Monday, March 31, 2008

Year's jail for 'wicked' false rape accusation

Year's jail for 'wicked' false rape accusation

"A woman who falsely accused a soldier of rape has been described as "wicked" by the judge who sentenced her to a year in jail".

Jobs found for former prisoners

Jobs found for former prisoners

"A project at a Shropshire prison, which aims to reduce the number of prisoners who reoffend, has secured 40 jobs for ex-offenders".

They must be on the right track given that "The inmates at Dana Prison, in Shrewsbury, have been offered night work for a railway-maintenance company".

Watchdog's threat to 42-day terror law

Watchdog's threat to 42-day terror law

"The government's own human rights watchdog threatened last night to launch a legal challenge to Labour's plan to introduce a law that would let police detain terror suspects without charge for 42 days.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission says the key part of the counter-terrorism bill goes against human rights law and may breach the Race Relations Act".

According to the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, "it is necessary to protect this country from the serious, sustained, and in some ways growing threat from international terrorism". I think we would need to see some evidence to support her claims. As it stands, it appears that she is trying to frighten us as though we are all small children with tales of monsters hiding in the cupboard or under the bed.

A PR coup for al-Qaida

Extending pre-charge detention to 42 days will help terrorists, not police. Smarter tactics are needed

Beat the retreat

Guardian Leader: Counter-terrorism bill

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Home Office in illegal immigrants cover-up

Home Office in illegal immigrants cover-up

"Hundreds of illegal immigrants – including a suspected murderer and other criminals – are working in care homes in Britain, a leaked Home Office report has disclosed".

Home Office Care Home memo in pdf here.

I watched Home Secretary Jacqui Smith being grilled by Andrew Marr this morning on this subject. More importantly, she was asked to justify her seeking to extend the detention limit to 42 days. Andrew Marr pointed out that Jacqui Smith had used 5 ifs in a row. Hardly a strong justification based upon so many assumptions? Andrew Marr then asked Jacqui Smith if she would resign if she lost the vote. There was a long winded reply which did not answer the question. But, the assumption is that she does not feel strongly enough about the issue to resign if she loses. Therefore, why has she made such an effort to push this through in the first place?

Sick and suicidal: plight of women in UK jails

Sick and suicidal: plight of women in UK jails

"Most women prisoners have mental health problems, and nine of out 10 were convicted of non-violent offences. Now a new study shows an alarming rise in suicides and self-harm - and behind the statistics lie ruined lives and shattered relatives. With four inquests about to open, Amelia Hill reports on the growing scandal in Britain's penal system".

A shameful way to treat women prisoners

American caught having sex with picnic table

American caught having sex with picnic table

"An American man is facing public indecency charges after allegedly being filmed having sex with a picnic table.

Police say that Art Price Jr was seen copulating with furniture on four separate mornings, most recently on March 14 when a neighbour recorded it as evidence".

This sex with inanimate objects is really catching on. Whatever next?

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Two terrorists released from prison early

Two terrorists released from prison early

Two convicted terrorists have been released early under a controversial Government scheme to ease prison over-crowding, ministers have been forced to admit.

One is a radical Muslim cleric - Yassin Nassari, 29 - who was caught trying to smuggle blueprints on how to build a missile into Britain.

The identity of the second terrorist had not been made public but the BBC reported he was Abdul Muneem Patel, who was released from Glen Parva jail in Leicestershire on Jan 7 this year.

Exclusive: Islamist terrorist freed under early-release scheme

Terrorists released early under scheme to ease prison overcrowding

Michael Martin's home gets £1.7m makeover

Michael Martin's home gets £1.7m makeover

Refurbishing the home and garden of the Speaker of the House of Commons has cost the taxpayer £1.7 million.

The bill includes more than £700,000 on furnishing and improving his official residence, figures released to The Daily Telegraph reveal today.

The disclosure that more than £100,000 a year has been spent on furniture, art and refurbishments will add to intense pressure on Michael Martin, who is leading controversial attempts to block the disclosure of MPs' expenses.

Time to bring some Order Order to the area of MPs expenses fiddles.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Man said 'wombat rape' led to accent change

Man said 'wombat rape' led to accent change

"A New Zealand man who claimed he was raped by a wombat and that the experience left him speaking with an Australian accent has been found guilty of wasting police time".

No wombats were harmed in the making up of this story.

Drug delivery grandmother jailed

Drug delivery grandmother jailed

"A grandmother from Cornwall who delivered drugs in Plymouth and Truro has been jailed for six months after being caught with 10 kilos of cannabis".

Piers Norsworthy, defending, said she was a woman of good character and was not living a life of luxury but had needed "a little more money for the family pot".

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Ta ta Jaguar

Jaguar V6 Turban

Hat-Tip Ron

Man cleared of Facebook stalking

Man cleared of Facebook stalking

"A man has been cleared of harassing his ex-girlfriend on the social networking site Facebook, in what is thought to be the first trial of its kind in the UK".

'Inhumane and oppressive': the final verdict on Britain's asylum policy

'Inhumane and oppressive': the final verdict on Britain's asylum policy

"The most comprehensive examination of the UK's asylum system ever conducted has found it "marred by inhumanity" and "not yet fit for purpose".

The report, published by the Independent Asylum Commission, is a damning indictment of the Home Office's failure to deal fairly with those applying for sanctuary in this country".

'Justice is a victim of politics, not soft judges'

'Justice is a victim of politics, not soft judges'

"As the judiciary is criticised over sentences for firearms offences, Lord Woolf says that it is politicians who have undermined the system".

US lawyer's greeting cards for convicts

US lawyer's greeting cards for convicts

"A Los Angeles lawyer has spotted a gap in the multi-billion dollar greeting cards market - cards for prison inmates.

Terrye Cheathem founded Three Squares Greetings, which produces a range of cards "for those who can't come home" with messages specially designed for prisoners".

Having a nice time - wish you were here...

Policeman faked wage slip to cut maintenance

Policeman faked wage slip to cut maintenance

"A police officer who altered his wage slips to save £25 a week in maintenance for his daughter has been forced to resign".

A short term gain is outweighed by a long term loss.

Prisons 'to remain at bursting' says Jack Straw

Prisons 'to remain at bursting' says Jack Straw

"Prisons will be at bursting point for the next two years, Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, has admitted".

Not fit for purpose...

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Prisoners' rooftop protest ends

Prisoners' rooftop protest ends

"Two prisoners have ended their rooftop protest at a Devon jail.

Three inmates scaled drainpipes on to the roof at HMP Dartmoor at about 0900 GMT on Tuesday. At 1700 GMT one of the three was coaxed down by negotiators.

The remaining two, who had a canvas shelter and provisions with them, climbed down at about 2230 GMT".

'Extreme' blog councillor resigns

'Extreme' blog councillor resigns

"A Medway councillor has resigned after claiming on his website that there should be compulsory sterilisation for parents on benefits".

Adolf Hitler would have been proud...

