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Thursday, 12 February 2015

Reign of terror: three decades since Dore killings Thirty years ago today, Sheffielders were sighing with relief as The Fox was sentenced to life imprisonment.

On 14 September 1984, Arthur Hutchinson was put behind bars after a series of gruesome murders in the quiet suburb of Dore.

It had been a festive evening as the Laitner family was celebrating daughter Suzanne’s wedding held the day before.

She had left for her honeymoon while her family toasted to her life-changing ceremony with close friends of the bride and groom.

Little did they know this day would change their lives just as much.

By Andy Hull Arthur Hutchinson, otherwise known as The Fox due to his cunning ways, gatecrashed the reception after most of the guests had already dispersed. He had never met the family before.

The intruder rushed upstairs and slayed the then 28-year-old older brother Richard Laitner in his bedroom. His father, solicitor Basil Laitner, 59, heard noise coming gate, only to be brutally massacred by Hutchinson with a knife. derous attacks on the family by going downstairs and stabbing Avril, 55, Basil’s wife, twenty-six times.

She soon died from her open wounds.

His thirst for violence unquenched, he returned upstairs and h e l d Nicol a ,

the youngest of the daughters, at knifepoint, repeatedly raping her. arose from neighbours, leaving only pools of blood and a traumatised young woman behind to tell the story. down at the top of the stairs in his pyjamas. Mrs Laitner lay in a puddle of her own blood spilt where she had tried to defend herself from the ruthless killer.

Richard’s body, also in pyjamas, the bed.

Detectives were sickened and the worst one he had ever worked on.

They quickly made a video recording of the scene as evidence and initiated a manhunt that lasted over 39 days and nine counties.

Nicola provided an uncanny description to a newspaper artist that helped detectives recognise his face. He when he tried to shoot his brother to death, had been convicted of indecent assault, unlawful sexual intercourse, fraud, and was a wanted man for having escaped court where he was on remand for rape.

But that wasn’t enough to solve the puzzle. Hutchinson had vanished into

the night and crossed the county border to hide in Worksop. Using several disguises, the murderer moved around between guesthouses and pubs in Barnsley, Nottinghamshire, Manchester, York and Scarborough.

Increasingly paranoid, Hutchinson decided to seek refuge with his mother, Louise Reardon, who still lived in his hometown of Hartlepool. Luckily blocks all around Teeside and soon had him cornered. dog handlers located him in a farm just outside his hometown, where he was Questioned by police, Hutchinson made no comment on the triple killings.

His solicitor, who had also represented the Yorkshire Ripper a few years prior, maintained his innocence. In court, he claimed he had not been at the house at the time of the killings, but forensic evidence of his handprint on a champagne bottle and a bite mark on a piece of cheese proved otherwise.

10 days of trial and replaying of the entire scene-of-crime video, he was found guilty of the killings and rape and was sentenced to life imprisonment the following year at Durham Crown Court.

Independent artists find shelter in cinema

Though he had to serve a minimum of 18 years before he could be released, former Home Secretary Leon Brittan placed him on the list of prisoners to whom ‘life meant life’.

And so there he rots until this very day.

He left only pools of blood and a traumatised young woman behind to tell the story.

The Laitner house was sold that same year and Basil’s co-partnered sobelieved that Nicola and Suzanne assumed new identities and left the city.

On a chilling audiotape later found by police, Hutchinson had nicknamed himself The Fox and described his escape from court less than a month before the killings.

As if recounting something natural, he he said: “I hurled myself through an upper window, crashing into barbed wire net, ripping my leg to pieces.

“I stopped in the bushes for hours then I see the helicopter hunt. So I dragged myself into the gutter and forced myself into bramble bushes and stayed there until it got dark.”

He was on the run for four nights,

The Abbeydale Picture House opened its doors and car park to a vibrant Antiques Quarter Christmas market last Sunday, 7 December.

The area was bustling with stalls and shoppers seeking locally sourced vintage treasures.

