Holidaymakers are being offered Madeleine McCann tours of the holiday complex where she disappeared.

Tourists taking up the trips – which Madeleine's parents are said to find distressing – are invited to speculate on what happened to the then-three-year-old in May 1997.

The tours take visitors to the Praia da Luz apartment where the Rothley family were staying and the tapas restaurant where her parents Gerry and Kate were dining when she vanished. The organiser also takes his clients to nearby wasteland which police dug up in searches for evidence.

The tours are being offered on the internet by a British grandfather in his 60s who has become obsessed with the case since emigrating to Portugal.

Read more: Missing Madeleine McCann's twin brother and sister told 'everything' about her disappearance

A source told the Daily Mirror: "The guide is obsessed with Maddie.

"He's written thousands of words about the case and pored over maps, photographs and police transcripts."

The organiser started offering the tours in January and had the first visitor on March 8.

According to the blog used to advertise the tours, he is currently planning the fourth.

He aims the tours at Britons looking for a day trip but said he does not want payment.

In the first blog, the host said: "I think of this as the Luz Challenge. Our version of Mission Impossible.

"You have to come up with a way in which the McCanns, for whatever reason, disposed of Madeleine's body, and the body was not found in searches."

The McCanns have been cleared by police of any involvement in the disappearance of their daughter.

The guide says the tour starts at Apartment 5A at the Ocean Club Hotel, where the McCanns stayed.

From there they go a few hundred yards to the tapas restaurant – now closed – where her parents were eating, the spot where the McCanns' friend Jane Tanner saw a mystery man carrying a child. This was later ruled out as a sighting.

They will also take in the scene of the sighting by a retired businessman, who said he saw a man carrying a child in the direction of the beach.

Other places on the tour are the areas where police carried out searches two years ago and Our Lady of the Light church.

Police searched there and a nearby cemetery.

The man is said to have moved to the resort with his wife several years ago.

A 59-year-old Leicester man has been charged with attempted arson after a bag was left on a pavement in Kirby Muxloe.

Michael Brooks of Chester Road, Blaby, has been bailed to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Monday November 14.

The charge relates to a bag containing an ignitable device left in Castle Road on Tuesday August 11 2015.

A former police and crime commissioner has appeared in court accused of disclosing personal data about an MP.

Adam Simmonds (39), of Northcote Road, off Knighton Road, Leicester, is accused of knowingly or recklessly breaching the Data Protection Act by disclosing information about Tory MP Peter Bone, who represents Wellingborough.

The ex-Northamptonshire police and crime commissioner, who served from 2012 to this year's election when he was replaced by fellow Tory Stephen Mold, is accused of committing the offence while in office.

His lawyer, Mark Harries, indicated Mr Simmonds would plead not guilty.

The alleged offence is said to have taken place between November 2013 and May 2014.

Mr Simmonds appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday.

He was given unconditional bail and will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on November 15.

Best-selling crime author Patricia Cornwell has revealed her writing career was made in Leicester.

The 60-year-old American novelist, who has sold more than 100 million books, said she decided to write forensic crime thrillers after hearing of the DNA breakthrough made by Professor Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester in the 1980s.

Prof Jeffreys pioneered the use of DNA technology to identify the unique genetic code of Leicester double murderer Colin Pitchfork.

The murderer confessed to killing local 15-year-old girls Lynda Mann in 1983 and Dawn Ashworth in 1986 after being confronted with compelling DNA evidence against him.

Patricia, who appeared De Montfort Hall last night, said: "It was an amazing scientific breakthrough.

"It was real cutting edge stuff and it was being pioneered over here at the University of Leicester.

"When I read up on it I just knew immediately that here was what I should be writing about.

"I wanted to explore the whole area of forensic science in crime. It was just so exciting, so new.

"So you could say my writing career was born in Leicester because of this."

Read more: DNA pioneer Alec Jeffreys on how he helped police nail child killer Colin Pitchfork

The former morgue worker turned millionaire author is best-known for creating Dr Kay Scarpetta, the forensic pathologist who features in her novels.

Patricia was in town to give a public lecture at De Montfort Hall as part of the University of Leicester's Distinguished Lecture Series.

The on-stage chat session was also part of the Leicester Literary Festival 2016 and the first event on a week-long UK tour to promote her new novel, Chaos.

The novelist, who lives in America, told how she was very excited by the discovery of the mortal remains of Richard III in the city in 2012.