Expenses fraud is a crime: No ifs no buts

Expenses fraud is a crime: No ifs no buts

"Michael Martin, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has launched a High Court legal challenge to stop details of Gordon Brown's personal expenses claims being made public".

How many times have I heard the government state if we have nothing to hide we have nothing to fear?

There is something wrong with the government challenging its own legislation in the High Court. There is something wrong with the government employing a firm of lawyers at the public's expense to prevent the public examining MPs expenses. It is ridiculous to claim that it is on security grounds, a desire to keep MPs addresses secret, that the government is acting. Even more absurd is the claim "It is also arguing that MPs should not have to disclose the details of their expenses because they did not know at the time they made the claims that they would be made public". If there is nothing dodgy what difference does it make?

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Nazi Law

Nazi Law

Dermot Donovan highlights Germanys nightmare criminal justice system of the 1930s and certain uneasy parallels with current events both at home and abroad.

Labour has just about doubled the prison population during their ten years in power. To all intents and purposes they have also made over 150 crimes imprisonable for life with the introduction of the Indeterminate Sentence for Public Protection, as well as creating ASBO's, Parenting Contracts and Control Orders to name just a few of the measures designed to make everyone safer. Though you may notice certain parallels in what follows with the present day, you can thank your lucky stars you weren't deemed a criminal or even antisocial in Nazi Germany.

In 1933, not long after Hitler came to power, the Reichstag (German Parliament) was burnt down. Conveniently, Communists (who were now considered the terrorists of the day) were blamed for the attack and Hitler brought in legislation to combat the communist threat to national security (for what it's worth, the communist party were the largest opposing political party also). And so it was that the 'Reichstag Fire Decree' became law. This decree took all personal rights and freedoms that everyone in Germany took for granted at the time. Soon after, thousands of known communists and subversives were rounded up and put in concentration camps for an indefinite period, though in practice the average stay was two or three years with a condition of release being not to talk of their imprisonment otherwise they would be recalled. Within a couple of years, investigations into detainee deaths involving guards were abolished and worse still, any guard who prevented a detainee escaping would earn a bonus day off. Escapes usually being prevented by guards opening fire. Paradoxically, violence and killings amongst the detainees were always investigated. It should be noted these concentration camps, whilst brutal and squalid, should not be confused with the death camps that came later.

In July 1933 `The Law of Prevention of Hereditary Diseased Progeny' was brought in. This permitted the sterilization of any person who fitted the criteria. It included eight so-called hereditary defects, the most common amongst them being Schizophrenia and Depression; 220 Hereditary Courts were set up across the country and anyone with a history (or family history) of the eight defects was made to attend. Failure to do so would result in an arrest warrant being issued. Within a couple of years the criteria went a lot wider, now including alcoholics, prostitutes, repeat criminals and anyone whom the courts might deem as having antisocial behavior; 400,000 people would go on to be sterilised under this law, resulting in the deaths of thousands of women through botched operations. Under the logic of the Nazis ideology of an Aryan super race, if everyone with flaws was prevented from breeding it stood to reason eventually such flaws would no longer be in the German Peoples gene pool. Perhaps it should be noted that Germany was not the first country to practice what was known as Eugenics - 35 American states made it obligatory for the mentally handicapped from 1899, although only for a few years.

Then came `The Law Against Dangerous and Habitual Criminals'. This made it compulsory for the physical castration of repeat sex offenders. The law also brought about the indefinite detention of any serving prisoner (regardless of what sentence they might actually have been serving) if they were deemed an ongoing risk to the public.

One night in 1934, Hitler's right-arm man Himmler (creator of the infamous SS) executed The Night of the Long Knives and coordinated over 85 individual killings across Germany. Anyone who posed a risk to Hitler's leadership was taken out; this included prominent Nazi party members. In a press release afterwards Goebbels (Minister of Propaganda) called it .... the settling of scores. This confirmed Hitler's Germany beyond all doubt as a Gangster State.

Between 1933 and 1939, the number of capital offences rocketed from just 3 to 40. Worse still, any serving convicts (having already had their sentences extended indefinitely) now faced execution if any offence past or present was now a capital crime, as all changes in the law were applied retrospectively to Germany's beleaguered criminals. It should be noted the smart ones became Nazis themselves in the beginning, once it became apparent that to be a criminal outside of the protection of the party was not conducive to one's health.

1935 saw the implementation of the infamous Nuremberg Race Laws. This enshrined in law the full segregation of all German Jews and Jewish people, denying them any rights whatsoever. They could be robbed and beaten (an incident in 1938 known as The Night of Broken Glass saw an organised nationwide attack on Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues; hundreds died in the violence) at will by anybody with no protection from the law. Under this law it was an imprisonable offence to consort with Jewish people or for them to have any relationships with any non-Jewish German. In 1937, Pope Pious XI condemned those who worship the idols of race, people or state. Goebbels responded by engineering sex scandals in the church, saying at the time, "A general corruption of morals such as the history of civilisation has scarcely ever known.

The Law against Malicious Attacks made it an imprisonable offence to disrespect the Nazi Party in any way. This resulted in an epidemic of false accusations being made, which of course were all duly investigated - often resulting in people being jailed.

Then in 1939 the Nazis embarked on what they called the Child Euthanasia Programme. What it amounted to was the organised murder of disabled German children. They did not fit into the Nazis ideology of the Aryan super race to which they aspired. The Nazis believed that the German people might not fully understand the necessity of it, so no law was passed making it legal. Instead, what ensued was a nationwide conspiracy, with 305 bogus Childrens Paediatric Clinics being set up. Parents were encouraged to bring their children. To cover their tracks, the Nazis made sure the children were always placed a long way from home; this avoided any one clinic being known as a place of death by the locals, simply due to the fact nobody local had died there. Documents and later testimony shows there was actually a checklist of 50 illnesses drawn up that could be used for guidance when filling out death certificates. Approximately 5,000 disabled children would be killed in these clinics; usually with a morphine overdose.

After this, the Nazis pressed forward with mass murder by way of poison gas. Their victims: the mentally ill in the asylums. To begin with, airtight coaches were used. Inmates in the asylums are recorded as going berserk when one of these coaches turned up, it being an open secret that nobody was ever heard from or seen again after boarding one. This method was found to be both laborious and time-consuming with no real value: they didn't kill sufficient people quickly enough. Dummy showers were created and Operation Akton T4 was launched. Over 70,000 people would go to their death in these asylum shower rooms, 20,000 of whom were political or unmanageable criminal prisoners.

All this, of course, was only the prelude to the Holocaust of millions of men, women and children.

As stated earlier, you may notice certain disturbing parallels with current events both at home and abroad.

Whilst we vote in our politicians in the belief they have our best interests at heart, we should keep in mind the Jewish saying Never Forget. Hitler didn't seize power by force, he was voted in democratically. It was under the guise of National Security that he removed all previously enjoyed human rights and freedoms from the German people. He then created his Criminal Justice System in the interest of the Greater Good.

