birminghammail--2020-11-07--Woman injured in dramatic Oldbury Road crash

A woman was injured after two cars collided on a busy road in Oldbury this morning .
At around 6.40am , two small hatchback cars smashed head on into each other at the Oldbury Road junction .
Fire crews and ambulance staff raced to the scene today ( November 7 ) , near Uplands Avenue .
Emergency services found a woman in need of medical assistance .
A picture taken at the scene ( above ) has revealed the extensive damage caused to both vehicles .
The road was closed both ways and motorists were advised by West Midlands Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Express bus services , 4 , 4H , 4M and 14 were all diverted via Titford Lane away from the scene of the crash .
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Control said : `` We were called this morning ( November 7 ) at 6.40am to Uplands Avenue to two cars in collision on the roadway .
The Black Country Bugle Annual 2021 is going on sale from October 26 , right up until March 2021 .
It provides a colourful and memorable look back at all aspects of Black Country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iconic buildings , from the sports and pastimes that united the community to the firms and workplaces that provided jobs for thousands .
It ’ s all here in compelling stories and features and fascinating , rare photographs .
`` One casualty - a woman - was treated by ambulance crews at the scene .
`` Fire crews were isolating the car batteries and controlling the fuel spillage .
One crew from Oldbury were in attendance .
`` Crews remained on scene for around half an hour . ''

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A woman was injured after two cars collided on a busy road in Oldbury this morning.
At around 6.40am, two small hatchback cars smashed head on into each other at the Oldbury Road junction.
Fire crews and ambulance staff raced to the scene today (November 7), near Uplands Avenue.
Emergency services found a woman in need of medical assistance.
A picture taken at the scene (above) has revealed the extensive damage caused to both vehicles.
The road was closed both ways and motorists were advised by West Midlands Fire Service to find an alternative route.
National Express bus services, 4, 4H, 4M and 14 were all diverted via Titford Lane away from the scene of the crash.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Control said: "We were called this morning (November 7) at 6.40am to Uplands Avenue to two cars in collision on the roadway.
Black Country Bugle Annual 2021 The Black Country Bugle Annual 2021 is going on sale from October 26, right up until March 2021. It provides a colourful and memorable look back at all aspects of Black Country life, from much-loved characters to much-missed iconic buildings, from the sports and pastimes that united the community to the firms and workplaces that provided jobs for thousands. It’s all here in compelling stories and features and fascinating, rare photographs. The Black Country Bugle Annual 2021 Get your copy here.
"One casualty - a woman - was treated by ambulance crews at the scene.
"Fire crews were isolating the car batteries and controlling the fuel spillage. One crew from Oldbury were in attendance.
"Crews remained on scene for around half an hour."


birminghammail--2020-11-07--School chaos as Test and Trace fails to report case for NINE days

A Kingstanding primary school was 'thrown into chaos ' after the NHS Test and Trace system failed to inform the headteacher of a positive case for NINE days .
Erdington MP Jack Dromey has written to Health Minister Matt Hancock following the incident at Twickenham Primary School .
Mr Dromey was contacted by exasperated headteacher Helen Slack who raised `` huge concerns '' about the track and trace system following its failure at her school .
A pupil had tested positive for Covid on October 24 but had spent time in school on October 22 .
The headteacher was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive result .
This was the day the school returned from the October half term break - and nine days after the positive Covid test .
Mrs Slack said news of the positive test had caused 'significant disruption ' on Monday morning and anger from parents .
She told BirminghamLive : `` It is not up to the parents to inform the school of a positive Covid test .
There had been a half term break and the parent contacted me on Monday when we returned to school to say her child had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupil had tested for Covid on October 24 and had been in school two days before .
The track and trace system failed to notify us of this nine days after the positive test .
`` All children and staff in the bubble should have isolated as soon as the result came in as positive .
`` The leadership team and I then had to meet parents at the school entrance and ask them to take their children home because that class bubble had to self isolate .
`` My huge frustration and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known about this case for nine days and did not contact the school not only causing chaos to us on the first day back at school but more importantly meaning 29 four year olds and three members of staff spent all that time mixing with many many other people potentially spreading the virus .
`` I contacted the DFE only to be told it is up to the parent to inform the school of the positive Covid result .
Well I am afraid that is n't the case .
That is why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet it is failing .
Other schools in the area have faced the same situation .
It is just not good enough . ''
In a letter to Matt Hancock Jack Dromey said : `` I am writing to you following strong representations made to me by the Headteacher of a '' Twickenham Primary is in an area of high deprivation and serves some of the most deprived children in Erdington .
The school faces many challenges on a daily basis , not least in recent months as staff have worked hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , a recent failure in NHS Test and Trace has caused significant disruption to the school and deep alarm regarding the effectiveness of the system .
This half term , the headteacher at Twickenham Primary spent much of her time reorganising her staff and classes due to members of staff self-isolating .
However , plans for the return to school on Monday were thrown into chaos when she was informed at 8:30am by a parent that their child had tested positive on October 24 .
`` The child had been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the children and staff in the class bubble would have to self-isolate .
This led to the farcical situation of the Headteacher at Twickenham Primary having to turn parents and children away at the school gates on Monday morning , without being able to give any prior warning .
`` What is most alarming and a cause for concern is that the Test and Trace system knew about this case for 9 days between the positive test result and the return to school on Monday , but completely failed to notify the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , with 29 four-year olds and three members of staff being sent home and the same individuals potentially having been unknowingly spreading the virus for nine whole days .
`` I am sure you will agree that testing and tracing is vital if the country is to overcome coronavirus .
However , as the Headteacher of Twickenham Primary has said to me , it makes a complete mockery of our efforts if such simple but potentially disastrous errors are being made .
If the school had been contacted by Test and Trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessary information to ensure all those concerned were contacted and told to isolate promptly .
`` Alarmingly , I have been informed that one other school in Birmingham has had to grapple with a similar error .
`` I would therefore be grateful if you could investigate this matter urgently to understand what went wrong , why the school was not notified of the positive test result and how similar mistakes do not occur again .
For the continued safety of school environments and the national effort against coronavirus , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this extraordinary episode . ''
BirminghamLive has contacted the Department For Education for a statement .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
A Kingstanding primary school was 'thrown into chaos' after the NHS Test and Trace system failed to inform the headteacher of a positive case for NINE days.
Erdington MP Jack Dromey has written to Health Minister Matt Hancock following the incident at Twickenham Primary School.
Mr Dromey was contacted by exasperated headteacher Helen Slack who raised "huge concerns" about the track and trace system following its failure at her school.
A pupil had tested positive for Covid on October 24 but had spent time in school on October 22.
The headteacher was only informed on Monday November 2 of the positive result. This was the day the school returned from the October half term break - and nine days after the positive Covid test.
Mrs Slack said news of the positive test had caused 'significant disruption' on Monday morning and anger from parents.
She told BirminghamLive: "It is not up to the parents to inform the school of a positive Covid test. There had been a half term break and the parent contacted me on Monday when we returned to school to say her child had tested positive for Covid.
"The pupil had tested for Covid on October 24 and had been in school two days before. The track and trace system failed to notify us of this nine days after the positive test.
"All children and staff in the bubble should have isolated as soon as the result came in as positive.
"The leadership team and I then had to meet parents at the school entrance and ask them to take their children home because that class bubble had to self isolate.
"My huge frustration and concern is that track and trace had known about this case for nine days and did not contact the school not only causing chaos to us on the first day back at school but more importantly meaning 29 four year olds and three members of staff spent all that time mixing with many many other people potentially spreading the virus.
"I contacted the DFE only to be told it is up to the parent to inform the school of the positive Covid result. Well I am afraid that isn't the case. That is why the Track and Trace system is in place yet it is failing. Other schools in the area have faced the same situation. It is just not good enough."
In a letter to Matt Hancock Jack Dromey said: "I am writing to you following strong representations made to me by the Headteacher of a
local primary school.
(Image: Daily Mirror)
"Twickenham Primary is in an area of high deprivation and serves some of the most deprived children in Erdington. The school faces many challenges on a daily basis, not least in recent months as staff have worked hard to ensure children have returned to school safely.
However, a recent failure in NHS Test and Trace has caused significant disruption to the school and deep alarm regarding the effectiveness of the system.
This half term, the headteacher at Twickenham Primary spent much of her time reorganising her staff and classes due to members of staff self-isolating. However, plans for the return to school on Monday were thrown into chaos when she was informed at 8:30am by a parent that their child had tested positive on October 24.
"The child had been in school on October 22 and therefore all the children and staff in the class bubble would have to self-isolate. This led to the farcical situation of the Headteacher at Twickenham Primary having to turn parents and children away at the school gates on Monday morning, without being able to give any prior warning.
"What is most alarming and a cause for concern is that the Test and Trace system knew about this case for 9 days between the positive test result and the return to school on Monday, but completely failed to notify the school. This led to chaos on Monday morning, with 29 four-year olds and three members of staff being sent home and the same individuals potentially having been unknowingly spreading the virus for nine whole days.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"I am sure you will agree that testing and tracing is vital if the country is to overcome coronavirus. However, as the Headteacher of Twickenham Primary has said to me, it makes a complete mockery of our efforts if such simple but potentially disastrous errors are being
made. If the school had been contacted by Test and Trace, they would have gladly provide all the necessary information to ensure all those concerned were contacted and told to isolate promptly.
"Alarmingly, I have been informed that one other school in Birmingham has had to grapple with a similar error.
"I would therefore be grateful if you could investigate this matter urgently to understand what went wrong, why the school was not notified of the positive test result and how similar mistakes do not occur again. For the continued safety of school environments and the national effort against coronavirus, it is vital that there be no repeat of this extraordinary episode."
BirminghamLive has contacted the Department For Education for a statement.


