MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 30, 2010, Thursday
a JEWELLER has been told he can keep security shutters he fitted following a spate of attempted break-ins after appealing to the Scottish Government.
Mohammed Aslam, owner of Aslam Jeweller on Leith Walk, erected the shutters when his store was targeted by thieves several times, but he failed to secure planning permission.
The council issued an enforcement notice ordering him to take the shutters down on the grounds that they "fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area".
However, the government's Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals has ruled that Leith Walk's "disharmonious" array of clashing shopfronts and tenements is in fact part of the street's character.
Appeals reporter David Buylla said: "Although the shop front is not particularly harmonious with the tenement block above, this is consistent with the established character and appearance of the conservation area and causes no harm."
Mr Aslam said he was "very happy" with the decision.
He added: "I would like to thank all of the members of the public and local businesses who have supported me. We would also like to thank our planning consultant Derek Scott."
Mr Scott, who compiled the planning application and appeal, said external shutters were the store's only viable security option.
He added: "I was delighted with the decision. My client had made a genuine error in installing the shopfront and associated roller shutters in the first place without the benefit of planning permission.
"Thankfully common sense has prevailed and the Reporter from the Scottish Government quickly recognised that the alterations did not detract from the character or appearance of the area and granted permission retrospectively.
"Whilst the Council's design guidelines on shop fronts and roller shutters still have an important role to play, this appeal decision clearly shows that they are only one of a number of considerations that need to be taken into account."
A council spokesman said: "When considering applications within a conservation area, the council has a statutory duty to assess whether the proposals preserve or enhance the character or appearance of that area. In our view, this proposal was contrary to adopted policies and guidance and was not acceptable. The Reporter, however, has taken a different view - as, of course, he is entitled to do - and we are currently considering the policy implications of his decision."
Sunday, 10 October 2010
NEWS: Seamens' Memorial To Set Sail
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 24, 2010, Friday
A STATUE to honour merchant seamen is set to be unveiled in the Capital later this year after its £100,000 price tag was raised in less than six months.
A flood of donations from around the world means the memorial celebrations for the thousands of merchant seamen who gave their lives in British conflicts is now progressing at full steam.
The Princess Royal, patron of the Merchant Navy Memorial Trust, is coming to Leith on November 16 to reveal the bronze statue, which will stand atop a 15-foot plinth outside the Malmaison Hotel at The Shore.
The memorial's sculptor Jill Watson said she is "delighted" that she will be given the honour of meeting the Princess Royal, who she described as "a wonderful supporter of the Trust".
She added: "I certainly hope the sculpture will be well received, but it is not for me to say.
"The story is so important and so many people so connected to it, not just in Leith but throughout Scotland. Everyone you meet, has some connection, memory or story to tell.
"I have family connections with the sea through the fishing industry. My grandfather had a timber business very near the site of the monument.
"A friend was a young chief officer on board the ship which took Winston Churchill across the Atlantic during the war."
The statue on top of the plinth will be a bronze, timber and steel representation of a merchant vessel.
Ms Watson added: "It is made up of modelled steel and timber bows with sails cast into bronze.
"I am enjoying the work enormously. The committee have been tremendously helpful.
"The whole thing has been a huge challenge, to do justice to the brave men who went to sea.
"It is an important and complex commission.
"Learning about the importance of foreign trade, the hard lives at sea, the war years, the dangers, has been an adventure in itself. It will have educational benefits for future generations."
The Trust now hopes to add to the donations they've received so far and raise a total pot of £250,000 to fund other projects in the future.
Lord Provost George Grubb said: "Preparations are well under way for the formal unveiling of this magnificent lasting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on our behalf.
"The Port of Leith has played a critical role in Scotland's seafaring past, so it is entirely fitting that the new monument should take pride of place at the Shore.
"There are countless families here in Edinburgh, across Scotland and beyond whose forebears served this country at sea and this striking monument will be of national significance."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 24, 2010, Friday
A STATUE to honour merchant seamen is set to be unveiled in the Capital later this year after its £100,000 price tag was raised in less than six months.