What might affect only a minority today might affect all of us tomorrow.

Living With a Product of the System

Living With a Product of the System

Alison Henderson reflects on a sad encounter with one of lifes unfortunates who, from an early age, never had a chance.

It has to be said that I have become bewildered and confused with the word resettlement. According to the dictionary it defines the word as: relocate population: to provide a group or population with a new place to live and transfer it there.

I recently offered a roof and a home to a friend who has spent 37 years of his life in institutions, from the age of three. A tiny, innocent soldier who marched his way through childrens homes and scrambled through trenches that led to the inevitable walls that protect him from his enemy - the outside world.

On the morning of his release I met him at the fort that had been his comfort blanket and safety net for so many years. He was with another acquaintance I offered a lift to; only his particular destination was a squat somewhere in a hopeless, drug-infested alley. Released without a roof. Resettlement? A twelve letter word probation scribble down repetitively yet obviously fail to understand the full extent of its meaning.

I found myself on a continuous roller-coaster living with someone who had spent 37 years in institutions without any help or guidance from probation, or indeed from any of the other support mechanisms that we so often hear are available.

I spent hours telephoning organisations who, without prejudice, could only offer me a sympathetic ear. Unfortunately, endless cups of tea and weary shoulders to cry on became monotonous and non-constructive to either myself or to my friend.

Probations famous words: He must take responsibility for his own actions was like listening to a broken 7-inch record. I was led to believe actions speak louder than words, so where exactly was it, and where do families come into being this super hero that apparently reduces the risk of their loved ones re-offending?

I was living with a classic product of the system. I was sharing my home with someone who had never had a mother or father. I was under the same roof as a person who had never been to the seaside, a supermarket or received gifts at Christmas. I was sharing my friendship with someone who had no concept of money and paying bills. I was offering my support to a friend who had never experienced the sharp tug of a 9-5 clock card, yet only two weeks after his release his deluded probation officer requests he compiles a CV as part of his homework... 37 years of institutions, and not one single person apart from myself understood that he would obviously struggle; not having a concept of what is required in a CV. He didnt have the knowledge of what terms are used in the jobseekers marketplace either. How on earth could he possibly know how to maximise his chances of employment, given that he could not provide any references of past work history?

At 3 years of age he was separated from his brothers and placed into care. At the age of 9, he was taken into a room and introduced to his mother and father and in the next breath instructed to say goodbye.

At 13 years of age he was sentenced to a secure unit and from then on progressed to being a fully-fledged resident of HMPS. He is now 40 years of age. Other than offering him a paltry ten minutes a week, his probation officer asks of him a task that even the birdman of Alcatraz would find amusing - a CV.

Five weeks into his release and virtually all hope of him grasping the real world were fading. Heartbreakingly, I felt he didnt belong in my world; the simplest pleasures like a walk in the park feeding the ducks was overwhelming. On the sixth week his probation officer put us out of our misery and recalled him back to prison. It was a relief for both of us. For his own sanity he was safer on his home turf.

Prison? A word that once sent shivers down my spine and a word I once defined as hopelessness, and still do. I now view prison as an alternative place to escape lifes pressures. A peaceful place locked away from bailiffs. A building that shields you from red letters and debt. It is a roof that guarantees meals and washes your clothes. It is an establishment where you can relax and watch TV without licence enforcement officers knocking on your door. Prison is a place that offers you freedom away from the everyday stresses of life. It strips you of your responsibilities - then thrusts you back into a society where you cannot survive without them.

An orphaned cub is rejected by its pride. It is caged, cared for and hand-reared by its keeper. It has no concept of its natural ability to hunt. It does not understand its own capabilities, beauty or strength.

To release this big-hearted yet vulnerable creation back into the wild, I regret to say that the chances are; it will not survive.

An Abuse of Power

An Abuse of Power

Author Bernard OMahoney highlights the case of a young dyslexic prisoner he considers a miscarriage of justice that will stagger the mind of anybody that reads about it.

I am the author of several true crime books including Essex Boys, Hateland and Bonded By Blood. For the past year I have been researching my latest book: Essex Boys the New Generation, which tells the story of Supergrass Damon Alvin who went from being sinner to saint overnight. Two weeks into his trial for murder, he asked for an adjournment so that he could make a fresh statement; the end result being his former friend Ricky Percival was charged with murder, three counts of attempted murder, robbery, firearm offences and conspiracy. Alvin became the prosecutions star witness and Percival was convicted in December 2006 and given four life sentences with a recommendation that he serve at least twenty-eight years.

In a previous case in 2003, Alvin had been due to appear before the Courts for supplying cocaine. He had been caught with over 1kg of the drug. He set about constructing an elaborate and entirely false account of his involvement in the offence for use in mitigation in order to secure for himself a lighter sentence. That account involved arranging for his wife and mother-in-law to cut out letters from newspapers and constructing 'ransom' notes which were then sent to themselves in order to suggest that Alvin was being threatened and had committed the offence under duress. The ruse worked. Alvin received 30 months imprisonment instead of the 6 years that he had expected.

Another prosecution witness used against Percival initially told the police that the morning after the murder, Percival had threatened him to keep his mouth shut or else. This individual later broke down and confessed to the police that he had made it all up because a senior police officer had told him that if he had any useful information, he could leave his dreary life behind and join the witness protection programme.

A prosecution witness who had been shot at a house party told the court during Percivals trial that the gunman had blue eyes. Percival has brown. The prosecution asked this witness if they had been invited to Percivals victory party before having them dismissed as a hostile witness.

I could go on. Percivals conviction is a miscarriage of justice that will stagger the mind of anybody that reads about it. In my humble opinion, I do not believe there has been a trial like this in Chelmsford since Elizabeth Clarke was tried and convicted of being a witch in 1645.

Ricky Percival is a young man in his twenties who suffers from dyslexia. Before the trial he was unable to read one single statement that had been made about him. Ninety-nine per cent of the evidence that was literally thrown at him in the dock he was unable to comment on because he had no knowledge of it.

In an effort to unearth the truth, I asked Ricky Percival to send me a visiting order. This he did and after driving from Birmingham to HMP Chelmsford I was refused entry. The Governor of Chelmsford said that if I were willing to sign an undertaking, they would reconsider allowing me into the prison. I did this. My request was reconsidered and refused. Fresh hope of visiting Percival arose when he was transferred to HMP Full Sutton. After receiving a visiting order, I was informed in a telephone call that I was a banned visitor. Telephone calls and letters were permitted because, so I was told, they are all monitored. Trying to discuss a complex case during an 8-15 minute telephone call is impossible. Trying to discuss a complex case in a letter with a guy who is dyslexic is equally impossible. I invited the Governor of HMP Full Sutton to allow a prison officer to sit at our table during a visit, grant it as a closed visit and even sit on my lap during the visit - but each offer was met with no, no, no. On 14th December, having completed my book, but not the enquiries I intend to make on Ricky Percivals behalf, I sent him all the new evidence I had found with the original supporting documentation. This was duly seized by the prison authorities and he is not allowed to read or have it. All methods of communication between myself and Ricky Percival were then banned.

