bbcuk--2020-09-16--Covid court delays: Weeds, leaks, and four-year waits for justice

'Paul ' was accused of committing a domestic burglary in June 2018 .
In early 2019 he was told by police that no further action would be taken against him .
However , he was subsequently charged .
Last week - over two years since the alleged offence - he appeared at Inner London Crown Court .
But his barrister told the court that the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) had still not served the sole evidence - DNA - in the case on the defence .
Paul ( not his real name ) is on bail and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' list - for December 2021 .
It means there is no guarantee it will take place at that time - just that it might .
The judge explained apologetically that priority is being given to cases where defendants are being held in custody .
So , three and a half-years from the date of the alleged offence , there has been no justice for the alleged burglary victim - or the accused .
Paul 's was one of a number of cases I saw on a visit to Inner London with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBA ) James Mulholland QC .
He told me it was typical .
`` This is justice 2020 , but it has been like this for the last 10 years , delay after delay , inbuilt into the system .
These cases are being pushed back continuously .
`` Lack of investment is at the heart of it and government needs to understand that you do n't create a proper justice system without proper investment .
`` What we are seeing here are the fruits of a lack of interest . ''
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflected in the state of some court buildings .
Outside Inner London I saw a dead pigeon decaying on netting , vast weeds growing up the side of the building and old pipes leaking water .
Meanwhile , a court official told me that some court centres are now listing trials for 2023 .
The delays are caused by a range of factors .
Lawyers point to huge cuts to the police , CPS and other agencies such as probation .
There are a range of things malfunctioning within the system .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` releasing suspects under investigation '' - sometimes for years - before a charging decision is made .
Systemic problems continue with the CPS serving evidence late on the defence , meaning lawyers can not advise their clients in a timely manner .
And perhaps most significantly - the decisions by government to cut thousands of crown court sitting days .
That has meant that courts have been mothballed while trials stack up in a growing backlog .
None of these problems are caused by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pre-lockdown the crown court backlog in England and Wales stood at some 37,000 .
It is now over 46,000 .
`` Adam '' - not his real name - was accused of rape in March 2018 .
He denies the charge .
His trial has been put back twice , once because of the pandemic .
He is now on a `` warned '' list for November , while his chosen career in one of the public services is on hold .
`` I have suffered really bad with my mental health through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've had to up my dosage of anti-depressants .
It 's affected my potential career .
`` The hard work I have done at university and everything to get me there it 's all basically going out of the window now .
I have n't got any trust or hope that it will be anywhere near the end of this year .
`` I think it will be more like April next year . ''
The next case I saw involved two young men charged with possession of drugs with intent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December 2017 .
No one in court could explain the delay .
It was followed by a case in which the judge needed a pre-sentence report from the probation service in order to sentence the defendant .
Despite repeated requests , no one was available .
In order to achieve a conclusion of the case , the judge had to devise a sentence which did not require a report .
It was not ideal , but it showed professionals trying to do their best in the face of a lack of resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs with trial dates one to two years away .
Some are losing university places with dates from the alleged offence to trial of four years .
`` And some who are awaiting trial for 18-24 months on bail , can be on electronic tagged curfew from 7-7 every day , for up to two years . ''
To help deal with the situation , the government has announced that the period of time an accused person can be held before a trial - known as the Custody Time Limit ( CTL ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight months .
But the government admitted - in response to a Freedom of Information request from the group Fair Trials - that it did not know how many people had been held in prison beyond the time limit since lockdown .
Lawyers fear some accused will spend more time in custody awaiting trial than the sentence they would eventually receive if they pleaded guilty - and that some might falsely plead guilty simply to bring an end to their case .
• 'Please do n't forget us ' : Virus adds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not ease delays , lawyers say Life is bleak for those in custody awaiting trial , says Ms Fenn , '' There are often no visits from family or in-person visits from lawyers .
Defendants can be locked up for 23.5 hours a day , education classes and courses are suspended , jobs within the prison restricted , and there are reports of showers being limited to 1-2 a week . ''
Covid has also removed a `` huge amount of mental health , drug and alcohol agency support '' , she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice had been kept moving `` despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic '' and overall , cases are falling .
However , they acknowledged that `` more needs to be done '' .
The government has launched an £80 million Criminal Courts Recovery plan which includes : • Introducing plexiglass screens to separate members of the jury to enable safe use of more court rooms • Magistrate courts are seeing the number of outstanding cases drop - dealing with over 21,000 cases a week .
• Increasing capacity through `` Nightingale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running , a further eight planned to open shortly However , only three of the new Nightingale Courts are dealing with crime .
I visited one , Prospero House , a short walk from Inner London .
It is a state of the art commercial building with three large courtrooms allowing ample room for social distancing .
Every desk has hand sanitiser and protective gloves .
But Mr Mulholland says : `` We need 60 criminal Nightingale Court buildings .
At the moment we have just three . ''
The CBA says there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wales .
Currently around 100 are able to hear trials , though not all are hosting them .
The government says its plan will bring on stream another 250 of the existing rooms to hear jury trials by the end of October .
The CBA believes that simply will not cut into the backlog .
Lawyers believe that the Treasury has long seen justice as a poor relation to health and education in terms of public spending .
`` Investing in the criminal justice system is investing in the wealth and prosperity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mulholland .
`` It is an empty and insulting promise for any minister to declare a war on crime if a government ca n't fund a system that keeps us safe - and ensures crimes are swiftly investigated and cases come to court on time . ''

"The hard work I have done at university and everything to get me there it's all basically going out of the window now. I haven't got any trust or hope that it will be anywhere near the end of this year.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Des: 'Nuanced' Dennis Nilsen drama impresses critics and viewers

Des , a three-part drama about serial killer Dennis Nilsen , has been praised by both critics and viewers following the airing of its final instalment .
Louisa Mellor from website Den of Geek said the `` nuanced '' ITV series had been both `` considered '' and `` responsible '' .
The Independent praised David Tennant 's `` skin-crawling '' lead performance while expressing some reservations about the drama 's `` underwhelming '' resolution .
Des also drew praise on Twitter , where one user called it `` quite outstanding '' .
Other social media users were equally effusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , `` scarily good '' and `` really great telly '' , Yet comedian David Baddiel was not alone in remarking how much smoking there had been in this 1980s-set recreation of Nilsen 's arrest and trial .
`` It was very good but I wondered if there was too much smoking in Des , '' he wrote .
`` I know it was 1983 but smoking-wise it felt more like 1972 . ''
Author Erica James agreed , saying she felt `` as though I 've passive smoked my way through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been on '' .
The show 's director Lewis Arnold admitted there was `` a lot '' of smoking in his drama , revealing that actor Daniel Mays had been given an unofficial award during filming for `` most cigarettes smoked onscreen '' .
Mays , who plays the dogged Detective Chief Inspector who sought to bring Nilsen to justice , said the accolade now had `` pride of place '' on his mantelpiece .
Last year the subscription service Netflix announced plans to cut back on how often smoking is shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title from Nilsen 's preferred nickname , Des depicts its subject 's 1983 arrest following the discovery of human remains at his north London home .
Nilsen was subsequently convicted of six counts of murder and two of attempted murder , though it is believed he killed at least 15 young men in all .
He died in 2018 at the age of 72 having spent 34 years behind bars .
Des has been a ratings winner for ITV , becoming the broadcaster 's biggest drama launch of the year so far .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ average audience of 5.4 million , which fell to 4.75 million on Tuesday before rising to 5.22 million on Wednesday .
ITV is following the drama with a documentary about Nilsen , narrated by Tennant , that will be shown at 21:00 BST on Thursday .
Yet its thunder may have been stolen slightly by Channel 5 , which rebroadcast its own documentary about the serial killer immediately after the first episode of Des aired on Monday night .
Both Mays and co-star Jason Watkins , who plays Nilsen 's biographer Brian Masters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responses to the drama .
Mays said it was `` beyond gratifying to see the show resonating '' , while Watkins expressed his gratitude `` for all your kind words and appreciation '' .
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bbcuk--2020-09-17--Climate Change: Is the movement diverse enough?

Fatima Ibrahim has been a climate change activist since the age of 18 , but she 's not sure the @ @ @ @ @ .
The BBC took Fatima to Doncaster , where an entire community was flooded , @ @ @ @ @ represented by the activists on TV and to an Extinction Rebellion protest in London to @ @ @ @ @ tactics .
This was filmed in February and March 2020 .