A flood of donations from around the world means the memorial celebrations for the thousands of merchant seamen who gave their lives in British conflicts is now progressing at full steam.
The Princess Royal, patron of the Merchant Navy Memorial Trust, is coming to Leith on November 16 to reveal the bronze statue, which will stand atop a 15-foot plinth outside the Malmaison Hotel at The Shore.
The memorial's sculptor Jill Watson said she is "delighted" that she will be given the honour of meeting the Princess Royal, who she described as "a wonderful supporter of the Trust".
She added: "I certainly hope the sculpture will be well received, but it is not for me to say.
"The story is so important and so many people so connected to it, not just in Leith but throughout Scotland. Everyone you meet, has some connection, memory or story to tell.
"I have family connections with the sea through the fishing industry. My grandfather had a timber business very near the site of the monument.
"A friend was a young chief officer on board the ship which took Winston Churchill across the Atlantic during the war."
The statue on top of the plinth will be a bronze, timber and steel representation of a merchant vessel.
Ms Watson added: "It is made up of modelled steel and timber bows with sails cast into bronze.
"I am enjoying the work enormously. The committee have been tremendously helpful.
"The whole thing has been a huge challenge, to do justice to the brave men who went to sea.
"It is an important and complex commission.
"Learning about the importance of foreign trade, the hard lives at sea, the war years, the dangers, has been an adventure in itself. It will have educational benefits for future generations."
The Trust now hopes to add to the donations they've received so far and raise a total pot of £250,000 to fund other projects in the future.
Lord Provost George Grubb said: "Preparations are well under way for the formal unveiling of this magnificent lasting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on our behalf.
"The Port of Leith has played a critical role in Scotland's seafaring past, so it is entirely fitting that the new monument should take pride of place at the Shore.
"There are countless families here in Edinburgh, across Scotland and beyond whose forebears served this country at sea and this striking monument will be of national significance."
NEWS: Binmen Caught Out In A Backstreet
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 23, 2010, Thursday
AN investigation has been launched after council bin men were caught on camera apparently collecting private rubbish from the back of a Ford Transit van on a city side street.
A local resident watched as the van reversed up to the bin lorry and the men began off-loading bags of rubbish, wood, and even an old fireplace.
The bin lorry involved was not one used for so-called special uplifts, where bulky items are collected for a £20 fee, or trade waste collections, which must be arranged on contract.
The bizarre exchange was captured on camera on Tuesday morning on Lindsay Street, behind the rundown Fort House block in Leith, and a probe has now been launched.
A city council spokeswoman confirmed that the photos were currently under investigation.
She added: "We welcome detailed reports into these types of incidents and would encourage the public to come forward to help us target mismanagement of waste and inappropriate use of resources.
"Any staff misuse of council vehicles or property could result in disciplinary action and improper disposal of commercial waste can result in prosecution."
The resident who photographed the incident said he started watching after a "shabby"-looking white van appeared on the street.
"It would only be seen by the small number of people still living in the block because it's due to be knocked down.
"They had what looked like and old fireplace, a van-load of wood and a couple of cement bags filled with various bits of junk. It looked like they were dumping stuff from a house clearance.
"The guys had a wee laugh and a joke with the bin men and then drove off, then the bin men went back on their rounds."
Businesses that do not have an official waste disposal contract with the council or other licensed waste carrier are liable for a fine of up to £2000.
The city council axed free special uplifts for domestic waste in April and now charge a £19.99 flat rate fee, in a move critics feared would lead to a rise in flytipping.
However, Councillor Maureen Child, environment spokeswoman for the council's Labour group said: "Without wishing to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, which may yet show that there was nothing untoward going on here, I would have serious concerns about such practices taking place as a result of the scrapping of free uplifts.
"If council bin lorries are being used to collect private waste it's a matter of great concern. It's just not on."
