A study has found that playing music and singing to premature babies improves their well-being. Metro talks to the hospital behind the research and asks how important music is to our development from children into adults.
Reported by Metro.co.uk 17 minutes ago.
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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: How singing to babies makes them healthier
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Flick Football creator Neon Play is a mobile games success
Anyone can start a world-class company from their kitchen with the right idea says mobile game company co-founder and CEO Oli Christie. In less than three years, his company Neon Play has grown from a tiny home based start-up in the summer of 2010 to become the most successful independent mobile games developer in the [...]
Reported by Metro.co.uk 17 minutes ago.
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Police talk to youth on bikes in Pontardawe
This is South Wales --
POLICE in the Swansea Valley have been talking to youths making a nuisance of themselves on two wheels.
Members of Pontardawe Town Council have heard how police patrols were carried out at the town's retail park and a number of youths on bicycles had been spoken to. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
POLICE in the Swansea Valley have been talking to youths making a nuisance of themselves on two wheels.
Members of Pontardawe Town Council have heard how police patrols were carried out at the town's retail park and a number of youths on bicycles had been spoken to. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
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Husband admitted assault on wife
This is South Wales --
A CASWELL husband has been prosecuted for attacking his wife because he admitted the offence to police despite her having made no formal complaint.
Prosecutor Laura Carthew said unusually the matters had come to light in a police interview with Ian Thompson about other matters and not because of a direct complaint by his wife, Amanda Harding.
Thompson, 48, of Havergal Close, admitted shoving his wife during an argument at a New Year's Eve party in Newton.
He said she had then fallen awkwardly and sprained her wrist.
He admitted a charge of assault to city magistrates.
Simon Howell, for Thompson, said his client was "deeply ashamed" of his actions.
"He wishes to apologise profusely for his behaviour on the day in question," said Mr Howell.
He said that on the night the couple had left the party together and were until recently still living together.
Magistrates fined Thompson £135, told him to pay £85 in costs and compensation of £250.
A victim surcharge of £20 was also added and a restraining order imposed. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
A CASWELL husband has been prosecuted for attacking his wife because he admitted the offence to police despite her having made no formal complaint.
Prosecutor Laura Carthew said unusually the matters had come to light in a police interview with Ian Thompson about other matters and not because of a direct complaint by his wife, Amanda Harding.
Thompson, 48, of Havergal Close, admitted shoving his wife during an argument at a New Year's Eve party in Newton.
He said she had then fallen awkwardly and sprained her wrist.
He admitted a charge of assault to city magistrates.
Simon Howell, for Thompson, said his client was "deeply ashamed" of his actions.
"He wishes to apologise profusely for his behaviour on the day in question," said Mr Howell.
He said that on the night the couple had left the party together and were until recently still living together.
Magistrates fined Thompson £135, told him to pay £85 in costs and compensation of £250.
A victim surcharge of £20 was also added and a restraining order imposed. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
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Dylans Wine Merchants owner speaks out after his Swansea store was raided by armed robbers
This is South Wales --A SWANSEA shopkeeper who was robbed at gunpoint says business is tough enough without armed raids disrupting trade.
Steve Ashborn was working in the Sketty outlet of Dylans Wine Merchants on Saturday, February 2, when two men, one holding a sawn-off shotgun, entered the shop on Dilwyn Road.
Ryan Chivers, of Tudno Place in Penlan, was one of the two men and was jailed for six years at Swansea Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to offences of robbery and possessing an imitation firearm.
Mr Ashborn has been in the wine trade for 25 years and also runs a second outlet of Dylans in Gorseinon.
The father-of-two was informed after the incident that the weapon used in the robbery was not activated and said: "To be quite honest I am trying to put the whole affair behind me.
"I think I was put at ease to realise the gun was not armed, I didn't know that at the time.
"Until I was told that as far as I was concerned that gun could have gone off.
"When I went to identify the gun and saw it had been de-activated that was more of a relief than this guy going to prison."
Mr Ashborn initially feared for the safety of his family following the robbery but later added: "As time went by I realised that they (the raiders) probably didn't know where I lived.
"I didn't go to the court case, I was busy at work.
"I didn't feel compelled to go to watch the sentencing.
"I would rather put it all behind me.
"It is not a nice thing to have happened and I wish it hadn't happened but it did.
"Business is difficult enough as it is to be letting these things worry you.
"The gun wasn't activated and couldn't have fired but I didn't know that at the time.
"I want to get on with things and get the business up and running to what it can be and what it used to be."
Swansea Crown Court heard Chivers had a previous conviction from his native Republic of Ireland for possessing a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
Ian Wright, for Chivers, said his client had pleaded guilty to the offences of robbery and possessing an imitation firearm.
"He is still a young man, only 20-years-old and he still has time to mature," he added.
