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By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 02:42 EST, 10 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:06 EST, 10 June 2013 . A self-proclaimed Nazi who is trying to gain custody of his children having named his son after Adolf Hitler was a wife-beating tyrant who was obsessed with the devil, his wife has claimed. Cathy Bowlby, who was married to white supremacist Heath Campbell for three years, revealed he tried to name their first-born Lucifer. But she 'talked him out of it' by suggesting that their son take their father's name instead. Scroll down for video . Wife-beater: Heath Campbell, 40, appeared at a New Jersey court last week  to try to reclaim custody of his children, wearing full Nazi . regalia and accompanied by fellow Nazi Bethanie White . Full regalia: Heath Campbell, appeared at a New Jersey court on Monday, in a Nazi outfit to convince a judge that he was a good father and should have custody of his children . Campbell appeared at court on Monday . dressed in full Nazi uniform as he tried to convince a judge that he was . a good father - despite having named one of his children Adolf. But Bowlby told the New York Daily News: 'He claimed that his mother was raped and he was the evil seed planted inside her. 'He believed he was the devil reborn . to take over the world. He'd say, "I believe in the devil. I worship the . devil. I am the devil."' Last week, Heath Campbell, who had four children, asked the judge to be allowed to see his 18-month-old son Hons. Campbell, . from New Jersey, has given three of his children Nazi-inspired names . but claims he is fit to be a father and has never abused them. Bowlby said one of his favorite activities was taking her on car rides to a local cemetery. 'To show me where he was going to bury me when he killed me,' she said. Ordeal: Heath and Deborah Campbell, pictured with son that they named Adolf Hitler, The couple have since separated . Rescued: Adolf Hitler, right, and his sister Aryan Nation were taken into custody in 2009 and have since been adopted . She also claimed he terrorised their . son, Heath. Once, furious that his two-year-old had knocked into the . curtains, Campbell picked up a running vacuum cleaner and held it inches . from Heath’s face, she said. 'He was absolutely terrified,' Bowlby . told the New York Daily News. 'For years after, he would scream and cry . when he saw a vacuum cleaner.' Before appearing in court, Campbell, who had a swastika tattoo clearly showing on his neck, told NBC10: 'I'm going to tell the judge, I love my children. I wanna be a father, let me be it. 'Let me prove to the world that I am a good father.' Pleas: White supremacist Campbell, his swastika tattoo on show,said that he wanted to show the world he could be a good father . Controversial: Campbell, who has his own neo-Nazi organization, walks into court with a supporter wearing knee-high boots and a swastika arm band . He . said that he had never abused his children and had only named them. He . has not seen his children in two years and the eldest three have been . adopted. The . 40-year-old white appeared at a hearing in Hunterdon County Family Court . in Flemington, New Jersey. His regalia included knee-high black boots . and swastika patches. He told the TV station that whether wearing his Nazi uniform might sway the judge's decision, depended on the judge. Bethanie White, a member of his organization 'Hitler's Order', was with Campbell at court - also covered in swastikas. Decisions: The Campbells, pictured leaving court in 2009, said they chose the names as they were unique . Adolf Hitler Campbell, six, and his younger sisters Joycelynn Aryan Nation, five, and Honszlynn Hinler, four, were taken into custody in January 2009. State . officials also took another son, Hons Campbell, from his parents Heath . and Deborah Campbell just hours after he was born in November 2011. A court denied the Campbells' appeal to have their children returned last year. The Nazi-inspired names came to light . after a store refused to decorate a birthday cake reading 'Happy . birthday Adolf Hitler' in December 2008. In 2010, a . New Jersey appeals court ruled there was sufficient evidence of abuse . or neglect due to prior domestic violence to seize the children. Authorities insisted putting the children into care had nothing to do with their names. Court records from previous hearings show that the oldest child, Adolf, frequently threatened to kill people. The . mother reportedly had also once given a note to her neighbour saying she . was terrified of her husband, who had threatened to kill her. The Campbells have previously defended the names, saying they chose them simply because they liked them and they were unique. Campbell said he named his son after the Nazi leader as 'no one else in the world would have that name'. Campbell has since separated from his wife and she has given up rights to her children. A follow-up hearing has been scheduled for later this month.

Ex-wife reveals Heath Campbell tried to name their first-born Lucifer . She said: 'He believed he was the devil reborn . to take over the world' Last week, Campbell said he was a good father outside New Jersey court .

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Refusal: Owen Paterson has refused a Freedom of Information Act request to supply details about talks with the GM industry trade body . Ministers are trying to cover up secret briefings with GM companies hoping to push ‘Frankenfood’ on to dinner tables. Owen Paterson has refused a Freedom of Information Act request to supply details about talks with the GM industry trade body. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary has led the charge to encourage a sceptical public to accept genetically modified crops being grown on UK farms and sold in supermarkets. He has also been lobbying the EU to let Britain grow crops such as GM maize even if they are banned in other countries. It has emerged that these efforts are being carried out in partnership with the Agricultural Biotechnology Council, which is financed by GM companies such as Monsanto, Syngenta and Bayer CropScience. The revelations come weeks after it was revealed that a group of scientists behind an official government study backing GM all had links to the industry. Now there is evidence of meetings and briefings involving ministers and the ABC and its industry backers. There have been no such meetings with groups worried about the impact of GM on human health and the countryside. The campaign group GeneWatch UK made a Freedom of Information request to find out what was said at the briefings, but Mr Paterson’s department has refused to give details. The group has lodged a formal complaint with the Information Commissioner in the hope that ministers will be forced to admit how GM companies are driving government policy. Action: The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary has led the charge to encourage a sceptical public to accept genetically modified crops being grown on UK farms and sold in supermarkets (file picture) GeneWatch director Dr Helen Wallace said: ‘The evidence strongly suggests the Government is colluding with the GM industry to manipulate the media, undermine access to GM-free-fed meat and dairy products and plot the return of GM crops to Britain. ‘The public have a right to know what is going on behind closed doors.’ Dr Wallace added: ‘Ministers who should be protecting our environment have put Monsanto and Syngenta in the driving seat of policy on GM crops and foods, despite growing evidence that the GM crops... will harm British wildlife such as butterflies.’ Defra has refused to provide details of a telephone conference between the department and the ABC on June 10 last year. Ten days later, Mr Paterson made a speech calling for opposition to be dropped and claiming GM crops and food were ‘probably safer’ than the conventional equivalent. The ministry has also refused to release a ‘message on media suggestions’ sent by the ABC to Defra last April, or details of discussions between Monsanto and Defra two months before. Tesco, Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Sainsbury’s later decided to end bans on using GM feed for chickens. Defra has also refused to provide details of a meeting and emails between former environment minister David Heath and the ABC in January last year. Defra said: ‘We provided as much information as possible  in response to GeneWatch’s request. Any information withheld was within the legislation.’ ABC deputy chairman Dr Tom Lyall said: ‘We have regular dialogue with a range of stakeholders, including policy makers.’

Ministers are trying to cover up secret briefings with GM companies . Owen Paterson has refused FOI request to supply details about talks . Has encouraged public to accept GM crops being sold in supermarkets . Has also been lobbying EU to let Britain grow crops banned elsewhere . He is working in partnership with Agricultural Biotechnology Council .

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Ed Miliband was warned by Lord Mandelson (pictured) that he risks opening a ‘credibility gap’ over his spending plans . Ed Miliband was warned he risks opening a ‘credibility gap’ over his spending plans as it emerged Labour has not agreed how it would pay for a cut to university fees. The Labour leader is expected to announce details of the party’s key policy to lower tuition fees from £9,000 to £6,000 within days, but has yet to reach agreement with shadow chancellor Ed Balls on how this will be funded. Lord Mandelson weighed into the row yesterday, admitting the policy was not yet finished and insisting Labour must say where it will find the money. Otherwise, he said, it would face a ‘credibility gap’ over its plans to cut the deficit. Lord Mandelson, who was Business Secretary under Gordon Brown and was in charge of universities, said it was ‘inconceivable’ that Labour could cut funding to the sector. He told an audience of academics and university administrators in London: ‘If any reduction in fees is announced, and I’m not assuming that it will be, it’s absolutely vital that replacement funding from taxation is identified and announced at the same time. ‘Not in a generalised way, but in a specific way. Because that will ensure that no credibility gap is opened up either around university funding or the Labour Party’s commitment to reducing the fiscal deficit.’ He supported Government claims that the rise in fees to £9,000 had not led to a fall in university applications, pointing out that even the poorest students were now more likely to apply. Lord Mandelson also said cutting fees for UK students could increase the rate at which universities recruit from abroad to plug the funding gap – potentially ‘at the expense’ of home applicants. When he campaigned for the leadership of the Labour Party, Mr Miliband proposed a graduate tax as an alternative to tuition fees. Labour leader Ed Miliband is expected to announce details of the party’s key policy to lower tuition fees from £9,000 to £6,000 within days, but has yet to reach agreement on how this will be funded . But Labour is yet to agree on its stance ahead of May’s election. Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable said cutting fees to £6,000 would be ‘foolish’, costing the exchequer £10billion over five years. '[It] would be a populist gesture which would achieve nothing and do a lot of damage,’ he wrote in a letter to Mr Miliband. Critics of cutting fees point out that the benefits would mainly go to the highest-earning graduates because they would end up paying less. A Labour Party spokesman said its policy on university fees would be ‘set out shortly’. Lord Mandelson, who was Business Secretary under Gordon Brown (both pictured) and was in charge of universities, said it was ‘inconceivable’ that Labour could cut funding to the sector . ■A Pact between Labour and the SNP would be ‘the ultimate nightmare’ that could break up and bankrupt Britain, David Cameron warned yesterday. He accused Ed Miliband of betraying the Union for refusing to rule out an election deal with the SNP, who are on course for a landslide in Scotland. Speaking at the Tory conference in Edinburgh, he said it was ‘appalling’ that Labour wrapped itself in the Union flag last year and is now willing to ‘work with a bunch of people who would rip up that flag’.

Miliband has been warned he risks opening 'credibility gap' on spending . He is due to announce details of party's key policy of lower tuition fees . But it has emerged Labour has not yet agreed how it will pay for cuts . Lord Mandelson has insisted Labour must say where it will find the money . Labour spokesman said policy on university fees would be ‘set out shortly’

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By . Sam Adams . PUBLISHED: . 03:51 EST, 29 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:42 EST, 29 April 2013 . Accused: American tour guide Kenneth Bae faces the death penalty in North Korea for allegedly photographing starving orphans . An American tour guide faces the death penalty in North Korea after allegedly taking photographs of orphans begging in the street. Kenneth Bae was arrested in November while leading a group of tourists through the rogue state's Rason Special Economic Zone and later admitted to committing 'crimes aimed to topple the DPRK,' according to a Korean news agency. The exact reasons for his arrest have not been confirmed by North Korea but sources in the country say he is accused of photographing starving children. Identified in North Korea’s state media by his Korean name, Pae Jun Ho, Mr Bae is a tour operator of Korean descent. He is the sixth American detained in the secretive country since 2009. The other Americans were eventually deported or released after high-profile diplomatic interventions, including some involving former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Analysts say the North will likely soon hand Mr Bae a harsh punishment to use him as a bargaining chip in possible negotiations with the United States. In 2009, American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were arrested and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for trespassing and unspecified hostile acts. They were freed later that year after former President Bill Clinton visited Pyongyang to negotiate their release. ‘The preliminary inquiry into crimes . committed by American citizen Pae Jun Ho closed,’ the official Korean . Central News Agency said in a brief report. ‘In the process of . investigation he admitted that he committed crimes aimed to topple the . DPRK with hostility toward it. His crimes were proved by evidence.’ Under . North Korea's criminal code, terrorist acts include murdering, . kidnapping and injuring the country's citizens can lead to a death . sentence or life in jail. Tensions . between North Korea and the US have remained high since the state . expressed outrage over a February nuclear test and ongoing U.S.-South . Korean . military drills. Rogue: Led by Kim Jong Un, pictured, North Korea has indicted Mr Bae on charges of plotting to overthrow the government . Ruling: North Korea says it will soon deliver a verdict in the case of Mr Bae (pictured, Pyongyang's Supreme Court) North Korea and the United States fought the 1950-53 Korean War and still do not have diplomatic relations. The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents the United States. North Korea's state media and the U.S. government have made little information about Mr Bae public. But his friends, colleagues and South Korean activists specializing in North Korea affairs said he is a Christian missionary based in a Chinese border town who frequently made trips to North Korea to feed orphans there. It is not known whether he tried to evangelize while in North Korea. Officially, North Korea guarantees freedom of religion. In practice, authorities crack down on Christians, who are seen as Western-influenced threats to the government. The distribution of Bibles and secret prayer services can mean banishment to a labor camp or execution, defectors from the country have said.

Kenneth Bae was arrested while leading tour group near Chinese border . Reported to have taken photographs of orphans begging on streets . Could face death for 'crimes' aimed to topple the country's government .

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By . Joshua Gardner . PUBLISHED: . 08:46 EST, 15 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:22 EST, 15 March 2013 . Long-time ‘Jeopardy’ emcee Alex Trebek has been with the quiz show nearly 30 years, but he may be on his way out and this ‘Today’ show host might just replace him. Who is Matt Lauer? Ratings have plummeted for the ‘Today’ show, which now plays second fiddle to ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ in the battle for top morning news program. Ann Curry was the last ‘Today’ host to face the axe for sinking ratings. Now, Matt Lauer’s popularity has hit an all-time low and he’s facing the blame, too. Way out: Matt Lauer's claim to the daytime throne may have ended, but some say he could move on to host 'Jeopardy' as Alex Trebek exits . Cue Sony Pictures Television, owner of the popular game show, who are now reported by the New York Post to be courting Lauer to be their next host. Exiting: Alex Trebek has hosted the popular game show since 1984, but his age and health complaints mean his current contract, up in 2016, is his last . Current host Alex Trebek has hosted ‘Jeopardy’ since it was rebooted in 1984. He also suffered his second heart attack last summer and it has been reported that he wants to retire. Sony has managed to keep Trebek onboard for another three years, however. Meanwhile, their feelers are now out in search of a new host to replace the man whose name is synonymous with ‘Jeopardy.’ One of those names is Anderson Cooper. The CNN host’s contract is up soon and he’s hosted game shows before—ABC’s ‘The Mole.’ The more likely candidate, however, appears to be Matt Lauer. Lauer’s . been on ‘Today’ since 1994 and host since 1997. Last year, he signed a . multi-year contract that was rumored to pay the host a whopping $25 . million per year. At the . time, NBC News president Steve Capus told the New York Times, 'Matt is . the franchise, and our franchise player has decided to keep leading our . team.' However, since the early 2012 contract signing, things have gotten steadily worse for ‘Today’ and the show has lost its 16-year edge on ‘Good Morning America.’ NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 15: Anderson Cooper attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 11th Annual An Enduring Vision Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street on October 15, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) Many believe Lauer’s sunken popularity may be largely to blame. This has insiders speculating that Lauer could take seriously the offer of a new gig as ‘Jeopardy’ host. Lauer’s lucrative ‘Today’ contract ends in 2014, which would give him a long vacation before potentially filling Trebek’s shoes when the ‘Jeopardy’ host ends his own run in 2016.

Plummeting 'Today' ratings have insiders doubting if Lauer will be kept on when his $25 million a year contract is up in 2014 . Trebek's name is synonymous with the 'Jeopardy' brand, which has Sony scrambling to find a viable replacement when his run ends in 2016 . Anderson Cooper is also reportedly a person of interest in the quest to replace Trebek .

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Rio de Janeiro (CNN) -- Among the fearless young men carving scars into the faces of towering waves, is the "King of Surfing." At 41, Kelly Slater is old enough to be the father of some of his competitors on the Surfing World Tour. But the 11-time world champion -- dubbed "King Kelly" -- is far from washed up. At a time when his friends are settled down with families, the original surfing pin-up boy is still scoring perfect 10s on the international circuit. "Friends that were on tour with me 20 years ago, 10 years ago, are now family guys married with kids," he said. "They say 'I can't believe you're still doing it, that you're looking for waves every day.' "But I want to surf better tomorrow. I want to surf better in 10 years. When I'm 50 I want to be a better surfer than I am now -- for me it's a lifelong journey." Rise to the top . For Slater, it's a journey that began as a child growing up in the surfing town of Cocoa Beach, in Florida. Aged 20 he became the youngest person to win the Surfing World Championship, smashing the record books again when he also became the oldest person to win the title at 39. Watch video: Looking for the perfect wave . Indeed, Slater is one of the few professional surfers to have transcended the niche sports magazines to the society pages, appearing in dozens of films and starring in hit 1990s TV show Baywatch. "I wanted to be [the actor] Steve Martin when I was a kid. I wanted to be a comedian," said Slater. "When I was eight or 10 years old I didn't know that I could have a career from surfing. There were pro surfers who were my heroes, but those guys weren't rich. They were just surfing and traveling and that's really been the goal my whole life." Spiritual surfing . Surfing is more than a career for Slater -- it's a spiritual experience, providing solace and filling him with a sense of wonder at nature. "Surfing is my religion, if I have one," he said. "The barrel [the hollow of a breaking wave] is really the ultimate ride for any surfer. It's the eye of the storm. Some guys say it's like being in the womb. "For me it's sort of like time slows down. You become hyper aware of a lot of different things -- the way the wave is breaking, timing, putting yourself in the right part of the barrel. It takes all of your mental capacity to do it just right." Despite being one of the oldest competitors on the international circuit, Slater has lost none of the grace, skill and fearlessness that made him the most successful surfer in the history of the sport. He scored a perfect 10 for a jaw-dropping reverse flip at notoriously treacherous Bell's Beach in southern Australia last year. "This section came at me, and I just launched myself, kind of a 'Hail Mary,'" said Slater. "I didn't know if I was going to land it, or if I was going to break my board, or if I was going to break an ankle." Daredevils . But along with the thrills come huge dangers, with Slater admitting that many of his friends have drowned while surfing. "It makes you think about what it's worth. But what's life worth? Life's worth experiences and it's worth the people in your life too," he said. "I'm sure it's different once you have a partner in your life or kids -- maybe that one wave's not that important any more." And as technology develops, the mega waves which decades ago surfers could only dream of riding, are now within reach. Today, thrill seekers are towed by jet ski into colossal waves that would once have been out of bounds. But the dangers are just as large, with surfers risking being pushed up to 15-meters below the water. "Big waves are a whole different ball game," said Slater. "You're riding a wave with an immense amount of speed and power, generally over 10 meters. On the face of the wave, obviously life and death thoughts start to happen." Same ball game . Slater has been chasing waves his whole life. And you get the feeling his obsession with the water has little to do with the $3.5 million in prize money he's earned. "The other day we were watching this dog chasing a ball, and I was like 'God wouldn't it be so great if you could do the same thing over and over and over again your whole life and it's still as fun?'" he said. "And I'm like: wait! That's what we do. We travel around the whole world just to do that. So waves for surfers are like balls for dogs. We're just constantly chasing them." He may have been playing the same ball game over more than four decades, but when it comes to surfing, Slater's love is as deep as the ocean.

"King Kelly" Slater is the most successful pro surfer in history . At 41, Slater competes against surfers half his age, shows no sign of slowing down . Surfing is a "religion" for 11-time world champion, who finds beauty and solace in waves . Thrill comes with danger, with friends losing lives to giant waves .

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By . Joshua Gardner . Shocking tornado footage shows how a Nebraska home was lifted completely off its foundations, spun in the air and then placed right back where it came from. Only the Pilger home was facing the wrong direction as a terrified father and his two young children survived the ordeal just inches below in the basement. It may be the most bizarre and fascinating tale to emerge from the horrific afternoon on June 16 when twin twisters all but destroyed the prairie town of 350 people and took the lives of two. Scroll down for video . Nature's fury: Many experts believe this shocking footage shows a home being picked up and spun in the air be one of the twin twisters that ravaged the town of Pilger, Nebraska on June 16 . Unbelievable: The home landed back on its original foundations, but it was turned 180 degrees. A father and his two young children managed to survive in its basement . Relief: Corey Savage (pictured kissing his wife Julia) thought all was lost in the moments after the twister blew through his home. The father was with his 4-year-old daughter and toddler son at the time . Experts agree, the structure seen being sucked into the sky in footage taken by storm chaser Dick McGowan and first published on TVNWeather.com could well be a home. 'There’s so many surprising things that have been documented in tornadoes,' Accuweather meteorologist Jack Boston told Omaha.com. 'Driving straw into a wall, sucking all the water out of a swimming pool. So who can say?' The occupants of the Pilger home may be able to attest that the house was indeed turned 180 degrees during the twister, but they were busy taking cover in the basement and praying for their lives to say for sure how it got that way. Corey Savage thought all was lost in the moments after the twister blew through his home. The father was with his 4-year-old daughter and toddler son when he ran for safety with just a blanket to protect them. But the powerful storm sucked away the blanket and when it passed, Savage didn't know if his kids had survived. He found . his son nearby with a concrete block in his lap. Savage lifted the the . debris away and the boy was miraculously uninjured. He dug his daughter's limp form out from beneath a water heater and door that weren't even from his home. Not a total loss: The home was a total loss, as was about 80 percent of the town of 350, but all the young Savage family managed to survive . Overcome: Juliana Savage was overcome with emotion as she discussed her family's brush with death . Miraculous: Pictures of the Pilger home before it was bulldozed show just how close to death the Savages came. Note the precarious positioning of the home atop the basement where Corey Savage and children hid . Corey Savage (left) said he and his wife Julia (right) have been too busy picking up the pieces to watch the startling video of their home being lifted . 'Then she stood up,' 25-year-old Savage told Omaha.com. 'She cried, and I cried. I was so happy. I thought she was going to be paralyzed.' They fled the basement as sewage and gas poured in. 'The entire house collapsed down on top of them,' Juliana Savage, who was not with her husband and children during the storm, told Samaritan's Purse. 'I don't know how they made it out alive.' While the Savages' world has been turned upside down, their house appears to only have been turned 180 degrees, though it has--along with about 80 percent of the town of Pilger--now been totally raised. Dual destruction: Twisters approach Pilger on June 16, 2014. The National Weather Service said at least two twisters touched down within roughly a mile of each other in northeaster Nebraska before barreling toward the town of 350 . Corey Savage told Omaha.com he's been too busy picking up the pieces to watch the startling video that many say depicts the very moment his home became a UFO. Photographer Krista Giese, who took pictures of the Savages' home following the tornado, neatly sums up what will likely forever remain a mystery in Pilger. 'It’s one of those things I don’t think we’ll ever know the answer to, no matter how much video we watch,' she said. 'It’s an amazing possibility.' Samaritan's Purse donations page can be found here.

The tiny prairie village of Pilger, Nebraska was all but wiped off the face of the earth June 16 when twin twisters ripped through the town of 350 . Striking footage shows a structure being lifted in the air by one of the twisters and then placed back to the ground . Many believe the structure was a Pilger home that was found turned around 180 degrees after the twisters . Corey Savage miraculously survived in the basement of that home along with his 4-year-old daughter and toddler son .

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By . Jason Groves . David Cameron has ordered Tory fundraisers to build a £30 million election warchest to keep Ed Miliband out of power. Tory chiefs have been told they need to raise £100,000 a day between now and the election to pay for what is set to be the most expensive campaign for years. Insiders say the demanding target is being achieved as entrepreneurs alarmed by Ed Miliband’s anti-business rhetoric reach for their chequebooks. David Cameron has ordered Tory fundraisers to build a £30million election warchest to keep Ed Miliband out of power. It means Tory chiefs will need to raise £100,000 a day between now and the election . A senior Tory source said: ‘We’ve been told we need to raise £100,000 every day – including weekends. It’s a huge target but we’re confident we can hit it. ‘Our message to our donors is quite simple - don’t risk letting Labour back in. ‘We tell them to think of their donation as an insurance policy against Ed Miliband becoming Prime Minister.’ The source said Labour would ‘never raise this amount from the unions – or anyone else’. Election spending for each party is capped at about £20 million in the year running up to the general election. In the last campaign the Conservatives spent £16.7 million – around £3 million short of the limit. Insiders say entrepreneurs alarmed by Ed Miliband's anti-business rhetoric are reaching for their chequebooks . The new target shows the Tories are determined to max out their spending this time. But it also suggests they may want to pay off their £2 million debts and start amassing funds to pay for a potential snap election if next May’s vote results in another hung parliament. The first signs of the new Tory drive came in official figures for party fundraising in the first quarter of this year. The Conservatives raised £6.6 million in this period, compared to £4.4 million for Labour, £1 million for the Liberal Democrats and just under £500,000 for Ukip. The Tory effort comes as Labour faces a funding crisis. The party is already more than £12 million in debt and is unlikely to be able to rely on soft loans from the beleaguered Co-op Bank to keep it afloat. The GMB union has said it will cut £1 million from its automatic affiliation fees following Ed Miliband’s decision to reform Labour’s links with the unions. Affiliation fees are also likely to fall from the other main unions, including Unite, which bankrolls the party. The shortfall will force Mr Miliband to go cap-in-hand to union barons, such as Unite’s Len McCluskey, in the hope of getting top-up donations from their political funds. Mr Miliband’s anti-business rhetoric has seen donations from entrepreneurs all but dry up compared to the New Labour years. Union donations now account for around £80 per cent of Labour’s total.

PM has ordered Tory fundraisers to build £30million election warchest . Tories need to raise £100,000 a day between now and election to hit target . Most expensive campaign in years in attempt to keep Miliband out of power .

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(CNN) -- The presidents of Harvard and Yale universities have expressed interest in ROTC programs after Congress voted to repeal the military's controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy that has banned openly gay and lesbian service members. The universities' statements come five months after Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, then a Supreme Court nominee, came under criticism by Republican senators who complained that she actively tried to block military recruiters from Harvard Law School when she was dean because of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Kagan and the White House have strongly defended her actions, saying that while she opposed the military's policy, Kagan never kept recruiters off the university. Four months after taking the job as Harvard's dean, in October 2003, Kagan offered students her thoughts in a campus-wide e-mail, saying that to give recruiters equal access to the campus "causes me deep distress. I abhor the military's discriminatory recruitment policy." She called it "a profound wrong - a moral injustice of the first order." In a written statement, Harvard President Drew Faust called the act to repeal "don't ask, don't tell" a "historic step." "It affirms American ideals of equal opportunity and underscores the importance of the right to military service as a fundamental dimension of citizenship," Faust said. "I look forward to pursuing discussions with military officials and others to achieve Harvard's full and formal recognition of ROTC. I am very pleased that more students will now have the opportunity to serve their country." Yale University President Richard C. Levin said in a written statement that Yale is "eager to open discussions about expanding opportunities for students interested in military service" and will discuss the matter with the faculty of the college in the spring semester. "Meanwhile, I have asked General Counsel Dorothy Robinson, Secretary Linda Lorimer and Yale College Dean Mary Miller to consult with officials in Washington early in the new year to determine the military¹s interest in establishing an ROTC unit at Yale," Levin said. "We are very hopeful that these discussions will enable us to begin a new chapter in the long history of Yale's support of the U.S. Armed Services." President Barack Obama will sign the repeal on Wednesday morning, the White House has said, setting the stage to allow gay people to serve openly in the military. But the changes aren't expected to take effect for at least a few months. The Pentagon has an 87-page implementation plan for the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." Over the next several weeks, military officials need to examine and rewrite a series of policies, regulations and directives related to the current law. Once that potentially lengthy process is complete, Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen will each have to certify that the repeal can move ahead without negatively affecting unit cohesion and military readiness. After the certification, another 60 days will need to pass before the repeal is officially enacted. Even after the repeal, gay and lesbian service members will not have every right and privilege accorded to heterosexual members of the military, largely because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. A Pentagon study released this month concluded that allowing openly gay or lesbian troops to serve in the military would have little lasting impact on the U.S. armed forces. Opposition to the change was much higher in Army and Marine combat units than in the military as a whole. CNN's Bill Mears, Barbara Starr, Larry Shaughnessy and Alan Silverleib contributed to this report.

Congress votes to repeal the military's policy banning openly gay and lesbian members . Harvard president: "It affirms American ideals of equal opportunity" Yale is "eager" to open talks about expanding opportunities for students interested in military service .

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By . Jessica Jerreat . and James Daniel . and Snejana Farberov . 'Sadist': Radoslaw Czerkawski, 32, an undocumented immigrant from Poland, pleaded not guilty to 11 charges of animal cruelty in the brutal torture of a small pit bull puppy . An undocumented immigrant from Poland pleaded not guilty this morning in Quincy, Massachusetts, to 11 counts of animal cruelty for allegedly torturing a tiny pit bull dubbed 'Puppy Doe' and leaving her for dead in August. A judge ordered Radoslaw Czerkawski, 32, held on $500,000 bail pending a November 21 pretrail hearing. Prosecutors said Czerkawski obtained the dog free of charge on Craigslist and spent weeks brutally abusing her before dumping the tormented puppy in a Quincy park. The pet later had to be put down due to the severity of her injuries. The 1-to-2-year-old pooch reportedly was stabbed in the eye, burned, had her limbs pulled from the joints and had her tongue sliced in half like a serpent. 'I just want to know so bad why he did it. Why her, of all dogs? What did she ever do to him to make him want to hurt her so bad? She loved everybody,' Puppy Doe's former owner Laura Hankins told the Boston Herald. Investigators said they found Puppy Doe's blood in the second-floor Quincy residence where the 32-year-old illegal immigrant was living. According to prosecutors, Czerkawski worked as a home attendant, caring for a 95-year-old Polish dementia patient woman in Quincy, Boston Herald reported. Police say Czerkaswki left Puppy Doe in the park a day after his client passed away. Her death certificate stated that the woman died from 'failure to thrive' caused by her illness. Authorities do not believe that Czerkaswki had anything to do with the woman’s passing. Unholy act: Czerkawski is suspected of stealing 11 checks worth $6,000 from St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in New Bedford, Ma., in April 2012 . When asked during a press conference . Tuesday about a motive behind the sadistic animal abuse, Quincy Police . Chief Paul Keenan said: ‘Who has a motive for something like this? He's . probably just a sick individual.’ Following . Czerkaswki’s arrest in New Britain, Connecticut, Sunday, police in New . Bedford, Massachusetts, announced that the 32-year-old was a suspect in . the theft of $6,000 from a local church, South Coast Today said. Czerkawski is accused of stealing and cashing 11 checks from St Lawrence the Martyr Church, where he had stayed between January and April 2012 after telling the pastor there that he wanted to become a priest. A month after the 32-year-old man left for Canada, the church noticed that three of its accounts were missing a total of $6,000. Czerkawski, a native of Hrubieszow, Poland, has been staying in the U.S. on a tourist visa that expired last month, according to The Patriot Ledger. Besides the charges in the Puppy Doe case, which carry a five-year prison term each, he is expected to face 11 counts of larceny by check over $250 and a single count of larceny in a building in connection to the New Bedford case. Caught: Radoslaw Czerkawski is being held on a fugitive from justice charge in New Britain, Connecticut. Police in Massachusetts believe he could be involved with the dog abuse case . The 32-year-old suspect was found at a La Quinta hotel last Wednesday morning, police said, and appeared in New Britain Superior Court Monday to start the rendition process back to Massachusetts. The charges against Czerkawski is the first significant break in the two-month investigation into the animal cruelty case that sparked outrage among dog lovers from coast to coast. During Czerkawski's arraignment Tuesday, animal activists filled the Quincy courtroom to support Puppy Doe. Outraged dog owners and their four-legged friends also waited outside the courthouse. 'She didn’t deserve what she got. We’re definitely here with our puppies to support her,' dog owner Kelly Duncan told WBZ NewsRadio 1030. Cruel: This two-year-old pit bull was found with horrific injuries . Cops . have spent weeks following the trail of people who have owned the dog, . which had been given away at least once on Craigslist’s animal-adoption . pages by a woman who owned the dog last year. Police . and much of the public have been on the hunt for the suspect since the . female pit bull was found on August 31st close to a local playground. Quincy, . Massachusetts Police, the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the Office . of the District Attorney for the Norfolk District in Massachusetts have . been investigating. Abused: Puppy Doe weighed only 18lb and had been stabbed, burned and tortured . 'Please . be assured that these three agencies are working in concert to identify . and hold accountable the person or persons responsible for the torture . of Puppy Doe. It is highly unlikely that this level of sadistic cruelty . could be shown to one animal and not be part of a pattern involving . other animals or perhaps vulnerable people' Norfolk District Attorney . Michael Morrissey said in a statement. The two-year-old dog, found near a . Massachusetts play park, had been beaten, burned, starved and stabbed in . the eyes in what was described as 'medieval' torture . Animal . rescue workers described the injuries inflicted on the pit bull, . including a crude split to give it a forked serpent tongue, as the worst . they had ever seen. Veterinarians . at the Animal Rescue League of Boston who treated the dog said that she . was emaciated and weighed half of what would be expected for a two year . old. Sweet natured: Despite having broken bones, crushed vertebrae and other injuries, the pit bull was friendly . The dog’s tongue had been split on . purpose. She had also been burned on the nose, stabbed in the eye, and . beaten so severely that she could barely walk. The pit bull had to be . put down due to the extent of her injuries. When she was first found it was thought that she had been hit by a car, but the true nature of her injuries soon came to light. Vet . Martha Smith-Blackmore was so shocked by the extent of the abuse that . she had to walk away and give herself a break as she examined the dog's . body. 'Her joints were pulled apart like medieval times,' she said. 'She was beaten, stabbed, burned over weeks to months and maybe her whole life. And could not walk.' The . vet added: 'When I saw how vulnerable she was and I understood . immediately the duration of her suffering, my heart collapsed.' Torture: The dog's limbs had been repeatedly pulled apart . Public outrage saw a number of tips come flooding in to help the Quincy police department in tracking the perpetrator, along with thousands of dollars that had been set aside for a reward. The Animal Rescue League of Boston offered $5,000, followed by the California-based Animal Legal Defense League put up $2,000. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals offered up another $5,000, and Second Chance Rescue out of New York raised $11,000 for information. The Animal Rescue League raised also raised $35,000 additionally to be put toward the investigation of this and other animal abuse cases. The story has prompted Facebook groups that have become the sites of a tremendous outpouring of outrage and grief, and resulted in a vigil held for 'Puppy Doe.' In pain: The dog had suffered such extensive abuse that she had to be put to sleep . Horrified: Vet Martha Blackmore-Smith says she was heart broken by the extent of abuse the dog suffered . Although there was no evidence of . sexual interference, which the vet said can be seen in such abuse cases, . the dog's joints had been separated from being pulled apart repeatedly. Despite the pain and . suffering Puppy Doe had clearly experienced in her short life, staff at . the rescue center said she was sweet natured. 'Within . hours of being found she had pain medication, food and love. She . experienced some tenderness and some care at the end of her life,' Dr . Smith-Blackmore said, adding that the dog's injuries were so severe she . would have always been in pain if she hadn't been put down. As well as the burn and stab marks, the dog's vertebrae had been smashed from being hit by a baseball bat or board.