birminghammail--2020-11-07--Sony gives PS5 warning for anyone grabbing a console during lockdown

Sony has issued a big warning to anyone thinking of grabbing themselves a PS5 this month .
The entertainment company is gearing itself up to release the new games console next week ( November 12 ) to the joy of many gamers in the country .
The console is going match-to-match with the Xbox Series X which will be releasing just two days before - providing gamers plenty of entertainment during the second lockdown .
But Sony has now issued a new warning to anyone thinking of grabbing one , urging customers to stay at home and telling them they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person .
It said the only way gamers can get their hands on a PS5 is through ordering online or via a click and collect service .
Sony has told customers that there will be no spare units available globally for in-store purchase on launch day and that only those who have pre-ordered a PS5 should turn up , reports YorkshireLive .
“ Please don ’ t plan on camping out or lining up at your local retailer on launch day in hopes of finding a PS5 console for purchase , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sony Interactive Entertainment ( SIE ) content communications .
“ Gamers who have pre-ordered for pick-up at their local retailer should still be able to do so at their designated appointment time , under the retailer ’ s safety protocols .
“ Please confirm the details with your local retailer .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Nisha Mal, Chris  Harper)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Sony has issued a big warning to anyone thinking of grabbing themselves a PS5 this month.
The entertainment company is gearing itself up to release the new games console next week (November 12) to the joy of many gamers in the country.
The console is going match-to-match with the Xbox Series X which will be releasing just two days before - providing gamers plenty of entertainment during the second lockdown.
But Sony has now issued a new warning to anyone thinking of grabbing one, urging customers to stay at home and telling them they won't be able to grab one in person.
It said the only way gamers can get their hands on a PS5 is through ordering online or via a click and collect service.
(Image: Handout)
Sony has told customers that there will be no spare units available globally for in-store purchase on launch day and that only those who have pre-ordered a PS5 should turn up, reports YorkshireLive.
“Please don’t plan on camping out or lining up at your local retailer on launch day in hopes of finding a PS5 console for purchase,” said Sid Shuman, senior director of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) content communications.
“Be safe, stay home, and place your order online.
“Gamers who have pre-ordered for pick-up at their local retailer should still be able to do so at their designated appointment time, under the retailer’s safety protocols.
“Please confirm the details with your local retailer.”


birminghammail--2020-11-07--Netflix bringing back these new series - and people are very excited

Netflix is bringing these new movies - and customers are extremely excited .
The popular streaming service has been a savior of people during lockdown and those on furlough , allowing us to binge our favourite films and series .
Sometimes Netflix loves to drop big announcements of new movies and series to get us overjoyed - and the recent announcement has made a lot of fans happy .
It announced that it would be bringing Sister , Sister , Girlfriends and Moesha onto the streaming service this month - just in time for lockdown .
And it appears that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elated over the news with thousands of likes and comments , reports Manchester Evening News .
`` So excited by this .
One of the best things to happen in 2020 , I get to relive my teenage years , '' one fan wrote .
Another said : `` Thanks for making lockdown 2 a bit more bearable . ''
`` These may be dark days but Netflix is bringing the light , '' added a third .
It 's not just certain seasons either as the WHOLE collections will be made available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sister is a comedy series about twins Tia Landry ( played by Tia Mowry ) and Tamera Campbell ( Tamera Mowry ) who were separated at birth after being adopted by different parents .
The hit series first aired in 1994 but came to an end five years later in 1999 .
Netflix customers can watch the full five seasons from today ( November 6 ) .
Girlfriends will arrive in the UK on November 13 and is a sitcom , which aired in the early noughties , and follows the lives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women , Toni , Maya , Lynn , and Joan .
Last , but my no means least , Moesha will land on Netflix on November 20 - nineteen years after it was last on screens .
The series stars R & B singer Brandy Norwood as Moesha Denise Mitchell , a high school student living with her family in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles .
Now we just need to demand a few more classic series !

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jessica Sansome, Chris  Harper)

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Netflix is bringing these new movies - and customers are extremely excited.
The popular streaming service has been a savior of people during lockdown and those on furlough, allowing us to binge our favourite films and series.
Sometimes Netflix loves to drop big announcements of new movies and series to get us overjoyed - and the recent announcement has made a lot of fans happy.
It announced that it would be bringing Sister, Sister, Girlfriends and Moesha onto the streaming service this month - just in time for lockdown.
And it appears that tons of people on social media are elated over the news with thousands of likes and comments, reports Manchester Evening News.
"So excited by this. One of the best things to happen in 2020, I get to relive my teenage years," one fan wrote.
Another said: "Thanks for making lockdown 2 a bit more bearable."
"These may be dark days but Netflix is bringing the light," added a third.
It's not just certain seasons either as the WHOLE collections will be made available for your viewing pleasures.
Sister, Sister is a comedy series about twins Tia Landry (played by Tia Mowry) and Tamera Campbell (Tamera Mowry) who were separated at birth after being adopted by different parents.
The hit series first aired in 1994 but came to an end five years later in 1999.
Netflix customers can watch the full five seasons from today (November 6).
Girlfriends will arrive in the UK on November 13 and is a sitcom, which aired in the early noughties, and follows the lives, loves, and losses of four different women, Toni, Maya, Lynn, and Joan.
Last, but my no means least, Moesha will land on Netflix on November 20 - nineteen years after it was last on screens.
The series stars R&B singer Brandy Norwood as Moesha Denise Mitchell, a high school student living with her family in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Now we just need to demand a few more classic series!


birminghammail--2020-11-07--Leicester City fans praise Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of Premier League clash

