Clare's Law Rolled Out To Expose Abusers

By Mike McCarthy, North of England Correspondent

New measures to protect victims of domestic abuse come into effect today.

Clare's Law, which enables people to check the police records of partners, has been launched across England and Wales after being piloted by four police forces.

The father of murder victim Clare Wood, whose name has been given to the scheme, has welcomed its introduction, describing it as "a bittersweet moment".

Clare's killer George Appleton

Michael Brown discovered five years ago that his daughter had been raped and strangled at her Salford home by ex-boyfriend George Appleton, who set fire to her body before going on the run. He was found hanged several days later.

Appleton, who Clare met on Facebook, had a history of violence against women, including knife-point kidnapping.

Mr Brown told Sky News: "When you lose a family member in these circumstances it is always with you. To realise that the last moments of your daughter's life were kicking and screaming in a room in Salford sticks with you."

The 70-year-old said Clare's Law was "not a panacea for domestic violence" but added: "If it can help others - just one - I and all the other campaigners will have succeeded. 

"This is just another piece of armour plate for people to put on when they are in trouble."

The launch coincides with International Women's Day and also marks the introduction of Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), which are designed to provide support for victims in the immediate aftermath of violent incidents.

Michael Brown has fought for a new law to help women like his daughter

DVPOs can last for up to 28 days, during which time a perpetrator can be prevented from having contact with the victim.

Speaking about Clare's Law, Home Secretary Theresa May said: "What we saw from the pilots was a real benefit for women who were able to go to the police where they had suspicions about the behaviour of their partner.

"As a result of that, they were able to make a decision about whether to stay with that partner or to leave."

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Malaysia Airlines Plane 'Loses Contact'

A Malaysia Airlines plane with 239 people on board has crashed into the sea after losing contact with air traffic control 12 hours ago, say reports.

The Boeing 777-200 was flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished around two hours into the flight.

Vietnamese state media quoted a navy official as saying Flight MH370 crashed near Tho Chu island, off Vietnam's south coast, at around 2.40am local time.

All ships in the local area have been sent to the scene to look for survivors.

Distraught relatives and friends wait at Beijing International Airport

However, Malaysia's Transport Minister told reporters: "There is no information on any wreckage, but we are looking at all possibilities."

Journalist Leo Lewis, at Beijing airport, told Sky News families were waiting anxiously for news of their relatives.

He said there were "scenes of considerable distress" and "increasing irritation" because of a lack of information about their fate.

The plane left Kuala Lumpur at 12.41am local time and was due to arrive in Beijing at 6.30am local time.

The plane was on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing

Malaysia Airlines said the flight was carrying 227 passengers, including two infants, and 12 crew members.

They were from 14 countries - 152 plus one baby from China, 38 from Malaysia, 12 from Indonesia, seven from Australia, three plus one baby from the US, three from France, two from New Zealand, two from Ukraine, two from Canada, one from Russia, one from Italy, one from Taiwan, one from Netherlands, and one from Austria.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah, a 53-year-old Malaysian with a total of 18,365 flying hours. He joined the company in 1981.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected passengers and crew and their family members," Malaysia Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said in a statement.

Flight MH370 marked in red on Beijing airport's information board

The airline said it would provide "regular updates" on the situation and has set up the phone line +603 7884 1234 for concerned members of the public.

China's state news agency reported that the plane lost communication over Vietnam with air traffic control in the Ho Chi Minh area and that radar contact also was lost.

China has dispatched two maritime rescue ships to the South China Sea to help in the search and rescue work.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "This news has made us all very worried. We hope every one of the passengers is safe."

Malcolm Moore, the Daily Telegraph's Beijing Correspondent, told Sky News: "There has been some smog in Beijing this morning.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has voiced his "extreme" worries

"But I don't think visibility would have been a problem, and there were no major storms on the flight path when the plane disappeared."

Malaysia Airlines has 15 Boeing 777-200 jets in its fleet of about 100 planes.

If the plane is found to have crashed, the loss would mark the second fatal accident involving a Boeing 777 in less than a year, after an unblemished safety record since the jet entered service in 1995.

Last summer, an Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 crash landed in San Francisco, killing three passengers.

Boeing said it was aware of reports that the Malaysia Airlines plane has gone missing and was monitoring the situation, but had no further comment.

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Russia TV Presenter Quits On Air In Protest

A presenter for a Russian government-funded TV channel has resigned live on air, after accusing the station of "whitewashing the actions" of Vladimir Putin.