Radoslaw Czerkawski, 32, faces 11 counts of animal cruelty, each charge carrying five-year prison sentence . 'Puppy Doe' had been stabbed in the eye and had limbs pulled apart and had her tongue slashed in a forked serpent shape . Czerawski was staying in U.S. on expired tourist visa and working as home attendant to 95-year-old dementia patient . He is suspected of stealing 11 checks worth total of $6,000 from New Bedford, Massachusetts, church in April 2012 .

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(CNN) -- Perhaps nothing illustrates the ambitions of the well-established Gulf carriers -- Emirates, Etihad and Qatar -- and Turkish Airlines so much as the swift expansion of their route networks. Turkish Airlines currently flies to about 253 destinations, and plans to add another 60 to its network in the next five years. Emirates, meanwhile, is rumored to have placed a record-breaking order for Boeing's 777X aircraft. "These carriers have a good modern fleet and can fly long distances, and because of their geographical position, they can connect anywhere from their hub to almost anywhere else in the world, either non-stop, or one-stop," says John Strickland, an independent transport consultant. When it comes to choosing what routes to launch, it happens that the region's major carriers have a carefully calculated strategy that can speak volumes about emerging markets. Slideshow: How drones will change your life . Breaking up America? Traditionally, the United States has been overlooked in favor of the European market by the Gulf carriers and Turkish. All that's changing as Etihad, Emirates, Qatar and Turkish Airlines all either introduced direct routes to the States last year, or else have some in the works for 2014. "They're really starting to shake up the U.S. market for the first time," says Brendan Sobie, a spokesperson for the Center for Aviation. Last year, Dubai launched a direct flight from New York City to Milan -- the first time in the airline's history a flight bypassed the Dubai hub (last year, Delta and Alitalia unsuccessfully sued the Italian government to block the Emirates route). In the next 15 years, the airline plans to double the number of U.S. destinations it flies into. Etihad will fly to four U.S. cities by the end of 2014, while Qatar Airways will be up to six. The expansion has not gone unnoticed by the American aviation industry. The U.S. trade group Airlines for America and the U.S. pilot union, Air Line Pilots Association International, have been the most ardent opponents of the Gulf carriers encroachment into the U.S. market, often joining Delta and United in lobbying Congress for protectionist policies. "It is interesting to see how the U.S. carriers and politicians are starting to respond," says Sobie. Read more: Why the Dubai Airshow is a gamechanger . Tapping Africa . In just a couple of years, Turkish Airlines has become the largest international carrier in Africa, flying into 39 destinations. At first glance, some of the African cities in their network might seem random -- why fly to Somalia? Their business plan underlines investment strategies for Turkey as a whole. According to the Center for Aviation many of the countries they serve, or are planning to serve, have a rapidly growing economy. In 2012, Rwanda's GDP grew by 8%, and Nigeria's by 6.6%. The continent also houses a wealth of natural resources. "The most important geographic part of the world over the next 100 years will be Africa. In this respect, any destination (we fly to) in Africa will create more effective results than, say, a destination in Europe," says Ali Genc, Turkish Airlines' senior vice president of media relations. Quiz time: Test your aviation knowledge . Building BRICs . Turkish Airlines and the Gulf carriers have been increasingly developing their network across Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICs) -- the nations widely viewed as the most promising developing markets in the 21st century. The importance of developing these routes is not simply to connect these emerging markets with the Middle East, but with each other. "Carriers like Emirates, Etihad and Qatar can access emerging markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America and connect them in a way that is meaningful to travelers, and that European carriers can't hope to copy," says Strickland. Budget carriers like Air Arabia and flydubai have become particularly attractive to cities and towns across Central and Eastern Europe. "Regionally, we're seeing a lot of interest in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)," says Sobie. "Air Arabia and flydubai is a good fit for the medium-haul, thinner routes that are high-yielding and growing, but can't support the widebody aircraft of Emirates," he adds.

Emirates, Etihad and Qatar are expanding into the U.S. marketplace . Some airlines are working hard to block their entrance . Turkish Airlines -- one of the fastest growing carriers -- has a massive network in Africa . Connecting emerging markets to each other is goal of many Mideast airlines .

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By . Anna Hodgekiss . PUBLISHED: . 05:52 EST, 26 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:17 EST, 26 March 2013 . A mother-of-three whose crippling back ache left her bedridden has finally been given a new lease of life - thanks to a remote control. Lorraine Brooks suffered agonising back pain for almost 30 years and was left barely able to walk. But after being given a remote control, which is used to block pain signals to the brain, Lorraine can live her life free from agony for the first time in years. Mrs Brooks, from from Southport, Merseyside, has been fitted with a spinal cord stimulator - where electrodes are implanted into her spine, along with a battery pack, which is controlled with the remote and recharged through the skin. She can now use the remote to control how much pain relief she receives. Cured: Lorraine Brooks suffered from crippling back ache for 30 years before she was given a new remote-controlled device to relieve her pain . Pioneering: An X-ray of the spinal cord stimulator that has cured her back pain. Electrodes are inserted into the body and the strength of pain relief they provide is determined by the remote control . She said: 'Before I had the remote the back pain was almost unbearable. I could hardly walk and I don't think I had a full night's sleep in about eight years. 'It's was like toothache in your back all day. I had to live on pain killers and I woke up crying every day. Mrs Brooks has been fitted with a spinal cord stimulator, which involves having electrodes implanted in the spine. These are powered by a battery pack that is also implanted and recharged through the skin. The electrodes prevent pain signals from reaching the brain by interrupting them. The level of pain relief the electrodes deliver - depending on how bad the pain is that day - is determined by the remote control. 'It was soul destroying and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, so when it was suggested that I try the remote I jumped at the chance. 'If my back is hurting more one day, I can just turn up the device with the control, and if it's not as bad I turn it down. If I'm doing something that takes a lot of energy, like going to the gym, I'll turn myself up. "I'm very protective of the remote - I don't take it out of the house and I always know where it is, I never let it get lost. 'It's actually a cutting-edge neurostimulation system - but it's as easy to use as turning on the telly.'After years of agony I couldn't be happier - I've got my life back.' Mrs Brooks first suffered back ache when she was just 15 years old due to a slip in the spine. She underwent surgery which fused the bottom two vertebra in her spine together, but was devastated to find in December 2004 that the fuse had worn away. 'I started suffering back pain again but I was convinced it wouldn't be anything major. I never knew it was going to be the start of such much agony. 'I . was in constant pain. I couldn't sit or stand in any way that would . make me feel better, and walking or standing for long periods of time . was totally out of the question. Before having surgery, Mrs Brooks underwent a trial of the spinal cord stimulator which significantly reduced her pain . Happy: Having had surgery, and being given to remote control to black pain signals to the brain, she can live pain-free for the first time in years . The 43-year-old had hoped that surgery in January 2006, which involved placing a titanium cage filled with bone at the bottom of her spine, would have been the answer to all her problems.However, once again no relief came. 'I thought I would wake up for the operation and be pain free but it was like nothing had changed.' From then on, she attended a pain clinic at Ormskirk Hospital where she was put on various different pain relief medication. 'I tried everything - I had Botox, patches which acted like local anaesthetic, acupuncture, steroid injections - it was never ending. 'I was in a constant battle against myself and I became a recluse. I couldn't go on holiday with my family or go shopping with my daughter. I was always fighting.' It wasn't until five years later, when Lorraine was referred to the Walton Centre in Liverpool in 2011, that she finally saw an answer to her prayers. 'When I was referred to the Walton Centre they diagnosed me with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. 'As soon as I got a diagnosis, it opened doors to even more types of pain relief - one of which was the spinal cord stimulator. Active: The device also means she is no longer bedridden with pain and can go out and about with daughter Amy and son Will . 'I'd read about it online but I never thought I'd be eligible. But after I was assessed by the team at the centre, and they told me that I was a candidate for it, I was over the moon.' Mrs Brooks said: 'I was given the stimulator for a two-week trial in March 2012. They insert electrodes in your back and a battery is strapped around you which you have to charge up. Then I have the remote to control the amount of pain relief I receive. 'As soon as the device was fitted I felt like a different person. I had to keep a pain dairy and score my pain out of ten - before the trial my pain was a ten at least, but with the stimulator it was down to a 2 or 3. Transformed: Mrs Brooks says the surgery has totally changed her life . 'As soon as I knew it was working I told the doctors they'd have to fight me to give it back. 'Luckily the trial was such a success that they told me I could receive a permanent one which was implanted in May. 'They turned the device on in the theatre, and since then I've never switched it off.' The remote control has three different programmes - each with a low, medium and high setting - which she can vary depending on how bad her pain is that day. The device also includes a battery pack which is implanted inside Lorraine, which she recharges every day. 'I recharge my batteries while I watch TV in the evening. It's all really easy.' Since Lorraine received the transplant, her life has been totally transformed. 'I went from staying in bed all day, to going for a full afternoon's shopping with my daughter.  After years and years of suffering I can finally live my life. 'If someone had told me this years ago I wouldn't have believed them. I'm so lucky to be where I am today. I can't quite believe it.' Dr Manohar Sharma, her doctor at the Walton Centre, said: 'Lorraine had severe back and leg pain which was not helped with spinal fusion. Her pain has been intractable and longstanding, having had trials of various treatments, including injections. 'She is the first patient treated with high frequency spinal stimulation at The Walton Centre and I am delighted the way her pain has responded to this treatment. 'She has improvement in her function and quality of life, this is great news for patients like her who may be suffering with similar conditions.'

Lorraine Brooks, 43, could barely walk due to the agonising pain . Numerous treatments such as steroid injections and surgery had failed . Now has a spinal cord stimulator, where electrodes are implanted in spine . These prevent pain signals from reaching the brain by interrupting them . The level of pain relief the electrodes deliver is determined by remote control .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 10:08 PM on 17th July 2011 . As the debt ceiling deadline draws . dangerously close, Barack Obama was spotted heading to church with his . family in Washington this morning. Perhaps . he was praying for a solution - or better a resolution - to the small . task of securing a multi-trillion-dollar deal that House Democrats and . Republicans can agree on before the Government defaults on August 2. If the President was feeling the strain of last week's gruelling debt meetings, he didn't show it. Looking resplendent in their Sunday Best the Obamas laughed and joked with each other as they made their way back to the White House after the service at St John's Church. Mr Obama also told reporters he would 'absolutely' be watching the women's soccer world cup final between USA and Japan today. While the First family gathered around the television White House and congressional aides were continuing discussions to find a solution for increasing the nation's borrowing authority while reducing long-term deficits, behind the scenes. This . comes after the failure to get a deal after five straight days of . meetings last week between Mr Obama and congressional leaders at the . White House. But there was hope today that congressional leaders still had time 'to get something big done' with Mr Obama. 'I . think that what is encouraging is that the leaders in Congress seem to . have all agreed that we can't push to a default,' White House budget . director Jack Lew said. Sunday best: The Obamas head home after attending a service at St John's Church in Washington, while Congress leaders worked behind the scenes to try and seal a debt deal . 'So I think that there are many conversations going on in order to make sure that doesn't happen.' The . government will exceed the current $14.3trillion debt ceiling in 16 . days, after which it will be in default of its obligations. The . consequences could be far-reaching, with potentially higher interest . rates on mortgages and car loans, a halt in Social Security checks and . unsettled world financial markets. Talks have continued over the weekend and White House spokesman Dan Pfeiffer . said on Twitter that Mr Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and other White . House officials were discussing 'various options' with lawmakers . throughout the day yesterday. Meanwhile Republican House Speaker John Boehner is 'keeping the lines of . communication open,' his spokesman, Mike Steel told Bloomberg. 'Meetings have been . occurring.' Republicans have rejected any plan that contains tax increases. Lew said on NBC's Meet The Press that the president 'made clear he wants the largest deal possible.' Back to the White House: The President shakes hands with Reverend Luis Leon before he, First Lady Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha head home . Not much to smile about: Mr Obama shares a joke with his wife who looks less than impressed, as the family walk out of the church gates . Stroll: Mrs Obama is seen with daughter Malia, left, while the President walks with the couple's other daughter Sasha after the service . 'He wants to do the most we can to . reduce the deficit,' Lew said. 'But he also said that if we can't get . the most done, then in addition to extending the debt we should do as . much as we can.' House Republicans are preparing to . vote this week on allowing an increase in the government's borrowing . limit through 2012 as long as Congress approves a balanced-budget . constitutional amendment. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., called that . proof Republicans are willing to compromise and 'hardly a radical idea' but the Senate's No 2 Democrat, Dick Durbin of Illinois, said that bill . doesn't have the needed support in the Senate. 'This notion that we have to change the Constitution to do what we were elected to do is just plain wrong,' Durbin said. Lew also did not like the idea. In the background: The Obamas head back to the White House where talks between congressional leaders were thought to be ongoing throughout the weekend . 'What these ideas do is say let's . kick the can down the road so that others will deal with it,' he said. 'The challenge is for Washington now to do the job the American people . sent us here to do.' DeMint said the U.S. is on course for . a financial disaster and that lawmakers have 'to draw a line in the . sand now because a day of reckoning is going to come.' 'And the longer we put it off the bigger the problems are going to be for our country,' DeMint said. Holding the fort: Meanwhile White House Budget Director Jack Lew revealed there were 'many conversations' going on as the battle to secure a deal before August 2 carried on . However, if it comes down to it, . White House officials who say Congress won't let the U.S. default are . 'probably right on that,' DeMint said. Senators are working on a bipartisan . plan that would allow Mr Obama to raise the debt limit without a prior . vote by lawmakers. The talks focused on how to address long-term deficit . reduction in the proposal in hopes of satisfying House Republicans. 'Lines of communication remain open with all parties,' said Brendan Buck, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner. Mr Obama admitted that . compromise was needed in talks with Republicans to solve the . crisis, during his weekly radio and internet address yesterday. He said it would take 'shared sacrifice' for . Democrats and Republicans to come to an agreement. 'Let's be honest. Neither party in this town is blameless,' he said in . his broadcast to the nation. 'Both have talked this problem to death without . doing enough about it. That's what drives people nuts about Washington.' He attempted to reach out to the middle class in the address, repeating his . call for higher taxes on the wealthy and reforms to politically popular . entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare. 'We are all . part of the same country. We are all in this together,' he said. But Republicans renewed their call for an amendment to require a balanced budget. 'The only reason this administration doesn't want a constitutional . amendment is because they want to keep spending the American people's . money,' Senator Orrin Hatch said in the Republican response. 'And the only . reason congressional Democrats would refuse to pass it, is because they . know the people of this country would rise up and quickly ratify it.' In his weekly broadcast Mr Obama continued to insist that it was necessary to remove some tax breaks. 'Simply . put, it will take a balanced approach, shared sacrifice, and a . willingness to make unpopular choices on all our parts,' he said. 'That . means spending less on domestic programmes,' the President said. 'It . means spending less on defence programmes. ... And it means taking on . the tax code, and cutting out certain tax breaks and deductions for the . wealthiest Americans.' 'The truth is, you can't solve our deficit without cutting spending,' Mr Obama said. 'But . you also can't solve it without asking the wealthiest Americans to pay . their fair share - or without taking on loopholes that give special . interests and big corporations tax breaks that middle-class Americans . don't get.'

White House and congressional aides were continuing discussions over the weekend . There is hope that congressional leaders still had time 'to get something big done' Obama calls for 'shared sacrifice' in a deficit reduction package to clear the way for raising of the debt ceiling . Said he's willing to compromise and called on members of Congress to do the same . Republican Senator Orrin Hatch responds that constitutional amendment requiring balanced budget is needed .

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By . Dan Bloom . It's not easy finding a campsite with a river view, but the owner of this caravan may have taken things a bit far. The vehicle reversed straight over a grassy bank and into the water behind a motorway service station. The stranded caravan was spotted today near the M5 in Gloucestershire by photographer Adrian Sherratt - who said its owner may have been stopping for a cup of coffee. Carry on reversing: This caravan's owner may have been a bit too keen to get a river view behind a service station on the M5 in Gloucestershire. Photographer Adrian Sherratt said: 'People park up for a flask of coffee' Picnic gone wrong? The caravan was left dangling precariously with one corner in the Little Avon river . The 44-year-old saw the vehicle in the Little Avon river next to a tiny, single-track lane between Michael Wood services on the M5 and the village of Stone. 'You get people who park up to have a flask of coffee and just look at the water,' he said. 'It looks like someone's been passing and got a bit too close to the edge. 'It could've been stolen or fly-tipped but I don't know why someone would go to all the effort to get it into the river.' Mr Sherratt, from nearby . Wotton-under-Edge, added: 'I'm surprised they managed it because it's . been very dry since the floods. The bank shouldn't have been too . slippery for them. Shall I leave it here? The caravan was abandoned hanging partly into the river and with the door left open . 'There are a lot of farm vehicles that go along there so it may also have crashed by backing up and trying to let something past.' Stroud District Council has been told about the caravan and was preparing to remove it, he added.

Caravan left dangling precariously near M5 services in Gloucestershire . Local Adrian Sherratt said owner may have been stopping for a tea break . 'You get people who park up to have a flask of coffee and look at the water'

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Mick Jagger's Brazilian ex-lover has told her country to stop 'cyber-bullying' him after he was branded a national curse for backing Brazil in the World Cup. The Rolling Stones singer, 70, was spotted in a VIP box at the Mineirao stadium last night as the host nation was trounced 7-1 by Germany in one of the worst defeats of the tournament's history. His support came to the dismay of fans who had already nicknamed Jagger 'pe frio' - the jinx - for lending his backing to a string of doomed sides earlier in the tournament. Scroll down for video . The jinx! For weeks Mick Jagger has been dubbed a World Cup curse for backing several doomed sides - culminating in his appearance in a VIP box with his son (centre) for Brazil's 7-1 trouncing by Germany . You can't always get what you want: The Rolling Stones frontman was left disappointed in a VIP box with his son Lucas, 15 (right) from Brazilian model and celebrity Luciana Giminez - who later sprang to his defence . Leave him alone! Jagger's former lover Luciana Giminez took to Instagram to defend him from 'cyber-bullying' Three teams lost almost immediately . after Jagger declared they would win, mostly at Rolling Stones concerts . in the countries themselves. Joking Brazil fans had even made cardboard cut-outs of Jagger . supporting rival teams as a good luck charm for themselves after they called him 'pe frio', which literally means 'cold feet'. But . last night he was spotted cheering on Brazil for the crucial match in . Belo Horizonte - wearing an England cap for good measure. He . shared a VIP box with Lucas, his 15-year-old son by the Brazilian model . and celebrity Luciana Giminez, who watched the humiliating defeat . wearing a signed Brazil team shirt. Also in the box was Kia . Joorabchian, the Iranian agent for a number of Brazil squad players. And sure enough, within minutes of the . rock legend taking his seat the host nation was 5-0 down in what would . become one of the worst defeats in World Cup history. Omen: Jagger's nickname in Brazil, 'pe frio' (the jinx), translates literally as 'cold feet' Good company: Among those in the box with Jagger and his son (centre) with player agent Kia Joorabchian . Brazilian news network R7 ran a large . photo of Jagger in the VIP box declaring he was 'invincible!' and 'the . biggest jinx in history'. The . mockery was so huge it pushed Ms Giminez, who had Jagger's child in . 1999, to launch an impassioned defence of him on her Instagram account. 'Mick has been successful for 50 years, he's a good friend and GOOD FATHER to my 15-year-old son. 'He is suffering cyber bullying .... and I would like to ask you guys who do this kind of bullying to think before you do it. 'Even . though it only seems like a small thing, Mick is a person like us all, . and he does not deserve to be treated this way by Brazilians.' She also posted videos of herself in a Brazil shirt describing how sad she was in French. No satisfaction: Dismayed fans believed the 70-year-old Rolling Stones frontman was such a curse that they made cardboard cut-outs of him in Germany's team kit and declaring his support for the rival side . National pride... or national curse? Jagger wore an England cap, while his son had a signed Brazil shirt . Groans: Jagger seemed disappointed at the team's 7-1 drubbing, while his son Lucas was inconsolable . The World Cup has coincided with a Rolling Stones world tour in which Jagger has offered words of support to whichever country his band entertains - often with seemingly disastrous results. Jagger . earned his nickname after he told fans during a show in Rome that Italy . would beat Uruguay and advance to the knockout stages, but the Italians . lost and were eliminated. He then told fans in Lisbon that Portugal would win the World Cup - and they too were eliminated. He reportedly joined Bill Clinton to cheer on the United States, who lost to Ghana in the second round. And after rooting for England against Uruguay, they too were humiliated by two Suarez goals. It is not the first time Brazilians have described Jagger as a curse for the national side. During . the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, some parts of the Brazilian media . claimed their team lost to the Netherlands in the quarter finals because . Jagger wore a Brazil shirt to the game. He's got history: Brazil fans before the quarter-final match. Jagger has been blamed for national defeats before . Anyone but us: Fans used the same cardboard cut-out trick before Brazil's quarter-final clash against Colombia . Slurs: One Brazilian news network, R7, called the Rolling Stones frontman 'the biggest jinx in history' Curse: The World Cup has coincided with a Rolling Stones world tour (pictured) in which Jagger has offered words of support to whichever country his band entertains - often with seemingly disastrous results .

Rolling Stones star dubbed 'pe frio' - the jinx - after backing several losers . Brazil fans made talisman cardboard cut-outs of him supporting opponents . But to their dismay, 70-year-old rocker decided to back host nation instead . He sat in VIP box watching Germany trounce Brazil 7-1 in semi-final disaster . Jagger has since become a figure of mockery in the shamed host nation . Former lover Luciana Giminez defended him against 'cyber-bullying'

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(CNN) -- As a strong proponent of parental responsibility, it both amuses and angers me to see some parents lining up behind an initiative to sue McDonald's over the inclusion of toys in their Happy Meals. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is leading the charge in this case, pushing the state of California to ban the toys, suggesting that the toys in Happy Meals are inducing children to eat burgers and fries, thus contributing to the obesity epidemic in America. As I asserted a few weeks ago in my column supporting First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative, I fully back efforts to end obesity among our children. But at what point do some folks use common sense? For example, in a story in the Chicago Tribune, parent Monet Parham said her 6-year-old daughter was so enamored with toys offered in partnership with the movie, "Shrek Forever After," she pestered her mom to collect every toy. That would mean going to McDonald's every week, since the promotion was a giveaway each week. And that's not something Parham wanted. So instead of being a parent and telling her child, "no," Parham decided to become a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Instead being the grownup and not giving in to the demands of a 6-year-old, Parham thought it made more sense to sue McDonald's to make her job as a parent easier. I've long maintained that the problem today isn't children or the world changing. It's punk parents changing. Yes, I know that's a strong phrase, but when a parent can't control a 6-year-old, then we have some issues. Do I have any biological children? Nope. But my wife and I at different times have raised six of my nieces. And when they lived in our home, we would take them to McDonald's for a Happy Meal. And when we went, instead of fries, we would order them apples. Instead of a soda, we would get apple juice or milk. Yes, it was that simple. All we did was ask for the healthier options on the menu, and the girls were happy with their Happy Meals. Why is this so hard? There is a fundamental role government can play when it comes to nutrition. Going after the cigarette makers who enticed children with cartoon characters to smoke? Good. Limiting trans fats in cooking? No problem here if it makes us healthier. But this is ridiculous. What we desperately need today are real parents. Parents who understand that it is not their job to be friends with their children but be parents. Parents who get that having a disappointed child who doesn't get his or her way all the time isn't a bad thing. Parents who will give their child the right look when the child begins to act a fool and throw a tantrum. I am not one of these adults who subscribe to the notion that no one can tell them what to do and they can do it all. For instance, I support sex education in schools and don't believe that we should leave that up to the parents. It's called education for a reason! Count me as a major supporter of schools changing their menus to have healthier eating options. And I'm also down with school uniforms. The heck with the peer pressure of the haves and have nots based on designer clothes. None of these prevent parents from doing what they want to do with their children. It's all about focusing on the broader needs of the child. What has to be understood is that a lawsuit isn't the answer to everything. And if we want our children to be healthier, banning a toy will do nothing to make that happen. Push McDonald's to make healthy options more visible on the menu. I love the idea of having calorie counts on foods. It has changed my mind on many occasions as to what to buy in a fast food restaurant. Push fast food joints to have a health menu option by adding a salad, fruit and/or water instead of fries and a fountain drink. All of these make sense. Trying to ban a toy because a parent can't tell their child no is ludicrous. My nieces and nephews know full well that when it comes to who is in control, Uncle Ro Ro doesn't play around. I'm not their friend or buddy; I'm their uncle. What I say goes. I don't negotiate. I don't consult. I don't give in. I make it clear: my money, my rules. As my dad told me, "When you're grown enough to pay all of your bills, you can make the call." If a niece or nephew wants to go to McDonald's every week for a month just to get a toy, and the deal is we only go once a month, here is the option: "We go once a month or not at all. Your call." Trust me, even the biggest child pest has enough sense to figure out that once a month is the better option. Parents, buck up and be the adult in the family, and stop blaming everything on an outside agency or corporation. Maybe McDonald's should think of suing sorry parents for not doing their job. Now that's a lawsuit I'm willing to support. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Roland Martin.

Lawsuit asks California to ban Happy Meals, saying they encourage poor eating habits . Roland Martin says parents want government to step in and prevent kids from bad choices . He says it's the role of parents to exercise control on what children eat . Martin: Parents, take responsibility and stop blaming outside corporations .

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By . Louise Cheer . and Lucy Thackray . There's no doubt that Aussie Rules football is a religion for many Australians, but now a Muslim mother is making sure everyone can join in, designing a line of burqas in the colours of your favourite AFL team. Melbourne mother-of-four Shanaaz Copeland is the mastermind behind Unity Sports Wrap scarves which can been worn as a beanie, wrap or a headscarf. They were unveiled ahead of the league’s multicultural round from July 18 to 27. Melbourne's Shanaaz Copeland designed a range of scarves ahead of the AFL Multicultural Round which are being modelled here by her daughters . Ms Copeland - a devout Muslim - said the idea came about because she wanted her daughters to feel more included when they were attending sporting events at school. She has been working on the scarves concept for the past three to four years. 'My daughters go to an international academy where they wear a white scarf with their uniform,' Ms Copeland said. 'They had a footy day and in wearing footy jumper with their white scarf. They went on sale yesterday and come in all 18 AFL team colours . 'I saw them and thought "how great would it be to see my girls with scarves in the footy team colours?"' Ms Copeland said sport was a great way to break down barriers and forge friendships across cultures. 'Sport has the tendency to create unity, it brings cultures together… [and] brings about peace and unity,' she said. 'This round of footy shows how supportive the AFL is to diversity with the diverse multicultural backgrounds. 'Australia is really growing, becoming very multicultural, very important for us all to understand each other’s cultures.' The scarves come in all 18 AFL team colours and can be worn by players as well as fans. The Unity Sports Wrap can be worn three ways - one of them is as a headscarf . The range of scarves has been applauded by cultural experts who say it is a step in the right direction . Centre for Australian Community Organisations and Management's Hazel Maxwell, from the University of Technology, Sydney, has commended the AFL for licensing Unity Sports Wrap to create these scarves. Dr Maxwell said the AFL was sending a positive message to their Islamic female supporters. 'Research shows that "accommodating" dress codes are one of several initiatives that can make Muslim women, for example, feel more welcome and to feel as though they belong in Australian society,' she said. 'At the Lakemba Sport and Recreation Club in south-western Sydney, such changes over the last decade have turned the club around from a situation where membership was declining at a concerning rate to the point where the number of teams it could field virtually tripled in the space of a few years. 'As well as a flexible on-field dress code, Lakemba Sport and Recreation introduced women-only training sessions, provided culturally appropriate food, sold only non-alcoholic drinks and displayed prominently role models of Muslim women playing football.' Unity Sports Wrap scarves went on sale yesterday. The AFL are also offering anyone with an international passport free entry into any AFL game as a part of the Multicultural Round this weekend .

Mother-of-four has designed a range of headscarves in AFL colours . Her creations were launched ahead of the league's Multicultural Round . Shanaaz Copeland said she got the idea at her daughters' sports day . The AFL Multicultural Round is set to be played from July 18 to July 27 .

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By . Kerry Mcqueeney . UPDATED: . 11:39 EST, 24 January 2012 . A school has been forced to offer anger management lessons to children as young as five after 40 children were excluded for bad behaviour. Psychologists and other mental health professionals have been drafted in to help pupils at Hillcrest Primary School, in the run-down Leeds suburb of Chapeltown. The moves comes after Ofsted inspectors labelled conduct at the West Yorkshire school unacceptable. A total of 40 pupils were excluded in just one year. Anger management: The school is now receiving specialist 'behaviour support' after Ofsted inspectors labelled pupils' conduct as 'unacceptable' (file picture) Under fire: In the latest Ofsted report, inspectors point to some progress but say more needs to be done at Hillcrest Primary School (pictured) The school is now receiving the highest level of ‘behaviour support’ from Leeds City Council - the only school in the city to do so. In the latest Ofsted report, inspectors point to some progress but say more needs to be done. Inspector John Young said: 'The deputy headteacher overseeing this aspect [behaviour] has a good understanding of potential flashpoints. 'Some pupils are taught in ‘nurture’ groups while others receive counselling in anger management and improving social skills. 'Joint working with a learning support unit and an educational psychologist is helping the school to break the cycle of poor behaviour some pupils have fallen into.' This month’s Ofsted report also criticises achievement and teaching at the 429-pupil school. Unprecedented: Leeds City Council (pictured) is now giving the school the highest level of 'behaviour support'. It is the only school in the city to get this help . However, In the 17 months since its last inspection, the school was said to have failed to have made sufficient progress. Headteacher . Teena Thomson said: 'We are obviously all disappointed that the Ofsted . team did not feel that Hillcrest has made adequate progress. 'We were, however, pleased by the acknowledgement of the positive actions being taken, particularly in improving behaviour.' Nigel . Richardson, director of children’s services at Leeds City Council, . said: 'Hillcrest has been facing a number of challenges. 'We . have put in place expertise from within Leeds and a number of other . initiatives to ensure that the necessary improvements are made.'

