birminghammail--2020-01-08--Police investigate vicious attack on schoolgirl

Police are investigating after a schoolgirl was viciously attacked .
The assault was captured on a disturbing 28-second video which showed her being repeatedly punched and kicked while her hair was grabbed and yanked .
The footage went viral after being shared on social media app Snapchat .
The clip led to Merseyside Police launching an investigation into the incident , which happened last Thursday on the streets of St Helens , the Liverpool Echo reports .
The mother of the 15-year-old victim said the video gave her nightmares .
The parent-of-three said : `` It makes me feel sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , I ca n't listen to it , hearing her scream over and over again .
Since it happened , my daughter has not retaliated , but stayed inside and not gone out .
`` She went back to school for the first time since it happened on Tuesday , and was put into isolation for her own safety . ''
Police said they were investigating a series of assaults which took place over a period of two-and-a-half hours in St Helens on Thursday evening .
Each attack was understood to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured on the video leading the filmed assault denies bullying her rival .
Her parents instead claimed the older 15-year-old had a history of targeting her .
They insisted the 13-year-old was defending herself .
The 15-year-old took to Facebook to describe her ordeal .
Her mum given permission for it to be published .
She said : `` I ’ m just putting it out there now , I did not , and never would , ever , chase anyone with a blade or try and hit anyone .
`` She [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing I ’ d been hit twice before , she bullies my sister constantly in school and most of the time my sister doesn ’ t go in because she ’ s scared .
`` At the end of the day , I only ever told [ girl 's name ] to leave my sister alone because I ’ m not sitting there and watching my sister go the same way I did .
`` [ Girl 's name } , you didn ’ t mind posting that video all over Snapchat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how happy you were about hitting me .
The 15-year-old 's mum said her daughter had suffered bruised ribs and arms , and a slight head injury .
The two girls were believed to have started their row in November , but the older girl 's mum said they resolved their differences and made friends during the Christmas period .
The 13-year-old girl 's parents told the ECHO their family had suffered regular threats since the video emerged on social media .
A Merseyside Police spokesman said : `` Enquiries are ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify those involved . ''
To help , contact @ MerPolCC on Twitter , ring 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 , with reference number 20000007146 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Luke Traynor, Brett Gibbons)

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Police are investigating after a schoolgirl was viciously attacked.
The assault was captured on a disturbing 28-second video which showed her being repeatedly punched and kicked while her hair was grabbed and yanked.
The footage went viral after being shared on social media app Snapchat.
The clip led to Merseyside Police launching an investigation into the incident, which happened last Thursday on the streets of St Helens, the Liverpool Echo reports.
The mother of the 15-year-old victim said the video gave her nightmares.
The parent-of-three said: "It makes me feel sick.
"Her dad can't watch it, I can't listen to it, hearing her scream over and over again. Since it happened, my daughter has not retaliated, but stayed inside and not gone out.
"She went back to school for the first time since it happened on Tuesday, and was put into isolation for her own safety."
Police said they were investigating a series of assaults which took place over a period of two-and-a-half hours in St Helens on Thursday evening.
Each attack was understood to have centred on the 15-year-old. The girl captured on the video leading the filmed assault denies bullying her rival.
Her parents instead claimed the older 15-year-old had a history of targeting her. They insisted the 13-year-old was defending herself.
(Image: google)
The 15-year-old took to Facebook to describe her ordeal.
Her mum given permission for it to be published.
She said: "I’m just putting it out there now, I did not, and never would, ever, chase anyone with a blade or try and hit anyone.
"She[13-year-old] came over to me, knowing I’d been hit twice before, she bullies my sister constantly in school and most of the time my sister doesn’t go in because she’s scared.
"At the end of the day, I only ever told [girl's name] to leave my sister alone because I’m not sitting there and watching my sister go the same way I did.
"[Girl's name}, you didn’t mind posting that video all over Snapchat and laughing about it and bragging to everyone about how happy you were about hitting me.
"I’m not retaliating in violence..."
The 15-year-old's mum said her daughter had suffered bruised ribs and arms, and a slight head injury.
The two girls were believed to have started their row in November, but the older girl's mum said they resolved their differences and made friends during the Christmas period.
The 13-year-old girl's parents told the ECHO their family had suffered regular threats since the video emerged on social media.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and to identify those involved."
To help, contact @MerPolCC on Twitter, ring 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with reference number 20000007146.


birminghammail--2020-01-08--How much can you earn before Universal Credit is reduced? These are the rules

Universal Credit is available to those on low incomes as well as the unemployed .
But how do your earnings affect the amount of the benefit you receive ?
For anyone who is unemployed and on Universal Credit and then gets a job , what happens ?
Here are the DWP rules you need to know .
There 's no limit to the amount you earn while on Universal Credit but the payment reduces as you earn more .
It 's called a taper rate - because the UC tapers off as your wages go up .
For every £1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In some circumstances , you are allowed to keep a certain amount - this is called the work allowance .
The DWP has what it calls a work allowance .
This is the amount you can earn before your Universal Credit is reduced .
The allowance applies if your or your partner are responsible for a child or young person , or are living with a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work .
The allowance is £287 a month if you get help with housing costs , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The DWP gives an example of this : Let 's say you have a child and get money for housing costs in your Universal Credit payment .
You ’ re working and earn £500 during your assessment period .
Your work allowance is £287 .
This means you can earn £287 without any money being deducted .
For every £1 of the remaining £213 you get , 63p is taken from your Universal Credit payment .
So £213 x £0.63 = £134.19 .
This means you earn £500 and £134.19 is deducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income goes up , your Universal Credit will keep going down .
It could reach a point where you no longer qualify for any UC at all .
The DWP will tell you when this happens .
If your wages later drop and you think you can get UC again , you 'll need to start a new claim online by signing in to your Universal Credit account .
If your monthly earnings are more than £2,500 over the amount where your payment stopped , they will be carried forward to subsequent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Only when they surplus is gone will you able to claim Universal Credit again .
Ask your work coach for advice on this .
If you ’ re part of a couple who claim Universal Credit together , any surplus earnings will be divided equally between you if you separate .
You ’ ll then need to re-apply individually , with your part of the surplus earnings counting towards your earnings .
The only time this does n't happen if if your relationship breaks down because of domestic abuse .
In that case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your partner 's surplus earnings .

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With millions more people on Universal Credit because of the coronavirus pandemic, many of the new claimants are getting used to all the rules of the welfare system.
Families have been forced to turn to the welfare scheme when they have lost their jobs, had their pay reduced, been put on furlough, been unable to claim statutory sick pay or other financial reasons.
The good thing is that Universal Credit is available to those on low incomes as well as the unemployed.
But how do your earnings affect the amount of the benefit you receive?
For anyone who is unemployed and on Universal Credit and then gets a job, what happens?
Here are the DWP rules you need to know.
(Image: Jerome Ellerby)
Earnings taper rate
There's no limit to the amount you earn while on Universal Credit but the payment goes down as you earn more.
It's called a taper rate - because the Universal Credit tapers off as your wages go up.
For every £1 you earn your UC reduces by 63p.
In some circumstances, you are allowed to keep a certain amount - this is called the work allowance.
Work allowance
The DWP has what it calls a work allowance. This is the amount you can earn before your Universal Credit is reduced.
The allowance applies if you or your partner are responsible for a child or young person, or are living with a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work.
The allowance is £292 a month if you get help with housing costs, and £512 a month if you don't.
Here is an example of this:
Let's say you have a child and get money for housing costs in your Universal Credit payment. You’re working and earn £600 in that particular month.
Your work allowance is £292. This means you can keep £292 without any money being deducted.
For every £1 of the remaining £308 in the wages, 63p is taken from your Universal Credit payment. So £308 x £0.63 = £194.04
This means you earn £500 and receive those wages as usual, but £194.04 is deducted from the Universal Credit you additionally receive from the DWP.
Can Universal Credit be stopped altogether?
As your income goes up, your Universal Credit will keep going down. It could reach a point where you no longer qualify for any UC at all.
The DWP will tell you when this happens.
If your wages later drop and you think you can get UC again, you'll need to start a new claim online by signing in to your Universal Credit account.
The DWP will see your earnings so they'll be able to calculate what you can get.
Surplus earnings
If your monthly earnings are more than £2,500 over the amount where your payment stopped, they will be carried forward to subsequent months and still counted as current earnings.
Only when the surplus is gone will you able to claim Universal Credit again. Ask your work coach for advice on this.
If you’re part of a couple who claim Universal Credit together, any surplus earnings will be divided equally between you if you separate.
You’ll then need to re-apply individually, with your part of the surplus earnings counting towards your earnings.
The only time this doesn't happen is if your relationship breaks down because of domestic abuse. In that case, you don't take on any of your partner's surplus earnings.


