27/02/2012 Midlands Today

Welcome to Midlands Today. 5th murdered in his own home after

years of burglaries, now his killer must serve at least 22 years.

�1.50 a litre, the most expensive diesel in the country.

If they do not do something, we will be looking at �1.55, possibly

even �1.70 a litre for diesel. If a documentary inspired by a

Birmingham charity wins an Oscar. We do not normally associate

Balsall Heath with Los Angeles, but now there is that connection, so it

is pretty exciting. And how Emily's prayers held West

Brom end their home hoodoo with a Welcome to Monday's Midlands Today.

Tonight, jail for a burglar who preyed on a disabled pensioner.

Cory Youlden had been released from prison just three months before he

throttled 83-year-old Paul Cox in his home in Worcestershire. He will

serve at least 22 years. His victim, a retired engineer, had

been put it -- persistently targeted by burglars. The judge

described his murder as a savage attack on an elderly victim.

A few days short of his 84th birthday, Paul Cox was frail,

partially sighted and entirely vulnerable. For 30 years and

Engineer at Caprice in Bournville, he lived alone at Rednal, south of

Birmingham, amid some of clutter, but proudly self-sufficient. --

Cadbury's. A burglar 60 years his junior showed him to death.

He was fiercely independent, wanted to stay in his own home and

continue driving. But Cory Youlden is a vicious, brutal, violent

criminal who very much deserves to spend a long time behind bars.

Youlden, aged 23 and from Frankley, has a string of convictions. When

the elderly homeowner challenged him after breaking in, he grabbed

him by the neck. After strangling Paul Cox, Cory Youlden stole his

car keys, some loose change and some groceries. It is the third or

4th time Mr Cox has been burgled. To see him like that is not nice.

His next door neighbour raised the alarm, and is still staggered by

the violence of his friend's death. What can you say about that? I

don't know the bloke, but something must be wrong with him to do a

thing like that. 3 Youlden try to take cover his

tracks, but left to Prince around the window and footprints on the

carpet. -- fingerprints. His daughter spoke of their loss.

The perpetrator again to nothing, but his son and daughter lost a

loving father, his grand daughter and grandson have lost their

devoted grandad. Youlden, pictured buying flowers

the next morning, admitted murder. He will serve a minimum of 22 years.

Today's case follows high-profile attacks on people in their own

homes in recent times. Giuseppe and Catalina Massaro were murdered

during a burglary in Wolverhampton last year. And Avtar and Carol

Kolar were killed in their house in Birmingham in January.

Brian Senior is the divisional manager of Victim Support and

joined us now. Our elderly people concerned that the sort of attacks

on the rise? The fear of crime is an individual

thing. Whereas the actual reality can be very different.

Statistically, the research has shown that older people are less

likely to become a victim of crime than younger people. The young man

between 16 and 34 is the most likely victim.

What effect does hearing of these crimes have on older people?

Is obviously created via, and the impact is varying from person-to-

person. -- it obviously creates fear. As I have said, we must

stress that all the people are less likely to be victims.

If so they should not be as fearful as they might be?

What impact does actually having a burglary have on all the people?

The impact is very different. A particularly if someone is living

alone, or if they have physical or mental health issues. Burglar's

particularly affect people when something of sentimental value is

taken. Invading someone's personal space is a terrible thing, and at

Victim Support, we are always working with people who have been

the victim of these attacks. Still ahead, thousands of people

left without water, an investigation is under way into how

a main supply pipe came to be Fuel prices are soaring again. Next

month's budget could see another rise. One filling station near

Coventry was charging �1.50 a litre Ford diesel today, a monster the

dearest in the country. The cost has almost doubled from

the price that led to fuel protests 12 years ago. Joining us is our

Transport Correspondent. Why exactly our prices going up again?

The problem is a threat from Iran to blockade a vital trade route. It

is said about 40% of the world's oil uses that route, and there is a

worry about a lack of supply a now. What has the impact been on the

forecourt? Prices seem to be rising daily in

some places. These are pictures we found earlier. One service station

on the M6 was selling diesel at a staggering �1.50 per litre. But as

you can see, there is no lack of people filling up. Nearby, we found

another filling station, also that -- also branded Shell, and it was

selling it 9p cheaper. We asked drivers what they thought of the

price rises. It is a bit ridiculous, because

when you go on holiday, to Spain or Europe, you see the difference in

the prices. You know we are paying the majority in tax.

Filling up your car just seems to go up and up.