Psychologists and mental health professionals drafted in to help pupils . School receiving specialist support after Ofsted labels children's conduct 'unacceptable'

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By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 15:43 EST, 2 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 16:04 EST, 2 February 2014 . A 300-foot cellphone tower in West Virginia collapsed Saturday and minutes later a smaller tower fell, killing two contractors and a firefighter, authorities said. The contractors Kyle Kirkpatrick, 32, from Hulbert Oklahoma and Terry Lee Richard, Jr, from Bokoshe, Oklahoma were tethered to the larger tower when it collapsed in Clarksburg, killing them, State Police Corporal Mark Waggamon said. Nutter Fort Fire Department firefighter 28-year-old Michael Dale Garrett, of Clarksburg, was killed when he was walking from his vehicle to the scene. Three dead: Two telecommunications towers that were being reinforced collapsed, killing two contractors and a firefighter . Tragic loss: This banner adorns the Nutter County Fire Department where Michael Garrett was a firefighter . Team: Michael Garrett (left) will be sorely missed by others in the Nutter Fort Fire Department . Family man: Kyle Kirkpatrick died after a communications tower he was working on collapsed . Young dad: Terry Lee Richard, Jr also died in the tragic accident . Two other contractors working on the larger tower were hurt and taken to a hospital. Waggamon described their injuries as serious but not life-threatening. Waggamon said three of the workers were more than 60 feet up on the tower. One of those workers was killed along with a co-worker who was about 20 feet up when the tower toppled. Two other workers at the site were not injured. Waggamon said the weight of the collapsed tower put stress on guide wires to the smaller tower. The crew was doing maintenance to strengthen the tower's support when the accident occurred, Waggamon said. He said the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate. The towers are owned by SBA . Communications, which hired workers from S&S Communications to . remove the tall tower's diagonal supports and replace them with new . ones. 'We . are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the injuries to the other . individuals and our prayers and concern go out to the families . involved,' SBA Communications said in a statement to Metro News. Two injured: A helicopter carries the injured contractors to hospital . Dangerous work: Police say the 300-foot tower fell before the contractors could even begin their work on it . Great heights: One of the men was 70 feet up the tower, the other was 20 feet high . Brave: Michael Garrett was killed as he ran from his vehicle to help the victims of the first tower collapse . 'SBA Communications is cooperating fully with any type of investigation being conducted by governmental agencies. We realize the sensitivity surrounding such an unexpected event and have mobilized our team to be on the scene to assist with any information needed.' Steven Thompson, a member of the Summit Park Volunteer Fire Department, said about three dozen people from eight fire departments in the area responded. Thompson said rescue personnel had to use four-wheel-drive and all-terrain vehicles because snow had made a mess of the gravel road leading to the site, which was on a ridge about 200 feet above a main road. He said the first crews still arrived 10 to 15 minutes after the call.

Two contractors were working on a 300-foot tower in West Virginia when it collapsed, killing them . A smaller tower fell minutes later, killing a firefighter who had arrived on the scene . Two other contractors were injured in the accident . The contractors were strengthening the towers' supports by replacing them when they collapsed . The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating .

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Madrid (CNN) -- Inspired by the deadly Columbine school shooting, a Spanish man purchased more than 300 pounds of explosive materials as part of an alleged plan to massacre university students, authorities said Thursday. Instead, Spanish police, who had been tracking him for five months, descended on his home Wednesday morning and arrested the 21-year-old just as he received the potentially deadly materials he had ordered off the Internet, according to authorities. They seized 140 kilograms of the materials. Police arrested the man in Palma de Mallorca, not too far from the University of the Balearic Islands, where they say he planned his attack. Mallorca is one of Spain's Balearic Islands, off its southeastern coast in the Mediterranean Sea. Police have not released the suspect's name, but they say he was a student at another educational center where he studied business administration. Although they believe he planned his attack at the University of the Balearic Islands, he had sent a threatening letter to his school, a police statement said. Documents taken from his home, including his personal diary, indicated he wanted to imitate the 1999 U.S. massacre that left 15 dead at a high school in Columbine, Colorado, according to police. "He showed a hatred for society, especially for university students, and his decision to strategically place pipe bombs filled with shrapnel on the university campus," according to the police statement, referring to the documents seized from the suspect's home. "He also admitted the hypothesis of suicide while carrying out the massacre," the statement added. Police began investigating the suspect five months ago after detecting Internet messages alluding to the Columbine massacre. "The suspect showed a sympathy" for the two men who carried out the Columbine attack, the statement said. His blog included sections showing that he knew how to make bombs, displaying the same musical tastes as the Columbine killers, describing his interest in weapons and mentioning "social isolation that led to situations of feeling left on the sidelines at school," the statement said. Read more: Nothing the same after Columbine, say students, teachers . The suspect sought to acquire weapons illegally and later applied for a license to legally possess weapons, a document that is hard to get in Spain. The application was rejected. Police tracked his subsequent efforts to acquire the explosive materials through the Internet before arresting him Wednesday. The suspect "is not part of any political party or association," according to Teresa Palmer, a central government representative in the Balearic Islands. She called it "a completely isolated event" and encouraged citizens to remain calm. Complete coverage: Theater shooting in Aurora . Read more: Norway killer Anders Breivik ruled sane, given 21-year prison term .

Police began investigating man 5 months ago after Internet messages about Columbine . Police tracked his efforts to acquire explosive materials via the Internet . Suspect arrested Wednesday as he received the materials at his home, police say . In his personal diary, "he showed a hatred for society," police say .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:22 EST, 8 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:27 EST, 8 December 2012 . In a blow for Chancellor George Osborne financial markets have predicted Britain is heading for a triple dip recession . Britain is on the brink of a triple-dip recession, experts warn as latest figures reveal industrial output has now fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. In a week when chancellor George Osborne put yet another squeeze on the hard working middle-classes, figures for October revealed manufacturing production dropped by 1.3 per cent  - more than two per cent down on this time last year. Markets had been optimistic that October would have seen a rise in industrial production but figures from the office for national statistics revealed it had fallen by 0.8 per cent. This was partly caused by a fall in . North Sea production of gas and oil, which has dropped by almost 50 per . cent in the past three years. Forecasts prepared by the Office for . Budget Responsibility see the economy continuing to shrink for the final . three months of 2012 before growth resumes early 2013, picking up . steadily throughout the course of the year. But the OBR has, in the past, been . accused of being over-optimistic in its predictions and many economists . question whether their figures would be met. Some are calling this recession the . worst yet - and while not as deep as those experienced in the 1920s and . 1930s, recovery has been considerably slower. Yesterday David Cameron declared that . Britain must be more like Germany and develop a more modern workforce . after companies complained of a lack of newly trained engineers. Optimists have pointed to a strong . start to the Christmas shopping season and progress being made in Europe . to tackle the sovereign debt crisis. The wider measure of industrial . production fell 0.8 per cent, reflecting a record fall in oil extraction . although this was partly due to maintenance on North Sea rigs. Making do: The fall in factory output was far worse than had been expected. Industrial production fell 0.8 per cent, reflecting a record fall in oil extraction although this was partly due to maintenance on North Sea rigs . The decline adds to the recent flow . of disappointing numbers for the UK economy at the start of the fourth . quarter and bodes ill for GDP after a rise of 1 per cent in the autumn . ended the longest double-dip recession since the 1950s. The ONS . said yesterday that the trade in goods deficit – the difference between exports and . imports – widened to £9.5billion in October from £8.4billion in . September. It came as . exports fell one per cent in a blow to ministers pinning their hopes on . booming demand for British goods overseas to more than make up for . subdued spending at home. Downturn continues: Exports fell 1 per cent, dashing hopes on demand for British goods overseas . Exports are more than 10 per cent . lower over the year to some major European countries including Germany, . Italy, Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg. However, exports to China are 7.6 . per cent higher than a year ago. They . were up 6.3 per cent to the United States and 65.1 per cent to South . Korea. The ONS noted ‘a shift in the pattern of the UK’s trade’ – with . exporters becoming far less reliant on the troubled eurozone for . business. Markit chief economist Chris . Williamson said: 'Judging by the official data that we have seen for the . fourth quarter so far, notably retail sales, trade and industrial . production, the UK will struggle to avoid a renewed downturn in the . economy after the brief return to growth seen in the third quarter.' The Office for Budget Responsibility . this week slashed growth forecasts for the next five years and predicted . a borrowing bill some £84billion higher than its last estimate. Mr Williamson added: 'While a dip . back into contraction may prove mild and short lived, the concern is . that any new downturn will not only put further pressure on the UK's AAA . credit rating but also provide a further set-back to a much needed . improvement in business and consumer confidence.'

Further fall in . North Sea production which has dropped by almost 50 per . cent in the past three years . Cameron declares Britain must be more like Germany and develop a modern workforce . Fears a cold winter could spell further economic gloom .

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A British sailor hopes to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat shaped like a torpedo. Alan Priddy, 61, plans to beat the previous record of 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes held by Pete Bethune from New Zealand. The world record attempt is expected to start on November 1 next year and will stop at 10 countries around the world for refuelling including Puerto Rico, Honolulu and Singapore. Scroll down for video . The team hope to begin construction of the 80ft boat early next year so they can start the voyage in November . Mr Priddy, from Portsmouth, conceived the idea four years ago and has now secured £2.9million in funding. The project team, named Team Britannia, hope to begin construction of the 80 foot boat early next year so they can set off from Gibraltar on their 24,000 mile voyage next year. The 'floating fuel tank' has been designed to pierce waves rather than surfing across them, which the team hope will make the trip smoother than a boat with a conventional hull. Made from marine-grade aluminium - 80 per cent of which will be recycled - it will carry 7,700 gallons of what the team say is a revolutionary emulsion fuel, which reduces harmful emissions such as nitrous oxide when burned. It will have an estimated top speed of 34.4 knots and an estimated average speed of 22.5 knots. Alan Priddy, 61, conceived the idea four years ago and has now secured £2.9million in funding . Length of vessel - 80 feet . Empty weight - 16 tons . Fully laden weight - 45 tons . Estimated top speed (light) - 34.4 knots . Estimated top speed (heavy) - 18.1 knots . Gallon fuel tank - 7,700 . Design and build costs - £2.9million . Fuel saved by streamlined hull - 30 per cent . Made from recycled aluminium -  80 per cent . Mr Priddy, who has already beaten 37 world records on sea, said: 'This project is the culmination of a lifetime's work that I hope will highlight the amazing qualities and skills that we have in abundance in our country - the best sailors, engineers, boat builders and designers. 'This is why when we started this project six years ago we called ourselves Team Britannia. 'We have the finest maritime designers, builders and sailors in the world. The British boat Cable & Wireless Adventurer first set the round the world powerboat record in 1998 and held it for nearly a decade. 'When this record, the pinnacle of powerboating, was lost to the New Zealand boat Earthrace, I knew we had an amazing opportunity to once again showcase the best of British. To show why our marine industry is still the best. 'Team Britannia aims to do just that. It brings together just a few of the people who make Britain and our marine sector great.' The route will see the team head west from Gibraltar, with stops at Puerto Rico, Acapulco in Mexico, Honolulu, Guam, Singapore, Oman and Malta to take on fuel. To complete the record attempt the boat must pass through the Suez and Panama Canals, cross the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, and start and finish in the same place. Mr Priddy will set off with a crew of seven and hopes to offer a place to injured servicemen or women on each leg of the voyage.

Alan Priddy hopes to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe . He plans to beat the previous record of 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes . The 24,000 mile voyage is expected to start on November 1 next year . The 61-year-old has already beaten 37 world records on the sea .

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By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 18:23 EST, 21 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:23 EST, 21 February 2013 . Fashion labels in Pakistan have stopped using female models to advertise their summer clothing range after billboards were targeted by Islamic fundamentalists. At least two companies have been forced to abandon using glamorous Bollywood actresses on hoardings after dozens were covered with black posters saying 'sell your clothes, not your honour' last year. No group claimed responsibility, but it was suspected that hard-line religious groups had encouraged vigilantes. Pakistani fashion label J. Lawn has chosen to use pictures such as this to advertise its summer collection rather than female models . A vigilante group - thought to be backed by Islamist fundamentalists - put black posters over advertising billboards which featured female models baring flesh . At this time of year clothing brands . in Pakistan begin advertising their lawn collections - a lighter, . brightly-coloured linen worn in the warmer months by those who can . afford it. But last year billboards featuring female models were targeted by conservative protesters in the city of Karachi. Censored: A poster featuring Bollywood star Katrina Kaif was covered in a black canvas in Karachi . One of the posters to be censored featured Bollywood star Katrina Kaif advertising a hair removal cream. This year J. Lawn by Junaid Jamshed, Almirah Lawn and AlKaram Textiles is one of several brands . which is using logos rather than female models baring flesh this year. 'When . we first started, we decided our transactions would keep the spirit of . Islam alive — we want to follow its basic teachings to formulate our . business dealings,' Nadir Khan, customer relations manager, told The . Express Tribune. 'I personally feel no Muslim would disagree with that - we aren’t required to show a semi-dressed woman in our ads.' One fan of lawn fabric, Fareeha Kaiser, told The Express Tribune: 'I am not a hard-liner but I have a problem with how lawn ads objectify women. It becomes more about the model and less about the fabric.' Under the Muslim faith, women are required to cover their entire bodies except their face and hands in public. A 2011 Gallup survey found that almost two thirds of Pakistanis objected to billboards featuring women.

Adverts were targeted by conservative vigilantes last year . Billboards for summer clothing don't feature any female models . 'We want to keep the spirit of Islam alive' says one label .

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By . Harriet Arkell For Mailonline . Michael Deighton, 19, from Walker, Newcastle, is awaiting sentencing after admitting harassment after he was dumped by girlfriend Sophie Bruce . An obsessive teenager constantly texted his girlfriend asking where she was and who she was with, demanding she send him photographs of herself to prove it, a court heard. Michael Deighton, 19, was eventually dumped by girlfriend Sophie Bruce, 18, after he demanded she delete all her male friends from Facebook, but he then turned stalker, following her to work and onto the bus, Newcastle magistrates were told. The teenager, from Walker, Newcastle, is now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to harassment at the city's magistrates' court. Prosecutor Veronica Jordan told JPs how Deighton became possessive of his girlfriend not long after they got together. 'At first she would say the relationship was fine but it was not long before the defendant became controlling and jealous,' she said. 'He was constantly texting her, asking her where she was and who she was with, and asking her to take photographs of where she was. 'As the relationship progressed, he asked her to delete all her male friends from Facebook, and he would contact friends and tell them lies about her.' When Miss Bruce ended the romance, Deighton began sending her abusive texts, followed her home, and began lurking near her house, the court heard. 'He threatened to ruin her life and visited her place of work attempting to get her sacked,' Mrs Jordan continued. 'On that day after work she got on the bus home and he was sitting on a seat. She gets off the bus and he follows her, threatening her, saying she'd better pass on her passwords for Facebook so they could "always be together". 'She was petrified he could be anywhere, waiting for her.' When Deighton was arrested, police spoke to his mother who told them he had borrowed her phone and sent 73 text messages to Miss Bruce in the space of 20 minutes. Charles Weidner, defending, told magistrates that Deighton's behaviour was a sign of his immaturity. He said: 'He fully accepts the relationship is at an end. This experience hasn't been pleasant for him. 'It's a lesson for him - it's something he is going to have to understand if he's going to have further relationships.' Magistrates adjourned the case and Deighton will be sentenced after pre-sentence reports have been prepared. Deighton admitting harassment at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, pictured, and is now awaiting sentence . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Michael Deighton, 19, became possessive over girlfriend Sophie Bruce, 18 . Deighton, from Walker, Newcastle, constantly texted asking where she was . Asked who she was with and requested Miss Bruce take photos to prove it . Even told her to delete male Facebook friends, Newcastle magistrates heard . After Miss Bruce ended relationship, he stalked her at her home and on bus . He bombarded his ex with phone calls and sent her 73 texts in 20 minutes . Deighton now awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to harassment charge .

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(CNN) -- The start of the final stage of the Tour de France was delayed Sunday when race officials asked Lance Armstrong and his team to remove their commemorative jerseys for cancer survivors. The officials told Armstrong and his team to remove the all-black jerseys and continue to wear their official jerseys throughout the race, according to CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta, who was at the event. Armstrong was not a top finisher in his last Tour de France ever, but he and his team had planned to ride into Paris' Champs-Elysees with pride Sunday, wearing jerseys with the number 28 emblazoned on them. The number represents the 28 million people currently living with cancer worldwide -- a cause near to cancer survivor Armstrong's heart. "Today, we're riding for every one of the 28 million people all over the world whose lives and families are affected by this disease," said Armstrong, explaining why Team RadioShack was swapping its official red-and-gray racing kit in favor of the black ones. Alberto Contador won the Tour de France Sunday for the third time. His previous triumphs were in 2007 and 2009. Mark Cavendish won the 20th -- and final -- stage. Armstrong, 38, was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer in October 1996. He beat it, came back to win the Tour de France each year from 1999 until 2005, and launched the Livestrong Foundation that has raised hundreds of millions of dollars toward the fight against cancer. After a four-year-retirement, he returned to the race in 2009 -- almost winning an eighth title. But this year, Armstrong finished 23rd. Armstrong and the rest of Team Radio Shack won the team competition, with their combined times faster than any other team. Armstrong is also fighting accusations leveled by former teammate Floyd Landis that he used performance-enhancing drugs. Landis himself was stripped of his 2006 Tour title for doping. Gupta is a board member of the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong Foundation.

Race officials refused to let Armstrong's team wear the special jerseys . Armstrong's team wanted to wear the jerseys to honor millions living with cancer . Armstrong himself is a cancer survivor . The seven-time Tour de France winner finished 23rd in this year's race .

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(CNN) -- The global H1N1 pandemic is over, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization said Tuesday. "We are moving out of the pandemic into the post-pandemic period," said Margaret Chan, director-general of the WHO. Chan said that while several countries -- including India and New Zealand -- are still experiencing significant H1N1 flu transmission, out-of-season flu outbreaks are no longer being reported in the northern or southern hemispheres. "This pandemic has turned out to have been much more fortunate than what we feared a little over a year ago," Chan told reporters in a news conference Tuesday. She attributed the end of the pandemic to several factors: that the virus did not mutate to a more lethal form, the H1N1 flu vaccine proved to be a good match and widespread resistance to the antiviral drug Tamiflu did not develop. "This time around, we have been aided by pure good luck," Chan said. The WHO announced the global H1N1 pandemic June 11, 2009. A pandemic is a sudden outbreak of a disease that is spread by human transmission, which quickly becomes widespread and affects a large region or several countries. The CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, said the U.S. Public Health emergency for H1N1 ended on June 23 of this year. H1N1 is no longer the dominating flu strain. Chan said health officials are now seeing a mixed virus pattern: In addition to the H1N1 strain, an H3N2 flu strain and Influenza B virus also are circulating. All three strains are included in the upcoming seasonal flu vaccine. So H1N1 is not gone, but as the WHO explains, the flu activity health officials are now seeing is typical seasonal flu activity. The CDC statement came after an emergency committee of the WHO said Tuesday the public health emergency triggered by the emergence of the H1N1 virus "should be considered over." The committee advised Chan "that the world was no longer experiencing an influenza pandemic," the organization said in a statement. CNN"s Miriam Falco contributed to this report.

World Health Organization chief says the global H1N1 pandemic is over . Chan says out-of-season flu outbreaks are no longer being reported in the northern or southern hemispheres . Several countries - including India and New Zealand - are still experiencing significant H1N1 flu transmission . WHO said other flu viruses are circulating, making for a "typical" flu season .

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By . Harriet Arkell . PUBLISHED: . 07:23 EST, 12 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 08:45 EST, 12 March 2014 . BBC radio DJ Liz Kershaw has spoken out for the first time about claims she threatened a colleague who later killed himself. Ms Kershaw, 55, was accused of leaving a series of threatening phone messages for colleague Russell Joslin, 50, who worked for BBC Coventry and Warwickshire radio, and suffocated himself in hospital 18 months ago. An inquest into Mr Joslin's death heard he feared a complaint of sexual harassment he made against a colleague, later identified by Mr Joslin's father as Ms Kershaw, would spell the end of his career. But today Ms Kershaw, who worked at BBC . Coventry and Warwickshire between 2005 and 2011, gave her side of the . story, saying: 'I understand why a grieving family looks for someone . to blame.  But their troubled son's problems were not caused by . me.' 'I am not to blame': BBC radio DJ Liz Kershaw, 55, says she did not cause Russell Joslin's mental health problems . Now a DJ at the digital station BBC Radio 6 Music, the mother-of-two said she became friends with Mr Joslin, a reporter at the station, when he asked her for career advice.  She said he was upset about his job, fearing he was going nowhere at work, and saying he didn't get on with colleagues. Writing in her new book, The Bird and The Beeb, Ms Kershaw said she became friends with Mr Joslin and went out to lunch with him so often that colleagues joked about it. But she said her friendship with him became strained when she had to cope with personal problems of her own, particularly a return of the cervical cancer she had got rid of a decade before. In her book, serialised in the Mirror today, Ms Kershaw rebutted suggestions she might have sexually harrassed Mr Joslin, saying: 'I didn't have time or energy to deal with my colleague, never mind try to shag him as he claimed later.' And she said he frightened her by taking her to a 'dogging' hotspot, where couples have sex in cars, watched by others, one evening after telling her he had a good local story. Ms Kershaw said that Mr Joslin took her . to some woods and told her what dogging was, but said the pair fled when . a group of men walked towards their branded BBC car looking menacing. 'Troubled': BBC reporter Mr Joslin died after telling BBC bosses he had been sexually harassed by a colleague . As a result, she said, she asked him if he was wanting more than friendship from her, and said he replied rudely telling her if he was looking for a girlfriend, it would be one much younger than her. Ms Kershaw admits in her autobiography that she 'probably' did leave him voice messages, because she was angry and upset by his behaviour.  She said he called her 'menopausal' and 'old', upsetting her so much that she ended their relationship for good. But she insisted that she was not to blame for Mr Joslin's troubled state of mind or behaviour. After Mr Joslin's death his father, former Warwickshire police chief Peter Joslin, named Ms Kershaw as the woman who made threatening phone calls to his son. He said Russell Joslin was driven to his death after BBC bosses failed to take seriously allegations that he had been offended by a female colleague in 2007. Glory days: Liz Kershaw in 1989 when she worked at BBC Radio 1 with colleagues Anthea Turner and Bruno Brookes . And Mr Joslin senior said he his son had recordings of 'very unpleasant' messages left by Ms Kershaw on his son's phone, branding him a 'flake' and a 'loser'. The former police chief said shortly after his son's death: 'They were very unpleasant and she made it clear that she felt she was on a different level to him. 'A lot of things happened because he had to carry on working with her. He did not tell us everything but it badly affected him. Ms Kershaw, who worked for Radio 1 in the Eighties, claimed last year that there was a culture of sexual harassment of women at Radio 1, and said she had been groped while working there. Her claims about abuse at the BBC triggered a new Commons inquiry into the shelving of the Jimmy Savile sex abuse investigation. Born in Rochdale, Lancashire in 1958, Liz Kershaw - the sister of fellow broadcaster Andy Kershaw - began her media career in Leeds with a column in the Yorkshire Post. In 1984 she and her neighbour, Carol Vorderman, formed their own band, Dawn Chorus and the Bluetits, with another friend, Lindsay Forrest. Band: Liz Kershaw, centre, with Lindsay Forrest, left, and Carol Vorderman in their band, Dawn Chorus and the Bluetits in 1984 . The following year she began presenting a weekly rock show for BBC Radio Leeds, before moving to London the following year and devising her own show, Backchat, for BBC Radio 1 in 1987. Ms Kershaw then presented the Radio 1 Evening Show, Radio 1's Weekend Breakfast Show with Bruno Brookes, and the Radio 1 Roadshow from 1989 to 1992. In 1992 Ms Kershaw moved to BBC Radio 5, where she worked until 2000 when she moved into local radio. She joined BBC Coventry and Warwickshire in 2005, and worked there until 2011.  She now presents a regular show on digital station, BBC Radio 6 Music.

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire reporter Russell Joslin, 50, died in 2012 . Radio worker had accused a female colleague of sexually harassing him . Mr Joslin's father, Peter, later said Ms Kershaw had threatened his son . Now Ms Kershaw, 55, breaks her silence to say she was not to blame . In new autobiography she says Mr Joslin was just a friend and colleague . And she reveals how he took her to a 'dogging' spot in a BBC branded car . The mother of two DJ also reveals she has battled cervical cancer twice .

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(CNN) -- Four men behind what officials describe as the most serious Islamist terrorist plot ever hatched in Scandinavia were convicted of the plot Monday in a courthouse in Glostrup, just outside of Copenhagen, Denmark. Three Swedish nationals and a Tunisian resident of Sweden were found guilty of targeting Jyllands Posten, the Copenhagen-based newspaper responsible for publishing controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. The court ruled there was no doubt about their plan to attack and sentenced each of the men to 12 years in prison. Counterterrorism officials in the United States and Scandinavia believe the plot was directed by al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan. Authorities contend the four suspects planned a gun attack on the newspaper, to be followed by "the execution" of hostages. It is possible a reception due to be attended by Denmark's crown prince in the same building as the newspaper was the intended target, a prosecutor said in court. The reception was to be held hours after the terrorist cell was arrested, but the prosecutor said there was no evidence the men were specifically targeting the crown prince. The cell's plans were thwarted by a joint operation of Swedish and Danish security services, which tracked the suspects in December 2010 as they drove from Sweden to Denmark with a submachine gun, a silencer, and several dozen 9mm submachine gun cartridges, authorities say. The four men convicted -- Mounir Dhahri, 46, a Tunisian citizen; Munir Awad, 31, of Lebanese descent; Sahbi Zalouti, 39, of Tunisian descent; and Omar Aboelazm, 32, of Egyptian descent -- are charged with plotting to kill a large number of people at the newspaper. They have denied the charges. Western security services believe the plot was part of a broader al Qaeda conspiracy, authorized by Osama bin Laden, to strike Europe with operations mirroring the Mumbai, India, attack in November 2008, which killed nearly 200 people. Dhahri, the suspected ringleader of the cell, Awad, and Zalouti had all traveled to Pakistan in early 2010. Awad and Zalouti, traveling separately, were arrested by Pakistani authorities in August 2010 before they could reach the North Waziristan region and were subsequently deported, according to a Swedish counterterrorism source. During the trial, prosecutors pointed to a map showing Miramshah in North Waziristan and told the jury the plot had links to Pakistan, according to Elisabeth Haslund, a reporter for Berlingske newspaper, who attended the proceedings. But while the court ruled that Dhahri spent time in Waziristan, few details emerged in court on his movements there. The court heard that Zalouti admitted to Swedish police he wired money from Sweden via Western Union to Dhahri in Bannu, a town bordering North Waziristan, according to Haslund. Dhahri evaded capture in Pakistan, and he is believed to have received training there prior to returning to Europe shortly before the group began to plot their attack, according to the source. At trial, it was revealed that Dhahri traveled back from Pakistan through Athens and Brussels, where Zalouti picked him up in a car. According to prosecutors, they then traveled to Copenhagen to case targets including the Jyllands Posten before traveling on to Stockholm. Awad, the Lebanese-born suspect, had long been on the radar screen of Swedish counterterrorism services. He was suspected of having joined up with jihadist militants in Somalia in 2006 before fleeing the country when Ethiopian troops launched a military operation against Islamist militants there, according to a Danish security source. By October 2010, Swedish security services had begun tracking the cell, placing listening devices in the men's apartments. A Swedish counterterrorism source told CNN the group did not settle on attacking the newspaper until shortly before the planned attack, and often squabbled. Prosecutors stated that in the weeks before the plot was thwarted, there were 75 calls from a SIM card used by Dhahri to a number in Pakistan linked to "Masror," an individual suspected of involvement in terrorist activity. In court Monday, state prosecutor Gyrithe Ulrich argued the men deserved a significant prison sentence because they were "fulfilling a task ordered from Pakistan" and came close to carrying out their operation, according to Haslund. On the evening of December 28, 2010, three of the cell members set off from Stockholm in a rental car with Dhahri at the wheel, authorities said. Security services continuously monitored their progress, including from the air. Zalouti bailed from the journey at the last minute, and was later arrested in Stockholm, according to court documents. The court heard that after his arrest, he claimed to Swedish police he was aware that Dhahri -- his best friend -- and the others were planning an attack on the Jyllands Posten newspaper, but wanted out, according to Haslund. Taking the stand in court, Zalouti said that at the time he only suspected a possible plot and had thought about calling police to alert them of his concerns after getting out of the car in Sweden, Haslund said. It was just after 2 a.m. when the vehicle carrying the other cell members crossed the iconic Oresund Bridge connecting the two countries, authorities say. When they reached Copenhagen, they were initially unable to find the address where they planned to sleep. Just after 10 a.m. on December 29, Danish police, concerned the men might be about to try launch their operation, moved in to make the arrests. Authorities say officials had already taken precautions. When they learned the group was planning to travel to Denmark, they secretly disabled their weapons, according to a Swedish counterterrorism source. Plastic wrist strips were also found in their car, according to court documents, and security services said they believed the materials were going to be used to handcuff hostages. Security services believe the plan was to try to take up to 200 journalists hostage at the newspaper and execute many of them, a Swedish counterterrorism source told CNN. The equivalent of $20,000 in cash was also recovered from the suspects, and a pistol and ammunition were found in one of their apartments, according to court documents. A Swedish counterterrorism source has told CNN that investigations have revealed a complex set of connections between the plotters and a network linked to Ilyas Kashmiri, a senior Pakistani al Qaeda operative who Western intelligence believe orchestrated al Qaeda's plans to hit Europe with Mumbai-style attacks. Dhahri and Awad had a connection to "Farid," a Stockholm-based militant of Moroccan descent who is suspected of acting as facilitator for Kashmiri's terrorist network, according to a Swedish counterterrorism source. At trial, the prosecutor stated that in the days before the cell set off for Sweden, Dhahri was in touch by phone five times with Farid, using Zalouti's phone. Also involved with Kashmiri's network was David Headley, an American of Pakistani descent who pleaded guilty two years ago to helping plot the Mumbai attacks. According to an interview of Headley by India's National Investigation Agency that was obtained by CNN, Headley met with Farid in 2009 in relation to a plot Headley himself was planning against the Jyllands Posten newspaper. The newspaper and its cartoonists have been targeted by several plots in recent years, including one by a Norwegian al Qaeda cell that was broken up in July 2010. Kashmiri was reported killed in a drone strike in June 2011. An attack strategy document seized on an alleged al Qaeda recruit in Berlin last spring indicates the terrorist group still hopes to launch a gun and hostage execution attack in Europe because of the publicity and fear such attacks would create.

Each of the four is sentenced to 12 years in prison . The four men are convicted of targeting a Danish newspaper . Authorities say they planned a gun attack, followed by hostage executions .

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Jarratt, Virginia (CNN) -- Teresa Lewis, called the mastermind in the murder-for-hire deaths of her husband and stepson, was executed Thursday night, Virginia Department of Corrections officials said. Lewis, who was given a lethal injection, was pronounced dead at 9:13 p.m. ET at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt. Death penalty opponents argued that Lewis, a 41-year-old grandmother, should not have died for a 2002 conspiracy that spared two triggermen a capital sentence. Instead they got life without parole. Lewis was the first woman executed in Virginia in nearly a century. The victims' family members witnessed the execution, state Department of Corrections spokesman Larry Traylor said. News media witnesses said Lewis appeared frightened when she entered the death chamber and approached the gurney. Asked if she had last words, Lewis said, "I just want Kathy to know I love her. And I am very sorry." The inmate was referring to her stepdaughter, witness Kathy Clifton, daughter of murder victim Julian Lewis and sister of victim C.J. Lewis. "She has no recriminations, she has no ill will for anybody," Lewis attorney Jim Rocap said. "I think frankly that she had accepted what was going to happen tonight a long time ago, and she was very peaceful with that." The death row inmate pleaded guilty in the 2002 slayings of her husband and stepson in their rural home near Danville, Virginia, about 145 miles from Richmond. Lewis, whom the state argued is evil, was the first woman executed in the United States in five years. She requested a last meal of two fried chicken breasts, sweet peas with butter, German cake (first choice), apple pie (second choice) and a Dr Pepper soft drink, officials said. Rocap also released a statement late Thursday. "Tonight, the machinery of death in Virginia extinguished the beautiful, childlike and loving human spirit of Teresa Lewis ..." Rocap said. "Teresa asked that I send her thanks and love to all of those who have supported her in this fight for her life. In her words, 'It's just awesome.' It is our hope that Teresa's death will cause a re-examination of the badly broken system of justice that could allow something as wrong and unjust as this to happen." On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a stay of execution appeal. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell also rejected a clemency request. "Having carefully reviewed the petition for clemency, the judicial opinions in this case, and other relevant materials, I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence that was imposed by the Circuit Court and affirmed by all reviewing courts," McDonnell wrote. "Accordingly, I decline to intervene and have notified the appropriate counsel and family of my decision." Lewis and her lawyers argued to the governor that she had an IQ that was borderline mentally retarded and that she was manipulated into committing the crimes by a dominant male co-defendant. She pleaded guilty to her participation in the murders but later regretted her actions, they said. Two anti-death penalty groups pleaded with McDonnell to show clemency. "Teresa's death sentence, imposed despite clear evidence of her diminished mental capacities, disabilities and addictions, undermines any confidence that she was properly adjudicated to be 'worthy' of death," argued Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. "The final failure of the death penalty system in Virginia rests squarely on the desk of Governor McDonnell. He should do the right thing and allow Teresa the same punishment, which was given to her co-defenders -- life imprisonment." "I just want the governor to know that I am so sorry, deeply from my heart," Lewis recently said. "And if I could take it back, I would, in a minute. ... I just wish I could take it back. And I'm sorry for all the people that I've hurt in the process." Lewis admitted to police that she concocted the plot to kill her husband, Julian, and his son C.J., an Army reservist set to be deployed to Iraq. At the time, she was having an affair with Matthew Shallenberger and paid him and then-19-year-old Rodney Fuller to commit murder for the victims' insurance money. Court records show that Lewis gave the two killers cash to buy weapons and left the door of the home open for easy entry. Lewis was in bed with her husband when he was hit with a shotgun blast by Shallenberger. Julian Lewis survived long enough to tell police, "My wife knows who did this to me." Fuller killed C.J. Lewis in his bedroom down the hall. Despite her guilty plea, a state judge later sentenced Lewis to death while sparing the lives of Shallenberger and Fuller. At sentencing, the judge called her "the head of this serpent." "I can frankly say that Teresa Lewis is as evil a person as I've ever met," David Grimes, commonwealth's attorney for Pittsylvania County, who was at the scene shortly after the crimes occurred. "I would wager with some assurance that you wouldn't find anyone who knew her before this event occurred who thought she was mentally retarded or had a limited mentality -- that it would ever cross their minds." Her supporters said Lewis was deeply remorseful and had been a model prisoner, helping fellow female inmates cope with their circumstances. "I do feel I could be a lot of help to some of the women, which I have already. From my understanding, I've already helped a lot to change their lives or made them look at their lives in a different way," Lewis said. Amnesty International and best-selling author John Grisham were among those supporting leniency. Grimes said Lewis had a "fairly low" IQ but noted that courts have concluded she was not mentally retarded. The state also argued that Lewis waited 45 minutes after the shootings before calling police and that she had involved her then-16-year-old daughter in the plot. Rocap argued that such evidence suggested "Teresa could not have been the mastermind." "Shallenberger has stated, and the experts that have examined her agree, that she was being used by Shallenberger, not the other way around," he said. Lewis' attorneys said that Shallenberger admitted he used Lewis to get at the $250,000 she would receive in the event her stepson died. A letter from Shallenberger to another woman, they say, said that the only reason he slept with Lewis was "so she would give me the insurance money." "She was exactly what I was looking for," he wrote. "Some ugly bitch who married her husband for the money and I knew I could get to fall head over heels for me." Furthermore, they said, Shallenberger said he "manipulated the whole thing" and "knew he was going 'take' Lewis from the moment he met her," according to an affidavit from one of their investigators. But Shallenberger, who committed suicide in 2006, refused to sign the affidavit and actually tore up and ate part of it. Still, Grimes said, his investigation showed that Lewis took an active role in the plot, that she connived and manipulated everyone from her late husband to her lover to her children. From early on, he said, Lewis schemed several different ways to get the inheritance money. She helped plan an earlier plot to kill her husband that failed.

