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Croydon teenager dies after being hit by a train at Wimbledon station

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An 18-year-old girl from Croydon died last night after allegedly jumping in front of a train at Wimbledon station.

British Transport Police (BTP), London Ambulance Service (LAS) and London Fire Brigade were called to the scene just before 10.15pm to reports of a person hit by a train.

A BTP spokesman said: "An 18-year-old woman from Croydon was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

"Her family has been informed and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

LAS sent a responder by car, an ambulance crew, the duty officer and a hazardous area response team to the scene after reports of a person under a train.

Croydon teenager dies after being hit by a train at Wimbledon station


FAN VIEW: Crystal Palace fans need to give Fraizer Campbell a break

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OUR columnist ALEX WHITE sees plenty of positives in Crystal Palace's display at Everton - but wants the fans to lay off one summer signing in particular...

INTERESTINGLY enough, Palace find themselves with eight different goal scorers for each one of their goals this season.

This is fantastic compared to last term where goals were incredibly hard to come by and we became heavily reliant on the likes of Jason Puncheon and, later on in the season, Dwight Gayle.

What I also found interesting in comparison to last season is the strength in depth we now have. To leave the likes of Zaha and Gayle on the bench and leave Williams and Bannan out of the squad but still come away with three points is amazing. I think most fans would've laughed if you told them before kick-off we'd get a result with leaving those players out.

When the starting 11 was announced, most fans seemed surprised by the absence of Zaha and especially Dwight Gayle. To start Fraizer Campbell was a risk but ultimately one that paid off. The likes of Campbell are paid to be in the right place at the right time and that he did in scoring at Goodison.

We were far too deep in the opening 20 minutes which Warnock was understandably frustrated about. He addressed that at half-time. We played 10 yards higher up the pitch which resulted in a much-improved second half performance and Warnock's first win.

The players initially tried too hard to stick to a Pulis plan and they seemed confused. We defended deep but it differed from the old style as we didn't maintain the discipline and structure we did under our previous boss.

The Palace faithful haven't taken too fondly to Campbell which I think is harsh as I struggle to criticise a player when he has done nothing wrong. What saddened me was to see him go down injured and some of our own fans cheered at the possibility of him not being able to carry on. That isn't what we are about and hope that this sort of attitude doesn't continue.

I don't like to moan after what was a fantastic result and second half performance but I'm still really baffled as to why we spent good money on Zeki Fryers and persist in playing Joel Ward at left back. Nothing against Martin Kelly - I think he has been good and in fact Sunday was his best game - but Joel's best position is right back and that's where he should be playing.

One thing we did retain from the old regime was our spirit and belief. Roberto Martinez said his side lost the psychological battle when we came back to 1-1 showing that the mental toughness, determination and self-belief that kept us in the Premier League for the first time didn't depart along with Tony Pulis.

FAN VIEW: Crystal Palace fans need to give Fraizer Campbell a break

Crystal Palace star reveals Everton fans' kindness at Goodison Park

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CRYSTAL Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni has revealed the Everton fans behind his goal were complimentary of him on Sunday. The 35-year-old, whose reputation in the top flight has grown in the last year, said supporters were "very, very kind" ahead of the second half at Goodison Park. However, that soon turned to whistles and boos as they felt the Argentine was taking too long with a couple of goal-kicks. The second one landed him a booking by referee Michael Oliver, something which was deemed "harsh" by the custodian. "No chance it was a yellow card, it was very harsh," Speroni told the Advertiser. "I went to put the ball down – and I think the referee may have done it to please their fans because I did it a previous time. "Even before I had the ball in my hands before placing it down, they started to whistle and boo. "But beforehand they were actually so kind to me. When I walked towards the goal at half-time to play the second half, they were very, very kind and applauded me. "That was nice and I appreciated that. A big thank you to the Everton fans, they are passionate behind there."