birminghammail--2020-01-08--'If I am honest' - the controversial Neil Warnock view that will enrage West Brom and Leeds fans

Neil Warnock believes West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United wouldn ’ t be in the top two in a “ good ” Championship season .
The former Cardiff City boss made the claim despite the Baggies and their promotion rivals Leeds having led the way for much of the season .
Slaven Bilic and Marcelo Bielsa have guided their sides nine points clear in the race for the Premier League , with Leeds at the summit on goal difference .
But Warnock was hardly full of praise for the two teams , instead highlighting their consistency as the reason they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fulham and Brentford for praise , but not for Albion or the Whites .
“ I think Fulham have got the best squad if I ’ m honest , in the whole league , they ’ ve got the best squad , Fulham , ” Warnock told talkSPORT .
“ I think Brentford have got the best strikers and I think West Brom and Leeds are both up there but in a good season , I don ’ t think they are top of the league , if I ’ m honest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other way ( in quality ) , I think they ’ ve just been consistent really and that ’ s why they ’ re up there .
”

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Neil Warnock believes West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United wouldn’t be in the top two in a “good” Championship season.
The former Cardiff City boss made the claim despite the Baggies and their promotion rivals Leeds having led the way for much of the season.
Slaven Bilic and Marcelo Bielsa have guided their sides nine points clear in the race for the Premier League, with Leeds at the summit on goal difference.
But Warnock was hardly full of praise for the two teams, instead highlighting their consistency as the reason they are up there.
He singled out Fulham and Brentford for praise, but not for Albion or the Whites.
“I think Fulham have got the best squad if I’m honest, in the whole league, they’ve got the best squad, Fulham,” Warnock told talkSPORT.
“I think Brentford have got the best strikers and I think West Brom and Leeds are both up there but in a good season, I don’t think they are top of the league, if I’m honest.
“Whether the league’s gone the other way (in quality), I think they’ve just been consistent really and that’s why they’re up there.”


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Aston Villa and Krzysztof Piątek: The transfer news that dampens the excitement

Krzysztof Piątek has been the subject of conflicting reports about a £25.5 million move to Aston Villa from AC Milan .
Now there 's another twist in this saga with reports suggesting the Polish forward definitely is n't on the radar .
Telegraph reporter John Percy responded to queries from fans on Piątek and stated that the striker is `` not a target '' for Villa .
As reported earlier , he did state that Milan 's goalkeeper Pepe Reina was on list of possible options to replace Tom Heaton who will miss the rest of the season .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club have moved to deny any link to Piątek .
Piątek , if bought in permanently , would be an expensive and potentially risky singing .
The striker enjoyed an excellent first season in Serie A for both Genoa and Milan , but has suffered this season as his form and confidence dropped .
If Villa were to sign Piątek , it is more than possible that he would need time to adjust to his new surroundings .
With Wesley out for the season , that could be a huge issue .
Piątek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young career .
With the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Milan , it will be harder for the striker to make an impact .

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Krzysztof Piątek has been the subject of conflicting reports about a £25.5 million move to Aston Villa from AC Milan.
Now there's another twist in this saga with reports suggesting the Polish forward definitely isn't on the radar.
Telegraph reporter John Percy responded to queries from fans on Piątek and stated that the striker is "not a target" for Villa.
As reported earlier, he did state that Milan's goalkeeper Pepe Reina was on list of possible options to replace Tom Heaton who will miss the rest of the season.
According to Sky Sports in Italy, the club have moved to deny any link to Piątek.
Piątek, if bought in permanently, would be an expensive and potentially risky singing. The striker enjoyed an excellent first season in Serie A for both Genoa and Milan, but has suffered this season as his form and confidence dropped.
If Villa were to sign Piątek, it is more than possible that he would need time to adjust to his new surroundings. With Wesley out for the season, that could be a huge issue.
Piątek will likely leave Milan to refresh his young career. With the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Milan, it will be harder for the striker to make an impact.


birminghammail--2020-01-08--'He left us far too early' - Emotional tributes to cyclist who died after Tipton crash

Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a `` loving husband and father '' who died weeks after he was hit by a car in Tipton .
Cyclist Artur Strzavkowski was struck by a Nissan Qashqa as he rode inside a tunnel on Park Lane East , shortly before 5pm on December 18 last year .
The 39-year-old , from Tipton , suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital , where he remained in a critical condition until his death on Sunday ( January 5 ) .
Police said the driver of the car stopped at the scene and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's family described him as a `` loving husband and father , a wonderful friend '' , adding he had `` left us far too early '' .
Officers investigating the collision continue to appeal to anyone with information , which will help piece together the moments leading to Artur 's death .
Sgt Dean Caswell , from West Midlands Police 's Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said : `` We want to thank everyone who has got in touch with us so far , however we need anyone else who witnessed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible .
`` In particular , we want to hear from anyone with dashcam footage that may have captured the moments before or after the collision .
`` I am still appealing to speak to the occupants of a car who exited the tunnel just before the collision as well as an Asian man who helped the cyclist at the scene and provided his jacket to the victim . ''
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to contact the force via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alternatively , Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
People are asked to quote log number 1798 of December 18 when passing on information .

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Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a "loving husband and father" who died weeks after he was hit by a car in Tipton.
Cyclist Artur Strzavkowski was struck by a Nissan Qashqa as he rode inside a tunnel on Park Lane East, shortly before 5pm on December 18 last year.
The 39-year-old, from Tipton , suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until his death on Sunday (January 5).
Police said the driver of the car stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with their enquiries.
Artur's family described him as a "loving husband and father, a wonderful friend", adding he had "left us far too early".
Officers investigating the collision continue to appeal to anyone with information, which will help piece together the moments leading to Artur's death.
Sgt Dean Caswell, from West Midlands Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We want to thank everyone who has got in touch with us so far, however we need anyone else who witnessed the collision to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
"In particular, we want to hear from anyone with dashcam footage that may have captured the moments before or after the collision.
"I am still appealing to speak to the occupants of a car who exited the tunnel just before the collision as well as an Asian man who helped the cyclist at the scene and provided his jacket to the victim."
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to contact the force via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.
People are asked to quote log number 1798 of December 18 when passing on information.


birminghammail--2020-01-08--The Chase or Full Council - what would you prefer to watch?

