29/06/2010

Other UK News In Brief

Iraq Probe Starts Again

The former UN Chief Weapons Inspector Hans Blix and ex-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott are set to give evidence at the restarted Inquiry into the Iraq war. It has resumed its hearings today after a four-and-a-half-month break for the general election to be held. Chairman Sir John Chilcot said the committee had "covered a great deal of ground" so far and intended to publish its report around the end of the year.

Dangerous Sex Offender On Loose

A dangerous sexual predator has been sighted in different parts of Northern Ireland, police have said. Officers in Lancashire are appealing for information about the whereabouts of a high-risk sex offender who is wanted for recall to prison. William John Paden, 56, is a Registered Sex Offender and is wanted after he left an address in Blackpool. Police believe he may be in Northern Ireland and that he poses a significant risk of re-offending.

Truck Stop

Increased powers to crack down on dangerous trucks and coaches were set out today by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. The proposals would give the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) more flexibility in tackling vehicles they suspect of being overloaded or breaking operating or driving hours rules. The new powers would also help VOSA to enforce new cabotage rules, which govern the amount of UK domestic work hauliers from outside the UK can undertake. Today's consultation also outlines plans to give VOSA officers in Scotland the power to independently stop commercial vehicles for the first time. Currently, all VOSA enforcement in Scotland is assisted by the police.

US Road Death Tragedies

Two students from wales have died in a suspected drink-drive accident in the US. Dominic Hartley, from Bredon, Worcestershire and Emily Lewis from Aberdeen were hit by a car in New York state last Thursday night. The 21-year-olds had been working at a summer camp in in Warrensburg. A third Briton was injured. Car driver, Peter Goldblatt, 39, has been charged with drink-driving and aggravated vehicular homicide.

(BMcC/GK)

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