Judge Huw Davies jailed Chivers for four years for robbery and a consecutive two year term for possessing the weapon.
A spokesman for South Wales Police confirmed two men remain on bail in connection with the incident. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
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Former Sainsbury's manager who once stole knickers is found guilty of touching young girls in Penlan shop
This is South Wales --
A FORMER Sainsbury's store manager who was arrested after an appeal on BBC's Crimewatch has been found guilty of sexually touching two young girls in a Penlan shop.
Stephen Frank Hansen, of Cockett Road, touched the bottoms of two 12-year-old girls in the Premier Store in Crwys Terrace in July last year.
He was identified after CCTV footage from the store was broadcast on the real crime television programme in February.
The footage also showed Hansen allowing the two girls in front of him in a queue for the till, and then touching his groin in a "rhythmic, rubbing" motion, before running to his car after one of the girls had turned to stare at him.
The married father-of-four had denied the two charges, claiming he had not intentionally touched the girls as he passed them.
He also claimed he had been rubbing his groin because he had a bacterial infection which caused him to itch.
The second day of the trial, held at Swansea's Civil Justice Centre, was told the 52-year-old had initially refused to confirm he was the person in photographs taken from CCTV.
But he later accepted he was the person caught on camera.
His wife Heather, a religious studies teacher at a Catholic secondary school told the court Hansen had been suffering from a skin infection in the groin.
She also said the reason he had allowed the girls in front of him in the queue was out of courtesy.
The court was told Hansen had just taken a phone message from his wife and was picking up some items from the shop.
But district judge David Parsons said: "Your actions in the shop were unhurried after you arrived.
"Your wife says you are single minded and methodical, but you only bought one item of confectionery. If you were shopping for her, there would have been a number of items.
"Your movement up different aisles without selecting any item or drink, and the time it took to purchase is not in character with a single-minded approach.
"At no time do I see methodical purchase of item of confectionery."
He added that the CCTV footage showed his finger was outstretched when he touched one girl, and that he used the palm of his hand when he touched the other.
Following the verdict, the court was told that Hansen had received a fixed penalty notice in 2006 for stealing ladies underwear from a shop.
DI David Hough said afterwards: "The Crimewatch appeal from February 14 led to the identification of the man we were looking for since July last year. I accept the carefully considered judgement of the district judge in this case as to the intention and sexual motive surrounding the touching of the two girls on that day." Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
A FORMER Sainsbury's store manager who was arrested after an appeal on BBC's Crimewatch has been found guilty of sexually touching two young girls in a Penlan shop.
Stephen Frank Hansen, of Cockett Road, touched the bottoms of two 12-year-old girls in the Premier Store in Crwys Terrace in July last year.
He was identified after CCTV footage from the store was broadcast on the real crime television programme in February.
The footage also showed Hansen allowing the two girls in front of him in a queue for the till, and then touching his groin in a "rhythmic, rubbing" motion, before running to his car after one of the girls had turned to stare at him.
The married father-of-four had denied the two charges, claiming he had not intentionally touched the girls as he passed them.
He also claimed he had been rubbing his groin because he had a bacterial infection which caused him to itch.
The second day of the trial, held at Swansea's Civil Justice Centre, was told the 52-year-old had initially refused to confirm he was the person in photographs taken from CCTV.
But he later accepted he was the person caught on camera.
His wife Heather, a religious studies teacher at a Catholic secondary school told the court Hansen had been suffering from a skin infection in the groin.
She also said the reason he had allowed the girls in front of him in the queue was out of courtesy.
The court was told Hansen had just taken a phone message from his wife and was picking up some items from the shop.
But district judge David Parsons said: "Your actions in the shop were unhurried after you arrived.
"Your wife says you are single minded and methodical, but you only bought one item of confectionery. If you were shopping for her, there would have been a number of items.
"Your movement up different aisles without selecting any item or drink, and the time it took to purchase is not in character with a single-minded approach.
"At no time do I see methodical purchase of item of confectionery."
He added that the CCTV footage showed his finger was outstretched when he touched one girl, and that he used the palm of his hand when he touched the other.
Following the verdict, the court was told that Hansen had received a fixed penalty notice in 2006 for stealing ladies underwear from a shop.
DI David Hough said afterwards: "The Crimewatch appeal from February 14 led to the identification of the man we were looking for since July last year. I accept the carefully considered judgement of the district judge in this case as to the intention and sexual motive surrounding the touching of the two girls on that day." Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
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Low cloud makes a picture in Swansea Bay
This is South Wales --
it's coming to get you... It could be something out of a moody Hitchcock movie or classic horror film The Fog. In fact, it was simply very low cloud moving across Swansea Bay, but it certainly attracted the attention of motorists and walkers along the sea front. Unfortunately, there was plenty more cloud yesterday, and rain with it. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
it's coming to get you... It could be something out of a moody Hitchcock movie or classic horror film The Fog. In fact, it was simply very low cloud moving across Swansea Bay, but it certainly attracted the attention of motorists and walkers along the sea front. Unfortunately, there was plenty more cloud yesterday, and rain with it. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
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Swansea thief Jamie Huxtable, 31, was tracked down after leaving a blood trail to himself
This is South Wales --
STAFF were able to track down a supermarket thief by the trail of blood he left behind.