Fatima Ibrahim has been a climate change activist since the age of 18, but she's not sure the movement is bringing everyone along, and is failing to reach out to white and ethnic working class communities across the UK.
The BBC took Fatima to Doncaster, where an entire community was flooded, to see if they felt represented by the activists on TV and to an Extinction Rebellion protest in London to hear if everyone supports their tactics.
This was filmed in February and March 2020.
Producer and reporter: Hanan Bihi
Camera and editing: Harriet Bradshaw


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Breaking down the Brexit border problem

Breaking down the Brexit border problem

The UK government has been heavily criticised for planning to override part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement that it reached @ @ @ @ @ acknowledges that doing so would break international law .
At the heart of the latest @ @ @ @ @ issue of where customs checks should be between the UK and the EU .
The @ @ @ @ @ the issue , and it 's about much more then where the forms get filled @ @

The UK government has been heavily criticised for planning to override part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement that it reached with the EU.
It acknowledges that doing so would break international law.
At the heart of the latest Brexit escalation is the thorny issue of where customs checks should be between the UK and the EU.
The BBC's Ros Atkins explains the issue, and it's about much more then where the forms get filled in.


bbcuk--2020-09-16--Being a fresher during coronavirus

Being a fresher during coronavirus

The start of university life is usually a time to mix and socialise with fellow students and make friends .
@ @ @ @ @ place , and social distancing a must , how can first year students make the @ @ @ @ @ ?
We visited the University of Hull , and spoke to a number of students @ @ @ @ @ and first impressions of university life in these unique times .

The start of university life is usually a time to mix and socialise with fellow students and make friends. But with Covid restrictions in place, and social distancing a must, how can first year students make the most of their new surroundings?
We visited the University of Hull, and spoke to a number of students who shared their experiences, and first impressions of university life in these unique times.
Produced by Alex Dackevych


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Coronavirus: New restrictions in north-east England

Almost two million people in north-east England will see more restrictions following a rise in coronavirus cases , confirmed Health @ @ @ @ @ temporary measures include restrictions on households mixing and pubs closing earlier at night .
The @ @ @ @ @ , North and South Tyneside , Gateshead and County Durham council areas will be affected @ @ @ @ @ secretary Jonathan Ashworth has criticised the government 's policy on testing and tracing and said @ @ @ @ @ prevent a second national lockdown .

Almost two million people in north-east England will see more restrictions following a rise in coronavirus cases, confirmed Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
The temporary measures include restrictions on households mixing and pubs closing earlier at night.
The Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham council areas will be affected from midnight.
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has criticised the government's policy on testing and tracing and said more must be done to prevent a second national lockdown.


bbcuk--2020-09-16--Coronavirus: Southend walk-through test centre sees long queues

Southend Council urged people only to turn up at the facility on Short Street if they had an appointment .
@ @ @ @ @ he was `` concerned '' at the queues .
`` Please only book a test @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If you book or turn up for a test without symptoms , you @ @ @ @ @ from those people who really need it . ''

Long queues have formed outside a walk-through coronavirus test centre.
Southend Council urged people only to turn up at the facility on Short Street if they had an appointment.
Council leader Ian Gilbert said he was "concerned" at the queues.
"Please only book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms.
"If you book or turn up for a test without symptoms, you are taking testing capacity away from those people who really need it."
Read more:
PM blames 'colossal spike' in demand for test problems
Government claims fact-checked


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Band brothers Endeavour play gig for dad in Cambridge hospital

Four brothers , used to performing in front crowds of fans , have played a special hospital gig for their @ @ @ @ @ 62 , originally from Essex but now living in Peterborough , has motor neurone disease @ @ @ @ @ play for him at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge .
Brandon , 24 , Shawn @ @ @ @ @ 23 , Shane , 33 , are part of five-piece band Endeavour and performed two @ @ @ @ @ of their dad and NHS staff .
`` We 've never done a gig without @ @ @ @ @ we 've been a band , so , for him , it was a very @ @ @ @ @ said .
Gary added : `` Seeing my boys has given me a massive boost @ @ @ @ @ get home and spend whatever time I have left with my partner Valerie and the @ @ @ @ @ ''

Four brothers, used to performing in front crowds of fans, have played a special hospital gig for their father.
Gary Radley, 62, originally from Essex but now living in Peterborough, has motor neurone disease and asked his sons to play for him at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.
Brandon, 24, Shawn, 32, Garren, 23, Shane, 33, are part of five-piece band Endeavour and performed two Foo Fighters tracks in front of their dad and NHS staff.
"We've never done a gig without him in the seven years we've been a band, so, for him, it was a very special moment," Shawn said.
Gary added: "Seeing my boys has given me a massive boost. My aim is to get home and spend whatever time I have left with my partner Valerie and the rest of my family."


bbcuk--2020-09-17--The Papers: Hospitals plan for second spike, and more testing

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Read about our approach @ @ @ @

That's because the National Audit Office has found that at least £50bn worth of banknotes have disappeared from circulation - the equivalent of more than £1,000 for each adult in the country.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Tashan Daniel's Tube station killers lodge appeals

A killer jailed for fatally stabbing an Arsenal fan on a London Underground platform is to appeal against his murder conviction , the BBC has learned .
Alex Lanning was found guilty last month of killing Tashan Daniel with a Nato-designed military knife last September at Hillingdon Tube station .
The Court of Appeal confirmed an application had been made but no date had been set for a hearing .
He was killed as he made his way to watch Arsenal play Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup - two days after his 20th birthday .
On 24 September 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Daniel `` what he was looking at '' across the Tube tracks before a fight ensued between the pair and Mr Daniel 's friend Treyone Campbell and Lanning 's co-defendant Jonathan Camille .
Lanning used a £200 German-made knife , which had been `` designed for Nato military aircraft rescues with the capacity to saw through laminated glass and cut through seatbelts '' , to inflict the deadly blow .
Camille and Lanning then fled the station , discarded their clothes and the murder weapon in a nearby estate , and changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run for 10 days before being arrested .
After they were convicted at the Old Bailey , the BBC revealed Lanning was still on licence when he killed Mr Daniel , having been previously jailed for stabbing a man 11 times in Brighton in 2016 .
The Court of Appeal also confirmed Camille has lodged his own application to appeal against his sentence and conviction for manslaughter .
Camille was cleared of murdering Mr Daniel but was jailed for six-and-a-half years for his role in the fight and evading arrest .
The news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed it had set aside thousands of pounds to create the `` Tashan Daniel Award '' .
In memory of Mr Daniel , Hillingdon Council has set out in a document , ahead of a cabinet meeting next Thursday , plans to provide £12,000 annually for five years to help aspiring athletes in the borough .
The award criteria will be agreed between Hillingdon Council leader Sir Ray Puddifoot and Mr Daniel 's family , who will take part in the allocation of these awards , the document added .

After they were convicted at the Old Bailey, the BBC revealed Lanning was still on licence when he killed Mr Daniel, having been previously jailed for stabbing a man 11 times in Brighton in 2016.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Grace Handling death: 'I am haunted by not being able to protect her'

The father of a 13-year-old girl who died after she took ecstasy has told how he is `` haunted '' by her loss .
Stewart Handling told BBC Scotland he feels like he failed daughter Grace , who took the Class A drug at a house party in Irvine in June 2018 .
The trial heard Grace had enough of the drug in her system to be fatal not just to a child , but to an adult .
Mr Owens , 19 , was accused of killing Grace by `` recklessly supplying '' the ecstasy but the jury found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the court heard he confessed to officers that he gave her ecstasy , defence lawyers argued Grace had experimented with drugs in the past and made her own decision to take them .
He also described his pain over the circumstances which led to Grace 's death .
Mr Handling told BBC Scotland : `` I am haunted by not being able to protect her .
That 's my job .
The devout Christian described his daughter as a `` gift from God '' who was passionate about music and enjoyed `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Handling said Grace was going through a difficult phase after losing two grandparents and was suffering from anxiety .
During his daughter 's struggles he attempted to get a job in Shetland and then Moray in a bid to give the family a fresh start .
But on 28 June 2018 Mr Handling said his world was turned upside down when she went missing .
Mr Handling said he would like to see tougher legislation , in his daughter 's name , for those who supply illegal substances to children .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes into your bloodstream it 's Russian roulette time .
`` There is no fixed dosage in these pills they are made by criminals who want to make money . ''
Paying tribute to his daughter , he said : `` She was easy to love as a kid .
She never caused any problems .
`` She was sweet .
She was a joy to be a father of .
She is so deeply and sadly missed by so many people . ''
Mr Handling said it took 805 days for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` traumatic '' process left him feeling `` totally helpless '' .

