09/03/2012 BBC London News

Tonight on BBC London: Found guilty of "rough, unkind and

cruel behaviour" - the care home workers caught in the act of

abusing vulnerable residents. was devastating, really upsetting

because we trusted them to look after him.

MPs say they're "staggered" the estimates for Olympic security were

so far out, and they're worried the cost will spiral way over budget.

got chosen. I got one of them, so I am really up for it. Their bags are

packed, and they're off to Washington. The Islington school

girls forging a strong bond with America's First Lady.

And bringing his version of the Barber of Fleet Street to the West

End - Stephen Sondheim calls his Sweeney Todd - a "love letter to

London". Good evening. They were trusted to

look after elderly patients, some with dementia, who were amongst the

most vulnerable in society. But today, these two members of staff

at a private care home in west London were found guilty of 'rough,

unkind and cruel" behaviour towards residents. The actions only came to

light after an agency care worker secretly filmed the abuse, which

showed Sonika Limbu and Pashi Sahota mistreating patients. Today,

they both avoided prison - and were given community orders, as Marc

Ashdown reports. Exposed, the brutal treatment of

patients - Pashi Sahota on the right physically attacks a

vulnerable woman. He's clearly very distressed. Many of these residents

have dementia. Here an old man was restrained. Today they were both

sentenced, 200 hours of community service for Sohota on the left and

150 for Limbu, both escaping jail. He also prosecuted the Polish

worker. Here, a resident was roughly treated. It may have

continued. Very sad and angry that anybody could treat somebody else

like that. These are very vulnerable people, and everybody

deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. The judge said the

victims of the abuse should have been cared for and were failed

miserably. He described the general manager at the time as "wholly

unfit". She has now been suspended. He condemned the 11-strong

committee that runs Dormers Wells for shocking training when it comes

to management and staff. Residents can pay up to �25,000 a year. The

Care Quality Commission is supposed to regulate. They told us they have

made four inspections in 14 months, the latest in January, still

raising concerns in three out of five basic standards - not good

enough, say some. Ultimately, they had a duty of care to the residents

in that care home to not only have highlighted what was going wrong,

but to make sure it was put right and quickly. I think they have

failed in their responsibles there, so we should be holding the Care

Quality Commission responsible for their failures in terms of what

took place in the care home. The chair of the management

committee was in court. described it as shocking. We're

complying with everything at the moment. We intend to comply.

you gain tee this won't happen again? As a management community,

we're taking a stronger view of the homes itself.

The CQC tell us they'll is make spot checks, as will Ealing Council,

to make sure nothing like this can ever be allowed to happen again.

There is lots more to come this evening, including:

Turning old buffet cars into new carriages - plans to ease

congestion on busy commuter routes. Managing the multi-billion-pound

budget for the 2012 Games was always going to be a monumental

task. But today MP's said they were "staggered" that initial estimates

for the cost of providing security were so wrong. Our Olympics

correspondents Adrian Warner is at the Olympic Park for us now. Adrian,

these were strong words from MPs on the Public Accounts Committee

today? Some people think this is 2012os

biggest blund sore far. They have had seven years to go to all of

those other Olympics in Vancouver and Beijing and look at security in

the venues. Originally they had it budgeted around �280 million. Now

it's up to �533 million, and they need a thousand more guards to make

it work in the Olympic Park. Now, that's not going to impress the

public, and it's certainly not impressed MPs, and the committee

that's responsible for making sure taxpayers' money is spent correctly.

Very late in the day they decided to double the number of security

guards. They now want instead of 10,000, 23,000. They're locked into

a contract with good,4S. They're now spending over half a billion

pounds on that contract. We have real questions over whether or not

the taxpayers are getting value for money. Will they go with the budget,

or have they got enough of a buffer? Well, 2012 say they needed

to look at all the testaments to work out the actual costings. The

Government in public is saying, yes, we agree with that. Privately, when

you talk to Ministers, though, they're a bit frustrated about what

they regard as a bit of a mess, but generally the Government thinks it

has enough money to get through the Games, that �9.3 million. They say

if everything goes wrong, they still have �100 millions left. They

feel they're still on time and on budget. What do you think will

happen? There are loads of figures going around - 10 billion, �11

billion. We were reporting this two or three years ago because we know

every Olympics before always spends more on security than anticipated.

