birminghammail--2020-03-15--How drunk and brooding knifeman took the life of former friend at funeral wake

He was the much-loved father with an infectious smile who had been remembering the life of another man along with friends following a funeral - all had been in 'high spirits ' .
But just a few hours later Dale Grice would be stabbed to death in a Kingstanding street , struck down with one swift swing of a kitchen knife to his back , collapsing into his friend 's arms .
His drunken killer Ravinder Heer , sped away in his car and went off to buy more beer before armed police dramatically caught up with him .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Grice 's friends , who were just coming to terms with one man 's death that day , were left in shock at the sudden and unexpected loss of another loved one .
His family , including his two daughters , were left utterly broken-hearted .
Heer , aged 37 from Walsall , had never previously quarrelled with the 32-year-old victim in all of their 15 years of friendship , both having been to each other 's homes to share drinks on occasion .
And it was never the prosecution case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Saturday , September 7 , intending to slay him , hurt him or perhaps even see him .
But there is no doubt that Heer was the wielder of the knife that inflicted the killer blow .
Not long before , he 'd used it at his home in Pimpernel Drive to slice bananas for breakfast in a failed attempt to sober up following a night of heavy drinking .
He 'd pocketed the blade , absentmindedly he claimed , before setting off for the would-be crime scene on Cooksey Lane , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out in 'self-defence ' because Mr Grice was 'laying ' into him following a head-to-head confrontation moments earlier .
`` He intended to stab Dale Grice and he did so , he may regret that now , '' said prosecutor Rachel Brand opening the case against Heer for a charge of murder .
But the jury found him not guilty of the accusation , and instead convicted him of manslaughter .
How had it come to this ?
The day before the tragic incident , Friday , September 6 , Heer 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funeral of her late grandfather Paul Lindon followed by a wake at the Beaufort Arms pub in Hamstead .
Heer , employed as a construction worker , was not invited because he 'did not get on ' with Remy 's mother Larissa Lindon , and went to work that day instead .
An arrangement was struck for Heer 's and Remy 's son to be looked after by Heer 's mother up until 9pm when Remy would pick him up .
Upon leaving work , Heer contemplated joining his girlfriend at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother Mark Connor on the phone he learned that a man called Tydo was present at the pub .
He was a friend of Remy 's described as a 'source of trouble ' in her relationship with Heer , who had scuffled with him a few weeks earlier .
Heer spoke to Tydo on the phone and told him to 'forget about what happened ' .
`` But he did n't want to leave it , he said if I came we were going to have a fight , '' Heer told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abandoned his plan to join the wake and instead went drinking with his brother-in-law , sinking down vodka and beer .
Later that evening Heer 's family asked him to collect his son and became angry when they realised by that time he was too drunk to look after him .
They had struggled to reach Remy .
She , along with others , ended up going from the Beaufort to her mother Larissa 's home on Cooksey Lane , where they stayed throughout the night continuing to drink , socialise and remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grice who the family 'loved ' like one of their own .
Heer , who is diabetic and insulin-dependent , had become increasingly inebriated throughout the evening .
He sent numerous texts and made multiple attempted calls to reach Remy and demand she return home .
But she ignored him .
So early the next morning , he got in his car and headed for Cooksey Lane , but not before snorting a line of cocaine to sharpen his intoxicated senses .
He arrived around 6.30am kerbing his car and blowing out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Connor , answered the door to Heer who asked if Remy was inside and whether Tydo was there also - he was n't .
At that point he brandished the knife and jabbed at the plastic of the door frame menacingly .
Heer barged past , and soon found his way to the kitchen where 'you could hear a pin drop ' as he stared at everyone in the room , including Remy .
Larissa , who had been made aware of the knife , grabbed him and tried to force him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are you doing coming in my house with a knife ? ''
she said .
Undeterred , Heer barged past again only this time acknowledged Dale Grice , sitting next to Remy .
`` Yes Gricey , what are you saying ? ''
Mr Grice returned the rhetorical question as the two met forehead to forehead .
Further words were exchanged before Mr Grice was heard saying they should go outside to 'dance ' and have a 'straightener ' .
The two went out , followed by Mark Connor .
Mr Grice took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move 'in to the road where everyone can see ' .
He threw the first punch , but in swift retaliation Heer pulled out the knife and swung it overhead plunging it into Mr Grice 's upper back , behind the shoulder .
`` I just wanted him to get off me , '' Heer told the jury .
`` When he was punching me I think I did pull the knife out of my pocket .
He carried on hitting me I just wanted him to get away .
I just wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
I did n't want to fight anybody . ''
He added : `` I ca n't remember the movement I did .
I just wanted him to get off .
I remember me having it [ the knife ] and him coming towards me .
`` I did n't mean to hurt him .
I had no intention to hurt him in any way .
I do n't know why I took it out .
It was so quick . ''
The slain victim stumbled on to a nearby driveway and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark yelled at Heer saying 'what have done ?
Just get the hell out of here ' .
At that point , people spilled out of the home including Larissa who grabbed Heer and shoved him into his car , repeating her son 's demand for him to 'get lost ' .
Desperate attempts were made to save Mr Grice .
Larissa grabbed a tea towel to apply to the wound .
Chest compressions were carried out .
But a short while later he was pronounced dead at the scene .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car on Queslett Road during his escape due to the damage he had caused earlier .
CCTV then captured him as he stumbled into a Spar , dressed all in black with a sleeveless , hooded bomber jacket over a t-shirt .
Bleary-eyed as he approached the counter , he purchased two cans of Stella Artois .
Having sank those he tried to purchase more booze from another shop but had ran out of money .
He was shown on footage remonstrating with someone , jabbing a finger at the person 's chest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his parents ' home on Valley Road , Hamstead .
But armed officers had been scrambled , supplied with the killer 's description and were laying in wait .
They soon observed a man staggering down the street , unsteady on his feet and appearing to be shadow-boxing with himself .
It was Heer .
The officers immediately approached demanding he 'get to the floor ' .
Heer seemingly failed to register the command which was sharply repeated - with greater volume .
The glint of something shining in the suspect 's hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it turned out to be his car keys .
The knife was later found in the boot of Heer 's recovered car .
Heer was read his rights , and told he had been detained on suspicion of murder .
Footage from the police car showed him saying : 'Is someone dead ?
Dale Grice is not breathing anymore ? '
But officers had not mentioned the victim 's name to him at that stage .
He began banging his head on the seat in front of him .
He repeated the act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booked into custody and asked one officer : 'Is it right to defend yourself if you 're attacked ? '
The trial lasted over a week during which the jury heard from a number of key witnesses present at Cooksey Lane .
The first to give evidence was Remy Connor who described Heer 's demeanor upon arrival .
`` I could tell something was wrong with him , '' she said , `` I can tell when he 's had a drink .
He just was n't himself . ''
Asked about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` I think that 's what caused it .
His pancreas . ''
She also told the jury that Heer knew exactly where she was but he went to Cooksey Lane to 'see who I was with ' .
Another witness Steven Durrant , recalled the atmosphere at Cooksey Lane throughout the night saying everyone had been in 'high spirits ' .
He described 'deep ' conversations he had with Mr Grice who had asked him 'Why ca n't people be happy ? '
The victim 's family and friends had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were visibly distraught when the words 'Not Guilty ' were read out for the count of murder , raw emotions overwhelming them prompting a brief adjournment of the hearing .
A tribute issued shortly after Mr Grice 's death said : `` Dale was very popular and loved by everybody - he did n't have a bad bone in his body .
He had an infectious smile that would light up a room and now he lights up the sky . ''
Heer sat with his head in his hands after he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't mean it , '' he said towards Mr Grice 's relatives as he witnessed their devastated reaction .
Heer will be sentenced on April 3 .

