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Only half of patients with Type 2 Diabetes make the recommended lifestyle changes which could stop them developing complications, according to research at the Exeter University Medical School. It also showed that physicians often delay escalation of treatment that may better control blood sugar. The findings are among a series of revelations from a new global survey, which highlights "clinical inertia" among doctors and people with Type 2 Diabetes treatment. Research carried out by Novartis Pharma AG, with the medical school showed three quarters of people with Type 2 diabetes are not concerned about developing complications. Only 40 per cent say they increase their level of exercise after diagnosis, despite receiving regular counselling on the importance of lifestyle changes. On top of that, doctors admitted that they only expect around half of people with Type 2 Diabetes to reach their blood sugar goals.

Journalists in Portsmouth claim Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale in emerging as the frontrunner to take over at the club. This what the local paper, The News in Portsmouth, makes of the situation: Paul Tisdale has emerged as one of the front runners for the Pompey job. The News understands the Exeter boss has been interviewed for the position left vacant by Guy Whittingham's sacking. The Grecians had given permission for Pompey to approach the long-serving boss out of respect for their manager. As a result, it is believed he was interviewed on Tuesday by the Blues' board at a hotel in Newbury. Richie Barker and Steve Coppell, and Chris Wilder also spoke to Pompey officials on the first day of meetings with candidates on the club's seven-man shortlist. There were two interviews also held at Lakeside, North Harbour yesterday, among them ex-Fratton Park boss Steve Claridge. The final two candidates will be met today – with David Connolly understood to be one of them – before a decision is made over who to appoint. The partnership of Barker and Coppell remains the favourite option ahead of the club's seven-man board voting for their choices in the next 24 hours. Yet Tisdale is inevitably a strong contender after his consistent achievements on a shoestring budget at Exeter over seven years. And noticeably plummeting odds at the bookies this week reflect that. Although under contract, it is understood the Grecians' board agreed to step aside and allow him to talk to Pompey as part of a long-standing agreement. They have agreed not to stand in Tisdale's way should an opportunity such as Pompey come his way, ruling out the problem of compensation. Similarly, Oxford had given permission for Wilder to hold talks after he indicated his interest in the job, although Justin Edinburgh was denied by Newport County on Monday. Still, the consideration of the 40-year-old is sure to please some Pompey fans who believe his work at Exeter warrants a look. A former Southampton midfielder, he turned to management in 2000 with Team Bath after retiring through injury. During six seasons they won four promotions and also reached the first round of the FA Cup. In the summer of 2006 he became boss at St James' Park and in his first season led them to the Conference play-offs final. On that occasion they suffered defeat but a year later were back at Wembley to seal a return to the Football League with a win over Cambridge. The following campaign of 2008-09 he took them to second place in League Two, thereby earning successive promotions. Exeter remained in League One for two seasons on an extremely small budget with the club owned by a supporters' trust. However, they were relegated in 2010-11 back to League Two. Tisdale was at Fratton Park last month when the Grecians lost 3-2 against Pompey. The new boss is expected to be unveiled by Monday.

Exeter City's Paul Tisdale emerging as favourite to take over at Portsmouth, according to local press

THE fast-growing community at Cranbrook has been quick to come together to help others. The residents of the new town on the edge of Exeter have held a series of events aimed at raising money for those hit hard by the typhoon which left a trail of death and devastation across the Phillipine Islands. The events were in the pipeline to raise money for the new Cranbrook Church but once news of the natural disaster broke all agreed the money should be diverted to the disaster fund. And not just the general emergency aid. It turned out that at least one resident of the new town had close relatives affected by the typhoon and so it was decided to send aid direct to her. The Rev Mark Gilborson, Minister for Cranbrook's Cornerstone church, said: The last couple of weeks have seen the church raise money for the Philippines. We had a coffee morning, toddler group, litter pick and community quiz – the first in Cranbrook – all organised and funded by Cornerstone Church. The litter pick, also the first in Cranbrook, was our service and we managed to collect 24 bags of litter, mainly building site detritus, such as plastic sheets and polystyrene. "We then had bacon and sausage rolls which helped us raise nearly £200. "The quiz night held in the school attracted 120 people and that raised a couple of hundred along with another hundred from a raffle. "In all we have raised nearly £600. We are all really pleased and delighted. The events that the church are running are from a belief that we should be useful because we are 'Blessed to be a blessing'. "The Greek word that describes worship, which we often call 'liturgy', is 'leitourgia' and originally meant public service or duty. "I am using this idea to suggest that the 'liturgy' of the church should have a sense of service to the community – though this will not always be litter picking. "The 'fun' bit on this occasion was that our liturgy service was also littergy! When we saw the devastation of the typhoon it made us realise that we are lucky enough to live in well-built, solid homes with firm foundations unlike those poor people in the Philippines who were left with nothing after the storms hit. We also found out the partner of one of our running club members was from the Philippines and her mother was working with the church out there providing aid and help. The church is apparently in the forefront of such work. "We decided it would be wonderful to send the money to her mother whose church is sending food parcels directly. The community has responded brilliantly." More firsts are on the way for Cranbrook in the coming weeks with Mr Gilborson having organised a Christingle, carol service and midnight communion.

