http://www.birminghammail.net/latest-news/ Latest en-gb http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/man-charged-with-raping-boy-12-97319-20924655/ Sat, 17 May 2008 02:30:18 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/man-charged-with-raping-boy-12-97319-20924655/ A 44-year-old man will appear in court charged with raping a 12-year-old boy after allegedly tricking him into searching for his "lost" dog. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/brown-to-address-church-assembly-97319-20924619/ Sat, 17 May 2008 02:30:18 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/brown-to-address-church-assembly-97319-20924619/ Gordon Brown will address a church gathering where Margaret Thatcher set out her political philosophy 20 years ago. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/queen-s-grandson-to-wed-at-castle-97319-20924585/ Sat, 17 May 2008 02:30:17 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/queen-s-grandson-to-wed-at-castle-97319-20924585/ Peter Phillips, the Queen's eldest grandson, will marry his fiancee Autumn Kelly in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/cyclone-victims-without-food-97319-20924551/ Sat, 17 May 2008 02:30:16 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/cyclone-victims-without-food-97319-20924551/ Aid agencies have warned that many survivors of Cyclone Nargis are still without food, water and shelter despite the Burmese military government declaring the emergency relief effort over. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/hunt-launched-for-killer-of-oap-97319-20924512/ Sat, 17 May 2008 01:30:20 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/hunt-launched-for-killer-of-oap-97319-20924512/ A murder inquiry was launched after an 81-year-old woman was found stabbed to death in her home. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/more-time-to-quiz-terror-suspects-97319-20924461/ Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:19 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/more-time-to-quiz-terror-suspects-97319-20924461/ Police have been given more time to question two men arrested at a university campus under the Terrorism Act. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/carey-call-to-free-iraq-hostages-97319-20924427/ Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:18 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/carey-call-to-free-iraq-hostages-97319-20924427/ A former Archbishop of Canterbury has appealed to the group holding the five "forgotten" British hostages kidnapped in Baghdad. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/man-charged-with-wife-s-murder-97319-20924393/ Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:18 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/man-charged-with-wife-s-murder-97319-20924393/ The husband of Emmy award-winning make-up artist Diane Chenery-Wickens has been charged with her murder, police said. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/funding-threat-to-further-education-97319-20924333/ Fri, 16 May 2008 23:30:16 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/17/funding-threat-to-further-education-97319-20924333/ Further education is under threat from 'creeping privatisation', according to a union leader. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/leeds-cruise-past-wildcats-97319-20924166/ Fri, 16 May 2008 22:10:14 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/leeds-cruise-past-wildcats-97319-20924166/ Danny McGuire claimed another hat-trick and skipper Kevin Sinfield equalled Andy Farrell's record of scoring in 48 successive Super League rounds as Leeds cruised to a 58-12 win against Wakefield to surge seven points clear at the top of the table. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/body-identified-as-make-up-artist-97319-20924024/ Fri, 16 May 2008 20:30:20 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/body-identified-as-make-up-artist-97319-20924024/ The body of a woman found in woodland is an Emmy award-winning make-up artist who has been missing for almost four months, police said. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/sidebottom-shrugs-off-struggles-97319-20923779/ Fri, 16 May 2008 19:10:52 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/sidebottom-shrugs-off-struggles-97319-20923779/ Ryan Sidebottom shrugged off his first day struggles to provide a platform for England to seize control of the opening Test as he claimed four wickets for five runs in 10.1 overs to dismiss New Zealand for 277 after they had resumed on 208 for six. . http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/children-voted-in-by-election-97319-20923719/ Fri, 16 May 2008 19:00:34 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/children-voted-in-by-election-97319-20923719/ Police are investigating claims two children, aged 12 and 16, voted in a local election. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/james-four-shots-off-irish-lead-97319-20923676/ Fri, 16 May 2008 18:10:17 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/james-four-shots-off-irish-lead-97319-20923676/ England's Lee James, close to giving up golf and applying for a job as a postman last year, now finds himself with a chance to win the Irish Open at Adare Manor this weekend. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/grant-asked-to-explain-himself-97319-20923592/ Fri, 16 May 2008 17:40:21 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/grant-asked-to-explain-himself-97319-20923592/ The Football Association have written to Chelsea coach Avram Grant to ask him to explain his remarks about referee Steve Bennett. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/weather-halts-england-progress-97319-20923470/ Fri, 16 May 2008 17:40:18 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/weather-halts-england-progress-97319-20923470/ Poor light wrecked the second day's play of the first npower Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/parade-banned-after-soccer-violence-97319-20923360/ Fri, 16 May 2008 17:30:16 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/parade-banned-after-soccer-violence-97319-20923360/ Millions of Manchester United fans would miss out on a home-coming celebration should they win the European Cup after officials banned any parade. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/junta-hiding-burma-tragedy-scale-97319-20923326/ Fri, 16 May 2008 17:30:15 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/junta-hiding-burma-tragedy-scale-97319-20923326/ Burma's military leaders have been accused of deliberately keeping the full plight of suffering cyclone survivors from aid agencies. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/probation-chief-jailed-over-porn-97319-20923264/ Fri, 16 May 2008 17:00:20 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/probation-chief-jailed-over-porn-97319-20923264/ An expert hired to set up the Government's £10 million database of violent sex offenders has been jailed for almost three years for distributing child pornography. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/babies-post-mortem-inconclusive-97319-20923230/ Fri, 16 May 2008 17:00:19 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/babies-post-mortem-inconclusive-97319-20923230/ It is still not known what caused the deaths of two babies found in toy boxes at the home of a pensioner, after a post-mortem examination proved inconclusive. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/watkinson-doubtful-over-flintoff-return-97319-20923180/ Fri, 16 May 2008 16:40:21 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/watkinson-doubtful-over-flintoff-return-97319-20923180/ Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson has confirmed that Andrew Flintoff is likely to be unavailable for all of England's Test series with New Zealand through injury. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/cup-riot-policeman-thanks-saviour-97319-20923143/ Fri, 16 May 2008 16:30:29 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/cup-riot-policeman-thanks-saviour-97319-20923143/ A police officer attacked by Glasgow Rangers fans after the team's defeat in the Uefa Cup Final has thanked the mystery man who helped him escape the violent mob. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/man-held-after-urine-attack-at-shops-97319-20923041/ Fri, 16 May 2008 16:00:33 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/man-held-after-urine-attack-at-shops-97319-20923041/ Two major supermarkets were cordoned off by police after a man shocked shoppers by spraying urine on the food. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2008/05/16/wolves-squad-one-of-the-best-next-season-says-mick-mccarthy-97319-20920877/ Fri, 16 May 2008 08:57:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2008/05/16/wolves-squad-one-of-the-best-next-season-says-mick-mccarthy-97319-20920877/ BOSS Mick McCarthy today insisted that Wolves - pound for pound - will start next season with one of the best teams in the Championship even without considering summer signings. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2008/05/16/neil-clement-eyes-10-year-milestone-at-west-bromwich-albion-97319-20921586/ Fri, 16 May 2008 10:51:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2008/05/16/neil-clement-eyes-10-year-milestone-at-west-bromwich-albion-97319-20921586/ NEIL Clement has set his sights on reaching the 10-year mark at The Hawthorns. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2008/05/16/season-tickets-selling-fast-at-west-bromwich-albion-97319-20921037/ Fri, 16 May 2008 09:13:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2008/05/16/season-tickets-selling-fast-at-west-bromwich-albion-97319-20921037/ WEST Bromwich Albion are on course to sell a record number of season tickets as Premier League fever continues to grip the club. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/16/alex-mcleish-aims-for-quality-signings-for-birmingham-city-97319-20920959/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/16/alex-mcleish-aims-for-quality-signings-for-birmingham-city-97319-20920959/ ALEX McLeish today revealed quality and character were two of main requirements he was seeking in his summer signings. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/16/judge-me-on-my-football-not-the-car-says-james-mcpike-97319-20921365/ Fri, 16 May 2008 10:18:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/16/judge-me-on-my-football-not-the-car-says-james-mcpike-97319-20921365/ JAMES McPike is a man on a mission - to gain recognition for what he's good at, not what he drives. