Hidden Camera Pen Catches Thief Red-Handed

A carer has been jailed after a surveillance camera hidden in a pen caught her stealing thousands of pounds from an elderly couple.

Lisa Mitchell, 38, helped herself to £35,000 in cash over four years when she worked for 81-year-old Sheila Read, who had dementia, at their home in Dereham, Norfolk.

But the couple's son, Allan Read, suspected money was disappearing so he set up the secret CCTV camera in the pen and strategically placed it in an office in the house, Norfolk Police said.

Mitchell was filmed on two occasions in the office, which she had no reason to be in.

Mitchell was sentenced to 18 months' jail

The footage showed her going through a desk and the elderly man's wallet.

Allan Read had made a note of serial numbers on the bank notes, which police used along with the images to prove the offence.

Mitchell, of Masefield Mews, Dereham, pleaded guilty to theft and was jailed for 18 months at Norwich Crown Court.

Detective Constable Gemma Weeks said Mitchell used the stolen cash to buy jewellery and designer handbags.

"Over four years Lisa Mitchell took advantage of an elderly couple whom she was trusted to care for," she said.

"She thought nothing of helping herself to their personal money and cash from their family business, which she spent on jewellery and designer handbags.

"Even when presented with CCTV evidence, Mitchell denied stealing from this vulnerable couple, and could not account for living beyond her means.

"Over and above the financial impact of her crime is the emotional one, particularly when it appeared that Mitchell was searching for money instead of caring for the elderly lady."

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Balls Commits To Balancing The Nation's Books

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls is promising to balance the nation's books, run a budget surplus and cut the national debt if Labour win power.

In a speech to the Fabian Society Annual Conference today, Mr Balls will make a raft of commitments on the economy and public finances.

New laws introducing tough fiscal rules would be introduced during the party's first year in power and rolling five-year targets scrapped under Labour's plans.

The party is seeking to regain ground on the economy by demonstrating its fiscal discipline following growth forecasts that are favourable for the coalition Government.

The move echoes Chancellor George Osborne's plans to lock in deficit-reduction plans until the end of the next parliament.

Mr Balls accuses George Osborne of flatlining the economy

But Labour insists the timescale for its commitment is dependent on the state of the economy after the election.

Mr Balls will say: "I am today announcing a binding fiscal commitment.

"The next Labour government will balance the books and deliver a surplus on the current budget and falling national debt in the next Parliament. 

"So my message to my party and the country is this: where this government has failed, we will finish the job.

"We will abolish the discredited idea of rolling five year targets and legislate for our tough fiscal rules within 12 months of the general election.

"We will get the current budget into surplus as soon as possible in the next Parliament. How fast we can go will depend on the state of the economy and public finances we inherit."

Mr Balls' bid to bolster Labour's economic position will see him repeat his claim that coalition austerity has flatlined the economy and spurred the cost of living crisis.

Mr Balls will say: "Tory claims their plan is working are not going to wash with working people who are seeing their living standards falling and for whom this is no recovery at all.

"Because the current cost-of-living crisis is not just about people on tax credits, zero-hours contracts and the minimum wage. It's also about millions of middle-class families who never thought that life would be such a struggle."

Andrew Harrop, general secretary of the Fabian Society, said: "Labour needs to prove it has cast-iron plans to reduce the national debt when it returns to power. But the top priority for sustainable economic growth is investment.

"Ed Balls needs to show that his fiscal plans will not prevent Labour spending for the future."

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UK's 20 Worst Burglary Hotspots Are Revealed

Full List Of The UK's Burglary Hotspots

Updated: 1:04am UK, Friday 24 January 2014

Here are the top 20 burglary hotspots by postcode in the UK, according to the number of previous claims made per thousand people:

