Quantcast
Channel: Luton Today MBLH.syndication.feed
Viewing all 29608 articles
Browse latest View live

Man charged over Catholic priest assault

$
0
0

RESIDENTS in Farley Hill have been left reeling after a popular priest was attacked at the weekend.

Father Eamon Murray, priest at the Catholic St Margaret of Scotland Church in Bolingbroke Road, is understood to have been assaulted outside his home following a mass early on Saturday evening.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said a man had been charged with actual bodily harm and would appear at Luton Magistrates Court on March 23.

Father Murray is believed to have suffered bruising to his arm and has flown to Ireland to stay with his parents following the incident.

A police spokesman said two people known to Father Murray had been involved in the incident, and that the investigation was ongoing.

A Farley Hill resident who contacted the Luton News yesterday morning said people on the estate were extremely upset by what had happened.

The resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It was on Saturday night and he was attacked as he walked from his car to his door.

“He is tremendously shaken up, and the whole area is up in arms over this.

“He’s now afraid to even open his front door.

“We are all horrified by it, we are absolutely disgusted and feelings are running very high in Farley Hill.

“What kind of person attacks a priest?”

Bedfordshire Police confirmed the attack after receiving several enquiries about the incident on their Facebook page. One reader responded: “This makes me sick... what is this world coming to?”

The resident continued: “Father Murray is renowned for his loyalty and kindness to people, without a doubt. What has happened is disgraceful.”


Cops can help you step up car security

$
0
0

POLICE will be helping motorists safeguard their vehicles at an event next Friday (March 25), following a spate of number plate thefts.

Crime reduction officers will be at B&Q in Dallow Road, Luton, from 10am to 2pm, securing number plates free of charge under Operation CAPS, the Car Accessory Protection Scheme.

Officers Glyn Price and Badrul Ahmed from the Dallow Safer Neighbourhood Team will also be holding a ‘vehicle crime surgery’ where they will be able to help motorists keep their vehicles and property safe.

Mr Price said: “We are looking forward to meeting as many members of the public as possible, since it is only by working closely with the community that we can truly impact on crime.

“During March we have had six reported incidents of theft of number plates from cars in the Dallow area.”

Warning over spate of alley muggings

$
0
0

DETECTIVES investigating a spate of robberies along well-used shortcuts in the centre of Luton are appealing for witnesses.

Since the beginning of the year there have been 21 robberies in the Moor Path and Wardown Park areas and the area of Bury Park around Sainbury’s.

In the majority of cases men in their late teens to early 20s have been targeted and forced to hand over mobile telephones, cash and other items. A number of arrests have been made in connection with some of the incidents.

Bedfordshire Police say that although the shortcuts are well-used, people should be on their guard to avoid becoming victims of crime.

PC Matt Shepherd, from the Luton Robbery Unit, said: “Most offences follow a similar pattern and happen during the evening between 4pm and 9pm, when offenders can take advantage of the dark evenings.

“We know Moor Path and Wardown Park are convenient shortcuts for some people, but during the evening both areas are dark and quiet. “Bedfordshire Police is stepping up patrols in these areas but we would like to reinforce our personal safety advice and would urge members of the public to find alternative routes to their destination.

“We would also ask anyone who has seen a group of young men acting suspiciously in these areas to also come forward and speak to the police, in confidence.”

Anyone with information relating to these robberies can contact PC Shepherd at Luton Police Station, on 01582 394265, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Hatters’ hurrah for armed forces fundraiser

$
0
0

LUTON Town FC has thrown its support behind a charity tournament aimed at raising funds for soldiers wounded, killed and currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Hatters will host the launch of the Haileybury Military Military Tournament at Kenilworth Road during the half-time interval of Town’s FA Trophy semi-final clash with Mansfield on Saturday.

The Haileybury Military Tournament’s principal sponsor and mascot Baxterbear will be on the pitch flanked by four gunners from the Luton-based 201 Parachute Battery RA to publicise the event in July.

Brigadier John Palmer, chairman of the ABF charity’s Hertfordshire committee, said: “We’re extremely grateful because the club and its fans recognise the debt which we owe the men and women serving in Afghanistan and those who have taken part in missions in Iraq.

“We, in turn, need to look after those who become casualties and their families too.

“We expect those requirements to grow in the next few years and therefore we need to raise the sums capable of providing the support they need.”

For more information about the tournament log onto www.haileyburymilitarytournament.com.