While the court heard he confessed to officers that he gave her ecstasy, defence lawyers argued Grace had experimented with drugs in the past and made her own decision to take them.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Coronavirus: Drink-only pubs set to reopen next week

Drink-only pubs in Northern Ireland are set to be allowed to open from Wednesday 23 September .
But local restrictions are to be imposed on people living in the postcode BT60 , which covers parts of County Armagh , from Friday .
They will not be allowed to visit other people inside their homes or have visitors in - with a few exceptions .
The health minister said restrictions take effect from 17:00 BST on Friday .
He said the BT60 postcode was `` significantly above '' the threshold for imposing localised restrictions .
BT60 covers parts of County Armagh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the towns of Keady and Markethill , stretching from the Middletown and Tynan on the Monaghan and Tyrone border to Mount Norris and Whitecross , near Newry .
As well as the restrictions on indoor visits , no more than six people from two households will be allowed to gather in a private garden .
The restrictions already apply to the greater Belfast area , Ballymena , BT29 , BT28 and BT43 The news comes after the executive made the decision that drink-only pubs can reopen from Wednesday .
The hospitality sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Monday 21 September .
But the date has been moved back by two days to allow regulations around enforcement of the industry to be drawn up .
The reopening date had already been pushed back twice by executive ministers due to concerns about the virus .
About 600 pubs in Northern Ireland that do not serve food were awaiting the green light to open .
At present , drink-only pubs can only serve customers outdoors .
Last week , representatives from the sector met executive ministers to call for regulations to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now agreed that the mandatory requirements for pubs to open will include : • Table service only - no standing and no bar service • Dancing will be banned in hospitality venues • A maximum of six people from any number of households can be seated at a table .
Children under 12 will not be included in the total • More than six people will be permitted if they all belong to a single household • The venue will be required to collect customer details to assist with contact tracing • Face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave the venue and for movement inside .
They are not required once seated The executive said beer bikes will not be permitted to operate .
Colin Neill , chief executive of Hospitality Ulster , said the decision to allow drink-only pubs to open would `` hopefully reassure those who were concerned for their future '' .
He said he did not `` underestimate the scale of the challenges ahead '' .
`` We have provided detailed guidance in this respect and will continue to engage with the NI Executive and the statutory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations right across the industry .
`` Nobody should be in any doubt that the hospitality sector locally is taking Covid-19 seriously . ''
In the Republic of Ireland , drink-only pubs are due to reopen on Monday with the exception of Dublin , which remains under tighter restrictions due to a rise in cases .
In a written statement to the assembly outlining the decision to impose restrictions in BT60 on Thursday , the health minister confirmed that the new regulations giving the local restrictions legal force also apply to the greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday after it emerged that parts of Lisburn and Castlereagh Council in greater Belfast would be included in the restricted zones , despite initial communication from the executive and Department of Health saying it would only apply to Belfast City Council .
Mr Swann said the extension to parts of Dundonald and Carryduff `` reflect the population flows and public transport linkages and Belfast identity of these specific districts '' .
• What is yet to open in NI ?
`` This was always going to be a complex and fast-moving situation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do the right thing , '' he said .
`` There are lessons to be learned going forward , including on the need for engagement with the public and stakeholders . ''
The health minister said the regulations were `` not confusing and can make an important contribution to keeping people safe '' .
He added that anyone living in the affected areas should be `` extremely careful in all aspects of their life '' .
`` Reflecting that requirement , visits to care homes and hospitals in the protected areas are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Department of Health said it would take about two weeks for the impact of the restrictions on transmission of the virus to become apparent .
Mr Swann said the measures will be retained `` only as long as they are deemed necessary and proportionate '' .
The health minister also said imposing the restrictions `` at pace '' on a postcode basis was `` the right thing to do '' , given the urgency of the public health situation .
The new rules are expected to last for at least two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the executive .
On Thursday , the Department of Health in Northern Ireland reported no new coronavirus-linked deaths .
That means the death toll from the virus in Northern Ireland remains at 573 .
The latest figures on the department 's dashboard shows 149 new confirmed positive cases of the virus in the past 24 hours , bringing that total to 8,780 .
The department 's daily figures are mostly comprised of hospital deaths and where a patient had previously tested positive for the virus .
The Department of Health says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - of coronavirus in Northern Ireland is estimated to be about 1.2 .
The R value is the number of people who , on average , will be infected by a single person with coronavirus .
NI 's chief scientific adviser Prof Ian Young said that the 14-day cases per 100,000 remains higher than the rest of the UK and the Republic , but testing is also higher in Northern Ireland .
However , he added that it was `` obvious '' there is an increase in Covid-19 across Northern Ireland .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone travelling into Northern Ireland after 04:00 BST on Saturday from Guadaloupe and Slovenia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days .
Singapore and Thailand will be added to the exempted list .


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Lockdown 'sexting' blackmail concerns for young people sharing images

`` He 's threatened to share those pictures with my friends unless I send him more . ''
Mia , 13 , was duped into sending sexual photographs to someone she met online , who she has now found out is an adult posing as someone else .
Charities including the NSPCC and Meic - a helpline for younger people in Wales - are concerned more young people are sharing naked images of themselves .
They both said staff have seen an increase since lockdown .
`` Many young people want to send them because it has been normalised in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sabiha Azad , who works on Meic 's helpline for children and young people .
`` Young people are at home alone and wanting intimacy and do n't know how to explore it healthily , so they 're being pressured into sending things , '' she said .
`` You can even get girls sending pictures on to their friends first to check if they look OK , or boys sharing the photos they get sent with others to compare them . ''
The charities believe a significant increase in the time teenagers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-to-face interaction has added to the pressure .
Ms Azad added : `` Speaking about the consequences is so important because this is the time that they can be exploited . ''
The charities said most cases were believed to involve 14 to 16-year-olds , with a lot of people cropping out their heads from photographs .
However , Ms Azad said they often forget about other identifiable markers such as wallpaper , birth marks or piercings .
Being pressured to send nudes is a sign of a controlling relationship and , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Azad believes many risks to younger people - such as being blackmailed and threatened - have been overlooked .
`` I think there 's a danger of forgetting young people , especially during the pandemic , '' she added .
`` I think that girls definitely see the repercussions of sending nudes more , they 're much more likely to be referred to specialist services for support .
One person developed an eating disorder following her image being shared because of the negative comments people made .
`` It 's a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be shared to your family members .
It often goes through schools , so everyone in that year group will probably see it , if not more . ''
Mia ( not her real name ) met her blackmailer on Instagram and developed an online relationship with him .
`` He convinced me to send pictures of myself which were sexual , '' she said .
`` Now he 's threatened to share those pictures with my friends unless I send him more . ''
Mia said she was too scared to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble .
Another victim , Chloe ( not her real name ) , 14 , met `` a good-looking boy '' on a teenage dating app who made her feel special while she was having a tough time at home .
When he started asking for nude photos , she said she `` agreed as a joke to talk dirty instead '' .
But when she became uncomfortable , she blocked him , only for him to get in touch on another app , threatening to publish her profile picture next to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty and disgusted for leading him on , '' she said .
`` He made me feel special when no-one else did .
`` I do n't want anyone to find out , after all most of it was my fault .
I do n't know what to do and I feel so guilty . ''
It is illegal for under-18s to send or receive nudes , with NSPCC Cymru 's Lucy O'Callaghan saying prevention was vital to tackle the issue .
`` Once a young person has sent a sexual image , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` Whilst they 're in a relationship , their boyfriend or girlfriend might promise not to send the image onwards , but sometimes when that relationship breaks down the other young person can share it and that might lead to it being shared again and again .
`` Then that can lead to bullying from from other young people .
Sometimes when young people send one image , they can experience blackmail to send further images .
So they can find themselves in a sort of a kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people to seek support from an adult .

"It's a very intimate image being shared and it may be shared to your family members. It often goes through schools, so everyone in that year group will probably see it, if not more."


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Covid-19 death teacher 'forgotten' by government, says family

The family of a teacher who died from Covid-19 said the government must `` learn from its mistakes '' and hold an immediate inquiry to prevent future deaths .
Father-of-five Mr Fitchett had been a teacher for more than 30 years and when he became ill was looking forward to the birth of his fourth grandchild , and the prospect of retiring .
He started feeling breathless on 2 March , three weeks before the nationwide lockdown was announced .
His daughter Laura Juniper , who is also a teacher , said he initially refused to let his students down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was completely selfless .
He was a very dedicated and diligent teacher .
He was devoted to both his children and grandchildren , '' she said .
His GP gave him antibiotics for a suspected chest infection but Mr Fitchett gradually deteriorated and his wife called an ambulance on 9 March to take him to Watford General Hospital .
The hospital had recorded its first death connected to the virus that day and spoke to clinicians in Italy about the best way to treat him .
Mr Fitchett was later moved to intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he died on 10 April , with his caused of death given as Covid-19 and multiple organ failure .
Mrs Juniper said : `` It is just devastating that he did not get to meet my son Jack , who was two weeks old when he died , and I could not say goodbye to him . ''
It is thought several students at the London college where Mr Fitchett taught had been abroad during the February half term holiday and he had mentioned some pupils were `` coughing and sneezing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the best they can but failures with the testing capacity are putting pressure on their ability to function and ultimately protect teachers and their pupils , '' Mrs Juniper said .
More than 1,600 families are part of The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK group , which has been campaigning for an inquiry into the government 's handling of the pandemic .
`` The information was out there in early March but the lockdown came too late for so many , '' Mrs Juniper said .
`` When the government finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was just the elderly and vulnerable at risk but that was wrong . ''
The Office for National Statistics recorded at least 126 deaths of education workers involving the virus between 9 March and 25 May in England and Wales for those aged up to 64 , but Mr Fitchett 's death was not included because he was just outside the age bracket .
`` It feels like he 's not even a number in all of this and has just been forgotten about .
How can the government make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listen to our stories ? ''
Mrs Juniper asked .
A government spokesperson said : `` As the Prime Minister has said , in the future there will be an opportunity for us to look back , to reflect and to learn some profound lessons .