Cranbrook litter-pickers raise funds for victims

A postwoman from Shillington St George, Exeter, will make her debut to millions of people on Monday (November 11th) as she features in the special Christmas version of Royal Mail's first major TV advertising campaign in six years. Rachel Boyce, 46-years-old, who is based at Exeter's Royal Mail Delivery Office, is starring in the advert called 'We Love Parcels' which celebrates the 1 billion parcels its postal workers deliver a year. The advert will screen during Monday night's 'A Mother's Son' on ITV. The advertising campaign has been launched at the start of Royal Mail's build up to Christmas; the company opened 10 temporary parcel sort centres across the UK on Monday November 4th, as part of its planning for the festive season deliveries. Rachel was chosen to appear in the ad after Royal Mail issued a call to 132,000 of its front line staff to invite them to audition for a part. 2,500 employees applied and Rachel was one of 25 who were selected to star in the commercial after auditioning in front of an accomplished judging panel of film producers and directors. Rachel, who volunteers as a street pastor in Exeter, and has worked for the Royal Mail for close to 20 years, said: "I love my job, especially the customer-facing part and seeing peoples' faces when I deliver a parcel from their loved ones. Being part of the ad has been a great experience, and my husband and I can't wait to see it aired on TV!" The advert is accompanied by a special version of the iconic Beatles song "'All You Need is Love". It was sung by the official Royal Mail choir and recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios; 46 years after The Beatles recorded the original version at the very same address. The launch of the ad has been timed to coincide with the onset of Christmas, Royal Mail's busiest time of year. The 30-second commercial shows the care and commitment taken by Royal Mail's people to deliver parcels to addresses across the UK no matter the weather, as well as the joy people receive when they get their parcels.

Cinderella Exmouth Pavilion Thursday, December 26, to Sunday, January 5 Lose yourselves in the magic and adventure of this spectacular family pantomime. Call 01395 222477 or visit www.ledtickets.co.ukThe Lion King Theatre Royal, Plymouth Thursday, January 31, to Saturday, March 15 A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney's classic film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. Call 01752 230440 or visit www.theatreroyal.comElkie Brooks Exeter Corn Exchange Friday, January 24 With numerous hit singles, million selling albums and awards her annual tours are a treat for fans old and new. Tickets £23.50. Call 01392 665938 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchangeBarry Cryer Twitter Titters Exeter Northcott Theatre Saturday, January 25 In yet another farewell tour, Baz returns, having been charged with persistent joking and asks for 20 other shows to be taken into consideration. Tickets £16. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

WHAT'S ON: The month ahead

PICK OF THE WEEK: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (cert tbc) Get ready for perhaps the most spectacular instalment in the series that takes in not only The Hobbit but Lord of the Rings. With Gandalf (Ian McKellen) missing, Baggins and the dwarves must make their own way through the dangerous forest in search of the Secret Door that will let them get their hands on the hoard of Smaug, the dragon. But with a variety of deadly creatures and Smaug himself standing in the way, it's going to be no easy feat. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a fantastical thrill ride among monsters.NEW RELEASES Black Nativity (PG) A streetwise kid is sent to spend Christmas with grandparents he doesn't know, one of whom is a vicar. But the spirit of Christmas is a powerful thing.Kill Your Darlings (15) A group of young writers living the wild bohemian life in New York are intent on changing the world. Until they become involved in a murder.

WHAT'S ON: In the cinema

The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan is published in hardback by Fourth Estate, priced £18.99 (ebook £9.49). Chinese/American author Amy Tan is known for stories about characters caught between two cultures, most notably mothers and daughters. In The Valley of Amazement, her sixth novel, she tackles themes that will be familiar to her fans; however with a vastly different proposition to her previous books. Set in the secret milieu of Shanghai concubine houses in the 1920s the novel follows the life of Violet, the daughter of a successful madam. She later discovers that she is mixed race and her bi-racial heritage proves a tumultuous impact on her future. As usual Tan displays a rare talent for exploring complex female bonds, not just through Violet's relationship with a mother but also with the delightfully named Magic Gourd, her confidante, maid and surrogate mother for much of the book.The Shadow of the Crescent Moon by Fatima Bhutto is published in hardback by Viking, priced £14.99 (ebook £8.99). Set in a small town in Pakistan's tribal regions, close to the Afghan border, The Shadow of the Crescent Moon follows three brothers over the course of one morning. After meeting for breakfast Aman Erum, who has recently returned from studying in the US, takes a taxi to a local mosque. Sikandar, a doctor struggling to cope with his grief-stricken wife's increasingly strange behaviour, heads to the hospital where he works. Hayat, the youngest and an idealist, meets up with Samarra, a fragile young woman whose life and thoughts are overwhelmed by the war that has enveloped them. Three hours later, their day will end in devastating circumstances.Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich is published in hardback by Headline, priced £18.99 (ebook £9.73). Stephanie Plum is probably the world's worst bounty hunter. Well, the worst in Trenton, New Jersey, anyway. But that doesn't seem to put off her gentleman admirers, and while she has to decide between her long-time boyfriend with the mob family and her guardian angel, Plum also agonises over a job which sends her to the emergency room with alarming regularity. Janet Evanovich has already taken Plum to the top of the New York Times bestseller charts over the course of her last twenty novels, hence the title of this latest surefire winner.The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly is published in hardback by Orion, priced £18.99 (ebook £7.49). Straight-talking defence lawyer Mickey Haller has plenty in common with Raymond Chandler's cynical private eye Philip Marlowe. That's no surprise, as author Michael Connelly says reading Chandler when he was a boy sparked his desire to write crime fiction. This is the fifth novel featuring Haller, who works out of the back of his chauffeur-driven car and has a soft spot for anyone down on their luck. The action kicks off when our hero's office messages him about a murder case. But when he learns the victim is a former client he rescued from prostitution, it becomes personal, particularly when he ends up representing the man accused of killing her.Books by Charlie Hill is published in trade paperback by Tindal Street Press, priced £6.99 (ebook £3.39). Finally setting off on his annual holiday to Corfu, bookstore owner, wannabe author and borderline alcoholic Richard Anger is looking forward to escaping his everyday life and relaxing. But he is surprised to arrive there and be drawn into a mystery with neurologist Lauren Furrows, a mystery involving an increasing body count with links to books all by the same author, Gary Sayles. Sayles has a gift for writing, but those who have read his books haven't lived to tell the tale. The problem is, they literally bore you to death, so Richard and Lauren join forces to break people's reading habits and save lives.

