouldergate has shown, female MPs are often vilified for their looks, not their actions.
"This demeans girls and our aspirations to be politicians. But Tracy Brabin - and all the people who supported her and Girlguiding by bidding on the dress - have shown that oppression is never acceptable.
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"Girlguiding helped me persevere against the judgment of my looks. I'm elated that the money raised is going to an organisation that inspires girls and builds our confidence at a time where women's concerns are dismissed as 'humbug'. Girlguiding makes the future brighter for girls and young women."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Harvey Weinstein rape trial told prosecutors 'have acted like filmmakers'

Harvey Weinstein 's lawyer has said that prosecutors in the rape case against him were acting like film-makers , creating a world where `` women are not responsible '' for how they interact with men .
`` In the alternative universe that prosecutors have created for you , Harvey Weinstein is a monster , '' lawyer Donna Rotunno said in her closing argument .
But , she said he is an innocent man relying on jurors not to be swayed by a `` sinister tale '' .
Ms Rotunno argued that prosecutors had to come up with a damning story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not have the evidence to prove the charges .
`` The irony is that they are the producers and they are writing the script , '' she said .
`` In their universe , women are not responsible for the parties they attend , the men they flirt with , the choices they make to further their own careers , the hotel room invitations , the plane tickets they accept , the jobs they ask for help to obtain , '' or the messages they send , Ms Rotunno said .
Witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional relationship with Weinstein , the lawyer said , `` because if they label it what it was , we would n't be here '' .
She faces a tricky task - convincing the jury of seven men and five women that there are too many inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony of Weinstein 's accusers , without breaking her earlier promise that jurors would not hear any `` victim shaming '' .
`` You do n't have to like Mr Weinstein , '' she told jurors .
`` This is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jurors to ignore `` outside forces '' and use their `` New York City common sense '' in weighing a case seen as a watershed for the £MeToo movement , which was fuelled by Weinstein 's downfall .
Weinstein is charged with raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on a different woman , Mimi Haleyi , in 2006 .
Other accusers testified as part of a prosecution effort to show he used the same tactics to victimise many women over the years .
Weinstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has maintained any sexual encounters were consensual .
The jury is scheduled to hear prosecutors ' closing argument on Friday before getting instructions on the law from Judge James Burke next week and starting deliberations .
In often emotional testimony , Weinstein 's accusers said he lured them to hotels in New York and Los Angeles on the pretence of promoting their careers and then sexually assaulted them .
The defence countered by confronting some accusers with warm e-mails and other communications with Weinstein that continued for months or even years after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argument on Thursday , Ms Rotunno said e-mails offered `` real-time evidence '' of what happened between Weinstein and the women .
The rape accuser wrote to him after the alleged assault to accept party invitations , give him her new phone numbers and even express gratitude .
One message read : `` I feel so fabulous and beautiful , thank you for everything . ''
`` Not words you say to your rapist , '' Ms Rotunno told jurors on Thursday .
She portrayed the accuser as a manipulator who met Weinstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to do anything she needed to do to have the career she wanted to have '' and was not forced to have sexual encounters with him .
The woman testified last month that she kept in touch with Weinstein and sent him flattering messages because `` his ego was so fragile '' and it seemed safer to her `` to be perceived as innocent and naive '' .