The Office for National Statistics recorded at least 126 deaths of education workers involving the virus between 9 March and 25 May in England and Wales for those aged up to 64, but Mr Fitchett's death was not included because he was just outside the age bracket.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--New Covid-19 rules for more parts of North and Midlands

Tighter restrictions will come into force in Lancashire , Merseyside , parts of the Midlands and West Yorkshire after significant @ @ @ @ @ the government has said .
The new rules ban separate households from meeting each other @ @ @ @ @ gardens .
Pubs and restaurants must also shut early in parts of Lancashire and Merseyside @ @ @ @ @ into force from Tuesday .
The government said Lancashire ( excluding Blackpool ) , Merseyside @ @ @ @ @ been escalated to `` areas of intervention '' after a `` major increase '' in @ @ @ @ @ will not be allowed to socialise outside their households in homes and gardens , hospitality @ @ @ @ @ service only and pubs and restaurants will have to shut between 22:00 and 05:00 .
@ @ @ @ @ to use public transport for `` essential purposes '' .
New restrictions are also being @ @ @ @ @ , Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire , and parts of Bradford , Kirklees and Calderdale @

Based on the latest data published by the government on Friday for the week to 15 September, Blackpool, with 48 cases per 100,000 people, has fewer new infections than some parts of the county but is still above places like Lancaster and Ribble Valley, which are at 23 and 30 per 100,000.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Coronavirus: Tighter national rules considered for England by government

New England-wide measures which could see hospitality businesses shut are being considered by the government to slow a surge of coronavirus cases .
A short period of tighter restrictions - lasting a few weeks - could be announced in the next week , BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said .
Schools and most workplaces would be kept open during those weeks .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told the BBC the government is `` prepared to do what it takes '' against Covid-19 .
• UK coronavirus cases up by 3,395 on Thursday • Which areas are under lockdown ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary said there had been an `` acceleration '' in the number of coronavirus cases in the last couple of weeks , and the number of people admitted to hospital with coronavirus was doubling about every eight days .
He stressed it was `` critical '' that people follow social distancing guidelines and local lockdown rules - where they apply - to `` avoid having to take serious further measures '' .
At a meeting on Wednesday night , the government 's chief scientific adviser and medical officer forecast that there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of October if there were no further interventions .
The possible measures being discussed - described by the government as a `` circuit-break '' - include asking some hospitality businesses to close , or limiting the opening hours of some pubs and restaurants nationwide .
No final decisions have yet been reached on the next course of action .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has said it is `` not surprising national restrictions are back on the table '' as the UK 's testing system is `` collapsing '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubling every seven to eight days , with more than 3,300 new cases reported on Thursday .
And having been in single figures for much of the past six weeks , the daily number of deaths of people within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test has risen above 20 for the past three days .
In France and Spain , a rapid surge has seen both countries record more than 10,000 new positive cases a day , more than 20 times higher than the level in June .
Basic maths shows us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , soar .
Around 4,000 infections a day , doubling every eight days , would be 128,000 new daily cases by the end of October .
That is not guaranteed to happen , and a change in our behaviour , the `` rule of six '' or restrictions like those in north-east England could improve the situation .
The point of a national `` circuit-break '' would be to achieve a controlled drop in the levels of coronavirus without needing a full lockdown .
This does two things , obviously it helps avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could overwhelm hospitals .
But it also gives us more options .
Any contact tracing programme or system of local lockdowns is far easier to implement when levels of the virus are low .
The higher the number of cases , the fewer targeted measures the government has to use .
The problem is once the circuit-break is over , cases would begin to rise again and it may take multiple circuit breaks to get us through winter .
It comes as new restrictions have come into force in north-east England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures ban people from meeting other households , and restaurants and pubs will have to shut at 22:00 BST .
An announcement on a possible lockdown in north-west England is expected from the government later on Friday .
The restrictions for Lancashire , but not Blackpool , are expected to include a similar ban on households mixing and a requirement for hospitality businesses to close early .
And it is understood the government has said no to a request by the local council to close bars and pubs in Leeds at 22:00 BST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other measures are planned in the city .
The four nations of the UK are all in charge of their own lockdown restrictions , with Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland implementing slightly different rules to England .
Under the so-called `` circuit break '' , restrictions could be reintroduced in some public spaces nationwide for a period of a few weeks , but schools and workplaces would be kept open .
One of the ideas suggested by the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) is that some parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close .
No 10 is also considering the possibility of limiting the opening hours of pubs and restaurants across the country , as has already happened in some areas .
The health secretary said the government 's current approach was `` targeted interventions '' and stressed `` a national lockdown is the last line of defence '' .
`` The strategy is to keep the virus down as much as is possible whilst protecting education and the economy , '' Mr Hancock added .
`` And throw everything at the science which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spring out of this . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is understood to be deeply reluctant to order another national lockdown , where everyone would be asked to stay at home and businesses to close .
Earlier this week he described the potential impact of a second national lockdown on the economy as `` disastrous '' .
On Thursday morning , Chancellor Rishi Sunak is understood to have presented warnings of the damage to the economy .
Ministers are also concerned about the impact of more restrictions on daily life on those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our answers on the `` rule of six '' • LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if you have one ?
On Friday , parts of north-east England joined other areas across the UK in being under local lockdown rules .
The measures affect Newcastle , Gateshead , Sunderland , Northumberland , South Tyneside , North Tyneside and the County Durham council area .
As well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for pubs and restaurants , people should also only use public transport for essential travel and care homes are closed to visitors .
There are also local lockdown restrictions elsewhere in the UK - including Birmingham , Greater Manchester , Caerphilly , and the Belfast council area .
• A rapid test can accurately diagnose a coronavirus infection within 90 minutes without needing a specialist laboratory , scientists have said • Personal protective equipment will be free for care homes until next March , as part of a government coronavirus plan for NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have continued to increase for the fourth consecutive month , boosted by spending on household goods and DIY , according to official figures • London 's New Year 's Eve firework display will not be taking place this year , Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told LBC • The number of new weekly cases in Europe has exceeded the number reported during the first peak of the pandemic , the head of the World Health Organization in Europe has warned • Figures show nearly two-thirds of adults are now travelling to work again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Mix : The Search sees the multi-award winning group creating bands • HOW CAN I RELAX ?
: Soothe your soul with Mindful Escapes Have you been affected by the issues raised in this article ?
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Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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But it also gives us more options. Any contact tracing programme or system of local lockdowns is far easier to implement when levels of the virus are low. The higher the number of cases, the fewer targeted measures the government has to use.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Bestival death: Ceon Broughton will not face retrial

A man who gave his girlfriend drugs at a music festival and filmed her as she died will not face a retrial after his manslaughter conviction was overturned .
He was released from jail after his manslaughter conviction was quashed at the Court of Appeal last month .
The Crown Prosecution Service said it was `` not taking the matter further '' .
The family of Miss Fletcher-Michie declined to comment , but Mr Michie posted a photo of his daughter on Instagram with the caption : `` Truth stands When the law falls Love is eternal '' .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the festival 's hospital tent in the early hours of 11 September .
On Thursday , Karen Harrold , head of the CPS Appeals and Review Unit , said : `` After careful consideration of the Court of Appeal judgment in the Ceon Broughton case , the CPS is not taking the matter further . ''
She said police and prosecution built the `` strongest case they could '' , including an expert medical witness who said it was significantly likely that with medical intervention , Ms Fletcher-Michie would have survived .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it clear that it must be proven with certainty that it was a lack of medical intervention which was the cause of death , and sadly there is no further evidence available to provide the necessary certainty in this case , '' she said .
`` We have met with the family of Ms Fletcher-Michie to explain this decision in full and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time . ''
`` He has always wished that he could have done more to save her .
`` He loved Louella and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no words will ever be sufficient to convey his sense of responsibility for what happened or to begin to remove the pain that others have been caused . ''

"However, the appeal judgment makes it clear that it must be proven with certainty that it was a lack of medical intervention which was the cause of death, and sadly there is no further evidence available to provide the necessary certainty in this case," she said.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Coronavirus: London's New Year's Eve fireworks cancelled

London 's New Year 's Eve fireworks have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic , the mayor has revealed .
About 100,000 people normally pack the streets around Victoria Embankment for the annual event .
He said they were instead `` working on something people can enjoy in the comfort and safety of their living rooms on TV '' .
More than 12,000 fireworks feature in the display , which is set to music and watched by about 12 million people on TV .
For the past five years , the event has been ticketed due to high demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace the fireworks , Mr Khan said London `` really ca n't lose that slot ... because New Year 's Eve is a really good opportunity for the rest of the world to see how wonderful our city is '' .
He added that it was important to `` continue investing in our city '' to try to attract tourists `` particularly during a recession '' .
A mayoral spokesperson told the BBC that City Hall was `` working up plans to ensure that we usher in the new year in London in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that an announcement would be made `` in due course '' .