BOOKS: What to read this week

The city's streets will come alive with musicians and actors this weekend in a spectacular event retelling the story of Christmas. Shoppers and visitors are invited to follow the Exeter Nativity as it makes its way along the High Street, featuring two llamas, sheep and a donkey. Children and members of Church congregations from across the city will form the procession which begins at the top of the High Street at 4.30pm, on Sunday, December 15. A Roman Centurion will announce to shoppers that a census is taking place and the journey will begin down the High Street to Exeter Cathedral, following Mary and Joseph, a donkey, the sheep and the Three Wise men with llamas. The Angel Gabriel will make a surprise appearance right at the top of the cathedral. There will be live drama, carol singing with the Salvation Army band outside the cathedral and everyone will be invited into 'The Stable' to conclude the nativity with a giant tableau. This will feature children from all over the city wearing nativity costumes. Reverend Canon Anna Norman Walker, who is organising the nativity event, said: "We are expecting to have the biggest nativity tableau anywhere in the South West. Everyone is invited to put on a costume or a headdress and join us inside the cathedral. "We have chosen to do it at end of a busy weekend, as the shops are closing and the lights come on, to encourage people to pause for a moment and think about what really makes Christmas for them. "It's the perfect way to finish off the Christmas shopping, enjoy hearing the Christmas story and then round off the day at the Christmas market on the Green," she added. Local farmers are bringing the donkey and sheep and the llamas come from Peak Hill Llamas, near Sidmouth.

Get into Christmas spirit with Exeter's open air nativity

ONE of two men who rescued a young woman from her car just seconds before it turned into a fireball said he knew that car was about to explode. Wayne Parsons, was hailed a hero after the crash that saw him and another passing driver pull 21-year-old Amie Hardy free of her smoking car after it crashed off the road. Amie, a catering assistant at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, suffered a broken shoulder and cuts and bruises in the crash while her partner Jack Sheridan, 19, escaped with minor injuries The accident happened near the Teignmouth golf course and Mr Parsons,35, was heading to Teignmouth to visit a friend. He said: "I came around a bend and there was the car off the road. The accident had just happened. "I could see the car was smoking and there was a man trying to crawl out the back window. "The car was really smoking and I knew it was going to go up in flames. I know a bit about mechanics having worked on cars and running my own courier business. You could see it was going to go up any moment. "I pulled up and ran to the car. Another chap stopped too and came to help. "We managed to yank open the door it was jammed by the impact . We then grabbed the young woman and pulled her free. We didn't hang about. Here legs were clear and she was dipping in and out of consciousness. We pulled her free and I just hope that wasn't how she hurt her shoulder. "But we didn't have time to mess about. The flames had started and I knew we had to get her well clear because when they blow they really go. We got her back to my van and that's when the car went up with a bang and was a fireball in no time. "If she had been in there she wouldn't have survived . "I am just glad we were about and able to help." Amie's mother Claire had appealed for through the Echo for the two men who saved her daughter to contact her so she could express her heartfelt thanks. Visiting Amie in hospital in Exeter, Claire said: "I am so grateful to Wayne and the other man . They needn't worry about anything. We know that if they hadn't got Amie out as quickly as they had she would not be here today and that's all that really matters. "2he is recovering really well but the doctors have found that as well as a broken shoulder she has two cracked vertebrae at the base of her spine. "She will be in hospital until at least Christmas but the doctors and staff are amazed at how well she is recovering" If you know the identity of the other mystery hero of the accident contact Mike Byrne on 01392 442238 or mbyrne@ expressandecho.co.uk9