1. M21 - Chorlton-cum-Hardy; Barlow Moor, Manchester, 45.2

2. SE24 - Herne Hill; Tulse Hill (part), London, 41.8

3. N10 - Muswell Hill, London, 40.9

4. RM8 - Dagenham; Becontree; Becontree Heath, London, 35.9

5. N2 - East Finchley; Fortis Green; Hampstead Garden Suburb (part), London, 34.5

6. L18 - Allerton; Mossley Hill, Liverpool, 33.3

7. L22 - Waterloo, Liverpool, 32.6

8. N18 - Upper Edmonton; Edmonton (part), London, 32.3

9. UB6 - Greenford; Perivale, London, 30.9

10. SE27 - West Norwood; Gipsy Hill (part), London, 30.5

11. B73 - Boldmere; New Oscott; Wylde Green, Birmingham, 29.5

12. E8 - Hackney Central; Dalston; London Fields, London, 29.4

13. DN2 - Intake; Wheatley; Wheatley Hills, Doncaster, 28.7

14. N20 - Whetstone; Totteridge; Oakleigh Park, London, 28.0

15. E9 - Homerton; Hackney Wick; South Hackney; Hackney Marshes; Victoria Park, London, 27.8

16. N11 - New Southgate; Friern Barnet; Bounds Green; Arnos Grove (part), London, 27.7

17. N16 - Stoke Newington; Stamford Hill (part); Shacklewell; Dalston (part); Newington Green (part), London, 27.7

18. LS16 - Adel, Bramhope; Cookridge; Eccup; Far Headingley; Holt Park; Ireland Wood; Lawnswood; Moor Grange; Tinshill; Weetwood; West Park, Leeds, 27.6

19. B24 - Erdington; Tyburn, Birmingham, 27.6

20. HP10 - High Wycombe; Flackwell Heath; Handy Cross; Hedsor; Loudwater; Penn; Tylers Green; Wooburn; Wooburn Green; Wooburn Moor, Buckinghamshire, 27.3

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Older Cancer Patients Are Being 'Written Off'

Some patients with cancer are being denied treatment because they are too old, according to charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Elderly patients are being "written off" for treatment after being assessed on age rather than fitness, claimed the charity.

The claim comes despite research showing tens of thousands of pensioners have survived the disease for 10 years or more.

"It's wrong to write off older people as too old for treatment," said Macmillan chief executive Ciaran Devane.

Some 130,000 patients over 65 survived at least 10 years with the disease

"With a proper assessment and appropriate treatment, our research shows that many older cancer patients can live for a long time and can even be cured.

"While it's good news that so many older people are benefiting from treatment, many thousands more could live longer if our survival rates for over-65s matched those in comparable countries.

"The barriers to getting treatment - which include age discrimination and inadequate assessment methods - must be tackled now so older people can survive cancer and live for many years."

For cancers such as prostate, breast, lung, stomach, ovary and kidney, the UK and Ireland have a lower five-year survival rate than the rest of Europe, a spokesman said.

At least 130,000 patients in the UK have survived for at least 10 years after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 65 or above, including more than 8,000 patients diagnosed at age 80 or over.

Dr Mark Porter, chairman of council at the British Medical Association, said: "It is important that all healthcare professionals ensure that patients are treated on the basis of their clinical need.

"With an increasingly ageing population, it should be a key part of medical professionalism to guarantee that older patients are treated with the care and respect they deserve."

Sean Duffy, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: "We need to deliver better services for people over 65 and 75 because we know there's an issue and interventions need to be designed to that end."

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Syria Terror Offences: Two UK Women Charged

Two women have been charged in relation to funding terrorist activities in Syria, Scotland Yard has said.

Amal Elwahabi, 27, and Nawal Msaad, 26, both from northwest London, were arrested on January 16.

Msaad was detained at Heathrow Airport while Elwahabi was held later that day in northeast London.

Scotland Yard said the pair is accused of "becoming concerned in an arrangement as a result of which money was made available or was to be made available to another, and they knew or had reasonable cause to suspect that it would or may be used for the purposes of terrorism".

The alleged offences are said to have taken place between January 13 and 16 and relate to terrorist activity in Syria, a spokesman said.

He added: "SO15, the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, will continue to pursue individuals and networks in the UK seeking to support terrorists engaged in the Syrian conflict."

The women will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later.

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Army Chief Looks To Future After Final Job Cuts

By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent

A line has been drawn "under the forced exodus of people from the Army", the Head of the British Army has declared.

Later today the Defence Secretary will announce details of the fourth round of military redundancies. It is also expected to be the final tranche.

Philip Hammond is expected to reveal that roughly 350 redundancies will come from the Ghurkha regiment, 70 or so medical and staff from the RAF and Navy.

The majority though will be chosen from the wider Army, although it is hoped a significant proportion will be voluntary.

As has previously been the case, anyone currently serving on operations will be exempt, as will those serving on the date the exact redundancies are announced - expected to be mid-June.

