Three car crash traps occupant at Ottery St Mary

March 23, 2013, 9:10 am

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A fire appliance from Ottery St Mary and another from Middlemoor were mobilised to a report of a road traffic collision on the B3174 at 13:30 on Saturday afternoon.

On arrival crews discovered that 3 vehicles were involved and that one person that was trapped and required extrication.

Fire crews used small tools and hydraulic cutting gear to release the casualty who was then transfered to hospital via ambulance.

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Devon Police dog and handler compete in National Trials

March 23, 2013, 10:26 am

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PC Shane Curnow, a Police dog handler based at Plympton, will be attending the National Police Dog Trials in South Wales during 5-7 April 2013.

Shane, who has been a dog handler for 18 years, will be representing Devon and Cornwall Police. His police dog is a 7-year-old Malinois, called Mac.
 
To qualify for the nationals the pair took part in regional trials, which were held recently in Somerset. They will be competing amongst the top 24 operational police dogs in the country and they will be scored against a national set criteria of dog and handler skills.
 
Chief Inspector Jane Taylor of the Operations Department said that she - and all dog handlers within Devon and Cornwall Police - wish them the best of luck.

Video: UKIP leader rallies party faithful at Exeter conference

March 23, 2013, 1:50 pm

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In a speech at the party's conference in Exeter today, the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), Nigel Farrage, has spoken of a "wholesale rejection of the career political class". He claimed that whilst UKIP voters wanted to "stick two fingers up to the establishment" they represented "something far more powerful than a protest vote."

Commenting on the Conservative, Lib Dem and Labour Parties, he said that "We have really had enough of them" and continued "They really do all look the same... they all go to the same schools, the same Oxbridge colleges. None of them has ever had a job in the real world and not one of them is in politics for principle."

The party's best-known policies are opposition to membership of the EU and limits on immigration.

On immigration from Eastern Europe, he said "Our message is simple, we are not against anybody, we wish people from all those former communist countries the very best, but it cannot make sense for us to open our doors to massive oversupply in the unskilled labour market in this country, at a time when we have a million people out of work."

Responding to concerns on these, and other controversial areas of party policy, he stated "We're not hamstrung by political correctness, we are not afraid to take on the issues that others would simply brush under the carpet."

UKIP gained the second highest votes at the recent Eastleigh by-election, beating the Conservatives into third position. UKIP had 27.8% of the vote on a 52% turnout. The seat was won by Lib Dem candidate Mike Thornton.

Local elections will be held across England and Wales on 2 May.
Video: Nigel Farage at UKIP Spring Conference Exeter Pt 1Nigel Farage at UKIP Spring Conference Exeter Pt 2

Update: Exeter City wall collapse won't stop games at St James' Park

March 23, 2013, 3:07 am

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Exeter City FC chief executive Julian Tagg says a collapsed wall near their St James's Park ground is unlikely to affect supporters for their upcoming games. It had been feared that the wall, which collapsed on Saturday morning, might mean a closure of an away supporters' section of the ground for their next home game against Rochdale. However, Tagg says he is confident Dale fans travelling to that match, on Easter Monday, will have nothing to worry about. "It was assessed on Saturday morning and like so many other examples where the water table has risen exceptionally this is another case in point," he said. "We will commence repairs on Monday, but the initial view is that it won't affect away support. "The safety advisory group will be meeting on Monday to discuss whether that is the case or not, but that was initial view at the time. "It never rains but it pours," added Tagg. "It is yet another challenge which I have no doubt that the club and supporters will rise to and resolve to as they always do." The road around Exeter City's football ground was shut on Saturday morning after extreme weather caused the wall to collapse. Firefighters received a call at 08.16am of a collapsed structure with the possibility of people trapped. The rescue tender and fire appliance from Middlemoor were mobilised along with the one fire appliance Danes Castle and a search and rescue dog unit. On arrival crews discovered one embankment wall had collasped measuring 3 meters in height by 10 meters in length. Crews used a thermal imaging camera and the search and rescue dog to confirm no persons were trapped in the collasped wall.