Mystery hero who saved Exeter driver from fireball is found

A boastful drug baron who hid his ill-gotten cash in a punchbag has been landed a knockout blow after a judge jailed him for 12 years. David Morrison was caught on a police tape bragging about how much money he was making from his cocaine dealing operation and how nobody dared cross him. He lived a jet set lifestyle in which he posed in sports cars while on holiday in Turkey and sent money to Thailand to buy a holiday home. Morrison brought cocaine from Liverpool to Devon in one kilogram consignments he called boxes and was overheard complaining that he was only making £5,000 a time on his deals. He was so casual about money that he never used the word thousand, so when he spoke about £5 he actually meant £5,000. When police found and seized the £86,000 in the punchbag he was recorded saying he shouldn't complain because they had not touched him for seven years. Morrison masterminded an operation which brought hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cocaine into the South West and generated so much cash that one henchman hid £85,980 for him in a punchbag at his home. He was snared by a nine-month surveillance operation in which police watched his gang trading in lethal high voltage stun guns and bugged his home in Torbay. The conspiracy was brought to a halt when officers tracked Morrison and two of his lieutenants as they went by train and taxi to Crewe and Liverpool to pick up a half kilo consignment of cocaine which was destined to be sold on the streets of Torbay for £45,000. Morrison was branded as a career criminal after a judge heard how he set up his drug business in Devon after serving a six year nine month sentence in Brazil for trying to smuggle cocaine out of Rio airport. In addition to his drug dealing he was also running a counterfeiting racket in which he sold fake designer t-shirts, handbags and jewellery for at least five times what he paid for them in Turkey and Thailand. Morrison, aged 40, of St Luke's Road, Torquay, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession of 58 stun guns, and money laundering. He was jailed for 12 years by Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court and told his assets may be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The judge told him:"By the time of your arrest, you had become a career criminal. You have a serious previous conviction for drug trafficking from Brazil to Britain when you were caught with a kilo of cocaine at Rio airport. "When you finished that sentence you came back to Britain and by 2011 you had added dealing in class A drugs into your criminal portfolio. "You have admitted being the head of a conspiracy and you played a leading role. There is no direct evidence of the supply of five kilograms of cocaine but the final seizure involved half a kilo valued at £12,500. "The evidence shows your ability to take orders for half a kilo at a time and deliver them. You put the infrastructure in place to facilitate the dealing in drugs. "The £86,000 that was seized may not have come only from drugs but shows the extent of your criminal involvement. "The possession of the 58 stun guns, which were disguised as mobile phones, is an aggravating feature. Whenever weapons are possessed in the course of drug dealing consecutive sentences should be imposed. "Violence is part of the drug business, whether to enforce debts of enforce compliance and obedience. These were passed on to others but would certainly have been used to enforce some crime or other, so it is a very serious offence." Mr Paul Grumbar, prosecuting, told an earlier hearing that a surveillance operation was set up in 2011 after members of the gang made £15,000 cash payments into banks and building societies in Torbay. A bug was installed in Morrison's flat which recorded him talking about boxes, meaning one kilo consignments of cocaine. At one point he is heard talking about waiting for a five and a half kilo importation. Mr Grumbar said police found £85,980 cash hidden inside a punchbag in an associate's garage and when Morrison learned of the seizure he commented:"Can't moan, it is the only thing I've lost in seven years." Mr David Evans, defending, said Morrison was making more money out of counterfeit goods than drugs and was being controlled by larger drug dealers from Liverpool. He had to pay a half share of everything he made to others and ended up owing them money when the punchbag cash was seized by police.

A homeless man has been jailed for attacking a pub landlord who tried to stop him walking into the street with a glass. Philip Jones sounded like a boxer in the ring as he punched the licensee unconscious and rained blows on his face as he lay defenceless on the pavement in the centre of Sidmouth. Landlord Stephen Lea suffered three broken ribs and a broken finger in the attack outside his Volunteer pub in Temple Street, Exeter Crown Court was told. Jones, aged 43, of no fixed abode but most recently living at Huxtable Hill, Torquay, admitted causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 12 months. Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, told him:"You were drinking and behaving badly in a pub in Sidmouth. You were being abusive and were told to calm down. You refused to do so and were asked to leave. "You left carrying your glass and the publican asked you for it back. He followed you because he was concerned it may be used on the public. "You responded with abuse and when he asked again you ran at him, pushed him against a wall, and punched him in the face, making him unconscious. "If you had stopped there, this case would not be so serious. Instead, you were seen to attack him by sitting on him and punching him repeatedly to the head and body even though he was unconscious. "You caused him serious injury in a sustained attack. There was no need whatsoever to continue it when he was unconscious and defenceless." Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said the attack took place on the night of August 6 after Jones became abusive to the barmaid at the Volunteer and was asked to leave. The landlord followed him out to ask for his glass because he did not want him going around the streets with it in a drunken state. Mr Bowen said witnesses saw him knock down the landlord and kneel over him as he carried on the attack. He said:"One witness described him breathing heavily as he punched him like a boxer during a fight." Mr Joss Ticehurst, defending, said Jones has a long history of petty offending arising out of his homelessness but is now being helped by a Housing Association and a church group and has the prospect of stability for the first time. He said Jones has no recollection of the incident but had admitted it from the outset.

A baton wielding vandal has been ordered to pay compensation after he settled a grudge by smashing another man's electricity box and plunging his home into darkness. John Condie was found with an American style nightstick when he was arrested at a Cullompton night club minutes later, Exeter Crown Court was told. Condie, aged 33, of Hayman's Close, Cullompton, admitted criminal damage and having an offensive weapon and was conditionally discharged for a year and ordered to pay £240 compensation. Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said Condie kicked and punched the electricity box of the home in Fore Street, Cullompton, causing a blackout and doing around £300 damage. Shortly afterwards police were called to the Manor night club after door staff saw him with a side-handled baton, similar to the nightsticks carried by American police officers. He was interviewed and said he had been drink and said there had been some animosity which led him to damage the electricity box. He said he took the weapon to the club because he liked having it with him. Mr Joss Ticehurst, defending, said Condie is a full time carer for his ex wife and lives off £105 a week income support but was keen to pay compensation by instalments. Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, said:"It would appear this was out of character and arose after he had been in a pub with some people who he believed were taking drugs while he wasn't. "Bearing in mind he has no convictions since 1999 I consider a conditional discharge and compensation to be the best was of dealing with it."