She said: "Once again we had Leicester – and the University of Leicester – at the forefront of something incredibly historic and exciting.

"I studied the techniques being used and incorporated some of these in my book Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert."

That book uses never-before-seen archive material, including a rare mortuary photo, personal correspondence and cutting-edge forensic science to open an old unsolved crime to new scrutiny.

The writer revealed that one of her favourite stories of recent time is the winning of the Premier League by Leicester City.

Patricia, who took to the stage wearing a Foxes shirt and draped in City scarves, said: "What a brilliant story.

"It seems everyone in the world was captivated by Leicester City winning .

"It was like a lesser-known team over in the States winning the Super Bowl.

"I have chosen Leicester as the start to my UK tour as I love the city.

"I feel a special connection with the place.

"I would love to come back and do the whole Richard III thing and watch Leicester City play. That would be fun."

A soldier has pleaded not guilty to murdering Leicestershire woman Alice Ruggles.

Lance Corporal Trimaan Dhillon (25) denied her murder during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

Read more: Alice Ruggles: Soldier charged with murder of 24-year-old from Leicestershire appears at court

Ms Ruggles, 24, from Tur Langton, near Market Harborough, was discovered with fatal injuries at her flat in Gateshead last month.

Dhillon appeared via a video-link from HMP Durham wearing a striped shirt and spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear what was being said.

A provisional trial date was set for February next year and Dhillon was further remanded in custody.

Judge Paul Sloan QC told him: "I'm going to adjourn your case to a further pre-trial hearing and that hearing will be listed on January 20 last year.

"That's the next date you will appear over the link.

"Before that date you must provide a defence case statement setting out in detail the nature of your defence to this charge.

"You should understand that if you have committed any offence arising out of this allegation, the sooner that is communicated to the court, the better for you.

"The longer it's left, the worse it will be for you.

"Pending the next hearing you are remanded in custody."

Ms Ruggles was found at her flat on Rawling Road, Bensham, Gateshead and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.

She was a former pupil at Leicester High School for Girls, where her mother Dr Sue Hills is head of maths.

Her father Clive is Emeritus Professor of Archaeoastronomy at the University of Leicester.

She later studied at Northumbria University and went on to work for Sky in Newcastle .

Dhillon, also known as Harry, served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland and lived at Glencorse Barracks in Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland.

Police seized seven vehicles during a four-hour operation aimed at preventing criminals using roads.

Officers stopped 24 vehicles yesterday morning, and spoke to 47 people just off the Narborough Road in Leicester.

They seized seven vehicles as three drivers had no insurance and four drivers were served prohibition notices because the vehicle was faulty in some way.

Three people were reported for not wearing a seatbelt, two people were served vehicle defect notifications and two people were dealt with by court enforcement officers for non-payment of fines amounting to £775.

Neighbourhood officers, special constables and Tactical Roads Policing Officers worked together during Operation Trivium 7 on Wednesday.

The national initiative is taking place across the country this week aiming to prevent criminals using roads by stopping vehicles and checking drivers' details.

Read more: Body found in Kirby Muxloe: Neighbour talks of shock

Pc Tony Bunker, who helped to run the operation, said: "We had a high profile presence in Leicester aimed at protecting our communities by targeting criminals who travel on our roads.

"We've taken seven vehicles off our roads and dealt with a wide variety of offences.

"It was extremely busy all morning and I hope this will send a strong message to criminals that if they use our roads they will be caught."

In Leicestershire, officers worked alongside Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and court enforcement officers.

During a previous Trivium operation, which took place in May 2016, there were 9,009 vehicles stopped nationally.

In total, Trivium 6 resulted in a total of 7,188 enforcement actions which included penalties issued, warnings given and activities relating to a range of other offences such as violent crime, illegal immigration and murder.

Read more: Leicester City star Jeff Schlupp's lucky escape after Lamborghini veered off M1

Detective Superintendent Paul Keasey, head of the National Roads Policing Intelligence Forum, said the idea was to help bring more criminals to justice.

He said: "Over the past three years, Operation Trivium has proved highly effective in disrupting criminal networks active in human trafficking, modern slavery, illegal immigration and a wide range of other crimes.

"Once again we wish to make clear that there is no hiding for criminals and that borders hold no barriers when it comes to bringing about justice."

