birminghammail--2020-01-30--Brendan Rodgers breaks his silence on Aston Villa pitch invasion amid FA claims

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that no reports from Leicester City players or staff have been brought to him after the pitch invasion at the end of their defeat to Aston Villa .
Trezeguet 's late winner sparked scenes of wild jubilation at Villa Park , with fans spilling onto the pitch when referee Mike Dean blew the final whistle .
The win sent Villa back to Wembley , where they will face Manchester City next month .
But a report from Sky Sports following the dramatic semi final , claimed that Villa would be subject to an investigation by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was claimed that Foxes midfielder James Maddison was shoved to the floor in the middle of the crowd .
Stewards ran onto the pitch to escort the players down the tunnel but Maddison was caught up in the chaos , the report claimed .
But Rodgers confirmed that he has n't heard anything from his players , although he described the situation as 'not ideal ' .
“ I don ’ t know if any of my players were injured , but nothing has been brought to me by my players or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not ideal , the pitch should be the safest place for the players to be .
I haven ’ t heard of anything , so I ’ ve assumed nothing happened . ''
Asked about Maddison specifically , the Leicester boss said : “ I haven ’ t spoken to him , so I don ’ t know .
“ The Villa fans were excited .
The game ’ s gone , we ’ ve moved on.
” Rodgers also spoke about the decision to not award his side a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to striker Marvelous Nakamba 's outstretched arm .
He added : “ When I looked backed on the game , it didn ’ t seem that it was looked at for a long period of time .
It was probably the clearest handball you will see .
“ We haven ’ t been given an explanation , but clearly that one should have been a penalty .
“ We ’ ll definitely ask the question because it ’ s nice to have the clarity .
We don ’ t really have an excuse @ @ @

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Brendan Rodgers has revealed that no reports from Leicester City players or staff have been brought to him after the pitch invasion at the end of their defeat to Aston Villa.
Trezeguet's late winner sparked scenes of wild jubilation at Villa Park, with fans spilling onto the pitch when referee Mike Dean blew the final whistle.
The win sent Villa back to Wembley, where they will face Manchester City next month.
But a report from Sky Sports following the dramatic semi final, claimed that Villa would be subject to an investigation by the Football Association.
The reports emerged after it was claimed that Foxes midfielder James Maddison was shoved to the floor in the middle of the crowd.
Stewards ran onto the pitch to escort the players down the tunnel but Maddison was caught up in the chaos, the report claimed.
But Rodgers confirmed that he hasn't heard anything from his players, although he described the situation as 'not ideal'.
“I don’t know if any of my players were injured, but nothing has been brought to me by my players or staff," Rodgers explained.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“It’s not ideal, the pitch should be the safest place for the players to be. I haven’t heard of anything, so I’ve assumed nothing happened."
Asked about Maddison specifically, the Leicester boss said: “I haven’t spoken to him, so I don’t know.
“The Villa fans were excited. The game’s gone, we’ve moved on.”
Rodgers also spoke about the decision to not award his side a first half penalty when the ball appeared to striker Marvelous Nakamba's outstretched arm.
He added: “When I looked backed on the game, it didn’t seem that it was looked at for a long period of time. It was probably the clearest handball you will see.
“We haven’t been given an explanation, but clearly that one should have been a penalty.
“We’ll definitely ask the question because it’s nice to have the clarity. We don’t really have an excuse now.”


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Aston Villa transfer news RECAP: Davie Selke latest as club accept bid for Smith target

Welcome to Thursday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage , brought to you by BirminghamLive .
Villa booked their place in @ @ @ @ @ night with a dramatic 2-1 home win over Leicester City .
And there is still @ @ @ @ @ their squad with new signings .
Louie Barry became Villa 's fourth summer signing last @ @ @ @ @ Bromwich Albion man joining from Barcelona , and the boyhood Villan has already been impressing @ @ @ @ @ .
He follows Mbwana Samatta , Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater as Dean Smith tries @ @ @ @ @ the battle against the drop .
Villa are still looking for another striker - but @ @ @ @ @ as we edge closer to the deadline .
Follow all the action below ...

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ben Husband)

18:34
Explained: Borja Baston
The Spaniard, 27, will arrive on a short-term deal on a free transfer. Swansea are more than happy to let him go given his contract is set to expire this summer. Here, Swansea City reporter for Wales Online, Ian Mitchelmore, provides the following lowdown, with Villa just taking up the striker’s wages.
It’s worth noting that Baston has the same agent as Pepe Reina while the forward knows Villa’s sporting director Suso from his time in Spain.
(Image: Getty Images)
How has this deal suddenly come about, is Baston out-of-favour at Swans - why?
Borja started the season like a house on fire, scoring five goals in August. But his style has never suited Swansea, and once he struggled again, he lost his place to Sam Surridge, and more recently Rhian Brewster. His sky-high wages are also a huge problem for Swansea, so from a financial point of view, offloading him will be a huge help to the club.
What’s been Baston’s story at Swansea, a big-money signing in 2016... not happened?
He came into a Swansea side that had abandoned their famed style of play and managed just one goal in his debut season at the club, despite being the club-record signing. He had two season-long loans in Spain before returning to the club last summer, but it’s safe to say he’s - pound for pound - one of the worst signings in the club’s history.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
He’s a pretty good finisher, as he showed in August. His clinical nature was vital as Swansea collected a significant number of points, despite not playing to their full potential. As for weaknesses, he’s not the quickest, so running in behind isn’t an option. He’s not the most mobile either, so he’s not someone you’ll see pressing from the front.
Just how surprised are Swansea given Premier League interest? Can he cut it?
It’s come as a huge surprise. The club have been willing to sell him for some time now in a bid to reduce the wage bill, but after such a woeful scoring record since joining the club, for a Premier League club to come knocking is quite simply astonishing. Can he cut it? He hasn’t at Swansea, but you don’t play for the likes of Atletico Madrid without having something about you.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--The Wembley Carabao Cup final news Aston Villa fans wanted to hear

Ticket details are slowly emerging for Aston Villa ’ s Carabao Cup final with Manchester City .
Dean Smith ’ s men booked their place in the March 1 , showpiece , netting a injury time winner vs Leicester City .
Meanwhile , Man City moved into the final for the straight third year , despite losing 1-0 to rivals Manchester United at The Etihad .
It will be Villa ’ s third visit to the home of football in as many seasons , where the claret and blue faithful enjoyed very different days .
In 2018 , Villa were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play-off final , before they beat Derby County 2-1 in the following year ’ s final to return to the Premier League .
Although the ends of the day were vastly different , both occasions saw Villa in the West End of Wembley .
They also occupied that side of the stadium for the 2015 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal .
And once again , when they face off against City , they will be situated on that side of the stadium .
Being in the West End of Wembley , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Green Man pub , prior to the game .
A popular meeting point for supporters .
No official prices have yet been revealed but based on prices on the Football Association ’ s website , they are as follows : The allocation has also yet to be confirmed , but based on last season ’ s final between City and Chelsea – the team given the West side should expect to recieve 33,889 tickets .

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Ticket details are slowly emerging for Aston Villa’s Carabao Cup final with Manchester City.
Dean Smith’s men booked their place in the March 1, showpiece, netting a injury time winner vs Leicester City.
Meanwhile, Man City moved into the final for the straight third year, despite losing 1-0 to rivals Manchester United at The Etihad.
It will be Villa’s third visit to the home of football in as many seasons, where the claret and blue faithful enjoyed very different days.
In 2018, Villa were beaten 1-0 by Fulham in the Championship play-off final, before they beat Derby County 2-1 in the following year’s final to return to the Premier League.
Although the ends of the day were vastly different, both occasions saw Villa in the West End of Wembley. They also occupied that side of the stadium for the 2015 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.
(Image: ebookers)
And once again, when they face off against City, they will be situated on that side of the stadium. Being in the West End of Wembley, will also mean the Villa fans can fill The Green Man pub, prior to the game. A popular meeting point for supporters.
No official prices have yet been revealed but based on prices on the Football Association’s website, they are as follows:
Category 1 - £100 (adult) / £75 (young adult) / £50 (concession)
Category 2 - £90 / £67.50 / £45
Category 3 - £72 / £54 / £36
Category 4 - £56 / £42 / £28
Category 5 - £40 / £30 / £20
The allocation has also yet to be confirmed, but based on last season’s final between City and Chelsea – the team given the West side should expect to recieve 33,889 tickets.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--'No stone unturned' - Transfers, Villalba, Pedersen and more on Pep Clotet transcript