Teresa Lewis, 41, died Thursday night by lethal injection . Death penalty opponents had asked Virginia's governor for clemency . Lewis met earlier with family members, spiritual adviser . She was sentenced in the slayings of her husband, stepson .

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By . Mark Duell . UPDATED: . 11:54 EST, 15 September 2011 . A cat has made an extraordinary journey of almost 2,000 miles after she went missing from Colorado five years ago and turned up in New York. Willow disappeared from a home in Broomfield but was found on Wednesday in Manhattan and will soon be reunited with her owners. Jamie and Chris Squires, of Boulder, Colorado, were ‘shocked’ to hear of her whereabouts, but she had a microchip implanted as a kitten. Eyes have it: How Willow got to New York, which is more than 1,600 miles away, and the kind of life she lived in the city are both mysteries . The family, who live near the Rocky Mountains, have two of three kids and one of two dogs who may still remember Willow. But how she got to New York, which is more than 1,600 miles away, and the kind of life she lived in the city are both mysteries. ‘To be honest, there are tons of coyotes around here, and owls,’ Mrs Squires said. ‘She was just a little thing, five and a half pounds. ‘We put out the “Lost Cat” posters and the Craigslist thing, but we actually thought she'd been eaten by coyotes.’ Journey: How Willow made the distance of more than 1,600 miles from Broomfield, Colorado, to Manhattan, New York, is still a mystery . Long trip: Willow disappeared from a home in Colorado, but was found on Wednesday in New York City and will soon be reunited with her owners . The couple were ‘astounded’ when they . got a call from Animal Care & Control in New York City, saying she . had been found on East 20th Street. 'We put out the “Lost Cat” posters and the Craigslist thing, but we actually thought she'd been eaten by coyotes' Jamie Squires, Willow's owner . Mrs . Squires added that her husband told her not to tell their children . until they were sure it was indeed Willow that had been found. ‘Then we saw the picture, and it was Willow,’ she said. ‘It's been so long.’ Animal Care & Control Executive Director Julie Bank said a scanner found the microchip that led to the Squires family. Found: Jamie Squires said Willow escaped in late 2006 or early 2007 when contractors left a door open during a home renovation . ‘All our pets are microchipped,’ Mrs Squires said. ‘If I could microchip my kids, I would.’ 'All our pets are microchipped. If I could microchip my kids, I would' Mrs Squires . The . children are aged 17, 10 and 3 - so the older two remember Willow. Mrs . Squires said her 3-year-old saw a photo and remarked: 'She's a pretty cat.’ The Squires family also have a yellow labrador named Roscoe, who knew Willow, and an English mastiff named Zoe. ‘We . had another dog back then too, and I remember Willow would lie with . them as they all waited to be fed,’ she said. 'She thought she was a . dog.' Found: Jamie Squires, right, and Chris Squires, left, were 'shocked' to hear the whereabouts of . Willow, who had a microchip implanted when she was a kitten . Mrs Squires said Willow escaped in late 2006 or early 2007 when contractors left a door open during a home renovation. Jamie Squires was worried about a possible New York state of mind. 'I . don't know what kind of life she's had, so I don't know what her . personality will be like,’ she said. She described Willow when she . disappeared as ‘a really cool cat, really sweet’. Since then the family had moved about . 10 miles from Broomfield to Boulder, but kept its address current with . the microchip company. Ms Bank recommended that all pet owners use microchips. She . said Willow, who now weighs 7lbs, is healthy and well-mannered and . probably has not spent her life on the mean streets of Manhattan. But there are no clues about her trip east or anything else in the five years she's been missing. Looking: Willow stares out from a cage at her temporary home on Wednesday in New York's Animal Care & Control facility, after her very long journey . The ACC and the Squires family were trying to arrange for transportation back to Colorado and health certificates. They said it might be two weeks before the reunion. Willow may spend some time with a foster family in New York. ‘The kids can't wait to see her,’ Mrs Squires said. ‘And we still have her little Christmas stocking.’

Cat went missing from Broomfield, Colorado, in 2006/7 . She turned up on a street in Manhattan, New York . Owners were tracked thanks to microchip inside her .

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By . Conor Sheils . PUBLISHED: . 14:13 EST, 17 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:31 EST, 17 April 2013 . A pet Jack Russell terrier is set to be given an award after saving her owner's life during a late night house fire by licking her face. Barbie the dog alerted her owner Rosemary Field, 72, to the blaze as she slept at her Bristol home. The pensioner initially shooed her beloved pet away but the determined puppy didn't give up and eventually stirred Ms Field from her sleep. Jack Russell terrier Barbie saved her owner Rosemary Field (pictured) from a late night blaze at their home in Bristol . Partially-sighted Mrs Field realised her bed was ablaze after a lit bedside lamp toppled onto the bed, burned through a quilt and several sheets and blankets before causing the mattress to catch fire. The woman first tackled the fire with a jug of water before calling emergency services to her home. Fire crews who arrived told the pensioner the blaze would probably have been fatal but for Barbie’s brave actions. Relieved owner Ms Field said: 'I can't do enough for little Barbie now – I've been giving her lots of treats since it happened. 'She usually sleeps on my bed but when she started licking my face so early in the morning I was quite annoyed. Fire crews rushed to tackle the blaze after Ms Field attempted to extinguish the fire using a jug of water . 'It wasn't until I woke up more that I saw the bottom of my bed was on fire. 'I tried to put it out but there was a lot of smoke. 'My main worry was to get all my animals out but the cat wouldn't come. 'Luckily the fire was out by the time the firefighters got here and everyone was OK. 'They told me it was very lucky that Barbie had woken me up, or I might have slept through it and died.'They said I shouldn't use the lamp anymore – I put it outside by my front door but someone has stolen it! 'I would like to warn them not to use it.' Today the RSPCA announced it would present an award to Barbie and her owner to recognise the dog’s bravery and persistence. RSPCA Bristol and district branch manager Eddie Grinham said: 'I was touched by how alert Barbie was to the danger her owner was in. 'It is an incredible story of the . strong bond between a dog and its owner - sensing danger this little dog . did not run away but overcame her own fear to persist in trying to get . her owner to come with her. 'I believe Barbie should be rewarded for her actions.'

Brave dog set to be given RSPCA award for Bristol fire rescue . House fire could have killed dog's 72-year-old owner Rosemary Field .

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While Louis van Gaal was taking charge of Manchester United for the first time at Old Trafford, former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was enjoying something his old club will be missing this season - European football. The Old Trafford legend was in Cardiff to watch Real Madrid take on Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup. Ferguson saw Cristiano Ronaldo, whose development he oversaw before selling the World Player of the Year to Madrid for a world record transfer fee, score twice for the Champions League holders, and was on hand to congratulate the Real Madrid forward. VIDEO Scroll down for Ronaldo rattles one in off the underside of the bar in training . Watching on: Ferguson was at the Super Cup match in Cardiff while United played at Old Trafford . Congratulations: Fergie speaks to Ronaldo after the Madrid man had sealed the Super Cup for his side . On target: Ronaldo fires home the second of his two goals in front of his former Manchester United manager . Development: Ferguson worked with Ronaldo early in his career, helping him progress into a world class player . Ronaldo, who was named man of the match for his two-goal performance, spotted his former manager in the crowd and reacted with delight. He later dedicated his individual award to the former United boss: ‘I am happy because I scored these two goals and I want to thank Sir Alex for handing me the man of the match trophy. ‘He helped me a lot when I was just 18 in Manchester and I want to say I respect him and thank him so much for everything he did in my career.' Since leaving United Ferguson has become a coaching ambassador for UEFA, and he was in Cardiff as part of that role. His former club, who have struggled in his absence, nicked a 2-1 win over Valencia thanks to a last minute goal from Marouane Fellaini . Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan was also in attendance at the Super Cup as local boy Gareth Bale made his return to the city. Homecoming: Madrid winner Gareth Bale was back in his native Wales for the Sevilla match . Scouting mission? Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan was another famous face in attendance .

Ferguson is coaching ambassador for UEFA . Manager watches his former player Cristiano Ronaldo score twice . Fergie congratulates Ronaldo as he receives the trophy . Real Madrid win Super Cup 2-0 over Europa League winners Sevilla .

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(CNN) -- While most people can appreciate the grace and athleticism of ballet, dressage -- the precision art of horse riding and training -- remains a puzzling spectacle to all but a few. A new performance by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) aims to show that these two art forms are not so different. For the launch of the flagship FEI World Cup Finals in Lyon, France the organizing body assembled the finest talent from the worlds of elite riding and ballet to show off their skills side by side. "They're very similar in terms of athletic ability; they're very delicate but they're very powerful," said U.S. Jumping rider Charlie Jacobs, who joined dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin and dancers from the Minsk Bolshoi for the photoshoot. Double Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin was just as impressed with her partnership with Belarusian maestro Kanstantsin Geronik -- calling it an "exciting" prelude to the competition in which she once again shattered world records. The FEI's Director of Dressage, Trond Asmyr, says the organizers hoped to create a comparison to ballet which would open up the esoteric world to outsiders. He believes the parallels go beyond the athletes' physical abilities. "You see a number of different elements in there. You need strength. You need power. You need elegance," he said. "You need a feeling for what you're doing: it's not only a question of jumping as far as you can or as long as you can or as high as you can -- it's this combination of putting all these elements together to produce the optimal performance." He was pleased with how much the riders got out of the day. He called Dujardin "a full-blown artist herself" but says seeing her perform alongside Geronik highlighted the virtuosos' similarities. The real test, he says, is to close your eyes and listen to the music. In either sport, you can imagine how the performer (or performer plus horse) could glide across the space. Dujardin, the World number one Dressage rider, who took the dressage crown in Lyon, has been labeled "the girl with the dancing horse," but was enthused to see her horse-less dancing counterparts in action. The evening after the photoshoot, organizers FEI took the riders to see the dancers on their own turf -- at the Lyon Amphitheatre where the Bolshoi performed Swan Lake as part of a nationwide French tour. Asmyr says Dujardin told him she saw dance with "new eyes." He now has high hopes for developing the cross-cultural collaboration further in future. "Ballet is certainly more well known around the world than dressage riding, so if we can facilitate an understanding from people about our sport, through the similarities with ballet, then we're very happy about that." Read more: Globetrotting: The world's most traveled horse .

What happens when the worlds of dressage and ballet collide? New performance aims to highlight similarities between the two disciplines . "You need strength. You need power. You need elegance" says FEI dressage chief . Organizers hope to develop more cross-cultural collaboration in future .

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The elderly, former KKK leader charged with shooting dead three people at Jewish community centers was pen pals with fellow white supremacist bomber Kevin Harpham, it was revealed today. Harpham is serving 32 years for the failed bombing of the MLK Day parade in Spokane, Washington in 2011. Frazier Glenn Cross, aka Glenn Miller, 73, has been charged with three counts of murder following the Kansas City shooting spree on Sunday that left a 14-year-old boy, his . grandfather and a 53-year-old woman dead. Scroll down for video . Kevin Harpham (left) is serving 32 years for the failed bombing of the . MLK Day parade in Spokane, Washington in 2011. It was revealed that he . had received fan mail from Frazier Glenn Cross (right) Prosecutors investigating Cross said that the pair sent each other letters and postcards in 2011, according to ABC News. In a letter, Cross told Harpham to 'stay strong' and offered to set up a legal defense fund as he appeared to believe that Harpham was innocent. Harpham wrote back to Cross saying that he did not need money for a legal team but added that he may need him to house-sit. The failed bomber also complained about his conditions in jail where there was a 'hard bed, limited clothing and blankets to keep . warm'. A postcard that Frazier Glenn Cross, aka Glenn Miller, sent failed Spokane bomber Kevin Harpham in 2011, urging him to 'stay strong' Harpham sent a letter in reply to Cross, thanking him for the offer of fundraising and saying he had plenty of reading materials . On January 17, 2011, two days before the annual celebration of one of America's greatest icons of peace and equality, Martin Luther King, a bomb was found in the small city of Spokane, Washington. The radio-controlled pipe bomb was placed along the route of the MLK memorial march. It was filled with metal shrapnel and rat poison to prevent bleeding wounds from coagulating, thus intended to inflict maximum damage indiscriminately on the crowd. Thankfully, the device, left in a backpack, was intercepted and defused by bomb disposal experts. It was sent to FBI HQ for further analysis and a $20,000 reward offered for the culprits. The timing and location of the bomb led investigators to believe that the attack was racially motivated. On March 9, the FBI arrested white supremacist Kevin William Harpham, 36, of Addy, Washington. He was sentenced that December to 32 years in prison for the attempted bombing. Harpham was sentenced to 32 years  in . 2011 for the attempted bombing. Harpham, then 36, had planted a . radio-controlled pipe bomb filled with a rat-poison chemical and . shrapnel along the route of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial march. Cross appeared in court on Tuesday to be charged with capital murder for the deaths of Dr William Lewis Corporon, 69, and his grandson Reat Griffin Underwood, . 14. Cross also faces one count of . first-degree, premeditated murder for the death of Terri LaManno who was . gunned down while visiting her mother at a nearby retirement complex. None of Sunday's victims were Jewish: . Dr Corporon and his grandson were at the community center for a singing . contest audition, while Ms LaManno was visiting her mother at the . retirement . complex. Separate hate crime charges are expected to be filed later. He is being held on $10million bond. Cross, a former Vietnam veteran, founded the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux . Klan in his native North Carolina and later the White Patriot Party. After a 1986 contempt-of-court conviction . in North Carolina for operating a paramilitary camp, Cross went in . hiding while free on bond and fled to Missouri. There, federal agents found him and . several other men in a rural mobile home stocked with hand grenades, . automatic weapons and thousands of bullets. Bomb disposal experts work on the explosive device which was rendered inert after being found at the MLK parade in Spokane, Washington in 2011 . Hateful: Cross, pictured, appeared to target Jews but none of his victims in fact belonged to the faith . Cross, 73, was arrested on Sunday following the two attacks in Kansas City that left three dead . Cross entered federal witness protection programs in 1987, according to The Wall Street Journal, and agreed to cooperate with authorities. It is not clear when the protection ended. Indicted on weapons charges and accused of plotting robberies and the assassination of SPLC founder Morris Dees, Cross served three years in federal prison but avoided a longer sentence in exchange for testifying against more than a dozen other KKK leaders. 'We were aware he was affiliated with certain hate groups,' FBI special agent Michael Kaste said at a Monday press conference. Federal prosecutors say there's enough evidence to warrant putting the case before a grand jury as a hate crime. Moving the case from state to federal prosecutors would likely mean tougher punishments if Cross is convicted. 'The motivation behind these attacks . was a hate crime... He was trying to hurt someone based on race or . ethnicity,’ FBI agent Kaste said at a Monday press conference. Before . the shootings, Cross had been contemptuous of some of his like-minded . allies' reliance on social media over violent confrontation. 'He . felt it was easy to be a 'keyboard commando,' but that the only way . activists will ever succeed is by going out on the streets,' said Devin . Burghart, the vice president of the Institute for Research & . Education on Human Rights. Victims: Dr. William Lewis Corporan, and his grandson Reat Griffin Underwood (left) were at the Jewish Community Center for a singing competition while Terri LaManno (right) was visiting her mother at a Jewish assisted living facility. None of the victims were Jewish . Burghart said his group made a . presentation on white supremacists to the Jewish Community Center in . August, a discussion that included a description of Cross as an example . of dangerous anti-Semitic figures in the region. It wasn't clear what, if any, steps were taken by the center to act on the information. The timing of the attack is worth . noting, as a group monitoring anti-Semitic attacks in the U.S. cautiously reported a sharp decline in such incidents less than two . weeks before this weekend’s attack. In . a report April 1, the Anti-Defamation League noted a 19 per cent drop . in anti-Semitic incidents last year compared to 2012, part of what the . group called a 'decade-long downward slide' and one of its lowest . tallies since it started keeping such records in 1979. Racist: In recent years, watchdog groups were aware of Cross, seen here in an undated photo, and viewed him as a possible threat but because he had stopped posting as often, they became less concerned .

Frazier Glenn Cross aka Glenn Miller wrote to Kevin Harpham after he was sentenced to 32 years for failed bombing in 2011 . Cross told Harpham to 'stay strong' and offered to set up a legal defense fund. He appeared to believe Harpham was innocent . Cross is charged with three counts of murder in the Kansas City killing spree on Sunday . The 73-year-old appeared in court on Tuesday in a wheelchair and wearing a suicide-prevention gown .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:40 EST, 10 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:41 EST, 10 August 2013 . Zimbabwe has signed a secret deal to supply Uranium to Iran for its controversial nuclear programme, according to a senior Government source in Harare. Negotiations between the two countries, which would see thousands of tonnes of the raw uranium shipped to Tehran for enrichment, have allegedly been going on for two years, the Times reports. Zimbabwe's Deputy Mining Minister Gift Chimanikire, said a 'memorandum of understanding' had been signed between the two countries both currently subject to stringent international sanctions. Concerns: Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, seen here shaking hands with former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2006, is believed to have signed a secret deal to supply uranium to Tehran . The deal would see thousands of tonnes of raw uranium shipped to Tehran . for enrichment in a flagrant breech of international sanctions. Iranian president Hasan Rouhani has refused to consider halting the country's nuclear programme . Iran insists that its nuclear programme is solely for providing its domestic energy needs, however it is widely believed they are hoping to build a nuclear weapon. Mr Chimanikire described mining as 'Zimbabwe's ticket' and said only a small number of government officials were aware of the deal which would mean the African country receiving billions in desperately needed currency. Enrichment plant: Iran's Uranium Conversion Facility, just outside the city of Isfahan . He said a Chinese company had been . carrying out tests at a site in the far north of Zimbabwe.He told the . Times: 'I have seen a [memorandum of understanding] to export uranium to . the Iranians.' Zimbabwe is believed to have uranium reserves of around 45,000 tonnes. However much of it is mixed in with other minerals meaning it would take years to extract and at considerable expense. The Chinese are also believed to have approached Zimbabwe offering finance and construction projects in return for mining rights. Although Iran has its own uranium deposits they are not as pure as those found in other parts of the world. Experts believe the Islamic state has already stockpiled 182kg of enriched uranium, but would require around 250kg to build a nuclear bomb. Following his inauguration in June, Iran's new president Hasan Rouhani Iran's promised to follow a 'path of moderation' and bring more openness over the country's nuclear programme. But he stopped short of saying they would consider halting the uranium enrichment programme and accused the United States of seeking any excuse to confront the country over its nuclear ambitions. They insist the programme is peaceful and geared soley towards generating electricity and producing radioisotopes to treat cancer patients. Mr Rouhani's predecessor Mahmoud . Ahmadinejad, met with President Mugabe in 2010, when the African leader . described the Iranian's nuclear ambitions as a 'just cause'. Before stepping down in June Mr Ahmadinejad, took a foreign trip to Niger, the world's fourth-largest uranium producer. Precious cargo: Iranian technicians huddle around a container of 'yellow cake' uranium in 2005 . British security officials said they were aware that Iran was negotiating with Zimbabwe. A foreign office spokesman said: 'Any reports of uranium being supplied to Iran are concerning.' Iran has six uranium enrichment plants and are also understood to have activated a heavy-water production plant to produce plutonium for a nuclear bomb. But satellite images showed clouds of steam emerging from the site, which is 150 miles south-west of the capital Tehran.

Negotiations between the countries have allegedly gone on for two years . It would mean thousands of tonnes of raw material shipped to Tehran . Senior minister said a  'memorandum of understanding' had been signed . Foreign office spokesman described the report as 'concerning'

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By . Alex Gore . PUBLISHED: . 06:15 EST, 2 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:15 EST, 2 September 2012 . 'Shocking': Katerine Kerswell received £589,165 from Kent County Council . MORE than 450 council bigwigs have picked up six-figure pay-offs despite pressure to slash public spending. The biggest redundancy package of the last financial year went to Kent County Council's former managing director, Katherine Kerswell, who received a staggering £589,165 after only 20 months in the role. She lost her £200,000-a-year job at the Tory-run in December and was described as the 'architect' of a savings programme aimed at slashing 1,500 staff by 2015. The council said Ms Kerswell had done an exceptional job' at reshaping its 'approach to service delivery' and 'recasting our overall management arrangements'. More than £100,000 was also handed to 36 employees at Lancashire County Council, including two who walked away with £300,000, and 13 staff at Staffordshire County Council. Golden goodbyes of more than £200,000 were given to at least 25 council workers, including one at London's poorest boroughs, Tower Hamlets, while three Glasgow City Council top brass shared packages totaling nearly £1.3m. Development and regeneration assistant director Tommy McDonald was given £586,000, head of service development Kenneth Harkness received £425,000, and development and regeneration executive director of Gerry Gormal picked up £288,000. The Sunday Telegraph investigation revealed many of the officials got highly-paid jobs elsewhere in the public sector, including Andrew Kerr, who was earning £131,000 as Cardiff's chief operating officer six months after walking away from Wiltshire's chief executive post with £144,000. Jo Williams was re-employed by Merton council in London within months of losing her £130,000-a-year job as head of housing, while former Scottish Borders council chief executive, began consultancy work with a quango just months after receiving a massive £318,000 pay-off. Public spending: Minister Bob Neill said councils must account for casual attitude . The figures were described as 'shocking' and 'galling' by the TaxPayers' Alliance, and local government minister, Bob Neill, said: 'Councils must account for what appears to be a very casual attitude to spending public money.' But Local Government Association spokesman, Dale Atkinson, told MailOnline: 'Councils have delivered bigger savings than almost any other part of the public sector. 'They have reduced the local government headcount by 214,000 and sliced £1.4 billion from the annual paybill. 'Ninety per cent of councils have also lowered senior staff costs. 'There are inevitable short-term costs associated with restructuring on this scale but the overall savings to the public are significant and ongoing. 'Councils will always meet the legal requirements in relation to redundancies'

More than 450 bigwigs picked up six-figure deals . Kent County Council's former chief executive Katherine Kerswell received a staggering £389,165 . One council handed 36 employees more than £100,000 . Minister says councils must account for 'casual attitude' to public spending .

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By . Graham Smith . Last updated at 4:43 PM on 25th November 2011 . A mother and daughter have been banned from owning animals after 45 cats and dogs and a squirrel were found living in squalid conditions in their council house. Kindred Hummer, 47, and her daughter Lauren Stead, 23, were arrested during a raid by RSPCA inspectors on their home in Beverley, East Yorkshire, in August last year. Inside, horrified inspectors discovered 41 cats kept in just six cages in bedrooms. Four of the animals were in such terrible shape they had to be put down. Cruel: Kindred Hummer, pictured leaving Beverley Magistrates Court, and her daughter Lauren Stead have been banned from owning animals after RSPCA inspectors found 46 animals living in squalid conditions in their home . Elsewhere in the house were found four desperately ill dogs and a grey squirrel, Alfie, kept in a dark cage in the attic. One dog, named Jenny, had to be put down by a vet, while a cream and black pug called Alfie had conjunctivitis and a prolapsed eyeball, causing him to go blind. A vet recommended both of his eyeballs be surgically removed. A third dog, Phoebe, was found with a chronic skin condition and severely infected ears and needed four months of treatment. At Beverley Magistrates' Court yesterday, Hummer and Stead were yesterday disqualified from owning animals indefinitely and sentenced to ten weeks imprisonment, suspended for a year . The court heard details of the appalling conditions and suffering endured by the animals living in the house. Prosecutor Philip Brown revealed how RSPCA inspectors found 36 cats kept in five large cages and five 'exceptionally thin' cats suffering from diarrhoea in a cage in a second upstairs room. Squalid: The RSPCA discovered 41 cats kept in just six cages in bedrooms. Four of the animals were in such terrible shape they had to be put down . He said: 'The sheer number of cats contained in the manner described shocked the inspector and vet. 'The failure to provide constant access to a supply of drinking water was detrimental to welfare. 'The method of housing these cats together meant they were not kept in a suitable environment and prevented from exhibiting normal behaviour patterns expected of cats.' Tim Bishop, mitigating, said Hummer and Stead, who have since moved to Hull, were remorseful. He said: 'While it is apparent that animals have suffered as a result of the actions or inaction of the defendants, these two individuals are not, at heart, bad people. 'They didn't set out to cause these animals harm - it's something that has arisen from the personal circumstances of the defendants, combined with simple ignorance. 'Both appear to show genuine remorse for their actions.' As well as the 41 cats, inspectors also found four desperately ill dogs - one of whom had to be put down - and a grey squirrel kept in a dark cage in the attic . Sentencing Hummer and Stead, who each pleaded guilty to 12 charges relating to animal cruelty, magistrates chairman Lesley Wood stressed that 'a number of these animals were neglected for some time'. The pair admitted charges including failing to provide a constant supply of fresh drinking water for 45 cats and not addressing the poor condition and weight loss of various cats. Hummer and Stead each received a ten-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and were ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work. They were disqualified from owning animals indefinitely, for a minimum of five years, and ordered to pay £2,500 costs. A total of 21 cats found at the home were passed to RSPCA, which will find them new homes.

Kindred Hummer and Lauren Stead banned from owning animals indefinitely . Four cats and a dog had to be put down .

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By . Harriet Arkell . The British director of a new film on the artist JMW Turner has said that his film is 'not a documentary' and anyone who complains about it straying from the facts can 'f*** off'. Mike Leigh, 71, spoke out against pedantic art historians at the Cannes Film Festival, where his new biopic, Mr Turner, is one of 18 in the running for this year's Palme d'Or award. Speaking alongside actor Timothy Spall, who plays the Romantic landscape artist, Leigh said he was anticipating criticism from Turner anoraks. Scroll down for video . Artist JMW Turner is the subject of Mr Turner, a new biopic by Mike Leigh, centre, starring Timothy Spall, right . Spall stars as the eccentric landscape painter in the film which, says Leigh, is not strictly historically accurate . He said: 'The Turneracs, as we call them - the real Turner nuts - haven't seen it yet, but we've ordered some protective armour to wear at the screening. 'It's not a documentary, but there's always going to be some serious complainers.' The ebullient director, who won the Palme d'Or in 1996 for his film Secrets & Lies, added: 'But hey, they can f*** off,' the Times reported. Leigh, whose other hit films include Abigail's Party and Life Is Sweet, said his new film was based closely upon the artist's life, though it did not stick 100 per cent to the facts for the plot. But he said he and his team had worked hard to make it as realistic as possible, by studying the artist's letters and written by works to get a feel for how he spoke, as well as striving to make sure the costumes and houses were historically correct. The film, described by Mail film critic Brian Viner as 'something of a masterpiece', tells the story of the later years of the eccentric painter. Artist: Spall portrays Turner as a neglectful father and melancholic, but prone to great bursts of bonhomie . Landscape: The film's British director said he went to great lengths to ensure the film's authenticity . Its precise depiction of the Victorian era is based in meticulous research; Leigh told the audience in Cannes how he believed compromising on dialogue or costumes resulted in unconvincing films which audiences would struggle to believe in. He also told how he fell out with the owner of a period house who refused to let him paint it black, as it would have been at the time, for the film. Last week, Timothy Spall told how he spent two years learning how to paint before making the film, and said he spent hours in the Tate gallery looking at Turner's paintings 'until the colours got into the bloodstream'. Leigh said he would not stay on in Cannes this week to find out if he had won the prestigious film prize, following previous years when he missed out on it having packed his black tie and bought the plane tickets.  This year, he said, he would be staying at home. Born in 1943, Leigh is best known for his grittily realistic depictions of people's everyday lives. He began as a playwright in the 1960s before he began making films for television. It was in 1977, with his suburban satire Abigail's Party, that he made a name for himself.  Starring Alison Steadman, who was married to Leigh from 1973-2001, it centred on a toe-curling suburban drinks party with lines such as 'Tone?  A little cheesy-pineapple one?'. Mike Leigh's long career has included such hits as Abigail's Party, Secrets & Lies, and Life Is Sweet . Cult classic: Leigh's 1977 masterpiece Abigail's Party starred his then wife, Alison Steadman, top right . In 1989, his bitter satire, High Hopes, portrayed life in post-Thatcher England, and won the Venice Film Festival's FIPRESCI prize. The following year, Leigh's comedy Life Is Sweet garnered massive acclaim, featuring Jane Horrocks as a bulimic insecure young woman, as well as Steadman, Jim Broadbent, and Mr Turner star, Timothy Spall. And in 1993 his bleak film Naked, starring David Thewlis as a drifter, won huge acclaim, with Thewlis named Best Actor at Cannes and Leigh named Best Director. Leigh, whose other works include Vera Drake and Topsy-Turvy, was honoured at Cannes again in 1996 for his film Secrets & Lies, telling the story of a woman's adoption and reunion with her family.  The film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and actress Brenda Blethyn won Best Actress at the Golden Globes. Leigh, who has two grown-up sons by Steadman, now lives in Camden, north London. The painter lived from 1775-1851 and was considered controversial for his almost impressionistic style . Turner is considered to have elevated landscape painting to a position rivalling that of historical painting .