Joss Stone murder plot trial: Week one

March 23, 2013, 6:11 pm

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The Joss Stone murder plot trial began this week and the Echo has been keeping it's readers up to date each day of the trial. The Crown has completed its case and the defence will begin on Monday. The two men deny conspiracy to murder, rob and cause gbh with intent to the internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter. See below for a roundup of each day, with links to more information on each day.Day 1 Robbers devised a plot to cut Joss Stone's head off after they became convinced she was a 'corrupt she-devil'. The motive behind a plot to murder Devon singer Joss Stone could have been her close link to the royal family, a court has heard. Kevin Liverpool and Junior Bradshaw are on trial at Exeter Crown Court accused of conspiracy to rob, kill and cause GBH to the star after being arrested near her Ashill home in June 2011. The court heard how the singer/song-writer, who has toured the world since becoming a teenage star, was at home when the plot was foiled. The duo arose suspicion after driving their Fiat Punto around Cullompton and asking members of the public for directions. Several eagle-eyed locals contacted the police.Read moreDay 2 International pop star Joss Stone told a court today that she was only aware of an alleged plot to kill her when she was visited by the police. The 25-year-old was giving evidence in the trial of Kevin Liverpool and Junior Bradshaw, who are charged with plotting to rob and kill the singer in June 2011. Exeter Crown Court heard that the pair were arrested a few miles from Miss Stone's home near Ashill, mid-Devon, with an arsenal of weapons – including a samurai sword – in the boot of their Fiat Punto. Miss Stone was at home at the time but said she was only aware of the incident when police contacted her later that day. She told the court: "Apart from someone (police) coming around to say someone is trying to kill me, it was a really nice day. Speaking about the lack of security at her home, she said: "I've lived in Devon for a long time and nobody really shuts their door."Read moreDay 3 A stash of weapons was found in the car of two men accused of plotting to kill international music star Joss Stone when they were arrested, a court heard today. A uniformed Pc discovered a black-handled samurai sword with sheath, two knives and a length of green garden-style hosepipe in the boot of a Fiat Punto being driven by Junior Bradshaw, 32. On the back seat of the burgundy hatchback, police recovered a black hooded top and a black and grey rucksack. The rucksack contained a roll of black bags, a roll of black tape, a hammer bought for £1 from a Manchester DIY store, a black and yellow spike, spark plugs, a sock and a carrier bag.Read moreDay 4 The written ramblings of one of two men accused of plotting to kill international music star Joss Stone were shown to a jury today. Kevin Liverpool, 35, wrote down in a diary his thoughts about the Devon-based soul singer.
 Liverpool had also written a reminder to buy a hooded top, car insurance, a safe and open a bank account, Exeter Crown Court heard. He wrote of "war", "warlord £1" and of "missions" to "rob" and "discipline". Liverpool and co-accused Junior Bradshaw, 32, are charged with plotting to rob and kill Miss Stone before dumping her body in a river in June 2011. The defendants, both of St Stephen's Close, Manchester, deny charges of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause GBH and conspiracy to rob. The diary was seized by police when they raided Liverpool's one-bedroom flat in Longsight, Manchester, after he had been arrested in Devon. In the diary – a daily appointment 2007 edition – each page was covered in handwritten scrawl, in either blue or black ink, with much of it crossed or scribbled out. Detective Constable Katherine Joyner took the jury of 10 men and two women through the diary. She said there were quite a few references to urban slang words, such as "wet" – meaning to repeatedly stab someone until their clothes are soaked with blood – and "popo" – short for police. Liverpool had also written a list, numbered 1, 2 and 3, of "rob", "wet/injure" and "death".Read moreDay 5 A detective told the court that no fingerprints from Bradshaw had been found on any of the weapons or exhibits seized. And Det Sgt Martin Sutcliffe – second in charge of the inquiry into the plot to murder and rob the singer – told the jury that no text messages relevant to the allegations were sent or received by Bradshaw. The officer also said the same was true of any telephone calls and that nothing could be found that could be attributed to Bradshaw in any diary or handwriting. Det Sgt Sutcliffe also agreed under cross-examination by Bradshaw's barrister, Martin Meeke QC, that there was 'no "direct evidence that he had researched Joss Stone or printed maps". Mr Meeke told the jury that Bradshaw had been jailed in the past 11 times for breaching a signing-on order telling police where he lived, after he was convicted of exposing himself on the steps of Leeds Town Hall in 2006. The defence lawyer said Bradshaw had also appeared at the Old Bailey after sleeping rough in London and that court gave him a hospital order and he was admitted to the Manchester Royal Infirmary's mental unit. Liverpool refused to give police any handwriting samples and the jury heard there were 77 matches out of 100 fingerprints found on exhibits. The court heard the crossbow and BB gun were found in their flat but judge Francis Gilbert QC said it had no string and was "not in working order". The jury was told Liverpool had previous convictions for assault and for having bladed articles, or knives, in public places. Exeter Crown Court heard on one occasion in 2007 he had a knife in a holdall along with a ski mask and gloves which was found during a stop and search. He has also been given a community sentence in 2010 with a mental health requirement.Read more

Ambulance called to crash on Woodbury Common

March 23, 2013, 6:12 pm

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Fire and rescue crews were called to reports of a collision on Woodbury Common last night. Fire control received a call from the Ambulance Service requesting an attendance to the crash near Woodbury Castle at 21:25. One appliance from Exmouth and one from Middlemoor, Exeter were mobilised to the incident. Initial reports stated one person was trapped within the vehicle, however upon arrival crews were only required to make the vehicle safe as all persons were free and clear.

Former Exeter manager Dolan backed by players for permanent Reading job

March 23, 2013, 6:17 pm

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Exeter City legend Eamonn Dolan is likely to manage Reading's game against Arsenal next weekend as the club continues it's struggle to find a new manager. Academy manager Dolan was appointed after the sacking of Brian McDermott earlier this month. And after last weekend's narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester United Eamonn has been backed to continue by the Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. "He's got a great method to the way he works and he gets the boys going," McCarthy told the Reading Post. "I think he's come in and he'll do a good job for us. We'll have to see how the games turn out but I think he's got a great chance and all the lads are with him. "We've got a great team spirit and, with the work he's done with us, we think we've got a good chance of staying up. Eamonn's caretaker manager at the moment and, depending on results, we'll see how it goes from there." Dolan joined Exeter in 1991, and this marked the beginning of a thirteen-year association with the club. He only managed 26 league appearances for the club as his career was cut short when he developed cancer. However, he survived the condition, and continued to serve the Grecians as Football in the community officer, youth coach, caretaker manager, and finally full-time manager, taking over after the club's relegation from the Football League in 2003.

Exeter named one of the least affordable cities to live in

March 23, 2013, 6:18 pm

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Exeter is one of the most expensive places to live in the UK, according to a new survey of house prices. The city's history, surrounding countryside and good schools seem to come at an extra cost as it is named the ninth least affordable in the UK. The price of the typical home is more than seven times the average income – the survey revealed. But prices in the city reflect a nationwide trend, as the report from Lloyds TSB shows house prices in urban areas rose by 1.7 per cent last year. Cities named as less affordable to live in include Brighton, Truro and Bath, with Oxford topping the list. The 10 least affordable cities to buy a home in were all in the South of England. Northern Ireland, Scotland and the north of England were home to the most affordable cities to live in. See the full list below. The findings are published after the Government unveiled fresh plans to help bolster the property market with a new multibillion-pound Help to Buy scheme. The Government has been warned that the scheme must not create a "housing bubble" and push up house prices to an extent which could eventually lead to a crisis. But prices are more of a stretch than they were a decade ago, when they were about 5.3 times the average wage.Most affordable cities, including ratio of prices vs wages: 1. Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 3.38
2. Lisburn, Northern Ireland, 3.50
3. Belfast, Northern Ireland, 3.67
4. Stirling, Scotland, 3.81
5. Bradford, Yorkshire and the Humber, 3.98
6. Salford, North West, 4.11
7. Glasgow, Scotland, 4.23
8. Lancaster, North, 4.28
9. Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, 4.32
10. Sunderland, North, 4.43Least affordable cities: Oxford, South East, 9.66
2. Salisbury, South West, 8.57
3. Bath, South West, 8.23
4. Truro, South West, 8.15
5. Winchester, South East, 8.04
6. Brighton and Hove, South East, 7.67
7. Cambridge, East Anglia, 7.55
8. Chichester, South East, 7.44
9. Exeter, South West, 7.25
10. St Albans, South East, 7.09