Leicester City fans have taken to social media to praise Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo after his comments about the club .
Wolves travel to the King Power Stadium to take Leicester City on Sunday afternoon , with both clubs riding high in the Premier League table .
Espirito Santo ’ s men are currently in sixth place in the league , three points behind Southampton , who are currently leading the way , while Leicester are two points ahead in third position .
Both teams will be looking to continue their good form by taking three points from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Espirito Santo was full of praise for Leicester and the way they have come together two years after the helicopter crash that took the life of their Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha .
“ I look at Leicester with real admiration , ” he said ahead of the game .
“ Not only because of what they achieved as Premier League champions , but because of one of the hardest moments they had with the loss of their owner .
“ How they united as a club was amazing .
To be able to overcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again and compete like they are doing is a big compliment for them , so I have huge admiration for Leicester as a club.
” The comments prompted a response from Foxes ’ fans , who praised the Wolves boss .
Here are some of the reactions .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Chappers : Can ’ t not like this guy Vijay Singh Riyait : Huge respect to Nuno and what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win for Leicester would take them to top of the table ahead of Liverpool 's game against Man City , while a win for Wolves could also see them climb to the summit , depending on other results .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Leicester City fans have taken to social media to praise Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo after his comments about the club.
Wolves travel to the King Power Stadium to take Leicester City on Sunday afternoon, with both clubs riding high in the Premier League table.
Espirito Santo ’s men are currently in sixth place in the league, three points behind Southampton, who are currently leading the way, while Leicester are two points ahead in third position.
Both teams will be looking to continue their good form by taking three points from the encounter.
Ahead of the game, Espirito Santo was full of praise for Leicester and the way they have come together two years after the helicopter crash that took the life of their Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“I look at Leicester with real admiration,” he said ahead of the game.
“Not only because of what they achieved as Premier League champions, but because of one of the hardest moments they had with the loss of their owner.
“How they united as a club was amazing. To be able to overcome such a sad moment and be strong again and compete like they are doing is a big compliment for them, so I have huge admiration for Leicester as a club.”
The comments prompted a response from Foxes’ fans, who praised the Wolves boss.
Here are some of the reactions.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Jack Martin : Class this
Jake Lawson : I love Nuno. Much respect.
Chappers : Can’t not like this guy
Diane Lowe : Class…..
Vijay Singh Riyait : Huge respect to Nuno and what he's done at @Wolves.
A win for Leicester would take them to top of the table ahead of Liverpool's game against Man City, while a win for Wolves could also see them climb to the summit, depending on other results.


birminghammail--2020-11-07--Big rule change coming into place for pubs and bars until 2022

Important changes for pubs and bars are set to be extended to give assurance to the hospitality sector .
Pubs and bars will be allowed to serve takeaway food and booze will be renewed for another year after originally being brought in during the first lockdown .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick will extend it to make sure pubs and bars will be allow to generate some sort of income if they are forced to close once more .
Hospitality sectors have been forced to close once again as we get into the start of the second lockdown which started on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension means if a third lockdown comes into force , pubs and bars can still be allowed to adapt .
When announcing the extension , Mr Jenrick is expected to say : “ We ’ ve taken decisive action since the beginning of the pandemic to support our pubs , restaurants , cafes and markets , reports WalesOnline .
“ Making it easier for them to provide takeaways has helped these businesses to adapt and helped sustain many through an unbelievably difficult year .
“ That ’ s why I am extending these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses – helping give them and their employees more certainty over the coming year .
“ It will also be a boost for their customers who can now look forward to continuing to enjoy meals at home from their favourite restaurants .
“ As these reforms have made such a difference I will be considering making them permanent.
” Kate Nicholls , chief executive of UKHospitality , said : “ The ability to provide takeaway services was a valuable lifeline for many hospitality venues , not just during the lockdown but in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
“ The extension will undoubtedly help many .
For pubs , restaurants and cafes to operate as takeaways gives them a previously untapped revenue stream and a much better chance to survive what will be a tough winter .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Neil Shaw, Chris  Harper)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Important changes for pubs and bars are set to be extended to give assurance to the hospitality sector.
Pubs and bars will be allowed to serve takeaway food and booze will be renewed for another year after originally being brought in during the first lockdown.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick will extend it to make sure pubs and bars will be allow to generate some sort of income if they are forced to close once more.
Hospitality sectors have been forced to close once again as we get into the start of the second lockdown which started on Thursday.
However, the new rule extension means if a third lockdown comes into force, pubs and bars can still be allowed to adapt.
When announcing the extension, Mr Jenrick is expected to say: “We’ve taken decisive action since the beginning of the pandemic to support our pubs, restaurants, cafes and markets, reports WalesOnline.
(Image: PA)
“Making it easier for them to provide takeaways has helped these businesses to adapt and helped sustain many through an unbelievably difficult year.
“That’s why I am extending these simple but effective reforms to support these businesses – helping give them and their employees more certainty over the coming year.
“It will also be a boost for their customers who can now look forward to continuing to enjoy meals at home from their favourite restaurants.
“As these reforms have made such a difference I will be considering making them permanent.”
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “The ability to provide takeaway services was a valuable lifeline for many hospitality venues, not just during the lockdown but in the days of reduced and restricted trade, too.
“The extension will undoubtedly help many. For pubs, restaurants and cafes to operate as takeaways gives them a previously untapped revenue stream and a much better chance to survive what will be a tough winter.”


birminghammail--2020-11-07--The 21 parts of Birmingham with highest Covid-19 rates right now

There are 21 parts of Birmingham where Covid-19 rates are in the highest category .
A map from the Office of National Statistics shows infection rates in local areas - and reveals Handsworth Wood presently has the highest rate .
In total , there are 21 parts of the city where the rate is more than 400 positive tests per 100,000 of the population .
That represents more than a quarter of the wards in the city .
Across the city , the latest coronavirus infection rate stands at 306.2 .
The rate is expressed as the number of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cities and towns at the top of the national list are largely in the North West , with Wigan , Salford , Rochdale and Bury in the top four spots , according to the latest data issued on November 2 .
Meanwhile , Sir John Oldham , adjunct professor in global health innovation at Imperial College London , has called for the central NHS Test and Trace system to be scrapped in favour of handing responsibility for contact tracing to local public health teams .
It comes after the national tracing programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst weekly performance since being set up , with the latest figures showing 59.9 % of close contacts of people who tested positive in England were reached through the system in the week ending October 28 .
Sir John , a former leader of large-scale change at the Department of Health , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I think the lockdown will be a let down unless we increase trust and there is radical reform of Test and Trace , led by public health .
`` I think this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labs to increase turnaround time and crucially the results to go to local directors of health and for them to have teams to undertake the contact tracing .
`` I 'd probably get the resources for that by scrapping the failing central call centres .
`` I think they have demonstrated that they have the capability and effectiveness - they are running at 95 % contact tracing , the national call centre is at 40 % . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
There are 21 parts of Birmingham where Covid-19 rates are in the highest category.
A map from the Office of National Statistics shows infection rates in local areas - and reveals Handsworth Wood presently has the highest rate.
In total, there are 21 parts of the city where the rate is more than 400 positive tests per 100,000 of the population.
That represents more than a quarter of the wards in the city.
Across the city, the latest coronavirus infection rate stands at 306.2. The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.
However, the cities and towns at the top of the national list are largely in the North West, with Wigan, Salford, Rochdale and Bury in the top four spots, according to the latest data issued on November 2.
Local Covid-19 rates in Birmingham
Handsworth Wood 690.7 Sparkbrook South 655.5 Birchfield East 652.8 Sparkhill North 605.7 Lozells East 591.3 Hodge Hill 554.3 Ward End & Bromford West 518.1 Warley East 492.3 Belchers Lane & Eastfield Road 482.6 Moseley 474.4 Warley West 444.2 Smith's Wood North 443.5 Warley South 434.6 Saltley East 433.1 Reddicap Heath 423 Yardley Wood West 422.5 Moor Green & Cannon Hill 420.5 Stetchford 416.4 Perry Beeches East 414.3 Perry Barr & South Hamstead 410.9 Castle Bromwich East 401.8
Meanwhile, Sir John Oldham, adjunct professor in global health innovation at Imperial College London, has called for the central NHS Test and Trace system to be scrapped in favour of handing responsibility for contact tracing to local public health teams.
It comes after the national tracing programme hit a new low, recording its worst weekly performance since being set up, with the latest figures showing 59.9% of close contacts of people who tested positive in England were reached through the system in the week ending October 28.
Sir John, a former leader of large-scale change at the Department of Health, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think the lockdown will be a let down unless we increase trust and there is radical reform of Test and Trace, led by public health.
"I think this probably includes increasing the number of small labs to increase turnaround time and crucially the results to go to local directors of health and for them to have teams to undertake the contact tracing.
"I'd probably get the resources for that by scrapping the failing central call centres.
"I think they have demonstrated that they have the capability and effectiveness - they are running at 95% contact tracing, the national call centre is at 40%."


