09/12/2011 Spotlight

A widow's anger after the man who killed her husband at this bus stop

is released from prison after just two years.

Good evening. Christine Seamen's husband died in a violent attack.

She says the killer should still be behind bars.

Also tonight: Damning criticism of the MOD. It is under fire for

failures over armoured vehicles; the father of one dead soldier says

the front line was let down. All they wanted for Christmas was

to be reunited. Today that wish came true as HMS Ocean returned

home. And they have never failed to

brighten up the festive season. The 1960s fairy lights still going

strong. Killer Alec Pearn was jailed for

six years, but after just two years he walked free today. It is a

decision which has angered and appalled the victims of his crime.

Pearn killed Peter Seaman in the Cornish village of Dobwalls in 2008.

Peter's widow, Christine, says she will forever hate the man who took

her husband of 40 years from her. She was speaking exclusively to our

Home Affairs Correspondent. Peter Seaman was taking his dog for

a walk when he was killed, beaten around the head with a piece of

wood. Alec Pearn was the killer. Today, he was released from prison

having served just over two years. It is not enough. The system should

be changed. People will not put up with that. The victim is treated

like the criminal. That is how I felt. I felt it was me that had

done something wrong, not him. Peter was passing a bus stop in his

home village. Alec Fern was blocking the pavement with his legs.

Peter asked him to move and there was an argument. He was sentenced

to six years. Jorge he spent two years and four months in prison.

The Ministry of Justice told us they're changing sentencing policy

to ensure criminals are properly punished. All serious, violent or

sexual offenders will serve a longer term of their sentence.

There has been no official response about the release. The police

wanted the public to know exactly how long he had served in public --

had served in prison. The widow told me of her feelings about Alec

Pearn being out in time for Christmas. It makes me sick in the

stomach. He can spend Christmas with his family. I hate him. I

still hate him. I hate him as much as I did then. I will never forgive

him. I will never forget what he has done. In memorial stone is due

to be laid in the grounds of the village hall next year.

The father of a Devon soldier who died in Afghanistan says his

criticisms of the MoD over the armoured vehicles it uses on the

front line have been vindicated. An influential committee of MPs says

more than �1 billion has been spent since 1998 on a procurement process

that hasn't delivered a single military vehicle. Ian Sadler whose

son Jack died four years ago says it shows the chaos of a flawed

system. It is four years since Jack Sadler

was killed when his Land Rover was blown up by a mine. He was leading

a convoy when it was blown apart. His father who lives in Exmouth has

maintained that better protection was required. If we add these

vehicles, it would mean that soldiers would not have to detect

mines on fit for. Today, a committee found shortcomings in the

procurement process at the MoD. It found �10 billion has been removed

from the armoured vehicle budgets. That left 5 billion, which is not

enough to pay for all the programs that are planned. I think

government of all colours are to blame. But what is at the heart of

this is the culture within the Ministry of Defence that they

always try and buy more than they can afford and the always gold

plate what they want to buy, which becomes more expensive. In a

statement, the defence minister said the armoured vehicle programme

had been left in a mess when the previous government. He said that

vehicles had been delivered. He also said that more money was being

invested since May of last year. �350 million, which would see

another vehicle delivered to a Afghanistan shortly. Ian Sadler

says the report shows that those on the front line were sold short.

obviously had money in a pot for these vehicles. -- they. But it was

Robert to pay for other projects and it meant our soldiers went

without the correct kind of protection. Ian hoped the report

will bring changes. -- hopes. A survey on behalf of the

homelessness charity Crisis has found that 30% of people in the

South West are worried they might lose their homes because of the

current economic crisis. The figure is significantly above the national

average. Gritters will be out in the region

tonight treating main roads and other key routes as surface

temperatures are expected to dip below zero. More than 2,000 miles

of road will be gritted in Devon and Cornwall along with routes to

Derriford Hospital and the streets leading to the Torpoint Ferry.

A Cornish charity is looking for donations to help the elderly and

vulnerable people over the next few months. Staff at the Cornwall

Community Foundation say they are worried a spell of cold weather

like last year could prove fatal for some, so they're hoping people

will donate all or part of their Winter Fuel Allowance to their

Surviving Winter Appeal. Developers in parts of the south

west may soon have to pay what critics are calling a new roof tax

to fund essential projects like roads, railway stations and schools.

The proposals have been drawn up by government and now local

authorities are asking everyone what they think about the idea. The

levy could raise tens of millions of pounds. In Exeter alone, it

could generate up to �300 million over the next 15 years. Our

Environment Correspondent reports. When work starts on a new

development, there is usually a need for new services to accompany

the extra housing, supermarkets or offices being constructed. In the

past, that has been provided by a 106 agreement. Developers would pay

towards schools, libraries, swimming pools and road junctions.

