Clifford: My Sex Charge Nightmare Continues

Max Clifford protested his innocence as he arrived at court to enter pleas on charges of indecent assault on teenage girls and women.

The PR expert, from Hersham in Surrey, faces 11 counts relating to seven alleged victims, aged from 14 to 19, between 1966 and 1985.

Clifford, who denies the charges, was arrested last December and was charged in April.

As he arrived at Southwark Crown Court, in London, he told reporters: "I'm OK.

"Obviously I am totally innocent of these charges.

"It's been a very hard time for myself, my wife, my family, loved ones. I have been helped tremendously by the public support, everywhere I go. That obviously has made a huge difference."

After leaving court he said: "The nightmare continues, it has done since last December.

"I want to thank everyone for their support, in this country and abroad.

"It is a nightmare for myself and everyone close to me. I am totally innocent.

"Next March (the date of Clifford's trial), as long as the truth comes out, it will be fine and I can get back to a normal life."

His trial is expected to last up to four weeks.

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'Mummified Boy': Hutton Jailed For 15 Years

Timeline: Hamzah Khan Case

Updated: 3:42pm UK, Thursday 03 October 2013

Here is a timeline of events leading to the death of Hamzah Khan and the discovery of his mummified body:

May 28, 1996 - Amanda Hutton and partner Aftab Khan have an argument in the street. She complained to police that Khan had hit her, giving her a black eye

March 18, 2003 - Amanda Hutton tells a police officer she was suffering from domestic violence at the hands of Aftab Khan

June 2, 2003 - Amanda Hutton complained Khan had assaulted her.

September 25, 2004 - Police investigate alleged assault of Amanda Hutton by Aftab Khan

February 24, 2005 - Amanda Hutton fails to attend appointment for hospital scan while pregnant with Hamzah

March 2005 – Second missed appointment

April 7, 2005 – Third missed appointment

June 17, 2005 - Hamzah born weighing 5lb 4oz

July 7, 2005 - The last time Hamzah is seen by any healthcare professional - a health visitor. Previously on the same day a midwife visits and records Hamzah putting on weight and "doing well."

October 2005 - Four attempts by health visitors to gain access. Door slammed on nurse on at least one occasion.

December 18, 2005 - Police called over claims of domestic violence

December 24, 2005 - Amanda Hutton's mother dies. She claims it affects her badly

February 2006 - Failed attempt to gain access by health visitor

March 14, 2006 - GP writes to Amanda Hutton because Hamzah has not been registered with them.

July 10, 2006 - Health visitor denied access.

August 12, 2006 - The Registrar of Births contacts the health visitor after unsuccessful attempts to contact Amanda Hutton about the birth of Hamzah.

The registrar subsequently contacts the health visitor to say she has seen Amanda Hutton at home, she had a "puffed up" eye and smelt of alcohol.

August 23, 2006 - Amanda Hutton goes to her GP complaining of depression.

September 2006 - Health visitor contacts social services child protection unit over "significant concerns" about non engagement with all health professionals.

September 7, 2006 - Amanda Hutton goes to GP. Records read: "Came with eldest son. Has been drinking with partner "too much". 

Has had 2 glasses of vodka a day since mother died in January (sic). Helps to numb things says that family are not aware. Feels as if has hit rock bottom. Wants to change"

September 19, 2006 - Amanda Hutton registers Hamzah with her GP. He was never seen at the practice.

November 2006 - Letter sent (unclear by whom) to children's social care to express concerns about child neglect by Amanda Hutton

November 15, 2006 - Social worker visits, could not get in, left a note.

November 23, 2006 - Social worker returns, sees Hamzah who was "well cared-for and well dressed". Amanda Hutton tells her she's lost faith in the NHS, but would seek help for Hamzah if he was ill.

November 2006 - April 2007 - Amanda Hutton "off the radar" of official health & social care records

December 13, 2006 - Domestic violence report to police

December 30, 2006 - Police called to the house after an argument, Amanda is "obstructive and reluctant to give information to police".