Eco fashionistas put grand designs on show

$
0
0

FASHION-mad youngsters strutted their stuff on the catwalk on Saturday night at an Eco Couture fashion show on Saturday night.

The show, which took place at the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, was put together as part of social enterprise MIGHTY’s Eco Couture fashion programme, with all designers and models aged between 15 and 25 years old.

The young designers showcased their pieces, made from recycled materials.

Some of the proceeds from the event are to be donated to Keech Hospice Care.

> For more info on MIGHTY, log onto www.mighty1.org, search for Mig Hty on Facebook or follow them on Twitter by logging onto www.twitter.com/mightytoachieve.

Beware of bogus Games tickets

$
0
0

POLICE have warned buyers to beware of bogus sellers and con artists after tickets for the London Olympics went on sale.

The rise in the use of the internet to buy tickets and accommodation packages coupled with the huge expected demand, gives criminals new opportunities to sell fake tickets and steal debit and credit card details.

The ticketing process opened on Tuesday and ends on April 26.

Det Insp Shane Roberts said: “The 2012 Games will be one of the biggest sporting events this country has ever hosted, with nearly 11 million tickets available for events right across the country.

“Criminals will be looking for ways to con and steal, either through selling fake tickets or setting up professional looking sites which may look honest, but could leave you a victim.”

The only way to apply for a ticket is by logging onto www.tickets.london2012.com or via postal application with forms available from Lloyds TSB.

There are also only three official providers for games breaks and hospitality packages in the UK: Thomas Cook; Prestige Travel; and Jet Set Travel.

If you find tickets available from an unauthorised source or bought tickets before March 15, report it to police by calling 01234 841212 or London 2012 by sending an email to brandprotection@london2012.com.

Shopkeeper scarred after knife attack

$
0
0

A SHOPKEEPER was left needing 50 stitches after a knifeman cut his face.

The incident happened at 11.15pm on Friday night at the Alomat Store in Dallow Road when a man went in to the shop to buy cigarettes.

The owner of the shop refused to serve the man before the man pulled a knife from his pocket and cut the victim’s face.

The offender is described as white and was wearing a white hooded top with a gold logo on the front. Jeans and white training shoes.

Investigating officer Det Con Mark Bryce said: “The victim is now recovering at home but will be left with a nasty scar from this traumatic experience.”

Anyone with information should contact Beds Police on 01234 841212 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Money sets his mind on Wembley

$
0
0

Hatters plan to be at full strength for Mansfield clash

HATTERS chief Richard Money has insisted his side will be doing everything in their power to book their place at Wembley this weekend, writes Mike Simmonds.

Luton host Mansfield Town in the second leg of their FA Trophy semi-final on Saturday, and trail 1-0 from the first match at Field Mill on Sunday.

The winners will play either Darlington or Gateshead in the final at the home of football and Money said: “The next game is most important. Don’t anyone suggest or think that we’re not going to turn up on Saturday and want to get to Wembley.

“You’ll see a much, much different team than you saw on Sunday, I can tell you that.

“No matter how many chances we create, you’ll see a much different Luton Town team.”

Hatters fielded a much-changed side in their 0-0 draw at struggling Cambridge United on Tuesday night which further dented their Blue Square Bet Premier title hopes.

Adam Newton earned his first start since September 25, while Paul Carden, Danny Crow and Robbie Willmott were all restored to the line-up too.

The boss made two substitutions at half time, bringing Alex Lawless and Claude Gnakpa on, while introducing leading scorer Matthew Barnes-Homer later in the game and admitted he had made the selection with the Trophy in mind.

Money added: “The back four pretty much picked itself with (Dan) Gleeson and (Freddie) Murray both injured.

“Newton’s been back in training and if he’s going to get match fit, he’s got to play games.

“So the intention was always to give him 45 minutes or at most an hour. We took the chance to give Gnakpa and Barnes-Homer and Lawless a rest.

“We used Carden because he can’t play Saturday, we used Willmott because he can’t play Saturday.

“I thought we got the team selection just about right and I thought we got the substitutes just about right.

“It means that Claude has only played 45 minutes, Barnesy has only played 30 minutes and Alex Lawless has only played 45 minutes.

“The others, I’m afraid, will just have to recover as best they can.”


