Briefs

Press, 21 March 1983, Page 8

Briefs

Belushi arrest Cathy Evelyn Smith, a singer, aged 35, accused of murdering the American film comedian, John Belushi, has surrendered to the police. Ms Smith was recently indicted in Los Angeles on charges of having injected the actor with a mixture of heroin and cocaine which caused his death.—Toronto.

5000th invitation The singer, Tom Jones, has reached a milestone of sorts; he received his 5000th hotel room key during a concert appearance. A spokeswoman said Jones was given the key during a performance in Las Vegas. He had been keeping count of the keys. For years, women have thrown Jones room keys, underwear, and flowers during his performances.—Las Vegas. Meat Loaf dry

Meat Loaf, the rock star whose album, “Bat Out of Hell,” was a big seller, has filed petitions in the Federal Bankruptcy Court because of financial difficulties. Meat Loaf filed personal and corporate petitions under his real name, Marvin Lee Aday. He has to repay substantial sums advanced by the Cleveland Entertainment Company under a contract for three of his recordings.—New York.

Nanok S. freed

The Australian Antarctic supply ship, the Nanok S., has broken free from the ice floe which trapped it for eight days, and is returning to Hobart. A message from the ship, which has 54 people on board, said the Nanok S. had been able to force its way out of the ice without assistance after the floe was broken up by a heavy swell.—Canberra.

Bridal suicides Two young Chinese women had killed themselves by jumping into a well because their parents were about to force them into arranged marriages, a letter in the “China Youth News” says. The author said that she was writing on behalf of more than 30 women in the eastern province of Shandong who had been forced to marry.— Peking. S69M for lawyers The British Government has offered £3O million (?69 million) to solicitors and barristers in part-settlement of back pay owed in long-run-ning legal aid cases. The amount, which would only partly meet the total owed by the Government, has been set aside after complaints by lawyers over delays in payment for civil legal aid cases that have run for two years or more.—London.