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He was the much-loved father with an infectious smile who had been remembering the life of another man along with friends following a funeral - all had been in 'high spirits'.
But just a few hours later Dale Grice would be stabbed to death in a Kingstanding street, struck down with one swift swing of a kitchen knife to his back, collapsing into his friend's arms.
His drunken killer Ravinder Heer, sped away in his car and went off to buy more beer before armed police dramatically caught up with him. He has since been convicted of his manslaughter.
Mr Grice's friends, who were just coming to terms with one man's death that day, were left in shock at the sudden and unexpected loss of another loved one. His family, including his two daughters, were left utterly broken-hearted.
Heer, aged 37 from Walsall, had never previously quarrelled with the 32-year-old victim in all of their 15 years of friendship, both having been to each other's homes to share drinks on occasion.
And it was never the prosecution case that he set out on the morning of Saturday, September 7, intending to slay him, hurt him or perhaps even see him.
But there is no doubt that Heer was the wielder of the knife that inflicted the killer blow.
Not long before, he'd used it at his home in Pimpernel Drive to slice bananas for breakfast in a failed attempt to sober up following a night of heavy drinking.
He'd pocketed the blade, absentmindedly he claimed, before setting off for the would-be crime scene on Cooksey Lane, Kingstanding.
Heer argued he only pulled it out in 'self-defence' because Mr Grice was 'laying' into him following a head-to-head confrontation moments earlier.
"He intended to stab Dale Grice and he did so, he may regret that now," said prosecutor Rachel Brand opening the case against Heer for a charge of murder.
But the jury found him not guilty of the accusation, and instead convicted him of manslaughter.
How had it come to this?
The day before the tragic incident, Friday, September 6, Heer's then girlfriend Remy Connor was to attend the funeral of her late grandfather Paul Lindon followed by a wake at the Beaufort Arms pub in Hamstead.
Heer, employed as a construction worker, was not invited because he 'did not get on' with Remy's mother Larissa Lindon, and went to work that day instead. An arrangement was struck for Heer's and Remy's son to be looked after by Heer's mother up until 9pm when Remy would pick him up.
Upon leaving work, Heer contemplated joining his girlfriend at the wake. But after speaking to her brother Mark Connor on the phone he learned that a man called Tydo was present at the pub. He was a friend of Remy's described as a 'source of trouble' in her relationship with Heer, who had scuffled with him a few weeks earlier.
Heer spoke to Tydo on the phone and told him to 'forget about what happened'.
"But he didn't want to leave it, he said if I came we were going to have a fight," Heer told the jury from the witness box.
He abandoned his plan to join the wake and instead went drinking with his brother-in-law, sinking down vodka and beer. Later that evening Heer's family asked him to collect his son and became angry when they realised by that time he was too drunk to look after him.
They had struggled to reach Remy. She, along with others, ended up going from the Beaufort to her mother Larissa's home on Cooksey Lane, where they stayed throughout the night continuing to drink, socialise and remember her grandfather. Among them was Dale Grice who the family 'loved' like one of their own.
Heer, who is diabetic and insulin-dependent, had become increasingly inebriated throughout the evening. He sent numerous texts and made multiple attempted calls to reach Remy and demand she return home. But she ignored him.
So early the next morning, he got in his car and headed for Cooksey Lane, but not before snorting a line of cocaine to sharpen his intoxicated senses.
He arrived around 6.30am kerbing his car and blowing out a tyre. Sharlie Holmes, girlfriend of Mark Connor, answered the door to Heer who asked if Remy was inside and whether Tydo was there also - he wasn't. At that point he brandished the knife and jabbed at the plastic of the door frame menacingly.
Heer barged past, and soon found his way to the kitchen where 'you could hear a pin drop' as he stared at everyone in the room, including Remy. Larissa, who had been made aware of the knife, grabbed him and tried to force him out of her home, "What are you doing coming in my house with a knife?" she said.
Why BirminghamLive covers court cases Courts in the West Midlands serve a population of five million - and BirminghamLive brings you coverage from them each and every week. Magistrates Courts deal with offences where the maximum permitted sentence for each offence does not exceed six months imprisonment or one year if two or more offences are to be considered. Crown Courts deal with the more serious cases including murder, rape, robberies, serious assaults. BirminghamLive's team of journalists report on proceedings, but it can regularly surprise people, and sometimes anger them, when details are published. So we have come up with some frequently asked questions and answers to hopefully help people understand our role better.
Undeterred, Heer barged past again only this time acknowledged Dale Grice, sitting next to Remy. "Yes Gricey, what are you saying?"
Mr Grice returned the rhetorical question as the two met forehead to forehead. Further words were exchanged before Mr Grice was heard saying they should go outside to 'dance' and have a 'straightener'.
The two went out, followed by Mark Connor. Mr Grice took off his jacket and said they should move 'in to the road where everyone can see'.
He threw the first punch, but in swift retaliation Heer pulled out the knife and swung it overhead plunging it into Mr Grice's upper back, behind the shoulder.
"I just wanted him to get off me," Heer told the jury.
"When he was punching me I think I did pull the knife out of my pocket. He carried on hitting me I just wanted him to get away. I just wanted to get in my car and go home. I didn't want to fight anybody."
He added: "I can't remember the movement I did. I just wanted him to get off. I remember me having it [the knife] and him coming towards me.
"I didn't mean to hurt him. I had no intention to hurt him in any way. I don't know why I took it out. It was so quick."
The slain victim stumbled on to a nearby driveway and collapsed into Mark Connor's arms. Mark yelled at Heer saying 'what have done? Just get the hell out of here'.
At that point, people spilled out of the home including Larissa who grabbed Heer and shoved him into his car, repeating her son's demand for him to 'get lost'.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Desperate attempts were made to save Mr Grice. Larissa grabbed a tea towel to apply to the wound. Chest compressions were carried out. But a short while later he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, Heer had been forced to abandon his car on Queslett Road during his escape due to the damage he had caused earlier.
CCTV then captured him as he stumbled into a Spar, dressed all in black with a sleeveless, hooded bomber jacket over a t-shirt. Bleary-eyed as he approached the counter, he purchased two cans of Stella Artois.
Having sank those he tried to purchase more booze from another shop but had ran out of money. He was shown on footage remonstrating with someone, jabbing a finger at the person's chest before leaving.
(Image: WMP)
Heer set off towards his parents' home on Valley Road, Hamstead. But armed officers had been scrambled, supplied with the killer's description and were laying in wait. They soon observed a man staggering down the street, unsteady on his feet and appearing to be shadow-boxing with himself. It was Heer.
The officers immediately approached demanding he 'get to the floor'. Heer seemingly failed to register the command which was sharply repeated - with greater volume. The glint of something shining in the suspect's hand also put them on guard, but it turned out to be his car keys. The knife was later found in the boot of Heer's recovered car.
Heer was read his rights, and told he had been detained on suspicion of murder. Footage from the police car showed him saying: 'Is someone dead? Dale Grice is not breathing anymore?'
(Image: WMP)
But officers had not mentioned the victim's name to him at that stage. He began banging his head on the seat in front of him. He repeated the act on a desk as he was being booked into custody and asked one officer: 'Is it right to defend yourself if you're attacked?'
The trial lasted over a week during which the jury heard from a number of key witnesses present at Cooksey Lane. The first to give evidence was Remy Connor who described Heer's demeanor upon arrival.
"I could tell something was wrong with him," she said, "I can tell when he's had a drink. He just wasn't himself."
Asked about the impact of diabetes on Heer, she added: "I think that's what caused it. His pancreas."
She also told the jury that Heer knew exactly where she was but he went to Cooksey Lane to 'see who I was with'.
Another witness Steven Durrant, recalled the atmosphere at Cooksey Lane throughout the night saying everyone had been in 'high spirits'. He described 'deep' conversations he had with Mr Grice who had asked him 'Why can't people be happy?'
The victim's family and friends had been ever-present throughout the trial. They were visibly distraught when the words 'Not Guilty' were read out for the count of murder, raw emotions overwhelming them prompting a brief adjournment of the hearing.
A tribute issued shortly after Mr Grice's death said: "Dale was very popular and loved by everybody - he didn't have a bad bone in his body. He had an infectious smile that would light up a room and now he lights up the sky."
Heer sat with his head in his hands after he was convicted of manslaughter.
"I didn't mean it," he said towards Mr Grice's relatives as he witnessed their devastated reaction. Heer will be sentenced on April 3.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Watch - Inside £3.5m superhome that looks like a giant SHED

It 's the giant new landmark that looks like a huge garden shed - but the price is more Harrods @ @ @ @ @ unique home , surrounded by rolling countryside , is on the market for an eye-watering @ @ @ @ @ Knowle , near Solihull , must be one of the most unusual properties in the @ @ @ @ @ indoor garden and atrium and a gym and sauna room with its own balcony .
@ @ @ @ @ is simple in its design and uber contemporary with a wealth of luxury features to @ @ @ @ @ earners .
Potential buyers were invited to take a look around the 10,450sq ft home @ @ @ @ @ set in six-and-a-half acres .

