birminghammail--2020-02-24--Tragic couple given £260,000 house on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway show off new dream home

A couple gifted a house on Ant and Dec 's Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend have now offered a glimpse inside .
Viewers tuned in on Saturday night ( February 22 ) as the Saturday evening catalogue programme returned to ITV1 .
Ant and Dec were once again back on our screens , telling Petra and Simon Williams ' heartbreaking story .
The pair - who went through the tragedy of losing a child - were gifted the £260,000 home .
Now , they have been able to explore their `` dream come true '' new property .
Chronicle Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house on Bellway Home 's Moorfields estate , near Gosforth Park , she said : `` It 's just a dream come true .
You never in your wildest dreams think you 're going to find yourself on Saturday Night Takeaway , being handed the keys to your own house . ''
Simon , 33 , said : `` I do n't think it will sink in until we 've got the kids running around in here , the dog settled in - then it will be ours . ''
When developers Bellway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ award the £260,000 home to , Ant and Dec 's team could find few who deserved the spectacular gift more than the Williams family .
Delivery driver Simon works hard to provide for the family , while dedicated Petra works every hour she can for the charity she set up , following the sudden , tragic death of daughter Darcey-Leigh from sudden infant death syndrome in 2017 .
The charity works to support bereaved siblings , offering them counselling and support to help them remember their lost brother or sister .
Petra , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit like passing ships sometimes , we both work so hard .
`` But for me , I could work an 85 hour week , barely see my husband , and I would still feel it was worth it to do my job , to see the difference it makes to the children .
`` At the end of the day , it 's my little girl 's legacy , and getting recognised for the work we do has been amazing .
Since we were on Saturday Night Takeway , we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social media : as as small charity , it 's often hard to be recognised , so this is amazing .
`` We want to raise awareness of the fact that the siblings have lost just as much as mummy and daddy when there 's a bereavement , I 'm passionate about raising awareness of sibling loss , so this has been brilliant for that . ''
The design of the house , with its soft grey colour scheme offset with pink , is `` very Petra '' .
Her best pal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darcey 's Dream , helped designers Q Interiors make sure it was just right for her .
`` Pink is my favourite colour - I do n't think it 's Simon 's , but he 's happy if I 'm happy , '' she laughed .
`` Nikki has made sure it 's perfect for me , I think he knows me better than I know myself . ''
Inside , there 's a gleaming kitchen leading out to the garden , while upstairs all three bedrooms are decorated with unique touches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decoration for two-year-old son Bailey 's room .
The house will make an `` amazing '' home for Bailey and his sisters Emelia-Paige , five and Layla-Grace , three , the couple say .
Just as importantly , though , there will always be a place for Darcey in their new home as well .
Petra said : `` We 've got so many things of Darcey 's that will come over here - her blankets , her teddies , the kids have their memory boxes and their 'Darcey bunnies ' , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her , which they love .
I think Emelia-Paige tells her Darcey bunny more than she tells me .
`` I have a rocker that was Darcey 's which I keep next to my bed , with all her teddies and things in .
We talk about her every single day , we keep her memory alive , and the girls keep her memory alive - she 'll never be forgotten in this house .
`` When Darcey died my world fell apart , when you lose a child you do n't think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole life , but then your other kids will do something and you do smile .
Layla-Grace [ Darcey 's twin ] has the most beautiful smile and I always say she 's smiling for the two of them . ''
Simon added : `` Everything we do , we do for our children , they always come first .
When we went down to London for the filming , that was the first time in five years we 'd been without them .
Our kids are our whole world so it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Jason Honeyman , chief executive officer for Bellway , said : `` The opportunity to work with Saturday Night Takeaway and to help a family who have done so much for others was something we were keen to embrace . ''
He added : `` Significant efforts were required to preserve the mystery until the broadcast and it was rewarding to see the family ’ s reactions to this life-changing prize .
`` We hope that being able to live mortgage-free will enable them to continue their valued work helping families at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need . ''
He said Ant and Dec helped the construction team to prepare the new home which he called `` perfect '' for a young family and the video showed the pair as they had a go at bricklaying , plastering and plumbing as well as offering their take on its interior style - the work of Q Interiors , which took tips from Petra 's friend Nikki .
Q Interior 's co-drector Julie Watson , said : `` The design scheme includes sparkly lights and plenty of glitz for Petra , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds and customised wardrobes for the girls , and even a personalised bed for their dog , Coco .
Saturday Night Takeaway was first broadcast in June 2002 - and has gone on to become one of TV ’ s most popular variety shows .
Presented by Ant and Dec , ITV listed it in their picks for the best 50 shows in ITV 's 50 years being on air in 2005 .
It came second , beaten only by Coronation Street .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Hannah Graham, James Rodger)

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A couple gifted a house on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend have now offered a glimpse inside.
Viewers tuned in on Saturday night (February 22) as the Saturday evening catalogue programme returned to ITV1.
Ant and Dec were once again back on our screens, telling Petra and Simon Williams' heartbreaking story.
The pair - who went through the tragedy of losing a child - were gifted the £260,000 home.
Now, they have been able to explore their "dream come true" new property.
Chronicle Live reports as Petra stepped inside the three-bed house on Bellway Home's Moorfields estate, near Gosforth Park, she said: "It's just a dream come true. You never in your wildest dreams think you're going to find yourself on Saturday Night Takeaway, being handed the keys to your own house."
(Image: ncjMedia)
Simon, 33, said: "I don't think it will sink in until we've got the kids running around in here, the dog settled in - then it will be ours."
When developers Bellway were looking for a deserving family to award the £260,000 home to, Ant and Dec's team could find few who deserved the spectacular gift more than the Williams family.
Delivery driver Simon works hard to provide for the family, while dedicated Petra works every hour she can for the charity she set up, following the sudden, tragic death of daughter Darcey-Leigh from sudden infant death syndrome in 2017.
The charity works to support bereaved siblings, offering them counselling and support to help them remember their lost brother or sister.
Petra, 31, said: "We are a bit like passing ships sometimes, we both work so hard.
"But for me, I could work an 85 hour week, barely see my husband, and I would still feel it was worth it to do my job, to see the difference it makes to the children.
"At the end of the day, it's my little girl's legacy, and getting recognised for the work we do has been amazing. Since we were on Saturday Night Takeway, we've had thousands more views to our website and social media: as as small charity, it's often hard to be recognised, so this is amazing.
"We want to raise awareness of the fact that the siblings have lost just as much as mummy and daddy when there's a bereavement, I'm passionate about raising awareness of sibling loss, so this has been brilliant for that."
The design of the house, with its soft grey colour scheme offset with pink, is "very Petra".
(Image: ncjMedia)
Her best pal Nikki Pinchen, the 'right-hand-man' at Darcey's Dream, helped designers Q Interiors make sure it was just right for her.
"Pink is my favourite colour - I don't think it's Simon's, but he's happy if I'm happy," she laughed.
"Nikki has made sure it's perfect for me, I think he knows me better than I know myself."
Inside, there's a gleaming kitchen leading out to the garden, while upstairs all three bedrooms are decorated with unique touches, including a colourful dinosaur bed and wall decoration for two-year-old son Bailey's room.
The house will make an "amazing" home for Bailey and his sisters Emelia-Paige, five and Layla-Grace, three, the couple say.
Just as importantly, though, there will always be a place for Darcey in their new home as well.
(Image: ncjMedia)
Petra said: "We've got so many things of Darcey's that will come over here - her blankets, her teddies, the kids have their memory boxes and their 'Darcey bunnies', the sibling link teddies which remind them of her, which they love. I think Emelia-Paige tells her Darcey bunny more than she tells me.
"I have a rocker that was Darcey's which I keep next to my bed, with all her teddies and things in. We talk about her every single day, we keep her memory alive, and the girls keep her memory alive - she'll never be forgotten in this house.
"When Darcey died my world fell apart, when you lose a child you don't think you will ever smile again in your whole life, but then your other kids will do something and you do smile. Layla-Grace [Darcey's twin] has the most beautiful smile and I always say she's smiling for the two of them."
Simon added: "Everything we do, we do for our children, they always come first. When we went down to London for the filming, that was the first time in five years we'd been without them. Our kids are our whole world so it's great to have this for them."
Jason Honeyman, chief executive officer for Bellway, said: "The opportunity to work with Saturday Night Takeaway and to help a family who have done so much for others was something we were keen to embrace."
He added: "Significant efforts were required to preserve the mystery until the broadcast and it was rewarding to see the family’s reactions to this life-changing prize.
"We hope that being able to live mortgage-free will enable them to continue their valued work helping families at the time when they are most in need."
(Image: ITV)
He said Ant and Dec helped the construction team to prepare the new home which he called "perfect" for a young family and the video showed the pair as they had a go at bricklaying, plastering and plumbing as well as offering their take on its interior style - the work of Q Interiors, which took tips from Petra's friend Nikki .
Q Interior's co-drector Julie Watson, said: "The design scheme includes sparkly lights and plenty of glitz for Petra, a dinosaur-themed bedroom for Bailey, princess beds and customised wardrobes for the girls, and even a personalised bed for their dog, Coco.
(Image: ITV)
Saturday Night Takeaway was first broadcast in June 2002 - and has gone on to become one of TV’s most popular variety shows.
Presented by Ant and Dec, ITV listed it in their picks for the best 50 shows in ITV's 50 years being on air in 2005.
It came second, beaten only by Coronation Street.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--'No brainer' - Aston Villa fans have their say on Carabao Cup dilemma