Would you rather watch The Chase or Birmingham 's full council thrash out a debate ?
Well today we 're asking why you do n't tune in to council meetings as it is revealed as few as 19 people have bothered to watch recent webcasts - while the most viewed debate was branded one of the most 'shambolic ' ever .
Despite a city population of over one million people many meetings failed to pull in more than double figures , including the Full Council which is considered by many to be the 'monthly showcase ' for the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of potential reasons for low viewing numbers for some meetings ; the fact they take place during the day , times of the year when many are on holiday , people simply not caring enough about council business or perhaps not even knowing public meetings are taking place .
Cllr Rob Alden ( Erdington ) , leader of the Conservative opposition , has blamed failing technology for putting people off and he urged more people to tune in to hold the Labour leadership to account .
But council leader Ian Ward ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people got to see local democracy in action now than when the only option was to physically attend a meeting .
In response to a Freedom of Information ( FoI ) request the council provided viewing figures for all webcast meetings which took place in the 14-month period from the start of July 2018 up to the end of August 2019 .
The least viewed meeting in the period with just 19 requests for the service was Co-ordinating overview and scrutiny committee on November 9 , 2018 , which included discussions on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town counterparts and - ironically - a review of the purpose of Full Council meetings .
Planning committee on August 15 last year came the next lowest with only 22 views despite significant items on the agenda including demolition work at Alexander Stadium as part of its Commonwealth Games redevelopment , as well as the huge employment park to be built at Peddimore in Sutton Coldfield .
At the other end of the scale the full council meeting on July 9 in 2019 was the most viewed with 2,634 requests for the web @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda was a Labour motion backing the campaign to restore the right to work for asylum seekers waiting more than six months for a decision on their asylum claim .
Unfortunately the final part of the meeting was far from the council 's finest hour and was later described as 'the most shambolic piece of council meeting I have ever seen in my life ' by Cllr Deirdre Alden ( Cons , Edgbaston ) .
The shadow street scene and parks cabinet member heavily criticised Lord Mayor Mohammed Azim , chairing the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for compensation for residents who suffer consecutive missed bin collections .
The Co-ordinating meeting a few days after ( July 12 ) , where Cllr Alden made the public rebuke of the First Citizen , also pulled in 1,583 views ranking fifth on the list .
In the same week the Education and Children 's Social care overview and scrutiny committee , kicking off at 10am on July 10 , saw 1,848 views , making it the second most watched in the period .
The agenda included a presentation on special educational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an annual 'corporate parenting ' report concerned with children and young people in care .
Full Council was a mixed bag during the period peaking at the July 9 , 2019 meeting while the lowest viewed meeting saw just 48 webcast requests for the September 11 gathering in 2018 .
Out of the 11 meetings in the period four attracted over 1,000 views , five managed three-figure amounts and two pulled in less than 100 watchers .
Those meetings start at 2pm and typically last more than five hours , meaning they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the likes of Tipping Point , The Chase and Pointless are on television .
Full council is for all 101 elected council members to attend and includes time slots for public petitions to be handed in , questions to be put to council bosses and political motions to be made .
Most of the council 's other meetings - whether they be the planning and licensing regulatory committees or the various overview and scrutiny groups -usually take place at various times between 10am and 4pm and last for around two hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ council for five years up to January 7 , 2018 before it was taken on by Civico .
The council stated the current company had webcast more than 500 hours of meetings since then boasting a 99 per cent success rate .
But Cllr Rob Alden , reacting to the viewing numbers , claimed otherwise and said : `` Sadly these figures are not a surprise given the trouble people often have trying to view meetings due to the regular faults with the system the council choose to use .
Other councils manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we .
`` With the council ( Labour ) administration often lurching from one disaster to another , whether it be the bin strike , trying to introduce a travel tax ( Clean Air Zone ) , ignore 10,000 people 's consultation responses or overspending yet again I would urge residents to try watching some of the council meetings so they can see first-hand the mess Birmingham Labour are causing the city and the contempt they have for residents views that differ to theirs . ''
He also said it was 'astounding ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FoI request to reveal the costs of running the webcasting service because both Public-i and Civico objected - arguing the information was 'commercially sensitive ' .
`` This is just the latest in a long line of examples showing how little the administration cares about the public right to know what Labour is spending tax payers ' money on , '' added Cllr Alden .
A council spokeswoman said a tender process was due to take place in the foreseeable future and they would consider asking bidders to disclose costs as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Cllr Jon Hunt ( Perry Barr ) said it was difficult to read too much into the figures but emphasised the importance of the webcast recordings being kept available to view for years after meetings took place .
He added : `` Decisions made one day may have implications for years to come and we need to be accountable for this . ''
Providing his own comments on the figures council leader Ian Ward said : `` Since the Labour council introduced a comprehensive webcasting service in 2013 , many thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything from planning meetings and scrutiny enquiries through to full council meetings .
The webcast service has also been used to take questions from residents on a range of council services and issues .
`` The viewing figures for webcasts naturally vary from meeting to meeting , but even taking into account the lower figures , many more people now see local democracy in action than was ever the case when the only option was to physically attend a meeting .
`` Meetings are regularly promoted via the council 's social media channels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an interest in important local services to tune into the meetings . ''
The five most viewed meetings from July 2018 up to the end of August 2019 The five least viewed meetings from July 2018 up to the end of August 2019

Would you rather watch The Chase or Birmingham's full council thrash out a debate?
Well today we're asking why you don't tune in to council meetings as it is revealed as few as 19 people have bothered to watch recent webcasts - while the most viewed debate was branded one of the most 'shambolic' ever.
Despite a city population of over one million people scores of council meetings failed to pull in more than double figures, including the Full Council which is considered by many to be the 'monthly showcase' for the country's largest local authority.
The five-hour marathon meetings start at 2pm and typically last five hours, meaning they stray into popular game show territory where the likes of Tipping Point, The Chase and Pointless are on television. But is that the real reason why people are not watching council debates?
There are a number of potential factors for low viewing numbers for some meetings; the fact they take place during the day, times of the year when many are on holiday, people simply not caring enough about council business or perhaps not even knowing public meetings are taking place.
Cllr Rob Alden (Erdington), leader of the Conservative opposition, has blamed failing technology for putting people off although council leader Ian Ward (Lab, Shard End) argued more people were able to watch local democracy in action now than ever before.
In response to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request the council provided viewing figures for all webcast meetings which took place in the 14-month period from the start of July 2018 up to the end of August 2019.
poll loading Why don't you watch Birmingham City Council meetings? 0+ VOTES SO FAR I'm busy working, studying or doing other things during the day time I follow what happens with the council in the news so I don't feel the need to watch meetings I know it's important, but I'm not interested enough in council business to watch a meeting myself I really don't care what goes on at the council I didn't know the council had regular public meetings
The least viewed meeting in the period with just 19 requests for the service was Co-ordinating overview and scrutiny committee on November 9, 2018, which included discussions on how the council works with its parish and town counterparts and - ironically - a review of the purpose of Full Council meetings.
Planning committee on August 15 last year came the next lowest with only 22 views despite significant items on the agenda including demolition work at Alexander Stadium as part of its Commonwealth Games redevelopment, as well as the huge employment park to be built at Peddimore in Sutton Coldfield.
(Image: ITV)
At the other end of the scale the full council meeting on July 9 in 2019 was the most viewed with 2,634 requests for the web service. A major item on the agenda was a Labour motion backing the campaign to restore the right to work for asylum seekers waiting more than six months for a decision on their asylum claim.
Unfortunately the final part of the meeting was far from the council's finest hour and was later described as 'the most shambolic piece of council meeting I have ever seen in my life' by Cllr Deirdre Alden (Cons, Edgbaston).
The shadow street scene and parks cabinet member heavily criticised Lord Mayor Mohammed Azim, chairing the meeting, for cutting short a Tory motion calling for compensation for residents who suffer consecutive missed bin collections. The Co-ordinating meeting a few days after (July 12), where Cllr Alden made the public rebuke of the First Citizen, also pulled in 1,583 views ranking fifth on the list.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
In the same week the Education and Children's Social care overview and scrutiny committee, kicking off at 10am on July 10, saw 1,848 views, making it the second most watched in the period.
The agenda included a presentation on special educational needs and disability (SEND) services and an annual 'corporate parenting' report concerned with children and young people in care.
Full Council was a mixed bag during the period peaking at the July 9, 2019 meeting while the lowest viewed meeting saw just 48 webcast requests for the September 11 gathering in 2018.
Out of the 11 meetings in the period four attracted over 1,000 views, five managed three-figure amounts and two pulled in less than 100 watchers.
Full council is for all 101 elected council members to attend and includes time slots for public petitions to be handed in, questions to be put to council bosses and political motions to be made.
Most of the council's other meetings - whether they be the planning and licensing regulatory committees or the various overview and scrutiny groups -usually take place at various times between 10am and 4pm and last for around two hours.
Public-i had provided webcasting services for the council for five years up to January 7, 2018 before it was taken on by Civico. The council stated the current company had webcast more than 500 hours of meetings since then boasting a 99 per cent success rate.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
But Cllr Rob Alden, reacting to the viewing numbers, claimed otherwise and said: "Sadly these figures are not a surprise given the trouble people often have trying to view meetings due to the regular faults with the system the council choose to use. Other councils manage to get it working smoothly so should we.
"With the council (Labour) administration often lurching from one disaster to another, whether it be the bin strike, trying to introduce a travel tax (Clean Air Zone), ignore 10,000 people's consultation responses or overspending yet again I would urge residents to try watching some of the council meetings so they can see first-hand the mess Birmingham Labour are causing the city and the contempt they have for residents views that differ to theirs."
He also said it was 'astounding' the council had refused part of the the FoI request to reveal the costs of running the webcasting service because both Public-i and Civico objected - arguing the information was 'commercially sensitive'.
"This is just the latest in a long line of examples showing how little the administration cares about the public right to know what Labour is spending tax payers' money on," added Cllr Alden. A council spokeswoman said a tender process was due to take place in the foreseeable future and they would consider asking bidders to disclose costs as part of the process.
Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Jon Hunt (Perry Barr) said it was difficult to read too much into the figures but emphasised the importance of the webcast recordings being kept available to view for years after meetings took place. He added: "Decisions made one day may have implications for years to come and we need to be accountable for this."
Providing his own comments on the figures council leader Ian Ward said: " Since the Labour council introduced a comprehensive webcasting service in 2013, many thousands of Birmingham citizens have tuned in to watch everything from planning meetings and scrutiny enquiries through to full council meetings. The webcast service has also been used to take questions from residents on a range of council services and issues.
"The viewing figures for webcasts naturally vary from meeting to meeting, but even taking into account the lower figures, many more people now see local democracy in action than was ever the case when the only option was to physically attend a meeting.
"Meetings are regularly promoted via the council's social media channels and I would of course urge anyone with an interest in important local services to tune into the meetings."
The five most viewed meetings from July 2018 up to the end of August 2019
1) Full council - 2pm, July 9, 2019 - 2,634 views
2) Education Children's Social Care overview and scrutiny - 10am, July 10, 2019 - 1,848 views
3) Full council - 2pm, April 2, 2019 - 1,775 views
4) Cabinet - 10am, June 25, 2019 - 1,762 views
5) Co-ordinating overview and scrutiny committee - 10am, July 12, 2019 - 1,583 views
The five least viewed meetings from July 2018 up to the end of August 2019
1) Co-ordinating overview and scrutiny committee - 10am, November 9, 2018 - 19 views
2) Planning committee - 11am August 15, 2019 - 22 views
3) Planning committee - 11am August 30, 2018 - 24 views
4) Resources overview and scrutiny committee - 12pm, September 4, 2018 - 25 views