Pep Clotet spoke with the media ahead of this weekend 's clash with Nottingham Forest - and the day before the transfer window closes .
The Birmingham City head coach was asked about the arrival of Scott Hogan , the possibility of more incomings , Watford 's interest in Kristian Pedersen - and much , much more .
It ’ s been a consensus in the club that Scott has that ability to score goals and when you analyse his career - he always had it .
It ’ s very smart the way he moves he can complement very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front .
I do see a desire in him to do well for the club .
It ’ s our duty to help him regain confidence and momentum and help him turn out to be the best he can be .
I have known him since his performances at Brentford for many years and his performances were very strong .
That ’ s what we want .
I like the mentality of the club to understands it ’ s important to have options up front .
It ’ s very important because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that goal and have been on top in games but we need that second goal to kill the game off to avoid the opposition coming to you and I think he is a player who can help with that .
To break this you need goals That is our job .
Now he is one of us , he is here in our locker room , the way to approach it is to help him show the best level he has ever shown .
That ’ s the mentality we have with every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
I am sure no stone will be left unturned in that chase .
It ’ s difficult to say , there is still time to go , especially in England you can never say ‘ Alright , this is the situation ’ until the market is closed .
I know the club is always working and assessing possibilities .
I know a lot of things happen last minute but we need to answer this question after the market closes .
I think Fran showed a lot of creativity , he helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and showed us glimpses of the things he can add .
We were always aware it is not easy for a young player to adapt to English football and English life .
We spoke a lot to him about how to tackle those difficulties and how to develop resilience otherwise your performance levels will always be affected .
You need to understand that process of adaptation .
That requires to be very good on the training pitch and as well off the pitch- as we know it hasn ’ t always been easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he set his mind back to his comfort zone in Spain where he could feel more like having less challenges .
We thought that would be the best solution for both .
To make sure he gets the game-time in more controlled environment for him and see if he can slowly develop that resilience that for us in this locker room is very important .
Resilience to work hard in practice , to work hard in games to be responsible on your own to be a good professional on and off the pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs time to adjust .
The solution now is that he is there , that he gets a lot of game-time and that ’ s good for everyone .
It is a chance for a young player to get regular first team football .
That is the main reason , it is important Odin can compete for a spot for as many games as possible .
I know what Forest Green is building , I saw games there this season , I like their football proposal and I think Odin will fit very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of things he can take from that and come back to us in the summer and be a better player for all this game time .
It ’ s very good , we know we had a bad run during Christmas and we were not happy to not pick up enough points .
As soon as we got the injured players got back we managed to get back to being a solid team and the points started to flow back .
The team works very hard to be better and better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basis of being solid and able to grind and them do everything we can to grab the three points .
Against Cardiff and Middlesbrough we could turn that into three points , so the confidence is there , the teams is in a different mood now .
I saw them live a couple of times since last week , they are obviously one of the most in-form teams in the league , with 14 points in the last six games .
It is a team that has been working a lot for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real contenders for promotion .
That didn ’ t come overnight for them .
They have a striker that is making a difference for them , he has scored 16 goals .
It is a team that values a lot staying in games , especially away from home they are one of the ones who has conceded the least goals .
It makes them very dangerous , they have the mentality of waiting for a mistake and trying to capitalise .
If nothing happens make sure they get a point - that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It forces us to look for excellence to tackle the game and make sure we explore every way possible to secure the three points .
They do have weaknesses to exploit and make sure we don ’ t make mistakes they can use against us .
Under 23s joined in with training this week It ’ s been very positive , we had five payers joining regularly , some more than others .
It is part of our idea to keep track on the young players .
I hope they keep developing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a bright future ahead if we have the ability to stay calm , grant that opportunity and manage the pressure on them .
I am sure the fans will back us all through it because there is nothing better for a football fan than to see young talent make it through .
I can assure the fans this week I a very satisfied with what i see from the young players .
A high chance - which makes me very happy , especially for him .
I remember the game against Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle , unnecessary .
That put him out of football for months .
The fact Maikel made it through and is able to play football tomorrow , even though it is with the 23s , for him means it is going to be the most important minutes after all those months .
It says a lot about him as a person and a player to get through it .
Players get set-backs but that process is always painful .
I am sure Kieftenbeld will get out of it being a stronger player .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
His attitude has been very good , always backing the team , coming to the game , staying with the team in the locker room - a very good person and very good professional .
He look forward to seeing him wearing our shirt in our games .
He is very fit , very good in training , very good on gym and strength work - like one of the others .
It ’ s more a thing of them starting to know him and him knowing the rest .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to using him as soon as you can .
He already knows a few from Brentford - help settle ?
Absolutely .
There are a few players who know him as a person as well and know him as a player so that makes a difference .
Especially Josh who plays high up the pitch or Maxime who can link with him and knows how he plays .
It ’ s a win-win situation .
We had that example last season with Gary Gardner and he turned out to be a fantastic payer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important for us .
That ’ s what you wish .
With loan players I am very careful , it can not be a filler , it needs to be someone who increases options for us .
That was the mentality with Jake Clarke and is the same mentality now .
Fact he is coming from Aston Villa make it more pressurised ?
I can understand that view but at the end of the day the fans will understand that he is our player until the end of the season and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club we are and the support we give to our players .
We are all fighting for that .
I hope that he has a very good relationship with them , he helps the team as much as possible and he develops and finds himself in good positions here and can score goals .
He is not worried about it .
Dan Crowley we will look a couple of weeks .
It looks better and his recovery is already running .
Now we are at the stage where the muscle feels healed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not over-stretch it or overload it .
Kerim when we scanned the muscle it ’ s very mild .
But the tendon is a little bit affected and that requires a little bit of a longer time frame than Dan Crowley .
But not much longer We had a couple of players sick this week .
But they were back training today .
Of course I want Kristian Pedersen in this team , for us Kristian is massive .
I am very happy with the whole back line and the options we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season and very important for us this season .
Any style adjustments you want to do you need to keep something that has been working well for the club .
All of the back-four have been good .
Kristian is top three in the Championship as a left back and his performances this season are far better than his performances last season .
He didn ’ t struggle to adapt last season because he had been in Germany but in my opinion he was not as secure or as dominant .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous offensively helping us to start attacks , goals , assists , importance in set-plays - all of his defensive skills have been developing this season .
It is very difficult to see a mistake from Kristian Pedersen , he took a step forward in his performances and he did that thanks to the environment , thanks to the staff , thanks to the other players - thanks to himself being very focused .
I can not think about us without him because he is a massive player .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Premier League side is thinking about one of our players .
This means we are doing a good job and that the players are improving .
In this sense I can only state how important Kristian Pedersen is for us .
We haven ’ t even discussed that possibility in the club .

