DERBY City Council is to spend £20 million on manufacturing and technology to boost employment and keep local firms at the cutting edge.

The authority believes the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund, to be launched next week, will help create 2,200 jobs.

Already, businesses are lining up to take part in the scheme. Vehicle engineers ASG, in Derby's London Road, hi-tech materials specialist Pentaxia, at the city's Ascot Business Park, and rail business RVEL, at RTC Business Park, are all looking at the fund with a view to invest and recruit next year.

The cash injection is expected to prompt a further £33 million investment from the private sector. It is hoped that the money will make Derby one of the most attractive areas in the country in which to do business.

Council leader Paul Bayliss said: "What we are trying to do is invest in jobs in Derby, remove any barriers to jobs being created here and get the message out that Derby is open for business."

For every £30 from the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund, a business would have to invest £70.

Half of the £40 million Regional Growth Fund cash promised to Derby by the Government back in 2011 has been earmarked for the fund.

The money can be used to pay for research staff, equipment, patent costs, consultants, increasing export trade, training, buildings and land.

Mr Bayliss said: "In some respects it's a bit like a bank in that we want a return on our investment. We are not averse to taking risks and being entrepreneurial."

The money has to be spent by March 2015 and the first projects will begin early next year.

As previously reported by the Derby Telegraph, the overall aim for the Regional Growth Fund money is to create 2,200 jobs by 2020.

Bruce Allman, managing director of ASG, said: "We will potentially be investing more than £500,000 on machinery next year and that means more jobs so we'll certainly look at this."

Another business that stands to benefit is Pentaxia. Managing director Stephen Ollier said: "I think this fund is a really good idea and could act as a catalyst and help us grow much more quickly. In Germany, local government and industry work closely together in this way and there are mutual benefits."

Pentaxia, which manufactures composite components for planes and vehicles, expects to invest next year and take on as many as 20 people.

Rail engineering firm RVEL is hoping to make improvements to its premises to bring in more locomotives and increase its capacity, a move that would create up to 30 jobs.

The money would be made available in the form of grants, loans or risk capital.

Companies with turnover of under £250 million a year are eligible to apply.

Next week, a launch event is being held at the University of Derby's Enterprise Centre, in Bridge Street, to explain the scheme to businesses.

Scott Knowles, deputy chief executive of the Derby and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The chamber regards this as a welcome development to help safeguard the city's long-term economic wellbeing."

The other £20 million of the Regional Growth Fund money has been set aside for developing the Global Technology Cluster business park, off Wilmore Road. Work on that is expected to begin next year.

John Forkin, director of Marketing Derby, said: "Derby already presents a strong case for investment but there is no doubt that the creation of incentives elsewhere, such as enterprise zones, will make the task of selling the city more difficult. That's why both the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund and the Global Technology Cluster will be very welcome and vital tools in our pitch to investors."

Companies considering getting involved in the scheme are urged to e-mail degf@derby.gov.uk, call 01332 641628 or visit the website www.derby.gov.uk/degf.

THEO Robinson would welcome the chance to play international football for Jamaica.

Derby County's top scorer is being considered for a call-up after being watched by Jamaica's head coach, Theodore Whitmore.

He and his assistant, Alfredo Montesso, recently spent 12 days in England on a scouting mission to check on players eligible to represent Jamaica, who are known as the Reggae Boyz.

Robinson was on a list of nine players being checked on and the Jamaican officials attended Derby's Championship clash at Millwall last month.

Robinson, born in Birmingham, is eligible through his grandparents. His grandad, Ezekiel, lives in Jamaica.

"If the call comes, I would be very honoured to play for my country," said the 23-year-old, who has hit nine goals in 19 games this season.

"I have spoken to my mum and my grandad and they are excited about the possibility.

"Any player would want to play international football but it is all about me staying in form for Derby County and staying in the team.

"I feel I'm doing better than last season and it is always good to progress.

"I just take each game as it comes and try to get as many goals as I can but it is all about the team winning, that is the main thing. To get the goals is a bonus."

Jamaica are still hopeful of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

They are in a group featuring the United States, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Panama.

"I would love to get involved in helping them in qualification," said Robinson.

Jamaica's first qualifier of the final group stage is away to Mexico on February 6

They then play Panama and Costa Rica on March 22 and 26.

A NAVY veteran serving a prison sentence for sex attacks on a little boy must wait to learn the outcome of the Court of Appeal battle to clear his name.

Michael Thomas Hilton, 43, was jailed for 15 years at Derby Crown Court in September last year for rape, sexual activity with a child and having indecent images of children.