It is very difficult. IMA chef, and I have to travel 26 miles to work

every day. It had to stop, I had to quit my job before Christmas just

because of petrol. Could we see more rises in the

Budget next month? The Chancellor postponed a six

pence rise last year, and the Budget could clear the rise for

that to happen. Tax and VAT amounts to 60% of the price we pay at the

pub, and motoring journalists we have been speaking to say enough is

enough. In the next few months we will see

it going up and up, and it has gone up 15% in the last month. The

Treasury are saying we cannot cut to duty, but we have to adjust for

us to stand still. If they do not do something, will be looking at

�1.55, possibly even �1.70 a litre for diesel, which will cripple the

economy. With predictions of �1.70 a litre,

perhaps it is time to dust of the bicycle!

Among the Oscars at last night's a glittering ceremony, is one

inspired by the work of a Birmingham charity.

It tells the story of women in Pakistan are left scarred by acid

attacks. There are some disturbing images in this report.

Glitz, glamour, celebrity. The Oscars celebrate the best of the

movie industry. But his is not all about the Blockbuster. -- it is not

Saving Face, the story of survivors of acid violence, one that best

documentary. -- won Best Short Documentary.

This is the place that inspired the film makers.

We had some great tweets from people.

Messages have been coming in to it Islamic Help.

We do not always associate Balsall Heath with Los Angeles, but now

there is that connection. It is exciting.

For since 1995, Islamic Help has held over 1000 people who have been

victims of acid attacks. We had five people being held by

their mothers, in their arms, and there can be any reason from a

husband not been happy with cooking to malicious allegations of having

an affair. It was in a split second that

everything changed. Victim Support's ambassador is

Katie Price, -- Katie Piper, who was guard when an ex-boyfriend

arranged for acid to be thrown in her face.

It is not Victim Support or any of the -- it is not Islamic Help that

wins, it is the people who need help.

They aim to expand to Africa and Asia.

A consultant at Birmingham City Council today added to the

government's problems over their controversial reforms of the NHS.

He persuaded his professional body, the Royal College of Physicians,

with 15,000 members, to hold an extraordinary general meeting.

Today, 89% of members backed him in opposing the bill. Dr David Nicholl

trickled think -- triggered the meeting following concerns over the

stance the body was taking. Yesterday, he clashed with a

Conservative MP on our Sunday Politics showed.

Everyone has got to their view, but a lot of the doctors who are

already applying these reforms as far as they are able to under the

current rules, in my area of Dudley, are finding them extremely

beneficial. If it is right that we start to make decisions about

people's care closer to the patient and their family, and that is what

the reforms are designed to do. Let's talk to Dr David Nicholl now.

Do you really think at this stage the government will budge despite

the vote against the bill by your colleagues?

Yes, I do, and I do not think this Bill will go through, not because

of any action by David Cameron and Andrew Lansley, it is up to us. One

of the suggestions was that all the consultants should call in their

local MPs on a Friday to pass on their views about the NHS bill.

What are the main concerns? There are so many. What is a major

one? We will start with commissioning.

Real worries about that process. There is the potential for major

conflicts of interest, and you are introducing extra levels of

bureaucracy. You think this would be bad for

patients? Appalling for patients, and risking

more expensive health care with worse outcomes.

The NHS does need reform, most people agree that. What changes do

you think should be made? There are three things that need to

change. People are living longer, we have an obesity epidemic --

epidemic, and more expensive drugs. Severn Trent Water has apologised

after 12,000 customers were left without water following a major

leak. A burst main last night meant families had no running water for

more than 12 hours. The company says it is trying to establish how

it happened. Ted Barnwell's surrounded by dirty

clothes and crockery. The dishwasher and washing machine

deprived of water. Ted's supply was cut at 9pm last night, his morning

cuppa came from a bottle, and he was forced to stock up. We did not

get a bath or shower. Normally you will get a warning about this. My

friend has a freezer which is controlled by water. He has had to

throw all his food away. A quarter of a mile away in a farmer's field

Severn Trent Engineers are excavating. Below a 12 inch wide

water main has burst. While there was no flooding, there has been

wide disruption. 12,000 homes in Frankley, Rubery and Rednall lost

their supplies. We recognised this is a big disruption to our

customers. We wish to apologise. Rest assured, our engineers are

working round the clock to get this fixed. Five schools were also

affected. They were taking -- they were forced to take the difficult

decision to close today. Ted Barnwell's supply was restored late

this afternoon along with the remainder of households. The cause

of this leak is unclear. Profits at Severn Trent fell slightly last

year on the back of successive cold spells causing broken pipes. During

the same period, customer complaints rose by 16%.