A couple picked up his and hers driving bans within minutes of each other when they were both caught drink driving on the same night. Sean Taylor and his partner Alison Vanson have both been disqualified after they took turns to drive back from a pub to their home after a night out. Police were called after Vanson was seen driving so erratically that two motorists stopped to see if she was all right and realised she was drunk. She was so alarmed by the encounter she woke up Taylor from his alcohol induced sleep in the passenger seat and got him to take the wheel and continue the journey back to their home in Exeter. The burly steel erector was barely able to stand when the car was stopped a short distance away in St David's Hill, Exeter and he later refused to give a breath test. Taylor, aged 43, of Foxtor Road, Exeter, admitted failing to provide a specimen and was fined £1,000 with £440 costs and banned for two and a half years by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, at Exeter Crown Court. The judge decided not to activate a six month suspended sentence which had been imposed just days before for a drunken assault in Exeter. Vanson had already been disqualified by Exeter Magistrates at an earlier hearing after she admitted drink driving. The judge told Taylor:"After the previous disgraceful incident of drunken violence one might have thought you would have kept off the drink. "You became involved in taking over the driving on this occasion and after being stopped you failed to provide a specimen. I have been persuaded it is more sensible to make you pay for what you did rather than going into custody." Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said Taylor took over the driving of the car after an incident in which two other motorists had stopped it because they were worried about the way Vanson was driving. They reported the incident to the police who arrested Taylor just before midnight on St David's Hill in Exeter. He said:"The driver smelled of alcohol and was stumbling about and incoherent. After a few half hearted attempts he refused to give a sample of breath." He said Taylor was stopped less than three weeks after being made subject of a suspended sentence for a street brawl in Exeter. Mr Peter Seigne, defending, said Taylor was being driven home by his partner Alison and was asleep in the passenger seat when he was woken up and asked to take over at the wheel. He said:"The account of him and his partner is that there was an altercation with the two men from the other car and she was quite shaken up and he was concerned for her welfare and drove off." He said Taylor is a steel erector who previously worked at the incinerator in Marsh Barton but is about to start contract work in Reading which will pay £1,200 a week.

His and hers driving bans for Exeter couple who took it in turns at the wheel

A judge has imposed massive fines on two shopkeepers who had illegal drugs at their chain of shops which claimed to be dealing in legal highs. Simon Tomlin and Paris Newton were ordered to pay more than £210,000 in fines, costs and confiscation orders after they admitted having banned substances at their shops. The penalties imposed at Exeter Crown Court came at the end of a long legal battle which is seen by the police to be a key test case in their efforts to control the industry in designer drugs. Tomlin and Newton were co-directors of one of the region's biggest legal high businesses and ran shops in Exeter, Exmouth, Torquay and Taunton. They were found with recently banned chemicals worth up to £220,000 when they were raided in December 2010 but it has taken until this week for them to admit their involvement. Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, said the fines reflected the value of the illegal drugs and the huge profits which both men were making from the trade. They were each taking salaries and profits of around £140,000 a year and the shops had a turnover of more than £1 million a year. The illegal drugs were almost six kilograms and 126 tablets of a mixture of two chemicals called BZP (benzopiperazine) and TFMPP (triflouromethypiperazine). When combined they make up a designer drug which has a number of street names. They were selling with names like Benzo-Fury or Sidewinder but at the time it was also known as Rapture and was a widely used rave drug until it was banned in December 2009. Tomlin runs shops called Hush in Fore Street, Exeter; The Strand in Exmouth, and Bridge Street, Taunton. Newton runs the Mushroom head shop in Torquay. Tomlin, aged 30, of St David's Hill, Exeter, and Newton, aged 41, of Thurlow Road, Torquay, both admitted possession of BZP and TFMPP with intent to supply. Newton also admitted possession of cannabis and a mixture of BZP and TFMPP at his home. Tomlin was fined £72,000 and Newton £83,000 and they were each ordered to pay £25,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act and £3,500 costs. The total amount adds up to £212,000. The judge told them:"You were the directors and controlling minds of a successful business selling legal highs. You were both running a very profitable business but had products for sale with a significant percentage of illegal substances. It was your responsibility to check what was in them." He said they put staff and customers at risk of prosecution and users at risk of physical and psychological harm through mis labeling of the products, which were sold as plant food or research chemicals. He said:"I very much doubt if your customers were gardeners or research chemists. This was a cynical and very transparent attempt to hide the fact there was something questionable about these products without saying so. "Selling legal highs puts a very high duty on you to make sure that nothing illegal is for sale on the premises. "In some respects this is even more serious than selling illegal drugs on the streets. If someone buys heroin, cocaine or cannabis they know what they are buying. "If they go to a shop that purports to sell legal highs but the products are not labeled adequately, that is more culpable, if anything." Mr Jonathan Barnes, prosecuting, said the drugs mimicked the effects of ecstasy or amphetamines and were made illegal a year before the raid on the Hush shops. The illegal drugs were found at the Exeter shop and Newton's home and their value was estimated at between £120,000 and £230,000. Mr Martin Meeke, QC, defending Tomlin, said he and Newton had bought what they believed to be legal substances but had been deceived by suppliers who were keen to get rid of their stocks after they were made illegal. He said his client now checks the legality of his products by monitoring the Home Office website and submitting them for analysis to ensure their authenticity. He also checked the age of customers. Mr Brendan Moorhouse, for Newton, said his client's position was no different from that of major supermarkets who were caught up in the horsemeat scandal because he had not intended to break the law but been let down by his suppliers. He said the pills seized at Newton's home had been stock he removed from his shop when the law changed but had not got round to throwing away.