Liz Wahl, a US anchor for Russia Today America, told viewers during the broadcast: "I'm proud to be an American and believe in disseminating the truth and that is why after this newscast, I'm resigning."

Her grandparents fled to the US as refugees during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution to escape the Soviet Union.

Russia's President, Vladimir Putin

Moscow has been accused of invading Ukraine's Crimea region after months of pro-European protests there saw the nation's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, ousted.

Russia denies this, claiming the troops operating there are "self-defence" forces who do not answer to Moscow.

In a statement on Ms Wahl's actions, Russia Today said: "When a journalist disagrees with the editorial position of his or her organisation, the usual course of action is to address those grievances with the editor, and, if they cannot be resolved, to quit like a professional.

"But when someone makes a big public show of a personal decision, it is nothing more than a self-promotional stunt.

Moscow says troops in Crimea are "self-defence" forces

"We wish Liz the best of luck on her chosen path."

Ms Wahl later tweeted: "I am grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support I have received."

Another host from the channel criticised the actions of pro-Russian forces earlier this week.

Abby Martin labelled the intervention "wrong" and said she was "strongly against" military involvement.

The channel responded by saying Ms Martin "does not possess a deep knowledge of reality of the situation in Crimea" and that she would be sent there to "make up her own mind from the epicentre of the story".

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Ukraine: Russia Faces Pressure Amid Clashes

Crimea Voices: 'Kiev Government Is Joke'

Updated: 2:41pm UK, Wednesday 05 March 2014

People in Simferopol, Crimea, give Sky News their opinion on the crisis that has seen Russian forces deployed in the region.

:: Yelena Blinova, 75, Pensioner

"I was born in Russia but have lived in Crimea for 42 years.

"We don't want democracy here that came with bullets, we can determine our future by ourselves.

"I believe what has taken place in Kiev is a coup. We are asking Putin to prevent the same from happening here, otherwise they will poison our water supplies, they will gas us.

"We want to have independence and then we will decide what we'll do."

:: Oleg Krivoruchenko, 58, Blacksmith

"I am part of the people's patrol and we are here to make sure there is order on the streets.

"We assembled 11 groups of 100 men - we are patrolling streets, and will be doing this until things calm down.

"There is not tension on the streets of Simferopol.

"We don't know who the armed soldiers are and I don't mind them because they are helping to keep the situation calm.

"I, personally, don't want Crimea to join either Russia or the European Union. I was born here and I want Crimea to be able to run itself."

:: Igor Kornienko, 22 and Sasha Maruk, 22, Students

"They are saying the situation here is tense but we've been cycling around town all this time and it is absolutely fine.

"We've been watching events in Kiev and we are angry that on television they are talking only about the protesters that were killed but not the soldiers.

"This is not fair. The new government in Kiev is a joke. They just assembled some people who have no experience.

"Many people here are hoping we will be in Russia soon, but we have the referendum first.

"What we like about Russia is that life is not crazy like it is here, and Putin is a good leader, but we are not yet sure we would want to become part of it."

:: Vitaly Zagrudniy, 33

"What I care about is the economy. Crimea has everything it needs to be independent from Kiev - we have gas, oil and fertile land.

"But Kiev exports everything we have and does not give us enough back.

"My mother has worked for the state railway for for 35 years and now gets a pension of £75. Similar pensions in Kiev are higher.

"I used to work as a security guard but when I asked to be paid for the last three months they fired me. This is not fair.

"Russia is so close and Crimea's economy depends on Russian tourism and it is more stable too, that's why we would be better off to become a part of it."

Boris Tatorin, 27, Translator

"I really don't like what is happening here. How would you feel if menacing armed men appeared outside your house and told you there are here to protect you?

"I also don't like that we have foreign flags on our official buildings.

"If we signed the EU agreement we could travel to the EU without visas and many people would have liked that.

"I feel Ukrainian and I would never want to be under the Russian rule.

"Troops need to go back to their bases, they are peaceful now, but what will happen if they get different orders?

"I am hoping there will be negotiations and troops will pull out soon."

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Steenkamp's Mother Prepares To Face Pistorius

The mother of Reeva Steenkamp has said she wants to "force" Oscar Pistorius to look at her when she meets him for the first time at his trial.

Today will be the first time June Steenkamp comes face-to-face with the Paralympic and Olympic sprinter who is accused of murdering her daughter.

The 67-year-old said she wants to confront Pistorius on the first day of the proceedings.

Pistorius says he was deeply in love with Ms Steenkamp

"I want to look at Oscar, really look him in the eyes, and see for myself the truth about what he did to Reeva, and whatever the court decides at the end of his trial, I will be ready to forgive him," she told the Mail.