Still to come tonight: How children are being taught the value of

saving instead of getting into debt. And last week was a tough act to

follow but new week, new outlook and a fresh set of temperatures

that aren't all bad. Find out how mild it gets later.

A new disease affecting sheep and cattle is spreading across the

country and farmers are worried it may already be here, with reports

of a case of Schmallenberg virus in Gloucestershire. The disease has

spread from the continent and causes particular problems for

pregnant ewes, making lambing time, which is coming very soon,

particularly worrying for farmers. Our Environment Correspondent joins

us now from a farm near Worcester. What causes this disease?

Well, this is spread from the Continent and the virus comes were

infected midges biting form animals here. It looks like this happened

last year. I am joined by a local former who can explain why this is

now up problem. The female sheep are having stillborn animals and

abortions. We are one month away from lambing and there are no

reports of problems in the West Midlands at this moment. Is there a

vaccine or a test for this? There is no vaccine, but they are testing

just now. Do you think this will become a problem like foot and

mouth? It is very hard to say at the moment. It is an emerging

situation. We hope that we can have another 12 months to get on top of

the problem. There is no sign that this disease can affect humans. 44

armourers, however, this is a nasty new disease. -- as far as farmers

are concerned, this is a nasty new disease.

The office of fair trading is to look again at capping interest

rates on so called payday loans which can sometimes reach an annual

rate of 4,000%. Meanwhile, one organisation is tackling debt in

another way. It is teaching the next generation the value of saving.

With average household debt in the UK, excluding mortgages, now

standing at �8,000, the Six Towns credit union in west Bromwich is

working with local schools to try to encourage children to become

savers rather than borrowers in the future. At Hall Green School, the

scheme has been enthusiastically welcomed by staff and pupils.

have been saving because most of my family are in Pakistan and I want

to go and see them. I am saving up for my passport. I am saving up to

build a new rabbit hutch. credit union is owned by its savers

and borrowers who become shareholders and it is hoped the

school initiative will encourage parents to follow the example of

their children and save up for the things they want rather than take

out loans which many then struggle to repay. My son comes to the

school and I've never saved. And I've started saving for Christmas

and that takes a big chunk off credit cards and overdrafts so as a

parent as well it's done me a favour. As well as working in

schools Six towns credit union has also stepped into the payday loan

market offering short-term loans to its members at greatly reduced

interest rates to those found online and on the high street.

Their initiative comes at a time when the office of fair trading has

promised to look again at demands for interest rates to be capped.

And you can see more on that and other ways to borrow money on

Inside Out tonight at 7:30pm on BBC One. Also on tonight's programme,

they investigate the growing problem of dog-fighting.

Now the sport. Sing before you are winning, it

would seem there is the secret! None of our teams delivered a

better result than West Bromwich Albion. And no-one was more

delighted than Emily Badger. Ten minutes before kick-off, Emily's

singing brought the crowd to its feet. And the players responded by

scoring four against Sunderland. 9:30am this morning. And I've

joined the year seven art class at St Michael's High in Rowley Regis.

Teacher Miss Quadir has put me next to Emily Badger who soon revealed

what an exciting weekend she'd had. The Lord is My Shepherd. I will not

want. Emily's job was to get the crowd in fine voice before kick-off.

And singing the Baggies favourite hymn in front of 25,000 fans proved

no problem for this talented 12 year old from Tividale. How were

you feeling? I was tingling in my belly. The fans were quiet and they

were waving their scarves. I was proud and I enjoyed it. The fans

weren't the only ones impressed by Emily's singing. Listening in the

tunnel, the Albion players felt the hairs rising on the back of their

necks. And suitably inspired went necks. And suitably inspired went

on to score four past Sunderland -- Back at St Michael's, today's

art class was almost over. But not before Miss Quadir had dished out

four gold merits for arguably the finest work of original art she has

ever seen. And Emily Badger would love the chance to repeat her

match-winning performance against Chelsea on Saturday.

Well done to Emily. For 45 minutes on Saturday, it

seemed Wolves' change of manager would make no difference to their

Premier League fortunes. But Terry Premier League fortunes. But Terry

Connor's first half-time team talk must have been impressive because

it inspired his players to a dramatic comeback.