Independent sellers set up over 70 est selection of homemade antiques, ranging from vintage fashion, retro art and crafts, refurbished furniture and ornaments to organic foods and refreshments.

The bazaar was a successful attempt ground artisans, with several people sell their goods.

Several traders were taking advantage of the event’s popularity to sell goods for charity, like handmade candles with Indian henna imprints and Christmas felt ornaments.

Most products were ethically sourced and environmentally friendly – including faux leather handbags and various knickknacks.

The stalls catered to all tastes and styles with independent artists even selling steampunk sculptures made from upcycled cutlery and metal bits.

The iconic Abbeydale Picture House was the city’s largest and most luxurious cinema established by the Lord It has recently undergone renova-

Hannah Poulsom, 28

“It brings a lot of people together and there are all these independent places around here. It keeps Melissa Donohoe, 32

“I am an independent artist, but sales are varying here. It brings a lot of people in, but not a lot of people buy.”

James Newton, 39

Hendricka Stevens, organiser of the event, was delighted with the turnout both inside the Picture House and in the Antiques Quarter.

“We have been working very hard to revive the Abbeydale area and bring local, independent businesses together.”

To access to our exclusive picture gallery with unique snapshots of the event, please visit www.hallamshiretimes.co.uk.

“It’s a lot better than last year because they opened it all up inside after renovating the auditorium.”

Jason Heppenstall, 46

improve their lives in a myriad of ways that stretch beyond tea and toast. premise within the Cathedral where ers, laundry service, interview rooms, a lounge area equipped with computers, a kitchen, a medical room and an activity room.

The services range from one-on-one support, in-house nurse and dental clinics, and access to food and showers.

This is accompanied by a programme of activities to help those in need learn skills and thrive in new experiences.

A structured volunteer programme seeks to help them gain accreditation employability.

They also provide crisis intervention to help those with urgent needs get access to phones, computers and agencies such as drug support, housing provid-

The Cathedral Archer Project celebrates 25 years helping the homeless tackle problems, learn new skills, find accommodation and seek employment

By Bianca Casady The Cathedral Archer Project will celebrate 25 years of activities and support on 24 November.

Its main goals continue to be developing the independence and wellbeing as improving their ability to tackle obstacles and identify and change their negative behaviour.

They take in those who need oneon-one support for issues like lack of

poor mental and physical health, drug abuse and broken families.

The project began in 1989 with Alan Turner, Church Army Captain, providing breakfast for the many homeless people who sought shelter in the ShefIt rapidly developed into a venue where homeless folk felt welcomed by the Cathedral congregation who both fed and supported them.

The project has now expanded into a holistic service designed to help them

He claimed to have listened to police searches for him using a transistor and described it as “playing cat and mouse – or should I say fox on the trot”, laughing heartlessly.

Also about the police, he had said on the tape: “If they think I’m dangerous, let them think that. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. I’m still free and that’s the main thing.

“However crackers I might be, I’ve walked past them several times and they haven’t even noticed me. Like I say, I’m a master of disguise.”

Though Dore has now gained reputation as one of the most tranquil subolent stain.

The community will forever remember the losses of the three family members denied the right to live by a cruel criminal fated to die in his cell alone.

“It’s a very good atmosphere and there are lots of crowds. It’s been really well advertised and it makes it a destination for the day.”

tions in the auditorium in an attempt to bring it back into public use.

The inside of the grand Picture House housed a pop up café sponsored

by Rude Shipyard serving refreshments and an ample selection of soups, cakes and sandwiches.

It also accommodated music performances by The Easy Street Performance, saxophonist Sarah Potts, Captives of the Carousel and Mari-Liis Tamm, all of which sandwiched several fashion shows held throughout the day.

The fashion shows, themed ‘Through the Decade”, was organised

by Liberty Windle and showcased vintage wedding dresses and retro clothes from the 1920s to the 1980s.

Photographer of the event Ellie Grace said: “The show was put brilliantly together. You could tell by the end of the day that everyone had all bonded and got to know each other and were just having such an enjoyable time.