A young man is looking at spending three decades in prison. He is not legally aided to seek out or challenge evidence. He can barely read or write. HM Prison Service is not permitting him to even write or telephone me so that I can investigate his case. It is an abuse of power on a scale that I have not previously known. It has shocked and concerns me deeply. I never thought I would witness such sinister censorship in a country that promotes free speech. However I can assure those responsible for trying to hamper Ricky Percivals right to have a fair trial that he will not be allowed to rot in prison behind a wall of bricks, mortar and silence. He may be innocent, he may be guilty, who knows? That is for a jury to decide after hearing all the evidence. Not agents of the police who are willing to sacrifice the human rights of others.

Stat porn: Jailhouselawyer passes the 100,000 visitors mark

Stat porn: Jailhouselawyer passes the 100,000 visitors mark

Total 100,021
Average Per Day 196
Average Visit Length 0:55
Last Hour 5
Today 39
This Week 1,375

Monday, March 24, 2008

China accuses Dalai Lama of being a terrorist

China accuses Dalai Lama of being a terrorist

"Far from heeding international calls for dialogue with the Dalai Lama, China has accused Tibet’s exiled god-king of colluding with Muslim terrorists to destabilise the country before the Olympic Games".

Next week China accuses flying pigs of being terrorists...

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Hearst gang woman back in prison

Hearst gang woman back in prison

"A member of a radical US 1970s group has been returned to jail, less than a week after being released on parole.

Sarah Jane Olson was freed on Monday after seven years in jail for attempted bombings and second-degree murder during a campaign in 1975.

But officials found an "administrative error", and realised she still had one more year to serve before being freed".

Easter Sunday snow in Hull

Easter snow, sleet and storms - and a little bit of fun

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Berk on a Bike Cameron to be given road safety advice from police

Berk on a Bike Cameron to be given road safety advice from police

"Bike menace David Cameron faces a humiliating lecture from police safety bosses over his hazardous cycling.

Met chiefs called him "very stupid" after the Mirror filmed him breaking four road laws - including going past a red light - in 22 minutes".

Police officer on assault charge

Police officer on assault charge

"A police sergeant has been charged with assault, harassment and possessing a knife in a public place.

Mark Murphy, 39, is also charged with failing to provide a breath specimen for analysis and possession of firearm ammunition without a certificate".

Law blocking re-entry of refugees 'simply inhuman'

Law blocking re-entry of refugees 'simply inhuman'

"A proposed change in immigration law that could see legitimate asylum claims blocked for up to a decade, has prompted a furious response from politicians and human rights groups".

Every little helps: Workers at Tesco paid just 8p an hour

Every little helps:Workers at Tesco paid just 8p an hour

Workers in Tesco's foreign stores are earning as little as eight pence an hour, they claim.

An investigation by The Daily Telegraph has discovered that dozens of people subcontracted to work up to 80 hours a week in Tesco's supermarkets in Malaysia found themselves employed in circumstances that meet the United Nations' definition of forced labour.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Britain told to crack down on gambling crooks with £15bn to hide

Britain told to crack down on gambling crooks with £15bn to hide

"Britain should tighten controls on the gambling industry and monitor the activities of wealthy foreigners to combat money laundering, according to a report by the US State Department".

Meanwhile, Lord Ashcroft continues to bankroll the Tory Party with laundered money...

"Lord Ashcroft's main residence was declared in the House of Lords expenses register to be the central American tax haven of Belize, thousands of miles beyond the reach of HM Revenue and Customs".

Prisoners 'may be released early'

Prisoners 'may be released early'

"More prisoners could be let out early in an effort to reduce overcrowding in jails, Justice Secretary Jack Straw has told the BBC".

Nick Robinson goes to jail

And, Derek Conway escapes jail because MPs have covered their arses by failing to provide a proper way of accounting for their expenses fiddles.

Easter Bunny

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Tory MP Nicholas Soames breaks the law on quad bike

Tory MP Nicholas Soames breaks the law on quad bike

"Nicholas Soames, the Conservative MP, is being prosecuted for allegedly riding a quad bike on a public road with a child perched behind him".

Not taxed, not insured, no number plates...

Nicholas Soames said:"I hold my hands up. I did not realise I was breaking the law but ignorance is no defence. I am sorry".

As you say, ignorance of the law is no excuse. However, are you really expecting us to believe that you did not know what you were doing was wrong at the time? I suspect you did know but that you adopted the view that you are above the law.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Britain's shameful treatment of Gurkhas

Britain's shameful treatment of Gurkhas

"About 2,000 Gurkhas watched today as 50 veterans outside Parliament handed back their military medals in protest against the Government's "immoral discrimination" against them".

Magistrate jailed for 18 months for fraud

Magistrate jailed for 18 months for fraud

"A magistrate who told a businessman friend that he could make a court case against him "go away" has been jailed for 18 months".

Kate and Gerry McCann: I am not sorry

Kate and Gerry McCann: I am not sorry

As far as I am concerned, Kate and Gerry McCann remain prime suspects in the disappearance of Madeleine. The McCanns sought trial by media and when found guilty by the media they embarked upon blackmailing the media into silence. Nor am I convinced by this statement: "All the money is going to the fund, none of it is going to the family," said Sonia Beldom, a spokesman for the fund. We already know that the McCanns paid for their mortgage out of the findmadeleinefund, and that some of their relatives have had their flights abroad and hotel bills paid out of the fund. The wording in relation to the fund allows the McCanns to milk it for the benefit of the McCann family.

The sooner Kate and Gerry McCann are charged and face a court of law the happier I will be. It remains the truth that both of them failed to answer 40 questions put to them by the police. Until they have done so, they are not innocent at all. I am aware that it is normally innocent until proven guilty. But, the McCanns have used every trick in the book to evade justice. Using other people's money in an attempt to clear their names, whether it be money from the fund or money from the likes of Richard Branson.

The media should only apologise for the way it accepted and published the McCanns version of events as though they were fact.

When do the McCanns intend to say sorry?

UPDATE: "Madeleine McCann's parents accept £550,000 damages over false newspaper claims about her disappearance".

What about the McCanns own false claims about the disappearance of Madeleine? I think they are doing an Archer over suing the media and later coming unstuck when they are charged and stand trial.

McCanns apology from the Spoof.

Another day in court

Another day in court

I went to the Crown Court this morning to enter a plea of not guilty to the charge of having a dog dangerously out of control, and assault. My barrister, Mark George, was ok although we did have a minor disagreement over whether he should apply to vary my bail conditions. He did not want to ask the judge to change the condition which prohibited me from approaching all the Park Rangers, but I thought it was important to allow us to conduct a proper defence to the charges. Rather, he wanted to approach the council for the information. I could see that approach might prove more difficult than me speaking to those I know by sight if not by name. In the event, Mark George followed my instructions and the conditions of bail now allow me to go into Pearson Park but not with Rocky.