Another Op Trivium was being held today in Lincolnshire and in Northamptonshire tomorrow.

The manager of a charity shop is heartbroken after burglars stole a treasured pregnancy scan of her daughter's unborn child.

The raiders stole the safe from the RSPCA shop in Wigston which contained about £250 cash, her electronic notebook and the priceless picture.

Anne Stevenson said: "I am heartbroken that this picture has been stolen.

"It is a treasured and priceless image of my first grandchild.

"It is the first image taken of the child my daughter Gemma is expecting and I am heartbroken it has gone.

"The scan was tucked inside the cover of the notebook."

Police, who are investigating the raid, said the burglars struck at the shop in Bell Street about 5am on Friday December 2.

Read more: Jack Adcock's mum says 'at last there is justice' after doctor guilty of manslaughter loses appeal

Raiders forced their way in through the back door

Mrs Stevenson said the raiders stole the safe which had been bolted down.

She said: "I got to the shop to open up at about 8.30am and noticed that the iron gates at the back were open and then I saw that the back door was all smashed up.

"As I walked in I could see that the burglars had smashed the alarm system to bits.

"Then I noticed they had taken the safe which had been bolted down.

"All the cash taken was to help sick and abandoned animals. Stealing is bad enough but stealing from a charity is incredibly low."

Anne Stevenson at the store in Bell Street, Wigston

Mrs Stevenson has worked at the shop, which raises money for the RSPCA Woodside Animal Centre, in Scudamore Road, Leicester, since it opened nine years ago.

She said the shop had been hit by vandals and burglars in the past.

Vandals set fire to a wheelie bin and pushed it up against the shop in February.

The blaze wrecked the back door and goods inside were smoke-damaged.

Mrs Stevenson said: "We have been burgled twice before as well.

"I just can't understand why anyone would stoop so low as to target a charity shop.

"It's not just the stuff that is taken, it's the damage done and the selling time we lose putting things back together again.

"It is very upsetting, especially at this time of the year.

"If the police could track down the burglars and get everything back, including the scan, it would be great."

A police spokeswoman said they are investigating the crime.

She said: "It is believed the thieves struck at about 5am on December 2.

"We would appeal for anyone with any information to contact us on 101."

Read more: Watch moment callous thief stole Poppy Appeal tin from Loughborough newsagents

This is what was left of a motorist's £8,000 Suzuki Swift - after she woke up to discover her parked car had been written off in a hit-and-run incident.

Lora Thorpe told how her prized car was damaged beyond repair after being smashed into outside her house in Kirkby Road, Barwell.

The 26-year-old said her car had been crashed into sometime between 10pm on Boxing Day and 8.30am on December 27.

"My neighbour had been knocking on our door since about 8.30am to tell us that my car had been hit," she said.

"When I got out there I could not believe my eyes.

"The front of my beautiful car had been smashed to bits. we did not hear anything in the night."

Ms Thorpe, who works for the National Grid, said she was disgusted that someone could cause such damage to her car then just drive off.

She said: "It is an appalling thing to do. Not only has it destroyed my car but it has shunted mine into my neighbour's car and damaged hers too."

Ms Thorpe said she will have to claim off her insurance to sort the car out.

She said: "The insurance people have written the car off. I should get enough to pay off the finance but will be left without a car and a hike in my insurance policy if i get another vehicle.

"Whoever has hit my car and riven off has really wrecked my Christmas holiday."

Ms Thorpe said she had to save up to be able to put a deposit down on the car.

She said: "I have had that car from new and I love her.

"I call her Taylor - after Taylor Swift the singer. it is sad to see her in such a state.

"I will have to get lifts to work now as it is three miles away and too far to walk in this weather.

"I just hope someone somewhere saw who did this and reports them so they can pay for what they have done.

"It looks like someone has come round the corner too fast and crashed into my car.

"I just don't know how anyone can live with themselves after just driving off after causing such damage."

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the incident and are investigating.

"If anyone has any information about the incident they should call us on 101."

A harrowing short film telling how teenager Kayleigh Haywood was groomed and murdered in the space of two weeks has gone viral within hours of its launch.

Kayleigh's Love Story was posted on Leicestershire Police's website and Facebook page at 9am on Tuesday.

This afternoon, it had been viewed more than 2.2 million times.

The film had also been shared nearly 59,000 times and attracted thousands of comments.