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It's the giant new landmark that looks like a huge garden shed - but the price is more Harrods than Homebase.
Because this unique home, surrounded by rolling countryside, is on the market for an eye-watering £3.5million.
Hedge House in Knowle, near Solihull, must be one of the most unusual properties in the West Midlands, with an indoor garden and atrium and a gym and sauna room with its own balcony.
The striking five-bedroomed architectural property is simple in its design and uber contemporary with a wealth of luxury features to appeal to the highest of earners.
Potential buyers were invited to take a look around the 10,450sq ft home built by 10M group, set in six-and-a-half acres.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--The full story of 'dangerous' Chelmsley Wood carjacking ringleader Paul Doyle

He was the masked ringleader of a violent carjacking gang operating out of Chelmsley Wood - targeting vulnerable women with fake guns to rob £750,000 worth of high-end vehicles .
But 'career criminal ' Paul Doyle has had his day of 'final reckoning ' in court and is now looking ahead at the prospect of spending more than two decades behind bars .
While the impressionable men half his age who he puppeteered , Joshua Barrett and Luke Mander , are also facing lengthy jail terms , as well as the much lesser involved teenager Keir Carter , who too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of no fixed address , was convicted of multiple offences in November but had been made to wait four months to learn his fate .
The lengthy delay was to give experts the chance to assess his level of 'dangerousness ' due to his 'emotional and erratic behaviour ' , Judge Heidi Kubic QC told the sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court this week .
But Doyle failed to comply with the process .
He had already become resigned to the inevitable outcome of a lengthy jail term .
Collectively , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 45 times between October and December 2018 , wielding imitation firearms , hammers and knives to terrify their victims .
They typically wore balaclavas to target lone women , three of whom were pregnant .
Doyle , Barrett and Mander were the main culprits .
Among the incidents the trio held up a shopkeeper , who was eight months pregnant , at gunpoint as they robbed the store in Norwich Croft , Chelmsley Wood .
The imitation firearm was then pointed at the head of her husband who had ran to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son watched on .
The robbers made off with £2,000 worth of booze and cigarettes , but Doyle admitted the main target had been a lucrative cash machine .
He and Mander were also involved in the masked hijacking of a recovery truck at Bassetts Pole where they kidnapped the driver to re-take a VW Golf which they had previously stolen .
Then there was the plundering of motor homes from a motorbike convention in Weston-super-Mare , which Judge Kubic described as 'particularly mean-spirited ' .
The crimes came within months of Doyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2018 having spent nearly ten years inside for armed robbery .
The father of several children , has 21 previous convictions for 47 offences to his name .
`` He is a career criminal and he knows it , '' said Michael Edmonds , defending .
`` He admits it frankly .
He admits increasing offending for financial and selfish reasons .
He has made no attempt to hide his true character . ''
Mr Edmonds admitted there simply was no mitigation for the 'appalling , terrifying and despicable ' crimes only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain 'every aggravating factor ' .
He said : `` There is little injury to these individuals .
I do accept psychological injury can be equal if not worse but often there 's both and there was n't in this case . ''
Mr Edmonds declared that the trial , where Doyle changed a number of his pleas to guilty part-way through , had been the 'final reckoning ' .
Doyle was found guilty of robbery , kidnapping and possession of an imitation firearm intending to cause fear of violence .
He admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , conspiracy to steal , possession of an imitation firearm intending to cause fear of violence and conspiracy to posses an imitation firearm intending to rob .
Judge Kubic concluded that he played a 'leading ' role , was 'clearly dangerous ' and posed a 'significant risk ' of committing similar offences in the future .
She handed him a life sentence of 24 years of which he will serve a minimum of 12 years before he is even considered for release by a parole board .
Doyle simply waved and put his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the public gallery , as he was ushered out of the court room .
Investigating officer , Detective Constable Adam Buzzard , welcomed the sentence and said : “ Doyle is a dangerous , erratic individual with a penchant for violence – he ’ s a convicted armed robber who was only released from prison in July 2018 after almost a decade behind bars .
“ He recruited Mander and Barrett to carry out his offending ; even when not present at offences he was clearly orchestrating the attacks , acting as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were drawn in by an older role model and the promise of quick cash . ''
During the two-day sentencing hearing the court was also told about the impact on some of the victims .
One woman had 'struggled to sleep for weeks ' , suffered anxiety , had three months off work , had to have medication and also received counselling .
Another , a grandmother attacked on her driveway , spent three weeks in bed in the run-up to Christmas , no longer 'feels safe in her own home ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A man who was callously attacked visiting his wife 's grave at Streetly Crematorium has been 'discouraged from visiting as frequently as before ' and 'for obvious reasons , does n't like driving ' , said Judge Kubic .
Whilst an expecting mum who had just left Mothercare having only just discovered she was pregnant , and was dragged from her car and thrown to the floor , struggled to bond with her baby boy when he was born .
Judge Kubic added : `` All of your victims have suffered financial loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious , nervous and have had to change their behaviour as a result of your attacks on them . ''
Barrett , 22 , of Grenhill Way , Shirley , was found guilty of conspiracy to possess an imitation firearm intending to rob , robbery and possession of an imitation firearm intending to cause fear of violence .
He admitted to conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to steal .
He was sentenced to 18 years in prison , of which he can expect to serve at least half and the remainder on licence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingsbury Road , Birmingham was found guilty of conspiracy to possess an imitation firearm intending to rob , possession of an imitation firearm intending to cause fear of violence , kidnapping and robbery .
He admitted conspiracy to rob , conspiracy to steal , robbery and possession with intent to supply class B drugs ( Cannabis ) .
He was sentenced to 16 years and six months .
Carter , 18 , also of Kingsbury Road , Birmingham , admitted conspiracy to steal and possession of class B drugs ( Cannabis ) in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he was also sentenced to three counts of burglary , handling stolen goods and taking a vehicle without consent .
Judge Kubic sentenced him to three years .

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He was the masked ringleader of a violent carjacking gang operating out of Chelmsley Wood - targeting vulnerable women with fake guns to rob £750,000 worth of high-end vehicles.
But 'career criminal' Paul Doyle has had his day of 'final reckoning' in court and is now looking ahead at the prospect of spending more than two decades behind bars.
While the impressionable men half his age who he puppeteered, Joshua Barrett and Luke Mander, are also facing lengthy jail terms, as well as the much lesser involved teenager Keir Carter, who too was immediately imprisoned.
(Image: SWNS)
Doyle, 41, of no fixed address, was convicted of multiple offences in November but had been made to wait four months to learn his fate.
The lengthy delay was to give experts the chance to assess his level of 'dangerousness' due to his 'emotional and erratic behaviour', Judge Heidi Kubic QC told the sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court this week. But Doyle failed to comply with the process. He had already become resigned to the inevitable outcome of a lengthy jail term.
Collectively, he and his gang of co-conspirators struck more than 45 times between October and December 2018, wielding imitation firearms, hammers and knives to terrify their victims.
They typically wore balaclavas to target lone women, three of whom were pregnant. Doyle, Barrett and Mander were the main culprits.
Among the incidents the trio held up a shopkeeper, who was eight months pregnant, at gunpoint as they robbed the store in Norwich Croft, Chelmsley Wood. The imitation firearm was then pointed at the head of her husband who had ran to her aid, while the couple's seven-year-old son watched on.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The robbers made off with £2,000 worth of booze and cigarettes, but Doyle admitted the main target had been a lucrative cash machine.
He and Mander were also involved in the masked hijacking of a recovery truck at Bassetts Pole where they kidnapped the driver to re-take a VW Golf which they had previously stolen.
Then there was the plundering of motor homes from a motorbike convention in Weston-super-Mare, which Judge Kubic described as 'particularly mean-spirited'.
The crimes came within months of Doyle being released from prison in the summer of 2018 having spent nearly ten years inside for armed robbery. The father of several children, has 21 previous convictions for 47 offences to his name.
"He is a career criminal and he knows it," said Michael Edmonds, defending.
"He admits it frankly. He admits increasing offending for financial and selfish reasons. He has made no attempt to hide his true character."
Mr Edmonds admitted there simply was no mitigation for the 'appalling, terrifying and despicable' crimes only to say that the case did not contain 'every aggravating factor'.
He said: "There is little injury to these individuals. I do accept psychological injury can be equal if not worse but often there's both and there wasn't in this case."
Mr Edmonds declared that the trial, where Doyle changed a number of his pleas to guilty part-way through, had been the 'final reckoning'.
Doyle was found guilty of robbery, kidnapping and possession of an imitation firearm intending to cause fear of violence. He admitted counts of robbery, conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to steal, possession of an imitation firearm intending to cause fear of violence and conspiracy to posses an imitation firearm intending to rob.
Judge Kubic concluded that he played a 'leading' role, was 'clearly dangerous' and posed a 'significant risk' of committing similar offences in the future.
She handed him a life sentence of 24 years of which he will serve a minimum of 12 years before he is even considered for release by a parole board.
Doyle simply waved and put his thumbs up to loved ones watching on from the public gallery, as he was ushered out of the court room.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Adam Buzzard, welcomed the sentence and said: “Doyle is a dangerous, erratic individual with a penchant for violence – he’s a convicted armed robber who was only released from prison in July 2018 after almost a decade behind bars.
“He recruited Mander and Barrett to carry out his offending; even when not present at offences he was clearly orchestrating the attacks, acting as a puppet master for Mander and Barrett who were drawn in by an older role model and the promise of quick cash."
During the two-day sentencing hearing the court was also told about the impact on some of the victims. One woman had 'struggled to sleep for weeks', suffered anxiety, had three months off work, had to have medication and also received counselling.
Another, a grandmother attacked on her driveway, spent three weeks in bed in the run-up to Christmas, no longer 'feels safe in her own home' and no longer collects her granddaughter.
(Image: Google Street)
A man who was callously attacked visiting his wife's grave at Streetly Crematorium has been 'discouraged from visiting as frequently as before' and 'for obvious reasons, doesn't like driving', said Judge Kubic.
Whilst an expecting mum who had just left Mothercare having only just discovered she was pregnant, and was dragged from her car and thrown to the floor, struggled to bond with her baby boy when he was born.
Judge Kubic added: "All of your victims have suffered financial loss and inconvenience. Many victims are now anxious, nervous and have had to change their behaviour as a result of your attacks on them."
(Image: West Midlands Police)
Barrett, 22, of Grenhill Way, Shirley, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess an imitation firearm intending to rob, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm intending to cause fear of violence. He admitted to conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to steal.
He was sentenced to 18 years in prison, of which he can expect to serve at least half and the remainder on licence.
Luke Mander, 23, of Kingsbury Road, Birmingham was found guilty of conspiracy to possess an imitation firearm intending to rob, possession of an imitation firearm intending to cause fear of violence, kidnapping and robbery. He admitted conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to steal, robbery and possession with intent to supply class B drugs (Cannabis).
He was sentenced to 16 years and six months.
Carter, 18, also of Kingsbury Road, Birmingham, admitted conspiracy to steal and possession of class B drugs (Cannabis) in relation to the main car-jacking plot. But he was also sentenced to three counts of burglary, handling stolen goods and taking a vehicle without consent.
Judge Kubic sentenced him to three years.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Liverpool legend delivers West Brom and Leeds United plea