Crystal Palace star reveals Everton fans' kindness at Goodison Park

Exclusive: Crystal Palace offer new contract to Irishman

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CRYSTAL Palace club captain Paddy McCarthy has been offered a new contract – and co-chairman Steve Parish is confident of securing the centre-back for another year. The 31-year-old's current deal runs out next summer, along with a number of others, but Parish is keen to keep the Irishman at the club. Parish also believes McCarthy is set get game-time elsewhere after two years of injury hell and then falling down the pecking order in defence. "Paddy is going to get a new contract, we're quite close to agreeing something with him," the supremo has exclusively told the Advertiser. "I think it's another year on it. We haven't quite finalised it but that is probably what will happen. "Paddy is part of what we've done here since the beginning and he'll go out on loan and get some games." Other centre-backs out of contract next summer at Palace are Damien Delaney, Peter Ramage and Brede Hangeland. Follow your Palace reporter on Twitter @MR_LWMediaLike our Facebook page at facebook.com/AdvertiserSport

Exclusive: Crystal Palace offer new contract to Irishman

Selhurst carer given suspended sentence after admitting stealing from woman in her 90s

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A 43-year-old Selhurst woman has received a suspended sentence for stealing money from an elderly woman she was providing care for.

Deborah Carrigan, 43, of Selhurst Road, admitted stealing on four separate occasions from the pensioner – a woman in her 90s – while providing care for her at her home in Shirley.

Carrigan admitted four counts of theft after being caught on a CCTV camera installed by the victim's son.

A police spokesman said around £75 was stolen in total.

The victim's son called police in August 2013 after he had become suspicious that somebody was taking money from his mother's purse.

He consequently installed a small CCTV camera inside a dummy smoke-alarm in her kitchen.

Two days after installing the camera, he noticed more money was missing from the purse and when he looked back through the CCTV footage, he saw that one of the carers had taken the money from the purse.

Over the next couple of weeks the same carer took money from the purse on four separate occasions.

Police liaised with the care agency and identified her as Carrigan, and she was arrested on August 23 on suspicion of theft.

When questioned, Carrigan denied that she had stolen the money, stating the victim had given her permission to buy her items from the shops. However, she could not prove these claims or provide any receipts.

She was charged on February 27, and pleaded guilty to the four counts of theft on the first day of her trial on August 11.

Carrigan was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court on September 17 after to three months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months; given a 12-month supervision order; ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work; and pay a £100 victim surcharge

Trainee Detective Constable Hayley Rodgers, from Croydon CID, who investigated the case said:

"Carrigan was employed to look after her victim, who was an extremely vulnerable, elderly lady. But instead of looking out for her welfare, she took advantage of her and stole money from her purse.

"She then tried to make out that the victim had given her permission, but we were able to disprove her account.

"Carrigan was left with little option than to plead guilty and she will now be unable to work in the care industry again."

Selhurst carer given suspended sentence after admitting stealing from woman in her 90s

Croydon hip hop duo Krept and Konan nominated for four MOBOs

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CROYDON hip hop duo Krept and Konan have been nominated for four MOBO music awards.

The rappers, who won Best New Comer at last year's MOBOs, have been nominate for Best Male Act, Best Hip Hop Act, Best Album for 'Young Kingz' and Best Song for 'Don't Waste my Time'.

They face competition from Sam Smith in all four categories, as well as Tinie Tempah and Professor Green, at the awards on October 22.

The Advertiser previously reported how the duo's tune My Story is a heartfelt musical tribute from Konan (real name Karl Wilson) to his murdered stepfather Carlton Ned, who was gunned down while trying to protect him and his wife in Addiscombe in 2011.

Speaking after last year's nominations were released Krept (real name Casyo Johnson), from Upper Norwood, told the Advertiser how the duo would not have started rapping if it wasn't for their experiences in Croydon gangs.

He said: "We weren't in gangs for a long time but it has definitely helped make us what we are today.

"It didn't take long for either of us to know that being in a gang wasn't for us and you see when you get a bit older that it's stupid.

"You have this sort of tunnel vision. Before we started our music, I'm not even sure I knew about places like Birmingham and Liverpool because we couldn't see outside of where we already were."

Krept and Konan will find out if they have won at the 19th MOBO music awards, this year held at Wembley Arena on October 22. It is the first time the awards have been held in London for five years.