The last remaining residents of Fort House are expected to be removed by the end of the year, with demolition work set to begin shortly after.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 23, 2010, Thursday
AN investigation has been launched after council bin men were caught on camera apparently collecting private rubbish from the back of a Ford Transit van on a city side street.
A local resident watched as the van reversed up to the bin lorry and the men began off-loading bags of rubbish, wood, and even an old fireplace.
The bin lorry involved was not one used for so-called special uplifts, where bulky items are collected for a £20 fee, or trade waste collections, which must be arranged on contract.
The bizarre exchange was captured on camera on Tuesday morning on Lindsay Street, behind the rundown Fort House block in Leith, and a probe has now been launched.
A city council spokeswoman confirmed that the photos were currently under investigation.
She added: "We welcome detailed reports into these types of incidents and would encourage the public to come forward to help us target mismanagement of waste and inappropriate use of resources.
"Any staff misuse of council vehicles or property could result in disciplinary action and improper disposal of commercial waste can result in prosecution."
The resident who photographed the incident said he started watching after a "shabby"-looking white van appeared on the street.
"It would only be seen by the small number of people still living in the block because it's due to be knocked down.
"They had what looked like and old fireplace, a van-load of wood and a couple of cement bags filled with various bits of junk. It looked like they were dumping stuff from a house clearance.
"The guys had a wee laugh and a joke with the bin men and then drove off, then the bin men went back on their rounds."
Businesses that do not have an official waste disposal contract with the council or other licensed waste carrier are liable for a fine of up to £2000.
The city council axed free special uplifts for domestic waste in April and now charge a £19.99 flat rate fee, in a move critics feared would lead to a rise in flytipping.
However, Councillor Maureen Child, environment spokeswoman for the council's Labour group said: "Without wishing to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, which may yet show that there was nothing untoward going on here, I would have serious concerns about such practices taking place as a result of the scrapping of free uplifts.
"If council bin lorries are being used to collect private waste it's a matter of great concern. It's just not on."
The last remaining residents of Fort House are expected to be removed by the end of the year, with demolition work set to begin shortly after.
NEWS: Saddling Up To Cut Fuel Prices
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 22, 2010, Wednesday
UP to 700 bikers are expected to ride a "rolling roadblock" into Edinburgh this weekend in protest at the spiralling cost of fuel.
The fuel protest, organised by the Fife Bikers club, is due to leave from Kinross and arrive at the Capital's Kings Stables Road by around 1pm on Saturday.
The protest is a repeat of a similar stunt conducted in 2008, where around 350 bikers blocked both carriageways along sections of the A90 for around an hour.
Protest co-ordinator Stephen Forsyth, 45, of Fife Bikers, said: "We received quite a bit of attention the last time we did this, and this time we expect it to be even bigger.
"We honestly don't expect it to make a blind bit of difference because we received little response from MSPs, who said fuel taxation was a matter for Westminster, while most of the MPs couldn't care less.
"However, we received a very favourable response from the public, who were supportive of what we were trying to achieve.
"We're trying to minimise the disruption to the public. We actually wanted to do it last weekend but the police said no because of the Pope's visit, and they didn't want to have another major event in the city, so we changed it to this weekend.
"Police will be escorting us in a rolling road block, so only the sections of the road with motorcycles will be closed. We will be driving at a steady 30mph or so, so delays should be minimal."
The government plans to add 1p to petrol and diesel prices from 1 October, at a time when the cost of petrol and diesel is already likely to rise because of increasing crude oil prices and weaker sterling.
Mr Forsyth added: "It always seems to be the motorist that's hit the hardest. We are the easiest target because the Government knows we need fuel, and it's not just commuters but delivery drivers who rely on their vehicles for work.
"Many of our members use their motorcycles to commute into Edinburgh for work. There's a large number of motorcycle-only spaces in the city, and they're usually all full.
"Many people think that motorcycles are more of a recreational hobby but for many it's their main form of travel."
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said the force would be working with the organisers to facilitate the protest and will make all efforts to reduce the impact on the travelling public.