"But first I want to force him to look at me, Reeva's mother, and see the pain and anguish he has inflicted on me.

"I feel I need that."

Last month, Ms Steenkamp's family said they were looking for "closure".

Ms Steenkamp enjoyed a successful modelling career

Pistorius, 27, had been dating 29-year-old Ms Steenkamp for a few months before he killed her by firing four shots through the bathroom door of his upmarket Pretoria home on Valentine's Day last year.

The double amputee has admitted shooting the model and reality TV star but claims says he shot her accidentally, mistaking her for a burglar.

However, prosecutors say he had a heated row with his girlfriend in the hours before the shooting - with several witnesses claiming to have heard the couple arguing.

In her early days as a cover-girl

On the anniversary of her death last month, Pistorius issued a statement saying he was "consumed with sorrow" over the loss of Ms Steenkamp.

"No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved - and continues to love Reeva," he said on his website.

"The pain and sadness, especially for Reeva's parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow.

"The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

 :: Sky News will have live coverage of the trial starting from today, with a special highlights programme every weekday at 9.30pm.

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Oscar Pistorius At Court For Murder Trial

Oscar Pistorius has arrived at court for the first day of his murder trial, a year after he shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Wearing a dark suit and tie, the athlete was surrounded by photographers and journalists as he made his way through the court lobby.

In a landmark ruling, large parts of the case will be broadcast live by three remote-controlled cameras in court, but testimony given by Pistorius can not be shown.

Ms Steenkamp was shot dead at Pistorius' home in February 2013

The South African judge who made the decision said he had weighed up arguments for a fair trial from the Pistorius camp with principles of open justice and freedom of expression.

The trial, which will hear from more than 100 witnesses, is scheduled to run for three weeks but could go on for longer, Hurd says.

The South African legal system does not have trials by a jury, so a judge will preside over proceedings and ultimately pronounce Pistorius innocent or guilty.

Ms Steenkamp was shot by Pistorius at his home in Pretoria

The 27-year-old double amputee faces charges of murder, illegal possession of ammunition and two additional counts relating to shooting a gun in public in two separate incidents before shooting Ms Steenkamp at his home in Pretoria.

Ms Steenkamp's mother June is in court for the first time. She says she wants to look Pistorius in the eyes during the trial.

He stands accused of fatally shooting the 29-year-old model and reality TV star four times through a toilet door intentionally following a jealous row and then lying extensively about it.

The High Court in Pretoria where the trial is taking place

Pistorius acknowledges he killed Ms Steenkamp but denies murder and says he shot her after mistaking her for an intruder.

Pistorius says he was terrified at the mistaken belief that there was a dangerous intruder in his home about to hurt him and the woman he loved dearly - but he had to intervene.

If found guilty of premeditated murder, the Paralympic and Olympic athlete could be jailed for at least 25 years.

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:: Sky News will have live coverage of the trial from today, with a special highlights programme every weekday at 9.30pm.

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Russia Stands With Putin Over Ukraine Gamble

President Vladimir Putin asked his parliament for permission to use Russian troops in Ukraine, but the result was never in doubt.

His senate voted unanimously in favour with almost palpable glee, applauding themselves as they did.

Where much of the international community sees a leader dangerously poised on the verge of annexing Crimea, his supporters see much to like.

The case that Mr Putin is making is one that resonates well in Russia: that he is being forced to act to protect the lives of Russian citizens, compatriots, and Russian armed forces in Ukraine.

In other words, that he is defending Russian national interests and lives.

That much of the rest of the world considers those interests to be part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine is not necessarily a problem for Russia.

In Moscow, the state propaganda machine is already in overdrive, dismissing Oleksandr Turchynov as the "self-imposed president" and dismissing the mass protest movement as extremists and armed gangs.

Mr Putin has made his case and he will likely stick to it: that a legitimately-elected president has been overthrown and Russian citizens are under threat.

Mr Putin is ignoring international opinion to defend Russia's interests

And there are ever-increasing numbers of them to protect. An estimated 143,000 Ukrainians have been issued with Russian passports in the last two weeks, including members of the Berkut riot police.

The old Kremlin tactic of passport politics seems to be alive and flourishing in Ukraine.

The next 24 hours will see the inevitable volley of stern diplomatic warnings and rhetoric from all sides, but Moscow will be scrutinising all those words for any real threat of action, and so far there is not much to fear.

One commentator characterised US President Barack Obama's latest statement on Ukraine as: "Stop, or I'll say stop again."