The fact is I don't think London is going to be any different. Thank

you very much for that. One of the major costs in the

security budget will be protecting the Olympic torch as it travels

around London in the build-up to the Games. Tom Symonds has been

given exclusive access to the Metropolitan police officer who are

being trained to make sure the tour goes smoothly, as they have been

told to look out for attention seekers as well as violent

protesters. 70 days, 80 miles, 8,000 torch

bearers, a nationwide event the police know they have to protect,

whoever gets in the way. We want to be prepared. We want to be thinking

ahead. We want to be ensuring that this is the event that the people

taking part in the relay want it to be. This training exercise was

testing the security bubble that'll surround the torch - cyclists,

motorcycle outriders, a BBC camera vehicle, and finally, the team of

police officers around the torch itself, picked for their fleetness

of foot. More torch security officers will

be used in cities or when the police have intelligence when

something like this - what they're calling an intenvention, might

happen. What's that everyone wants to avoid - in 2008 before the beige

Olympics, the former Blue Peter presenter Connie Huck was carrying

the flame when protestify Tibet protesters made a grab for it. It

was foiled by the Chinese and London coppers. We're working with

forces around the country, who are doing a sthak job. It's their jobs

to look after the streets, keep the roads safe. The threats simulated

today were low level, but the risk is not underestimated. The torch

route is long and well publicised. A full dress rehearsal for the

relay will take place next month. Scotland Yard say they've formally

identified the headless torso discovered in the Regent's Canal in

Hackney as that of the former East Enders actress Gemma McCluskie. The

29-year-old disappeared from Bethnal Green last week. A 35-year-

old man - believed to be her brother Tony - is being questioned

by police about her death. A former teaching assistant from East London

has been jailed for five years for helping to fund terrorism in Africa.

Shabaaz Hussain from Stepney, gave thousands of pounds to friends

who'd allegedly become involved in terrorism activities in Somalia.

Police gathered evidence against the 28 year-old as they secretly

recorded conversations he had in his car. They also found extremist

material in the flat he shared with his parents and brother. Gareth

Furby reports. It was from this block of flats in Stepny �10,000

was collected. We don't know who gave the money because false names

were used but it ended up in Somalia, destined, the Old Bailey

heard, for terrorism purposes. Shabaaz Hussain, a former teaching

assistant, sent the money to three friends who had left the country.

The court heard to join terrorist activities in Somalia. When police

searched his flat on this estate, they found jihadist manifestos and

26 files of speeches by the radical cleric Abu Hamza. This afternoon,

community leaders stressed they did not support this action. We don't

allow these things. We don't believe in terrorists. We don't

want anybody to be like a terrorist. We're a normal Muslim. We like to

live in this country peacefully. Muslim is not terrorist. But the

court heard three friends had responded to an appeal for

volunteers from the Somalian insurgent group Alshab ab. One

researcher says some Londoners are being targeted, although no-one

knows how many have gone. Government has put an estmath mat

down saying 50 British citizens are fighting for As l Shabaab. A

terrorist organisation like that will not publish how many fighters

it has because it might jeopardise them on the ground. Even if one or

two may go because they're misguided because they feel they

have grievances, if we don't deal with them, that's a problem. We

don't want to lose one or even two or a small number of young people

going to places like that. defence lawyer says he only wanted

to help his friends with their living costs and only suspected it

might help terrorism, but the judge disagreed, saying he knew what the

money would fund, and he was jailed for five years, three months.

Passengers on some of Britain's most overcrowded trains are finally

getting extra carriage space. First Great Western, which runs services

into and out of London Paddington - have decided to convert redundant

buffet-cars to provide extra seating for passengers. But as Paul

Clifton has been finding out, it still doesn't mean everyone will

get the chance to take the weight off their feet. Here's the problem

- all the ten most overcrowded trains in the country are run by

First Great Western. Passenger groups say it is becoming

intolerable. How often do you get a seat? Well, since the beginning of

the year four times. One of those times was at 10.00pm at night. I

suppose that doesn't count. Every day you're lucky if you do get a

seat. You're constantly banging against people and everything. You

have to be ruthless and push people out of the way, yeah, it's a

nightmare. Here's First Great Western's

solution - it is taking all the old redundant buffet cars it can find.

At Kilmarnock in Scotland, these vehicles are being stripped back to

bare metal and refurbished with high-density airline-style seating.

We're going to put 84 seats in here so they can use them for the

Olympics so there is more space, more seating capacity for people.

