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SPORT COMES OUT ON TOP AFTER A DIFFICULT WEEK FOR PAKISTAN

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SPORT COMES OUT ON TOP AFTER A DIFFICULT WEEK FOR PAKISTAN

By Ayyaz Malik

In a brilliant gesture, New Zealand captain is said to have donated his match fee to the victims of the Peshawar massacre.

It was something that could only happen in nightmares we thought – but sadly for the people of Pakistan and more particularly of Peshawar, (a city in the North West of the country) they were victim to one of the most violent terrorist attacks in recent history.

Some 128 people, mostly children had their lives cruelly taken away by the Taliban terrorists who attacked an army school in Peshawar. In an attack which shocked the country and the world, not many would have thought that sport would have a starring role in showing the terrorists that people can unite in such a tragedy.

Sport though has provide one way of bringing families some comfort. New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson is rumoured to have given all of his match fee from all the five games that he played in the recent series win over Pakistan to the stricken families of Peshawar.

In another act of kindness British born boxer Amir Khan who is of Asian origin is to donate his shorts which are rumoured to be valued at £30,000, to the victims of the atrocity in Peshawar. The Bolton born fighter on top of that act of kindness, Khan is out in Pakistan currently – and has vowed that he will do all he can to help the grief stricken people of Peshawar by physically being on the ground in aid of the victims.

Sport is very powerful in the way it promotes social values, such as racial equality and equality in general. Not every one maybe a fan of sports or sports people – but one thing you can’t take away from sports and sports stars is that they unite really well in times of tragedy.

New Team Launched to Prevent Child Sexual Exploitation

Aalia Khan
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New Team Launched to Prevent Child Sexual Exploitation

West Yorkshire Police this week welcomes a new team of investigators appointed to focus on safeguarding and Child Sexual Exploitation cases.

New Team Launched to Prevent Child Sexual Exploitation

Backed by a £1.5 million investment over the next two years from West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, 30 investigators with extensive experience from a policing or social care background are to be appointed and given specialist training at the Force’s Training and Development Centre at Carr Gate.

Following initial training, they will join dedicated district policing teams boosting capacity to deal with complex and challenging historical investigations.

The cash, from the £3.5million pledged by Mark Burns-Williamson to West Yorkshire Police for increased capacity to deal with CSE, human trafficking and cyber crime, was allocated earlier this year as part of the annual budget setting building on the safeguarding resources already in place.

PCC Mark Burns-Williamson said “I want victims and witnesses, in particular those who are most vulnerable, to always come first and any young person who has been a victim or a witness of this sexual exploitation should have the confidence to come forward, trust that their voice will be heard and be justified in believing that the responsible authorities will make sure they and others are supported and kept safe.

“Hiring former officers and experts from a child social care background with specialist knowledge of investigations and child protection issues is a good way to increase resources immediately to tackle cases and support victims. The money was agreed as part of the budget setting for 2014/15 and in that sense isn’t a surprise.

“It is all around strengthening and building on the safeguarding response in West Yorkshire certainly with increased awareness because of the Savile Inquiry and Operation Yewtree and the increased reporting of sexually related offences as a result. I have been meeting regularly with safeguarding experts from across West Yorkshire and this also sends out a strong message around pursuing offenders of these shocking crimes that blight the lives of children in our communities”

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster, of West Yorkshire Police, said “Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is the number one priority for West Yorkshire Police and features in the Police and Crime Plan. This is an abhorrent crime which affects the most vulnerable in our society – protecting children and putting people at the heart of everything we do is our primary focus.

“Ourselves and our partners have raised the awareness of CSE, which together with the increased profile in the media, particularly in respect of celebrity perpetrators has had a positive impact with people who have historically been the victim of child abuse coming forward to report such offences. The Force has run a high profile ‘Know The Signs’ campaign since 2013 to raise awareness with our communities of CSE.

“West Yorkshire Police have realigned resources to investigate these offences and have built upon existing relationships with our statutory partners and third sector agencies to ensure that we take a joined up approach to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

“While enquiries into cases have been continuing, we have also been determining ways of boosting our capacity to investigate this growing number of reported offences.

“As a result the Police and Crime Commissioner has announced an investment of £1.5-million to allow the Force to recruit a team of investigators to progress enquiries in these cases.  They have been recruited from among recently retired police officers and other individuals who have law enforcement and child social care experience, underpinned with the requisite skills to undertake a professional investigation and provide high levels of service and support to victims.”

