Papers cover new motorist fines

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There is not a lot of Christmas cheer on some front pages of the newspapers.

The Daily Telegraph says police will be given the power to issue on-the-spot fines and put points on licences when dealing with minor road accidents.

The Independent's front page carries the headline: "Millions stranded in trains fiasco."

It refers to the annual 58-hour Christmas railway shut down, even though Network Rail pledged action after last year's closure.

Abuse cases

The Guardian says animal rights activists are continuing threats against scores of companies linked to Huntingdon Life Sciences.

Four such activists were convicted at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday of conspiracy to blackmail.

Hundreds of children who suffered neglect or abuse at the hands of their parents have been given the green light to sue local councils, says the Times.

The paper says damages could total millions of pounds.

"Twas the fight before Christmas" is the Sun's headline.

The Royal Marines, in Helmand Province, are said to have returned fire after being attacked during a carol service.

Slim pickings

Neighbourhood crime adviser Louise Casey tells of opposition within the probation service to forcing offenders to wear high visibility jackets.

As explained in the Times, the jackets have "community payback" on them and are worn while the offenders carry out community service.

The Telegraph says a developer in Suffolk has permission to build Britain's narrowest detached house.

The three-storey property at Bury St Edmunds will be just nine feet wide.

The Daily Mail reports on a doctor in California who has been helping his patients to lose weight and help save the planet.

Alan Bittner has been using fat extracted in liposuction to power his Ford Explorer 4X4 and his girlfriend's Lincoln Navigator.