The 71-year-old British film director speaks out at the Cannes Film Festival . Mr Turner, his biopic on the artist, is in the running for the Palme d'Or prize . Starring Timothy Spall, it tells story of the landscape painter's later years . Mr Leigh says film isn't strictly accurate, but he's not interested in pedants . The Secrets & Lies director says 'Any serious complainers can f*** off'

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The pub owner who beat Gordon Ramsay in a multi-million pound High Court battle has told how the celebrity chef ruined his life. Gary Love has spoken out for the first time after defeating the celebrity chef in a case which centred on Ramsay's claim that his estranged father-in-law Chris Hutcheson had effectively forged his signature to commit him to a 25-year contract for a London gastropub. But Mr Justice Morgan poured scorn on Ramsay's claim that he had been duped over the use of a signature making machine to sign the agreement, calling his evidence 'entirely implausible' and leaving him facing a £10million rent bill. Scroll down for video . Gordon Ramsay (pictured with wife Tana) lost a £10million court case this week when a judge rejected claims he had been duped over the agreement to guarantee a gastropub’s £640,000 annual rent . Mr Love owned the York and Albany pub, near Regent's Park, when Hutcheson committed Ramsay to personally guarantee the £640,000 a year lease on the premises in 2007. But in 2010 Ramsay sacked Hutcheson, who was chief executive of his companies, claiming he had been secretly siphoning off money from the business and subsequently lodged action against Love. Mr Love said: 'It completely destroyed my life and my family's life. Everything was put on hold. 'He made my life a nightmare with an entirely spurious claim in an attempt to wriggle out of a loss making business, whereas if he had just asked me I could have done what he does on the TV with Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. Gary Love, the owner of the pub, has now criticised the chef for bringing the lengthy court case . 'I could very easily tell him why his business is losing £4million a year.' The court heard that Ramsay had lined up the property for his star chef Angela Hartnett and before the agreement was signed he had met up with Love to discuss the deal. The film director said that Ramsay had ruined his business and family life, not least because he had put a legal 'notice' against the York and Albany property to alert potential buyers that there was a legal battle surrounding ownership of the property. He said: 'My family and I had arranged to sell up in the UK as we were moving to LA to pursue opportunities. 'We needed to sell the property to provide working capital for my new projects in LA but the notice Ramsay had placed on it meant we couldn't do that. 'The children were already booked into schools in California. I couldn't not go there so we had to go and launch a business without funds. It was a nightmare.' The court heard that Hutcheson, who knew that Love would sue him if Ramsay won in court, initially helped Love prepare his case against before the pair subsequently fell out. Since Ramsay parted ways with Hutcheson, the pair have been at loggerheads in and out of court with the chef saying he felt like a 'performing monkey' and his wife Tana accusing her father of a 'distressing fraud' in the High Court. The High Court had heard that Hutcheson used a 'ghost writer' machine to put Ramsay's signature on a series of contracts but the celebrity chef claimed he did not have his consent to do this. But Ramsay's secretary Jennifer Aves-Elliott revealed that, after Hutcheson had been fired in 2010, she had told Gordon and Tana Ramsay about her concerns about the use of the ghost writing machine. The judge noted that Ramsay had never mentioned this when he had subsequently taken legal action against Hutcheson the following year despite the apparent significance of this. In his judgement Mr Justice Morgan said: 'Mr Ramsay knew, long before the entry into the agreement for lease and the lease of the premises, that the machine was routinely used to place his signature on legal documents.' The dispute was over the York & Albany, where Ramsay opened a restaurant near Regent’s Park in London . The judge added: 'I do not accept his evidence to the contrary. I find that when Mr Hutcheson committed Mr Ramsay to the guarantee in the lease of the premises, Mr Hutcheson was acting within the wide general authority conferred on him by Mr Ramsay at all times until Mr Hutcheson's dismissal in October 2010. 'Mr Ramsay may now regret the transaction in relation to the premises. He may particularly regret his involvement as a guarantor. He may consider that Mr Hutcheson did a bad deal. Ramsay claimed his estranged father-in-law Chris Hutcheson had effectively forged his signature to commit him to a 25-year contract at the gastropub . 'However, on any finding, he is not able to say that Mr Hutcheson exceeded his authority in any respect. Mr Ramsay - acting through his agent Mr Hutcheson - is bound by the guarantee in the lease of the premises.' Mr Love said of learning about the victory: 'My 50th birthday occurred during the middle of the trial. My wife had booked a special surprise family celebration for me in a secret location at Big Sur. I had to miss it. We are planning something else now, and that also will be a surprise.' Ramsay is now facing estimated court costs alone of £1.6million and was also told this week that his legal team had been refused permission to appeal. The celebrity chef's restaurant empire fell £6.4million into the red last June, driven by one-off costs of £9million, with £6.7million relating to the York & Albany lease and £2million in legal expenses. Of Ramsay, Mr Love added: 'I think he was very badly advised, and I hope that both of our families can now put this behind us and get on with our lives. If he rings me up, I will tell him what he needs to do to run the restaurant at a profit. 'My solicitor Philip Cohen's work cracked the case. On the face of it, Ramsay had an open and shut case of his signature being forged on an important legal document. 'It was through Philip's relentless work in dragging out other documents of Ramsay that we were able to show that the signature on the personal guarantee was not a one-off.' Mr Cohen, of Jeffrey Green Russell, said: 'I think people in public positions like Ramsay should set a better example. What is so worrying is that Ramsay could have got away with it.'

Pub owner hits out at TV chef after winning long-running court case . He says the case brought by Ramsay ruined his working and family life . Chef claimed his signature was forged on the lease for the York & Albany . But judge rejected his claims a machine signed name without him knowing . Pub owner says chef brought case to 'wriggle out of loss-making business'

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They are the brutal terrorist organisation that claims religious authority over Muslims across the world. The al-Qaeda offshoot is confusingly known by three names: Islamic State, ISIS and ISIL – but a terrorism expert says they have got their branding spot on. The murderous group, which now has around 50,000 fighters in Syria and 30,000 in Iraq according to August 2014 figures from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, until recently used the full Arabic name Al-Dawla Al-Islamiya fi al-Iraq wa al-Sham - the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham. In June, the terror group declared a caliphate - an Islamic state led by a supreme religious and political leader - and began using the simplified name 'Islamic State'. ‘ISIS is very smartly branding itself as THE Islamic State, that’s how it’s been able to attract so many followers,’ Dr Anne Aly, a Research Fellow at Curtin University, told Daily Mail Australia. Scroll down for video . Terrorist leader: The Islamic State's leader, also known as ISIS or ISIL, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been presented as a rightful Caliph . ‘It is differentiating itself from al-Qaeda by saying “we are IT, we are what you haven’t been able to achieve all this time”.’ The counter-terrorism expert explained that by using the name Islamic State people believe they are signing up to support a legitimate and organised group. ‘They don’t understand, they think they are going to join a humongous well organised army called ISIS to give out welfare. They think they are joining something like a state with a humanitarian wing. ‘But it’s not like that at all because there are lots of different competing factions within Syria… there is the Free Syrian Army… so you get two brothers going over there, both thinking they are fighting for the Islamic state, but they end up on two different teams shooting each other, killing each other.’ News organisations, presidents, prime ministers and other world leaders are currently using a mixture of three different names to reference the organisation which is essentially one movement. The name ISIS – the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - is used by American news organisations such as the New York Times and L.A. Times. Fooled: People are joining the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq because they think it is a well 'organised army', ' Dr Anne Aly, a Research Fellow at Curtin University, said . Supporter: The Islamic State has captured swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria and has declared itself an Islamic Caliphate and called on factions worldwide to pledge their allegiance . Mission: The Islamic State are trying to create 'a state that does not recognise the previous borders of Iraq or Syria,' Dr Aly said . International publications such as The Guardian also use ISIS and the BBC uses a combination of ISIS and Islamic State. In a recent report condemning the group, the United Nations referred to the group as ISIS and by its original name. ‘Forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham have committed torture, murder, acts tantamount to enforced disappearance and forced displacement as part of attacks on the civilian population in Aleppo and Raqqa provinces, amounting to crimes against humanity,’ it said. The U.S. government, including President Obama, the Pentagon, and the State Department, uses ISIL which stands for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The group has used this name because it aspires to control what used to be the historic region called the Levant. This area includes Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Cyprus, and an area in southern Turkey that includes Hatay. However, the Islamic State’s ambitions are now even wider – it wants to bring much of the Muslim-inhabited regions of the world under its direct political control. The Australian government, including Prime Minister Tony Abbott, also refers to the group as ISIL. Beheadings: The Islamic State notoriously kills people by beheading them. Australian jihadist Mohamed Elomar is seen here holding up two severed heads in Syria . Control: The Islamic State flag (left) is waved by thousands of supporters in Syria and Iraq. This map (right) shows the areas controlled by the Islamic State in red, the areas claimed by the Islamic State in beige and the rest of Iraq and Syria in pale yellow . ‘There are hundreds of Westerners fighting with extremist groups such as ISIL – including at least 60 Australians in Syria and Iraq, and about 100 facilitators in Australia. That means we could be confronting more potential home-grown terrorists than ever before,’ Mr Abbott and Attorney General George Brandis said in a joint statement on 26 August. Similarly the UK government and Prime Minister David Cameron use ISIL. On 27 August, Mr Cameron’s office issued a statement after the brutal beheading of American photojournalist James Foley by the terror group. ‘The Prime Minister has condemned the barbaric and brutal murder of James Foley by ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in Syria. This will not change our commitment to tackling this appalling organisation and doing everything we can to keep our country safe,’ it said. Murdered: American photojournalist James Foley was killed by an Islamic State terrorist in Syria. The group posted a graphic video of his murder online, nearly two years after he was first kidnapped, in August 2014 . Destroyed: In this photo people walk through the rubble of a Shiite mosque after it was destroyed in a bomb attack by militants of the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the city of Mosul, July 23, 2014 . ‘The situation in Northern Iraq remains deeply worrying and we condemn the barbaric attacks waged by ISIL terrorists across the region. Around 500,000 people are displaced in Dahuk province alone and the United Nations has now declared the situation as the highest level of humanitarian emergency,’ it continued. Dr Aly said whether you use ISIL, ISIS or Islamic State is neither ‘here nor there’ but the fact they are calling themselves an Islamic State is important. ‘It is significant because what they are trying to create is a state that does not recognise the previous borders of Iraq or Syria. To say Islamic state is to symbolically say “we have created one state that does not respect the borders”. ‘It’s about a symbolic state - it also communicates their strategy or end goal of establishing true statehood in the region, which they are never going to get - let them dream,’ she said. Dr Aly explained that the Islamic State’s leader- Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi – has been presented at a very important time as a rightful Caliph, the head of state in a Caliphate. ‘Baghdadi is being brought forward as the rightful and true Caliph. He claims to have the right lineage, the way he walks and talks are also important for people to pledge allegiance to him. ‘That’s how you create a state - when everyone supports him,’ she said. Dr Aly said another big difference between al-Qaeda and other terrorist organisations in the region, compared to Islamic State, is that they never really paid attention to ‘having a valid and rightful caliph’. ‘None of the leaders ticked all the boxes,’ she said.

World leaders and news organisations are using three different names to reference the terror group which is essentially one movement . Counter-terrorism expert Dr Anne Aly says the Islamic State group is spot on with its branding because it comes across as a 'well organised army' The group changed its name to 'Islamic State' in June after declaring a caliphate - an Islamic state led by a supreme religious and political leader .

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This ancient oasis in the middle of a Chinese desert was in danger of disappearing beneath the sands until the government stepped in to save it. Located about 6km south of the city of Dunhuang in north west China, the Crescent Lake (Yueyaquan in Chinese) is a fresh water spring in the shape of a half moon. The oasis, which is believed to have existed for 2,000 years, was shrinking fast due to increasing desertification in the region before the government began to refill it. Oasis: Yueyaquan Crescent Lake in Dunhuang, north west China is completely surrounded by sand dunes. The arid region barely gets any rain each year . Remote: The tiny lake was disappearing fast - with a dramatic decline in water depth during the past three decades - before the government stepped in to save it . Restored: The water level is believed to have risen annually since it began to be refilled in 2006. The site, which is believed to be about 2,000 years old, is popular with tourists . The lake has gone from having an average depth of about 5m in 1960, to an average of less than a meter in the early 1990s as the underground water table has declined dramatically. In 2006, the local government decided to step in and rescue the oasis, refilling it with water. It has increased in depth since then, Niceartlife.com reports. The lake is 218m long from east to west and 54m wide from north to south and contains pure spring water. Next to the lake is a traditional pagoda and a street lined . with souvenir stalls. The site is popular with . tourists who are taken on camel rides by guides to the peaks of the surrounding dunes. The lake's remarkable survival in the middle of the desert is believed to be due to its low altitude, while its position is also thought to prevent excess sand from the surrounding dunes falling into it. Dunes: Tourists take camel rides into the dunes surrounding the lake which stands out amongst the sand of the desert . Problem: The Chinese Government plans to introduce a range of measures to tackle increasing desertification which threatens various regions . Arid: A guide leading camels near the lake. The region has suffered from increasing desertification in recent decades . Surrounded by high mountains, Dunhuang has an arid climate - and is extremely hot in the summer and cold in winter. Rain only occurs in tiny amounts and quickly evaporates, resulting in the desert landscape. Desertification has become a major environmental problem in China which the government has tried to tackle in various ways. This includes the proposed creation of a 'green wall' of forests to counter the spread of deserts. Business: Guides, dressed in distinctive red jackets, wait for trade. The lake's water level dropped more than 25 feet in three decades before it began to be refilled . Dry: A man, thought to be a guide, smoking a cigarette looks out across the parched deserts surrounding the lake. China has suffered from severe dust storms due to the growth of its desert regions . Weather: A guide waits for tourists next to a group of camels. The area suffers from extremes in temperature, from very high summer temperatures to freezing winters . Hard work: An exhausted camel takes a rest in the sand as another guide peers across the area. The Chinese Government is taking steps to address the country's increasing desertification . Historic: A cart carries a group of tourists at the lake. The city of Dunhuang relies heavily on tourism and features a number of historic sites dating back to the Han Dynasty .

Crescent Lake near Dunhuang is a spring in the shape of a half moon . Oasis surrounded by sand dunes was shrinking fast due to desertification . Saved from disappearing after government began to refill it .

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(CNN) -- Conflicting reports hit the international media this week about whether Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi was negotiating a deal with the opposition for a guaranteed safe exit if he relinquished power. Speculation percolated again Wednesday after few details were available about a private Libyan aircraft that landed in Cairo, Egypt. But two questions remain: Will Gadhafi ever step down, and if he did, where would he go? Gadhafi is sure not to go down easily. He has defiantly vowed to die a martyr on Libyan soil and declared on state television, "I am Libya." At the moment, he has leverage, said David Pollock, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Those who have studied the strongman's megalomanic ways agree that he would probably not retreat from his revolution or his country without a fight to the end. Analysts have raised the grim prospect of a protracted, bloody war in the vein of Somalia. "The tipping point wasn't reached quickly enough," Pollock said. "Now, this has turned into something that got stuck. It's grim. Very grim." But if it came to a do-or-die scenario, Gadhafi, despite his bravado, would look for a way out, Pollock said. There is no possibility of power-sharing, so if the opposition were to oust him, Gadhafi would have to leave the country, as U.S. President Barack Obama and others have already urged him to do. But few would be willing to welcome a man with such a tarnished reputation, reinforced in recent weeks by the bloody crackdown on unarmed protesters, analysts said. Saudi Arabia's name pops up in discussions of this nature; after all, Tunisia's ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled into exile in the Gulf kingdom. And there were rumors at one time that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak would do the same. But Gadhafi is another matter. His relationship with Saudi King Abdullah is, to put it mildly, strained, especially after the Saudis accused Libyans of an assassination attempt on the king several years back. "I would be extremely surprised if he went to Saudi Arabia," said Christopher Boucek, a Saudi Arabia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Boucek suggested that Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe might be more amenable to taking in Gadhafi. The Libyan leader's adoption of pan-African solidarity drew him closer to the Zimbabwean dictator. The relationship between the two nations blossomed also from the leaders' shared anti-colonial fervor and a realpolitik bond of being isolated nations, according to Boucek. Others have suggested that Gadhafi could find a home in Cuba or Venezuela. President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is considered Gadhafi's main ally in Latin America, a love born, again, from a mutual distaste for Western "imperialism." When the uprising began to escalate in Libya last month, rumors surfaced that Gadhafi had already fled to Caracas, the Venezuelan capital. Pollock listed one more possible future home for the Libyan strongman: Sudan. Reva Bhalla, an analyst with the global intelligence company Stratfor, said Gadhafi has reportedly sought friendship from Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and tried to shore up that alliance. But even the Syrians, said Bhalla, are less than enthused. European nations, Bhalla said, would suit Gadhafi's sons just fine but not the eccentric leader, who has been famously known to travel with female bodyguards and sleep under a tent, even when he came to New York to address the United Nations. After all, she said, Gadhafi remains a hardcore Bedouin. And for the moment, it seems, he will remain in his Bedouin homeland, unwilling to let go of 40 years of power.

There has been speculation about Gadhafi making an exit deal . But the strongman appears as defiant as ever . If he were to flee, he would have few options on where to go . Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Sudan could take him in .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 23:52 EST, 28 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:40 EST, 29 August 2013 . 'Catastophic' collapse: Sam Harper Brighouse, 23, who died after collapsing during the Brighton Marathon . A fit and healthy young man died following a 'catastrophic and unsurvivable' collapse as he ran a marathon, an inquest has heard. Sam Harper Brighouse, 23, from south-east London died, fell ill around 16 miles into the race as he competed in the Brighton Marathon in East Sussex on April 14 this year. The biology graduate had embarked on the 26-mile running challenge to raise money for the Arms Around The Child charity which supports Aids orphans. Although he had asthma, he was . considered fit and his respiratory problems had not contributed to his . sudden collapse, an inquest at Brighton County Court heard. Instead, . Mr Harper Brighouse, of Forrest Hill, died after suffering from . ischemic bowel disease, which can cause up to 75 per cent of blood flow . to be removed from the bowel. Dr . Mark Taylor, consultant pathologist at Brighton's Royal Sussex County . Hospital, said the condition is initially reversible but can progress, . leading to fatal circumstances. Dr . Taylor told the hearing: 'We know that up to half of people who run . marathons develop symptoms relating to their gastro-intestines. 'They . can be minor stomach cramps, diahorrea, but on the other end of the . scale, ischemic bowel can be exhibited in endurance exercise.' He . added: 'When it gets to that critical stage, depending on how much of . the bowel has died, depends on whether the person can survive. 'Unfortunately in Sam, it was catastrophic and unsurvivable.' It . was initially thought that Mr Harper Brighouse had suffered a heart . attack, and attempts were made at CPR as he laid in the road. But . Mr Harper Brighouse went into cardiac arrest and his death from . ischemic bowel, described by Brighton and Hove coroner Veronica . Hamilton-Deeley as 'extraordinarily rare and unusual', was confirmed at . 2.30pm. Event: Runners compete during this year's Brighton Marathon. Mr Harper Brighouse, 23, fell ill around 16 miles into the race . Dr . Taylor said: 'I think when someone collapses in a marathon, the most . common thing to think is that they have had a heart attack. 'The . initial reaction would have been to do CPR and that was started . rapidly. If he had been taken to hospital immediately, might it have . made a difference? I don't think so. 'I . believe all his bowel was dead at that stage and even if (medical . staff) thought of ischemic bowel, it wouldn't have been any help at all . at that stage.' Mr . Harper Brighouse probably did not notice he had ischemic bowel as its . 'non-specific' symptoms, such as pain and discomfort, may have led him . to believe they were linked to his running. Gastro-intestinal . problems suffered by people associated with endurance sport were being . increasingly examined in studies, Dr Taylor added. Attempting . to reach Mr Harper Brighouse amid the crowds of marathon runners and . spectators was difficult, a senior South East Coast Ambulance Service . (Secamb) staff member said. Although Mr Harper Brighouse had asthma, he was considered fit and his respiratory problems had not contributed to his sudden collapse . The . marathon had its own medical team but Andrew Parker, Secamb's medicines . management lead and paramedic practitioner, said clearer identification . would have helped to distinguish who was who on site. He . also told the inquest of a 'communication confusion', with marshals . unable to tell him where Mr Harper Brighouse was as he ran for about 500 . yards through the large crowds carrying equipment. 'When I asked a couple of the marshals 'Where's the incident?', they said 'I don't know'.' As Mr Parker went on to the race track, he could see people waving at him, alerting him to Mr Harper Brighouse's position. Mr . Parker said: 'In reality, it only took me minutes, as I did run as fast . as I could, but obviously minutes in any cardiac incident is crucial.' He . said the problems could have been helped by having more markers along . the race route, rather than ones that marked every mile. Ms . Hamilton-Deeley suggested a possible solution: equipping runners with a . gas canister-activated buoy which would rise above the crowds in an . emergency. She said: 'This could mean that you are looking up rather through a sea of people.' Despite the difficulties, Mr Parker praised the level of care Mr Harper Brighouse received from the medical team, saying it was to a 'high standard'. And he did not think the access problems he encountered ultimately affected the patient. Speaking about Mr Harper Brighouse, he said: 'He had no heartbeat, no pulse and no breathing. 'From the small amount of history at the event, it was a sudden collapse. I don't think he would have known anything about it.' The inquest is due to last until Friday.

Sam Harper Brighouse fell ill around 16 miles into  the Brighton Marathon . Although he had asthma, he was . considered fit and healthy . Paramedic had to run 500 yards through large crowds to reach him .

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A woman is celebrating this Christmas after being reunited with her engagement ring which she had feared was lost forever. Hayley Plack, 27, only realized her precious ring was missing after she had boarded a train leaving Washington D.C. on Friday. The 1.1-carat oval diamond ring, a family heirloom, had been given to her on Thanksgiving Day by her now-fiance Andrew Frank. After failing to find the ring on the train, Hayley panicked that she might never see it again. Hayley Plack, 27, is celebrating this Christmas after being reunited with her 1.1-carat oval diamond engagement ring which she had feared was lost forever when it went missing on Friday . The 1.1-carat oval diamond ring, a family heirloom, had been given to her on Thanksgiving Day by her now-fiance Andrew Frank . The ring had belonged to her 32-year-old fiance’s grandmother and she had even insisted on being given the heirloom instead of a new ring, reports The Washington Post. Despite her fiance's grave doubts that they would ever see the ring again, he tried to offer his future wife some encourage that someone might find the ring and return it to them. 'Not everyone in the world is a criminal,' he told her. Hayley quickly started a campaign to track down the ring using Craiglist ads, local blogs. She also inquired at local pawn shops in case someone had tried to sell it. Fortunately for her, a 55-year-old man who lived just four doors down from the couple had found the diamond ring on the sidewalk in front of his apartment building. Siranjan Kulatilake initially thought the ring belonged to a child because of the small size of the band. The ring had belonged to Hayley's 32-year-old fiance’s grandmother and she had even insisted on being given the heirloom instead of a new ring . He picked it up and hooked it onto his keys to keep it safe while he went about his work as a dog walker. Back at his apartment he wondered what to do with the ring. ‘It’s obviously precious to someone,’ he said. The next morning, his wife was out walking when she discovered one of the fliers Hayley had posted that read ‘Lost Engagement Ring. Reward Will Be Offered.’ The flier also included Hayley's phone number and so Kulatilake’s left her a voice mail message delivering the good news that he may have found her lost ring. Hayley was so overjoyed to get her ring back that when Kulatilake said he would prefer his reward to go to the Washington Humane Society, she gave them a check for $400 rather than the $50 he had requested. Fortunately for Hayley, a 55-year-old man who lived just four doors down from the couple in Washington D.C. found the diamond ring on the sidewalk in front of his apartment building .

Hayley Plack, 27, is celebrating this Christmas after being reunited with her 1.1-carat oval diamond engagement ring . She feared she had lost it forever when she discovered it had gone missing on Friday . The 1.1-carat oval diamond ring, a family heirloom, had been given to her on Thanksgiving Day by her now-fiance Andrew Frank . Fortunately Siranjan Kulatilakea, 55-year-old man who lived just four doors down from the couple, had found the ring on the sidewalk .

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By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 08:25 EST, 18 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:36 EST, 18 February 2013 . Crash: Kirsty Bowen, of Bath, Somerset, died last October behind the wheel of her Peugeot 205 . A teenager who was mowed down by a drink driver as a child died on the night of her 18th birthday party - after crashing her car while three times over the limit, an inquest heard. Kirsty Bowen, of Bath, Somerset, suffered a broken jaw and cheek aged nine after she was knocked down by a drunk motorist in 2004 – but she died last October behind the wheel of her Peugeot 205. During the early hours of the morning after her 18th birthday party at home, the student left her house with two friends in her car to go and see her boyfriend, but her vehicle clipped a kerb. The car was sent spinning into a parked vehicle before flipping over and landing on its roof. The two passengers were unhurt, but Kirsty suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene. A post-mortem found 235mg of alcohol per 100ml - three times the legal drink-drive limit, 80. Coroner Gail Elliman recorded a verdict of accidental death, saying: ‘Kirsty Bowen died when she lost control of her car. She was not wearing a seat belt and was significantly over the drink-driving limit.’ Kirsty, who had begun the second year of a health and social care course and wanted to be a midwife, spent the night celebrating her 18th two days after her birthday with a house party. PC Mark Steadman from Avon and Somerset Police's collision investigation team told the inquest at Flax Bourton that her driving ability would have been affected by the alcohol. Two of her friends suffered minor injuries in the 2am crash and were taken to hospital before being discharged. In a tribute following her death her mother Sharon, 48, said Kirsty had overcome a lot after almost dying as a baby during childbirth. Her mother also revealed Kirsty and being knocked down by a drink-driver in Bath when she was nine. Mrs Bowen said on the night of her death ‘happy, bubbly’ Kirsty had been driving to see her boyfriend Perry Stroud, 22. She said: ‘It just hasn't sunk it. She . was my soul-mate, she was my friend, she helped me through difficult . times, she was my baby.’ Father Mark, 49, said: ‘She was always . smiling, never sad. She would help anyone. If anyone was in need she . would be there. She was a good girl - she had her ups and downs, but all . kids do. 'It just hasn't sunk it. She was my soul-mate, she was my friend, she helped me through difficult times, she was my baby' Sharon Bowen, 48 . ‘She was the life and soul of the party. Every photo of her, she is smiling. She was the most happiest bubbliest person she just made everyone happy.’ Kirsty, who had two brothers, Gareth and Thomas, and a sister Lynette, had just started the second year of a course at the City of Bath College. A statement from the college following the death said: ‘Our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences are with Kirsty's family at this distressing and difficult time.’

Kirsty Bowen, of Bath, suffered broken jaw and cheek aged nine in 2004 . But she died last October behind the wheel of Peugeot 205 in 2am crash . Kirsty, who wanted to be midwife, was three times legal drink-drive limit .

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By . Stephanie Linning . 'Poignant': The body of army cadet instructor Arthur Jones was found near a memorial dedicated in Crete dedicated to Greek cadets who were killed in the First World War . A former army sergeant 'died of heat exhaustion' while paying his respects at a remote war memorial in Crete that he had hiked to in temperatures of 35C. The body of 73-year-old Arthur Jones, an army cadet instructor, was found on Monday near a war memorial dedicated to the Greek cadets killed as they fought against the Nazi invasion. His family added that it was 'very poignant' that he was discovered on . the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. The grandfather, from Denbigh, North Wales  – described as a veteran . adventurer by his family – went missing on June 19 after going into the . Crete hills on the Greek holiday island. He had sent his family a postcard in the first few days of his holiday, saying he was planning a walking trip. He was last seen by staff at the resort in Chania where he was staying as he set out on what was to be the hottest day of the year in Crete - with temperatures reaching 35C. The father-of-four had been been walking as a hobby for 30-40 years and . had previously trained army cadets mountaineering and hill-climbing. After a six-week air and land search led by the Greek Army, in which helicopters scoured the area near the resort where Mr Jones was last seen, his body was found slumped against a tree near the memorial. His son Jeff, speaking from Crete, said: 'He was found near to this memorial, erected for the cadets which is something my dad was involved with for 30 years. 'He trained army cadets back in Wales. It’s extremely poignant for us. 'My father was obviously looking for this memorial and got lost either on the way there or back. It’s just a very nice last memory for us. 'It seems he passed away in a peaceful and dignified way. As far as we know, he’s been like that for six weeks. It was so hot, that day.' Six-week-search: The Greek Army launched a land and air search after Mr Jones went missing on June 19. Helicopters scoured the area near the resort in Chania, where Mr Jones was last seen by staff . Experienced walker: Grandfather Arthur Jones was last seen setting off into the mountains near Chania, pictured. His son said that it is presumed that he was dehydrated and suffered heat exhaustion . His son said a post-mortem examination revealed no medical episode and it is presumed, based on the remote location and temperature, that he was dehydrated and suffered heat exhaustion. The family has thanked the public and authorities for their support. Adventurer: The father-of-four had been been walking as a hobby for 30-40 years and had previously trained army cadets mountaineering . Jeff added: 'We as a family would like to thank everyone for their support, help and contribution to our quest in finding our father since he went missing six weeks ago. 'The last six weeks have been terribly stressful and difficult to cope with, but we would ask that we have the time, peace and privacy we need to mourn our father.' Arthur’s daughter Angela Jones thanked the public for their 'incredible' support and said she took comfort from the fact her father, who was a keen walker, had been 'doing something he loves'. The mother-of-two added: 'My father has been the best grandfather in the world - and it’s my two girls that it breaks my heart for. They are both under three and he’s been wonderful for them. 'The support we’ve had has been incredible - we couldn’t have asked for any more, it’s meant we have been able to keep going.' Following the disappearance of the former army sergeant  June 19, the community of Denbigh united in support of the family and raised more than £20,000, which helped send a local search team out to the Mediterranean island. Mr Jones family members also flew out to help with the search, with relatives bringing with them 1,000 leaflets in Greek and . English, featuring the grandfather's picture, to hand out in the area. People around the world got behind the #FindArthur and #CameronPromised campaigns on Twitter to show their support.

