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A violent attack at the hands of his friend led to the death of a 50-year-old Stuart Morris and today (Tuesday 13 October) the defendant pleaded guilty to the offence. Stuart had spent the day with 49-year-old Martin Green in Green’s flat in Heathcott Road on Tuesday 14 April. Shortly before 5.25pm that day police were called to the property where they discovered Stuart’s body. A post-mortem examination revealed Stuart had died as a result of multiple stab and blunt force injuries. Green fabricated a story that he had been out to the shops and returned to find his friend dead. CCTV evidence, witness statements and a forensic examination of the scene quickly revealed Green’s web of lies and he was charged with murder. Today Green of Heathcott Road appeared before Leicester Crown Court and pleaded guilty to the offence. He is due to be sentenced on Thursday (15 October). Detective Inspector Kenny Henry from East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime team was the senior investigating officer. He said: “Stuart suffered a horrific death at the hands of Green, a man who he thought was his friend. I have been a detective for many years and dealt with a number of serious cases where a degree of violence was used, however the sheer level of violence used in this crime was shocking. “I am pleased Green has admitted to the murder and spared the family the traumatic experience of hearing the details of Stuart’s last hours during the court proceedings. “We take all forms of knife crime extremely seriously, whether it’s committed in the home or in the street. The force’s Lives not Knives campaign was launched in October 2016 and is still a priority. “Officers and staff continue to educate and raise awareness of the consequences of carrying and using a knife. We work closely with the courts and criminal justice system to ensure those who choose to carry knives feel the full force of the law and are dealt with robustly.”

Communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being asked to pledge to help end hate crime by sending messages of support during a national awareness week. During Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW), which starts this Saturday (10 October) - Leicestershire Police is asking for people to send in personal pledges on what they will do to help eradicate hate crime of any sort. Anyone can make a pledge by downloading a virtual pledge board, available from the force website. People can then write or type their messages of support and take a photo or selfie of them which will then be used to form a montage representing the level of support for NHCAW within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The force is asking for people to share these on social media using @LPStaySafe and also send them on email to NHCAWLeics@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk There are some quote examples within the “how to” guide on our website. As well as seeking pledges, there will be a Facebook Live event on Wednesday 14 October at 12:30. This will be an opportunity for the public to hear from the force’s Hate Crime Officer and Chief Constable on the issue and they will also answer any questions. If you have a question please submit it to at NHCAWLeics@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk. Isla Dixon, Hate Crime Officer said: “I am really looking forward to the Facebook Live. We usually plan so many engagement events during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) however even with the COVID restrictions this still gives us an opportunity to connect with our communities. “NHCAW is an opportunity to continue to raise awareness around the subject of hate crime and for us to highlight the work we do throughout the year to make our communities safer places for all. “We do this alongside several partner agencies in developing strong relationships that will empower our communities to work with us in eradicating hate crime.” Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham said “Hate crime is not tolerated in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and we are committed to tackling it. “Being targeted for who you are is totally unacceptable and we would urge anyone affected by hate or discrimination, or anyone who witnesses this unacceptable behaviour taking place, to report incidents to us so that together we can Stamp It Out. “NHCAW enables us to highlight the work we already do within our diverse communities and to put a spotlight onto hate crime in order to provide greater awareness and to provide confidence to our communities to report incidents to us.” Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, also supports NHCAW and added: “Hatred in any form is destructive. It divides, isolates and damages our communities and the people who live in them. It’s something that I know we will continue to tackle robustly. “Every hate incident is one too many and I applaud those brave enough to come forward to seek support and help prevent other people from being victimised. The more we can do to build trust in the way hate crime is handled, the more we can stop vulnerable people suffering the injustice of separation and exclusion. “It is the diversity of culture and tradition within our county and city that makes it so special and home to a multitude of faiths, customs and traditions. We must all lead by example.” Hate incidents or hate crimes can be reported to Leicestershire Police on 101 or in an emergency please call 999. You can also report to your local council or anonymously via the Stamp it Out website: www.stamp-it-out.co.uk You can follow the events of National Hate Crime Awareness week on Twitter using hashtag #NationalHCAW or follow @LPStaySafe.

Communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being asked to pledge to help end hate crime by sending messages of support during a national awareness week. During Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW), which starts this Saturday (10 October) - Leicestershire Police is asking for people to send in personal pledges on what they will do to help eradicate hate crime of any sort. Anyone can make a pledge by downloading a virtual pledge board, available from the force website. People can then write or type their messages of support and take a photo or selfie of them which will then be used to form a montage representing the level of support for NHCAW within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The force is asking for people to share these on social media using @LPStaySafe and also send them on email to NHCAWLeics@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk There are some quote examples within the “how to” guide on our website. As well as seeking pledges, there will be a Facebook Live event on Wednesday 14 October at 12:30. This will be an opportunity for the public to hear from the force’s Hate Crime Officer and Chief Constable on the issue and they will also answer any questions. If you have a question please submit it to at NHCAWLeics@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk. Isla Dixon, Hate Crime Officer said: “I am really looking forward to the Facebook Live. We usually plan so many engagement events during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) however even with the COVID restrictions this still gives us an opportunity to connect with our communities. “NHCAW is an opportunity to continue to raise awareness around the subject of hate crime and for us to highlight the work we do throughout the year to make our communities safer places for all. “We do this alongside several partner agencies in developing strong relationships that will empower our communities to work with us in eradicating hate crime.” Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham said “Hate crime is not tolerated in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and we are committed to tackling it. “Being targeted for who you are is totally unacceptable and we would urge anyone affected by hate or discrimination, or anyone who witnesses this unacceptable behaviour taking place, to report incidents to us so that together we can Stamp It Out. “NHCAW enables us to highlight the work we already do within our diverse communities and to put a spotlight onto hate crime in order to provide greater awareness and to provide confidence to our communities to report incidents to us.” Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, also supports NHCAW and added: “Hatred in any form is destructive. It divides, isolates and damages our communities and the people who live in them. It’s something that I know we will continue to tackle robustly. “Every hate incident is one too many and I applaud those brave enough to come forward to seek support and help prevent other people from being victimised. The more we can do to build trust in the way hate crime is handled, the more we can stop vulnerable people suffering the injustice of separation and exclusion. “It is the diversity of culture and tradition within our county and city that makes it so special and home to a multitude of faiths, customs and traditions. We must all lead by example.” Hate incidents or hate crimes can be reported to Leicestershire Police on 101 or in an emergency please call 999. You can also report to your local council or anonymously via the Stamp it Out website: www.stamp-it-out.co.uk You can follow the events of National Hate Crime Awareness week on Twitter using hashtag #NationalHCAW or follow @LPStaySafe.

Employed or self-employed people on low incomes who are told to self-isolate but whose income would be hit by staying at home can now claim a £500 support payment. Since 28th September, anyone who receives a positive Covid-19 test or is told to self-isolate by the NHS Test & Trace Service, must self-isolate by law, with anyone failing to self-isolate when they are required to do so facing a fine of between £1,000 and £10,000. To help stop the spread of coronavirus, and to ensure that anyone on a low income can self-isolate for up to 14 days, without having to worry about their finances, the Government has introduced the Test & Trace Support Payment. From Monday (12 October), anyone who thinks they are eligible for the payment will be able to submit a claim on the city council’s website. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Self-isolating is one of the best tools we have for stopping the spread of coronavirus, so it’s really important that people stay at home when they’re told to do so. “But for many people, two weeks off work without pay could lead to serious financial hardship. “If you’re on a low income and you’re asked to self-isolate, you may be entitled to this new support payment. “If you’ve had a positive test result, or you’ve been told to self-isolate by the test & trace service and you think you might be eligible for support, please go to our website and complete the online form.” Leicester City Council has set up the self-isolation support scheme on behalf of the Government. For more information, and details of how to claim, please go to www.leicester.gov.uk Information on how to help those who are unable to make an online claim is also provided. Anyone who meets the criteria and who started to self-isolate from 28 September will be able to claim a backdated payment.

Leicestershire Police is encouraging vehicle owners to be extra vigilant due to a rise in catalytic converter thefts from cars. Thieves are targeting vehicles for the parts due to the value of the precious metals they contain, as precious metal prices go up the demand for parts that contain them goes up too, resulting in the risk of theft increasing. The process of stealing a catalytic converter can be carried out in as little as 60 seconds with high power tools. Now Leicestershire Police has launched a campaign to make drivers aware of the issue after a number of incidents across the force area. The force will be will be installing bold warning signs in hotspot locations to warn drivers, will be promoting how to reduce the risk of being targeted on social media channels and via Neighbourhood Link and is working with a number of garages to offer free security marking for catalytic convertors. The theft of catalytic converters can happen anytime day or night via typical locations such as: Car parks - typically Supermarkets Driveways On street parking. Thieves cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car and sell them on for profit. Taller vehicles (4x4s) are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible and because they tend to have larger engines, contain more of the precious metals. Detective Chief Inspector Reme Gibson said: “We have seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts around the force area. Predominantly, these crimes tend to occur in supermarket car parks and private driveways. “Any vehicle can be subject to catalytic converter theft, however Toyota Auris, Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz and Honda Accord are known to be more vulnerable to this type of theft. We urge vehicle owners to take measures when parking and reduce the risk of theft.” To reduce the risk of theft of your car's catalytic converter: Park your car in a garage or somewhere that makes it difficult for anyone to access its underside Install CCTV that captures where you park Don’t park your car in one place for long periods of time Secure your catalytic converter with extra bolts to make it more difficult to remove Try defensive parking against a wall or by another lower vehicle to make it more difficult to get under Have a mechanic weld the catalytic converter to the exhaust system Park your car in lit up areas or on busy areas When you book in for your next MOT, service, ask your *local garage to fit the marking kit onto your vehicle for FREE! List of garages participating within the scheme: Brookside, 1 Cannock Street, Leicester, LE4 9HR Euro Tyres, 68 Barkby Road, Leicester, LE4 9LF The force is seeking to work with more garages as the campaign progresses.