The former nuclear submarine sonar operator denies the offences and has taken his case to the Court of Appeal, in London, in a bid to overturn the convictions.

But, after hearing arguments yesterday, three senior judges decided to reserve their decision on the case until a later date – which may be in the New Year.

Hilton, formerly of Glen Road, Matlock, appeared in the dock in a blue-denim jacket and t-shirt, as his barrister, Jonathan Goldberg QC, launched his appeal.

He said "This man had a defence but it was not vigorously placed before the jury. He has not really had a fair crack of the whip in this trial."

The court was told that Hilton's convictions were based on complaints made by a little boy, who was interviewed in front of video cameras by police.

But Mr Goldberg criticised the way that the victim interviewing process – known as an Achieving Best Evidence procedure – was undertaken in the case.

He said the boy was praised at the end of the interview, which might have made him think he was being a "good boy" by making the complaints.

The court was told Hilton, who is also challenging the length of his sentence, was viciously assaulted within a week of going into prison.

Mr Goldberg said: "He still bears physical scars and neurological damage to this day. The three men responsible were convicted of wounding."

Lord Justice Pitchford, who heard the appeal with Mrs Justice Dobbs and Judge Francis Gilbert QC, said "important" issues had been raised. He said: "We are going to reserve our judgment about this case. We will take time to consider all the arguments."

Hilton, whose partner has stood by him, mouthed "I love you" at the public gallery as he was led away at the end of the hearing.

A DERBY MP has accused Transport Minister Simon Burns of contradiction over whether the Government used the right regulations when buying trains for the Thameslink route.

Derby North MP Chris Williamson wrote to Mr Burns to raise concerns over whether the Department for Transport used the correct regulations to evaluate bids for the £1.4 billion Thameslink rolling stock contract.

This was awarded to German firm Siemens ahead of Derby's Bombardier. Last year, supporters of the city firm accused ministers of using the wrong set of rules.

The Government used the Utilities Contracts Regulations because it was ordering the 1,200 carriages on behalf of train firms.

But it has been argued that ministers should have used the Public Contracts Regulations as they have treated it as a "Government contract".

Campaigners, including Mr Williamson, believe that, if the Government had used the public rules, Siemens could have been excluded from bidding as it had previously been fined for corruption.

Mr Williamson has raised the issue again with the DfT in a letter to Mr Burns.

But he said the response he has received shows that the Transport Minister has been "badly briefed".

Mr Burns wrote: "We believe we have acted in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations, that we have not treated ourselves as a train operating company for the purposes of the Thameslink rolling stock procurement and that this is not a Government contract."

In his response, Mr Williamson wrote: "You claim the DfT has not treated itself as a train operating company.

"Yet in its written evidence to the Transport Select Committee in September 2011, wasn't that precisely how the DfT described what it was doing?

"You state that Thameslink is not a Government contract. But in the preceding sentence you argued that your department has not treated itself as a train operating company. In which case, logic suggests it must surely be a Government contract."

The contract is still unsigned – although Siemens and the DfT claim they are on course to reach financial close early next year.

Mr Williamson said: "The ramshackle manner in which the Thameslink tender has been managed has resulted in a flawed process.

"The decision to select Siemens ahead of Bombardier is not only procedurally flawed, it could also leave the Government with egg on its face if Siemens fail to deliver.

"I therefore urge Mr Burns once again to either elevate Bombardier to preferred bidder status or retender."

A DfT spokesman said: "The Department does not consider that it is a train-operating company. As it stated in its evidence to the Select Committee, it is conducting the procurement to facilitate the future Thameslink Train Operating Company to enter into the Thameslink agreements.

"This is why the process in the Utilities Contract Regulations 2006 has been followed."

A DERBYSHIRE firm that has provided outside broadcast services to the Olympics, Question Time and the British Touring Car Championships is relocating after a year of growth.

Ripley firm Cloudbass is shifting its operation to Bradley Park, on Codnor Gate Industrial Estate, in a move that will more than double the amount of space it has.

Now in its 10th year of operation, the business has had one of its most successful periods in the past 12 months. During this time, it has taken on 10 people, taking the head count up to 30.

The new base will offer 27,000 sq ft of space to allow it to expand further.

As well as having worked on the Olympic opening ceremony this year, the business provides broadcasting services and crew for football matches, ranging from academy games to top flight Premier League matches, as well as motorsport.

The company has a dedicated broadcast graphics department based at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, and has helped cover the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the FIM Speedway Grand Prix and World Cup.

