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Nato
Soldier Killed BBC Reporter
The NATO-led foreign military force in Afghanistan admitted
toinight that a US soldier shot dead an Afghan journalist working for the
BBC in July after mistaking him for a suicide bomber.
Ahmed Omed Khpulwak, 25, was killed in a case of "mistaken identity" shortly
after 20 people died in a suicide bombing at the office where he was working
in troubled southern Afghanistan.
The US soldier responsible for his death is not facing any disciplinary
action in connection with the incident, International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jimmie Cummings said.
Cummings could not confirm whether the soldier was still on active duty in
Afghanistan.
"After a thorough investigation, it was determined the reporter was killed
in a case of mistaken identity," ISAF said in a statement.
"Mr Khpulwak was shot by an ISAF member who believed he was an insurgent
that posed a threat and was about to detonate a suicide vest improvised
explosive device."
It said the soldier involved had "complied with the laws of armed conflict
and rules of engagement and acted reasonably under the circumstances."
Khpulwak's death on July 28 came after two suicide bombers struck the
offices of state broadcaster RTA (Radio Television Afghanistan) in Uruzgan
province in Afghanistan's south, an area seen as the Taliban's heartland.
US forces were sent to the scene in the provincial capital Trinkot to fight
insurgents.
They were clearing the building after the suicide bombers had blown
themselves up when a soldier saw Khpulwak near a broken wall. Others
believed they heard him fire at least one shot.
Another soldier approached him and saw him "with something clinched in one
of his fists and reaching for something on his person with his other hand,"
ISAF's summary of a report into the incident said.
"The soldier assessed the actions as those of a suicide bomber who was
taking steps to detonate an IED (bomb)," the report said. "He shot the
individual with his M-4 (assault rifle)."
ISAF later discovered that Khpulwak was unarmed and the shooting which
soldiers heard was probably fire from their own side.
Khpulwak reportedly sent his brother two text messages shortly before he
died. The first said: "I am hiding. Death has come." The second said: "Pray
for me if I die."
The BBC asked NATO to investigate the incident last month after what it
called "conflicting reports" over the death.
In response to ISAF's findings, the BBC said it was studying the statement
and awaiting the full report into what happened.
"The loss of Ahmed Omed is a tragedy for his family and friends as well as
his colleagues at the BBC," said Peter Horrocks, the director of BBC global
news.
"Ahmed Omed's death further highlights the great dangers facing journalists
who put their lives on the line to provide vital news from around the
world."
Khpulwak worked for the BBC on a freelance basis.
September
08
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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Celebrity
Big Brother Winner
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star Paddy Doherty has been crowned
this year's winner of Celebrity Big Brother.
To massive cheers, the 52-year-old punched the air and embraced runner-up,
former Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona.
The pair saw off Irish pop duo and firm favourites Jedward who left the
house in third place after being voted the "most annoying" housemates.
Katona, 31, a mother of four, said her experience in the house had taught
her she was a "strong, independent woman" who could "stand on my own two
feet".
She told host Brian Dowling she had made some "solid friends" during the
reality TV show, singling out Doherty as being "the main one" who would
become a "friend forever".
September
08
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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Sky
Sports Presenter Driving Ban
Sky Sports News presenter Georgie Thompson has been banned
from driving for 19 months after admitting drinking and driving.
The presenter had an accident in her Porsche while trying to park outside
her home in west London.
The 33-year-old had "glazed eyes" and was "slurring her speech" when she was
arrested last month, West London Magistrates' Court heard.
She was later found to be more than twice the legal alcohol limit.
Thompson was also ordered to pay a £1,000 fine and a further £100 in costs.
The presenter had been at a friend's house in Hampshire before arriving back
at her Chelsea flat at 02:30 on Monday, August 22.
Prosecutor Brinkman May told the court: "A police officer on duty was
driving along Fulham Road and he was aware of a car approaching from behind,
and he noticed that the car was driving at speed.
"She tried to reverse park, but hit another car, causing it to move. The
officer decided to speak to the driver."
The court was told that Thompson was then taken to a nearby police station,
where she cooperated fully.