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Birmingham Airport announces new Athens link for summer with Aegean Airlines

Another new route from Birmingham Airport has been announced with the Greek capital Athens the latest destination .
Aegean Airlines will operate a twice-weekly service to the city on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer .
The new service improves the choice of connections for passengers travelling to surrounding Greek Islands via Athens , including the likes of Corfu , Mykonos and Rhodes .
Connections can also be made to destinations located in the Mediterranean , including Larnaca , a port city located on the south coast of Cyprus and Cairo , Egypt ’ s bustling capital .
Tom Screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ We ’ re excited to see the return of Aegean Airlines to Birmingham Airport with the launch of this new route to Athens .
`` Whether you ’ re looking for a city break , or more of a beach holiday , the city of Athens has so much to offer .
The connectivity out of Athens Airport is a real advantage for Aegean and will allow holidaymakers the opportunity to explore and enjoy more of the Greek islands , as well as destinations slightly further afield .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once again , and hope to see further routes from them in the coming years.
” Roland Jaggi , chief commercial officer at Aegean Airlines , said : `` We are delighted to be returning to Birmingham and with a new route to Athens , which will provide UK passengers with even greater ease , convenience and accessibility .
`` We consistently create new destination options for our passengers , along with the offer of new services.
” The Aegean Airlines service will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft with 174 seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aegean Airlines and the routes it operates , visit : en.aegeanair.com/

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Another new route from Birmingham Airport has been announced with the Greek capital Athens the latest destination.
Aegean Airlines will operate a twice-weekly service to the city on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer.
The new service improves the choice of connections for passengers travelling to surrounding Greek Islands via Athens, including the likes of Corfu, Mykonos and Rhodes. Connections can also be made to destinations located in the Mediterranean, including Larnaca, a port city located on the south coast of Cyprus and Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital.
Tom Screen, aviation director at Birmingham Airport, said: “We’re excited to see the return of Aegean Airlines to Birmingham Airport with the launch of this new route to Athens.
"Whether you’re looking for a city break, or more of a beach holiday, the city of Athens has so much to offer. The connectivity out of Athens Airport is a real advantage for Aegean and will allow holidaymakers the opportunity to explore and enjoy more of the Greek islands, as well as destinations slightly further afield.
"We look forward to working with Aegean Airlines once again, and hope to see further routes from them in the coming years.”
Roland Jaggi, chief commercial officer at Aegean Airlines, said: "We are delighted to be returning to Birmingham and with a new route to Athens, which will provide UK passengers with even greater ease, convenience and accessibility.
"We consistently create new destination options for our passengers, along with the offer of new services.”
The Aegean Airlines service will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft with 174 seats on board.
For more information on Aegean Airlines and the routes it operates, visit: en.aegeanair.com/


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Joyous Celebration and ZimPraise to perform first gospel choir event in Europe at Arena Birmingham -

Joyous Celebration and ZimPraise to perform first gospel choir event in Europe at Arena Birmingham - how to get tickets

African gospel choirs Joyous Celebration and ZimPraise are teaming up to bring their award-winning music to Arena Birmingham for one @ @ @ @ @ choirs have chosen Birmingham to stage their first ever combined gospel event in Europe on @ @ @ @ @ cost from £52.25 and go on sale from Friday 10 January at 9am here .
@ @ @ @ @ as allowing audiences to immerse themselves in an `` unforgettable , spiritual and enjoyable Gospel @ @ @ @ @ hosted by Continuity Healthcare .
Joyous Celebration is a South African gospel choir dating back @ @ @ @ @ become a platform for the country 's upcoming artists .
By 2019 , the choir @ @ @ @ @ is renowned for creating a harmony of music from its group of soprano , contralto @ @ @ @ @ ZimPraise heralds from Harare in Zimbabwe and is known for performing tracks including The Revival @ @ @ @ @ £52.25 from The Ticket Factory when they go on general sale on Friday 10 January @ @ @ @ @ get yours here .

African gospel choirs Joyous Celebration and ZimPraise are teaming up to bring their award-winning music to Arena Birmingham for one night only.
The gospel choirs have chosen Birmingham to stage their first ever combined gospel event in Europe on Friday 15 May.
Tickets cost from £52.25 and go on sale from Friday 10 January at 9am here .
The show is being billed as allowing audiences to immerse themselves in an "unforgettable, spiritual and enjoyable Gospel event", which is hosted by Continuity Healthcare.
Joyous Celebration is a South African gospel choir dating back to 1994, which has become a platform for the country's upcoming artists.
By 2019, the choir had released 23 albums and is renowned for creating a harmony of music from its group of soprano, contralto and tenor singers.
While ZimPraise heralds from Harare in Zimbabwe and is known for performing tracks including The Revival Song.
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Prices cost from £52.25 from The Ticket Factory when they go on general sale on Friday 10 January at 9am and you can get yours here .


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Aston Villa have 'made an offer' for £30m striker - reports

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for AC Milan forward Krzysztof Piątek in the Italian press .
Villa are in the market for attacking reinforcements this month after star striker Wesley was ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to a knee injury .
Keinan Davis has struggled with a hamstring problem since October , which means Jonathan Kodjia is leading the line for Dean Smith .
The club are desperate to give Smith a boost ahead of this weekend ’ s Premier League match with Manchester City at Villa Park .
A long line of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and blues including Olivier Giroud , Michy Batshuayi and Emmanuel Adebayor .
And 24-year-old Milan striker Piątek is the latest name to be tipped for a move to Villa .
The Poland international only joined Milan from fellow Serie A club Genoa last year for a whopping £30million .
Piątek scored 11 times in his first 21 outings for Milan but the goals have dried up of late .
He ’ s managed just four in 18 Serie A matches for the Rossoneri this season .
Milan have just re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future at the San Siro .
According to Corriere della Sera ( via Polish outlet Gol24 ) , Villa are one of three clubs to have made an offer for Piątek with the others being West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen .
Crystal Palace have also been linked with the striker with plenty of clubs in the running .

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Aston Villa have been linked with a move for AC Milan forward Krzysztof Piątek in the Italian press.
Villa are in the market for attacking reinforcements this month after star striker Wesley was ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to a knee injury.
Keinan Davis has struggled with a hamstring problem since October, which means Jonathan Kodjia is leading the line for Dean Smith.
The club are desperate to give Smith a boost ahead of this weekend’s Premier League match with Manchester City at Villa Park.
A long line of forwards have been linked with the claret and blues including Olivier Giroud, Michy Batshuayi and Emmanuel Adebayor. And 24-year-old Milan striker Piątek is the latest name to be tipped for a move to Villa.
The Poland international only joined Milan from fellow Serie A club Genoa last year for a whopping £30million.
Piątek scored 11 times in his first 21 outings for Milan but the goals have dried up of late. He’s managed just four in 18 Serie A matches for the Rossoneri this season.
Milan have just re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to cast further doubt over Piątek’s future at the San Siro.
According to Corriere della Sera (via Polish outlet Gol24), Villa are one of three clubs to have made an offer for Piątek with the others being West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen.
Crystal Palace have also been linked with the striker with plenty of clubs in the running.