Explaining the need for something to replace the fireworks, Mr Khan said London "really can't lose that slot... because New Year's Eve is a really good opportunity for the rest of the world to see how wonderful our city is".


bbcuk--2020-09-18--UK DIY sales soar but clothing stores fall behind

British retail sales have continued to increase for the fourth consecutive month , boosted by spending on household goods and DIY , according to official figures .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said retail sales volumes rose by 0.8 % between July and August .
Sales are now 4 % higher than in March , when a pandemic was declared .
`` Retail sales continued to grow , further surpassing their pre-pandemic level , '' the ONS said .
`` Sales of household goods thrived as the demand for home improvement continued and , despite a dip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Jonathan Athow , deputy national statistician for economic statistics at the ONS .
Spending on household goods was particularly strong in August , with retailers reporting a 9.9 % jump in sales of homeware products compared with the pre-pandemic levels seen in February .
But August 's increase was smaller than the post-lockdown rebound seen in July , when retail sales volumes grew 3.6 % .
Online sales also fell by 2.5 % in August when compared with the previous month .
But the strong growth in the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant that sales were still 46.8 % higher than in February .
Although online retailers might have seen higher numbers of clicks in recent months , many High Street stores are still struggling to attract customers after lockdown measures were eased nationally .
The volume of items sold in clothing shops , for example , still stood 15.9 % below February 's pre-pandemic levels in August .
`` Clothing stores continued to struggle with sales still well below their February level .
Overall , the switch to greater online sales means the High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Athow added .
Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium , said : `` The recovery remains a mixed bag , with high growth in online sales , while city centre shops suffered as a result of low footfall . ''
She added : `` With further lockdowns looming , the government must provide clarity on the impact it will have for shops .
`` Retailers have invested hundreds of millions making stores safe and secure for customers during the pandemic ; this includes perspex screens , social distancing measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , retail remains a safe space for consumers , even under local lockdowns . ''
• John Lewis scraps bonus for first time since 1953 • Lego set to open 120 new stores despite pandemic While August saw some consumers returning to city centres to take advantage of the government 's Eat Out to Help Out scheme , industry figures have suggested those areas might struggle to reach pre-pandemic levels of footfall .
Paint is in , stilettos are out .
They may be our shopping bills , but they 're being carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of England .
For retail sales make up about a quarter of our economy , an important guide to how well or not the recovery is going .
And the level of spending is back above where it was prior to the pandemic .
But it 's not just about how much , but why and what we are spending on .
Is it a case of ca n't or wo n't ?
A drop in sales of clothing might reflect fewer people wanting or being able to browse on the High Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try on before you buy .
If they think we are sitting on funds we can spend , measures like VAT cuts can give us the nudge to get out there and move the economy along .
But less spending on extra treats may also reflect lower incomes or nerves about job prospects .
And that means we may need more support for saving and creating jobs - there are growing hints that we may hear more on that in the Budget At this tricky time , a peek into the nation 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nosy indulgence .
Entrepreneur and ex-Dragons ' Den star Theo Paphitis told the BBC 's Today programme : `` It 's really interesting as you see the confidence in the consumer in travelling outside their house .
Our business outside the metropolitan areas ... is remarkably stronger than it is within .
`` It 's the fact that people lose the confidence to go far outside their normal area of habitat , '' he said .
`` It will never be the same again - I really ca n't see our stores ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did before , because I think the genie 's out of the bottle . ''
Several High Street chains also announced job cuts in August as they battled to shore up their businesses during the pandemic .
Sandwich chain Pret A Manger announced it would cut 3,000 jobs , or more than a third of its workforce , while department store chains Debenhams and M & S said they would be cutting 2,500 and 7,000 jobs .
Lisa Hooker , consumer markets leader at PwC , said that the run-up to Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Retailers will be hoping that the fragile recovery is not derailed by more widespread lockdowns , rising unemployment or dented consumer confidence , '' she said .

A drop in sales of clothing might reflect fewer people wanting or being able to browse on the High Street and put off by the inability to try on before you buy. If they think we are sitting on funds we can spend, measures like VAT cuts can give us the nudge to get out there and move the economy along.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Jo Malone denounces her former brand's John Boyega decision

Jo Malone has criticised the perfume brand bearing her name for their treatment of the actor John Boyega .
Malone is no longer personally associated with the company , having sold it to Estee Lauder in 1999 .
The company , Jo Malone London , apologised after replacing the Star Wars actor in an aftershave advert for the Chinese market .
`` I am so horrified and disgusted about what has been done to John , '' Malone told ITV 's Lorraine on Friday .
`` How dare somebody treat him [ like that ] , and he finds out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They never spoke to him .
That for me is utterly despicable and is disgusting . ''
Jo Malone London re-shot the advert the Star Wars actor made , in his home town of London , for broadcast in China .
While the script for the aftershave commercial - which was originally conceived and directed by the British star - remained largely the same , it saw him replaced by another actor , Liu Haoran .
The original version , entitled London Gent , showed Boyega hanging out with friends and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they were also removed for Chinese audiences .
Boyega stepped down as an ambassador for the company in protest over their decision .
The firm issued an apology to Boyega on Monday , saying : `` We deeply apologise for what , on our end , was a mistake in the local execution of the John Boyega campaign . ''
Jo Malone London reiterated their apology on Thursday , clarifying that the founder has not been involved with her former company since 2006 .
Former owner Malone expressed her dismay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media earlier this week .
Speaking to Lorraine on Friday , she added : `` From a personal level , I feel heartbroken by this and I do n't know where to turn . ''
`` This has gone global and my name has been associated , '' she went on .
`` It 's been done in my name but also people think it 's me . ''
`` If I 'd have been standing in those shoes I promise you John this would n't have happened .
Malone added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just promote something - he brought his creativity [ to the advert ] . ''
She said Boyega `` brought his life story to people and to that brand and how dare somebody treat him [ like that ] and he finds out he 's been replaced on social media .
That 's the bit that really gets to me . ''
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bbcuk--2020-09-18--Passengers stuck on plane wing during evacuation

Passengers were stuck on the wing of a plane during an emergency evacuation at Exeter airport , a report has found .
Crew on the Flybe flight to Alicante on 28 February 2019 reported smoke filling the cabin and cockpit during take-off .
Some then re-entered the plane to find an alternative escape route , creating a `` bottle-neck '' in the cabin .
One hundred passengers and five crew members were on-board when a pilot noticed the smoke .
Some passengers who tried to leave via overwing emergency exits were `` unsure '' of what to do once outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposed to climb down , the report said .
The report said flaps on the wings which would have reduced the drop to the ground - which was more than 2m - were not fully deployed due to the speed the aircraft 's engines were shut down .
This meant many were `` reluctant to jump or slide off the wing '' and some re-entered the cabin in order to get to the escape slides .
Andy Feaver , who was at the front of the plane and exited via a slide , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Imagine if there was a fire in there , obviously you are going to jump but I think you would have broken your legs because it was so high . ''
The report found the fumes were caused by cleaning chemicals left after overnight maintenance to the engine .
An internal investigation by Flybe , which went into administration in March , identified `` a lack of specific training or assisting documentation '' for engineers completing the task .


bbcuk--2020-09-18--CCTV released of man wanted for NHS worker mask attack

Police are searching for a man who put an NHS worker in hospital after attacking him on a London bus .
CCTV footage shows a man punching the 63-year-old victim to the floor before stamping on his head on the 149 service near Seven Sisters station .
The victim was knocked unconscious and has no memory of the attack at about 21:45 BST on 23 August .
Police believe the assault began when the victim avoided the attacker , who did not have his face covered .
The victim works on the coronavirus track and trace system for the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowman said : `` We believe that this was all triggered by face masks .
`` We think that the attacker , who had his face covering beneath his chin , took offence when the victim , who was fully covered , consciously moved away from him .
`` When the attacker then follows the victim to the back of the bus , he can be seen pointing and gesturing at the victim 's face mask before he starts repeatedly punching and kicking him .
`` This was a totally unwarranted violent assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this man . ''
The attacker is described as a tall black man , aged approximately 23-25 years old , with an athletic build .

