John Carter killers jailed – Portobello High School – Earth Hour – Buses – Traffic news
Two men who admitted responsibility for the death of a man in Leith have been jailed.
At the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, Paul Banks (48) and Simon Brown (41) were both sentenced to eight years in prison after John Carter died in February 2011.
Local residents in Salamander Court discovered the body of the 44-year-old within an elevator and a major police investigation was launched to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
Speaking following sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan, who led the enquiries said: “Whether their intention was to kill Mr Carter or not, both Paul Banks and Simon Brown were responsible for inflicting serious injury upon him.
“As a result of these injuries, their victim died alone within an elevator and was denied any form of compassion or dignity in his final moments.
“The pair’s guilty plea earlier this month spared Mr Carter’s family the ordeal of a trial. However, this does not undo the suffering they have experienced as result of this incident.
“I would like to thank Mr Carter’s family and friends for all of their assistance during our enquiries and I sincerely hope that today’s sentencing gives them the closure they require and allow them to move on with their lives.
“At this time, I’d also like to thank the officers involved in this investigation, who’s hard work and professionalism ultimately led to Banks’ and Brown’s arrest.”
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The City of Edinburgh Council is to pursue Portobello Park Action Group (PPAG) for the costs incurred in their recent legal case against the Council.
PPAG had petitioned the Court of Session, claiming the Council had no right to appropriate Portobello Park to build the new Portobello High School. Three weeks ago Lady Dorrian dismissed PPAG’s petition on the grounds of mora (delay) saying any court action should have been taken no later than March 2010. Lady Dorrian also upheld the Council’s position that the Council didn’t need to seek court permission to appropriate the land to build the school on Portobello Park.
Earlier this week, the Council was informed that PPAG intend to appeal this decision.
Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, Convener of Education, Children and Families said: “There is no doubt that Portobello High School urgently needs replaced and there is huge local support for this. PPAG’s actions to date have already delayed the opening of the new school and despite Lady Dorrian’s judgment clearly supporting the council’s position, they continue to further delay the plans for the new school”.
Phil Wheeler, Convener of Finance and Resources added: “Enough is enough. The Council has incurred significant legal expenses to date, in excess of £75,000, and the Appeal will incur considerable additional costs. We have a duty to Edinburgh’s taxpayers to ensure their money is not wasted and we intend to pursue PPAG for their costs to date. We will also use all measures available to us to protect the council taxpayer from further expense arising from the ongoing legal proceedings”.
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Tonight at 8.30p.m. certain key buildings in the city will go dark to recognise Earth Hour.
Iconic landmarks across the city, such as the Scott Monument, the Burns Monument and Edinburgh Castle are taking part in the graphic demonstration of support for people and wildlife threatened by climate change.
The City of Edinburgh Council is encouraging people to take part in Earth Hour and turn off their lights for 60 minutes at 8.30pm tomorrow (31 March). A photo competition has also been set up for individuals, communities and businesses to share their pictures of what they are doing across Edinburgh to reduce the effects of climate change.
Photos can be uploaded to the Council’s Earth Hour flickr website and will see the entrants entered into a prize draw, where they can win one of three £50 Scotmid vouchers. The competition runs from until Friday 13 April 2012.
WWF is also encouraging community groups and local organisations to join in the fun by taking part in activities such as star-gazing, torch-lit nature walks, candle-lit suppers or pub-quizzes.
Cllr Jenny Dawe, Leader of Edinburgh Council said: “I am delighted that Edinburgh is marking WWF’s Earth Hour. This year promises to be better than ever and will send out a bold visual message that we all must take action to tackle climate change. The Council takes tackling climate change very seriously, recognising that small actions make big differences. I would encourage everyone to play their part and turn off lights to mark this global event.”
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said: “It is great news the City of Edinburgh Council has given its backing once again to WWF’s Earth Hour 2012. Already it’s looking to be another great year with communities up and down the country joining together with others from around the world in a dramatic hour of action on climate change.
“WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. Edinburgh Council’s decision to join WWF’s Earth Hour highlights their commitment to this issue. We hope lots of individuals, community groups and local organisations feel inspired to take part too.”
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The leaders of all political parties on the council have signed a letter addressed to Keith Brown, the Transport Minister, asking him to reconsider the cuts to the bus operators’ grant, according to Damian Henderson writing in The Herald today.
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Drivers are warned by the BBC that there will be long delays on the Forth Road Bridge this weekend during works to remove an access cradle. And more transport news now. The City Council is being urged to get rid of red traffic lights according to Project Amber Green. This means that nobody will ever see a red light on their way to work. You can read all about the detailed, intricate arrangements on the Project Amber Green website. Do let us know what you think below!
Our photograph today was from a photo call earlier in the week to meet retired racehorse, Franklee, on the Royal Mile. He certainly caused a stir among all the pedestrians! The Royal Mile Handicap will be run at Musselburgh next weekend.
Of course the council have the legal right to pursue costs. They did over the ‘watertight’ iron-clad’ ‘fixed-price’ contracts for the tram…… oh wait…. ah but a small citizen group – they’ll pull them into line. Nasty, nasty, nasty.
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