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Neil Snowball: I'm leaving Warwickshire Bears in great shape

Outgoing chief executive Neil Snowball is confident Warwickshire will remain “ in good hands ” after he leaves later this year .
The Bears have begun a ‘ thorough ’ recruitment process to replace Snowball , who has been selected as new managing director of County Cricket at the ECB .
Appointed in 2016 , he has overseen a ‘ period of considerable growth , innovation and success ’ at Edgbaston , which has established itself as one of the world ’ s leading cricket venues .
On Snowball ’ s watch , the iconic stadium has hosted the ICC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Test match in England in 2017 , while cementing its position as the home of Vitality Blast Finals Day .
In 2019 , Edgbaston hosted five marquee fixtures in the Cricket World Cup and staged a record-breaking Ashes opener .
And the future looks bright with the 25,000-seater ground having secured its best-ever allocation of major matches between 2020 and 2024 , along with the Women ’ s T20 competition at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham .
“ Later this year we will unveil our new five-year strategic plan along with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will ensure Edgbaston remains one of the very best cricket venues in the world , ” Snowball said .
“ I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Warwickshire '' “ With Mark McCafferty as our new chairman , supported by a strong board and an outstanding senior management team , the club is in good hands and this is a great time for a new chief executive to come in and make their mark.
” Snowball continued : “ I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Warwickshire and I am grateful to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for giving me the opportunity to lead such a great club .
“ We have an incredible group of people at Warwickshire , including the staff , players , members and supporters , and this has been a very difficult decision for me .
“ However , I feel very proud of what we have achieved together over the last four years and I am confident the club is in good shape , both on and off the field .
With a young squad , which boasts several exciting homegrown players , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trophies in the coming years under the leadership of Paul Farbrace.
” During Snowball ’ s tenure there has been success on the pitch , with the Royal London One-Day Cup win over Surrey in 2016 and the Division Two Championship in 2018 , increased focus on talent coming through the Warwickshire Academy and greater investment and profile for women ’ s cricket .
McCafferty said Snowball would remain in place until a successor had been appointed to guarantee “ an orderly transition ” .
“ We were very disappointed to receive Neil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ However , we appreciate it ’ s an excellent opportunity for him as he pursues the next phase of his career .
”

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Outgoing chief executive Neil Snowball is confident Warwickshire will remain “in good hands” after he leaves later this year.
The Bears have begun a ‘thorough’ recruitment process to replace Snowball, who has been selected as new managing director of County Cricket at the ECB.
Appointed in 2016, he has overseen a ‘period of considerable growth, innovation and success’ at Edgbaston, which has established itself as one of the world’s leading cricket venues.
On Snowball’s watch, the iconic stadium has hosted the ICC Champions Trophy twice and the first-ever day/night Test match in England in 2017, while cementing its position as the home of Vitality Blast Finals Day.
In 2019, Edgbaston hosted five marquee fixtures in the Cricket World Cup and staged a record-breaking Ashes opener .
And the future looks bright with the 25,000-seater ground having secured its best-ever allocation of major matches between 2020 and 2024, along with the Women’s T20 competition at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“Later this year we will unveil our new five-year strategic plan along with the next phase of the Edgbaston Masterplan, which will ensure Edgbaston remains one of the very best cricket venues in the world,” Snowball said.
(Image: Birmingham Post)
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Warwickshire"
“With Mark McCafferty as our new chairman, supported by a strong board and an outstanding senior management team, the club is in good hands and this is a great time for a new chief executive to come in and make their mark.”
Snowball continued: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Warwickshire and I am grateful to the chairman and our board of directors for giving me the opportunity to lead such a great club.
“We have an incredible group of people at Warwickshire, including the staff, players, members and supporters, and this has been a very difficult decision for me.
“However, I feel very proud of what we have achieved together over the last four years and I am confident the club is in good shape, both on and off the field. With a young squad, which boasts several exciting homegrown players, I believe we will continue to challenge for trophies in the coming years under the leadership of Paul Farbrace.”
During Snowball’s tenure there has been success on the pitch, with the Royal London One-Day Cup win over Surrey in 2016 and the Division Two Championship in 2018, increased focus on talent coming through the Warwickshire Academy and greater investment and profile for women’s cricket.
McCafferty said Snowball would remain in place until a successor had been appointed to guarantee “an orderly transition”.
“We were very disappointed to receive Neil’s resignation,” he said. “However, we appreciate it’s an excellent opportunity for him as he pursues the next phase of his career.”


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Families in Walsall suffer food poverty 'because they have too many children they can't afford'

Families in Walsall are suffering from food poverty because they have too many children which they can not afford , it has been claimed .
The leader of the ruling Tory administration made the claim during a debate about the need for food banks in the town at a full council meeting on Monday ( January 6 ) .
Councillor Mike Bird said in areas such as Palfrey , where child poverty is higher than other parts of Walsall , families tended to have larger families which they could n't afford .
But the discussion provoked an astonishing row when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the council deputy leader Adrian Andrew having three children .
An emotional Councillor Andrew angrily called his political rival a `` disgrace '' and told him never to bring his family into the chamber in future .
A notice of motion had been tabled by Labour members calling on the council to introduce collection points in its buildings as well as encouraging supermarkets to donate unsold food to organisations to distribute to the needy .
During the discussion , council chief Mike Bird said one factor causing hardship to families in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children they had .
He said : `` It 's identified in the report that 18 per cent of children living in Streetly live in poverty whereas 63 per cent live in Palfrey .
`` And there is a cultural issue .
Many people who live in the Palfrey and Caldmore have four or five children at a time .
And that is their choice .
`` Whereas in other parts of the borough , they will limit their children to one or two .
`` The crux of that is you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The root cause of this on many occasions is that the family is too big . ''
In response , Councillor Coughlan said : `` I 'm pleased we have been able to come together as a chamber and tackle a real problem in Walsall .
`` I did feel a bit sensitive for Councillor Andrew .
As a father-of-one , I 'm sure Mike Bird will tell everyone I 've done the right thing .
`` How many children is it now , Adrian ?
Three ? ''
But he was cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What 's it got to do with you in a public environment like this ?
How many children I have is my business .
`` How dare you bring my children into this chamber .
You 're a disgrace man .
Do n't you bring my children in here mate . ''
Walsall Mayor Paul Bott , who was chairing the meeting , and the authority 's head of legal services Tony Cox intervened to restore order .
Despite the tension , an amended motion put forward by the Conservative administration which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look at reducing food poverty in Walsall was agreed by all parties .
After the meeting , current Labour group leader Aftab Nawaz said : `` I feel the country is rich enough to feed its children .
`` The fact that someone has more than one child , does n't mean that we as a society have n't got the money to feed them .
I think we have .
`` It shames us all but I 'm happy we will come together and look at the issues .
We as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to alleviate that . ''

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Families in Walsall are suffering from food poverty because they have too many children which they cannot afford, it has been claimed.
The leader of the ruling Tory administration made the claim during a debate about the need for food banks in the town at a full council meeting on Monday (January 6).
Councillor Mike Bird said in areas such as Palfrey, where child poverty is higher than other parts of Walsall, families tended to have larger families which they couldn't afford.
But the discussion provoked an astonishing row when former Labour group leader Sean Coughlan referred to the council deputy leader Adrian Andrew having three children.
An emotional Councillor Andrew angrily called his political rival a "disgrace" and told him never to bring his family into the chamber in future.
A notice of motion had been tabled by Labour members calling on the council to introduce collection points in its buildings as well as encouraging supermarkets to donate unsold food to organisations to distribute to the needy.
During the discussion, council chief Mike Bird said one factor causing hardship to families in some parts of Walsall was the number of children they had.
(Image: PA)
He said: "It's identified in the report that 18 per cent of children living in Streetly live in poverty whereas 63 per cent live in Palfrey.
"And there is a cultural issue. Many people who live in the Palfrey and Caldmore have four or five children at a time. And that is their choice.
"Whereas in other parts of the borough, they will limit their children to one or two.
"The crux of that is you can only have what you can afford. The root cause of this on many occasions is that the family is too big."
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In response, Councillor Coughlan said: "I'm pleased we have been able to come together as a chamber and tackle a real problem in Walsall.
"I did feel a bit sensitive for Councillor Andrew. As a father-of-one, I'm sure Mike Bird will tell everyone I've done the right thing.
"How many children is it now, Adrian? Three?"
But he was cut off by Councillor Andrew who said: "What's it got to do with you in a public environment like this? How many children I have is my business.
"How dare you bring my children into this chamber. You're a disgrace man. Don't you bring my children in here mate."
Walsall Mayor Paul Bott, who was chairing the meeting, and the authority's head of legal services Tony Cox intervened to restore order.
Despite the tension, an amended motion put forward by the Conservative administration which pledged to set up a task force to look at reducing food poverty in Walsall was agreed by all parties.
After the meeting, current Labour group leader Aftab Nawaz said: "I feel the country is rich enough to feed its children.
"The fact that someone has more than one child, doesn't mean that we as a society haven't got the money to feed them. I think we have.
"It shames us all but I'm happy we will come together and look at the issues. We as a council must do all we can to alleviate that."