Croydon hip hop duo Krept and Konan nominated for four MOBOs

Crystal Palace given big boost as Newcastle stars ruled out

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CRYSTAL Palace have been given a boost that five players are missing for Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night. Saturday's two-goal hero Papiss Cisse has fallen ill along with the likes of goalkeeper Tim Krul and attacker Yoan Gouffran. And the Magpies looks set to be without Siem De Jong and Rolando Aarons for the trip to Selhurst Park as well. Palace are set to make a number of changes themselves, as Neil Warnock looks to give a few players some game-time, including Paddy McCarthy, Adlene Guedioura, Barry Bannan and Jonny Williams.

Crystal Palace given big boost as Newcastle stars ruled out

Former Croydon College student tried to murder mother in poison plot inspired by Breaking Bad, court told

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THE woman accused of trying to murder her mother in a plot inspired by US TV drama Breaking Bad is a former Croydon College student. 

Kuntal Patel, 37, is accused of trying to kill her "controlling and selfish" mother Meena by putting abrin - a poison similar to ricin - in a bottle of Diet Coke after she "forbade" her from marrying her boyfriend.

Patel has pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to acquire a biological agent or toxin last December.

The graphic designer denies attempted murder and is standing trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Prosecutors say she bought the poison, said to be far more potent than ricin, from a site on the 'dark web', where users can remain anonymous.

It arrived in a wax candle after she paid for it using the virtual currency bitcoins, jurors heard.

It is alleged that she put the poison in the bottle and watched as her mother, a magistrate at Thames Magistrates' Court, drank it at her home in Stratford, east London.

Nothing happened because the poison was 1,000 times less toxic if swallowed rather than inhaled or injected, the court heard.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay said the plot was "inspired", in part, by Breaking Bad.

He said the Patels would have appeared a "highly respectable and happy family" to the outside world but they were "embroiled in bullying and abuse".

The evidence, he said, showed that Meena Patel was "not a nice woman at all".

"She would regularly use foul and abusive language, including highly racist language. She would, on occasion, be violent," said Mr Polnay.

Meena Patel was said to be "highly manipulative and controlling" and sought to control her daughter's life, the court heard.

"Worst of all, she forbade Kuntal from marrying the man she loved - Niraj Kaked," said Mr Polnay.

"Meena Patel was all of those things - manipulative, controlling and selfish. But she did not deserve to die."

It is claimed that, when the marriage was blocked, Kuntal set out in a "calculated and pre-meditated fashion to murder her mother".

The court heard that Meena locked her daughter in her home, beat her and demanded she stop seeing her boyfriend, who lives in the US.

Jurors were told that Kuntal bought the poison over the internet from American Jesse Korff, but the website was under surveillance by the FBI after an advert posted on it offered Breaking Bad-style ricin poison.

The series tells the story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher who turns to cooking crystal meth after being diagnosed with cancer.

In a message Kuntal wrote: "I've been watching too much Breaking Bad."

When her mother survived she confessed the murder plot to Mr Korff, it is alleged.

"Something has definitely gone wrong somewhere as it is now early Saturday morning and still everything is normal," she wrote.

"Yes target drank all of it. I made sure I watched her drink it all."

When Kuntal was arrested in January she told police she bought the poison to kill herself.

Police found she had searched 'how to murder using poison', 'how to create botulism' and 'how to murder someone without getting caught', the court heard.

The trial continues. 

Former Croydon College student tried to murder mother in poison plot inspired  by Breaking Bad, court told