Officers are appealing for witnesses following a collision on the A6 in Birstall. Police were called to a collision on the A6 Loughborough Road just off the Red Hill Circle roundabout at around 5.35pm on Monday 28 September. It involved two vehicles, a silver Seat Ibiza and a blue Ford Kuga. Both drivers were treated at hospital for minor injuries. PC Andy Richardson, from the force’s Road Policing Unit, is appealing for witnesses. He said: “At the time of the collision, the silver Seat Ibiza was travelling county bound and the blue Ford Kuga was travelling city bound in the opposite direction. “I would like to appeal for any witnesses or anyone with video equipment in their vehicles which recorded footage connected to this collision to come forward. I am also keen to speak to anyone who has saw either vehicle beforehand. We know that a number of witnesses stopped to help so you have any information which could assist us and haven’t spoken to police as yet, please get in touch.” Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information which can assist the investigation is asked to contact PC 1942 Andy Richardson on 101 quoting 20*510604.

A hit and run driver leaves pedestrian seriously injured In Celt Street Leicester Video by Leicester Media © 2020 A Police spokesperson said: We were called at around 11.30pm yesterday (Saturday 10 October) by the East Midlands Ambulance Service reporting their attendance at a road traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a car. Officers attended the scene in Celt Street in the city. A man, 30, was taken to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre with what was described as serious injuries – he remains in hospital. The car failed to stop following the incident. Celt Street remains closed to allow for an investigation of the scene. Enquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident are in the early stages. Anyone with information can call 101 quoting incident 714 of 10 October.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was seriously injured on London Road yesterday. A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a collision with a lorry in London Road, Leicester, yesterday (Saturday 10 October). Police were called to the incident, near the junction with Knighton Road and Stoughton Road, at 12.42pm. East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended. The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham with serious injuries. He remains in hospital were his condition is described as critical. No other injuries have been reported. Road closures were in place in the area while emergency services were at the scene. Detective Constable John Borlase, said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area and who witnessed the incident or who saw either of the vehicles beforehand to make contact with us. “Anyone who has any dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident should also check this and make contact with us if you have not already done so.” Anyone with any information should contact 101 quoting incident 257 of 10 October. #LeicsPolice #londonroad

Have you experienced problems with the Leicester City Council Web Site with bookings for services not ‘going through’? A recent on-line booking was made for bulk waste collection. This was done on the Councils online service. The system generated a date and a BC reference. But the date came and no collection was made. Complaining to the Council, their response was did you get our email confirming the collection?. Although the system accepted the booking, confirmed the date, the system did not generate a email. This is a tell tail sign that the system is not working. To find out more about the Leicester City Council Bulk waste collections https://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-environment/recycling-and-waste/bulky-item-collections/ #LeicesterCityCouncil

