30/03/2012 BBC Points West

Good evening and welcome to BBC Points West.

Our headlines tonight: Inside the dog house - 56 large

dogs and five children share a four-bed house, today the parents

admits animal cruelty. Shrien Dewani stays in Bristol

because a judge says he's too ill to be sent to South Africa to stand

trial over the murder of his wife Topping up a panic - businesses

start to suffer as some petrol stations close. It seems to be

crazy all of the place. There are queues everywhere. The price hike

as well. And a sour note at the carnival

amid rows of how big this year's The family of Shrien Dewani say

he's determined to one day travel to South Africa to clear his name.

The Bristol businessman has been spared extradition, for now, after

the High Court ruled he's not mentally well enough. The care home

owner is accused of murdering his wife on their honeymoon, something

he's always denied. Andrew Plant was at the High Court.

Since he returned from South Africa Shrien Dewani has been under almost

constant psychiatric care His condition so serious, say doctors,

he's too ill to face a trial. Today his case came to the High Court

challenging a decision to send him back to the country where his new

wife was killed and where he's being accused of masterminding her

murder. His family have all means - - always maintained two things,

when he is innocent in the murder, and he is willing to return to

South Africa to face trial. But only if it can be guaranteed he

will face a fair trial, and he safety is assured before, during

and after the trial. Last summer a judge said those concerns were very

real. But said Mr Dewani should return to South Africa and answer

the accusations. Today the High Court stopped that decision. His

family have said it was the right thing to do. The eventual point

would be for him to go to staff have a go and prove his innocence

but he is not in a position at the present time. Today's decision

means extradition is still possible but the process can only begin

again once he is less to Wisley in -- ill. Anni's family were in court

today, they've attended every proceeding. I feel and we feel

there are a lot of delays and it is very painful for us. We want to get

the truth about what happened to our sister, and we just want him to

get better now so that he can finally go to South Africa and tell

us what happened. Programme's like BBC Panorama are watched closely in

South Africa. Last night it showed the couple hours before their

carjacking for the very first time. Journalists outside court today

said Shrien Dewani has many questions to answer. South African

prosecutors are anxious he answer those questions in court. People

will say what is going on? We want him there to see the truth and seek

justice. Today's decision resets the process. It is a distant

prospect of him standing trial. Well we can speak now to Edward

Grange who's an extradition lawyer. Mr Grange, what happens now?

The High Court determines today because of his mental condition, it

was such it would be unjust for him to return to South Africa to face

trial. The High Court did not completely discharged him from the

extradition request. Be remitted the case back to court for them to

be determined the issue at a later date. He if he shows signs of

improvement and everybody had he does, he goes back to the

magistrates' court, do they take it as read he can go back to South

Africa, or does the whole process start again? The magistrates' court

will continue to hear evidence from the experts in relation to his

mental condition, and once the court has heard evidence the mental

condition no longer exists, it will no longer be oppressive or unjust

to return to South Africa, an extradition can take place.

Realistically, is it likely he ever will go to South Africa?

I think that will be in the hands of the medical professionals who

will be continuing to assess him and update the court as to the

progress he is making under treatment. He is likely to be some

doubt? Yes, the court can continue to

adjourn proceedings until he is better. 20 very much. -- thank you

very much. Many of the region's major petrol

stations have run out of fuel today as drivers continue to top up their

tanks. It's all because of the threat of a delivery strike which

we now know won't happen until at least after the Easter break. As

Scott Ellis has been finding out the panic buying has now started to

affect some small businesses. Rush hour this morning, and the

beginning of the region's steady stampede to the pumps. Demand for

petrol has risen 172 %. By midday evidence the big petrol companies

were failing to deliver. Demand outstripped supply here in

Chippenham as elsewhere. And it was van and lorry drivers, along with

sales reps, who were worst hit. Everywhere was shut. I'm stuck.

are laying tarmac to do the roads. We are the ones that are suffering

because we can't even fill these up. He seems to be crazy all over the

place. There are queues everywhere. The price hike as well, bumped up

the prices on diesel and petrol. Suddenly small firms have a problem.

How to ensure they have enough fuel to get from A to B. This removal

company in Taunton had to adopt unusual tactics. To keep the wheels

rolling and their customers moving. We had adopted constable,

Bournemouth, and reloaded and hoped we would find some fuel. We found

some on the Bournemouth won by going back to the yard and I think

at from one tank from one Vant, and the other when we got some fuel on

the southbound motorways outside Taunton. A bit of a challenge.

supplies should improve overnight. Drivers are being allowed to work

longer hours to get deliveries through. The AA in Wiltshire says

it's still worth planning fuel stops, especially in rural areas.