birminghammail--2020-11-07--Neil Warnock admits he tried to sign Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins for Cardiff

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has revealed that he has previously tried to sign Ollie Watkins - but Cardiff weren ’ t willing to pay the £2 million asking price .
The striker joined Villa in the summer for a fee of around £30 million , and he has made an instant impact at Villa Park and in the Premier League , scoring four goals in his opening six games in the league , including a hat trick against reigning Champions Liverpool .
Watkins has found the net a further two times in the League cup , taking his record to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa shirt .
The 24-year-old came up through the youth team of Exeter City and soon caught the eye in League Two , scoring 21 times in 68 appearances in the competition .
His performances led to interest from Championship clubs , with Brentford completing a deal for the striker in 2017 , and Warnock has admitted that his then Cardiff side missed out on what turned out to be a bargain deal .
`` I tried to get Cardiff to sign Watkins at Exeter but they thought £2m was too much , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went for £2m and then £30m ( to Aston Villa in the summer ) .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though he was playing out wide .
`` I 'm always looking at lower levels .
I rang Memhet ( Dalman , Cardiff chairman ) up recently and said , 'just remind Vincent ( Tan , Cardiff owner ) when he went for £30m and we could have had him for £2m ' . ''
Watkins and Villa are next in action when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening .
Dean Smith ’ s men will be looking to bounce back from two straight defeats in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening games .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has revealed that he has previously tried to sign Ollie Watkins - but Cardiff weren’t willing to pay the £2 million asking price.
The striker joined Villa in the summer for a fee of around £30 million, and he has made an instant impact at Villa Park and in the Premier League, scoring four goals in his opening six games in the league, including a hat trick against reigning Champions Liverpool.
Watkins has found the net a further two times in the League cup, taking his record to six goals in nine appearances in a Villa shirt.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The 24-year-old came up through the youth team of Exeter City and soon caught the eye in League Two, scoring 21 times in 68 appearances in the competition.
His performances led to interest from Championship clubs, with Brentford completing a deal for the striker in 2017, and Warnock has admitted that his then Cardiff side missed out on what turned out to be a bargain deal.
"I tried to get Cardiff to sign Watkins at Exeter but they thought £2m was too much," the manager told TeesideLive .
"He went for £2m and then £30m (to Aston Villa in the summer).
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"I always saw him as a striker even though he was playing out wide.
"I'm always looking at lower levels. I rang Memhet (Dalman, Cardiff chairman) up recently and said, 'just remind Vincent (Tan, Cardiff owner) when he went for £30m and we could have had him for £2m'."
Watkins and Villa are next in action when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.
Dean Smith’s men will be looking to bounce back from two straight defeats in the league after winning all four of their opening games.


birminghammail--2020-11-07--Boy racers 'excited' by lockdown over secret road 'racetrack' events

A self-confessed petrol head has said excitement is building ahead of the prospect that the second lockdown could create eerily quiet streets - that could turn Birmingham and Black Country roads into racetracks .
As England enters another four-week shutdown many are said to be planning to take advantage of the 'stay at home advice ' .
Car enthusiast , Tom Parker , said he has heard talk on social media and through friends that many will once again use the quiet roads to test out their motors .
`` Loads of people are excited about this lockdown , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private , hidden events being set up that are going to turn the roads into a sort of racetrack .
`` It 's astonishing to see that despite all of this [ Covid ] , many only care about taking to the streets and risking life and limb . ''
But racer Mark Stanley , who has been to illegal city centre events , said that he can see the frustration in the current situation and said he would be 'out on the streets . '
He said : `` With racetracks closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - what else can we do ?
Do they just expect us to sit at home and do nothing ?
`` I , and I 'm sure many others , will go out and what we do best - go for a drive .
`` The roads will be quiet again and I am excited to make full use of it . ''
Dozens of people told BirmingamLive that drivers were spotted recklessly breaking the limit in the first lockdown back in March and there were reports of dangerous boy racer meet-ups .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the High Court injunction , which has been in place since 2016 , during and post lockdown .
They revealed that they caught a group of racers hitting speeds of 80mph and travelling on the wrong side of the road in the early hours of Friday , October 23 .
An undercover patrol car spotted the five vehicles driving erratically and in convoy around Heartlands Parkway .
A spokesman for the force said it was just one of the many speeding incidents they have witnessed since lockdown .
Offenders can be arrested and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of up to £5,000 .
They also risk having their vehicle seized and crushed .
Adults found to be violating the injunction can face up to two years in jail and younger people can be fined and have their assets seized for contempt of court .
BirminghamLive has published dozens of clips showing scores of onlookers watching on as the group of car cruisers hit the streets .
These videos are just a snippet of the underground subculture of car enthusiasts who are posting illegal street racing on TikTok and other social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Motorway Police Group , said : `` We take car cruising incredibly seriously , it is not just the motorists that are a hazard , but spectators too .
Lots of people on the streets , making noise and encouraging these drivers become a nuisance for residents and we will take action against anyone choosing to partake in the activity .
`` We are committed to tackling this issue as we know many people are concerned about this anti-social and dangerous activity .
We carry out regular operations across the force in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I urge anyone who hears of plans for car cruise meets , to inform us .
Your information can help us to stop these from happening . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A self-confessed petrol head has said excitement is building ahead of the prospect that the second lockdown could create eerily quiet streets - that could turn Birmingham and Black Country roads into racetracks.
As England enters another four-week shutdown many are said to be planning to take advantage of the 'stay at home advice'.
Car enthusiast, Tom Parker, said he has heard talk on social media and through friends that many will once again use the quiet roads to test out their motors.
"Loads of people are excited about this lockdown," he said. "I've seen private, hidden events being set up that are going to turn the roads into a sort of racetrack.
"It's astonishing to see that despite all of this [Covid], many only care about taking to the streets and risking life and limb."
But racer Mark Stanley, who has been to illegal city centre events, said that he can see the frustration in the current situation and said he would be 'out on the streets.'
He said: "With racetracks closed, legal meetups cancelled and everything else - what else can we do? Do they just expect us to sit at home and do nothing?
"I, and I'm sure many others, will go out and what we do best - go for a drive.
"The roads will be quiet again and I am excited to make full use of it."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Dozens of people told BirmingamLive that drivers were spotted recklessly breaking the limit in the first lockdown back in March and there were reports of dangerous boy racer meet-ups.
West Midlands Police have been out enforcing the High Court injunction, which has been in place since 2016, during and post lockdown.
They revealed that they caught a group of racers hitting speeds of 80mph and travelling on the wrong side of the road in the early hours of Friday, October 23.
An undercover patrol car spotted the five vehicles driving erratically and in convoy around Heartlands Parkway.
A spokesman for the force said it was just one of the many speeding incidents they have witnessed since lockdown.
Offenders can be arrested and participants can expect driving bans and fines of up to £5,000. They also risk having their vehicle seized and crushed.
Adults found to be violating the injunction can face up to two years in jail and younger people can be fined and have their assets seized for contempt of court.
BirminghamLive has published dozens of clips showing scores of onlookers watching on as the group of car cruisers hit the streets.
These videos are just a snippet of the underground subculture of car enthusiasts who are posting illegal street racing on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Pc Paul Brant, from Central Motorway Police Group, said: "We take car cruising incredibly seriously, it is not just the motorists that are a hazard, but spectators too. Lots of people on the streets, making noise and encouraging these drivers become a nuisance for residents and we will take action against anyone choosing to partake in the activity.
"We are committed to tackling this issue as we know many people are concerned about this anti-social and dangerous activity. We carry out regular operations across the force in response to concerns raised by communities.
"I urge anyone who hears of plans for car cruise meets, to inform us. Your information can help us to stop these from happening."


birminghammail--2020-11-07--What it means when Primark announces 'code two' and 'Mr Brown'

