Other UK News In Brief

Iraqi Ex-Minister Sentenced To Death

The Ex-Minister of Iraq has been sentenced to death by the Iraqi Supreme Court. Tariq Aziz, known for many years the international face of Iraq under Saddam Hussein, has been convicted in connection with the persecution of religious parties. A close adviser to Saddam Hussein, Aziz served as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. He has been previously convicted for his role in the execution of dozens of merchants for profiteering. It is reported Aziz is seriously ill having suffered a stroke. In 2003 after the fall of Baghdad, Aziz, a Christian, surrendered to US troops. Six years later he was jailed for 15 years for the executions of 42 Iraqi merchants.

Cuts Plan Outlined For Arts Council

A new four-year plan, to help cut spending, is to be launched by the Arts Council England (ACE). Some groups, including; The Scottish Ballet, Welsh National Opera and events including the Manchester International Festival, are targeted for the 64% cuts. In the first year of the plan, ACE funded organisations will see their finances reduced by 7%. Between 2011 and 2015, as part of the government's Spending Review, the budget for ACE is being cut by £100m.

Roofer Sentenced After Workers' Lives Put At Risk

A roofer has appeared in court after four of his employees were spotted balancing dangerously on a barn roof in Cheshire. Joseph Jones, 61, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an inspector visited Norley Bank Farm, on Cow Lane in Norley, in February 2009. He found Mr Jones giving instructions to the men, who were working approximately four metres above the ground, while they refurbished the roof. Halton magistrates court in Runcorn heard that HSE Inspector John Ellis immediately requested that the workers come down from the roof. He then issued a Prohibition Notice requiring work to stop until scaffolding or edge protection had been put up at the eaves of the roof. HSE took the decision to prosecute due to the serious nature of the health and safety breach, and the potential risk to the lives of workers. Mr Jones, of Chester Road in Pentre, South Wales, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.

(BMcN/GK)