Aston Villa have the chance to etch another bit of Wembley magic into their illustrious history on Sunday .
Dean Smith will lead Villa out at the home of football for the second time in less than 12 months after guiding them to play-off glory last May .
They went into that game with Derby County as the bookmaker 's favourites after a stirring end to the season .
But it will be an entirely different story this time around .
In Manchester City , Villa face one of the best sides in world football and the highest scorers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's side meanwhile , are in the midst of an almighty scrap against relegation from the top flight , sitting just outside of the bottom three .
The Villa boss blasted his players after their latest league defeat to Southampton , one that put a serious dent in their aspirations to retain their Premier League status .
Following his comments , former Villa striker Darren Bent , claimed that Smith had one eye on the Carabao Cup final with City and that it may have harmed their performance in league .
With that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across social media : what is the priority for Villa - lifting the cup at Wembley on Sunday or staying in the top flight for a second season ?
Joel Hatfield : Staying up is definitely more important .
Sadly I think it 's too late now .
May as well just enjoy a trip to Wembley and see what happens .
UTV Janet Ellson : Staying up is a priority .
Cant see it happening .
Bobby Pearson : It doesn ’ t matter the game is next week so winning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 games to stay up !
!
!
It ’ s not like the fa cup at the end of season Terry McCarthy : Got to stay up or be 5 years before we are back i rekon James Hill : Staying up is a priority for Aston Villa FC , winning trophies and European tours is the priority for Aston Villa fans .
Well it certainly should be .
Paul Brown : Staying up obviously , but you have a chance to win a trophy surely you have to go 100 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jak Bannister : People keep forgetting where we were when he took over and where he ’ s got us in 12 months .
12 months ago , struggling to stay up and a cup final would have been a blessing from mid table championship .
Give him time to put some foundations in and build a team .
Andrew Wilfy Williams : Staying up is everything .

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Aston Villa have the chance to etch another bit of Wembley magic into their illustrious history on Sunday.
Dean Smith will lead Villa out at the home of football for the second time in less than 12 months after guiding them to play-off glory last May.
They went into that game with Derby County as the bookmaker's favourites after a stirring end to the season. But it will be an entirely different story this time around.
In Manchester City, Villa face one of the best sides in world football and the highest scorers in the English game this season.
Smith's side meanwhile, are in the midst of an almighty scrap against relegation from the top flight, sitting just outside of the bottom three.
The Villa boss blasted his players after their latest league defeat to Southampton, one that put a serious dent in their aspirations to retain their Premier League status.
Following his comments, former Villa striker Darren Bent, claimed that Smith had one eye on the Carabao Cup final with City and that it may have harmed their performance in league.
With that in mind, we've asked fans across social media: what is the priority for Villa - lifting the cup at Wembley on Sunday or staying in the top flight for a second season?
Here's a selection of the answers:
Joel Hatfield: Staying up is definitely more important. Sadly I think it's too late now. May as well just enjoy a trip to Wembley and see what happens. UTV
Elaine Reece: Staying up, no brainer
Janet Ellson: Staying up is a priority. Cant see it happening.
Bobby Pearson: It doesn’t matter the game is next week so winning the cup is more important we still have 12 games to stay up !!! It’s not like the fa cup at the end of season
Terry McCarthy: Got to stay up or be 5 years before we are back i rekon
Dale Parmenter: Obvious isn't it?
James Hill: Staying up is a priority for Aston Villa FC, winning trophies and European tours is the priority for Aston Villa fans. Well it certainly should be.
Paul Brown: Staying up obviously, but you have a chance to win a trophy surely you have to go 100% it ain't easy reaching these finals
Giuseppe Graziano: Winning trophies makes history!
Jak Bannister: People keep forgetting where we were when he took over and where he’s got us in 12 months. 12 months ago, struggling to stay up and a cup final would have been a blessing from mid table championship. Give him time to put some foundations in and build a team.
Andrew Wilfy Williams: Staying up is everything.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Jamie Carragher reveals his major Aston Villa concern after Southampton defeat

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has conceded that he is extremely worried about Aston Villa and their involvement in the Premier League 's relegation battle .
Defeat for Dean Smith 's side against Southampton at the weekend has seen Villa remain just a single point above the bottom three , ahead of West Ham 's clash with Liverpool on Monday evening .
The club 's leaky defence has been a major concern and has been highlighted by Carragher but he also pointed out an alarming stat that will leave the club sweating .
“ I ’ ve been concerned about Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been delighted to see them back in the Premier League .
I love going to Villa Park .
I love watching Jack Grealish , but every game Aston Villa play , it feels like they concede over 20 shots , '' he told Sky Sports .
“ Since Pepe Reina has come in , my old teammate , he was Man of the Match last week , he ’ s making saves all over the place .
Shots faced against , they ’ re the worst in the league .
On average , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they conceded 28 against Southampton .
“ That record is over the course of the whole season , you think they ’ d try to rectify that now , to try to improve .
I know he ’ s gone to a back three , changed systems and different things but they conceded 28 chances in a football game against a team just below mid-table in Southampton .
“ The other big thing is a real worry for them , they ’ ve actually only got one point this season against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
Seven of their last 11 games are against that top nine and that ’ s why I really worry for them .
”

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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has conceded that he is extremely worried about Aston Villa and their involvement in the Premier League's relegation battle.
Defeat for Dean Smith's side against Southampton at the weekend has seen Villa remain just a single point above the bottom three, ahead of West Ham's clash with Liverpool on Monday evening.
The club's leaky defence has been a major concern and has been highlighted by Carragher but he also pointed out an alarming stat that will leave the club sweating.
“I’ve been concerned about Villa for a while. I’ve been delighted to see them back in the Premier League. I love going to Villa Park. I love watching Jack Grealish, but every game Aston Villa play, it feels like they concede over 20 shots," he told Sky Sports.
“Since Pepe Reina has come in, my old teammate, he was Man of the Match last week, he’s making saves all over the place. Shots faced against, they’re the worst in the league. On average, it’s 18 shots a game but they conceded 28 against Southampton.
“That record is over the course of the whole season, you think they’d try to rectify that now, to try to improve. I know he’s gone to a back three, changed systems and different things but they conceded 28 chances in a football game against a team just below mid-table in Southampton.
“The other big thing is a real worry for them, they’ve actually only got one point this season against the top 9 in the Premier League right now. Seven of their last 11 games are against that top nine and that’s why I really worry for them.”


birminghammail--2020-02-24--'Last chance saloon' - Aston Villa star reveals how they plan to halt Man City at Wembley

Tyrone Mings has hinted that Aston Villa will press Manchester City as they look to cause a huge upset at Wembley on Sunday .
Villa come into the Carabao Cup final with the leakiest defence in Premier League football , having conceded 52 in their 27 league games .
In Man City , Villa face the team that have scored the most goals in English football , having netted 68 times this season .
In the two league meetings , Pep Guardiola 's notched an astonishing nine goals , including six at Villa Park back in January .
And Mings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergio Aguero and the rest , has suggested his Villa team will need to cut off the supply high up the huge Wembley pitch .
“ There will be a fair amount of defending I ’ m sure , '' he told Aston Villa TV .
`` I think by the time it gets to the strikers , it ’ s kind of strikers against defence and it ’ s a little bit last chance saloon anyway , so we will probably try and stop them higher up the pitch .
Try and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the pitch .
“ But they ’ ve got deadly players all over the pitch so it ’ s far easier to say how we are going to stop them , then when we are trying to do it on the pitch .
They ’ ve got players that can hurt you , they ’ ve got subs that come on and hurt you just as much as well .
“ We ’ re fully aware , we ’ ve played them twice , we know what they ’ re about , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve got things that can hurt them .
We 've got qualities in our team that can hopefully be just as influential on the day.
” Villa go into the game deep in relegation trouble , the defeat to Southampton last Saturday means that by the time their resume their Premier League campaign , they could drop into the bottom three .
But Mings is hoping that whatever the outcome is against City , it wo n't harm their battle against their drop .
He added : “ If we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the whole place such a lift .
But I think the most important thing for us , whether we win it or not , is that it doesn ’ t detract away from our league form .
“ We probably suffered a bit with that after we played Leicester and then Bournemouth before the break .
We were nowhere near good enough at Bournemouth and an easy get out would be to say because of such a high on the Tuesday night we couldn ’ t get back up .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to manage it a lot better than we did .
There ’ s plenty of challenges , whether we win or not .
”