Jamie Huxtable stole bacon and coffee from the B&M Bargains store in Phoenix Way on March 7. A member of the public told the store's deputy manager she had seen him put the goods into a carrier bag.
She followed the blood from the store and saw Huxtable, 31, standing outside, but after seeing her he dropped the bag and ran off.
When police found it, the goods were found covered in blood and fingerprints.
Also in the bag were stolen goods from the Home Bargains store earlier in the day. He pleaded guilty to two counts of theft.
His solicitor, Andrew Evans, told Swansea Crown Court that Huxtable had returned to shoplifting because since his release from prison he had not been able to claim benefits.
"These offences were not motivated by the need to buy illicit substances but to survive on a daily basis," said Mr Evans.
Huxtable was made subject to a suspended sentence by Judge Paul Thomas in February for a racially aggravated public order offence.
Mr Evans said since that appearance Huxtable had been offered work, but Mr Evans admitted it would be "off the book".
Judge Thomas said: "He can't ensure his liberty by committing more offences.
"That's the situation he finds himself in," replied Mr Evans.
"He accepts he is the author of his own misfortune. He was offered a chance by your honour in February to return to the community and not to re-offend. We accept he didn't do so and he has put himself in significant jeopardy," added Mr Evans.
Judge Thomas jailed him for six months.
"You were given a chance by me," he said.
"I was no doubt told you were going to stay out of trouble and turn over a new leaf. Your determination lasted a month," said the judge.
"It appears you simply don't want to change. You have been a prolific shoplifter over many years," said the judge.
He said Mr Evans had asked him to give Huxtable another chance but Judge Thomas said he was not convinced Huxtable would comply with any order which would avoid an immediate prison term.
"It would mean that someone would be the victim again" said the judge, before activating the six-month suspended sentence and adding a concurrent four-month term for the shoplifting.
"When you come out, you may go back to drink, drugs, shoplifting and crime. It's a decision you have to make. All I can say is that if you change your ways the courts will be delighted. If you don't, they will send you back to prison again," said the judge. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
STAFF were able to track down a supermarket thief by the trail of blood he left behind.
Jamie Huxtable stole bacon and coffee from the B&M Bargains store in Phoenix Way on March 7. A member of the public told the store's deputy manager she had seen him put the goods into a carrier bag.
She followed the blood from the store and saw Huxtable, 31, standing outside, but after seeing her he dropped the bag and ran off.
When police found it, the goods were found covered in blood and fingerprints.
Also in the bag were stolen goods from the Home Bargains store earlier in the day. He pleaded guilty to two counts of theft.
His solicitor, Andrew Evans, told Swansea Crown Court that Huxtable had returned to shoplifting because since his release from prison he had not been able to claim benefits.
"These offences were not motivated by the need to buy illicit substances but to survive on a daily basis," said Mr Evans.
Huxtable was made subject to a suspended sentence by Judge Paul Thomas in February for a racially aggravated public order offence.
Mr Evans said since that appearance Huxtable had been offered work, but Mr Evans admitted it would be "off the book".
Judge Thomas said: "He can't ensure his liberty by committing more offences.
"That's the situation he finds himself in," replied Mr Evans.
"He accepts he is the author of his own misfortune. He was offered a chance by your honour in February to return to the community and not to re-offend. We accept he didn't do so and he has put himself in significant jeopardy," added Mr Evans.
Judge Thomas jailed him for six months.
"You were given a chance by me," he said.
"I was no doubt told you were going to stay out of trouble and turn over a new leaf. Your determination lasted a month," said the judge.
"It appears you simply don't want to change. You have been a prolific shoplifter over many years," said the judge.
He said Mr Evans had asked him to give Huxtable another chance but Judge Thomas said he was not convinced Huxtable would comply with any order which would avoid an immediate prison term.
"It would mean that someone would be the victim again" said the judge, before activating the six-month suspended sentence and adding a concurrent four-month term for the shoplifting.
"When you come out, you may go back to drink, drugs, shoplifting and crime. It's a decision you have to make. All I can say is that if you change your ways the courts will be delighted. If you don't, they will send you back to prison again," said the judge. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
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Swansea people unhappy? It all seems a bit of a mystery
This is South Wales --IT may be Britain's wettest city and it may not always seem like the most glamorous place on earth, but is Swansea really the third unhappiest place in the UK?
It is according to a survey by the Office of National Statistics, released last summer, which put the city just below Blaenau Gwent and Blackpool.
