October 14 2003, BBC NEWS  Kent  Spate of firework attacks goes on
Police investigating damage caused by "industrial strength" fireworks over the weekend said there were three more incidents on Monday.
A phone box and a car were badly damaged by fireworks in Gravesend, Kent, on Sunday night.
Kent Police said three more incidents had happened in the town on Monday night - damaging two more vehicles and another phone box.
They said they were keen to bring the "spate of incidents" to an end.
Officers said they were investigating the incidents in connection with a series of cases across the county.
'High-visibility presence'
They said each time the fireworks used appeared to be intended for trade-use only.
Monday night's incidents all happened in the Palmer Avenue in the Kings Farm area of Gravesend, where one of Sunday's attacks also occurred.
Kent Police said they employed a "high-visibility presence" in the area, which stayed in place until the early hours of Tuesday.
Officers made a number of arrests while there, for offences including theft from vehicles, shoplifting, public order offences, assaulting a police officer and obstructing a police officer.
Further inquiries
Several of those arrested were children.
A police spokesman said: "We are taking co-ordinated and concerted actions to bring an end to this spate of incidents.
"Our over-arching concern is for the safety of the public and those people who have set off these fireworks, whose behaviour is putting them at risk."
Police said an 18-year-old man from Gravesend arrested following Sunday's damage was released on bail on Monday, pending further inquiries.

October 14 2003, BBC NEWS  Staffordshire  Four tons of fireworks seized
More than four tons of illegally stored fireworks have been seized in Stoke-on-Trent.
A raid was carried out on Tuesday on what is being described as business premises in the north of the city.
Trading standards officers say the fireworks were being stored without the licence required by law.
They say the hoard could have been potentially life-threatening.
The imported fireworks were seized after co-operation between the police, fire service and city council.
The raid comes a day after trading standards officers seized fireworks they say were being sold illegally at a car boot sale in Stafford.
Iain Baddeley, a trading standards officer in Stoke-on-Trent, said: "Anyone who keeps fireworks for supply has to either be registered or hold a licence or has to be a store passed by ourselves or the Health and Safety Executive.
"There are rules as to how you can store them and in what quantities and all of these fireworks were effectively stored illegally."

October 14 2003, BBC North East Cumbria, Four Men Held over phone box explosion
Four men have been arrested after a telephone box in North Yorkshire was destroyed in an explosion.
A kiosk in Murton near York, exploded at about 11pm on Monday causing extensive damage and sending debris thirty metres along a main road.
It is the fourth recent phone box explosion in the York Area.  Three were destroyed after fireworks were let off over the weekend. 
Detectives said the men were being questioned at Fulford Road Police Station.

October 14 2003, ePolitix, Blunkett gets tough on anti-social behaviour
The home secretary will today step up the government's attempts to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.  David Blunkett is to launch a new action plan to help communities blighted by problems such as graffiti.

Measures likely to be announced include new powers to tackle drunkenness, rowdy behaviour, aggressive begging and the dangerous use of fireworks.  The government will be attempting to show that the party which pledged to be "tough on crime, tough on the causes" of crime has not lost its focus.  Ahead of the launch campaigners warned that Labour's strategy would fail if political posturing took priority over delivering lasting solutions.

"Every day we see people's lives destroyed by noise, threatening behaviour, violence and petty crime," said Adam Sampson, director of Shelter.  "They deserve solutions that work and not another set of initiatives that make good politics but bad policy."

Labour backbencher Graham Allen called on the government to put the issue on the same footing as its literacy and numeracy strategy. "As well as attacking the negative anti-social behaviour we need to develop the positive social behaviour," the Nottingham North MP said.   "Putting social behaviour on the national curriculum will define the standards required and force all departments and agencies concerned to examine the policies necessary to achieve them."

October 14 2003, Evening Chronicle, Never play with fire on Bonfire night
A MAJOR crackdown has been launched to prevent the kind of fireworks incidents that caused teenager Craig Dryden to lose an eye. As the Chronicle reported yesterday, the 14-year-old's dream of becoming a mechanic is shattered after he lost his left eye when a rocket exploded in his face.

Fireworks officially went on sale yesterday in the run-up to Bonfire Night.  And the Home Office, councils, fire chiefs and safety officers are linking up to press home the message that they can maim and kill.  The first regional television advertising campaign to target 11 to 16-year-olds will be launched in Newcastle tomorrow.  Pupils from Westgate Community College, Newcastle, will be among those to see two adverts in a special screening at the Odeon Cinema.  The South Park-type cartoons will be shown on 'Tyne Tees Television until November 5. 
Craig had been playing with a group of friends near his home in Ouston, Chester-le-Street, County Durham.  Surgeons operated but could not save his eye and he is still recovering in Sunderland Royal Hospital.  The campaign has been spearheaded by the region's Crime and Disorder Partnerships (CRDPs) which includes fire brigades, police, local authorities and NHS authorities. It is being supported by a crackdown on traders who sell fireworks to under-age children.

Last month shopkeeper Mohammed Saleem, who owns Punshons Newsagents on Gosforth High Street, was fined £1~800 by magistrates who found him guilty of selling fireworks to a 12-year-old girl. He was caught in an undercover sting operation by trading standards in October last year. Newcastle council trading standards manager Dave O'Brien has this year written to head teachers and councillors asking for information about illegal sales of fireworks. He said: "We have already received complaints in respect of noise and disturbance from fireworks." Nationally firework injuries fell from 1,362 to 1,107 last year. Mr O'Brien said: "We are hoping by taking vigorous enforcement action we may reduce the number of injuries even further."

This year child volunteers will play a key role in a city's firework and bonfire safety campaign.  They will be used by Sunder-land trading standards in a crackdown on traders willing to sell fireworks to children illegally by visiting shops to check sales aren't being. made to anyone under 18.

Industry experts estimate that this year up to 2,000 tonnes of fireworks will have found their way to illegal premises, 10 per cent of the total UK market.  John Woodhead, chairman of the British Fireworks Association, said: "The only way to be sure and safe this November 5 is to go to a reputable retailer, buy a brand that is known to you and to follow all the safety advice that is widely available."

Craig's aunt and guardian Jacqueline Dryden, 39, said: "His face had been burned but it was his eye that was in the worst state. It was really swollen up. I think one of the lads had the firework in his hand and was trying to light it then dropped it. This is what can happen if you're not careful. We won't be having fireworks ever again."