Countless Facebook and Twitter users have praised the courage of Kayleigh's parents for allowing the film to be made, and applauded Leicestershire Police for making it.

To ensure the film reaches as many people as possible, versions are available in five languages, plus British Sign Language. There is also a version with audio description.

Deputy Chief Constable Roger Bannister said he was overwhelmed by the interest in the film and the reaction online since its public launch.

He said: "To have reached so many people, and for the film to have been seen by so many, in such a short space of time is remarkable.

"It contains a really important message, a message for children and parents alike, and I believe it has the potential to keep many tens of thousands of children safe from the threat posed by predators online. I would urge everyone to watch it."

Shot over five days in February last year by Affixxius Films, of Loughborough, the five-and-a-half-minute short film has until now only been shown to schoolchildren aged 11 and above in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in controlled screenings by specially-trained officers.

Between September 21 and the end of December last year, a total of 37,000 children had watched the film, some 35 of whom have since come forward with "disclosures" which are now actively being investigated.

Kayleigh, 15, was killed by landscape gardener Stephen Beadman in November 2015 after being sent numerous messages on Facebook and other social media sites by 28-year-old Luke Harlow.

Last July, Beadman, then 29, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape, false imprisonment and murder of the teenager, while Harlow was given a 12-year jail term for false imprisonment and grooming.

Shot over five days in February last year by Affixxius Films of Loughborough, the five and a half minute short has until no only been shown to schoolchildren aged 11 and above in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in controlled screenings by specially-trained officers.

Between September 21 and the end of December last year, a total of 37,000 children had watched the film, some 35 of whom have come forward with "disclosures" which are now actively being investigated.

Tens of thousands of people on Facebook and Twitter have praised the courage of Kayleigh's parent for allowing the film to be made, and applauding Leicestershire Police for making it.

Kayleigh was killed by landscape gardener Stephen Beadman in November 2015 after being sent numerous messages on Facebook and other social media sites by 28-year-old Luke Harlow.

Last July, Beadman, then 29, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape, false imprisonment and murder of the teenager, while Harlow was given a 12-year jail term for false imprisonment and grooming.

This is the first picture release of a Leicester teenage drink driver who killed a mum-of-two after crashing into a taxi.

Danielle Bartlett, of Westleigh Road, West End, was only 17 and had not passed her driving test when she took her uncle's car and smashed into the vehicle in Coventry.

She was well over the drink-driving limit.

In the back of the taxi was child services worker Anna Downey, 42, who suffered massive injuries and died at the scene.

At Warwick Crown Court on Friday Bartlett, who had previously admitted causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink, was jailed for three years.

Related:How the Danielle Bartlett sentencing hearing unfolded

She will spend 18 months in a young offenders institution, and the following 18 months out on licence.

James Armstrong-Holmes, prosecuting, said that during the afternoon and evening before Mrs Downey's death, Bartlett had been drinking at a family party and had also gone to the pub.

After taking her uncle's car without permission, Bartlett was caught by cameras driving at "excessive speeds".

She hit at least 69mph in a 40mph area shortly before smashing into the rear side door of the taxi, in London Road, Coventry.

Mrs Downey suffered catastrophic injuries to her head and chest.

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after more than 60 cars were damaged in a 25-mile trail of destruction.

The arrests have been made after the vehicles had their windows smashed and tyres slashed from the outskirts of Leicester to the Vale of Belvoir.

The wrecking spree, which took in cars in at least ten villages, is believed to have begun in the early hours of Monday January 2.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: "We received more than 60 reports of vehicles having their tyres slashed and rear windows smashed overnight on Sunday January 1 and Monday January 2.

"Five men, aged 18,19, 20, 21 and 23, were arrested yesterday in connection with the series and remain in custody.

"Reports have been received from a number of areas including Glenfield, Thurmaston, East Goscote, Rearsby, Frisby on the Wreake, Saxelby, Waltham on the Wolds."

Read more: This is how many drunk or drugged-up drivers were arrested over Christmas

The police spokesman said nothing was stolen during the incidents.

He made an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "If you saw or heard anything which could be related to the damage, please contact us, as may be able to provide information which could assist with our investigation.

"We would encourage anyone whose vehicle has been damaged and hasn't yet reported it to police to do so."

Anyone with any information about the incidents is asked to contact the police on 101.

The five men have now been released on police bail for further enquiries to be carried out.

