No mercy for ailing mother, but escapes jail

By Anli Hung

Gary Michael Cade, of Woodhouse, escaped jail after magistrate heard how he attacked his old mother because of being drunk.

48-year-old Cade was charged with being drunk and disorderly last June, which is his last conviction. Last Christmas Eve, he offended his 68-year-old mother after being drunk. He hit her head on radiator.

Mr. Cade pleaded guilty at Sheffield Magistrate Court to the charge of being drunk and disorderly. He was given community service and 9 months under probation supervision. Also, he has to get treatment for alcohol abuse and attend all appointment.

Mr. Neofytou, prosecuting, told the Court that his mother tried to phone police at the first time but the offender was there, she hung up. “She then phoned up her daughter and was saying “Help! Help! He’s hitting me.” Her daughter came round and phoned police. When they came, they see the elder’s head has been injuried.” said Mr. Neofytou.

Mr. Odonoven, for the defence, provides a medical report of the elder woman. He said: “Mr. Cade has breached his bail and has spent 2 months in prison. He receives incapacity.”

【Magistrate Court】

By Anli Hung

A thirty-three-year-old mother Kathline Collins escaped from jail after magistrate heard how she was fighting with her sister-in-law.

Mrs. Collins' brother Antony Collins was murdered for 7 years ago and her wife Kelly Grimshaw now get a new partner.

Mrs. Collins, a mother for four, went to Asda with one of her son Terry Collins on 2 September 2008. Mrs. Grimshaw hit Terry's head initially when she met them and Mrs. Collins fought back with her.

The defendent, of Quarry Road, Sheffield, pleaded guilty at Sheffield Magistrate Court to the charge of fighting. She was given a discharge on condition that she does not commit an offence with 12 months and compensation cost 50 pounds.

Mr. Neofytou, prosecuting, told the Court that Mrs. Collins says it was self defence. "Terry Collins is 13 years old and he has been given a final warning." he said.
Mr. Willis, for the defence, said her son was complaining of been attended and suffered from bullies by Mrs. Grimshaw so Mrs. Collins went to attack her in self defence.
"Kathline's husband is in prison at the moment and she need to take care of the four children by her own" said Mr. Willis.

The biggest, roundest and lightest moon in 57 years for this Lantern Festival

By Anli Hung

Lantern Festival, which is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month of the lunar year, is one of the biggest traditional Chinese festivals. It is taken place on 9th February in this year.

According to the Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan, the moon on the 9th will be the biggest, roundest and lightest in 57 years. "All people in the world can see it," they said. "and it will also appear as a half lunar eclipse."

People begin to make lanterns several days before Lantern Festival. While making lanterns people usually write riddles praying to Heaven for blessings. On the eve of Lantern Festival, all the lanterns are hung up. People go outside to have a look at the lanterns, guess the riddles and light up firecrackers.

Glutinous rice ball, or Tangyuan, is the special food for Lantern Festival. Yuanxiao is a kind of sweet dumpling, which is made with sticky rice flour filled with sweet stuffing. And the festival is named after the famous dumpling. Yuanxiao is sticky, sweet and round in shape, symbolizing family unity, completeness and happiness.

Free visa access for Taiwanese to the UK

By Anli Hung

The British Trade and Cultural Office this Monday announced that Taiwan passport holders can enjoy six months visa-free privileges for travel, visit, study or business trip beginning March 3, 2009.

The new rule was based on a global examination made by UK Border Agency on visa regulations in 2007 and 2008.

David Campbell, director of the Taipei-based British Trade & Cultural Office (BTCO), said that visa-free measures will provide benefits to both countries because of frequent business. "Taiwan was the only country that gained admittance to Britain's visa-waiver programme in the recent review." He added.

The Office reminds Taiwanese that when entering the UK, visa-free visitors should bring necessary certificates such as round-trip plane tickets, bank statements, invitations and letters sent by sponsors, schools or business in their carry-on baggage for inspection.

According to the BTCO, about 28,000 visas were issued last year. It is expected that 6,000-8,000 a year will be issued from next month.

David Lin, the administrative deputy minister of Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the UK is the first country in the West to issue visa-free access to Taiwanese.