Primark operates stores across the West Midlands - including the world 's biggest branch which is situated right here in Birmingham city centre .
Unfortunately , Primark will be closed for the forseeable future as part of a new lockdown , which sees all non-essential stores forced to shutter .
The high street fashion giant , which sells clothing at bargain prices , is a favourite among Brummie customers .
You probably spend a lot of time in there - but do you know what the tannoy announcements mean ?
We are not sure you do .
After all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of them - 'code two ' - and a dramatic story behind another , 'Mr Brown ' .
If you hear a member of staff make an announcement to say : `` Can Mr Brown come to the checkout '' , it means somebody is in big bother .
One unnamed Primark worker has spoken to news websites , revealing the guards who stand at the door to ensure no one is stealing are from Brown 's Security Company .
So that 's who the message is for - staff just do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on the way .
Least glamorous of all , the worker said the announcement of a 'code two ' over the store tannoy is very bad news for the cleaners .
`` It just so happens that some customers like to use the floor as a toilet .
A code two coming across the tannoy for the cleaners means they ’ re just being made aware they ’ re going to be cleaning up some bodily fluid . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Primark operates stores across the West Midlands - including the world's biggest branch which is situated right here in Birmingham city centre.
Unfortunately, Primark will be closed for the forseeable future as part of a new lockdown, which sees all non-essential stores forced to shutter.
The high street fashion giant, which sells clothing at bargain prices, is a favourite among Brummie customers.
You probably spend a lot of time in there - but do you know what the tannoy announcements mean? We are not sure you do.
After all, there is quite a grim story behind one of them - 'code two' - and a dramatic story behind another, 'Mr Brown'.
If you hear a member of staff make an announcement to say: "Can Mr Brown come to the checkout", it means somebody is in big bother.
One unnamed Primark worker has spoken to news websites, revealing the guards who stand at the door to ensure no one is stealing are from Brown's Security Company.
So that's who the message is for - staff just don't want to alert customers that security is on the way.
Least glamorous of all, the worker said the announcement of a 'code two' over the store tannoy is very bad news for the cleaners.
"It just so happens that some customers like to use the floor as a toilet. A code two coming across the tannoy for the cleaners means they’re just being made aware they’re going to be cleaning up some bodily fluid."


birminghammail--2020-11-07--Named and shamed: Latest Black Country criminals to be jailed

A son who kicked his mother 's friend to death and a man who hacked into a woman 's CCTV to spy on her in her own home were both jailed last month .
Also locked up was a mum who lied to police over her son 's involvement in a hit-and-run and a man who squirted his own blood at emergency workers after scuffling with a hospital security guard .
These are just some of the crooks who were handed prison sentences during October .
Michael Aulton - who has more more than 30 previous convictions - stole two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just three weeks later , the 38-year-old was caught on camera breaking into the porch of a house in Park Village , Wolverhampton .
He was also spotted trying a car door .
Police recognised Aulton , of no fixed address , from CCTV footage and he was arrested and later jailed for three years .
This man hacked into a woman 's security CCTV to spy on her in her own home .
George Coughlan , from Wolverhampton , also created numerous bogus social media profiles to bombard the victim with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 33-year-old hacked into her home security system and downloaded 67 videos - with one of the messages he sent containing footage showing her relaxing in the lounge .
Officers arrested him on February 29 after the victim – who is known to Coughlan – contacted cops .
Police seized his phone for examination and revealed internet searches on the woman ’ s name and her partner , plus phrases including “ log into iCloud without verification ” and “ free mobile phone tracker without user knowing ” .
He ’ d also researched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls , social apps and GPS movements .
Coughlan , from St Chads Road in Bilston , initially denied one count of stalking involving serious alarm and distress but in the face of compelling evidence presented to the court , he later admitted the charge .
He was jailed for 21 months and made subject to a five-year restraining order in order to protect the victim .
Elaine Taylor lied to police over her son 's involvement in a serious hit-and-run .
The 57-year-old , of Parkfield Road , Oldbury , gave her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Halesowen .
A pedestrian in her 50s was left with life-changing injuries after being hit by his car on Long Lane on November 23 , 2018 .
West Midlands Police said Taylor claimed her son , Liam Tabannor , was at home all evening and could not have caused the crash .
Taylor denied perverting the course of justice by providing a false account but was convicted following a trial .
She was sentenced to eight months behind bars .
This suspected drug dealer launched a frenzied knife attack on a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was jailed for 10 years .
CCTV footage - which can be viewed below - shows Fabian Nelson-Brown pouncing on his victim in Nordley Road - at the junction of West Avenue - on Monday , March 23 .
He stabbed the 38-year-old passenger in the chest through the car window during the violent onslaught .
The victim was then chased and stabbed again after managing to clamber through the motor and escaping from the rear door .
Fortunately the man was able to make it back to the car and was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated for three knife wounds , one which had punctured his lung .
He has since made a full recovery .
Nelson-Brown , of Thetford Gardens , Wednesfield , made off in a waiting car but was arrested just over a week later , after CCTV and an ID parade identified him .
And after a week-long trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court , where the 21-year-old denied any involvement , he was found guilty .
Speeding drink driver Anup Patel mowed down and killed a pedestrian in Wolverhampton .
Naresh Kumar was struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Blakenhall , in the early hours of March 3 this year .
Patel had been driving at 49mph in a 30mph zone .
He was breath-tested at the scene and recorded 44mcg of alcohol per 100mls of breath .
The legal limit is 35mcg .
The 50-year-old victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died that same day .
Patel pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention whilst unfit through drink .
The 43-year-old of Dudley Walk , Goldthorn Hill , was jailed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He will be banned from driving for four-and-a-half years following his release .
This father squirted his own blood at emergency workers after scuffling with a security guard at Heartlands Hospital where he was filming members of the public and staff .
Neil Timmins denied the blood splatter was deliberate and claimed it was due to a medical condition which affected his bleeding .
The 41-year-old from Blackacre Road , Dudley , admitted three assault charges , two of which were against emergency workers , as well as possession of cannabis .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crown Court on Thursday , October 1 .
Daman Sehra kicked his mum 's friend to death - just moments after a chance meeting .
The 22-year-old and his uncle Derek Brennan , 34 , repeatedly kicked and battered Amjad Khan with a child 's toy during a ferocious attack in Yardley Close , Oldbury , on June 8 , 2019 .