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Tyrone Mings has hinted that Aston Villa will press Manchester City as they look to cause a huge upset at Wembley on Sunday.
Villa come into the Carabao Cup final with the leakiest defence in Premier League football, having conceded 52 in their 27 league games.
In Man City, Villa face the team that have scored the most goals in English football, having netted 68 times this season. In the two league meetings, Pep Guardiola's notched an astonishing nine goals, including six at Villa Park back in January.
And Mings, who will be tasked with stopping Sergio Aguero and the rest, has suggested his Villa team will need to cut off the supply high up the huge Wembley pitch.
“There will be a fair amount of defending I’m sure," he told Aston Villa TV."I think by the time it gets to the strikers, it’s kind of strikers against defence and it’s a little bit last chance saloon anyway, so we will probably try and stop them higher up the pitch. Try and stop the supply to the strikers higher up the pitch.
“But they’ve got deadly players all over the pitch so it’s far easier to say how we are going to stop them, then when we are trying to do it on the pitch. They’ve got players that can hurt you, they’ve got subs that come on and hurt you just as much as well.
“We’re fully aware, we’ve played them twice, we know what they’re about, but at the same time I think we’ve got things that can hurt them. We've got qualities in our team that can hopefully be just as influential on the day.”
Villa go into the game deep in relegation trouble, the defeat to Southampton last Saturday means that by the time their resume their Premier League campaign, they could drop into the bottom three.
But Mings is hoping that whatever the outcome is against City, it won't harm their battle against their drop.
He added: “If we do manage to win it, it will give the whole place such a lift. But I think the most important thing for us, whether we win it or not, is that it doesn’t detract away from our league form.
“We probably suffered a bit with that after we played Leicester and then Bournemouth before the break. We were nowhere near good enough at Bournemouth and an easy get out would be to say because of such a high on the Tuesday night we couldn’t get back up.
“But as professionals it’s our job to manage it a lot better than we did. There’s plenty of challenges, whether we win or not.”


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Stranded passengers get frustrated as all lines out of Birmingham New Street blocked

Rail commuters faced lengthy delays out of Birmingham New Street today ( February 24 ) as all lines were blocked .
This was due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Aston and New Street Station discovered at around 6.30pm .
West Midlands Railway warned passengers that services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed and that disruption was expected to last until around 9pm .
Lines affected include those between New Street and Wolverhampton , Walsall and Coventry .
A spokesman said : `` We have just been told about this incident .
We will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our passengers and provide you with our advice shortly .
`` Please be advised that we have a blanket ticket acceptance with National Express across all routes and also West Midlands Metro Between Birmingham and Wolverhampton .
Road transport has been requested between Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield Trent Valley . ''
Councillor Alex Yip tweeted : `` Travel disruption - trains from Birmingham New Street northwards towards Sutton cancelled due to overhead damage @ nationalrailenq this is not going to be a good journey home . ''
Commuter Gary Costello added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance of telling what is going on ?
Are there any trains gon na show up ? ''
And Joe Turner said : `` What ’ s the deal .
Are these trains running or not ?
Board keeps changing its mind at Lichfield Trent Valley .
Suggest you sort your messaging out quickly before this platform starts a riot . ''
Kassie Fleet added : `` Are no trains running between Sutton and Lichfield ?
!
This is very confusing . ''
There were also delays between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon @

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Rail commuters faced lengthy delays out of Birmingham New Street today (February 24) as all lines were blocked.
This was due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Aston and New Street Station discovered at around 6.30pm.
West Midlands Railway warned passengers that services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed and that disruption was expected to last until around 9pm.
Lines affected include those between New Street and Wolverhampton, Walsall and Coventry.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
A spokesman said: "We have just been told about this incident. We will now work to understand how this will impact our passengers and provide you with our advice shortly.
"Please be advised that we have a blanket ticket acceptance with National Express across all routes and also West Midlands Metro Between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Road transport has been requested between Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield Trent Valley."
Councillor Alex Yip tweeted: "Travel disruption - trains from Birmingham New Street northwards towards Sutton cancelled due to overhead damage @nationalrailenq this is not going to be a good journey home."
Commuter Gary Costello added: "Waiting in New St now. Any chance of telling what is going on? Are there any trains gonna show up?"
And Joe Turner said: "What’s the deal. Are these trains running or not? Board keeps changing its mind at Lichfield Trent Valley. Suggest you sort your messaging out quickly before this platform starts a riot."
Kassie Fleet added: "Are no trains running between Sutton and Lichfield?! This is very confusing."
There were also delays between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Four men rumbled on M5 after smuggling 29 Vietnamese people into UK jailed

Four men who smuggled 29 Vietnamese people into Britain on a 42ft yacht before cramming them into the back of a van have been jailed .
Devon and Cornwall Police were contacted on April 12 last year after several members of the public saw a group of people getting off a boat in Newlyn Harbour , Cornwall .
They were then seen getting into the back of a van which had been parked in the harbour car park .
CCTV footage was reviewed and the van , followed by another car , was stopped on the M5 near Cullompton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and officers found 29 Vietnamese nationals inside , including women and children .
They were taken to a multi-agency reception centre and referred to the Home Office and social care services to be managed , Devon and Cornwall Police said .
Two men were arrested in Newlyn Harbour , and two more were held when the van and car were brought to a stop on the M5 .
Judge Robert Linford , sentencing the four at Truro Crown Court , said they were motivated by profit and `` traded in human misery '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freight '' , police said .
Speaking after the case , Detective Inspector Glenn Willcocks said : `` The vessel was in a poor state , smelling strongly of diesel and cluttered with clothing and empty food wrappings .
`` The boat would have been extremely cramped with all 29 people having to share a single toilet .
`` The four convicted today risked the lives of 29 men , women and children without any appreciation of the danger of their circumstances .
`` They were motivated only by monetary reward and thankfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Jon Ransom , 63 , from Kent , Glen Bennett , 55 , from Burnley , and Frank Walling , 72 , from Colne , were sentenced to four and a half years in prison , police said .
Keith Plummer , 63 , was sentenced to three years and four months .
They were convicted under section 25 of the Immigration Act - assisting unlawful immigration It is believed that the 29 victims boarded the yacht , which was called the Johan Sebastian and owned by Walling , in Roscoff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yacht , which came into Newlyn Harbour early on the morning of April 12 .
Ann Hampshire , senior crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service , described the trip as `` carefully planned '' .
She said it was a `` well organised operation involving people and places in different parts of the UK , carefully co-ordinated to facilitate illegal entry into the UK '' .

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Four men who smuggled 29 Vietnamese people into Britain on a 42ft yacht before cramming them into the back of a van have been jailed.
Devon and Cornwall Police were contacted on April 12 last year after several members of the public saw a group of people getting off a boat in Newlyn Harbour, Cornwall.
They were then seen getting into the back of a van which had been parked in the harbour car park.
CCTV footage was reviewed and the van, followed by another car, was stopped on the M5 near Cullompton, Devon.
The van door was opened and officers found 29 Vietnamese nationals inside, including women and children.
(Image: NPAS)
They were taken to a multi-agency reception centre and referred to the Home Office and social care services to be managed, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Two men were arrested in Newlyn Harbour, and two more were held when the van and car were brought to a stop on the M5.
Judge Robert Linford, sentencing the four at Truro Crown Court, said they were motivated by profit and "traded in human misery" with the victims "carted around like freight", police said.
Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Glenn Willcocks said: "The vessel was in a poor state, smelling strongly of diesel and cluttered with clothing and empty food wrappings.
"The boat would have been extremely cramped with all 29 people having to share a single toilet.
"The four convicted today risked the lives of 29 men, women and children without any appreciation of the danger of their circumstances.
"They were motivated only by monetary reward and thankfully no one paid the ultimate price."
Jon Ransom, 63, from Kent, Glen Bennett, 55, from Burnley, and Frank Walling, 72, from Colne, were sentenced to four and a half years in prison, police said.
Keith Plummer, 63, was sentenced to three years and four months.
They were convicted under section 25 of the Immigration Act - assisting unlawful immigration
It is believed that the 29 victims boarded the yacht, which was called the Johan Sebastian and owned by Walling, in Roscoff, France.
Walling and Bennett crewed the yacht, which came into Newlyn Harbour early on the morning of April 12.
Ann Hampshire, senior crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, described the trip as "carefully planned".
She said it was a "well organised operation involving people and places in different parts of the UK, carefully co-ordinated to facilitate illegal entry into the UK".


