birminghammail--2020-11-15--Dad died in machine horror at recycling site where 'workers paid £3ph'

An illegal immigrant died after falling into a recycling baling machine which had many safety features disabled , a BirminghamLive investigation has discovered .
Gul Daad Khan , 36 , was working long hours at a sprawling back-street site in Digbeth where workers claimed they were earning just over £3 an hour .
But the dad-of-six died in a horror accident on October 12 , 2016 , at the Liverpool Street site after falling into a baling machine he was trying to unblock .
The land is owned by Cardboard 4 Cash Ltd , which changed its name in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the baling machine in question was being leased by Cardboard 4 Cash to another recycling firm , Mr Recycle Ltd .
This firm operated on land at the Liverpool Street site , which was bought by Cardboard 4 Cash Ltd in 2014 for £631,000 .
The inquest was told many safety features on the baler had been disabled , no risk assessments had been carried out and no safety equipment was provided to employees .
These findings were not linked to any specific firm .
An investigation was launched by the Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 in 2016 .
Yet almost four years on and no one has faced any action over the death in an industry which has seen at least 19 workers killed since 2017 .
Now for the first time we can tell the full story of the failure to win justice for Mr Khan and his family .
The chilling details of the tragedy were revealed at an inquest last year which stated the official cause of death as ‘ crush asphyxia ’ .
Mr Khan had climbed onto the top of the huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after it had become blocked but fell into the machine and suffered fatal injuries .
In his written record of inquest , then-assistant coroner James Bennett said : “ The baler had become blocked due to overloading with cardboard .
In an attempt to clear the blockage , the deceased climbed onto the top of the baler .
He fell into the machine , which then continued to operate.
” The coroner listed a string of ‘ contributory ’ issues to the death .
“ Many safety features of the baler had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained , ” he said .
“ No actions had been taken in response to safety concerns raised in prior Health & Safety audits.No risk assessments had been carried out .
No safe systems of work were in place for general working , or for clearing blockages .
“ No training had been carried out .
No supervision was in place .
Visibility around the baler was poor .
No safety equipment was provided to the employees .
Wet cardboard was a tripping hazard.
” A statement by Mr Khan ’ s former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read out at the inquest and he talked about the low pay and working conditions where they both worked .
He told the court he was illiterate and did not even know the address of the site , where he said he worked six days a week , 11 hours a day , for just £35 - around £3.18 per hour .
From their wages he and Mr Khan paid £100 each per month for a shared rented room in Lozells .
Both had been working at the work site for around three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was given any training in this factory .
I was never given any training and never told or advised anything about the health and safety .
`` I was just given a jacket to wear and that ’ s it .
“ Mostly my job was cleaning and I considered myself safe .
I believed the other workers were feeling their self safe because nobody like to get hurt .
`` Cardboard would ( be ) brought to this place in vans and then making bundles and export to China in big containers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Khan 's death , he said : “ The incident didn ’ t happen in front of me .
“ I was cleaning and Gul Dad was working on the machine .
“ Then suddenly people started screaming that Gul Dad got hurt .
When I arrived there he was already dead.
” He said he believed Mr Khan was hit by a conveyor belt which ran the machine , a belt he said his former colleague had previously repaired .
“ This conveyor belt is about two metres width , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had a hole in the belt , it was about half a metre big .
That hole was repaired by Gul Dad and he mended it by putting some long screws in it .
But the owners never fixed it properly.
“ The inquest heard the machine was being leased from Cardboard 4 Cash by Mr Recycle Ltd whose sole director is Lee Piper .
In an unconnected case Piper , 40 and from West Bromwich , was jailed for ten years in December 2018 for sex offences including rape , attempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inciting prostitution for gain .
We separately wrote to Piper in jail and Kulvinder Singh Sidhu , the director of Cardboard 4 Cash , to comment on claims made at the inquest about the machine not being repaired properly prior to Mr Khan 's death .
At the time of publication no response had been received .
Talking about his lost colleague and friend Gulbacha had told the inquest : ” I lived with Gul Dad for long time and he was a healthy and perfect person and as far as I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem .
`` He never drank alcohol because we are Muslim.
” When initially contacted by BirminghamLive , West Midlands Police said the Health and Safety Executive was leading the investigation - while the HSE said it was the force .
Cardboard 4 Cash Ltd and Mr Recycle Ltd were each served with improvement notices on November 2 , 2016 and a further six prohibition notices between November 3-11 in 2016 under health and safety at work legislation , provision and use of work equipment and electricity regulations .
The orders included banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until such time as it has been subject to a thorough examination and maintenance check by a competent person and any deficiencies identified rectified to ensure that it can be operated in a safe manner and safety devices are working.
” The companies were also banned from using some fork lift trucks until safety examinations took place .
Once a Prohibition Notice has been served the restrictions remain in place so long as that business is operating .
The activity should not resume or continue until the matters specified in the prohibition notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics , seven people were fatally injured in the waste and recycling industry in 2018/19 - down from 12 who died the year before .
The fatality rate for the waste industry is now said to be only second to the agriculture sector .
A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said : `` The investigation into the incident is ongoing and HSE continues to support and liaise with West Midlands Police who retain primacy of the investigation , in accordance with the Work Related Death Protocol .
`` As the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment further at this time . ''
An inspection of the Liverpool Street site took place in May 2019 , the HSE confirmed .
This week West Midlands Police confirmed primacy for the investigation has been handed to the HSE .
*If you have a story BirminghamLive should investigate , email jeanette.oldham @ reachplc.com

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An illegal immigrant died after falling into a recycling baling machine which had many safety features disabled, a BirminghamLive investigation has discovered.
Gul Daad Khan, 36, was working long hours at a sprawling back-street site in Digbeth where workers claimed they were earning just over £3 an hour.
But the dad-of-six died in a horror accident on October 12, 2016, at the Liverpool Street site after falling into a baling machine he was trying to unblock.
The land is owned by Cardboard 4 Cash Ltd, which changed its name in 2018 to C4C Investments Ltd.
An inquest heard the baling machine in question was being leased by Cardboard 4 Cash to another recycling firm, Mr Recycle Ltd.
This firm operated on land at the Liverpool Street site, which was bought by Cardboard 4 Cash Ltd in 2014 for £631,000.
The inquest was told many safety features on the baler had been disabled, no risk assessments had been carried out and no safety equipment was provided to employees.
These findings were not linked to any specific firm.
An investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive following the tragedy on October 12 in 2016.
Yet almost four years on and no one has faced any action over the death in an industry which has seen at least 19 workers killed since 2017.
Now for the first time we can tell the full story of the failure to win justice for Mr Khan and his family.
The chilling details of the tragedy were revealed at an inquest last year which stated the official cause of death as ‘crush asphyxia’.
Mr Khan had climbed onto the top of the huge baler, used to crush cardboard, after it had become blocked but fell into the machine and suffered fatal injuries.
In his written record of inquest, then-assistant coroner James Bennett said: “The baler had become blocked due to overloading with cardboard. In an attempt to clear the blockage, the deceased climbed onto the top of the baler. He fell into the machine, which then continued to operate.”
The coroner listed a string of ‘contributory’ issues to the death.
“Many safety features of the baler had been disabled. The baler had not been maintained,” he said.
“No actions had been taken in response to safety concerns raised in prior Health & Safety audits.No risk assessments had been carried out. No safe systems of work were in place for general working, or for clearing blockages.
“No training had been carried out. No supervision was in place. Visibility around the baler was poor. No safety equipment was provided to the employees. Wet cardboard was a tripping hazard.”
(Image: Birmingham Live)
A statement by Mr Khan’s former flatmate and work colleague Gulbacha Yousafhail was read out at the inquest and he talked about the low pay and working conditions where they both worked.
He told the court he was illiterate and did not even know the address of the site, where he said he worked six days a week, 11 hours a day, for just £35 - around £3.18 per hour.
From their wages he and Mr Khan paid £100 each per month for a shared rented room in Lozells. Both had been working at the work site for around three years.
Gulbacha said: “Nobody was given any training in this factory. I was never given any training and never told or advised anything about the health and safety.
"I was just given a jacket to wear and that’s it.
“Mostly my job was cleaning and I considered myself safe. I believed the other workers were feeling their self safe because nobody like to get hurt.
"Cardboard would (be) brought to this place in vans and then making bundles and export to China in big containers."
Talking about the day of Mr Khan's death, he said: “The incident didn’t happen in front of me.
“I was cleaning and Gul Dad was working on the machine.
“Then suddenly people started screaming that Gul Dad got hurt. When I arrived there he was already dead.”
He said he believed Mr Khan was hit by a conveyor belt which ran the machine, a belt he said his former colleague had previously repaired.
“This conveyor belt is about two metres width,” he said.
“Sometime ago when it had a hole in the belt, it was about half a metre big. That hole was repaired by Gul Dad and he mended it by putting some long screws in it. But the owners never fixed it properly.“
The inquest heard the machine was being leased from Cardboard 4 Cash by Mr Recycle Ltd whose sole director is Lee Piper.
In an unconnected case Piper, 40 and from West Bromwich, was jailed for ten years in December 2018 for sex offences including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, ABH and inciting prostitution for gain.
We separately wrote to Piper in jail and Kulvinder Singh Sidhu, the director of Cardboard 4 Cash, to comment on claims made at the inquest about the machine not being repaired properly prior to Mr Khan's death.
At the time of publication no response had been received.
Talking about his lost colleague and friend Gulbacha had told the inquest: ”I lived with Gul Dad for long time and he was a healthy and perfect person and as far as I know he didn’t have any medical problem.
"He never drank alcohol because we are Muslim.”
When initially contacted by BirminghamLive, West Midlands Police said the Health and Safety Executive was leading the investigation - while the HSE said it was the force.
Cardboard 4 Cash Ltd and Mr Recycle Ltd were each served with improvement notices on November 2, 2016 and a further six prohibition notices between November 3-11 in 2016 under health and safety at work legislation, provision and use of work equipment and electricity regulations.
The orders included banning the use of the baling machine “until such time as it has been subject to a thorough examination and maintenance check by a competent person and any deficiencies identified rectified to ensure that it can be operated in a safe manner and safety devices are working.”
The companies were also banned from using some fork lift trucks until safety examinations took place. Once a Prohibition Notice has been served the restrictions remain in place so long as that business is operating. The activity should not resume or continue until the matters specified in the prohibition notice have been remedied.
According to latest statistics, seven people were fatally injured in the waste and recycling industry in 2018/19 - down from 12 who died the year before.
The fatality rate for the waste industry is now said to be only second to the agriculture sector.
A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "The investigation into the incident is ongoing and HSE continues to support and liaise with West Midlands Police who retain primacy of the investigation, in accordance with the Work Related Death Protocol.
"As the investigation is live, we are unable to comment further at this time."
An inspection of the Liverpool Street site took place in May 2019, the HSE confirmed.
This week West Midlands Police confirmed primacy for the investigation has been handed to the HSE.
*If you have a story BirminghamLive should investigate, email jeanette.oldham@reachplc.com