She added: "The route, which includes the A90 southwards from Kinross across the Forth Road Bridge then along the A90 into Central Edinburgh, may result in some delays for motorists. Police would encourage other road users who will be travelling on these roads from noon until 1.30pm on Saturday to consider revising their route or altering their travelling time.
"King's Stables Road is the only route that will be closed, all others will be on a traffic hold basis only."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 22, 2010, Wednesday
UP to 700 bikers are expected to ride a "rolling roadblock" into Edinburgh this weekend in protest at the spiralling cost of fuel.
The fuel protest, organised by the Fife Bikers club, is due to leave from Kinross and arrive at the Capital's Kings Stables Road by around 1pm on Saturday.
The protest is a repeat of a similar stunt conducted in 2008, where around 350 bikers blocked both carriageways along sections of the A90 for around an hour.
Protest co-ordinator Stephen Forsyth, 45, of Fife Bikers, said: "We received quite a bit of attention the last time we did this, and this time we expect it to be even bigger.
"We honestly don't expect it to make a blind bit of difference because we received little response from MSPs, who said fuel taxation was a matter for Westminster, while most of the MPs couldn't care less.
"However, we received a very favourable response from the public, who were supportive of what we were trying to achieve.
"We're trying to minimise the disruption to the public. We actually wanted to do it last weekend but the police said no because of the Pope's visit, and they didn't want to have another major event in the city, so we changed it to this weekend.
"Police will be escorting us in a rolling road block, so only the sections of the road with motorcycles will be closed. We will be driving at a steady 30mph or so, so delays should be minimal."
The government plans to add 1p to petrol and diesel prices from 1 October, at a time when the cost of petrol and diesel is already likely to rise because of increasing crude oil prices and weaker sterling.
Mr Forsyth added: "It always seems to be the motorist that's hit the hardest. We are the easiest target because the Government knows we need fuel, and it's not just commuters but delivery drivers who rely on their vehicles for work.
"Many of our members use their motorcycles to commute into Edinburgh for work. There's a large number of motorcycle-only spaces in the city, and they're usually all full.
"Many people think that motorcycles are more of a recreational hobby but for many it's their main form of travel."
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said the force would be working with the organisers to facilitate the protest and will make all efforts to reduce the impact on the travelling public.
She added: "The route, which includes the A90 southwards from Kinross across the Forth Road Bridge then along the A90 into Central Edinburgh, may result in some delays for motorists. Police would encourage other road users who will be travelling on these roads from noon until 1.30pm on Saturday to consider revising their route or altering their travelling time.
"King's Stables Road is the only route that will be closed, all others will be on a traffic hold basis only."
NEWS: Questions Over Squaddie Death
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 16, 2010, Thursday
A YOUNG judo champion and soldier has been laid to rest with full military honours as mourners were told of unanswered questions around her death.
Corporal Stephanie Hart, originally from Sighthill, died at the age of 29 while serving with 10th Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment.
A coroner's inquest is under way to discover the circumstances around her body being found on a recreation ground in Farnham, just outside Aldershot, where she was based.
Cpl Hart, known as Steph, was stationed in the town as part of a British force attached to the predominantly Nepalese regiment and had seen service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Her family have spoken of the devastating loss of a "fantastic daughter" who took a bronze for Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 before signing up for the army shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iraq.
A eulogy from Cpl Hart's mother Janet, read out at her funeral at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium yesterday, spoke of unanswered questions.
She said: "To Stephanie, my daughter, so many questions, so few answers, so many things left unsaid.
"You were the light of my life and now that light has been diminished. You are in my thoughts and in my heart. Till we meet again, mum."
At her funeral, Cpl Hart was described as "a young woman who gave so much to all who knew her in the world of judo and in the army".
Standing over her coffin, which was draped in the British flag with a single red rose, her father Ian, 60, who lives in Broxburn, said: "This should have been my day, with Steph here and me in there, but it's not."
