23/01/2012 BBC Points West

Hello, good evening from BBC Points West, our headlines tonight.

Charged under the Explosives Act - a man appears in court after police

raid a house in Burnham-on-Sea. A mystery still unsolved - two

years after pensioner Barry Rubery is killed in his own home, police

have no idea who did it. The wait for compensation goes on -

thousands are still out of pocket after savings company Farepak

collapsed, 200 die without their money. I do what I want, if I call

my players, they cannot stop me. And the passion of Paolo -

Swindon's manager fights back after being sent to the stands for his

First tonight, a man has appeared in court on explosives charges.

It's after a police raid that led to more than 40 houses in Burnham-

on-Sea being evacuated. 36-year-old Philip Leonard was remanded in

custody. Our correspondent Clinton Rogers was in court.

Two days after his arrest, Philip Leonard arrived in court in a

prison van today to hear the charges facing him They have been

brought under a law more than 100 years old - the 1884 Explosive

Substances Act. Four charges in all, each alleging that some time

between December 31st last year and Jan 21st he made an explosive

substance for unlawful purposes. The charges cover a range of

chemicals, some of them highly powerful explosives. Philip Leonard

is 36. The police arrested him after executing a search warrant at

his home in Beatty Way, Burnham-on- Sea, just before eight o'clock on

Friday morning. What they found led to Army bomb disposal experts being

called in and an exclusion area was set up covering 100 metres from the

house. People living inside the cordon were asked to move out until

the area could be made safe. That took until about 10.15 in the

evening. The Army carried out a controlled explosion in an open

area close to the homes - and then people were allowed to return.

During today's hearing here at Taunton Magistrates Court, Mr

Leonard's lawyer applied for bail, saying that there was no evidence

that there was anything malign in all of this. There was no

suggestion, he argued, that Mr Leonard was planning to use the

explosives in any malicious way. But the district judge sitting here

today refused bail. Philip Leonard was remanded in custody. He'll

appear next at Taunton Crown Court on February 6th.

A former Somerset scout leader haS gone on trial accused of sexual

offences against children. 53-year- old David Burland from Burnham-on-

Sea is alleged to have carried out the assaults over a period of more

than 20 years. Taunton Crown Court heard he'd exploited and

manipulated his victims who he'd met through the scouting movement.

Burland denies all 33 charges against him.

A Somerset man has appeared before magistrates in Weymouth after a

fuel tanker crashed into his wife's house, which then caught fire. Hugh

Billington, who is 51 and from Yeovil, has been charged with arson

with intent to endanger life and assault by beating and theft. The

incident happened at Wool in Dorset on Friday - his wife Christine

escaped unhurt. Mr Billington has been remanded in custody.

The family of a grandfather who was tied up and battered to death in

his own home have appealed for anyone shielding his killers to

come forward. Barry Rubery's children were speaking at the

inquest into his death, which was held today. Mr Rubery, who was 68,

was murdered two years ago but the police say they are no closer to

solving the crime, as Steve Brodie reports.

Barry Rubery's family left the inquest still without answers as to

who killed their father and why. He was found bound and beaten to death

here at his home in Iron Acton on April 29th 2010. He'd been dropped

off by friends the night before after attending a Masonic function.

His murder has left his daughter and son devastated. It was very

difficult to have to listen to how he suffered. Someone out there

knows what happened and he was responsible for our father's death.

Please help bring these people to justice. Julie Rubery wept as Home

Office pathologist Dr Hugh White described how her father's body had

been found lying face down on the floor of his home. His wrists and

ankles bound with wire and flex. He had died from severe head injuries

caused by a blunt instrument. The brutal killing of Barry Rubery has

left the police baffled. Despite an intense two-year investigation they

are no nearer discovering why a man with no known enemies could be

murdered in such a way. The case has been reviewed by an outside

force who could find nothing wrong with the way it's been handled.

This was a relief horrendous crime. Paris suffered horrendous head

injuries. There was more than one person involved, possibly two or

more. I would say that somewhere out there knows who killed Barry.

It may be somebody in the criminal fraternity who could come forward

and give us that information. possible theory is that it was some

sort of revenge killing or a burglary that turned to unexplained

violence. Only his pocket watch and mobile phone were stolen. After a

45-minute hearing, the coroner, Maria Voison, told Barry Rubery's

family that he had died as a direct result of the attack and the only

possible verdict was that he had been unlawfully killed.