October 14 2003, ic Coventry - Police escort to back-up fire crews
Children as young as five are pelting Coventry firefighters with bottles, fireworks and stones as they deal with arson attacks.
The problem has got so bad crews will only go to the Valley Road area of Stoke Heath if there are two fire engines and they have a police escort.
The decision was made after a weekend of trouble in the area when crews from all four Coventry stations were targeted.
Leading firefighter Simon Winnett, of Binley station, said the youngsters, some aged five and six, set fire to rubbish piled up after houses in the area were demolished.
He said: "There are big piles of rubbish there and it's just an invitation for these kids to set fire to them. It starts off with them giving you the finger and swearing and shouting abuse. Then out come the fireworks towards you, and the bricks and bottles.
"Last night White watch had a belly full of it and pulled the crews away."
Police were contacted and now for the foreseeable future fire-fighters will only go to the area with a police escort.
"It's not nice," Mr Winnett said.
"We are just trying to do our job putting out these fires, but we know they are not going to stop it. They enjoy giving us abuse. As soon as we put it out they set fire to it again."
He said crews could be required at more serious blazes in the city while they dealt with these incidents.
Mr Winnett added: "Having a police presence, that may well quell it for the time being, but they are fearless of the police unfortunately. It's a sad situation, and when you see young children there as well, it's even sadder." Firefighters are talking with the demolition contractor about clearing the rubbish as soon as possible.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "Police will be monitoring the situation. The fire service is a life-saving organisation and it is sad to think that there are people out there who think it is acceptable to abuse these people as they attempt to do their jobs.
"Officers will be distributing letters to parents in the coming weeks reminding them of the dangers of fireworks and the offences connected to fireworks in a bid to prevent any injuries."

October 14 2003, North East Teletext, Four Held Over Kiosk Explosion
Four Men have been arrested after an explosion in a telephone box in York.
Police Officers cordoned off the site in Murton after the blast, which caused extensive damage to the kiosk, with debris spread over thirty metres.
The men were taken to Fulford Police Station for questioning.  The incident is believed to be connected to similar explosions over the past few days.

October 13 2003, BBC NEWS  Derbyshire  House damaged by firework
Police say a family was lucky to escape after a display firework hit their home in Derby.
The firework caused thousands of pounds of damage after it hit the back of the house on Underhill Close at 2300 BST on Friday night.
The explosion shattered windows and guttering on the house.
Herbert Notisce, who lives in the house, said: "I thought a small bomb had hit the house when I saw the damage."
Windows shattered
"It could have killed somebody," he said.
"It hit the brickwork near the window and shattered the windows and loosened some roof tiles."
Daniel Notisce, 13, who was in the house said: " I heard this loud bang and then my sister came screaming into my mum's room and we called the police."
"I thought a robber was trying to get into the house when I first heard the bang."
A police spokesman said no organised displays were taking place that evening.

October 13 2003, BBC NEWS  Kent  Arrest after firework attacks
A man has been arrested over damage caused by two explosions of "industrial strength" fireworks, Kent Police said.
Police said "extensive damage" was caused to a car and a phone box when the fireworks were set off in Gravesend.
In both incidents, which happened within minutes of each other on Sunday night, witnesses reported seeing two men leaving the scene.
Nobody was injured, police said.
The first incident happened at about 2210 BST when a firework was set off in a phone box on Cedar Avenue.
Police said the second firework was lit under a vehicle on Palmer Avenue just "moments later".
An 18-year-old man was arrested early on Monday morning and remained in custody being questioned on Monday afternoon, officers said.
Police do not believe the latest incidents are linked to two firework attacks in the Longfield area of Dartford in September.

October 13 2003, BBC NEWS  Shropshire  Dangerous fireworks offered at sale
Consumer watchdogs in Shropshire have seized "potentially lethal" fireworks from a car boot sale.
Investigations have started by the county council's trading standards service after the discovery of the dangerous goods at Worfield, near Bridgnorth, on Saturday.
Three large boxes of fireworks were confiscated from a West Midlands-based trader.
Two other traders were found to be offering counterfeit CDs and Premiership football shirts, which were also seized.
Officers visited the sale as part of an ongoing crackdown on counterfeit goods and said the small number of offenders proved their approach was working.

In recent weeks, with police assistance, a number of arrests have been made and hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit goods have been seized.
Chief trading standards officer David Walker said: "There is strict legislation controlling the sale and storage of fireworks. Each year there are horrendous problems caused by their improper use.
"The fireworks seized at the weekend were not the normal domestic products which are legally on retail sale at licensed premises to the general public.
"They are most definitely unsuitable for a back garden. Some of them were so large they were potentially lethal."
Councillor Bill Morris, cabinet member for safer communities, said: "The sale and storage of fireworks is strictly controlled for obvious reasons. The very last place that we want to see them sold or displayed is a car boot sale.
"This is a highly disturbing development."

October 13 2003, BBC NEWS  Wear  Boy loses eye in fireworks tragedy
Police are investigating after a teenager lost an eye while playing with fireworks.
Craig Dryden, 14, was playing with a group of friends when a firework exploded in his face.
The youngster, from Ouston, near Chester-le-Street in County Durham, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham and later transferred to the Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Surgeons there carried out an emergency operation, but were unable to save his left eye.
A spokesman for Durham Police said an investigation had begun into the incident, which happened on Wednesday, but details have only just been released.
The teenager's aunt and guardian Jacqueline Dryden, 39, said: "Craig is very down at the moment.
Army cadets
"He is only just starting realise what has happened to him and how it is going to affect him in the future.
"He goes to the Army cadets and was hoping to be on the mechanical side of things.
"But now we don't know what will happen."
The father of one of the youngster's friends took him to hospital after being alerted to the incident, which happened just yards from the boy's home.
Mrs Dryden added: "This is what can happen if you're not careful.
"We won't be having fireworks ever again.
"I think one of the lads had the firework in his hand and was trying to light it then dropped it.
"Craig said all he remembers is being hit in the face, then crawling around trying to get up."

