07/12/2011 South Today

Hello. Welcome to South Today. In tonight's programme:

Don't make the same mistake. A sister's drink drive appeal after

her brother's death. The secret recording which

prosecutors says shows the man accused of killing Georgina Edmonds

tried to manufacture an alibi. A no-go zone. The suburb where

buses won't run because of violent attacks.

And touch-screen technology. The rare monkeys being put through

their paces. This is entirely at the whim of the animals as to

whether they want to come in and take part in the studies.

Learn from my brother's death. Those were the words today of a

woman whose brother died in a drink driving accident. She spoke as one

of our police forces launched a shop a drink driver campaign.

Police forces in the south are hoping to see a continued reduction

in drink driving this Christmas after the number of motorists

arrested across the South last year fell by 121, compared to the year

before. In 2010, in Hampshire 247 drivers were found to be over the

limit or failed to give a breath test, 62 fewer than in 2009. In

Surrey, 50 were caught, down 56. However, in Wiltshire 111 motorists

were arrested, an increase of 55. That is after officers stopped an

extra three and a half thousand motorists. In a moment, we will

hear from a driving safety campaign group. But first, our reporter has

been to meet a woman still living with the effects of drink driving.

He had a heart of gold. He was kind and generous. He was exceptionally

popular. We did not realise how popular he was until he died.

is a difficult day. Three years ago, her brother drove home after a

night out. He had been drinking. He lost control of his car, crashed

into a fence and died in some way. I don't think you ever come to

terms with it. There are questions unanswered. Why? Why would you be

so irresponsible? The impact has been devastating. Not just that

Christmas, but every Christmas from now on there is a void. Something

missing. Last Christmas, Sussex Police arrested 176 drink-drivers.

Now they're trying something new to try to cut VAT number. They say

that if you see someone who has had too much to drink and they're about

to get into our car, at text them on 65,999. They will send a police

officer out to investigate. impact of drink-driving is massive.

Help us solve this problem. We want to stop people from doing this and

catch them. She hopes people will learn from her brother's deaths.

You never think it will happen to you. We would never have thought it

would happen to Douglas. But things do happen. You're not invincible.

If you take irresponsible measures, sometimes the consequences can be

devastating. Shortly before we came on air, I

spoke to Ellen Booth from the road safety group Brake. I began by

asking for her reaction to the fact the number of people caught drink

driving has been dropping overall. Well, hopefully that means the

message is getting through. What I would say is that even with this

good news we still have a huge number of people who are dying each

year on our road because of drivers over the drink-drive limit. Last

year, he does 250 people are. It is estimated that a further 65 died

because of drivers who had been drinking alcohol but were under the

drink Clyde -- under the drink- drive limit. At positive result

there, but Mauny to be done. Police are asking for people to shop and

drink driver. Do you believe that works? We would be in favour of

that. The reason is, although it sounds like quite a severe thing to

ask people to do, drink driving is a serious crime that does lead to

the deaths of innocent road-users. It is a serious crime. For that

reason, we would support that. looking at the figures from police

forces, it seems quite an ad hoc basis. Some police forces are

prioritising it and some are not. Do you think that works, each

police force deciding itself was mad what we would like to see his

traffic policing as one of the national policing priorities.