Army cadet instructor Arthur Jones was last seen leaving hotel on June 19 . His body was found near memorial dedicated to Greek cadets killed in WWII . It's thought he died of heat exhaustion as he hiked on hottest day of the year . Family said knowing he died at the memorial 'was a very nice last memory'

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Lewis Hamilton came with his pet bulldog and went home with the top prize — BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The Mercedes racing driver was a surprise winner of the coveted award in a glittering ceremony in Glasgow, capping a year that saw him secure the Formula One world championship for a second time. He flew in from Los Angeles and flew pretty much straight back after adding his name to four previous winners from his sport — Sir Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell (twice) and Damon Hill (twice). Lewis Hamilton receives the trophy as he is named 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year . Hamilton (centre) poses alongside runner-up Rory McIlroy (right) and athlete Jo Pavey . McIlroy (right) congratulates winner Hamilton as the pair shake hands on stage after the announcement . Hamilton (right) speaks on stage to the crowd as he is interviewed by presenter Gary Lineker . Hamilton (centre) sits alongside brother Nicolas as the awards ceremony takes place on Sunday night . The Mercedes driver thanking fans from his private jet with his pet dog, Roscoe . Hamilton pets Roscoe on his plane while giving his appreciation to his supporters . Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton arrives on the red carpet along with his dog Roscoe . Hamilton walks down the red carpet in Glasgow on Sunday as his pet dog Roscoe slowly follows . Lewis Hamilton is held aloft after winning the F1 driver's championship in Abu Dhabi last month . It was a shock because the bookmakers had installed Rory McIlroy as odds-on favourite. Hamilton had always seemed to be ‘Marmite’ — loved or hated — but the people who like him spread their love in the live phone-in to take him one place higher than he managed in 2007 and 2008. The margin — 209,920 to McIlroy’s 123,745 — was an even bigger surprise. The Ulsterman looked upset at coming second. Jo Pavey, who won two major athletics medals — including European gold in the 10,000m — at the age of 40 and having returned to the track in May after the birth of her second child, was third. The claims of both Hamilton, who took his dog Roscoe for a walk on the red carpet before the ceremony, and McIlroy were immense. McIlroy’s brilliance was showcased in 25 days, starting with his first round at Hoylake, where he won The Open, and finishing with his final round at Valhalla, where he won the USPGA Championship. His first World Golf Championship win fell in the middle. His aggregate total was 48 under par and 11 of the 12 rounds were under 70. Remarkable statistics by any stretch and then there was the sheer uninhibited style of his play. Those claims were impressive. But so were Hamilton’s. He was only the fourth Briton to win double world championships — joining Graham Hill, Jim Clark and Stewart. He has won more races than any compatriot (33). His 11 race wins this season was another national record. Real Madrid's Gareth Bale joined the ceremony via video link from the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco . McIlroy (right) greets Paul McGinley as the golfing pair take their seats at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow . Former British track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy is recognised with the Lifetime Achievement award . The big screen shows Gareth Bale presenting Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo with the Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award . The stage is full as the England women's rugby union team receive their Team of the Year award . Europe's 2014 Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley speaks on stage as he wins Coach of the Year . Sports Personality of the Year . Lewis Hamilton (Formula One) Team of the Year . England women's Rugby World Cup team . Coach of the Year . Paul McGinley (Golf) Overseas Sports Personality of the Year . Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Young Sports Personality of the Year . Claudia Fragapane (Gymnastics) Helen Rollason Award . Competitors at the Invictus Games . Lifetime Achievement Award . Sir Chris Hoy (Track cycling) Unsung Hero . Jill Stidever (Swimming) Oh, yes, the car was good but his ability to put it in places others could not at speeds they could not match was remarkable. It has been that way ever since he announced himself as a talent of rare brilliance. And he does it in a dangerous sport. One wonders how much nationality had to play in the outcome. McIlroy has said he will compete for Ireland at the Olympics. Hamilton, despite where his taxes are paid, is avowedly British. ‘I am so proud of being British,’ he said. ‘I am proud and honoured to be among such talent. A huge thank you to all the people who called in. It’s been such an incredible year. I couldn’t have done it without my team and my family. 'My father did four jobs to make this possible. Being here is a reminder of how many great sportsmen we have, and I never thought I would be up here with the greats. This is a dream.’ Yet another award fell at Cristiano Ronaldo’s twinkling feet when he was named Overseas Personality of the Year. On an evening populated by the royalty of Scottish sport — mostly handing out the prizes, though in the case of Sir Chris Hoy awarded one himself — as well as Prince Harry, Ronaldo added some foreign glitz. His Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale presented the award to his fellow and greatest Galactico, who this year scored his 200th goal in 178 games. His 23 hat-tricks is a La Liga record. Prince Harry (left) presents the Helen Rollason Award to Lieutenant David Henson, who represents the competitors at this year's Invictus Games . Gymnast Claudia Fragapane receives the 2014 Young Sports Personality of the Year award . Jill Stidever, winner of the Unsung Hero award, sheds a tear as she receives her trophy on stage . Scottish band Simple Minds kick off the 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Glasgow . BBC presenter Gabby Logan smiles as she hosts the famous annual awards ceremony . Paul McGinley, meticulous captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup- winning golfers in Gleneagles, was awarded Coach of the Year. A misnomer perhaps, but who could begrudge him after his team was so good it almost rendered an intrinsically heart-stopping competition an anti-climax? In every sphere Europe had the measure of the USA, as they posted a 16½-11½ victory. Sunday night’s ceremony was staged in Glasgow’s Hydro, a venue for this summer’s superb Commonwealth Games. So it was appropriate that Hoy, a twice Commonwealth champion, was handed the Lifetime Achievement Award. Hoy, 38, is Britain’s most decorated Olympian with six gold medals and one silver on his bulging c.v. He also has 11 world titles. But the facts do not convey what a fabulous standard-bearer for British sport he has been. All 12,000 of the cheering home crowd realised something of his status as a true sportsman in the rounded sense of the word. Sochi 2014 gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold (right) speaks to presenter Clare Balding during the ceremony . Prince Harry (centre) sits alongside Jonny WIlkinson (left) during the awards ceremony . McIlroy is pictured on the red carpet ahead of the ceremony (left), and Carl Fogarty arrives (right) Victoria Pendleton poses for the cameras (left), and Carl Froch arrives with fiancee Rachael Cordingley . It has been a phenomenally successful season for Lewis Hamilton, who can now proclaim himself to be a double Formula One world champion and winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Here is a rundown of Hamilton's season in numbers. 209,920 - Number of public votes received in the 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. 67 - Points ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg at the end of the season. 11 - Wins this year, making him the most successful non-German driver in one season as Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel both won 13 races in a single campaign. 7 - Fastest laps this season. 7 - Pole positions this year, although he came second to Rosberg who scored 11. 5 - His highest run of successive wins this year. Only Schumacher, Vettel and Alberto Ascari have managed more in one season. 2 - A second world title means Hamilton is now one of 16 drivers to have been champion more than once. 1 - After two second-placed finishes, Hamilton has his first BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. And here's who has previously been crowned Sports Personality of the Year . 1954 Sir Chris Chataway . 1955 Gordon Pirie . 1956 Jim Laker . 1957 Dai Rees . 1958 Ian Black . 1959 John Surtees . 1960 David Broome . 1961 Sir Stirling Moss . 1962 Anita Lonsbrough . 1963 Dorothy Hyman . 1964 Mary Rand . 1965 Tommy Simpson . 1966 Bobby Moore . 1967 Sir Henry Cooper . 1968 David Hemery . 1969 Ann Jones . 1970 Sir Henry Cooper . 1971 HRH Princess Anne . 1972 Dame Mary Peters . 1973 Sir Jackie Stewart . 1974 Brendan Foster . 1975 David Steele . 1976 John Curry . 1977 Virginia Wade . 1978 Steve Ovett . 1979 Sebastian Coe . 1980 Robin Cousins . 1981 Ian Botham . 1982 Daley Thompson . 1983 Steve Cram . 1984 Torvill and Dean . 1985 Barry McGuigan . 1986 Nigel Mansell . 1987 Fatima Whitbread . 1988 Steve Davis . 1989 Nick Faldo . 1990 Paul Gascoigne . 1991 Liz McColgan . 1992 Nigel Mansell . 1993 Linford Christie . 1994 Damon Hill . 1995 Jonathan Edwards . 1996 Damon Hill . 1997 Greg Rusedski . 1998 Michael Owen . 1999 Lennox Lewis . 2000 Sir Steve Redgrave . 2001 David Beckham . 2002 Paula Radcliffe . 2003 Jonny Wilkinson . 2004 Dame Kelly Holmes . 2005 Andrew Flintoff . 2006 Zara Phillips . 2007 Joe Calzaghe . 2008 Sir Chris Hoy . 2009 Ryan Giggs . 2010 AP McCoy . 2011 Mark Cavendish . 2012 Sir Bradley Wiggins . 2013 Andy Murray .

Lewis Hamilton becomes the first F1 driver since Damon Hill in 1996 to win . Hamilton has finished second twice in both 2007 and 2008 . Rory McIlroy was runner-up and athlete Jo Pavey finished in third . Hamilton received 209,920 votes - 33.8% of the total vote cast . World No 1 golfer McIlroy received 123,745 votes (19.9%) England women's rugby union team were named Team of the Year . Sir Chris Hoy received the Lifetime Achievement award . Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is Overseas Personality of the Year .

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Imagine heading into the bathroom and switching on the light only to see a huge snake hanging from the ceiling. It's the stuff made of many people's nightmares, but it was a reality for one Queensland homeowner last week. A company called Snake Catchers from Brisbane posted the series of photos on its Facebook page, which shows the carpet python, entering the bathroom through the light fixture. Scroll down for video . It's the stuff made of many people's nightmares, but it was a reality for one Queensland homeowner when they found a snake coming through the light fixtures . Bryan from Snake Catchers says it's common for them to remove snakes from suburban homes in and around Brisbane. 'We’ve had a few do that... if it's not entry via lighting or bathroom heaters, it's through the exhaust fans,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'It depends on the weight of the snake, some are heavier enough to push their way through. 'These aren't rural areas either... we're talking suburban homes within a stone throw to the city.' A company called Snake Catchers from Brisbane posted the series of photos on its Facebook page . 'In case you were thinking of leaving that cover off the bathroom light for a little longer... think again!!! You may end up with an unwanted visitor,' the company posted alongside the photos. Hundreds of people reacted and shared their fears on the page. 'You'd wanna hope there's a toilet in that bathroom after walking in to see that - it'd be needed LOL,' Nikki Day said. 'We are attaching all our covers,' Mark Lord followed up with. 'Omg. That's not even funny. Our heat light is like that,' another user, Shara Feneck, posted. The Snake Catchers Facebook page is inundated with photos of snakes they've captured from houses in Brisbane and the surrounding areas. It comes comes a month after a large four metre snake was found atop a bed in a home in Morayfield, north of Brisbane. The 'non-dangerous' carpet python was discovered slipping around underneath the bed sheets before it was reported to snake handler Julie Baker. Ms Baker removed the large non-venomous snake from the Morayfield home using a large hook and a canvas bag, before releasing it back on the resident's acreage. The carpet python which found its way in to the bedroom of a Brisbane home was captured using a large hook . The four-metre snake was found hiding inside the bedroom of a Brisbane home before it was released back in to the wild .

A carpet python has been photographed entering the bathroom of a Brisbane home through the light fixture last week . Snake catching company Snake Catchers posted the series of photos on its Facebook page . Hundreds of people reacted and shared their fears on finding a similar scenario in their home .

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By . Tara Brady . A mother-of-four has spent £25,000 on surgery to look like a 'rich b***h' after having work done to her eyes, jaw, chest and tummy. Overweight India Buchan was so fed up of looking at herself in the mirror she decided to spend her life savings on plastic surgery. So far she has spent £4,000 on a gastric band, £6,500 on a tummy tuck and £1,300 for a facial thread. India Buchan (left) pictured before she spent £25,000 on plastic surgery and (right) how she looks now . She also sold jewellery to help pay for liposuction on her jaw, a mini facelift an upper eyelid lift, a boob job, Botox and chemical peels. Mrs Buchan told The Sunday People: 'I want to look like a plastic rich b***h. Give me Sharon Osbourne any day because she looks absolutely fabulous.' India, who has been divorced twice, remembers being teased at school for being fat and said her weight has fluctuated over the years. By the age of 16 she was a size 14 and weighed 11 stone but had been diagnosed with the eating disorder bulimia. India Buchan was fed up of looking at herself she decided to spend her life savings on plastic surgery . However, when she reached 50 she was now a size 22 and weighed 16 stone. It was at that point she had a discussion with her husband of nine years Nigel, 62, and decided to go ahead with the surgery. According to a British doctor she was not large enough to qualify for a gastric band so she requested the help of a doctor in Belgium who agreed to carry out the procedure. Following the gastric band, Mrs Buchan went on to have a tummy tuck at London's Queen Elizabeth Hospital before undergoing surgery on her face and breasts in Croatia. Sore: India Buchan after undergoing plastic surgery on her face but she says she now feels better than ever . 'At that moment I started to resemble who I wanted to be, moving towards a Sophia Loren look.' India has now had six operations and doesn't plan to stop there. She is now hoping to get rid of her bingo wings and flabby skin. Her 34-year-old daughter Hazel even says her mother looks better than her now. Before . surgery, Mrs Buchan had 36EE size breasts and described them as 'unruly . St Bernard puppies' but now she says she is much happier with her 36Es . which 'stay in a bra'. 'They were all over the place and wrinkly. I could tuck my nipples into my waistband', . India says her 34-year-old daughter Hazel says she looks better than her now . An earlier photograph of India Buchan pictured before she decided to go under the knife .

India Buchan spent her life savings on plastic surgery . Includes £4,000 on a gastric band and £6,500 on a tummy tuck . She also sold jewellery to help pay for liposuction and a mini facelift . India has now had six operations and doesn't plan to stop there .

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(CNN) -- The comic debut of Superman has sold for an out-of-this-world price. The copy of Action Comics No. 1 from 1938, which features the first appearance of the "Man of Steel" was bought by an undisclosed buyer for a record $1.5 million Monday on the online auction site ComicConnect.com. "This is the Holy Grail of Holy Grails," said Vincent Zurzolo, co-owner of the Web site. A copy of the same issue sold for $1 million in February, but this one fetched a higher price because it is in better condition. It was stored inside a movie magazine for the past 50 years, Zurzolo said. "The book looks like it just came off the presses yesterday," said Zurzolo. "The colors are extremely vivid, the whites behind the 'Action Comics' logo are snow white. It's just a stunning copy -- it almost looks brand new." The sale of the Superman book marks the third time this year that a record was set for the sale of a comic book. The other copy of "Action Comics" No. 1 held onto its record for only three days before a comic book featuring Batman's debut sold for $75,000 more at an auction in Dallas, Texas. It's widely believed that there are 50 to 100 copies of Action Comics No. 1 floating around, which makes it exceedingly rare. However, the copy sold Monday has received the highest rating to date from the Certified Guaranty Company, an independent comic grading company in Sarasota, Florida. The company inspects comic books for imperfections, ranging from yellowing to slight creases. J.C. Vaughn, the associate publisher of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, an annual publication considered the authority on comic book pricing, said the Action Comic No. 1 book sold Monday is worth every penny. "The older any comic book gets, obviously the more unlikely you'll find it with a high rating," said Vaughn. "A book this old, featuring Superman's first appearance? I think this book warrants the price." Back in 1938, there were 200,000 of these first editions printed and 130,000 sold, said Vaughn. The 70,000 other copies were destroyed. Zurzolo said it could be a while before another comic book sets a new mark, because only a few other comics have this type of value. "You will see a lot of very high-priced comic books selling in the next few years," he said. "But until these books hit the market again I don't think you'll see the same exact type of numbers in the near future." ComicConnect wouldn't reveal the buyer of the $1.5 million Superman book. "Our buyer, much like most of the superheroes out there, has a secret identity and would rather remain that way," Zurzolo said. However, he added that the customer has a tremendous passion for superhero comic books and is especially fond of Superman. "Superman was the first superhero," said Zurzolo. "Without Superman there would be no Batman, Spider Man, Wolverine, Wonder Woman -- they all came about because of the immense success of Action Comics and the first appearance of Superman." Alex Rae, the back issue buyer for Midtown Comics, one of the nation's largest comic book dealers located in New York, said if he had his choice of any comic book in the world, it would be the one just purchased. "It revolutionized the comic book industry," he said. CNN Radio's Matt Cherry and CNN's Edmund DeMarche contributed to this report.

Action Comics No. 1 from 1938 features Superman's first appearance . Comic's buyer has "secret identity and would rather remain that way" There are thought to be 50 to 100 copies of Action Comics No. 1 floating around .

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A controversial newspaper columnist has been accused of being transphobic after she wrote an article attacking transsexuals as 'bed-wetters in bad wigs' and 'd**** in chicks' clothing'. Julie Burchill wrote a column in the Observer yesterday defending her friend and fellow columnist Suzanne Moore who came under fire on Twitter for an article that said women were under pressure to have bodies like 'Brazilian transsexuals'. The Observer website was swamped with comments in response to Miss Burchill's column, many describing it as 'vile' and 'horrible'. Comments have since been suspended on the story and a message posted on the website says that it is now subject to an 'inquiry' to be carried out by the paper's Readers' Editor. The comment also provoked fury on Twitter. Liberal Democrat minister Lynne Featherstone called for Miss Burchill to be sacked for attacking transsexuals as ‘bed-wetters in bad wigs’. The former Equalities Minister, a staunch supporter of transsexual rights, said she should be fired and her newspaper’s editor John Mulholland should also go. 'Sack her': Former equalities minister Lynne Featherstone, left, has called for Observer columnist Julie Burchill, right, to be sacked after she wrote an article that described transsexuals as 'bed-wetters in bad wigs' Miss Burchill wrote the article in defence of fellow columnist Suzanne Moore, who became the target of transsexuals’ fury over what seemed to be a throw-away comment in a previous article. Miss Moore, describing the challenges faced by modern women in an article for the New Statesman, had written that modern women were expected to look like ‘Brazilian transsexuals’. She had said: '(Women]) are angry with ourselves for not being happier, not being loved properly and not having the ideal body shape – that of a Brazilian transsexual.' The comment provoked fury on Twitter and Miss Moore subsequently said she had been forced to stop using the website because of the abuse she had received. Miss Burchill ranted: 'Though I imagine (Twitter) to be something akin to being savaged by a dead sheep, as Denis Healey had it of Geoffrey Howe, I nevertheless felt indignant that a woman of such style and substance should be driven from her chosen mode of time-wasting by a bunch of d**** in chicks' clothing. She added that the reaction of ‘the very vociferous transsexual lobby and their grim groupies’ reminded her ‘of those wretched inner-city kids who shoot another inner-city kid dead in a fast-food shop for not showing them enough “respect”.’ Under fire: Julie Burchill's column was in defence of friend Suzanne Moore, left, who was criticised for a piece in the New Statesman. Minister Lynne Featherstone has also called for Observer editor John Mulholland, right, to be sacked . Lynne Featherstone, now Minister for International Development, accused Miss Burchill and the Observer of ‘inciting hatred’. She said on Twitter: ‘Julie Burchill rant against transgender community is absolutely disgusting – a bigoted vomit for which the Observer should sack her.’ The Liberal Democrat politician said the editor of the Observer, John Mulholland, should also be sacked. Replying to a message on Twitter saying Mr Mulholland should go, she said: ‘Good point – they both can go!’ She later added: ‘Not illiberal to stand against inciting hatred - evidenced in Ms Burchill’s writing and Observer’s decision to publish.’ Miss Featherstone added: ‘Defending Suzanne Moore is not an excuse. Ms Moore is a brilliant writer - and I hope she is ashamed of Julie Burchill’s rant re trans.’ Miss Burchill’s column also compared the attacks on Suzanne Moore to ‘the Black and White Minstrels telling Usain Bolt how to run’. The row started when Suzanne Moore said in a column that modern women were expected to have bodies like 'Brazilian transsexuals'. Brazilian Cristini Couto is pictured posing after she was elected Miss Transexual International in Madrid . She added: ‘I must say that my only experience of the trans lobby thus far was hearing about the vile way they have persecuted another of my friends, the veteran women’s rights and anti-domestic violence activist Julie Bindel – picketing events where she is speaking about such minor issues as the rape of children and the trafficking of women just because she refuses to accept that their relationship with their phantom limb is the most pressing problem that women – real and imagined – are facing right now.’ Miss Burchill was supported on Twitter by Miss Bindel, who writes for the Observer’s sister paper the Guardian. She said of her article: ‘This has been a long time coming, the bullying has to stop.’ But not all at the Guardian News & Media were so supportive. The Guardian website last night published a retort to Miss Burchill’s column by a transgender rights activist. Entitled ‘Julie Burchill has ended up bullying the trans community’, her article described Miss Burchill’s comments as a ‘list of negative epithets legitimising the currency of hate speech’. She added: ‘The basic point behind everything she says is that trans people lead essentially inauthentic existences and that hers, as a working-class novelist with a taste for lobster and champagne, is real life.’ Readers also took to the Observer website in their hundreds to complain about Ms Burchill's argument. Many readers described it as 'vile', 'shameful' and 'disgusting'. The Observer website version of Ms Burchill's article carried a message that said a number of complaints had been received since its publication. It said that it is subject to 'an inquiry' by the readers editor. The message from the Observer readers editor Stephen Pritchard said: 'As you might imagine, I have received many emails protesting about this piece this morning. 'Thank you to those who have written. I will be looking at this issue and will be replying to all in due course.' A poll of readers on the Independent website following the article saw 90 per cent deem Ms Burchill's article offensive. Ms Burchill, 53, is a self-confessed 'militant feminist'. As well as being a journalist from the age of 17, she is also an acclaimed novelist with her 1989 novel Ambition becoming a bestseller. Her 2004 novel Sugar Rush was adapted for television.

Julie Burchill has come under fire for a column in yesterday's Observer . The columnist described transsexuals as 'd**** in chicks' clothing' She was writing in defence of fellow columnist Suzanne Moore . Miss Moore had been forced off Twitter after criticism of another article . She said women were pressured to have bodies like 'Brazilian transsexuals' Lib Dem minister Lynne Featherstone has called for Ms Burchill to be sacked . Miss Featherstone also wants Observer editor John Mulholland sacked .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 22:58 EST, 4 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 03:51 EST, 5 March 2014 . Mike McQueary, a former assistant football coach at Penn State and witness during Jerry Sandusky's trial, told players in 2011 that was had been sexually abused as a boy, according to a new report from ESPN. McQueary, in a November 9 2011 closed-door meeting with a dozen Nittany Lions players, said that could identify with the boy he saw in a shower with Sandusky in 2001 because he too was abused as a child, the report says. The report's sources include two players who were part of the meeting and four others who were aware of it. They told ESPN McQueary did not say who abused him nor the duration of the abuse. Former Penn State football coach under Joe Paterno, Mike McQueary, waits in line to pay his respect to Joe Paterno in this January 2012 file photo . Mike McQueary, seen here in this January 2012 file photo, allegedly said in a November 2011 meeting with players that he too had been sexually abused as a boy . The meeting, the report says, was held just days after prosecutors said that McQueary had seen Sandusky and a young boy 'engaged in anal intercourse' in 2001. Patrick Flanagan, then a redshirt freshman, told ESPN the Magazine that McQueary broke down in tears during the meeting. 'He said he had some regret that he didn't stop it,' Flanagan told the magazine.  'We didn't want to see someone we looked up to get emotional. It was heartbreaking for all of us. We weren't sure who to believe. You see an older man crying, someone you looked up to. It's sad.' McQueary, ESPN notes, is expected to testify against former Penn State president Graham Spanier, former athletic director Tim Curley and former vice president Gary Schultz. They are charged with multiple crimes, including failure to report suspected abuse and conspiracy. McQueary is expected to testify against the University's former senior vice president for finance and business, Gary Schultz, seen here in this November 2011 file photo . In 2012, Sandusky was convicted on 45 of 48 counts of child sexual abuse -- and was not found guilty on all three counts involving the alleged rape of 'Victim 2' that McQueary said he saw in 2001 . All three men have said they did not hear from McQueary that Sandusky sexually assaulted a boy in the shower. In 2012, Sandusky was convicted on 45 of 48 counts of child sexual abuse -- and was not found guilty on all three counts involving the alleged rape of 'Victim 2' that McQueary said he saw. McQueary is now unemployed, separated from his wife Barbara and lives at his parents' home, the report continues. McQueary's gambling will likely be brought up at the trial if defense lawyers are allowed to ask about his character, according to ESPN. He allegedly gambled while a student and later used a bookie, according to its sources. McQueary's father also allegedly paid off his debts worth thousands of dollars. 'It got pretty bad,' one source told the magazine. 'And it just kept snowballing and snowballing. He was very impulsive.' McQueary has also filed a $4 million lawsuit against Penn State after his contract was not renewed during the summer of 2012. McQueary's complaint says he 'irreparable harm to his ability to earn a living' because of his testimony in the Sandusky case and at a preliminary hearing for Curley and Schultz, ESPN said.

Mike McQueary, then an assistant football coach at Penn State, told players in a November 2011 meeting of his own abuse as a young boy . Said he could identify with boy he saw in a locker room shower with Jerry Sandusky in 2001 . McQueary not believed to have named abuser nor the duration of the abuse . Patrick Flanagan, a freshman player in 2011, said ' It was heartbreaking for all of us' to hear McQueary at the 2011 meeting . In 2012, Sandusky was convicted on 45 . of 48 counts of child sexual abuse -- but found not guilty on all . three counts involving the alleged rape of 'Victim 2' from McQueary's testimony .

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(Oprah.com) -- On any given day here at "O, The Oprah Magazine," there are somewhere in the neighborhood of 69 very talented, extremely detail oriented, high-energy, hardworking women and men all doing their jobs and doing them well. I love a few of them, I like a lot of them, I despise one of them. She is the Magneto to my Wolverine, the Saruman to my Frodo, the Dr. Octopus to my Spiderman. I call her The Tinkler. It's a typical Tuesday; the office is humming along. I'm answering e-mails, writing cover lines, scheduling a dental appointment here, partial highlights there, kicking myself for not getting sushi at lunch. The sun is shining, the color printer is working -- my life is good. I mosey into the ladies' room, glance at the mirror, remind myself that fluorescent lights make everyone look as if they're in the final stages of tuberculosis, and head for a stall. And then I see it: The seat, even the floor, is covered in little yellow droplets. The Tinkler strikes again. To date, I have been able to deduce only four things about her: . 1. She is female. 2. She attacks between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. 3. She works alone. 4. She was raised in a barn. I've been her victim more times than I can count, and it has turned me from a happy-go-lucky columnist into a bitter, paranoid germaphobe. She has become the bane of my existence. We live in a world where our soldiers lack sufficient body armor, where Rupert Murdoch is blurring the line intended to keep the business and political interests of media owners from influencing the presentation of news, where the White House still refuses to respond to questions they promised to answer as soon as the Scooter Libby case was closed, where studies indicate that worrying you're going to get sick will actually get you sick -- and yet I am devoting an entire column to The Tinkler. Any shrink worth his or her salt will tell you that it is a mistake to think of your colleagues as family. But what is a family if not a group of people who care about you and irritate you and show up for cake on your birthday and look at pictures of your kid even when they don't feel like it and think it wouldn't kill you to put on a little makeup and a pair of heels once in a while? I've been earning a paycheck for 30 years. Whether rinsing conditioner off a Lhasa apso during my stint as shampoo girl at Mr. Whiskers Pet Boutique or breathing on the chicken breast I was about to serve a rude diner during my waitressing days, I've always found that the people I work with matter to me. Their moods, their opinions, their style influence my life. They've appreciated me, humiliated me, surprised me, and antagonized me. I've gotten flowers and I've gotten fired (and I'm pretty sure I didn't do anything to deserve either), but I've never experienced anything like The Tinkler. "Dammit!" I say upon encountering her latest Jackson Pollock imitation. Pat, Suzan, and Valerie each come out of their stalls to see what's wrong. I point in horror. Pat groans, Suzan moans, Val throws up her hands in disgust, and we fall into silence. Then I rally, "At least we know it's not one of us." But everybody else is a suspect. "It can't be Sudie," Suzan volunteers. My eyes narrow. "What are you basing this on?" I ask. "I've seen her," she answers, "she always heads straight for the paper seat protector." "And," Valerie adds, "we can cross Mamie off the list -- it happened twice while she was in Sweden." Sixty seconds ago, the four of us were editors; now we are FBI profilers. "She probably likes to burrow into small spaces," Pat conjectures. "This never happens in the big, wheelchair-accessible stall ..." "It's very primitive, as if she's marking her territory. This is clearly a hostile gesture," Suzan declares with authority. We're finally getting somewhere. "So, really," I say, "we just need to be on the lookout for an aggressively mean-spirited, mole-like cavewoman who is not confined to a wheelchair .. is that right?" Val is the first to realize that we're losing our minds. "I'm out of here," she says, and exits the ladies' room. Later, I complain to J.J., poor, naive little J.J .. She tells me that it can't be any of us, that the toilet is somehow to blame. I leave J.J. in her special world -- a place where troubles melt like lemon drops and Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone -- and resume writing my column. Gina drops by and reads over my shoulder. Suddenly she has an epiphany: "It's you!" she announces, pointing at me like she's Javert accusing Jean Valjean of stealing silver candlesticks. "Think about it," she says. "What better way to cover your tracks than writing an outraged piece on the subject?" I kind of like that Gina believes I am an evil genius, and I don't have the heart to tell her that I once refused to sit my daughter on the lap of a department store Santa Claus because I had no idea who else had been sitting there. Another day, another bathroom break. "Steer clear of the third stall," Yeun warns as she dries her hands and heads for a meeting. Jennifer emerges from door number four to see what exactly's going on behind door number three. She is appalled yet philosophical. "Believe it or not, every place I've ever worked has had a Tinkler -- maybe sharing a ladies' room just sends certain people into a passive-aggressive snit. It's the dark side of office life." Lately, my daydreams bear a striking resemblance to one of those black-and-white Sherlock Holmes movies: The entire team sits, sipping brandy in an ornate drawing room. "I suppose you're wondering why I've gathered you here today," I begin in an inexplicable British accent. "Well, my friends, one of you is The Tinkler." The research department averts their eyes. The art department fidgets nervously. An intern gasps. "And," I go on, "nobody is leaving this room until I reveal the person who refuses to work and play well with others." My assistant, Polly, looks up. "You mean you've figured out the identity of The Tinkler?" she asks, filled with an admiration for my powers of reasoning that she has never once expressed in real life. "It was elementary, dear Watson. I merely -- " but before I can unmask The Tinkler or explain why I refer to Polly as dear Watson, the lights suddenly go out ... I could go on, but I'm bored silly whenever someone feels compelled to relay every nanosecond of a dream. Suffice it to say that I usually wind up in the arms of Tyrone Power. As for The Tinkler? She's still on the lam. There are lots of days when I find myself wishing life were closer to a gorgeous movie from the '40s -- women wore fabulous hats and pearl chokers, and I don't think they actually went to the bathroom back then. They were too busy dancing with Fred Astaire and smoking unfiltered cigarettes to schlep to an office every day. Now, some of us are running the offices, but it seems we've brought a few low-grade lunatics along for the ride -- and they're wreaking havoc in the ladies' room. Where have you gone, Edith Wharton? I'm not asking for cloth napkins and classical music. I don't need a mint on my pillow. I just want a bit of common courtesy, a modicum of civility, a touch of class, or, failing all that, a good supply of Lysol. By Lisa Kogan from "O, The Oprah Magazine," April 2008 . Subscribe to O, The Oprah Magazine for up to 75% off the newsstand price. That's like getting 18 issues FREE. Subscribe now! TM & © 2008 Harpo Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Women's bathroom is defiled by The Tinkler . Columnist tries to figure out who's guilty of peeing on seat . Decides she is "aggressively mean-spirited, mole-like cavewoman" Writer yearns for modicum of civility, a touch of class, or supply of Lysol .

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(CNN) -- A woman's legs protrude over an empty bar. Manicured hands cling desperately to a ledge. Disheveled femmes fatales crawl across a flowerbed. The racetrack is transformed into an ominous retro time warp in these intriguing images from Canadian photographer Kourtney Roy. "I would say that my work is sinister, but it's also imbued with a dark humor," said the 32-year-old, originally from "the wilds of northern Ontario." "At the racetrack there is a certain energy in the air, it is very magical, even if there is a seedy and dark side to it as well." Roy's unnerving images could be scenes from a 1960s murder mystery, rather than a sports arena usually filled with stampeding horses and screaming punters. Just who is this glamorous young woman, pictured on an eerily empty race course? In fact it is Roy herself, who donned thrift store costumes for the surreal photo shoot at stadiums across Paris. The cinematic series -- called "Ils Pensent Déjà Que Je Suis Folle" or "They Already Think I'm Crazy" -- was named the winner of a competition exploring gambling, and exhibited at Le Bal photography center in the French capital. "During the shoot, people saw what appeared to be a mad woman in a wig throwing her legs up in the air and generally enacting acrobatic poses for the camera," she said. "But I found that it added a certain ambiguity and uncanniness to the scene when I was partially hidden or when my face was unseen. It seems more ominous." Romance of the racetrack . Growing up in rural Canada, Roy discovered the joys of the racetrack later in life, describing being "raised by a family of lumberjacks and spending my youth trapping and taming wolves." "There were no racetracks where I came from. We were too busy trying not to freeze to death." Inspired by the writings of hard-living punter and poet Charles Bukowski, Roy later explored the grandstand with gusto. "There is really nothing like spending an afternoon eating fries and drinking beer, while watching the most magnificent creatures in the world run past you at dazzling speeds," said the photographer, who now lives in Paris. Artist impression . She's hardly the first artist drawing inspiration from the track. From Edgar Degat's 19th century paintings depicting jockeys in luminous color, to Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 musical "My Fair Lady" and recent HBO series "Luck" starring Dustin Hoffman, what makes the racetrack such a ripe backdrop for artists? "It's got that mystique of people knowing more than you do," said Nick Attenborough of Great British Racing, a company which promotes British horseracing around the world. "It's a sport of intrigue. It's one man betting his judgment against another. One horse trainer or one jockey trying to win against a load of other guys." Spooky stadium? And it's a different intrigue altogether once the stadium is empty. "I've been to racecourses before which are quite empty and they're sad places in comparison to the joy, pleasure, and buzz you get when there's racing," said Attenborough. "It's slightly spooky. And that's what Roy's photos have done. The woman leaning over the bar -- there's no drinks, no decorations, and it looks soulless. "And I dare say that's true of any stadium -- they need people to help them reverberate." It seems that even without horse racing, the track is still a scene of drama. Learn: Lords and My Fair Ladies swan about in style . Inspire: The enduring allure of horses in art .

Photographer transforms racetrack into eerie retro time warp . Images win competition exploring gambling, exhibited in Paris . Racetrack is ideal scene for drama, inspires artists for centuries . Without horses and people, the track takes on an spooky quality .

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(CNN) -- Liverpool announced on Thursday that they have reached an agreement with Dutch club Heerenveen for the transfer of winger Oussama Assaidi, on a busy day of transfer activity in the Premier League. With the new season due to start on Saturday, and just over two weeks left of the transfer window, several of clubs have moved to finalise transfers in time for the first fixtures. Assaidi's move is subject to a medical, but the Morocco international's transfer could still be completed in time for him to play against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Elsewhere, former Manchester United, Fulham and Everton striker Louis Saha has signed a for Sunderland. The 34 year old striker left Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season, and has agreed a one year deal with Martin O'Neill's side. "Louis is a striker whose abilities have been proven at the very highest level and he brings with him a raft of experience of top flight football," O'Neill told the club's website. "I'm delighted we have been able to complete a deal ahead of our first match of the season." Sunderland's local rivals Newcastle United also added to their side on Thursday, finally completing the transfer of Ajax midfielder Vurnon Anita. The 23 year old has signed a five year deal to become the club's fourth signing of the summer. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew described Anita as "exceptionally talented" and said he hoped the young players "best years" will be at Newcastle. "He has strengthened us. You need three top class central midfield players, which we now have. That is mainly where he will play," said Pardew on the official website. The Dutch midfielder was delighted with the move. "I won almost everything in Holland so the step was not difficult to make. Now I think we can also win trophies with Newcastle and it's time to do that.," Anita told the club's website. "In the Premier League especially, every game is tough so it can help me also to grow in my football skills." "I talked to the manager and the coach and they know that I want to play in a defensive midfield place and that's why they brought me here," he added.

Liverpool have agreed a deal for winger Oussama Assaidi . Sunderland have signed striker Louis Saha on a free transfer . Newcastle have completed the signing of Vurnon Anita . Anita was described as "exceptionally talented" by his new manager .