When breathalysed, Thompson was found to have 76 microgrammes of alcohol per
100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Her defence lawyer, Martyn Levett, told the court in mitigation that
Thompson had worked in broadcasting for 10 years and called her a "sensible
and reliable person".
Thompson has recently split from Declan Donnelly, who is one half of the TV
presenting double act, Ant and Dec.
September
08
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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Trudie
Goodwin Joins Emmerdale
Trudie Goodwin, best known for her role as Sgt June Ackland
in The Bill, is joining Emmerdale to play Georgia Sharma.
Georgia’s business-obsessed husband Rishi Sharma will be
played by actor Bhasker Patel and their fun-loving and flirtatious daughter
Priya will be played by actress Fiona Wade.
Trudie Goodwin said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing Georgia in
Emmerdale. She is a difficult-to-please woman who is set to make life
difficult for Charity. I can’t wait to start filming next week”.
Stuart Blackburn, Emmerdale series producer said: “I’m delighted to welcome
Trudie, Bhasker and Fiona to the cast. There are plenty of trials and
tribulations in store for the ever popular Sharma family.”
September
08
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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New BBC One Drama
BBC One Controller Danny Cohen has commissioned a new 8-part
drama series, Ripper Street.
Created by writer Richard Warlow, Ripper Street is anew drama set in the
East End of London in 1889, during the aftermath of the "Ripper" murders.
The action centres around the notorious H Division – the police precinct
from hell – which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of
Whitechapel.
Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the
Ripper's legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their
lives, but the very fabric of their city.
Danny Cohen, Controller, said: "Ripper Street is a gripping new drama for
BBC One. Set against the backdrop of a fevered historical London, I believe
it has the quality and intensity to be a hit with BBC One viewers."
Shooting commences in spring 2012.
September
08
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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Jason Donovan Dismisses Rivalry
Jason Donovan and Gary Barlow have laughed off the idea they
are "Saturday night rivals".
Australian actor and singer Donovan is about to take to the
dancefloor on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing while Take That's Barlow has
already made his debut as a judge on ITV1's The X Factor.
Donovan said: "Gary and I have had a laugh about us being Saturday night
rivals.
"I think Gary's position is far more steady than mine."
The star said he would not be surprised if the Rule The World
singer-songwriter stepped out on Strictly one day.
He said: "Secretly I think Gary fancies himself in some sequins, a spray tan
and doing the cha cha cha."
Another former Ramsay Street regular, Holly Valance, said there would not be
any extra competition between her and Donovan, who she said was "just
adorable and nothing but a sweetheart".
But she said she might have to do something to stop fellow contestant Lulu
doing too well.
She joked: "I'm thinking about tripping Lulu... she's too good."
September
08
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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Hollyoaks Actress Quits
Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn has announced she has quit
the soap.
The actress, 29, who plays Mandy Richardson, first appeared in the Channel 4
soap when she was just 14, but returned last year.
She confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: "For those of you asking yes I
have left Hollyoaks again & I'm now concentrating on exciting new
projects...your support is amazing & greatly appreciated."
In between stints on the soap, Sarah's other TV roles have included parts in
Doctors and Drop Dead Gorgeous, and a part in Batman film The Dark Knight.
She also took part in the celebrity gameshow Famous And Fearless.
September
08
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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Nigel Havers Returns To
Coronation Street
Coronation Street chiefs have announced that Nigel Havers is
to return to his role as Lewis Archer.
Con artist Lewis was last seen in Weatherfield last summer but is to make a
shock return next year.
Lewis first appeared in December 2009 when he was working as a male escort
who caught the eye of Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls).
A statement on Coronation Street's official website said: "With Lewis about
to return to Weatherfield, is there more heartbreak ahead for Audrey or
could things finally be looking up?"
At the start of the year Havers hinted that he may be returning to
Coronation Street.
He said at the time: "I absolutely adore it and I've got to go and say sorry
to Sue [Nicholls] - to Audrey... I was in Manchester yesterday talking about
it - so watch this space."
September
08
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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