Cpl Hart won her first Scottish senior judo title at the age of 15 and represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games. After joining the army, she led the Combined Services Ladies Team to the national team medal.
A spokesman for Cpl Hart's regiment refused to comment until the inquest has concluded.
A police spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that Cpl Stephanie Hart's body was found at Heath End Recreation Ground, Farnham, at 11.30am on 28 August 2010. Police have found no suspicious circumstances."
The coroner's inquest is not expected to return a verdict for another four weeks.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 16, 2010, Thursday
A YOUNG judo champion and soldier has been laid to rest with full military honours as mourners were told of unanswered questions around her death.
Corporal Stephanie Hart, originally from Sighthill, died at the age of 29 while serving with 10th Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment.
A coroner's inquest is under way to discover the circumstances around her body being found on a recreation ground in Farnham, just outside Aldershot, where she was based.
Cpl Hart, known as Steph, was stationed in the town as part of a British force attached to the predominantly Nepalese regiment and had seen service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Her family have spoken of the devastating loss of a "fantastic daughter" who took a bronze for Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 before signing up for the army shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iraq.
A eulogy from Cpl Hart's mother Janet, read out at her funeral at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium yesterday, spoke of unanswered questions.
She said: "To Stephanie, my daughter, so many questions, so few answers, so many things left unsaid.
"You were the light of my life and now that light has been diminished. You are in my thoughts and in my heart. Till we meet again, mum."
At her funeral, Cpl Hart was described as "a young woman who gave so much to all who knew her in the world of judo and in the army".
Standing over her coffin, which was draped in the British flag with a single red rose, her father Ian, 60, who lives in Broxburn, said: "This should have been my day, with Steph here and me in there, but it's not."
Cpl Hart won her first Scottish senior judo title at the age of 15 and represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games. After joining the army, she led the Combined Services Ladies Team to the national team medal.
A spokesman for Cpl Hart's regiment refused to comment until the inquest has concluded.
A police spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that Cpl Stephanie Hart's body was found at Heath End Recreation Ground, Farnham, at 11.30am on 28 August 2010. Police have found no suspicious circumstances."
The coroner's inquest is not expected to return a verdict for another four weeks.
NEWS: Woman Miscarries After Assault
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 15, 2010, Wednesday
A VULNERABLE pregnant woman suffered a miscarriage after she was hit over the head with a bottle and beaten as she tried to buy drugs for a friend in a Capital underpass.
Emma Flint, 27, suffered head injuries, cuts, bruising to her abdomen and bleeding during the assault, despite begging her attackers to stop because she was pregnant.
Last week her attacker, heroin addict Natalie Paterson, 40, was jailed for 14 months for the attack but both Ms Flint and her family believe she should have been given a far harsher sentence.
Miss Flint, of Craigentinny, said: "She ended a life that day and should have been given 10 years."
She said she had gone to the underpass in Murrayburn Drive in Wester Hailes to "buy some smoke" for a friend from the group.
She said: "When I arrived a gang of them set about me. Natalie hit me over the head with a bottle and I fell, then they all started laying into me.
"I kept saying to them 'stop, stop, I'm pregnant' but apparently that didn't matter to them.
"They stole everything from me, my mobile, money, keys and fags, and ran away. As she was running, Natalie turned around and said, 'if I see you round here again you'll end up in a box'.
"Somehow I managed to get up and make it to the main road. I nearly got hit by a cab because I was staggering around, and someone phoned the emergency services.
"I was in hospital for a few hours. Three days later I discovered I had miscarried. The attack has ruined my life and yet Natalie Paterson will probably be free in seven months. I know it's a cliche, but the law is an ass."
In a letter to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Miss Flint's doctor Ewen Stewart, of Rose Garden Medical Centre, confirmed that she was pregnant at the time of the assault.
He said: "I can confirm that on 11 August 2008 we received a fax from the Pregnancy Support Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh confirming that she had a complete miscarriage. This does appear to have been following the incident."
Paterson sobbed as she was jailed last Wednesday, having previously admitted to assault and robbery at the Murrayburn Drive underpass on 7 August 2008.