“They even got some of the kids up on the catwalk, which was great!”

Models and musicians raised more than £300 throughout the day to be do-

Charity for the homeless boasts silver anniversary

in Doncaster, where he received treatment and was dismissed.

“I left and walked another three to four miles back into the wilderness.

You just have to keep continuing sometimes.

“I just had to live day by day, but I won’t give in. I’ll never give in. Even

What do the traders have to say?

Refurbished 1920s Abbeydale picture house hosts a Christmas display of vintage treasures

By Travis Barker

surviving on dandelions and roots, until

A two-year Partner Programme was volunteer spaces to run the Archer project.

The programme includes a personal development plan, one-on-one support and individually-structured training programmes.

Half of the volunteers at Archer project are Partner Programme clients that work in positions ranging from kitchen duties, reception deskwork, stock control, cleaning, and supporting clients.

An Archer project client said: “Becoming a volunteer at the Cathedral Archer Project is amongst the most ever done with my life. It changed the way I view my life and the direction I want my life to take.”

To learn more about the project or even to volunteer, please call reception at 0114 263 6970 or visit the Cathedral in the city centre.

Beloved Whirlow Farm wins award

By Ciara Casady Whirlow Hall Farm Trust has won a Lloyds Bank Community Fund Award this month.

The results of the competition were decided by votes from the bank’s supporters.

The Trust came in second place and received £2,000, all of which will be used to resurface the pony riding area.

“This will ensure that thousands of to experience the joy of riding as part of their programme of learning activities on the farm for years to come,” the Whirlow website said.

Whirlow Trust describes itself as an educational charity based on a working hill farm covering approximately 138 They provide programmes and learning experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities.

This includes an education programme for children aged 3 to 11 and aged 11 to 18.

Children can attend sessions like the ‘storybook escapade’ where they can see their favourite countryside stories lo and Little Red Hen is currently available and proving to be very popular amongst the kids. that deliver several similar hands-on discovery sessions for lovers of arts, design, maths, science, history and geography. Such activities are linked to the National Curriculum.

Skills Programme for students above the age of 14 and placements to adults with personalised budgets. They also

nities, apprenticeships and work placements for youths looking to enrich their resumés.

But the farm isn’t all serious. They also display an ample array of animals that can provide an entertaining escapade from the steel grips of the city.

Flocks of sheep, herds of cows, pigs, free-range hens and seasonal turkeys, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies and goats are all on display within the premises.

They also grow organic seasonal fruit and vegetables in addition to wheat and barley. Greenhouses and market garseasonal shopping. As a plus, produce goods are all locally sourced.

Residential bookings are available for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the farming experience.

Farm jobs, pony riding and tours are all included in the package. Additional sessions can be booked to learn how to cook Whirlow sausages, make seasonal soup, cook koftas with local lamb, harvest fruits and make bread using fresh produce in the new clay oven.

Over 10,000 children and young people make use of the Trust’s learning experiences per year. Most of them are from disadvatanged backgrounds and have never visited a farm before, making it all the more special.

“By holding a newly-hatched chick, bottle feeding a newborn lamb or simply seeing a pig with her piglets for the table experience,” the website said.

To help the Whirlow Hall Farm, visit their website and take part in their wonderful fundraising schemes and volunteering opportunities.

DAILY DORE

NATIONAL

British military to be deployed to Ukraine next month

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Service personnel will provide advice and develop an infantry training programme to improve forces, said the Prime Minister

By Christian Holden

Up to 75 British military personnel will deploy to Ukraine next month to provide advice and training to government forces, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.

The UK servicemen will be based well away from the areas of conflict in the east of the country, and will offer support with medical, intelligence, logistics and infantry training. There has been no decision to move to supplying lethal weaponry to the Kiev government.

The deployment was announced as Mr Cameron warned of “deeply damaging” consequences for the whole of Europe if the EU fails to stand up to Russian president Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. If he is not reined in, Mr Putin could target the Baltic states or Moldova next, creating instability which would have a “dreadful” impact on the UK economy, said the Prime Minister.