Crystal Palace striker 50/1 to notch Newcastle hat-trick in Cup

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Palace must wish they could play at Goodison every other week after their second thrilling 3-2 win at Everton in the space of five months. Palace are in Capital One Cup action on Wednesday when former Eagles player Alan Pardew brings his Newcastle side down to Selhurst Park in one of only four all-Premier League ties. The sides have never met in the Capital One Cup previously and Neil Warnock's side are 8/5 to follow up their Goodison heroics with a win in 90 minutes with a draw 12/5 and a Magpies' win 15/8. Newcastle themselves came from behind to get a point against Hull at the weekend but with home court advantage Warnock will be more than hopeful of a place in the last sixteen. The Eagles are 50/1 at BetVictor to lift the Trophy at Wembley next year with the Geordies 33/1; Chelsea and Manchester City are 9/2 market leaders with the draw having been kind to the favourites with home games this week against Championship opposition Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. It will be interesting to see how Warnock shuffles his pack; Dwight Gayle helped himself to a first-half hat-trick at the Banks's Stadium Walsall in the previous round and is likely to be recalled to the starting XI midweek. Gayle is 6/1 to score the opener and 50/1 to grab another hat-trick. In recent seasons Bradford City, Sunderland and Swansea have reached the Capital One Cup Final and in the case of the latter have lifted the trophy. A home tie against Newcastle, who currently prop up the Premier League table, gives the Eagles every opportunity to reach the 4th Round. This has been a season of shocks in the PL and with United already out of the Capital One Cup who's to say Crystal Palace can't go all the way to Wembley? BetVictor.com

Crystal Palace striker 50/1 to notch Newcastle hat-trick in Cup

'They are putting money before children's safety' says mum after Croydon leisure firm decides swimming lessons no longer need a lifeguard

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A MOTHER has accused the company that runs Croydon's leisure centres of putting money ahead of safety after it decided children's swimming lessons no longer require a lifeguard.

Liz Marsden's two children – Hannah, 6, and Zoe, 5 – attend a weekly swim school at Purley Leisure Centre.

Until recently parents were able to watch the Saturday morning class, which is taught in the learning pool, once a term.

Mrs Marsden and other parents have been told that is no longer an option because the teacher will be acting as a lifeguard as well as instructing the children.

She believes leaving the class without a lifeguard could compromise safety in an emergency.

When she raised her concerns with a manager she was told the decision had been made centrally by Fusion Leisure, which runs five leisure centres in Croydon for the council, and the impression she got was it is a cost-cutting measure.

Fusion Leisure initially refused to comment but has since confirmed the decision affects all its leisure centres in Croydon and elsewhere in London. 

It said the decision had been taken after reviewing "best practice" in the industry. 

Hannah and Zoe have been going to the swim school in Purley since January. The class is taught in the learning pool, which is in a separate room to the main pool, and had been manned by a lifeguard.

Mrs Marsden said: "Fusion have not thought through what could happen in an emergency. The teachers are brilliant, but they aren't superhuman.

"There are lifeguards in the main pool but, in a worst case scenario, they would have to raise the alarm and get someone to cover their classes. For the price of having one lifeguard for an hour, it doesn't seem worth the risk.

"It seems to me to be a purely economic decision rather than thinking of the safety of the children."

Mrs Marsden's concern has been compounded by the mixed messages she has received since raising the issue with a manager.

"The impression I got was that he is frustrated. He had talked to Fusion and tried to get his point across but they hadn't listened," she said.

"When I contacted Fusion all I received was an email telling me they would pass it on to the manager.

"I'd like to know whether the council has looked into this."

The council has yet to respond to the Advertiser's request for a comment.

Mrs Marsden hopes the decision does not dissuade parents from taking their children to the lessons.

"It's a shame because the pool itself is really well used, well liked and the staff are all lovely," she said.

"I don't want to say it's unsafe but the company are thinking on monetary terms rather than what could happen if things go wrong."

A spokeswoman for Fusion Leisure said: "'Safety is of absolute paramount importance across all our sites, including Croydon.

"After carefully reviewing the operational guidance from relevant industry bodies and, in line with industry best practise, we have decided to implement a new companywide policy in relation to our lessons.

"As such, and in line with this industry guidance and local risk assessments, we have provided our swimming teachers with formal nationally recognised qualification. We believe this equips all our teachers with the knowledge and skills to immediately deal with any incident."

Last week staff – including lifeguards – at Fusions five Croydon leisure centres took part in a 48 hour walkout in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The company managed to keep the centres open by bringing in workers from elsewhere. 

