Should the Yorkshire Ripper ever be freed?

Notorious serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, dubbed the Yorkshire Ripper, was jailed in 1981 for the murder of thirteen women, most of whom were prostitutes. He also attempted to murder seven other women but was unsuccessful. The murders were committed in Yorkshire and Manchester between 1975 and 1980. He was finally arrested in the Broomhill area of Sheffield and sentenced to twenty life sentences, being told he would serve a minimum of thirty years. His reign of terror left 23 children motherless and those who survived his attacks severely traumatized.

Having served most of his time at maximum security hospital Broadmoor, there have been recent reports in the press that he could one day be released and sent to a medium security prison, meaning that theoretically, he could one day be rehabilitated. According to a report by the Sun, doctors have decided that he is effectively cured, provided he continues to take his medication. His solicitor also claimed last year that the Home Office had disregarded his human rights as it failed to formally fix a tariff for his sentence. He is aiming to get Sutcliffe back into the prison system to a less secure prison which would prove highly controversial if this ever happened.

We asked the people of Sheffield what they thought about the prospect of this notorious serial killer ever being rehabilitated, and if they think he should ever be released.

“If Peter Sutcliffe has been rehabilitated, I guess you can’t keep him in a maximum security unit if he has received treatment.”
Steve, 23, Sheffield.

“I was in my teens when the Yorkshire Ripper was on the loose. I remember as a 15 year old girl living in Yorkshire we didn’t have the amount of freedom we should have had because it was too dangerous. It is very prominent in my memory and although it was a long time ago I don’t think this warrants him being released from Broadmoor.”
Wendy Appleby, Sheffield.

“I think he should stay where he is.”

John Mcloughlin, Sheffield.

Story by Lucy Owen and Deborah Reilly

Movie Review: BOLT 3D

Disney’s latest 3D film, Bolt, is about a dog that plays a T.V superhero. Bolt is brought up on the T.V set and thinks that he actually has real super powers. These include incredible strength, laser vision and super bark.

When Bolt (John Travolta) escapes from the set and is accidently shipped to New York City he begins his biggest adventure yet. On his task to save Penny (Miley Cyrus) from the Doctor Calico (Malcolm McDowell) also known as the Green eyed man, Bolt meets some of the most unusual friends. He is accompanied on his adventure by Mittens (Susie Essman) an abandoned house cat, and Rhino (Mark Walton) a obease hamster who rarely leaves his ball.

Bolt sets a whole new level for animated films, the first 3D film that actually works. It’s fair to say it will be enjoyed whether it’s watched in 2D or 3D. As the film goes on you find yourself falling in love with the characters.

This maybe an animated Disney film, but it can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. It is heart warming and extremely funny, bringing laughs all around. With the likes of John Travolta and Miley Cyrus it is bound to be entertaining. It’s much more than your average kids film.

It sets a whole new era for animated films. Due its huge success in 3D I think it’ll have a huge impact on future movies. It’s a film you don’t want to miss, whatever your age.

10/10

Story by Deborah Reilly

New film triggers security at Cineworld

FILM fans were forced by police to walk through knife arch when they
were searched for weapons at a Sheffield cinema.
They claim they were told the searches at Cineworld, on the
Centertainment complex, had been organised to coincide with the release
of the film Bronson - about a notorious violent criminal caged for life.
Police dispute the allegation, claiming the arch was used to search
people attending all the Centertainment businesses, not any one in
particular.
Cinema-goer Mark Grayson said: "Shocked by all of the security measures
I asked the ticket sales man what it was all about.
"When speaking to him, he said because of the new Bronson film they fear
people may be bringing weapons in, because a lot of people are
influenced by it."
He said visitors were asked to remove their bags and coats, jewellery,
belts and mobile phones before walking through the metal detectors.
A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said the searches were carried out
as part of a "series of public reassurance operations".
"The different venues have been chosen because they attract a large
number of people rather than there being any concerns with that
particular location," she said.
"These operations have involved working closely with partner agencies
who have supported the use of these arches to carry out checks of public
attending events.
"An operation was carried out at businesses within the Centertainment
complex in Sheffield, where arches were erected and members of the
public were randomly invited to pass through the arch."
Sergeant Mick Allott from the Attercliffe Safer Neighbourhood Team, who
ran the initiative, said: "We had over 250 people pass through the arch,
and I am very pleased to say nothing was found.
"Officers received many positive comments from members of the public who
stated they felt reassured and the operation was successful in that we
helped to show that such venues are safe places to attend."
A Cineworld spokesman said: "The local police rang up and asked of they
could test out some new equipment.
"Our cinema was chosen because of its high footfall, no other reason,
and nothing to do with the release of the film."