When they're finished, these will be added to existing trains, making

the busiest services one carriage longer. Together with other rolling

stock, they'll increase rush hour capacity on the First Great Western

by 9%. By the time the Olympic Games take place this summer, the

vast majority of those carriages will be in traffic for our

customers. # This is the age #

Of the train! The trains were built more than 35 years ago. They're the

oldest long-distance trains in the country. These extra carriages will

make life easier on Britain's most overcrowded trains, but they won't

mean that everyone gets a see. Growth on the Great Western is so

fast, they'll absorb less than three years' increase in passengers.

They'll only stop the journey becoming even more overcrowded for

Still to come: We speak to the man with a vital role in the London

Games, and ask how he'll cope with the Olympic pressure.

And I'll be talking about Sweeney It's an unlikely friendship,

spanning both sides of the Atlantic, but that's exactly what's happened

between the girls at a state secondary school in Islington, and

the American First Lady in the White House, Michelle Obama. After

their first meeting three years ago, they kept in touch. And, this

weekend a dozen pupils are heading over to Washington. Nick Beake

reports. And has everyone packed? The school

library today, the Oval Office tomorrow. On a trip like none other.

Not many people get to go to the bite house. This is a very special

opportunity. I really feel excited. I am speechless actually. You know

when it is -- what it is like when an old friend invite you to visit.

The first lady of the United States of America. This incredible bond

with Michelle Obama was forged in 2009 when the First Lady visited

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School. All you are precious and you touch

my heart. It is important for the World to know that there are

wonderful goals like you all over the world. Last year, she invited

pupils to meet her again at Oxford University. Our job, as women, is

to envision ourselves as feeders. This time, 12 pupils will fly to

Washington to meet a top politicians and business leaders.

1200 goals wanted to go. We had to fill out an application form, to

inspire -- to answer questions, what makes a good leader, how you

have shown leadership skills. And I answered each of those questions. I

said Mary Curie inspired me. Maybe we can go shopping! There is some

shopping. A bit of fun, next to a lot of work. And of course they

will meet again the woman who has made such a big impact. I am much

more inspired and determined to get to where I want in the future. She

has opened many doors for me. seems this is one special

relationship that is going from strength to strength.

Sport, and Mark Bright is here. You've been learning Spanish with

one of Chelsea's star young players?

Quite a week for Chelsea. Things are settling down on the pitch. I

met one of their young, of rising stars. Having English lessons since

he came over from Spain. This week, he went to south west London to

teach pupils some Spanish. The learning a new language is

never easy but when a Chelsea footballer is teaching you,

suddenly it is more exciting. Pupils at this premier school in

Fulham have been taking part in the Chelsea kick-start Spanish project,

inspiring kids to learn the language. This week, year for were

able to show off their skills to a very special guest. This Chelsea

midfielder. He may be a football star, but even he has to make time

for the classroom to improve his English. I am from Spain, I have

another language. I want to learn better in that lessons. Maybe twice

or three times a week with our teacher. Following the sacking of

the Chelsea manager last week, he admits life at Stamford Bridge has

been tough. We still can do it. We have to believe. Back to the

classroom and time for his teaching skills to be put to the test. Estoy.

I can't say it. I think I'll leave the rest of the talking to the

experts. The THEY SPEAK SPANISH. Adios! Let's stick to English! The

he was really good that day with the kids. It is great seeing a

young footballer in schools, inspiring them.

And Chelsea are at home to Stoke tomorrow. Are they fighting back?

If they win tomorrow, they go level with Arsenal. A must-win game for

them midweek. At the weekend, they played Leicester in the quarter-

finals of the FA Cup. The most important week for Chelsea.

I understand Tottenham are in talks about a new deal for manager Harry

Redknapp? We have heard Tottenham are in discussion for a new deal

with Harry Redknapp. We know he is the favourite to become next

England manager. This is seen as an attempt by the Spurs chairman --

chairman. One to watch. Away from football: It's the World

Indoor Athletics Championships. Who should we be keeping an eye on?

are watching moe farrow in the studio this afternoon -- we were

watching Mo Farah. The final is on Sunday. Ahead of the London

Olympics, we're trying to encourage more youngsters into officiating at

athletics events. His big events can't happen without

the officials. Imagine being the man who fires the starting pistol

at the 100 metres final? That job goes to Alan Bell. We went to meet

him. Hears the track world's most

trusted man with a starting pistol. Alan Bell pulled the trigger,

launching that lightning bolt in Berlin three years ago. I have

started world records before but that was an exceptional piece of

athletics history. He didn't break the world record, he blew it away.