A burglar has broken into the Bishop of Leicester's office and stolen two boxes of biscuits.

The intruder broke into the office in Springfield Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester, during the festive period.

The Bishop of Leicester The Right Reverend Martyn Snow

The Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Martyn Snow, talked about the burglary in his first online blog of the year.

He said: "Someone broke into my office over Christmas. I don't know who it was, and I don't really know what they were looking for but they created quite a mess.

"I wish I could say that they broke in order to sit in my chapel and pray.

read more: M1 closed after body found on motorway

"I'd like to think that they did pause for a moment in the chapel, on their way through every room, but I suspect not.

"Bizarrely the only thing they took were two boxes of biscuits which were sat on my secretary's desk, and even more bizarrely, they moved a large bag of loo rolls from the store cupboard and left them sat on the desk (presumably they were debating whether to take these along with the biscuits)."

An office spokesperson said the break in happened some time between December 28 and 29.

She said: "The bishop discovered the break-in and the mess when he went into the office.

"The office was closed between Christmas and the New Year and the bishop went into the office to see if there was any mail that needed attending to.

"That is when he found out the office had been burgled."

The Right Rev Snow said the police told him the culprit might be from a local hostel looking for money to fuel a drug habit.

He said the incident had led him to think about what the churches in his diocese might be doing to reach out to the local community.

The Right Rev Snow said: "So I take some comfort from knowing, whether or not the person who created such a mess in my office is ever identified, there are churches in our diocese faithfully serving those in need – and in some case no doubt, even offering free boxes of biscuits."

read more: live: digger smashed into post office, cash machine stolen

A disciplinary hearing is taking place after eight police officers allegedly shared "offensive or discriminatory" messages with each other over their mobile phones.

The officers are accused of sharing the content on the messaging service WhatsApp.

All eight officers are constables who remain on duty.

Leicestershire Police referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission after they became aware of the messages last year.

Both agreed the officers had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

The hearing began on Monday, and could last up to five days. You can find our coverage of day one here and Tuesday's proceedings here.

If found guilty of gross misconduct, the officers could be dismissed on the spot.

The Mercury is covering the hearing live.

Here are the updates from today's hearing

Three out-of-control "thugs" who attacked five people in a drunken rampage of violence have been jailed.

One of the victims was a passer-by on his way home and the others were innocent householders on their doorsteps.

Leicester Crown Court was told that brothers, Lee Mathieson and Shane Mathieson, along with David Dara, drank to excess at a party where free drink was available.

The first victim was walking along Fosse Road North, in the city, after midnight on Saturday, October 15, when the three defendants on a moped approached from the direction of Glenfield Road.

Lynsey Knott, prosecuting, said the defendants began shouting at him and Shane Mathieson got off and punched him to the shoulder, causing pain. She said: "He ran away and they chased him; two on foot and one riding the moped.

"The victim saw a woman standing at her front door and shouted for help, while running towards her.

"A man at the same address came out, saw what was happening and shouted at the defendants to stop.

"One of the defendants punched the man, causing him to stumble backwards and his nose bled profusely. The woman ran next door to get help."

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'Come out, we will kill you'

When the neighbours, a father and son, came out the father was punched and suffered bruising to his eye and nose and the son was grabbed by one of the attackers.

They stumbled on steps and the son suffered a grazed back and a ripped T-shirt.

The defendants then rode off, later stopping in Ivanhoe Street, where they became rowdy.

They went to the address of a woman they knew – shouting: "Come out, we will kill you."

Dara was "armed" with a motorbike helmet, which he used to strike the woman's partner – causing him to suffer deafness in one ear, although it is not known if that is permanent. His van was also damaged and he ended up losing his job because of time taken off work recovering from his injuries.

Read moreWilko fined £2.2m after student left paralysed in Beaumont Shopping Centre store incident

'You behaved like thugs'

Shane Mathieson hit the woman's partner with a pole and the couple were both punched and kicked. The woman later described herself afterwards as "a bag of nerves."

All three defendants admitted two counts of causing an affray on the same night and Shane Mathieson, who was jailed for three years and six months, also admitted common assault.

Shane Mathieson (34), of Bradgate House, Stretton Road, Leicester, has 59 offences on his criminal record.

Lee Mathieson (31), of Valence Road, Leicester, who was jailed for three years, has 118 offences on his record, the court was told.

