Paralympian Aims To Turn Convention On Its Head

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

A British Paralympic judo player aims to be the first in his sport to switch to able-bodied competition.

Sam Ingram will claim a world first in judo if he can follow the trail, blazed by Oscar Pistorius and others, in making the transition from disabled to non-disabled sporting competition.

The partially-sighted judoka won a silver medal at this year's London Paralympics and a bronze in Beijing 2008.  He now intends to fight for Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games against non-disabled athletes.

The 27-year-old is originally from Coventry but has settled in Edinburgh, where he trains with Scotland's elite judo players.

Sam told Sky News: "If I was selected for Glasgow, I'd prove to myself that all the hard work's paying off. I think I'd prove to other people that just because you have a disability, it doesn't mean that you've got to be pigeon-holed or limited; you can break through.

"People who have been told they'll never walk again have confounded the predictions - it is possible.

The Paralympian intends to take part in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games

"For people with visual impairment, if you can cope with the guys who can see perfectly well, there's no reason why you shouldn't compete against them. I might have a slight disadvantage but, hopefully, I've got other advantages. If I make it to Glasgow, and it goes well, you never what's going to happen - maybe the Olympics in Rio after that."

The main difference between Paralympic and non-disabled judo comes at the start of a fight. When visually-impaired judo players begin a contest they are already gripped onto each other's jacket. In a non-disabled fight, they begin apart and the early exchanges are usually taken up with trying to secure a grip on the opponent.

"In Olympic-style judo," says Sam, when you begin grip-fighting, you have got to see where your opponent is and that's why it's a little bit difficult for people with visual impairment," Sam said.

Although Sam would be the first in judo to take the step from disabled to non-disabled competition, he wouldn't be the first British athlete to do so. Swimmer and cyclist Sarah Storey and archer Danielle Brown have previously competed for Great Britain in Paralympics and in Commonwealth Games for England.

In the wake of the Paralympics in London, there is evidence that disabled people around the UK feel more enthusiastic about sport, even if at least one survey suggests that may not translate into participation.

A post-Paralympics survey by the English Federation of Disability Sport showed that watching the Paralympics encouraged eight out of 10 disabled people to consider taking part in more sport, a large increase.

Shirley-Anne Duff says disabled athletes train as hard as able-bodied ones

However, results from a Sports and Recreation Alliance survey conducted with sports clubs in October 2012 indicated that nine out of 10 (89%) clubs have noticed no change in the number of disabled people joining their club.

There is little doubt, however, that disabled participants who do cross the sporting threshold are still basking in the glow of London 2012.

Sky News attended a training session of the Lothian Phoenix wheeelchair basketball team in West Lothian.

Coach Shirley-Anne Duff told us: "I think there's a lot more awareness of paralympic sport and understanding of the athleticism that's involved, that these athletes train just the same as regular athletes - they train hard and they play hard.  Wheelchair basketball is such a fast paced and exciting sport that people are really able to relate to it because it's so similar to the running ball game."

Gavin Macleod, chief executive of Scottish Disability Sport, said: "I think (the Paralympics) gave people with a disability the perception that sport is for them, that there is something out there that they can do.  There are pathways there and there are opportunities so I think a whole awareness was raised around the Games, which is fantastic."

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Hampshire Robbery And Kidnap: Police Appeal

Police have appealed for a suspected armed robber to give himself up after a woman was kidnapped and driven around in her own car.

The man approached a house in Rookes Lane, Lymington, Hampshire, on Saturday morning, and pointed a gun to threaten the people who live there - the woman, who is in her 60s, and a man in his 70s.

The man received a minor head injury during a confrontation with the suspect inside the house, where money was demanded. No shots were fired, and about £100 in cash was stolen.

The robber then stole the couple's car, a silver/grey Peugeot 207 convertible, which was driven erratically at speed around the local area.

The woman was forced to travel in the front passenger seat of the car, but was not injured and was returned home around 15 minutes later.