Now that is about to change. Some have called this a roof tax.

existing building is very old. It is leaking. This woman is an

architect who hoped the new levy could be used to help develop this

elderly community site. She says the levy could be better than the

old way of doing things. Whatever they're doing, developers have to

admit that it is having an impact on the surroundings. They have to

help communities. There has to be some sort of contribution. Of are

the next 15 years, they hope to raise �300 million in Exeter.

is national legislation coming from a Tory government. It is a Labour

lead counsel in Exeter. We are looking at that and we're raising

the levy so that we can provide what residents here need.

Servicemen and women from Somerset travelled to London today to march

past Buckingham Palace and receive Afghan war medals from the Prince

of Wales. Members of the Yeovilton- based Commando Helicopter Force

have recently returned from a demanding and dangerous operation

in Afghanistan. Today their proud families were with them to

celebrate this special occasion. Our reporter was there.

From the heat and the dust of Afghanistan to a clear, crisp,

London morning. They arrived there were -- they arrived for royal

appointment at Clarence house with the Prince of Wales. He flew with

one of these squadrons in the 1970s. Very proud of him. Great to see

them being recognised. I met the Queen several years ago. Man are

have a photograph of me with Prince Charles. I am very proud. I was

honoured to be in the presence of so many brave men and women. It is

a really nice way to finish off a tour in Afghanistan. Deployment to

Afghanistan are always tough, often dangerous. Today, the chance for

Prince Charles to hear first-hand accounts. He asked me if I got shot

at. I said yes. I was working on the ground and during operations

there was incoming fire. Not a pleasant experience. But one that

they face every day. Thought turned to those still deployed overseas.

Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and the air. And the knowledge

that next year when some are back in Afghanistan, these royal state

rooms will seem a very, very long way away.

Senior figures in the renewable energy industry are calling for

hundreds more wind turbines here in the South West. They are responding

to the Government's recently- published Carbon Plan which aims to

produce 30% of the country energy from renewable sources by 2020. Our

Political Editor is here to tell us more.

The Government is talking about a mix of onshore and offshore

turbines. The industry thinks over time the balance will move towards

offshore, but for now we need some more onshore. We could see another

couple of hundred onshore turbines been increased in our region.

Looking further ahead, they say that wave power will be more useful.

It is currently in its infancy. They say that onshore wind is the

cheapest way of rolling out renewable energy.

Some people will be horrified by this idea.

Some think they look nice and help our energy needs. Other people

think they look ugly and don't think they are worth it. I

understand that the number of turbines in particular areas will

be smaller than at present. Possibly only three or four. We

will have more on this story on the Politics Show on Sunday at midday.

All the sport still ahead in the programme. We will meet the last

unsung hero in our final four. Sharon Hawkins from the Devon

Raqueteers. And making the most of Christmas

past. The fairy lights from the 1960s still burning brightly.

The Royal Navy ship which played a key role in the Libyan conflict

returned to her home port of Plymouth today. Hundreds lined the

quay to welcome home HMS Ocean. She had spent seven months at sea

during which time 15 babies were born to the families of crew

members. Our reporter was there. They set sail for seven weeks. This

morning, the crew of HMS Ocean came home. Seven months later. It is

nice to be home. There she is! On the quayside, hundreds were waiting.

Many barely able to contain themselves. Am so pleased that he

is coming home! The commanding officer was first off. Then the

reunions began. Really good to be back on British soil with my family.

His first deployment. Love to have them on. The carrier left port in

April for Libya. The amphibious assault ship went into action.

is wonderful to see everyone reunited with their families.

babies were born when the ship was away. It is all for having to leave

your child. It is wonderful to be back. The mother of the child also

works on the ship. And on maternity leave just now, but I will be back

next year. The vessel has sailed 40,000 miles. Now she is home and

the timing could not be better. Best Christmas present ever.

They're fantastic Christmas the deal is on our Facebook page. --

Christmas Eve the video. -- video. Time for the sport, and tonight we

complete the line-up of Unsung Hero finalists.

Torquay United tonight will move onto the same number of points as

the League Two play-off pack if they beat Barnet at Plainmoor. BBC

Radio Devon has full coverage with Alan Richardson. After a

fortnight's break, Exeter City hope to follow up their win over

Tranmere when they go to Leyton Orient who are one place below City

in League One. Yeovil Town look to ease their bottom four position by

beating Notts County at Huish Park. Plymouth Argyle can catch Bradford

City at the bottom of the Football League, but they will have to win

at Valley Parade in their first match since Peter Ridsdale's

departure to Preston. I think this team will genuinely

start winning matches regularly. From that point of view, I am

emotional that I am leaving behind the players we have just brought in.

But I have been given an opportunity I cannot turn down. It

is one I will relish and move on to pass just knew. -- pastures new.