The business also provides services to Manchester United and Liverpool FC's dedicated television channels. It works with all major broadcasters, including Sky, ITV and the BBC.

Business manager Alistair Clark said: "This year, we have experienced aggressive growth and so simply needed more space.

"We have probably taken on about 10 people this year, which means we're up to 30.

"Logistically, being in the Midlands works for us because we could be in Southampton one week and Aberdeen the next."

Chris Wright, of Iron Gate commercial property agent BB&J, acted on behalf of landlord PMW Property for the deal. He said: "They were very clear about what sort of property they wanted and it helped that the landlord understood the market and was prepared to be flexible.

"That meant that the deal was concluded within about five or six weeks."

The Codnor Gate Industrial Estate has undergone a minor renaissance since the departure of aerospace firm Airfoil Technologies International.

That business closed with the loss of 140 jobs but the space it vacated was bought by Derbyshire developer PMW Property.

It invested about £3.5 million in winter 2010 to purchase the freehold, carry out wholesale refurbishment work and rechristen the area Bradley Park. Mr Wright said: "There is 90% occupancy at Bradley Park, with only one unit available and one becoming available soon.

"Over 100,000 sq ft has been let since we started marketing two years ago and there are some strong inquiries, showing that the area has dynamic businesses."

FHP is a joint agent on Bradley Park.

A GRANDMOTHER who made a "miracle" recovery after being struck by a car has started to walk without the aid of her sticks.

Kate Foster was left in a coma and with severe head and leg injuries when she was knocked down in April.

But the 54-year-old defied the odds by slowly teaching herself to move her limbs again while in her hospital bed. Doctors described it as a miracle recovery.

In August, she was well enough to return to her family at her home in Orchard Way, Chellaston.

She has since progressed from a walking frame to twin walking sticks and, now, to occasionally walking without help.

Kate said: "I have been having weekly physio at the London Road Community Hospital and I'm seeing doctors at the Royal Derby Hospital, who are amazed with how fast I have recovered.

"I can get upstairs now and take walks with my husband into Chellaston to visit shops. I feel so much better. My knee still hurts but I have made such a lot of progress."

Kate, who has three children – Nicky, 37, Kerry, 32, and Becky, 23 – and three grandchildren was injured as she was walking to the shops in Derby Road, Chellaston.

A car veered across the road and ploughed into her, smashing her pelvis and striking her head – leaving her fighting for her life and unable to move.

The driver of the car, Dianne Thomas, 45, of Bradgate Drive, Wigston, near Leicester, admitted dangerous driving.

She was sentenced last month at Derby Crown Court to six months in prison and banned from driving for three years.

Kate's friend and former co-worker, Jill Burke, is now planning to run a half-marathon to raise money for the ward of the Royal Derby Hospital where Kate recovered.

Jill, 50, who lives in Sinfin Moor Lane, used to work with Kate in the kitchens at Chellaston Academy.

She said: "When I heard what had happened, I felt sick. I was just so shocked, I heard there was a chance she might not pull through.

"I wasn't able to see her in hospital but I have been seeing her regularly. She is amazing, the speed she has recovered.

"She just has such a good personality, such a good sense of humour and such a bubbly character. It doesn't surprise me in some ways how well she has become.

"She is not the sort of person to give up. She just wanted to be out of the walking frame, on to the sticks and sometimes, now, she doesn't even need the sticks."

Jill, a frequent runner, has entered the Keyworth Turkey Trot half-marathon, on Sunday to raise money for the King's Lodge rehabilitation unit.

She hopes to collect £1,000 and had already bagged more than £500 in donations.

Kate said: "Jill is brilliant. I've also managed to raise about £200 and it's a way of saying thank-you.

"I also want to thank all those people who helped me on the day of the accident, the witnesses and the men who helped me free of the car."

MORE than 900 lives have been saved through the generosity of blood donors – thanks to the Derby Telegraph's Save a Life campaign.

In only one month since it started, 323 people in Derbyshire have registered to give blood for the first time.

Because one donation can help save or improve the lives of three people, this means our readers are responsible for helping at least 969 patients.

At one city session alone, five new donors told NHS Blood and Transplant they had come to give blood after reading articles in the Derby Telegraph.

But there is still work to be done – as we are looking to sign up 500 new county donors in the run-up to Christmas.

On top of this, 85 readers have also learned life-saving first-aid skills through the paper's campaign, in conjunction with St John Ambulance. The charity is offering training at a discounted rate of just £10.

Derby Telegraph editor Neil White said he was delighted that so many readers had chosen to become life-savers.