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Man, 46, charged over Brierley Hill 'cannabis farm raid' double murder

A man has been charged with two counts of murder after two men were killed during a 'raid at a Brierley Hill cannabis factory ' .
Saghawat Ramzan is accused of shooting 19-year-old Khuzaimah Douglas and Waseem Ramzan , 36 , with a crossbow in Pensnett Road , during the early hours of Thursday , February 20 .
The 46-year-old , of Pensnett Road , has been remanded in custody to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court tomorrow ( Tuesday , February 25 ) .
A 23-year-old man , who was arrested on suspicion of murder this afternoon is currently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially believed the two men had been killed as a result of stab wounds but further enquiries established their injuries were caused by a crossbow .
Officers investigating the disorder have already charged a 19-year-old man with conspiracy to burgle and perverting the course of justice .
Two men , aged 21 and 23 , have also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and a 42-year-old for assisting an offender .
They have all been released on police bail .
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro , from the West Midlands Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is an ongoing and constantly developing investigation .
`` Although we 've charged a man in connection with the murders we still need to hear from anyone with information about what happened in the early hours of February 20 .
We believe there are still people out there who have n't come forward and could have crucial information . ''
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 .
Alternatively , contact Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

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A man has been charged with two counts of murder after two men were killed during a 'raid at a Brierley Hill cannabis factory'.
Saghawat Ramzan is accused of shooting 19-year-old Khuzaimah Douglas and Waseem Ramzan, 36, with a crossbow in Pensnett Road, during the early hours of Thursday, February 20.
The 46-year-old, of Pensnett Road, has been remanded in custody to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court tomorrow (Tuesday, February 25).
A 23-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder this afternoon is currently in police custody for questioning.
It was initially believed the two men had been killed as a result of stab wounds but further enquiries established their injuries were caused by a crossbow.
Officers investigating the disorder have already charged a 19-year-old man with conspiracy to burgle and perverting the course of justice.
Two men, aged 21 and 23, have also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and a 42-year-old for assisting an offender. They have all been released on police bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro, from the West Midlands Police's homicide team, said: "This is an ongoing and constantly developing investigation.
"Although we've charged a man in connection with the murders we still need to hear from anyone with information about what happened in the early hours of February 20. We believe there are still people out there who haven't come forward and could have crucial information."
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Heavy rain and flooding causes Bewdley Bridge to close to pedestrians

The aftermath of Storm Dennis is causing major problems across the region as river levels continue to rise .
In the picturesque town of Bewdley , the flood defences have been erected and the bridge has been closed to vehicles for several days .
Today ( February 24 ) the Environment Agency has forecast significant rises in the river levels overnight and into tomorrow .
Worcestershire County Council Emergency Planning Department has now made the decision to close the bridge to pedestrians too in order to keep people safe .
This extraordinary measure is only considered when the river levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sandbags will be deployed to block access to pedestrians until the levels drop again .
It is thought that this closure is likely to remain in place for several days .
Bewdley has been flooded 100 times in the past century , and the 2000 crisis was the worst since 1947 .
Flood defences were installed in 2002 and helped to stop houses , pubs and shops from being flooded .
There are two flood warnings in place from the Met Office for the Bewdley area .
A spokesman for the Environment Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Bewdley river gauge as a result of recent heavy rainfall .
Consequently , flooding of property , roads and farmland is possible from 5pm Monday February 24 . ''
He added : `` Flooding could affect Riverside North including the road to Lickhill Manor and Acacia Avenue , the access road to Lickhill Caravan Park and the walkway plus properties and roads in and around Northwood .
`` A predicted peak at Bewdley of 5.2 to 5.5m is expected Wednesday afternoon ( February 26 ) which could be higher than last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsettled which may cause river levels to remain high for the week .
`` We are closely monitoring the situation .
Our incident response staff are checking defences and liaising with emergency services .
Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers , which may be flooded and move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety . ''
Flooding is affecting Bewdley School and the foot bridge between the school and the Leisure Centre is now inaccessible .
As a result , the Bewdley bypass and the roads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very busy as motorists try to circumnavigate the swollen river .
Free shuttle bus services have been laid on , including a vintage double decker , to transport people from one side of the town to the other via the bypass .

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The aftermath of Storm Dennis is causing major problems across the region as river levels continue to rise.
In the picturesque town of Bewdley, the flood defences have been erected and the bridge has been closed to vehicles for several days.
Today (February 24) the Environment Agency has forecast significant rises in the river levels overnight and into tomorrow. Worcestershire County Council Emergency Planning Department has now made the decision to close the bridge to pedestrians too in order to keep people safe.
This extraordinary measure is only considered when the river levels rise to 4.9 or higher. Additional sandbags will be deployed to block access to pedestrians until the levels drop again. It is thought that this closure is likely to remain in place for several days.
Bewdley has been flooded 100 times in the past century, and the 2000 crisis was the worst since 1947. Flood defences were installed in 2002 and helped to stop houses, pubs and shops from being flooded.
There are two flood warnings in place from the Met Office for the Bewdley area. A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "River levels are rising at Bewdley river gauge as a result of recent heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland is possible from 5pm Monday February 24."
He added: "Flooding could affect Riverside North including the road to Lickhill Manor and Acacia Avenue, the access road to Lickhill Caravan Park and the walkway plus properties and roads in and around Northwood.
"A predicted peak at Bewdley of 5.2 to 5.5m is expected Wednesday afternoon (February 26) which could be higher than last week’s peak. The forecast remains unsettled which may cause river levels to remain high for the week.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences and liaising with emergency services. Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded and move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety."
Flooding is affecting Bewdley School and the foot bridge between the school and the Leisure Centre is now inaccessible. As a result, the Bewdley bypass and the roads in and out of the town are very busy as motorists try to circumnavigate the swollen river.
Free shuttle bus services have been laid on, including a vintage double decker, to transport people from one side of the town to the other via the bypass.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--The news that will baffle Aston Villa and Manchester City ahead of Wembley showdown

As Wembley preparations go , David Coote has arguably had the worst in recent memory .
While Aston Villa and Manchester City continue to gear up for Sunday 's Carabao Cup final , the men who will be in the middle will be doing similar .
Lee Mason will be the referee at the home of football , as Villa look to earn their first major honour in almost 25 years .
But Coote , one of Mason 's assistants , comes into the game after being at the centre of the latest VAR controversy .
Coote was the VAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where after careful consideration , he decided not to send Giovanni Lo Celso off for an apparent stamp on Cesar Azpillicueta .
Chelsea fans and officials were enraged by a decision many felt was a clear chance for Stockley Park to overrule the on-field referee .
Despite initially backing Coote 's decision , the Premier League would subsequently admit a mistake had been made and that the Spurs midfielder should have been dismissed .
According to a report in the Athletic , Coote later came to the conclusion that Lo Celso should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although he refused to apologise for his part in the incident .
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited ( PGMOL ) have also confirmed that Coote will face no punishment for his mistake and will be the fourth official at Wembley as planned .
He would also go on to be the VAR during Man City 's win over Leicester City , a game where he controversially decided to not award the Foxes a penalty for a handball by Kevin De Bruyne .

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As Wembley preparations go, David Coote has arguably had the worst in recent memory.
While Aston Villa and Manchester City continue to gear up for Sunday's Carabao Cup final, the men who will be in the middle will be doing similar.
Lee Mason will be the referee at the home of football, as Villa look to earn their first major honour in almost 25 years. But Coote, one of Mason's assistants, comes into the game after being at the centre of the latest VAR controversy.
(Image: Getty Images)
Coote was the VAR for Chelsea's London derby with Tottenham, where after careful consideration, he decided not to send Giovanni Lo Celso off for an apparent stamp on Cesar Azpillicueta.
Chelsea fans and officials were enraged by a decision many felt was a clear chance for Stockley Park to overrule the on-field referee.
Despite initially backing Coote's decision, the Premier League would subsequently admit a mistake had been made and that the Spurs midfielder should have been dismissed.
According to a report in the Athletic, Coote later came to the conclusion that Lo Celso should have been given a red card - although he refused to apologise for his part in the incident.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have also confirmed that Coote will face no punishment for his mistake and will be the fourth official at Wembley as planned.
He would also go on to be the VAR during Man City's win over Leicester City, a game where he controversially decided to not award the Foxes a penalty for a handball by Kevin De Bruyne.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Kobe Bryant's widow suing owner of helicopter after NBA legend and daughter, 13, killed

The widow of Kobe Bryant has sued the owner of the helicopter that crashed in fog and killed her husband @ @ @ @ @ month .
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Vanessa Bryant in Los Angeles says the @ @ @ @ @ by flying in cloudy conditions on January 26 and should have aborted the flight .
@ @ @ @ @ the nine people killed in the crash .
The lawsuit was filed as a public @ @ @ @ @ his daughter and all the victims was being held at the arena where the NBA @ @ @ @ @ career .