Many Swansea residents were shocked and horrified when the findings were first published nine months ago — then for some reason the story re-appeared yesterday among the most read list of some news websites.
So how could our city be among the most unhappy in the UK? Swansea Sound presenter, Swansea City club chaplain and actor, Kevin Johns, is one of those who does not agree.
He said: "Swansea's not an unhappy city, not at all. They must have come here on a bad day and found some visitors from Cardiff. I think we have got a lovely city.
"We have a naturally beautiful bay and we've got a brilliant Premier League football team who are attracting visitors and praise from around the world. I think the people here genuinely are happy. The people here are great people and there are great things happening all the time."
Mr Johns added: "Joe's ice cream is another reason to be happy. I've tasted ice cream in places like Rome, and it's good, but it's not as good as Joe's. It really is the best I've ever tasted."
Disbelief
Mr Johns isn't the only one surprised by Swansea's ranking in the survey. Bumbles of Mumbles creator Alex Frith has also voiced her disbelief at the survey's results.
She said: "I think it's a load of nonsense. I totally disagree with it.
"Everybody gets a bit down when the weather's miserable, but when the sun comes out it brings out the life in the area, across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and Llanelli.
"Have they never been to our beaches or the paddling pool in Blackpill? There is an abundance of places to take children in Swansea, and so many places to take them for free as well."
Staff at Carol Watts's famous cockle stall in Swansea Market couldn't agree more.
Mrs Watts said she couldn't understand how people could say the city was unhappy.
She said: "We are happy people. How can they say we're not happy?
"We're certainly happy at work here in Swansea Market, which is the best market in Wales."
Mrs Watts added: "We've got so much to make people happy. Swansea's got great cockles and laverbread, which is enough to make anyone happy."
With Swansea City excelling in the Premier League, world-class beaches on the doorstep and a wide array of things to see and do, many people are wondering how exactly Swansea was ever mentioned on the dreaded list in the first place.
Whatever the reasons, the general consensus around the city is that Swansea's position as the UK's third most unhappy place was undeserved. Reported by This is 12 minutes ago.
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Nationwide Drive To Boost MMR Vaccination
One million children aged 10 to 16 will be targeted by a national catch-up programme aimed at preventing more measles outbreaks.
Reported by Sky News 25 minutes ago.
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VIDEO: Beating the UK's recession fears
Official figures due to be released later will reveal whether the UK has slipped into a triple-dip recession.
Reported by BBC News 17 minutes ago.
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'Handroid' hope for injured marine
BBC Local News: Devon -- Researchers are hoping to develop a device they say could allow a paralysed former Royal Marine to use his hands again.
Reported by BBC Local News 8 minutes ago.
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Chelsea learning garden rebuilt
BBC Local News: Hampshire -- A Chelsea Flower Show garden created by a group of young people with learning difficulties is recreated in the New Forest.
Reported by BBC Local News 8 minutes ago.
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Caution for socialite over loud music
This is Bristol --
SOCIALITE Margarita Hamilton, right, has been cautioned for playing loud music at functions at Walton Castle in Clevedon.
The 55-year-old, who now lives in Caledonian Road near Bristol's Harbourside, faced charges of failing to comply with a noise abatement notice served on her by North Somerset Council on three occasions last summer. The charges related to functions at Walton Castle, off Castle Road, which Ms Hamilton owns, on June 16, July 21 and September 8.
Ms Hamilton was due to appear at North Somerset Magistrates yesterday after initially denying breaching the enforcement notices. But instead she agreed to be given a caution.
A council spokesman said: "She has given a written undertaking that amplified music will not be played outside the castle building." Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
SOCIALITE Margarita Hamilton, right, has been cautioned for playing loud music at functions at Walton Castle in Clevedon.
The 55-year-old, who now lives in Caledonian Road near Bristol's Harbourside, faced charges of failing to comply with a noise abatement notice served on her by North Somerset Council on three occasions last summer. The charges related to functions at Walton Castle, off Castle Road, which Ms Hamilton owns, on June 16, July 21 and September 8.
Ms Hamilton was due to appear at North Somerset Magistrates yesterday after initially denying breaching the enforcement notices. But instead she agreed to be given a caution.
A council spokesman said: "She has given a written undertaking that amplified music will not be played outside the castle building." Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
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Sentence upheld for erratic driver who killed biker
This is Bristol --
A DRIVER who caused a motor- cyclist's death after cutting in front of him on a dual carriageway has had his sentence upheld.
Father-of-two Leroy Hawthorne- Brown, 27, pulled out in front of Marcos Wideson "without looking properly", the Appeal Court in London heard. The manoeuvre sent Mr Wideson skidding across Falcondale Road, Westbury-on-Trym.
Mr Wideson, also 27, braked hard to avoid hitting Hawthorne-Brown's car, said Lord Justice Pitchford, and was catapulted from his 600cc Honda Hornet into the path of an oncoming car.