birminghammail--2020-11-15--A life in pictures - heartbroken friends share poignant photos of murder victim

Close friends of tragic murder victim Julia Rawson have shared never before seen images of her as they paid tribute to a 'very dynamic soul who everyone adored ' .
One friend said the 42-year-old , who ran a pagan shop in Dudley , “ saw the good in everyone ” .
Julia ’ s circle of friends have spoken out after Nathan Maynard-Ellis – a man fixated by internet images of violent death – and David Leesley were convicted of her brutal murder following a month-long Coventry Crown Court trial .
She met Maynard-Ellis by chance last May in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , returned to the 30-year-old ’ s home and fell victim to his dark , sadistic fantasies .
She entered a “ flat of horrors ” , the court was told , where Julia would have seen swords and spiders mounted on the walls of the Tipton property , reptiles kept in tanks , and “ gory face masks ” of horror film characters .
Sickeningly , Maynard-Ellis and boyfriend Leesley , 25 , dismembered her body after killing her and callously dumped it on waste ground .
It was 47 days before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those close to Julia – known as Ju Ju – have spoken of the void left by the loss of a mother figure .
She was , they say , straight-talking , but big-hearted .
Together with best friend and former partner Elaine , she manned a stall at Dudley Market selling pagan artefacts before the pair opened their own shop , Phoenix , in the Fountain Arcade .
“ She was a lovely character , ” said Norma Dewolf , who first met Julia at the Dudley Moot , a monthly meet-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something she didn ’ t like she would tell you .
Some people would try and put it diplomatically , but she would just say it straight .
“ She was the sort of person that if you asked , ‘ does my bum look big in this ?
’ she would tell you ‘ yes ’ if it did .
“ She used to tell me , ‘ if I ’ m going to sell them , I need to know about them ’ and we used to have a good laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My daughter Charlotte had a crippling illness and when she recovered , Julia helped her to set up a room upstairs in the shop .
“ It was her way of being Ju .
A lot of people knew her , so she never had any qualms about walking into a pub alone , because she knew she would see someone she knew .
“ She loved life and she was friendly to everyone .
She would always be the centre of attention .
“ I think she could be too trusting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the good in everyone.
” Debbie Maskell – Julia ’ s friend for more than 25 years – recalled the numbing moment she learned her pal was missing .
“ I was coming home from work when someone called me to say one of my friends had gone missing .
I asked , ‘ what do you mean ?
’ ” , the 43-year-old said .
“ Straightaway I had this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach .
I called Elaine and she told me .
I thought maybe Julia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s and her phone had died .
I kept getting a sinking feeling in my belly that something bad had happened .
“ She had been missing for two weeks when we were told two men had been arrested in connection with her disappearance .
I think the words the officers used were ‘ arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder ’ .
“ Elaine asked me if I thought it was Julia and I said yes .
We knew the details before they were out , but when they were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over again .
“ I did try to hide my feelings from Elaine – Julia was her life .
Elaine was so much more than a friend and they spent every weekend together.
” Mum-of-two Debbie can no longer walk past the Bottle and Cork pub .
“ I used to have to walk past it every day to go to work and I couldn ’ t look at it .
It made me feel sick ” , she added .
“ The whole thing has made me more wary .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then it could happen to anyone.
” Julia loved nature and even grew her own vegetables on an allotment .
“ I had a herb garden the once and I had planted honeysuckle , ” said Debbie .
“ Julia came over and spotted it and went mad .
She told me it would kill everything in there and I thought , oh well , it ’ s in there now .
But she was right .
“ My daughter , Malaika , loves fairies and asked if we could turn it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s favourite flower was a daffodil , so we bought a fairy on a swing , who is called ‘ Dinky Daffodil ’ .
“ Life is so weird without her .
Most nights I would see her walking outside my house in the middle of the road , with her headphones on and a cigarette in her mouth .
“ She put barriers up and she didn ’ t let many people in , but she was such a good friend and she was so protective .
You could feel at your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company and you felt high as a kite.
” Steve Gibbons also met Julia at the Dudley Moot .
He knew her for almost 12 years before moving to Bristol .
“ If Julia , Elaine and Debbie were out , you knew you were going to have a good time .
They were like the three naughty schoolkids at the back of the class , ” he recalled .
“ It was impossible to be in a bad mood if Julia , Elaine and Deb turned up .
I always remember Julia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you smell like coconuts ’ because she worked at Lush .
“ She was way too trusting for her own good and I think she just trusted the wrong person .
I saw in the papers that she was flirtatious when drunk and I never saw her as that .
She was always like sunshine .
“ She always had this huge cheeky grin and it was impossible not to laugh when you were with her.
” One friend , who wished to remain anonymous , described Julia as a passionate person .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensual and a unique character .
I think she had her challenges in life , but she gave it all she had got .
“ It ’ s just terrible knowing she ’ s not there and that I won ’ t get any more memories with her .
It ’ s an end of an era – no more shenanigans.
” Charlotte Almanzi , who now lives in Australia , has also paid a heartfelt tribute to Julia .
She penned : “ She was a creative , eccentric artistic woman who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face .
Her colourful language matched the colour she put into the world with her art and nature .
She was beautifully human .
“ Expressive , fun and full of feeling .
She charmed those she knew frequently with her playful personality and showed her deepest feelings to those close to her .
“ I remember the compassion she had for wanting to set a wasp free I had trapped in a glass one summer in the pub .
“ She wanted good in the world , not suffering .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was very apparent in her willingness to connect with others .
“ A dreamer , always seeking to express .
She was both boisterous and gentle .
“ A very dynamic soul who everyone adored .
She supported me and encouraged me to get back out there after a long illness .
She helped me find the space to help others through my work .
“ She loved life .
She leaves behind a broken heart in every life she touched.
” Twisted Nathan Maynard-Ellis and his lover David Leesley are facing life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of horror '' murder of Julia Rawson .
Julia 's fate was sealed after a chance meeting with Maynard-Ellis in the Bottle and Cork Pub .
She was reported missing on May 14 last year .
Two weeks later her killers were arrested .
After 47 days of extensive searching , officers discovered Julia 's remains wrapped in black material .
They had been meticulously parcelled - a skill Maynard-Ellis gained from the stomach-churning videos he was addicted to .
The killing `` was the culmination of years of pent-up fantasy and desire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bearded individual obsessed with horror movies and serial killers .
He was also found guilty of four rape charges , one attempted rape and making threats to kill .
All relate to historical incidents , separate to Julia 's death , that surfaced following her death .
His partner Leesley was found guilty of murder .
The evil pair will be sentenced on November 27 .
Following a trial that gripped the nation , Detective Inspector Jim Colclough , from the West Midlands force 's homicide team , said : “ All murders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death and the way she was treated after was despicable .
“ Many of the sickening and tragic details of this case have come out during the court trial .
We ’ ve given a detailed account of how we were able to find Julia so her family could bury her and bring Maynard-Ellis and Leesley to justice for the heinous crime they committed . ''