The judge was alright and appeared to be bemused by the whole affair and kept making wry humorous remarks. It is a pity that he will not be sitting on the trial. There is a danger of taking this whole affair too seriously.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Uncharitable Heather Mills branded a liar by judge

Uncharitable Heather Mills branded a liar by judge

"Heather Mills' evidence in her divorce case with Sir Paul McCartney was "inconsistent, inaccurate" and "less than candid", according to the judge".

On the other hand...

"Sir Paul's evidence was described as "balanced".

"He expressed himself moderately though at times with justifiable irritation, if not anger. He was consistent, accurate and honest," Mr Justice Bennett said".

McCartney-Mills judgment in full here.

UPDATE:

Evidence that Heather Mills is a gold digger has emerged from the court judgment...

"I have to say I cannot accept the wife’s case that she was wealthy and independent by the time she met the husband in the middle of 1999. Her problem stems from the lack of any documentary evidence to support her case as to the level of her earnings".

"During her cross-examination she asserted for the first time that in addition to property assets she had £2m-£3m in the bank. No mention of such assets was made in her affidavit. There is no documentary evidence to support that assertion. During the hearing she was asked repeatedly to produce bank statements, which she said she thought she had in Brighton, to verify this claim. No bank statements were ever produced".

"In her evidence she told me that as much as 80% or 90% of her earnings went direct to charities. However, the wife had to accept in her cross-examination that there was no documentary evidence, for example letters from the relevant charities, that her fees were sent direct to charities".

"In her Answers to a Questionnaire of 6 February 2007 the wife, having been asked to set out in a schedule the income earned by her and sent direct to charities for the years 1997 and 2000 inclusive, replied that she did not have the records requested to enable her to complete a schedule. Furthermore, her assertion that she gave away to charity 80% to 90% of her earned income is inconsistent with having £2m-£3m in the bank in 1999".

"The wife accepted that had she had £2m to £3m in the bank in 1999 she is most likely to have put such a sum into an account earning interest. But the tax returns do not disclose any bank interest earned or only very small sums which are not consistent with holding £2m-£3m in a bank or banks. Moreover her tax returns disclose no charitable giving at all".

Heather Mills' contribution to Paul McCartney marriage: an acrylic fingernail

Heather Mills loses appeal of full details of divorce being released

Heather Mills loses appeal of full details of divorce being released

Breaking news: More later.

UPDATE:

Mills loses divorce ruling appeal

"Full details of the divorce of Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills are to be made public after Ms Mills was refused permission to appeal the publication".

Important boost for Welsh economy

Important boost for Welsh economy

The welsh mining industry may be in for a much needed boost-
it seems they have found a very important copper deposit at the bottom of a mountain.

Manchester Police chief constable found dead after hill-walking trip in Snowdonia

Hat-Tip to Ronskneesrantsandraves

Call to close offenders' centre

Call to close offenders' centre

"A controversial secure children's training centre should temporarily close, according to a watchdog.

Chief prisons inspector Anne Owers said an inspection of Oakhill near Milton Keynes had found a "staggering" level of force being used against children".

Warning over giant prisons plan

Warning over giant prisons plan

"The governor of Europe's largest jail has warned against British government plans to build three so-called Titan prisons each holding 2,500 prisoners".

Inside Europe's largest prison

"BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Danny Shaw reports from Europe's largest prison - the 3,800-strong Fleury-Merogis near Paris - on how super size prisons work in reality".

Monday, March 17, 2008

Man charged with Shannon kidnap

Man charged with Shannon kidnap

"A man who was found by police in a flat with a missing nine-year-old schoolgirl has been charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment".

I wonder, just wonder, if there is not more to this case than meets the eye? Perhaps, a McScam-type operation?

John Prescott's successor selected

John Prescott's successor selected

Karl Turner, a lawyer, has been selected to replace John Prescott as MP for Hull East.

More later.

UPDATE:

PRESCOTT'S SUCCESSOR: 'I'LL BUILD ON LEGACY'

Karl Turner has said he hopes to build on John Prescott's legacy after being chosen as his replacement as the Labour Party's parliamentary candidate for Hull East.

Mr Turner, a criminal defence lawyer, of Wawne Road, Sutton, won the race to succeed Mr Prescott at a secret ballot, as reported on the Mail's website yesterday.

He will now contest the next General Election as a Labour representative, when Mr Prescott stands down.

The 37-year-old was selected after several hours of speeches and ballots at the Freedom Centre in Preston Road, east Hull.

After the decision was made, Mr Turner told the Mail he was delighted.

He said: "I am honoured and privileged to have been selected by the members and I look forward to campaigning with them and current MP, John Prescott.

"John will be a formidable act to follow and has served the area with great pride and passion for almost 40 years.

"It's my aim to build on John's legacy and I will work to ensure Hull East remains a Labour constituency at the next General Election."

Mr Turner, the favourite before the voting was cast, beat off competition from Gary Wareing and Mr Prescott's son, David.

Of the 220 constituency members for the Labour Party in Hull East, 170 turned out to hear the seven candidates give five-minute speeches followed by a 20-minute question and answer session.

In the final round of voting, Mr Turner secured 85 votes to former city councillor Gary Wareing's 69 votes. David Prescott polled 27 votes in third place.

Chairman of the constituency party, Councillor Steve Brady said he was happy with the selection.

He said: "The party has chosen and I support their decision.

"Karl is a capable man and although you can't class anything as a given in this day and age, hopefully he will be the next representative for Hull East in Westminster".

John Prescott dynasty crumbles in Hull East

"The end of the Prescott era in Hull was in sight last night after his son and chief of staff both lost out to a local barrister in the fight to succeed him as the Labour candidate in the seat he represented for 38 years.

After a bitter contest in which Mr Prescott’s son, David Prescott, alleged that he had been smeared by his Labour enemies, Karl Turner, 37, was selected for Hull East after four rounds of voting".

Breaking news: Heather Mills strikes gold worth £24.3M

Breaking news: Heather Mills strikes gold worth £24.3M

More later.

UPDATE:"Heather Mills has been awarded £24.3m in her divorce settlement with estranged husband Sir Paul McCartney".

"The summary judgment stated that Ms Mills had sought £125 million...Ms Mills insisted she was "very, very happy" with the decision".

Not as very, very happy as she would be had the gold digger not lost out on £100.7M...

I can't for the life of me understand what makes her worth £6M a year for 4 years of marriage. What did she put into the relationship?

John Smeaton:Hero to zero

John Smeaton:Hero to zero

"A baggage handler honoured for his role in stopping the failed bomb attack on Glasgow airport has been branded "a fake" who grossly exaggerated his role in thwarting the perpetrators".

Chinese troops parade handcuffed Tibetan prisoners in trucks

Chinese troops parade handcuffed Tibetan prisoners in trucks

"The Chinese army drove through the streets of Lhasa today parading dozens of Tibetan prisoners in handcuffs, their heads bowed, as troops stepped up their hunt for the rioters in house-to-house searches".