"When the attacker then follows the victim to the back of the bus, he can be seen pointing and gesturing at the victim's face mask before he starts repeatedly punching and kicking him.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Coronavirus: Van Morrison lockdown protest songs 'dangerous'

Northern Ireland 's health minister has described three new songs by Sir Van Morrison that protest against coronavirus lockdowns as `` dangerous '' .
In the lyrics , Sir Van claims scientists are `` making up crooked facts '' to justify measures that `` enslave '' the population .
`` The new normal , is not normal , '' he sings .
`` We were born to be free '' .
Health Minister Robin Swann said if Sir Van had scientific facts he should present them .
Mr Swann said : `` I do n't know where he gets his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on this , but I will say that sort of messaging is dangerous .
`` Our messaging is about saving lives .
`` If Van wanted to sing a song about saving lives , then that would be more in keeping with where we are at the minute . ''
He added : `` If Van Morrison has counter-scientific facts that he 's prepared to stand over , and have that debate with the chief scientific adviser , then I think that 's how he should do it . ''
Mr Swann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face tighter restrictions if new cases of Covid-19 continue to rise .
• Coronavirus : Six months of heartbreak and loss Sir Van recorded the three songs recently in Belfast and England .
No More Lockdown is the most strident of the three tracks .
`` No more lockdown / No more government overreach , '' the musician sings in the chorus .
`` No more fascist bullies / Disturbing our peace .
`` No more taking of our freedom / And our God given rights / Pretending it 's for our safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sir Van has previously caused controversy by denouncing what he called the `` pseudoscience '' around coronavirus .
Launching a campaign to `` save live music '' on his website last month , the 75-year-old said socially-distanced gigs were not economically viable .
`` I call on my fellow singers , musicians , writers , producers , promoters and others in the industry to fight with me on this .
Come forward , stand up , fight the pseudo-science and speak up . ''
Sir Van said his new songs would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first , Born To Be Free , arriving on 25 September .
In a statement announcing the songs , the musician said : `` I 'm not telling people what to do or think , the government is doing a great job of that already .
`` It 's about freedom of choice , I believe people should have the right to think for themselves . ''
However , Mr Swann urged people to `` listen to the health advice coming from the professionals - the chief medical officer and the chief scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who see the dangers .
`` I know whose message I would rather listen to , that 's the message of the professional , Dr Michael McBride and Professor Ian Young . ''

"It's a debate which has been going on for a long, long time, that we do ask the kind of questions that he has asked in these songs - how much of our freedom do we give to the government and how much should the government rely on us to use our common sense?"


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Britons reminded over post-Brexit travel

The government is launching a new initiative to help UK travellers heading to the EU after the Brexit transition period ends in December .
Anyone booking a European trip for 2021 will be urged to check a dedicated web page beforehand .
From January , the UK will no longer be following EU rules and travellers may need to take extra measures .
These may include having health insurance or an international drivers licence .
Crucially , it warns people that they may be unable to travel unless their passports are valid for at least another six months from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be less than 10 years old .
The campaign will also include advertising in online and print publications , as well as on social media .
The advice says people may need to buy health insurance as European Health Insurance Cards - which used to guarantee UK travellers free or reduced-cost healthcare during a temporary stay across the EU , Norway and Switzerland - will no longer be valid .
Some countries may not recognise UK driving licences so travellers who want to drive will need to apply for an international driving permit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take pets into the EU will take four months to complete , and UK phone users will no longer enjoy automatic toll-free data roaming .
The information will be available on a page of the government website .
• Brexit and holidays : What do I need to know ?
• Everything you need to know about Brexit • What will happen to pet passports after Brexit ?
Wendy Morton , the minister for the European neighbourhood , said the campaign would help travellers `` by bringing together all the information they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can plan in advance and get on with their trip . ''
Figures from the ONS show that UK residents made 67m visits to EU countries in 2019 .
Mark Tanzer , chief executive of the travel industry body Abta , said : `` Europe is home to some of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers .
`` Many people will be making plans for travelling to Europe next year , so Abta and its members are keen to work with the UK government to make customers aware of any changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Wendy Morton, the minister for the European neighbourhood, said the campaign would help travellers "by bringing together all the information they need to know in one place so they can plan in advance and get on with their trip."


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Puppy prices soar during coronavirus lockdown

The price of puppies has more than doubled during lockdown with dogs costing almost £1,900 on average .
Popular breeds have seen even sharper price increases , and puppies are often selling for £3,000 or more , according to a leading online marketplace .
Animal welfare charities have warned high prices could encourage `` puppy farming '' , smuggling or dog theft .
They are also concerned that it could lead to a dog welfare crisis as people return to work away from the home .
Interest in getting a pet rose hugely after lockdown in late March , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their prices .
Figures from the Pets4Homes website , based on about 150,000 adverts , showed the average price being asked from March to September was £1,883 .
During the same period last year the average price was £888 .
Cocker spaniels saw the highest year-on-year inflation ( 184 % ) followed by Jack Russells ( 180 % ) , cockapoos ( 168 % ) and border collies ( 163 % ) .
Cavapoos - a cavalier spaniel and poodle crossbreed - now cost about £2,800 on average while English or American bulldogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,600 dogs on the website are currently priced in excess of £3,000 .
'She wanted to send me the puppy by courier' Since leaving her parents ' home a year ago Joanna Birrell has been desperately missing Poppy and Mila , the two Eurasier dogs she grew up with .
Joanna is now living in Elderslie in Renfrewshire , where she works from home .
As she is unlikely to return to the office any time soon , she thought now would be a good time to get a puppy .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I moved out - Mila , Poppy and me were like sisters , '' she said .
`` I 'm always in the house so it would be a chance to get out with the dog .
I need a reason to get out . ''
Nine years ago when her parents bought Mila they paid about £500 .
Three years later Poppy cost them £1,000 .
When Joanna started looking for puppies the prices came as a shock .
`` All the prices are £2,000 to £3,000 - or more , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered to sell her a puppy for £3,500 but Joanna soon became suspicious .
`` She was n't a registered breeder - it turned out to be a puppy farm , '' she said .
`` She would n't let me travel down to see the dog .
She wanted to send it to me by courier - so alarm bells started ringing . ''
Joanna has now found a recommended breeder willing to reserve her a pup from a future litter .
She has agreed to pay about £2,000 .
Lee Gibson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and June visits to the website peaked at 20 million a month - double last year 's figure .
He said : `` I think people had more time at home - and with their children .
They knew they could put the time and effort into training a dog .
And secondly , there was a need for companionships .
For many people lockdown has been a lonely time . ''
The website acts as an online marketplace , with the dog breeders themselves determining what prices to charge .
`` During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in the numbers of puppies available - so it 's simply the economics of supply and demand , '' he said .
Claire Calder , from the Dogs Trust rescue charity , said lockdown had created a `` perfect storm '' for puppy sales with many people thinking this is the ideal time to take on a pet - but she 's worried about the future .
`` We 're expecting a dog welfare crisis further down the line - an increase in abandonment as people go back to work , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also means that some people may find they ca n't afford to look after a dog . ''
Another danger is that high prices will further encourage the illegal importation of puppies or heavily pregnant dogs from smuggling hotspots in eastern or central Europe .
Even at the height of lockdown , she says it was `` business as usual '' for puppy smugglers - with dozens of rescued pups coming into the charity 's care .
Six puppies found in the back of a van which arrived in Dover from Romania had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in oil .
Smuggled puppies are often in poor health or poorly socialised because of their early life experiences .
Many dogs advertised for sale are not what they seem - the Dogs Trust calls this `` dogfishing '' and offers this advice : • Always see puppy and their mum together at their home and make sure to visit more than once , even if it is via video call due to coronavirus restrictions .
• Never pay a deposit up-front without seeing the puppy in person .
• Ask lots of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital paperwork , such as a puppy contract - which gives lots of information about their parents , breed , health , diet , the puppy 's experiences and more .
• If you have any doubts or feel pressured to buy , as hard as it may be , walk away and report the seller to Trading Standards .
Mike Flynn , from the Scottish SPCA animal charity , foresees another problem as new dog owners return to work .
`` Many of these puppies will have grown up with people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Then all of sudden that comes to an end and dogs become bored or anxious because they 're used to people being there .
`` Canine behaviourists are going to be in for a busy time . ''
The coronavirus restrictions disrupted the charity 's rehoming services - but that is now back up and running and he 's hoping would-be dog owners will consider taking on an adult dog .
`` Every dog we rehome is vet-checked - you know you 're going to get a healthy animal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , often through no fault of their own , perhaps because their owner is unable to look after them anymore . ''
The latest data suggests interest in owning a dog is starting to plateau with website traffic returning to more normal levels .
Whether puppy prices return to pre-lockdown levels remains to be seen .

He said: "I think people had more time at home - and with their children. They knew they could put the time and effort into training a dog. And secondly, there was a need for companionships. For many people lockdown has been a lonely time."