October 13 2003, DTI Website, Fireworks warning as injuries continue
A new campaign is reminding parents of the dangers of fireworks. The number of injuries caused by fireworks fell by one quarter last year, but hospitals still treated 88 children under the age of five.
Sparklers injured 132 people, and parents are advised never to give sparklers to children under five and to teach older children how to use them safely. Parents should also remember that fireworks are explosives that can be a hazard if they aren't handled carefully.
TV adverts will also warn young people to be responsible. Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said:
"Teenagers thinking of messing around with fireworks this year should also think again. They are the most likely age group to end up in casualty departments."
Information packs have been sent to 25,000 schools with teaching materials linked to the National Curriculum.
The campaign launch comes hard on the heels of new powers for the government to cut down on the problem of noise, nuisance and the anti-social use of fireworks.
The Fireworks Act will enable the Government to set a maximum noise limit for fireworks, license retailers selling fireworks and ban their use during anti-social hours. This will not apply to Bonfire Night this year but the government is calling on retailers and consumers to act in the spirit of the new law.

October 13 2003, ePolitix, Minister launches firework safety campaign
The government has launched a new campaign to remind parents of the risks to children posed by fireworks.
Although the number of injuries caused by fireworks fell by a quarter last year, 132 people were still hurt by the use of sparklers and 88 children under five were treated in hospital.
"Bonfire night celebrations should be fun, but always remember fireworks are explosives and can be a hazard if not handled with care," cautioned consumer affairs minister Gerry Sutcliffe.   "Even a simple sparkler can reach temperatures of 1000C - that's ten times the temperature of boiling water."   And he warned teenagers "thinking of messing around with fireworks" to think again.   "They are the most likely age group to end up in casualty departments," Sutcliffe said.

The campaign has the backing of the Child Accident Prevention Trust.   "Sparklers are often considered to be harmless fun but children under five are just too young to understand how to use them safely, and children's skin is much more sensitive than adults so burns can be a lot more severe for them," said chief executive Katrina Phillips.   "Our advice to parents is to supervise young children closely. That way you should be able to enjoy fireworks night without ending up rushing your child to hospital."

This year's festivities comes ahead of the government's forthcoming Fireworks Act, which will allow the Department of Trade and Industry to license retailers, set maximum noise limits and ban their use during anti-social hours.   A consultation is planned on the form that the regulations could take.

"New laws to cut down on the problems of noise and nuisance will not be in place in time for this fireworks season," accepted Sutcliffe.   "But I'm asking retailers and consumers to act in the spirit of the law so that everyone can have fun without causing others misery."

October 13 2003, Evening Chronicle, Boy loses eye as firework hits his face
A TEENAGER'S dream of becoming a mechanic has been shattered after he lost his left eye in a firework accident.
Devastated Craig Dry-den is today recovering in hospital after the rocket exploded in his face.  The 14-year-old was playing with a group of friends in a field near his home in Ouston, Chester-le-Street, when he was struck five days ago.  A pal's dad rushed Craig to the University Hospital, in Durham City, and he was later transferred to Sunderland Royal Hospital.  Surgeons operated but could not save his eye.

His aunt and guardian, Jacqueline Dryden, 39, said: "His face had been burned, but it was his eye that was in the worst state. It was really swollen up."  "The best way I can describe it is that he looked like Rocky did after those fights in the film. "Craig's very down at the moment It's still sinking in. We're all in a state of shock."  Jacqueline said: "I think one of the lads had the firework in his hand and was trying to light it then dropped it. "Craig said all he remembers is being hit in the face, then crawling around trying to get up."  The incident, she said, should be a warning to other youngsters of the dangers of fireworks.  She said: "This what can happen if you're not careful. We won't be having fireworks ever again. If you do, I just hope this doesn't happen to you."

Craig had wanted to join the forces and become a mechanic when he grows up, but Jacqueline fears his dream could now be shattered.  She said: "It's going to take months and months of treatment and he'll have a glass eye. It's going to be devastating for him."

October 13 2003, ic Liverpool - Firework campaign launched
A NEW campaign was launched today to stop children from being injured by fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
On the day fireworks go on sale across the UK, the government has teamed up with child safety campaigners to warn children of the perils of playing with fireworks.
Last year in Merseyside, 31 people had to have hospital treatment after sustaining firework related injuries in the four weeks surrounding Bonfire Night.
This was a fall on the year before when 70 people were treated.
But campaigners today said parents still need to be vigilant.
More firework injuries were recorded in the north west than anywhere else in the UK.
And shockingly, the number of injuries for the north west were almost double that of Greater London.
The department of trade and industry and the Child Accident Prevention Trust are behind the new safety drive.
They say bonfire night celebrations should be fun but are reminding the public they are still explosives and a hazard if not handled properly.
Gavin Bryce, a trained paramedic who now works as the control manager for Mersey Regional Ambulance, described the horrors crews regularly see every year because of fireworks being mishandled.
He said: "Some of them can be very serious, particularly specific injuries to the eyes and face.
"There have also been people who have been lighting fireworks or intending to throw them and they've exploded and blown off their fingers. It can be quite horrific."
As part of the national campaign, a series of adverts will be televised to remind parents that serious injuries can even be caused by sparklers.
Schools are also being sent information packs highlighting the dangers.

October 13 2003, This is North Scotland - 'FIREWORK YOBS KILL 3 CALVES'
Police were today probing the deaths of three calves in a farm fire amid fears the blaze was started by a rogue firework.  The animals were killed in the barn blaze at Doonies Farm, near Cove.  A worker at Doonies Farm today said they had been told youths were seen letting fireworks off next to the farm.
He said he believed the firework was either deliberately targeted at the cow shed or hit the barn accidentally.  A Grampian Police spokeswoman today said they were called to the farm in the early hours of yesterday.  She said: "At about 4.40am police and fire brigade units attended a fire at the Old Coast Road, Girdleness.  "The fire was found to be within a cowshed which was ablaze.  "Owing to the fire, some cattle which had been within the shed had been overcome by the fire and had died." 
A Grampian Fire Brigade spokeswoman said three calves died in the blaze.  The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, but the police spokeswoman added: "The cause of the fire is not known, although there were reports of fireworks being let off in the area a short time before."  Another officer said the fireworks had been let off in close proximity to the cow shed. 
Doonie's Farm is a council-run facility. There was no one available on the farm today to comment.

