Other UK News In Brief

Man Charged Over Edgware Murder

A man has today been charged with the murder of Carlos Oliveria in Edgware on Saturday 16 July. Jordean Franklin Thomas, 18, of University Close, Mill Hill, appeared at Hendon Magistrates' Court charged with the murder of Carlos Oliveria, wounding with intent and robbery. Thomas has been remanded into custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday 4 November, for a Plea and Case Management Hearing. He was arrested at his home address in the early hours of Thursday.

BMA Comment On High Court Ruling On NHS Widowers' Pensions



The High Court has ruled against the British Medical Association’s judicial review of NHS pension scheme rules which denies the widowers of female staff the same rights as the widows of male staff. Currently service accrued by female NHS workers before April 6 1988 does not count towards the pension entitlements of their widowers. The BMA’s legal team was acting on behalf of Iain Cockburn, the widower of a female doctor.

 The BMA, in conjunction with its legal team, is now considering an application for permission to appeal.

 Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the BMA, said:

 “It’s unfair that female members of the NHS pension scheme do not have the same rights as men. We’re disappointed that this sexual discrimination couldn’t be stopped in the High Court, but we will continue to highlight it, and to fight for fair pensions for all doctors.”



Armed Robbers Jailed After Shopkeepers Fight Back

A man and a youth caught on CCTV pistol-whipping and trying to stab a shopkeeper and his son during a robbery have been jailed. Levi Ingram, 20, of no fixed address, was sentenced to nine years with a public protection order at Blackfriars Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to his part in two raids in north London. He admitted robbery, attempted robbery, two counts of possession of an imitation firearm and one count of grievous bodily harm. Denzel Sasa, 16, of Alexander House, Bouverie Road north London, was jailed for six years with an extended licence of four years after previously pleading guilty to the same offences. Investigating officer DC Dawn Bolitho, from the Flying Squad at Finchley, said: "I'm pleased at today's sentences that reflect the severity of these offences. Ingram and Sasa had no hesitation in using extreme violence in their attempt to rob the Gonca supermarket and it's very lucky the shopkeeper and his son were not seriously injured. "Moments before they had robbed another shop and I have no doubt they would have continued targeting similar premises had they not been caught."

(BMcN/GK)