Wiltshire Fire Service has tonight issued advice to home owners asking

them not to store fuel at home. you haven't updated things on your

Sat Navs it will send you to a garage that is a car sales show

room or a restaurant. Because they are closing in rural areas and

turning into other things. That is another point to note, make sure

you Sat Nav is up to date. Tonight Wiltshire Fire Service has issued

advice to homeowners asking them not to store fuel at home.

A couple who shared their four- bedroom semi with five children and

56 large dogs have appeared in court this afternoon, accused of

animal cruelty. Their home in Minehead was also filled with cats

and birds. In total there were 69 animals in the home. When the RSPCA

raided they were confronted by what they described as a "sea of dogs"

which included huskies and Rottweilers. The court was told the

couple's children were in danger of picking up diseases. James Hassam

reports. When RSPCA inspectors visited

Nicola and John Hood's home, they were overcome by what they called a

"sea of dogs". Little wonder. 56 dogs living, believe it or not, in

one house, alongside cats, birds and chinchillas. These puppies were

found in a makeshift bed in a crate in the dining room. Neighbours

living close to the house in Minehead complained of the endless

noise from the dogs They say the smell was so bad it stopped them

going out into their own gardens. Today, John and Nicola Hood came to

court where they admitted nine counts of animal cruelty. One in

one room RSPCA inspectors found a baby in a cot sleeping next to a

cage in which there were several birds and animal faeces all over

the bedding. It is important people understand the message caged birds

and children don't go together, especially in close proximity. Even

so, the court heard these two were simply misguided, trying to help

animals that otherwise would have been put down by giving them a home.

When they were found, many of the animals had serious health problems.

But most of the dogs have now been rehomed, just eight remain at this

centre at West Hatch. Somerset County Council says it was made

aware of the family and dealt with the issue of child safety with a

satisfactory outcome. Do you have anything to say? No comment. Nicola

and John Hood will return here to be sentenced on the 19th of April.

Seven Gloucestershire libraries will still lose their council

funding as a part of an overhaul of services. The County Council is

expected to agree the proposals next week to try to save �1.8

million. The authority was taken to the High Court last year by

campaigners who were opposed to funding cuts. Now, after another

round of talks, the council says no libraries have to close but seven

branches will be run by trained community volunteers. So six months

where we worked one-on-one with the community to make sure it works and

get off on the right foot. 18 months ago there wasn't a library

here, and today there is because of what we have put on the table, did

community has taken up the challenge and has a library where

there was not one before. We do we can work and if we work with the

communities we can make -- make it successful in every location.

campaigners say they are concerned that some libraries could still

close, if volunteers don't come forward.

The speed limit is to be lowered outside a school in Frome after a

campaign by parents. Teachers at Berkley School told Points West on

Monday that their classrooms shake when vehicles go past at 60 miles

an hour. Somerset County Council has now agreed that the limit will

be reduced to 20 miles an hour for a trial period beginning in the

summer. You're watching BBC Points West.

Still to come: How the glorious March weather is

making our bluebells bloom before Some pretty stuff coming your way.

First, more news. The owners of a million-pound

mansion in Bristol are going to court to try and evict squatters

who moved in last month. Some of them were involved in the Occupy

protest in the city but said this wasn't an official protest. The

police say that although they are not involved in any eviction

process they have increased patrols in the area as a result of

neighbours' concerns about safety. There's been more criticism of

plans to scale back the St Paul's Carnival. The organisers are

planning a smaller, quieter event this year, partly because of a lack

of funding. But the former artistic director co-ordinator says it's

lost the support of the local community and now he's announced

he's stepping away from it. Since the 1960s carnival has been

bringing people together. But normally in celebration rather than

protest. There is a was a lot of passion and strong feelings about

how the carnival should be run. But this year there are those that just

feel it is not about the scaling back as the decision to hold it

here in Port and square. For many the place that celebrates the theme

of independence, that harks back to Bristol's solid straight fast.

There is health and safety issues in terms of capacity, how many

people can you really fit in space. It has got a really bad feeling. I

don't think it is right it'll. We would be better off with nothing

and using the money we have to do fringe events to which money for a

good event next year. He should be bringing in money to the community.