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Pep Clotet spoke with the media ahead of this weekend's clash with Nottingham Forest - and the day before the transfer window closes.
The Birmingham City head coach was asked about the arrival of Scott Hogan, the possibility of more incomings, Watford's interest in Kristian Pedersen - and much, much more.
Here's a transcript.
What will Scott Hogan bring?
It’s been a consensus in the club that Scott has that ability to score goals and when you analyse his career - he always had it.
It’s very smart the way he moves he can complement very well the other options we have up front.
I do see a desire in him to do well for the club. It’ s our duty to help him regain confidence and momentum and help him turn out to be the best he can be.
I have known him since his performances at Brentford for many years and his performances were very strong. That’s what we want.
I like the mentality of the club to understands it’s important to have options up front.
It’s very important because we have been in positions where we have that goal and have been on top in games but we need that second goal to kill the game off to avoid the opposition coming to you and I think he is a player who can help with that.
To break this you need goals
Key rediscovering the Brentford Scott Hogan?
That is our job. Now he is one of us, he is here in our locker room, the way to approach it is to help him show the best level he has ever shown.
That’s the mentality we have with every player, especially the ones that come in. I am sure no stone will be left unturned in that chase.
(Image: BCFC)
Fit into the system?
He fits directly.
Any more business?
It’s difficult to say, there is still time to go, especially in England you can never say ‘Alright, this is the situation’ until the market is closed.
I know the club is always working and assessing possibilities. I know a lot of things happen last minute but we need to answer this question after the market closes.
Fran Villalba loan
I think Fran showed a lot of creativity, he helped us in the beginning of the season and showed us glimpses of the things he can add.
We were always aware it is not easy for a young player to adapt to English football and English life.
We spoke a lot to him about how to tackle those difficulties and how to develop resilience otherwise your performance levels will always be affected. You need to understand that process of adaptation.
That requires to be very good on the training pitch and as well off the pitch- as we know it hasn’t always been easy for him.
I think straight away he set his mind back to his comfort zone in Spain where he could feel more like having less challenges. We thought that would be the best solution for both.
To make sure he gets the game-time in more controlled environment for him and see if he can slowly develop that resilience that for us in this locker room is very important.
Resilience to work hard in practice, to work hard in games to be responsible on your own to be a good professional on and off the pitch.
We do respect that every player needs time to adjust.
The solution now is that he is there, that he gets a lot of game-time and that’s good for everyone.
Odin Bailey loan
It is a chance for a young player to get regular first team football. That is the main reason, it is important Odin can compete for a spot for as many games as possible.
I know what Forest Green is building, I saw games there this season, I like their football proposal and I think Odin will fit very well into that.
He will learn a lot of things he can take from that and come back to us in the summer and be a better player for all this game time.
Mood in camp
It’s very good, we know we had a bad run during Christmas and we were not happy to not pick up enough points.
As soon as we got the injured players got back we managed to get back to being a solid team and the points started to flow back.
The team works very hard to be better and better, we want to do it from the basis of being solid and able to grind and them do everything we can to grab the three points.
Against Cardiff and Middlesbrough we could turn that into three points, so the confidence is there, the teams is in a different mood now.
Forest game
I saw them live a couple of times since last week, they are obviously one of the most in-form teams in the league, with 14 points in the last six games.
It is a team that has been working a lot for the last couple of years to be real contenders for promotion. That didn’t come overnight for them.
They have a striker that is making a difference for them, he has scored 16 goals.
It is a team that values a lot staying in games, especially away from home they are one of the ones who has conceded the least goals. It makes them very dangerous, they have the mentality of waiting for a mistake and trying to capitalise.
If nothing happens make sure they get a point - that’s the mentality of the team. It forces us to look for excellence to tackle the game and make sure we explore every way possible to secure the three points.
They do have weaknesses to exploit and make sure we don’t make mistakes they can use against us.
Under 23s joined in with training this week
It’s been very positive, we had five payers joining regularly, some more than others. It is part of our idea to keep track on the young players.
I hope they keep developing the way they are doing because the club has a bright future ahead if we have the ability to stay calm, grant that opportunity and manage the pressure on them.
I am sure the fans will back us all through it because there is nothing better for a football fan than to see young talent make it through.
I can assure the fans this week I a very satisfied with what i see from the young players.
Maikel Kieftenbeld in U23s on Friday?
A high chance - which makes me very happy, especially for him. I remember the game against Leeds last season, that was a terrible tackle, unnecessary.
That put him out of football for months. The fact Maikel made it through and is able to play football tomorrow, even though it is with the 23s, for him means it is going to be the most important minutes after all those months.
It says a lot about him as a person and a player to get through it. Players get set-backs but that process is always painful.
I am sure Kieftenbeld will get out of it being a stronger player.
How has he been around the group?
His attitude has been very good, always backing the team, coming to the game, staying with the team in the locker room - a very good person and very good professional.
He look forward to seeing him wearing our shirt in our games.
Fresh injury conerns?
No.
Is Scott Hogan fit?
He is very fit, very good in training, very good on gym and strength work - like one of the others. It’s more a thing of them starting to know him and him knowing the rest.
He is an available player and you look forward to using him as soon as you can.
He already knows a few from Brentford - help settle?
Absolutely. There are a few players who know him as a person as well and know him as a player so that makes a difference.
Especially Josh who plays high up the pitch or Maxime who can link with him and knows how he plays.
It’s a win-win situation. We had that example last season with Gary Gardner and he turned out to be a fantastic payer for us, now he is very important for us. That’s what you wish.
With loan players I am very careful, it cannot be a filler, it needs to be someone who increases options for us. That was the mentality with Jake Clarke and is the same mentality now.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Fact he is coming from Aston Villa make it more pressurised?
I can understand that view but at the end of the day the fans will understand that he is our player until the end of the season and it is an opportunity for us to show him the club we are and the support we give to our players. We are all fighting for that.
I hope that he has a very good relationship with them, he helps the team as much as possible and he develops and finds himself in good positions here and can score goals.
He is not worried about it.
Crowley, Mrabti fitness
Dan Crowley we will look a couple of weeks. It looks better and his recovery is already running.
Now we are at the stage where the muscle feels healed but it is not healed so we cannot over-stretch it or overload it.
Kerim when we scanned the muscle it’s very mild. But the tendon is a little bit affected and that requires a little bit of a longer time frame than Dan Crowley. But not much longer
Marc Roberts sick?
We had a couple of players sick this week. But they were back training today.
Pedersen to Watford link
Of course I want Kristian Pedersen in this team, for us Kristian is massive.
I am very happy with the whole back line and the options we have, it has been very important last season and very important for us this season.
Any style adjustments you want to do you need to keep something that has been working well for the club.
All of the back-four have been good.
Kristian is top three in the Championship as a left back and his performances this season are far better than his performances last season.
He didn’t struggle to adapt last season because he had been in Germany but in my opinion he was not as secure or as dominant.
He turned himself into a dominant player, dangerous offensively helping us to start attacks, goals, assists, importance in set-plays - all of his defensive skills have been developing this season.
It is very difficult to see a mistake from Kristian Pedersen, he took a step forward in his performances and he did that thanks to the environment, thanks to the staff, thanks to the other players - thanks to himself being very focused.
I cannot think about us without him because he is a massive player.
At the same time it gives me huge motivation to now a Premier League side is thinking about one of our players. This means we are doing a good job and that the players are improving.
In this sense I can only state how important Kristian Pedersen is for us. We haven’t even discussed that possibility in the club.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Birmingham City set to seal surprise move for Wolves forward - reports

Birmingham City are poised to sign their second forward of the window in the shape of Wolverhampton Wanderers ' Bright Enobakhare .
The 21-year-old , spent the first half of the season on-loan with Wigan Athletic , but returned to Molineux after failing to get regular playing time .
Bright enjoyed a stunning spell with Coventry City in the 2018/19 season , with the Sky Blues keen to make it a permanent deal in the summer .
He signed a new one-year deal with the Premier League club in the summer , but will now join Blues on a permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bright has made almost 50 appearances for Wolves , with many of those coming in their promotion season in 2017/18 .
However , since their return to the Premier League , he has struggled to make an impact under Nuno Espirito Santo – despite spending pre-season with the first team squad .
Reports suggest he has already completed his medical with Blues and will become Pep Clotet ’ s second signing of the window .
He follows Aston Villa loanee Scott Hogan , with both looking to add to Clotet ’ s options @ @ @

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Birmingham City are poised to sign their second forward of the window in the shape of Wolverhampton Wanderers' Bright Enobakhare.
The 21-year-old, spent the first half of the season on-loan with Wigan Athletic, but returned to Molineux after failing to get regular playing time.
Bright enjoyed a stunning spell with Coventry City in the 2018/19 season, with the Sky Blues keen to make it a permanent deal in the summer.
He signed a new one-year deal with the Premier League club in the summer, but will now join Blues on a permanent deal, according to The Telegraph.
Bright has made almost 50 appearances for Wolves, with many of those coming in their promotion season in 2017/18.
However, since their return to the Premier League, he has struggled to make an impact under Nuno Espirito Santo – despite spending pre-season with the first team squad.
Reports suggest he has already completed his medical with Blues and will become Pep Clotet’s second signing of the window.
He follows Aston Villa loanee Scott Hogan, with both looking to add to Clotet’s options going forward.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Jehovah's Witnesses leaders ordered to pay rape victim £62,000 damages

Leaders of the Jehovah 's Witnesses have been told to pay a rape victim more than £60,000 damages by a High Court judge .
The woman was raped by a fellow Jehovah 's Witness after going door-to-door evangelising near Cardiff , Glamorgan , 30 years ago , Mr Justice Chamberlain heard .
A `` judicial committee '' of Jehovah 's Witnesses ' elders had , in 1991 , found the woman 's allegations against Mark Sewell `` not proven '' at an internal inquiry .
But more than 20 years later Sewell was investigated by police .
He was convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two other people after a trial in 2014 , and was given a 14-year prison sentence .
The woman , who is no longer a Jehovah 's Witness , said she suffered depression as a result of the rape and sued for compensation .
She said a `` proper '' internal inquiry had not been conducted and said leaders of the Jehovah 's Witnesses were `` vicariously liable '' for the rape .
The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania , which is based in New York and is the worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the trustees of the local congregation the woman had been a member of , did not accept they were vicariously liable for the rape .
But Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled in the woman 's favour after a High Court trial in London .
He concluded that her psychiatric injuries were attributable to the rape and ruled that she should get £62,000 general damages .
The judge named Sewell in a written ruling published on Thursday but did not identify the woman .