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Close friends of tragic murder victim Julia Rawson have shared never before seen images of her as they paid tribute to a 'very dynamic soul who everyone adored'.
One friend said the 42-year-old, who ran a pagan shop in Dudley, “saw the good in everyone”.
Julia’s circle of friends have spoken out after Nathan Maynard-Ellis – a man fixated by internet images of violent death – and David Leesley were convicted of her brutal murder following a month-long Coventry Crown Court trial.
She met Maynard-Ellis by chance last May in Dudley’s Bottle and Cork pub, returned to the 30-year-old’s home and fell victim to his dark, sadistic fantasies.
She entered a “flat of horrors”, the court was told, where Julia would have seen swords and spiders mounted on the walls of the Tipton property, reptiles kept in tanks, and “gory face masks” of horror film characters.
Sickeningly, Maynard-Ellis and boyfriend Leesley, 25, dismembered her body after killing her and callously dumped it on waste ground.
It was 47 days before the remains were discovered.
Today, those close to Julia – known as Ju Ju – have spoken of the void left by the loss of a mother figure.
She was, they say, straight-talking, but big-hearted.
Together with best friend and former partner Elaine, she manned a stall at Dudley Market selling pagan artefacts before the pair opened their own shop, Phoenix, in the Fountain Arcade.
“She was a lovely character,” said Norma Dewolf, who first met Julia at the Dudley Moot, a monthly meet-up for pagans.
“If there was something she didn’t like she would tell you. Some people would try and put it diplomatically, but she would just say it straight.
“She was the sort of person that if you asked, ‘does my bum look big in this?’ she would tell you ‘yes’ if it did.
Norma helped Julia source pagan items for her shop.
“She used to tell me, ‘if I’m going to sell them, I need to know about them’ and we used to have a good laugh about it”, said Norma.
“My daughter Charlotte had a crippling illness and when she recovered, Julia helped her to set up a room upstairs in the shop.
“It was her way of being Ju. A lot of people knew her, so she never had any qualms about walking into a pub alone, because she knew she would see someone she knew.
“She loved life and she was friendly to everyone. She would always be the centre of attention.
“I think she could be too trusting and that was her downfall. She saw the good in everyone.”
Debbie Maskell – Julia’s friend for more than 25 years – recalled the numbing moment she learned her pal was missing.
“I was coming home from work when someone called me to say one of my friends had gone missing. I asked, ‘what do you mean?’”, the 43-year-old said.
“Straightaway I had this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. I called Elaine and she told me. I thought maybe Julia had just stayed over at a friend’s and her phone had died. I kept getting a sinking feeling in my belly that something bad had happened.
“She had been missing for two weeks when we were told two men had been arrested in connection with her disappearance. I think the words the officers used were ‘arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder’.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“My heart was racing, it didn’t feel real.
“Elaine asked me if I thought it was Julia and I said yes. We knew the details before they were out, but when they were in black and white, it hit me all over again.
“I did try to hide my feelings from Elaine – Julia was her life. Elaine was so much more than a friend and they spent every weekend together.”
Mum-of-two Debbie can no longer walk past the Bottle and Cork pub.
“I used to have to walk past it every day to go to work and I couldn’t look at it. It made me feel sick”, she added.
“The whole thing has made me more wary. I think if this could happen to her, then it could happen to anyone.”
Julia loved nature and even grew her own vegetables on an allotment.
“I had a herb garden the once and I had planted honeysuckle,” said Debbie. “Julia came over and spotted it and went mad. She told me it would kill everything in there and I thought, oh well, it’s in there now. But she was right.
“My daughter, Malaika, loves fairies and asked if we could turn it into a fairy garden. Julia’s favourite flower was a daffodil, so we bought a fairy on a swing, who is called ‘Dinky Daffodil’.
“Life is so weird without her. Most nights I would see her walking outside my house in the middle of the road, with her headphones on and a cigarette in her mouth.
“She put barriers up and she didn’t let many people in, but she was such a good friend and she was so protective. You could feel at your lowest, but five minutes in her company and you felt high as a kite.”
Steve Gibbons also met Julia at the Dudley Moot. He knew her for almost 12 years before moving to Bristol.
“If Julia, Elaine and Debbie were out, you knew you were going to have a good time. They were like the three naughty schoolkids at the back of the class,” he recalled.
“It was impossible to be in a bad mood if Julia, Elaine and Deb turned up. I always remember Julia grabbing my missus and screaming, ‘you smell like coconuts’ because she worked at Lush.
“She was way too trusting for her own good and I think she just trusted the wrong person. I saw in the papers that she was flirtatious when drunk and I never saw her as that. She was always like sunshine.
“She always had this huge cheeky grin and it was impossible not to laugh when you were with her.”
One friend, who wished to remain anonymous, described Julia as a passionate person. She said: “She was very sensual and a unique character. I think she had her challenges in life, but she gave it all she had got.
“It’s just terrible knowing she’s not there and that I won’t get any more memories with her. It’s an end of an era – no more shenanigans.”
Charlotte Almanzi, who now lives in Australia, has also paid a heartfelt tribute to Julia.
She penned: “She was a creative, eccentric artistic woman who put a smile on everyone’s face. Her colourful language matched the colour she put into the world with her art and nature. She was beautifully human.
“Expressive, fun and full of feeling. She charmed those she knew frequently with her playful personality and showed her deepest feelings to those close to her.
“I remember the compassion she had for wanting to set a wasp free I had trapped in a glass one summer in the pub.
“She wanted good in the world, not suffering. I’m a practising Buddhist and her kindness was very apparent in her willingness to connect with others.
“A dreamer, always seeking to express. She was both boisterous and gentle.
“A very dynamic soul who everyone adored. She supported me and encouraged me to get back out there after a long illness. She helped me find the space to help others through my work.
“She loved life. She leaves behind a broken heart in every life she touched.”
The court case
Twisted Nathan Maynard-Ellis and his lover David Leesley are facing life behind bars for the sickening "flats of horror" murder of Julia Rawson.
Julia's fate was sealed after a chance meeting with Maynard-Ellis in the Bottle and Cork Pub.
She was reported missing on May 14 last year. Two weeks later her killers were arrested.
After 47 days of extensive searching, officers discovered Julia's remains wrapped in black material. They had been meticulously parcelled - a skill Maynard-Ellis gained from the stomach-churning videos he was addicted to.
The killing "was the culmination of years of pent-up fantasy and desire" by Maynard-Ellis, a portly, bearded individual obsessed with horror movies and serial killers.
He was also found guilty of four rape charges, one attempted rape and making threats to kill. All relate to historical incidents, separate to Julia's death, that surfaced following her death.
His partner Leesley was found guilty of murder.
The evil pair will be sentenced on November 27.
Following a trial that gripped the nation, Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, from the West Midlands force's homicide team, said: “All murders are tragic, but Julia’s death and the way she was treated after was despicable.
“Many of the sickening and tragic details of this case have come out during the court trial. We’ve given a detailed account of how we were able to find Julia so her family could bury her and bring Maynard-Ellis and Leesley to justice for the heinous crime they committed."


birminghammail--2020-11-15--The changing look of Selfridges as silver discs start to disappear

As every fashionista knows , you have to work hard to stay ahead of the game if you always want to be seen wearing the best-dressed outfit in town .
And so Selfridges ' world-famous exterior is set to disappear for more than a year while restoration work takes place ready to make the Bullring shopping centre 's star attraction look like new again .
Scaffolders have arrived next to the Park Street entrance ready to coat the building in protective poles and boards .
That installation will be a work of art in its own right given the bulbous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Station .
Their new frame will then be covered with its new outfit - an eye-catching pink and black jigsaw-style hoarding called 'Dogtooth Flower ' .
It has been created by local fashion designer Osman Yousefzada in partnership with the city 's Ikon Gallery .
The son of a dressmaking mother who moved from Afghanistan to Balsall Heath in the 1970s , his outfits have been worn by stars including Lady Gaga , Emma Watson , Rita Ora and Beyonce since Thandie Newton became his first celebrity client .
Mr Yousefzadam , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his early 30s when he made his debut at London Fashion Week in 2008 , said : `` I feel very lucky to have been selected from a shortlist of acclaimed international artists asked to design the scaffolding wrap .
`` As an artist and designer , whose clothes have been stocked at Selfridges since my first collection , it is amazing to think I will be dressing Selfridges itself .
`` This will be my first piece of public art and to be able to do it on such a scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait to see it completed . ''
The redevelopment is beginning barely five years after the nearby Grand Central shopping centre stopped being a six-year building site when it opened to the public on September 24 , 2015 .
And just four months after John Lewis said it was pulling out of its flagship Grand Central store , never to return .
Selfridges itself was only opened on September 4 , 2003 - meaning its current exterior is being totally refurbished after less than 20 years in operation .
All of the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exterior 'skin ' is repainted in its original Yves Klein blue colour before the disks are then reattached .
Selfridges will be able to trade throughout , although there may be some local disruptions to traffic .
It is hoped that the exterior will be finished before the international spotlight falls on the city during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games .
The work is being carried out by Hammerson which co-owns and manages Bullring .
In September , portfolio director Conrad Baconfor said : `` We are proud the Selfridges building has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We want to ensure it maintains its pride of place both in Birmingham and the UK .
`` The design and construction of the building means we have made the decision to undertake these upgrade works now to ensure the building 's long-term future while improving its environmental performance . ''
Once the building has been thoroughly spruced up it will no doubt look amazing again .
Although Selfridges is cleaned regularly on the outside by a team of abseilers , BirminghamLive reported two years ago how some 20 of the 15,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exterior was the kind of building where only perfection would do .
Instead of appearing to be flawless , it was starting to look pockmarked .
At the time of its construction , it was reported the discs 'should have a lifespan of 30 years before any maintenance is required ' .
They have now been in position for just 17 years .
The city engineering company which made the discs went into administration in March , 2009 before being dissolved in 2011 .
The discs were made by a metal-forming specialist based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newtown and West Bromwich .
It took eight months to produce 15,000 discs at its Frankfort Street works in Newtown for the wave-shaped store .
They were then sent off to two other companies to be anodised and polished - L B Parkes of Walsall and Eurotech at Wednesbury .
The contract was worth about £150,000 compared with around £500,000 if the architects , James & Taylor , had not provided the materials themselves .
As a specialist in spinning metal components , Purdie Elcock was also able to make the discs cheaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two years ago BirminghamLive asked another company for a quote in order to resurface the building .
Spintec Metal Spinning Ltd , based on the Spartan Industrial Estate in West Bromwich was founded in 2010 by John Nicklin , a craftsman who had helped to spin the original discs while working at Purdie Elcock .
A spokesman said : `` To make new discs for Selfridges would cost at least £3,000 for the machine tool - which could last for 20 years if it was hardened .
`` After that it might cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £750,000 for 15,000 ) . ''
As ever , Birmingham continues to move 'Forward ' in line with its 1830s ' motto .
The work to recoat Selfridges means the return of a vast amount of scaffolding to Moor Street Queensway barely 18 months after the last frame came down prior to the world 's biggest Primark opening next door on April 11 , 2019 .
The work also means that the eastern end of the Grand Central / Bullring complex looks set to resemble yet another city building site for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks to Osman 's startling coating .
The whole Eastside area is already undergoing a vast reimagining , with HS2 completely reinventing the area off New Canal Street and Curzon Street .
Work is also due to begin soon to build another extension of the West Midlands Metro that will see the line from Snow Hill come down lower Bull Street and through what is currently the McDonald 's in Dale End .
Meanwhile , the whole of Colmore Row is being redeveloped as well as Victoria Square and it will be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colmore Row tower block is finished .
Beyond Chamberlain Square , Paradise is barely half way through its decade-long £700 million regeneration and there 's still a long to go before Arena Central is completed next to Bridge Street .
Although good progress is still being made by the Midland Metro Alliance on Broad Street , it is set to be another year before the West Midlands Metro tram will finally be operating services from Centenary Square to the other side of Five Ways at 54 Hagley Road .
Meanwhile work continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over in Southside , the huge Timber Yard apartment block is still under construction off Pershore Street , with five more developments now under way off Kent Street .
The vast area between Bristol Street and Sherlock Street is also being redeveloped following the demolition of Monaco House .