Dara (25), of Fairburn House, Aikman Avenue, New Parks, who was jailed for three years, has 20 offences on his record.

Read more Drunk driver Danielle Bartlett could see sentence extended after killing mum-of-two

Dishonesty and violence

Judge Robert Brown said the brothers – who were both recalled to prison because they were on licence from earlier sentences – had "appalling" records for dishonesty and violence.

He said: "This incident began when you accosted a total stranger in the street, asking him for a cigarette and when he declined you turned nasty.

"You'd been at a party and had too much to drink and were out-of-control looking for violence. Five people were injured during your violent rampage – you behaved like thugs.

"Only custody is appropriate to protect the people of that neighbourhood from your violence."

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'He's now trying to make positive changes to his life'

After being sentenced, one of the Mathieson brothers – whose cases were heard via a live video link with HMP Leicester – swore and hurled insults at the judge, who asked that the comments be brought to the prison Governor's attention; particularly in regard to when the culprit's release date is being considered.

Andrew Bolc, mitigating for Shane Mathieson, said: "The catalyst was attending his cousin's birthday party where there was access to free alcohol and he drank to such a point he lost control; alcohol has been is nemesis since he was 18.

"After the first affray in Fosse Road North, they moved on to his brother's ex-partner's house. He wishes to apologise for his behaviour."

Pree Brada, for Lee Mathieson said: "He was under the influence of alcohol and doesn't know how it started.

"At one point in the incident he was knocked unconscious.

"He's now trying to make positive changes to his life."

Steven Newcombe, for Dara, said he suffered from a lung disorder plus "complex mental health issues" and sometimes found "ordinary living very difficult." He said: "The first time he realised something was wrong was when he woke up the following morning in a police cell."

A vulnerable man with learning difficulties was tied up and locked in a cupboard after being head-butted and bullied during a three-hour ordeal, a court heard.

The frightened 23-year-old, who suffered a broken nose, was then taken outside and told to steal alcohol from a local supermarket, in order to pay off a £50 drugs debt.

Once inside Morrison's supermarket, in Melton - as two aggressors manned both entrances, keeping watch - the victim asked a member of staff for help.

Leicester Crown Court was told that it led to the arrest of Melton men Peter John Bough, who was jailed for two years and nine months, and Christopher Lee Thurley, who received a two-and-a-half year prison term.

Bough (34), of Drummond Walk, in the town, admitted causing actual bodily harm.

Thurley (32), of Bentley Street, admitted false imprisonment, on July 19.

Both defendants also admitted harassment against their distressed victim, who was intimidated and bullied during the same incident.

£1m Next Directory scamGang jailed for selling and using customers' account details

'You became angry and head-butted him in the face'

Lynsey Knott, prosecuting, said the three-hour ordeal began at 6pm in Bentley Street, when Bough saw the victim and demanded payment for a £50 drugs debt.

When told he had no money, Bough head-butted him and briefly knocked him unconscious.

Thurley arrived and the defendants took the victim, injured and bleeding, to an associate's nearby flat to press him further for payment.

Sentencing, Judge Philip Head said: "This was a deeply unpleasant episode and a frightening experience for the victim.

"He was vulnerable by reason of his intellectual and mental health problems.

"He was also a drug user, and that brought him into contact with you.

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"He had the misfortune to encounter you, Bough, who demanded £50 – which the Crown accepts he owed you.

"You became angry and head-butted him in the face, knocking him out, breaking his nose and causing two black eyes.

"You were then joined by Thurley in harassing him and taking him to a flat, when he was bleeding and upset.

"You were demanding money, bullying him aggressively and at one stage he rang his mother to get the money without success."

'Drugs are the blight of your lives'

Bough went out with the flat owner, while Thurley tied the victim's wrists up and put him in a boiler cupboard.

He was held there for about five minutes, until the owner of the flat returned and rescued him.

The judge said there was further bullying by both defendants until he was made to go to Morrison's supermarket to steal alcohol.

He said: "But your victim immediately went to obtain help."

Read morePrison visitor 'forgot' he was carrying flick-knife

Judge Head also said that defence counsel described it as "heavy handed-debt collecting among drug users" - which underestimated the gravity of what they did.

In mitigation, the court heard that the defendants, who both have criminal records, mainly for dishonesty offences, have since been addressing their drug issues whilst on remand in custody, with Thurley being described as "a model prisoner".