The suspect drove away into Newenham Road, where he abandoned the car at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson said: "I am appealing directly to the suspect to consider the consequences of his actions.

"From our initial inquiries, we understand you might be facing personal and painful circumstances in which you feel trapped and desperate for money.

"However, think long and hard about the distress and fear you are causing. I am imploring you to explore your conscience and do the right thing by contacting police to tell us where you are before you make any more reckless choices, which could hurt innocent people. Please phone us on 101.

"My appeal extends to any family or friends who think they may know this person or their current whereabouts. Please contact the police with what you know about this man."

He added: "This was a shocking crime committed against a couple who were subjected to an unprovoked, terrifying attack in their own home and car. I would like to praise their immense courage in dealing with the robber, who was violent towards them."

Police said they were linking the incident to a robbery on December 5 at Brockenhurst railway station.

Chief Inspector Rowlinson said: "I am calling on the community to be alert in spotting and reporting any suspicious behaviour or any information about the suspect's identity or location.

"We cannot confirm at this time whether the gun seen by the couple was real or an imitation firearm, but my advice to members of the public is to phone police on 999 immediately if you see someone matching the suspect's description. Do not approach him; his behaviour is unpredictable, and he could become distressed and agitated if approached."

He also appealed for help from the driver of a 4x4 car, saying: "We remain particularly keen to trace and speak with the driver of a sandy-coloured 4x4 car.

"This motorist is an important witness as it is reported the 4x4 car stopped in West Lane in Lymington to allow the Peugeot 207 to drive past while the robber was at the wheel.

"The woman has told police she waved at the 4x4 driver, who waved back, but did not appear to realise the reality of the situation inside the Peugeot."

The suspect was described as white, 35-55 years old, 5ft 10in, of average build, with dark hair.

The suspect, witnesses or anyone with information have been asked to contact CID at Southampton Central police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Prenton. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Lord Coe Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Lord Sebastian Coe is to receive the Lifetime Achievement award at tonight's BBC Sports Personality of the Year event.

The award recognises his remarkable career as an athlete and his huge contribution to sport in the UK, including the vital role he played in the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Lord Coe became chairman of the board for the London 2012 bid team in 2004 and was pivotal in transforming the city's campaign to host the Games.

His final speech that secured London as the hosts is remembered as a truly inspirational moment, focusing on the need to engage young people in sport to create the next generation of champions.

He is also remembered as one of Britain's greatest athletes, becoming a double Olympic champion and 12-time world record-holder.

He won gold in the 1500m and silver in the 800m at both the Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.

He retired from athletics in 1990 and became a Conservative MP for Falmouth and Camborne, a Government Whip then Private Secretary to William Hague.

In 2002, he was made a peer, and received a knighthood in the 2006 New Year's Honours List.

He has recently been elected as Chairman of the British Olympic Association in order to help Team GB build on the success of London 2012.

Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Sir Steve Redgrave (2011), David Beckham (2010), Seve Ballesteros (2009), Sir Bobby Charlton (2008), Sir Bobby Robson (2007), Bjorn Borg (2006), Pele (2005), Sir Ian Botham (2004), Martina Navratilova (2003), George Best (2002) and Sir Alex Ferguson (2001).

The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates those who have made a significant contribution to sport and demonstrable success in their relevant sport throughout their careers.

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UKIP 'Now The UK's Third Largest Party'

The UK Independence Party has surged to a record poll rating, knocking the Liberal Democrats into fourth place.

The ComRes poll for The Independent On Sunday and the Sunday Mirror put UKIP on 14% - a six-point gain on last month and the party's highest rating in a ComRes poll.

Two other polls in Sunday newspapers - the Observer's Opinium and the Mail On Sunday Survation - also put UKIP at 14%.

The findings will alarm Tory MPs who fear the party is haemorrhaging support over issues such as Europe, the economy and its support for gay marriage.

The ComRes poll, which interviewed 2,002 people online between December 12 and 14, put the Conservatives on 28%, down three points from a month ago and 11 points behind Labour, who are down four on 39%.

