Morning briefing: Burglar brothers banned from East Lothian | Woman gives evidence in ‘palimony’ battle | Fat cats runners up in Pet Fit Club

TWO brothers with a history of housebreaking have been kicked out of East Lothian in the first banning order of its kind served by the council.

Paul and Gordon Williamson, who have more than 30 convictions for burglary, are barred from entering the county under a landmark antisocial behaviour ruling.

It is understood the interim ban was enforced due to the “unsual and extreme case of antisocial behaviour” perpetrated by the pair. A court will consider whether to grant full Asbos later this month.

Today, politicians applauded the council for helping to protect residents from repeat offenders. Iain Gray, MSP for East Lothian, said: “I’m glad the local authority has been prepared to use these powers in this case to stop the disruption caused by these two brothers and I think most residents will be quite happy to know that they are no longer allowed in East Lothian.

“I’m glad in this county we still have a strong antisocial behaviour department who work with police and use the legislation that’s available.”

Woman gives evidence in ‘palimony’ battle

AN unemployed mum who is seeking £500,000 from her former partner has told a court how she used to pick up his “dirty” underpants from their bathroom floor.

Jacqueline Whigham, 49, made the claim on the second day of her “palimony” battle at the Court of Session in

Edinburgh.

Ms Whigham is claiming the money from her ex-boyfriend, Steven Owen, insisting she spent years working for the Midlothian-based businessman whilst he built up a property and business empire worth £3 million.

She said that there were occasions during their relationship when she felt she was being abused.

She also told the court how she helped Mr Owen run two businesses – plumbing firm Dial-a-Rod and internet shop Gadget Wizard – for little or no pay.

• A pair of fat cats have been named runners-up in the vet charity’s annual pet slimming contest, Pet Fit Club.

Maverick and Casper shed the pounds during the contest which saw the former slim down from 10.2kg to a more svelte 8.98kg.

Casper, who would pinch food from owner Christine Collins’ other cats and dogs, lost an impressive 19 per cent of his body weight during the competition – originally weighing in at a whopping 8.6kg, he is now a much slimmer 6.96kg.

Andrew Hogg, senior veterinary surgeon at Edinburgh PDSA PetAid hospital, said: “We’re all really happy with the progress that’s been made by both Casper and Maverick. It’s also testament to the effort and commitment shown by [their owners] to help their pets lose weight and ensure a healthier future for them.”