09/09/2014 East Midlands Today

We'll have more tomorrow on what promises to be

And now, with the news for the East Midlands, I'm Anne Davies.

First tonight, an inquest into how a four`year`old girl was killed by the

family dog in Leicester has prompted calls for national guidelines to be

Today, the coroner recorded that Lexi Branson died as a result of

Lexi Branson died from facial injuries and from being

unable to breathe during the attack by the pet dog they had taken

Today, her mother, Jodi Hudson, released this statement through

She was a bubbly girl who always had a smile and brought happiness

We still think about her everyday and she lives

on in our hearts, as we have such wonderful memories of her.

Jodi Hudson, seen here in the black blouse, had bought the dog for ?50

from a kennel that re`homes stray dogs for Leicester City Council.

The inquest heard that it was Jodi Hudson's decision to take the

dog, even though it was advertised as better suited to a home without

Staff described the dog's temperament as very friendly,

but the police later found out it had had seven previous owners and

Today Lexi's grandfather said he was pleased the corner said there should

be some sort of legislation that kennels have to abide by `

some sort of strict rules with regard to re`homing stray dogs.

He added, we were very surprised to hear there

were no guidelines and I strongly call for them to be implemented.

The inquest heard that no home visit had been made, even though

the bulldog was going to a flat without a secure garden and where

There was no statutory requirement for the kennels to make such

Following the tragic death of Lexi Branson in November 2013,

Leicestershire Police carried out a full investigation into

the circumstances surrounding her death and no criminal offences were

Recording a narrative verdict, the coroner said he would be making

recommendations to the appropriate authorities to

He added that the death of Lexi was among the most harrowing of deaths

Victoria Hicks, BBC East Midlands Today, East Midlands.

A Nottinghamshire clergyman, who lost a promotion because he is in

a same`sex marriage, is taking the Church to an employment tribunal.

Canon Jeremy Pemberton claims he is being punished

and discriminated against, after he was refused a licence to work as

The acting bishop of Southwell and Nottingham said

the marriage is against the teachings of the Church of England.

The canon, from Southwell, says he felt he had no choice

Victims of hate crime in Leicester say they feel isolated,

Researchers at the University of Leicester found many people were

suffering from physical and psychological abuse

on a daily basis, but many did not feel they could turn to the police.

Earlier, I spoke to Detective Superintendent David

Sandall, from Leicestershire Police, about the report's findings.

We think it is very important and see the report as

an exciting opportunity to make sure that we're working with victims,

We want people to come forward, because if we do not know

about the problem we cannot put in problem`solving measures,

bring in the support, or bring the perpetrators to justice.

We want victims to tell us about the crimes.

What can you offer to victims, who very often say that they feel

they will not be believed or if they do come followed then their lives

Hate crime is a priority for Leicestershire Police `

We make sure that a supervisor reviews every crime, regular updates

are put in place, and that the investigation is detailed.

We even have an independent scrutiny panel for community members,

victims, and organisations who come together to review our practices.

You do take them seriously and you do look after them afterwards?

Yes, we take the victims very seriously and we do look after them.

I encourage anyone to report hate crime to Leicestershire Police,

The flag of Scotland is flying over Derby tonight.

It is in answer to a plea to English towns and cities to send the Scots

But flying the Saltire did not go down all that well with some people

Derby has long celebrated its links with Bonnie Prince Charlie

` the Scot who wanted to rule all of Britain

Now the current big debate north of the border has seen

Derby City Council back a call from Labour Leader Ed Miliband to show

their colours and send a message to Scotland ` please stay with us.

This is a Saltire and we will get it back in due course.

In a slightly confusing show of support for the union,

the union flag above the Council House was this afternoon

taken down and replaced with the Saltire ` supplied by members

I'm very proud to be Scottish, but I'm equally proud to be British `

hence, my own personal view that the no campaign hopefully will prevail.

I do not think we should be flying it.

If they want out, they can have out, can't they?

It is the support that some people in that building obviously share

and feel but not one that I think everyone on the ground level feels.

Not one that is actually been spoken about enough to make

The Saltire will soon also be flying over Ripley and the headquarters

But the only opinions that really matter will be counted up

Simon Hare, BBC East Midlands Today, Derby.

That is your news and, if you have a look at our Facebook page, you

will see a beautiful picture of what I think was a harvest moon tonight.

We could see the big moon because of the weather we have just now. We

will see some more cloud later this week, but in the meantime it today

was a beautiful day. Although it has warned today, it will be cooler

tonight. Temperatures will stay at around 10`11 Celsius in towns and

cities. Tomorrow it will be quite a cold start, but then the nest will

clear and revealed the sunshine. It will stay dry and bright.

Temperatures of 19`20 Celsius. It was a lovely day across the

country. There was hazy sunshine and notice the cloud was that bit

thicker up to the