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As every fashionista knows, you have to work hard to stay ahead of the game if you always want to be seen wearing the best-dressed outfit in town.
And so Selfridges' world-famous exterior is set to disappear for more than a year while restoration work takes place ready to make the Bullring shopping centre's star attraction look like new again.
Scaffolders have arrived next to the Park Street entrance ready to coat the building in protective poles and boards.
That installation will be a work of art in its own right given the bulbous nature of the iconic landmark overlooking Moor Street Station.
(Image: Handout)
Their new frame will then be covered with its new outfit - an eye-catching pink and black jigsaw-style hoarding called 'Dogtooth Flower'.
It has been created by local fashion designer Osman Yousefzada in partnership with the city's Ikon Gallery.
The son of a dressmaking mother who moved from Afghanistan to Balsall Heath in the 1970s, his outfits have been worn by stars including Lady Gaga, Emma Watson, Rita Ora and Beyonce since Thandie Newton became his first celebrity client.
Mr Yousefzadam, who left Birmingham aged 18 and was in his early 30s when he made his debut at London Fashion Week in 2008, said: "I feel very lucky to have been selected from a shortlist of acclaimed international artists asked to design the scaffolding wrap.
"As an artist and designer, whose clothes have been stocked at Selfridges since my first collection, it is amazing to think I will be dressing Selfridges itself.
"This will be my first piece of public art and to be able to do it on such a scale is truly exciting. I can't wait to see it completed."
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
What is happening?
The redevelopment is beginning barely five years after the nearby Grand Central shopping centre stopped being a six-year building site when it opened to the public on September 24, 2015.
And just four months after John Lewis said it was pulling out of its flagship Grand Central store, never to return.
Selfridges itself was only opened on September 4, 2003 - meaning its current exterior is being totally refurbished after less than 20 years in operation.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
All of the building's silver discs will be removed before the exterior 'skin' is repainted in its original Yves Klein blue colour before the disks are then reattached.
Selfridges will be able to trade throughout, although there may be some local disruptions to traffic.
It is hoped that the exterior will be finished before the international spotlight falls on the city during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
The work is being carried out by Hammerson which co-owns and manages Bullring.
In September, portfolio director Conrad Baconfor said: "We are proud the Selfridges building has gained icon status for its design.
"We want to ensure it maintains its pride of place both in Birmingham and the UK.
"The design and construction of the building means we have made the decision to undertake these upgrade works now to ensure the building's long-term future while improving its environmental performance."
Once the building has been thoroughly spruced up it will no doubt look amazing again.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
15,000 discs
Although Selfridges is cleaned regularly on the outside by a team of abseilers, BirminghamLive reported two years ago how some 20 of the 15,000 discs were missing
We noted how the exterior was the kind of building where only perfection would do.
Instead of appearing to be flawless, it was starting to look pockmarked.
At the time of its construction, it was reported the discs 'should have a lifespan of 30 years before any maintenance is required'.
They have now been in position for just 17 years.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
The city engineering company which made the discs went into administration in March, 2009 before being dissolved in 2011.
The discs were made by a metal-forming specialist based called Purdie Elcock which had sites in Newtown and West Bromwich.
It took eight months to produce 15,000 discs at its Frankfort Street works in Newtown for the wave-shaped store.
They were then sent off to two other companies to be anodised and polished - L B Parkes of Walsall and Eurotech at Wednesbury.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
The contract was worth about £150,000 compared with around £500,000 if the architects, James & Taylor, had not provided the materials themselves.
As a specialist in spinning metal components, Purdie Elcock was also able to make the discs cheaper than if they had been pressed.
Two years ago BirminghamLive asked another company for a quote in order to resurface the building.
Spintec Metal Spinning Ltd, based on the Spartan Industrial Estate in West Bromwich was founded in 2010 by John Nicklin, a craftsman who had helped to spin the original discs while working at Purdie Elcock.
A spokesman said: "To make new discs for Selfridges would cost at least £3,000 for the machine tool - which could last for 20 years if it was hardened.
"After that it might cost £50 per disc (which would be £750,000 for 15,000)."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Building frenzy
As ever, Birmingham continues to move 'Forward' in line with its 1830s' motto.
The work to recoat Selfridges means the return of a vast amount of scaffolding to Moor Street Queensway barely 18 months after the last frame came down prior to the world's biggest Primark opening next door on April 11, 2019.
The work also means that the eastern end of the Grand Central / Bullring complex looks set to resemble yet another city building site for more than a year - albeit a jazzy one thanks to Osman's startling coating.
(Image: Handout)
The whole Eastside area is already undergoing a vast reimagining, with HS2 completely reinventing the area off New Canal Street and Curzon Street.
Work is also due to begin soon to build another extension of the West Midlands Metro that will see the line from Snow Hill come down lower Bull Street and through what is currently the McDonald's in Dale End.
Meanwhile, the whole of Colmore Row is being redeveloped as well as Victoria Square and it will be the middle of 2021 before the new 103 Colmore Row tower block is finished.
Beyond Chamberlain Square, Paradise is barely half way through its decade-long £700 million regeneration and there's still a long to go before Arena Central is completed next to Bridge Street.
Although good progress is still being made by the Midland Metro Alliance on Broad Street, it is set to be another year before the West Midlands Metro tram will finally be operating services from Centenary Square to the other side of Five Ways at 54 Hagley Road.
Meanwhile work continues to build the giant Moda Living Tower there.
Over in Southside, the huge Timber Yard apartment block is still under construction off Pershore Street, with five more developments now under way off Kent Street.
The vast area between Bristol Street and Sherlock Street is also being redeveloped following the demolition of Monaco House.


birminghammail--2020-11-15--I'm A Celebrity backup contestant who never managed to get on show

An I 'm A Celebrity backup contestant who never managed to get on the show has been revealed by Ant and Dec. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly revealed Keith Chegwin was used as a stand-by star for the ITV1 reality TV favourite - but never got on .
Ant and Dec have looked back on their history on I 'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here !
in a special episode ahead of the new series .
They said it was `` very sad '' they will not be able to film in Australia this year because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will be different but it will be fun . ''
They also reflected on when the show was first pitched to them , and Dec said : `` I remember thinking it could be brilliant or it could be awful , '' while Ant added : `` I remember thinking the title was too long and sounded a bit silly . ''
They also recalled that during the first series they kept a celebrity on standby in case they needed a back-up , saying it was Keith Chegwin for series one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
This weekend sees the brand-new series start with a new episode on Sunday evening , instead being filmed in North Wales , at a castle , instead of the Australian jungle .
Producers have swapped the Bush for North Wales owing to coronavirus travel restrictions and rules , with a raft of celebs signed up to appear in the domestic-based show .
They include Vernon Kay and Sir Mo Farah , as well as Giovanna Fletcher , Beverley Callard , AJ Pritchard and Jordan North .