He said: "We have been running plenty of articles over the past few weeks to show readers how one simple act can save someone's life.

"Giving blood and learning first aid are easy things to do in themselves but the benefits of both can be so far-reaching.

" I am very proud of the way our readers have taken this message on board and responded.

"But the campaign is far from over – we are trying to find at least 500 new donors and we still want more people learning first aid."

The Save a Life campaign began on October 31. Among people inspired by the stories we have featured was Victoria Taylor, 33, of Paterson Avenue, Chaddesden, who has signed up to be a blood donor.

She said: "It is a really good cause and often underestimated – if nobody came forward, there wouldn't be any blood for those who need it most."

When blood is donated, it is usually split into its components – plasma, platelets and blood cells – which is why it helps more than just one person.

Holly Mason, lead donor relations manager for marketing for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "We are thrilled with the impact this campaign has had on the people of Derbyshire – our enrolment figures are higher this year because of it.

"It's great to see so many people in the county responding to the appeal and we can only thank them, and the Derby Telegraph, for their wonderful support.

"For those 323 donors, we hope it is the start of an amazing journey which will see them donate many times and save hundreds of lives.

"And we just hope we can continue to encourage more people to sign up."

Chris Thornton, regional director at St John Ambulance, said: "We are delighted so many people have taken this opportunity to equip themselves with the skills to save a life. Basic first aid can often be the difference between a life lost and a life saved so, by signing up for this course, members of the public are helping to make Derbyshire a safer place."

For more information about how to give blood, call 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk.

To find out more about first-aid courses and dates, call 01246 200272. Mention your voucher when booking and take it to the course.

DERBY train operator East Midlands Trains is making a profit again - thanks to financial support from the Government.

Half-year results released by the firm's parent company Stagecoach Group this morning, showed that the Derby to London operator improved its financial performance once it had received "revenue support" from the Department for Transport.

In the summer, it was revealed that East Midlands Trains received a £46 million bail-out from the Government, after making losses which, under the terms of its franchise agreement with the DfT, made it eligible for revenue support.

The cash injection is reflected in the performance of Stagecoach's UK rail division - made up of East Midlands Trains, South West Trains and Virgin Rail, which is jointly owned by Stagecoach and Virgin Group - in the six months to October 31.

Profits bounced back from a £6.9 million loss in the same period last year, to a £22.7 million gain.

DERBY Cathedral was packed to the rafters with past and present students of Derby's Royal School for the Deaf.

Visitors were treated to overwhelming performances by the school's signing choirs and the Derby Cathedral girl choristers, as well as dances and poetry.

Dr Rosemary Guy, chair of governors at the school, told the packed cathedral: "I have been involved with the school and deaf children for about 25 years.

"During this time, I have seen the school develop and increase children's opportunities.

"Children as far afield as Cumbria and London come to the school.

"Some parents come to Derby especially so their child can come to the Royal School for the Deaf.

"We try to develop the whole child by teaching through British Sign Language and English in a deaf-friendly environment.

"The signs of achievement in the young people of this school are really quite remarkable.

"The motto of the school is 'I Can Do' and the pupils live up to this in more ways than one."

The founder of the school, Dr William Roe, was inspired to dedicate his life to helping deaf people when, at the age of 21, he met a deaf man called Jack.

Dr Roe founded the Royal Institution for the Deaf as a charity in 1892.

Two years later, he opened a school in Belper.

It had only 16 students and his wife, Lydia, became the first woman qualified to teach deaf children.

The school then moved to Friar Gate in Derby in 1897 after a £12,000 fund-raising push.

This building was demolished in 1974 – a block of flats now stands on the site – and Princess Margaret opened the new school in Ashbourne Road in 1973.

At the end of the 19th century, deaf people were often treated miserably, judged by today's standards, and the institution was very progressive for its time.

Deaf children were still misunderstood, even if it was well-intentioned.

An example is how the name of the school for the deaf has evolved.

The original name was the Royal Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, Derby – a title which would be regarded as offensive today.

Teaching methods are no longer by rote learning but by empowering the pupil to play an active role in their education.

Lessons usually involve small groups of five or six and involve considerable interaction with the teacher and education assistant.

Subjects taught at Derby's Royal School for the Deaf School, now the biggest employer of deaf people in the East Midlands, have also changed emphasis over the years. The old school pushed the traditional three Rs and learning practical skills for the job market.

For boys, this included instruction in carpentry, metalwork, boot repairing and gardening. Girls learned cookery and laundry work.