'They are putting money before children's safety' says mum after Croydon leisure firm decides swimming lessons no longer need a lifeguard

Crystal Palace chairman admits difficult situation for midfield star

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CRYSTAL Palace co-chairman Steve Parish says Jonny Williams' situation at the club is a "difficult one" but expects him to play against Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup this evening. The gifted midfielder is struggling to get into the first team again and has been linked with another move to the Championship on loan. Williams, 20, went to Ipswich Town at the end of last season and impressed. And a host of Championship clubs have made enquiries in the last three weeks. The youngster's immediate future may depend on his performance against the Magpies, but the club have no intention of selling him. "People are going to the agent Jamie Moralee, he's an ex-Palace player and I've got a lot of time for him," Parish told the Advertiser. "We talk a lot about Jonny and we've got to develop Jonny as a player. He wants him to play and the trouble is he is so close to it at Palace, so it's a difficult one. "He went to Ipswich last season and did well, but Neil Warnock wants to take a look at him first."

Crystal Palace chairman admits difficult situation for midfield star

Croydon worker 'has second best moustache in England'

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IF YOU'VE got it flaunt it, they say.

And when you have facial hair as impressive as James Dyer it should be paraded on a wider stage.

The 37-year-old did just that when he competed in the British Beard and Moustache Championship held in Bath on September 13 - and he was only a whisker away from scooping the top prize.

Mr Dyer, of Croydon Road, Caterham, came second in the English Moustache section - a long pencil-thin creation which is shaved at the edges.

Vying against rivals from the likes of Sweden and Australia, his moustache was judged on size, quality and grooming before he clinched his runner-up trophy.

But his success did not come without plenty of preparation.

He explained: "It involves a whole lot of washing, conditioning and waxing each morning.

"I've got the waxing down to a fine art - only about 15 minutes each day - involving a combination of vaseline and beeswax, one of which has a gorgeous melted marshmallow smell."

He dressed in eye-catching steampunk style for the event, with pipes protruding from his headgear.

Mr Dyer, a call centre operator for Allianz Global Assistance in George Street, East Croydon, first grew a tache three years ago.

Having raised money for male cancer charities through Movember, he took it one step further and took part in the 2012 British championship.

His original growth was "more like Salvador Dali."

He said: "As it get longer it curled up and was almost poking me in the eye.

"That's when I decided on a thin English-style moustache."

Now he is champing at the bit to take part in the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Austria, in October next year.

He added: "My partner Gina (Webb) would probably dump me if I ever removed it.

"And a local shopkeeper always calls out 'hallo Mr Moustache' when I pop in.

"One day I went to the shop without waxing it.

"When Gina called in later for a pint of milk the shopkeeper asked her 'was he OK? He looked terrible today.'"

Mr Dyer is so proud of his facial hair that he has even given it is its own Facebook page, called Jimstash.

Croydon worker 'has second best moustache in England'

Crystal Palace star wants Cup run and targets Newcastle win

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JULIAN Speroni says he and his Crystal Palace team-mates spoke about having a run in the Cup competitions this season during the summer. The shot-stopper could sit out of the Eagles' Capital One Cup against Newcastle United on Wednesday night, as boss Neil Warnock rings the changes to give opportunities to other squad members. Speroni wants to advance to the next round and isn't concerned that it may be a slight distraction to their league campaign either. "We want to play every game but if it gives others a chance to play, I don't mind," he told the Advertiser. "We want to do well in the Cup competitions. It's something we spoke about before the season started, to have a nice run. "Even the fans will tell you what they would prefer and they'd say the Premier League is priority, but we want to win this game. "We have a big squad and have good, good players who can come into the team. We need that, not just 11 players so we can rotate and give opportunities to others. "Now there is a good balance and I'm looking forward to what's coming for us."