Willmott praises former club Cambridge United

$
0
0

Winger expected a mixed reception

LUTON Town winger Robbie Willmott felt former club Cambridge United deserved their point as they held Hatters to a goalless draw on Tuesday night, writes Mike Simmonds.

The U’s had not won at home since November 27, but held out for a deserved point and Willmott said: “I thought we dug in very well, but they played very well and give them credit.

“They’re struggling down there, but played with a lot of heart and have got some good players.

“We wanted to come here and get three points to derail Crawley, but they’ve battled and got the point they wanted.”

The home fans celebrated as if they had seen a victory at the final whistle, to the surprise of Willmott, who continued: “They thought they had won the league, I couldn’t believe it.

“Fair play to them, the fans deserve a lot of credit as they were like their 12th man.

“To play Luton is a massive game for them. They’re always going to get up for all the big games like Crawley and AFC Wimbledon.

“It’s just up to us not to concede. We got a clean sheet, it’s a good point.”

Tuesday night was the first time that the 20-year-old, who made over 100 appearances for the U’s before signing for Luton, had gone back to the Abbey.

As expected, Willmott received a number of taunts throughout, but didn’t mind the comments.

He added: “I thought I was going to get a better reception to be honest. I was here for five years so thought it would be better.

“I don’t mind though. I got a few boos and a few jeers, but I take it as they come.

“There were some little snidey comments from the crowd, but I’m big enough and old enough to not let them affect me.

“They (the fans) paid their money, they can say what they want.”

“It doesn’t bother me what they say because I’ve left and am at Luton now.

“It’s my career choice and I made the right one. I’m at a team that’s pushing for the league.

“If I’d have stayed I’d be fighting relegation, so it’s the right choice for me and Luton’s a great club.”

Money admires effort of Town players

$
0
0

Cambridge draw could be a valuable point

TOWN boss Richard Money heaped praise on his players despite Luton being held to a 0-0 draw by Cambridge United in midweek, writes Mike Simmonds.

Hatters had been in action two days earlier at Mansfield Town and, although he made five changes to the team, Money felt it was an exhausting effort from his squad.

He said: “I think you’ve got to have a lot of admiration for the players.

“It’s impossible for me to explain to people who’ve never played football, with respect, what a monumental effort that was. To play 90 minutes in that fierce competitive environment having played 48 hours ago and when we’ve played Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday.

“I just can’t explain to people how hard the players have dug in to come off with a result and I’m full of admiration for them.”

Although both sides hit the bar in the first half, it was in the second period where the game really opened up as there were chances at either end.

Money continued: “We wanted to come here and win. We’ve been the width of the crossbar and a few saves away from winning the game.

“They fought for everything tigerishly with their lives, were very direct, ugly if you want. But we stood up to it and at times moved the ball around pretty well, created opportunities, we just couldn’t take one.”

Hatters failed to hit the target once more on their travels, making it just three goals in their last seven away games. Money said: “We’ll just keep putting the right players on the pitch and I’ve got no doubts in my mind that the goals will come.”

The Luton boss also criticised referee Mark Heywood for a number of decisions during the match, saying: “When it (Zdenek Kroca’s header) comes back off the crossbar, there’s a clear foul, it’s GBH.

“Later, (David) Partridge, I think it’s Partridge has punched Claude (Gnakpa). The referee knows he’s punched him, fourth official knows he’s punched him, he did nothing about it.

“So we’ve had to stand up to quite a bit of intimidation and thought the referee didn’t give us any help whatsoever, no protection at all.

“He allowed them to attempt to bully us, but we stood up to it.”

The result saw Hatters slip 11 points behind leaders Crawley Town, who host AFC Wimbledon this Friday.

When asked about fans wanting the league title, Money added: “So do we. Nothing changes, 12 games to go, two more points to catch up.

“We’ve just got to keep going. We want to finish first.”

A Green day as Leverstock are on the spot to beat Blues

$
0
0

FOOTBALL: Dunstable Town lost 1-0 at Leverstock Green in Molten Spartan SML Premier on Tuesday night.

A sixth-minute penalty by Green skipper Lee Bircham, after Ben Butler had been unfairly hauled back by Blues’ keeper Paul Taylor, proved to be decisive.

With Dunstable resting key players before tonight’s (Thursday) Challenge Trophy semi-final at Colney Heath, both teams laboured to create clear-cut opportunities.

Luke Lincoln had his penalty appeals turned down, while home keeper Carl Tasker made excellent saves from Lincoln and substitute Lee Burgoyne.