Jamie Carragher has pleaded with English football ’ s decision-makers to ensure this season is not a write off .
All elite football in this country has been suspended until April due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak .
The decision means West Bromwich Albion ’ s promotion push is now on hold , with the fixtures against Birmingham City , Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday having been postponed .
Liverpool legend Carragher has called on the authorities to ensure the season finishes as planned - as it would not be fair on the likes of Albion and Leeds United .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start next season until this one finishes whenever that is .
No title winners ?
Who goes in the @ ChampionsLeague next season ?
Leeds WBA +1 miss out on PL ?
3 clubs in Prem stay up.
” Albion currently trail Leeds by a point at the top of the table with nine matches remaining .
A statement released by the EFL earlier this week read : `` The FA , Premier League , EFL and Barclays FA Women ’ s Super League and FA Women ’ s Championship have collectively agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 3 April at the earliest .
`` This action , which will be kept under constant review , has been taken due to the increasing numbers of Clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus .
`` The postponements include all matches in the Championship , League One and League Two , as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com '' In addition , Clubs are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which include , but are not limited to , player appearances , training ground visits and fan meetings .
`` Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors , emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football ’ s contingency plans in response to the crisis .
`` A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week .
`` This decision has not been taken lightly , but the EFL must prioritise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government ’ s national efforts in tackling this outbreak . ''

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Jamie Carragher has pleaded with English football’s decision-makers to ensure this season is not a write off.
All elite football in this country has been suspended until April due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The decision means West Bromwich Albion’s promotion push is now on hold, with the fixtures against Birmingham City, Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday having been postponed.
Liverpool legend Carragher has called on the authorities to ensure the season finishes as planned - as it would not be fair on the likes of Albion and Leeds United.
(Image: Twitter / @Carra23)
He tweeted: “You can’t start next season until this one finishes whenever that is. No title winners? Who goes in the @ChampionsLeague next season? Leeds WBA +1 miss out on PL? 3 clubs in Prem stay up.”
Albion currently trail Leeds by a point at the top of the table with nine matches remaining.
A statement released by the EFL earlier this week read: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.
"This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of Clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus.
"The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.
"In addition, Clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.
"Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football’s contingency plans in response to the crisis.
"A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week.
"This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak."


birminghammail--2020-03-15--'Birmingham City can't' - Aston Villa fans react to Scott Hogan transfer update

Aston Villa are reportedly considering keeping Scott Hogan if they are relegated to the Championship .
The striker has scored seven league goals in just eight outings since joining Birmingham City on loan in the January transfer window .
That terrific run of form saw Hogan named as the Championship ’ s player of the month for February .
“ We are very happy , ” said Blues boss Pep Clotet , who wants to sign the 27-year-old permanently in the summer .
“ I ’ m not surprised that he got it because we all knew that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to do it with the help of everyone here .
“ It ’ s good that a Birmingham City player gets a reward like this because this club is doing a very good job and it ’ s good that it doesn ’ t go unnoticed.
” Hogan cost Villa £12million from Brentford in January 2017 but he ’ s only managed 10 goals in 61 appearances in B6 .
He didn ’ t start a single match for Dean Smith last season but the Sun reports Villa could keep him if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's what Villa fans had to say : Craig Heath : Blues ca n't afford him anyway , plus if we get relegated we may even need him ourselves , unproven in the Premier League do n't forget .
Craig Baker : Think if we get relegated Samatta and Hogan up top would work .
Or Davis and Hogan if we have to sell Samatta .
Aaron Smith : I would n't have sent him in the first place .
We bring in Baston ?
Ray Smith : We are staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they want him .

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Aston Villa are reportedly considering keeping Scott Hogan if they are relegated to the Championship.
The striker has scored seven league goals in just eight outings since joining Birmingham City on loan in the January transfer window.
That terrific run of form saw Hogan named as the Championship’s player of the month for February.
“We are very happy,” said Blues boss Pep Clotet, who wants to sign the 27-year-old permanently in the summer. “I’m not surprised that he got it because we all knew that he had the ability to do so and he managed to do it with the help of everyone here.
(Image: PA)
“It’s good that a Birmingham City player gets a reward like this because this club is doing a very good job and it’s good that it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Hogan cost Villa £12million from Brentford in January 2017 but he’s only managed 10 goals in 61 appearances in B6.
He didn’t start a single match for Dean Smith last season but the Sun reports Villa could keep him if they suffer relegation from the Premier League.
Here's what Villa fans had to say:
Craig Heath: Blues can't afford him anyway, plus if we get relegated we may even need him ourselves, unproven in the Premier League don't forget.
Craig Baker: Think if we get relegated Samatta and Hogan up top would work. Or Davis and Hogan if we have to sell Samatta.
Aaron Smith: I wouldn't have sent him in the first place. We bring in Baston?
Ray Smith: We are staying up.
Paul Brookes: £50 million if they want him.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--‘Unfortunately Karren Brady’ - Aston Villa fans will love this suggestion

Former Aston Villa chief Steve Stride has made a cheeky suggestion in response to Karren Brady 's argument for voiding the Premier League season .
English football has been suspended until April at the earliest due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis , with Villa 's fixtures against Chelsea and Newcastle United postponed .
Brady , West Ham 's vice-chairman , wrote a column for the Sun arguing for the campaign to be voided and all clubs to remain in the league for next season with no promotions or relegations .
“ There is no dodging the possibility that all levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League will have to be cancelled and this season declared null and void because if the players can ’ t play the games can ’ t go ahead , '' she wrote .
“ As games in both the PL and in the EFL are affected , the only fair and reasonable thing to do is declare the whole season null and void .
“ Who knows who would have gone down or come up if the games have not actually been played in full ? ''
Now , Stride has suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order instead - which would see Villa finish third and condemn ex- Birmingham City director Brady 's West Ham to relegation .
`` A suggestion for resolving the Premier League this season , '' Stride tweeted .
`` In my opinion the only fair solution would be to place each club alphabetically i.e .
Champions @ afcbournemouth then @ Arsenal , @ AVFCOfficial etc .
`` Unfortunately @ karren_brady this means @ WestHam are relegated ! ''

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Former Aston Villa chief Steve Stride has made a cheeky suggestion in response to Karren Brady's argument for voiding the Premier League season.
English football has been suspended until April at the earliest due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, with Villa's fixtures against Chelsea and Newcastle United postponed.
Brady, West Ham's vice-chairman, wrote a column for the Sun arguing for the campaign to be voided and all clubs to remain in the league for next season with no promotions or relegations.
“There is no dodging the possibility that all levels in the EFL as well as the Premier League will have to be cancelled and this season declared null and void because if the players can’t play the games can’t go ahead," she wrote.
(Image: PA)
“As games in both the PL and in the EFL are affected, the only fair and reasonable thing to do is declare the whole season null and void.
“Who knows who would have gone down or come up if the games have not actually been played in full?"
Now, Stride has suggested the table could be ranked in alphbetical order instead - which would see Villa finish third and condemn ex- Birmingham City director Brady's West Ham to relegation.
"A suggestion for resolving the Premier League this season," Stride tweeted. "In my opinion the only fair solution would be to place each club alphabetically i.e. Champions @afcbournemouth then @Arsenal, @AVFCOfficial etc.
"Unfortunately @karren_brady this means @WestHam are relegated!"