Is this a new Olympic sport?

MoD office worker gets £200,000 payout

MoD office worker gets £200,000 payout

"Soldiers' families reacted angrily after it emerged the Ministry of Defence awarded £202,000 to an office employee who strained his back picking up a printer".

Given that this award is the same size as would be given to a soldier severely injured in Iraq, it is compensation culture gone mad.

"It is disgraceful. This faceless bureaucrat picks up a printer and gets £202,000 and my son picks up two mortar blasts and gets £57,000. It says it all".

Ed Balls plans 'baby Asbos' for 10-year olds

Ed Balls plans 'baby Asbos' for 10-year olds

"Tearaways as young as 10 are to be targeted with "baby Asbos" to stop them going off the rails".

This has to be a load of Balls!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Tell me the old old story...

Tell me the old old story...

Eventually, the Daily Mail on Sunday has reported on the Civil Serf here what I announced earlier here.

Police state just around the corner

Police state just around the corner

"Primary school children should be eligible for the DNA database if they exhibit behaviour indicating they may become criminals in later life, according to Britain's most senior police forensics expert".

Fuck Off!

Who says crime doesn't pay?

Who says crime doesn't pay?

MPs retaliation for having their £23,000 per year expenses fiddle stopped is to demand they are rewarded with a £40,000 per year pay rise! They are arguing that this will allow them to pay for themselves their second homes. However, if the public purse pays for this I fail to see how MPs can claim they are paying for their second homes themselves.

All too often the TV cameras in the House of Commons show that too many MPs are absent for most of the time. Therefore, why should they have two homes when it would be cheaper to commute into London on the odd occasions that MPs do decide to make an appearance?

Scrap John Lewis list for a £40,000 pay rise

Britain's refugee shame

Britain's refugee shame

"Gordon Brown has strongly criticised Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe, but now ministers are seeking to expel 1,000 desperate people back to Harare on the grounds that there is 'no general risk' to them".

Gordon Brown's new policy appears to be: Tough on refugees, weak on the causes of refugees.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Keep the Home Fires Burning

The MPs' goldmine: They work just 13 years to get a pension it would take you 62 years to get

The MPs' goldmine: They work just 13 years to get a pension it would take you 62 years to get

"A typical employee would have to work for 62 years to earn the pension an MP receives after only 13 years, research reveals today.

For the first time, it lays bare the "platinum-plated" pension enjoyed by the country's MPs - but virtually none of their constituents.

Experts said only "bank robbers and Russian oligarchs" are so richly rewarded so quickly".

MPs equal bank robbers? I like that. I like that a lot.

Tory peers face bill to clarify UK tax status

Tory peers face bill to clarify UK tax status

"A bill that would force Lord Ashcroft, the Conservative party deputy chairman, to clarify his tax status received qualified support from the government yesterday".

Open letter: A threat to our freedoms

Open letter: A threat to our freedoms

No convincing case has been made for detaining terror suspects without charge beyond the current limit of 28 days

In October last year the prime minister made a promising speech in favour of preserving our civil liberties and extending them further. He argued for respecting the freedom of citizens to be protected from arbitrary treatment by the state and said: "The very freedoms we have built up over generations are the freedoms terrorists most want to destroy."

It is in agreement with these words that we today call upon the prime minister to abandon plans to extend pre-charge detention of terrorist suspects to up to 42 days, from the current limit of 28 days.

It has become clear, as this debate has proceeded, that there is no consensus on the case for an extension of detention powers. Rather, it has resulted in a broad consensus among independent and expert opinion outside government that no convincing case has been made. We feel that the home office is underestimating the damage this legislation could have: to our struggle against home-grown terrorism; to preserving individual liberty; and to the reputations of the United Kingdom and the Labour Party as forces that seek to protect and advance human rights.

We are concerned that these measures will once again polarise opinion with damaging results. In particular, they are likely to undermine the efforts of those involved in the difficult task of building confidence in the intelligence work and policing efforts among all British citizens and British Muslims in particular on which our security depends

The parliamentary joint committee on human rights said the plans were "an unnecessary and disproportionate means of achieving the aim of protecting the public". We agree entirely, and call on the government to withdraw the measure while renewing its commitment in seeking to build a broad consensus on national security and anti-terror strategy.

Signed in their personal capacities:

Sunny Hundal, editor - LiberalConspiracy.org
Fareena Alam, editor - Q-News magazine
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, commentator and co-founder - British Muslims for Secular Democracy
Lisa Appignanesi, writer
Prof Timothy Garton Ash, Professor of European Studies, University of Oxford
Anthony Barnett, founder - openDemocracy
Sir Geoffrey Bindman, solicitor
Yahya Birt, City Circle
Jon Bright, managing editor - OurKingdom
Martin Bright, political editor - New Statesman
John le Carré, writer
Tufyal Choudhury, Lecturer in Law - University of Durham
Peter Facey, director - Unlock Democracy
Dr Catherine Fieschi, director - Demos
Conor Foley, human rights activist
Pam Giddy, director - The Power Inquiry
Jeremy Hardie, chairman - Open Democracy Foundation
Gavin Hayes, general-secretary - Compass
Sir Bob Hepple QC, Emeritus Professor of Law
Paul Hilder - Avaaz.org
Ed Husain, writer and co-founder - Quilliam Foundation
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC
John Jackson, lawyer and writer
Sunder Katwala, general-secretary - Fabian Society
Francesca Klug, Professorial Research Fellow - London School of Economics
Hari Kunzru, writer
Prof David Marquand, writer, academic and former Labour MP
Prof Tariq Modood, Professor of Sociology, Politics and Public Policy - Bristol University
Fuad Nahdi, The Radical Middle Way
Prof Susie Orbach, writer
Philip Pullman, writer
Ziauddin Sardar, novelist and commissioner - Equality and Human Rights Commission
Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, director - The Muslim Institute
Gillian Slovo, novelist
Prof Quentin Skinner, Regius Professor of Modern History Cambridge
Juliet Stevenson, actor and director
Prof Stuart Weir, editor - Democratic Audit
Timothy Winter, Lecturer in Islamic Studies - University of Cambridge

Friday, March 14, 2008

Detective jailed over card fraud

Detective jailed over card fraud

"A senior detective found guilty of misusing police credit cards has been sentenced to three years in prison".

Manacled, starved, beaten: a rendition victim's story

Manacled, starved, beaten: a rendition victim's story

"Khaled al-Maqtari's nightmare began when American troops arrived at the al-Ghufran market in Fallujah in January 2004. He was arrested along with other terrorist suspects and taken to Abu Ghraib jail. For the next four years he was held captive, moved from country to country and suffered, he says, appalling torture".

Meanwhile, David Miliband states: "I know nuffink".

Gunfire erupts in Tibetan capital as protesters clash with Chinese police

Gunfire erupts in Tibetan capital as protesters clash with Chinese police

"Gunfire erupted in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, today as monks and Tibetans rioted in the heart of the city and hospitals reported at least nine people had been wounded in street fighting".