The current school, which now has 141 pupils, offers a broad and balanced curriculum, which allows able students to study for a wide variety of GCSEs and other external qualifications.

Where the school's catchment was once very local, now it takes pupils from as far afield as Norfolk and Wales.

One of the school's current pupils, Ellie, said of the celebrations: "We enjoyed the evening, the music was superb. I wish that we could do something similar again in the future.

"I enjoyed dancing and singing in front of the audience and I couldn't believe how many people came to the cathedral.

"The cathedral was decorated beautifully. The girls' cathedral choir was brilliant on the night and it was a privilege to sign alongside them as part of my school's deaf choir."

Year seven pupil Wasif said: "I enjoyed watching the dance and choirs singing and signing altogether. I will never forget the evening."

Bethan, another year seven pupil, said: "The night at the cathedral was the best time ever – a lovely cathedral full of happy people."

Ex-pupil Ben said: "I went to the Royal School for the Deaf Derby from the ages of three to 19 and they helped me get to university.

"I have just graduated and I am very proud of my achievements."

Another ex-pupil, Kazu, had a lot of praise for the school's work: "I joined the school when I was 15 and stayed for post 16. I am now at university thanks to the teachers at school."

Jerry Hanifin, a prominent member of the deaf community in Derby, gave a moving speech in British Sign Language at the Derby Cathedral celebration about what the school meant to him.

Mr Hanifin – described by principal Cheryll Ford, as a "great ambassador for the school" – praised its founder, Dr William Roe, for caring about deaf people and devoting his life to helping them.

He told the students to look at the sky and thank Dr Roe for all the work he had done.

Mr Hanifin then went on to tell a story about a time he had visited Derby Cathedral when a band were playing and, although he is deaf, found it to be a wonderful and experience.

He said: "My friend and I listened through our eyes. The musicians' pages were moving in unison and we could see the music."

IF you sensibly throw your litter into a city centre bin, don't be alarmed if a man dressed all in gold bounds up and offers his congratulations.

It is all part of Derby City Council's "Golden Bin" idea to encourage people to not drop rubbish on the floor.

The character, who has been named Ivor Bin-dit, will pop up when he sees someone put litter in a nearby bin properly – and reward them with a £5 gift voucher. It will be launched on Saturday and will initially run for a week.

The council said the cost of the scheme would be "negligible" as only 100 vouchers would be handed out at first.

However, it could be expanded if the idea proves successful.

Councillor Ranjit Banwait said the idea was to encourage people to "bin it" and not drop litter on the streets of Derby.

He said the Golden Bin scheme was a fun way to get the message across that dropping litter affected us all and makes our city look dirty and uncared for.

"We thought that we could have a bit of fun with the idea of the Ivor Bin-dit character giving out his vouchers to people he sees using the bins," said Mr Banwait, cabinet member for neighbourhoods.

It coincides with the Telegraph's Clean Up Derby campaign, which wants to see people take more responsibility for the state of the city's streets and dispose of rubbish sensibly.

Mr Banwait is supporting our campaign.

He said: "We all need to take responsibility. It is unacceptable to drop litter and expect others to clean it up.

"Our street cleansing team do an excellent job but our valuable public services are under threat from government cuts. We need to band together to protect them.

"Let's all ditch our litter in the bin and see how clean and tidy the city can be."

As part of the council's wider litter strategy, three streets in Normanton have already been targeted in a cleaning "blitz". It saw fly-tipped waste removed, pavements swept, roads repaired, and graffiti removed.

The council is currently working up plans for when and where the next blitz will take place.

DERBY aero engine-maker Rolls-Royce has revealed it is in talks with the Serious Fraud Office in relation to concerns about bribery and corruption.

The firm, which has its civil aerospace division in Derby, said it was cooperating with the SFO after its own investigations identified matters of concern involving intermediaries in overseas markets.

It warned there was the potential for the prosecution of individuals and the company.

The investigation follows a request for information from the SFO about allegations of malpractice in Indonesia and China.

NIGEL Clough says Jamie Ward's lengthy absence with hamstring trouble is frustrating and the Derby County manager admits he is not sure when the striker will return to action.

Ward has been out for 10 weeks since he limped off during the victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on September 30.

He will miss a 13th consecutive Championship match when Leeds United visit Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.

Ward's damaged hamstring is being scanned regularly, said Clough.

"Until the scans are clear we cannot proceed and step up Jamie's work," added the Rams boss.

"The hamstring has got to be 100% right before we can get him going again.

"It is just time and patience with him.

"Of course it is a concern the length of time he has been out, because we initially thought it was a strain and it would be four to six weeks.