Huge fines for Exeter legal high magnates found with banned designer drugs

A woman who went on a bizarre eight day crime spree after suffering a bout of mental illness has been freed from jail. Trudi Wardman stole clothes from a country house where she had been at a party, broke into a car, and terrified a neighbour by launching a knife attack on her car. She has spent five months in jail on remand since being arrested in Uffculme in June and a Judge ruled that she has spent long enough behind bars and freed her. Wardman, aged 34, has a psychiatric history and was suffering from a recurrence of mental illness when she committed all the offences, Exeter Crown Court was told. Her strange trail of crime started after she went to a party at a house at Butterleigh, near Tiverton, and returned in the middle of the night to steal clothes belonging to the owner of the property. It ended with her arrest after she left her home with a kitchen knife and a can of white paint and vandalised neighbour Penny Smith's Peugeot car before grabbing her around the neck. Wardman, of Ayshford, near Uffculme, admitted burglary, theft, criminal damage, assault by beating and having a knife in a public place. She was ordered to receive 18 months supervision under a community order by Judge Geoffrey Mercer. He made a restraining order restricting her contact with Penny Smith. He told her:"You are a woman of good character who had never been in trouble before and had a very responsible job for a number of years but are her for sentence for a number of offences committed over eight days in June this year. "They are serious matters, as you know only too well but it is clear from all I have read about you that you acted totally out of character and the psychiatric report indicates your mental state was affected at the relevant time. You were not yourself. "You have been in custody for 23 weeks so any further prison sentence would be wholly inappropriate." Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said the offences started on June 22 when Wardman returned to a house at Butterleigh where she had been at a party. She broke in and put on the clothes the hostess had been wearing before packing others into a suitcase and leaving. Eight days later she vandalised the car at Uffculme and attacked her neighbour. He asked for the destruction of the 30 cm carving knife which she used to scratch her neighbour's car and slash the tryes. Mr Adrian Chaplin, defending, said Miss Smith is no longer a neighbour and it is hoped there will be minimal contact between the two women in the future. He said an psychiatric report explained the mental background to the offences, which are likely to affect Wardman's work because she may be subject to barring. Ends Thurs July 25, 2013. A former psychiatric patient has appeared before Exeter Crown Court via video link from prison accused of a series of offences in Uffculme over eight days. Trudi Wardman, aged 34, made no plea and spoke only to confirm her name during the short procedural hearing at which a timetable was set for the progress of the case. Wardman, of Ashford House, Uffculme, is accused of stealing clothing and other property after a party on June 22 and the aggravated taking of a vehicle which was later found damaged. Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, remanded her in custody and set her next hearing for October 10, by which time the prosecution and defence will have exchanged papers and she will be required to enter pleas. Wardman is accused of a series of thefts in June in which she is alleged to have stolen clothes, a satnav, a Blackberry mobile phone, and iPod and compact discs. She is also accused of having a kitchen knife as a weapon and assaulting a woman on June 20. The judge ordered the case be listed for trial as soon as possible and Mr David Sapiecha, defending, said it is hoped to make a bail application in the next few weeks. Wardman, who is a former patient of the Cedars Unit at the Wonford Hospital in Exeter, will remain in Eastwood Park Prison, Bristol, until the next hearing.

The Westcountry caught the tail of the storm which wreaked devastation around the UK with winds gusting up to 50mph on the Devon coast. The Met Office said the region missed the full force of the severe weather which emerged from the Atlantic and battered parts of northern England and Scotland. Forecasters have predicted "benign" conditions in the South West for the weekend and into next week, with some overnight frost in remote areas. Dan Williams, a spokesman for the Exeter-based Met Office, said the air base at Chivenor recorded gusts of 42mph. He said night-time temperatures of around 5C would be common, with lows of zero in some remote areas possibly producing frosts. "The storm tracked north and its impact was relatively small down here," he said. "The weekend looks very settled with calm winds – nice, settled and dry, a bit of cloud but generally benign."