October 12 2003, Ulster TV, Pair arrested over Louth seizure
Gardai have seized three quarters of a million eurosworth of fireworks and fake DVD's and CD's in a raid on premises in County Louth.
The raid, which took place at a yard at Carrickarnon, close to the South Armagh border, was carried out by members of the Republic`s National Bureau of Criminal Investigation following a surveillance operation.
Two men both from the Dundalk area were arrested.
The pair, aged 30 and 28, are being held at Dundalk Garda Station.

October 11 2003, BBC NEWS  Merseyside  Explosions linked to firework gang
Police in Liverpool are investigating a series of explosions that are thought to have been caused by fireworks.
Army bomb disposal experts were called in after two of the three incidents, which took place within two hours of each other on Friday night.
No-one was injured during the explosions, although a number of cars and a phone box were damaged.
On Saturday Merseyside Police said it is believed the attacks were random and carried out by youths.
We're very concerned about youths running round throwing fireworks
In the first incident, at 1955 BST on Larkhill Lane, Clubmoor, two youths were seen throwing a brick then a firework through the window of a blue Vauxhall Astra.
About an hour later bomb disposal teams were called in after the explosion in a phone box, in Middlemass Hey, Netherley, which caused damage to nearby cars.
Less than 30 minutes later, at 2120 BST, the windows of a Ford Focus car were blown out in Holland Street, Kensington, and again bomb disposal teams attended.
Inspector Bob Johnson, of Merseyside Police, said the attacks are not thought to have been planned, and after searching the areas of the explosions the bomb disposal teams found no suspect devices.
'Organised displays'
He told BBC News Online: "These attacks are very likely to have been carried out by youths and they are not some gang-related acts.
"No-one was injured but there was considerable damage caused."
"I would urge parents to be aware of what they're children are doing and stop them getting hold of fireworks," he said.
"Liverpool provides a good few organised firework displays, and we have no problems with properly supervised family displays, but we're very concerned about youths running round throwing fireworks."

October 10 2003, BBC NEWS  South East Wales  Firework blows up phone box
The phone box will have to be replaced following the explosion
Fireworks are being used to blow telephone boxes in the south Wales valleys.
A phone box in Tonypandy in the Rhondda was destroyed on Thursday night after a large firework was let off inside.
It was the second time it had been targeted after a similar incident on Monday.
Detective Inspector Paul Burke said: "These crimes are very serious and the culprits, if found, could face life imprisonment.
"Last night's explosion blew the glass from the windows and ripped both the roof and door from the box.
"It is only luck that there was no one passing at the time because someone could easily have been killed by such an irresponsible act," he added.
Police have set up an incident room at Ton Pentre police station and officers have issued an appeal for information.
The attack follows a number of similar incidents in England.
In Barnsley, south Yorkshire, a phone box was ripped apart by a powerful firework on 4 October.
In Liverpool a police officer needed hospital treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation after a firework was thrown into the station.
And in September, at least 10 people were injured following a series of firework attacks in London.
Anyone with information about the incident in Tonypandy on Monday and Thursday nights is asked to contact 01443 743826 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

October 10 2003, Evening Chronicle, Traders get a rocket over firework sales
Rogue traders are facing a clampdown in the run-up to November 5 in a bid to stop the sale of fireworks to kids..
And schools are being asked to inform council officers if they suspect traders of selling fireworks illegally.
In Newcastle, officials said there have already been complaints about problems with fireworks even though Bonfire Night is nearly a month away.
Under the law, shops are not allowed to sell fireworks to youngsters under 18.
Officials from Newcastle City Council trading standards department, along with police and fire officers, are visiting retailers warning them about the law.
Children will be used to make test purchases and offenders face prosecution.  Last year three city shopkeepers were taken to court for selling fireworks to children.

Newcastle Council trading standards manager, Dave O'Brien, has written to head teachers and councillors asking for information about illegal sales of fireworks. "We have already received complaints in respect of noise and nuisance from fireworks," said Mr O'Brien.

Nationally, firework injuries fell from 1~ to 1,107 last year but more than half those hurt were under the age of 17.  "We are hoping that by taking vigorous enforcement action we may reduce the number of injuries even further," said Mr O'Brien.

Stephen Savage, head of public health and environmental protection, says there are also strict guidelines on the type of fireworks that can be sold.  Larger, more dangerous fireworks can only be sold to professionals responsible for organising displays.  The dangers were dramatically highlighted last year when a rocket was fired through a pensioner's bedroom window in a Newcastle tower block.  Luckily, she wasn't in the room at the time but officials say the consequences could have proved fatal.  A man was charged with arson with intent to endanger life but the case was later dropped through lack of evidence.

Mr Savage said: "The launching of a rocket at a tower block caused a serious fire and could have resulted in a fatality but thankfully the resident was m another room when the rocket entered her bedroom."

October 9 2003, BBC NEWS  Scotland  Ricksen appeal after fireworks fine
The lawyer for Rangers footballer Fernando Ricksen has promised to appeal against his "excessive fine" for assault during a row over an impromptu fireworks display.
The Ibrox player was fined £7,000 after pleading guilty to assaulting another man outside his former home in Newton Mearns near Glasgow.
He also pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing and committing a breach of the peace in November last year.
However, speaking after the trial at Paisley Sheriff Court, his lawyer James Peacock said the size of the fine was unjustified.
He said: "I am going to appeal this on the basis that it was an excessive penalty."
Ricksen's defence said the player had been entertaining friends from Holland at the time and "too much drink" had been taken.
He had denied the offences when the case against him was originally called at Paisley Sheriff Court.
However, when he appeared for trial he changed his plea.
He admitted assaulting Andrew Killen, from Giffnock, by pushing him once on the chin and once on the body on 24 November.
He also admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner, repeatedly igniting fireworks, shouting and swearing and causing a breach of the peace.
The court heard that friends from Holland were being entertained at Ricksen's house in the early hours of the morning.
Fireworks were found and it was decided to let them off.
Depute fiscal Frank Clark said that residents living around the house in Kirklands Drive heard loud bangs.
Mr Killen got dressed and telephoned the police when he realised what was going on.
When he saw Ricksen in the street holding fireworks he decided to approach him and appeal to him to stop the noise.
However, he said the player "adopted an abusive manner" and told him: "This is my house."
'Personal matter'
Mr Killen said the noise had woken his children who were upset.
The victim said that at that point, the 27-year-old footballer warned: "It's nothing to do with you. You know what will happen if you don't go home.
"I know where you live".
Mr Clark said that Ricksen pushed Mr Killen on the face and shoulder, causing the other man to step back.
Ricksen's defence agent said his client accepted that his behaviour was wrong.
The lawyer said Ricksen has now moved to a new address in Glasgow and there has been no repetition.
Sheriff David Pender told Ricksen: "I am sure that this will not find favour with your employers."
He said the financial penalty would be substantial to reflect the court's displeasure.
Ricksen was fined £5,000 for assault and £2,000 for breach of the peace, payable within 28 days.
A Rangers spokesman said: "This is a personal matter for the player and it is not something we would wish to comment on."