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham sent major Manchester United transfer warning

Jude Bellingham has been warned about signing for Manchester United by former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan .
The 16-year-old Birmingham City wonderkid is a summer target for United after an incredible breakthrough campaign at St Andrew ’ s .
The likes of Chelsea , Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have also watched the midfielder , who has made 35 appearances this season .
But Jordan says Bellingham must think very carefully about making the move while he ’ s still so young - hinting the teen talent may be better served by continuing his development at Blues for now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this , ” Jordan told talkSPORT .
“ A young player of 16 years old , I know he ’ s prodigious talent and I know people are talking about him in the same way they talked about Wayne Rooney .
“ But I had a kid at Crystal Palace who was talked about in this fashion called John Bostock , who made a move to a supposedly bigger club at that time in Tottenham , against the advice of most of the sensible people around him .
“ He didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his career has gone to the left field and he ’ s now coming back into English football with Nottingham Forest 10 or 12 years after the event.
” The former Eagles chief added : “ Look , Bellingham is a prodigious talent but making a move at 16 and going to a club like Manchester United that is in a transition period , he ’ s unlikely to get first team football .
“ Wilfried Zaha couldn ’ t do it at 19 , and this kid is 16 going into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamics of it , I ’ m also troubled by it to some extent.
” Bellingham will reportedly choose between the four clubs in the summer with the Mirror reporting they are all willing to meet Blues ' valuation of around £30m with at least £15m upfront .

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Jude Bellingham has been warned about signing for Manchester United by former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan.
The 16-year-old Birmingham City wonderkid is a summer target for United after an incredible breakthrough campaign at St Andrew’s.
The likes of Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have also watched the midfielder, who has made 35 appearances this season.
But Jordan says Bellingham must think very carefully about making the move while he’s still so young - hinting the teen talent may be better served by continuing his development at Blues for now.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I’m not sure about this,” Jordan told talkSPORT. “A young player of 16 years old, I know he’s prodigious talent and I know people are talking about him in the same way they talked about Wayne Rooney.
“But I had a kid at Crystal Palace who was talked about in this fashion called John Bostock, who made a move to a supposedly bigger club at that time in Tottenham, against the advice of most of the sensible people around him.
“He didn’t play for Harry [Redknapp], his career has gone to the left field and he’s now coming back into English football with Nottingham Forest 10 or 12 years after the event.”
The former Eagles chief added: “Look, Bellingham is a prodigious talent but making a move at 16 and going to a club like Manchester United that is in a transition period, he’s unlikely to get first team football.
“Wilfried Zaha couldn’t do it at 19, and this kid is 16 going into that environment. Whilst I understand the dynamics of it, I’m also troubled by it to some extent.”
Bellingham will reportedly choose between the four clubs in the summer with the Mirror reporting they are all willing to meet Blues' valuation of around £30m with at least £15m upfront.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Coronavirus - what we know so far as death toll rises to 35 on Sunday

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said every Briton over the age of 70 will be told “ within the coming weeks ” to stay at home for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus .
The death toll has now reached 35 .
Of the 14 patients that died , all were aged between their 60s and 90s , and most had underlying health conditions .
We take a look at the other developments surrounding coronavirus in the last 24 hours .
How many people are affected ?
According to the Department of Health , there are now 1,372 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thirty-five people in the UK have now died after testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 14 overnight on Sunday .
And some 40,279 people have been tested for the deadly disease as of 9am on Sunday , March 15 .
Two of the deaths were in the Black Country .
Halesowen College has announced there has been a 'positive test for coronavirus 'within the college community ' .
The nursery area of the Whittingham Road college is being deep cleaned as a result of the news .
In a move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that every person over the age of 70 in Britain will be told to stay at home for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus .
The advice is set to be enforced “ within the coming weeks ” and he told the BBC that when it does it will last “ a very long time ” .
This comes as the government faces pressure to do more to tackle the epidemic after the UK death toll increased on Sunday .
So far , all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or with underlying conditions .
He suggested that over-70s - and younger people with certain health conditions - will need to remain at home and have groceries and vital medication delivered .
What has the situation been like in the supermarkets ?
Shoppers have been met with full car parks , long queues , depleted shelves , panic buying leading to some going home empty-handed .
Aldi and Costco moved to limit certain items per customer while the industry pleaded with customers to be considerate of others as they toiled day and night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praised by customers who have been trying to provide for their families .
Sainsbury ’ s said in a statement : “ There are gaps on shelves because of increased demand , but we have new stock arriving regularly and we ’ re doing our best to keep shelves stocked .
`` Our store colleagues are working tirelessly and doing the best job they can .
“ Which brings me onto a request .
Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need .
If we all do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enough for everyone .
“ And please help elderly and vulnerable friends , family and neighbours with their shopping if you can.
” Police to arrest those who refuse to ‘ self-isolate ’ Police are set to be given powers to arrest people with coronavirus who are not self-isolating , the Health Secretary has confirmed .
Matt Hancock detailed a series of severe measures the Government is considering and said “ we will stop at nothing ” in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak , confirming a report that emergency legislation being drawn up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power to arrest infected citizens .
He also added that bars , restaurants and shops ( except supermarkets and pharmacies ) could be shut while over-70s will be asked in the coming weeks to stay indoors for up to four months .
Jobs could be lost as hospitality and airline industries plead for help .
Airline industry bosses are writing to the prime minster on Monday to ask for emergency financial measures for airlines in the UK .
Industry body Airlines UK says that the UK ’ s aviation industry may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps in to help , according to a BBC report .
The US has expanded its travel restrictions to include the UK and Ireland and this will further dent the sector from Tuesday .
Across the city , shops , cafes , restaurants and cinemas which should have been doing a brisk trade were deserted as people opted to stay at home .

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said every Briton over the age of 70 will be told “within the coming weeks” to stay at home for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus.
The death toll has now reached 35. Of the 14 patients that died, all were aged between their 60s and 90s, and most had underlying health conditions.
We take a look at the other developments surrounding coronavirus in the last 24 hours.
How many people are affected?
According to the Department of Health, there are now 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK.
Thirty-five people in the UK have now died after testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 14 overnight on Sunday.
And some 40,279 people have been tested for the deadly disease as of 9am on Sunday, March 15.
Two of the deaths were in the Black Country.
Halesowen College has announced there has been a 'positive test for coronavirus 'within the college community'.
The nursery area of the Whittingham Road college is being deep cleaned as a result of the news.
Will people be quarantined?
In a move which will no doubt shock many, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that every person over the age of 70 in Britain will be told to stay at home for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus .
The advice is set to be enforced “within the coming weeks” and he told the BBC that when it does it will last “a very long time”.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
This comes as the government faces pressure to do more to tackle the epidemic after the UK death toll increased on Sunday. So far, all the deaths have been of people over 60 or with underlying conditions.
He suggested that over-70s - and younger people with certain health conditions - will need to remain at home and have groceries and vital medication delivered.
What has the situation been like in the supermarkets?
Shoppers have been met with full car parks, long queues, depleted shelves, panic buying leading to some going home empty-handed.
Aldi and Costco moved to limit certain items per customer while the industry pleaded with customers to be considerate of others as they toiled day and night to source stock.
This was widely praised by customers who have been trying to provide for their families.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Sainsbury’s said in a statement: “There are gaps on shelves because of increased demand, but we have new stock arriving regularly and we’re doing our best to keep shelves stocked.
"Our store colleagues are working tirelessly and doing the best job they can.
“Which brings me onto a request. Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need. If we all do this then we can make sure we have enough for everyone.
“And please help elderly and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours with their shopping if you can.”
Police to arrest those who refuse to ‘self-isolate’
Police are set to be given powers to arrest people with coronavirus who are not self-isolating, the Health Secretary has confirmed.
Matt Hancock detailed a series of severe measures the Government is considering and said “we will stop at nothing” in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak, confirming a report that emergency legislation being drawn up by the Government will include allowing police the power to arrest infected citizens.
He also added that bars, restaurants and shops (except supermarkets and pharmacies) could be shut while over-70s will be asked in the coming weeks to stay indoors for up to four months.
Jobs could be lost as hospitality and airline industries plead for help.
Airline industry bosses are writing to the prime minster on Monday to ask for emergency financial measures for airlines in the UK.
Industry body Airlines UK says that the UK’s aviation industry may not survive the coronavirus pandemic unless the government steps in to help, according to a BBC report .
The US has expanded its travel restrictions to include the UK and Ireland and this will further dent the sector from Tuesday.
Across the city, shops, cafes, restaurants and cinemas which should have been doing a brisk trade were deserted as people opted to stay at home.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Coronavirus death toll in Spain doubles in a day

The number of people who have died as a result of coronavirus deaths in Spain has more than doubled in a day , according to latest figures released today ( March 15 ) .
There have been 288 deaths due to COVID-19 , with nearly 8,000 infections now confirmed in the country , according to a Sky News report .
This comes a day after Spain went into lockdown with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez imposing tight movement restrictions on its 47 million citizens as part of a 15-day state of emergency .
Follow our updates on coronavirus via our blog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hotels and restaurants have been closed throughout the country along with non-essential stores - a move some of the hardest-hit communities have already carried out .
The 288 coronavirus deaths in Spain is up from 136 announced on Saturday .
The country has recorded 7,753 infections , up from 5,700 on Saturday , with around half of these concentrated in the capital of Madrid .
Begona Gomez , the wife of Spain 's prime minister , has tested positive for the COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , with the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two ministers from Mr Sanchez 's cabinet were also diagnosed with the virus earlier this week .
Austria is to ban gatherings of more than five people from Monday and Germany plans to close its borders with Austria , France and Switzerland from Monday , according to local media .
In the UK , police are set to be given powers to arrest people with coronavirus who are not self-isolating , the Health Secretary has confirmed .
Matt Hancock detailed a series of severe measures the Government is considering and said “ we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Covid-19 outbreak , confirming a report that emergency legislation being drawn up by the Government will include allowing police the power to arrest infected citizens .
He also added that bars , restaurants and shops ( except supermarkets and pharmacies ) could be shut while over-70s will be asked in the coming weeks to stay indoors for up to four months .