‘Benign’ weather week for Devon after tail end of fierce storm

Chuka Umunna, Labour's Shadow Business Secretary and MP for Streatham, says buying local will help the 'British Dream' become a reality Across the pond, they have the "American Dream" – a reverence for the little guy, the belief in the power of enterprise to transform lives and make the world a better place. But small business is a strong thread in our own national story here in Britain too, an important element of how we see ourselves. Most of us will know the name of the man or woman behind the counter at the newsagent where we buy our morning paper and milk. We rely on "white van man" to put things right when we have a crisis at home, like when the boiler needs fixing. We'll all have a family member or friend who has taken the risk by starting out on their own, setting up a business or becoming self-employed. Small firms are also part of the fabric of our communities. We worry about local shops closing in our villages, towns and cities, taking the heart out of the High Street. A trader in my constituency once told me that as well as being his livelihood and a thriving local firm, he also sees his business as a community centre: a place where people stop, meet each other and say hello amid the hubbub of a busy working day. So we must do everything we can to celebrate and promote Britain's small firms and those who work tirelessly running them. That's why I wanted to see Small Business Saturday brought here to Britain. It has already been a huge success in the States, where it follows immediately after Thanksgiving and 'Black Friday' – the start of the Christmas shopping period. It is one day when consumers are encouraged to purchase from small, local shops and service-providers, and which shines a spotlight on the huge contribution of small business to national life. Last year, $5.5bn rang through the tills of small businesses on the day. It all began exactly a year ago. I first learned about Small Business Saturday when I saw US celebrities and politicians pop up on Twitter, singing the praises of small businesses. I saw the huge impact and awareness it has, and thought: why don't we have this here in Britain too? Since then, a broad coalition and campaign has been brought together to make the UK's first ever Small Business Saturday a reality, including business organisations, local authorities and town councils of all political stripes and above all small businesses and their owners. It is great that the Prime Minister has recently given his backing too – this is a grassroots, cross-party campaign. This coming Saturday, December 7, will be the UK's first ever Small Business Saturday and is set to be the biggest celebration of small business this country has ever seen. A whole host of events are being planned in localities across Britain, with fairs, pop up shops, special offers and more. The Small Business Saturday bus, which I joined last week, has been touring the country, promoting the day and providing free workshops for small business owners. As Shadow Business Secretary I get the opportunity to meet business owners across the country, to hear about the fantastic work they do and also the many challenges they face. There are many things we need to get right in order to back our wealth creators, who are currently facing a cost of doing business crisis every bit as severe as the cost of living crisis which is hitting families' pockets. Labour's energy price freeze would save firms on average £1,800 a year. We're also demanding action on business rates – if elected in 2015 we will cut, then freeze, business rates for smaller firms. We have also backed plans for start ups to get access to broadband more quickly and we want to see regulation drawn up with the little guy in mind. Too many small businesses are still finding it impossible to get access to the finance they need to grow and are being let down by the banks. We want to see the creation of a British Investment Bank supported by a network of local and regional banks to help get finance flowing to businesses again. Whilst these are just some of the policy challenges which need to be tackled, Small Business Saturday is something simple and effective which we can all take part in now to make a real difference at a time when many firms are struggling. I hope it will also provide a welcome opportunity to give small businessmen and women the recognition they deserve. So, if you're doing Christmas shopping this Saturday, why not try a local shop? If you're placing an order for a service, use a small provider. Take a moment to thank those who work hard, take a risk, providing that level of personal service which you can't get elsewhere. Together, this weekend, let's help make the British Dream a reality and raise three cheers for Britain's small businesses.

Labour’s Business Secretary: Keep it local – and shop for Britain this weekend

Shops, pubs and restaurants are set to benefit from a £1,000 rates discount, but critics say the Chancellor has not gone far enough to alleviate the levy from continuing to burden businesses. George Osborne said in his Autumn Statement that he aimed to support 'hard-working' businesses and those struggling on the high street. Stores and eateries paying up to £50,000 a year in rates will be eligible for a discount of up to £1,000 over two years. According to the British Beer & Pub Association, the move could slash a collective £27 million in rates bills for pubs across the country. The Chancellor also announced that the small business rates relief scheme will be extended for one year from April. This means that rates payments will continue to be waived for businesses classed as having a rateable value of under £12,000. He also confirmed an anticipated 2% cap on rates increases overall and companies will now be able to pay off the levy in monthly installments. John Allan, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses said: "Action on business rates was the top priority for our members, and the Chancellor has addressed some of their concerns." But while welcoming the Chancellor's largely anticipated measures over business rates as "welcome gestures" Matthew Lee, managing partner at South West accountants Bishop Fleming said that the steps did not address the root cause of the majority of business rates woes. His firm has already launched an e-petition to the Government to undertake a 'root and branch' reform of business rates, which are based upon pre-recessionary commercial property values set in 2008. "The Chancellor has applied a sticking plaster," he said, "but Mr Osborne has failed to tackle the fundamental iniquities of this tax." Glenn Kelly, who heads property consultancy Bruton Knowles' Plymouth office said: "It doesn't solve the inequality of the rateable values set historically at a time of very different property values, particularly in the retail streets of our towns and cities. "The whole rating system is in need of a shake up." Truro and Falmouth's Conservative MP Sarah Newton was among those to have welcomed news of the £1,000 business rates discount, saying that with an average rateable value of £32,000, the majority of shops, pubs, and Post Offices in her constituency would benefit. In a further shot in the arm for the high streets, a new 'reoccupation' relief that will halve rates bills for retailers taking on formerly vacant town centre shops. Steve Collins, head of tax at accountants Francis Clark said: "It may well bring a breath of life back into the high street, benefiting places such as Torquay." Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at the Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors added: "The reoccupation relief will go a long way to regenerate the high street."