October 9 2003, Berwick Advertiser, Late night policing sought to curb Seahouses disorder
Seahouses residents have called for late night police patrols to combat anti-social behaviour and youth disorder problems in the village.

Boy racers speeding along the main Street, late night disorder around the pubs and war memorial and general vandalism were just some- of the issues senior police officers were told' about when they attended Monday's meeting of North Sunderland parish council.

Tom Orrin, of Stone Close, said: "I'm sure many of these problems could be resolved if there was an occasional police presence at night.

"It would reassure people that It is safe to go out and it would act as a deterrent to young people like the boy racers who would know they could not go down the main street at 40 mph."
Fireworks are a particular problem at the moment in the build up to Guy Fawkes Night, according to Rev Keith Parr who lives on Main Street.
"These fireworks are going off after 11.30 pm but people are reluctant to call the police because they know it can take 45 minutes for them to get here," he explained.
However, police insist crime levels in Seahouses do not merit extra late night cover.
Superintendent Paul Common, head of the North Northumberland area command, said: "The reality is that there are not many incidents reported in Seahouses during the night. If we put a patrol car here full-time it would be a waste of resources because it might be needed more elsewhere."
"However, that does not mean Seahouses is not covered at night. The area is covered 24-hours a day but officers focus their time where they are going to get best value."
Supt Common urged residents to report incidents and insisted police response times were 'exceptional' for the size of the area command with 95 per cent of calls responded to within 10 minutes.
He also said many of the issues raised were not simply policing problems. Parents also had a role to play in making sure they knew their children were not misbehaving.
Crime figures show that 203 offences have been reported in the Seahouses sector so far this year. This is almost up to the 206 recorded for the whole of last year but police say this is simply down to a change in the way crime statistics are recorded.
Instead, police point to the efforts they have made to cut serious crime.
A reorganisation of police resources means there is now a team of four community officers, plus Sergeant Rob Burnett, based in the Seahouses area. This represent an increase of 400 per cent.
Inspector Andy Burdon, who has recently been given responsibility for the Seahouses area, said: "What really matters to me is serious crime such as burglary so I am pleased to say there have been only four offence. of this type in Seahouses this year.
"That is four too many but three of them happened over one weekend. Although we didn't catch the offender we are confident we did disrupt their activities in this area." Police also revealed there have been eight adult disorder offences reported this year, along with 23 youth disorder incidents.
"All in all, Seahouses is a pretty good place to live," said Insp Burdon. "Its crime problems are not vast and I am not trying to belittle the Issues which some resident. feel very strongly about."

October 9 2003, Irish Parliament, Huge quantity of fireworks seized in Co. Louth
Gardaí have seized a huge quantity of fireworks and counterfeit goods, valued at €750,000, in north Co. Louth.
The seizure took place at Carrickarnon, just south of the border, on Sunday 12th October 2003 and was the result of a surveillance operation conducted by the Anti-Racketeering unit of NBCI.
Over €500,000 worth of CD's and DVD's along with €250,000 worth of Fireworks were seized following a search of a yard.
Two men were arrested and detained at Dundalk Garda Station following the seizure. Both men are from the Dundalk area, one is 28 years of age and the other is 30.

October 9 2003, Sheffield Today, Call for ban on fireworks
A BARNSLEY councillor today called for a ban on powerful fireworks after half a dozen phone boxes have been blown up across the borough.
Frightened residents have been woken up, sometimes in the middle of the night, by explosions which have wrecked the public pay phones.
Doors and windows have been shattered, buckled and blown completely across a road.
Phone boxes have been severely damaged in Broadway, Stainborough, Thurgoland, Silkstone and in the two latest attacks at Hood Green and Barugh.
Now there could be a special meeting of Barnsley Council's public protection scrutiny commission to discuss the alarming spate of firework attacks.
One elderly resident in Hood Green said: "I lived in Sheffield during the war and to be honest it was like a bomb going off. It woke me up and frightened me to death."
Coun Sandra Birkinshaw, who represents the South West ward, said so much damage had been caused at the attack in Broadway that it resembled the scene of a grenade attack. She said: "The roof of the telephone box has been blown off. The door has been blown to the other side of the road. That is a very heavy and potentially lethal object to be hurled across what is normally a busy road. I dread to think of what damage and carnage could have been caused had a car been hit by the door."
Coun Birkinshaw, who was burned by a firework as a child, called for powerful fireworks to be outlawed and demanded: "Something has to be done, people are being frightened, lives are being put at risk and phone boxes, which some people might well need to use in an emergency, are being wrecked."
She has already raised the matter with the leader of the council and the chair of the public protection scrutiny commission.

October 8 2003, Evening Chronicle, Blair urges blitz on yobs

Tony Blair was urging police and local councils today to make full use of new powers to crack down on yobbish behaviour blighting the lives of thousands of people.

The Prime Minister was visiting a London housing estate to highlight the measures available to the authorities in England and Wales to deal with low-level thuggery and nuisance neighbours under the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill.
He called on police and councils not to "drag their feet" in using powers in the Bill which is nearing the end of its passage through the House of Lords.

And he told them that they must all bring themselves up to the levels of the best if communities up and down the country are to be successfully "reclaimed" for, the law-abiding majority. The new powers include fixed penalty notices for offences such as noise nuisance, truancy, graffiti; compulsory parenting classes for the parents of unruly children and powers to disperse groups of youngsters.