"It is going to be something like three months in the end.

"That might probably be down to his history of hamstring problems.

"Have we any idea when he will be back? No, not yet."

Clough admits Ward's injury is frustrating for everybody.

"It is a huge frustration for him – and for us," said Clough.

"Jamie is the sort of player who can get you a goal when you need one most, like at Leicester last Saturday.

"We controlled the game for periods at 2-1 down. In those situations, you look at who can get you a goal – and he is one who can.

"Yes, his injury gets him down but all he has to do is glance at who is on the next bed in the treatment room, Shaun Barker, and there are always people worse off."

Barker suffered a knee injury playing against Nottingham Forest nine months ago and he has been ruled out for the whole of this season.

POLICE say they are hunting up to eight more men for the road-rage killing of Derby father Johnny Assani.

Detective Inspector Lisa MacIntyre, who led the inquiry into Mr Assani's death, was speaking following the conviction of a third brother in the case.

Mohammed Tariq, 26, was yesterday found guilty by a jury of manslaughter and jailed for seven years.

His brothers, Mohammed Shahid, 34, and Mohammed Rafiq, known as Tahir, 33, were jailed in March for the same offence. Their sentences of six-and-a-half years and eight years, respectively, had not previously been reported because of a legal order which has now been lifted.

Motorist Mr Assani, 43, was kicked and punched unconscious by a group of men following a dispute over a driving incident in Derby. He died the following day.

Det Insp MacIntyre said: "We believe a group of up to 11 people are responsible for assaulting him. So there are still those out there who haven't been identified.

"We would now appeal to the community to come forward with information. There are clearly people out there who have been frightened to come forward but we hope the convictions will now encourage them to do so."

A SENSELESS argument about one motorist overtaking the other ended with the shocking death of young fathJohnny Assani.

Mr Assani was punched to the ground and repeatedly kicked in front of his 16-year-old son, Mukhaila.

Mr Assani, of Pear Tree, died the following day as a result of his injuries.

Three brothers, Mohammed Shahid, Mohammed Rafiq and Mohammed Tariq, have now been convicted of manslaughter. The case against a fourth brother, Mohammed Zahid, 32, of Brunswick Street, Derby, was dropped midway through a trial.

Tariq, who went into hiding after the incident, was not arrested until the day before his brothers' murder trial was due to begin on February 9. The jury acquitted Shahid and Rafiq of murder.

Tariq was found in Bradford where he had been "spirited away" after fleeing to Birmingham.

Two women and a man, who helped Tariq evade capture, have admitted doing acts intended to pervert the course of public justice.

Yesterday, following Tariq's conviction, Detective Superintendent Andy Stokes said: "This case just shows how something that starts off as a minor dispute can escalate into something as tragic as this.

"We are really pleased about the result for the Assani family, although there are still people out there who were there and involved in the assault and, if any further evidence comes in relation to other offenders, we will investigate.

"It's unfortunate that Mukhaila had to give evidence in two trials but we are hoping the result and the closure he can get out of it will help him and the Assani family move forward.

"We want to thank those in the community that did come forward with information and hope the community will be reassured that we do thorough investigations. And even when the offenders are not found initially, we will continue to pursue them until they are arrested."

The incident began in Upper Dale Road when Mr Assani, who was driving a silver Golf, overtook Mohammed Shahid, who was in a white BMW.

Mukhaila told Nottingham Crown Court that, as his father was about to go straight across the Cavendish Island, Mr Assani noticed the man in the car behind, which was turning left, swear at him, so he went all the way round and followed the vehicle.

Shahid stopped his car outside his home in Walbrook Road. Mr Assani, of Harrington Street, Pear Tree, pulled in front of him, got out of his vehicle and walked over to Shahid, who was still sitting in his car.

The two men then started shouting at each other.

In court, prosecutor Peter Joyce QC said that Shahid then shouted towards his house. "It was as if he was summoning assistance, summoning the troops," said Mr Joyce.

He said: "A man came out and jogged over to Johnny Assani and punched him on the right side of his head.

"Johnny Assani was knocked to the ground after that. With him on the ground, both Shahid and the man who had punched him set about him – repeatedly punching him, kicking him in his head and body and the only thing Johnny Assani appeared able to do was attempt to shield himself from the blows as he tried to get back up."

Mr Joyce said a number of other men – between seven and nine – joined in kicking and punching Mr Assani as he lay on the ground.

"We cannot say who they all were but it's our case that the brothers were involved and are jointly responsible for his death," said Mr Joyce.