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Harvey Weinstein's lawyer has said that prosecutors in the rape case against him were acting like film-makers, creating a world where "women are not responsible" for how they interact with men.
"In the alternative universe that prosecutors have created for you, Harvey Weinstein is a monster," lawyer Donna Rotunno said in her closing argument.
But, she said he is an innocent man relying on jurors not to be swayed by a "sinister tale".
Ms Rotunno argued that prosecutors had to come up with a damning story about the once-powerful movie producer because they do not have the evidence to prove the charges.
"The irony is that they are the producers and they are writing the script," she said.
"In their universe, women are not responsible for the parties they attend, the men they flirt with, the choices they make to further their own careers, the hotel room invitations, the plane tickets they accept, the jobs they ask for help to obtain," or the messages they send, Ms Rotunno said.
Witnesses testified that what they sought was a professional relationship with Weinstein, the lawyer said, "because if they label it what it was, we wouldn't be here".
She faces a tricky task - convincing the jury of seven men and five women that there are too many inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony of Weinstein's accusers, without breaking her earlier promise that jurors would not hear any "victim shaming".
"You don't have to like Mr Weinstein," she told jurors. "This is not a popularity contest."
(Image: AP)
She appealed to jurors to ignore "outside forces" and use their "New York City common sense" in weighing a case seen as a watershed for the £MeToo movement, which was fuelled by Weinstein's downfall.
Weinstein is charged with raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on a different woman, Mimi Haleyi, in 2006. Other accusers testified as part of a prosecution effort to show he used the same tactics to victimise many women over the years.
Weinstein, 67, did not testify. He has maintained any sexual encounters were consensual.
The jury is scheduled to hear prosecutors' closing argument on Friday before getting instructions on the law from Judge James Burke next week and starting deliberations.
(Image: Getty Images)
In often emotional testimony, Weinstein's accusers said he lured them to hotels in New York and Los Angeles on the pretence of promoting their careers and then sexually assaulted them.
The defence countered by confronting some accusers with warm e-mails and other communications with Weinstein that continued for months or even years after the alleged attacks.
In her closing argument on Thursday, Ms Rotunno said e-mails offered "real-time evidence" of what happened between Weinstein and the women.
The rape accuser wrote to him after the alleged assault to accept party invitations, give him her new phone numbers and even express gratitude. One message read: "I feel so fabulous and beautiful, thank you for everything."
Another read: "Miss you, big guy."
"Not words you say to your rapist," Ms Rotunno told jurors on Thursday. She portrayed the accuser as a manipulator who met Weinstein as an aspiring actress, "was going to do anything she needed to do to have the career she wanted to have" and was not forced to have sexual encounters with him.
The woman testified last month that she kept in touch with Weinstein and sent him flattering messages because "his ego was so fragile" and it seemed safer to her "to be perceived as innocent and naive".


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Steve Coogan backs Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quitting UK

Steve Coogan has said he `` totally '' understands why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to spend less time in the UK .
The actor and comedian added that he has a `` great deal of sympathy '' for the couple over their treatment by the media .
Coogan has been a longstanding critic of certain sections of the media and was a core participant at the Leveson inquiry into press standards .
He told the PA news agency : `` I 'm not a royalist but Prince Harry did n't choose his role , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great deal of sympathy for them .
`` On a human level , of course , I 'm sympathetic of their treatment .
`` The press need to create a soap opera so they can create a narrative that hurts people to sell newspapers , and that was always the way .
`` I have more sympathy for those people who do n't have any resources and find themselves being dragged into stories by the press just to sell newspapers , and they are powerless and they do n't have the resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Meghan have clashed regularly with the press , and launched legal action against the Mail on Sunday .
Coogan , who was speaking at a screening of his new film Greed in central London , also said his political campaigning during the election had proven fruitless .
The Alan Partridge star had urged people to `` vote smart and box clever '' to keep the Conservatives out of power in the December election .
On Thursday he said : `` Whenever I get into a political campaign , whoever I back always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson , if I 'd done that maybe he would have lost . ''
Greed is released in UK cinemas on February 21 .

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Steve Coogan has said he "totally" understands why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to spend less time in the UK.
The actor and comedian added that he has a "great deal of sympathy" for the couple over their treatment by the media.
Coogan has been a longstanding critic of certain sections of the media and was a core participant at the Leveson inquiry into press standards.
He told the PA news agency: "I'm not a royalist but Prince Harry didn't choose his role, it was thrust upon him, so I have a great deal of sympathy for them.
"On a human level, of course, I'm sympathetic of their treatment.
"The press need to create a soap opera so they can create a narrative that hurts people to sell newspapers, and that was always the way.
"I have more sympathy for those people who don't have any resources and find themselves being dragged into stories by the press just to sell newspapers, and they are powerless and they don't have the resources to take legal action."
Harry and Meghan have clashed regularly with the press, and launched legal action against the Mail on Sunday.
Coogan, who was speaking at a screening of his new film Greed in central London, also said his political campaigning during the election had proven fruitless.
The Alan Partridge star had urged people to "vote smart and box clever" to keep the Conservatives out of power in the December election.
On Thursday he said: "Whenever I get into a political campaign, whoever I back always loses.
"I should have endorsed Boris Johnson, if I'd done that maybe he would have lost."
Greed is released in UK cinemas on February 21.