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Exeter City wall collapse won't affect Rochdale game

March 24, 2013, 5:38 am

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EXETER chief executive Julian Tagg says a collapsed wall near their St James's Park ground is unlikely to affect supporters for their upcoming games. It had been feared that the wall, which collapsed on Saturday morning, might mean a closure of an away supporters' section of the ground for their next home game against Rochdale. However, Tagg says he is confident Dale fans travelling to that match, on Easter Monday, will have nothing to worry about. "It was assessed on Saturday morning and like so many other examples where the water table has risen exceptionally this is another case in point," he said. "We will commence repairs on Monday, but the initial view is that it won't affect away support. "The safety advisory group will be meeting on Monday to discuss whether that is the case or not, but that was initial view at the time. "It never rains but it pours," added Tagg. "It is yet another challenge which I have no doubt that the club and supporters will rise to and resolve to as they always do."

Hundreds run 10k for Age UK Exeter

March 24, 2013, 8:42 am

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Hundreds of runners took part in today's Wrap Up and Run 10k event organised by Age UK Exeter. See gallery of pictures of the event by clicking here Tom Merson of Bristol and West Athletics Club crossed the line in first place with a time of 31 minutes and 15 seconds. The fastest woman was Martha Neal of Newton Abbot Athletics Club with a time of 38 minutes and 11 seconds. Paul Farthing, Fundraising Director at Age UK, said: "At this time of year Age UK's winter services provide a vital lifeline to many older people locally in Exeter." Participants raised funds for Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign.

'My son is broken' says mum who tried to stop radiotherapy treatment

March 24, 2013, 8:51 am

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A mother revealed today how her eight-year-old son is "not the boy I know any more" after he went through radiotherapy treatment she controversially fought hard at the High Court to prevent. Sally Roberts, who until recently lived in Tiverton, who lost a high-profile case last year to stop the treatment for her son Neon's brain tumour, said he 'just crumbled into me' after the radiation therapy. The 37-year-old, now living in Brighton, said Neon has gone through 30 radiation sessions since the court battle and is now "broken" with chronic fatigue, "grey and fragile", "cries over the smallest things' and "barely eats". "I look into my little boy's eyes and there's nothing there," she told the Sunday Mirror. "I see this child who was always laughing and happy sitting with his little head in his hands crying. "The thing that scared me most was that the radiation would change him, damage him. And it's done both. The courts have taken Neon from me because I tried to protect him." She added that Neon is also now suffering from constipation, mouth sores and a reduction in saliva. Mrs Roberts described watching her son comply with doctors as he was strapped to a table and a mask placed over his head, wanting to scream and bang her fists against a glass wall in front of her. The New Zealand-born mother had earlier gone into hiding with her son because she did not want Neon to have treatment, before both of them were found unharmed last December. Doctors said Neon could have died if he hadn't have had the treatment, but Mrs Roberts insisted she was worried it could have done him long-term harm such as causing brain damage or infertility. She was hoping for alternative treatments that would avoid destroying his immune system and other complications associated with radiotherapy, reported the Sunday Mirror. The boy's custody has been given to his father Ben following the legal battle, while the boy's twin sister Elektra still lives with Mrs Roberts. "Losing one of them is like losing a limb," she said. He is due to start chemotherapy next month and Mrs Roberts said she cannot fight this treatment unless she can gather £80,000 to pay for NHS costs if she loses the case. Neon will not be allowed to live with her until this treatment has concluded, which could take a year.

Leicester Tigers admit draw with Exeter Chiefs would have been fair

March 24, 2013, 9:21 am

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Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill admitted that a draw would have been a fair result between Exeter Chiefs and the Tigers. The Tigers ground out a 12-9 victory in front of a sold-out crowd at Sandy Park in Saturday's Aviva Premiership game at Exeter. The victory moved Leicester up to second place in the table – just a point behind leaders Saracens. Cockerill said: "A 12-all draw would probably have been a fair result to be fair to Exeter – but this is a tough place to come. "We worked very hard and we had to integrate players back into the side after international duty. "From my own experience, when you have a poor experience with the national side you want to come back to your club and get straight back into it. That is probably what you need rather than having the rest. The sides went in at half-time level with fly-half Gareth Steenson landing three penalties for Exeter and his opposite number, Leicester's captain of the day Toby Flood, matching his efforts. The only points of the second half came through Flood's fourth penalty.

Rain over but gritters out in force as Exeter temperatures drop

March 24, 2013, 9:32 am

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Devon's 8,000 miles of roads are being gritted after forecasters warned of freezing conditions. The Met Office said temperatures are expected to drop to below freezing across most of the county, with a minumum of -2.C Hugh Griffith, Head of Devon County Council's Highway Operations Centre, tweeted: "Gritters out on the 8,000 miles of Devon roads. Many areas will be gritted two or three times over next 24 hours. Please take care." A Met Office spokesman said: "Although there hasn't been as much rain over the weekend, there is still a risk of icy patches. "Temperatures will be widely below freezing overnight, with rural areas and higher ground possibly reaching -2.C. "Monday is set to be similar to Sunday, largely dry with lots of cloud."

Success for Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle at Football League awards