He died at the scene.
Hawthorne-Browne, of Victoria Avenue, Redfield, was jailed for nine months at Bristol Crown Court in March after he was convicted of causing death by careless driving over the November 2011 accident. He was also banned from driving for three years.
The case reached the Appeal Court after Hawthorne-Brown challenged his sentence as excessive.
His legal team claimed there were "no significant aggravating factors" involved and that he was guilty of only "momentary inattention".
But Lord Justice Pitchford, sitting with Mr Justice Roderick Evans and Mr Justice Turner, said Hawthorne-Brown had been spotted driving erratically beforehand and said the sentencing judge's decision "cannot sensibly be criticised". Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
A DRIVER who caused a motor- cyclist's death after cutting in front of him on a dual carriageway has had his sentence upheld.
Father-of-two Leroy Hawthorne- Brown, 27, pulled out in front of Marcos Wideson "without looking properly", the Appeal Court in London heard. The manoeuvre sent Mr Wideson skidding across Falcondale Road, Westbury-on-Trym.
Mr Wideson, also 27, braked hard to avoid hitting Hawthorne-Brown's car, said Lord Justice Pitchford, and was catapulted from his 600cc Honda Hornet into the path of an oncoming car.
He died at the scene.
Hawthorne-Browne, of Victoria Avenue, Redfield, was jailed for nine months at Bristol Crown Court in March after he was convicted of causing death by careless driving over the November 2011 accident. He was also banned from driving for three years.
The case reached the Appeal Court after Hawthorne-Brown challenged his sentence as excessive.
His legal team claimed there were "no significant aggravating factors" involved and that he was guilty of only "momentary inattention".
But Lord Justice Pitchford, sitting with Mr Justice Roderick Evans and Mr Justice Turner, said Hawthorne-Brown had been spotted driving erratically beforehand and said the sentencing judge's decision "cannot sensibly be criticised". Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
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No appointment needed for home viewings
This is Bristol --
HAART will be opening the doors to dozens of homes in east Bristol as part of its May Day Weekend Open House event.
The estate agent is expecting hundreds of people to view selected properties from May 4 to May 6. Some £2.5 million worth of homes will be available to view without appointment by the public over the three-day period. Mortgages advice will also be available.
Anyone interested in viewing a home should contact the agent's Fishponds branch by telephoning 0117 965 4455 or e-mailing fishponds@haart.co.uk for details which also be available on the branch Facebook and Twitter pages. Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
HAART will be opening the doors to dozens of homes in east Bristol as part of its May Day Weekend Open House event.
The estate agent is expecting hundreds of people to view selected properties from May 4 to May 6. Some £2.5 million worth of homes will be available to view without appointment by the public over the three-day period. Mortgages advice will also be available.
Anyone interested in viewing a home should contact the agent's Fishponds branch by telephoning 0117 965 4455 or e-mailing fishponds@haart.co.uk for details which also be available on the branch Facebook and Twitter pages. Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
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Penthouse offers life of luxury on the harbourside
This is Bristol --OVERLOOKING the Harbourside and with views across Castle Park and Queen Square, this luxurious penthouse is spread over two floors at the top of the acclaimed Custom House development.
Drive into the secure underground car park and hop in the lift, which opens to a spacious communal hall.
Off the private entrance hall is a staircase to the right, while to the left is the large master suite complete with a dressing room and fitted wardrobes plus a luxurious en suite shower room.
There is an open-plan living space on this floor, with a step up to a fitted kitchen at one end. Dark, granite-effect work tops are fitted over pale units and a breakfast bar where you might sit enjoying a brew from the integrated coffee machine. There is space for other appliances, including a washing machine, fridge/freezer and a ranger cooker.
At the other end of this open-plan area is a wall of glazing with double doors leading on to the smaller of two balconies. This is a perfect spot for summer dining and watching the activity on the river below.
A further double bedroom, with built-in wardrobes, also overlooks the river. And in the luxurious, fully-tiled bathroom are a tub and a shower.
On the floor above is a cloakroom and the third bedroom, which would also make a great office. But you would have to be careful not to be distracted by the view.
The vista is framed by full-height glass doors which open to another, bigger, balcony which spans the full width of the apartment. This outdoor space is also accessible from a stylish lounge with full-height glass doors and windows.
But that is not the end of the story because a back door leads on to the roof terrace which is shared with two other penthouse apartments and includes an area for drying clothes.
As far as the property's decor goes, it is pretty much a blank canvas. There are cream-painted walls, beige carpets in the bedrooms, wood floors in the living areas and polished, stone-effect tiles on the bath/shower room floors. All the sanitary ware is white, adding to the modern feel.