Addressing the House of Commons Liaison Committee, Mr Cameron vowed that Britain would be “the strongest pole in the tent” arguing for tougher sanctions against Moscow if Russian-backed militias in eastern Ukraine fail to observe the ceasefire agreement reached in Minsk on February 12. It would be “miraculous” if the terms of the agreement were met in full, he said.

Further destabilisation should be met by sanctions which are “materially different” from the asset freezes and travel bans imposed so far, perhaps involving Russia’s exclusion from the Swift international banking payments system, said the Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron also indicated he is ready to give the BBC more funding to provide news services to counter “the deluge of Russian-paid and backed media spreading disinformation” in the region.

Foreign ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France meeting in Paris failed to reach agreement over the withdrawal of heavy weapons by both sides from the front line, which was promised in the Minsk accord.

Ukrainian foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin said there was progress on some “technical aspects” but no agreement on apportioning blame for the sporadic violence which has

British military will provide Ukraine troops with advice and training as of next month

continued following the ceasefire deal, particularly around the strategic railway town of Debaltseve.

Asked on Russian television if there was a real threat of war in eastern Ukraine, Mr Putin is reported to have said: “I think that such an apocalyptic scenario is unlikely and I hope this will never happen ... No one wants conflict on the edge of Europe, especially armed conflict.”

But the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs Federica Mogherini said there already was a war and the Minsk agreement repre-

sented the best hope for peace.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We have to make it succeed. This is the only agreement that was signed by the parties, it has been supported by the UN Security Council resolution and it is the only way we have to make peace possible in Ukraine.”

Setting out details of the new UK military mission, Mr Cameron told the Liaison Committee: “We have announced a whole series of non-lethal equipment, night-vision goggles, body armour, which we have already said that

we will give to Ukraine.

“Over the course of the next month we are going to be deploying British service personnel to provide advice and a range of training, from tactical intelligence to logistics to medical care, which is something else they have asked for.

“We will also be developing an infantry training programme with Ukraine to improve the durability of their forces. This will involve a number of British service personnel. They will be away from the area of conflict but

I think this is the sort of thing we should be helping with.”

Mr Cameron said the EU should go ahead with the extension of sanctions which were put on hold earlier this year and there would be an “overwhelming” argument for tougher measures against Moscow if separatists targeted the sea-port of Mariupol, which is widely seen as the next potential flashpoint.

He acknowledged that it would be “difficult” to achieve unanimity on the continuation of EU sanctions when they come up for

renewal in July, but added that “the horrors of Debaltseve” should show Europe “who we are dealing with and how firm we need to be”.

“I think that if, miraculously, heavy weapons are withdrawn, ceasefires are held, elections start, and all the elements of Minsk are put in place, I think you’d see people wanting to lighten the sanctions load,” he said.

“Britain’s role is to be at the tougher end of the spectrum, to try to keep the European Union and the United States together, and I think we should be clear about this pattern of behaviour we’ve seen from Putin now over many years.”

While further sanctions would cause “short-term pain” to European economies, he warned that “the instability we will yield if we don’t stand up to Russia in the long term will be deeply damaging to all of us”.

“You will see further destabilisation - next it will be Moldova or one of the Baltic states - and that sort of instability and uncertainty will be dreadful for our economies, dreadful for our stability.”

Mr Cameron played down recent high-profile episodes where Russian bombers had been escorted off the British coast, telling MPs the UK was “more than capable of protecting our air space” and adding that it was not clear there had been any increase in the number of incidents.

And he said the UK should have “confidence” in its dealings with Russia, whose economy was ailing due to sanctions and falling oil prices.

Ms Mogherini indicated that US proposals to supply arms to the Ukrainian military could be a distraction from the peace process. The Kiev authorities were concentrating on making the Minsk agreement work and “talking about anything else makes it more difficult”, she said.

Mr Cameron said he had not ruled out “forever” supplying lethal equipment, but told MPs: “We don’t believe, fundamentally, there is some military solution to this issue.”