The Community should be benefiting from this kind of ball. As we are

hearing, it is generating so much revenue for Bristol as a city, but

the community are not seeing any of that benefit. An awful lot has

changed since the carnival was first set up in the 60s. It could

be attended by as many as 100,000 people, and you need security,

health and safety, public facilities. The thing with Paul and

where is it is enclosed, manageable, and it is affordable. -- Portland

Square. Its �90,000 from the Arts Council, �55,000 from the city

council, and a few 1,000 more in small grants and fees. It sounds

like a lot. Until you pay for security and safety, the main stage,

the event management team, and suddenly there is not enough left

to pay your overheads or run at the Durand education project that helps

to cure the Grand funding in the first place. To a put on an event

the scale of last year, the events management, health and safety,

would cost �120,000. That is money we don't have at this time. Add to

then go ahead and put that event on knowingly without that appropriate

events management would be criminal negligence. Just three months into

a carnival, much less than that to find some kind of solution.

Avalon Marshes in Somerset has been given �1.8 million by the Heritage

Lottery Fund to pay for improvements. The area near

Glastonbury supports wildlife like marsh harriers, bitterns and otters,

and attracts around 70,000 people a year. The money will go towards

preserving habitats and archaeological features, as well as

improving visitor facilities. Hundreds of pieces of Titanic

memorabilia are being auctioned off in Wiltshire this weekend. The

items include lunch menus and store keys. The ship sank 100 years ago.

In fact the anniversary is in just over two weeks' time. But

auctioneers say there's been an overwhelming interest in what's on

offer. The Great War two years later, and it was the end of the

sinful strata. Because of that it resonates with so many people. Any

man, woman, and held on the ship had a story to tell. -- and child.

Sport, and tonight Bristol Rugby could take another step towards

promotion. Alistair Durden is at the Memorial Stadium for their

latest playoff game. Lovely night to come and watch a bit of support.

Nottingham are here tonight, the fourth of six group games in this

complicated playoff system. But Bristol's form has been so good

that if they win this evening they'll definitely make it into the

semifinals which take place in May. We have been allowed inside the

home dressing room, we can see some of the players psyching themselves

up for tonight, listening to music, just getting them ready for this

game. They did finish top of the table in the regular season. So

they are favourites to go on and win promotion back to the

Premiership. Something of course we said two years ago when Bristol

blew it in the final against Exeter. They will not want to repeat that.

Well, Chairman Chris Booy is with me. Is it a better Bristol side

than two years ago? Certainly a better team. You could argue boat

was an outstanding individuals, but this team is much stronger, more

mentally prepared. And ready to win the tournament. It did set you back

last time. I guess financially as much as anything we needed and go

up. Are you better prepared for either eventuality? Absolutely.

With Steve Lansdown coming in, we have a three-year plan which is

funded to make sure we get into the Premiership and stay there.

Certainly all the existing players are signed for next season which

wasn't the case two years ago. We have started signing, and more on

the way. We will be stronger, whatever the Query next year.

hope it is the Premiership. Best of luck tonight.

We've also got football tonight, Cheltenham are away at Southend.

And they've gone six games without a win, dropping down to 7th in the

table. In the Championship, Bristol City's need for points is getting

critical. After the mid-week games, they're just one point above the

relegation zone going into tomorrow's game with Derby County.

And in League Two, how will Swindon Town react to their Wembley defeat

last weekend? It's a local derby against Bristol Rovers tomorrow at

the County Ground, and both managers are keen to make a

statement. We have much more reason to win this game, because the

stadium will be new before, we have much more reason because we have to

win this game. We have to be aggressive, but it has to be

controlled aggression. Towards the ball, not was the opposition or the

referee or any of that. We will accept no-nonsense in that respect.

We will go there and compete. With the ball we want to be aggressive.