would ensure there were enough traffic police on the roads to

catch drink drivers and do all of the other things that they do. At

the moment, different police forces give it a different level of

priority depending on their budget and the way that they work. If it

was a national policing priority, we think it would get better

funding and there would be better work done across all of the police

forces. Thank you. A court has heard how the man

accused of the murder of Georgina Edmonds made a phone call to his

mum asking for her to be his alibi. 33-year-old Matthew Hamlen from

Bishopstoke is accused of killing the pensioner at her home in

Brambridge three years ago he denies murder. Our Home Affairs

Correspondent reports. Georgina Edmonds was found dead in

January 2008. She was 77. She had been beaten to death with a current

owner marble rolling penned near Eastleigh. A secret recording shows

a man accused of her murder trying to find an alibi. The court heard a

recording between are the man and his mother. He said, I think I

might have an alibi. I might have been at a friend's House. But he

couldn't remember. Today, the friend told the court she had not

known him at the time. In the same conversation, he told his mother,

it is a witch hunt. I will have to go to court to clear my name. Today,

the court heard from people who had known Matthew Hamlen at the time of

the murder. The jury was told he regularly used cocaine. He was

described as the usually placid man. Though one former friend said he

did have a temper. One woman said she had met him on a night out a

week after the murder. She said they had spoken about who killed

Georgina Edmonds. She said she had told them the police will catch the

killer. She said that Matthew Hammond seemed agitated and

defensive and said they do not always. He denies murder. The case

continues. They are plans that will quadruple

the number of homes in their village. So it is no surprise that

residents of Deepcut in Surrey turned out in force this afternoon

to air their views on the proposals. The homes will be built on the

Princess Royal army barracks which the Ministry of Defence is vacating

in two years' time. Most people accept development is inevitable.

But there is real concern over the detail.

The plans could change the community forever. When the army

leaves the site, it will fleet -- it will free up 100 head tears for

development. Under current plans, 40 will be built on and the rest

will be open space. There are strong views. Am an attractive

village could easily be spoilt ways through traffic. We want to make

sure the traffic infrastructure is adequate. If it is not, life will

become more problematic. Three times more so. Campaigners already

have got the council to carry out an independent study about traffic.

There is another issue in their sights. The proposal shows a

supermarket for a 3,000 square metres. That is far greater than

for the needs Ford just Distillers. That will bring even more traffic.

Today, they were wanting comments about the issue. In a statement,

A formal planning application will be submitted in the spring.

Building could start by 2016. Still to come in this evening's

South Today: The Sussex and England all-rounder who has been dealing

with a testing delivery off the field.

A row has broken out over plans to expand Brighton and Hove Albion's

AMEX stadium in Falmer. The heated exchange took place on the social

network Twitter between Green Councillor Jason Kitcat and the

former Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Lord Steve Bassam. The

two locked horns over proposals for an extra 8,000 seats at the new

stadium. Hearers what the debate is all

about. The expansion of this new stadium. With plans to build an

extra 1,000 parking spaces and community centre nearby, parking

that might have helped football fans at the weekend. Having those

extra spaces would be an important part of the application to increase

capacity at the stadium by a further 8,000. But on Twitter, the

former Labour leader of the council accuses Jason Kitcat and other

green councillors of trying to block the expansion fans --

expansion plans by blocking the extra car-parking spaces being

The Football Club has been a major success story. They have a new

stadium and want to expand further. If these car-parking spaces are

blocked, it means the option of expanding the stadium is more

difficult and, placated. original application had provision

for parking in some areas. It did not work out. The Academy decided

not to provide debt and also at the university campus. We're trying to

find alternative ways to deal with transport issue is. Fans say

expansion is needed at their new stadium. Every league game has sold

out every game. There is a waiting list for 200 season tickets.

South of England Conservative MPs have been piling the pressure on

the Prime Minister on the eve of his crunch trip to Brussels. David

Cameron faced a volley of concerned questions from Euro-sceptic MPs on

his own side. Chichester's Andrew Tyrie said even the perception of a

European assault on the UK's financial services industry would

be the most likely thing to unite the House of Commons. Mr Cameron

was also challenged by two other Conservative MPs from the south.

Why is my right honourable friend supporting a policy of fiscal

unification for the eurozone states, which, if it happens, will

undoubtedly lead to the creation of a dangerously undemocratic single

government for those countries? should be seeking changes in the

laws of emigration, employment and fishing rights instead. In order to

support our economy. Hampshire Constabulary has billed

the Metropolitan Police �705,000 for deploying officers to the

capital during the summer riots. Specialist public order teams

provided backup to the Met for more than a month in August after

violence flared up. It also hopes to secure more than �500,000 from

the Home Office, but has yet to receive any guarantee of payment.