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Charles James 'flipped out' while doing drugs with his 14-year-old daughter in hotel room . A father 'flipped out' while allegedly doing drugs with his 14-year-old daughter in hotel room. Charles James was arrested on Monday after an employee at a Baytown, Texas, hotel heard screams for help coming from a room. Police were called to Palace Inn Hotel and found James in the room with his teenage daughter. Detectives said James, 36, appeared to be under the influence of drugs. They reported he had glossy eyes and slurred speech. The girl told officers they had been doing drugs and her dad 'flipped out,' reports Khou.com. When police attempted to question James he was not coherent and unable to answer their questions. He has now been charged with child endangerment. The girl was turned over to relatives. Police were called to Palace Inn Hotel (pictured) and found James in the room with his teenage daughter .

Charles James was arrested at a Baytown hotel on Monday . The girl told officers they had been doing drugs and her father 'flipped out; . He has now been charged with child endangerment.

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Graeme Le Saux played more than 400 matches for Blackburn, Chelsea and Southampton, winning a Premier League title and 36 international caps. CNN's Don Riddell talks to the former England star about homophobia and racism in the game. Graeme Le Saux, pictured here playing for Chelsea, endured homophobic abuse throughout his career due to false rumors he was gay. Don Riddell: Graeme, you're happily married with two children but during your football career everyone thought you were gay and the experience was pretty miserable. Graeme Le Saux: The culture of football back in the 80s was very different, something I found very hard to relate to and subsequently I found myself a little bit isolated and ostracized from certain people. That eventually led to rumors being spread that I was gay. In the context of modern life that's not defamatory but in terms of the dressing room culture that existed then -- and to an extent now -- it was very difficult for me to deal with and had the potential to damage my career. I think that the joke very quickly got out of hand. And I think where I was at fault was that I was probably a little sensitive about it, because I could actually see the potential of this sort of thing to get out of control. And it did. We played in a game at West Ham and the terraces started singing something particularly defamatory about me and I remember being, you know, really, really shocked that it got to that level so quickly. DR: And that carried on as well and the most notable incident is the one involving Robbie Fowler. Tell me about that? GS: It all culminated in a game that we played at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool and Robbie Fowler, he stood in front of 40,000 people and he bent over and invited me to perform a homosexual act upon him... That's the politest way I can put it! That really was the point at which it couldn't get any worse. It wasn't just people singing on the terrace, it was a colleague -- an international colleague -- humiliating you in front of all those people, an international audience. He will maintain to this day that it was just a laugh but that is exactly the point. If you look at anything like this, whether it is racism or homophobia or whatever, as if it is just a laugh that can be a very serious issue. I'm all for a good laugh but when you offend someone and you are damaging relationships then it goes way beyond being a laugh and you can't hide behind that as an excuse. Does homophobia in soccer exist? Have your say . DR: It's thought that only one professional soccer player in the world has ever declared himself to be gay. That was the Englishman Justin Fashanu and he committed suicide a decade ago. John Amaechi became the first gay player to be associated with the NBA last year, but such declarations are extremely rare. In many cases homosexuality remains pro sport's last taboo. GS: It's such a terrible reflection on a sport that has so much positive impact across the globe that there is still this issue about gay people within the sport. If you look at so many other professions in terms of business and politics, across the board the gay community is represented but in football it still isn't and I find that disappointing. There may not be many gay players in the game but the sport should be grown up enough to be able to support those people in the football environment. DR: Football's obviously made great strides, certainly in Britain, in the last 10 years with regards to racism, but how much prejudice is there generally in the game? Do you think we'll ever be free of it? GS: I think there's always going to be an undercurrent of prejudice. But ultimately I think it's important for any business really to be responsible, inclusive and representative of its employees. And football is in a very privileged position and can lead by example. And so I hope that, you know, the people in authority really make some serious attempts, I suppose to create parity between all walks of life. DR: We've come across a couple of black footballers who say that fans who shout racist abuse aren't really racist, they are just trying to put us off our game. How much do you buy into that approach? GS: Well, I can't speak for individual black players! But sometimes I think the perception of people it is not happening to is different to the individual. It used to baffle me when I first started playing that you'd have Chelsea fans being racist to black players from the opposition but there would be three or four black players on the Chelsea's team. And if you spoke to them or confronted them about it, they would be like, "Oh yeah, but we know them... they are, you know, they are fine." And it's like, well how do you pick the bones out of that? Because there is just no logic. But then you know prejudice is built on ignorance. You know it really is. I think that sometimes you know individuals have to take responsibility for themselves and actually take a step back and look at what they are doing and not use ignorance as an excuse and say, "Well, would I like to be on the receiving end of this sort of abuse?"

Graeme Le Saux says an "undercurrent of prejudice" exists in football . Ex-England star endured homophobic abuse amid false rumors he was gay . Le Saux says football needs to do more to tackle prejudice, homophobia .

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By . Lucy Crossley for MailOnline . Friends and family of a much loved grandmother beheaded outside her London home gathered together today to mark her funeral. Palmira Silva, 82, died after she was allegedly attacked with a machete by Nicholas Salvadore, 25, in the garden of her home in Edmonton, north London earlier this month. Today her loved ones said their final goodbyes to the Italian-born mother-of-two, gathering outside one of the London cafes that she ran with her family. Final goodbye: Friends and family of much loved grandmother Palmira Silva, who was beheaded outside her London home, gathered together today to mark her funeral . Tragedy: Mrs Silva, 82, (left) died after she was allegedly attacked with a machete by Nicholas Salvadore, 25, (right) in the garden of her home in Edmonton, north London earlier this month . Funeral procession: Today her loved ones said their final goodbyes to the Italian-born mother-of-two, gathering outside one of the London cafes in Edmonton, that she ran with her family . Other local traders and shoppers lined the street outside Silva's Cafe in Edmonton, many of them bearing bouquets of flowers as the hearse carrying Mrs Silva's body drove slowly past. Around 150 people turned out to see the funeral cortege pause at the cafe before it went on to a nearby church. Her coffin was accompanied on one side by a pink floral arrangement spelling 'Mum', and on the other the arrangement read 'Nonna' - the Italian for grandmother. A vibrant bouquet of sunflowers and roses had been placed atop the coffin, as mourners stopped next to the cafe to pay their respects. In memory: Her coffin was accompanied on one side by a pink floral arrangement spelling 'Mum', and on the other the arrangement read 'Nonna' - the Italian for grandmother . Sombre: Many of the mourners had dressed in black, and stood with their heads solemnly bowed as the cortege rolled past . Many of the mourners had dressed in black, and stood with their heads solemnly bowed as the cortege rolled past. For others, the sombre occasion became too much, and many shed tears, or embraced one another in grief. Mrs Silva, who was known as Pam, and her husband Domenico moved to separately to London from their native Italy in the 1950s to start a new life. Emotion:Friends and family members were joined by neighbours and local traders as they gathered to say goodbye to Mrs Silva at today's funeral . Sorrow: Mourners, many of them bearing bouquets of flowers gather as the funeral cortege travels past . The couple ran a restaurant business together and had two children, a daughter, Celestina, and a son, Rino. Mr Silva died in 2008 but in Edmonton, the family continued the business with Silva’s Cafe building up a solid base of regular customers who enjoyed Mrs Silva’s friendliness as much as her food. She had only recently stopped working full time at the cafe, a few minutes walk from her home, having handed over the running to Rino, now 53, after her husband died. The couple ran a restaurant business together and had two children, a daughter, Celestina, and a son, Rino. Much loved: Mrs Silva had only returned from a family holiday in Italy in the week before she died . Mr Silva died in 2008 but in Edmonton, the family continued the business with Silva’s Cafe building up a solid base of regular customers who enjoyed Mrs Silva’s friendliness as much as her food. She had only recently stopped working full time at the cafe, a few minutes walk from her home, having handed over the running to Rino, now 53, after her husband died. Mrs Silva had only returned from a family holiday in Italy in the week before her death. Friends today recalled the woman who had no enemies. John Morris, 64, a retired carpenter, lived in the flat above the cafe for up to eight months four years ago. He said: 'I didn’t believe it when I heard it. I thought it might be someone of the same name. I couldn’t sleep for two nights about it. She was a beautiful person. 'I can’t think she’d had a holiday in 30 years, she lived for the cafe. She was very hard-working. 'She had time for everyone, I think she thought there was no such thing as an enemy.' Roger Turley, 72, a retired businessman, said: 'She cooked my meals for 20 years. Rino, her son, rang me and he could hardly speak. He said ‘My mother’s had her head cut off’ - what can you say to that? 'She could run that cafe on her own - didn’t take notes, took the orders, remembered what people wanted, how they liked it cooked, and who they all were. 'She was a remarkable woman. This is a very sad day.' Brenda Eberson, 73, said: 'I knew her well, she was a really beautiful lady. When my husband Peter and I would go past, she’d say "Would you like to come in and have a cup of tea?" 'I’m so sad, I couldn’t sleep when I was told.' Speaking after her death, Celestina said: ‘It’s just the most horrendous thing to do to another human being. We simply can’t make any sense of it.’ Scene: Police investigate the scene where Mrs Silva was found dead earlier this month . Mrs Silva was found dead at her home on September 4, and the cafe became a focus for tributes, with hundreds leaving messages of condolences and flowers. The house in the busy street where the Italian widow's body was found was the scene of a major police operation after officers were called to the scene initially to reports that a man had beheaded an animal. Scotland Yard said that its officers distracted the man after he was seen going through back gardens in Nightingale Road to prevent him attacking anyone else, while they evacuated people from nearby homes. Unemployed Salvadore, of Enfield, north London, was staying with a friend a few doors from the Italian widow at the time of her death. He is charged with murdering Mrs Silva and assaulting a police officer, PC Bernie Hamilton. He has not yet entered pleas to either of the charges. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Around 150 people gathered to say goodbye to Palmira Silva, 82 . Funeral cortege stopped at the cafe grandmother ran with her family . Mother-of-two died after she was allegedly attacked with a machete . Her body was found at her home in Edmonton, north London . Nicholas Salvadore, 25, is charged with the Italian widow's murder .

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The age-old saying goes that men can't multi-task. But a new father goes out of his way to prove the claim wrong in a new home video. Nathan Chartrand, 23, from Lakeland, Florida, was filmed as he skilfully put on a pair of pants while holding his baby son Milo. Footage shows him wearing a white T-shirt and black boxer shorts before he starts getting dressed hands-free. He starts out by stepping into the pant legs. Then, in a bid to wrangle the fabric over his calves and thighs, he performs a jig from side to side. As he does a few 'magic' twists and turns the pants slowly start riding up. He's got moves: Nathan Chartrand, 23, from Lakeland, Florida, was filmed as he skilfully put on a pair of pants while holding his baby son Milo . Twist to the right, twist to the left: Footage shows him wearing a white T-shirt and black briefs before he starts getting dressed hands-free . At one point Chartrand gets down on two knees with his son remaining quiet throughout. As he nears the end of the stunt, the IT worker lets out a few jubilant cries of joy. 'We did it,' he states as the clock stops at one-minute-35-second mark. His wife Sarah, who captured the feat on camera, can be heard laughing in the background. Adding in the humor is the rousing soundtrack; Europe's The Final Countdown. Chartrand became a first-time father in December and from the looks of his new video, he's settling into the role well. Lost in the moment: In a bid to wrangle the fabric over his calves and thighs, he performs a jig from side to side . Almost there: As he performs a few 'magic' twists and turns the pants slowly start riding up . Mission complete: 'We did it,' he states as the clock stops at one-minute-35-second mark - baby Milo remains quiet .

Nathan Chartrand, 23, from Florida was filmed as he skilfully put on a pair of pants while holding his baby son Milo . Footage shows the IT worker wearing a white T-shirt and black briefs before he starts getting dressed hands-free.

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By . Jack Doyle . and Hugo Gye . Britain was today accused of being the most 'in your face' sexist country in the world by a UN expert from South Africa. Rashida Manjoo, who is compiling a report on violence against women in the UK, said that the country has a 'boys' club sexist culture'. Her evidence for that 'culture included women being wolf-whistled in the street and the popularity of social media, while she blamed the Government's cuts for increasing society's entrenched sexism. Critics ridiculed Ms Manjoo's comments, pointing out that gender inequality in Britain pales in comparison to countries such as Saudi Arabia where women face systematic repression. Sexism: Rashida Manjoo, the UN's special rapporteur on violence against women, today said the culture of gender inequality in Britain was 'more prevalent' than anywhere else . The UN special rapporteur on violence against women originally comes from South Africa, known as the 'rape capital of the world', where has been estimated that 40 per cent of women will be raped at some point in their lifetime. The other countries she has visited as part of her duties include Somalia, where women are routinely subjected to female genital mutilation, and Papua New Guinea, where polygamy is common. Ms Manjoo has been in Britain for two weeks investigating the prevalence of violence against women, and today announced her preliminary findings. She said: 'Have I seen this level of sexist culture in other countries? It hasn't been so in-your-face in other countries. I haven't seen that so pervasively in other countries. I'm sure it exists but it wasn't so much and so pervasive. 'I'm not sure what gives rise to a more visible presence of sexist portrayals of women and girls in this country in particular. What is clear from these indications of portrayals of women and girls is that there is a boys' club sexist culture. That exists and it does lead to perceptions about women and girls in this country.' The special rapporteur added: 'If I was walking down the street and there were whistles - which won't happen at this stage in my life - but that's sexist culture.' Ms Manjoo, a lawyer and academic, pointed to 'the easy availability of porn, the use of social media including influencing young children around images', as well as 'harassment on the Tube'. In the 2013 Global Gender Gap Report issued by the World Economic Forum, the UK was ranked the 18th most equal out of 136 countries surveyed. Former minister Edwina Currie dismissed the idea that Britain was uniquely plagued by sexism. She told the Telegraph: 'Why can't she go to a country where women can't drive cars, or have maternity leave? There are plenty of countries where women face serious problems. 'You can't say they have a big problem in the UK. Most of the women I know like living here and enjoy being in a diverse and interesting society.' Ms Manjoo - who visited London, Leicester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Cookstown, Cardiff and Bristol - also suggested that cuts in public spending were increasing gender inequality. 'Access to trauma services, financial support and housing are crucial, yet current reforms to the funding and benefits system continue to adversely impact women's ability to address safety and other relevant issues,' she said. The special rapporteur claimed that she had been denied access to the controversial Yarl's Wood women's detention centre despite repeated requests to the Government. She said: 'Due to receiving information from the third sector, I was keen to speak to detainees in this facility to objectively seek information on violations being experienced.' Some of the countries Rashida Manjoo has visited as part of her UN duties include: . BANGLADESH: Miss Manjoo noted ‘the strong persistence of patriarchal attitudes towards women’. She said she had been prevented from visiting a refugee camp where she had received reports of ‘sexual and gender-based violence’. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: She said violence against women was pervasive, blaming a belief in sorcery. In 2012 she said she was shocked by the brutality of assaults against suspected sorcerers, including, rape, mutilations and murder. Polygamy also led to violence. KYRGYZSTAN: Miss Manjoo had concerns about bride kidnappings, sexual harassment and violence against lesbians. In 2009, she reported: ‘Unregistered religious marriages, early marriage and polygamy are increasingly undermining women’s rights.’ EL SALVADOR: Following her 2010 visit, Miss Manjoo said that ‘of particular concern is the alarming rise in the number of murders of women and girls and the brutality inflicted on their bodies, which is often accompanied by kidnapping and sexual assault’. JORDAN: Miss Manjoo expressed concern in 2011 over ‘laws that are discriminatory to women’. She said ‘women still do not enjoy equal rights and responsibilities with regard to marriage, divorce, custody issues and personal status’. SOMALIA: She was concerned by problems of female genital mutilation during her visit in 2011 and said ‘impunity for violence against women is the norm’. Danger? The UN expert warned that British women face harrassment on the Tube (file photo) A spokesman for the Home Office said: 'Violence against women and girls in any form is unacceptable and the Government has shown its commitment to ending it. 'A comprehensive programme was drawn up for the Special Rapporteur's visit, including meetings with the Home Secretary, the Minister for Crime Prevention, and the Chief Inspector of Prisons. 'Several other options, including a trip to a women's refuge, were turned down by the Special Rapporteur.' Ms Manjoo is only the latest in a string of UN special rapporteurs to lecture Britain over alleged social problems. Last year, Raquel Rolnik was denounced by MPs as a 'loopy Brazilian leftie' after she called for the abolition of the so-called bedroom tax. And in 2011, Yves Cabanne accused an Essex council of breaking human rights law by evicting a group of travellers from the illegal Dale Farm site.

UN special rapporteur Rashida Manjoo is compiling a report on violence against women . She said today that Britain had the most 'in your face' sexism of any country . Pointed to culture of wolf-whistling and harassment of women on the Tube . But critics suggested that she should focus on more repressive countries . Her native South Africa has been called the 'rape capital of the world'

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(CNN) -- "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" is, in a way, a tough game to figure out. On one hand, the "Zelda" franchise has provided many hours of enjoyment for fans for 25 years, while chronicling the adventures of everyone's favorite green-hat-wearing elf, Link. This game has that. On the other hand, I was looking for something that was going to advance the franchise in new directions and possibly break some new ground. That didn't happen. "Skyward Sword" is full of what we've come to know and love about Link. Maze-like terrain, challenging dungeons, familiar weapons and, of course, the quest to find Zelda. There is little here that we haven't seen before. Epona, Link's trusted horse, has been replaced by a giant bird that carries him to distant locations. Unfortunately, there isn't much challenging or exciting about riding around on a flying bird after you've done it once or twice. (But, since Link is based this time out on a city floating in the sky, trying to ride a horse around could have gotten messy very quickly, I suppose.) I was also confused about where this game falls in the "Zelda" timeline. Link appears to be slightly older, but he doesn't have any of his traditional garb or weapons. He is a recruit in the knights' program and, in fact, has to earn his familiar hat and clothing. Contrast that with previous games where Link looks like a kid. Unfortunately, Link also seems to be missing his personality. He is, as always, silent, but really shows no reaction to anything that happens around him. In an early segment, Link is getting bullied but shows no outward emotions. It is Zelda who arrives to chastise the bullies and defend him. Nintendo has said "Skyward Sword" lays the foundation for the events in "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," but it doesn't feel like a precursor at all. The gameplay is slow, with plenty of moments of inaction. Its pace is almost leisurely as Link goes from one mission or dungeon to the next. There's no sense of urgency, but that does allow players to fully explore without feeling as if they're missing something. Environments are vibrant, with collectibles and creatures lurking around every corner. There is a maze-like quality when you're trying to reach some areas -- with only one path in and one path out. Usually, some puzzle needs to be solved to open the pathway and allow Link to continue. Instead of Navi ("Hey, Listen!"), a mystical creature named Fi acts as sort of an artificial-intelligence program, helping out whenever something new comes up or if a player gets stuck deciding what to do next. Fi lives in the handle of Link's sword and comes out when summoned. She can also evaluate your gameplay and scan the surrounding area for any dangers or monsters. Combat is decidedly different, since the game requires you to use Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus Control. Defeating monsters, or solving some puzzles, requires precise motions to get past obstacles or slice open new pathways. This was a welcome change from straight button-pushing and injected a new level of challenge into combat. The nunchucks attached to the Motion Plus Control act as your shield during combat and also help with special moves such as rolling or shield-bashing your enemies. The two controllers together work very well and made the combat enjoyable without making it tiring. In the end, "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" is an underwhelming game that mostly sticks to the successful path that Link has been on for the past 25 years. This is one series that can keep fans happy with its familiar concepts and characters. But the new game's minor tweaks don't inject new energy into the franchise. I wonder where Nintendo can take "Zelda" next without considering some radical changes. "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" is available now in Europe, North America, Japan and Australia. It is a Wii exclusive title and is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 years old and older due to animated blood, comic mischief and fantasy violence. This review was done with a review copy of the game.

"Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" doesn't offer much that's new . Link the elf seems emotionless and the story's timeline is unclear . Wii MotionPlus controls offer some fun new challenges . "Zelda" has provided 25 years of joy, but the franchise needs some changes .

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(CNN) -- Accused Tucson gunman Jared Lee Loughner has been indicted on 49 counts including murder and attempted murder that stem from a shooting that left six people dead and critically wounded Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. A grand jury had indicted Loughner, 22, on three counts of attempted murder, including one alleging that he tried to kill Giffords with a Glock semiautomatic handgun during an event for constituents at a Tucson grocery store in January. Giffords is currently undergoing rehabilitation at a medical facility in Houston, Texas. The new indictment, returned by a federal grand jury Thursday, includes those three charges and adds murder charges connected to the deaths of John M. Roll, a federal district judge, and Gabriel M. Zimmerman, a staff member for Giffords. He also faces charges in the deaths of Dorothy J. Morris, Phyllis C. Schneck, Dorwan C. Stoddard, and a child, referred to in the indictment as C-T G. Nine-year-old Christina-Taylor Green was among those killed in the shooting. A charge of attempted assassination of a member of Congress also is among the 49 counts. "The deceased are not the only ones whose rights are being defended," U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke said in a news release. "Those citizens who were peaceably assembled to speak to their member of Congress are also named victims in this indictment." The indictment carries a potential death sentence if convicted, Burke added, although prosecutors have not said yet whether they will seek the death penalty. "We will seek justice for the federal officials, Judge Roll and Gabriel M. Zimmerman, and for Dorothy J. Morris, Phyllis C. Schneck, Dorwan C. Stoddard, and C-T G," Burke said. The alleged gunman previously had faced two murder charges in the deaths of Roll and Zimmerman, but in a procedural maneuver, prosecutors had temporarily dropped those charges, bringing them back under the superseding indictment. Loughner, who is being held by authorities in Arizona, is expected to be arraigned on the new charges March 9 in Tucson, the district attorney's office said. Also Friday, Giffords' office released a picture of her taken the morning of the shooting. The congresswoman is seen standing in front of the grocery store, talking to constituents identified by her office as Jim and Doris Tucker. Jim Tucker was shot twice, once in his calf and once in his collarbone, according to CNN affiliate KOLD. His wife escaped unharmed. "I've wondered since the very beginning, 'Why wasn't I shot?' but I just take it as a miracle from God that I wasn't, for some purpose," Doris Tucker has told the network.

NEW: Rep. Giffords' office releases a photo taken of her on the morning of the shooting . Jared Lee Loughner is indicted on 49 counts in January shooting . The indictment carries a potential death sentence upon conviction, the U.S. attorney says . Giffords is undergoing rehabilitation at a medical facility in Houston .

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US officials have . identified about 300 Bosnian immigrants who they believe . concealed their involvement in wartime atrocities including the . 1995 Srebrenica massacre. The number of suspects could eventually reach more than 600 as more Bosnian records about violence between Bosnian Serbs, Muslims and Croations become available. Federal authorities are trying to deport at least 150 . of them, The New York Times reported on Saturday. Scroll down for video . Warning: Graphic images below . Officials have identified roughly 300 Bosnians believed to have concealed involvement in wartime atrocities. Above, bags with remains of victims from the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, where 8,000 Muslims were killed . Federal authorities are trying to deport 150 of a possible 600 immigrants who have connections to violence in the former Yugoslavia. Above, forensic experts examine bodies in a mass grave from the massacre in 1996 . The immigrants were among refugees fleeing the violence in . Bosnia after a war that erupted in 1992 with the collapse of . Yugoslavia. The number of suspects could eventually be over 600 . as more records from Bosnia become available, the newspaper . reported. 'The more we dig, the more documents we find,' Immigration . and Customs Enforcement historian Michael MacQueen, who has led . many of the agency's war crimes investigations, told the Times. Many of the Bosnian suspects were former soldiers and they . include a Virginia soccer coach, an Ohio metal worker and four . Las Vegas hotel casino workers, the newspaper said. Some are now U.S. citizens. The Times said evidence indicates half the 300 Bosnian . suspects may have played a part in the massacre at Srebrenica, . where 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb . forces in five summer days in 1995. Some of those thought to be involved in mass killings in the Balkans are now US citizens. Above, a Bosnian Serb woman mourns over the remains of her son killed in 1992 after it was found in a common grave . Croation woman Azra Basic (facing camera) is facing extradition on charges that she made Serb prisoners drink gasoline and human blood. The massacre came towards the end of a war . that claimed 100,000 lives. The massacre was the culmination of a policy of ethnic . cleansing by Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic's . forces to carve a pure Serb state out of a communally diverse . Bosnia. Visa applications in the mid-1990s asked about military service, but there was little way of verifying what applicants from the war-torn region reported. Marko Boskic, a Bosnian Serb thought to have carried out executions in the Srebrenica region, was found by federal agents in Massachusetts in 2004 and deported back to Bosnia. He was sentenced to ten years in prison for crimes against humanity. Federal officials say they have expelled 64 immigrants from the Balkans with ties to war crimes. Recent cases against both Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian Muslims have seen atrocities such as rape, murder and arson. Federal officials have expelled 64 Balkan immigrants from the country for connection to war crimes. Above, a Bosnian Muslim woman cries in 2012 near 520 recently identified victims of the Srebrenica massacre . The Immigration and Customs Enforcement war crimes section only receives $65,000 for travel and translation expenses per year. Above, women mourn Srebrenica victims at a memorial center in 2014 . Azra Basic, a Croatian woman who lived in Kentucky, is facing extradition on charges that she made Serb prisoners drink gasoline and human blood. Vermont's Edin Sakoc, 55, could face up to ten years in prison and be stripped of his US citizenship if his January conviction for lying about activities during the war are upheld on appeal. Backlogs in immigration courts mean that some of those found eligible for deportation may not face decisions about whether they will actually be deported until 2019. Immigration officials also face trouble building cases against suspected war criminals because agency's war crimes center was allotted just $65,000 last year for travel and translation expenses. Lawyer Thomas M. Hoidal represented two of 12 Bosnian Serbs in Arizona who face deportation over war crimes. 'It's guilt by association,' he told the Times. The Bosnian war ended in a 1995 US-brokered peace deal, the Dayton Accords. A . UN tribunal subsequently ruled in 2004 that genocide was committed in . Bosnia. The 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre will be marked on July 11, 2015. US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement opened a war crimes section in 2008, which has investigated those linked to killings in El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Rwanda.

Number of suspects linked to war crimes could reach as many as 600 . Federal authorities are trying to deport 150 of the Balkan immigrants . Suspected crimes include rape, murder and forcing prisoners to drink gas . Backlog in courts mean some found guilty could no be deported until 2019 .

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By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 04:12 EST, 20 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 21:59 EST, 20 July 2012 . Firm: David Cameron, pictured in Afghanistan yesterday, has banned all ministers from their chauffeur-driven cars but the diktat has not been received well . Ministers have been ordered to ditch their chauffeur-driven cars and use public transport to travel to the Olympics. The Prime Minister, who insists he will catch the Tube to London 2012 events, has also told every minister they must not take their family to events, even if they paid for the tickets themselves. According to a source, they must invite dignitaries and other important guests instead, to ensure the public don’t think they are abusing their positions. Earlier this week Mr Cameron confirmed he would go to Olympic events on public transport and expected everyone to follow suit. But furious MPs have said they would rather watch the Games on TV than cram onto the underground or buses, which would leave them too grumpy to schmooze their guests. But the diktats have angered many, who feel that it will give off a bad impression. 'This has caused a lot of ill-feeling and frankly some of us would rather not be going to anything at all,' one senior minister told the Independent. 'The . rules are unbelievably draconian. We've basically been told we're on . our own and have to look after our guests with no official support and . we'll have to go by Tube as well. 'I know they're worried about . how it will look if we're seen to get special treatment but at the end . of the day we're supposed to be representing the Government. I'd rather . be sitting at home watching it on television.' While touring Afghanistan yesterday Mr Cameron confirmed he would be going to events on public transport and so should everybody else. Told: Instead David Cameron and his colleagues will have to cram onto the tube 'like everybody else' The Olympic flag was this morning flying on top of 10 Downing Street . 'I will be using public transport and . that is how I recommend [everyone] should travel'.' he said. 'I now use . the Tube, I drive my protection team mad in London by saying why on . earth are we in the car, the Tube is quicker. When asked about whether he would use the 'ZiL' lanes, named after the limousines used in Soviet Russia at the height of Communism, he said: 'We are banished from using that terminology. 'I went in a Games lane, but it was not acting as a Games lane when I came back from Chequers on Sunday. We were happily driving on it because everyone else was driving on it.' And Downing Street confirmed that almost without exception politicians will not go by car. 'All ministers will be expected to travel to the Games like everybody else,' a No. 10 spokesman told MailOnline this morning. 'There will be some limited circumstances when this might be waived but as a general rule that is what they have been told.' Last . week it was revealed that at least 60 ministers and senior MPs has been . told to report for duty during the Games and accompany VIPs to events. David Cameron alone will be taking executives from Google, Citigroup and Cisco Systems. They . will have access to thousands of tickets bought at the taxpayers' expense, including 350 in total for both opening and closing ceremonies. It came as an extra 1,200 troops were put on standby to protect the Olympics as the fallout continues from the G4S fiasco. Defence . chiefs yesterday placed the servicemen and women – some recently back . from Afghanistan – on 48 hours notice to work as guards at London 2012. Home . Secretary Theresa May and Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt begged the . Ministry of Defence to provide additional military back-up amid concerns . that beleaguered private firm G4S is still struggling to recruit . security staff. Curbed: Ministers will only be able to use Games Lanes in exceptional circumstances .

Downing Street confirms MPs will have to travel to the Games on the Tube or buses 'like everyone else' 'I will be using public transport and that is how I recommend everyone should travel,' PM says . It is 'draconian' and 'some of us would rather not be going at all', one minister said . MPs also told to take VIPs instead of family to promote Britain - even if they have paid for the tickets .

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By . Luke Salkeld . PUBLISHED: . 23:59 EST, 27 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:24 EST, 28 January 2013 . Lucky: This is six-month-old Sam Stevens who was rescued after his buggy was swept into the sea by a freak gust of wind . A baby who was blown into the sea in his buggy is expected to make a full recovery, his father said yesterday. Sam Stevens, aged six months, was in the icy water for ten minutes after a gust of wind caught the buggy. He is thought to have spent several of those minutes face down in the freezing water before a heroic harbour master dived in to save him. George Reeder, 63, managed to turn the floating buggy upright and drag it against the harbour wall. Onlookers then pulled the child to safety before he was taken to hospital. He is said to be making amazing progress despite the length of time he spent in the water. Yesterday the baby’s father spoke of the ‘pure euphoria’ of finding his son had survived – and thanked all involved in the rescue. Martyn Stevens, 35, was at home while his partner Kate Cooper, 34, took their son and dogs for a walk around the nearby marina at Watchet in Somerset. A gust of wind swept the buggy off the sea wall and Sam, strapped in his seat, fell face-down into 12ft of water. Miss Cooper’s screams of ‘My baby! My baby has gone in the water,’ were heard by Mr Reeder. Scroll down for video . Hero: George Reader, the dock master at Watchet Marina in Somerset, dived into freezing cold waters to rescue Sam. Mr Reader is pictured at the harbour . Relieved: Martyn Stevens, 35, the father of baby Sam, stands at the spot where his son was flung into the water.  Tanya Allen, 43, who performed CPR on the baby, is pictured right . He said: ‘When I got there the mum was . screaming and I saw the buggy floating. 'The tide was going out and the . current was strong. It was slowly floating away, being swept out to . sea.’ Dismissing suggestions he had behaved . heroically, Mr  Reeder, who has worked at the marina for 11 years, . added: ‘I didn’t have time to think. I just jumped in. I can’t believe . the baby survived.’ Ten minutes seems an incredibly long time for such a young child to be in the freezing sea and survive. One theory is that an air pocket formed between the water and the back of the floating buggy, allowing Sam to continue to breathe. It is also thought that the bodies of young children are especially efficient at going into shock. A baby’s smaller body slows down the metabolism more quickly than an adult’s and therefore protects the vital organs from being starved of oxygen. In fact, many hospitals deliberately cool new born babies who have been starved of oxygen during birth. One of the young family’s neighbours, . Tanya Allen, 43, then performed CPR on Sam until emergency crews arrived . and an air ambulance flew him to Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton. Mr . Stevens recalled the moment on Sunday morning when he was at home and . heard sirens from the marina. He said: ‘I looked up the road to see . what the noise was and saw my friend Ben who looked absolutely . distraught and just shouted at me “It’s your baby, it’s your baby”.’ Mr Stevens ran down to the marina where he saw his son being tended to on the ground. He said: ‘I can’t stress how amazing George was, and Tanya as well.’ Mr Stevens added that Sam had astounded doctors with his recovery and he was expected home in the next few days. ‘All the doctors and nurses said he is doing fantastic,’ he said. ‘They have all been brilliant. ‘I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s pure euphoria.’ Location: The infant, who was strapped in the buggy, was swept into the water as his mother walked along Watchet Harbour (file picture), Somerset at 8am yesterday . Modest: Brave dock master George Reeder insisted he is not a hero after saving the life of six-month-old Sam . The harbour where baby Sam Stevens was blown into the water at Watchet, Somerset . Rain and high winds will continue to batter the UK this week. Forecasters said there would be no . let-up in the storms from the Atlantic until Sunday at the earliest, . though temperatures will be unseasonably high. Devon, Somerset and south-east Wales . are likely to face a threat of floods as rain falls on ground saturated . by snowmelt. Warnings were also issued to areas in the Midlands, Wales, . East Anglia and the North East. Experienced kayaker Matthew . Baird-Parker, 36, died on Sunday after he became stuck in a swollen . river in the Yorkshire Dales. A man died in Camden, North London, in the . high winds when he was struck by a sign falling from a bookies’ shop.