April 2007 - Social worker is told by health visitor that Amanda Hutton says she is willing to engage with healthcare and family centre services.

April 2007 - Hamzah misses a GP appointment for vaccinations

May 2007 - Amanda Hutton and Hamzah suspended from GP practice list with note saying: "too many failed appointments"

December 2007 - Tests on Hamza's bones and teeth after he died showed he was not eating enough food from at least this point

December 7, 2007 - 999 call made claiming domestic violence

February 26, 2008 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

April 10, 2008 - Amanda Hutton makes tearful call to domestic violence unit.

April 17, 2008 - Amanda speaks to the PC at the domestic violence unit, says she had been drinking heavily but has now stopped.

May 5, 2008 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

June 9, 2008 - Domestic violence unit police officer contacts health visitor asking her to make contact with Amanda Hutton.

June 13, 2008 - First multi-agency MARAC meeting organised by social services. Discusses concerns about Amanda Hutton and Hamzah because they are at risk of serious domestic violence

August 2008 - Second MARAC meeting. Amanda Hutton reported to have refused help from a domestic violence charity.

December 4, 2008 - Amanda Hutton dialled 999 alleging domestic violence.

December 09, 2008 - Aftab Khan arrested, tells police they should check on Hamzah.

December 22, 2008 - Injunction granted preventing contact by Aftab Khan

December 2008 - Amanda Hutton moves house, police arrange fitting of panic alarm and anti-arson letterbox

January 19, 2009 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

January 2009 - Third MARAC meeting. Concerns over GP non engagement discussed.

February 17, 2009 - Domestic violence unit police officer sent on welfare visit, told can't see Hamzah because he's upstairs with a dirty nappy because it's half term

February 2009 - Girlfriend of Hamzah's brother Qaiser stays at house, says Hamzah was 'definitely underweight, like a baby" was eating only milk, bananas and half a pasty for tea and "whatever was lying around" and that he was often locked in a bedroom in the dark.

An 11-year-old girl who had been to the house told the police after his body was found that Hamzah was not fed much.

February 17, 2009 - Domestic violence unit police officer visits Amanda, she didn't see Hamzah as was playing upstairs, house was clean and tidy.

March 11, 2009 - Text from Aftab Khan to Amanda Hutton: "Don't wori its not me whose going to land u in the shit ur going to do that ur self turnd in to the biggest lyer stop drinking wat [has Hamzah] had today think about wat ur doing to everi body"

March 16, 2009 - Amanda Hutton moves house for last time, tells neighbour the move is to escape from abusive relationship.

April 21, 2009 - Police called by childcare professional who reports concerns about child neglect

April 21, 2009 - PC Marie Furness visits house, speaks to Hamzah, leaves "satisfied that he was fit, well, clean, healthy-looking." She was the last police officer to see him.

June 9, 2009 - Aftab Khan admits battery against Amanda Hutton on  December 4, 2008

September 2009 - Hamzah expected in school, but not seen

October 2009 - Amanda Hutton and Hamzah fully removed from the GP practice list.

October 14, 2009 - Amanda Hutton meets a domestic violence charity worker and says she wants to help other victims of child abuse.

December 15, 2009 - Hamzah dies aged four and a half. Tests later showed his bones were the same size as a child of 12 to 18 months.

August 10 - Nurse at the school Hamzah was expected to attend was asked about him by the health visitor. Nurse says he was not attending the nursery.

September 2010 - Hamzah had to start school by law. He was never seen.

March 16, 2011 - Anonymous tip-off to social services to report concerns about significant problems in the house.

September 05, 2011 - A police community support officer goes to house after neighbour complains about rubbish. She is suspicious about smell and flies, calls social services who tell her Amanda Hutton lives there with a child.

September 21, 2011 - Hamzah's body found mouldy and mummified in Amanda Hutton's bedroom. His body had no muscle and almost no flesh.

He was dressed in a baby grow for a six- to nine-month-old baby, which fitted him comfortably.

There were five other children, aged between five and 13, in the home at the time. The fridge was found to contain rotten food.