Support for the Lib Dems is down to single figures at 9%, a one-point fall on the month, which puts five points between them and Nigel Farage's party.

ComRes/Independent On Sunday/Sunday Mirror

Mr Farage told Sky News: "All the way through UKIP's history people have doubted what UKIP can achieve.

"We've shown in the last two European elections what we're capable of - and I would remind people in 2009 that we came second across the entire United Kingdom.

"And what's happened in 2012 is that all the big issues that we've campaigned long and hard for for many, many years - and taken much abuse for - those issues have become absolutely at the centre ground of what people out there are talking about.

"Unless we see some really substantial change from the Government and from the Labour party in particular - with a U-turn on Europe, open-door immigration, gay marriage and other things - there's no reason to think that this level of support for UKIP can't be maintained."

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles told Sky's Murnaghan programme that he takes UKIP, which he describes as "a party of dissent", very seriously.

"They represent a voice, and I am very firmly of the view the only way to deal with them is to get dug in, and to fight them on the ground on community issues," he said.

But Mr Pickles said this does not mean the Tories should not form a pact with UKIP.

"I think it is absolutely wrong (that it can be) always assumed that some kind of deal could be done and people would flood back to us. Governments sometimes have to make some very difficult decisions," he said.

He also said: "I think it's important that if we do have a referendum on our future with Europe it's got to be on the basis of not trying to outsmart UKIP or trying to ensure that we can bring the whole conservative party in one - it should be in the national interest."

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Rescuers To Bring Swamped Ship Ashore

Rescuers searching for the body of a crewman who died when stormy seas overcame his boat will bring the battered vessel ashore today.

Eleven other crew onboard the Vos Sailor had to be rescued when the boat was damaged and took on water during severe weather yesterday.

The Vos Sailor, an emergency response and rescue vessel, had been operating on the Balmoral oil field 120 miles off Aberdeen on Scotland's north-east coast.

Grampian Police said one man was fatally injured. His body has not yet been recovered.

The 42.5-metre vessel is operated by Aberdeen-based Vroon Offshore Services.

A Vroon spokeswoman said last night: "The vessel is still adrift and there is a support vessel with it. A salvage team will bring it ashore tomorrow."

Coastguards launched a rescue mission after a mayday call at 4.30am and 11 crew members were winched to safety.

At the time of the incident, winds in the area were reported to be 60-75 knots with 6.5-metre waves.

Non-essential crew on the nearby North Sea Producer, a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, were evacuated to other rigs as a precaution because the disabled boat was drifting.

A Grampian Police spokeswoman said last night: "The vessel sustained significant damage and 11 crew members were winched to safety during an operation co-ordinated by the coastguard in Aberdeen.

"It appears at this time that one crew member has suffered fatal injuries.

"Efforts are ongoing to recover the vessel which will be brought into Aberdeen harbour in due course."

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Royal Hoax: Nurse's Body Flown To India

The body of the nurse who apparently took her own life after being duped by a prank call has been flown to India for her funeral.

Mother-of-two Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found dead in her nurses' quarters at London's King Edward VII's Hospital by a colleague and a security guard on December 7.

The Order of Service for the Westminster mass

Three days earlier the Indian-born nurse transferred a call from two Australian DJs, believing they were the Queen and Prince of Wales, to her co-worker.

The second nurse then explained the condition of the Duchess of Cambridge, who was staying in the hospital for pregnancy-related sickness.

Ms Saldanha's funeral will take place on Monday at Our Lady of Health Church near Mangalore in Shirva, the hometown of her husband Benedict Barboza.

Residents will be able to pay final respects to the body before the mass and the burial ceremony.

The family with Keith Vaz (right) following Saturday's mass

Ms Saldanha's frail mother lives with her other daughter and a son in Mangalore, in the western state of Karnataka.

Mr Barboza accompanied her body on Sunday's flight to India along with their two children.

On Saturday Junal and Lisha, described the "unfillable void" left in their lives by their mother's death as a mass was held at Westminster Cathedral.