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The widow of Kobe Bryant has sued the owner of the helicopter that crashed in fog and killed her husband and their 13-year-old daughter last month.
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Vanessa Bryant in Los Angeles says the pilot was careless and negligent by flying in cloudy conditions on January 26 and should have aborted the flight.
Pilot Ara Zobayan was among the nine people killed in the crash.
The lawsuit was filed as a public memorial service for Bryant, his daughter and all the victims was being held at the arena where the NBA superstar played most of his career.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Hunt to find burglary suspect who forced entry into Sutton Coldfield home

A burglary suspect who is believed to have forced his way into a Sutton Coldfield home is being hunted by @ @ @ @ @ took place in College Hill at around 5pm on Monday , January 27 .
The @ @ @ @ @ been acting with an accomplice and entered the rear of the property .
He then @ @ @ @ @ left the scene .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : “ Can you @ @ @ @ @ ?
“ He allegedly attempted to break into a house on College Hill in Sutton @ @ @ @ @ Monday 27 January .
Entry was forced to a property , but he made off @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live @ @ @ @ @ and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
“ Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on @ @ @ @ @ quote crime reference 20BE/24175Y/20 .
”

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A burglary suspect who is believed to have forced his way into a Sutton Coldfield home is being hunted by police.
The alleged break-in took place in College Hill at around 5pm on Monday, January 27. The suspect was said to have been acting with an accomplice and entered the rear of the property.
He then activated the alarm and suspects left the scene.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “Can you help us identify this man?
“He allegedly attempted to break into a house on College Hill in Sutton Coldfield at around 5pm on Monday 27 January. Entry was forced to a property, but he made off when the alarm was activated.
“Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
“Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference 20BE/24175Y/20.”


birminghammail--2020-02-24--This is when Harvey Weinstein will be sentenced and what jail time he's facing

Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of two charges including rape at his sexual assault trial .
He was found guilty of a criminal sex act for assaulting production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in 2006 and third-degree rape of a woman in 2013 .
The top count carries a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of up to 25 years .
He 's been remanded in custody to await sentencing on March 11 , 2020 .
He was acquitted of three other charges , including rape in the first degree , and two counts of predatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a life sentence .
The difference between first and third degree rape According to New York state laws , third degree rape is when a `` person is guilty of rape in the third degree when he or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person '' : • Who is incapable of consent by reason of some factor other than being less than 17 years old ; • Who is less than 17 years old , and the defendant is 21 years old or more ; or • Without such person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some other reason than incapacity to consent .
A person commits second-degree rape when he or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 15 years old and the defendant is 18 years old or more ; or who is incapable of consent by reason of being mentally disabled or mentally incapacitated .
A person is guilty of rape in the first degree when he or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person by `` forcible compulsion '' -- compelling the victim through the use of physical force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical injury or kidnapping - or : • Who is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless ; • Who is less than 11 years old ; or • Who is less than 13 years old and the defendant is 18 years old or more .
The jury 's decision came after five days of deliberations and weeks of often harrowing and excruciatingly graphic testimony from a string of accusers .
In all , Weinstein , 67 , was charged with five counts stemming from the allegations of Annabella Sciorra and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who says he raped her in March 2013 and a former film and TV production assistant , Mimi Haleyi , who says he sexually assaulted her in March 2006 .
To convict Weinstein of a predatory sexual assault charge , jurors had to agree on two things - that Weinstein raped or sexually assaulted Sciorra and that he committed one of the other charged offences .
The predatory sexual assault charge requires prosecutors to show that a defendant committed a prior rape or other sex crime , but does not have the statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's allegations from consideration on their own .
The conviction of two of the five charges - a criminal sex act and third-degree rape - was seen as a long-overdue reckoning for Weinstein after years of whispers about his behaviour turned into a torrent of accusations in 2017 that destroyed his career and gave rise to # MeToo , the global movement to encourage women to come forward and hold powerful men accountable for their sexual misconduct .
In that case , announced just as the New York trial was getting under way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raped one woman and sexually assaulted another on back-to-back nights during Oscars week in 2013 .
One of those women testified as a supporting witness at the New York trial .

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Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of two charges including rape at his sexual assault trial.
He was found guilty of a criminal sex act for assaulting production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in 2006 and third-degree rape of a woman in 2013.
The top count carries a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of up to 25 years.
He's been remanded in custody to await sentencing on March 11, 2020.
(Image: Getty Images)
He was acquitted of three other charges, including rape in the first degree, and two counts of predatory sexual assault, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
The difference between first and third degree rape
According to New York state laws, third degree rape is when a "person is guilty of rape in the third degree when he or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person":
Who is incapable of consent by reason of some factor other than being less than 17 years old;
Who is less than 17 years old, and the defendant is 21 years old or more; or
Without such person's consent, which is withheld for some other reason than incapacity to consent.
A person commits second-degree rape when he or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 15 years old and the defendant is 18 years old or more; or who is incapable of consent by reason of being mentally disabled or mentally incapacitated.
A person is guilty of rape in the first degree when he or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person by "forcible compulsion" -- compelling the victim through the use of physical force or the threat of immediate death, physical injury or kidnapping - or:
Who is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless;
Who is less than 11 years old; or
Who is less than 13 years old and the defendant is 18 years old or more.
The jury's decision came after five days of deliberations and weeks of often harrowing and excruciatingly graphic testimony from a string of accusers.
In all, Weinstein, 67, was charged with five counts stemming from the allegations of Annabella Sciorra and two other women - an aspiring actress who says he raped her in March 2013 and a former film and TV production assistant, Mimi Haleyi, who says he sexually assaulted her in March 2006.
To convict Weinstein of a predatory sexual assault charge, jurors had to agree on two things - that Weinstein raped or sexually assaulted Sciorra and that he committed one of the other charged offences.
The predatory sexual assault charge requires prosecutors to show that a defendant committed a prior rape or other sex crime, but does not have the statue of limitation constraints that would bar Sciorra's allegations from consideration on their own.
The conviction of two of the five charges - a criminal sex act and third-degree rape - was seen as a long-overdue reckoning for Weinstein after years of whispers about his behaviour turned into a torrent of accusations in 2017 that destroyed his career and gave rise to #MeToo, the global movement to encourage women to come forward and hold powerful men accountable for their sexual misconduct.
Weinstein now faces charges in Los Angeles.
In that case, announced just as the New York trial was getting under way on January 6, authorities allege Weinstein raped one woman and sexually assaulted another on back-to-back nights during Oscars week in 2013.
One of those women testified as a supporting witness at the New York trial.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Yorkshire Tea's heartbreaking plea to Brits after Rishi Sunak backlash

Yorkshire Tea has asked people to “ try to be kind ” after it received online abuse over a picture of Rishi Sunak with a bag of its teabags .
There were calls to boycott the brand on Friday after the Chancellor shared the image with the caption : “ Quick Budget prep break making tea for the team .
Nothing like a good Yorkshire brew.
” Many Twitter users responded to the post by condemning the brand for its apparent association with the Conservative politician , leading the company to publicly dissociate itself from the post .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do with us – people of all political stripes like our brew.
” However , on Monday the curator of Yorkshire Tea ’ s Twitter account took to the social media platform again after a “ rough weekend ” of angry comments – including many who had said they will take their custom elsewhere .
“ On Friday , the Chancellor shared a photo of our tea .
Politicians do that sometimes , ” it said .
“ We weren ’ t asked or involved – and we said so the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with us all the same .
“ For some , our tea just being drunk by someone they don ’ t like means it ’ s forever tainted , and they ’ ve made sure we know it.
” The curator of the account said they had “ spent the last three days answering furious accusations and boycott calls ” while some people had tried to pull the brand into “ a political mudfight ” .
“ It ’ s easier to be on the receiving end of this as a brand than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account ’ s curator .
“ There ’ s more emotional distance and I ’ ve had a team to support me when it got a bit much .
“ But for anyone about to vent their rage online , even to a company – please remember there ’ s a human on the other end of it and try to be kind.
” The account also thanked those who “ spoke up ” for them and sent messages of support .
Sharing Yorkshire Tea ’ s comments , comedian Mark Watson tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire Tea politely ask people not to abuse them for a photo they had nothing to do with , made me gesture with vague despair into the void.
” Twitter user @ DavidMuttering posted : “ There was a storm brewing .
But now this brew is storming .
“ Well done @ YorkshireTea and the human who has had to deal with all this nonsense.
” The company was also defended by Tory MP Dehenna Davison , who called on people to “ calm down ” .

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Yorkshire Tea has asked people to “try to be kind” after it received online abuse over a picture of Rishi Sunak with a bag of its teabags.
There were calls to boycott the brand on Friday after the Chancellor shared the image with the caption: “Quick Budget prep break making tea for the team. Nothing like a good Yorkshire brew.”
Many Twitter users responded to the post by condemning the brand for its apparent association with the Conservative politician, leading the company to publicly dissociate itself from the post.
On Friday, the brand tweeted: “Nothing to do with us – people of all political stripes like our brew.”
However, on Monday the curator of Yorkshire Tea’s Twitter account took to the social media platform again after a “rough weekend” of angry comments – including many who had said they will take their custom elsewhere.
“On Friday, the Chancellor shared a photo of our tea. Politicians do that sometimes,” it said.
“We weren’t asked or involved – and we said so the same day. Lots of people got angry with us all the same.
“For some, our tea just being drunk by someone they don’t like means it’s forever tainted, and they’ve made sure we know it.”
The curator of the account said they had “spent the last three days answering furious accusations and boycott calls” while some people had tried to pull the brand into “a political mudfight”.
“It’s easier to be on the receiving end of this as a brand than as an individual,” wrote the account’s curator.
“There’s more emotional distance and I’ve had a team to support me when it got a bit much.
“But for anyone about to vent their rage online, even to a company – please remember there’s a human on the other end of it and try to be kind.”
The account also thanked those who “spoke up” for them and sent messages of support.
Sharing Yorkshire Tea’s comments, comedian Mark Watson tweeted: “This thread, in which Yorkshire Tea politely ask people not to abuse them for a photo they had nothing to do with, made me gesture with vague despair into the void.”
Twitter user @DavidMuttering posted: “There was a storm brewing. But now this brew is storming.
(Image: DAILY RECORD)
“Well done @YorkshireTea and the human who has had to deal with all this nonsense.”
The company was also defended by Tory MP Dehenna Davison, who called on people to “calm down”.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Twisted crossbow killer Terence Whall urged to reveal why he killed retired lecturer Gerald Corrigan