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Help To Buy: Doubts Over Success Of Scheme

By Poppy Trowbridge, Business and Economics Correspondent

The second phase of the government mortgage guarantee scheme Help to Buy is due to launch next week, three months earlier than expected - but experts are sceptical the initiative will help buyers.

Lack of capacity in the housing market, and a statement from one bank saying it cannot confirm whether it will take part in the scheme, means some would-be buyers could be left empty-handed.

Exclusive research by Sky News shows interest from potential buyers has skyrocketed since the Government surprised the market.

Property website Rightmove says clicks on its Help to Buy pages numbered 14,807 on Saturday, the day before last Sunday's surprise announcement.

When David Cameron revealed, on the eve of the Conservative Party conference, that the launch date had been brought forward from January - clicks, measuring potential buyer interest, spiked to 59,571.

Now, almost a week later, they remain far above average at 23,660.

There is concern that pent-up demand cannot be met by existing market services, while Barclays has issued a statement saying it is not able to guarantee a launch date.

The policy offers homebuyers loans of up to 20% towards a property

"Whilst we cannot take a decision over participation in the new scheme before the terms are set, we are encouraged by the tone of the discussions so far," the bank said.

RBS and Natwest however, have said they are ready to take part in the scheme when it goes live and are planning to extend opening hours in many branches to deal with demand.

"From launch date customers will be able to visit any of our 2000 branches or call us to see how we can help them to get ahead on the property ladder through the scheme," said a statement.

Lloyds Banking Group will also be participating in the second stage of Help to Buy - but exact timings are currently unclear.

"We will be introducing a range of products shortly through our Halifax (and Bank of Scotland) brand, enabling customers to benefit from 95% borrowing this year," said a spokesperson.

However, some estate agents are still worried about a lack of capacity to deal with interest in the scheme.

Robert Ellice, of Clarke Hillyer, told Sky News: "At the moment we've got big delays in the whole process anyway, mortgages are still taking a long time to be offered and taking a long time to be verified on values."

Despite the concerns, the government insists that the scheme is still on track to be a success.

A Treasury statement said: "Two major lenders - Lloyds and RBS representing around 30% of total mortgage lending - have already announced that they will be launching new mortgage products because of Help to Buy.

"This is great news for those who can't get on - or move up the property ladder because of the huge cost of deposits."

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Ondine's Curse: Girl With Ventilator Can Go Home

By Stephen Douglas, Sky News Reporter

A toddler is preparing to go home for the first time in her life after spending almost three years at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Maisie Harris suffers from a rare condition called Ondine's Curse, which means her brain does not tell her body to breathe, so she needs a ventilator to do it for her.

Now, thanks to a smaller, more portable ventilator, Maisie will be able to leave hospital and head home to Gillingham in Kent.

The new ventilator is intelligent enough to know when she is able to take her own breaths and when she is likely to have an episode and require ventilation.

Her mother Rachel Bridger told Sky News: "It's exciting, I'm nervous. It's all new going home. It'll be good to just be a normal family. You don't feel normal being in hospital so long.

"The last three years have been up and down, good and bad. You give up sometimes. I thought it might be the end of the road but she pulled through which is great news. I'm looking forward to taking her to the park and to her nan's.

"The new ventilator is the best thing she's ever had."

Maisie will leave hospital soon

Maisie, who turns three on October 23, has been at London's Great Ormond Street so long that staff held a going-home party. Maisie will leave the hospital with her family on Monday.

Ward manager Kate Harkus said: "It means a lot to the staff that she's going home. We feel very proud. We've nursed her through rocky times.

"There are very few machines in the world that will be able to support her at home. Technology is advancing so much that more companies are coming out with these ventilators that you can manage at home."

Maisie's parents have mostly been living in hospital accommodation ever since she was transferred to Great Ormond Street from Medway Maritime Hospital when she was three months old.

Her father Andrew Harris told Sky News: "It's been difficult. She was in intensive care going backwards and forwards. Now she's ready to go home it's all been worth it.