Crystal Palace star wants Cup run and targets Newcastle win

St Peter's School take the Croydon Tag Rugby title

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MORE than 200 children from across the borough of Croydon took part in a Tag Rugby tournament last Friday, with St Peter's School claiming top spot. Into its third year, 16 primary schools competed at Whitgiftians Junior Rugby Club in South Croydon and with World Cup fever approaching, the interest is growing among young people taking up the sport. Hayes Primary School and St Peter's contested the final, where it was 2-2 at the end of normal time (seven minutes), then it went to a golden try which St Peter's managed to score. Matthew Titterton, a coach at Whitgiftians Junior Rugby Club, was delighted with the success of the day and believes the tournament will be a regular occurrence. "We did a trial three years ago with just four schools then we did last year and there were around ten," he said. "We wanted to ramp it up to 16 this year, so we'll be confirming it as an annual tournament. "With the World Cup coming for 2015, we've been trying to tie this in with the Surrey RFU, and what's great about it is you get mixed ability and mixed gender teams. "The format of it was in the first hour they learnt skills, with five sort of activities to work on their passing, defending, running and team work. "That was then put together to head into a friend round robin tournament. We were impressed that they played rugby with structure."For the full photo spread, see Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

Croydon computer programmer in court charged with stalking 15-year-old schoolboy

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A MAN has appeared in court accused of stalking a schoolboy from Croydon.

Adam Hinkly, 48, is also alleged to have made indecent photographs of children. 

Hinkly, of Deans Close, Croydon, appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court today (Wednesday).

It is alleged that Hinkly, a self-employed computer programmer, approached the 15-year-old boy on several occasions at Sandilands tram stop between January 1 and  February 16 this year. 

Hinkly is also charged with making 12 indecent images of children at his home on March 30. 

He spoke only to confirm his identity and did not enter a plea to either of the charges. 

The magistrate granted him bail on the condition that he does not contact the victim or go to two roads adjacent to the school the boy attends.

He is due at Croydon Crown Court on October 8. 

Croydon computer programmer in court charged with stalking 15-year-old schoolboy


Controlling Thornton Heath husband 'lashed out' at wife who wanted to go on holiday without him

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A MAN hit his wife in the face as they rowed about her going on holiday without him.

Jigar Patel, 30, "lashed out" at Simal Patel outside their home in Broughton Road, Thornton Heath on July 9.

He hit her nose with such force that her glasses were thrown into a neighbour's garden.

Patel, of Broughton Road, Thornton Heath, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (September 24).

The court heard the couple's relationship had deteriorated over a period of years as Patel tried to "control everything she does", including seeing her friends.

They arranged to go on holiday together to see if they could repair their marriage. However, the evening before they were due to leave Jigar decided he no longer wanted to go.

When Simal said she would go alone, they began to argue. As she tried to leave the house he grabbed her arm and hit her in the nose, knocking her glasses off.

They went back indoors and the situation calmed but, when she tried to leave in the morning, he refused to let her go.

Worried her husband would hit her a second time, Simal locked herself in a bedroom and called the police.

Jigar, of previously good character, admitted grabbing his wife's arm but claims he threw the glasses rather than striking her in the face.

The magistrate adjourned the case for a probation report which will consider all options, including a custodial sentence.

Patel was released on bail, on condition he does not contact his wife, until sentencing on October 15. 

Controlling Thornton Heath husband 'lashed out' at wife who wanted to go on holiday without him

Man denies telling shop assistant at Thornton Heath Lidl to 'go back to Africa' in row over barcode

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A MAN has denied racially abusing a shop assistant at Lidl during a row over a barcode.

Rebwar Rashid Aziz, 42, allegedly told Francis Ocloo to "go back to Africa" and called him a "black *******" during the row at the store in London Road, Thornton Heath, on September 9.

Aziz, of Ullswater Hostel, Peckham, pleaded not guilty to causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (September 24).

He also denied criminal damage relating to a door.

Aziz was released on bail, on the condition that he does not go to the store, and will stand trial on February 26.

Man denies telling shop assistant at Thornton Heath Lidl to 'go back to Africa' in row over barcode

Council tells Fusion to reinstate lifeguards at children's swimming lessons in Croydon while policy is 'reviewed'

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THE company that runs Croydon's leisure centres has been made to temporarily reinstate lifeguards at children's swimming lessons. 

Earlier today the Advertiser reported that weekly swim schools at Purley, and four other leisure centres in the borough, would no longer be manned by lifeguards.

Instead the swimming instructors would be expected to perform the role as well as teaching the classes.