The pair arrived at the property and told her that they needed to clean themselves up after a fight .
The 32-year-old victim - who was a friend of Sehra 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the flat while the pair were there and went to shake hands with the men , but was attacked in the motiveless killing .
The men repeatedly kicked Mr Khan in the face and head as his friend tried in vain to protect him , before calling the police .
While she was on the phone , both men continued to hit Mr Khan to the head with objects lying around the flat , including a child 's hard plastic toy .
When they realised police had been called , the attackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking Mr Khan 's bag carrying his phone , keys and bus pass .
Officers and paramedics arrived and found Mr Khan critically injured .
He was taken to hospital , but despite every effort to save him , his life support machine was turned off on June 13 .
Sehra was arrested in Oldbury on the day of the attack , while Brennan phoned police to hand himself in later the same day .
Both men , of no fixed address , were found guilty of murder following a two week trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years , while Brennan was jailed for life with a minimum of 16 years .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A son who kicked his mother's friend to death and a man who hacked into a woman's CCTV to spy on her in her own home were both jailed last month.
Also locked up was a mum who lied to police over her son's involvement in a hit-and-run and a man who squirted his own blood at emergency workers after scuffling with a hospital security guard.
These are just some of the crooks who were handed prison sentences during October.
Michael Aulton
(Image: West Midlands Police)
Michael Aulton - who has more more than 30 previous convictions - stole two hanging baskets from a home in Bradmore.
Just three weeks later, the 38-year-old was caught on camera breaking into the porch of a house in Park Village, Wolverhampton.
He was also spotted trying a car door.
Police recognised Aulton, of no fixed address, from CCTV footage and he was arrested and later jailed for three years.
George Coughlan
This man hacked into a woman's security CCTV to spy on her in her own home.
George Coughlan, from Wolverhampton, also created numerous bogus social media profiles to bombard the victim with abuse from December last year.
The 33-year-old hacked into her home security system and downloaded 67 videos - with one of the messages he sent containing footage showing her relaxing in the lounge.
Officers arrested him on February 29 after the victim – who is known to Coughlan – contacted cops.
Police seized his phone for examination and revealed internet searches on the woman’s name and her partner, plus phrases including “log into iCloud without verification” and “free mobile phone tracker without user knowing”.
He’d also researched phone spyware to track SMS messages, calls, social apps and GPS movements.
Coughlan, from St Chads Road in Bilston, initially denied one count of stalking involving serious alarm and distress but in the face of compelling evidence presented to the court, he later admitted the charge.
He was jailed for 21 months and made subject to a five-year restraining order in order to protect the victim.
Elaine Taylor
Elaine Taylor lied to police over her son's involvement in a serious hit-and-run.
The 57-year-old, of Parkfield Road, Oldbury, gave her son a false alibi following a collision in Halesowen.
A pedestrian in her 50s was left with life-changing injuries after being hit by his car on Long Lane on November 23, 2018.
West Midlands Police said Taylor claimed her son, Liam Tabannor, was at home all evening and could not have caused the crash.
Taylor denied perverting the course of justice by providing a false account but was convicted following a trial.
She was sentenced to eight months behind bars.
Fabian Nelson-Brown
This suspected drug dealer launched a frenzied knife attack on a man sitting in a car in Wolverhampton and was jailed for 10 years.
CCTV footage - which can be viewed below - shows Fabian Nelson-Brown pouncing on his victim in Nordley Road - at the junction of West Avenue - on Monday, March 23.
He stabbed the 38-year-old passenger in the chest through the car window during the violent onslaught.
The victim was then chased and stabbed again after managing to clamber through the motor and escaping from the rear door.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Fortunately the man was able to make it back to the car and was taken straight to hospital, where he was treated for three knife wounds, one which had punctured his lung. He has since made a full recovery.
Nelson-Brown, of Thetford Gardens, Wednesfield, made off in a waiting car but was arrested just over a week later, after CCTV and an ID parade identified him.
And after a week-long trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where the 21-year-old denied any involvement, he was found guilty.
Anup Patel
(Image: WMP)
Speeding drink driver Anup Patel mowed down and killed a pedestrian in Wolverhampton.
Naresh Kumar was struck as he tried to cross Dudley Road, Blakenhall, in the early hours of March 3 this year. Patel had been driving at 49mph in a 30mph zone.
He was breath-tested at the scene and recorded 44mcg of alcohol per 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.
The 50-year-old victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died that same day.
Patel pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention whilst unfit through drink. The 43-year-old of Dudley Walk, Goldthorn Hill, was jailed for three years at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
He will be banned from driving for four-and-a-half years following his release.
Neil Timmins
(Image: West Midlands Police)
This father squirted his own blood at emergency workers after scuffling with a security guard at Heartlands Hospital where he was filming members of the public and staff.
Neil Timmins denied the blood splatter was deliberate and claimed it was due to a medical condition which affected his bleeding.
The 41-year-old from Blackacre Road, Dudley, admitted three assault charges, two of which were against emergency workers, as well as possession of cannabis. He was jailed for 11 months at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, October 1.
Read the full story here.
Daman Sehra and Derek Brennan
(Image: WMP)
Daman Sehra kicked his mum's friend to death - just moments after a chance meeting.
The 22-year-old and his uncle Derek Brennan, 34, repeatedly kicked and battered Amjad Khan with a child's toy during a ferocious attack in Yardley Close, Oldbury, on June 8, 2019.
The pair arrived at the property and told her that they needed to clean themselves up after a fight.
The 32-year-old victim - who was a friend of Sehra's mother and Brennan's sister - arrived at the flat while the pair were there and went to shake hands with the men, but was attacked in the motiveless killing.
The men repeatedly kicked Mr Khan in the face and head as his friend tried in vain to protect him, before calling the police.
While she was on the phone, both men continued to hit Mr Khan to the head with objects lying around the flat, including a child's hard plastic toy.
When they realised police had been called, the attackers fled through the living room window, taking Mr Khan's bag carrying his phone, keys and bus pass.
Officers and paramedics arrived and found Mr Khan critically injured. He was taken to hospital, but despite every effort to save him, his life support machine was turned off on June 13.
Sehra was arrested in Oldbury on the day of the attack, while Brennan phoned police to hand himself in later the same day.
Both men, of no fixed address, were found guilty of murder following a two week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Sehra was jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years, while Brennan was jailed for life with a minimum of 16 years.