"I'm looking forward to seeing her go to school and growing up. We didn't think she'd get to this stage."

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Sky News Supports Early TV Debates In 2015

Sky News has called for three televised leadership debates to be held at two-week intervals in the run-up to the 2015 General Election.

The call comes after David Cameron last week committed to participating in a series of debates, but expressed his concern about when they should be held.

Mr Cameron told Sky's Adam Boulton that the "three debates in the (2010) campaign took all the rest of the life out of the campaign".

He suggested that the 2015 events should begin before the election campaign.

Writing in The Times newspaper, John Ryley, head of Sky News, praised the three major party leaders for committing to the televised debates.

Labour leader Ed Miliband and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg have also expressed their willingness to participate in debates.

Mr Ryley agreed with Mr Cameron's claim that the 2010 debates detracted from the General Election campaign.

David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown in the April 15, 2010, debate

"For much of April 2010 it seemed that politicians - not to mention Sky, the BBC and ITN - were either preparing for, taking part in, or reacting to one of the three debates," he wrote.

"It certainly left little time for the normal diet of morning news conferences and 'battle bus' tours that illuminated previous campaigns."

Mr Ryley suggested that since the 2015 polling day had already been set for May 7, "there should be little problem organising the debates to allow ample time for more traditional campaigning".

He proposed holding three debates at two-week intervals starting on April 2.

John Ryley believes TV debates are crucial to the political process

"This not only gives the politicians a few days to launch their campaigns, but crucially allows them plenty of time in between to get about the country meeting voters and pressing the flesh," he said.

"This timetable also gives the parties a clear seven-day run-in to polling day itself, with the debates behind them and the electorate fully engaged."

Mr Ryley said that TV debates played an important role in the political process.

"The holding of TV debates was the most significant development in British political journalism since the televising of the Houses of Commons and Lords nearly a quarter of a century ago.

"With fixed-term parliaments allowing for concerns around the stifling of the election campaign to be addressed, broadcasters and politicians have little excuse not to get round the table and work on producing TV leaders' debates that innovate and engage."

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Adam Jones: Appeal To Free 'Kidnapped' Boy

The mother of a British schoolboy allegedly abducted in Qatar has appealed to the country's new Emir to free her son.

Adam Jones, 13, was allegedly taken by his dead father's family in Doha in 2009 and has been kept a "virtual prisoner" since then.

He has written two letters to David Cameron begging for his help and asking whether the Prime Minister has forgotten about him.

Speaking to Sky News, on the fourth anniversary of his alleged kidnapping, his mother Rebecca urged Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to allow her to be reunited with her son.

She said Sheikh Tamim - who became Qatar's new Emir in June - had discussed her son's case with Mr Cameron in the past few weeks, and described it as "a very good start".

Rebecca, speaking in Bahrain, told Sky News: "I'd like to thank the Qatar Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for considering this case and talking to the Prime Minister, and I'd like to make a personal plea to him today to release my son.

Adam's mother Rebecca desperately wants to be reunited with her son

"He is suffering on a day to day basis.

"Taking into consideration what Adam has gone through over the last four years - which no child should have had to go through - I honestly believe that Adam should be released immediately.

She said she has "exhausted all legal avenues" to be reunited with Adam - who lives with his uncle under the custody of his 80-year-old grandmother - and "is now at breaking point".

"For the past four years Adam has been a virtual prisoner in Qatar," she said.

"He has no life realistically...He has no freedom, he is kept inside most of the time, not allowed any friends, not allowed a proper education.

"But most of all he's not allowed the freedom to speak with his family - his mum, his sister, his grandmother...It's a tragic situation that basically he is now at breaking point."

Adam on his 10th birthday before he went to Qatar (Pic: Bring Adam Home)

She added: "In recent months, Qatar has been under a lot of negative press about the rights in Qatar, and I think this is a very good opportunity for the Emir to show the world that serious consideration is being taken in our case and that they are a country that are more compassionate and merciful, and that they do care about human rights.

"David Cameron made a promise to my son two years ago and that promise still hasn't been kept.