In rugby, Exeter Chiefs resume their European Challenge Cup

campaign on Sunday tea-time when Celtic League side Newport-Gwent

Dragons come to Sandy Park. They hope Argentine Ignacio Mieres has

his kicking boots on again after landing all five penalties in last

weeks win over Worcester. After scoring six tries last weekend, the

Cornish Pirates seek a repetition of that form at Leeds on Sunday.

While Peter Drewett aims for his first win as Plymouth Albion coach

against Bristol at Brickfields tomorrow.

It has been a successful day for two South West sailors at the World

Championships in the Western Australian city of Perth. Three

times Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie, who plied his trade in

Cornwall, is in the lead overall. He is just ahead of Weymouth's

Giles Scott in the Finn class after race eight. Another Briton, Ed

Wright from Bournemouth, shares third place.

All this week, we have been meeting those special people you have

nominated as the unsung sporting heroes, those who work behind the

scenes to keep their clubs and organisations going. Tonight, we

meet the last of our four finalists, Sharon Hawkins. Three years ago,

she started coaching badminton to people in wheelchairs. Since then,

the Devon Racqueteers has become the biggest wheelchair badminton

club in the country. Our reporter has been to meet her.

This club has grown and grown. But it is not just about disabled

athletes performing at the top of the game. Sharon Hawkins came on

board several years ago. Now she coaches players at all standards.

We celebrate success at all levels. We have a beginners' class on a

Tuesday. Now we're training towards national championships. Four have

gone to the European Championships. We have one in Guatemala at the

World Championships. That shows how far we have come in the last year.

She takes on all of this work in her spare time. Starting a new

sport with a disability can be daunting. She has helped many of

the players get through it. I felt very comfortable to have a goal.

She makes it so easy to join in and be a part of the group. Without her,

the club would be nothing. Although there are other coaches, Sharon is

fantastic. Sharon has worked hard to raise awareness of the sport and

has visited schools and colleges to encourage those to take part.

is a shoulder to cry on. I have been involved in many different

sports and clubs. But this is so rewarding. You get another players

very well. Nothing seems to stop them. Sports like this have helped

many people with disabilities get out into the community and stay

active. Finally, it is a big weekend for

Plymouth Raiders in basketball. They pitch in new signing, Canadian

Jamal Williams, for the two-legged semi final of the BBL Cup against

Worcester Wolves. The away leg is tomorrow with the return at the

Pavilions on Sunday at 4pm. With Christmas a little over two

weeks away, many of us will have got our old decorations out of

storage and put up the tree by now. But one woman from Plymouth is

still using the same fairy lights she bought in the 1960s and, she

claims, she hasn't had to change a bulb once. Our reporter has the

story. These Christmas tree lights were

bought in 1969. Four to two years later, the still shine bright. The

honour paid �3 for them at Woolworths in Plymouth. I think

things were made stronger in those days. I heard recently that someone

else's lights broke after three days. I have been running mine for

one month every year ever since. She still has the replacement bulbs

that came with them but says she has not had to use them. Four to

two years and I have not had to change them. 1969 was the year Rolf

Harris had a Christmas number one with this song. And also man walked

on the whip -- and also a man walks on the moon. I have grown up with

these Christmas lights. They have always been there. As a child, they

were not that old. Of course, I was never allowed to put them up myself

would take them down. This, I believe, is why they have still

lasted. This is the original box that their Christmas tree came in.

It did say it was long-lasting! She says she will continue using the

lights as long as they are safe. Maybe they will last until they are

50 years old! They are the little bit of Christmas that just keeps on

giving. Brilliant! They are the same age as

Brilliant! They are the same age as me, but they are brighter!

Picked up your Christmas decorations this weekend! Feeling

like winter now. Widespread frost and the risk of some icy patches.

Frosty tonight, mainly dry and find tomorrow, there are more room for

Sunday. -- then more rain for Sunday. Quite a lot of clear sky

across as just now. A ridge of high pressure moving in over us. Some

wet weather on Sunday and it will be breezy. Apart from a couple of

showers, it is likely to turn very frosty. So there is a risk of ice

on roads and pavements. Up earlier on today, we found some blue sky.

And a very calm sea. We also had a good view of the setting sun in at

Truro. It has felt cold today. We have had a chilly breeze from the

north-west and we have struggled with the temperatures. Now the sun

has set and the skies are mostly clear, it is turning quite frosty.

We continue with the rest of a few showers. -- the risk. Possible ice

on untreated roads and pavements. Quite low temperatures, especially

for Somerset. Most of the day will be dry. Perhaps increasingly cloudy.

Temperatures will struggle. Generally low -- light winds. Here

are the times of high water. Winds generally fairly light through the

day, so there are a good conditions for surfing. Here is the coastal

waters forecast. Sunday is wet. Colder for Monday and Tuesday. Many

of the showers will turn increasingly wintry for Wednesday.

It certainly feels like winter is here now.

One viewer has e-mailed end to say that he has the same set of