Preventable ailments such as tooth decay and obesity are reaching epidemic proportions among children, doctors at one of the country’s leading children’s hospitals have warned.

Medical staff from Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said the huge growth in the number of avoidable health complaints could lead to a generation dying before their parents.

Dr Steve Ryan, medical director at Alder Hey, told the BBC: “It just shouldn’t be happening.

“These children should not be suffering from these problems and they should not be here at this hospital.

“People are starting to say maybe this is a generation where children will be dying before their parents.”

Alder Hey is one of the largest specialist children’s hospital’s in Europe and cares for around 200,000 patients a year.

BBC’s Panorama programme claimed around £1m and hundreds of hours of treatment time were being spent treating obesity, tooth decay, alcohol abuse and health complaints associated with passive smoking.

The programme, ‘Spoiled Rotten’ is due to be broadcast on BBC 1 at 9pm tonight.

Jon Venables could be murdered by vigilantes if his new identity is revealed, the Judge who first granted his anonymity warned last night.

Baroness Butler-Sloss spoke out after Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, defended the need for secrecy over the reasons that James Bulger’s killer has been ordered back into custody.

As the president of the High Court’s family division, Lady Butler-Sloss approved the decision to give Venables a fresh identity upon his release nine years ago. Speaking in the Lords, she stressed “the enormous importance of protecting his anonymity now and if he is released because those who wanted to kill him in 2001 are likely to be out there now”.

The 27-year-old was released on life licence in 2001, having been jailed alongside Robert Thompson for the 1993 murder of two-year-old James on Merseyside.

Denise Fergus, James’s mother, had earlier called for more information.

Several media outlets have reported that Venables was recalled to prison on suspicion of offences related to images of child abuse.

The warning has come amid reports that Venables has already admitted his past to numerous people both before and since being taken back into custody.

According to reports in The Observer, Venables had descended into a “persistent state of self-disclosure” in which he felt compelled to tell others his real identity in the months before his return to prison.

The 27-year-old’s mental state had become so fragile that he would regularly reveal his identity to strangers. Sources said Venables had become a heavy drinker and there have also been claims that he used drugs.

Yesterday, Justice Secretary Jack Straw refused to break the government silence over speculations in the press relating to Venables’ recall to prison.

However, Mr Straw told the house he had given “active thought” to it but concluded it “would not presently be in the interests of justice”.

He said the police and director of public prosecutions had advised him that revealing why Venables was back in prison could “undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system process”.

Venables is not currently facing any charges but a criminal investigation is under way.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw has hinted that he is preparing to release information concerning the decision to recall child killer Jon Venables to prison.

Reports have suggested that he was recalled to prison on suspicion of child pornography offences but the authorities have not confirmed or denied this, other than confirming that the allegations made against Venables are ‘serious’.

The Government is standing firm over its refusal to comment on the reasons behind the decision to recall Venables to custody for fear of compromising an ongoing investigation into the alleged crime.

However, Straw made the comment in response to pressure from the public and media to reveal specific details of why the 27-year-old, released under a new identity in 2001 on a licence whose terms he has allegedly breached, was back in jail.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “What I want to do is look at what has already been made public … to look at that and then to make a judgment about if there’s information – given that it’s already out in the newspapers – we can confirm.”

He acknowledged public frustration but said that criticism of the government would have been “much more profound” had the chances of Venables going back to court been undermined by the release of prejudicial details of his alleged offence.

Meanwhile, Chris Grayling, the shadow home secretary, said the Government and the probation service had “serious questions” to answer about what appear to have been repeated breaches of the killer’s parole conditions.

According to reports, Venables repeatedly broke the terms of his licence since 2001, frequenting Liverpool for nights out and to attend Everton matches at the city’s Goodison Park stadium. It is also alleged that he revealed his true identity to a number of people.

James’ mother, Denise Fergus has already said that if Venables is charged with a fresh offence, he should appear in court under his real name to face the full scrutiny of public justice.

A spokesman for Mrs Fergus said: “She can’t understand why he doesn’t appear in a dock under his own name, if that’s going to be where he ends up.

“If after that, depending on the outcome of the court case, the powers that be decide that he should have some new identity yet again, then we’ll deal with that when we come to it.

Asked how Mrs Fergus had reacted to the new claims about Venables’ recall, he said: “She’s appalled. She doesn’t think that he should be at liberty anyway.

“He should really have served a sentence of something in the order of 15 years and should be coming up for parole now. In her mind, if there has been an offence committed, it means that that could have been avoided.”

Venables and Robert Thompson were only 10 when they battered two-year-old James to death in Liverpool 17 years ago. They were both released on lifelong licence in 2001 with new identities. The licence requires them to obey strict conditions, such as not contacting each other or returning to the city where James was killed.

Youngsters are being offered an insight into policing as part of this year’s cadet course in Lancaster and Morecambe.

Eighteen young people will be given the fantastic opportunity to take part in the 36-week course and gain experience in the many different departments of Lancashire Constabulary.