The central location means the car is unnecessary for trips to the Hippodrome theatre on The Centre and walks around the Harbourside, the shopping centres at Broadmead and Cabot Circus or Temple Meads station. And just across the river is a wide range of bars and restaurants on Welsh Back.
KATE EDSER Reported by This is 47 minutes ago.
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THREE HURT AS CAR HITS KEBAB SHOP
This is Bristol --A CAR hit three people, including a ten-year-old boy, before ploughing into the front of a Bristol kebab shop.
One man suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to Frenchay Hospital after the incident in Marsh Lane, Barton Hill.
Residents described a "chaotic" scene as the injured pedestrians were left on the ground amid blood and smashed glass.
Police said the driver of the car, a woman in her 40s, had been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
Police and paramedics were called to the Antalya Kebab shop at about 6.40pm yesterday.
A South Western Ambulance Service spokeswoman said one man had suffered serious lower leg injuries, while a ten-year-old boy and another man were taken to hospital with pain to their hips, although their injuries are not thought to be serious.
Three ambulances, paramedics in a rapid response vehicle, a hazardous area team and critical care team attended the casualties.
Marsh Lane was cordoned off by police at the junction of Avonvale Road and Granville Street for more than three hours after the incident as an investigation began.
A fire engine from Brislington fire station was also called to help make the building, which had substantial damage to its front, safe.
Crowds of people gathered at the police cordons.
One Avonvale Road resident, who asked not to be named, said the man with serious leg injuries lived in Marsh Lane and had been shopping at a convenience store next door to the kebab shop.
He told the Bristol Post he and his family were in their house when they heard a "very loud bang".
"We rushed out of the house to see what had happened and saw a car just outside the kebab shop," he said.
"The glass was smashed and it looked like the car had gone through the front window.
"I saw the man lying on the ground – his leg was smashed and there was blood on the road. Other people were injured too, it was quite chaotic."
Police spokesman Wayne Baker said: "The driver of the car – a woman in her 40s – has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
"Substantial damage was also caused to a property during the incident.
"The scene has been cordoned off pending a detailed examination as enquiries continue to piece together exactly what happened.
"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who may have information to help our enquiries.
"Inquiries are continuing to piece together exactly what has happened."
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has further information, should call Bristol CID on the force non-emergency number 101. Reported by This is 47 minutes ago.
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Fate of hundreds decided in secret
This is Bristol --
THE fate of hundreds of vulnerable people in the Bristol area is being decided behind closed doors in secretive courts.
The Court of Protection, which operates around the country, makes decisions on behalf of people too ill to do so themselves.
The Bristol Post has attempted to track cases through the courts, including one relating to an elderly person in care, but we are banned from releasing any details.
The virtually inaccessible courtrooms are so secret that not only is attendance prohibited, any media reporting is deemed an offence, unless special permission is given.
Judges in the courts can make decisions about the health care of individuals and can appoint "deputies" to make decisions on their behalf.
But local authorities also often apply for orders giving permission to effectively "lock up" incapacitated people in care homes.
In one such case, details of which were revealed after the man involved died, a father was put into a care home after his family failed to come up with "adequate" care solutions.
A local authority applied to keep grandfather-of-one John Maddocks in a care home in Stoke-on-Trent.
His daughter Wanda, 50, was then jailed for removing him from the care home in breach of a court order. She is believed to be the first person imprisoned by the Court of Protection.
The Bristol Post has been tracking a different case through the Court of Protection which includes subjecting an individual from the Bristol area to a Deprivation of Liberty order.
After a number of Freedom of Information requests, we can reveal that over the last three-and-a-half years, the Court of Protection has received 358 applications from Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset councils.
In Bristol, 110 applications have been made, rising steadily since 2010. In North Somerset the total is 119, in South Gloucestershire it is 79, while in B&NES the number stands at 50.
Bristol is the only local authority to have applied for Deprivation of Liberty orders, with all five being successful, leading to individuals being placed in care homes.
The Post spent weeks investigating various cases and hours preparing applications to attend hearings, some of which took place more than 50 miles away. But we are unable to identify any of the families or any specific details of the proceedings.
One family the Post spoke to, had an elderly relative taken from their own care and placed into a home by order of the court.
Legal professionals and open justice campaigners have described the courts – opened in 2005 under the Mental Capacity Act – as "Draconian" and "cloak and dagger".
The Court of Protection currently handles around 2,700 cases a year, with an average delay of four months for a hearing.
Bristol City Council has spent more than £100,000 on its applications since 2011.
Applications are also made by hospitals over decisions to remove life-support machines or fluids and food from patients who are unable to state whether they wish to die.
Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore said: "It cannot be right that local authorities and council bureaucrats should run roughshod over the lives of individuals and their families.
"At the centre of elderly care must be the concept that families and loved ones must have a right to care and look after the best interests of patients, whatever their condition."