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Leaders of the Jehovah's Witnesses have been told to pay a rape victim more than £60,000 damages by a High Court judge.
The woman was raped by a fellow Jehovah's Witness after going door-to-door evangelising near Cardiff, Glamorgan, 30 years ago, Mr Justice Chamberlain heard.
A "judicial committee" of Jehovah's Witnesses' elders had, in 1991, found the woman's allegations against Mark Sewell "not proven" at an internal inquiry.
But more than 20 years later Sewell was investigated by police.
He was convicted of raping the woman and indecently assaulting two other people after a trial in 2014, and was given a 14-year prison sentence.
(Image: PA)
The woman, who is no longer a Jehovah's Witness, said she suffered depression as a result of the rape and sued for compensation.
She said a "proper" internal inquiry had not been conducted and said leaders of the Jehovah's Witnesses were "vicariously liable" for the rape.
The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, which is based in New York and is the worldwide governing body of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and the trustees of the local congregation the woman had been a member of, did not accept they were vicariously liable for the rape.
But Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled in the woman's favour after a High Court trial in London.
He concluded that her psychiatric injuries were attributable to the rape and ruled that she should get £62,000 general damages.
The judge named Sewell in a written ruling published on Thursday but did not identify the woman.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Aston Villa transfer target offered to club ahead of deadline - reports

Victor Wanyama has been offered to Rennes , amid links with Aston Villa , according to reports in France .
The Tottenham midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in this window , with Jose Mourinho keen to offload his hefty wages .
Villa were named as a potential destination for the former Celtic man , with reports Dean Smith is keeping close tabs on his situation with Spurs .
Smith has already made three signings for the senior team in this window .
With Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater arriving on loan and striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wanyama has 18-months left on his Spurs deal , with the Londoners believed to be holding out for around £9m – although they could accept less , with the deadline looming .
L ’ Equipe have now reported that Rennes have been offered the Kenyan international , but the signing of Steven Nzonzi is likely to end their interest .
It is also suggested that Serie A outfit Fiorentina have launched a ‘ firm offer ’ for the 28-year-old .
With less than 48 hours of the window remaining , Smith has suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but another striker is likely to be a priority .

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Victor Wanyama has been offered to Rennes, amid links with Aston Villa, according to reports in France.
The Tottenham midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in this window, with Jose Mourinho keen to offload his hefty wages.
Villa were named as a potential destination for the former Celtic man, with reports Dean Smith is keeping close tabs on his situation with Spurs.
Smith has already made three signings for the senior team in this window. With Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater arriving on loan and striker Mbwana Samatta signing permanently from Genk.
Wanyama has 18-months left on his Spurs deal, with the Londoners believed to be holding out for around £9m – although they could accept less, with the deadline looming.
L’Equipe have now reported that Rennes have been offered the Kenyan international, but the signing of Steven Nzonzi is likely to end their interest.
It is also suggested that Serie A outfit Fiorentina have launched a ‘firm offer’ for the 28-year-old.
With less than 48 hours of the window remaining, Smith has suggested they are still in the market, but another striker is likely to be a priority.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Thousands stuck on cruise ship in Italy in coronavirus scare

Around 7,000 people have been kept on a cruise ship in Italy for nearly a day as one passenger is checked for a possible infection .
It comes as European countries stepped up efforts on Thursday to contain the coronavirus sweeping through central China .
Italian health authorities did not allow 6,000 passengers and 1,000 crew aboard a cruise ship docked north of Rome to get off after a passenger from Macao came down with flu-like symptoms .
The Costa Crociere cruise line said the 54-year-old woman and her partner , who had no symptoms , were immediately put into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italian maritime authorities .
Italian Coastguard commander Vincenzo Leone said : `` All the planned mechanisms were activated .
Health authorities are on board , doing checks .
`` The situation is under control .
There 's a security cordon on the dock . ''
The Costa Smeralda was sailing from Majorca in Spain 's Balearic Islands , to Civitavecchia on a week-long Mediterranean cruise .
Later on Thursday , just over 1,000 passengers were allowed off the ship for a walk through sunny Rome .
Meanwhile , a chartered plane has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China as more commercial flights were scrapped and Russia closed its land border with China .
An A380 evacuation flight took off on Thursday morning from a former Portuguese military airport at Beja , 120 miles south-east of Lisbon , carrying just its pilots and crew .
Captain Antonios Efthymiou said the flight was going first to Paris to pick up a team of doctors and extra crew , before heading to Hanoi and then China .
He told Portuguese media it would bring back about 350 Europeans .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not elaborate .
China has reported 170 deaths and at least 7,800 infections have been confirmed worldwide from the virus that emerged last month in the central city of Wuhan .
In Europe , there have been 10 confirmed cases of the virus so far - five in France , four in Germany and one in Finland .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin issued a decree ordering the temporary closure of the country 's border with China , which extends for 2,600 miles .
The Czech Republic announced it was stopping issuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Barry Hatton, AP, Brett Gibbons)

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Around 7,000 people have been kept on a cruise ship in Italy for nearly a day as one passenger is checked for a possible infection.
It comes as European countries stepped up efforts on Thursday to contain the coronavirus sweeping through central China.
Italian health authorities did not allow 6,000 passengers and 1,000 crew aboard a cruise ship docked north of Rome to get off after a passenger from Macao came down with flu-like symptoms.
The Costa Crociere cruise line said the 54-year-old woman and her partner, who had no symptoms, were immediately put into isolation Wednesday and the case reported to Italian maritime authorities.
(Image: AP)
Italian Coastguard commander Vincenzo Leone said: "All the planned mechanisms were activated. Health authorities are on board, doing checks.
"The situation is under control. There's a security cordon on the dock."
The Costa Smeralda was sailing from Majorca in Spain's Balearic Islands, to Civitavecchia on a week-long Mediterranean cruise.
Later on Thursday, just over 1,000 passengers were allowed off the ship for a walk through sunny Rome.
Meanwhile, a chartered plane has been sent to evacuate hundreds of European citizens from China as more commercial flights were scrapped and Russia closed its land border with China.
An A380 evacuation flight took off on Thursday morning from a former Portuguese military airport at Beja, 120 miles south-east of Lisbon, carrying just its pilots and crew.
Captain Antonios Efthymiou said the flight was going first to Paris to pick up a team of doctors and extra crew, before heading to Hanoi and then China.
He told Portuguese media it would bring back about 350 Europeans. He said the crew would take special medical precautions but did not elaborate.
China has reported 170 deaths and at least 7,800 infections have been confirmed worldwide from the virus that emerged last month in the central city of Wuhan.
In Europe, there have been 10 confirmed cases of the virus so far - five in France, four in Germany and one in Finland.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin issued a decree ordering the temporary closure of the country's border with China, which extends for 2,600 miles.
The Czech Republic announced it was stopping issuing visas to Chinese citizens due to the outbreak.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Jordan Sinnott's grieving family pay heartbreaking tribute to footballer after death

The family of Midlands footballer Jordan Sinnott have said their `` hearts are broken '' following his death .
Jordan , a footballer with non-league Matlock Town Football Club , was the son of Aldridge-born Lee Sinnott who captained Walsall and made 500 Football League appearances before managing Port Vale .
Police were called in the early hours of Saturday , January , to help ambulance crews who were treating him after he was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following an incident at around 2am in Market Place , Retford , ExaminerLive reports .
Nottinghamshire Police launched an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before 6pm surrounded by his family .
Three men have been charged in connection with the incident .
In a statement , Mr Sinnott 's family said : `` Just before 6pm on 25 January our hearts were completely broken when we said our goodbyes to Jordan .
`` Jordan was the love of our life .
He was kind , gentle , funny and lived his life to the full each and every day .
`` He was a true gentleman .
He absolutely loved his football and from an early age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to succeed .
`` Nothing will ever be the same again without Jordan in our lives .
It will leave a void that can never be filled .
`` He was taken from us far too soon and no amount of time will make this easier .
`` The response we have had from family , friends and the public has been overwhelming and as a family we can not thank each and every one of you enough .
`` Jordan touched so many hearts in his life and will leave behind a @ @ @