The partner of a retired lecturer who was fatally shot with a crossbow has called for his murderer to reveal why he killed him .
Terence Whall , 39 , was convicted at Mold Crown Court on Monday of killing Gerald Corrigan , 74 , who was fatally injured as he adjusted a satellite dish outside his home in Anglesey , North Wales , in the early hours of Good Friday , April 19 , last year .
The jury in the trial , which lasted more than four weeks , was told it may never know why Mr Corrigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a parallel fraud investigation was ongoing after claims the pensioner and his partner Marie Bailey , 64 , handed over £250,000 to convicted fraudster Richard Wyn Lewis , before his death .
In a statement , Miss Bailey said : “ To that sad , twisted , broken soul who murdered him , I say if you have an ounce of humanity , any sense of decency , then you would tell us now why you have done this.
” Detective Chief Inspector Brian Kearney said Mr Corrigan may have become a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local criminality ” .
He said : “ We really want the Corrigan family to have the answers to understand why someone has so brutally executed their partner , their father.
” Mr Corrigan ’ s daughter Fiona said : “ The reason the news of the shooting was such a shock for us was that he was such a good man .
Just an average bloke enjoying his retirement.
” The court heard the couple handed money over to Mr Lewis , who remains under investigation , for a land deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Lewis also grew cannabis in an outbuilding at their property but removed the drugs farm when Mr Corrigan realised the scale of the operation , the court heard .
DCI Kearney told the PA news agency a prosecution file on the fraud investigation , understood to involve three suspects , was awaiting review by the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) .
The court heard evidence Whall and co-defendant Gavin Jones , 36 , who were both convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice for a plot to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also involved in a dispute over money with Mr Lewis .
Whall , a twice-married tai chi instructor from east London , denied ever meeting Mr Corrigan , who died in hospital on May 11 .
But , the court heard he hid outside the father-of-two ’ s remote home and waited for him to leave after the Sky signal was interfered with .
The crossbow bolt passed through the pensioner ’ s body causing serious internal injuries and bruising his heart before shattering a bone in his arm as it left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whall ’ s state-of-the-art Land Rover Discovery , which was found burnt out in a disused quarry on June 3 , showed he had been in the area of Mr Corrigan ’ s home , near South Stack , at the time of the shooting and on the previous night .
Whall initially told police he was at home on the night Mr Corrigan was shot but , when the GPS showed he was not , he said he was in the area because he was having a sexual encounter with friend Barry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which lasted more than four weeks , Jones ’ s brother Darren Jones , 41 , and his friend Martin Roberts , 34 , pleaded guilty to the arson of the Land Rover Discovery .
Whall , Gavin Jones , Darren Jones and Roberts are due to be sentenced on Friday .

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The partner of a retired lecturer who was fatally shot with a crossbow has called for his murderer to reveal why he killed him.
Terence Whall, 39, was convicted at Mold Crown Court on Monday of killing Gerald Corrigan, 74, who was fatally injured as he adjusted a satellite dish outside his home in Anglesey, North Wales, in the early hours of Good Friday, April 19, last year.
The jury in the trial, which lasted more than four weeks, was told it may never know why Mr Corrigan was murdered.
North Wales Police said a parallel fraud investigation was ongoing after claims the pensioner and his partner Marie Bailey, 64, handed over £250,000 to convicted fraudster Richard Wyn Lewis, before his death.
In a statement, Miss Bailey said: “To that sad, twisted, broken soul who murdered him, I say if you have an ounce of humanity, any sense of decency, then you would tell us now why you have done this.”
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Kearney said Mr Corrigan may have become a “source or potential source of grief to local criminality”.
He said: “We really want the Corrigan family to have the answers to understand why someone has so brutally executed their partner, their father.”
Mr Corrigan’s daughter Fiona said: “The reason the news of the shooting was such a shock for us was that he was such a good man. Just an average bloke enjoying his retirement.”
The court heard the couple handed money over to Mr Lewis, who remains under investigation, for a land deal, work to a house and a horse.
Mr Lewis also grew cannabis in an outbuilding at their property but removed the drugs farm when Mr Corrigan realised the scale of the operation, the court heard.
DCI Kearney told the PA news agency a prosecution file on the fraud investigation, understood to involve three suspects, was awaiting review by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
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The court heard evidence Whall and co-defendant Gavin Jones, 36, who were both convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice for a plot to set fire to Whall’s car, were also involved in a dispute over money with Mr Lewis.
Whall, a twice-married tai chi instructor from east London, denied ever meeting Mr Corrigan, who died in hospital on May 11.
But, the court heard he hid outside the father-of-two’s remote home and waited for him to leave after the Sky signal was interfered with.
The crossbow bolt passed through the pensioner’s body causing serious internal injuries and bruising his heart before shattering a bone in his arm as it left his body.
The GPS system from Whall’s state-of-the-art Land Rover Discovery, which was found burnt out in a disused quarry on June 3, showed he had been in the area of Mr Corrigan’s home, near South Stack, at the time of the shooting and on the previous night.
Whall initially told police he was at home on the night Mr Corrigan was shot but, when the GPS showed he was not, he said he was in the area because he was having a sexual encounter with friend Barry Williams.
Mr Williams denied the claims.
Part way through the trial, which lasted more than four weeks, Jones’s brother Darren Jones, 41, and his friend Martin Roberts, 34, pleaded guilty to the arson of the Land Rover Discovery.
Whall, Gavin Jones, Darren Jones and Roberts are due to be sentenced on Friday.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Jess Phillips speaks out as Harvey Weinstein found guilty in landmark #MeToo rape trial

Jess Phillips has spoken out after Harvey Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault .
The MP for Birmingham Yardley took to social media after the disgraced Hollywood movie mogul was found guilty in New York .
Labour MP Jess Phillips tweeted : `` I 've met a few of the women who have made claims against Weinstein , I 've worked with remarkable women forced into years of silence through NDAs by him .
`` They all said to me at one point or another , ' I just do n't believe he 'll ever go to jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does that . ''
The jury found Weinstein not guilty on the most serious charge , predatory sexual assault , that could have resulted in a life sentence .
The most damaging conviction , for the sexual assault of production assistant Mimi Haleyi , would carry a maximum sentence of 25 years .
The rape charge is punishable by up to four years .
Sentencing was set for March 11 .
Weinstein , 67 , had a look of resignation as the verdict came in , and was seen talking to his lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to jail immediately .
Court officers surrounded Weinstein , handcuffed him and led him out of the courtroom .
He was found guilty of a criminal sex act for assaulting production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in 2006 and third-degree rape of a woman in 2013 .
The top count carries a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of up to 25 years .
He 's been remanded in custody to await sentencing on March 11 , 2020 .
He was acquitted of three other charges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and two counts of predatory sexual assault , which could have resulted in a life sentence .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Rodger, Katie Brooks)

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Jess Phillips has spoken out after Harvey Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault.
The MP for Birmingham Yardley took to social media after the disgraced Hollywood movie mogul was found guilty in New York.
Labour MP Jess Phillips tweeted: "I've met a few of the women who have made claims against Weinstein, I've worked with remarkable women forced into years of silence through NDAs by him.
"They all said to me at one point or another, 'I just don't believe he'll ever go to jail'. Years of no one listening does that."
The jury found Weinstein not guilty on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault, that could have resulted in a life sentence.
The most damaging conviction, for the sexual assault of production assistant Mimi Haleyi, would carry a maximum sentence of 25 years. The rape charge is punishable by up to four years. Sentencing was set for March 11.
Weinstein, 67, had a look of resignation as the verdict came in, and was seen talking to his lawyers shortly after.
A judge ordered him to go to jail immediately.
(Image: Scott Heins/Getty Images)
Court officers surrounded Weinstein, handcuffed him and led him out of the courtroom.
He was found guilty of a criminal sex act for assaulting production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in 2006 and third-degree rape of a woman in 2013.
The top count carries a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of up to 25 years.
He's been remanded in custody to await sentencing on March 11, 2020.
He was acquitted of three other charges, including rape in the first degree, and two counts of predatory sexual assault, which could have resulted in a life sentence.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Faces of 'greedy' touts who raked in £9m profit by reselling tickets after being jailed for six year

Faces of 'greedy' touts who raked in £9m profit by reselling tickets after being jailed for six years