Now to a technology which is being developed right here in the West

and which is leading the world. The industry is marine energy, which

uses the power of the sea to generate electricity. Today, the

government announced the creation in the South West of the country's

first marine energy park, an initiative it's hoped will help

create thousands of jobs. Alice Bouverie is here to tell us more.

Alice. Here in the South West, we have

some of the world's most innovative marine energy businesses, and also

the Severn Estuary, which famously has the world's second largest

tidal range. Bring them together, and the potential is huge. What

companies are doing is using the power of the sea in two ways -

through the tides and the waves. For example, the Wave Hub in

Cornwall allows companies to test new technology, while this giant

underwater windmill uses the tides to generate electricity. It was

developed by a company in South Gloucestershire, it's the world's

first commercial tidal turbine, and is in Strangford Lough in Northern

Ireland. The company, Marine Current Turbines, is doubling its

workforce this year from 25 to 50, and says having a marine energy

reserve should make a real difference to the West. Hopefully,

in due course, a lot more of their energy will be developed from the

seas around this region. I think a lot of people these days of very

conscious from Wed their energy comes from. Secondly, of course,

economically, especially in hard economic times, this is an industry

that has the potential to bring large numbers of jobs into the

region. And that really is the big hope. At the moment the sector

employs at most 500 people in the South West. By 2020, it's hoped

it'll be 5,000. And in terms of generating electricity, by 2030, it

could be providing the same amount as a nuclear power station. But the

climate change minister, on a visit to Bristol today, said his

ambitions for marine energy are even greater. I want to build an

industrial supply chain that can export abroad and make a global

impact in terms of the development of sea and Asian power. What of the

Severn Barrage, you may ask? Well, I was told by marine energy experts

today that it's either one or the other, and that they could light

the same number of light bulbs as the barrage with far less

environmental damage. The Government appears to be on their

side. You're watching Monday's Points

West - all your local news, sport and weather from the BBC, with Alex

and Will. Coming up. The little girl who wants to walk. The funding

row which means she can't have the operation the doctors say she needs.

The mother of a young RAF sergeant from Somerset who died when his

plane exploded over Afghanistan has written a book about his death. Ben

Knight from Bridgwater was one of the 14 men killed when the RAF

Nimrod blew up after a fuel leak in 2006. His mother Trish's book also

deals with the families' campaign to find out the truth about what

happened. John Maguire reports. This was Ben relaxing between

missions in Afghanistan. The explosion that devastated his RAF

Nimrod killed all 14 on board - the biggest loss of life for UK forces

in a single incident since the Falklands. This week would have

been Ben's 31st birthday - and on that day his mother Trish is

releasing a book about her youngest son, and about her search for the

truth. I think any person if their child is killed would want those

people responsible held to account and that is what I have to try to

do. It has not happened, no one has had any action taken against them.

But at least if there is anything out there, there is any life after

death, he Bonneau the we have tried our very best. You cannot ask for

more than that. From the the first news of the crash, throughout the

various inquiries, Trish submitted her thoughts to paper, for herself

but also for the future - for Ben's nephews and nieces. When I first

started typing it out I would be in tears, sat at the typewriter.

Because I felt it was such a horrendous experience, I had so

many emotions going through my mind. The only way to release some of

them was to ride. As the years went by, I wanted something for the four

grandchildren, because they were all born after Ben was killed. I

realised they were never going to meet him more know much about him.

In his memory, some proceeds from book sales will go to charity, so

some good will have come from the family's loss. There have been

answers - his parents attended the inquest in 2008, and a damning

inquiry found the Nimrods were poorly maintained and shouldn't be

flying. But through this book Trish Knight expresses her anger that,

although people were blamed, she believes no-one was ever really

held to account. The Government is being urged to

intervene and help speed up the compensation process for people who

lost money when the Christmas savings club Farepak collapsed. The

Swindon-based company went into administration more than five years

ago, owing savers around �37 million. I have kind of Britain

that many off and forgotten about it. If I do think about it makes me

cross that they still have my money. The savers lost all their money

when it collapsed in 2006. It was after a major change in the way

they operated after one went bust owing �50 million. Now, instead of

extending credit for vouchers, the shops wanted funding up front. But

Rick Santorum did not have the money to do this because the money

it had taken from savers had been used by his parents firm to pay off

its overdraft. Castres called in the overdraft of Rick Santorum and

it caught in the administrators. Customers had been told to expect

�5 -- 15p back for every pound that they saved, but total of �5 million.