Snooker and Bristol's Judd Trump has crashed out of the China Open

losing to fellow West Country man Stephen Lee. At 4-2 down the 22-

year-old defending champion managed to hang on with this clearance. But

his Wiltshire opponent hit back with a break of 96 to win by 5

frames to 3. Lee, from Trowbridge, will now play Stephen Maguire in

the semifinal tomorrow. Cricket, and South Africa's record-

breaking fast bowler Vernon Philander is due to join up with

Somerset on Tuesday ahead of the new season. This week he became the

fastest player to take 50 test wickets in nearly 120 years. His

signing is a massive boost to Somerset. And he'll be in good

company as he's not the only man in the squad to have written himself

From the man who scored the fastest 50 in Twenty20 cricket to the

world's best Twenty20 bowling figures and no-one has scored a

triple century as early in the Now they're about to be joined by

the man whose taken the international game by storm. South

African bowler Vernon Philander. he is hot property in text -- Test

cricket. Suffered a have been dominant in the last two years and

he has boosted their attack. He will be vital for us. A D

experienced, played a lot of Test cricket. If you can produce that

form he will be a big force. With a seemingly endless supply of batting

talent, they'll again be favourites to end their trophy drought. And

they're desperate to shed their "nearly men tag" having finished

runners-up seven times in the last three seasons. People are quite

cynical about it, quite negative you getting so close. The fact of

the matter is we're getting twice from where we were five years ago

to where we are now, a massive difference. If we don't keep

competing consistently we will be a really happy club. -- if we can

keep. The squad is led again by Marcus Trescothick, but contains

some of the country's most promising youngsters. None more so

than Jos Buttler who spent part of the winter with England. I feel a

little bit experienced. I'm still young, claimed the youngster tag

for while with stewed the mistakes, but it is -- I have played good

cricket and needed the Tim Moore Cup performances. The club's

membership is up 10%, and with record profits. An Elton John

concert in June will bring in more money, but now the team need to

ensure the rocker isn't the only one putting in a star performance.

We will take a closer look at Gloucestershire next week, cricket

season starts next Thursday. The stand is filling appear at the

Memorial Stadium. A few of them waving. 7:45pm we start. BBC Radio

Bristol will have all commentary. We will have the result of this

game and that turn the match at Southend at 10:25pm.

Thanks, Alistair. What a beautiful evening. Well it may be March, but

it certainly doesn't feel like it. We've had hours of sunshine, near

record-breaking temperatures and now the first bluebells are

starting to make an appearance. Alice Bouverie's been on the look-

out, and where better to find them than the Bluebell Field in Weston.

It's all topsy-turvy. The temperatures are more like summer.

But there are no leaves on the trees. Nature, though, is catching

up fast. My colleague in Cornwall saw his first legal at the start of

March, incredibly early. The average time for pupils last year

was able the 12th. More records we can say, we can say where the

average is this year. This is known locally as the Donkey Field where

the donkeys from Weston beach used to spend the winter. In just a few

days time, it'll be a carpet of bluebells. They're a bit further

ahead than bluebells in woodland but that is the first sign of that

quintessential British spring. It is really only. The Woodland Trust

is encouraging people to log on to their website and record their

findings. There, you can also find out where your nearest wood is. So

you can enjoy bluebells for Certainly been a lovely week.

-- to turn. We have been spoiled by the sunshine, but it is back to

reality at the weekend. If business as usual. Are high pressure system

is pushing off to the West. Called Fritz heading our way. They will

not bring us any rain at the weekend, but April -- will bring us

some colder air. Tebbit is taking a drop of. A bit of a nosedive. We

will lose nearly 10 degrees. Temperatures down to 11 which is

average for this time of year. If you have got a nice sunset like

this one, sit on the veranda and sip a cocktail and enjoy it because

we will not see any more warm sun set for the next few days at least.

The weekend looking much colder and cloudier. Be cloud pushing in from

the north overnight. It should be a dry night, just about. Lots of

cloud, Steyn clearest for longest ever southern parts of Somerset. --

staying clearest. Elsewhere it will be a reasonably mild night. Lots of

cloud around. Perhaps a bit of drizzle over higher ground. Most

places certainly Steen drive. The term because a real shock to the

system. We might just see a bit of brightness and sunshine as the sun

goes down. The skies were clear overnight. Saturday-night is

looking particularly cold. Temperatures dropping further in

rural areas. Very cold indeed. Sunday, a nice bright start. Lots

of sunshine. Quite a decent day. The best of the sunshine towards

eastern part of Wiltshire and Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Western areas seen a bit more in a way of cloud. Good news for the

gardeners out there to stop we are going to see some rain. That is

coming on Tuesday. A bit of a cloudy day on Monday. We will see

some sunshine on Sunday. I sense a bit of disappointment over this

forecast but we must remember it is still only March. Lots more spring

We always knew it would not last forever.

Well just before we go we're saying goodbye to a member of the Points

West team tonight. Bob Lasseter has been working quietly behind the

scenes at the BBC for 44 years. He joined back in 1968 and there he is

now, in our television control room for the last time tonight. Bob has

been keeping this programme safely on the air since the days of black

and white, right through to the age of digital TV. Thank you, Bob, for