Britain’s Ambassador to the United Nations told the UN Security Council that recent days had seen “systematic” breaches of the Minsk accord, and said the UK will work to ensure that sanctions on Russia remain in place until Moscow demonstrates a clear commitment to the principles of dialogue, peace and security.

First baby conceived through mitochondrial donation Police abuse child tasering may be born next year after DNA practice is legalised

By Ezra Koenig

Law will allow mothers at risk of transmitting harmful gene mutations to birth disease-free children

By Matthew Skiba

The UK has become the first country in the world to legalise the creation of IVF babies using DNA from three people.

The first baby conceived after mitochondrial donation techniques may be born as early as next year after peers in the House of Lords voted against a move to block a planned law change by 280 votes to 48, a majority of 232.

Research has shown that mitochondrial donation could potentially help almost 2,500 women of reproductive age in the UK who are at risk of transmitting harmful DNA mutations in the mitochondria.

But opponents, including church leaders and pro-life groups, have warned that the change has been brought about too hastily and marked the start of a “slippery slope” towards designer babies and eugenics.

Prime Minister David Cameron, Labour leader Ed Miliband and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg exercised their free vote to support the decision.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “We are proud to be the first country to allow these revolutionary techniques. For the first time ever, women who carry severe mitochondrial disease will have the opportunity to have healthy babies without the fear of pass-

ing on devastating genetic disorders.”

Children conceived after mitochondrial donation would have “nuclear” DNA determining individual traits such as facial features and personality from its two parents, plus a tiny amount of mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) from an anonymous woman donor.

Critics have pointed out no clinical trial has taken place to show conclusively that the treatments are safe in humans.

But three separate expert reviews for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) found that the procedures are ready to go forward.

Alastair Kent, director of the Genetic Alliance UK charity, which helps people with inherited conditions, said: “Today’s vote is a triumph that gives hope to families who otherwise would have to face the prospect of not being able to conceive a child free from a life-limiting disease.

“We look forward to working with the HFEA and our members to ensure the voice of those families that stand to benefit is considered as part of the licensing process, so that when the time is right, they can look forward to children of their own who will not be affected by serious mitochondrial disease.”

Health minister Earl Howe said it would be “cruel and perverse” to deny for any longer than was necessary the chance of some

Orwellian shift in the UK

women who carry serious inherited diseases to have healthy children.

He said the move to permit the controversial procedures, aimed at preventing serious inherited, mitochondrial diseases, offered “real hope” to families and allow women to have their own genetic children free of “terrible disease” caused by disorders in their mitochondrial DNA. “My own position, shared by ministerial colleagues, is very simple,” he told a packed chamber.

“Families can see the technology is there to help them and are keen to take it up.”

He was supported by the IVF pioneer and labour peer Lord Winston, who told the Lords: “I don’t believe that this technology threatens the fabric of our society the slightest bit.

“On the contrary, in a way it protects it.

What we are doing is recognising our limits by accepting regulation.”

He added: “What we are doing if we decide not to vote for Lord Deben’s amendment is expressing our concern as a House and our compassion for people who are faced with a really invidious and horrendous choice.

“Under those circumstances, given that this is going to be a limited procedure really affecting very few people, it would be utterly wrong for this House to turn down the democratically-elected chamber.”

The change in law had also been backed by chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies.

Before the Lords vote she said it would “give these women their own children and these families hope, and I believe this is right”.

Lord Deben’s unsuccessful motion rejected the law change until a joint committee of MPs and peers had reported on safety procedures.

He had argued it had not yet been proved the techniques were safe and there was uncertainty about their legality.

He told peers: “We would be the first country in the world to allow this. We have to be very careful that we do so with full and whole-hearted support and also that we have fulfilled the safety needs.”

The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, said the Church of England was not opposed in principle to mitochondrial transfer, but added: “But at the same time we have always counselled a degree of caution given the potential implications of this development.”

He said research tests into safety should be completed and reported before the change was approved and expressed disappointment over the “element of rush”.