But those involved in the administration have received �8

million. We can speak to the chairperson of the their pack

victims committee. You're trying to get money back from the ordinary

savers in the scheme. Are you getting anywhere? We are trying

very hard. All we need is for people to listen to us, especially

the government. We have a petition on line are we asking people to

administrators had been paid but the members have not? I think the

story that came late yesterday that over 200 people have died before

they received a single penny is an absolute scandal. The liquidators,

who have charged us �8.2 million, so, for example, I myself have lost

�400, it has cost me �70 to get their 15p, which would be �60 back.

And absolutely scandal and one that keeps continuing to happen. No

lessons have been learned from what happened and the government needs

to intervene to do something about this. 15p is hardly anything in the

pound. How people coping? Of their written off the cash? Certainly,

the victims committee has not. We believe we should be receiving

every single penny back because it was failure to regulate the

industry that allow it then to take our money. In the meantime, we are

still have think shops. Recently, Peacock's went into administration

and people have gone to the shops with badgers and been told that

they cannot spend them. They, like us, have become unsecured creditors.

Government has to step in to Campaigners against plans for a new

nuclear power station in Somerset have put their objections to the

body reviewing it this morning. They have delivered a petition

signed by more than 13,000 people opposed to the plans. The energy

company is applying to build a new energy station. Contractors have

begun clearing the occupied Bristol camp on College Green. Some rubbish

was also set alight. The fire service was called but decided to

let it burn out. Protesters confirmed they would be leaving the

site. Next, you might remember the story of Abigail Newton Smith. This

time last year, the ten-year-old from Bradley Stoke, who has

cerebral palsy, flew to America for pioneering surgery to help her walk.

12 months on and she's making great progress. And the procedure that

helped her so much is now being carried out at Frenchay Hospital

near Bristol. All good news you might think but the operation is

not available to everyone who needs it. Laura Jones hasn't been to meet

a little girl from Avonmouth who is also desperate for the chance to be

able to walk. Like most three-year- olds she loves playing make-believe

with her toys. She would also love to be able to dance and run around

with her friends, but she cannot. She was born 10 weeks early, later

diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and she cannot walk. When she sees