By Lucy Johnson Sylvan Legend carries a 7lb penalty in the opening conditional jockeys' novices' handicap hurdle at Exeter today, and the five-year-old will be expected to go close with in-form jockey James Best on board. Best, who hails from Cornwall and is based with Philip Hobbs, has rattled up six winners in the past fortnight, including a double at Towceser last week on his 23rd birthday, and Sylvan Legend comes from the in-form yard of Caroline Keevil. Others in the race include Boss In Boots, who made a promising return at Huntingdon last month, and Cuckoo Rock, who has been kept on the go on the Flat recently. The two miles one furlong Foot Anstey Handicap Hurdle will see Portway Flyer start a likely favourite on the back of two recent successes. He was an easy winner at Ludlow on Wednesday and trainer Ian Williams is sending him out again carrying a penalty before the handicapper gets a hold of him. Pass Muster, trained in North Yorkshire by Philip Kirby, is the one most likely to trouble him having won very easily at Musselburgh last month, despite a mistake at the final flight. The Harry Dutfield Memorial Novices' Chase has been reduced to five runners with the Paul Nicholls-trained Caid Du Berlais, second to subsequent Grade One Hatton Grace winner Jezki at Down Royal in November, making his chasing debut. He came home second in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at this year's Festival, while Pistol, trained by Hobbs, is the one who may trouble him with first-time blinkers likely to improve the well-bred four-year-old. The Devon Marathon has attracted 12 runners, and the race often throws up a surprise, with last year's winner Arbor Supreme winning at 16-1. His trainer Jonjo O'Neill saddles another lively chance in the shape of the consistent Whistling Senator, Hobbs saddles recent Ludlow winner Jayandbee, while Civil Disobedience rarely runs a bad race without good reason and could flourish over a longer trip. Four go in the EBF Stallions National Hunt Novices' Hurdle and they include the Nicholls-trained Foggy's Wall, who is likely to start a short-priced favourite on the back of two bumper wins including the defeat of three-times winner God's Own at Wincanton a year ago. Tara Rose very rarely runs a bad race over fences and can be in the mix in the competitive-looking the Brewin Dolphin Trophy Handicap Chase run over two miles three furlongs. Bally Legend should get the better of Jump City on recent form, and it will be interesting to see how Bertie Boru fairs with a step back in distance. Concluding the card is a bumper, and Flamenco Lad could go one better than his second place in October.

In-form jockey James hopes to get Best out of Sylvan Legend at Exeter Races

COUNCILLORS in East Devon have ruled that the parish boundary of the new town of Cranbrook should not cut an existing village in half as originally proposed. At Wednesday's meeting of East Devon District Council, the majority voted against the Cabinet's recommendation that the boundary of Cranbrook slice through Rockbeare. The B3174 through Rockbeare, known as the Rockbeare Straight, had been identified as a "natural boundary" to the south of Cranbrook. This would have meant that dozens of people who have called Rockbeare their home for years, if not decades, would overnight become residents of Cranbrook. Cabinet members, although appreciating the importance of "parish loyalty" considered the natural boundary to be more logical in terms of the future administration of the parishes. Instead, councillors voted "virtually unanimously" for an amendment proposed by the district councillor for the area, that the new town's boundary should skirt round the edge of Rockbeare. Councillor Peter Bowden Conservative ward member for Broadclyst which includes Cranbrook and Rockbeare, also suggested that the boundary runs round the edges of other existing settlements such as Broadclyst and Clyst Honiton to avoid disruption there too. He welcomed the council's decision. "There was overwhelming support for my amendment," he said. "I'm very pleased. It wasn't a difficult debate in the end with most members realising that existing boundaries aren't there simply to be moved." Cllr Bowden explained that had councillors accepted Cabinet's recommendation for the boundary to run through Rockbeare, it would have "divided" the community. "Residents of the village have not been happy about it," he continued. "Many of them have lived here all their lives and want to live in Rockbeare." The councillor, explained that a change in parish could have had a detrimental impact on existing businesses if they had to change their addresses as a result. He said he had been in discussions with businesses who had concerns. "For planners, a straight line would have been lovely and easy," he said adding that a community shouldn't be defined by a line. "Am original principal for the development of Cranbrook was to ensure existing villages retain their autonomy. To split the village of Rockbeare would have thrown that out the window." Instead, the boundary for Cranbrook will roughly run along the back gardens of properties on the north side of the Rockbeare Straight, which was historically where the boundary was envisaged. Residents from surrounding parishes including Rockbeare, Clyst Honiton and Broadclyst spoke about the issue at the meeting. "It was their dedication that made members sit up and listen," added Cllr Bowden. "So many people have been fighting for years to make sure that when Cranbrook started it would be for the right reasons. "Cranbrook is a success story," he said. "Getting the boundary right is a huge step forward."

Councillors rule Cranbrook parish boundary should not cut existing village in half

Exeter research shows diabetics don't help themselves

Exeter City's Paul Tisdale emerging as favourite to take over at Portsmouth, according to local press

Cranbrook litter-pickers raise funds for victims

Exeter postwoman lands starring role in national TV advert

WHAT'S ON: The month ahead

WHAT'S ON: In the cinema

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Punchbag drug dealer jailed for 12 years

Vagrant jailed for attack on Sidmouth pub landlord

Cullompton vandal blacked out home with baton

His and hers driving bans for Exeter couple who took it in turns at the wheel

Huge fines for Exeter legal high magnates found with banned designer drugs

Uffculme crime spree woman freed

'Benign' weather week for Devon after tail end of fierce storm

Labour's Business Secretary: Keep it local – and shop for Britain this weekend

Business rates discount welcomed by High Streets

In-form jockey James hopes to get Best out of Sylvan Legend at Exeter Races

Councillors rule Cranbrook parish boundary should not cut existing village in half