City council spokeswoman Angie Burton said: "The council makes applications to the Court of Protection in circumstances when it is imperative to protect the welfare of people who do not have the capacity or support network to manage their personal affairs.
"The majority of applications relate to the council taking on the management of an individual's finances if no relatives are able to take on this responsibility. A smaller number of applications are made relating to a vulnerable person's living arrangements or care."
The three other local authorities were contacted over their applications but did not respond. Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
THE fate of hundreds of vulnerable people in the Bristol area is being decided behind closed doors in secretive courts.
The Court of Protection, which operates around the country, makes decisions on behalf of people too ill to do so themselves.
The Bristol Post has attempted to track cases through the courts, including one relating to an elderly person in care, but we are banned from releasing any details.
The virtually inaccessible courtrooms are so secret that not only is attendance prohibited, any media reporting is deemed an offence, unless special permission is given.
Judges in the courts can make decisions about the health care of individuals and can appoint "deputies" to make decisions on their behalf.
But local authorities also often apply for orders giving permission to effectively "lock up" incapacitated people in care homes.
In one such case, details of which were revealed after the man involved died, a father was put into a care home after his family failed to come up with "adequate" care solutions.
A local authority applied to keep grandfather-of-one John Maddocks in a care home in Stoke-on-Trent.
His daughter Wanda, 50, was then jailed for removing him from the care home in breach of a court order. She is believed to be the first person imprisoned by the Court of Protection.
The Bristol Post has been tracking a different case through the Court of Protection which includes subjecting an individual from the Bristol area to a Deprivation of Liberty order.
After a number of Freedom of Information requests, we can reveal that over the last three-and-a-half years, the Court of Protection has received 358 applications from Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset councils.
In Bristol, 110 applications have been made, rising steadily since 2010. In North Somerset the total is 119, in South Gloucestershire it is 79, while in B&NES the number stands at 50.
Bristol is the only local authority to have applied for Deprivation of Liberty orders, with all five being successful, leading to individuals being placed in care homes.
The Post spent weeks investigating various cases and hours preparing applications to attend hearings, some of which took place more than 50 miles away. But we are unable to identify any of the families or any specific details of the proceedings.
One family the Post spoke to, had an elderly relative taken from their own care and placed into a home by order of the court.
Legal professionals and open justice campaigners have described the courts – opened in 2005 under the Mental Capacity Act – as "Draconian" and "cloak and dagger".
The Court of Protection currently handles around 2,700 cases a year, with an average delay of four months for a hearing.
Bristol City Council has spent more than £100,000 on its applications since 2011.
Applications are also made by hospitals over decisions to remove life-support machines or fluids and food from patients who are unable to state whether they wish to die.
Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore said: "It cannot be right that local authorities and council bureaucrats should run roughshod over the lives of individuals and their families.
"At the centre of elderly care must be the concept that families and loved ones must have a right to care and look after the best interests of patients, whatever their condition."
City council spokeswoman Angie Burton said: "The council makes applications to the Court of Protection in circumstances when it is imperative to protect the welfare of people who do not have the capacity or support network to manage their personal affairs.
"The majority of applications relate to the council taking on the management of an individual's finances if no relatives are able to take on this responsibility. A smaller number of applications are made relating to a vulnerable person's living arrangements or care."
The three other local authorities were contacted over their applications but did not respond. Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
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Farewell to the legendary Bristol man they called 'Santa'
This is Bristol --
MORE than 200 people turned out to celebrate the life of a man who brought joy to thousands of Bristol children by playing Father Christmas.
Gerald Sleith, who entertained youngsters for more than a decade in the grotto at the Mall Galleries, collapsed at the Brunel Buttery on April 6 and died, aged 75, at the Bristol Royal Infirmary the following day.
Yesterday he was buried in his full Santa outfit in the woodlands area of South Bristol Crematorium following a festive service led by a Santa hat-wearing reverend.
Earlier family and friends – many of whom also wore Santa hats – gathered at the outdoor cafe which 'Santa Jim' had attended each day since it started trading in 1981. His popularity was such the management are installing a table with a name plaque to honour his memory.
There they chatted and enjoyed rock cakes – one of Mr Sleith's favourite treats – waiting for a 1950s Leyland lorry to arrive with his green wicker coffin and anchor shaped flowers on the back.
From there they travelled to Bristol South Crematorium where a 25 minute service where attendees entered to the noise of sleigh bells and occasional 'Ho-Ho's.
The service, led by Reverend Mark Townsend had a reading from Christmas Movie Miracle on 34th Street, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, while people left the crematorium to Must be Santa by Mitch Miller and the Gang.
Hymns sung were Old Rugged Cross and All Things Bright and Beautiful, and tears were shed while the congregation were asked to remember their best memories of Mr Sleith while Somewhere over the Rainbow was played.
During the service Rev Townsend said: "This is a celebration of his life, his personality, his energy, his spirit and his character.