The force, which covers Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, needs to

save up to �50 million by 2015. A bus company has been forced to

withdraw night services through a Bournemouth estate after its

vehicles were pelted five times in the past month. The company has

stopped running certain services through West Howe after 6pm at

night. The Yellow buses were damaged and windows were smashed

while passengers were on-board. The company say the attacks are highly

dangerous and potentially life threatening. Our reporter has been

following this story, and joins us from Bournemouth tonight.

It is still not clear tonight who is responsible for these attacks.

The result is that the buses are staying in the depot, instead of

out on the roads of the West Howe estate. A lot of people use these

bosses, so -- a lot of people use these buses, so their withdrawal is

having quite an impact. Since the end of November, the

evening buses on this estate have been under attack with missiles

aimed at windows. One passenger was covered in broken glass last week.

This is a last resort. People rely on as. We understand that. To take

a vehicle and service out of an area affect the community.

Unfortunately, this is a safety issue. We needed to do it. People

depend on at the bus service year. The withdrawal after 6pm is a big

inconvenience. I have teenage children who are out in the evening.

They will now have to walk. Quite scary to think that you have to get

off early and walk home. It is an inconvenience. I use the bus a lot.

The bus company have been speaking to the police and council officials.

Drivers are concerned. They all agree this has to be resolved

quickly. The potential injuries could be catastrophic. There could

be anybody from an elderly person to a young child on a bus. If a

brick hits them on the head, at the injuries could be fatal. This

afternoon, Dorset Police said that they have been visiting schools and

explaining this serious damage that can be caused to vehicles on the

road. Tonight, there has been a strong message from the borough

council. They have said that they will take action on the tenancies

on families involved if the evidence warrants it. While the

investigation continues, the buses will stay in the depot each night

for now. Funding for nine libraries in

Dorset will be stopped, despite a court ruling that similar plans in

Somerset were unlawful. �800,0000 is to be taken from the county

council's libraries budget. It has led to protests in Dorchester. The

council says it is confident it won't face a similar legal

challenge. Offenders have been brought in to

help renovate an historic fort in West Sussex. As part of the

Community Payback Scheme, offenders are carrying out work at Shoreham

Fort. It was built in 1857 to protect the Sussex coast against

any French invasion. The offenders have been providing free labour for

the volunteer group that has been restoring the local landmark.

Take a group of monkeys, put them in front of computer touch-screens

and study their reactions. That is what a group of researchers from

Portsmouth University have been doing at Hampshire's Marwell Zoo.

They have opened a new primate study centre. Our reporter has been

to see the animals in action. The there is a new addition to

Monkey Island at Marwell Zoo. These scientists from Portsmouth

University have introduced touch- screen technology to try to find

out about the memory, communication and emotions of these monkeys. It

is hoped the studies will give a greater insight into the mind of

this species. The animals have been in training for six months,

learning a rather sophisticated game of snap. It is entirely at the

whim of the animals as to whether they want to take part in the study.

That is vital. The monkeys have access to a touch screen. When

activated, the computer generates three new images. The monkey has to

select matching images to receive food as a reward. It was quite

challenging at first. Once they understand how to use the screen,

there is a big potential for us and also for the animals. OK, he wants

me to focus on the task! Soon, the monkeys will move on to facial

expressions to see whether they can recognise different moods. Now we

can try to work out how monkeys interpret facial expressions and

social signals. That is very important. The initial findings

could be published in the spring. The research will continue as

scientists tried to find out how monkeys respond to sound and

different social situations. How interesting! Monkeys in front

of a computer screen. There is a joke there, but I will not go

there! Now the sport. Special delivery for cricket coming up

later? Look forward to that one.