March 24, 2013, 3:45 pm

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By Rupert Metcalf  

Exeter City supporter Neil Le Milliere was named npower Fan of the Year at the Football League Awards 2013 event in London on Sunday night.
Le Milliere is a co-opted member of the Supporters' Trust which owns the Devon club, a member of Supporters Direct, and a founder of the London Exiles (Grecians fans who live and work in London). He researches travel routes and accommodation for fans who attend away games, and also mans and runs a bottle bar at City's ground with all the profits going back to the club. Despite the distance he lives from St James' Park, he works to improve the experience of other fans and dedicates his time and energy to make sure the club itself is in good shape.
After winning the award, he said: "I have been involved in all sorts of things since starting off as an occasional visitor to the club and ended up on the board of the Supporters' Trust. You do what you can to make it a joy for other people. I live halfway between Arsenal and Tottenham, but my home is where my heart is."
Sue Heritage of npower, who sat on the judging panel, said: "Neil epitomises all of the qualities that make a great fan. Be it representing supporters' interests, co-ordinating travel arrangements or fund-raising for the club, his dedication to Exeter City is outstanding. On behalf of everyone at npower, I would like to congratulate Neil on his well-deserved award."
Plymouth Argyle also enjoyed a welcome winning feeling at the event. The Pilgrims picked up the npower League Two family club of the year award, after earning a place on the shortlist for the overall Football League prize along with AFC Bournemouth, Brighton and Hove Albion, Doncaster Rovers, Oxford United and eventual overall winners Cardiff City.
When assessing the category, judges looked for clubs that best demonstrated outstanding delivery of activity to attract and retain family attendance at games.
Argyle were also nominated for the Perform 'Best Use of Digital' award which went to Swindon Town. The other nominated clubs were Birmingham City, Bristol City, Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
Exeter City striker Jamie Cureton was on the shortlist for the npower League Two player of the year award, along with Bradford City's Gary Jones and eventual winner Tom Pope, of Port Vale.
Plymouth Argyle striker Tyler Harvey was on the shortlist for the npower League Two apprentice of the year award. Along with Rochdale's Jamie Allen, he was pipped to the prize by Barnet's George Sykes.
Two former Plymouth Argyle managers were also nominated for awards on Sunday. Paul Sturrock - who was told on earlier in the day that his services were no longer required by Southend United - was beaten to the Outstanding Managerial Achievement Award by Bradford City's Phil Parkinson. Cardiff City's Malkay Mackay and Yeovil Town's Gary Johnson were also on the shortlist.
Peter Shilton won the final award of the night. The former England goalkeeper is the only player in the Football League's 125-year history to have made more than 1,000 League appearances, and that earned him the Contribution to League Football prize.

Exeter university team develop new system of flood prediction

March 25, 2013, 1:39 am

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Heavy rain has once again resulted in widespread flooding across the country. With climate change likely to cause further severe weather events in the coming years, methods of quickly predicting flooding will become increasingly important. A team of engineers and scientists from the University of Exeter has developed a model, 1000 times faster than existing flood prediction systems, which can rapidly predict when and where flooding will occur. The model uses artificial intelligence to 'learn', in the same way that biological neural networks in the human brain process data. Designed for urban areas, the system can provide instant updates as bad weather conditions unfold. The model uses information about the drainage and sewage systems to predict the volume and flow of flood water in real time. Although not yet in general use, tests show a good ability to predict flooding with field trials and it is hoped that the model will soon be rolled out nationwide. Professor Dragan Savić, who headed the development of the new model at the University of Exeter said: "Our model can be trained to use data from rainfall events to distinguish between urban areas that suffer from flooding and those that don't. Once it has learnt, it can then be used to classify new rainfall events into those likely to cause flooding and those that do not pose a threat." The model was shown to be of great potential value for the water industry in a report commissioned by UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR). The report produced by HR Wallingford, an independent research and consultancy organisation, tested the model against recorded rainfall events in London, Dorchester and Portsmouth and found that the model accurately predicted the actual outcomes. Flood management is a major element of the water industry's responsibilities. An accurate rapid prediction system will help the water industry to respond quickly and appropriately when the risk of flooding is high. When flooding is likely (within 1-6 hours) the water industry issues warnings to the public, residents are advised to move pets and valuables to a safe place, and gas, water and electricity supplies may be turned off. When flooding is imminent (within 0-1 hours) staff are dispatched to flood locations and residents are told to stay in a safe place with a means of escape. Artificial neural networks are mathematical models inspired by biological neural networks in the human brain. They are adaptive systems that can change their structure during learning and are ideal for modelling complex relationships like rain and flooding. Running repeated cycles of mathematical equations in the model simulates learning and results in dramatically faster and more accurate flood prediction than possible with existing systems.

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Lorry drives into field in Clyst St Mary

March 25, 2013, 1:41 am

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A large lorry veered off the road and drove into a field this morning. Firefighters were called to Sidmouth Road in Clyst St Mary to the incident, which caused traffic delays at the Oilmill Lane junction. Fire engines from Topshop and Middlemoor along with the Heavy Rescue Vehicle from Middlemoor were sent, but found that that there was nobody inside the vehicle. They removed large pieces of fencing from the road to clear the way for traffic. Paramedics tended to a male driver who was suffering from minor injuries.

Serious assault in Exmouth; police appeal for witnesses

March 25, 2013, 1:41 am

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Exmouth police want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed a fight between two men in which one was left heavily bleeding.
At around 2am on Monday, March 18, a fight is believed to have broken out between two men outside Glenorchy Church on Exeter Road.
One man suffered facial injuries in the attack and was bleeding profusely. The man then walked to the Strand to get a taxi to hospital.
Police are treating the incident as a grevious bodily harm (GBH) assault.
Anyone who has any information is urged to contact police by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on, 0800 555111, quoting crime reference number, KE/13/567.