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Potential new victims of serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga come forward after police appeal

Police are investigating further potential victims of Britain 's worst serial rapist as Reynhard Sinaga 's father said his son 's punishment `` fits his crimes '' .
The Indonesian student was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years on Monday after being convicted of drugging 48 men and filming himself sexually violating them in his Manchester city centre apartment after picking them up outside nightclubs near his home .
The 36-year-old was a `` perpetual student '' , studying for a PhD in Manchester , thanks to his rich family - his father , reportedly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his home country of Indonesia .
Sinaga 's father , Saibun Sinaga , told BBC Indonesia : `` We accept the verdict .
His punishment fits his crimes .
I do n't want to discuss the case any further . ''
Manchester Crown Court heard that police had established during their investigations that 195 different males appear to have been unconscious while Sinaga assaulted them .
After Sinaga was publicly identified on Monday following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes , Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` very positive response '' with multiple calls received .
A spokesman said : `` For operational reasons we are unable to give out specific numbers of calls made to the incident room or information made online via the Major Incident Public Portal at this time .
`` However , we can confirm that some of these reports relate to potential further victims of Sinaga . ''
Officers previously revealed that they had not yet been able to identify 70 of the 195 men .
Sinaga went out in the early hours of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drunk young men around nightclubs near his flat .
The slightly-built student posed as a Good Samaritan who offered them a floor to sleep on or promised them more drink .
His victims - who were mainly heterosexual - had little or no memory of the hours that followed as Sinaga repeatedly raped many of them .
It is thought he laced alcoholic drinks with a drug such as GHB , also known as liquid ecstasy .
The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucially , handed in Sinaga 's phone .
The student was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017 - 136 counts of rape , 13 counts of sexual assault , eight counts of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration .
Anyone wishing to speak to police and make a report relating to Sinaga is urged to get in touch on 0800 092 0410 ( from within the UK ) or 020 7158 0124 ( international calls ) .
Alternatively , reports can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP19V24-PO2

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Police are investigating further potential victims of Britain's worst serial rapist as Reynhard Sinaga's father said his son's punishment "fits his crimes".
The Indonesian student was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years on Monday after being convicted of drugging 48 men and filming himself sexually violating them in his Manchester city centre apartment after picking them up outside nightclubs near his home.
The 36-year-old was a "perpetual student", studying for a PhD in Manchester, thanks to his rich family - his father, reportedly a devout Catholic, is a wealthy banker in his home country of Indonesia.
Sinaga's father, Saibun Sinaga, told BBC Indonesia: "We accept the verdict. His punishment fits his crimes. I don't want to discuss the case any further."
Manchester Crown Court heard that police had established during their investigations that 195 different males appear to have been unconscious while Sinaga assaulted them.
After Sinaga was publicly identified on Monday following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes, Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident room and said they have had a "very positive response" with multiple calls received.
A spokesman said: "For operational reasons we are unable to give out specific numbers of calls made to the incident room or information made online via the Major Incident Public Portal at this time.
"However, we can confirm that some of these reports relate to potential further victims of Sinaga."
Officers previously revealed that they had not yet been able to identify 70 of the 195 men.
Sinaga went out in the early hours of the morning, hunting for lone, drunk young men around nightclubs near his flat.
The slightly-built student posed as a Good Samaritan who offered them a floor to sleep on or promised them more drink.
His victims - who were mainly heterosexual - had little or no memory of the hours that followed as Sinaga repeatedly raped many of them.
It is thought he laced alcoholic drinks with a drug such as GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy.
The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before he went to the police and, crucially, handed in Sinaga's phone.
The student was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017 - 136 counts of rape, 13 counts of sexual assault, eight counts of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
Anyone wishing to speak to police and make a report relating to Sinaga is urged to get in touch on 0800 092 0410 (from within the UK) or 020 7158 0124 (international calls).
Alternatively, reports can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP19V24-PO2


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Dean Smith has received this welcome Aston Villa injury boost

Matt Targett has handed Aston Villa boss Dean Smith a boost ahead of this weekend ’ s Premier League clash against Manchester City .
Defender Targett , who has made 16 appearances since joining from Southampton in the summer , returned to training following a hamstring injury on Tuesday .
He hasn ’ t played since being forced off during the defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road on December 28 but comes into Smith ’ s thinking for Sunday ’ s match at Villa Park .
Like new signing Danny Drinkwater who is ineligible , Targett will sit out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leg against Leicester City .
“ Matt Targett trained for his first day with us today , ” Smith said .
“ He ’ s done extras with Danny Drinkwater and he ’ ll be available for Sunday.
” A hamstring injury which has proved more problematic for Smith is the one sustained by Keinan Davis in October ’ s win over Wolves .
The striker was expected to be back before the New Year but is ‘ still not training ’ according to Smith .
Ahead of the game against Leicester , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the injuries Smith and Villa are having to contend with : Details : Davis needed to be replaced during the second half of Villa 's Carabao Cup victory over Wolves at the end of October .
The striker overstretched his hamstring and has n't been seen since .
What Smith has said : ( January 7 ) `` Keinan Davis is still not training with us . ''
Details : Steer started in goal due to Tom Heaton 's absence against Wolves last month but only managed to play eight minutes before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself after attempting a save and Orjan Nyland was brought on .
What Smith has said : `` We ’ ve also got four international goalkeepers at the football club .
`` Unfortunately Jed Steer got injured within four minutes of his first game of the season against Wolves – he ’ s out for another couple of months at least . ''
Details : McGinn pressed Southampton 's back line before brilliantly blocking Cedric 's clearance , only to fall awkwardly with his studs appearing to stick into the turf .
Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field in considerable pain and was helped by two of Villa 's medical staff as he hobbled down the touchline .
What Smith said : `` He ’ s on crutches .
He ’ s obviously very disappointed , he ’ s got an ankle fracture .
He ’ s a strong character though .
He ’ ll come back a stronger person and a better player . ''
Details : The former Burnley stopper had to come off after landing heavily when trying to stop Chris Wood 's header late on at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heaton , leaving Villa with only two senior 'keepers at the club .
What Smith said : `` Tom is a player I wanted to bring in at the start of the season , Premier League player , England goalkeeper , a great character and a leader .
`` He ’ s proven that in the dressing room already , I feel for him and his family because he ’ d been nailed on to go to the Euros in the summer .
Really disappointed for him .
`` I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been told they are significant knee injuries , so they will go and see the experts .
I won ’ t go into the medical terminology of what they ’ ve done I ’ ve just been told significant knee injury .
`` We ’ ve just spoken and it ’ s out for the season , that ’ s all I need to know to be honest , so I can start planning for the rest of this season . ''
Details : After scoring his fifth league goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended after a heavy tackle from Burnley defender Ben Mee .
The striker has since been ruled out for the rest of the campaign .
What Smith said : `` Young Wesley , our record signing has come in , awful lot of pressure on his shoulders , made his debut for Brazil this season and was playing really well in the game , scored a good goal and unfortunately for him he is out for the season as well . ''