The Bishop said: “I am basically very much in favour of this development.

“But I cannot ignore the compelling arguments against pushing this through in haste.”

Amnesty criticised country for poor access to justice, excessive surveillance and little freedom

By Bilinda Butcher

The UK has been heavily criticised for its “worrying assault on civil liberties” in Amnesty’s flagship annual report on human rights across the world.

The human rights organisation hits out at what it calls Britain’s “reduced access to justice and ever more invasive surveillance” seen over the last 12 months.

The UK Government is accused of rushing through legislation without enough time for parliamentary debate, such as anti-terror measures, and it flags two cases heard at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which ruled the intelligence services including GCHQ, MI6 and MI5 had been operating unlawfully.

The UK section of the State of the World’s Human Rights report 2014/2015 also notes the continued failure to set up a judge-led public inquiry into the UK’s role in torture and rendition of detainees.

Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen said: “The UK is going in the wrong direction on rights, protections and fairness. Public safety is paramount but not at the cost of basic civil liberties.

“Twice this year GCHQ spies have been rumbled breaking the law. Just last week, the Government was forced to concede its regime

Taylor is woman of the year

Singer was presented with nomination by musician and close friend Sam Smith Swift wins nomination for woman of the year

for intercepting lawyer-client communications was illegal.

“We should all be concerned about waking up in a surveillance state without having a proper public debate about it first.

“The UK talks the talk on the global stage on human rights but this year’s summary shows they need to tend to their own garden.”

Amnesty warns that Conservative plans to repeal the Human Rights Act if they are elected as a majority in May threaten to place significant restrictions on rights.

It also cites concerns from charities and campaign organisations over the introduction into law of the Lobbying Bill as it is claimed it will reduce their ability to speak freely.

The report also states that cuts to legal aid combined with restrictions to judicial review have significantly reduced access to justice in the UK. In addition, it raises concerns over the UK only filling 90 of its 500 resettlement places for the most vulnerable Syrian refugees fleeing the conflict.

At an international level, Amnesty’s annual report condemns what it calls a “violent response” from states to atrocities by militant groups, including the resumption of executions in Pakistan following the school massacres and the extra-judicial executions of suspected Boko Haram militants in Nigeria.

By Kevin Barnes

Pop superstar Taylor Swift was named woman of the year at tonight’s Elle Style Awards.

The singer, due to perform at the Brit Awards tomorrow, follows in the footsteps of fellow US star Katy Perry who won last year.

Swift was presented with her award at the glamorous event by another winner, Sam Smith, who was named musician of the year.

Guests at the event at the Sky Garden at London’s 20 Fenchurch Street, commonly known as the Walkie Talkie Tower, included Pixie Geldof, M.I.A. and Naomi Campbell.

X Factor guru Simon Cowell was recognised for his outstanding contribution to entertainment.

Burberry boss Christopher Bailey won the editor’s choice award, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was named model of the year and The Honourable Woman star Maggie Gyllenhaal won the TV actress award.

Luke Evans, one of the stars of The Hobbit, was named actor of the year and shoe designer Manolo Blahnik was given the lifetime achievement award.

The event, now in its 18th year, also saw Australian actress Rebel Wilson named rising star.

Model and actress Lily Cole, who set up her own social network, won the H&M conscious award.

Medication used for cancer could be cheaper option to treat degenerative eye diseases

NHS: cancer medication is the cheapest option to treat age-based eye degeneration

By Wayne Coyne

Doctors are calling on the NHS to offer a drug to treat a common eye condition.

One of the largest trials carried out in the field of eye disease in the UK showed similar effectiveness in treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) when using either Lucentis, which is licensed for treating wet AMD, or Avastin, currently licensed for cancer treatment.

Wet AMD affects about 10% of all people with AMD, a common eye condition among people age 50 and older and a leading cause of blindness in older adults.

Clinical leaders want doctors’ regulator the General Medical Council, the Department of Health and NHS England to remove the current barriers preventing them from using Avastin, which they say could also save millions of pounds.