UPDATE: Unconfirmed reports of up to 80 dead.

Bear convicted of stealing honey

Bear convicted of stealing honey

"A bear who could not keep its paws out of a beekeeper's hives has been convicted of theft and criminal damage by a court in Macedonia.

But the honey-stealing bear was nowhere to be seen as the court in Bitola handed down its judgement.

The case was brought by a frustrated beekeeper, who, after a protracted battle, turned to the law to stop the bear from attacking his beehives.

Zoran Kiseloski said he tried to keep the bear away by playing thumping "turbo-folk" music and buying a generator to light up the area.

"I tried to distract the bear with lights and music because I heard bears are afraid of that," Mr Kiseloski told the Dnevnik newspaper.

"So I bought a generator, lit up the area and put on songs."

But when the generator ran out of power and the music fell silent, the bear was back.

"It attacked the beehives again," said Mr Kiseloski.

The court found the bear guilty and, since it had no owner and belonged to a protected species, ordered the state to pay the 140,000 denars (£1,724) damage it caused to the hives.

There was no information on the whereabouts of the bear".

I think that is what we call bear faced cheek!

Eton suspends pupils over 'mugging'

"Four pupils have been suspended from Eton College over an incident involving a teenage girl on the school playing field.

The 13-year-old girl, not linked to the school, was apparently attacked and her handbag stolen.

The Eton pupils, who called themselves "The Posse", were suspended after the incident on Monday night. The school has not yet called the police.

An inquiry has been set up but Anthony Little, the head master, declined to discuss it".

Poor little sods. Must be something to do with their upbringing. Broken homes, dysfunctional families, etc, etc.

UPDATE: The Times carries a more fuller report and it appears more serious than I first thought. A senior politician's grandson is involved in a sexual assault upon the girl.

House of Commons: Members' Allowance Expenditure

House of Commons: Members' Allowance Expenditure

This page gives explanatory information for each column of the Members' allowances expenditure tables. Please note that for the allowance years 2004/05 and 2005/06, the breakdown of Members' travel allowance expenditure by mode of transport (columns 5a to 5e) is provided on separate tables.

Members' allowance expenditure table 2006/07
Members' allowance and travel breakdown tables for previous years

Explanatory Notes

Columns: 1. Cost of staying away from main home | 2. London Supplement | 3. Office running costs | 4. Staffing Allowance | 5. Members' Travel | 6. Members' Staff Travel | 7. Stationery | 8. Computer Equipment | 9. Staff cover and other Costs

Column 1: Cost of staying away from main home
The Additional Costs Allowance (cost of staying away from main home/ ACA) is paid to reimburse Members for necessary costs incurred when staying overnight away from their main home for the purpose of performing parliamentary duties. Inner London Members do not receive this allowance.

2006/07 ACA maximum of £22,110
2005/06 ACA maximum of £21,634
2004/05 ACA maximum of £20,902

Column 2: London Supplement
Inner London Members receive the London Supplement instead of the ACA. Outer London Members may choose between the ACA and the London Supplement. In 2004/05, Ministers who did not live in official accommodation and certain office holders automatically received the London Supplement with their salary in addition to ACA where eligible.

2006/07 London Supplement: £2,712
2005/06 London Supplement: £2,613
2004/05 London Supplement: £1,618

Column 3: Office running costs and Column 4: Staffing costs
These budgets support Members in undertaking their parliamentary and constituency work. Budget flexibilities (see below) between these allowances and between years mean that they should be considered together.

The Incidental Expenses Provision (IEP) can be used to meet the cost of: accommodation for office or surgery use; equipment and supplies for office or surgery; work commissioned or other services; and certain travel and communications. The Staffing Allowance is paid to enable Members to employ staff. Staff salaries are paid directly to staff by the House of Commons Department of Finance and Administration. In 2004/05, the Staffing Allowance varied according to the number of staff based in London. London Members automatically received the higher figure. The IEP can also be used to cover certain staff related costs.

Members are permitted to transfer funds from the IEP to the Staffing Allowance. In addition, up to 10% of their Staffing Allowance can be transferred to the IEP provided they run a constituency office.

Members are also allowed to carry forward unused funds in the IEP and Staffing Allowance from one allowance year to the next or to draw down an advance from the next year's budget. In both cases the Member's allowance limit will be increased or decreased accordingly. The carry forward/draw down facility is only permitted for specific purposes and requires prior approval by the Department of Finance and Administration.

2006/07 IEP maximum of £20,440
2005/06 IEP maximum of £20,000
2004/05 IEP maximum of £19,325

2006/07 Staffing Allowance maximum of £87,276
2005/06 Staffing Allowance maximum of £84,081
2004/05 Staffing Allowance between £66,458 - £77,534

Column 5: Members' travel
Members' travel entitlements cover the cost of travel on parliamentary business within the UK; European travel; and select committee travel to and from committee embarkation points (but not the cost of the visit itself). The allowance does not include travel on parliamentary delegation business. Certain elements of the travel allowances are taxable.

Column 5a Car
This column includes car or motorbike mileage undertaken in a vehicle that is owned by the Member and associated parking costs.

2006/07 and 2005/06 mileage rate: first 10,000 miles per year at the rate of 40p per mile, and over 10,000 at 25p per mile
2004/05 mileage rate: first 20,000 miles per year at the rate of 57.7p per mile, and over 20,000 at 26.6p per mile

Motorbike mileage rate: 24p per mile

Column 5b Third party vehicle mileage and rental
This column includes mileage undertaken in a vehicle not owned by the Member. This may include car hire, taxi fares, and other travel in a vehicle belonging to a third party. Claims for these journeys are made using the car mileage rates described above.

Column 5c Rail and Column 5d Air
These columns include the costs associated with travelling by rail (including tube) or air.

Column 5e Other Travel
This column includes mileage undertaken by bicycle and the cost associated with travelling by bus, ferry, and the cost of season tickets.

Bicycle mileage rate: 20p per mile

Column 5f European travel
Travel and subsistence costs for up to 3 visits per year to EU institutions, EU agencies, the national parliaments of EU member states, European Free Trade Association states, or candidate countries.

Column 6: Members' staff travel
Each Member is entitled to claim costs of up to a total of 12 return journeys for staff per year between Westminster and the constituency.

Column 7: Centrally purchased stationery
This column sets out the cost of stationery items ordered from a central supplier for use in direct connection with a Member’s parliamentary duties.

Column 7a: Postage associated with the use of centrally purchased stationery
This column sets out the cost of postage associated with the use of stationery with pre-paid postage ordered from the central supplier for use in direct connection with a Member’s parliamentary duties.

Column 8: Centrally provided computer equipment
This column sets out the cost of equipment supplied on loan to each Member. In 2006/07, the provision allowed Members two printers and a maximum of five computers, comprised of up to four desktop PCs and three laptops. For 2004/05 and 2005/06, two printers and up to four desktop PCs and one laptop were allowed. The figures show the asset value spread over a four-year period.