Trading standards officers in Leicester are warning residents to stay alert following reports or two types of cold callers offering bogus or substandard services to householders. Officers have received complaints about cold callers, who falsely claim to be from the city council, offering people grants for free or subsidised boiler supplies. Often the fraudsters are carrying no identification, paperwork or contact details, and are not taking any COVID-19 safety measures, such as wearing a face covering, to protect householders. One resident paid a £400 deposit for a free boiler, but the trader gave a false address and website, leaving the customer unable to get a refund. In addition, a number of people in the Beaumont Leys and Anstey Heights areas have complained about cold callers offering roofing services door to door. In cases where work has been carried out, it has been to a poor standard and described as dangerous by subsequent workers who carried out work to put it right. Paperwork does not comply with the law and no address of the trader has been provided. Leicester City Council’s trading standards service manager, Ron Ruddock, said: “Many of the complaints we receive concern home improvement work, which is often expensive and carried out to the most valuable asset that people will own. “It is therefore important to choose wisely and not be talked into work that may not be necessary, may be poor quality or even dangerous. “Cold calling isn’t illegal, but frequently cold callers leave false names and addresses and do not complete work or return to remedy faulty work. “We would urge people not to do business with anyone who approaches you at the door or in the street. Always get quotes and recommendation and make checks on the trader yourself. “Never pay large amounts of money up front and make sure you have a written contract and the full name and address of the trader you are dealing with. Customers are also entitled to receive a written contract and details of their right to change their mind and cancel the contract.“ Some grants for home improvements and heating are available, and details are available from the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234, or by calling your energy supplier. Further information is also available on city council’s website, here Mr Ruddock added: “In order to avoid falling prey to scams and rogue traders we’d advise residents not to do any business at the doorstep, and report unwanted callers to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.” Advice on how to find an approved workman or woman is also available from Citizens Advice here or by ringing 0808 223 1133. Leicester City Council Press release dated 15th September 2020.

Two of the biggest events in Leicester’s festival calendar will not take place this year, as coronavirus restrictions continue to prevent people from gathering in large groups. The major events to switch on the city’s Diwali lights – normally held in October – and the switch-on of the Christmas lights in November would usually attract tens of thousands of people. But although both events have had to be cancelled, the city’s traditional Diwali and Christmas decorations will still light up Leicester this year. The city council’s lighting team will start putting up the lights as normal early next month, but they will be switched on – without fanfare – by a timer. Staff in the council’s festivals and events team are now working up ideas for alternative ways for people to mark the occasions – but what’s already clear is that the ice rink in Jubilee Square won’t be part of the plans this year. Director of tourism, culture and inward investment Mike Dalzell said: “Social distancing requirements, and restrictions on the number of people who would be allowed on the ice at any one time, mean that bringing the ice rink to Leicester is sadly neither manageable nor affordable this year. “But the good news is that, all being well, the ice rink will be back in Leicester in 2021. “Christmas will be different for everyone this year, but we’re determined to make the city look more festive than ever, and we’ve already ordered a giant Christmas tree for the Clock Tower and some brand new decorations for Horsefair Street and Humberstone Gate. “Diwali will obviously be different too, but we’re looking at a number of ideas that will allow people to mark the occasion in alternative ways. “It’s obviously hugely disappointing that these popular events won’t be taking place this year, but with so much uncertainty around the coronavirus situation, the most important thing is that we keep people safe.” Leicester’s traditional Bonfire Event in Abbey Park has also been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, while other popular events – such as the Cosmopolitan Arts Festival & the Leicester International Music Festival – will take place online this year. Details of Leicester’s alternative plans for Diwali and Christmas, and information about new festive attractions for 2020, will be released in the coming weeks.

7 September 2020: BBC Two has commissioned Saved and Remade from Red Sky Productions, presented by Sabrina Grant. Saved and Remade (w/t) brings together the multiple skills of a team of expert craftspeople to help solve viewers’conundrums of what to do with treasured but purposeless items. Host Sabrina Grant, herself no slouch in the upcycling department, will be helping contributors choose which of the experts has the vision and ability to convert objects that have meaning but are gathering dust, into items can take pride of place in their lives. The transformation from precious but purposeless will grant these pieces a new lease of life. The experts will respect the sentimental significance of each of the items brought in but will bring about incredible transformations that will be a fitting match for their owners. Sabrina Grant says, “I’m super excited to front this brand new BBC Two series that creatively re-purposes and brings a new lease of life to our guests’ treasures. I can’t wait to share the magic of our transformations with you.” Executive Producer Jane Rogerson adds: “We’re thrilled to be working with Sabrina, and indeed all of our crafts people on this exciting new format for BBC Two. We cannot wait for everyone to see what the unused but much-loved pianos, cars, books and many other items that we all have in lofts and cupboard will become with the skills and imagination of our team of craftspeople. Prepare to be surprised and delighted!” The Executive Producer for Red Sky Productions is Jane Rogerson, with Kim Rossiter as Series Producer. The series was commissioned by Helen Munson for the BBC. The greenlight for Saved and Remade follows other recent commissions including Autumn at Jimmy’s Farm (Channel 4),Socially Distant with Susan Calman (BBC Scotland) and Jimmy’s Big Bee Rescue (Channel 4) To apply to take part ​ Get in touch telling us: - Your name, age, location and contact number - Some info about your item; what it is, why it's important to you and why you want to transform it - Please also send photos of your item transform@redskyproductions.co.uk Phone: 0141 343 7782 Applicants must be aged 18 or over and be a UK resident.