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An I'm A Celebrity backup contestant who never managed to get on the show has been revealed by Ant and Dec.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly revealed Keith Chegwin was used as a stand-by star for the ITV1 reality TV favourite - but never got on.
Ant and Dec have looked back on their history on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in a special episode ahead of the new series.
They said it was "very sad" they will not be able to film in Australia this year because of coronavirus, with Dec adding: "It will be different but it will be fun."
They also reflected on when the show was first pitched to them, and Dec said: "I remember thinking it could be brilliant or it could be awful," while Ant added: "I remember thinking the title was too long and sounded a bit silly."
They also recalled that during the first series they kept a celebrity on standby in case they needed a back-up, saying it was Keith Chegwin for series one, adding: "He never got on."
This weekend sees the brand-new series start with a new episode on Sunday evening, instead being filmed in North Wales, at a castle, instead of the Australian jungle.
Producers have swapped the Bush for North Wales owing to coronavirus travel restrictions and rules, with a raft of celebs signed up to appear in the domestic-based show.
They include Vernon Kay and Sir Mo Farah, as well as Giovanna Fletcher, Beverley Callard, AJ Pritchard and Jordan North.


birminghammail--2020-11-15--'They're frightened and can't breathe' - Nurse on covid patients

A nurse treating coronavirus patients at a Midland hospital has revealed the sheer terror confronted by many as they struggle to breathe .
Respiratory ward matron Marie Banner said many of those on her ward were fearful as they fought for every breath .
She works at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley , which , like many in the Midlands , has seen a spike in coronavirus patients needing treatment , including intensive care , in recent weeks .
Marie said the second wave was `` challenging '' but the hospital was `` coping well '' , having `` learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spring .
`` When patients come into the hospital , they are really frightened , '' Marie told BlackCountryLive .
`` They 've generally been fit and well and suddenly they ca n't breathe because they 've been struck by this virus .
`` You know how frightening it is when you get something stuck in your throat and ca n't breathe for a few seconds ?
They are like that for quite some time .
`` We take patients from the emergency department - once they 've had initial attention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they require extra support with their breathing .
`` They will be very , very poorly and short of breath .
Generally they have a temperature and their oxygen levels are at a stage where they need enhanced respiratory support .
`` We care for them and monitor them very closely - our patients are awake but really struggling with their breathing .
`` We work really closely with the critical care teams as patients can deteriorate really quickly and require invasive ventilation and intensive care treatment . ''
She added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our nurses and doctors are extremely well versed in dealing with that anxiety . ''
It 's not just the patients staff are caring for - due to visiting restrictions , they now play a vital role in keeping families connected .
Marie said relatives were often `` worried sick '' as the last time they saw their loved one was in the back of an ambulance .
`` We do a lot of FaceTiming , '' she said .
`` We have iPads we use daily to speak to family members and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Marie , a nurse for 29 years and at Russells Hall Hospital since 1995 , continued : `` It has been a challenging several months for a lot of our staff and I 'm sure it 's the same for other hospitals but we have a tight team and look after each other .
`` It 's not comfortable wearing PPE all day but we make sure we have adequate breaks when we can and try to support the team as much as we can .
`` We have to step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door - and that 's what we do .
It could be one of our loved ones . ''
Although she said the number of Covid hospital admissions was `` definitely rising '' , it was n't putting the hospital under extreme pressure .
`` So far as a ward , and a trust , we are coping really well .
`` We have learned so much from the first surge and were very well prepared , we knew what was coming .
`` We have life saving Covid treatments that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is making a difference and oxygen therapy - we know the best ways to care for them now . ''
Thirteen patients were admitted or diagnosed with Covid-19 at the Dudley hospital on November 1 - the most recent data available .
Diane Wake , chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` In line with other trusts across the country , we are seeing an increase in the number of patients with Covid-19 who are requiring hospital treatment , including in ITU .
`` Patient safety is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and infection prevention is a challenge , and observing social distancing reduces our ability to see as many patients in an area .
However in terms of elective procedures , we are proud that our patients have some of the shortest waits in England .
`` Our referral to treatment times remain among the best in the country and we are managing our elective care .
We continue to provide a full range of outpatient services .
Clearly we continue to monitor this and patient safety is our top priority .
`` All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triaged safely and timely .
We work very closely with West Midlands Ambulance Service to prioritise those patients who need imminent intervention .
`` It is important that anyone with concerns about their health continues to seek medical help and we would ask them to use the most appropriate service , be that NHS 111 , their GP or a pharmacist . ''

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A nurse treating coronavirus patients at a Midland hospital has revealed the sheer terror confronted by many as they struggle to breathe.
Respiratory ward matron Marie Banner said many of those on her ward were fearful as they fought for every breath.
She works at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, which, like many in the Midlands, has seen a spike in coronavirus patients needing treatment, including intensive care, in recent weeks.
Marie said the second wave was "challenging" but the hospital was "coping well", having "learned a lot" from the experiences of the spring.
"When patients come into the hospital, they are really frightened," Marie told BlackCountryLive.
"They've generally been fit and well and suddenly they can't breathe because they've been struck by this virus.
"You know how frightening it is when you get something stuck in your throat and can't breathe for a few seconds? They are like that for quite some time.
"We take patients from the emergency department - once they've had initial attention to stabilise their condition - if we believe they require extra support with their breathing.
"They will be very, very poorly and short of breath. Generally they have a temperature and their oxygen levels are at a stage where they need enhanced respiratory support.
"We care for them and monitor them very closely - our patients are awake but really struggling with their breathing.
(Image: The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust)
"We work really closely with the critical care teams as patients can deteriorate really quickly and require invasive ventilation and intensive care treatment."
She added: "There's a lot of fear but our nurses and doctors are extremely well versed in dealing with that anxiety."
It's not just the patients staff are caring for - due to visiting restrictions, they now play a vital role in keeping families connected.
Marie said relatives were often "worried sick" as the last time they saw their loved one was in the back of an ambulance.
"We do a lot of FaceTiming," she said.
"We have iPads we use daily to speak to family members and mobile phones patients can use as well."
Marie, a nurse for 29 years and at Russells Hall Hospital since 1995, continued: "It has been a challenging several months for a lot of our staff and I'm sure it's the same for other hospitals but we have a tight team and look after each other.
"It's not comfortable wearing PPE all day but we make sure we have adequate breaks when we can and try to support the team as much as we can.
"We have to step up and deal with what comes through the door - and that's what we do. It could be one of our loved ones."
Although she said the number of Covid hospital admissions was "definitely rising", it wasn't putting the hospital under extreme pressure.
"So far as a ward, and a trust, we are coping really well.
"We have learned so much from the first surge and were very well prepared, we knew what was coming.
"We have life saving Covid treatments that we didn't have last time, dexamethasone is making a difference and oxygen therapy - we know the best ways to care for them now."
Thirteen patients were admitted or diagnosed with Covid-19 at the Dudley hospital on November 1 - the most recent data available.
Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "In line with other trusts across the country, we are seeing an increase in the number of patients with Covid-19 who are requiring hospital treatment, including in ITU.
"Patient safety is always our absolute priority. Managing Covid and infection prevention is a challenge, and observing social distancing reduces our ability to see as many patients in an area. However in terms of elective procedures, we are proud that our patients have some of the shortest waits in England.
"Our referral to treatment times remain among the best in the country and we are managing our elective care. We continue to provide a full range of outpatient services. Clearly we continue to monitor this and patient safety is our top priority.
"All patients arriving at our emergency department are triaged safely and timely. We work very closely with West Midlands Ambulance Service to prioritise those patients who need imminent intervention.
"It is important that anyone with concerns about their health continues to seek medical help and we would ask them to use the most appropriate service, be that NHS 111, their GP or a pharmacist."


birminghammail--2020-11-15--60k back campaign to let widow stay in the UK

More than 60,000 people have backed a woman 's bid to stay in Britain amid fears she will spend the rest of her life alone .
Widow Gurmit Kaur Sahota arrived in the UK from India to attend a wedding in 2009 and settled in Smethwick , where she volunteers in the community .
She has family in Britain , reportedly including two brothers and grown-up children , but her bid to stay indefinitely was said to have been rejected when her multi-visit visa expired in June 2010 .
Earlier this year Gurmit , who said she had no relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a UK Border Agency contractor threatening `` further action to secure your removal from the UK '' .
She is fighting to stay , saying Smethwick was her `` true home '' and worshippers at Smethwick 's Gurdwara Baba Sang Ji were like her `` family '' .
She also took part in a Black Lives Matter protest in the area during the summer .
The Home Office told BlackCountryLive it had not contacted Gurmit since 2013 but , in the light of the letter she received , told the Huffington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Sahota explaining how she can apply to remain in the country legally and we urge her to do so . ''
More than 60,000 names have been added to an online petition demanding she be allowed to remain and calling her an `` asset to Smethwick '' , while she also has the support of organisations including charity Migrant Voice .
Speaking through a translator , Gurmit said : `` If I was to return to India , I would have nowhere to go and no home to return to , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I fear the loneliness and the impact on my mental health going back there all alone .
“ Being here in Smethwick is my true home , it ’ s where I work to help the community , it ’ s where I give back , it ’ s where I know and love the people who have become my family .
The people in the temple here have become my true family .
`` This is the society I am part of and the place I have made my home .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to others and want to be able to continue to do this . ''
Campaign leader X'ian Loves told Birmingham Live that she first met Gurmit at a Black Lives Matter protest in Victoria Park , Smethwick .
X'ian said : `` She came over to me , handing out fruit at a Black Lives Matter protest .
`` I could n't speak to her fully as I do n't speak Punjabi but then I heard some of her story from people involved in her case and I had to help .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 'm involved with a lot of protests in the city .
`` Issues like the Windrush scandal really affect me .
Seeing this Sikh lady who feels like she 's at risk of being deported , it 's like seeing my grandmother need help . ''
An elderly woman fears she will be deported after living in Smethwick for over a decade .
Gurmit Kaur came to the UK from India in 2009 and applied for a visa to live here legally .
However , after years of waiting for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Home Office refusing to offer her leave to remain .
Despite struggling to speak English , the 75-year-old claims to have found her place working to give back to the community who welcomed her here .
Through a translator , she said : `` If I was to return to India , I would have nowhere to go and no home to return to , and I have no family there .
`` I fear the loneliness and the impact on my mental health going back there all alone .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , it ’ s where I work to help the community , it ’ s where I give back , it ’ s where I know and love the people who have become my family .
The people in the temple here have become my true family .
`` This is the society I am part of and the place I have made my home .
I have spent my life helping and giving to others and want to be able to continue to do this . ''
After touching so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the charity Migrant Voice have come together to help her get permission to stay with the 'We are all Gurmit Kaur ' campaign .
Over 50,000 people have backed the petition to keep the pensioner in the country after she recieved a Home Office letter states : “ There are only a small minority of people living in the UK illegally .
`` Despite numerous efforts to contact you by letter and telephone you have not responded and our records show that you have not yet left the United Kingdom .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to refer your case onto the UK Border Agency to consider taking further action to secure your removal from the United Kingdom . ''
Campaign leader X'ian Loves told Birmingham Live that she first met Gurmit at a Black Lives Matter protest in Victoria Park , Smethwick .
X'ian said : `` She came over to me , handing out fruit at a Black Lives Matter protest .
`` I could n't speak to her fully as I do n't speak Punjabi but then I heard some of her story from people involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help .
`` My background is Jamaican and Sikh , and I 'm involved with a lot of protests in the city .
`` Issues like the Windrush scandal really affect me .
Seeing this Sikh lady who feels like she 's at risk of being deported , it 's like seeing my grandmother need help . ''
Gurmit said she 's deeply touched by the campaign as she has seen that the community are their for support as she fears deprtation .
However the Home Office say they have n't persued Gurmit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 years .
A Home Office spokesperson said : “ The Home Office has not contacted Ms Kaur Sahota since 2013 , so it is wrong to claim we have been pursuing deportation .
“ We are happy to speak to Ms Kaur Sahota on next steps to resolve this matter .
”