Exeter's Wrap Up and Run 10k results

March 25, 2013, 2:00 am

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Exmouth's Tom Merson won Sunday's Wrap Up and Run 10k in Exeter, organised by Age UK.
He completed the route in 31mins 15secs and was the first of 550 finishers.
Full results are listed below. for more pictures from the event, click here
Wrap Up and Run 10k results (chip pos, name, chip time):
1 Tom Merson 31.15
2 Don  Nash 31.56
3 Ollie Garrod 33.05
4 John Wisely 34.32
5 Nick Loewendahl 34.38
7 Simon Minting 36.03
8 Hugo Pinto 36.09
9 James Haigh 36.15
10 Matthew Bellamy 36.19
11 Tim Vialls 36.38
12 Will Cullen 36.45
13 Richard Brooks 36.45
14 James Reeves 36.53
15 Jody Bee 37.32
16 Thomas Allan 37.34
18 Oliver Teenan 37.38
17 Ron Grainger 37.36
19 Robert Ansell 37.41
20 Michael Seddon 37.45
21 David Spencer 37.51
22 Nicholas Crew 37.57
23 Graham Reeves 37.59
24 Alex Wrigley 38.05
25 David Trelease 38.08
26 Martha Neal 38.10
28 Jonnie Richoud 38.18
27 Tobias Hole 38.17
29 David Balch 38.21
30 Harrison Baker 38.26
31 Nick Chandler 38.32
32 Mark McPhee 38.34
33 Martin French 38.36
34 Michael Hansen 38.40
35 Richard Hawes 38.46
36 Chris Payne 38.47
37 Pablo Burriel Ferrando 38.53
38 Kevin Sage 39.32
39 Russell Hannaford 39.32
40 Julian Cabrera 39.36
41 Kevin Gord 39.42
42 Andy Howlett 39.43
43 Guy Harman 39.48
45 Ben Hayes 39.56
44 Josh Rew 39.54
46 Clare Hodgson 40.04
47 Oliver Turnbull 40.13
48 Jessica Craig 40.21
49 Stephen French 40.33
50 Koki Ishii 40.33
51 James Robson 40.47
53 Peter Blackmore 40.51
52 Nathan White 40.49
55 Christopher Johns 41.00
56 Ashley Borthwick 41.01
57 Karen Cook 41.16
59 Lluis Oliver 41.20
60 Craig Churchill 41.28
61 Chris  Garner 41.32
54 David Wilson 40.59
62 Francesco Montefusco 41.53
63 Jamie Kelly 41.54
64 Shintaro Ueda 41.56
65 Andy Mclean 41.59
66 Adam Loats 42.22
69 John Hind 42.28
68 Janet Sealy 42.27
70 Nigel Good 42.33
67 Nicholas Godfrey 42.23
73 James Piggott 42.40
74 Darren Thomas 42.50
71 Max Gardiner 42.34
78 James Matthews-Stroud 42.59
75 Jason McKinlay 42.54
72 Crispian Batstone 42.36
76 Paul Mudd 42.57
79 Dexter Fox 43.03
80 Mike Baker 43.07
83 Pablo De Miguel 43.21
77 Somers Brewin 42.58
81 Peter Gibb 43.10
84 David Eveleigh 43.25
82 Stuart Woodward 43.14
85 Keith Belt 43.32
86 Oliver Follows 43.36
87 Graydon Widdicombe 43.40
90 Rob Graham 43.50
91 Danny Tregaskes 44.00
92 Robert Jones 44.13
93 Amelia Hall 44.17
95 Thomas Jenkinson 44.25
96 Marie McVeigh 44.31
94 Thomas Hamlett 44.18
97 Dale Opon 44.41
99 Thomas O'Shea-Walker 44.44
98 Adrian Mountford 44.41
100 Ciberiy Simpson 44.49
101 Kate Goodwin 45.04
102 Andrea Matthews-Stroud 45.09
103 John Marshall 45.10
105 Tony Gale 45.18
104 Lucy Reynolds 45.17
106 Damon Rew 45.21
107 Eric Foster 45.22
110 Ludvik Ruzicka 45.36
111 Sergi Lopez 45.39
112 Alex Mabin 45.40
115 Louise Worthington 45.47
113 David Budden 45.41
109 Andy Southard 45.30
119 Sylvia Wheeldon 46.04
118 William Straughan 45.59
117 Oliver Tuckett 45.53
120 Pete Hayward 46.08
116 Miguel Fonseca 45.51
123 Beverley Collins 46.22
114 James Benham 45.42
124 Emma Hill 46.33
122 Jason Berisford 46.17
121 Mark Cohen 46.16
126 Thomas Falconer Hall 46.45
125 Nicki Ashworth 46.43
128 Andrew Fox 46.56
127 Howard Douglas 46.51
131 Richard Mackrory 47.05
130 James Mulcahy 47.01
133 Conor Youell 47.07
137 John Harvey 47.21
135 Katherine Sealy 47.13
136 Catherine Gentry 47.16
132 Jamie Vittles 47.05
134 Sarah Jennings 47.12
140 Maura Chacksfield 47.30
142 Steven Quantrill 47.41
141 Simon Stone 47.40
139 Nick Wilkinson 47.28
138 Peter Webber 47.27
129 Balazs Balazs 47.00
146 Christopher Liarron 48.00
148 Phillip Vaughan 48.13
154 Jordan Fox 48.24
153 Jessica Harwood 48.19
151 Robert Smith 48.17
144 Cameron Hodson 47.54
145 Keith Elliott 47.57
143 Iain Callender 47.52
155 Tony Follett 48.32
150 Zdenka Rosolova 48.16
156 John Norton 48.38
149 James McCarthy 48.14
152 Russell Geach 48.18
160 Andrew Hosking 48.48
158 Nick Thorpe 48.41
161 Joseph Townsend 48.52
157 Gary Cregan 48.38
162 Mike Goldwin 48.56
163 Lucy O'Boy 48.56
159 Tim Mytton 48.48
164 James Shute 49.02
166 Iain Taggart 49.09
168 John  Perratt 49.19
165 Richard Dale 49.04
169 Brendon Phillips 49.25
167 Andrew McCormack 49.15
174 Victoria Malvay 49.35
170 Andrew Thompson 49.30
177 Patrick McManus 49.41
171 Ryan Doyle 49.32
173 Jeremy Parsons 49.34
172 Mark Searle 49.34
175 Jose Castillo Romera 49.35
178 Anthony York 49.50
179 Keeley Gearon 49.52
183 Luke Dale 50.00
184 Gaby Ford 50.02
182 Neil Demuth 49.55