"He had the Kris Kringle spirit, a fun loving nature, an ability to brighten lives and to bring smiles to thousands of faces."
Mr Sleith's nephew, Keiran Bateman, said: "It's a very sad day and we have lost a lovely man.
"However I am sure he would not want us to mourn or be sad because he lived to tell stories and laugh.
"He was Santa and it was a part he played very well and a part he loved to play for every child he came across who thought he was Santa."
Mr Bateman told the congregation about a time police pulled his uncle over to discover him in full Santa costume. Not only was he able to show he had not done anything wrong but even managed to get a police escort to work.
He added: "I thank him for the many years of laughter he gave all of us here and many others over the years. He will be missed by all."
Mr Sleith was buried in a green wicker coffin in the woodland area of Bristol South Crematorium – fittingly beside a holly tree.
Afterwards people made their way to the Nova Scotia pub in Hotwells, which Mr Sleith would visit for a pint or two of his Thatchers Gold cider, always finishing the evening with a gin and tonic.
Former lorry driver Mr Sleith, who lived in Hotwells, was well known in the city, having spent the last 10 years being Father Christmas at the Mall Galleries in the centre.
He played the role on numerous occasions for good causes, and doing so on holiday at a resort in Tenerife.
His reputation as a perfect Santa saw him appear in the role on popular television shows including Casualty, Dr Who and comedy Gavin & Stacey.
Friend Diane Poulston first met Mr Sleith when he worked with her husband Dennis in the early 1970s delivering sugar for Tate & Lyle.
She said: "He would have loved all this – I thought it was wonderful. He would have been so pleased with how it all went and absolutely loved being in the paper." Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
MORE than 200 people turned out to celebrate the life of a man who brought joy to thousands of Bristol children by playing Father Christmas.
Gerald Sleith, who entertained youngsters for more than a decade in the grotto at the Mall Galleries, collapsed at the Brunel Buttery on April 6 and died, aged 75, at the Bristol Royal Infirmary the following day.
Yesterday he was buried in his full Santa outfit in the woodlands area of South Bristol Crematorium following a festive service led by a Santa hat-wearing reverend.
Earlier family and friends – many of whom also wore Santa hats – gathered at the outdoor cafe which 'Santa Jim' had attended each day since it started trading in 1981. His popularity was such the management are installing a table with a name plaque to honour his memory.
There they chatted and enjoyed rock cakes – one of Mr Sleith's favourite treats – waiting for a 1950s Leyland lorry to arrive with his green wicker coffin and anchor shaped flowers on the back.
From there they travelled to Bristol South Crematorium where a 25 minute service where attendees entered to the noise of sleigh bells and occasional 'Ho-Ho's.
The service, led by Reverend Mark Townsend had a reading from Christmas Movie Miracle on 34th Street, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, while people left the crematorium to Must be Santa by Mitch Miller and the Gang.
Hymns sung were Old Rugged Cross and All Things Bright and Beautiful, and tears were shed while the congregation were asked to remember their best memories of Mr Sleith while Somewhere over the Rainbow was played.
During the service Rev Townsend said: "This is a celebration of his life, his personality, his energy, his spirit and his character.
"He had the Kris Kringle spirit, a fun loving nature, an ability to brighten lives and to bring smiles to thousands of faces."
Mr Sleith's nephew, Keiran Bateman, said: "It's a very sad day and we have lost a lovely man.
"However I am sure he would not want us to mourn or be sad because he lived to tell stories and laugh.
"He was Santa and it was a part he played very well and a part he loved to play for every child he came across who thought he was Santa."
Mr Bateman told the congregation about a time police pulled his uncle over to discover him in full Santa costume. Not only was he able to show he had not done anything wrong but even managed to get a police escort to work.
He added: "I thank him for the many years of laughter he gave all of us here and many others over the years. He will be missed by all."
Mr Sleith was buried in a green wicker coffin in the woodland area of Bristol South Crematorium – fittingly beside a holly tree.
Afterwards people made their way to the Nova Scotia pub in Hotwells, which Mr Sleith would visit for a pint or two of his Thatchers Gold cider, always finishing the evening with a gin and tonic.
Former lorry driver Mr Sleith, who lived in Hotwells, was well known in the city, having spent the last 10 years being Father Christmas at the Mall Galleries in the centre.
He played the role on numerous occasions for good causes, and doing so on holiday at a resort in Tenerife.
His reputation as a perfect Santa saw him appear in the role on popular television shows including Casualty, Dr Who and comedy Gavin & Stacey.
Friend Diane Poulston first met Mr Sleith when he worked with her husband Dennis in the early 1970s delivering sugar for Tate & Lyle.
She said: "He would have loved all this – I thought it was wonderful. He would have been so pleased with how it all went and absolutely loved being in the paper." Reported by This is 48 minutes ago.
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