Story by Deborah Reilly

Win a Mother's Day Treat

If there is any one person in the world worth buying a gift for, you bet its your mum and with mothers's day around the corner what better way to treat your mother to a special gift by winning it.

Market traders at Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre have donated a wide range of luxury gifts to a free prize draw. The idea of not having to spend any money to treat your mum is a opportunity to good to pass up especially with the credit crunch snapping at all our heels.

The reason for the Mother's Day prize draw is due to success of the Valentine's day competition which attracted 200 participants. From the 200 entries, there were 6 eventual prize winners. One of the treats was a make-over and photo-shoot worth £145 won by Melanie Smith from Killamarsh.

Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise, Cllr Sylvia Anginotti, said: 'it is wonderful that the traders in the market place want to reward more of their customers on Mothers Day.'

Melanie’s prize included a new hair style and make-up session at Director’s Cut, followed by a professional photo shoot from PhotoWizards. Melanie said: ”It was a great Valentines Day treat for me – a real surprise to win such a nice prize. All the staff at Director’s Cut and PhotoWizards were really nice to me and also very professional, so I will definitely be visiting The Market Place again soon. ”

The draw was an obvious attempt to attract more people to the come shopping centre, and the valentines competition was a great success. With the recession hitting global businesses, it is no surprise that local market traders are suffering and having to come up with new and quirky ways to attract customers.

Prizes for the upcoming Mother’s Day draw include plenty of treats for mums, including:

• Haircut, colour, and blow dry plus hair straighteners from Funky Divas
  
• Haircut, spray tan, facial, teeth whitening and a full set of nails from Directors Cut
  
• Mother’s Day goody bag and card from Sweet Delights
  
• Bouquet of fresh flowers from the Flower Stall
  
• Cake from Breadline
  
• Seafood Platter from Shellfish
  
• Twenty pound food vouchers from the Post Office and Chicken Shack

To enter the competition, customers simply need to pick up an entry form from any stall in the market, complete and hand back to any trader by Thursday 19 March. Winners will be notified on Friday 20 March, and will be able to pick up their prize just in time for Mothers day.

Anil Pattni

Comic Relief Is Here!

With Comic Relief quickly approaching we wanted to find out what people were going to put themselves through in the name of charity.

On Christmas Day in 1985, Comic Relief was launched from a refugee camp in Sudan. They’re vision back then is still the same as it is today: A world which is free from poverty.

“The money we raise is allocated to a wide range of grants and social investments aimed at delivering real and long-lasting change to the poorest, most vulnerable people at home and across the world; as well as informing the public and young people in particular about global citizenship and the underlying causes of extreme poverty.”

The majority of people assume that money raised from Comic Relief goes straight out to places like Africa and Asia.

Infact, a large chunk of money raised helps out people all over the UK.

An organisation in Sheffield, The Sheffield Futures (SF), aim to help young people who have been exploited through prostitution and who need support to take control of their lives. They have a worker who spends time advising the police how to help young people sexually exploited through the internet.

As well as organisation’s doing there bit, we wanted to find out what members of the public were going to do up and down the UK…in the name of charity of course.

Eileen Clarke from the West Midlands said: I'll be participating by taking pledges at PCMS in Coventry! Looking forward to doing my bit

Tom Symonds is growing a moustache for Comic Relief. He said: It's rubbish, I look a prat, however I've raised £140 so far both on and offline please help that figure grow! Visit www.myrednoseday.com/cash4tash

Gavin Williams from Wolverhampton, along with four other staff members plan to visit all 20 Premiership Football Clubs in 24 hours. “We work at the Gun and Pup and will be doing the whole thing in fancy dress, and getting our photo taken outside each club to prove we have made it.”

Steven Moore from London is raising money for Red Nose Day by organising a London Based Rock Concert. To buy a ticket go to www.wharfstock.com or search wharfstock on Ticket Web to buy tickets.

Dan Wells from Leicester said: “I like raising money so much I have decided to wear girls clothes this year”

So whatever you’re doing this year…get involved and get raising!

Story by Jack Nesteruk

Sheffield's Student Accommadation: The Pinnacles

Students find it very hard to choose from a long list of accommodation choices nowadays and in Sheffield it is no different. First years in particular can fall victim to fake advertisement and not reading the small print are one of the most common mistakes committed.

