Labour MPs deny expenses fraud

Three Labour MPs accused of expenses fraud said they would plead not guilty when they appeared in court for the first time.

MPs Elliot Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine face charges of theft by false accounting.

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High-speed rail link plan unveiled

Plans for a new £30 billion high-speed rail (HSR) network, with 250mph trains, have been announced by the Government.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis gave Labour's backing to a new 335-mile London to Scotland HSR network which would drastically reduce rail journey times.

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Man 'tormented to death' by yobs

A 64-year-old man with learning difficulties was "tormented to death" after being bullied by yobs for more than a decade, neighbours have claimed.

Police had been warned David Askew was being targeted before he was found dead at his home in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday night, said local residents.

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Thousands cheated admissions system

Thousands of parents used underhand tactics to get children into preferred secondary schools last year, it has emerged, as Government figures showed nearly one in six youngsters failed to secure their first choice place.

Chief schools adjudicator Ian Craig estimated 4,200 fraudulent applications were made last year.

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Hunt for boy continues in Pakistan

Hopes that five-year-old British boy Sahil Saeed had been found were dashed as the police chief leading the investigation in Pakistan confirmed the search is ongoing.

Muhammad Aslam Tareen, a detective based in Punjab, said he could "categorically confirm" the youngster, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was still missing.

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Network Rail staff vote for strikes

Thousands of Network Rail maintenance workers have voted strongly in favour of strikes in a row over jobs, bringing the threat of industrial action over Easter closer.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union said 77% of its members who took part in the ballot backed strikes, with 89% supporting action short of a strike.

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Pete Doherty banned from driving

Rock star Pete Doherty has been given a 12-month driving ban and fined £500 after he admitted allowing his manager to use his Daimler without insurance.

A lawyer entered a guilty plea on Doherty's behalf during a hearing before magistrates in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

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Anti-social behaviour action plea

Urgent action must be taken by senior officers to improve understanding of the toll anti-social behaviour is taking on their communities, the head of the police inspectorate has said.

Chief Inspector of Constabulary Denis O'Connor said the recording of information about harassment, criminal damage and verbal abuse was "inadequate" and must be improved immediately.

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Mark Owen deeply sorry for affairs

Take That star Mark Owen has said he is "deeply sorry" after admitting a string of affairs behind his wife's back.

The 38-year-old singer acknowledged the "pain" he had caused to his wife and friends through his flings with as many as 10 women.

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Crouch voted funniest UK sportsman

England footballer Peter Crouch has been named the funniest man in British sport, topping the poll of the best one liners and comedy football moments of all time.

The 6ft 7in striker won top billing for a cheeky response to the question: "What would you be if you weren't a footballer?"

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