Other News In Brief

Mother Guilty Of Murdering Disabled Daughter

A mother has been found guilty of drowning her four-year-old disabled daughter and sentenced to life in prison. Joanne Hill, 32, admitted killing her daughter Naomi - who had mild cerebral palsy - at their Connah's Quay home in Flintshire. However, she denied murder due to diminished responsibility. During the two-week trial at Chester Crown Court, the court heard Hill was ashamed of her daughter's condition. Her defence team argued she had an "abnormality of the mind" when she killed her daughter. However, she was convicted and found guilty today of the murder of the four-year-old on 26 November, 2007. She will serve a minimum of 15 term years.

Apologies After Husband Forced To Untangle Umbilical Cord

A man has helped his wife to deliver their baby at a hospital in Reading, as there was no midwife available. Stephen Williams was forced to untangle the umbilical cord, which had got wrapped round his daughter's neck, during the birth at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The hospital - who informed Mr Williams and his wife Suzanne there was no midwife available for - has since apologised for the incident. The hospital said the birth was "extremely quick", but apologised for any distress caused. In a statement, the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said: "Despite the adequate staffing on the ward, the extremely quick birth meant that Mrs Williams was unaccompanied by staff at the point of delivery." It continued: "We have apologised to Mrs Williams and her husband for the distress this caused. We have also offered a meeting with our chief nurse and head of midwifery to discuss her care."

Authorities 'Dive In' For £140m Swimming Fund

Nine million people over 60 are set to get free swimming as Culture Secretary Andy Burnham today announced that more than 80% of local authorities are to join a Government scheme. The initiative is part of a £140 million Government investment in the sport that also includes free swimming for those aged 16 and under and capital for local authorities to upgrade pools. For the over 60s, 300 out of 354 local authorities have confirmed that they will participate, offering free swimming to this age group between 2009 and 2011. For the under 16s, 296 local authorities have expressed their interest in claiming their share of the £50 million fund for this age group, that will also be invested between 2009 and 2011. Those local authorities that opt in for both the over 60s and under 16s pots will also share a £10 million capital fund, for 2008/09, to modernise and improve swimming pools.

Review To 'Get Best Out Of British Employees'

Business Secretary John Hutton today announced a review to examine new ways to boost the performance of employees and improve British business success. David MacLeod, a leading expert on employee engagement, will lead the rewiew. He is also working with Nita Clarke, Director of the specialist workplace involvement body, the Involvement and Participation Association (IPA), will lead the review. John Hutton said: "The most successful companies recognise that their employees are their most valuable asset. Employee engagement is not just a buzzword - it has a clear link to increased business success."

(JM)