October 8 2003, ic Coventry - Fireworks shop sting
Trading standards officers are stepping up their efforts to crack down on shop staff who illegally sell fireworks to under 18s in the run-up to bonfire night.
Coventry City Council's trading standards officers have received a number of calls from the public naming shops in the city which they believe are selling fireworks to underage youngsters.
Officers are enlisting the help of children who will visit those shops in an undercover sting operation between now and November 5.
The youngsters, who will be supervised by trading standards officers during their visit, will see if the shop staff really are prepared to sell them fireworks.
Trading standards remind shop owners whose staff break the law by selling the youngsters fireworks could find themselves in court facing a possible hefty fine.
Cllr John McNicholas said: "At this time of the year trading standards officers place special emphasis on visiting known firework retailers to remind them of their legal obligations under the firework safety regulations.
"Every year we receive complaints alleging that certain shops are breaking the law and that children are causing a nuisance and distress by letting off fireworks with no consideration for the community.
This exercise will especially target those shops that are the subject of complaints."
Peter Randall, consumer safety officer with the council, said: "The only practical way we can investigate complaints relating to the sale of fireworks to underage persons is by using child volunteers."
Parents or guardians who would like their children to take part in these exercises, should call Trading Standards on 024 7683 1864.

October 8 2003, Sheffield Today, Firework ban call after explosion
A BARNSLEY councillor is calling for a ban on powerful fireworks after a phone box was blown up in the town.
The device was thrown at the call box near the junction of Daleswood Avenue and Broadway.
Over recent days there have been several attacks using fireworks including damage being caused to a wheelie bin, a post box and another phone box
In the latest attack people living near the phone box were awoken by a loud explosion in the early hours of Saturday morning and saw two youngsters running away from the area.
Coun Sandra Birkinshaw, who represents the South West ward said so much damage had been caused that it resembled the scene of a grenade attack.
She said: "The roof of the telephone box has been blown off, with glass sprayed nearly up to the Broadway traffic lights. The door has been blown to the other side of the road."
Coun Birkinshaw, who says she was burned by a firework as a child, will be raising the issue at the next council meeting.
Acting Inspector Nicola Gibson said: "We are aware of several incidents involving fireworks.''

October 7 2003, ic Huddersfield,  Joint action to curb sale of fireworks
A CLAMPDOWN on illegal sales of fireworks is being launched in Kirklees.
Police and trading standards officials are joining forces in a bid to end the nuisance caused by hooligans letting off fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
Police will go with trading standards officers to shops, warning them not to sell to the under-18s.
Their action will be re-inforced by a number of undercover test buys by trading standards.
Insp Mark Broadhead, of Huddersfield police, said: "We are working in partnership with trading standards to help tackle the nuisance of fireworks.
"I would encourage retailers to adhere to their voluntary agreement to restrict sales of fireworks to the three weeks before Bonfire Night and one week after."
And he warned: "Any shop found selling fireworks to people under 18 will be prosecuted. We are quite determined about that."
Insp Broadhead also urged people to be considerate to others when using fireworks.
"Our message is be considerate but, above all, be safe," he added.
Martin Wood, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service, said: "I am delighted this joint initiative is taking place in Kirklees between police and us.
"The sharing of intelligence ensures that known hot-spot areas are targeted and reinforces the message that illegal sales of fireworks to under-age youngsters will not be tolerated."

October 7 2003, ic Southlondon, Warning on fireworks
EXPLOSIONS which have caused injuries and damage to property are caused by a cache of stolen high-power fireworks, police believe.
Officers say the rocket-type fireworks, four to five feet long and being sold to the public containing timed explosions, should only be used by trained display experts.
And police are anxious for information to help them trace the devices before there are more injuries or someone is killed.

Reports of the use of this kind of firework have been made across Greenwich and Bexley in the last two weeks.
These include:

* On September 24 in Thamesmead two houses and a car were damaged when a high powered firework ripped apart a wheeled bin. The blast caused damage 25ft above the bin.

* In the early hours of September 25, nine night-shift workers at the Mastercare Distribution Centre, Crabtree Manorway, Erith, were hospitalised after a firework attack. Shortly after, a police inspector suffered a temporary loss of hearing when a telephone box was destroyed at the junction of West Street and Erith High Street.

* Later that day a rubbish bin blew up in the busy Welling High Street.

* On September 26 in Thamesmead, another similar device destroyed a rubbish bin.

* On October 1 a powerful explosion blew up a recycling bin on the Woolwich Dockyard Estate.
PC Mark Davies, Firework Inspection Officer at Plumstead warned anyone who found such a device not to touch it, to move away behind cover, warn others and call the police.

Colleague, Detective Sergeant Steve Goddard added: "We are worried someone is going to be badly hurt. These type of fireworks include further timed explosions so once they have gone off they can go off again at a later time."

Detective Sergeant Keith Pritchard from Bexleyheath said: "The incident in Welling High Street could have been really nasty. It is a very busy street and at the time there was a lot of schoolchildren around."
Police also warn that all incidents of the use of fireworks in reported crime are now treated as if they are terrorist incidents.

Three men aged 23, 26 and 27 have been arrested in connection with the incidents in Bexley but not charged, as The Mercury went to press.

October 7 2003, ic Teesside - Evening Gazette opinion, Fire fears back with a bang:
The siege has begun early this year. Already we have to report on a young victim of the annual fireworks onslaught.
Despite growing calls for tougher controls on the sale of these potentially lethal devices the problem remains. Indeed early indications are that it is worse than ever.
And even campaigns to ban the sale of fireworks over the counter can only provide part of an answer. For a more worrying trend is their illegal sale on the streets.
Adam Canwell might need a skin graft following a deliberate attack by a youngster. But there could be a lot worse injuries to come as the word on the street is that professional devices are for sale with enough power to shatter windows 50 feet away or to melt nylon clothing to the skin.
The police, local authorities and campaigners are trying to tackle this problem, but we must all be alert and prepared to pass on any information which will help keep these fireworks out of immature hands.
This is not about being a spoilsport. Properly supervised firework displays are enjoyed by everybody. This is about protecting the innocent.