On Saturday, the Blues beat Kingsbury London Tigers 2-1 with goals from Jonathan Cooper and Nathan Frater.

Dunstable travel to Hadley in the league on Saturday.

Russell hits the Bull’s-eye as Barton climb away from drop

$
0
0

BARTON Rovers made it three Zamaretto Southern League Division One Central away wins in a row by beating Bedworth United 1-0 on Tuesday night.

After floodlight failure threatened the start of the match, it eventually went ahead and Barton took the lead on 16 minutes.

Bilal Hassan won possession and was fouled by Ben Twigger, who was sent off before Russell Bull converted the penalty.

Bull could have added to his tally but missed a number of chances, while Luke Knight impressed on his return to the team.

After the break, Ricky Case caused havoc on the wing, but Bull continued to fluff his lines before being replaced.

Aaron King was thwarted by the outstretched leg of Kyle Cartwright, but Barton held on with young full-back Morgan Phillips, on work experience from Rushden & Diamonds, named man of the match.

Rovers, who won 1-0 at Beaconsfield SYCOB on Saturday, host AFC Hayes on Saturday and Slough Town on Tuesday.

Cops’ star dog is moving up to next level

$
0
0

ROOKIE police dog and Facebook star, Tyler, started his official police dog training this week.

The 18-month-old German Shepherd is one of three police dogs chosen to showcase their lives as police dogs with the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit through their own Facebook profiles.

Since his profile was launched in June last year, Tyler’s fans have been following his progress online, keeping up to date with his adventures as he has gone from a fun-loving pup to an excitable youth.

His rites of passage have include meeting his new handler and fellow police dogs, getting used to travelling in a police dog van at various speeds and becoming familiar with different environments, such as large crowds, fields, disused buildings and woods.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit Inspector Steve Mann, said: “Now that Tyler is mature enough physically and mentally, he is ready to begin his formal police dog training.

“The course will transform him from a boisterous young dog into an efficient, dynamic and highly skilled crime fighting resource.”

Devine returns to the ring against Razak

$
0
0

Manager Paisley expecting a tough fight

Luton boxer Michael Devine returns to the ring for the first time since April last year when he faces veteran Birmingham fighter Sid Razak in Dagenham on Saturday, writes Mike Simmonds.

Devine, 21, is clear favourite against his 38-year-old opponent, who has lost 60 of his 66 bouts since 2001.

Manager James Paisley said: “He (Razak) has been around the block quite a few times, but is an experienced kid and will be a tough opponent.

“Michael has been training for 14 weeks and going to different gyms to do some different sparring.”

For the full story, see this weeks Luton News/Dunstable Gazette

Earl hopes to keep Irish eyes smiling

$
0
0

Luton promoter takes his stable to Belfast

LUTON boxing promoter Graham Earl takes his up-and-coming stable to Ireland after announcing his next show, entitled Fists of Fury, at the Kings Hall, Belfast on Saturday, April 2, writes Mike Simmonds.

Topping the bill on the night is 32-year-old Scotsman Willie Limond, the current WBU lightweight champion and former IBO Inter-Continental and Commonwealth lightweight champion.

Limond, who is currently in Mexico, sparring with Mexican boxing legend Erik Morales, is quite a coup for Earl, who said: “He’s a former world champion and is an established fighter, it’s great to have him coming to Ireland with us.”

With a large Irish contingent on his books, including Joe Hillerby, Mark Morris, David Rosbotham, Mark Ginley, Sean Montgomery, Padraig McCory and James Ferrin all booked for action, Earl confirmed arranging a show in Ireland was the sensible option.


Meet the Chief in Beds Police live Facebook question session

$
0
0

FACEBOOK fans are invited to Meet The Chief on Friday.

Chief Constable Alfred Hitchcock will be available live online from 11am until 12noon to answer questions on the Bedfordshire Police social networking site.

It is the first event of its kind to be hosted by the force’s Facebook page.

If you can’t make it during the session, your question can still be answered – simply post your message with the opening ‘FAO THE CHIEF CONSTABLE after 5pm tomorrow (March 17). Offensive or abusive posts will be removed.

Talking Together

$
0
0

VILLAGERS hoping to have a say on council-run services and local issues should attend the Let’s Talk Together meeting in Toddington on Tuesday, March 22.