Two `` greedy '' touts who raked in a staggering £9m profit by reselling tickets to high-profile events including Ed Sheeran and Adele gigs have been jailed for a total of six and a half years .
Peter Hunter and David Smith used multiple identities and computer bots to illegally buy £17m worth of tickets , which they then sold on for a whopping £26m over a seven year period .
Prosecutors said the fraudsters - who are in a civil partnership - deprived `` thousands '' of genuine fans the opportunity to buy the tickets at face value and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computer software and fake names to scoop up `` hundreds '' of tickets that they then sold on for `` more than twice '' the face value , the court heard .
The fraudsters , who traded under the company names Ticket Wiz and BZZ , also sold tickets to West End shows like Harry Potter And The Cursed Child and NFL matches in London .
Hunter , 51 , and Smith , 66 , did their business on the 'big four ' secondary ticketing sites - Viagogo , GetMeIn , StubHub and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men were found guilty of three counts of fraudulent trading and one count of possession of articles to be used with fraud after a three month trial at Leeds Crown Court .
The landmark prosecution was the first of its kind in the UK since National Trading Standards began investigating the reselling of tickets on the internet in 2017 .
Ed Sheeran 's manager Stuart Camp gave evidence in December , when he said he had spotted £75 seats for a charity gig on sale for a shocking £7,000 .
Jonathan Sandiford , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24/2 ) that the pair roped in friends and family to provide their names and banks details to buy tickets to sell on He told the court that between May 2010 and December 2017 , the pair spent £17,016,585 on tickets , which they sold on for £26,391,695 .
He said the scam was `` sophisticated '' and the fact that the pair used computer software to create bots to bypass limits on how many tickets they could buy was an aggravating factor .
They also used fake names to buy up tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above their market value .
The court heard the pair discussed not listing too many tickets for sale at one time so as to generate the highest price for them on secondary sale websites .
Mr Sandiford told the court : `` The defendants were the principal organisers and beneficiaries of the fraudulent behaviour reflected by counts one to four .
`` The motive for the offences was greed and financial gain .
`` The business model used by Ticket Wizz and BZZ Limited was fraudulent from the outset – using multiple identities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was purchasing tickets from consumer facing websites for commercial resale . ''
Ben Douglas-Jones QC , defending Hunter , said the company had made more than 20,000 sales on eBay and had more than 12,000 positive reviews with just one negative rating .
He said : `` This is far removed from fraud in the conventional sense .
`` Have you every heard of a consumer-based fraud where the consumers are so happy they are giving five star reviews for speed , accuracy and value ?
`` They were reviewing him positively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was selling plainly as a secondary ticket seller . ''
Matthew Lawson , for Smith , said : `` This was Mr Hunter 's business and Mr Smith , being his partner - not in the business sense , but in the life sense - working from home , in his study , would help out with the business when needed .
`` The overwhelming evidence demonstrated it was Hunter who ran the business . ''
Judge Mushtaq Khokhar praised Smith , the former news editor of the Gay Times , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter for his previous good character .
Hunter was sentenced to four years in prison and Smith was sentenced to 30 months behind bars .
Judge Khokar said : `` The terms and conditions of the primary selling sites made it clear they should not be bought for commercial purposes .
`` You bought hundreds of tickets at any given time and re-sold them for more than twice the price .
`` You have used the company for a fraudulent purpose to make gains for yourself .
`` A lot of people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could have paid .
`` It gives me no pleasure to pass these sentences , but I have to do my public duty . ''
Speaking after the hearing , Lord Toby Harris , Chair of National Trading Standards , said : “ This is an important milestone in the fight to tackle online ticket touts who fraudulently buy and resell tickets to thousands of victims to line their own pockets .
`` Today ’ s sentences send a strong message to similar online ticket touts : these are criminal offences that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope this leads to a step-change in the secondary ticketing market , making it easier and safer for consumers buying tickets in the future .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ashley Pemberton, James Rodger)

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Two "greedy" touts who raked in a staggering £9m profit by reselling tickets to high-profile events including Ed Sheeran and Adele gigs have been jailed for a total of six and a half years.
Peter Hunter and David Smith used multiple identities and computer bots to illegally buy £17m worth of tickets, which they then sold on for a whopping £26m over a seven year period.
Prosecutors said the fraudsters - who are in a civil partnership - deprived "thousands" of genuine fans the opportunity to buy the tickets at face value and then distort the market.
They used computer software and fake names to scoop up "hundreds" of tickets that they then sold on for "more than twice" the face value, the court heard.
The fraudsters, who traded under the company names Ticket Wiz and BZZ, also sold tickets to West End shows like Harry Potter And The Cursed Child and NFL matches in London.
(Image: National Trading Standards /SWNS)
Hunter, 51, and Smith, 66, did their business on the 'big four' secondary ticketing sites - Viagogo, GetMeIn, StubHub and Seatwave - at inflated prices.
Both men were found guilty of three counts of fraudulent trading and one count of possession of articles to be used with fraud after a three month trial at Leeds Crown Court.
(Image: Alex Cousins / SWNS)
The landmark prosecution was the first of its kind in the UK since National Trading Standards began investigating the reselling of tickets on the internet in 2017.
Ed Sheeran's manager Stuart Camp gave evidence in December, when he said he had spotted £75 seats for a charity gig on sale for a shocking £7,000.
Jonathan Sandiford, prosecuting, told the court today (24/2) that the pair roped in friends and family to provide their names and banks details to buy tickets to sell on
(Image: Alex Cousins / SWNS)
He told the court that between May 2010 and December 2017, the pair spent £17,016,585 on tickets, which they sold on for £26,391,695.
He said the scam was "sophisticated" and the fact that the pair used computer software to create bots to bypass limits on how many tickets they could buy was an aggravating factor.
They also used fake names to buy up tickets "en masse" to be re-sold above their market value.
(Image: National Trading Standards /SWNS)
The court heard the pair discussed not listing too many tickets for sale at one time so as to generate the highest price for them on secondary sale websites.
Mr Sandiford told the court: "The defendants were the principal organisers and beneficiaries of the fraudulent behaviour reflected by counts one to four.
"The motive for the offences was greed and financial gain.
(Image: National Trading Standards /SWNS)
"The business model used by Ticket Wizz and BZZ Limited was fraudulent from the outset – using multiple identities to conceal that it was the company that was purchasing tickets from consumer facing websites for commercial resale."
Ben Douglas-Jones QC, defending Hunter, said the company had made more than 20,000 sales on eBay and had more than 12,000 positive reviews with just one negative rating.
(Image: National Trading Standards /SWNS)
He said: "This is far removed from fraud in the conventional sense.
"Have you every heard of a consumer-based fraud where the consumers are so happy they are giving five star reviews for speed, accuracy and value?
"They were reviewing him positively for the value of the tickets that he was selling plainly as a secondary ticket seller."
(Image: National Trading Standards /SWNS)
Matthew Lawson, for Smith, said: "This was Mr Hunter's business and Mr Smith, being his partner - not in the business sense, but in the life sense - working from home, in his study, would help out with the business when needed.
"The overwhelming evidence demonstrated it was Hunter who ran the business."
Judge Mushtaq Khokhar praised Smith, the former news editor of the Gay Times, for his work in promoting LGBT rights and Hunter for his previous good character.
Hunter was sentenced to four years in prison and Smith was sentenced to 30 months behind bars.
(Image: National Trading Standards /SWNS)
Judge Khokar said: "The terms and conditions of the primary selling sites made it clear they should not be bought for commercial purposes.
"You bought hundreds of tickets at any given time and re-sold them for more than twice the price.
"You have used the company for a fraudulent purpose to make gains for yourself.
(Image: Alex Cousins / SWNS)
"A lot of people in this case paid a lot more than they could have paid.
"It gives me no pleasure to pass these sentences, but I have to do my public duty."
Speaking after the hearing, Lord Toby Harris, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “This is an important milestone in the fight to tackle online ticket touts who fraudulently buy and resell tickets to thousands of victims to line their own pockets.
"Today’s sentences send a strong message to similar online ticket touts: these are criminal offences that can lead to prison sentences.
"I hope this leads to a step-change in the secondary ticketing market, making it easier and safer for consumers buying tickets in the future.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Aston Villa boss Dean Smith slammed after blunt Man City claim

Darren Bent feels that Dean Smith had one eye on the Carabao Cup final after Aston Villa were soundly beaten by Southampton .
Villa meet Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday , looking to earn the club 's first domestic honour since 1996 .
But their Premier League form leaves little cause for optimism , with three defeats on the spin leaving them just outside the relegation zone .
The 2-0 defeat to Saints was described by Smith as the 'lowest of the low ' with Villa registering just one shot on target in the entire game .
Speaking after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a number of his players had performed so badly , they had put their Wembley place at risk .
`` They were poor today , '' he said .
`` It 's not about me , it 's about them .
They 've let themselves down .
I said to them before the game , we 've got 13 cup finals , got beat today and deservedly so and players have played themselves out of another cup final next week . ''
Bent has now told Football Insider that he struggled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a sign , he himself had taken his eye off the ball on the south coast .
“ I don ’ t understand , '' Bent said .
`` For me , don ’ t address next week , that tells me already that he maybe had one eye on next week as well .
“ At the minute it ’ s difficult for Villa , confidence is low , what can they do ?
With this big game that they ’ ve got this weekend , there will have been players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking : ‘ I don ’ t want to get injured.
’ “ I thought there would have been players in the team who would have stepped up and tried to get themselves into the team.
” Villa will not play another Premier League match until March 9 , by which time , in all probability they will have dropped into the bottom three .