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More than 60,000 people have backed a woman's bid to stay in Britain amid fears she will spend the rest of her life alone.
Widow Gurmit Kaur Sahota arrived in the UK from India to attend a wedding in 2009 and settled in Smethwick, where she volunteers in the community.
She has family in Britain, reportedly including two brothers and grown-up children, but her bid to stay indefinitely was said to have been rejected when her multi-visit visa expired in June 2010.
Earlier this year Gurmit, who said she had no relatives left in India, received a letter from a UK Border Agency contractor threatening "further action to secure your removal from the UK".
She is fighting to stay, saying Smethwick was her "true home" and worshippers at Smethwick's Gurdwara Baba Sang Ji were like her "family". She also took part in a Black Lives Matter protest in the area during the summer.
The Home Office told BlackCountryLive it had not contacted Gurmit since 2013 but, in the light of the letter she received, told the Huffington Post: "We have recently written to Ms Sahota explaining how she can apply to remain in the country legally and we urge her to do so."
(Image: Migrant Voice)
More than 60,000 names have been added to an online petition demanding she be allowed to remain and calling her an "asset to Smethwick", while she also has the support of organisations including charity Migrant Voice.
Speaking through a translator, Gurmit said: "If I was to return to India, I would have nowhere to go and no home to return to, and I have no family there.
"I fear the loneliness and the impact on my mental health going back there all alone.
“Being here in Smethwick is my true home, it’s where I work to help the community, it’s where I give back, it’s where I know and love the people who have become my family. The people in the temple here have become my true family.
"This is the society I am part of and the place I have made my home. I have spent my life helping and giving to others and want to be able to continue to do this."
Campaign leader X'ian Loves told Birmingham Live that she first met Gurmit at a Black Lives Matter protest in Victoria Park, Smethwick.
X'ian said: "She came over to me, handing out fruit at a Black Lives Matter protest.
"I couldn't speak to her fully as I don't speak Punjabi but then I heard some of her story from people involved in her case and I had to help.
"My background is Jamaican and Sikh, and I'm involved with a lot of protests in the city.
"Issues like the Windrush scandal really affect me. Seeing this Sikh lady who feels like she's at risk of being deported, it's like seeing my grandmother need help."
An elderly woman fears she will be deported after living in Smethwick for over a decade.
Gurmit Kaur came to the UK from India in 2009 and applied for a visa to live here legally.
However, after years of waiting for a decision, the Gurmit received a letter from the Home Office refusing to offer her leave to remain.
Despite struggling to speak English, the 75-year-old claims to have found her place working to give back to the community who welcomed her here.
Through a translator, she said: "If I was to return to India, I would have nowhere to go and no home to return to, and I have no family there.
"I fear the loneliness and the impact on my mental health going back there all alone.
“Being here in Smethwick is my true home, it’s where I work to help the community, it’s where I give back, it’s where I know and love the people who have become my family. The people in the temple here have become my true family.
"This is the society I am part of and the place I have made my home. I have spent my life helping and giving to others and want to be able to continue to do this."
After touching so many hearts in Smethwick, the community and the charity Migrant Voice have come together to help her get permission to stay with the 'We are all Gurmit Kaur' campaign.
Over 50,000 people have backed the petition to keep the pensioner in the country after she recieved a Home Office letter states: “There are only a small minority of people living in the UK illegally.
"Despite numerous efforts to contact you by letter and telephone you have not responded and our records show that you have not yet left the United Kingdom.
“If you fail to respond we will have to refer your case onto the UK Border Agency to consider taking further action to secure your removal from the United Kingdom."
Campaign leader X'ian Loves told Birmingham Live that she first met Gurmit at a Black Lives Matter protest in Victoria Park, Smethwick.
X'ian said: "She came over to me, handing out fruit at a Black Lives Matter protest.
"I couldn't speak to her fully as I don't speak Punjabi but then I heard some of her story from people involved in her case and I had to help.
"My background is Jamaican and Sikh, and I'm involved with a lot of protests in the city.
"Issues like the Windrush scandal really affect me. Seeing this Sikh lady who feels like she's at risk of being deported, it's like seeing my grandmother need help."
Gurmit said she's deeply touched by the campaign as she has seen that the community are their for support as she fears deprtation.
However the Home Office say they haven't persued Gurmit for living in the UK illegally in 7 years.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Home Office has not contacted Ms Kaur Sahota since 2013, so it is wrong to claim we have been pursuing deportation.
“We are happy to speak to Ms Kaur Sahota on next steps to resolve this matter.”


birminghammail--2020-11-15--Fraudster tried to bag £1,000 iPhones in John Lewis credit card scam

A credit card fraudster tried to bag three iPhones from John Lewis in a day - before he was caught at Birmingham 's Grand Central mall .
Ifeanyi Madu targeted three Midland stores in the space of a few hours , attempting to purchase the XS model - worth £999 at the time .
On each occasion the 'desperate ' 38-year-old father used a John Lewis Partnership Card in somebody else 's name .
When he was detained in the Birmingham city centre shop , which has since closed down , he tried to dispose of it down a skirting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , London , pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing an article for use in fraud and three charges of fraud by deception .
He was handed a 20-week suspended prison sentence at Birmingham Magistrates ' Court on Tuesday , November 10 .
He made unsuccessful attempts to buy the phones at John Lewis in Leicester and Tamworth on February 9 before trying his luck a third time in Birmingham .
Steven Mickelwright , prosecuting , said : `` The defendant travelled to John Lewis in Birmingham , Grand Central at 6pm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ iPhone , valued at £999 .
As the transaction was going through security were alerted and they informed the manager .
`` All of the purchases were made with a John Lewis Partnership card which does not relate to the defendant .
`` He was detained by security in Birmingham .
While being taken to a holding room he removed the fraudulent credit card and dropped it down a skirting board in the room . ''
Mohammed Naser , defending , said father-of-three Madu was out of work at the time and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and placed upon himself ( to provide financially ) was responsible for this poor exercise in judgement .
`` He was in possession of a card that did n't belong to him .
It was given to him by someone else .
He would receive a proportion of the funds generated from the acquisition of the mobile phones . ''
He added : `` A short time after this offence he was working .
He has a degree .
He is someone whose background ca n't be reconciled with these offences .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the pressure he felt to behave in this way , which will now live with him for a long time . ''
Madu 's jail term was suspended for 18 months .
Magistrates ordered he must also pay £185 in court costs and a £115 victim surcharge .
The chair of the bench said : `` These offences were planned , they targeted particular stores .
You were trying to obtain the same iPhone XS .
We do n't know where the card came from but it was n't your card , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This was a group activity and in our view they were serious offences .
We believe they cross the custody threshold but there are mitigating factors that allow us to suspend the period of imprisonment . ''

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A credit card fraudster tried to bag three iPhones from John Lewis in a day - before he was caught at Birmingham's Grand Central mall.
Ifeanyi Madu targeted three Midland stores in the space of a few hours, attempting to purchase the XS model - worth £999 at the time.
On each occasion the 'desperate' 38-year-old father used a John Lewis Partnership Card in somebody else's name.
When he was detained in the Birmingham city centre shop, which has since closed down, he tried to dispose of it down a skirting board.
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Madu, of Gascoyne Road, London, pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing an article for use in fraud and three charges of fraud by deception. He was handed a 20-week suspended prison sentence at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, November 10.
He made unsuccessful attempts to buy the phones at John Lewis in Leicester and Tamworth on February 9 before trying his luck a third time in Birmingham.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Steven Mickelwright, prosecuting, said: "The defendant travelled to John Lewis in Birmingham, Grand Central at 6pm. He did manage to purchase an Apple iPhone, valued at £999. As the transaction was going through security were alerted and they informed the manager.
"All of the purchases were made with a John Lewis Partnership card which does not relate to the defendant.
"He was detained by security in Birmingham. While being taken to a holding room he removed the fraudulent credit card and dropped it down a skirting board in the room."
Mohammed Naser, defending, said father-of-three Madu was out of work at the time and said: "Perhaps the pressure he felt and placed upon himself (to provide financially) was responsible for this poor exercise in judgement.
"He was in possession of a card that didn't belong to him. It was given to him by someone else. He would receive a proportion of the funds generated from the acquisition of the mobile phones."
He added: "A short time after this offence he was working. He has a degree. He is someone whose background can't be reconciled with these offences. It goes to demonstrate how desperate he felt and the pressure he felt to behave in this way, which will now live with him for a long time."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Madu's jail term was suspended for 18 months. Magistrates ordered he must also pay £185 in court costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
The chair of the bench said: "These offences were planned, they targeted particular stores. You were trying to obtain the same iPhone XS. We don't know where the card came from but it wasn't your card, it must have come from someone else.
"This was a group activity and in our view they were serious offences. We believe they cross the custody threshold but there are mitigating factors that allow us to suspend the period of imprisonment."


