Tourist death: Man in Thai court
A MAN accused of shooting dead a British holidaymaker during a New Year’s Eve party in Thailand is expected to appear in court today.
Ekkapan Kaewkla, 26, has been charged with killing Stephen Ashton and carrying a weapon following the incident on the paradise island of Koh Phangan.
Mr Ashton, a former city trader from Purley, south London, was enjoying New Year celebrations when he was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight between rival gangs.
Comic Davidson denies sex claims
COMEDIAN Jim Davidson “vigorously denies” allegations made against him by two women, his solicitor said.
The former Generation Game and Big Break host was questioned by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal over allegations dating back 25 years, his solicitor Henri Brandman said.
Scotland Yard said earlier that a 59-year-old man was held in west London at around noon yesterday after a 53-year-old man had been arrested in Hampshire, both on suspicion of sexual offences linked to Operation Yewtree.
Call to curb winter fuel payments
THE majority of pensioners should see their winter fuel allowance cut to help fund a reformed system of care for the elderly, a former minister said.
Lib Dem MP Paul Burstow said targeting the allowance for all but the poorest of pensioners would help pay for a fairer system of state support for old age care.
Mr Burstow, a former care minister, said the move would help meet the cost of implementing the findings of the Dilnot Commission, which proposed capping the amount individuals have to pay for care during their lifetime.
PM announces £30m loans boost
THOUSANDS more young people could get Dragons Den-style Government loans to help them turn business ideas into reality, David Cameron has announced.
The Prime Minister said funding for the coalition’s Start-Up Loans scheme was being boosted by £30 million to £110 million over three years.
The age limit for applying was also being raised from 24 to 30 in response to “high demand”, according to Downing Street aides.
Families not told of benefit change
“EXTENSIVE” media activity is being employed to inform people of the imminent changes to child benefit, the Government said, as it emerged almost a third of families affected by the new means-tested rules had not been formally contacted.
HM Revenue and Customs said it had written to nearly 800,000 people known to be affected by the previously announced child benefit alterations which come into force on Monday.
It estimated 1.1 million will be affected by the move, but HMRC had been unable to contact everyone as it held incomplete data on some customers following changes to their income, relationship status, or address. It added that those affected would need to complete self-assessment returns.