At the end of the course, each cadet receives a Btec qualification, which can be used towards entry into higher education and also enhances a CV.

PC Kath Bromilow, who runs the scheme, said: “The cadets undertake a crime prevention project in the community, undertake fitness tests and receive weekly inputs into the departments inside Lancashire Constabulary.

“They decide on a charity of the year and undertake charity walks, canoes, jailbreaks and so on to raise as much money as possible.”

She added: “It is enjoyable to work and make new friends whilst undertaking a unique course only open to a few. The young people not only work towards a qualification, but they get a real sense of achievement and develop leadership and communication skills too.”

The course starts in August and is open to young people between the ages of 16 – 20 (you have to be 16 at the start of the course.)

Application forms available from PC Kath Bromilow, training manager for Northern Division, Lancaster Police Station. Telephone 01524 596736 or email Kath.Bromilow@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

The Prime Minister has defended the government’s refusal to disclose any details relating to the jailing of child murderer Jon Venables, saying justice should be allowed to run its course.

The refusal has come despite reports that Venables was jailed due to his violent temper and drug use.

Gordon Brown told reporters yesterday that although the murder of James Bulger was an “abhorrent” crime, it did not justify making public the reason why Jon Venables, 27, has been recalled to custody.

He said he understood how the case “disgusts and offends the British people”, but added: “What matters here is that the justice system is allowed to run its course and that justice is done, whatever wrongs are committed. The justice system must be allowed to take the action that is necessary. That is what people would expect and that is what is going to happen.”

Reports have suggested that Venables was returned to custody more than a week ago after fighting with a work colleague and developing a drug addiction to ecstasy and cocaine since his release in 2001.

Reports in the Daily Mail have also alleged that he broke the terms of his licence on a number of occasions to return to Liverpool for nights out.

It was also claimed that Venables has been hospitalised twice since being freed in 2001 after violent altercations. One report said he was stabbed more than two years ago, during a row after a man tried to chat up his girlfriend.

And it was alleged that in December 2008 he was arrested by police after being seen taking cocaine in an alleyway with another man. It was claimed he escaped with a caution.

The Ministry of Justice refused to confirm the claims. A spokesman would only say that Venables was back in prison after breaching the terms of his conditions of his licence.

John Venables, one of the killers responsible for the murder of James Bulger, was recalled to jail because of drug use and his violent temper, it has been revealed.

Venables is alleged to have had difficulty controlling his temper since his release and was apparently involved in a recent fight before being returned to prison.

The 27-year-old came to the attention of police on two previous occasions: once when he was caught snorting cocaine down an alleyway, and another time when he became involved in a row outside a nightclub, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.

Both Venables and his accomplice, Robert Thompson, have been awarded anonymity under a rare lifetime protection order which forbids anyone from revealing the pairs identity or location worldwide.

Venables and Robert Thompson abducted James from New Strand shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993, when they were both 10.

They subjected the toddler to a torturous ordeal before bludgeoning him to death and leaving his body on a railway just 200 yards from a police station, where it was later discovered by children.

Following a 17-day trial at Preston Crown Court, the pair were ordered to be detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure, the normal substitute sentence for life imprisonment when the offender is a juvenile.

They were handed new identities and released from custody in 2001, but Venables is now behind bars once more after breaching the terms of their parole.

Their licence conditions included a ban on contacting each other or the family of their victim, as well as any change of behaviour that could put themselves or the public at risk.

The Ministry of Justice has refused to comment on the recent disclosures and the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw is coming under increased pressure to disclose the full details of the decision to recall Venables, as well as the justification behind giving them state funded protection which has cost the taxpayer at least £1.5 million

The mother of murdered toddler James Bulger has said her sons killer is ‘back where he belongs’, in her first reaction to the news that he has been recalled to prison.

Denise Fergus said on Twitter she “would like to let everyone know Jon Venables is where he belongs tonight behind bars is this my sons justice”.

The convicted murderer, who was controversially freed under a new identity in 2001, was just 10 when he and Robert Thompson abducted and battered the two-year-old to death in a crime that shocked the world.

Thousands of pounds were spent on creating new identities for the pair, including new social security numbers, bank accounts and birth certificates.

According to reports from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Venables was recalled to prison last week after breaking the terms of his licence.

An MoJ spokeswoman said: ”We can confirm that Jon Venables has been recalled to custody following a breach of licence conditions.

”Offenders on licence are subject to strict conditions; if they breach those conditions they are subject to immediate recall.

”There is a worldwide injunction in place that prohibits any reporting, including reporting on the internet, that could identify him or his location.”

The two-year-old was abducted by the pair while at the Strand shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside.

His battered body was found by children playing on a freight railway line more than two miles from the shopping centre, and 200 yards from Walton Lane police station in Liverpool.

Family members said Mrs Fergus remains unaware of the nature of Venables’ breach. The precise details were not released by the Ministry of Justice.

