Other News In Brief

Man Jailed For Theft Of Dog

A man who stole a pensioner's dog from outside a Tesco Store in Friern Barnet Lane, N12 has been sent to prison.

Allan Adrian Denny, 23, of Station Road, New Barnet, Hertfordshire pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Friday 1 March. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for the theft of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was called Ted.

In addition Denny was on licence at the time of the offence and is now subject to a recall to prison.

The theft occurred on the 8 December 2012 when Ted had been secured by his lead outside Tesco Express in Friern Barnet Lane, N12. When his elderly owner left the store she discovered that her beloved dog had been taken.

Ted was reunited with his owner after a media appeal on Twitter resulted in his picture being circulated over 52,000 times.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Kim Louey, of Barnet CID, said: "This case obviously touched many people, as it left an elderly women distressed at the loss of her dog. The circulation of Ted's image put a huge amount of pressure on those who had Ted and resulted in his return and a happy story just before Christmas. It shows just what can be achieved when people pull together to confront crime."

Parents Satisfied With Free Early Education

Almost 90% of parents are satisfied with free early education, according to reports published today.

The statistics also show that 96% of 3- and 4-year-olds across England are benefiting from free early education.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "The right start in life leads to brighter futures. Parents have been crying out for more childcare, and now more than a million 3- and 4-year-olds are benefiting. Today's figures show that free places are being snapped up - which means huge benefits for families.

"We're picking up the pace, rolling out free early education to disadvantaged 2-year-olds in 10 areas from this September, before we do so across the whole country next year. We are revolutionising the early years for the good of future generations."

Three Arrested Following Raid In Whitechapel

Three illegal workers have been arrested following a UK Border Agency raid on a clothes shop in Whitechapel.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited Cuckoo Fashions, Whitechapel Road, on Tuesday 5 March where they questioned staff to check if they had the right to work in the UK.

They arrested a 23-year-old Indian man and Bangladeshi women aged 21 and 26 for overstaying their visas. All are currently in immigration detention while the UK Border Agency takes steps to remove them from the country at the earliest opportunity.

The business was served a notice warning the employers that a fine of up to £30,000 - £10,000 per illegal worker found on the shop premises - will be imposed unless proof is provided to the UK Border Agency that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

(GK)