‘No Assets’ Bradford Drug Dealer Ordered To Re-Pay More Than £150,000

Aalia Khan
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‘No Assets’ Bradford Drug Dealer Ordered To Re-Pay More Than £150,000

A Bradford drug dealer who claimed he had no assets has been ordered to re-pay more than £150,000, thanks to detailed police work into his finances.

Paul Capuvano, of Greenfield Lane, Bierley, claimed he was unable to pay off a confiscation order for almost £1m made against him in 2009 – three years after he was jailed for eight years for possession with intent to supply cocaine and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

But in 2010, police recovered an Aston Martin DB9 car and subsequently established that this belonged to the 44-year-old.

Further exploration of his finances revealed that he also owned land at the former Wapping Road School site in Bradford. This land has now been restrained while the investigation into his assets continues.

On 11 December, the courts ruled that Capuvano must pay back £164,520 in six months or face another two years in prison.

Speaking after the order was made, Financial Investigations Manager David Charity, said “Capuvano is an organised criminal, who has tried desperately to conceal his wealth through a myriad of companies, accounts and third parties.

“But this should act as a warning that we will continue to investigate the assets of criminals until every penny that can possibly be recovered, has been.”

Mark Burns-Williamson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, said: “Cases like these highlight the considerable amount of money we can potentially recover from criminal enterprises and which could be used to the benefit of local people and police.

“I am campaigning for all the money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act to be returned to our communities, as half currently goes back to Government and cases like this are a timely reminder of the amounts involved.

“West Yorkshire Police and prosecutors has an excellent track record in recovering the ill-gotten gains of criminals, but currently only a relatively small proportion of the amounts recovered find its way back here. As a matter of principle that can’t be right.

“I am taking part in the Home Office consultation on the Proceeds of Crime Act legislation supporting changes which would see greater powers for the police to detain property acquired through crime and reducing situations where such property is returned.”

So far this year, the Bradford Proceeds of Crime Act Team has recovered more than £930,000.

THE HUNGER GAMES KATNISS EVERDEEN ARRIVES AT MADAME TUSSAUDS LONDON

Aalia Khan
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THE HUNGER GAMES KATNISS EVERDEEN ARRIVES AT MADAME TUSSAUDS LONDON

Madame Tussauds London today revealed its newest figure, Katniss Everdeen, protagonist of the worldwide phenomenon The Hunger Games franchise, in its own immersive backdrop.

2 The Hunger Games' Katniss Everdeen arrives at Madame Tussauds London 3Following the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, Madame Tussauds has also launched wax likenesses of Katniss, portrayed by Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence, at its New York and Hollywood attractions. London’s figure portrays Katniss in her hunting outfit, which she wears in the second installment of the franchise, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Teamed with her iconic brown leather hunting jacket, are dark charcoal trousers, knee-length tie-up leather brown boots, plus brown leather quiver (arrow bag) and trademark bow. Her hair is also styled in her iconic braid. “We are hugely excited to have worked with Lionsgate to launch a Katniss wax figure following The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”, commented Nicole Fenner, PR Manager for Madame Tussauds London. She continued “The figure is in its own film-specific backdrop, allowing our guests to get up close to Katniss and the beloved story of The Hunger Games, which we know they’ll love.”

Paula Kupfer, SVP Worldwide Promotions and Consumer Products from Lionsgate, added “We are delighted to have worked with Madame Tussauds London, New York and Hollywood on these immersive fan experiences. The London figure is featured in the film area of the attraction, alongside other iconic characters like E.T., Shrek and Terminator.

5 Fan Kathryn Richardson poses with Madame Tussauds London's newest wax figure, Katniss Everdeen

More than 4,000 older teenagers at risk of child cruelty in Yorkshire & Humber

Aalia Khan
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More than 4,000 older teenagers at risk of child cruelty in Yorkshire & Humber

Legal loophole makes it impossible to prosecute adults for neglect or ill-treatment of 16 and 17-year-olds. The Children’s Society is calling for a change in the law to protect more than 4,000 vulnerable 16- and 17-year-olds in Yorkshire and the Humber from cruelty – including sexual exploitation.

child cureltyWhile most English law treats anyone under 18 as a child, the criminal law for child cruelty, which dates back 80 years, only protects children from neglect or ill-treatment until their 16th birthday.

It means children aged 16 and 17 are treated as adults and forced to fend for themselves. Police would find it much harder to prosecute a negligent or abusive parent or guardian of a child in this age group.