Albert Kirby, who headed the Bulger investigation, told BBC News: ”There’s always been a lot of anxiety as to where both boys are and to hear something like that brings back to her a lot of the concerns, quite understandably, that she and any other parents in these sorts of circumstances would have.”

Both killers were given compulsory life sentences for the murder and remain on licence for the rest of their lives.

Venables will appear before a hearing of the Parole Board within 28 days of being recalled where the details of the breach will be examined.

A police horse who cheekily refused to enter his indoor school but without hesitation swam into the sea to rescue a drowning man has arrived at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk.

Redwings was approached by Lancashire Constabulary’s Mounted Branch for help after it was forced to retire one of its trusted steeds after a ligament injury. Thornton (stable name Bertie) is a handsome light bay 16.1hh Irish Draught Cross aged 13. Like many police characters in TV dramas, Bertie has a cheeky personality but a heart of gold!

He joined the Mounted Branch aged five, where he soon learnt the trick of planting his feet so he didn’t have to be ridden in the indoor school. He always rose to the challenge when on duty however. He attended many football matches where he helped control the crowds and he once faced a vicious dog at a music festival. Being based in Lancashire he worked at the famous Blackpool illuminations plus he attended charity events and even took part in the odd game of Horseball.

However, Bertie and his mounted officer’s golden moment came when they stood at the edge of the sea with a drowning man battling the waves desperate for any help. Bertie was asked to swim out, and without hesitation he bravely entered the sea and swam towards the man. His officer was able to grab him and Bertie brought them both back to the shore. Cheeky Bertie had become Heroic Bertie.

Later, Bertie began to sadly suffer with a ligament injury and could no longer be ridden so his days of duty were over. The police tried to re-home him through their normal channels but no-one was able to take him on. All channels exhausted, they approached Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

“We heard that Lancashire Constabulary’s Mounted Branch had tried their best and after assessment we were delighted to offer Bertie a home,” explains Senior Welfare Officer Rachel Fairhead. “He has settled in well and we are quickly learning his cheeky tricks. Fortunately we’re quite a way from the coast here at our Hapton headquarters so hopefully we won’t have to try out his rescue skills!”

Sergeant Christine Driver from Lancashire Constabulary said, “Bertie, or Thornton as he is known to us was a fantastic horse. We had a great eight years service from him and he always rose to the challenge of policing the county. It was a very sad day when we had to retire him but we are delighted that Redwings have taken him on and will look after him. He worked very hard for us and we hope he has a very happy retirement!”

To find out more about Redwings, please visit www.redwings.co.uk

Police officers from the Netherlands made the trip over to Lancashire last week to learn about Lancashire’s Neighbourhood Policing and Problem Oriented Partnerships (POP).

Lancashire Constabulary has been recognised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary as one of the UK’s leading forces in Neighbourhood Policing and the force has also won a number of national and international POP awards for its partnership working, and has been recommended as an example of best practice by the International POP centre in America.

Police forces across the Netherlands are looking to introduce a Problem Oriented Partnership approach to problem solving in their communities, and have come to Lancashire learn how POP is used as part of Neighbourhood Policing across the county.

Chief Constable Steve Finnigan said, “Over the last decade, Lancashire Constabulary, and its partners, have become internationally recognised for problem solving excellence.

“In today’s society, organisations need to work together to resolve many of the problems and issues affecting our communities. We need to address, not just the symptoms, but also the causes of community problems, and whilst we are leading the way, I still believe there’s more that we can do to develop our multi-agency based problem solving approach. I am particularly keen to bring the principles of neighbourhood policing, neighbourhood management and restorative justice much closer together to create even more effective partnership activity, ultimately leading to a safer environment for Lancashire’s communities to live and work in.”

A police force has landed itself in hot water for its use of an unmanned drone in the arrest of a teenage thief.

Merseyside Police – one of three forces that use the unmanned aircraft – hailed the arrest as a landmark success in policing history in a media statement last week.

However, the force may now face court proceedings after it emerged that by using its newly-acquired Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the force may have committed a criminal offence since it did not have permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fly the device.

Police have now been forced to ground the drones while an investigation takes place.

Officers used the UAV, which is equipped with thermal imaging cameras, to pursue two suspects travelling in a stolen Renault Clio in Bootle on 26 January.
One 20-year-old was arrested at the scene, and a 16-year-old who ran away and hit in bushes 100 metres (300ft) away was tracked down by the UAV.

In a statement released to the media following the arrest, Inspector Nick ¬Gunatilleke, from the force’s Antisocial Behaviour Taskforce, which operates the drone, said: “The force is continually looking to use new technology to help in its fight against crime and these arrests demonstrate the value of having something like the UAV as a resource,” Chief

However, Merseyside Police appears to have overlooked new legislation was brought in on 1 January 2010 amid concerns about the safety implications of flying unmanned aircraft in built-up areas. They were subsequently reported to the CAA by the Guardian newspaper.

In a statement, the force said it had now applied for a license. “Since the force has known of the change in regulations all UAV flights have been suspended and will remain so until the appropriate licence has been granted,” a spokesman said.