There will be the option for people to transfer to areas of the military that need bolstering, although those opportunities will be limited.

And financial incentives will be offered to anyone leaving the regular force but willing to join the Reserves.

Speaking ahead of today's announcement, the Chief of the General Staff General Sir Peter Wall said this demonstrated the military has done what was asked of it: "This redundancy tranche marks the final leg in our reduction of the Army from its former strength towards 82,500.

"It's the end of a period of significant uncertainty, albeit the relatively small number affected in this final tranche who will get our particular attention in making sure that they are fairly treated and support their transition to civilian life.

"This actually draws a line and we are now concentrating on drawing in the right talent to populate the future Army structure which is all about our operational readiness for future challenges."

It is hoped by senior officials within the Ministry of Defence that this is the last tranche of redundancies and will therefore remove the uncertainty that has been hanging over the military for some years - known anecdotally by troops as "life in the tranches".

It was originally thought as many as 5,000 could be made redundant in this round.

That number is significantly smaller, in part due to problems with recruitment meaning that not so many jobs need to go.

"The defence review of 2010 set very clearly the requirements of defence going into the future," explained Major General David Cullen, Assistant Chief of the General Staff.

"We certainly don't need any further redundancies to achieve that target and to deliver the policy outputs that are required of us."

Earlier this month the military launched another recruitment campaign - the third in the space of just a year.

It is a response to inadequate recruiting figures, and a flawed recruitment process, described by one senior military source as being "clunky".

In the case of the Army Reserve, there are now fewer soldiers than six months ago.

However, the MoD is confident that many of the problems have been ironed out.

The number of staff in the national recruiting centre has been almost doubled and there is a simplified online application process.

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Migraines: Magnetic Device Offers Pain Relief

By Rhiannon Mills, Sky News Reporter

A magnetic handheld device that sends pulses into the head could transform the lives of thousands of migraine sufferers.

The treatment, called "transcranial magnetic stimulation", is held behind a patient's head and with the click of a button sends brief magnetic pulses into the brain, helping to disrupt the painful headaches.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), that looks at the safety and suitability of new treatments, has now issued guidance saying the device can be recommended to certain patients through the NHS.

They also add that extra care should be taken to explain the risks and steps which need to be put in place to record and review what happens.

Wendy Thomas, from The Migraine Trust, said: "This is a new bit of weaponry against migraines.

"The reason it makes a big difference is because there's not a drug involved, so there are no side effects and if it doesn't work you just hand the device back.

"It won't work for everyone, but it will work for a lot of people."

Eight million people in the UK suffer from migraines, and it's estimated that 25 million days at work or school are missed every year because of it.

Attacks can last from four to 72 hours, and include throbbing pain in the head, sensitivity to light, and vomiting.

Some 164 patients tried out the transcranial magnetic stimulation as part of a trial, and many have noticed a reduction in their migraines.

Miriam Heyburn has suffered from the debilitating headaches since she was eight years old.

The TMS device she uses has enabled her to go four or five, or even 10 days, without headaches.

She told Sky News: "The migraines feel like you've been hit by a juggernaut, everything that's pleasurable becomes awful, unbearable.

"Light, food, everything. TMS has made a tremendous difference, to know that there is something out there that isn't a tablet, and that it really works.

"I've tried everything: acupuncture, hypnotherapy. And this is the only thing that has actually worked for me."

The device is seen as a breakthrough for those who find alternative treatments ineffective, or unsuitable, such as during pregnancy.

But at the moment patients in England will only be able to get the treatment if they are referred to a specialist headache clinic, and NICE insist more research needs to be done into magnetic therapy and how it works.

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Flood Victims Demanding More Protection

By Frazer Maude, Sky News Reporter

Flood victims across the country are hoping for reassurances that more will be done to prevent a repeat of their recent problems, as those responsible for defences are quizzed in Parliament today.

None more so than the people of Muchelney, the village on the Somerset Levels that has now been cut off for three weeks.

The only way in and out of the picturesque and historic hamlet is by boat, and for the residents here the novelty, and their patience, is wearing thin.

Most of the villagers think the severe flooding here in recent weeks, and in November 2012, has been due to the rivers around the Somerset Levels not being dredged, a practice that was stopped because of the expense involved.

"It's not rocket science," says resident Paul Belding.

