Birmingham Post

French Husband Gets 30 Years for Murdering Mother-in-Law

A Frenchman was beginning a 30-year prison sentence today for stabbing to death his British mother-in-law in West Bromwich and attempting to kill his estranged wife. The jury at a court in Beauvais, north of Paris, found Cherif Doua guilty of murdering Valerie Brocklesby in cold blood. They also found the 42-year-old guilty of intentionally trying to kill her daughter, Jayne.

Blair Backs Rescue Bid for Rover

Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt has sent a team of top officials to Shanghai in a last-ditch bid to save MG Rover. The move reflects Ministers' frustration over the Birmingham car manufacturer's lack of progress finalising an agreement with the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation.

Birmingham's Catholic Cathedral

Marketing Chief Blasts 'Pointless' Second City Debate

Birmingham needs to stop dwelling on pointless issues like the "second city" debate and start highlighting its strengths on the national and international stage, according to the man leading the city's marketing campaign. Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birminghamspoke of his belief that the city was on the verge of a major breakthrough as final preparations were made for the opening of a new office in London next week.

Our Obese, Unhappy Children

Large numbers of schoolchildren in Britain are unhappy with their appearance and are suffering as a result, according to a study done by a Birmingham psychologist. A study of 276 boys and girls aged 11 to 14 found 80 per cent were dissatisfied with their body shape.

Caudwell On Line As the Wealthiest Man in Midlands

Mobile phone entrepreneur John Caudwell has retained his place as the richest person in the West Midlands with a fortune worth almost as much as the combined wealth of his two nearest rivals, according to the new Sunday Times Rich List. The list, published tomorrow, reveals Caudwell's wealth is valued at pounds 1,280 million, making him the 29th richest person in the country.

Background: Daughter Haunted by Images of Murder That Will Never Go Away

If anyone was in doubt about how the horrific events of January 24, 2000 affected Jayne Brocklesby, they were convinced by her words to the court. Recalled to clarify several points before closing speeches to the judges and jury, she told how her life had changed when Cherif Doua murdered her mother and left her for dead.

Commons Question Over Asthma Death

Health Secretary John Reid is facing questions over the death of a ten-year-old boy following a severe asthma attack and 90-minute wait for paramedics. Tory MP Bill Cash said he would be asking Dr Reid to investigate ways of improving the ambulance service after Ben Moston went into respiratory cardiac arrest when his asthma drugs failed to work.

All Quiet at Theme Park

The volume of a loudspeaker system at a theme park fined for creating too much noise was lowered yesterday as a first step to comply with a court order. Alton Towers in Staffordshire has fitted limiters to loudspeakers after being served with a noise abatement notice last year.

30,000 Expected to Wheel Into Stoneleigh

More than 30,000 people are expected to visit The Bike Show 2005 at Stoneleigh Park this weekend. The show has moved from the NEC to allow for a number of new features to be built outdoors, including a road bike race circuit, BMX ramps, and a jump course.

Biking? I'd Jump at the Chance ; the Bike Show 2005 Opened at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire Yesterday, Where Helen Gabriel Had a 'Dirt-Jumping' Lesson From International Mountain Bike Champion Chris Duncan

"So, have you ever ridden over anything like this before?" Chris Duncan asked. "No," I said. "My last bike was metallic purple, with a basket on the front and stabilisers." And I wasn't joking.

From Dahl to Keane, Footballers Choose Their Favourite Books

Premiership footballers Mark Delaney, Stephen Clemence and Riccardo Scimeca today revealed their favourite books as part of a new campaign to encourage families to read together. The Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion stars joined the Premier League Reading Stars project, which involved one player from each of the 20 top-flight clubs nominating their favourite read.

Couples Are Still Facing Ivf Lottery

Couples across the Midlands are still facing a postcode lottery over fertility treatment, a new survey has revealed. Following Health Secretary John Reid's pledge last year, all primary care trusts were expected to meet yesterday's deadline for offering at least one cycle of NHS-funded IVF to eligible women.

Fears Over Move to End Donor Secrecy

Fewer couples will benefit from fertility treatment now sperm and egg donors can be identified, according to a leading Midland fertility expert. Dr Gillian Lockwood spoke out as changes to human rights legislation lifting donor anonymity came into force yesterday.

Nhs Boss's Pounds 9m Debt Priority

A health trust which is more than pounds 9 million in debt has announced the appointment of a new finance director. Peter Sawyer will take up his position, which also includes the role of deputy chief executive, at Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust in the summer.

Marathon Doctor in Us Consulate Protest

A Birmingham doctor who is running the London marathon to raise awareness of at least five British residents being held without charge or trial by the US Government in Guantanamo Bay has staged a protest at the US Consulate in Belfast. Consultant neurologist David Nicholl, aged 40, went to the Consulate - dressed in infamous Guantamano Baystyle orange jump suit and bound in chains - to deliver a letter of protest to US representatives.

Second Body in Car Blaze

Police are investigating the discovery of a second body in a blazing car within 24 hours in the Black Country. The latest find was made on Thursday night by firefighters called to reports of a car fire in Shenstone Valley Road, Halesowen. On Wednesday a man was found in a burning car on a lorry park in Fountain Lane, behind Sandwell Council House.

Church Organ Record

Musician Matthew Penn regained his world record last night for playing a church organ non-stop for 33 hours and two minutes. The Stratford-upon-Avon organist had held the record in 2003 for playing 24 hours and 17 minutes but this was later takenaway from him by a Dutch rival who played for 32 hours. Mr Penn played at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford, raising money to repair the church spire.

Swimming Pool Acid Scarred Holiday Girls Win Compensation

Three young sisters scarred for life by acid in a holiday hotel's swimming pool have won thousands of pounds in compensation. Tour operator Aspro is set to pay up more than two years after Megan, Amber and Tiegan West suffered excruciating burns in Tenerife.

Mystery Death of Teenager in Care

Police are carrying out an investigation after a schoolboy was found dead at a Birmingham children's home. The body of the 15-year-old, who has not been named, was discovered in his bed at a home in Edgbaston.