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The number of people who have died as a result of coronavirus deaths in Spain has more than doubled in a day, according to latest figures released today (March 15).
There have been 288 deaths due to COVID-19, with nearly 8,000 infections now confirmed in the country, according to a Sky News report .
This comes a day after Spain went into lockdown with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez imposing tight movement restrictions on its 47 million citizens as part of a 15-day state of emergency.
Follow our updates on coronavirus via our blog here
All schools, universities, bars, hotels and restaurants have been closed throughout the country along with non-essential stores - a move some of the hardest-hit communities have already carried out.
The 288 coronavirus deaths in Spain is up from 136 announced on Saturday.
The country has recorded 7,753 infections, up from 5,700 on Saturday, with around half of these concentrated in the capital of Madrid.
Begona Gomez, the wife of Spain's prime minister, has tested positive for the COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, with the couple said to be in good health.
Two ministers from Mr Sanchez's cabinet were also diagnosed with the virus earlier this week.
Austria is to ban gatherings of more than five people from Monday and Germany plans to close its borders with Austria, France and Switzerland from Monday, according to local media.
In the UK, police are set to be given powers to arrest people with coronavirus who are not self-isolating, the Health Secretary has confirmed.
Matt Hancock detailed a series of severe measures the Government is considering and said “we will stop at nothing” in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak, confirming a report that emergency legislation being drawn up by the Government will include allowing police the power to arrest infected citizens.
He also added that bars, restaurants and shops (except supermarkets and pharmacies) could be shut while over-70s will be asked in the coming weeks to stay indoors for up to four months.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Italy suffers largest number of deaths in a day since start of coronavirus outbreak

There have been 368 new coronavirus deaths in Italy - its largest number of fatalities in a day since the start of the outbreak .
Sadly , Italy has lost a total of 1,809 people as a result of COVID-19 , making it the hardest-hit country in Europe .
The number of Italian cases has now risen to more than 24,700 , according to Sky News This comes after Spain recorded that its number of coronavirus deaths has more than doubled in a day to 288 .
Here in the UK , 35 people have now died after testing positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 overnight .
According to the Department of Health , there are now 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK .
Follow our live updates on coronavirus in Birmingham via our blog here Some 40,279 people have been tested for the virus in Great Britain as of 9am on Sunday , March 15 .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that every person over the age of 70 in Britain will be told to stay at home for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus .
The advice is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and he told the BBC that when it does it will last `` a very long time ' , possibly up to four months .
Spain has now joined Italy by going into lockdown with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez imposing tight movement restrictions on its 47 million citizens as part of a 15-day state of emergency .
All schools , universities , restaurants , bars and hotels in Spain have been closed along with non-essential stores .
The country has recorded 7,753 infections , up from 5,700 on Saturday , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital Madrid .
Begona Gomez , the wife of Spain 's prime minister , has tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , with the couple said to be in good health .
Two ministers from Mr Sanchez 's cabinet were also diagnosed with the virus earlier this week .
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Spain on Sunday , warning people against all but essential travel to the whole of the country after previously warning against going to certain regions .
Dozens of flights in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the pandemic .

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There have been 368 new coronavirus deaths in Italy - its largest number of fatalities in a day since the start of the outbreak.
Sadly, Italy has lost a total of 1,809 people as a result of COVID-19, making it the hardest-hit country in Europe.
The number of Italian cases has now risen to more than 24,700, according to Sky News
(Image: Getty Images)
This comes after Spain recorded that its number of coronavirus deaths has more than doubled in a day to 288.
Here in the UK, 35 people have now died after testing positive for the virus - a rise of 14 overnight.
According to the Department of Health, there are now 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK.
Follow our live updates on coronavirus in Birmingham via our blog here
Some 40,279 people have been tested for the virus in Great Britain as of 9am on Sunday, March 15.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that every person over the age of 70 in Britain will be told to stay at home for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus.
The advice is set to be enforced "within the coming weeks" and he told the BBC that when it does it will last "a very long time', possibly up to four months.
Spain has now joined Italy by going into lockdown with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez imposing tight movement restrictions on its 47 million citizens as part of a 15-day state of emergency.
All schools, universities, restaurants, bars and hotels in Spain have been closed along with non-essential stores. The country has recorded 7,753 infections, up from 5,700 on Saturday, with around half of these concentrated in the capital Madrid.
Begona Gomez, the wife of Spain's prime minister, has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, with the couple said to be in good health.
Two ministers from Mr Sanchez's cabinet were also diagnosed with the virus earlier this week.
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Spain on Sunday, warning people against all but essential travel to the whole of the country after previously warning against going to certain regions.
Dozens of flights in and out of the UK have been cancelled as a result of the pandemic.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Heartbroken wife shares pic of her 'soul mate', thought to be the UK's youngest coronavirus victim

A man who has died following a foreign holiday is thought to be Britain 's youngest coronavirus victim .
Former police officer Nick Matthews , 59 , had underlying health conditions and died in the Bristol Royal Infirmary in the early hours of Saturday , following a positive test for coronavirus , according to BristolLive The Nailsea father-of-two had tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a holiday in the Canary Islands .
His wife Mary has shared his picture with a local Facebook page in the hope people may recognise him , know if they have been in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate .
Speaking to Nailsea People , Mary said : “ People who may have come into contact with either Nick or me during the past two weeks need to self-isolate and get advice .
“ Although he tested positive , until a post-mortem examination , we ca n't say that was cause of death at the moment .
“ I do n't want to panic people , but I do want people to take extra precautions.
” Thirty-five people in the UK have now died after testing positive for coronavirus - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Health , there are now 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK .
And some 40,279 people have been tested for the deadly disease as of 9am on Sunday , March 15 .
Follow our live updates via our blog here Nick was diagnosed with pneumonia after being taken to hospital by ambulance on Thursday night suffering from breathing difficulties .
According to his wife , the couple had no known contact with anyone with coronavirus .
He had been part of Clevedon CIFD before taking early retirement for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife Mary shared on Facebook on Saturday : `` Today at 3am I lost my life partner and soul mate but most of all my best friend .
`` Together with our children Charlotte and Ben we are beyond proud to have had such a big character in our lives .
`` As a family we are currently in isolation … I know some of you would like to visit , but please for you and your family ’ s safety , stay away until we get the all clear . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emma Flanagan, Zoe Chamberlain)

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A man who has died following a foreign holiday is thought to be Britain's youngest coronavirus victim.
Former police officer Nick Matthews, 59, had underlying health conditions and died in the Bristol Royal Infirmary in the early hours of Saturday, following a positive test for coronavirus, according to BristolLive
The Nailsea father-of-two had tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a holiday in the Canary Islands.
His wife Mary has shared his picture with a local Facebook page in the hope people may recognise him, know if they have been in recent contact with him, and choose to self-isolate.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Speaking to Nailsea People, Mary said: “People who may have come into contact with either Nick or me during the past two weeks need to self-isolate and get advice.
“Although he tested positive, until a post-mortem examination, we can't say that was cause of death at the moment.
“I don't want to panic people, but I do want people to take extra precautions.”
Thirty-five people in the UK have now died after testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 14 overnight.
According to the Department of Health, there are now 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK.
And some 40,279 people have been tested for the deadly disease as of 9am on Sunday, March 15.
Follow our live updates via our blog here
Nick was diagnosed with pneumonia after being taken to hospital by ambulance on Thursday night suffering from breathing difficulties. According to his wife, the couple had no known contact with anyone with coronavirus.
He had been part of Clevedon CIFD before taking early retirement for health reasons 10 years ago.
His wife Mary shared on Facebook on Saturday: "Today at 3am I lost my life partner and soul mate but most of all my best friend.
"Together with our children Charlotte and Ben we are beyond proud to have had such a big character in our lives.
"As a family we are currently in isolation … I know some of you would like to visit, but please for you and your family’s safety, stay away until we get the all clear."