During the assault Mukhaila got out of the car.

He told the jury: "I ran up to them and tried to push two or three away from them. They turned around and started attacking me as well. They punched me to my head."

He said he was hit about 10 times and suffered a cut lip, bruising to his neck and a swollen head. Mukhaila said that when the men left, he saw his dad lying with his head on the pavement and the rest of his body on the road – unconscious, but breathing, with blood coming from his mouth.

Mukhaila said he heard one of the men, as he walked away, say: "You don't mess with the Khans. We know who you are. We know where you live. You're a dead man."

The brothers were known locally as the Khans.

This was at about 3.15pm on Sunday, August 14, last year. People in the area came to help Mr Assani and he was taken to Royal Derby Hospital. He was later transferred to the Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, but died at 10.10pm the next day.

Roohan Ali, who was found guilty of assisting an offender, was jailed for three years and six months. Ali had arranged for Shahid to go to Birmingham shortly after the attack and for a car to be washed and valeted, because of concern that it had blood on it.

Shahid, Rafiq and Zahid were arrested at one of the family's homes in Brunswick Street, Derby, on August 16. Tariq was not found by police until five-and-a-half months later.

Mohammed Shahid, 34, Walbrook Road, Derby

Admitted manslaughter but denied murder.

Acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter by the jury.

Jailed for six-and-a-half years.

Married to Sajida Rafiq and have children together.

Mitigation – diagnosed with "aggressive form of bladder cancer" in 2009 and was told he had a recurrence shortly before the attack.

Previous convictions

2002 – Fined for perverting the course of justice.

April 2008 – Possession of an offensive weapon, a knife, in public. Given a conditional discharge for two years.

Mohammed Rafiq, known as Tahir, 33, Walbrook Road, Derby

Acquitted by the jury of murder but convicted of manslaughter.

Jailed for eight years.

Mitigation – had gone outside to help his brother who had "significant health problems". His barrister, Peter Rouch, said: "The evidence does not pinpoint exactly what his direct involvement was in the assault of Johnny Assani."

Previous convictions

Oct 1998 – Fined for having an offensive weapon in public, an iron bar.

Jan 1999 – Given a community order for common assault, criminal damage and assaulting a police officer.

Oct 1999 – Fined for obstructing a police officer and driving offences.

Feb 2001 – Fined for disorderly behaviour.

Oct 2002 – Given a community order for threatening behaviour.

Nov 2004 – Jailed for one year for affray.

April 2005 – Fined for racially aggravated threatening behaviour and resisting police.

Mohammed Tariq, 26, Walbrook Road, Derby

Found guilty by a jury of manslaughter and jailed for seven years.

Mitigation – Peter Birkett QC said: "The prosecution's case has always been that Tariq was one of those summoned to the scene.

"As the youngest brother, he was almost under some pressure to go along and most certainly he should be treated as a follower and not a leader."

Previous conviction

November 2010 – Jailed for 15 months for possessing cannabis with intent to supply to another.

Roohan Ali, 25, Stonehill Road, Derby

Found guilty by a jury of assisting an offender. He helped Shahid get to Birmingham after the attack and arranged for a car to be washed and valeted, because of concern that it had blood on it.

He was jailed for three years, six months.

Married to a woman who lives in Pakistan.

Mitigation – Mohammed Khan, for Ali, said he had a GVQ in business studies. He said: "He comes from a respectable family which has settled in Derby.

"He is very close to his mother. Whenever she needs him, he takes her to the doctor's surgery. What has happened to him has been very distressing. He was very foolish."

The remaining defendants in the case will be sentenced on December 17. These are:

Gemma Rostron, 28, Almond Street, Derby

Admitted doing an act intended to pervert the course of public justice. Rostron, who was Tariq's girlfriend at the time, went to see him while he was hiding in Birmingham and Bradford.

She also brought him food and allowed him to use her mobile phone, knowing the police were seeking him in connection with the death of Johnny Assani.

Sajida Rafiq, 34, Bishop Lonsdale Way, Mickleover (wife of Shahid)

Admitted doing an act intended to pervert the course of public justice.

She helped transport Tariq and arrange accommodation for him in Bradford, knowing the police were seeking him in connection with the death of Johnny Assani.

Kamran Rajpoot, 27, Grange Avenue, Sunny Hill

Pleaded guilty to doing an act intended to pervert the course of public justice.

Rajpoot visited Tariq when he was in hiding and helped transport him to Bradford and arrange accommodation, knowing the police were seeking him in connection with the death of Johnny Assani.