bbcuk--2020-09-15--Coronavirus: Testing problems leaving families in limbo

Schools are back , businesses are reopening and winter bugs are starting to spread - meaning more and more people are asking for a coronavirus test .
Three families explain how the testing problems are affecting them .
Maria Aziz , from west London , has been trying to book a test since Sunday , when her nine-year-old daughter , Mishal , complained of a sore throat .
By 04:00 Monday , her daughter had developed a fever .
`` I had been trying all of Sunday to try and get a test .
I must have tried between seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC .
`` And then yesterday I probably tried about four times at various intervals across the day , starting early in the morning and ending late at night . ''
After again trying and failing to book a test today , she said she 's frustrated .
Her eldest daughter , Eimann , 14 , has also had to be withdrawn from school while she tries to book a test for her younger daughter .
• Who should get tested and how do I get one ?
• What are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to drive 100 miles to get a test , I 'd rather get her tested than not have a test , '' she said .
`` If she has it , then that 's fine .
We will know we need to continue self-isolating .
But if she does n't then it 's unfair on my older daughter .
She 's missed enough school already .
`` I 'm trying through the government website and then yesterday there was also a number on the website to call - 119 - so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were no tests available .
No home kits .
No walk-in slots .
No drive-through slots .
Nothing .
`` It 's very frustrating .
They 've just about managed a week of school before they 've had to be off again .
It would be good to know one way or the other . ''
'We 'll have to close our cafe' Scott Vining 's daughter fell ill with a temperature on Saturday .
By Sunday , the rest of the family , who live near Dunstable , in Bedfordshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've tried hundreds of times , '' he told the BBC about trying to book a test .
`` We started to try and book tests for my daughter on Sunday , to no avail , and then we started at 08:00 on Monday morning for us all . ''
At one point Scott was offered a test in Warwickshire , 65 miles away from his home , through the government website .
But by the time he 'd entered the details of his family , the spaces had disappeared .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` When you 're doing it for a family of four , either no tests were available at all or after a while it kept taking you right back to the start to put all your details in again .
• Testing problems will be resolved 'in weeks ' - Hancock '' In the end , I just put my wife 's details in because she 's the most important one to get back to work . ''
Scott managed to secure a test for his wife today in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book tests for himself and his children at a separate testing centre , in Bedford .
`` Both the walk-in centre in Luton and the drive-in car park in Bedford were empty , '' he said .
`` The walk-in centre had at least 12 available test booths with only three people there .
The drive-in had space for maybe 30 cars .
There was only one other car there . ''
If it happens again , however , the small cafe the family runs may have to close .
The business only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd-funding drive and a grant .
`` We 've only got my wife and another member of staff there .
She would n't be able to run it on her own so we would have to shut , '' he said .
`` Inevitably , kids are going to come home from school with sniffles and colds .
We have to shut our business because of that , '' he said .
`` So it 's not really worth sending the kids in if this going to happen again .
We have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should get a test ?
• The government says anyone can get a test if they have coronavirus symptoms - namely a high temperature , a new or continuous cough , and/or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste • You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have these symptoms • But you should not get a test or ask for tests for people you live with who do not have Covid-19 symptoms • If you have symptoms or test positive , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 days • Other members of your household , including those who do not have any symptoms , should then also stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days For larger families , it 's not just testing availability that can be an issue .
`` It 's an absolute nightmare trying to navigate the website as a family of eight , '' Christina Fox , from Stockton on Tees , said .
The family was advised to book a test after phoning 111 when Christina 's seven-year-old daughter developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After trying for seven hours on Sunday , they had managed to secure three tests - for her seven-year-old , whose symptoms were worst , for another daughter who works for NHS 111 and could n't return before testing negative , and for herself .
`` We had the app open on my phone , my daughter 's phone and on the computer , '' Ms Fox said .
`` It really is like a pot of gold .
You have to be there at the right time , the right second , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Despite those test results coming back negative , other family members have now developed symptoms , so they have had to continue to isolate .
`` We managed to get two more tests this morning , '' Christina said .
`` Because my 12-year-old goes to a different school to the younger kids , when I rang this morning they indicated that I should really be getting her tested .
`` It 's just ridiculous .
If they want kids back at school and college and they want the economy to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provisions for proper testing . ''
A government spokesperson said it was `` processing more than a million tests a week and we recently announced new facilities and technology to process results even faster .
`` If you do not have symptoms and are not eligible to get a test you can continue to protect yourself if you wash your hands , wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules . ''
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : We answer your queries • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are there ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?

"Even if I have to drive 100 miles to get a test, I'd rather get her tested than not have a test," she said. "If she has it, then that's fine. We will know we need to continue self-isolating. But if she doesn't then it's unfair on my older daughter. She's missed enough school already.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Covid rules: Which areas are under new coronavirus restrictions?

Coronavirus restrictions have been tightened in parts of north-east England , including Sunderland and Newcastle .
They are the latest areas to see extra measures put in place as cases increase .
How many people are under extra restrictions ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that a second national lockdown would be likely to have `` disastrous '' financial consequences for the UK , However , across the UK , almost 10 million people are currently facing some form of additional restrictions .
That 's roughly one in seven people in the country .
• 7.1 million people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population • At least 411,000 people in Northern Ireland ( 22 % ) In England , all of the restrictions are in the North or the Midlands .
Currently , a third of people in the North are facing restrictions .
• Pub curfews and restrictions on people mixing have been introduced in Northumberland , Newcastle , Sunderland , North and South Tyneside , Gateshead and County Durham • People in Rhondda Cynon Taf should not leave the area without a reasonable excuse like going to work or school ; pubs and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not meet other households indoors • Households in Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell are not allowed to mix • People living in Lanarkshire are not allowed to meet other households indoors • People in Ballymena town , the Belfast council area and certain Northern Irish postcodes are not allowed to go to each other 's homes • People in Caerphilly county are being told not to leave without good reason and should not meet indoors with anyone outside their household • In parts of Greater Manchester , West Yorkshire and Lancashire people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household , or support bubble , in an indoor venue • People in Oldham , Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle should not meet anyone from outside their household outdoors • In Bolton , there are visitor limits on care homes , while hospitality venues will only be able to serve takeaways and must close between 22:00 and 05:00 • In Leicester , people can not meet someone from another household in an indoor public venue .
However , they can meet other households outside • People living in Glasgow city , East Renfrewshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dunbartonshire , North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire are banned from meeting people from another household inside their home You can find out online which places in England , Scotland and Wales have imposed extra restrictions .
When are new restrictions introduced in an area ?
There is no set level of infection that triggers this in a particular place , but if it posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people , it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered .
As of 16 September , Sunderland 's rate was 82.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 93.4 , Gateshead 's was 81.7 and Newcastle 's was 64.1 .
The number of infections is not the only factor considered .
For example , cases in Northampton jumped to 125 per 100,000 in August .
But as the rise was almost entirely down to workers at a local factory no restrictions were introduced .
Local decision-makers have a framework they can use to decide whether their area should be placed under extra restrictions to protect the public.. How long do local or regional restrictions last ?
The situations are regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falls , restrictions start to be eased again .
For instance , restrictions in Aberdeen were introduced in August but later lifted .
How are these rules enforced ?
Local authorities in England have powers to : • Close specific premises ( such as shops , cafes and gyms ) • Shut outdoor spaces ( such as parks , playgrounds and beaches ) • Cancel events ( such as concerts , weddings and sporting events ) • Close sectors or types of premises in local areas • Restrict the use of transport • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What warnings are given before this happens ?
Public Health England publishes a weekly list of areas where rising infection rates are becoming worrying .
It separates them into `` areas of concern '' , `` areas of enhanced support '' and `` areas of intervention '' .
Police have powers to make sure people stick to the restrictions .
For example , if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight , they can tell them to return home .
They can also fine people for breaking the rules , and may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somebody not to do something .
But if a resident from a locked-down area wants to go to a bar in another part of the city , for example , there is nothing legally to stop them .
Instead , the government hopes people 's sense of civic responsibility will see them follow guidance to stay at home .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How many cases in your area ?

Find out how the pandemic has affected your area and how it compares with the national average by following this link to an in depth guide to the numbers involved.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Lockdown 'sexting' blackmail concerns for young people sharing images

`` He 's threatened to share those pictures with my friends unless I send him more . ''
Mia , 13 , was duped into sending sexual photographs to someone she met online , who she has now found out is an adult posing as someone else .
Charities including the NSPCC and Meic - a helpline for younger people in Wales - are concerned more young people are sharing naked images of themselves .
They both said staff have seen an increase since lockdown .
`` Many young people want to send them because it has been normalised in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sabiha Azad , who works on Meic 's helpline for children and young people .
`` Young people are at home alone and wanting intimacy and do n't know how to explore it healthily , so they 're being pressured into sending things , '' she said .
`` You can even get girls sending pictures on to their friends first to check if they look OK , or boys sharing the photos they get sent with others to compare them . ''
The charities believe a significant increase in the time teenagers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-to-face interaction has added to the pressure .
Ms Azad added : `` Speaking about the consequences is so important because this is the time that they can be exploited . ''
The charities said most cases were believed to involve 14 to 16-year-olds , with a lot of people cropping out their heads from photographs .
However , Ms Azad said they often forget about other identifiable markers such as wallpaper , birth marks or piercings .
Being pressured to send nudes is a sign of a controlling relationship and , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Azad believes many risks to younger people - such as being blackmailed and threatened - have been overlooked .
`` I think there 's a danger of forgetting young people , especially during the pandemic , '' she added .
`` I think that girls definitely see the repercussions of sending nudes more , they 're much more likely to be referred to specialist services for support .
One person developed an eating disorder following her image being shared because of the negative comments people made .
`` It 's a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be shared to your family members .
It often goes through schools , so everyone in that year group will probably see it , if not more . ''
Mia ( not her real name ) contacted ChildLine after she met her blackmailer on Instagram and developed an online relationship with him .
`` He convinced me to send pictures of myself which were sexual , '' she said .
`` Now he 's threatened to share those pictures with my friends unless I send him more . ''
Mia said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case she got into trouble .
Another victim , Chloe ( not her real name ) , 14 , met `` a good-looking boy '' on a teenage dating app who made her feel special while she was having a tough time at home .
When he started asking for nude photos , she said she `` agreed as a joke to talk dirty instead '' .
But when she became uncomfortable , she blocked him , only for him to get in touch on another app , threatening to publish her profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I feel so guilty and disgusted for leading him on , '' she said .
`` He made me feel special when no-one else did .
`` I do n't want anyone to find out , after all most of it was my fault .
I do n't know what to do and I feel so guilty . ''
It is illegal for under-18s to send or receive nudes , with NSPCC Cymru 's Lucy O'Callaghan saying prevention was vital to tackle the issue .
`` Once a young person has sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their control , '' she said .
`` Whilst they 're in a relationship , their boyfriend or girlfriend might promise not to send the image onwards , but sometimes when that relationship breaks down the other young person can share it and that might lead to it being shared again and again .
`` Then that can lead to bullying from from other young people .
Sometimes when young people send one image , they can experience blackmail to send further images .
So they can find themselves in a sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She urged young people to seek support from an adult .
• Children and young people can speak with a ChildLine counsellor online or on the phone between 09:00 and midnight on 0800 11 11 • You can also contact Meic in an online chat , call them on 080880 23456 or text 84001 between 08:00 and midnight