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The family of Midlands footballer Jordan Sinnott have said their "hearts are broken" following his death.
Jordan, a footballer with non-league Matlock Town Football Club, was the son of Aldridge-born Lee Sinnott who captained Walsall and made 500 Football League appearances before managing Port Vale.
Police were called in the early hours of Saturday, January, to help ambulance crews who were treating him after he was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following an incident at around 2am in Market Place, Retford, ExaminerLive reports.
Nottinghamshire Police launched an investigation after he died in hospital just before 6pm surrounded by his family.
Three men have been charged in connection with the incident.
In a statement, Mr Sinnott's family said: "Just before 6pm on 25 January our hearts were completely broken when we said our goodbyes to Jordan.
"Jordan was the love of our life. He was kind, gentle, funny and lived his life to the full each and every day.
"He was a true gentleman. He absolutely loved his football and from an early age we knew he was determined and driven to succeed.
"Nothing will ever be the same again without Jordan in our lives. It will leave a void that can never be filled.
"He was taken from us far too soon and no amount of time will make this easier.
"The response we have had from family, friends and the public has been overwhelming and as a family we cannot thank each and every one of you enough.
"Jordan touched so many hearts in his life and will leave behind a legacy."


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Hays Travel ends 'archaic' female staff uniform policy outlawing trousers

The travel firm that has taken over a string of Brimingham stores has axed its `` backwards and archaic '' uniform policy so female workers can wear trousers .
Hays Travel - which took over all of Thomas Cook 's travel shops in the West Midlands - had attracted criticism after previously insisting that women must wear knee-length skirts at work .
But the dress policy , which has been in place throughout Hays ' 40 years in business , has been abandoned following complaints from staff , reports the Mirror .
It is not known whether workers at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revolt but women 's rights campaigners and unions welcomed the move .
On Tuesday , the husband of a Hays worker took to social media to complain .
The tweet , which has since been deleted , stated : `` 21st Century and there are still companies that wo n't allow women to wear trousers .
`` This is an archaic and backwards policy .
Is there really equality in the world or even in the UK which would hopefully be beyond this ? ''
The complainant , who wishes to remain anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uniform policy does not allow women to wear trousers .
`` My wife has requested trousers and been told 'no ' .
I think it is such an old outdated policy .
It screams of Carry On ethics to me . ''
The following day Sunderland-based Hays backed down , ChronicleLive reports .
A spokeswoman said : `` This issue was brought to the attention of company directors on Tuesday and they have decided to review the uniform policy and allow women to wear trousers . ''
Christina McAnea , assistant general secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice to see organisations joining the 21st century .
`` Uniforms should be functional , useful and nothing else .
`` The clock is ticking for workplaces that do n't move with the times . ''
Harini Iyengar , a barrister from the Women 's Equality Party said : `` I 'm pleased to hear that the management at Hays Travel have listened to the women who work there and modernised their uniform policy in response .
Hopefully other companies and organisations will follow suit .
`` All too often , staff are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
`` At the moment , unless you can prove that a dress code is 'detrimental ' to you , there 's no legal basis to challenge it , even if the code treats people differently on the basis of old-fashioned gender stereotypes , as this one did . ''
She added : `` This can lead to situations where women are forced to wear skirts , or certain makeup or - especially for black women - to have their hair a certain way , which can feel very intrusive . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would take over all 555 Thomas Cook stores following the holiday company 's collapse .
The company 's founders , John and Irene Hays recently revealed that 2,000 of the 2,500 retail staff employed by Cook had been retained by Hays Travel and that 3,000 were now employed in the shops overall .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Kirsty Stewart, Lorraine King, Kieran Murray, Brett Gibbons)

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The travel firm that has taken over a string of Brimingham stores has axed its "backwards and archaic" uniform policy so female workers can wear trousers.
Hays Travel - which took over all of Thomas Cook's travel shops in the West Midlands - had attracted criticism after previously insisting that women must wear knee-length skirts at work.
But the dress policy, which has been in place throughout Hays' 40 years in business, has been abandoned following complaints from staff, reports the Mirror.
It is not known whether workers at the recently acquired Thomas Cook branches sparked the revolt but women's rights campaigners and unions welcomed the move.
On Tuesday, the husband of a Hays worker took to social media to complain.
The tweet, which has since been deleted, stated: "21st Century and there are still companies that won't allow women to wear trousers.
"This is an archaic and backwards policy. Is there really equality in the world or even in the UK which would hopefully be beyond this?"
The complainant, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that day: "Their uniform policy does not allow women to wear trousers.
"My wife has requested trousers and been told 'no'. I think it is such an old outdated policy. It screams of Carry On ethics to me."
The following day Sunderland-based Hays backed down, ChronicleLive reports.
A spokeswoman said: "This issue was brought to the attention of company directors on Tuesday and they have decided to review the uniform policy and allow women to wear trousers."
Christina McAnea, assistant general secretary at UNISON said: "It's nice to see organisations joining the 21st century.
"Uniforms should be functional, useful and nothing else.
"The clock is ticking for workplaces that don't move with the times."
Harini Iyengar, a barrister from the Women's Equality Party said: "I'm pleased to hear that the management at Hays Travel have listened to the women who work there and modernised their uniform policy in response. Hopefully other companies and organisations will follow suit.
"All too often, staff are unable to challenge outdated dress codes like this.
"At the moment, unless you can prove that a dress code is 'detrimental' to you, there's no legal basis to challenge it, even if the code treats people differently on the basis of old-fashioned gender stereotypes, as this one did."
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She added: "This can lead to situations where women are forced to wear skirts, or certain makeup or - especially for black women - to have their hair a certain way, which can feel very intrusive."
In October last year Hays Travel announced it would take over all 555 Thomas Cook stores following the holiday company's collapse.
The company's founders, John and Irene Hays recently revealed that 2,000 of the 2,500 retail staff employed by Cook had been retained by Hays Travel and that 3,000 were now employed in the shops overall.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Evacuation flight to UK from coronavirus-hit Wuhan now expected on Friday

The government now plans to bring back UK citizens from coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China on Friday and will fly them into a military base .
The flight , which has not yet been given permission to leave by Chinese authorities , is expected to return to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire .
Passengers will then be taken to an NHS facility in the North West for a quarantine period of 14 days , sources told the PA news agency .
It comes as the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) emergency committee is expected to declare an international public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Government has been negotiating with Chinese authorities over permission for a flight to leave Wuhan , after one planned for Thursday was stopped .
Downing Street said the UK was working `` urgently '' with Chinese authorities on Thursday to ensure citizens in Wuhan can return on a flight `` as soon as possible '' .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` We are doing everything we can to get British people in Wuhan safely back to the UK .
`` A number of countries ' flights have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British repatriation from Wuhan .
`` We are working urgently with the Chinese authorities to ensure that the flight can take off as soon as possible . ''
But the plane has been prevented from leaving China because `` we have n't got the necessary clearances and we are working with the Chinese authorities on securing those '' , the spokesman said .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jane Kirby, Sam Blewett, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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The government now plans to bring back UK citizens from coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China on Friday and will fly them into a military base.
The flight, which has not yet been given permission to leave by Chinese authorities, is expected to return to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Passengers will then be taken to an NHS facility in the North West for a quarantine period of 14 days, sources told the PA news agency.
It comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) emergency committee is expected to declare an international public health emergency during its meeting on Thursday.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Government has been negotiating with Chinese authorities over permission for a flight to leave Wuhan, after one planned for Thursday was stopped.
Downing Street said the UK was working "urgently" with Chinese authorities on Thursday to ensure citizens in Wuhan can return on a flight "as soon as possible".
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We are doing everything we can to get British people in Wuhan safely back to the UK.
"A number of countries' flights have been unable to take off as planned including the British repatriation from Wuhan.
"We are working urgently with the Chinese authorities to ensure that the flight can take off as soon as possible."
But the plane has been prevented from leaving China because "we haven't got the necessary clearances and we are working with the Chinese authorities on securing those", the spokesman said.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Wireless Festival sparks fury with male heavy line-up featuring just six female acts