Central Bedfordshire Council, Beds Police, NHS Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, town and parish councils and other organisations active in the community will all be present at the meeting at Toddington Fire Station in Dunstable Road between 7pm and 9pm.

Feedback from the meeting will directly influence the policing priorities for the Leighton Rural Safer Neighbourhood area which includes Toddington, Hockliffe, Chalgrave, Chalton, Tilsworth, Eaton Bray, Totternhoe, Barton and Streatley.

The meeting will also offer residents and community groups the chance to find out more about volunteering, community safety, health services and business support as well as a range of council services such as roads and transport.

Drop in at any time between 7pm and 8pm to talk to any of the organisations about any concerns you may have.

A discussion will follow from 8pm until 9pm, chaired by Councillor Tom Nicols, where you can talk about any community safety issues and help set the policing priorities for the area.

Councillor Richard Stay, deputy leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Over the last two months we have held Let’s Talk Together meetings in every area of Central Bedfordshire and met hundreds of members of the public. All the meetings have been well attended and have seen some lively discussions between residents and public service providers as we set our priorities together.

“We hope to arrange more Let’s Talk Together meetings in the near future to check the progress we are making in delivering the aspirations of our residents and to meet those who have not been able to attend before.” The meeting will last around two hours, but you can attend for as much or as little as you like.

Teenage girl sexually assaulted as she walks dog

$
0
0

A MAN has been charged with sexual assault after a teenage girl was attacked in Luton at the weekend.

The assault happened just after 5.30pm on Sunday (March 13) as the victim was walking her dog in the Dallow Road area, in a field which runs adjacent to Marlow Avenue.

A man began to touch the victim before forcing her to the ground where he threatened her.

The officer in charge of this investigation, Det Con Nicole McCaffrey, is keen to trace anyone who saw the assault.

She said: “This was extremely upsetting for this young girl and although police arrested a man shortly after the incident we still need witnesses to come forward and give us information.”

The man charged in connection with the offence appeared before Luton Magistrates Court on Tuesday (March 15) and was remanded in custody.

Witnesses should contact Det Con McCaffrey at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394280, text information to 07786 200011, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Village cream teas to raise cash for Japan quake victims

$
0
0

A JAPANESE ex-pat is holding a fundraiser in Toddington to help the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in her homeland.

Makiko Skevington will host the cream tea fundraiser on Tuesday (March 22) at Toddington Village Hall from 1pm until 4pm.

She said: “Luckily all my family were OK. But lots of people are in temporary accommodation and they don’t have enough water, food and blankets.

“I wanted to do something for Japanese people.”

Makiko and her friends will be serving cream teas and donating the proceeds to the British Red Cross Tsunami Appeal.

Bookies ready to pay out on title race

$
0
0

Conference sponsors Blue Square Bet have made history by announcing that they will be paying out on Crawley Town as Blue Square Bet Premier title winners if they can beat AFC Wimbledon in tonight’s live game at the Broadfield Stadium.

It’s the first time that a bookmaker has announced that a win in a specific game will result in an early payout.

Steve Evans’ team are six points clear in this morning’s table with their nearest challenge looking to come from Luton Town 11 points back in third place.

Crawley are the 4/6 favourites with Blue Square to win tonight’s match.

The Hatters could only draw at Cambridge on Tuesday while Crawley were brushing aside Hayes & Yeading United at the same time.

Alan Alger from Blue Square said: “This is the first time ever that a bookmaker has pinpointed a game so that punters clutching ante-post vouchers can cheer an early payout as they watch a live match.

“We’ve decided that beating AFC Wimbledon tonight would give them an unassailable lead and therefore will be paying out over £20,000 to their backers.

“We keep a good ear to the ground in the divisions that we sponsor but we were caught out by Crawley’s summer windfall that enabled them to buy the players to challenge.

“We laid them at all rates down from 33/1 in pre-season as a few lucky fans heard about the huge investment happening at the club.

“Even an opening day defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town didn’t cause too much of a drift in their price and once they got into gear they were certainly the team to catch.

“We’re throwing down the gauntlet to AFC Wimbledon to save us from a payout as they are a very favourable result in our book.

“Financially our worst scenario would be Luton coming back and wrestling the title off Crawley after we’ve paid out – that would push our losses nearer to six figures.

“There are still some bad memories in our office from paying out on Burton Albion when they were 1/100 in the 08-09 season only to see them drift to 2/5 before stuttering over the line on the final day of the season.”

Viewing all 29608 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>