After 13 years at Wolves, Terry Connor has seen most things. But

this was a day for fresh experiences. Centre of attention

for the fans and media before kick- off, a first manager's handshake

too. But some things still haven't changed and Wolves were behind

inside five minutes at Newcastle. When that quickly became two, the

managerial gum was getting chewed twice as fast in the technical area.

But while owner Steve Morgan spent half-time wondering whether he had

made the right decision, down in the dressing-room Connor was making

his mark. A reinvigorated team got back into the game early in the

second half through Matt Jarvis. And when Kevin Doyle poked home the

equaliser, the fans could barely believe what they were seeing. But

when the final whistle went, it was when the final whistle went, it was

all smiles on a day which gave him an excellent start to life in the

hot-seat. Revealing the team was new territory for me. It was

strange not to give advice to someone else but to make the

someone else but to make the decisions myself. But it went

really well. Stoke City ended a recent poor run in the Premier

League with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Swansea. Matthew Upson

and Peter Crouch scoring in the first half for a first win in five

league games. But the natives are getting restless at Aston Villa.

The travelling supporters jeered manager Alex McLeish during the

goalless draw at bottom of the table Wigan. And to make matters

worse, striker Darren Bent was stretchered off with an ankle

injury which threatens another injury which threatens another

major blow to their season. Aston Villa have confirmed in the

last few minutes that Darren Bent has ruptured ankle ligaments and is

has ruptured ankle ligaments and is unlikely to play again this season.

Coventry City's hopes of surviving relegation from the Championship

were raised with a dramatic late winner at the weekend. Clive Platt

struck deep into injury time to give the Sky Blues a 1-0 win over

Barnsley. Coventry remain in the bottom three but manager Andy Thorn

bottom three but manager Andy Thorn believes it could prove to be a

season-changing game for them. And you can see all the Football

League goals on Late Kick Off on BBC One at 11pm this evening. That

includes the action from the crucial promotion game between

Shrewsbury Town and Crawley tonight. The game is live on BBC Radio

Shropshire from 7pm. By the way, Emily Badger is

appearing in The King and I next month. And don't be surprised if

one or two Albion fans go along to support her at Wolverhampton Grand

Theatre. Good luck to her. What ago. -- what

a girl. Urban nature reserves dotted across

the region are to benefit from millions of pounds of grants.

Campaign groups are delighted. They say pockets of green surrounded by

motorways, factories and housing, host a rich variety of wildlife

including red deer and even otters. Industrialisation has taken its

toll on the landscape in Birmingham and the Black Country. There was a

quarry here on the Rowley Hills near Oldbury until 30 years ago.

But from today the site is part of one of the Government's Nature

Improvement Areas. A grant of nearly three quarters of a million

pounds should pave the way for millions to be spent enticing

wildlife to the West Midlands. one of the things that will be

happening will be that we will control Hawthorn Scrubs. In 20

years' time, you can come and see a fantastic array of butterflies.

Moorcroft Wood near Wednesbury. Blast furnaces once stood here. Now

it is populated with trees, filled with birdsong and treasured by the

community. The type of conservation project the Environment Secretary

wants to see more of. One of the things about launching the nature

improvement areas today is that recognition that we can restore it

and make it better. We want to be the first generation that leaves

the countryside in a better state than we inherited it. The money

will be used to clean up waterways and restorer wasteland which has

been ruined by industrialisation. What an amazing weekend it was for

weather. Will it continue? It is still February, soon to be

It is still February, soon to be March and nature is still pushing

for Spring. It is another reasonably mild one this week with

an early peak in temperatures, but it will be rather cloudy and at

times damp although with high pressure in place once again, the

picture is mostly dry and any rain that we do get will be kept to a

minimum which isn't going to be best news for some people. We can

see that today and tonight the rain moves away to the South East. A

mixture of mist and cloud there, but very mild indeed. Temperatures

will be dropping to a minimum of eight degrees. Fairly mild start

tomorrow. Again, we're caught under cloud and mist which will gradually

left through the morning. If we get any brightness, it will be in the

east of the region. We're hoping tomorrow will be the mildest day of

the week. The days ammonite largely resemble each other. -- the days

and the nights. We're looking at highs of 12 degrees. The brightness

will largely be in the east. On will largely be in the east. On

Friday, the wins will turn white. - Lot of people were eating outside

this weekend. A look at tonight's main headlines:

Charlotte Church wins �600,000 from Rupert Mudoch's News Group over the

phone hacking scandal. And targeted by burglars. The

killer of a vulnerable pensioner is jailed for at least 22 years.