Liz Marsden, whose two children attend lessons at Purley, accused the company of putting money before children's safety.

Fusion initially declined to comment but later confirmed the decision, which affects all its leisure centres, was made in line with "best practice" in the industry. 

It said swimming instructors had been provided with "nationally recognised qualifications". 

Croydon Council, however, said this afternoon that the company had agreed to reinstate the lifeguards while the policy is reviewed. 

"While Fusion has assured us their new policy has been through a full risk assessment and complies with national safety guidelines, we have asked them to reinstate the original arrangements while we review the matter," a spokesman said.

Children at Purley are taught in a learning pool in a separate room leading to concern that the instructor would be unable to cope in an emergency.

After being told of the council's intervention, Mrs Marsden said: "That's fantastic. At the very least parents can be reassured that the decision has been carefully considered."  

Council tells Fusion to reinstate lifeguards at children's swimming lessons in Croydon while policy is 'reviewed'

'No difference if it was a refugee camp' says governor of academy teaching pupils in Croydon office block

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PUPILS at a new academy in Thornton Heath have spent the first two weeks of their school lives being taught in an office block on Purley Way.

Paxton Academy Sports and Science, a free school, was forced to find emergency accommodation after being unable to fit out its temporary classrooms in time for the new term.

Alisa Flemming, Labour's schools chief, said the situation was a "big disappointment" which would not have happened if the council was able to open schools.

Charlotte Davies, chairman of Paxton's governing body, dismissed criticism of its problematic beginning.

"It doesn't matter if children are being taught in a refugee camp or in a purpose built building. What parents want is high quality teaching which they have not been able to access in Croydon until this point," she said.

It has been a difficult few months for Paxton, which had to seek an alternative home after being unable to purchase its intended site in London Road.

It will be housed in temporary buildings on the grounds of Streatham-Croydon Rugby Club, in Brigstock Road, until the permanent building is completed in two years' time.

Those cabins were then delivered late and the school's first 62 reception-aged pupils have been taught in offices in Lombard House, Purley Way, since September 15.

Mrs Davies said staff had worked "day and night" to ensure the temporary classrooms on the rugby club's playing field will be ready for Monday (September 29).

"It's not ideal but we have to make the best of the situation and get on with it," she said.

"That's an important lesson that we pass on to the children. It might not be absolutely perfect but it's not the end of the world."

In a newsletter sent out this week, head teacher Johnette Barrett, accepted it had been "a rather bumpy start" but thanked parents for their "goodwill".

Paxton is one of three schools to open in Croydon this month amid unprecedented demand for places, particularly for primary aged children. Two are 'free schools' - set up by parents or other members of the community - and a third is an academy.

Due to Coalition government policy, local authorities are no longer able to open their own schools so rely on bulge classes and permanent expansions on existing sites to meet demand.

Cllr Flemming, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said Paxton's problems are a "classic example" of the issues that can cause.

"I don't think it's a good start for a child to have to begin their primary school education at Lombard House," she said.

"It's a big disappointment and its very frustrating that there isn't more we could do.

"At the end of the day, whatever the debate is between the council, academies or the government, those children, who were excited to start school, are now in an office. I'm really disappointed about that and won't pretend otherwise."

Ms Davies said: "The council might have had the school open and ready on time, but it would not have got good value for money. Neither would they be able to deliver the same quality of education.

"I've taught in refugee camps. When I came back to Britain I was shocked at how low the standards were compared to Vietnamese refugee camps.

"Children of four can be taught excellently if you have a good teacher and have thought of a good programme for the day. It doesn't matter if you are in a refugee camp or in a purpose built building.

"Our parents understand that. What they don't want to have to do is send their children back home to get a high quality education, which is what too many families are having to do."