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Aston Villa's battle against Premier League relegation continues on Sunday, as Dean Smith's side face a daunting trip to Liverpool.
It's the Reds' first game at Anfield since wrapping up the league title, but do come into the game on the back of a 4-0 thumping by Man City.
Villa meanwhile, will be looking to kick-start their fight for survival, after picking up just two points from the first four games following the return of football last month,
Smith bemoaned the hectic fixture schedule in the opening portion of the restart, but has now had a full week to prepare for Jurgen Klopp's champions.
Ahead of tomorrow's game here's Villa's injury list in full...
Wesley Moraes
Injury: Knee, anterior cruciate ligament
Details: Wesley was carried from the Turf Moor pitch after a heavy tackle by Burnley defender Ben Mee on New Year's Day. The striker has since been ruled out for the rest of the campaign, and while he is happy to update fans on his return, it is all eyes on next season, for Villa's record signing.
Last match: Wednesday, January 1: Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa
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What Smith said: When asked how Wesley was progressing, he replied: "As we expected them to but they won’t be ready for these 10 games."
What Wesley said: “I do my physio everyday, two times a day, so now I feel confident and I feel great,” he told VillaTV.
“I try to do some passing, but sometimes a get a bit of pain, but now the last two or three weeks I feel great.”
Expected return: Summer 2020
Tom Heaton
Injury: Knee, anterior cruciate ligament
Details: The former Burnley stopper had to come off after landing heavily when trying to stop Chris Wood's header late on at Turf Moor. Heaton has attempted to do his best in rehab, but Smith confirmed the England international is now focusing on returning at the start of next season.
Last match: Wednesday, January 1: Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa
What Smith said: Similarly to Wesley, the Villa boss confirmed, he wouldn't be available for the final 10 games, as he gave an update on his recovery claiming, "they won’t be ready for these 10 games."
(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
What Heaton has said: "I'm really pleased with the progress. It feels solid and stable. I'm back out on the grass doing a bit of running and then I am slowly going to build it up.
“In reality, it's going to be a big ask to get back in terms of this season.
“But I'm certainly hopeful to be ready to roll by the time the season kicks off next season, whenever that is going to be.”I'm really pleased with the progress. It feels solid and stable. I'm back out on the grass doing a bit of running and then I am slowly going to build it up."
Expected return: Summer 2020
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Frederic Guilbert
Injury: Knee
Details: The full-back is believed to have tweaked his knee in the hammering at Leicester City, but has been back in full training ahead of the trip to Anfield.
Last match: Monday, March 9: Leicester City 4-0 Aston Villa
What Smith said: "Freddie has trained all week and is pushing for a place."
What he's said: "I follow the (training) programme," Guilbert explained last month. "If I say no, the gaffer will kill me! I have a specific programme because I have pain on my knee. I'm working hard to be present when league restarts."
Expected return: Liverpool (a), July 5.
Matt Targett
Injury: Hamstring
Details: The defender hobbled off in the opening minutes of the defeat to Wolves. Initially, there were fears he could be out for three weeks, although Smith provided a more positive prognosis.
(Image: Getty Images)
Last match: Saturday, June 27: Aston Villa 0-1 Wolves
What Smith said: "Matt's injury isn't as bad as we feared as we're hopeful he'll be back for Crystal Palace."
Expected return: Crystal Palace (H), July 12.
Ezri Konsa
Injury: Bruised foot
Details: Konsa has started all four of Villa's games, post-suspension, but Smith has revealed he has been out of training in the week leading up to Liverpool and is a major doubt.
What Smith said: "The only one is Ezri Konsa, who had a bit of a whack on the foot and hasn't trained as of today but we're hopeful he will come through."


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Whirlpool told to refund 519,000 washing machine customers after recall - see if you're one of them

Consumers affected by the Whirlpool recall of as many as 519,000 washing machines should be offered the option of a refund alongside a repair or replacement , a watchdog has urged .
Whirlpool is beginning the recall on Thursday after announcing in December that hundreds of thousands of washing machines sold under the Hotpoint and Indesit brands in the UK between October 2014 and February 2018 could be affected by a flaw with the door-locking system which could lead to them overheating and potentially catching fire .
Currently the company has offered to repair or replace the unsafe machines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had `` serious concerns '' that this could leave significant numbers of customers with the dangerous appliances in their homes for many months to come .
The watchdog said its concerns followed its findings that 26 % of customers caught up in Whirlpool 's previous repair or replacement programme for fire-risk tumble dryers , which began in 2015 , were told they would have to wait longer than six months for repairs .
Which ?
said it has been contacted by `` numerous '' concerned Whirlpool customers who were struggling without the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be left waiting for months for a repair or replacement .
Others had already bought a new machine out of desperation because they felt they could not wait .
Sue Davies , head of consumer protection at Which ?
, said : `` It would clearly be unacceptable if customers were left for many months without adequate washing facilities in their homes , particularly when there is also no offer to cover consequential costs such as trips to the laundrette .
`` The company should do the right thing and offer customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire-risk machines out of their homes and quickly find a suitable replacement . ''
Whirlpool previously said it was working at `` full speed '' to prepare for the recall , and advised consumers to unplug their washing machines in the meantime and not use them .
Those who chose to continue using their machines should only use cold water cycles of 20C or lower as this significantly reduces the risk , Whirlpool said .
This is because the issue is associated with the washing machine 's heating element being activated during wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all affected customers will have the choice of either a free-of-charge like-for-like replacement washing machine , or a free-of-charge in-home repair of their existing appliance .
Whirlpool vice president Jeffrey Noel said : `` In line with the commitment we made to our customers in December , we have been working tirelessly to ensure that we can now formally reach out to all affected customers who have registered with us to arrange to replace and repair their washing machines .
`` We have already reassured 95 % of the 1.2 million customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appliance is not affected .
We have also served over a thousand customers with the greatest need over the Christmas period .
We are aiming to provide remedies to all 60,000 customers currently registered with us within a matter of weeks .
`` Our priority continues to be the safety of our customers , which is why we want to encourage anyone who may be affected but has not yet registered their appliance with us to do so immediately by contacting our customer service team on 0800 316 1442 or visiting our dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can provide a solution to them as quickly as possible . ''

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Consumers affected by the Whirlpool recall of as many as 519,000 washing machines should be offered the option of a refund alongside a repair or replacement, a watchdog has urged.
Whirlpool is beginning the recall on Thursday after announcing in December that hundreds of thousands of washing machines sold under the Hotpoint and Indesit brands in the UK between October 2014 and February 2018 could be affected by a flaw with the door-locking system which could lead to them overheating and potentially catching fire.
Currently the company has offered to repair or replace the unsafe machines, but consumer group Which? said it had "serious concerns" that this could leave significant numbers of customers with the dangerous appliances in their homes for many months to come.
The watchdog said its concerns followed its findings that 26% of customers caught up in Whirlpool's previous repair or replacement programme for fire-risk tumble dryers, which began in 2015, were told they would have to wait longer than six months for repairs.
Which? said it has been contacted by "numerous" concerned Whirlpool customers who were struggling without the use of their washing machine and feared they could be left waiting for months for a repair or replacement.
(Image: pixabay.com)
Others had already bought a new machine out of desperation because they felt they could not wait.
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection at Which?, said: "It would clearly be unacceptable if customers were left for many months without adequate washing facilities in their homes, particularly when there is also no offer to cover consequential costs such as trips to the laundrette.
"The company should do the right thing and offer customers a refund, so people can get fire-risk machines out of their homes and quickly find a suitable replacement."
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Whirlpool previously said it was working at "full speed" to prepare for the recall, and advised consumers to unplug their washing machines in the meantime and not use them.
Those who chose to continue using their machines should only use cold water cycles of 20C or lower as this significantly reduces the risk, Whirlpool said.
This is because the issue is associated with the washing machine's heating element being activated during wash cycles above 20C.
Under the recall, all affected customers will have the choice of either a free-of-charge like-for-like replacement washing machine, or a free-of-charge in-home repair of their existing appliance.
Whirlpool vice president Jeffrey Noel said: "In line with the commitment we made to our customers in December, we have been working tirelessly to ensure that we can now formally reach out to all affected customers who have registered with us to arrange to replace and repair their washing machines.
"We have already reassured 95% of the 1.2 million customers who came forward to register that their appliance is not affected. We have also served over a thousand customers with the greatest need over the Christmas period. We are aiming to provide remedies to all 60,000 customers currently registered with us within a matter of weeks.
"Our priority continues to be the safety of our customers, which is why we want to encourage anyone who may be affected but has not yet registered their appliance with us to do so immediately by contacting our customer service team on 0800 316 1442 or visiting our dedicated recall website https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk so that we can provide a solution to them as quickly as possible."


birminghammail--2020-01-08--'We deserved to win' - Brendan Rodgers reacts to Leicester City vs Aston Villa

Brendan Rodgers ' Leicester City threw everything at Aston Villa , but could only settle for the status quo heading into the second leg at Villa Park as the match finished 1-1 .
The Foxes battled back after Villa stole a lead through Federic Guilbert 's first goal for the Villans , and levelled after Kelechi Iheanacho was sprung loose into the box following a Douglas Luiz mistake .
The Foxes boss felt that his side were perhaps unfortunate to walk away without a lead on aggregate .
`` We dominated possession in the first half , but we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Rodgers noted that his side were n't able to pressure Villa enough to force any more errors after Douglas Luiz 's costly mistake .
`` The biggest problem was our pressing . ''
`` We were n't aggressive enough and that 's down to me as Ndidi was out with an injury .
Youri [ Tielemans ] did fine , but we missed the speed in the transition , and we were too passive . ''
The Leicester manager did admit that Villa did n't make things easy .
`` The keeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes great blocks - but eventually we get the goal we deserved . ''
With the stage set at 1-1 ahead of a pivotal final leg at Villa Park , Rodgers addressed the reality of the first leg .
`` This game is an important game but it is one of two legs and the crowd can get nervy . ''
`` You have to suffer to get to a final .
We showed a wonderful mentality to stay calm , keep going and let the subs make an impact . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we look forward to the challenge . ''