Rostron, Rafiq and Rajpoot will be sentenced following the preparation of reports by the probation service.

TIS the season to be jolly – but Christmas can be fraught as shoppers worry about finding the perfect gift for their loved ones, in-laws or co-workers.

These gift dilemmas can fall into three categories: Secret Santa, the In-Law Test, and, finally, the Gent's Gift Clinic, for panicking men who are unsure of what to buy their leading lady.

To combat this, McArthurGlen's East Midlands Designer Outlet has launched its own Shopping SOS Guide – expert gift advice and tips for shoppers this festive season.

Secret Santa SOS

The safe option is the best option. As much as people enjoy a good joke, it's best not to risk anything too controversial. Instead opt for something safe yet lovely, such as our gift packages from The Body Shop.

Listen out for hints. When going for after-work drinks or team-building days, listen out for clues from your colleague. By engaging in their interests, choosing the perfect present will be a lot easier.

Shop away from the office. Although popping to the shops beside the office in your lunch break may seem like a good idea, you may end up with the same Secret Santa gifts as colleagues. Make the effort to go that little bit further to find something unique.

Gent's Gift Clinic

Size matters. Do remember when buying clothing or lingerie to get the correct size to prevent the risk of offending if it's too big or embarrassing if it's too small. Look in her wardrobe for items she wears every day. Head to Calvin Klein for pretty lingerie and nightwear or try LK Bennett, Phase Eight or Motel for the latest fashion trends.

Accessorise. For ultimate fashionistas, accessories never fail to impress. Choose statement jewellery like layered necklaces or chunky rings from Phase Eight or a sleek designer bag from Fiorelli, Kurt Geiger or Radley at Tula – pieces that make the outfit, rather than merely complete it.

Make it a present that lasts. The gift experience doesn't end on Christmas Day. Buy some scented candles and surprise her with a candlelit bubble bath, or treat her to a beautiful set of cutlery from Amefa to use for your festive feast and to celebrate many more Christmases to come.

The In-Law Test

Winter Warmers. There are certain purchases that are practical and always prove to be winners with the in-laws, such as cosy woollen jumpers and leather gloves. Barbour and Lacoste have a selection of winter warmers to keep in-laws in the festive spirit and Jeff Banks has a great range of leather gloves.

Home comforts. Presents for the house are always a good, safe option. Choose from Bedeck's stunning range of homeware designed to woo the in-laws and leave a lasting impression.

Foolproof flexibility. Still in doubt? Book a personal beauty blitz at The Body Shop, where the team will offer personalised pampering make-overs – a guaranteed bonding experience with your mother-in-law.

For those who want to prepare in advance for their Christmas shopping trip, McArthurGlen's East Midlands Designer Outlet – just off the A38 towards Mansfield near junction 28 of the M1 – is also offering customers a preview of their range of Christmas gifts by guiding shoppers through its online Christmas Look Book at www.eastmid landsdesigneroutlet.com.

With more than 70 premium, high street, and designer brands at up to 60 per cent less, shoppers are invited to browse the great range of Christmas gift ideas suitable for all at McArthurGlen's East Midlands Designer Outlet.

THERE'S so much to see and do in Derby's St Peters Quarter this month thanks to a packed programme of Christmas events and street entertainment for the family.

Businesses around the area have teamed up to organise themed Saturdays in the run up to December 25 and a great line-up promises to put a spring in the step and get everyone in a festive mood at this magical time of the year.

The programme will include Newhall Brass Band performing at St Peters Cross tomorrow, Santa handing out treats to visitors and the sounds of the Royal British Legion Piper Band on December 15, and Santa returning on December 22, with chocolate treats this time – helped by one of his elves.

Thursday late-night shopping events, meanwhile, will include Christmas songs from local choirs. In addition, traders in the Eagle Market, a popular shopping destination within St Peters Quarter, have organised a further line-up of special visitors to bring Christmas cheer to the city centre.

Rodney the Reindeer will be greeting visitors tomorrow, followed by a polar bear character on Saturday, December 15, and Santa Ted on Saturday, December 22.

And if want to meet the famous man in a red suit himself – look no further than the Midlands Co-op's Santa's Grotto, which has been a popular feature at the long-established East Street department store for many years.

It opens late on Thursdays and Fridays and all day on Saturday and Sunday throughout December.

The Christmas programme is just one element of the activities encouraging visitors to Derby city centre to take a fresh look at St Peters Quarter, which is undergoing a renaissance thanks to the efforts of local businesses.

Add it to your shopping list as a perfect place for gift inspiration this year.