"If you let the rivers silt up to half their size, it'll have a massive impact, and dredging is the only way ahead.

"Eighteen years ago the dredgers were out in force in this area. I haven't seen them since."

The village of Muchelney has been cut off to road traffic

Defra Minister Dan Rogerson and Environment Agency chief executive Paul Leinster will today face questions from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

The thousands of people affected by the floods will be hoping the meeting will prompt some positive action.

Retired doctors Peter and Elizabeth Nightingale now own a smallholding in the village of Muchelney Ham.

They were flooded for the first time in almost 90 years in 2012, and there is still a foot or more of water still in their home after it flooded again this year.

The couple have around 60 sheep that should have been sold at market in the past couple of weeks, but they simply can't get them there.

"The place is a disaster zone. It's ridiculous in a first world country that the Government doesn't do more to help us and protect us from this sort of thing. It's laughable really," says Mr Nightingale.

"This needs a major effort by the government, not just bits of spending here and there."

Many of the local pumping stations on the Levels are not in use at the moment, because with the rivers still full, there is nowhere for the water to go.

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Linzi Ashton: Michael Cope Admits Murder

A man has admitted murdering his ex-girlfriend in a "dreadful and violent attack" in Greater Manchester.

Michael Cope, 28, pleaded guilty to the murder of Linzi Ashton and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, at the start of his trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Miss Ashton, 25, was found dead at her home in Winton, Salford, on June 29 last year.

A post-mortem examination concluded she died as a result of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries.

Cope had a brief "acrimonious" relationship with Miss Ashton, who had two daughters, Destiny, seven, and Daisy, two.

A CCTV image of the fugitive in Wigan while he was on the run

Police said Miss Ashton had been the subject of a "vicious and sustained attack".

Cope spent nearly a month on the run following the killing, sparking a police manhunt.

Officers described him as a dangerous individual, who had a "history of violent and aggressive behaviour", and warned he should not be approached.

An allegation of rape, which he had denied, has been requested to lie on file.

The barmaid made complaints to Greater Manchester Police last April and May that Cope had raped and beaten her.

Miss Ashton was the victim of deliberate and sustained domestic abuse

A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said: "Having considered this case very carefully in line with CPS policy, we have asked the judge to order that the rape count lie on the court file.

"We have taken this step only after proper consideration of the views of Linzi Ashton's family members on this matter."

Ruth Mann, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "Linzi Ashton was the victim of deliberate and sustained domestic abuse at the hands of Michael Cope.

"This abuse culminated in a dreadful and violent attack on Saturday June 29 which resulted in the tragic loss of her life.

"We have been determined to bring Michael Cope to justice for the horrific way in which he treated Linzi Ashton and we have worked tirelessly to build a strong case against him.

"Today he has admitted to her murder and he has been brought to account for his reprehensible actions.

"This is a very sad case and today's outcome can in no way address the pain felt by the friends and family of Linzi Ashton.

"I would like to offer them my deepest condolences and my thoughts are very much with them at this time."

In a statement issued shortly after Miss Ashton's death, her family said: "She was the most beautiful, generous, caring person anyone could ever wish to meet.

"She would never harm anyone and was always there for her children and family."

Cope is to be sentenced on Tuesday.

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Nicolas Anelka To Learn Fate Over 'Quenelle'

Nicolas Anelka is expected to find out later whether the FA will charge him for making a gesture widely considered to be anti-Semitic.

The striker performed the controversial gesture during a goal celebration in West Bromwich Albion's match against West Ham United on December 28.

Anelka said the gesture was made in support of the French comedian who invented it, Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, who called it the quenelle.

The FA is expected to publicise its decision on whether to ban Anelka later today.

Under new rules introduced last May, Anelka will face a minimum five-match ban if the FA decides he is guilty of discrimination.

Dieudonne is a controversial figure in France. He has been banned from performing in the country because his act is considered to be anti-Semitic.

He claims the quenelle is an anti-establishment gesture, but it has been widely interpreted to be a disguised Nazi salute.

French youths make the quenelle gesture earlier this month

Fans have photographed themselves performing the quenelle outside the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and at Holocaust memorials around the world.

On Monday, Zoopla announced its decision to end a lucrative shirt deal with West Bromwich Albion following the controversy over Anelka's gesture.

A statement from the company said the deal would not be renewed when it finishes at the end of this season.