Following the service, Mr Barboza paid an emotional tribute: "My wife, you were the light in my darkness, who always showed me the way forward.

"From the day we met, you always stood by me in times of hardship and happiness. I feel a part of me has been ripped out.

"Without your beautiful smile and sparkling personality, the house is an empty place to live.

Ms Saldanha's widower arrives in India

"Nineteen years of togetherness with a strong bond of affection and understanding will be cherished forever in my life."

Ms Saldanha's daughter said: "We will miss your laughter, the loving memories and the good times we had together.

"The house is an empty dwelling without your presence. We are shattered and there's an unfillable void in our lives."

Her son said: "Our mother, kind hearted, generous and a well respected woman in both of our lives. You were the core of the family who kept us together.

Ms Saldanha worked at the hospital where the Duchess was treated

"Your priority for us was a good education and a bright future. You taught us right from wrong which we appreciate.

"You worked tirelessly to give us everything that we have today. When we achieved good grades and merit, your pat on our backs encouraged us more."

Standing outside the cathedral alongside their local MP Charlotte Leslie and MP Keith Vaz, who has been campaigning on behalf of the family, Mr Barboza said the family "could not have foreseen the unprecedented tragedy that has unfolded in our lives".

He thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prime Minister David Cameron for their condolences.

Memorial services have already been held at the hospital where Ms Saldanha worked and in Bristol where her husband and children live.

Ms Saldanha left two notes in her room and also had marks on her wrist when her body was discovered, Westminster Coroner's Court in London heard on Thursday.

A provisional date of March 26 has been set for the next inquest hearing.

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Peter Ndlovu Injured In Zimbabwe Car Crash

Former Sheffield United, Coventry City and Birmingham City striker Peter Ndlovu has been critically injured in a car accident in his native Zimbabwe.

His older brother Adam, 42, died in the crash at Victoria Falls on Sunday morning.

"I understand that efforts are being made to airlift Peter Ndlovu from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo," tweeted David Coltart, the country's sports minister.

"My prayers are with you Peter, be strong."

An as-yet unidentified woman who was travelling with the Ndlovu brothers was also killed, Zimbabwe's NewsDay reported.

The newspaper said Adam was at the wheel of Peter's BMW X5, when a tyre burst and the vehicle veered off the road, hitting several trees before rolling.

Peter, 39, made more than 100 appearances for the three English league teams, scoring 91 goals. He also spent a short period on loan to Huddersfield Town.

Sheffield United tweeted: "Our thoughts are with former player Peter Ndlovu, who has been critically injured in a car accident in his native Zimbabwe."

A statement from Birmingham City read: "The thoughts of everyone associated with Birmingham City Football Club are with Peter Ndlovu and his family following news of a serious car crash in Zimbabwe.

"Peter was a very popular player during his time at St Andrew's and we hope he pulls through this difficult time."

Former Coventry team mate Darren Huckerby wrote: "Terrible news about Peter Ndlovu and his brother, hope he pulls through."

Peter has been working as a coach for the Zimbabwe Young Warriors Under 23 team.

His brother Adam was also a professional footballer, carving out a career in Switzerland, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

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York Stabbing: Police Hunting Michael Bennison

Police hunting an "extremely dangerous" man wanted on suspicion of trying to murder his girlfriend have issued an urgent warning to the public.

Michael Bennison, 28, is suspected of stabbing his 27-year-old girlfriend with a bladed item in York on Friday afternoon.

North Yorkshire Police have urged Bennison to hand himself in and warned members of the public not to approach him.

He is believed to have stabbed his girlfriend at an address on Healey Grove, in the Huntington area of York, at around 1pm on Friday.

She was taken to York District Hospital with multiple wounds, including a punctured lung, and is said to be in a stable condition.

Bennison is described as extremely dangerous. He is believed to still be in the York area.

He is white, 5ft 10in tall, with short brown hair, blue eyes and a strong build.