"I think the Qatar Emir has promised to get Adam back in court before the end of the year. I think it's now a chance for David Cameron to press this and make it a priority and to have an aggressive action plan to make sure that happens."

A No 10 spokesperson told Sky: "We understand how incredibly difficult it is for Rebecca Jones to be separated from her son.

"The Prime Minister raised this case with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, when they met last month and they agreed to work together on a solution.

"The Prime Minister believes that it is important that the child's views are taken into account as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and consular staff stand ready to support Ms Jones as she takes this to court."

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Murder Probe After Pensioner Found Dead

Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman in Barnet.

The woman, believed to be 69, was found at an address in Aitken Road in the early hours of Saturday.

A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and has been taken into custody at a north London police station.

Police forced their way into the property after being called by ambulance crews, and found the woman's body inside. She was pronounced dead at 2.10am.

Next of kin are aware and a post-mortem examination will be carried out.

Detectives from the homicide and major crime command are leading the investigation.

Police said they were not currently seeking any other suspects in connection with the incident.

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NHS: Strike Threat Over Bid To Halt Pay Rise

The Government is facing a threat of industrial action after signalling it wants to call a halt to NHS pay rises.

The Department of Health has said it cannot afford a 1% pay rise promised to NHS staff, prompting anger from unions.

It said the rise was not affordable alongside a pay progression system which typically sees staff receive an average 3.5% pay rise.

The 1% increase was set to be introduced in April next year, but instead the department is proposing the money is spent on modernising pay structures.

In its submission to the NHS pay review body, which sets earnings for 1.3 million NHS workers, the department said the NHS was facing the biggest financial challenge in its history.

It said: "Despite real terms growth in its budget in successive years, it needs to continue to secure improved value from the taxpayers' investment, if it is to meet the growing pressures it faces in the years to come both from an ageing and growing population and the need to improve the quality of care provided.

The DoH says its budget is under such strain that it cannot afford the rise

The department said the NHS had a "stark choice" and that the dilemma was "either pay staff more, accepting that this may do little to improve the quality of care for patients and is likely to restrict the number of staff employers can afford to employ, or, to reform contracts to enable employers to use their pay bill, as part of their overall employment offer, to maintain safe staffing levels, with stronger links to performance, quality and productivity".

Referring to a recent survey, it said that staff morale remained high, and concluded: "The Government's view, therefore, remains that basic pay increases should only be implemented if there is strong evidence that recruitment, retention, morale or motivation issues require this."

Around 58% of staff will still receive a rise under the pay progression system, however 42% will not.

A DoH spokesperson told Sky News the measures would "help increase quality for patients and help us realise our vision of an affordable seven day service", adding that no final decisions on changes to pay would be taken until independent review bodies made their recommendations.

However, unions have reacted angrily to the plans.

Rehana Azam, national officer of the GMB, said its members "are already totally fed up with this Government's cuts to NHS services and jobs, which staff know is putting patient wellbeing at risk".

"If the Government now wants to attack NHS staff pay while offering tax cuts to married couples it will be the final straw that will lead to calls for industrial action."

Chancellor George Osborne had already said the rise was affordable

Peter Carter, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, warned that even raising the prospect of a pay freeze would demoralise staff.

He said: "It is demoralising for nursing staff to discover that while senior managers have enjoyed a pay increase of 13% since 2009, the Government are asking frontline staff to take another pay freeze to save the NHS money.

"It is completely unfair to say a pay increase of just 1%, following years of real-terms pay cuts, will prevent employers from recruiting more nurses and put patient safety at risk.

"It is simply wrong to imply that regular pay rises are awarded to NHS staff simply for time served, when this is not the case. Increments are only paid when a nurse can demonstrate their experience and skills have improved. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure this appraisal system is working properly."

Rachel Maskell, head of health at the union Unite, told The Guardian that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was "responsible for either undermining the Treasury position or trying to act in an even more draconian way than the Treasury with regards to staff who work across the NHS".