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Aston Villa transfer news live: Man Utd's new Grealish plan, Hogan to Birmingham City update

Hello and welcome to Sunday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
Aston Villa vs Chelsea was meant to @ @ @ @ @ after one of the most unprecedented moves in recent history was confirmed , the Premier @ @ @ @ @ As the coronavirus continues to spread both across the UK and Europe , leagues around @ @ @ @ @ .
Serie A , La Liga and MLS are just a few examples that had @ @ @ @ @ English football followed suit on Friday .
Games will be suspended until April 3 , @ @ @ @ @ Villa 's next game could be the home one with Wolves on April 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ to date on the latest developments surrounding the resumption of the league , as well @ @ @ @ @ and how COVID19 is affecting fans .
So make sure you follow all the action @ @ @ @ @ ...

Hello and welcome to Tuesday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
It was another weekend without a fixture for Dean Smith's side as coronavirus continues to spread across the UK.
Games were initially suspended until April 4 but after a meeting between league bosses, it was announced last week football is suspended until the end of April.
We'll keep you up to date on the latest developments surrounding the resumption of the league, as well as any other Villa news, updates and transfer rumours - as well as how COVID-19 is affecting fans.
So make sure you follow all the action on today's blog below...


birminghammail--2020-03-15--'Problems' - Chelsea loanee Danny Drinkwater sent stinging Aston Villa message

Danny Drinkwater has been slammed for bringing ‘ negative attention ’ on Aston Villa after a training ground incident with team-mate Jota .
Head coach Dean Smith confirmed last week there was a coming together between the pair , with Drinkwater alleged to have headbutted the former Birmingham City winger .
Drinkwater was sent home from Bodymoor Heath and has reportedly been fined while Villa explore the option of sending him back to Chelsea .
Pundit Noel Whelan criticised Drinkwater as he was asked by Football Insider if the 30-year-old ’ s time at Villa is up .
Whelan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar question , isn ’ t it ?
“ Obviously , they ’ ve brought him in for a reason , because of what he ’ s got and his attributes , but it has been quite a turbulent season for him – not just at Aston Villa either .
This has now added to the problems that he was trying to overcome in the first place .
“ Look , I love passion on the training ground , I really do .
I love people caring , but at the minute , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be having players at each others ’ throats and bringing more attention onto the club in a negative way .
“ I ’ m not sure , is he in a bit of a strange place ?
Whether the season has taken its toll on him .
He seems very frustrated , and he ’ s showing it in the wrong ways .
”

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Danny Drinkwater has been slammed for bringing ‘negative attention’ on Aston Villa after a training ground incident with team-mate Jota.
Head coach Dean Smith confirmed last week there was a coming together between the pair, with Drinkwater alleged to have headbutted the former Birmingham City winger.
Drinkwater was sent home from Bodymoor Heath and has reportedly been fined while Villa explore the option of sending him back to Chelsea.
Pundit Noel Whelan criticised Drinkwater as he was asked by Football Insider if the 30-year-old’s time at Villa is up.
Whelan said: “That’s the million dollar question, isn’t it?
“Obviously, they’ve brought him in for a reason, because of what he’s got and his attributes, but it has been quite a turbulent season for him – not just at Aston Villa either. This has now added to the problems that he was trying to overcome in the first place.
“Look, I love passion on the training ground, I really do. I love people caring, but at the minute, Villa need solidarity. You can’t be having players at each others’ throats and bringing more attention onto the club in a negative way.
“I’m not sure, is he in a bit of a strange place? Whether the season has taken its toll on him. He seems very frustrated, and he’s showing it in the wrong ways.”


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Britain 'could be up to a year away from a coronavirus vaccine', says former chief science officer

Former chief scientific officer Sir Mark Walport has claimed that Britain could be a year away from a coronavirus vaccination .
On Sunday it was announced that 35 people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 14 overnight .
There are now 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK , and some 40,279 people have been tested for the deadly disease , according to the Department of Health .
Follow our live updates via our blog here According to a Daily Mail report , Sir Walport said it was 'quite likely ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get coronavirus , but many would be mild or sub-clinical .
Speaking on Sophie Ridge on Sunday , he said : `` Vaccines are being developed at a very fast rate so there are a number of candidates : large companies , small companies , universities all working .
`` The challenge here is to make sure the vaccine is safe and it works , and unfortunately , that takes a period of time to do so realistically .
`` It 's very unlikely that we are going to have a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are talking months , up to a year . ''
He said that even if the government takes extreme measures and closes everything down then society may stop working , but added that as the virus gathers pace there would be more limitations .
`` Schools are an interesting problem and at the moment young people show little sign of infections , '' he said .
`` Older people are getting their infections from the young .
`` It 's about how you keep society going in these situations .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the most vulnerable . ''
To keep up-to-date with the latest updates regarding Coronavirus join our Facebook group here In a statement a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said : `` The UK and our friends and partners across Europe are part of a concerted international effort to combat the threat of COVID-19 .
`` We are confident that our current close working relationships will continue as we ready ourselves for all eventualities .
`` We 're fully supporting the UK 's world-leading , disease research sector to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort , with £40 million of new funding for rapid research into the virus . ''

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Former chief scientific officer Sir Mark Walport has claimed that Britain could be a year away from a coronavirus vaccination.
On Sunday it was announced that 35 people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 14 overnight.
There are now 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK, and some 40,279 people have been tested for the deadly disease, according to the Department of Health. Follow our live updates via our blog here
According to a Daily Mail report, Sir Walport said it was 'quite likely' that a large percentage of the population would get coronavirus, but many would be mild or sub-clinical.
Speaking on Sophie Ridge on Sunday, he said: "Vaccines are being developed at a very fast rate so there are a number of candidates: large companies, small companies, universities all working.
"The challenge here is to make sure the vaccine is safe and it works, and unfortunately, that takes a period of time to do so realistically.
"It's very unlikely that we are going to have a vaccine for the present round of this epidemic. We are talking months, up to a year."
He said that even if the government takes extreme measures and closes everything down then society may stop working, but added that as the virus gathers pace there would be more limitations.
"Schools are an interesting problem and at the moment young people show little sign of infections," he said. "Older people are getting their infections from the young.
"It's about how you keep society going in these situations. The primary concern is to save lives and protect the most vulnerable."
To keep up-to-date with the latest updates regarding Coronavirus join our Facebook group here
In a statement a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "The UK and our friends and partners across Europe are part of a concerted international effort to combat the threat of COVID-19.
"We are confident that our current close working relationships will continue as we ready ourselves for all eventualities.
"We're fully supporting the UK's world-leading, disease research sector to play a key role in the global effort, with £40 million of new funding for rapid research into the virus."


birminghammail--2020-03-15--What West Brom have said about ticket refunds as coronavirus halts football

West Brom were meant to have played Birmingham City at The Hawthorns on Saturday .
They were then due to be welcomed to Griffin Park by Brentford on Tuesday , and would have another trip on the road next weekend at Sheffield Wednesday , before the forthcoming international break would allow Slaven Bilic and his players to gather themselves for the final push .
That has all been put on hold , along with every other planned league fixture in England and in many other countries around the world , because of the coronavirus outbreak that has spread quickly across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume their campaign on Saturday April 4 when Hull City are due at The Hawthorns , but with the landscape changing daily and meetings planned among all football governing bodies this coming week , such a swift return to normality is looking increasingly unlikely .
Should the campaign resume eventually , whenever that may be , Albion will reschedule at least the three aforementioned matches as they look for promotion back to the Premier League , at the second time of asking .
They ’ ve issued a statement this week instructing supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the above encounters with the Blues , the Bees and the Owls to retain their tickets , as they will remain eligible for the matches on revised dates .
Should any fan who is in possession of a ticket but is not able to make any rearranged fixture , the Baggies will offer those fans a full refund .
“ Albion have suspended ticket sales for the fixtures against Birmingham City , Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday following the EFL ’ s decision to postpone all games until April 3 owing to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Tickets already purchased for the postponed EFL fixtures may still be used for the rescheduled dates , which are expected to be announced in due course .
“ If supporters are unable to attend any of the rearranged dates then a refund process will be announced at the time the revised fixture dates are confirmed .
”

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West Brom were meant to have played Birmingham City at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
They were then due to be welcomed to Griffin Park by Brentford on Tuesday, and would have another trip on the road next weekend at Sheffield Wednesday, before the forthcoming international break would allow Slaven Bilic and his players to gather themselves for the final push.
That has all been put on hold, along with every other planned league fixture in England and in many other countries around the world, because of the coronavirus outbreak that has spread quickly across the globe.
Albion are meant to resume their campaign on Saturday April 4 when Hull City are due at The Hawthorns, but with the landscape changing daily and meetings planned among all football governing bodies this coming week, such a swift return to normality is looking increasingly unlikely.
Should the campaign resume eventually, whenever that may be, Albion will reschedule at least the three aforementioned matches as they look for promotion back to the Premier League, at the second time of asking.
They’ve issued a statement this week instructing supporters who have purchased tickets for all of the above encounters with the Blues, the Bees and the Owls to retain their tickets, as they will remain eligible for the matches on revised dates.
Should any fan who is in possession of a ticket but is not able to make any rearranged fixture, the Baggies will offer those fans a full refund.
“Albion have suspended ticket sales for the fixtures against Birmingham City, Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday following the EFL’s decision to postpone all games until April 3 owing to the coronavirus pandemic,” an Albion statement read.
“Tickets already purchased for the postponed EFL fixtures may still be used for the rescheduled dates, which are expected to be announced in due course.
“If supporters are unable to attend any of the rearranged dates then a refund process will be announced at the time the revised fixture dates are confirmed.”