Judge Head said: "It's clear for each of you that drugs are the blight of your lives, as they are for so many people, and until you can conquer that you risk coming back before the court."

Thurley described his conduct in a letter to the court as "stupidity", and "a moment of madness".

Both defendants were made the subject of a four-year restraining order banning any contact with the victim or the owner of the flat.

A cheeky thief caught on camera stealing a 7ft pair of Venetian blinds from a store has been tracked down and brought to justice.

The CCTV image police issued of the thief with the blinds concealed down one trouser leg and up the back of his jacket went viral.

The photograph, which showed him leaving the Dunelm Mill store in Northampton last October, was retweeted more than 10,000 times.

Jessie Bellham, aged 39, of Chaucer Street, Kingsley, Northampton, appeared in court in the town last month.

Read moreTwelve gang members BANNED from area of Leicester after revenge attack

He admitted stealing the £48.99 blinds from the Dunelm Mill store in St James Retail Park on October 16 last year.

At the hearing in December, Northampton magistrates were told he also admitted stealing four bottles of perfume worth £152 from a Tesco store in November 2016 and cash from a burglary in October 2016.

Bellham also admitted to breaking into Tanfast in St Leonard's Road, Far Cotton, last November 2016, and stealing two pairs of shoes from another burglary.

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Last week, he appeared at Northampton Crown Court where he was handed a 12-month community sentence order and instructed to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

Bellham must also carry out 20 days rehabilitation and undergo six months treatment for drug dependency.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85.

Bellham was warned that if he did not comply with the order he would be brought back to court and could end up with further restrictions in the order or being given a different sentence for his original offences which could risk a prison term.

Residents living in a Leicester street woke up this morning to find a number of car windows smashed with broken glass shattered along the road.

About seven vehicles were damaged in the early hours of the morning in Stuart Street, off Narborough Road. They all had one side window smashed - in all cases the windows damaged were the ones nearest the road.

The Mercury has so far spoken to three people whose vehicles have been damaged and they all said nothing has been stolen.

A man who didn't want to be named said he saw two people in a black or silver hatchback car driving down the road vandalising vehicles shortly after 2am today.

A police spokeswoman said so far they had had reports of three cars damaged overnight.

Updates from the scene will appear below.

Here is a timeline of terror over one weekend that resulted in a six-year jail term for James Blockley.

The 32-year-old from Crown Hills, Leicester, breached a restraining order and threatened several people with a replica gun before hijacking a taxi and leading the police on a high-speed chase through the city.

His lawyer described the crime spree as "one weekend of madness".

Here is how the two days unfolded...

Breaching restraining order

On Saturday, August 13, 2016, Blockley breaches a restraining order in relation to his former girlfriend.

He defies the order by "tailgating" the woman in his car and getting into her vehicle when she pulls over in a lay-by near Hugglescote, outside Coalville.

'Manhandling'

Twenty-four hours later, at about 11pm on the Sunday, Blockley was with another woman, his new girlfriend, in Groby Road, Leicester, near Gilroes Cemetery, where he was seen by a number of witnesses "manhandling" her.

Taxi and the 'gun'

He points a replica gun at a taxi driver in an attempt to steal his vehicle.

The driver was "petrified", believing he would be shot, and was showered with glass as Blockley smashed the driver's side window.

He drove off with the defendant hanging onto the door.

Read moreMan jailed for hijacking taxi at 'gunpoint' before leading high-speed chase through Leicester

Next victims

This was repeated when another driver, with his family inside the car, approached Blockley, who tapped the 'gun' on the window before the man was able to drive away.

His next victims were a man driving in a car with his wife and two young children.

The woman saw the man with his arm around the woman's neck and pointing the pistol to her head.

Blockley pointed the replica gun at the family and smashed the driver's door window with the gun. The woman describes her young daughter as "screaming hysterically" in fear.

The car drives off with the defendant running alongside the car holding onto the door.

Another taxi

Blockley then forces another taxi driver out of his car at gunpoint before getting in and driving away. The woman with Blockley then "walked off", according to the prosecution.

Several witnesses by this stage have called the police who deploy firearms officers to find and stop the Lexus.

They trace it to Hamilton with the help of the taxi company controller and tracker device inside the vehicle.

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The chase

Officers begin a pursuit of the Lexus, with Blockley at the wheel – passing junctions at Kitchener Road and St Saviours Road without giving way.