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/16/richard-kingson-latest-to-leave-birmingham-city-97319-20920957/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/16/richard-kingson-latest-to-leave-birmingham-city-97319-20920957/ RICHARD Kingson has become the latest player to depart Blues. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/16/david-sullivan-answers-the-critics-of-birmingham-city-97319-20921715/ Fri, 16 May 2008 11:25:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/16/david-sullivan-answers-the-critics-of-birmingham-city-97319-20921715/ DAVID Sullivan today launched a lengthy, passionate defence of the boardroom regime at St Andrew's. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/16/martin-o-neill-searching-for-new-aston-villa-goalkeeper-97319-20920960/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/16/martin-o-neill-searching-for-new-aston-villa-goalkeeper-97319-20920960/ MARTIN O'Neill has revealed Aston Villa will again be looking at signing American international Brad Guzan this summer as he reviews all of his goalkeeping options. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/15/scott-carson-my-10m-price-tag-is-stupid-97319-20914333/ Wed, 14 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/15/scott-carson-my-10m-price-tag-is-stupid-97319-20914333/ SCOTT Carson has called Liverpool's £10million valuation of him "stupid" and pleaded with Rafa Benitez to help him leave Anfield. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/16/wilfred-bouma-in-line-for-new-aston-villa-deal-97319-20920949/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/16/wilfred-bouma-in-line-for-new-aston-villa-deal-97319-20920949/ WILFRED Bouma has admitted he wants to remain a part of Martin O'Neill's Villa revolution, with the offer of a two or three-year deal set to come his way. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/16/scott-carson-still-has-aston-villa-chance-97319-20920950/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/16/scott-carson-still-has-aston-villa-chance-97319-20920950/ MARTIN O'Neill has thanked Scott Carson for a good season at Villa Park and said the goalkeeper "coped pretty well" with the blame he shouldered from England fans after their failure to reach Euro 2008. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/sidebottom-bounces-back-97319-20922971/ Fri, 16 May 2008 15:40:16 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/sidebottom-bounces-back-97319-20922971/ Ryan Sidebottom cured his opening day struggles to end New Zealand's resistance with the new ball following a determined battle in the opening Test. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/defence-cash-plan-a-panic-measure-97319-20922863/ Fri, 16 May 2008 15:30:22 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/defence-cash-plan-a-panic-measure-97319-20922863/ A move to free up £200 million of defence spending to help secure two new aircraft carriers and equipment for troops has been dubbed a "panic" measure by the Tories. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/supermarket-ram-raider-jailed-97319-20921935/ Fri, 16 May 2008 12:42:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/supermarket-ram-raider-jailed-97319-20921935/ A MAN who ram-raided a supermarket wearing only a sheet and a pair of his girlfriend’s designer boots, was jailed for four years today. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/man-arrested-after-body-found-in-recycling-waste-97319-20921924/ Fri, 16 May 2008 12:34:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/man-arrested-after-body-found-in-recycling-waste-97319-20921924/ A man has been arrested after the body of a murdered man was found hidden inside a truckload of recycling waste. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/grandad-savaged-by-dog-in-city-park-97319-20920954/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/grandad-savaged-by-dog-in-city-park-97319-20920954/ A GRANDAD of seven is lucky to be alive after he was savagely attacked by a vicious dog that "went wild" in a city park. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/yob-booted-bus-window-after-row-with-girlfriend-97319-20920955/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/yob-booted-bus-window-after-row-with-girlfriend-97319-20920955/ A YOB wanted for booting out the window of a Birmingham bus has revealed that he did it after a mobile phone row with his girlfriend. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/12-blues-fans-admit-hooliganism-97319-20920948/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/12-blues-fans-admit-hooliganism-97319-20920948/ A TOTAL of 12 Blues fans have admitted taking part in violent clashes with police following a crunch derby match with rivals Aston Villa. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/teenager-aquitted-of-pushing-boy-on-railway-line-97319-20922721/ Fri, 16 May 2008 14:57:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/teenager-aquitted-of-pushing-boy-on-railway-line-97319-20922721/ A 14-year-old boy has been acquitted of pushing an eight-year-old on to railway lines in Birmingham. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/birmingham-man-had-sex-with-girl-14-in-stairwell-97319-20916904/ Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/birmingham-man-had-sex-with-girl-14-in-stairwell-97319-20916904/ A TEENAGER exchanged texts with a 14-year-old girl and then had sex with her, a court heard. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/work-experience-student-ellie-kendall-works-wonders-for-oxfam-in-birmingham-97319-20920136/ Fri, 16 May 2008 07:12:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/work-experience-student-ellie-kendall-works-wonders-for-oxfam-in-birmingham-97319-20920136/ A FIVE-week work experience placement turned into a labour of love for student Ellie Kendall – and helped increase profits in the charity shop who hosted her. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/lozells-rioter-fled-to-london-97319-20920055/ Fri, 16 May 2008 07:11:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/lozells-rioter-fled-to-london-97319-20920055/ A MEMBER of a rioting mob which attacked cars and houses and threatened a fire crew has had his sentence increased. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/birds-nest-in-ashtray-at-birmingham-factory-guhrings-97319-20920012/ Fri, 16 May 2008 07:06:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/birds-nest-in-ashtray-at-birmingham-factory-guhrings-97319-20920012/ A FAMILY of great tits have a home which appears to have its own intercom system. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/dj-tim-sacked-after-inquiry-97319-20920534/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/dj-tim-sacked-after-inquiry-97319-20920534/ RADIO DJ Tim Shaw has been sacked from Birmingham rock station Kerrang! after a complaint to Ofcom. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/birmingham-stars-the-twang-and-simon-webbe-to-play-in-charity-football-tournament-97319-20916728/ Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/birmingham-stars-the-twang-and-simon-webbe-to-play-in-charity-football-tournament-97319-20916728/ BRUMMIE band The Twang and former Blue singer Simon Webbe have been selected for by Celebrity Soccer Six Football Tournament to score a winner for The Samaritans. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/birmingham-carling-academy-to-move-to-the-dome-97319-20916893/ Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/birmingham-carling-academy-to-move-to-the-dome-97319-20916893/ A LANDMARK city centre nightclub, which has been silent for four years, could soon be rocking to the tunes of the world’s biggest rock and pop acts. The former Dome nightclub on Bristol Street is to be given a £4 million overhaul to become the new home of the Birmingham Carling Academy. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/land-rover-and-jaguar-could-face-eu-fines-97319-20920162/ Fri, 16 May 2008 07:20:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/land-rover-and-jaguar-could-face-eu-fines-97319-20920162/ CARMAKERS Land Rover and Jaguar could face devastating EU fines following next month's sale to Tata Motors because of new rules designed to cut vehicle emissions. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/golfing-docs-save-life-of-oap-in-sutton-coldfield-97319-20920953/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/golfing-docs-save-life-of-oap-in-sutton-coldfield-97319-20920953/ OFF-duty doctors saved the life of an elderly man after he suffered a heart attack on a golf course. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/bulldog-bash-goes-ahead-97319-20920208/ Fri, 16 May 2008 07:37:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/bulldog-bash-goes-ahead-97319-20920208/ A MAJOR motorcycling festival will go ahead in Warwickshire despite police warning that they cannot guarantee public safety. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/actress-stephanie-cole-returns-to-hometown-of-solihull-97319-20920166/ Fri, 16 May 2008 07:23:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/actress-stephanie-cole-returns-to-hometown-of-solihull-97319-20920166/ POPULAR actress Stephanie Cole took a walk down memory lane when she visited the town of her birth for the first time in more than six decades. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/hopes-of-a-halt-to-flooding-97319-20920539/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/hopes-of-a-halt-to-flooding-97319-20920539/ FINAL work to install much needed defences to protect families living on flood-hit roads is almost complete. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/woman-charged-with-murder-after-shirley-stabbing-97319-20920357/ Fri, 16 May 2008 07:50:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/woman-charged-with-murder-after-shirley-stabbing-97319-20920357/ A WOMAN has been charged with murder following a brutal stabbing in a leafy Midland street. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/sidebottom-skittles-tourists-97319-20922599/ Fri, 16 May 2008 14:40:16 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/sidebottom-skittles-tourists-97319-20922599/ Ryan Sidebottom held a monopoly on the second-day wickets as New Zealand were finally dismissed in the first npower Test at Lord's. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/chambers-set-to-fight-ban-97319-20922523/ Fri, 16 May 2008 14:10:30 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/chambers-set-to-fight-ban-97319-20922523/ Dwain Chambers has taken what appears to be the first step in his bid to challenge the Olympic ban imposed upon him by the British Olympic Association. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/pistorius-cleared-for-olympic-bid-97319-20922491/ Fri, 16 May 2008 14:10:29 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/pistorius-cleared-for-olympic-bid-97319-20922491/ Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius will be allowed to compete alongside able-bodied athletes for a place at the Olympics after winning his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/city-seal-uefa-cup-spot-97319-20922455/ Fri, 16 May 2008 14:10:28 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/city-seal-uefa-cup-spot-97319-20922455/ Manchester City will play in the UEFA Cup next season. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/ryan-wary-of-tigers-threat-97319-20922302/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:10:35 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/ryan-wary-of-tigers-threat-97319-20922302/ Gloucester boss Dean Ryan has dismissed any notion of his team under-estimating Leicester in Sunday's Guinness Premiership play-off clash at Kingsholm. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/giants-sign-hodgson-97319-20922271/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:10:34 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/giants-sign-hodgson-97319-20922271/ Huddersfield have confirmed the signing of Australian full-back Brett Hodgson on a two-year deal from Wests Tigers. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/cole-grant-must-lead-chelsea-charge-97319-20922234/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:10:33 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/cole-grant-must-lead-chelsea-charge-97319-20922234/ Joe Cole maintains Avram Grant is the right man to drive Chelsea on towards both European and domestic glory. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/sheeted-and-booted-ramraider-jailed-97319-20922174/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:24 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/sheeted-and-booted-ramraider-jailed-97319-20922174/ A man who ramraided a supermarket wearing only a sheet and a pair of his girlfriend's designer boots, has been jailed for four years. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/lee-s-glee-at-anfield-return-97319-20922159/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:10:33 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/lee-s-glee-at-anfield-return-97319-20922159/ Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez put the scouse heart back into his coaching staff on Friday by appointing Sammy Lee as his new assistant manager. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/city-seal-uefa-cup-spot-97319-20922104/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:10:32 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/city-seal-uefa-cup-spot-97319-20922104/ Manchester City will play in the UEFA Cup next season. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/black-caps-dig-deep-97319-20922097/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:10:21 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/black-caps-dig-deep-97319-20922097/ Ryan Sidebottom claimed two crucial breakthroughs for England but failed to prevent New Zealand progressing slowly towards a competitive total in the opening Test. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/killer-bamber-to-spend-life-in-jail-97319-20922053/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:23 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/killer-bamber-to-spend-life-in-jail-97319-20922053/ Jeremy Bamber, serving life for killing five members of his family in 1985, must never be released from prison, a judge has decided. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/jodi-murderer-loses-appeal-bid-97319-20921994/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:22 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/jodi-murderer-loses-appeal-bid-97319-20921994/ Teenage killer Luke Mitchell has failed in a bid to have his conviction for murdering his girlfriend Jodi Jones overturned. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/commons-considers-expenses-appeal-97319-20921983/ Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:22 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/commons-considers-expenses-appeal-97319-20921983/ The House of Commons is considering whether to launch an urgent appeal after losing its High Court battle to keep secret details of MPs' expenses. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/cricket/worcestershire-ccc/2008/05/16/it-s-so-simple-for-simon-jones-97319-20921696/ Fri, 16 May 2008 11:18:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/cricket/worcestershire-ccc/2008/05/16/it-s-so-simple-for-simon-jones-97319-20921696/ SIMON Jones continued his impressive form at New Road as the former England fast bowler mopped up Gloucestershire's lower order on a rain-shortened day in the LV County Championship yesterday. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/15/scott-carson-aston-villa-heading-in-right-direction-97319-20913676/ Thu, 15 May 2008 07:59:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/05/15/scott-carson-aston-villa-heading-in-right-direction-97319-20913676/ WHETHER he returns next season or not, Scott Carson believes Aston Villa are heading in the right direction under Martin O’Neill. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/dunlop-dies-after-practice-crash-97319-20921575/ Fri, 16 May 2008 10:40:40 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/dunlop-dies-after-practice-crash-97319-20921575/ Former Isle of Man TT winner Robert Dunlop died on Thursday night after a horrific crash during a practice race in Northern Ireland. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/silvestre-hints-at-bordeaux-switch-97319-20921542/ Fri, 16 May 2008 10:40:38 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/silvestre-hints-at-bordeaux-switch-97319-20921542/ Manchester United defender Mickael Silvestre admits he could be tempted by a move to Bordeaux, provided the French club can meet his salary demands. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/lee-takes-up-reds-role-97319-20921493/ Fri, 16 May 2008 10:40:37 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/national/2008/05/16/lee-takes-up-reds-role-97319-20921493/ Sammy Lee has taken up his appointment as Liverpool's new assistant manager. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/15/birmingham-city-board-to-look-at-ticket-prices-97319-20914332/ Wed, 14 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2008/05/15/birmingham-city-board-to-look-at-ticket-prices-97319-20914332/ DAVID Sullivan insists Birmingham City are addressing pricing concerns for their return to the Championship. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/15/clerical-blunder-holds-up-hearing-into-nursing-home-97319-20914334/ Wed, 14 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/15/clerical-blunder-holds-up-hearing-into-nursing-home-97319-20914334/ THE former manager of a Birmingham nursing home who is accused of misconduct held up an inquiry three times in just over four hours because of unfinished photocopying. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/15/eighth-cannabis-factory-smashed-97319-20914336/ Wed, 14 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/15/eighth-cannabis-factory-smashed-97319-20914336/ A POLICE team has uncovered another cannabis factory in Birmingham - its eighth in six months. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/15/man-hit-in-gun-attack-97319-20915883/ Thu, 15 May 2008 12:25:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/15/man-hit-in-gun-attack-97319-20915883/ A MAN suffered gunshot wounds in an attack outside a pub in the Midlands. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-blogs-views/birmingham-mail-columnists/maureen-messent/2008/05/16/naive-cherie-tells-it-like-it-is-97319-20921046/ Fri, 16 May 2008 09:18:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-blogs-views/birmingham-mail-columnists/maureen-messent/2008/05/16/naive-cherie-tells-it-like-it-is-97319-20921046/ CHERIE BLAIR'S autobiography - its publication brought forward lest its tale-bearing be eclipsed by a possible prime ministerial resignation before the autumn - puts me in mind of Lily Savage after a few vods down her local working man's club. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/we-re-in-the-money-say-delighted-mums-97319-20921256/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/we-re-in-the-money-say-delighted-mums-97319-20921256/ TWO Birmingham mums have had their budget worries eased after winning the Mail's Cut the Cost competition. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/smart-people-15-97319-20920548/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/smart-people-15-97319-20920548/ WITH a title like this, you'd think that the one thing Smart People would be is smart. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/shutter-15-97319-20920547/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/shutter-15-97319-20920547/ SET in Japan, this is a laboured and Americanised remake of a 2004 Thai thriller. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/outpost-18-97319-20920545/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/outpost-18-97319-20920545/ LIKE Neil Marshall's Dog Soldiers before it, this is a 'cheap-as-chips' military horror film made north of the border with surprisingly good results. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/charlie-bartlett-15-97319-20920532/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/charlie-bartlett-15-97319-20920532/ ROBERT DOWNEY Jr is enjoying huge success in the US thanks to Iron Man and he's back again here as a self-loathing, alcoholic school principal. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/caramel-pg-97319-20920531/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/film-reviews/2008/05/16/caramel-pg-97319-20920531/ IF YOU find Hollywood uninspiring and like to experiment with foreign films, why not settle down to enjoy the company of a group of women in a Lebanese beauty shop. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-days-out/2008/05/16/coolest-way-to-chill-out-this-summer-97319-20920684/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-days-out/2008/05/16/coolest-way-to-chill-out-this-summer-97319-20920684/ MY thighs are burning, my calves don't ever want to speak to me again and my backside feels like Joe Calzaghe's punch bag. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-days-out/2008/05/16/a-walk-in-the-park-kingstanding-rec-king-s-road-97319-20920682/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-days-out/2008/05/16/a-walk-in-the-park-kingstanding-rec-king-s-road-97319-20920682/ FEW of my park walks in the past 30 months have been as lovely as my day out at Kingstanding Rec. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/britons-in-quake-wait-to-fly-home-97319-20921192/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/britons-in-quake-wait-to-fly-home-97319-20921192/ BRITISH holidaymakers caught up in the China earthquake are waiting to return to the UK today after being found safe and well. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-comedy/2008/05/16/gina-looks-on-lighter-side-in-la-97319-20920536/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-comedy/2008/05/16/gina-looks-on-lighter-side-in-la-97319-20920536/ SHE'S virtually a shadow of her former self, but comedienne Gina Yashere is absolutely "loving it" after making a new life for herself in Hollywood. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/300m-boost-to-help-city-s-poorest-families-97319-20920963/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/300m-boost-to-help-city-s-poorest-families-97319-20920963/ BIRMINGHAM is to benefit from almost £300 million of Government cash to help tackle crime, unemployment, under-performing schools and health inequalities in the poorest parts of the city. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-clubs/2008/05/16/kanye-tops-festival-bill-97319-20920540/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-clubs/2008/05/16/kanye-tops-festival-bill-97319-20920540/ SUMMER is upon us and with it comes festival season for the legions of Brum clubbers who will be heading to this year's Global Gathering. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/pc-recalls-football-fans-violence-97319-20921314/ Fri, 16 May 2008 10:00:32 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/national-news/2008/05/16/pc-recalls-football-fans-violence-97319-20921314/ The police officer attacked by Glasgow Rangers fans after the team's defeat in the Uefa Cup Final has said the violence was unbelievable and frightening. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/shoppers-kicking-up-a-stink-in-walsall-97319-20920961/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/16/shoppers-kicking-up-a-stink-in-walsall-97319-20920961/ A "DISGUSTING" mystery pong is making life a misery for shoppers and businesses in Walsall town centre. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/theatre-in-birmingham/2008/05/16/last-chance-to-catch-the-kirov-97319-20920541/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/theatre-in-birmingham/2008/05/16/last-chance-to-catch-the-kirov-97319-20920541/ BIRMINGHAM is preparing to welcome the world-renowned Kirov Ballet for the first time - and audiences are being warned it may also be the last. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/rock-and-pop/2008/05/16/play-a-part-in-queensryche-concept-show-97319-20920686/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/rock-and-pop/2008/05/16/play-a-part-in-queensryche-concept-show-97319-20920686/ ROCK band Queensryche bring their highly acclaimed Operation: mindcrime concept show to the Midlands next month - and we're giving you the chance to join them onstage at Wolverhampton Civic Hall. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/rock-and-pop/2008/05/16/leppards-out-of-their-natural-environment-97319-20920685/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/rock-and-pop/2008/05/16/leppards-out-of-their-natural-environment-97319-20920685/ DEF Leppard bassist Rick 'Sav' Savage is not looking his best when I meet him the morning after the band's intimate performance at London's Carling Academy Islington. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/rock-and-pop/2008/05/16/yet-another-triumph-for-brit-school-97319-20920552/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/rock-and-pop/2008/05/16/yet-another-triumph-for-brit-school-97319-20920552/ JACK McManus is a 23-year-old singer songwriter from Bromley in Kent, whose piano-led pop songs have picked up comparisons to Billy Joel and Elton John. http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/rock-and-pop/2008/05/16/busy-shayne-is-left-breathless-97319-20920530/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/rock-and-pop/2008/05/16/busy-shayne-is-left-breathless-97319-20920530/ SHAYNE Ward is relaxing ahead of his tour. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/itv-cuts-will-drive-away-viewers-97319-20920956/ Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/16/itv-cuts-will-drive-away-viewers-97319-20920956/ PLANS to partially merge ITV's Central Tonight news programme with its East Midlands counterpart could drive viewers away, a media expert has claimed. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2008/05/15/prove-you-re-a-premier-league-side-tony-mowbray-tells-west-bromwich-albion-97319-20914457/ Thu, 15 May 2008 09:34:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2008/05/15/prove-you-re-a-premier-league-side-tony-mowbray-tells-west-bromwich-albion-97319-20914457/ TONY Mowbray has challenged his West Bromwich Albion side to establish themselves in the top flight after admitting he was relieved to be out of the Championship.