birminghammail--2020-11-15--Couple heartbroken after builder vanished with £2,000 and left kitchen in a mess

A heartbroken couple have claimed a complaint-hit builder vanished with £2,000 they paid him to fit their kitchen - just two hours into the job .
Now Kate and Brian Hall have joined the growing list of angry customers who have reported Steven Davis to trading standards .
The couple , from Redditch , had no idea of the complaints surrounding the builder when they spotted him advertising on the website myworkman.co.uk .
After reading positive reviews , they booked him to fit their new kitchen at their bungalow with redundancy money paid to Mr Hall , 61 , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aerospace grinder .
Mrs Hall , 66 , said : `` There were a few good reviews but we do n't know now if they were false .
`` It 's been a nightmare because my husband was made redundant on top of everything and I 've been shielding because I 've got emphysema .
`` Steven Davis even sent me a photograph of the cooker he 'd ordered me .
I 've paid for it and he 's taken all the money , everything .
Mr Davis , who trades under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially turned up at the property on October 6 .
After receiving the £2,000 payment in cash as he had insisted upon , he began dismantling the kitchen .
Mum-of-two Mrs Hall said : `` He came on the Monday and did two hours .
He then came back on the Tuesday and said , ' I ca n't concentrate , I feel really ill ' I 've got to go home ' .
`` So he went home and we have n't seen him since .
I messaged him and he messaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've phoned the doctor , I 'm really ill , I think I 've had food poisoning ' .
`` So we said , 'OK , start again Monday ' .
We kept messaging that week to get hold of him , eventually he messaged back , 'Oh , my car do n't start , my car 's broke down .
I 've got to buy a new car ' .
`` I messaged him on the Sunday and he did n't reply , then messaged him on the Monday , waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
`` He took everything out , the work surfaces , the sink , the tiles off the walls , all of the appliances .
My washing machine was left unplumbed , my fridge was there , everything else was out , things unplumbed , sockets hanging off the walls , I had no work surfaces , nothing . ''
With no kitchen , the couple were forced to rely on takeaways for the next few weeks as they hoped Mr Davis would return - before reading previous coverage on BirminghamLive concerning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We had a lot of takeaways , a lot of cups of coffee , thinking he was genuine , But it 's just been one excuse after another .
`` I just kept thinking , 'We 'll be alright , we 'll be alright ' , and then when we saw BirminghamLive 's stories about him on the Internet , that was it - the straw that broke the camel 's back .
`` I said , 'We 've been done ' . ''
The couple say they contacted police who advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating their complaint .
They have also now paid another builder a further £2,000 to fit their out-of-action kitchen .
Mrs Hall , a mum to two Down 's Syndrome adults , said : `` Our shed is full of our personal stuff now including my clothes because I ca n't get in my wardrobes as my bedroom is full of kitchenware .
`` It 's an absolute nightmare .
I 've just cried all the time . ''
Another alleged victim of Mr Davis , who did not want to be named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid for bathroom work that had been left unfinished .
He said : `` Just wanted to make you aware that this guy is still at it .
He took out all the bathroom fittings so I ca n't turn the water back on till I get another plumber round .
`` He should be in prison .
I 've reported it to the police .
`` I 've been doing lots of renovation work and he 's the first person who I 've met who has n't been decent .
I 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously told how Rubery couple Susan and David Price had complained to Trading Standards after paying Mr Davis £3,740 for renovation works at their home .
They also claimed he did just two hours work before 'vanishing ' and not returning their calls .
Worcestershire Trading Standards said it was liaising with police over complaints relating to Mr Davis .
West Mercia Police was unable to confirm if it was investigating .
We have repeatedly attempted to call Mr Davis , but he is a difficult tradesman to contact .
In fact we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put these new allegations .
However after making contact the person who answered we had the wrong number , we called against and the handset is now switched off .
The business name Steven Davis continues to use is Birmingham Plumbing Services Ltd , though this business was dissolved in 2017 .
If you do have contact details for Mr Steven Davis then please do provide those to us .

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A heartbroken couple have claimed a complaint-hit builder vanished with £2,000 they paid him to fit their kitchen - just two hours into the job.
Now Kate and Brian Hall have joined the growing list of angry customers who have reported Steven Davis to trading standards.
The couple, from Redditch, had no idea of the complaints surrounding the builder when they spotted him advertising on the website myworkman.co.uk.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
After reading positive reviews, they booked him to fit their new kitchen at their bungalow with redundancy money paid to Mr Hall, 61, who had lost his job as a Mettis Aerospace grinder.
Mrs Hall, 66, said: "There were a few good reviews but we don't know now if they were false.
"It's been a nightmare because my husband was made redundant on top of everything and I've been shielding because I've got emphysema.
"Steven Davis even sent me a photograph of the cooker he'd ordered me. I've paid for it and he's taken all the money, everything.
"We've been absolutely broken."
Mr Davis, who trades under the name Birmingham Plumbing Services Ltd, had initially turned up at the property on October 6. After receiving the £2,000 payment in cash as he had insisted upon, he began dismantling the kitchen.
Mum-of-two Mrs Hall said: "He came on the Monday and did two hours. He then came back on the Tuesday and said, 'I can't concentrate, I feel really ill' I've got to go home'.
"So he went home and we haven't seen him since. I messaged him and he messaged back, and he said, 'I've phoned the doctor, I'm really ill, I think I've had food poisoning'.
"So we said, 'OK, start again Monday'. We kept messaging that week to get hold of him, eventually he messaged back, 'Oh, my car don't start, my car's broke down. I've got to buy a new car'.
"I messaged him on the Sunday and he didn't reply, then messaged him on the Monday, waiting for him to turn up - nothing back.
"He took everything out, the work surfaces, the sink, the tiles off the walls, all of the appliances. My washing machine was left unplumbed, my fridge was there, everything else was out, things unplumbed, sockets hanging off the walls, I had no work surfaces, nothing."
With no kitchen, the couple were forced to rely on takeaways for the next few weeks as they hoped Mr Davis would return - before reading previous coverage on BirminghamLive concerning customer complaints.
Mrs Hall said: "We had a lot of takeaways, a lot of cups of coffee, thinking he was genuine, But it's just been one excuse after another.
"I just kept thinking, 'We'll be alright, we'll be alright', and then when we saw BirminghamLive's stories about him on the Internet, that was it - the straw that broke the camel's back.
"I said, 'We've been done'."
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
The couple say they contacted police who advised them to contact Trading Standards which is investigating their complaint.
They have also now paid another builder a further £2,000 to fit their out-of-action kitchen.
Mrs Hall, a mum to two Down's Syndrome adults, said: "Our shed is full of our personal stuff now including my clothes because I can't get in my wardrobes as my bedroom is full of kitchenware.
"It's an absolute nightmare. I've just cried all the time."
Another alleged victim of Mr Davis, who did not want to be named, also contacted BirminghamLive after claiming he paid for bathroom work that had been left unfinished.
He said: "Just wanted to make you aware that this guy is still at it. He took out all the bathroom fittings so I can't turn the water back on till I get another plumber round.
"He should be in prison. I've reported it to the police.
"I've been doing lots of renovation work and he's the first person who I've met who hasn't been decent. I'd rather trust people."
(Image: Birmingham Live/Darren Quinton)
We also previously told how Rubery couple Susan and David Price had complained to Trading Standards after paying Mr Davis £3,740 for renovation works at their home. They also claimed he did just two hours work before 'vanishing' and not returning their calls.
Worcestershire Trading Standards said it was liaising with police over complaints relating to Mr Davis.
West Mercia Police was unable to confirm if it was investigating.
We have repeatedly attempted to call Mr Davis, but he is a difficult tradesman to contact. In fact we called latest mobile number given for him to put these new allegations. However after making contact the person who answered we had the wrong number, we called against and the handset is now switched off.
The business name Steven Davis continues to use is Birmingham Plumbing Services Ltd, though this business was dissolved in 2017. If you do have contact details for Mr Steven Davis then please do provide those to us.


birminghammail--2020-11-15--Eight brilliant money-saving Christmas ideas from Birmingham mums