birminghammail--2020-11-07--County coronavirus cases quadrupled month-on-month before lockdown

The latest coronavirus cases in Worcestershire show positive Covid-19 cases almost quadrupled in October from September .
Worcestershire has now had 7,262 positive cases , up to Friday , November 6 , with case numbers continuing to rise week-on-week .
From October 27 to November 2 there were 1,129 positive cases , compared to 868 in the week to October 26 and 645 in the seven days to 19 October .
The last four days ’ data from November 3 to 6 is incomplete .
That has led to 3,187 positive cases in October , almost four times the 802 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing trend as September ’ s figure was more than four times August figure of 175 and that was in turn double July ’ s low point of 87 cases .
Wyre Forest , which includes Kidderminster , Bewdley and Stourport , had the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the county in the week to November 2 with 241 , up from 130 to October 26 and 82 to October 19 .
Wyre Forest had 544 positive Covid cases in October compared to 144 in September .
Bromsgrove had the second highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 with 219 , up slightly from 182 to October 26 and 176 in the week to 19 October .
Bromsgrove had 746 positive cases in October from 171 in September .
Three districts have had similar totals in the week to November 2 .
Wychavon , which includes Evesham , Droitwich and Pershore , had 195 cases , from 154 to October 26 and 123 to October 19 .
Wychavon saw 556 Covid-19 cases in October from 155 in September .
Worcester had 192 cases to November 2 , from 162 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
October ’ s total in the city district was 536 from 134 in September .
While Redditch recorded 188 Covid cases to November 2 , from 158 to October 26 and 104 to October 19 .
Redditch recorded five times the number of cases in October 504 , compared to the 101 in September .
While Malvern Hills had 94 cases in the week to November 2 , from 82 cases to October 26 and 56 to October 19 .
Malvern had treble the cases in October – 301 from 97 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of positive Covid cases recorded since the pandemic began with 1,596 , then Wychavon at 1,297 , Wyre Forest at 1,256 , Worcester at 1,218 and Redditch at 1,198 .
Malvern Hills has had the lowest number of positive cases at 697 .
The latest coronavirus rates show all areas see increases .
Bromsgrove had 213.3 cases per 100,000 people in the week to November 1 ( from 167.2 to October 25 ) , Wyre Forest had 211.3 Covid cases per 100k ( from 124 ) , Redditch had 200.6 per 100k @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per 100k ( from 156.1 ) , Wychavon had 134.4 per 100k ( from 116.7 ) and Malvern Hills had 113.1 per 100k ( from 95.3 ) .
Worcestershire 's current rate is 174.6 per 100k and the England 's is 231.8 per 100k .
The latest date from NHS England confirms there four deaths at Worcestershire hospitals , where a positive Covid-19 test was recorded from October 27 to November 2 .
With one on October 27 , two on November 1 and one on November 2 – all at Worcestershire Acute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid deaths at Worcestershire ’ s hospitals in October , eight at the acute hospitals and one at a Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust venue , compare to four in September , one in August and four in July .
There have been a total of 323 deaths where a positive Covid test has been recorded at Worcestershire ’ s hospitals – 294 at acute sites and 29 at health and care venues .
The Office for National Statistics ’ latest data reveals there were three more Covid deaths in Worcestershire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 ( Week 43 of the year ) – the latest available data .
These were two deaths of Wyre Forest residents in care homes and one death of a Redditch resident in hospital .
The ONS records deaths across all settings where there has been any mention of Covid-19 on the death certificate .
This is the same number as the week before .
There have now been 544 deaths of Worcestershire residents where Covid is mentioned anywhere on their death certificate – not just those with a positive test in hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bromsgrove , 125 from Wyre Forest , 113 from Wychavon , 64 from Worcester , 61 from Redditch and Malvern Hills with 47 .
Nationally the ONS said there were 10,739 deaths in Week 43 to October 23 in England and Wales , which is 10 per cent higher than the five-year average .
Of those deaths 978 mentioned Covid-19 – 9.1 per cent of the total , up 308 deaths compared to the previous week .
Of those 978 deaths , 874 had Covid-19 recorded as the ‘ underlying cause of death @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
The latest coronavirus cases in Worcestershire show positive Covid-19 cases almost quadrupled in October from September.
Worcestershire has now had 7,262 positive cases, up to Friday, November 6, with case numbers continuing to rise week-on-week.
From October 27 to November 2 there were 1,129 positive cases, compared to 868 in the week to October 26 and 645 in the seven days to 19 October. The last four days’ data from November 3 to 6 is incomplete.
That has led to 3,187 positive cases in October, almost four times the 802 recorded for September. It is a continuing trend as September’s figure was more than four times August figure of 175 and that was in turn double July’s low point of 87 cases.
Wyre Forest, which includes Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport, had the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the county in the week to November 2 with 241, up from 130 to October 26 and 82 to October 19. Wyre Forest had 544 positive Covid cases in October compared to 144 in September.
Bromsgrove had the second highest number of positive Covid-19 cases to November 2 with 219, up slightly from 182 to October 26 and 176 in the week to 19 October. Bromsgrove had 746 positive cases in October from 171 in September.
Three districts have had similar totals in the week to November 2.
Wychavon, which includes Evesham, Droitwich and Pershore, had 195 cases, from 154 to October 26 and 123 to October 19. Wychavon saw 556 Covid-19 cases in October from 155 in September.
Worcester had 192 cases to November 2, from 162 to October 16 and 104 to October 19. October’s total in the city district was 536 from 134 in September.
While Redditch recorded 188 Covid cases to November 2, from 158 to October 26 and 104 to October 19. Redditch recorded five times the number of cases in October 504, compared to the 101 in September.
While Malvern Hills had 94 cases in the week to November 2, from 82 cases to October 26 and 56 to October 19. Malvern had treble the cases in October – 301 from 97 in October.
Bromsgrove has had the highest number of positive Covid cases recorded since the pandemic began with 1,596, then Wychavon at 1,297, Wyre Forest at 1,256, Worcester at 1,218 and Redditch at 1,198. Malvern Hills has had the lowest number of positive cases at 697.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The latest coronavirus rates show all areas see increases. Bromsgrove had 213.3 cases per 100,000 people in the week to November 1 (from 167.2 to October 25), Wyre Forest had 211.3 Covid cases per 100k (from 124), Redditch had 200.6 per 100k (from 172.4), Worcester 178.8 per 100k (from 156.1), Wychavon had 134.4 per 100k (from 116.7) and Malvern Hills had 113.1 per 100k (from 95.3).
Worcestershire's current rate is 174.6 per 100k and the England's is 231.8 per 100k.
Covid deaths in Worcestershire
The latest date from NHS England confirms there four deaths at Worcestershire hospitals, where a positive Covid-19 test was recorded from October 27 to November 2.
With one on October 27, two on November 1 and one on November 2 – all at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
There were nine Covid deaths at Worcestershire’s hospitals in October, eight at the acute hospitals and one at a Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust venue, compare to four in September, one in August and four in July.
There have been a total of 323 deaths where a positive Covid test has been recorded at Worcestershire’s hospitals – 294 at acute sites and 29 at health and care venues.
(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
The Office for National Statistics’ latest data reveals there were three more Covid deaths in Worcestershire, which occurred in the week to October 23 (Week 43 of the year) – the latest available data. These were two deaths of Wyre Forest residents in care homes and one death of a Redditch resident in hospital.
The ONS records deaths across all settings where there has been any mention of Covid-19 on the death certificate.
This is the same number as the week before.
There have now been 544 deaths of Worcestershire residents where Covid is mentioned anywhere on their death certificate – not just those with a positive test in hospitals.
Of those, 134 were from Bromsgrove, 125 from Wyre Forest, 113 from Wychavon, 64 from Worcester, 61 from Redditch and Malvern Hills with 47.
Nationally the ONS said there were 10,739 deaths in Week 43 to October 23 in England and Wales, which is 10 per cent higher than the five-year average.
Of those deaths 978 mentioned Covid-19 – 9.1 per cent of the total, up 308 deaths compared to the previous week. Of those 978 deaths, 874 had Covid-19 recorded as the ‘underlying cause of death’.


birminghammail--2020-11-07--Hope from the Covid frontline at City Hospital - but next fortnight 'critical'