186 Emilie Morrison 50.06
180 John Carter 49.53
176 Derek Blackford 49.37
190 Debs Appleby 50.15
187 Matthew Rose 50.07
195 Marilyn Cooper 50.22
181 David Cruchley 49.54
189 Rebecca Disbury 50.11
199 Kelly Wariner 50.28
188 Ashley Parker 50.10
198 Carol Hansen 50.28
194 Beverley Kidson 50.21
185 Geoff Martin 50.05
192 Rupert Naylor 50.18
196 Matthew Dempsey 50.22
191 Amelia Jenkinson 50.17
193 Stephanie Mangan 50.18
202 Charlotte Watts 50.47
200 Andrew McNinch 50.31
201 Joanna Chartres 50.45
197 Jiri Matl 50.24
206 Paul Reynolds 51.09
203 Michael Wannell 51.07
207 Nigel Norton 51.10
204 Kevin Lapthorne 51.08
210 Steve Jones 51.36
211 Georgina Bridges 51.36
215 Abigail Campbell 51.45
208 Alex Le Puill 51.14
209 Daniel Brown 51.15
212 Suzanne Pollara 51.41
213 Nichola Rorke 51.42
217 Beth Whiteman 51.51
216 Jamie Easterbrook 51.48
222 Oliver Wilkins 52.01
220 Louise Orcheston-Findlay 51.59
219 Hannah Colwill 51.58
214 Sally Ingledew 51.45
218 Nigel Dart 51.56
226 Jamie Holtam 52.13
225 Helen Bower 52.11
223 Adam Sheffield 52.06
235 Sandra Grimes 52.28
241 Justin Wright 52.32
232 Dominic Gearon 52.23
224 Aleena Weir 52.11
238 Paula D'Souza 52.29
239 Liam Clarke 52.30
230 Glen Lockey 52.23
221 Christina Jerrum 51.59
242 Lily Smith 52.35
237 Karen Limon 52.29
227 Jake Roberts 52.15
240 Jamie Dale 52.31
245 Vicky Carpenter 52.53
228 Deborah Farmer 52.22
229 Gareth Farmer 52.22
233 Alastair Dunn 52.24
234 Katie Rendell-Martin 52.26
243 Jessica Gibbs 52.36
236 James Durston 52.29
244 Izzy Watkins 52.44
246 Martin Bare 52.55
231 Sam Bigwood 52.23
250 Beverley Dennis 53.09
247 Michael Shapland 52.57
249 Emma Taggart 53.08
251 Claire Compton 53.15
254 Victoria Hatfield 53.33
252 Julian Wills 53.16
255 Karl Gooch 53.35
253 Robert McCorkell 53.26
258 Catharine Pearce 53.41
256 Rachel White 53.37
261 Tania Zmuda 53.44
259 Steve Knott 53.42
248 Eszter Varga-Balazs 53.07
257 Gemma Cutcliffe 53.39
260 Lisa Boucher 53.43
266 Cristabel Wilson 53.59
267 Kathleen Sayers 54.01
264 Jessica Waller 53.54
265 Sharon Davies 53.56
268 Diane Molyneux 54.06
262 Michelle Cameron 53.47
263 Marina Esteve 53.50
270 Guy Levell 54.12
269 Paula Forsey 54.07
272 Sandra Thorpe 54.14
276 Abigail Faulkner 54.24
275 Karen Rainbow 54.22
278 Hilary O'Dair 54.30
274 Teresa Norton 54.21
273 Alice Gummow 54.19
285 Michael Roberts 54.42
281 Helen Pearson 54.39
282 Alison Rouse 54.39
271 Nancy Dowling 54.12
279 Sue Tremlett 54.33
292 Rachel Pallant 54.57
280 Jamie Corson 54.35
290 Lynn Reynolds 54.56
287 Lucy McGee 54.46
288 Natalie Grice 54.47
284 Andrea Butterworth 54.40
291 Dani Bennellick 54.57
277 Marsha Garrard 54.29
295 Jane Whitcombe 55.00
286 Liberty Oakley 54.42
300 Rachel Parkes 55.12
297 Debbie Hodge 55.06
298 Helen Little 55.07
283 Barbara Sudy 54.39
289 Sue Grigg 54.47
307 Linda Harley 55.27
306 Marcia McVeigh 55.26
296 Serena Dyer 55.06
301 Julie Stannett 55.13
303 Catherine Jane 55.22
304 Lisa Sandford 55.23
293 Hannah Pritchard 54.58
294 Keith Moon 54.58
302 Chloe Chart 55.19
299 Annabel Doyle 55.10
309 Greg Mimms 55.42
305 Alex Delling 55.25
308 Deborah Hayden 55.33
317 Kritchasorn Jarupasin 55.53
319 Claire Williams 55.57
316 Dave Stone 55.53
312 Kate Bowers 55.48
311 Tony Skeel 55.46
310 Rob Curtis 55.46
318 Debbie Cross 55.55
313 Lisa Row 55.49
321 Lesley Maynard 56.00
314 James Harrison 55.51
315 Eugene Bonner 55.53
323 Vincent Grist 56.05
322 Vic Morgan 56.01
328 Adrian Andrews 56.30
320 Gareth Lewis 55.59
327 Peter Farmer 56.29
326 Hannah Gribble 56.29
331 Juliet Chenery 56.34
330 Emma Dunn 56.33
337 Debbie Willmott 56.43
329 Nancy Sheppard 56.32
325 Anna Belikova 56.11
324 Paul Randall 56.10
333 Ashleigh Glennon 56.39
332 Miriam Jones 56.37
348 Mark Elstone 56.58
340 Angela Wilson 56.52
339 Jordan Pring 56.52
338 Stephen Cross 56.47
349 Emma Elstone 57.01
343 Liam Barnes 56.54
334 Marian Merson 56.41
342 Erica Pettersen 56.54
344 Lauren Pettersen 56.54
336 Fayme Yeates 56.43
355 Lesley Selby 57.13
351 Lucinda Brealy 57.05
346 Michael Stansbury 56.56
341 Sarah Prattley 56.54
335 Ben Power 56.43
345 Lizz Score 56.55
353 Amanda Henderson 57.08
357 Alexandra Allan 57.14
347 Stuart Parkin 56.57
350 Nadine Prouse 57.05
352 Rob Murr 57.07
360 Chrissie Tarbitt 57.21
361 Samatha Shute 57.30
365 Catherine Cochrane 57.36
366 Lex Cochrane 57.36
363 Rob Crew 57.31
364 Philippa Stevens 57.32
368 Caroline Thomas 57.43
356 Julia Croughton 57.14
358 John Reader 57.19
362 Karen Hawes 57.31
359 Mick Whitworth 57.20
354 Sean Avery 57.12
369 Tini Kay 57.51