"He blames the staff on a regular basis; now he wants to further cut their terms and conditions."

Mark Porter, chairman of the BMA Council, told the newspaper: "Doctors fully recognise the economic constraints the NHS is facing, but for the Government to imply that unless NHS staff endure what is effectively another year of pay cuts they will put patient safety at risk is insulting at best, given doctors are working harder than ever before and have borne the brunt of the Government's efficiency drive."

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said Mr Hunt was "unfairly forcing NHS staff to pay for his own incompetence".

"He has lost control of NHS finances due in large part to a reorganisation that has cost billions that nobody wanted ... it is not right now for him to be breaking promises made to NHS staff to try and dig himself out of that hole."

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Dale Cregan: Three Charged With Helping Killer

Three people have been charged with helping jailed police killer Dale Cregan while he was on the run.

Marvin Herbert, 41, was arrested at a gym in Puerto Banus, near Marbella, in Spain, and extradited to the UK on Thursday.

He was charged on Friday at Manchester City Magistrates' Court with conspiracy to assist an offender.

Herbert, who was born in Liverpool and has lived in the London area, was remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester Crown Court on October 18.

Two others - Raj Mohammed Khan, 41, of Bradford, and Patricia Kelly, 55, of Droylsden, Greater Manchester - were charged with the same offence on Friday.

They will appear in custody at Manchester Magistrates' Court later.

Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes were lured to their deaths

The charges relate to the period between August 10 and September 17 last year when Cregan and accomplices Anthony Wilkinson and Jermaine Ward were wanted by police.

One-eyed killer Cregan was given a whole-life sentence earlier this year for the murders of PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone and father and son David and Mark Short.

Last month, Cregan was moved to maximum-security Ashworth Hospital - where Moors Murderer Ian Brady is serving his sentence - from Strangeways jail in Manchester because of his behaviour.

While in HMP Manchester, he was segregated from other prisoners for fear of reprisals. Reports suggest there is an underworld bounty of £20,000 on his remaining eye.

In protest, Cregan is said to have have started refusing food. He was put in the hospital wing at the jail before his transfer to Ashworth.

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Norfolk: Hospital Worker Held Over 'Murder'

A hospital staff member has been arrested for murder after a patient died from a suspected drug overdose in Norfolk.

James May, 76, from Great Yarmouth, died at the James Paget Hospital, in Gorleston, on September 20.

An allegation of medical malpractice in connection with his death was reported to police 10 days later.

Officers arrested a member of the hospital's medical staff, a middle-aged man, on suspicion of murder on Saturday morning. He remains in police custody.

Mr May died from heart failure according to a post-mortem examination carried out at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Wednesday.

Police are waiting for the results of further toxicology tests, which they say will help their murder investigation.

The hospital called police after investigating Mr May's death

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Durham, leading the inquiry, said: "We are investigating an allegation that a drugs overdose was administered to a patient, leading to his death.

"We understand that this news may generate concern and it's important for us to underline that our investigation, which is still at an early stage, is based on a single report of an isolated incident and that the hospital trust is co-operating fully with the investigation. "

Mr May's family have been informed and are being supported by Police Family Liaison Officers. It is understood he was admitted to hospital the day before he died.

In a written tribute to local newspaper The Eastern Daily Press, friends of Mr May wrote: "You were one in a million and will be sadly missed. Sleep peacefully."

Mr May died at the hospital in Great Yarmouth two weeks ago

Christine Allen, chief executive of James Paget University Hospitals trust, said doctors called in police after an internal investigation into Mr May's death.

"Our thoughts are with the family of this patient at what is a very difficult time," she said. "Our priority is patient safety and we understand that this news will cause concern. At this time, we believe it is an isolated incident and relates to the alleged action of a single member of staff.

"The member of staff against whom the allegation has been made is absent from the Trust and will not return until the investigation is completed.

"Throughout this difficult period, the James Paget University Hospital will continue to provide the best possible care to our patients and we are fully co-operating with the police."

:: Police said anyone with concerns can contact Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team on 01953 424533 or 424528.

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