The Pinnacles is a newly developed complex which supposedly 'prides itself on being the most desirable and affordable accommodation in Sheffield'. It opened for the first time in 2009 and I applied to live in the halls for the year.

When visiting the complex in 2008, the halls in development looked amazing and the show room without fault. I was handed a leaflet, detailing what the accommodation had to offer and after living at The Forge I was in need of a change in scenery. However this is where I fell victim to the dangers of 'small print' even as a second year student.

This is what the accommodation halls promised me and the main reason that I decided to live there was the fact that it was in a fantastic location. I think that's the only thing I can't take away from them as Sheffield Hallam University is only 10 minutes walking distance away from the halls.

However the rest of the promises were what I like to call 'bent versions of the truth'. The extra large bedrooms that were promised and were demonstrated in the show rooms, changed and instead I got a smaller version the room. However some other students were lucky enough to get disabled rooms which were twice as big as the standard rooms.

The en-suite bathrooms that were promised were actually delivered, however much like the extra-large bedrooms they also tended to 'shrink in size'. Also after moving in to the development, that was promised to be finished ("again with the promising") by the time we moved in. Every other day there would be a new technician walking into your room at the early hours of the day taking unnecessary measurements. I don't think the staff at Pinnacles had heard of privacy.

On top of the fact that the fact that the rooms had not be finished, when I walked into the living area section of my halls, there was dust everywhere. It had looked like the builders had come in the morning and against the clock raced to finish, completely forgetting to clear up the mess they had made. Instead it was left to me to ask the reception desk for a vacuum that I should already have in the room and clean it up myself. However... the staffs at the reception desk had run out of vacuum cleaners and were awaiting a delivery of more vacuums. This meant that I had to wait a whole two weeks for 'Henry' before I could actually clean my kitchen.

This leads to one of the biggest unfulfilled promise with The Pinnacles, the promise of the 32inch LCD TV with freeview and SKY. I was promised at the showroom that the living rooms will all have a TV that had freeview and a full Sky Subscription. Now for any student, the thought of being able to come home from a hard day of University and switching on the TV and watching some good old fashion Sky TV is way too hard to pass up.

However in good Pinnacle fashion, this was another 'bent truth', and instead of that I received a T.V that was 'possessed by Satan himself!' For the first two weeks of living in the halls, the only thing I got to watch was a small rectangular sign in the middle of the screen saying 'No Signal'.

Now you can imagine what I was feeling now at the sight of dust around me and no T.V. Along with all the dust in the room was the 'dodgy' temperature control that made the living area look and feel like the Sahara Desert.

However living in the Sahara I could put up with, but NO T.V.... I was not having it, so I marched right downstairs (I live on the 8th floor so I actually took the lift, another problem we will get on to later on) to the reception desk. Described to them the 'nightmare' I was living in and was PROMISED it would be sorted out within a few days. The problem was eventually sorted out a whole week later and that just meant that we received only freeview. A whole MONTH later we then began to receive the SKY Sports Channels... Wait a minute, I was promised the whole Sky package, where are the rest of the channels.

Another visit to the reception was on the cards, after speaking to them, they then told me that if I had read the 'small print' it stated that I would only receive the Sky Sports channels. To be honest, as a male I had no complaints, least it meant I could watch the footy'. However for my female flatmates, they were a little angrier.

Now if you count up the times I had been downstairs to the reception desk to mainly complain, you would be thinking 'phew' good job he had a lift, especially with living on the Eighth Floor. However you would be horrified at the sight of OUT OF ORDER staring at you every time you want to take the lift. That's right people! Most of the time I had to walk down EIGHT flights of stairs just to complain and then walk back up them again.

My final complaint was with the promise of an on sight shop and cash point. Now being a student, I want to save as much money as I can and therefore thought that the ability to withdraw money for free is a fair request. Not for The Pinnacles it isn't, they wanted to take us for everything we had.

A charge of £1.75 to withdraw money from the cash point meant that most of the student would just pay by card at the on site shop. But the guys at Pinnacles had thought of every possible way to take every penny they could get. A 50pence charge was placed when paying by card. This meant that if you wanted to pay for what you were buying, you would have to pay by cash.