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Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City threw everything at Aston Villa, but could only settle for the status quo heading into the second leg at Villa Park as the match finished 1-1.
The Foxes battled back after Villa stole a lead through Federic Guilbert's first goal for the Villans, and levelled after Kelechi Iheanacho was sprung loose into the box following a Douglas Luiz mistake.
The Foxes boss felt that his side were perhaps unfortunate to walk away without a lead on aggregate.
"I thought we deserved to win."
"We dominated possession in the first half, but we weren't fast enough with the ball."
Rodgers noted that his side weren't able to pressure Villa enough to force any more errors after Douglas Luiz's costly mistake.
"The biggest problem was our pressing."
"We weren't aggressive enough and that's down to me as Ndidi was out with an injury. Youri [Tielemans] did fine, but we missed the speed in the transition, and we were too passive."
The Leicester manager did admit that Villa didn't make things easy.
"The keeper Nyland makes great saves, Tyrone Mings makes great blocks - but eventually we get the goal we deserved."
With the stage set at 1-1 ahead of a pivotal final leg at Villa Park, Rodgers addressed the reality of the first leg.
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"This game is an important game but it is one of two legs and the crowd can get nervy."
"You have to suffer to get to a final. We showed a wonderful mentality to stay calm, keep going and let the subs make an impact."
"We're now well balanced, and we look forward to the challenge."


birminghammail--2020-01-08--Dean Smith issues Pepe Reina update - and sends message to Aston Villa star

Dean Smith has ‘ no idea ’ how close Aston Villa are to signing Pepe Reina - and has thrown down the gauntlet to Orjan Nyland to remain his number one .
According to several reports Villa are close to capturing goalkeeper Reina from AC Milan as the club search for cover following Tom Heaton ’ s season ending injury .
With Villa ’ s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Leicester City - which ended 1-1 at the King Power - on his mind , Smith has left transfer dealings to sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch .
And Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Villa stand with Reina , who is well known to both Suso and chief executive Christian Purslow .
“ I have no idea , ” admitted Smith .
`` We ’ re looking at goalkeepers but whether we ’ re close or not , I don ’ t know .
I ’ ve been at the game so I ’ ve left that to our sporting director at the moment.
” Reina , who has barely featured for Milan in the past two seasons , would provide competition for Nyland who produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Norwegian was magnificent in denying Jamie Vardy and James Maddison and Smith has challenged him to make the goalkeeping jersey his own .
Smith said : “ It ’ s the message to everyone : you ’ ve got the shirt , keep it .
All he can do is go out and show us that every time he gets the opportunity .
It was a mature performance , but let ’ s not forget he ’ s an international goalkeeper as well .
“ He ’ s a good goalkeeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s had a nasty injury , snapped his Achilles when he was playing really well for us in the Championship .
`` We had to go and recruit goalkeepers and Jed Steer came back from Charlton and did really well .
Unfortunately Tom Heaton gets injured , and he ’ s taken his opportunity .
`` It was a really good performance from him and he made some really good saves when he was called upon .
”

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Dean Smith has ‘no idea’ how close Aston Villa are to signing Pepe Reina - and has thrown down the gauntlet to Orjan Nyland to remain his number one.
According to several reports Villa are close to capturing goalkeeper Reina from AC Milan as the club search for cover following Tom Heaton’s season ending injury.
With Villa’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Leicester City - which ended 1-1 at the King Power - on his mind, Smith has left transfer dealings to sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch.
And Smith admits he isn’t aware of where Villa stand with Reina, who is well known to both Suso and chief executive Christian Purslow.
“I have no idea,” admitted Smith. "We’re looking at goalkeepers but whether we’re close or not, I don’t know. I’ve been at the game so I’ve left that to our sporting director at the moment.”
Reina, who has barely featured for Milan in the past two seasons, would provide competition for Nyland who produced arguably his best Villa performance against Leicester.
The Norwegian was magnificent in denying Jamie Vardy and James Maddison and Smith has challenged him to make the goalkeeping jersey his own.
Smith said: “It’s the message to everyone: you’ve got the shirt, keep it. All he can do is go out and show us that every time he gets the opportunity. It was a mature performance, but let’s not forget he’s an international goalkeeper as well.
“He’s a good goalkeeper, I know that. He’s had a nasty injury, snapped his Achilles when he was playing really well for us in the Championship.
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"We had to go and recruit goalkeepers and Jed Steer came back from Charlton and did really well. Unfortunately Tom Heaton gets injured, and he’s taken his opportunity.
"It was a really good performance from him and he made some really good saves when he was called upon.”


birminghammail--2020-01-08--‘Stop bothering’ - Aston Villa fans are all making the same point after Leicester City clash

Aston Villa fans are piling the praise on Orjan Nyland after the goalkeeper ’ s display against Leicester City .
Nyland made his second consecutive start for Dean Smith ’ s side in the absence of Tom Heaton , who was injured against Burnley on New Year ’ s Day and replaced by the Norwegian .
And the 29-year-old was in inspired form as Villa took a 1-1 draw from their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at the King Power Stadium .
He made a string of fine saves to deny Jamie Vardy in the first-half and then James Maddison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s resistance was finally broken when Kelechi Ihaenacho capitalised on a defensive mistake in the final stages to cancel out Frederic Guilbert ’ s 28th-minute opener .
Villa are in the market for a new goalkeeper after the injury to Heaton – with a deal for former Liverpool stopper Pepe Reina thought to be close – but fans aren ’ t sure Dean Smith needs another option between the sticks after Nyland ’ s latest showing .
Here ’ s what they have been saying : @ TheVillaHome : I ’ d like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s been superb the last couple of games he ’ s played .
Another great performance tonight as well !
@ Grant3hill : Nyland different gravy as well !
@ Deakindoz : Nyland and @ OfficialTM_3 were immense tonight , shame we could n't get the clean sheet their performances deserved !
@ Danfereday : Take that all day .
Take the tie back to VP with it all to play for .
Thought Nyland was class tonight .
@ KjParton : Proud of Nyland tonight - how far he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time !
@ Avfc_vilr : Nyland : Often under the microscope - a top , top performance for # AVFC this evening .
Plaudits well deserved .
@ AVFCTransTweet : Said Nyland had improved massively and that was evident tonight .
Certainly deserves a shot .
@ Razajourno : Stop bothering on signing a goalkeeper Villa and get a striker in .
We 're in safe hands with Nyland .
@ Jim5875 : Stupid goal to concede but would have taken that score all day long at kick off .
Defence colossal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BraddersOak : If Jed Steer is close to a return , to compete with Nyland , I do n't think we should bother signing another keeper .

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Aston Villa fans are piling the praise on Orjan Nyland after the goalkeeper’s display against Leicester City.
Nyland made his second consecutive start for Dean Smith’s side in the absence of Tom Heaton, who was injured against Burnley on New Year’s Day and replaced by the Norwegian.
And the 29-year-old was in inspired form as Villa took a 1-1 draw from their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at the King Power Stadium.
He made a string of fine saves to deny Jamie Vardy in the first-half and then James Maddison in the second period.
Nyland’s resistance was finally broken when Kelechi Ihaenacho capitalised on a defensive mistake in the final stages to cancel out Frederic Guilbert’s 28th-minute opener.
Villa are in the market for a new goalkeeper after the injury to Heaton – with a deal for former Liverpool stopper Pepe Reina thought to be close – but fans aren’t sure Dean Smith needs another option between the sticks after Nyland’s latest showing.
Here’s what they have been saying:
@TheVillaHome: I’d like to see us stick with @OrjanHNyland1 he’s been superb the last couple of games he’s played. Another great performance tonight as well!
@Grant3hill: Nyland different gravy as well!
@Deakindoz: Nyland and @OfficialTM_3 were immense tonight, shame we couldn't get the clean sheet their performances deserved!
@Danfereday: Take that all day. Take the tie back to VP with it all to play for. Thought Nyland was class tonight.
@KjParton: Proud of Nyland tonight - how far he has come in such a short space of time!
@Avfc_vilr: Nyland: Often under the microscope - a top, top performance for #AVFC this evening. Plaudits well deserved.
@AVFCTransTweet: Said Nyland had improved massively and that was evident tonight. Certainly deserves a shot.
@GeorgeDavis1608: Nyland looked more than capable tonight.
@Razajourno: Stop bothering on signing a goalkeeper Villa and get a striker in. We're in safe hands with Nyland.
@Jim5875: Stupid goal to concede but would have taken that score all day long at kick off. Defence colossal and Nyland looking the main man.
@BraddersOak: If Jed Steer is close to a return, to compete with Nyland, I don't think we should bother signing another keeper.