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Darren Bent feels that Dean Smith had one eye on the Carabao Cup final after Aston Villa were soundly beaten by Southampton.
Villa meet Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday, looking to earn the club's first domestic honour since 1996. But their Premier League form leaves little cause for optimism, with three defeats on the spin leaving them just outside the relegation zone.
The 2-0 defeat to Saints was described by Smith as the 'lowest of the low' with Villa registering just one shot on target in the entire game.
(Image: PA)
Speaking after the game, the Villa boss suggested that a number of his players had performed so badly, they had put their Wembley place at risk.
"They were poor today," he said. "It's not about me, it's about them. They've let themselves down. I said to them before the game, we've got 13 cup finals, got beat today and deservedly so and players have played themselves out of another cup final next week."
Bent has now told Football Insider that he struggled to understand Smith's comments, suggesting it was a sign, he himself had taken his eye off the ball on the south coast.
“I don’t understand," Bent said. "For me, don’t address next week, that tells me already that he maybe had one eye on next week as well.
“At the minute it’s difficult for Villa, confidence is low, what can they do? With this big game that they’ve got this weekend, there will have been players out there with one eye on it thinking: ‘I don’t want to get injured.’
“I thought there would have been players in the team who would have stepped up and tried to get themselves into the team.”
Villa will not play another Premier League match until March 9, by which time, in all probability they will have dropped into the bottom three.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Premier League referee handed West Brom game and Preston fans fume

Premier League referee Kevin Friend has been appointed as the official in charge of West Brom ’ s welcoming of Preston North End to The Hawthorns tomorrow evening - and the visiting supporters are less than amused .
Friend , from Leicestershire , most recently covered Manchester City ’ s routine victory over West Ham United last week , but dips down into the Championship this term have been few and far between .
The top flight official , who refereed the FA Cup final last year between City and Watford , has overseen only two matches in the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ End .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • Watch the near 3,000 Albion fans celebrate at full time - WATCH • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albion players - READ • Bilic on the red card and his side 's character - READ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com That was when they welcomed Leeds United to Deepdale , back in October .
The match finished 1-1 , and Lilywhites right-back Darnell Fisher was the only player on the pitch to be cautioned .
Despite that being the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned Preston in the last season or so , news of his appointment for the meeting tomorrow night has not gone down well with those travelling south to the West Midlands .
That ’ s judging by the replies to this tweet from Preston ’ s official Twitter account , at any rate ...
It transpires that the grudge the fanbase hold against Friend extends to 2010 , when he sent off former Baggie Billy Jones with North End 3-1 up at Turf Moor against rivals Burnley - they 'd lose 4-3 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Friend has refereed 25 matches in all competitions this season .
To date , he has dished out 77 yellow cards and administered five red cards .
It ’ s been over three years since Friend last took charge of a game involving Albion .
He was the man in the middle the day the Baggies edged out Stoke City in a top flight battle on home soil .
James Morrison scored the only goal on that day , while Ben Foster and Matt Phillips were the Albion players carded on the @ @

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Premier League referee Kevin Friend has been appointed as the official in charge of West Brom’s welcoming of Preston North End to The Hawthorns tomorrow evening - and the visiting supporters are less than amused.
Friend, from Leicestershire, most recently covered Manchester City’s routine victory over West Ham United last week, but dips down into the Championship this term have been few and far between.
The top flight official, who refereed the FA Cup final last year between City and Watford, has overseen only two matches in the second tier - one of them involving North End.
That was when they welcomed Leeds United to Deepdale, back in October.
The match finished 1-1, and Lilywhites right-back Darnell Fisher was the only player on the pitch to be cautioned.
Despite that being the only match Friend has officiated in that has concerned Preston in the last season or so, news of his appointment for the meeting tomorrow night has not gone down well with those travelling south to the West Midlands.
That’s judging by the replies to this tweet from Preston’s official Twitter account, at any rate...
It transpires that the grudge the fanbase hold against Friend extends to 2010, when he sent off former Baggie Billy Jones with North End 3-1 up at Turf Moor against rivals Burnley - they'd lose 4-3, with Jay Rodriguez scoring a late winner.
Friend has refereed 25 matches in all competitions this season. To date, he has dished out 77 yellow cards and administered five red cards.
It’s been over three years since Friend last took charge of a game involving Albion.
He was the man in the middle the day the Baggies edged out Stoke City in a top flight battle on home soil. James Morrison scored the only goal on that day, while Ben Foster and Matt Phillips were the Albion players carded on the day.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Aston Villa fans are all saying the same thing about this January transfer 'mistake'

Aston Villa supporters think that Dean Smith made a 'huge mistake ' in the January window in allowing James Chester to leave on-loan .
The Wales international joined Stoke City for the rest of the season , after chronic injury issues saw him slide down the pecking order at Villa Park .
Chester played just twice for Villa in the first half of the season , with both appearances coming in the cup .
He has already doubled that tally in the Potteries , playing four times in the Championship in a matter of weeks .
His Stoke teammate Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'as good as ever ' and is backing him to make it into Wales ' Euro 2020 squad .
Meanwhile , the defensive struggles at Villa continue , with the two goals conceded at Southampton bringing the tally for the season to 52 - the most in the top flight .
Ezri Konsa , Bjorn Engels , Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings have all been used in recent weeks , as Villa 's Premier League struggles have intensified .
We asked fans on social media , whether Villa had made a mistake in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were fairly unanimous : Martin Slater : Yes .
Should have kept him and got rid of Hause .
Chester is a much better defender .
Huge mistake by Smith and the club Valerie Williams : Definitely !
He 's a much better defender than the ones we have at present .
Colin Charlesworth : YES definitely a mistake letting him go he had nothing to prove .
Chester and MINGS in a back 4 or with Engels or KONSA in a back 3 would be a lot better than what we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how something the others dont have I would have thought John Terry would know this and Letting Hogan go he just needed a run of games and a bit of TCL Justin Whitby : Big mistake letting Chester go out on loan.. we could do with him back Nick Gardner : Absolutely , always regarded him as a quality player should never have been loaned out Shane Matthews : Are konsa , hause or engels better than this lad ?
.
Eugene McDermott : Big time .
Needed him .
Should have kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Huge mistake !
Our best defense would have been Chester in between Mings and Engels !
Jason Graham : Stupid to let him go should of brought him on in like last 15-20 mind of games to get his fitness back we did same with Cahill i hope he comes back maybe early recall Eoin Clarke : Finding it hard to understand how he was n't getting a game with all the goals we conceded this season cos I had just thought it was fitness but clearly it is n't

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Aston Villa supporters think that Dean Smith made a 'huge mistake' in the January window in allowing James Chester to leave on-loan.
The Wales international joined Stoke City for the rest of the season, after chronic injury issues saw him slide down the pecking order at Villa Park.
Chester played just twice for Villa in the first half of the season, with both appearances coming in the cup. He has already doubled that tally in the Potteries, playing four times in the Championship in a matter of weeks.
(Image: Stoke Sentinel)
His Stoke teammate Joe Allen recently claimed the 31-year-old is looking 'as good as ever' and is backing him to make it into Wales' Euro 2020 squad.
Meanwhile, the defensive struggles at Villa continue, with the two goals conceded at Southampton bringing the tally for the season to 52 - the most in the top flight.
Ezri Konsa, Bjorn Engels, Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings have all been used in recent weeks, as Villa's Premier League struggles have intensified.
We asked fans on social media, whether Villa had made a mistake in allowing Chester to leave - the answers were fairly unanimous:
Martin Slater: Yes. Should have kept him and got rid of Hause. Chester is a much better defender. Huge mistake by Smith and the club
Valerie Williams: Definitely ! He's a much better defender than the ones we have at present.
Colin Charlesworth: YES definitely a mistake letting him go he had nothing to prove. Chester and MINGS in a back 4 or with Engels or KONSA in a back 3 would be a lot better than what we are playing now he has experience and know how something the others dont have I would have thought John Terry would know this and Letting Hogan go he just needed a run of games and a bit of TCL
Justin Whitby: Big mistake letting Chester go out on loan.. we could do with him back
Nick Gardner: Absolutely, always regarded him as a quality player should never have been loaned out
Shane Matthews: Are konsa,hause or engels better than this lad?.
Mark Brown: Another big Dean Smith mistake
Eugene McDermott: Big time. Needed him. Should have kept Whelan and Hutton as well
Simon Shingler: Huge mistake! Our best defense would have been Chester in between Mings and Engels!
Jason Graham: Stupid to let him go should of brought him on in like last 15-20 mind of games to get his fitness back we did same with Cahill i hope he comes back maybe early recall
Eoin Clarke: Finding it hard to understand how he wasn't getting a game with all the goals we conceded this season cos I had just thought it was fitness but clearly it isn't