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Thursday May 17th 2012

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Sports Headlines
Stormers v Waratahs: Teams
The Stormers have made just the two changes for the visit of the Waratahs to Cape Town.

Classy Crewe delight Davis
Crewe boss Steve Davis saluted his young side as they booked their place in the League Two play-off final with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Southend.

Somerset National News: Police Sieze Homeless Mans Van In Relation To Vicars Death


Police investigating the murder of a parish priest in his own vicarage have seized a white van where a homeless man had been sleeping rough.

A white Citroen van was seized and impounded just hours after the 43 year old man was arrested on Tuesday night following the discovery of Reverend John Suddard's body in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire that morning.

On Thursday it was also disclosed that a vagrant had been hanging around the town's Catholic church just 500 yards away from the vicarage where Mr Suddards was found stabbed to death close to his church, St Mary's.

The man, in his 40's known as Robbie, had been sleeping in the van belonging to the retired electrician, John Dean aged 68 who had taken him in and offered him refuge a few weeks ago.

Mr Dean, who lives in an annexe to a property he rents out said he gave Robbie a place to stay after being introduced to him by Pastor Paul Ferguson at Thornbury Baptist Church about 6 weeks ago.

Father Alex McAllister, who was the priest for 12 years, said a man in his 40s had been dropping into the church for the last six months. He went on to say that the man did not appear to have a drink or drug problem and was "inoffensive".

"I can imagine that if your line of inquiry is a homeless person, well what places are open? Pubs and churches. Churches are quieter,"  he went on,"There are only two which are open, St Mary's and here. We're very keen to keep both churches open. I think it's important this day and age that people have a place where they can come and pray."

Avon and Somerset Police would only confirm a 43-year-old man was in custody.

Friday February 17th 2012
The Onlines

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