The US has now paused preparations for this summer's Russian-hosted G8 summit.

Mr Putin does not respond to threats of condemnation. He has never sought approval, just respect.

He wants Russia to be seen as a great superpower once again, and himself as its strongman president.

If that means playing the bad cop in the West and weathering a diplomatic storm, he probably will not lose much sleep.

For Russia, this is about more than just the loss of Ukraine joining the EU. It's about Europe, Nato - the old Cold War bogeyman of the West - advancing right up to the Russian border, and Moscow does not like that at all.

Mr Putin wants to defend his sphere of influence and the national interest. They count for much more in the Kremlin than whether Mr Obama does or does not come to Sochi for G8.

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Ukraine Crisis: Russia Vows To 'Protect Interests'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the United States that he retains the right to protect Russia's interests in east Ukraine and Crimea as tensions escalate.

Mr Putin issued the stark warning in a 90-minute phone call with US President Barack Obama, in which the two leaders disagreed over the deepening crisis.

A statement from the Kremlin said unrest in Ukraine posted "a real threat to the lives and health of Russian citizens and the many compatriots who are currently on Ukrainian territory".

"Russia retains the right to protect its interests and the Russian-speaking population of those areas," the statement added.

Mr Obama was on the phone with Mr Putin for 90 minutes

During the call, Mr Obama accused Russia of a "clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity", and expressed his "deep concern" over Russia's actions.

The White House said: "The United States calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions by withdrawing its forces back to bases in Crimea and to refrain from any interference elsewhere in Ukraine."

The Kremlin has been accused of sending 6,000 troops into Crimea, despite calls from the US and Britain for Moscow to back off.

Ukraine's Acting President Oleksander Turchynov has ordered his country's army to be placed on high combat alert.

A soldier stands next to a sign that says: 'Crimea Russia'

Two Russian anti-submarine warships have also appeared off the Crimea coast, violating an agreement on Moscow's lease of a naval base, Interfax news agency reported.

The two vessels, part of Russia's Baltic Fleet, have reportedly been sighted in a bay at Sevastopol, where Moscow's Black Sea Fleet has a base.

Sky's Dominic Waghorn said Mr Obama and Mr Putin appear to be in disagreement over what should be done to de-escalate the crisis.

"The phone call didn't go very well, it seems. We have each leader, it looks like, lecturing each other," he said.

Russia claims gunmen from Kiev tried to seize Crimea's interior ministry

"The problem clearly here is that Barack Obama may regard Vladimir Putin as a throwback to the Cold War who has ended up somehow running Russia in 2014.

"The two leaders have no real way, on a personal level at least, of working it out and resolving this crisis."

In response to Russia's aggression, the US has already announced it will suspend participation in preparatory meetings for the G8 summit in Sochi in June.

European foreign ministers are also due to hold emergency talks in Brussels on Monday.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "deeply concerned" by the situation and the decision of the Russian parliament to authorise military action.

"This action is a potentially grave threat to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We condemn any act of aggression against Ukraine," he said.

After unrest in Kiev, tensions have shifted to the Crimea region

Mr Hague is due to visit the country today and hold talks with Ukraine's new leaders.

Pro-Russia demonstrations have been held in major cities in the east and south of Ukraine, where supporters of the new Ukrainian government in Kiev have been beaten up.

The autonomous republic of Crimea has a prime minister loyal to Moscow, but the government in Kiev has vowed to maintain the country's territorial integrity.

Reports suggest that Russian troops are trying to occupy an anti-aircraft missile base and have taken control of airports on the peninsular.

Ukraine's border guard service said about 300 armed men were attempting to seize its main headquarters in the port city of Sevastopol.

Russian helicopter gunships have also been seen in Ukrainian airspace.

Russian soldiers are guarding buildings in Crimea

But there were claims by Russia that gunmen from Kiev had been sent to seize the offices of Crimea's interior ministry.

There was grainy footage of an unidentified armed group breaking into a building, with smoke rising and reports that people had been "wounded".

In what appears to be an orchestrated move, a referendum on whether residents in Crimea want greater independence from Ukraine has been brought forward by two months to March 30.

Russia's Lower House of Parliament, the Duma, has called on Mr Putin "to take measures to stabilise the situation in Crimea".

Ukraine's population is divided in loyalties between Russia and the West.

Much of western Ukraine advocating closer ties with the European Union. However, the eastern and southern regions look to Russia for support.

Crimea has 2.3 million inhabitants, most of whom identify themselves as ethnic Russians and speak Russian.

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