The sponsorship, which began in 2012, was worth £3m. Zoopla was co-founded by American Jewish businessman Alex Chesterman.

The football club said in a statement: "West Bromwich Albion has been fully aware since the sponsorship agreement came into force in June 2012 that its partnership with Zoopla could expire this summer and therefore has been planning accordingly.

"Zoopla has today informed the club in writing that it does not wish to extend its sponsorship deal.

"The club will now actively seek a new official sponsor for next season."

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Mikaeel Kular's Mother Charged Over His Death

The mother of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has been arrested and charged in connection with his death.

Rosdeep Kular, 33, is due to appear in court in Edinburgh today.

She had been questioned by officers on Saturday after her son's body was discovered in woodland near a house in Kirkcaldy, Fife, following a major search.

The body was removed from the scene at around 3pm on Saturday.

The body was found around 30 miles from Mikaeel's family home in Edinburgh

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "During the course of today, the investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has continued at pace.

"Following formal identification, I can now confirm that a 33-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with Mikaeel's death.

"The woman is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday."

A memorial service took place on Saturday night at Edinburgh's St Andrew's Muirhouse Parish Church.

Candles were given out at the door before the service, which was open only to the local community.

Dozens of teddy bears were left near Mikaeel's Edinburgh home

Mikaeel was reported missing from his home in the Scottish capital on Thursday morning.

Hundreds of police officers from across the UK joined the search and lines of volunteers swept the local area, searching for clues about his disappearance.

More than 500 calls were made by the public to a dedicated phone line.

Meanwhile, there have been several arrests over suspected offensive tweets in relation to Mikaeel's disappearance.

Derbyshire Police arrested a 26-year-old man, while Hampshire Police said a 19-year-old man had been bailed on suspicion of posting a racially offensive comment.

"We are investigating the message to assess whether any criminal offences have been committed," said a spokesman for Hampshire Police.

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Kids Growing Up 'In Toxic Stress Climate'

Britain's youngsters are growing up in an "unprecedented toxic climate" of stress and pressure in a "24/7 online culture where they can never switch off", according to a survey by charity YoungMinds.

In the poll of 2,000 youngsters aged 11 to 25, over half believed they would be a failure if they did get good grades, half said they had been bullied, while a third said they did not know where to turn to get help when they feel depressed or anxious.

Of the 11-14-year-olds questioned, four in 10 said they skipped meals to try to be thin and over half said they had viewed online pornography with four out of 10 of these saying it had affected their relationships with others of their age.

Lucie Russell, director of campaigns at YoungMinds, said: "We are sitting on a mental health timebomb."

Frankie Sandford, of The Saturdays, and Labour leader Ed Miliband are among those backing YoungMinds' new campaign YoungMinds Vs, which is calling for improvements across a range of issues that young people say are the biggest they face.

Frankie Sandford is backing new campaign

Ms Sandford said: "I get to talk to a lot of young people and I know there are so many who are really suffering and struggling with life.

"That's why I really support the YoungMinds Vs campaign because it's raising awareness of the importance of young people having good mental health, and everything that can be done to make that happen, including young people getting access to help when they need it."

Mr Miliband added: "Mental health is the biggest unaddressed health challenge of our age, and young people's mental health must be a top priority for Britain."

Nick Clegg will launch the Mental Health Action Plan

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is pledging to improve the standards of mental health treatment for people of all ages and to end the stigma and discrimination faced by those with mental health issues.

He will give a speech later today launching the Government's new Mental Health Action Plan, which sets out 25 areas where immediate action is called for to improve care, support and treatment.

He will say: "All too often, attitudes to mental health are outdated; stuck in the dark ages; full of stigma and stereotypes.

"It's time for us to bring mental health out of the shadows and to give people with mental health conditions the support they need and deserve."

Mr Clegg will note that mental illness costs the economy £105bn every year and that life expectancy for a man with severe mental illness is reduced by 20 years compared to the rest of the population and 15 years for a woman.

He will say people with mental health issues ill have the same legal right as those with physical conditions to choose where they go for care, including being able to choose the person and provider from April.

The choice will not be limited to an NHS organisation, and that patients will also be able to choose from a voluntary or independent provider offering services on the NHS when they go to see their GP to seek help, he will add.

New standards on access and waiting times for mental health services are also to be introduced next year, so that patients will know what kind of treatment to expect and when.

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