Dr Amanda Doyle, chief clinical officer at NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “This is a long standing issue within the NHS, and the numbers of CCGs who have united behind this shows the strength of feeling there is to ensure that we have all the available options to be able to deliver the best possible care for our patients.

“As clinicians we are seeing an increase in the incidence of this chronic eye condition due to an ageing population, and as commissioners we have a responsibility to ensure that every pound spent is done so to the best effect, and that is even more important with the current financial pressures the NHS is facing.”

She added that members of the public would be “baffled if they knew the sums of money being spent on expensive drugs when there is an alternative available that is cheaper and as effective”.

The recent study saw scientists and eye specialists analyse the results from a trial involving 610 people with wet AMD. The study authors said the findings indicated that the NHS could save £84.5 million a year, based on injecting 17,295 eyes each year, by switching from Lucentis to Avastin.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: “Age-related macular degeneration is a very serious condition and there are already other licensed and NICE-recommended drugs available to treat this condition.

“Avastin is not licensed for this purpose and whilst only the manufacturer is able to apply for a new licence, doctors are free to prescribe unlicensed medicines and licensed products off label if they feel they are clinically appropriate for their patients.”

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the General Medical Council (GMC), said it could not issue guidance that encouraged doctors to break the law.

“We support the efficient use of NHS resources and we are sympathetic to the argument that a better solution needs to be found for the use of Avastin in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

“The main problem is the law. The European Court has in effect ruled out the adoption of blanket policies that permit the ‘off label’ prescribing of medicines on the grounds of cost.

“Our guidance must support doctors to act within both the law and regulations as they currently stand, and that they can make decisions ethically in the best interests of their patients.

“However, we do make it clear that doctors may prescribe unlicensed medicines, including medicines for ‘off-label’ or unlicensed use, outside the grounds for which they are licensed, where the doctor judges it to be in the patient’s interests and there is no alternative.”

According to the Home Office Taser database, 431 children had a Taser used against them in 2013 - a 37% increase on the previous year. The figures were released following a Freedom of Information request by BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast.

The statistics show the youngest person to have a Taser drawn against them was 11 while the youngest person fired on was 14. The oldest person to have one pointed at them was 85 and the oldest person fired on was 82.

Mr Blunkett, who was in office when the use of Tasers by the police was authorised, told the programme: “I think it’s time for a review that incorporates the use of Tasers with advice and support on how to deal with difficult situations.

Commander Neil Basu of the Metropolitan Police, the ACPO national policing lead for Tasers, said there were individual incidents involving the very young, but “we have to remember that children can commit violent crime too”.

“The police are paid to intervene in those situations. If that 14 year old is committing a violent act towards a member of the public or to an officer, or if they are self-harming, then our job is to make sure that that stops in the safest way possible. And in certain circumstances Taser is that option,” he said Earlier this month the Police Federation voted for all uniformed officers to be issued with Tasers. But Iain Gould, a solicitor at DPP Law who specialises in cases involving the police, says he has seen a number of cases involving claims of inappropriate use of the weapons.

He said: “My concern is with mission creep.

Several years ago Tasers were deployed to certain trained firearms officers. We now have a situation where routine rank and file officers are being given Tasers to use. My concern is that it has got out of hand and what we are seeing is effectively militarisation by stealth.”

By Francoise Hardy

By Michael Gira

The man who introduced Taser stun guns in England and Wales has said it is time to review their use.

Former home secretary David Blunkett called for a rethink after figures showed more than 400 children were Tasered by police in one year.

MP reaches Hip fracture for the stars could kill A Conservative MP has claimed that astrology could have “a role to play in healthcare”.

David Tredinnick said astrology, along with complementary medicine, could take pressure off NHS doctors, but acknowledged that any attempt to spend taxpayers’ money on consulting the stars would cause “a huge row”.

He criticised the BBC and TV scientist Professor Brian Cox for taking a “dismissive” approach to the ancient art, and accused opponents of astrology of being “racially prejudiced”.