You play a very small part in history. He has seen the highs and

lows, fast forward to that false start last year. The false start

was so obvious to everyone. He had his best thrown onto the track

before I had even announced, would you disqualify the athlete in a

lane number five. He has been a starter at major athletics events

for many years but this will be his first Olympics. Working with the

Youth Sport Trust, he gears and -- at a masterclass. Through sessions

like this, the trust is aiming to encourage more young people to

consider officiating at sporting events. You are a vital part of the

sport. More and more, the athletes appreciate it. I have been

fortunate to attend numerous championships throughout the world,

two Olympic Games as a competing athletes. Those experiences have

been absolutely made as successful as they have been through the

volunteers, the officials. Alan Bell is fired up as a top official

this summer. To be chief starter at the Olympic Games for my own

country, it doesn't get any better. The Sweeney Todd is a gory tale,

which draws on all that was dark and sinister in olde London town.

Now, the multi-award winning lyricist and composer Stephen

Sondheim is bringing his version of the musical to the West End. Our

entertainment correspondent caught up with him, and the star, Michael

Ball, ahead of tomorrow's opening night. # Pretty women... The demon

barber of Fleet Street let loose on the west End stage and the

legendary composer was in town to lend his support ahead of opening

night. Is it true you saw it as almost a

love letter to the capital? West Side story, I fell in love with

London when I came over. I have been an angler far ever since. It

attracted me to doing this, when I saw the Stratford East production.

To write in London musical. That is exactly why I did it. I was brought

up on London 1940s, the movies I saw. It was, to me, it has always

been very romantic, mysterious, filled with menace, surprise.

have been many adaptations of the great work, including this film

version by Tim Burton which surprisingly impressed the composer.

He has a huge admiration for London's latest Demon Barber,

Michael Barr -- Michael Ball. Is it true you initiated this happening?

Because I thought it was a masterpiece. And I did love to have

played the part. And I wanted to see it in a big theatre with a

large company, with an orchestra that will play music as I think he

originally intended. It is one of the goriest of musical productions.

Does the fake blood caused a nightmare? It can do. It is sugar

paste. I were a bit off, it is sticky. We had one chap who stuck

to the chair! Would you ever finally consider writing songs not

for musical theatre? If you were approached by a singer? First of

all, that kind of music is the kind I can -- it isn't the kind I can

Let's take a look at the weather with Peter. It was very great today,

is that they signed for the weekend? It has been disappointing.

The weather will make it up to us this weekend, we will get some blue

skies. In fact, we have some warm spring sunshine to look forward to

on Saturday and Sunday. At the moment, there is still a little bit

of drizzle. A few cracks in the cloud cover overnight. More cloud

than a clear sky. Turning misty as well. With that cloud, it won't be

a cold night, 10 Celsius. A grey start to the weekend. The skies

will brighten up quite quickly. Then, sunny spells for the

afternoon. Lifting the temperature in-town to around 16 Celsius. It

will be a pleasant enough afternoon at Upton Park if you are watching

West Ham. Mark reckons they should win. On Sunday, similar whether to

Saturday. Once again we will have some sunshine. Top temperatures

will get into the teens. The high pressure keeping us dry all weekend

looks as though it will keep us dry next week. However, it does look as

though things will turn a little bit colder, with night frosts later

in the week. For the weekend, as I say, some more sunshine to look for

two. But it won't feel quite so warm on Monday and Tuesday.

Gardeners, watch out for the Frost A look at tonight's main headlines.

Italy's president has condemned Britain for failing to tell him,

before launching a rescue mission to free two men who were being held

hostage in Nigeria. Chris McManus and Franco Lamolinara

were killed, as UK Special Forces and the Nigerian military attempted

to free them. David Cameron has been setting out plans to speed up

the adoption process in England, and remove what he says are the

"absurd barriers" to mixed race adoptions.

Two workers at a care home in west London have been found guilty of

mistreating patients. Sonika Limbu and Pashi Sahota were told their

behaviour to patients at the Domers Wells Lodge in Southall was "rough,

unkind and cruel". MPs have expressed concern about

the final overall cost of staging the Olympics. The Public Accounts

Committee says it's staggered the estimates for the security budget