It also sends a message that they do not require the same protection as younger children. Research by The Children’s Society suggests that teenagers in this age range who experience neglect at home are often failing to receive adequate protection from professionals because they are mistakenly believed to be more resilient and able to cope with stress.

In 2010, a couple were jailed for child cruelty for allowing their adopted children to be abused by paedophiles. One of the girls was over 13 and another under 10. If the girls had been 16 or 17 the prosecution for child cruelty would not have been possible.

Last year, according to official figures, 4,210 children aged 16 or 17 in Yorkshire and the Humber were deemed by social services to be at “in need”, and therefore at greater risk of abuse and neglect. Across England the total reached 42,260. It is this group – some of the most vulnerable teenagers in the country – who would stand to gain most from a change in the law.

The Children’s Society is asking MPs to close this loophole by extending protections against child cruelty to this age group when it debates the Serious Crime Bill early in the New Year.

The move would involve changing the outdated Children and Young Persons Act 1933 to increase the age at which a child can be a victim of cruelty from 15 to 17, to bring criminal law in line with the rest of child protection legislation and welfare legislation for the first time and offering protection to all children.

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said: “It is nonsensical and unacceptable that adults cannot be prosecuted for behaviour against children aged 16 or 17 that would be considered cruelty if the victim was 15. If MPs are serious about stopping child cruelty – including child sexual exploitation – they must act to close this legal loophole when it is debated in Parliament in the New Year.”

Witness appeal for sexually assaulted woman during burglary

Aalia Khan
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Witness appeal for sexually assaulted woman during burglary

Police are appealing for information after a woman was sexually assaulted during a burglary in Bradford.

At about 12.10pm on Monday, 15 December, an 18-year-old woman was at home in Langbar Avenue, when two men wearing balaclavas walked into her kitchen.

One of the men approached the victim and put one hand over her mouth and the other over her waist, he then moved his hand into her tracksuit bottoms and touched her over her underwear.

The men then left the house and got into a red van with windows, which was believed to have a sliding door.

There was a third man inside the van who got into the driver’s seat.

The two men who entered the house were both white, believed to be over 6ft tall and of stocky build.

Both were wearing dark clothing.

The woman, who was unhurt, later noticed that a Samsung Galaxy 3 tablet, computer and an iPhone 5 had been stolen.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Bradford District CID, said “We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen these men or the van in the Chellow Grange area around this time, or anyone who might have been offered these items for sale, possibly at reduced prices.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC2760 Cooper at Bradford District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A candle light vigil at Centenary Square for the victims of the Peshawar school massacre

Aalia Khan
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A candle light vigil at Centenary Square for the victims of the Peshawar school massacre

An atrocious massacre of school children at a school in Peshawar has brought about widespread anger and disgust across the world.

The attack was conducted by the Taliban gunmen who stormed into a school in Pakistan killing 148 people, including 132 children.

Picture from @MishalHusaainBBC
Picture from @MishalHusaainBBC

The Pakistani Taliban released a statement and pictures claiming that their attack was justified on the army school as the ‘Pakistani army had long been killing innocent children and families of their fighters.’

The sheer outrage and horror of the attack has been expressed by millions across the world and many prayers and candle light vigils have begun to take place to pay respect to and honour the children and teachers from the school.

As such, a candle light vigil is to be held in Bradford’s centenary square tomorrow evening (18th December) at 7pm.

The vigil is being organised by a non-affiliated group of community activists. “It’s just a solidarity event where people of all faiths and none, who are disgusted by this horrific massacre by the Taliban can come and share thoughts and prayers with the parents and families of the victims,” said Arshad Ali, one of the organisers.

Schools in Yorkshire and the Humber to benefit from £16 million under new fairer funding rules

Aalia Khan
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Schools in Yorkshire and the Humber to benefit from £16 million under new fairer funding rules

Schools in some of the least fairly funded areas across Yorkshire and The Humber will soon benefit from a £16 million cash boost in the biggest step towards fairer schools funding in a decade, Schools Minister David Laws confirmed today.

image001A vital part of the Government’s plan for education is ensuring schools are properly funded, so that all pupils regardless of background can reach their full potential.

In July, the Government published estimates of how an extra £390 million would be allocated to increase the budgets of the least fairly funded areas across the country, while ensuring no other local council’s per pupil funding would be reduced from its current level.

Today the Department for Education has published the final per-pupil funding allocations for 2015-16 for all local areas.

Areas across Yorkshire and The Humber, including Sheffield, North Yorkshire and Barnsley will all receive an increase in funding.