other children running around and dancing and it does not happen for

car, it physically takes us to get up there with her, she cannot do it

independently. -- does not happen for her. When they found out the

operation could take place at a hospital 10 miles from her home

they were delighted but just before Christmas they found out that their

local NHS Trust refused to allow it to go ahead. Over the long term it

will cost them more for her care. The equipment sheet needs is really

expensive. -- the equipment she needs. They are not the only ones

waiting. Across the UK a further 13 children have been approved for

surgery but have had their funding requests turned down by their local

NHS trusts. It is a complicated and expensive procedure which involves

cutting nerves in the spinal cord but for those who have had it done

it has changed their lives. This is Abigail Newton Smith and her mum

over a year ago getting ready for the surgery. Her family raised the

money to get it done in the States. Now she is able to walk almost

unaided around the shops. NHS Bristol say the evidence to support

the use of this treatment is still developing and is being considered

regionally and nationally. They are aware of a number of patients who

could potentially benefit from this treatment and they must act fairly

for all. The mum of this little girl is not giving up, she is

determined that one day her daughter will walk on her own even

if that means raising the money for the operation herself. Sport, and a

manager sent off, a player gesturing towards his own dug-out,

and two players fighting over who should take a penalty. The Football

League didn't exactly cover itself in glory this weekend. Swindon's

manager Paolo Di Canio was sent to the stands again. This time for

arguing with officials. But he says he will appeal against any ban, and

launched a passionate defence of his behaviour, accusing referees of

misunderstanding his body language. I do what I want! They cannot stop

me. I call my players and I have to do what I want with them. Angry and

feeling like he's being victimised. This was Paolo Di Canio's reaction

to being sent to the stands for the third time this season. The Italian

is no shrinking violet. A jack-in- the-box on the touchline, his

antics are a delight for fans but a nightmare for officials. He was

sent to the stands for his over- zealous goal celebration against

Oxford back in August. Another red card in December after he sprinted

50 yards to celebrate his side's winner at Northampton. And now a

third dismissal, for arguing with the officials for not giving a free

kick. I never protest, only say with my body that it is crazy. To

be sent off is not possible. I hope this is gone. We should understand

each other. I will keep more camp if I can but I cannot change what I

am. -- more calm. It could mean another touchline ban. But the

Italian says he cannot and will not change. Yeovil Town's Steve MacLean

has escaped being punished by his own club. After scoring at Bury

this weekend, he appeared to make an offensive gesture towards the

away dug-out. The club said today it was just an over exuberant

celebration and the matter is closed. That game also produced a

moment of pure farce as Bury won a penalty and two of their players

squabbled over who would take it. Would Paolo have stood for that?

Probably not. I suspect he'd have his own unique way of dealing with

the situation. Tonight's Late Kick Off will have more on Paolo Di

Canio's latest misdemeanour. Presenter James Richardson joins us

now. James, you're an expert in Italian football, does Paolo have a

point? Do referees need to understand him a bit better?

think they do. There are plenty of British managers who are pretty

direct with the officials and often quite aggressive. I do neck -- I do

not think he has done anything excessive. It is true that Italians

gesticulate wildly in the cause of mundane conversations, I think he

needs a good point when he says he did not wear or say anything, he

was just waving his arms. Do we need to be a bit more passionate in

the English game? I think the Italians are good at being Italian

and the English are good at being English. Something must be working,

Swindon are doing all right. They are doing very well and he has

assured us they will win their division whatever the referees do

to them. So, tonight's Late Kick Off, what time are you on, James?

think it is 11: 35, check your listings! Ashton Gate, the home of

Bristol City Football Club, will host the woman's FA Cup final in

May. They are hoping for a capacity crowd of 20,000 for the match which

will complete a big week of sport in the region with the Bristol 10 K

run and the torch relay passing through the West. The Bristol

Academy side which reached last year's final are keen to repeat

that and play in front of a home city crowd. I think it is a massive

step forward for the female game. They have hosted a our Champions'

League game here and we had great support, a lot of fans came down to

watch and made a lot of noise. Do have the FA Cup final here should

be a lot of progress and if we get 20,000 here it should be an amazing

game. I was just scribbling, I was very excited about the whole thing!

For well over a billion people, today marks the New Year. Yes, it's

the Chinese New Year of course, with 2012 being named the year of

the dragon. Today, children at Clifton High School in Bristol were

getting into the festive spirit. The school is part of the first

twinning project with a school in Guangzhou province in China. This

week will see a host of events across the West including a two-day

programme at Bristol's M Shed this weekend. Now I will tell you what I

was thinking about, the fact that all the excitement seems to be

above the cloud base at the moment. You are obviously referring to beat

Solar Storm. And ejection from Beatson which involves all sorts of

impacts. The Northern Lights will be available in northern parts. It

has an effect on electrical communication systems used by the

military. Later tonight it will not be so good for star-gazing as it

will get cloudy and will become wet and breezy. In the early hours of

tomorrow morning it will become mild and damp. Then there will be a

more showery regime of whether pushing in for Thursday, Friday and

into Saturday. The end of the week will be better days. A risk of

frost in the first part of tonight then be thicker cloud will move in

and temperatures will start to climb. It will get progressively

milder during the course of tomorrow and indeed into Wednesday.

Tonight we will lose some showers which were across the west and

south. A dry night then forming. There will be some mist or fog. A

bit more cloud coming in and in the second half of the night the

thicker cloud will stream in bringing patchy outbreaks of rain

and temperatures will lift. Prior to that we will get below freezing.

By tomorrow morning there will be no ice scraping required but you

will need the windscreen wipers as the patchy rain comes in with some

abundance. An easy day. Gusts of around 35 mph. By the evening there

will be a lot of low cloud and hill fog. We are in and run of much

milder conditions which will continue into Wednesday but it will

be windier. A good deal of low cloud and light, patchy rain on

Wednesday. We will have cooler and more wintry weather dominating

through Thursday and on Friday. There will be some showers on

Thursday which will clear then it will become frosty on Thursday