ASAP Rocky , Skepta and Meek Mill are headlining this year 's Wireless festival - although the line-up features only six female acts .
The festival 's Twitter account shared a video unveiling the 2020 line-up on Thursday .
The three-day event at Finsbury Park in north London will also see performances from D-Block Europe , AJ Tracey , Lil Uzi Vert , Young Thug , Burna Boy , Doja Cat , Aitch and Koffee .
Friday night will see ASAP Rocky take to the stage .
The rapper , real name Rakim Mayers , cancelled his headline slot at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detained following an alleged fight in Stockholm days before he was due to play .
Grime pioneer Skepta will top the billing on Saturday , while US rapper Meek Mill will make his debut at the festival as headliner on Sunday .
He tweeted : `` I 'm doing wireless fest for the first timeee !
Gone be lit UK got ta go up ! ''
However , the festival faced criticism over the lack of female talent on its line-up .
Singer and actress Mahalia shared the line-up and tweeted : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , y'all really made another dick fest line up ?
?
?
?
I 'm tired . ''
Others were also critical of the male-dominated billing .
One asked : `` Does Wireless care about Female acts ? ''
Another said : `` Can someone start an all female festival please coz right now it seems £Wireless is an all male festival ... .. let 's go !
Who else is in ?
`` Furthermore I 'll set it up I need to know who would be on the line up & who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... more work to be done . ''
A third added : `` Not impressed with the wireless lineup .
here are all the female artists ? ''
Some defended the festival , citing a perceived lack of female talent in the music scene .
One person said : `` There is a lack of equality not denying that .
But you ca n't call Wireless sexist because they did n't choose any female artists if there 's so few quality female artists around at the moment . ''
The festival has been @ @ @ @

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ASAP Rocky, Skepta and Meek Mill are headlining this year's Wireless festival - although the line-up features only six female acts.
The festival's Twitter account shared a video unveiling the 2020 line-up on Thursday.
The three-day event at Finsbury Park in north London will also see performances from D-Block Europe, AJ Tracey, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Burna Boy, Doja Cat, Aitch and Koffee.
Friday night will see ASAP Rocky take to the stage.
The rapper, real name Rakim Mayers, cancelled his headline slot at last year's event after he was detained following an alleged fight in Stockholm days before he was due to play.
Grime pioneer Skepta will top the billing on Saturday, while US rapper Meek Mill will make his debut at the festival as headliner on Sunday.
He tweeted: "I'm doing wireless fest for the first timeee! Gone be lit UK gotta go up!"
However, the festival faced criticism over the lack of female talent on its line-up.
Singer and actress Mahalia shared the line-up and tweeted: "With all the female artists out there, y'all really made another dick fest line up ???? I'm tired."
Others were also critical of the male-dominated billing.
One asked: "Does Wireless care about Female acts?"
Another said: "Can someone start an all female festival please coz right now it seems £Wireless is an all male festival ..... let's go! Who else is in?
"Furthermore I'll set it up I need to know who would be on the line up & who would come ... yeh I'm dreaming ... more work to be done."
A third added: "Not impressed with the wireless lineup. here are all the female artists?"
Some defended the festival, citing a perceived lack of female talent in the music scene.
One person said: "There is a lack of equality not denying that. But you can't call Wireless sexist because they didn't choose any female artists if there's so few quality female artists around at the moment."
The festival has been contacted for comment.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Kickboxer who sparred with Idris Elba spared jail after witnessing gym murder

A champion kickboxer who failed to turn up to give evidence after witnessing a `` grisly '' murder at a gym has been spared jail for contempt of court .
Luke `` Skywalker '' Whelan , 28 , who sparred with Hollywood actor Idris Elba , went into `` fright mode '' after seeing the killing of new father George Barker at Double K gym in Bexley , south-east London , in November 2016 .
Suspected drug wholesaler Charles Riddington , 37 , fled the country after stabbing 24-year-old Mr Barker 17 times but was brought back to face justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trial last August , Whelan received repeated contact from the victim 's family which triggered a perceived `` fear for his safety '' , the court heard .
Shortly before he was expected at court , Whelan left his bank cards and phone at his mother 's house and was dropped off by his girlfriend at King 's Cross station .
Despite a warrant for his arrest , Whelan disappeared for three weeks , only resurfacing after the trial had finished .
In his absence , extracts of his witness statement were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described Riddington producing a lock knife and aiming targeted stabs at Mr Barker 's face .
Disputing Whelan 's account , Riddington had claimed he acted in self-defence after Mr Barker produced the weapon .
Riddington , from Orpington , was jailed for at least 19 years after being found guilty of murder but acquitted of possession of the knife .
The court heard that if he had been found guilty of having the murder weapon , the sentencing starting point would have been 25 years .
In December , Whelan , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accepted being in contempt of court before Judge Nigel Lickley .
As he appeared to be sentenced on Thursday , the court heard he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) .
The court was shown the `` grisly '' aftermath of the stabbing , with Mr Barker lying in a pool of blood and Mr Whelan looking shocked and tearful as he was led away by police .
On why he failed to give evidence , his barrister Sam Trefgarne said : `` It was clear he wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminder of the murder brought back distressing images . ''
His post-traumatic stress disorder also made him `` hyper vigilant to any threat '' , he said .
The lawyer added : `` It was not something planned long in advance when he had been plotting to not give evidence for some time .
It was something , when faced with the impending prospect of giving evidence , he took the decision to leave and not give evidence . ''
Professor James Hacker Hughes , a clinical psychologist , told the court : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barker , Mr Whelan absolutely witnessed an event where someone 's life was not only in danger but was ended .
`` He definitely had post-traumatic stress disorder at the time .
One of the features is avoidance , doing anything not to think about what he saw that day . ''
Asked if being a kickboxer made his likely response to any threat different , he said : `` I know having asked Mr Whelan about this and I know having seen the video that the court has just seen , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this murder - he was told in quite clear terms by some of the people who came in the gym to stay exactly where he was . ''
He was not able to go into `` fight mode '' , and instead went into `` fright mode '' , Prof Hacker Hughes added : `` He could not run away .
He was trapped .
`` There were perceived threats from the family of the victim .
There was a possibility of having to return to court and see the evidence we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lickley sentenced Whelan to three months in jail suspended for 12 months , saying it was `` unacceptable '' for witnesses of serious crimes to refuse to give evidence and it would have been `` so much better '' had he told people or witness support of his issues .

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A champion kickboxer who failed to turn up to give evidence after witnessing a "grisly" murder at a gym has been spared jail for contempt of court.
Luke "Skywalker" Whelan, 28, who sparred with Hollywood actor Idris Elba, went into "fright mode" after seeing the killing of new father George Barker at Double K gym in Bexley, south-east London, in November 2016.
Suspected drug wholesaler Charles Riddington, 37, fled the country after stabbing 24-year-old Mr Barker 17 times but was brought back to face justice at the Old Bailey.
Ahead of the trial last August, Whelan received repeated contact from the victim's family which triggered a perceived "fear for his safety", the court heard.
Shortly before he was expected at court, Whelan left his bank cards and phone at his mother's house and was dropped off by his girlfriend at King's Cross station.
Despite a warrant for his arrest, Whelan disappeared for three weeks, only resurfacing after the trial had finished.
In his absence, extracts of his witness statement were read to the jury in which he described Riddington producing a lock knife and aiming targeted stabs at Mr Barker's face.
Disputing Whelan's account, Riddington had claimed he acted in self-defence after Mr Barker produced the weapon.
Riddington, from Orpington, was jailed for at least 19 years after being found guilty of murder but acquitted of possession of the knife.
The court heard that if he had been found guilty of having the murder weapon, the sentencing starting point would have been 25 years.
In December, Whelan, a lightweight kickboxer ranked 5th in the world, accepted being in contempt of court before Judge Nigel Lickley.
As he appeared to be sentenced on Thursday, the court heard he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The court was shown the "grisly" aftermath of the stabbing, with Mr Barker lying in a pool of blood and Mr Whelan looking shocked and tearful as he was led away by police.
On why he failed to give evidence, his barrister Sam Trefgarne said: "It was clear he wanted to move forward with his life and any reminder of the murder brought back distressing images."
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His post-traumatic stress disorder also made him "hyper vigilant to any threat", he said.
The lawyer added: "It was not something planned long in advance when he had been plotting to not give evidence for some time. It was something, when faced with the impending prospect of giving evidence, he took the decision to leave and not give evidence."
Professor James Hacker Hughes, a clinical psychologist, told the court: "By witnessing the murder of Mr Barker, Mr Whelan absolutely witnessed an event where someone's life was not only in danger but was ended.
"He definitely had post-traumatic stress disorder at the time. One of the features is avoidance, doing anything not to think about what he saw that day."
Asked if being a kickboxer made his likely response to any threat different, he said: "I know having asked Mr Whelan about this and I know having seen the video that the court has just seen, that Mr Whelan was not able to intervene in this murder - he was told in quite clear terms by some of the people who came in the gym to stay exactly where he was."
He was not able to go into "fight mode", and instead went into "fright mode", Prof Hacker Hughes added: "He could not run away. He was trapped.
"There were perceived threats from the family of the victim. There was a possibility of having to return to court and see the evidence we have just looked at."
Judge Lickley sentenced Whelan to three months in jail suspended for 12 months, saying it was "unacceptable" for witnesses of serious crimes to refuse to give evidence and it would have been "so much better" had he told people or witness support of his issues.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Man guilty of attempting to steal 'priceless' Magna Carta version he thought was fake

