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The News Matrix: Saturday 03 December 2011

 

Saturday 03 December 2011 01:00 GMT
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UN says regime has killed 300 children

The UN's human rights chief has called for urgent action to protect civilians in Syria, as she blamed the authorities for the deaths of more than 300 children. Navi Pillay, human rights commissioner, said more than 4,000 Syrians have been killed since the uprising began. MORE

Man jailed for killing children's TV actor

Junior Ademujimi-Falade, 21, from south London, was jailed for eight years yesterday for killing a children's TV actor and DJ who was stabbed in the heart. Carl Beatson Asiedu, 19, who appeared in CBBC's MI High, was killed outside Club Life in Vauxhall, south London, in 2009.

Saline probe nurse is 'sacked' by hospital

The nurse at the centre of alleged saline tampering at a hospital has been sacked, sources say. Rebecca Leighton, 28, was freed without charge six weeks after being arrested on suspicion of murder when patients at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, were poisoned. page 19

Cain heads home for talks with his wife

Herman Cain, the former frontrunner in the contest for the Republican presidential nomination, was heading for home rather than the White House yesterday, for discussions with his wife about claims of a 13-year extra-marital affair. He is expected to formally stand down today. MORE

Woman dies following bridge fall

A woman died after falling from a bridge on a university campus. Officers were called to the Claremont Bridge, which adjoins the Claremont Tower at Newcastle University, at around 12.30pm yesterday following reports of the fall. The woman died at the scene, Northumbria Police said.

Teenager 'lured men to remote deathtrap'

A teenage boy and his 52-year-old mentor are accused of using the classifieds website Craigslist to lure jobseekers to a remote corner of Ohio, where they were shot in the head. Richard Beasley and Brogan Rafferty were arrested after at least two men were found murdered. page 24

Nando's pulls 'last dictator' Mugabe ad

A South African fast food chain has withdrawn advertising that depicts President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, as the last dictator standing after the death of Libya's Muammar Gaddafi. Nando's said it noted with concern reaction in Zimbabwe, including threats against staff. page 8

Abuse allegations see staff suspended

Staff at a day centre for vulnerable adults have been suspended after abuse allegations. Cornwall Council said it acted immediately following complaints. It would not give the number of staff suspended, but sources told the Western Morning News that it was 10-15. page 21

Army struggles to explain Nato attack

Pakistan's army was on the defensive yesterday, trying to explain why its airforce had not reacted to the killing of 24 troops by Nato as it was confronted with a version of events that starkly differed from its own. US officials say they informed a Pakistani border official about the raid. page 20

Prince Charles tries to defend secrets

The Prince of Wales's private estate is trying to overturn a ruling ordering it to hand over environmental data about its controversial Port Navas Oyster Farm near Falmouth. The Duchy of Cornwall had been asked to provide information to local campaigner Michael Bruton.

More are giving but they're giving less

More people are giving charity, but the average donation has gone down. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that an additional 1.1 million people gave in the year to February 2011, a total of 29.5 million. But the average amount per month fell from £12 in 2009/10 to £11.

HIV groups angered by condom comment

Health minister Renato Balduzzi has angered HIV/Aids campaigners by reportedly telling state radio to ban the word "condoms" during programmes to mark World Aids Day. Campaigners say this supports their claims that the government is under the Vatican's influence. Page 19

Pensioner's body found on A3 road

The body of a 76-year-old man has been found on the A3 in Surrey. Motorists on the northbound carriageway near Ripley saw the body at 7.35pm and called the emergency services. Police said the dead man was a pensioner from Woking. His body was hit by a number of drivers who were unaware it was in the road.

Paramedic inhaled laughing gas on duty

A paramedic has been suspended after he was seen inhaling laughing gas while on duty and then driving. Nigel Moore, with the East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, was seen breathing in Entonox as he left an ambulance station and got into his car in September last year.

'Wise Man' case thrown out of court

A Spanish court has thrown out a woman's attempt to prosecute King Balthasar, one of the Biblical three wise men, for minor assault, The woman was struck in the eye by a sweet during the Spanish festival of the Epiphany, the Fiesta de los tres Reyes Mages, last year. page 12

Armed robbers used firefighter disguise

A crime gang has been convicted of using a firefighter's disguise for gunpoint robberies. Ringleader Darren Lloyd, 35, targeted cash-in-transit deliveries in east London. He recruited fireman Russell Williams, 39, to supply uniforms to former policeman Gary Griffiths, who wore the kit.

Wood's comic effect garners award

The comedy star Victoria Wood received a lifetime-achievement award yesterday at a major event recognising outstanding women in the film and television industry. The writer and comedy actress was honoured at the Sky Women in Film and TV Awards, now in its 21st year.

Actress's tattoo draws much talk

The Pakistani actress Veena Malik was trending worldwide on Twitter yesterday after an Indian magazine cover featured her wearing nothing but a tattoo reading "ISI", the initials of Pakistan's spy agency. Liberals celebrated the move as a bold act of defiance. page 20

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