Two other people were charged in connection with the assault but their not-guilty pleas were accepted. Paterson was also sentenced to a further two months for a separate assault on a child in 2009.
Defence lawyer Paul Dunn told the court that Paterson had been the victim of a serious crime herself in 2005 and had spiralled into a series of crimes, but that she was taking steps to get off the drink and drugs she turned to after being the victim of a crime.
Sheriff Noble said: "You did participate in an assault and robbery on a woman with learning difficulties. It can only be dealt with by way of custody."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 15, 2010, Wednesday
A VULNERABLE pregnant woman suffered a miscarriage after she was hit over the head with a bottle and beaten as she tried to buy drugs for a friend in a Capital underpass.
Emma Flint, 27, suffered head injuries, cuts, bruising to her abdomen and bleeding during the assault, despite begging her attackers to stop because she was pregnant.
Last week her attacker, heroin addict Natalie Paterson, 40, was jailed for 14 months for the attack but both Ms Flint and her family believe she should have been given a far harsher sentence.
Miss Flint, of Craigentinny, said: "She ended a life that day and should have been given 10 years."
She said she had gone to the underpass in Murrayburn Drive in Wester Hailes to "buy some smoke" for a friend from the group.
She said: "When I arrived a gang of them set about me. Natalie hit me over the head with a bottle and I fell, then they all started laying into me.
"I kept saying to them 'stop, stop, I'm pregnant' but apparently that didn't matter to them.
"They stole everything from me, my mobile, money, keys and fags, and ran away. As she was running, Natalie turned around and said, 'if I see you round here again you'll end up in a box'.
"Somehow I managed to get up and make it to the main road. I nearly got hit by a cab because I was staggering around, and someone phoned the emergency services.
"I was in hospital for a few hours. Three days later I discovered I had miscarried. The attack has ruined my life and yet Natalie Paterson will probably be free in seven months. I know it's a cliche, but the law is an ass."
In a letter to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Miss Flint's doctor Ewen Stewart, of Rose Garden Medical Centre, confirmed that she was pregnant at the time of the assault.
He said: "I can confirm that on 11 August 2008 we received a fax from the Pregnancy Support Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh confirming that she had a complete miscarriage. This does appear to have been following the incident."
Paterson sobbed as she was jailed last Wednesday, having previously admitted to assault and robbery at the Murrayburn Drive underpass on 7 August 2008.
Two other people were charged in connection with the assault but their not-guilty pleas were accepted. Paterson was also sentenced to a further two months for a separate assault on a child in 2009.
Defence lawyer Paul Dunn told the court that Paterson had been the victim of a serious crime herself in 2005 and had spiralled into a series of crimes, but that she was taking steps to get off the drink and drugs she turned to after being the victim of a crime.
Sheriff Noble said: "You did participate in an assault and robbery on a woman with learning difficulties. It can only be dealt with by way of custody."
NEWS: A Death Off Barracks
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 13, 2010, Monday
THE father of a former Scots judo champion who died suddenly while serving in the army in England has paid tribute to his "fantastic daughter".
Corporal Stephanie Hart, originally from Sighthill, took a bronze for Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 before signing up for the army shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iraq.
She died aged just 29 while serving in Aldershot, Hampshire, where she was stationed with 10th Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment.
Miss Hart, known as Steph, was stationed in the town as part of a British force attached to the predominantly Nepalese regiment. Her death on August 28 occurred off barracks.
Miss Hart's father Ian, 60, who lives in Broxburn, said: "I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. She wasn't only a friend to me but a friend to many.
"She was a fantastic daughter. She liked school, even though she didn't particularly excel. She was excellent at college, where she did sports science, and had ambitions to go to university but she put it on hold to train in judo for the Commonwealth Games. She was told that you only get one shot at it, whereas you can study any time, so she went for it.
"We were delighted when she got her lottery funding and I supported her every step of the way, but despite the funding I had to put a lot more money into her training than I ever had.