He enters Dorothy Road and crashes through two sets of barriers.

The vehicle pursuit momentarily ended at this point due to the debris on the road.

Blockley overtakes his pursuers and, driving on the wrong side of the road, forces oncoming vehicles to take evasive action, colliding with at least one.

Wrong turn

The defendant's car enters a cul-de-sac and the pursuit ends when he crashes into a garden fence.

He initially failed to comply with police commands to get out of the car, despite the officers pointing a G36 Carbine and Glock handgun at him, but eventually complies and is arrested.

A driver was attacked and his van stolen at 4am as he went about his delivery round in Leicestershire.

Matt Hewett, who runs his own vegetable home delivery business, jumped onto the bonnet to try to stop two men taking his van in Leicester Road, Glenfield, in the early hours of Friday morning.

The 27-year-old, who runs Wonky Veg Boxes, was attacked as he walked back to his black Vauxhall Vivaro van after delivering a box of vegetables to a house.

He said: "I was just making my way back to the van when I was jumped on from behind.

"A man stamped on my arm and pinned it to the floor while another took the van keys from my hand.

"They climbed into the cab and started to drive off.

"I jumped onto the bonnet to stop them but they just drove off.

"I fell to the floor but was not badly hurt. I was bruised and quite shaken."

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Matt, of Clarendon Park, Leicester, was part way through his delivery round dropping off boxes of vegetables to customers' homes.

He said he had delivered to 20 out of 80 homes on his round.

He said: "There was a lot of vegetables still left on the van.

"Not only that but my mobile phone, laptop, satnav and some cash was in the cab.

"I think they were a couple of opportunist thieves who hit the jackpot.

"I am upset that a lot of customers have been let down. A driver stopped to help me and I grateful he did as he called the police and stayed with me until they arrived."

Matt started the business last February with Sam Barkshire, who has since moved to London.

Read more:'One weekend of madness' - timeline of James Blockley's crimes

He said: "I am not going to let this beat me.

"I am taking next week off but will be back in business as soon as possible.

"It would be great if I could get my stuff back but just to get the van back safe and sound would be good.

"If anyone wants any wonky vegetables from me I am here. I will not be put out of business by thieves."

Wonky Veg Boxes buys unwanted vegetables from supermarkets and sells them to homes throughout the county.

Leicestershire police confirmed they are investigating the theft.

A spokeswoman said: "We would appeal for anyone who thinks they saw anything to contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with any information can contact the police on 101.

Friends and relatives have raised more than £1,000 for a driver after he was attacked and had his van stolen on a delivery round in Leicestershire.

Wellwishers have chipped in after Matt Hewett, who runs his own vegetable home delivery business, was ambushed by two men at 4am on his round in Leicester Road, Glenfield, last Friday.

Matt, of Clarendon Park, Leicester, was left battered and bruised after he jumped onto the bonnet to try to stop the thieves taking his van.

The 27-year-old, who runs Wonky Veg Boxes, was attacked as he walked back to his black Vauxhall Vivaro van after delivering a box of vegetables to a house.

The thieves got away with his van, his mobile phone, his laptop and an amount of cash.

Matt's girlfriend Carmel Ashberry-Quinn and her cousin Sinead Quinn have set up an online appeal to help him make up the loss.

By today, the fund had raised more than £1,400.

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Carmel said: "Friends and family of Matt are now trying to raise money to stabilise his business and restore his faith in humanity.

"We are raising money for Matt's business which dedicates its time to saving unwanted vegetables from being discarded due to the aesthetic requirements of supermarkets.

"Matt's business - Wonky Veg - delivers vegetables to your door, donates 10 per cent of its produce to foodbanks and charities, and aims for an absolutely efficient, environmentally conscious system of food supply.

"We hope to support Matt through this funding page so that he can continue his awesome efforts to save vegetables, donate to charities, and help to reduce waste."

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Matt said he had no idea his girlfriend was going to set up the site.

He said: "I am not one to ask for any kind of hand-outs or charity but the response to this has been amazing. It was quite an upsetting incident and I have lost a lot.

"It will take some getting back to where I was before the theft but I am determined to start again as soon as I can. I am not going to let these thieves beat me.

"The wonderful messages of support I have received on social media and that fact that so many lovely people have given money to help me has inspired me."

A police spokesperson said they are continuing to investigate the incident.

She said: "If anyone has any information about the theft they should call us on 101."