370 Kirsten Mottram 57.52
371 Catherine Burnett 57.52
367 Rob Cotterg 57.37
374 Rachel Skinner 58.02
375 Hania Lee 58.10
373 Joanne Barber 58.00
377 Joanne Fox 58.19
372 Steven Hill 57.55
382 Diane Rice 58.24
384 Christine Rose 58.28
385 Joanne May 58.29
391 Kate Stych 58.40
379 Charlotte Bosley 58.24
378 Hannah Wilkins 58.20
383 Sean Wright 58.25
388 Gordon Hill 58.36
381 Sophie Street 58.24
380 John Street 58.24
376 Barnabas Sudy 58.14
386 Wendy Woods 58.34
390 Sarah Thomas 58.40
393 Sandra Dewson 58.50
387 Andy Farmer 58.36
392 Beverley Holloway 58.41
389 Nick Ring 58.37
394 Judith Bonner 58.51
400 Brian Morrison 59.12
395 Anna Whittaker 58.58
396 Sarah Warne 58.58
405 Victoria Hinchliffe 59.19
397 James Hall 59.01
399 Elena Barrio 59.12
398 Martin Green 59.05
404 Andrea Arrando 59.18
407 Laura Austin 59.38
403 Vicki Matthews 59.17
402 Nicky Mein 59.16
413 Ed Persey 59.54
414 Peter Crowe 59.54
410 Violeta Mockaitiene 59.50
411 Danielle Santos 59.51
406 Victoria Moffat 59.38
408 Dianne Ramsay 59.42
409 Surajeet Chakravarty 59.42
401 Vivien Cocks 59.16
412 Joanne Ng Fong Tiao 59.52
422 Frances Cannon 1:00.25
417 Tacettin Kilic 1:00.09
421 Nicola Austin 1:00.25
415 Becki Cousins 1:00.04
416 Dana Mulligan 1:00.05
420 Debbie Banks 1:00.22
430 Laura Smith 1:00.41
419 Carol Sells 1:00.18
418 Clare Mountford 1:00.16
431 Laura Morrison 1:00.42
432 Helen Morrison 1:00.42
428 Michelle Garrett-Martin 1:00.37
423 Nikki Durkin 1:00.30
424 Andrea Stuckey 1:00.32
434 Kirstie McQuarrie 1:00.45
426 Clare Allison 1:00.36
427 Elizabeth Williams 1:00.36
425 Kevin Durkin 1:00.36
433 Tracy Bailey 1:00.43
438 Emma Grainger 1:01.01
439 Rachel Montague 1:01.02
429 Antony Richards 1:00.41
435 Megan Birney 1:00.51
444 Heather Pye 1:01.12
441 Gill Heppell 1:01.06
436 Andreas Barsch 1:00.52
446 Michelle Tear 1:01.13
447 Calvin Town 1:01.14
445 Lucy Rickson 1:01.13
442 Kirstine Dale 1:01.08
443 Emma Kessie 1:01.08
449 Eve Jones 1:01.35
452 Hayley Shute 1:01.47
453 Jules Castleden 1:01.48
451 Sandra Daroczi 1:01.40
450 Julie Ng Fong Tiao 1:01.39
448 Leanna Jones 1:01.34
455 Amy Monsell 1:02.02
456 Lisa Butler 1:02.11
454 Jane Harvey-Hill 1:02.02
460 Deborah Brown 1:02.25
457 Sue Creighton 1:02.13
461 Mary-Jane Webber 1:02.26
458 Eve Craske 1:02.20
463 Mary Carter 1:02.48
462 Lisa North 1:02.32
466 Mary Coe 1:02.57
459 Catherine Penny 1:02.25
464 Jo Redgrave 1:02.49
465 Maria Halley 1:02.52
469 Anne Roberts 1:03.11
468 Mark Spraggs 1:03.06
467 Gary Spraggs 1:03.06
476 Alison Kelly 1:03.37
470 Carol Gaskell 1:03.11
474 Danielle Lambley 1:03.13
471 Heather Barbieri 1:03.12
473 Emma Graham 1:03.13
472 Gabriella Clark 1:03.13
475 Martin Hayward 1:03.21
478 Aaron Lenkiewicz 1:03.42
481 Barbara Charles 1:03.50
482 Jenny Hawker 1:03.51
477 Rachel Kidd 1:03.40
480 Paul Condron 1:03.43
479 Julia Wilson 1:03.43
483 Steven Hughes 1:04.14
484 Shutt Helen 1:04.23
485 Gail Vooght 1:04.34
487 Miriam Bay 1:04.43
486 Mandy Walsom 1:04.40
489 Kathryn Searle 1:05.28
488 Nicola Bracewell 1:05.20
490 Natalie Follows 1:05.28
491 Kevin Phillips 1:05.34
494 Jacqui Cousins 1:06.06
496 Zoe Copp 1:06.07
492 Philip Clayborough 1:05.52
495 Rebecca Severn 1:06.06
499 Julie Teague 1:06.31
493 Jamie Morris 1:06.01
497 Uschi Lebersorger 1:06.15
498 Sara Venner 1:06.16
501 Louise Taylor 1:06.37
500 Susan Hosking 1:06.35
503 Janet Pryor 1:07.10
502 Gloria Hunt 1:07.09
505 Patricia Pike 1:08.13
504 Harriet Bare 1:07.50
506 Gemma Lloyd-Jones 1:08.25
510 Susan Southwell 1:08.41
507 Ed Pitman 1:08.34
511 Bernadette Coates 1:08.46
513 Alexandra Marshall 1:08.55
512 Daniel Pegley 1:08.55
514 Anna Humphrey 1:09.39
516 Rebekah Robinson 1:10.07
515 Janet Webber 1:10.06
517 Frances Ash 1:10.37
518 Janet Woods 1:10.44
519 Jaime Ferrari-Mccomb 1:10.58
520 Jo Morrison 1:11.10
521 Amber Gowen 1:11.30
522 Graeme Salisbury 1:12.04
523 Alison Tytherleigh 1:13.22
524 Sharon Blyth 1:13.31
525 Beverley Kitchen 1:13.50
526 Christine Brooke 1:13.52
527 Lorraine Bare 1:14.11
528 Heather Stone 1:14.36
530 Sally Turner 1:14.46
532 Samantha Hancock 1:15.25
531 Hilary Smith 1:15.13
533 Julie Grove-Hills 1:16.01
534 Vicky Dayman 1:16.16
535 Sam Carson 1:20.54
536 Becky Payne 1:20.55
538 Trudy Saxton 1:23.44
537 Maggie Penny 1:23.43
539 Jane Tyler 1:25.43
540 Yvonne Beresford 1:25.45
541 David C 1:29.11
542 Lesley Crane 1:31.53
543 Alan Bartle 1:31.53
544 Lianne Avery 1:49.49
545 John Alexander 1:55.25
547 Rita Hughes 1:55.31
546 Anne Ireland 1:55.29
549 Trina Bailey 2:00.25
548 Liz Lamboll 2:00.18
550 Philippa Riding 2:00.26