"In the end she decided to join the army to prove to everyone that she was able to stand on her own two feet and make a living."
Mr Hart declined to comment on the circumstances of her death, or discuss her military career, saying he would prefer to leave these matters to the army.
An army spokeswoman declined to comment on the cause of death, except to say that an initial police investigation found no suspicious circumstances.
She added: "A full inquest was also carried out and returned no outstanding questions. As far as the army is concerned the matter is now closed."
Miss Hart joined her local judo club aged eight. She won her first Scottish senior title at the age of 15 and represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games.
After joining the army, she led the Combined Services Ladies Team to the national team medal in 2002.
Mr Hart added: "Stephanie was outstanding, as a sportswoman, as a soldier, a daughter, a sister, auntie and cousin. Everybody loved her.
"We loved her and the army loved her. She put into her 29 years ten times what most people put into their whole life. I couldn't be more proud of her."
A statement from the British Judo Association said: "Steph was the ultimate professional as well as a talented sportswoman, a true ambassador and role model for all.
"Steph will be sadly missed by her judo friends, who remember her as an effervescent player who always had time for everyone."
Miss Hart served in Iraq as part of the first British non-special forces unit across the border from Kuwait at the start of the war. She later transferred to the Royal Logistics Corps, and came back from a tour of duty to Afghanistan in March.
She is survived by her father, her mother Janet, siblings Phil, Sharon and Terry.
She is to be given a full military funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium Main Chapel on Wednesday.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 13, 2010, Monday
THE father of a former Scots judo champion who died suddenly while serving in the army in England has paid tribute to his "fantastic daughter".
Corporal Stephanie Hart, originally from Sighthill, took a bronze for Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 before signing up for the army shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iraq.
She died aged just 29 while serving in Aldershot, Hampshire, where she was stationed with 10th Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment.
Miss Hart, known as Steph, was stationed in the town as part of a British force attached to the predominantly Nepalese regiment. Her death on August 28 occurred off barracks.
Miss Hart's father Ian, 60, who lives in Broxburn, said: "I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. She wasn't only a friend to me but a friend to many.
"She was a fantastic daughter. She liked school, even though she didn't particularly excel. She was excellent at college, where she did sports science, and had ambitions to go to university but she put it on hold to train in judo for the Commonwealth Games. She was told that you only get one shot at it, whereas you can study any time, so she went for it.
"We were delighted when she got her lottery funding and I supported her every step of the way, but despite the funding I had to put a lot more money into her training than I ever had.
"In the end she decided to join the army to prove to everyone that she was able to stand on her own two feet and make a living."
Mr Hart declined to comment on the circumstances of her death, or discuss her military career, saying he would prefer to leave these matters to the army.
An army spokeswoman declined to comment on the cause of death, except to say that an initial police investigation found no suspicious circumstances.
She added: "A full inquest was also carried out and returned no outstanding questions. As far as the army is concerned the matter is now closed."
Miss Hart joined her local judo club aged eight. She won her first Scottish senior title at the age of 15 and represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games.
After joining the army, she led the Combined Services Ladies Team to the national team medal in 2002.
Mr Hart added: "Stephanie was outstanding, as a sportswoman, as a soldier, a daughter, a sister, auntie and cousin. Everybody loved her.
"We loved her and the army loved her. She put into her 29 years ten times what most people put into their whole life. I couldn't be more proud of her."
A statement from the British Judo Association said: "Steph was the ultimate professional as well as a talented sportswoman, a true ambassador and role model for all.
"Steph will be sadly missed by her judo friends, who remember her as an effervescent player who always had time for everyone."
Miss Hart served in Iraq as part of the first British non-special forces unit across the border from Kuwait at the start of the war. She later transferred to the Royal Logistics Corps, and came back from a tour of duty to Afghanistan in March.
She is survived by her father, her mother Janet, siblings Phil, Sharon and Terry.
She is to be given a full military funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium Main Chapel on Wednesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)