birminghammail--2020-03-15--'Loan to Dortmund' - Manchester United fans react to Jude Bellingham transfer update

Wonderkid Jude Bellingham will reportedly choose between four of Europe ’ s biggest clubs to leave Birmingham City in the summer .
Bellingham has been nothing short of a revelation for Blues this season – first eclipsing Trevor Francis ’ record to become the youngest ever player for the club before creating more history to become the youngest goal-scorer just weeks later .
Aged just 16 , he has made 35 appearances this season , emerging not just as a breakthrough talent but a key player for Pep Clotet at St Andrew ’ s .
The midfielder has been watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now choose between moves to Manchester United , Chelsea , Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich , according to reports .
The quartet are each said to have met Blues ’ valuation which the Mirror claim stands at around £30m with at least £15m as an upfront fee .
Bellingham recently visited United ’ s training ground and met with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward and transfer chief Matt Judge as the Red Devils try to lure him to Old Trafford .
Legendary manager Sir Alex Fergsuon was also present as Bellingham was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
United fans discussed the claim that they are among four clubs ready to agree a fee , with one saying : `` Best career plan : Go to United then loan to BVB for 2/3 years '' .
`` Bellingham , Sancho , Grealish and Ighalo renewal with Pogba leaving would be a 5 maybe 6/10 summer at the very best , '' said another .
`` That would only be signing 2 players that improve the first XI . ''
A third added : `` Last windows have been decent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even if he comes would be mostly loaned out ! ''
If you want to follow all things Birmingham City via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Brian Dick on Twitter , and his email address is Brian.Dick @ reachplc.com '' Bellingham would probably be loaned back , '' predicted another suppoter .
A fifth said : `` I 'd go with Bellingham and Pogba stay ...
If Grealish comes we 'll have two 10s '' .
`` I 'd rather not buy Bellingham if he 's gon na cost £50m to be honest , '' responded another .

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Wonderkid Jude Bellingham will reportedly choose between four of Europe’s biggest clubs to leave Birmingham City in the summer.
Bellingham has been nothing short of a revelation for Blues this season – first eclipsing Trevor Francis’ record to become the youngest ever player for the club before creating more history to become the youngest goal-scorer just weeks later.
Aged just 16, he has made 35 appearances this season, emerging not just as a breakthrough talent but a key player for Pep Clotet at St Andrew’s.
The midfielder has been watched by a host of suitors and will now choose between moves to Manchester United, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich, according to reports.
The quartet are each said to have met Blues’ valuation which the Mirror claim stands at around £30m with at least £15m as an upfront fee.
Bellingham recently visited United’s training ground and met with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward and transfer chief Matt Judge as the Red Devils try to lure him to Old Trafford.
Legendary manager Sir Alex Fergsuon was also present as Bellingham was given a tour of the facilities at Carrington.
United fans discussed the claim that they are among four clubs ready to agree a fee, with one saying: "Best career plan: Go to United then loan to BVB for 2/3 years".
"Bellingham, Sancho, Grealish and Ighalo renewal with Pogba leaving would be a 5 maybe 6/10 summer at the very best," said another. "That would only be signing 2 players that improve the first XI."
A third added: "Last windows have been decent and with deadwoods leaving too!! Bellingham, even if he comes would be mostly loaned out!"
"Bellingham would probably be loaned back," predicted another suppoter.
A fifth said: "I'd go with Bellingham and Pogba stay...If Grealish comes we'll have two 10s".
"I'd rather not buy Bellingham if he's gonna cost £50m to be honest," responded another.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Lawyer makes 'devastating' claim that would affect Aston Villa

A leading sports lawyer has warned Premier League clubs that this season could be cancelled due to the coronavirus .
The Premier League has suspended fixtures until April 4 , though that date could change with further reviews expected in the coming days .
The UK has more than 1,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 21 Brits have now died after contracting the disease .
Many Premier League clubs are in lockdown with Aston Villa ’ s Bodymoor Heath training base closing to the public on Friday afternoon .
And , with more cases coming to light all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019/20 Premier League season will be finished at all .
Sports lawyer Richard Cramer believes the Premier League will be left with little choice but to cancel the season if games can ’ t be resumed next month .
Speaking to Sky Sports , he said : “ If they get the games going by the beginning of April then we should be all right , but if we go through to May/June I think it ’ s almost the equivalent of what happened in the World Wars , the season has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
“ It ’ s obviously devastating for the likes of Leeds United and West Brom , both those clubs are on the verge of promotion , it ’ s not a great thought .
“ But they ’ ll just have to abide by what the majority say and what the decision is that ’ s eventually made by the board of directors.
” That decision would mean Villa , who currently occupy one of three relegation spots , remain in the Premier League .
It wouldn ’ t be popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would miss out on a first league title in three decades .
The Championship ’ s top two clubs , Leeds United and West Brom , wouldn ’ t be promoted either .

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A leading sports lawyer has warned Premier League clubs that this season could be cancelled due to the coronavirus.
The Premier League has suspended fixtures until April 4, though that date could change with further reviews expected in the coming days.
The UK has more than 1,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 21 Brits have now died after contracting the disease.
Many Premier League clubs are in lockdown with Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training base closing to the public on Friday afternoon.
And, with more cases coming to light all the time, there are doubts over whether the 2019/20 Premier League season will be finished at all.
Sports lawyer Richard Cramer believes the Premier League will be left with little choice but to cancel the season if games can’t be resumed next month.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “If they get the games going by the beginning of April then we should be all right, but if we go through to May/June I think it’s almost the equivalent of what happened in the World Wars, the season has to be cancelled and we start all over again.
“It’s obviously devastating for the likes of Leeds United and West Brom, both those clubs are on the verge of promotion, it’s not a great thought.
“But they’ll just have to abide by what the majority say and what the decision is that’s eventually made by the board of directors.”
That decision would mean Villa, who currently occupy one of three relegation spots, remain in the Premier League.
It wouldn’t be popular with everyone though as runaway leaders Liverpool would miss out on a first league title in three decades.
The Championship’s top two clubs, Leeds United and West Brom, wouldn’t be promoted either.


birminghammail--2020-03-15--Coronavirus - Dudley and Wolverhampton health chiefs announce deaths of two patients

Two more Black Country patients who tested positive for coronavirus have died , health officials revealed .
New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton has revealed that a woman in her 60s died yesterday ( Saturday , March 14 ) and an elderly patient being treated in Dudley has also passed away .
Both had underlying health conditions .
Their families have been informed .
The tragic announcements now bring the Black Country 's death toll to five .
Diane Wake , chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` The trust can confirm that a patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health conditions has died .
The patient had tested positive for Covid-19 .
`` The family has been informed and our condolences and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time .
`` We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family 's privacy . ''
David Loughton , chief executive of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust , said : `` Sadly we can confirm that a woman who was being cared for at New Cross Hospital , and had tested positive for Covid-19 , has died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 14 , was in her 60s and had underlying health conditions .
`` Her family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time .
`` The media are asked to respect the wishes of the families and the interests of staff at the hospital to avoid any disruption to operational services . ''
According to Public Health England , the most common symptoms of coronavirus are a new continuous cough and/or high temperature .
If you have these symptoms , however mild , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for seven days from when your symptoms started .
You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation .
If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days , contact NHS 111 online .
If you have no internet access , you should call NHS 111 .
For a medical emergency , dial 999 .

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Two more Black Country patients who tested positive for coronavirus have died, health officials revealed.
New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton has revealed that a woman in her 60s died yesterday (Saturday, March 14) and an elderly patient being treated in Dudley has also passed away. Both had underlying health conditions.
Their families have been informed.
The tragic announcements now bring the Black Country's death toll to five.
Diane Wake, chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The trust can confirm that a patient in their 80s being treated for underlying health conditions has died. The patient had tested positive for Covid-19.
"The family has been informed and our condolences and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
"We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family's privacy."
David Loughton, chief executive of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: "Sadly we can confirm that a woman who was being cared for at New Cross Hospital, and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died.
"The patient, who died on March 14, was in her 60s and had underlying health conditions.
"Her family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.
"The media are asked to respect the wishes of the families and the interests of staff at the hospital to avoid any disruption to operational services."
According to Public Health England, the most common symptoms of coronavirus are a new continuous cough and/or high temperature. If you have these symptoms, however mild, you are advised to stay at home for seven days from when your symptoms started.
You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days, contact NHS 111 online .
If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency, dial 999.