Exeter Chiefs narrowly miss out as Flood kicks Leicester Tigers to victory

March 25, 2013, 2:19 am

≫ Next: Footballer Liam Head says rape accused should remain anonymous

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It was only last week that Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter talked of his frustration at losing so many close games this season – Saturday's 12-9 defeat to Leicester Tigers was yet another. If the scores are within three points at the final whistle, it invariably means a defeat for the Devon men this term. It perhaps started with the 8-6 loss in their very first pre-season game against Connacht. Chiefs have since lost narrowly to Northampton Saints, London Welsh, Gloucester and now Leicester in the Aviva Premiership as well as Leinster in the Heineken Cup. Only once this season has tight game gone their way – a 14-12 home win over Saracens back in September. On many occasions, Chiefs have suffered some bad luck but Saturday's 12-9 reverse was arguably just as much their own making. They competed well, adapted to Tigers' strength in the set-piece and kept themselves in contention by winning penalties in kickable positions. Fly-half Gareth Steenson was proving a worthy rival for his opposite number Toby Flood, matching the England man kick for kick right until the end. Steenson had a challenging shot at goal to draw the game as the clock ticked down but his strike fell just short, dipping below crossbar in the final seconds. However, it was Chiefs' decision-making on the pitch and their failure to allow Steenson more opportunities with his boot that frustrated Rob Baxter after the final whistle. Tap penalties taken quickly either deprived Steenson a chance or backfired entirely and Leicester, with their side full of experienced internationals, capitalised to earn a win when perhaps a draw would have been the fairest outcome. It was clear from the start that this was never going to be a try-fest. An attritional game ensued as both sides pushed one another back and forth the middle third of the pitch in the opening few minutes. A strong wind and greasy conditions helped neither side find an attacking rhythm. Tigers centre Anthony Allen took one pass full in the face, allowing Chiefs' Jack Nowell to pick up possession, but he was then snared within three strides himself. Chiefs deservedly took the lead through a Steenson penalty, as a good spell brought a tangible reward. Flood, meanwhile, sought to test the home side under numerous high balls. However, Steenson, Haydn Thomas and Matt Jess were equal to the challenge, combining well and showing good ingenuity under pressure. The Tigers' ten and his half-back partner Ben Youngs did offer some variation. A show and go from the international scrum-half took him into the Chiefs' 22 but a knock on brought the move to a halt. Chiefs' own handling was sometimes less than perfect as well but they continued to defend well before eventually gifting Flood a penalty chance to draw the scores level. Tigers soon took the lead after earning another penalty at scrum time but Steenson made an immediate reply. But after Flood kicked Tigers in front again it could have been worse for Chiefs had full-back Matthew Tait passed to one of two spare men on his outside on a break to the hosts' try line. Instead, he opted to go alone only to have a cluster of Chiefs scrambled across and steal the ball away and clear. And when Leicester made a mess of retrieving a Jason Shoemark kick down field, Chiefs seized the chance to bring the scores to 9-9 with another Steenson penalty. The home side were superior for significant periods of the second half but positive spells of possession and territory failed to yield points. A Thomas tap penalty helped set back-row forward Richard Baxter on the charge but the move broke down and came to nothing. A dismayed Rob Baxter, analysing his side's performance from the stands, could be heard shouting his disapproval with a kick for goal from Steenson surely being the better option. Momentum was still in his side's favour. Chiefs had improved their scrum and were dealing with pressure situations better. However, a misjudgement from replacement scrum-half Will Chudley brought a decisive penalty chance for Flood and he scored the only points of the second half. Steenson's late attempt to secure a draw just failed to meet the mark and another close game alluded Chiefs. A losing bonus point was never a just reward for 80 minutes' determined work but the result will not prevent Chiefs from moving forward in search of Heineken Cup qualification over the coming weeks. They remain within a bonus-point victory of sixth-placed London Wasps with four fixtures still to come – Wasps being one of their opponents, on April 21. Baxter's men must ensure that date arrives with their ambitions still intact. A difficult trip to Sixways looms this weekend while London Irish, due the following week, have been obdurate foes during Chiefs' three Premiership seasons to date. Another performance like this weekend's will not see them far wrong. The only thing missing was a little composure and maybe some luck.

Footballer Liam Head says rape accused should remain anonymous

March 25, 2013, 2:25 am

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A FORMER Tiverton Town footballer has called for those accused of rape to have their identities protected after being cleared of forcing a Facebook friend to have sex in the back of his car. Ex-England under-16 and 17 international Liam Head's career nosedived after he was charged with raping the 18-year-old in a lay-by in a country lane near Chudleigh two years ago. At the time he was a rising star striker at Plymouth Argyle and had played for Tiverton Town on loan but within weeks his contract was allowed to expire. He is now playing for his home town club at Bovey Tracey. He always insisted that the woman not only consented to sex but had initiated much of the activity which took place in his car. Head, 21, of Newton Road, Bovey Tracey, was cleared of rape by a jury at Exeter Crown Court last week after waiting 23 months for the case to come to trial. He sobbed as the jury returned their verdict after a week-long trial in which the woman alleged he had ignored her plea that she did not want to have sex on a first date. He and his family are now calling for both sides in rape cases to remain anonymous until and unless there is a conviction. Liam's father Justin Head said: "It has been a very traumatic period for Liam and his whole family. They are all ecstatic that justice has prevailed. They do feel strongly, in particular, that there should be anonymity for both parties in cases of this nature. "The Head family extend a heartfelt thanks to the many hundreds of Liam's friends who have been so supportive during this very stressful period. The magnitude of messages of love and the groundswell of support has been overwhelming – a ray of sunshine during some very dark days. "Liam intends to rebuild his life now. He wants to write about his experience, in the hope that it may assist others who find themselves in a similar situation to his, to help to give them the strength to carry on when their world collapses."