A 47-year-old man has been found guilty of attempting to steal a `` priceless '' version of the Magna Carta , which he believed was a fake .
Mark Royden , from Canterbury , Kent , was convicted of using a hammer to smash the security case holding the historic document at Salisbury Cathedral on October 25 , 2018 .
He was found guilty at Salisbury Crown Court of attempted theft of the Magna Carta and criminal damage to the display case costing £14,466 to repair .
The trial heard that Royden scoped the cathedral for a route avoiding CCTV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gloves and safety goggles .
Before smashing the security case in the Chapter House holding the artefact , Royden turned a CCTV camera in a failed bid to avoid being recorded by it and set off a fire alarm as a distraction , the court heard .
After his attack on the case , he was pursued by `` good-spirited '' members of the public including a pair of American tourists , cathedral staff and stone masons - who detained him in a works yard outside .
Rob Welling , prosecuting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared statement '' to police during which he `` doubted the authenticity '' of the Magna Carta .
His comments included : `` You ca n't talk to me about the holy grail so to speak , if you find a bag on the floor which says cocaine on it , you would have to test that bag forensically , as for your holy grail , you would need a carbon test and a trace element test . ''
Judge Richard Parkes QC told the jury : `` There is an irony that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this defendant is charged with attempting to steal states that no free man may be imprisoned other than by the lawful judgment of his peers .
`` It still holds good and is in the process of the court right now . ''
He added : `` We are not concerned with the authenticity of Salisbury Cathedral 's Magna Carta , it 's a state document of huge significance and one of four dating back to 1215 and the meeting of King John and the barons of Runnymede . ''
Judge Parkes asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the defendant and said : `` The reality is that it 's overwhelmingly likely that Mr Royden is going to an immediate sentence of custody . ''
He added : `` I take the view there was significant planning . ''
He remanded Royden in custody until sentencing on February 25 .
The court was told that Royden has 23 previous convictions covering 51 offences , including theft and criminal damage .
The defendant , who suffered brain damage in a car accident in 1991 , is subject to a court of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aided by a carer .
Salisbury Cathedral 's version of the Magna Carta is one of four that remain in existence from the original 1215 charter .
King John issued the Magna Carta after agreeing peace terms with a band of rebel barons , and it is now one of the world 's most celebrated legal documents .
It established for the first time that neither monarch nor government was above the law and set out principles of liberty .
The Salisbury copy went back on display three months after the incident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the exhibition telling the document 's history .

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A 47-year-old man has been found guilty of attempting to steal a "priceless" version of the Magna Carta, which he believed was a fake.
Mark Royden, from Canterbury, Kent, was convicted of using a hammer to smash the security case holding the historic document at Salisbury Cathedral on October 25, 2018.
He was found guilty at Salisbury Crown Court of attempted theft of the Magna Carta and criminal damage to the display case costing £14,466 to repair.
The trial heard that Royden scoped the cathedral for a route avoiding CCTV cameras and came equipped with a hammer, gloves and safety goggles.
Before smashing the security case in the Chapter House holding the artefact, Royden turned a CCTV camera in a failed bid to avoid being recorded by it and set off a fire alarm as a distraction, the court heard.
After his attack on the case, he was pursued by "good-spirited" members of the public including a pair of American tourists, cathedral staff and stone masons - who detained him in a works yard outside.
(Image: PA)
Rob Welling, prosecuting, said that Royden made an "odd prepared statement" to police during which he "doubted the authenticity" of the Magna Carta.
His comments included: "You can't talk to me about the holy grail so to speak, if you find a bag on the floor which says cocaine on it, you would have to test that bag forensically, as for your holy grail, you would need a carbon test and a trace element test."
Judge Richard Parkes QC told the jury: "There is an irony that the charter of the Magna Carta that this defendant is charged with attempting to steal states that no free man may be imprisoned other than by the lawful judgment of his peers.
"It still holds good and is in the process of the court right now."
He added: "We are not concerned with the authenticity of Salisbury Cathedral's Magna Carta, it's a state document of huge significance and one of four dating back to 1215 and the meeting of King John and the barons of Runnymede."
(Image: PA)
Judge Parkes asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared on the defendant and said: "The reality is that it's overwhelmingly likely that Mr Royden is going to an immediate sentence of custody."
He added: "I take the view there was significant planning."
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He remanded Royden in custody until sentencing on February 25.
The court was told that Royden has 23 previous convictions covering 51 offences, including theft and criminal damage.
The defendant, who suffered brain damage in a car accident in 1991, is subject to a court of protection order regarding his finances and is aided by a carer.
Salisbury Cathedral's version of the Magna Carta is one of four that remain in existence from the original 1215 charter.
King John issued the Magna Carta after agreeing peace terms with a band of rebel barons, and it is now one of the world's most celebrated legal documents.
It established for the first time that neither monarch nor government was above the law and set out principles of liberty.
The Salisbury copy went back on display three months after the incident, with the damaged case being made part of the exhibition telling the document's history.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Courier Ismail Yilmaz who smuggled migrants into UK in pomegranate shipment jailed

A courier who smuggled four people into the UK in a lorry shipment of pomegranates has been jailed .
The four individuals were squeezed into `` appalling conditions '' for the dangerous journey after promising courier Ismail Yilmaz a large sum of money .
However they were spotted climbing out of the lorry in Folkestone by police on patrol and Yilmaz was arrested at the scene .
The 44-year-old , of no fixed address , admitted doing an act to facilitate the commission of a break of UK immigration law and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was jailed for two years and eight months .
Yilmaz was caught mid-offence by a routine Kent Police patrol on the morning of October 22 2019 .
While travelling in Cheriton Road in Folkestone , just six miles from the entrance to Eurotunnel , the officers ' attention was drawn to a lorry that had stopped beside the road .
They spotted what appeared to be several people attempting to climb out of its trailer .
The officers discovered that the vehicle , in addition to a large load of pomegranates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were handed into the care of Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Yilmaz was arrested at the scene .
Text messages on his phone showed he had agreed to transport the people into the UK in exchange for a large sum of money .
Detective Sergeant Dan Barker , Kent Police 's senior investigating officer for the case , said : `` Yilmaz knowingly and willingly helped four people travel to the United Kingdom in appalling conditions .
`` Despite knowing the dangers the people in the lorry were being subjected to , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK as a means to make a substantial sum of money .
`` I am pleased he has been brought to justice , which is in no small part due to the vigilance and quick actions of our patrols . ''

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A courier who smuggled four people into the UK in a lorry shipment of pomegranates has been jailed.
The four individuals were squeezed into "appalling conditions" for the dangerous journey after promising courier Ismail Yilmaz a large sum of money.
However they were spotted climbing out of the lorry in Folkestone by police on patrol and Yilmaz was arrested at the scene.
The 44-year-old, of no fixed address, admitted doing an act to facilitate the commission of a break of UK immigration law and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday January 22, Kent Police announced on Thursday.
He was jailed for two years and eight months.
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Yilmaz was caught mid-offence by a routine Kent Police patrol on the morning of October 22 2019.
While travelling in Cheriton Road in Folkestone, just six miles from the entrance to Eurotunnel, the officers' attention was drawn to a lorry that had stopped beside the road.
They spotted what appeared to be several people attempting to climb out of its trailer.
The officers discovered that the vehicle, in addition to a large load of pomegranates, contained four people.
The individuals were handed into the care of Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Yilmaz was arrested at the scene.
Text messages on his phone showed he had agreed to transport the people into the UK in exchange for a large sum of money.
Detective Sergeant Dan Barker, Kent Police's senior investigating officer for the case, said: "Yilmaz knowingly and willingly helped four people travel to the United Kingdom in appalling conditions.
"Despite knowing the dangers the people in the lorry were being subjected to, he saw their efforts to get to the UK as a means to make a substantial sum of money.
"I am pleased he has been brought to justice, which is in no small part due to the vigilance and quick actions of our patrols."