The MP for Bosworth, in Leicestershire told Astrological Journal: “I do believe that astrology and complementary medicine would help take the huge pressure off doctors.

“Ninety per cent of pregnant French women use homeopathy. Astrology is a useful diagnostic tool enabling us to see strengths and weaknesses via the birth chart.

Mr Tredinnick, 65, added: “Astrology offers self-understanding to people. People who oppose what I say are usually bullies who have never studied astrology.”

Older people who suffer hip fractures are more likely to die if they are discharged from hospital inside 10 days, a study has shown.

Researchers in Sweden found that for patients in 2006 who stayed in hospital for less than 10 days had a higher risk of dying within 30 days at each day’s reduction.

For those who stayed more than 10 days there was no link between risk of death and shorter length of stay by day.

The observational study, which analysed data from all patients over 50 in Sweden who suffered from hip fractures, suggests that pressure to get patients out of hospital after major surgery in order to free up beds is associated with greater risk of death once they are out of hospital.

But the report conceded that a weakness in the research was a lack of information about whether the patients went home after being discharged or received further care elsewhere.

Hip fracture is the most severe and common fracture in the elderly and is associated with an increased risk of death.

‘Ask her more’ in red carpet

By Stefan Burnett

Showbiz events must stop being like beauty pageants, according to Jennifer Saunders, who said: “We have to reclaim the red carpet.”

The Absolutely Fabulous actress said it should be about stars’ work and not all about what dress they are wearing.

Asked about famous women always being questioned about their appearance and clothes, Saunders, 56, said: “Yes, it’s awful so we have to reclaim the red carpet. It has to stop being just a beauty pageant. It’s taken over from Miss World.”

She said the focus should be on what people have achieved. “It should be more about the person’s work I suppose. They’re on the carpet for a reason.

“They’re not on the carpet because they’re wearing that dress. They’re on the carpet because they’ve done a good job at something,” she said.

As Hollywood’s biggest female stars walked the red carpet, Twitter users urged interviewers to inquire about more than their dresses, make-up and jewellery.

The #AskHerMore campaign called for questions to cover the actress’ career and aspirations, rather than her partner or outfit.

Oscar nominee Reese Witherspoon posted a snap of sample questions on Instagram ahead of the ceremony to helpfully advise those interviewing the stars as they arrived for the movie calendar’s biggest date.

Saunders was walking the red carpet at the Elle Style Awards in London when she gave her views on the issue. She said style does not play a huge part in her life.

Asked about what famous women she admires in terms of their style and look, she said there are “so many”, but singled out an Oscar winner. “I really admire Julianne Moore, just because she’s pale and I like the paleness of her and the freckliness of her, and the fact that she’s obviously not had any work done. I think I generally admire women that have resisted the knife,” she said.

Asked what her personal view is on cosmetic surgery, she said: “I wouldn’t say it’s something I’d never do but I probably won’t ever have the nerve to do it. And also I don’t you want to look like yourself when you’re in your coffin.”

By Kevin Shields

By Sufjan Stevens

Becks bags award

David Beckham is to be honoured with the Legend of Football award at the 20th Anniversary HMV Football Extravaganza.

The event, which raises funds for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, will take place on September 1 at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

David Beckham, honoured, said: “When you look at the list of the previous recipients, I feel very fortunate to be considered alongside them.

“More importantly the night is about recognising the fantastic work that Nordoff Robbins does and raising funds for their vital work.”

Previous recipients of the Legend of Football Award include Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and Alan Shearer.

Bona fide celebrity

U2’s Bono has said he is “knocked out” by an independent survey claiming their songs were more popular on Apple iOS devices than any other musician.

The news will come as little surprise to many Apple users as the band’s latest album Songs of Innocence was added automatically to their iTunes digital libraries last September.

A Kantar Group survey claimed U2 was the most popular band among Apple users, with 23% listening to at least one U2 song in January 2015.

“This is fantastic news.

“If these figures suggest that these songs still matter to people, then we’re knocked out.

“That’s all any songwriter wants,” lead singer Bono said.