Consultants at City Hospital Birmingham have spoken out to share a hopeful message for anxious residents as coronavirus cases rise rapidly .
Dr Sarb Clare , acute medical consultant at City Hospital , said the next fortnight was `` critical '' - but the hospital was `` fully open '' for patients with and without coronavirus .
`` We are feeling the pressure but we want all patients who are not well to come into hospital - we are here , '' she said .
`` The next fortnight is critical .
We are predicting the situation will get worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with Covid , '' said Dr Clare .
`` But we have a positive outlook - we know this is the only way it can go .
Us being negative and moaning is only going to bring us down further , '' she said .
`` We do not know how long we are going to be in this for - barring a working vaccine , we could be looking at further surges , so we are focussed on getting on with it . ''
Her comments came just before we learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elective ops this month in a bid to stay on top of rising emergency cases .
All planned ops at the Queen Elizabeth , and gynaecology procedures at Good Hope , would be axed for now .
It comes after weeks of warnings from UHB chiefs that the hospitals were at a tipping point .
At City and Sandwell , around 20 % of the trust 's beds are now filled with Covid patients , around 150 patients in all .
That is expected to rise substantially over the next month .
Elective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review because of mounting pressure .
But she said she wanted to be clear that people with other conditions must continue to access acute care .
`` In the first wave our non covid patients stayed away .
People were very scared - even those suffering with heart attacks and strokes were sitting at home and did not get help .
`` This time round patients are coming in and we need them to keep doing so .
`` We do not want to scaremonger patients , we know we can manage these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely .
`` We have already bolstered our rosters in readiness ; there has not been the same sense of urgency as in the first peak .
`` Our outpatients and surgery lists are still going ahead but we are reviewing those daily .
`` The next two weeks are absolutely critical .
`` This is my plea to the public - if the public stick to rules we can still deliver services and the care people want for both Covid and non Covid patients . ''
Dr Clare , who is deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitals - which runs City and Sandwell hospitals - also gave cause for hope for those who became ill with the virus .
She said treatments were improving as medics learned more about how best to attack the virus .
There has been `` a definite increase in numbers coming through our front doors and a definite rise in admission rates '' over the past fortnight , she said .
`` But we are seeing a different type of patient cohort than during the first wave - a lot of younger patients in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60s , who are young for this illness , and they do n't have any medical problems at all .
`` They are quite sick but now we know much more about the illness we have treatments that keep them out of intensive care , it is really helping .
`` We now are using steroids , know more about proning ( putting patients on their front during treatment ) , and use of oxygen and not intubating as early , and they are really helping .
`` We have learned a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know this , it is still vital people realise this remains a deadly illness , we are still seeing deaths .
`` But we are learning how to manage it better .
`` As a team of doctors , nurses , allied professionals we are wary , we did not want to be in this place of seeing cases rise so much , but we are ready and resilient . ''
Her upbeat outlook is at odds with messages emerging from other hospitals across the country .
University Hospitals Birmingham 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperate anguish of staff about the crisis .
He said experienced staff who lived through the trauma of the first wave of Coronavirus were `` apprehensive and distressed '' as they see cases rise daily .
`` I have never seen a clinical team as distressed and apprehensive as they are at the moment , '' he said .
`` People I have been through a lot with in over 25 years in the organisation are saying : ' I 'm not sure I can go through this again . '
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' There are currently more than 350 Covid patients at the Queen Elizabeth , Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals , compared to around 130 in City and Sandwell hospitals .
But for both settings that 's a huge rise on the number of cases a month ago , with expectations that both will see significant increases in the next fortnight as community cases translate into hospital admissions .
Research reveals that , so far , the second wave of the pandemic has mostly affected younger and fitter patients and outcomes have been better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A soaring infection rate among older age groups was among the reasons cited for a national lockdown , with hospitals preparing for an influx of severely ill over-60s this month .
Said Dr Clare : `` This lockdown is incredibly needed .
Personally I think it should have come earlier but we are where we are .
`` We fully appreciate the disappointment and sadness for the public , and the frustration , of lockdown , we feel it too , but if we do this well it can only get better .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing medical staff in the hospitals .
`` When I am doing my ward round in a Covid area , I am in full PPE , from 8am til midday .
It is tough and very sweaty and exhausting mentally , you have little communication with patients - it is hard to see and for them to see your eyes and smiles and get reassurance .
`` But our nurses are incredible .
Doctors come in and out , but nurses on a shift are there for eight hours .
`` I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care and compassion they have given has been phenomenal .
`` When we had the first surge we had rapid change , lots of adrenalin - but we prepared ourselves .
`` I would say staff are not down or frightened - we are focused on getting on with it .
`` We have done a lot around well being for staff .
We have The Sanctuary rest area , energy pods where you can lie down during shifts for a break , a lot of counselling and talking , a book club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started just before the pandemic and we have intensified it . ''
She also said that the first wave saw lots of love from the community , and the weekly claps , and donations of food were all welcome , but now the mood is different .
`` This time all we want is for people to stick to the rules , no food , no clapping . ''
She urged people to stay safe and follow the guidance .
`` Some people do not understand what is happening .
Once this virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only when they connect to it do they seem to act .
`` Our communities were hit really hard by the first wave - I do n't want people to go through that again . ''
A second consultant who works across several hospitals locally said it was vital that concerns about coronavirus did not keep people away .
`` This current surge has come upon us much more slowly than the first , and the cases we see are different so far .
`` We have also got a lot smarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has developed , with more research to rely on .
`` Obviously there is a time lag and the situation could change as more older people become ill. '' The challenge we have is to ensure those with acute conditions are still treated . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A senior consultant at City Hospital Birmingham has spoken out to share a hopeful message for anxious residents as coronavirus cases rise rapidly.
Dr Sarb Clare, acute medical consultant at City Hospital, said the next fortnight was "critical" - but the hospital was "fully open" for patients with and without coronavirus.
"We are feeling the pressure but we want all patients who are not well to come into hospital - we are here," she said.
"The next fortnight is critical. We are predicting the situation will get worse, and we are definitely seeing more patients with Covid," said Dr Clare.
"But we have a positive outlook - we know this is the only way it can go. Us being negative and moaning is only going to bring us down further," she said.
"We do not know how long we are going to be in this for - barring a working vaccine, we could be looking at further surges, so we are focussed on getting on with it."
Her comments came just before we learned that University Hospitals Birmingham was cancelling all elective ops this month in a bid to stay on top of rising emergency cases.
All planned ops at the Queen Elizabeth, and gynaecology procedures at Good Hope, would be axed for now.
It comes after weeks of warnings from UHB chiefs that the hospitals were at a tipping point.
At City and Sandwell, around 20% of the trust's beds are now filled with Covid patients, around 150 patients in all.
That is expected to rise substantially over the next month.
Elective ops and other services are also under review because of mounting pressure.
But she said she wanted to be clear that people with other conditions must continue to access acute care.
"In the first wave our non covid patients stayed away. People were very scared - even those suffering with heart attacks and strokes were sitting at home and did not get help.
"This time round patients are coming in and we need them to keep doing so.
"We do not want to scaremonger patients, we know we can manage these two streams (Covid and non-Covid) safely.
"We have already bolstered our rosters in readiness; there has not been the same sense of urgency as in the first peak.
"Our outpatients and surgery lists are still going ahead but we are reviewing those daily.
"The next two weeks are absolutely critical.
"This is my plea to the public - if the public stick to rules we can still deliver services and the care people want for both Covid and non Covid patients."
Dr Clare, who is deputy medical director for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals - which runs City and Sandwell hospitals - also gave cause for hope for those who became ill with the virus.
She said treatments were improving as medics learned more about how best to attack the virus.
There has been "a definite increase in numbers coming through our front doors and a definite rise in admission rates" over the past fortnight, she said.
"But we are seeing a different type of patient cohort than during the first wave - a lot of younger patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, who are young for this illness, and they don't have any medical problems at all.
"They are quite sick but now we know much more about the illness we have treatments that keep them out of intensive care, it is really helping.
"We now are using steroids, know more about proning (putting patients on their front during treatment), and use of oxygen and not intubating as early, and they are really helping.
"We have learned a lot about this illness - but just because we know this, it is still vital people realise this remains a deadly illness, we are still seeing deaths.
"But we are learning how to manage it better.
"As a team of doctors, nurses, allied professionals we are wary, we did not want to be in this place of seeing cases rise so much, but we are ready and resilient."
Her upbeat outlook is at odds with messages emerging from other hospitals across the country.
University Hospitals Birmingham's chief executive Dr David Rosser has voiced the desperate anguish of staff about the crisis.
He said experienced staff who lived through the trauma of the first wave of Coronavirus were "apprehensive and distressed" as they see cases rise daily.
"I have never seen a clinical team as distressed and apprehensive as they are at the moment," he said.
"People I have been through a lot with in over 25 years in the organisation are saying: 'I'm not sure I can go through this again.'
"It's very tough in the hospitals."
There are currently more than 350 Covid patients at the Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals, compared to around 130 in City and Sandwell hospitals.
But for both settings that's a huge rise on the number of cases a month ago, with expectations that both will see significant increases in the next fortnight as community cases translate into hospital admissions.
Research reveals that, so far, the second wave of the pandemic has mostly affected younger and fitter patients and outcomes have been better - but that is changing rapidly.
A soaring infection rate among older age groups was among the reasons cited for a national lockdown, with hospitals preparing for an influx of severely ill over-60s this month.
(Image: PA)
Said Dr Clare: "This lockdown is incredibly needed. Personally I think it should have come earlier but we are where we are.
"We fully appreciate the disappointment and sadness for the public, and the frustration, of lockdown, we feel it too, but if we do this well it can only get better."
She also spoke of the pressure facing medical staff in the hospitals.
"When I am doing my ward round in a Covid area, I am in full PPE, from 8am til midday. It is tough and very sweaty and exhausting mentally, you have little communication with patients - it is hard to see and for them to see your eyes and smiles and get reassurance.
"But our nurses are incredible. Doctors come in and out, but nurses on a shift are there for eight hours.
"I have been astounded by my team, the care and compassion they have given has been phenomenal.
"When we had the first surge we had rapid change, lots of adrenalin - but we prepared ourselves.
"I would say staff are not down or frightened - we are focused on getting on with it.
"We have done a lot around well being for staff. We have The Sanctuary rest area, energy pods where you can lie down during shifts for a break, a lot of counselling and talking, a book club, rest areas.
"This was started just before the pandemic and we have intensified it."
She also said that the first wave saw lots of love from the community, and the weekly claps, and donations of food were all welcome, but now the mood is different.
"This time all we want is for people to stick to the rules, no food, no clapping."
She urged people to stay safe and follow the guidance.
"Some people do not understand what is happening. Once this virus touches people it's a lightbulb moment. Only when they connect to it do they seem to act.
"Our communities were hit really hard by the first wave - I don't want people to go through that again."
A second consultant who works across several hospitals locally said it was vital that concerns about coronavirus did not keep people away.
"This current surge has come upon us much more slowly than the first, and the cases we see are different so far.
"We have also got a lot smarter and better, and our decision making has developed, with more research to rely on.
"Obviously there is a time lag and the situation could change as more older people become ill.
"The challenge we have is to ensure those with acute conditions are still treated."