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Man seriously injured after being hit by bus in Dudley

A man has been seriously injured after being hit by a bus in Dudley .
West Midlands Police have closed off Castle Street while they investigate the incident which happened at around 3.45pm on Thursday afternoon .
The force told BirminghamLive a man in his 50s has been taken to hospital 'in a serious condition ' .
Drivers are urged to avoid the area as Castle Street is shut at Tower Street and New Street .
A spokesman from West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called at 3.46pm to reports of a collision between a bus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two paramedic officers , the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene .
`` We treated one man for serious injuries and he was taken on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We ’ re currently at the scene of a serious collision on Castle Street in Dudley .
`` A man in his 50s has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after being hit by a bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we investigate .
`` Drivers are urged to avoid the area as Castle Street is shut at Tower Street and New Street . ''
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat , at west-midlands.police.uk or 101 .
Quote log 1722 30/1 .

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A man has been seriously injured after being hit by a bus in Dudley.
West Midlands Police have closed off Castle Street while they investigate the incident which happened at around 3.45pm on Thursday afternoon.
The force told BirminghamLive a man in his 50s has been taken to hospital 'in a serious condition'.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area as Castle Street is shut at Tower Street and New Street.
A spokesman from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 3.46pm to reports of a collision between a bus and a pedestrian.
"One ambulance, two paramedic officers, the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.
"We treated one man for serious injuries and he was taken on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We’re currently at the scene of a serious collision on Castle Street in Dudley.
"A man in his 50s has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after being hit by a bus, and the road is closed while we investigate.
"Drivers are urged to avoid the area as Castle Street is shut at Tower Street and New Street."
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat, at west-midlands.police.uk or 101. Quote log 1722 30/1.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Twitter making huge change to search feature amid coronavirus panic

Twitter has added a prompt to search results about coronavirus to direct users to official Government information .
The social media platform said the tool was part of efforts to ensure correct information reached those searching from it and prevent misinformation spreading .
When searching for the term `` coronavirus '' on the site , users are presented with a link to the Department of Health and Social Care website and its official Twitter account , where official updates are issued .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` Public safety is our top priority and as this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial everyone is able to access reliable , accurate information on coronavirus .
`` I welcome that Twitter is taking action to direct users to official Government health advice , helping to tackle misinformation and ensure the public is well informed .
`` This action is hugely important , and I want to see more social media companies follow their lead .
`` I want to stress there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and we have world-leading clinicians and expert teams working to protect UK patients and staff to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the tool had been introduced in response to increasing online discussion about the virus outbreak .
`` Given the rapidly evolving nature of the issue and the growing international response , we 've launched a new dedicated search prompt to ensure that when you come to the service for information about the £coronavirus , you 're met with credible , authoritative information first , '' the company said in a blog post on the feature .
The number of cases of coronavirus has jumped to 7,711 , with 170 deaths .
India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as did the Philippines .
In the UK , 161 people have tested negative for the virus as of Thursday .
An evacuation flight to bring British nationals back to the UK from the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak will leave on Thursday night , the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said .

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Twitter has added a prompt to search results about coronavirus to direct users to official Government information.
The social media platform said the tool was part of efforts to ensure correct information reached those searching from it and prevent misinformation spreading.
When searching for the term "coronavirus" on the site, users are presented with a link to the Department of Health and Social Care website and its official Twitter account, where official updates are issued.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Public safety is our top priority and as this is a rapidly evolving situation, it's absolutely crucial everyone is able to access reliable, accurate information on coronavirus.
"I welcome that Twitter is taking action to direct users to official Government health advice, helping to tackle misinformation and ensure the public is well informed.
"This action is hugely important, and I want to see more social media companies follow their lead.
"I want to stress there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and we have world-leading clinicians and expert teams working to protect UK patients and staff to the highest standards possible."
Twitter said the tool had been introduced in response to increasing online discussion about the virus outbreak.
"Given the rapidly evolving nature of the issue and the growing international response, we've launched a new dedicated search prompt to ensure that when you come to the service for information about the £coronavirus, you're met with credible, authoritative information first," the company said in a blog post on the feature.
The number of cases of coronavirus has jumped to 7,711, with 170 deaths.
India confirmed its first case on Thursday, as did the Philippines.
In the UK, 161 people have tested negative for the virus as of Thursday.
An evacuation flight to bring British nationals back to the UK from the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak will leave on Thursday night, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Harvey Weinstein's threesome request left accuser 'shocked, upset and angry', trial told

A fledgling actress came home `` pretty shocked , upset , angry '' and `` kind of overall appalled '' after a hotel room meeting in which she says Harvey Weinstein offered her movie roles in exchange for three-way sex , her ex-boyfriend has told a court .
Lincoln Davies , who was dating Dawn Dunning at the time in 2004 , was called as a prosecution witness on Thursday at Weinstein 's New York City rape trial .
Prosecutors hope to bolster emotional testimony by Ms Dunning and another aspiring actress accusing the movie mogul of preying on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could lead to stardom .
Ms Dunning also said Weinstein put his hand up her skirt and fondled her genitals a few weeks earlier that same year but Mr Davies said she never told him about that .
Also taking the witness stand was the manager of the celebrity hangout where Tarale Wulff , then a cocktail waitress , alleged Weinstein masturbated in front of her on a secluded terrace .
Maurizio Ferrigno testified he saw Weinstein and Ms Wulff heading up a stairway .
But he conceded on cross-examination that prosecutors helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Ms Wulff says happened about 15 years ago .
Jurors are also expected to hear on Thursday about Weinstein 's efforts to keep his alleged behaviour secret , including his use of a private intelligence company as reporters from The New York Times and The New Yorker pursued stories about him in 2017 .
The experiences of Ms Dunning and Ms Wulff , who also claims Weinstein raped her in his SoHo apartment in 2005 , are not part of the underlying criminal charges against him but their testimony could be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of his landmark £MeToo-era trial .
Prosecutors called them as witnesses under a state law that allows testimony about so-called prior bad acts , enabling them to explore things like motive , opportunity , intent and a common scheme or plan .
Weinstein , 67 , is charged with forcibly performing oral sex on Mimi Haleyi , at the time a Project Runway production assistant , in 2006 , and raping another aspiring actress in 2013 .
That woman could testify later this week .
Weinstein has insisted any sexual @ @ @ @

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A fledgling actress came home "pretty shocked, upset, angry" and "kind of overall appalled" after a hotel room meeting in which she says Harvey Weinstein offered her movie roles in exchange for three-way sex, her ex-boyfriend has told a court.
Lincoln Davies, who was dating Dawn Dunning at the time in 2004, was called as a prosecution witness on Thursday at Weinstein's New York City rape trial.
Prosecutors hope to bolster emotional testimony by Ms Dunning and another aspiring actress accusing the movie mogul of preying on their vulnerabilities while pushing the notion that sex could lead to stardom.
Ms Dunning also said Weinstein put his hand up her skirt and fondled her genitals a few weeks earlier that same year but Mr Davies said she never told him about that.
(Image: Getty Images)
Also taking the witness stand was the manager of the celebrity hangout where Tarale Wulff, then a cocktail waitress, alleged Weinstein masturbated in front of her on a secluded terrace.
Maurizio Ferrigno testified he saw Weinstein and Ms Wulff heading up a stairway.
But he conceded on cross-examination that prosecutors helped jog his memory of the moment, which Ms Wulff says happened about 15 years ago.
Jurors are also expected to hear on Thursday about Weinstein's efforts to keep his alleged behaviour secret, including his use of a private intelligence company as reporters from The New York Times and The New Yorker pursued stories about him in 2017.
The experiences of Ms Dunning and Ms Wulff, who also claims Weinstein raped her in his SoHo apartment in 2005, are not part of the underlying criminal charges against him but their testimony could be a factor in whether he goes to prison at the end of his landmark £MeToo-era trial.
Prosecutors called them as witnesses under a state law that allows testimony about so-called prior bad acts, enabling them to explore things like motive, opportunity, intent and a common scheme or plan.
Weinstein, 67, is charged with forcibly performing oral sex on Mimi Haleyi, at the time a Project Runway production assistant, in 2006, and raping another aspiring actress in 2013. That woman could testify later this week.
Weinstein has insisted any sexual encounters were consensual.