Schools Minister David Laws said: “Schools are absolutely crucial to our vision to build a stronger economy and a fairer society, so that everyone can reach their full potential.

“Without proper funding it’s impossible to give children a fair start in life.​That’s why we are taking action to address the unfairness in school funding by allocating an additional £390 million to the least fairly funded areas in the country, whilst protecting schools budgets elsewhere.

“This is the biggest step towards fairer schools funding in a decade, meaning every local area will attract a minimum level of funding for its pupils and schools in 2015-16. Schools are also benefiting from an additional £2.5bn of extra funding through the pupil premium to help raise attainment amongst the most disadvantaged pupils.”

In March the Government announced that it would take action to tackle the unfair and complicated system of allocating local school funding, and launched a consultation on how to deliver a cash boost of £350 million to schools in the least fairly funded areas by setting minimum funding levels.  Details of how an extra £390 million – £40 million more than was announced in March – was then announced in July.

Funding has been allocated to local areas on the basis of the characteristics of their pupils and schools, rather than on historical data that is out of date and no longer reflects pupils’ needs.

This will mean that in 2015-16 every local area will attract a minimum level of funding for each of its pupils and schools, making the distribution of funding to local areas much fairer. In every local area, this will mean, for example, that the most deprived pupils in primary schools will attract at least £4,454; in key stage 3 at least £5,820; and key stage 4 at least £6,372, and this will continue to be supplemented by further direct funding through the Pupil Premium – an additional £2.5bn of extra funding for schools to help raise attainment amongst their most disadvantaged pupils.

The publication of the final funding allocations for local areas today will build on the progress already made to ensure school funding is fair and transparent. Local authorities now allocate almost 90% of schools funding based on the needs of pupils compared with only 71% in 2012-13. These reforms will ensure an immediate increase to the least fairly funded local councils and will pave the way for the implementation of a national funding formula over the next Parliament.

Lord Mayor’s Christmas message 2014

Aalia Khan
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Lord Mayor’s Christmas message 2014

lord mayorThe Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mike Gibbons addresses the people of Bradford during Christmas time:

“Many of us will have different views on what Christmas brings. For most people it remains a very special time, one that reminds us of the bonds that are so important.

Family and friends particularly, bring so much to our lives and brighten our very existence and it is good to celebrate with them all that the festive season has to offer.

There are pressures at this time of year and some will find that Christmas time brings with it additional strains. Please let us all wherever possible, try to help those in need or who are suffering. Take a moment to think of our neighbours and look out for anyone in difficulty.

The people of the Bradford district are well known for their generosity and for caring, so thank you for doing whatever you can to help others.

Wherever the Lady Mayoress and I travel and visit around the district, we are aware of such goodwill and friendship between people of various faiths and ethnic origins. I quite rightly, consistently hear our faith
leaders talk and preach of integration, understanding, peace and love. The Christmas story is surely about these very things and their importance in our lives today. If we hold Christmas as special and it reminds us of our love for others, then let it not be just for now, but for next year and all the years to come.

I hope you and yours have a very Happy Christmas and may I wish you all
the best for 2015.”

Councillor Mike Gibbons.
Lord Mayor 2014/15

Appeal for witnesses on suspicious incidents involving man and schoolboy in Birstall

Aalia Khan
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Appeal for witnesses on suspicious incidents involving man and schoolboy in Birstall

Police are appealing for information after two reported suspicious incidents in Birstall in which a man is alleged to have approached a schoolboy.

The latest incident is reported to have happened at around 8.10am on 15 December in Field Head Lane. A 10-year-old boy was approached by an unknown man who said he knew him. The boy was not physically harmed and continued to walk to school where he later reported the incident to a teacher.

The same man is alleged to have approached the same boy after school on Tuesday, 2 December, and temporarily blocked his path. Again in this incident, the boy was not physically harmed but was concerned by the man’s behaviour.

The man is described as being of skinny build and having a blue/green dragon tattoo on his left hand.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Wiseman, of Kirklees Safeguarding Unit, said: “These incidents have understandably caused some concern for the boy involved and his family and we are working closely with them and the wider school community to offer advice and support. We would stress that no attempt has been made to harm or abduct the boy in either of these incidents but the child has found the man’s behaviour worrying and it is important that we establish what has happened.

“A key part of this is speaking to the man involved. We would urge him to get in contact with the police to explain his behaviour which he may not have realised the impact of.

“We are also keen to speak to anyone else who has witnessed anything suspicious or who has any information which could aid our ongoing enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to call Kirklees Safeguarding Unit on 101.”

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