Man on trial for murder

A fatal stabbing in a Stoke-on-Trent pub has resulted with a man being charged with murder. Paul Hopewell, 44, of Biddulph, is accused of killing 29-year-old Paul Barbour. Barbour died in the early hours of 26 October following an incident at the Barley Mow in Biddulph the previous evening. Hopewell, who appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Monday, has been remanded in custody and will reappear on 2 January to enter his plea. There was no application for bail. Police warn of spiking A second suspected case of drink spiking in Stratford-upon-Avon has led to police calls for pub staff to be vigilant. Last Saturday, a woman was rushed to hospital for tests when she complained of feeling unwell after a night out in the town. A police spokesman said it was believed a date-rape drug had been used, but this could not be confirmed because the drug leaves the body very quickly. The incident occurred a week after another suspected spiking in a Stratford bar involving a woman. Officers suspect one of two drugs was used: Rohypnol, often prescribed as a sleeping pill, and the liquid-based GHB. Both can lead to blackouts, memory loss and impaired judgement. Stratford Police have contacted licensees in the area, warning them and their barstaff to be on guard. "People need to look after themselves, but landlords obviously need to be on their guard as well," a spokesman said. "Licensees need to make their staff aware of strange behaviour, and if in doubt they should call the police." Police would not reveal where the women had been drinking. Security is also being stepped up in pubs in north Wales after a woman's drink was spiked. The victim was treated in hospital after being sick and suffering fits at a club in Llandudno. Police said her drink had been spiked and there were likely to be other cases which had gone unreported. Posters and beer mats warning customers to keep an eye on their friend's drinks are being distributed to pubs and clubs in the area. Court told of fatal shot A man has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting at a Somerset pub. David Robson, 46, from the Wellington area, appeared at Taunton Deane Magistrates Court on Saturday accused of murdering Stephen Bowden, also 46. Police were called at 10.30pm last Wednesday after a man allegedly walked into the Sanford Arms in Wellington, pulled out a gun and shot Bowden in the head. Armed officers and police negotiators were called. About 12 people, still inside when the shooting happened, were led to safety during the evening. A post mortem revealed Bowden, a father of four, had died from a single shot to his head. Police have urged anyone with information about illegal firearms in the Wellington area to come forward. Footie thugs attack pub A pub in north London suffered extensive damage and some people were injured when rival football fans clashed before a game. Police were called to the Cockerel in Tottenham last Wednesday at around 3pm after reports that supporters from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United were causing trouble at the Spurs supporters' pub. There were several injuries and one man was taken to hospital, although he is not thought to be seriously hurt. The incident happened as the two clubs prepared for their Carling Cup clash at Tottenham's White Hart Lane stadium that evening. Licensee Gary Lee said the police were "caught on the hop" over the incident. He said he could not understand how 150 fans could travel across the city and not be noticed. Police said skirmishes continued that afternoon and evening, and at least two other pubs were damaged. In total 93 West Ham fans were arrested for violence before and after the match. Last month, the Cockerel was forced to close after violent clashes between 50 rival supporters following the goalless Euro 2004 qualifying match between England and Turkey. The local council, police and members of the Turkish Football Federation in the borough agreed police should be kept on standby in case of trouble in the area, which has a large Turkish community.