Other UK News In Brief

Ship Loses Mast In Atlantic Gales

After losing a mast in gale force winds and heavy seas, a Polish-registered ship carrying more than 35 teenagers, ran into difficulty on the Atlantic Ocean. The training vessel, named Fryderyk Chopin, lost its foremast approximately 100 miles south west of the Isles of Scilly. The Falmouth Coastguard said there were also concerns over losing the second mast. No injuries were reported among the 47 strong crew, including sailing trainees. Around 0800 BST Coastguards said vessel assistance was requested after the vessel lost the 120ft (37m) mast in gales. A bulk carrier, a large fishing vessel, and a container ship all responded to assistance. A helicopter, from the Royal Navy rescue is on standby on the Isles of Scilly to further assist. It is hoped the vessel can be towed to sheltered waters.

Zutons Singer Sentenced

The lead singer of The Zutons has been sentenced for assault outside a Liverpool bar.

In February, Dave McCabe, 29, head butted Peter Appleby, breaking his nose, after his girlfriend was insulted. McCabe said he acted in self-defence but was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court. He was ordered to pay the victim £1,500 in compensation and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He also had to pay court costs totalling £3,500. The court heard how he reacted violently, outside Korova bar, after one of Mr Appleby's friends mocked his girlfriend's coat. McCabe is noted for penning the hit song Valerie, which was covered by Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson.

Roofing Firm Prosecuted For Putting Lives At Risk

A Merseyside roofing firm has been sentenced after it allowed two employees to work dangerously on the roof of a detached house in Wirral. In January, Furber Roofing Ltd was prosecuted after a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector spotted the workers carrying out roof and chimney repairs to a house in Meols.

 HSE Inspector Nicholas Mostyn immediately asked the workers to come down from the roof, and issued a prohibition notice stopping the work until measures to prevent a fall had been put in place. The men were working nearly five metres above the ground, with no scaffolding or edge protection around the roof to prevent a fall. Wirral Magistrates’ Court in Birkenhead heard that Furber Roofing had also been served with a prohibition notice less than three months earlier over a similar incident. Furber Roofing was found guilty of two health and safety offences. The company was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,500.

(BMcN/GK)