Church apology as vicar is jailed for years of abuse

Church apology as vicar is jailed for years of abuse
A vicar who abused young boys was jailed yesterday for 5½ years. The Church of England issued an apology to victims and said it had taken steps to try to prevent such crimes. During the trial of David Smith at Bristol crown court, it had emerged that the church was alerted twice by victims but failed to take effective action.
Source:- The Times, Friday 4 May 2007, page 35

E-mail alerts on missing paedophiles
An e-mail alert will be sent to parents every time police appeal for information about missing paedophiles, under a new scheme. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre will send out a message warning that a new face has been added to the “Most Wanted” gallery on its website.
Source:- The Times, Friday 4 May 2007, page 35

Over-the counter addictions surge
More people than ever are addicted to over-the-counter medications, the Over-Counter Drugs Information and Advice Agency said yesterday.
Source:- Daily Telegraph, Friday 4 May 2007, page 2

Out in a year, the mum who killed tot with methadone
A substance misusing woman has been sentenced to two years for the manslaughter of her 22-month-old son after giving him liquid methadone, a sentenced that has been criticised has too lenient by a local councillor. Gemma Fennelly from Cleveland pleaded guilty to the manslaughter by gross negligence of son Mitchell Bate, but independent Hartlepool Council member Stan Kaiser said her sentence was “far too short”.
Source:- The Daily Mirror, Friday 4 May 2007, page 35

Gypsies lose Olympics battle
Families of gypsies have lost their High Court battle over plans to move them to make way for the 2012 Olympic village.  A judge rejected claims that their human rights would be unlawfully breached if they had to transfer to new caravan sites.
Source:- The Independent, Friday 4 May 2006, page 17

Irish teenager fights for right to abort foetus which cannot survive outside the womb
The authorities in the Republic of Ireland are embroiled in complex legal proceedings centring on a teenage girl who wishes to travel to the UK to abort a foetus that cannot survive outside the womb.
Source:- The Independent, Friday 4 May 2006, page 35
 
Scottish news
No social care news today.

Welsh news

Charity fears over heroin contract
A drugs charity has warned that crime levels could increase in south-east Wales after it lost a contract to prescribe methadone to drug addicts. Kaleidoscope failed to get a renewal of its three-year-contract to continue treating drug addicts across Gwent. Instead the work was given to a consortium of GPs.
Source:- Western Mail, Friday 4 May 2007