I am going to stop there, also carrier bags cost 10pence. Seriously I will stop now; just reminiscing has bought tears to my eyes. The lesson to learn from this article is that make sure you read the small print people! And if there are going to be further developments, then make sure you ask questions and get written proof of what is said and promised. I have learnt from my mistake, I hope I can prevent you from making the same mistake.

Anil Pattni

‘Fakebook’: Who's watching you?

Everyone uses Facebook or a social networking site. But who's watching you? Jack Nesteruk investigates.

Facebook users could be putting themselves at risk of identity theft by giving away personal details too easily, research suggests. Two in five people who use the social networking site revealed personal information to a stranger, according to a snapshot survey.

“As of December (2008), Facebook had an estimated 150 million active users of all ages, many of whom are unaware that there are people on the same site trying to corrupt their computers, steal their identities and prey on victims," says PRFriend.com - a site dedicated to reviewing webpage's.

"This is a wakeup call for all users, and especially, parents because of the vulnerability of young people on social network sites."

The figures are horrific. At any time of day - 50,000 paedophiles are on-line and 20% of children are receiving unwanted sexual solicitation on- line, according to figures complied by Enough Abuse.

Unsurprisingly, 61% of 13-17 year olds have a personal profile on a social networking site and 71% of teens have received messages online from someone they don’t know.

To investigate the problem, I created an alias - David Hallam, a 23 -year -old engaged man from Newcastle. My task was to add as many people as I could to my Facebook site - and then sit back and wait.

Monday and Tuesday was spent browsing through people’s accounts, people’s friends and adding who I felt necessary. I was shocked at how easy it was, and how many routes there were leading onto individual profiles. Having a Facebook account myself, I am all too aware of having too much personal information on show, information which any Tom, Dick or Harry could access.

Adding someone on Facebook is simple, you can either search for their name, go through someone's friends or Facebook even suggests 'people you may know'.

I added as many people as possible to my David Hallam profile. The best Facebook could do in terms of a warning was to suggest I slowed down.

On Wednesday I checked how many people had accepted my friend request. I knew this investigation was to expose critical flaws in today’s social networking sites. In just two days I had 128 members, who didn’t have a clue who I was, or, if I was who I said I was.

By Thursday this figure rose to 173, Friday’s total was 243, Saturday 260 and Sunday ended with 278 members.

With so many people at my disposal, I was able to gain a number of personal details. A 20 year old girl’s profile from Sheffield stood out. It included a number of contact details - a mobile number, email address, college, area she lived, pictures and status updates.

Facebook distance themselves from any blame connected to content by saying, “You (the user) are solely responsible for the photos, profiles (including your name, image, and likeness), messages, notes, text, information, music, video, advertisements, listings, and other content that you upload, publish or display (hereinafter, "post") on or through the Service or the Site, or transmit to or share with other users (collectively the "User Content").

These terms and conditions are hidden away in small print at the bottom of the page, a million miles away for a child being bothered to read them.

Monday finally came back around, a week after starting this investigation. I was horrified to see I had 291 members in the palm of my hand.

The most worrying aspect of the whole exercise was the fact that out of 291 members, only 6 asked me to identify myself.

I was sickened at how easy it would be to prey on vulnerable individuals and especially how easy it would be for someone like a paedophile, hacker or nutcase to access and store someone else's details.

Things are being done to try and protect children online. NetiDMe Ltd develops online safety solutions designed to protect young people from Internet predators and cyberbullies.

ChatShield works in conjunction with NetiDMe Ltd and is an add-on for MSN Messenger allowing parents to prevent their children from speaking to internet strangers.

Marilyn Hawes was unaware her two children were being exposed to a paedophile who was a trusted friend of the family, and their headmaster at school.

“What happened to me was 6 years ago but the passion will never leave my life no matter how hard I try,” she said.

From this moment, Marilyn has campaigned tirelessly, creating an organisation – Enough Abuse - for the protection of young children.

“It is a terrible crime for a mother to know or feel she led her children into danger through lack of knowledge and I attended the Child Protection courses with the guy who abused my sons and still didn’t see what he was doing.”

Marilyn believes children need to be educated on the dangers of the internet.

“The Internet is an amazing invention but the hidden dangers are there for the innocent and uneducated,” she said.

“The social networking sites are a beast in disguise. I have not the remotest idea why kids use them. Even my own do - kids have no idea who is looking at these things other than the people they intend to do so.”



Story by Jack Nesteruk


http://www.prfriend.com/pr/2009/02/18/connecticut-bbb-warns-facebook-users-about-new-dangers-lurking-in-cyberspace/