October 7 2003, ic Teesside,  Burned on the street
A horrified teenager suffered agonising injuries and now faces skin grafts after a firework was hurled at him in the street.
Adam Canwell, 14, was hit on his back by the exploding firework as he walked past a playground in South Bank.
The potentially lethal device was thrown by a child thought to be aged about ten, who shouted the chilling warning: "Eat this."
Police issued a danger warning as fearful residents spoke of Bonfire Night misery already plaguing the streets.
Fireworks known to be on sale on Teesside include big blast devices called Flash Maroon which can shatter windows from 50ft away.
Adam's shocked mum, Ann, of South Bank, said: "He was with his friend on their way home from playing football. As they walked past the playground near Pym Street towards a group of juveniles, aged about ten, they heard a voice shout 'Eat this'."
Terrified Adam turned to run, but the firework hit him, melting his tracksuit top and burning his back.
The shock made him collide with a lamp-post, badly bruising his face and chest. "It happened so quickly and it was a shock," said Adam.
His mum said: "He has a lump on his head like an egg and can't open his eye.
"He's been told he might need a skin graft to his back and might need a CT scan as he's suffering headaches and his vision is blurry."
Ann is angry that her son now has no choice but to take time off from Gillbrook School, Eston.
"He's just started Year 10 which is an important year and he's never had time off school," she said.
Ann said Bonfire Night misery has already started for residents, with fireworks seeming to be readily available. "You can get them for about £1 a packet from people selling them on the estate. Fireworks shouldn't even be allowed on sale in shops."
A concerned mum in Whale Hill, Eston, said the problem is not confined to South Bank. "I've heard people have been knocking on doors selling fireworks.
"The noise at night is unreal with fireworks going off. People are not letting their kids out as soon as it starts to get dark," she added.
South Bank councillor Pearl Hall, who has been campaigning for years for a complete sales ban on domestic fireworks, said: "We've been hearing fireworks since early September.
"The noise is awful. It wasn't as bad this time last year.
"People are selling them on the streets. They are just like drug dealers, selling misery."
Langbaurgh Operations Superintendent Dee Collins said: "Fireworks are not toys. They are dangerous and in the wrong hands can be deadly.
"We are working closely with the local authority and fire service to tackle specific issues relating to fireworks and bonfire night."
She added work in the Langbaurgh district as part of Operation Tinderbox has already resulted in firework seizures.
* Anyone with information about fireworks being sold illegally is urged to contact police on 01642 302626.

October 7 2003, ic Teesside, Firework Warning
Big-blast fireworks that could cause serious injury are being sold on the streets of Teesside.
Cleveland Police warn that "Flash Maroon" fireworks could shatter windows up to 50ft away if set off on the ground.
And if they are set off in the vicinity of onlookers, the intense heat could cause nylon clothing to melt and stick to the skin.
"They are for professional use only and should be fired into the air only from the proper tube," said a police spokesman.
Officers have received information that a number of the dangerous fireworks have been on sale in the Stockton area.
They are described as being the size and shape of a coconut, with a white plastic case and a metre-long fuse.
Anyone who comes across the firework being sold is asked to contact police or Stockton Council.

October 7 2003, Stockport Express, Firework Thugs Blitzed
FIREWORK thugs and shopkeepers selling rockets to under-age children are to be blitzed in a new safety drive.
The hard-hitting campaign - the first of its kind - is urging people to report any yobs who spread terror with rockets and bangers around Stockport. A special hotline has been set up for the public to voice concerns.
And trading standards and environmental health officers are planning to swoop on rogue shopkeepers by sending under-age youngsters into shops to buy fireworks. The operations, using teenagers posing as customers, will take advantage of new test-purchasing powers in shops suspected of under-age sales.
Labour Councillor Sheila Bailey, who has campaigned for tougher firework regulations, told The Stockport Express that firework thugs cause problems in Stockport every year - from around now.
Coun Bailey, who has backed the new Fireworks Bill which aims to crack down on firework problems, said: "People who misuse fireworks are pests and a nuisance.
"Fireworks have their place in organised displays and under proper control, but they cause mayhem and misery when they are used wrongly, and some of them are downright dangerous."
The safety campaign is being led by Stockport Council and Stockport police. The local health trusts and the fire service are also involved.
An information blitz code-named Operation Guy Fawkes will look to crack down on fireworks misuse by offering advice on how to organise a display and follow the firework safety code.
Advice will also be on hand for pet owners on keeping their animals safe.
Anyone concerned about fireworks nuisance can contact the hotline on 0845 644 4315 from Wednesday October 15 to November 7.
The lines will be open from 8am to 5pm each week day. Outside these hours, and at weekends, a recorded message will provide contact details.
Any reports of traders dealing in unsafe fireworks or selling to children will be investigated, and could lead to prosecutions. It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.
The Fireworks Bill proposes 11pm curfews on displays, noise limits on fireworks, licensing the people who sell them, and powers to allow local authorities to refuse and revoke licences if retailers step put of line.
The tighter restrictions are not expected to be in place until 2004.
However, shopkeepers are being asked to voluntarily accept the new regulations before they are drafted in next year.

October 7 2003, This is The West Country, Firework misuse causes distress
THE scourge of late night noise from powerful fireworks has arrived - even earlier than last year.
Residents in High Street, Chard, say they were awoken by eight to ten "very loud bangs" on September 30.
"It sounded just like gun shots," said one resident, who expressed a wish that there is not a repeat of the idiocy which caused serious damage to the Red Cross hut in Ilminster last year.
"They were set off in a field behind our home and, later on in the night, we heard another one go off further up," she said.
"My cat was frightened by the bangs."
"It's not just that fireworks are going off early, I don't think ordinary people should be allowed to play around with display quality rockets in the first place."