Portsmouth Football Club will be on the agenda when the Football League

hold their monthly board meeting in London tomorrow. A League spokesman

confirmed today that Pompey's on- going financial issues would be

discussed. He declined to comment though on whether the club could

face a points penalty, after their parent company went into

administration. It is understood Andrew Andronikou has already been

contacted by interested parties, in his role as administrator of

Pompey's owners CSI. It has been a frustrating few

months for Sussex all-rounder Luke Wright. A knee injury curtailed his

2011 season, and cost him his England place. But having recovered

from surgery, he's flown out to take part in the re-vamped

Australian Twenty20 Big Bash tournament. And he has also been

dealing with a testing delivery of a different kind.

Things have changed in this household in the last few weeks.

This cricketer is now a father. have achieved some amazing things

in cricket, but nothing is better than seeing your son for the first

time and holding her. However, he is also embarking into unknown

territory on the field. After a knee injury, he will head to

Melbourne to play under Shane Warne. This is the first time that this

has become such a large franchise. By finger will be excited for

everyone. I am sure a lot of people were come to watch this. While the

Surrey bowler has been cementing his plays in v England one-day side,

others are prepared to be patient. I am focusing on trying to get back

to fitness. This is a good competition to play end. If I

compete, it puts me in contention. Right now, I am trying to enjoy my

cricket and stay fit. Little baby Joshua is said to be heading out to

Australia soon to catch up with his father.

Staying with Sussex, and wicketkeeper batsman Matt Prior has

been awarded a benefit year by the county in 2012. The former Brighton

College student made his first- class debut for Sussex in 2001, and

helped the county win their first ever County Championship title two

years later. Prior has played 47 tests for England, as well as 78

limited-overs internationals. It was a notable day at the World

Sailing Championships in Australia, for Portland-based sailor Giles

Scott. He got the better of rival Ben Ainslie in the Finn Class,

while organisers are on high alert after a great white shark was

sighted near the courses off Western Australia. Scott is seen

here making a smart move away from the marker buoy, on the way to two

firsts and a second place from his three races. Scott missed out on

the one Olympic place to Lymington's Ben Ainslie, who lies

third overall. Bournemouth's Ed Wright is sixth.

A great white shark was spotted by a local fisherman. Extra

precautions in place at the moment. You would not want to capsize,

would you! You get penalised -- you used to

get penalised if you needed help after a capsize, but not any more.

They have changed the rules for They have changed the rules for

health and safety. The weather looks horrendous up

north. They will get heavy rain and strong

gusts. In excess of 80 mph. It was quite windy here this

morning. We had 54 mph.

A perfect day for a bit of kite surfing with the strong winds. Bob

Parkes took this photo in East Wittering.

Robert Stidworthy captured the Bath Spa Christmas Express letting off

steam at Southampton station this morning.

And never mind Harbour Watch. A seagull is on the lookout in Poole.

This picture was taken by Bryan Cooke.

Strong won today. Very strong when back tomorrow morning. Increasing

cloud cover tonight. For the first part of the night, we will have

clear skies. There might be a touch of frost before the winds changed

direction and draw in milder air from the South West. Outbreaks of

patchy light rain are possible. It all changes tomorrow. We will have

some very strong winds. Gusts of up to 60 mph. Very strong won indeed.

Tomorrow morning, patchy rain about. A lot of rain before -- a lot of

cloud before the main band of rain arrives. Temperatures slightly

higher than today. Tomorrow night, the rain will battle its way

through south and eastwards. Were we have had the rainfall and the

clean and skies, there is a risk of some ice on untreated surfaces. Icy

conditions, perhaps a touch of frost first thing on Friday morning.

But even though there is that keen north-westerly breeze, the main

rain band clears off and we will see some sunshine. Rain tomorrow,

sunshine on Friday. Looking good for Saturday as well. Chilly start

on Friday night in to Saturday. Widespread frost is possible.

Temperatures could be the lowest they have been this winter. Perhaps

minus five first thing. Back to square one on Sunday. Here is the

summary. Wet and windy tomorrow. Gale force won are possible. Local

gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are possible. Widely 50 mph.

Sunshine on Friday. Chilly start on Saturday. Wet and windy on Sunday.

Take care on the roads. Tomorrow, it is exciting for the programme.

We talked about Torch bearers for the Olympics a few months ago.