'No difference if it was a refugee camp' says governor of academy teaching pupils in Croydon office block

Crystal Palace 2–3 Newcastle (aet): Eagles starlet grabs dramatic equaliser in five-goal thriller

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By Mark Ritson at Selhurst Park CRYSTAL Palace have missed out on playing Manchester City in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Newcastle United this evening. The Eagles took the game to extra-time after debutant Sullay KaiKai grabbed his first goal for the club with a dramatic equaliser. And despite having a man advantage due to Mehdi Abeid's sending off, Palace conceded a winner in the second half of extra-time when Paul Dummett sent a diving header beyond Wayne Hennessey. Palace will now set their focus on Leicester City in the Premier League this Saturday. Dwight Gayle was inches away from giving the Eagles the lead very early on when he drove a first-time shot from outside the box just wide. However, Newcastle got into their rhythm and had chances themselves to draw first blood, notably through striker Emmanuel Riviere, who couldn't convert a low cross after getting in front of Paddy McCarthy. Kevin Doyle nearly managed to wriggle clear of two Newcastle defenders before his effort was thwarted for a corner, before Daryl Janmaat gave Wayne Hennessey in the Palace goal something to do midway through the half with a low shot to the goalkeeper's left. The Eagles took the lead on 25 minutes when Wilfried Zaha was on the end of a clumsy challenge by Janmaat, and referee Madley pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped Dwight Gayle, who hit a hat-trick in the last round against Walsall, and the striker buried his shot past Rob Elliot. The visitors went close to equalising soon after when the ball fell kindly to Jack Colback inside the box but his shot was charged down by Brede Hangeland and cleared. The Magpies upped their game though and Riviere had another chance which flashed wide – but on 36 minutes he made no mistake to equalise. After tussling with Hangeland on the edge of the box, the big defender should have done better but allowed Riviere to get away and place a shot past a helpless Hennessey. Into the second period and Riviere got his name on the scoresheet again, this time from the penalty spot. Skipper Paddy McCarthy wiped out Sammy Ameobi on the left side of the box to give away the clearest penalty you'll see. And Riviere placed the ball just over Hennessey's left hand to put the Magpies in front. Bannan and Gayle fired shots over the bar from outside the box as the hosts huffed and puffed looking for a way back into the contest. Bannan then played a superb first time ball into the diminutive forward, but he couldn't control it and Newcastle were let off the hook. Zaha zipped in a great ball from the right as the Eagles looked to get going again, while the crowd were lifted as Andrew Johnson came on for a huge reception in place of Doyle. However, it was Gayle who nearly grabbed an equaliser as Bannan's superb delivery from a free-kick found the striker, who headed down against the outside of the post. Youngster Sullay KaiKai came on for his senior debut in place of Williams with ten minutes remaining, before Jake Gray also came on for McCarthy. And in the second of four added-on minutes, KaiKai sent SE25 crazy with a debut goal. Adrian Mariappa sent a high ball to the back post, KaiKai's shot was saved before he buried the rebound to send the game into extra-time. With news filtering through that the winner of the match would travel to Manchester City, there was a huge incentive for both sides. Gayle dragged a shot wide at the start of the first half, while KaiKai, still buzzing from his goal, was desperate for the ball out wide. However, Palace were given a man advantage when Mehdi Abeid was shown a second yellow card, this time for dissent following a foul on Zaha. Gayle fired a free-kick narrowly over before the referee got things under way for the second half of the extra. Johnson had his first effort saved easily by Elliot down to his right, before Gayle saw a goal ruled out for offside. And it proved to be very unfortunate as the Toon went 3-2 ahead with minutes remaining. Adam Armstrong delivered in from the left and full-back Paul Dummett made a storming run in front of KaiKai to divert a header past Hennessey. Palace should have been level again though when Elliot pulled off a stunning reaction stop point blank from Mariappa, who had the whole goal to aim at unmarked with a header. The ball came back out to Hangeland, who stroked the ball home but the referee had blown for a foul on Steven Taylor by Guedioura. And that's the way it ended. Newcastle go through to face Manchester City. Palace: Hennessey, Mariappa, McCarthy (Gray 90), Hangeland, Fryers, Zaha, Guedioura, Williams (KaiKai 80), Bannan, Doyle (Johnson 71), Gayle. Subs Not Used: Price, Ward, Ramage, Kelly. Attendance: 13,773 Referee: R Madley

Crystal Palace 2–3 Newcastle (aet): Eagles starlet grabs dramatic equaliser in five-goal thriller

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