bbcuk--2020-09-18--How stolen Hindu idols were discovered in UK

Three bronze sculptures stolen from a southern Indian temple more than 40 years ago were found in the UK , and returned to Indian government officials this week .
Yogita Limaye reports on how the idols were discovered .
The bronze sculptures represent some of Hinduism 's most revered deities - Lord Ram , his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman , all part of the same set of idols .
They belong to a 15th Century temple built during the Vijayanagara empire , located in Anandamangalam village in Tamil Nadu state , and were stolen in 1978 .
Vijayanagara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading centres in the world .
It 's taken years of work by a group of art enthusiasts , investigations by police teams in two countries , and efforts from Indian diplomats in the UK , to help bring them back .
Four years ago , a photograph of one of the sculptures was spotted on the website of the British Antique Dealers ' Association by a member of India Pride Project , which works to bring stolen idols back to India .
S Vijaykumar , who co-founded the project , says : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bronze , but could not work out if it was an idol of Lord Ram or Lakshman , as there are subtle differences in the posture [ of the deities ] . ''
The group knew there were some historic temples in southern India that had similar sets of idols , with the sculpture of Lakshman missing .
So , they set out to try and see if the photographed sculpture matched such a set .
`` We got leads [ which took us ] to districts and temples with similar styles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any firm matches for three years , '' says Mr Vijaykumar .
Then , last year , one of the group 's volunteers in London , while looking for Indian antiques on sale , found a grainy photo of a similar looking bronze , but with a different crown .
That 's when it struck them , that they might be looking at a case where the whole set of idols was stolen .
In September 2019 , Indian officials passed on the information to the Metropolitan Police to ensure the idols were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered .
Locals confirmed that sculptures from the temple had indeed been stolen .
But for hard evidence , the team had to search through hand written records in stacks of files stored at the local police station .
They also found judicial records which showed that three men had been convicted for this theft , and other similar crimes , in 1988 .
Sources in the Tamil Nadu police have told the BBC they were given a prison sentence of nine months , and the main accused had said he sold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Metropolitan Police , once the dealer was satisfied that the sculpture was a match , he voluntarily offered to return it .
According to the High Commission of India in the UK , the idols will be repatriated within the next few days .

"To me, they are priceless. They were never meant to be objects of art. They are meant to be worshipped. It's important for collectors and dealers to recognise that these sacred bronzes have been stolen from temples which continue to exist," says Mr Vijaykumar.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--How photographers track down stolen pictures

Sean Heavey recognised his photo the moment he saw it on Stranger Things .
“ God , that storm looks familiar , ” he said , as he and his son watched the hit Netflix show .
When he watched a documentary about the making of the series , he became certain .
“ They saved it off of Google , added a foreground to it and used it as a piece of concept art , ” Mr Heavey says .
No-one else had photographed this supercell thunderstorm ; no other cars drove down the road that day , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He called the four panoramic shots he had stitched together The Mothership .
“ I should have got credit and paid for it , ” says Mr Heavey .
He tried to contact Netflix , but the company told him , “ You ca n't copyright Mother Nature.
” His case stalled .
Chasing storms is no hobby for Mr Heavey .
Getting that perfect shot costs him thousands of dollars in petrol every year .
He braves “ golf ball-sized hail ” , winds raging over 100mph and rescues stranded people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks were read by executives at Pixsy , a firm that helps photographers fight copyright infringement .
They contacted Mr Heavey and , eager for the help , he agreed to work with them .
Pixsy appointed Mr Heavey a lawyer , David Deal , and together they found six more occasions where Netflix used The Mothership .
Netflix settled the lawsuit in December 2018 , according to records seen by the BBC .
The company did not respond to a request for comment .
In the UK , if convicted in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could face six months in jail or a fine of up to £50,000 .
Conviction in a Crown Court could carry a penalty of 10 years in jail and/or an unlimited fine .
In the United States , fines can reach $ 150,000 ( £115,000 ) every time a picture is used the wrong way .
When a case is successful , firms like Pixsy collect 50 % of the settlement or award at court .
“ They all settle , ” says Mr Deal , of copyright cases .
He says this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• When changing a light bulb is a really big deal • Why are there so few black tech entrepreneurs ?
Pixsy is one of a handful of companies that has developed image look-up technology to monitor and pursue copyright infringement on behalf of photographers .
Its service incorporates artificial intelligence that has been trained to match an artist 's work with instances on the web .
It can also identify alterations including crops , re-colouring and layers added or removed .
The moment a picture is taken , as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is protected by intellectual property laws .
More than 2.5 billion images are stolen daily , according to a 2019 study by Copytrack , a copyright search and enforcement firm .
Many of these are found using a technology called reverse image look-up .
This works like Bing or Google , but rather than using words to find related information , the search matches pictures .
Some of the free image search engines , like TinEye and Google , will also verify when and where a picture was taken and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use this same technology but will also hire a lawyer and cover the costs of filing a lawsuit .
Pixsy is close to filing its 100,000th illegal case of copyright infringement in five years .
It currently monitors close to 100 million images .
“ Keeping on top of all of this is impossible for any individual .
For us , we see this as a very big problem for photo owners and photo creators , ” says Kain Jones , the chief executive of Pixsy .
He argues that licence fees are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographers .
“ That 's where we come in , where we 're happy to be the bad guy , ” Mr Jones says .
However , Chip Stewart , a media law professor at Texas Christian University in the US , says that because so many of these cases settle out of court , the system is ripe for abuse .
Recently , a student of his used an image from a Creative Commons website for the school newspaper .
Though she did not have to pay a licence fee , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the photo , to credit the photographer or add a link to his website .
Through Pixsy , the photographer found the student and issued her a letter asking for a $ 750 licence fee .
“ The 20-year-old student was pretty terrified getting a demand letter and she said , ' I thought we did everything right . '
And I said , ' I can tell you right now that you did n't , but it 's an easy mistake to make . '
'' A search through public records revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 similar cases that year .
They negotiated him down and agreed to pay a fee of $ 500 .
Fighting over such a small fee in court would cost a fortune .
“ It is not worth two years and tens of thousands of dollars of litigation on the off-chance we might win .
And if you lose , you might pay the lawyer fees .
That 's what these copyright troll firms realise - is that the system is so heavily weighted in favour of copyright owners , ” says Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` One of our key criteria [ for Pixsy to work on the case ] is that it is a commercial usage of the photo .
In your example of the private university , they are a revenue-generating organisation and are not exempt from copyright law .
A case would be with the university itself and not an individual student . ''
Some actors have given those who pursue copyright claims a bad reputation .
One particularly prolific lawyer , Richard Liebowitz , has been dubbed a `` copyright troll '' , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District of New York since 2017 .
As well as the sheer number of cases he 's filed , his behaviour has not endeared him to the courts and a judge recently fined him $ 103,500 for misconduct , which included `` repeated violations of court orders and outright dishonesty , sometimes under oath '' .
Joe Naylor is the chief executive of ImageRights International , another company like Pixsy that uses technology to help photographers pursue copyright infringement .
He says lawyers like Liebowitz are bad for the industry .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holders who are trying to protect their rights , ” says Mr Naylor .
Pursuing licence fees must always be the photographer ’ s choice .
However , Mr Naylor says his company does not recommend photographers go after non-profit blogs or student newspapers .
While he understands this happens , he says ImageRights International is more interested in defending professional photographers like Sean Heavey .
“ There 's literally no word that can be spoken to me that makes me more angry than photographers being called trolls for trying to pursue their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instances of The Mothership used without permission .
If people credit the picture he “ lets it slide ” , especially if there is no profit involved .
Recently he found a lady who was selling prints of the photo claiming it was her picture .
Another Instagram influencer often claims The Mothership is his .
He says : “ Being able to stand up and know your rights - it 's good , because it keeps food on the table for my family .
”

In response Pixsy said: "One of our key criteria [for Pixsy to work on the case] is that it is a commercial usage of the photo. In your example of the private university, they are a revenue-generating organisation and are not exempt from copyright law. A case would be with the university itself and not an individual student."