Column 9: Staff cover and other costs
This column sets out costs incurred from central budgets, including:

* a temporary secretarial allowance for additional help when Members’ staff are absent due to sickness or maternity leave; additional security costs for the office up to a maximum entitlement of £1,500;
* exceptional needs support which provides for short term additional help to Members whose constituencies have particular problems;
* a winding-up allowance (WUA) payable to defeated or retiring Members after the date on which they cease to be Members of Parliament. This covers the reimbursement of the cost of any work necessary, including staff and office costs, to conclude their parliamentary business after the date on which they cease to be Members of Parliament.

2006/07 WUA maximum of £35,905
2005/06 WUA maximum of £34,694
2004/05 WUA maximum of £32,286

Further information
The Green Book provides further details about parliamentary salaries, allowances and pensions. Additional information and links to information relating to House of Lords Members' allowances is available on the Members' Allowances for both Houses page.

Please note that the Communications Allowance came into effect during the 2007/08 financial year. The new capped regime for postage and stationery was also introduced at the same time. Costs will be reported in the autumn of 2008.
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Updated 09/11/2007 17:59

Thursday, March 13, 2008

In full: MPs' 'John Lewis list'

In full: MPs' 'John Lewis list'

"Here is Parliament's Additional Costs Claims Guide - known as the "John Lewis List" - in full. It is used by House of Commons officials to determine whether an expenditure claim submitted by an MP is reasonable. MPs can claim items up to £23,000 per year".

Air conditioning unit - £299.99

Bed - £1,000.00

Bedside cabinet - £100.00

Bookcase/shelf - £200.00

Bookcase/cabinet - £500.00

Carpet - £35.00 per square metre

Carpet fitting - £6.50 per square metre

Coffee maker/machine - £100.00

Coffee table - £250.00

Dining armchairs (each) - £150.00

Dining chairs (each) - £90.00

Dining table - £600.00

Dishwasher - £375.00

Drawer chest (five) - £500.00

Dressing table - £500.00

Dry cleaning - both personal and household [items] are allowable within reasonable limits

Food mixer - £200.00

Freestanding mirror - £300.00

Fridge/freezer combi - £550.00

Gas cooker - £650.00

Hi-fi/stereo - £750.00

Installation of new bathroom - £6,335.00

Installation of new kitchen - £10,000.00

Lamp table - £200.00

Nest of tables - £200.00

Recordable DVD - £270.00

Rugs (each) - £300.00

Shredder - £50.00

Sideboard - £795.00

Suite of furniture - £2,000.00

Television set - £750.00

Tumble dryer - £250.00

Underlay (basic) - £6.99 per square metre

Wardrobe - £700.00

Washer dryer - £500.00

Washing machine - £350.00

Wooden flooring/carpets - £35.00 per square metre

Workstation - £150.00

Personal items not allowed - for example: hairdryers or hairstylers, shavers, toothbrushes, toiletries and bathrobes.

Any form of payment protection or illness cover is not claimable from ACA in relation to mortgage payments.

In order for a member to claim the mortgage interest against his ACA home, his/her name must appear on the mortgage.

Garden furniture such as patio sets, loungers and barbecues are not allowed.

Basic garden maintenance is allowed, but plants, shrubs, flowers, hanging baskets or other decorations etc are not.

Lord Dirty Money Ashcroft

click image to enlarge

There is something not right about Michael Anthony Ashcroft being described as a British businessman. As I understand it, British businessmen are required to pay tax. And yet, Michael Anthony Ashcroft does not pay any tax in this country. He does not reside in this country, rather, he resides in the foreign country of Belize. Belize is a country in Central America. This makes Michael Anthony Ashcroft an alien. A very undesirable alien. The Drug Enforcement Agency in the US has a file upon him. There is no explanation how he became very, very rich, very, very quickly. The Tory Party is not concerned with how he made his money, just as long as they receive large donations from him. The Tory Party nominated Michael Anthony Ashcroft for a peerage, and after a battle he succeeded, but it was conditional upon his residing in this country and paying tax. He neither resides in this country nor pays tax, and yet sits in the House of Lords. This anomaly is totally unacceptable. In my view, Michael Anthony Ashcroft should be prevented from engaging in politics and stripped of his peerage until such time as he resides in this country and pays the tax that he has evaded for too long. If he does not play by the rules, then he should be declared an undesirable alien and deported.

The Right Leaning Tree just right for Total Politics

The less than upstanding Iain Dale exposed.

UPDATE: Iain Dale "Excuse the coughing and spluttering. And apologies for the lack of regularity of blogging this week. Work commitments and a streaming cold have not really been conducive to heavy blogging. Hopefully back to normal service soon".

John Hirst (Jailhouselawyer): Total Bollocks! You will note that he claims he is too ill to blog, but not too ill, apparently, to appear on News 24!

Lord Ashcroft's dirty money laundered at Iain Dale's laundrette

Lord Ashcroft's dirty money laundered at Iain Dale's laundrette

Bob Piper wonders whether Iain Dale's Diary should be called Lord Ashcroft's Diary after it has emerged that the tax evader is bankrolling Iain Dale's latest scam Total Bollocks. Bob picked up the story from Kevin Maguire, at the New Statesman, who caught Iain Dale lurking about in one of Lord Ashcroft's flats paid for out of money that should have gone into the public purse.

Tim Ireland at Bloggerheads here.

Tom Watson here.

The Guardian take on the story here.

Man loses grape case against Marks and Spencers

Man loses grape case against M&S

"An accountant who claimed he injured himself by slipping on a grape in a Marks and Spencer car park has lost his High Court bid for damages".

A good result. Why am I not surprised? With the gambler losing his case against William Hill, I now await to see if the woman who has sued a casino and the ambulance worker who has sued the elderly couple also get their just desserts.

Saddam Hussein had no direct ties to al-Qaida, says Pentagon study

Saddam Hussein had no direct ties to al-Qaida, says Pentagon study

"A US military study officially acknowledged for the first time yesterday that Saddam Hussein had no direct ties to al-Qaida, undercutting the Bush administration's central case for war with Iraq".

"The reason I keep insisting that there was a relationship between Iraq and Saddam and al-Qaida: because there was a relationship between Iraq and al-Qaida," Bush said in 2004.

'It will forever be the right decision'

Almost five years after the invasion of Iraq, the US president, George Bush, defends his decision to go to war in a speech to religious broadcasters in Tennessee

Women and children killed in Afghanistan by British air strike

Women and children killed in Afghanistan by British air strike

"Two women and two children were killed in an air strike called in by British forces in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said. It is understood that the incident in Helmand Province took place after British troops had called in air support to help extricate them from a Taliban ambush at an undisclosed location in the southern part of the war-ravaged province.

The four bodies were found alongside one injured civilian as soldiers went to inspect the area".

This is the unacceptable face and unacceptable price of an unjustified war.