October 6 2003, ic Teesside - Fireworks send Fido mad
Bonfire night may be a month away but already the bang of fireworks is a familiar sound in the night sky.
While it seems like harmless fun for those enjoying the colour spectacle it is a different story for hundreds of dogs and their owners.
The sound of fireworks turns many of our devoted canine companions into quivering wrecks.
And it is a problem that is increasing as rockets and bangers are no longer confined to November 5.
Instead you regularly hear the whistles, whizzes and cracks from October right through to December.
In an effort to curb the problem there are a whole range of remedies to try.
This year Grange Veterinary Hospital in Darlington is holding a free evening seminar to educate owners of all the options.
Veterinary surgeon Charlotte Stock who will lead the seminar says: "We have got a lot of clients that come in every year needing something for their dogs because they are scared.
"While medication is fine it doesn't sort the problem. If the dog has a phobia other sounds that remind them of fireworks can often trigger the same reaction, for example a car back firing or a balloon popping."
She says even everyday sounds such as the washer in the kitchen can remind a pet of the sound that scares them.
"These phobias are progressive. It might just start with the dog being afraid on the night. Then fireworks go off unexpectedly during the day and the phobia becomes more of a problem producing a greater reaction.
"The fear can then become more generalised and other noises start to sound like fireworks. Other things then become associated with that fear, like the road the dog was walking along when the bang went off, children who were playing nearby. The dog then becomes phobic of those things."
Charlotte goes on to say if the problem is not dealt with the dog can even become aggressive or traumatised.
If your dog appears scared of loud noises she suggests:
* Making sure there is no medical reason the dog is sensitive to the noise. Some of these underlying reasons can be treated.
* Look at how you react to the problem. Mollycoddling the dog will make it think there is good reason to be scared. Shouting or getting annoyed will also reinforce their fear.
* Try to be perceptive to the dog's environment. Everyday things can seem scary to a dog such as the washer/dryer.
* Reassure the dog by making sure there is somewhere the dog can go where they feel safe. This could be under a bed or in a box with a blanket.
* If the dog is used to the sound of the TV or video put them on for background noise when the bangs start.
* Cover windows so the dog cannot see the fireworks. Sometimes just the sight of them can trigger fear.
* CDs are available with the sound of fireworks or thunder. By playing these regularly at a quiet volume and gradually increasing the sound you can accustom your dog to the sound. Combining this with treats or play sessions can also help. Available from Sounds Scary on 01244 371473 or log on to: www.soundsscary.com
* You can also purchase a dog appeasing theremone plug-in from your vet. This can have a calming effect on your dog as it produces the scent of theremones surrounding the dog with the smell of its mother.
* The free seminar is at Sadberge NCDL from 7pm on Thursday, October 16. Those wishing to attend are asked to call the surgery on 01325 465371.
Mally conquered her fear
Staffordshire bull terrier Mallyan might be a happy go lucky little dog, but just one crack of thunder will see her running for the nearest shelter.
When it comes to loud noises Mally is a bag of nerves.
And the only place to find solace is under the dining room table or whatever piece of furniture is closest to paw.
Luckily, for her, she belongs to veterinary surgeon Ed Macholc.
Through his work at Rosslyn Veterinary Surgery in Middlesbrough he has seen the problem hundreds of times before.
This makes him something of an expert when it comes dealing with her problem.
Mr Macholc has witnessed at first hand a growing number of pet owners trying to cope with nervous hounds.
This month he expects the numbers to rocket once again for already the bang of fireworks echoes through the night sky.
He says: "We get a lot of people in with problems and it is getting worse.
"Fireworks are getting noisier and there is such a big build up to November 5 now."
He helped cure Mallyan's fears with the theremone plug-in.
"We don't smell anything," says Ed, "but it certainly seems to work for we used it for our dog's fear of thunder."
He says CDs of the sounds that scare the dog are another way of easing the problem.
"We have long been suggesting people record the sound.
"I do realise this is not always possible."
However, he says: "Finally someone has brought out a CD with the noises of fireworks."

October 6 2003, This is York, York traders flouting fireworks sale code
SHOPS in York are breaching the fireworks code of conduct - but trading standards chiefs admit they have no powers to give them a rocket.
Garden furniture store Seasons of York, in Boroughbridge Road, and Wyevale Garden Centre, Upper Poppleton, both admit stocking massive fireworks all year round.
Although not breaking the law, York's trading standards team confirmed the traders were in breach of a voluntary traders' code of conduct, under which shops agreed to sell fireworks only three weeks before November 5, and for a week afterwards, in order to reduce the nuisance to residents.
Colin Rumford, York's head of environmental health and trading standards, said business owners were encouraged to work within the code, but were not legally obliged to.
Trading standards officers have been pushing for a change in the law, which could take place next year.
Mr Rumford said: "We do not have the full details yet, but it will tighten up the rules regarding sales."
Trading standards officers visit fireworks stockists to remind them of the code, and will also visit shops which have had complaints about fireworks sales made against them, Mr Rumford added.
Mr Rumford said all traders selling fireworks must register to sell explosives with Trading Standards. The voluntary code operates separately from the need to register.
In an Evening Press investigation, we found Seasons of York selling high-powered fireworks at £35, £50 and even £80 each.
When we bought a huge £35 firework, the manager asked to see age identification and inquired if the fireworks would be used for a wedding or party.
When challenged by our reporter, the manager said: "We're fully licensed to sell fireworks all year round, but choose to sell only wedding and celebration fireworks outside of the trade agreement window."
A spokeswoman for Wyevale Garden Centre said she was not aware of the code of conduct.
"We only buy in properly tried and tested fireworks and can store them safely for customers before they are used," she said.
Trading standards officers are planning to send out people under 18 to shops around the city to make test purchases.
Any trader who sells fireworks to them risks prosecution and a hefty fine.
Evening Press readers have reported massive fireworks explosions going off across York which have obliterated wheelie bins and scared residents.
There is no suggestion that the fireworks being sold at the two stores are the type responsible for the loud explosions.

October 6 2003, This is York, Youth must have its say
ALL too often, young people are seen as a problem. Sadly nowadays, they are also regarded even as a threat.
Yet for every firework-wielding miscreant, there are scores of bright and intelligent young people needing to find ways to occupy themselves. For every potential petty criminal, there are teenagers facing a bright future.
What unites all teenagers, and has done down the years, is the perennial complaint that there is nothing to do. On one level this is just the one-note song of disaffected youth, a protest we have heard so many times before.
Yet if we are to understand and appreciate our young people, we have to listen to what they are saying. So the needs of York's younger citizens should be taken seriously. This is especially so as more than 600 young people have now signed a petition calling for improvements in what is provided for them.
The young people from four council wards across the city point out that traditional youth clubs are in decline and that the council should now look at what should be put in their place.
The happiness or otherwise of young people is crucial to the general well-being of the city. And while there always will be a few young idiots who throw fireworks or cause general mayhem and unpleasantness, the vast majority of young people are good and worthwhile citizens in the making who just need something to do.
To its credit, the council recognises this and intends to pass the petition on to its Young People In York Security Panel.
One suggestion already raised by the petitioners is that youth clubs should be replaced by drop-in centres which could be spread across the city. All such ideas are certainly worth exploring - and we should try listening to our youngsters, instead of directing our hostility at them.