He has a wide nose and a noticeable mole on both cheeks.

Detective Inspector Shaun Page, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Michael, if you see or hear this appeal I cannot urge you strongly enough to hand yourself in to the police as we need to speak to you as a matter of urgency.

"You are only making matters worse for yourself by not speaking to the police.

"Anyone who knows where Bennison is, or may be shielding him, must contact the police immediately.

"You are not helping him and may even be committing offences yourself.

"If any members of the public see Bennison they should not approach him, rather they must call 999 immediately."

:: Anyone who can help to locate Bennison should contact North Yorkshire Police on 999 immediately or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 12120210314.

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Kate In First Public Engagement Since Hospital

The Duchess of Cambridge will make her first public appearance this evening since leaving hospital over a week ago - as she attends a TV sports award show.

She is due to present the main prize and lifetime achievement honour at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in London's ExCel centre.

Kate will be there as an official ambassador of Britain's Olympic and Paralympic team, St James' Palace said.

The pregnant royal, who was treated in hospital for severe morning sickness, is not expected to attend the entire ceremony but will arrive in time for the presentations.

Her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, will not attend the event as he remains in Anglesey in his role as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, according to a Palace spokesman.

The Duchess, who is less than 13 weeks pregnant, has not been seen in public since leaving the King Edward VII Hospital in London on December 6.

Lord Coe will receive the lifetime achievement award

The royal was there for three days for a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which leaves expectant mothers so ill they cannot keep food or liquids down.

Kate was then told by doctors to have a period of rest at her home at Kensington Palace.

She was recently forced to miss three royal engagements - a Centrepoint Royal Albert Hall fundraiser, the British Military Tournament and The Hobbit film premiere.

The country's stars will gather at the ExCel to celebrate a year of sporting achievement hailed as the nation's greatest ever.

London 2012 chairman Lord Sebastian Coe will receive the lifetime achievement award.

Olympic and Paralympic heroes dominate this year's Sports Personality shortlist, with golfer Rory McIlroy the only one of the 12 nominees not to have won medals at London 2012 this summer.

Cyclist Bradley Wiggins is the bookmakers' odds-on favourite after his historic triumph in the Tour de France and gold in the Olympics time trial, followed by heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis.

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Mousa Death: Doctor 'Acted Dishonestly'

By Mike McCarthy, North Of England correspondent

A former army doctor has been found guilty of misleading and dishonest conduct following the death of an Iraqi detainee in 2003.

A tribunal of medical watchdogs found Dr Derek Keilloh failed to carry out a proper examination of Baha Mousa.

He was also held responsible for failing to assess the health of other detainees.

Dr Keilloh had been on duty as a regimental medical officer in September 2003 and was about to end his shift when he was called to treat Mr Mousa, a hotel receptionist who had been arrested by British soldiers in Basra 36 hours earlier.

He had been hooded for almost 24 hours, handcuffed and violently assaulted.

He had extensive injuries including a broken nose, fractures ribs and severe bruising to his face and neck.

He suffered 93 separate injuries at the hands of the soldiers.

Dr Keilloh tried to resuscitate Mousa but was unable to save him.

The medic subsequently said he identified only a small amount of dried blood around the nose and repeatedly denied any knowledge of other injuries.

It is claimed he insisted under oath that he had seen nothing untoward.

He has been accused at the 'fitness to practice' tribunal in Manchester that he failed to act with 'openness and honesty'.

Mousa, 26, had been arrested by soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Queen's Lancashire Regiment.

A public inquiry concluded the injuries, heat, exhaustion, hooding and stress positions had contributed to the detainee's death.

Dr Keilloh, a 28-year-old captain at the time of the incident, had only been his job as regimental medical officer for eight weeks.

Ahmed Al Matairi, who was detained in Basra, has told the medical tribunal he had heard Mr Mousa cry:  "I am innocent.  I am not a Baathist.

"My wife died six months ago. Blood! Blood! I am going to die."

His 22-year-old wife had died of cancer prior to his detention.

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