We asked parents on our Brummie Mummies Facebook page for ideas on how to save money in the run-up to Christmas - and they came up with some brilliant suggestions .
Christmas is always tough on the purse strings , and that has been made significantly harder this year due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic .
But there are thrifty ways you can save money and still create a lovely festive experience for your children , both on Christmas Day and in the run-up .
Here are some of their fabulous tips you can start to use during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up something they 've not used to give to each other Debbie Loveday said : `` One year when we could not afford to buy we just bought for the kids then my husband and I went through our cupboards and gave each other things we already had that we did not use and things the kids had not seen , i.e a book not read or jewellery not worn etc so the kids still thought we got each other presents . ''
Only buy for the kids Lisa Courtney-Rigby said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget about presents for each other and just concentrate on the children . ''
Stacey Ann Hutchins said : `` Christmas should n't cost a fortune .
I 've made homemade gifts each year for three years now .
I also shop around - as long as your kids have got clothes , books and a few toys that 's it .
Get one big present and a few small . ''
• To keep updated on family news , like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page .
You can also sign up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Lemon Aid newsletter here Check cashback websites and look for voucher codes Poppy Buckingham said : `` For birthdays this year within the family we decided to not do presents for us adults , or to set a low maximum spend , only buying normally for the children .
Another idea won ’ t help for this Christmas but might for future years : we save a little each month from our pay cheque , starting with the December pay cheque and then it ’ s already paid for by the November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if online ) I always check a cashback site or check for voucher codes .
For my aunts and uncles we usually home-make edible treats . ''
Angela Pitt said : `` I set a budget , we get gifts for two adults , six children , four of these are adults .
£70 each .
The older kids get £50 cash then the other £20 is spent on little gifts .
Me and husband have a budget of £50 each .
The younger two kids get £100 each spent on them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bargains when I see them .
We don ’ t buy for anyone else . ''
Donna Burton said : `` Give small donations in lieu of gifts . ''
Search online sales and charity shops ( once they reopen ) Anne Morag Chatterley said : `` I have always bought presents during the year .
During sales and in charity shops you can often find new goods you know someone will love .
Some people are easier than others so keep a note otherwise you can end up with multiple presents for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I got my eldest daughter 's and my partner 's presents during first lockdown and my youngest 's with £150 Love to Shop vouchers when they came in September . ''
She added : `` So all that was left to buy for were parents , grandparents , five friends , three brothers and six sisters .
Done half that in October .
`` Just mom , dad , one brother , two sisters , nan and grandad left to buy for in November/December .
Suppose in a nutshell its easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ * What are your money-saving ideas for the run-up to Christmas ?
We 'd love to hear them .
Get in touch via our Brummie Mummies Facebook page or by emailing zoe.chamberlain @ reachplc.com

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We asked parents on our Brummie Mummies Facebook page for ideas on how to save money in the run-up to Christmas - and they came up with some brilliant suggestions.
Christmas is always tough on the purse strings, and that has been made significantly harder this year due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But there are thrifty ways you can save money and still create a lovely festive experience for your children, both on Christmas Day and in the run-up. Here are some of their fabulous tips you can start to use during lockdown...
(Image: Brummie Mummies)
Mums and dads can wrap up something they've not used to give to each other
Debbie Loveday said: "One year when we could not afford to buy we just bought for the kids then my husband and I went through our cupboards and gave each other things we already had that we did not use and things the kids had not seen, i.e a book not read or jewellery not worn etc so the kids still thought we got each other presents."
Only buy for the kids
Lisa Courtney-Rigby said: "Tell all adults in the family to forget about presents for each other and just concentrate on the children."
Homemade gifts
Stacey Ann Hutchins said: "Christmas shouldn't cost a fortune. I've made homemade gifts each year for three years now. I also shop around - as long as your kids have got clothes, books and a few toys that's it. Get one big present and a few small."
• To keep updated on family news, like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page. You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter and our Lemon Aid newsletter here
Check cashback websites and look for voucher codes
Poppy Buckingham said: "For birthdays this year within the family we decided to not do presents for us adults, or to set a low maximum spend, only buying normally for the children. Another idea won’t help for this Christmas but might for future years: we save a little each month from our pay cheque, starting with the December pay cheque and then it’s already paid for by the November pay cheque.
"When buying (if online) I always check a cashback site or check for voucher codes. For my aunts and uncles we usually home-make edible treats."
Stick to your budget
Angela Pitt said: "I set a budget, we get gifts for two adults, six children, four of these are adults. £70 each. The older kids get £50 cash then the other £20 is spent on little gifts. Me and husband have a budget of £50 each. The younger two kids get £100 each spent on them. I shop all year and pick up bargains when I see them. We don’t buy for anyone else."
Make donations instead of giving presents
Donna Burton said: "Give small donations in lieu of gifts."
Brummie Mummies Staying In Family Fun Looking for ideas on things to do at home with your kids throughout lockdown? Follow our Brummie Mummies Facebook page to be kept up to date - and sign up to our free Brummie Mummies email newsletter to have fresh ideas delivered to your inbox every week. We've also launched a brand new Lemon-Aid newsletter where you can get daily tips on how to survive lockdown with your family. And we've brought back the Chipper Club to bring you weekly projects your kids can enjoy without leaving the house.
Search online sales and charity shops (once they reopen)
Anne Morag Chatterley said: "I have always bought presents during the year. During sales and in charity shops you can often find new goods you know someone will love. Some people are easier than others so keep a note otherwise you can end up with multiple presents for one person."
Start early and spread the cost
Natalie Roberts said: "I got my eldest daughter's and my partner's presents during first lockdown and my youngest's with £150 Love to Shop vouchers when they came in September."
She added: "So all that was left to buy for were parents, grandparents, five friends, three brothers and six sisters. Done half that in October.
"Just mom, dad, one brother, two sisters, nan and grandad left to buy for in November/December. Suppose in a nutshell its easier to just spread the cost."
* What are your money-saving ideas for the run-up to Christmas? We'd love to hear them. Get in touch via our Brummie Mummies Facebook page or by emailing zoe.chamberlain@reachplc.com


birminghammail--2020-11-15--John Terry sent 'weird' Derby message as Man City linked with Aston Villa ace

Aston Villa assistant head coach John Terry 's name is in the frame for the vacant Derby County job .
The Rams parted ways with Cocu on Saturday evening by mutual agreement with the club at the foot of the Championship table after 11 League matches , report DerbyshireLive .
Terry 's England team-mate Wayne Rooney is to take interim charge alongside former Brighton and Hove Albion coach Liam Rosenior and Villa goalkeeper Shay Given .
Terry has been linked to the Derby job before Cocu even departed , with the Daily Mail reporting that he could be an option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midfielder Douglas Luiz is still on Manchester City 's radar , according to reports .
The Brazilian international , who played 45 minutes of the Selecao 's World Cup qualifying defeat of Venezuela overnight , joined City from Villa last year .
Douglas cost around £15 million when Dean Smith 's men added him to Villa 's squad ahead of their return to the Premier League and it is believed that a buy-back clause was inserted into the deal .
According to BirminghamLive 's colleagues at the Manchester Evening News , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £30m next summer rising from £25m after the most recent transfer window .
Chelsea fans have been reacting to reports that Frank Lampard has made a decision on the future of Villa loanee Ross Barkley .
Barkley has been loaned to Villa for the 2020-21 campaign and has got off to a fine start in claret and blue , scoring three goals and registering an assist in eight games for Smith 's men .
Barkley was allowed to leave Chelsea in the summer because his chances of regular football at Stamford Bridge had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Lampard 's side .
Attacking midfielder Kai Havertz was brought in from Bayer Leverkusen for £90 million while Hakim Ziyech ( Ajax ) and Timo Werner ( RB Leipzig ) were also signed by Chelsea to add further depth to Chelsea 's attack .
The transfer window is looming , and the speculation is centred on Villa and the rest of the Premier League .
Smith 's men have made a confident start to the season with the manager delighted at the summer 's signings .
With the window soon to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Has the team got all it needs ?

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Terry sent 'weird' Derby message
Aston Villa assistant head coach John Terry's name is in the frame for the vacant Derby County job.
The Rams parted ways with Cocu on Saturday evening by mutual agreement with the club at the foot of the Championship table after 11 League matches, report DerbyshireLive .
Terry 's England team-mate Wayne Rooney is to take interim charge alongside former Brighton and Hove Albion coach Liam Rosenior and Villa goalkeeper Shay Given.
Terry has been linked to the Derby job before Cocu even departed, with the Daily Mail reporting that he could be an option for the Pride Park club.
More HERE.
Man City linked with Villa ace
Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is still on Manchester City's radar, according to reports.
The Brazilian international, who played 45 minutes of the Selecao's World Cup qualifying defeat of Venezuela overnight, joined City from Villa last year.
Douglas cost around £15 million when Dean Smith 's men added him to Villa's squad ahead of their return to the Premier League and it is believed that a buy-back clause was inserted into the deal.
According to BirminghamLive 's colleagues at the Manchester Evening News , there is talk of the buy-back clause standing at £30m next summer rising from £25m after the most recent transfer window.
Full piece HERE.
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Chelsea fans react to Villa 'decision'
Chelsea fans have been reacting to reports that Frank Lampard has made a decision on the future of Villa loanee Ross Barkley.
Barkley has been loaned to Villa for the 2020-21 campaign and has got off to a fine start in claret and blue, scoring three goals and registering an assist in eight games for Smith's men.
Barkley was allowed to leave Chelsea in the summer because his chances of regular football at Stamford Bridge had drastically decreased following a busy transfer window for Lampard's side.
Attacking midfielder Kai Havertz was brought in from Bayer Leverkusen for £90 million while Hakim Ziyech (Ajax) and Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) were also signed by Chelsea to add further depth to Chelsea's attack.
More HERE.
Latest Villa transfer round-up as Barkley talk intensifies
The transfer window is looming, and the speculation is centred on Villa and the rest of the Premier League.
Smith's men have made a confident start to the season with the manager delighted at the summer's signings.
With the window soon to open, there will be questions to answer.
Has the team got all it needs?
Full piece HERE.