Other News In Brief

Man Charged Over Canal Body Find

A man has been charged with the murder of a 31-year-old man whose body parts were found in a canal. The remains of David Daly of Heath Town, Wolverhampton, were found on 30 March near Cannock Road. His head, however, has not been found. A 27-year-old man is due to appear before Walsall magistrates later. Police said an item of 'significant interest' had also been found in Moorcraft Drive, Wednesday. A 28-year-old man, who was arrested by police investigating Mr Daly's death, appeared before Walsall magistrates on Thursday accused of perverting the course of justice. Meanwhile, one man and two women who were also arrested have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Dead Seal Pups Found In Shetland

A 47-year-old man has been charged in connection with the discovery of 18 dead seal pups in Shetland. Workers from Scottish Natural Heritage, who were carrying out a seal survey in the East Linga area, alerted the Northern Constabulary to the find. Twelve dead grey seal pups were found on one part of the beach, and six on another section. The man will be reported to the procurator fiscal and will appear at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

Minister Unveils New Detention Facility

New expanded detention facilities for illegal immigrants facing removal from the UK were opened at Manchester Airport by Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas today. Pennine House, a short term holding facility based at the city's airport can now hold up to 32 detainees awaiting flights out of the UK. This new expanded facility will help the UK Border Agency ensure the swift removal of individuals with no right to be in the country. The refurbished facility, which has doubled in capacity, now includes a self-contained area for female or vulnerable detainees and improved living, eating and washing facilities, creating a secure facility fit for the 21st century.

E.ON Announces Reduction In Annual Bills

E.ON, one of the UK's leading electricity and gas companies, has announced that residential electricity customers in its core regions who are not on mains gas supply will see a reduction in their annual bills of £14. The move affects customers in the East Midlands, East of England and North West. E.ON has been in discussion with Ofgem after the regulator's recent market probe found that, while the energy market works well and is competitive, some electricity customers without mains gas could not get the benefits that dual fuel customers receive.

HSE Strategy Consultation Event Held

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is inviting people across the North East to have their say on its new strategy 'The Health and Safety System of Great Britain\Be Part of the Solution'. As part of a three month consultation an event is to be held at St James' Park on Tuesday, 13 January 2009. HSE's decision to develop a new strategy has been prompted by a range of factors. These include: the recent slowing of improvement in Great Britain's (GB) health and safety performance; the changing industrial landscape with an increase in small businesses and the self-employed; the different risks posed by new sectors, and the need to regain the health and safety brand from those who misuse it to proliferate bureaucracy and as an excuse for other things.

(JM)