Sam Stevens was plunged into icy waters at Watchet Harbour in Somerset . George Reeder, 63, dived in and managed to pull baby in buggy to wall . Sam being treated for infections but likely to make full recovery . Mr Reeder went back on duty following heroic rescue .

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By . Dr Ellie Cannon . PUBLISHED: . 16:00 EST, 7 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:00 EST, 7 September 2013 . This month sees the launch of the UK shingles vaccination programme for the elderly. All adults aged 70 and those aged 79 will be offered a jab. This is great for anyone vulnerable to this painful condition which affects one in five adults. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin around it. Around 800,000 people will  be eligible for the vaccine. Protected: The UK-wide vaccination programme is set to protect elderly against shingles . Why is the vaccine only being offered to people aged 70 or 79? It’s a catch-up programme. Each year, all those who are 70 and all those who are  79 will be vaccinated. It is the quickest and most cost-effective way of getting the most at-risk people vaccinated. After nine years, it’ll just be offered to people when they reach 70. Why do people get shingles? Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. The virus lies inactive in your nerve cells for life. Shingles is a reactivation of this chickenpox virus which appears as a painful, sore rash. Can anyone get shingles? It affects 20 per cent of the population and is most common in adults. It gets you when you’re down and your immune system is weak. The shot will be available for men and women aged 70 and aged 79 . How can I opt into the vaccination? Your GP will offer a single jab in the arm. If it’s just a rash, why is the vaccine necessary? Shingles is very painful and causes great suffering. While the rash usually lasts two to three weeks, people often have permanent pain in the area of the rash. This neuralgia is debilitating and very difficult to treat. One in 1,000 people over 70 will die from shingles. Can you have the jab if you’ve had shingles? Yes. Once you have had shingles you are at a higher risk than normal of getting it again. The vaccine will make  a repeated attack less likely. Can you get the vaccine if you are under 70? It is licensed for the over 50s and you can get the jab privately. If you have a medical condition that puts you at higher risk of shingles, chat to your doctor about whether it is worth it.

UK-wide vaccination programme against shingles . Jab available to those aged 70 and aged 79 .

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NATO will suspend "all practical civilian and military cooperation" with Russia because of its annexation of Crimea, saying it has seen no sign that Moscow was withdrawing troops from the Ukrainian border. Foreign ministers from the 28 members of the Western military alliance met in Brussels on Tuesday for the first time since Russia grabbed the Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine last month, triggering the worst East-West crisis since the Cold War. They were discussing ways to boost NATO's military presence in formerly communist central and Eastern Europe to reassure allies worried by Russia's moves. After the session, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Russia has challenged truths that only a few weeks ago seemed self-evident: that European borders in the 21st century would not be redrawn by force. "It is important for everybody in the world to understand that the NATO alliance takes seriously this attempt to change borders by use of force," he said. "So that is the wake-up call." Russia's aggression "is the gravest threat to European security in a generation and it challenges our vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters. In a joint statement announcing the suspension of cooperation, the ministers said political dialogue in the NATO-Russia Council could continue, "as necessary, at the ambassadorial level and above, to allow us to exchange views, first and foremost on this crisis." They said they would review NATO's relations with Russia at their next meeting in June. NATO and Russia have cooperated on an anti-narcotics operation in Afghanistan, counterpiracy and various counterterrorism measures. Rasmussen said cooperation on the anti-narcotics operations would continue. A NATO official told CNN the ministers had decided the alliance would develop, as a matter of urgency, "a series of additional measures to reinforce NATO's collective defenses." These would include possible deployments and reinforcements of alliance military assets in Eastern European member states, a possible review of training and exercise plans in the near term, a possible increase of the readiness level of the NATO Response Force, and a possible review and update of NATO defense and military plans, the official said. Russian troops on border . Earlier, Rasmussen said he saw no sign that Russia is pulling its forces back from the border with Ukraine. "Unfortunately, I cannot confirm that Russia is withdrawing its troops," Rasmussen said at the opening of the two-day meeting. "This is not what we're seeing. And this massive military buildup can in no way contribute to a de-escalation of the situation." Concerns are high that Russia, which U.S. officials last week said had about 40,000 troops near the frontier, might seek to enter eastern Ukraine, after it annexed Ukraine's Crimea region last month. Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday that he'd ordered a withdrawal of some Russian troops from his country's border area with Ukraine, Merkel's office said. The news prompted U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki to say Monday that if the reports were accurate, "it would be a welcome preliminary step." On Tuesday, Merkel told reporters: "I can only take what the Russian President has told me. I will, of course, try to find out whether this is perceptible or not perceptible." According to Russian state media Monday, one Russian infantry battalion was being moved from the border area to its base deeper in Russia. A battalion would typically number several hundred troops. But Rasmussen appeared to quash hopes that the situation might be easing with his remarks Tuesday. His assessment was echoed in Brussels by UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, who said: "We have had some statements or rumors from Russia about pulling back forces from the eastern border of Ukraine. "But we haven't seen the evidence of that yet. Of course, we continue to call for that and continue to use every possible diplomatic lead to seek a de-escalation of this crisis." Kerry, among those in Brussels for the NATO meeting, also called for a Russian withdrawal in lengthy weekend talks in Paris with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. What do we know about Russia's troop buildup on Ukraine's border? Also Tuesday, the U.S. House gave final congressional approval to legislation that would impose sanctions on Russia for its takeover of Crimea and provide $1 billion in loan guarantees to Ukraine. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature. In a statement, the White House said the President welcomed the move. "This legislation will allow us to provide crucial support to Ukraine through loan guarantees that will facilitate access to needed financing to Ukraine as it takes essential steps to restore economic stability and return to growth and prosperity," it read. NATO and Ukraine cooperation . The foreign ministers also met with Ukrainian acting Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia in the latest demonstration of Western support. Moscow does not recognize Ukraine's new government, saying President Viktor Yanukovych was removed in an unconstitutional coup. In a joint statement, they called on Moscow "to reverse the illegal and illegitimate 'annexation' of Crimea; to refrain from any further interference and aggressive actions in Ukraine ... and to abide by international law." At the same time, NATO and Ukraine announced they would intensify cooperation and promote defense reforms in Ukraine through training and other programs. Rasmussen told reporters the ministers agreed to help Ukraine make its military "more professional and more effective" and provide advice on how it can defend its infrastructure. "A possibility is also deployment of mobile training teams as and when appropriate," he said. Pressed on how NATO was prepared to help Ukraine improve its military, Rasmussen cited enhanced military exercises as an example. As the talks got under way, Russia's Foreign Ministry had warned Ukraine against seeking integration into the defense alliance. Discussion of the issue while Yanukovych was in power "led to freezing of Russian-Ukrainian political communications, to headaches in the relationship between NATO and Russia and, what is the most dangerous, to the deepening of the split of Ukrainian society, the majority of which doesn't support the idea of Ukraine entering NATO," a Foreign Ministry statement said. It added that Kiev must understand that the prospects for future cooperation between Ukraine and Russia, including on economic matters, "will largely depend on the actions Ukraine takes in its foreign policy." Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula last month amid the political upheaval that followed the ouster of the pro-Moscow Yanukovych. Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday granted permission for foreign military units, including some from NATO countries, to conduct military exercises in Ukraine in 2014. Such military exercises by foreign troops, including naval drills in the Black Sea, are an annual event but take on additional significance this year in light of Russia's military takeover of Crimea. Gazprom hikes natural gas price . In a move that will heighten pressure on the interim government in Kiev, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced a sharp increase in the price it charges Ukraine for natural gas. Starting Tuesday, Ukraine will be charged $385.50 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas, up from the previous rate of $268.50, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Gazprom Chief Executive Alexei Miller as saying. The move ends a discount that was agreed to before Yanukovych was ousted in February after months of street protests. The gas price hike will only increase the pressure on Ukraine's interim government as it seeks to stave off economic collapse. Ukraine, which is heavily reliant on Russia for energy, is also $1.7 billion in arrears in its payments for gas already supplied, Miller said, according to RIA Novosti. The International Monetary Fund last week agreed to lend Ukraine up to $18 billion over the next two years in return for a package of reforms, including to its energy market. Kiev has been running dangerously low on cash to pay for imports and service its debts since the ouster of Yanukovych, which killed off a $15 billion financial lifeline from Russia. Is Crimea gone? Annexation no longer the focus of Ukraine crisis . Opinion: Russia's euphoria over Crimea won't last . CNN Money: Russia fallout pushes Europe to develop shale gas .

U.S. House gives final approval to bill to sanction Russia, provide aid to Ukraine . It moves now to the President for his signature . NATO says it will suspend civilian and military cooperation with Russia . Gazprom says the price Ukraine pays for Russian natural gas will increase, starting Tuesday .

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By . Nick Pisa and Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 05:54 EST, 18 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:28 EST, 18 May 2013 . The family of a British tourist who drowned in strong currents off the Italian coast have questioned why a red flag was not raised to warn against swimming in that area. Brian Kent, 45, was dragged under the water when he went for a mid-afternoon dip in the sea with his wife, Sally, yesterday afternoon. His family today said no life-guard was on duty and there was nothing to suggest conditions were treacherous on that stretch of the beach. Dangerous currents: Witnesses said Mr Kent got into difficulties in the sea in front of the beachside Hotel Aurora (stock photo) His sister-in-law Nicola Phillips said relatives had been looking forward to the day trip to the seaside town of Sperlonga, which came on the family holiday to Rome. She today paid tribute to the 'incredible husband and father' who would be 'sorely missed by everyone'. 'We had all looked forward to our trip to Rome and googled the spectacular beaches of Sperlonga,' Ms Phillips said. 'After arriving we ate lunch and Brian had a pizza and one glass of beer. He waited 30-40 minutes before going into the sea. There was no red flag, and later we found out no life guard on duty.' She said this meant the family 'completely underestimated' the undercurrent which 'proved to be a fatal error'. The strong swimmer was said to have been overcome by the waves minutes after jumping into the water. His wife was pulled from the sea by her two sons, Connor and Aaron but efforts to save Mr Kent failed. Tourism hotspot: Sperlonga is about an hour and a half south of Rome and is a popular beach resort . Ms Phillips said: 'Sally's son Connor . and his brother Aaron managed to pull Sally safely to shore and two . unnamed persons eventually found Brian. But we believe it was already . too late. 'Members of the family, passers-by . and eventually the ambulance tried in vain to resuscitate him. Brian was . a strong swimmer, as were other members of the party, but a tragic . accident occurred. 'My sister and their children would like to come to terms with this without the need to defend decisions that were made that day. Many thanks goes to everybody who helped, particularly the staff of the Aurora Hotel.' A woman, who did not give her name, said she had been at work in a hotel when a number of panicked tourists rushed in. 'I was in the reception when people burst in to call for help,' she said. 'They said someone was in trouble in the water and we called an ambulance immediately. 'I went outside and could see the man in the water. One of his sons was trying to rescue him but I think it was already too late. It was very sad.' Tragic: Mr Kent drowned after visiting the beach at Sperlonga, Italy (stock photo) Mirella Gagliardi, owner of the Hotel . Aurora, said: 'It all happened right in front of our hotel. The man who . died had arrived with his wife and group of other British people in the . morning to spend the day by the sea. 'They had a very late lunch and ate . and drank quite a bit, then they decided to go for a swim. 'The sea was rough - it wasn't the right sort . of day to go into the water. 'He . hit problems right away and was dragged under by the currents and the . waves, the sea was rough but I think the fact he had just had an . abundant lunch probably didn't help either. 'His wife and some of the . others were also in difficulty but they managed to get out of the water. 'It all happened in front of his poor wife. She was in a very bad way, very shocked.' A coastguard helicopter was scrambled to the scene and paramedics were also dispatched but Mr Kent was declared dead at the scene and his body taken to the mortuary of a local hospital. The group, all from London, spent the night in the Aurora hotel, while arrangements were made to repatriate Mr Kent's body after a local magistrate gave the go ahead for it to be released. They are expected back in Britain today. Holiday: The group had enjoyed a large lunch at a taverna in Sperlonga before headed to the beach (stock photo) Stefano De Stefano, owner of the Taverna . di Ulisse restaurant, where the party had lunch said: 'It was such a . tragic end to what should have been a beautiful day by the sea. They had . come in here for lunch and had pizza and beers and they were all . laughing and joking. 'There must have been around ten of them . all together, all men and women and there was a little girl as well. They were here for an hour, maybe more then they all went off to the . beach. The weather was nice but the sea was rough, the waves were high . and there was a strong wind as well. 'The first we knew something had happened was a few minutes later when we heard all the noise, looked outside and saw the ambulance and the helicopter on the beach. The man was on the sand and they were pumping his chest but sadly there was nothing that could be done. 'The area doesn't have a lifeguard and it's still early in the season and it happened midweek. If it was the summer there would have been a guard nearby. He must have been hit by a cramp after going in the water so soon after lunch.' A police spokesman in nearby Gaeta said: 'We were called to the scene and arrived along with paramedics and the coastguard, to a man who had got into difficulties in the sea. He was pulled from the water and cardiac massage was carried out but there was nothing that could be done. 'His body was taken to a local hospital and his family spent the night in the hotel. The magistrate ruled there was no need for an autopsy and the body will be repatriated back to Britain.'

Brian Kent, 46, was on holiday with his wife Sally and a party of friends . He was dragged under by strong currents moments after entering sea . The group are due back in Britain today and his body will be repatriated .

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A former beauty queen who was barred from entering Miss England because she was married has died in a car crash. Bonnie Hiller, 27, was killed when the grey Mercedes convertible she was driving went out of control and collided with a bridge under the A12 bypass in Kelvedon, Essex. She was the only person in the car and no other vehicles were involved in the incident which unfolded at about 6.30pm on Saturday. Tragic: Former beauty queen Bonnie Hiller, 27, (left) died in a car accident in Kelvedon, Essex, on Saturday night . Wedding: Mrs Hillier competed in the . Miss England competition, but had to step aside because she was a Mrs . Mrs Hiller, from Tiptree, Essex, was pursuing a modelling career having been crowned as Miss Colchester and Miss East Anglia in 2009. She should have gone on to compete in the Miss England competition, but had to step aside because she was a Mrs, having got married. The former Thurstable pupil was working with boutiques across Essex. Her father Paul said: 'She was a wonderful girl and a wonderful daughter who was very close to her mum and a joy to be with. 'She was a beautiful, glamorous girl with a heart of gold. I don’t think she had an enemy in the world - she was her dad’s Tinkerbell. Tributes: Flowers have been laid at the scene of the crash under the A12 bypass in Kelvedon . Promising future: Hiller, who was driving a grey Mercedes convertible when it collided with a bridge support, was pursuing a career in modelling after being crowned Miss Colchester in 2009 . 'She was a model and an actress but her ambition was to start a family. Mrs Hiller, who was the youngest of three sisters, was part of a close knit family and grew up in Tiptree, and was a successful show jumper when she was younger. She enjoyed success in the Miss Colchester and Miss East Anglia competitions five years ago - and credited her father with the giving her the confidence to enter. He said: 'The last thing me and her mum have to do is to give her a glamorous send off as she would have wanted.' Pageant: She was preparing to compete at Miss England after she was named Miss East Anglia in 2009 (pictured left), but she was forced to withdraw because she was married . The family are planning a big send off for Mrs Hiller and want as many friends and acquaintances to attend as possible. Mr Hiller thanked his daughter's agent and friend, Pam Boon, for all her help. She said: 'She was much more than a beauty queen, much more than a model, she just had a heart of gold. 'She was lovely, beautiful, kind and gentle. She was very funny and kind, I just can’t fault her.' Devastating: Mrs Hiller, pictured with Duncan Bannatyne (middle) and Joanna Peagram (right) was the youngest of three sisters in a 'close-knit' family .

Bonnie Hiller, 27, was driving a Mercedes convertible, when it lost control . Collided with a bridge under the A12 in Kelvedon, Essex, on Saturday night . Was pursuing a career in modelling having been crowned Miss Colchester . She was the youngest of three sisters in a 'close-knit' family .

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(CNN) -- Do you prefer a one-piece or a string bikini? Swim trunks or a snug Speedo? Whatever you select, your choice isn't made in a vacuum under the florescent lights of a fitting room. History has informed the bathing suit styles of today, in ways we might never imagine. Click through the gallery above to learn how modesty, function and the evolution of style have affected the suits you take to the water, and look below for a collection of facts about swimwear. $17.6 billion: The estimated revenue of the worldwide swimwear industry in 2015, according to research firm Global Industry Analysts. 4: The average number of bathing suits an American woman owned in 2012, as researched by Statistics Brain statisticians. 20: The percentage of women who said they are concerned what the general public thinks when they wore a bathing suit, according to a recent survey by clothing company Land's End. 7 in 10 : The number of women who told Land's End they prefer to wear one-piece swimwear. 46: The percent of U.S. men who feel their abs aren't ready to show off at the beach or pool, according to a 2011 survey by "Anytime Fitness." 1920s: The decade Australian swimwear company Speedo makes the first non-wool bathing suit. July 5, 1946: Louis Reard introduced the "bikini" at a popular Paris swimming pool. (A similar swimsuit, called the "atome," was introduced around the same time, by fashion designer Jacques Heim.) 30 square inches: The amount of fabric in one of the first bikinis. In one of Reard's ad campaigns, he claimed a bikini wasn't a real bikini unless it could be pulled through a wedding ring. Anybody got a robe? Anyone? 1958:The year textile company Lycra says scientists created the eponymous fabric that would benefit saggy swimsuits everywhere. 1964: The first year Sports Illustrated published a swimsuit edition. $12.95: The modern price of a ladies' vintage-style rubber swim cap with flowers on it from The Vermont Country Store. Photos: Happy birthday, blue jeans!

The average American woman owns four bathing suits . There were 30 square inches in one of the first bikinis . The swimwear industry estimates $17.6 billion in revenue for 2015 .

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(CNN) -- When millions of Americans head to the polls on November 6, only eight states will likely make or break the election. With the stakes that high, we took a look -- by the numbers -- at the swing states: . CNN shifts North Carolina to 'lean Romney' 8: The number of swing, or battleground, states in play for the 2012 presidential election. They are: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Battlegrounds: 'It's all about northern Virginia' 95: The number of Electoral College votes up for grabs in eight swing states. There are 538 votes available with a minimum of 270 needed to win the White House. 56.6 million: The population of the eight swing states, approximately 18% of the total U.S. population. Down to the wire: Campaign enters stretch run . 19 million: The population of Florida, the largest of the swing states. Florida has 29 Electoral College votes. 1.3 million: The population of New Hampshire, the smallest of the swing states. New Hampshire has four Electoral College votes. Tiny New Hampshire taking big role . 34.3 million: The number of registered active voters in the eight swing states. 5: The number of battleground states that had higher unemployment rates in September 2012 than in January 2009. However, all are lower than their peak unemployment rates in 2010. The Undecided: What will sway them? 9.6%: Nevada's unemployment rate in January 2009, when President Barack Obama took office. 11.8%: The unemployment rate in Nevada in September 2012, the highest of the swing states and the highest in the country. The unemployment rate peaked at 14% in October 2010. 5.2%: The unemployment rate in Iowa in September 2012, the lowest of the eight swing states. 8.6%: Ohio's unemployment rate in January 2009 when, Obama took office. It peaked at 10.6% in January 2010. Why Ohio is the 'big one' 7.0%: Ohio's unemployment rate in September 2012, down 3.6 points since January 2010. 27.1%: The percentage of Nevada residents that are Latino, the highest of the nine swing states. Latino vote may top 12 million in 2012 . 2.9%: The percentage of New Hampshire residents that are Latino, the lowest of the battleground states. 7%: Approximate percentage of Nevada residents that belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the highest of the swing states. Billy Graham site removes Mormon 'cult' reference after Romney meeting . 0.4%: Approximate percentage of Wisconsin residents that belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the lowest of the nine swing states.

95: The number of Electoral College votes up for grabs in eight swing states. 5: The number of swing states that had higher unemployment rates in September 2012 than in January 2009. 27.1%: The percentage of Nevada residents who are Latino, the highest of the swing states . 7%: Approximate percentage of Mormon residents in Nevada, the highest of the swing states .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:54 EST, 1 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 23:59 EST, 1 March 2013 . Tragic: Dr. Victoria Vovchik stabbed her seven-year-old daughter before killing herself at their home . A doctor has killed herself after stabbing her seven-year-old daughter 31 times - leaving the girl's father to find the grisly scene. Victoria Vovchik, 45, was found dead in her master bedroom in New City, New York on Thursday afternoon, with her daughter, Ava Sangavaram, lying nearby. Officials said the young girl had been stabbed 31 times, including across the throat, and was rushed to Westchester Medical Center, where she is listed in critical condition. She has undergone surgery and is expected to survive. The bloody scene was discovered by Ava's father, Dr. Kristappa Sangavaram, when he visited the home. He called 911 and police arrived at the upscale home just after 1 p.m. Dr Sangavaram, 68, did not live with Vovchik and their daughter, but co-owned the home. He had been married to a different woman for several decades until her death last year, his son Preeth Sangavaram, told The Journal News. The elder Sangavaram and Vovchik had never married but remained friends and shared care of Ava. 'It’s a touchy situation because he had a . child with her (Vovchik) but wasn't married to her,' Preeth Sangavaram, . 29, told The Journal News. 'The child was very important to him, so he . always tried to maintain a healthy relationship.' Sangavaram called police on Thursday to report a possible suicide, police said. Scene: Her body was found next to her daughter at their home in New City, New Jersey on Thursday . Tragic: Vovchik's body is carried away by coroners but her daughter survived and is in critical condition . 'I believe he came home and . discovered them,' Clarkstown Sgt. Jo Anne Fratianni said during . a news conference. 'She (Ava) was conscious, I believe.' Sangavaram was brought in for questioning by Clarkstown police, but was later released. They do not believe he played any role in the tragedy, the Journal News reported. Police said Vovchik left behind no note explaining why she attacked her daughter or took her own life. She used a knife or other sharp object to kill herself, officers said. Sangavaram spoke briefly of his daughter when reached by The Journal News on Thursday night. 'She's doing fine,' he said. 'She's OK. I cannot say more.' Ray Florida, executive director of Rockland Paramedic Services, said Ava was able to speak when she was being treated by medics at the scene. Discovery: They were found by the girl's father, who co-owned the house with Vovchik . Investigation: She left no note explaining why she attacked her daughter or took her life, police said . She has now undergone surgery and has been taken to the Intensive Care Unit. Police said it was unlikely she would be able to speak with them about the incident for several days. Vovchik was a podiatrist with practices in Fort Lee and Montvale, New Jersey. Sangavaram, who lives in Englewood Cliffs, is an anesthesiologist educated in India. But he briefly lost his medical license after pleading no contest to charges of charging excessive fees and improperly treating a patient in 2004, records show. He was also ordered to pay $210,000. With Vovchik, he bought the home in August 2010 for $810,000. They put down $300,000 and took out a mortgage. Fratianni added that police had never been called to the home for any type of domestic issue.

Victoria Vovchik found stabbed to death in her home next to her daughter . Girl was stabbed 31 times and had her throat slit but survived . They were discovered by the girl's father, who did not live at the home . Vovchik, 45, left no note explaining the attack or her suicide .

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By . Mark Wilson For The Daily Mail . Russell Martin is adamant Scotland won’t park the bus against Germany - although the loss of first-choice left-back Andrew Robertson has now left Gordon Strachan with a defensive headache. The national side open their Euro 2016 qualification campaign with a daunting trip to Dortmund on Sunday evening. A full house of almost 66,000 is expected inside the Westfalenstadion for the first competitive game played by Joachim Low’s team since they lifted the World Cup in Brazil. No fear: Scotland's Russell Martin is adamant his nation will not park bus against world champions Germany . Go on a run: The Scotland players will be hoping for a good start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign . Norwich City centre-back Martin recognises that Scotland must bring a perfect defensive game if they are to cope with a multi-faceted German threat. The chances of that have lessened, however, after the loss of talented Hull City defender Robertson, who was ruled out on Wednesday due to a calf injury. With Rangers left-back Lee Wallace having been overlooked, the most likely replacement is Norwich’s Steven Whittaker, while Charlie Mulgrew could perhaps move from midfield to cover. Despite the blow - and the injury to another defender, Christophe Berra - Martin believes head coach Strachan will find a way for the Scots to achieve a result. ‘Every team, even the world champions, will have some weaknesses,’ said Martin. ‘The coaching staff here have spent a long time looking at them and we’ll be working on things on the training pitch. ‘The one thing about the manager and his staff is that they are very thorough in terms of studying teams and trying to exploit weaknesses. Fighting fit: Captain Darren Fletcher is set to lead Scotland against the world champions in Dortmund . ‘We all know how good Germany can be, so let’s look at maybe one or two things they don’t do so well. ‘We won’t just sit in. No chance. I think if you do that against a team of Germany’s quality, you are on a hiding to nothing. It would be a very long evening. ‘We are going to try to impose our own game and play the way we want to play. ‘The manager is really positive, as are the lads. We have improved a lot over the past year, so we want to keep that going. We will have a go to try to get a result.’ Germany gave an awesome example of their attacking power in that incredible 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the World Cup semi-finals. ‘I sat watching that game in disbelief, probably the same as everyone else,’ added Martin. ‘It was the most one-sided game I have ever seen in the World Cup. ‘But one thing we are is extremely organised. Everyone knows exactly what their defensive roles are. We are also getting better in attack.’ Pointing the way: Scotland manager Gordon Strachan is aiming to lead his side to a positive result in Germany . Avoiding defeat in Dortmund would be an outstanding start to a Euro 2016 qualification campaign that offers the best chance yet of a first place at a major finals since the France 98 World Cup. Some of the German players are already uncomfortably familiar to Martin. Mesut Ozil scored twice for Arsenal in a 4-1 win over Norwich last season but the defender is not cowed by the prospect of a re-match. ‘I’ve played against Ozil and Lukas Podolski and they are top players,’ said Martin. ‘Playing against them before is a bit of a help but they have good players all over the pitch. We won’t just focus on one or two. On the ball: Midfielder James Morrison is put through his paces at Mar Hall ahead of leaving for Germany . This is how we do it: Morrison listens as Scotland manager Gordon Strachan gives out instructions . ‘Germany have a lot of pace and power but we are used to that as we played Belgium twice (in the last campaign) and they had that, too. ‘There are still weaknesses and we must exploit that. We have some real strengths and need to be positive.’ Meanwhile, Robertson, who has impressed since his summer switch the English Premier League from Dundee United, took to social media on Wednesday night to express his anguish at missing out on facing the Germans. Robertson, who expects to be fit for Hull’s next league match at home on September 15, tweeted: ‘Gutted to be injured but hopefully back for West Ham! Good luck to all the boys.’ Prize guys: (from left) Mario Gotze, Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller won the World Cup earlier this summer . Humbled: But Germany were beaten 4-2 by Argentina in Dusseldorf on Wednesday in a World Cup final rematch .

Russell Martin is adamant Scotland will not sit back against Germany . Manager Gordon Strachan has defensive headache due to key injuries . First-choice left-back Andrew Robertson has been ruled out of the game . Scotland face Germany at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund on Sunday night . It will be Germany's first competitive match since lifting the World Cup . Germany lost 4-2 to Argentina at home in re-run of final on Wednesday .

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(CNN) -- American tennis star Serena Williams is hoping to keep up her blistering momentum after a landmark victory at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston --- the 40th WTA Tour title of her illustrious career. Williams thrashed ninth-seeded Czech Lucie Safarova 6-0 6-1 in Sunday's final, and insisted she'd never played so consistently at such a high level in a career that has brought the 30-year-old 13 grand slam singles titles. "I hope I can make it three and four and five and six and more and more and more," the former world No. 1 said on the WTA website after returning to the top 10 of the women's rankings. "I definitely want to continue this. I've never played so consistently at such a high level with low errors like this, and the scary thing is I could have served so much better." Williams took just 58 minutes to defeat Safarova, hitting 27 winners to eight as she topped off an impressive performance at the opening event of the tour's clay-court season. She lost just 15 games all week in South Carolina, crushing world No. 5 Samantha Stosur 6-1 6-1 in Saturday's semifinals to avenge the Australian's win over her older sister Venus in the previous round. It was the first time this year she has got past the quarterfinals of a tournament. Serena is just the third player still on the WTA circuit to notch up 40 titles, alongside Venus (43) and Belgium's former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters (41). It was her second success at Charleston, following a 2008 triumph, and fourth on clay after winning both the French Open and the Italian Open in 2002. However, following more than a year on the sidelines after winning the 2010 Wimbledon title, she now has no substantial ranking points to defend until July. "In June, Wimbledon, I didn't do anything. Eastbourne I won one match, so that doesn't count. I did pretty well in the summer, but then I dropped off again until this tournament. So I really am like a floating bird," the ninth-ranked Williams said. "It's motivating for me to go home and work harder, because I know Lucie and Sam and everyone is going to work hard, too. Now they know what to expect even more when they play me. This is a battle, and I want to continue to win." Safarova didn't leave Charleston empty-handed, however, securing her first WTA doubles title alongside Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova as they beat Spaniards Anabel Medina Garrigues and Yaroslava Shvedova 5-7 6-4 10-6. "Nastia and I got our first wildcard in Miami and made the quarters, and here we got our second wildcard and won it. I like doubles. I really enjoy playing doubles and it seems we fit as partners," Safarova said.

Family Circle Cup champion Serena Williams hopes to continue winning momentum . Williams takes just 58 minutes to defeat Czech Lucie Safarova in straight sets 6-0 6-1 . Charleston win is Williams' 40th WTA title, behind sister Venus on 43 and Kim Clijsters on 41 . Williams lost just 15 games all week, thrashing Samantha Stosur 6-1 6-1 in semifinals .

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By . Jamie Mcginnes . PUBLISHED: . 10:54 EST, 21 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:56 EST, 21 September 2012 . Argentina has unveiled a coin to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its invasion of the Falklands, inscribed with the year it claims Britain seized the islands. The South American nation's Central Bank will put into circulation 4.9 million of the two peso coins, which bear the dates 1833 and 1982-2012. In a statement the bank said that 1833, since when the islands have been under continuous British rule, represented the 'year of the usurpation by Great Britain'. Rewriting history: The Argentine coin commemorates the '30th anniversary of the recovery of the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich' Argentina claims Britain expelled a small Argentine civilian population in that year, but Britain had actually laid claim to the islands as far back as 1765 and Falklanders say it was only an illegal Argentine military garrison that was later expelled. The Central Bank said 1982-2012 was inscribed on the coins to mark the '30th anniversary of the recovery of the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich'. The reverse of the coin also features the crest of Unasur, the Union of South American Nations, over a map of the Falkland Islands with the two dates above and below. On the coin's outer ring, the word 'Malvinas' - the Argentine name for the islands - is written at the head with 'Causa Regional Americana' (American Regional Cause) below. The use of the coin to highlight Argentina's claim to sovereignty over the Falklands and its backing from other South American nations marks a further attempt by the government of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to stoke the controversy. Controversial: The release of the coin marks the latest in a series of attempts by the government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (left) to lay claim to the Falkland Islands. A Royal Marine is shown (right) searching an Argentine soldier after his country's surrender during the 1982 war . On the other side of the coin is a map of Argentina and Antarctica with the 'Malvinas' and other disputed islands in the middle with the words '2 pesos, Republica Argentina' and '2012' inscribed. Two pesos is worth around 25 pence. The coin was unveiled alongside a new 100 pesos note in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the death of Eva Peron, better known as Evita, the second wife of former president Juan Domingo Peron. Argentina's invasion of the Falklands in April 1982 triggered a 74-day war which cost the lives of 255 British servicemen, 649 Argentines and three Falklands citizens. The Falklands is to hold a referendum next year on its status as a British territory in a move designed to send a clear message to Argentina about the population's wishes.

Coin inscribed with dates 1833 - the 'year of the usurpation by Great Britain' - and 1982-2012 . It marks the latest attempt by the government . of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to stoke controversy .

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By . Wills Robinson . A schoolboy plotting to carry out a ‘new Columbine’ school massacre asked his teacher which gun he would prefer to be shot with, a court heard yesterday. The 16-year-old neo-Nazi fanatic is said to have made the chilling threat as he plotted to bomb two schools, a university, mosque, cinema and council buildings in his hometown of Loughborough. The boy questioned his teachers about guns and researched firearms on the internet while at school, the Old Bailey heard. Now 17, he was arrested in February . for carrying a machete. When officers searched his home they discovered . an arsenal including home-made bombs, as well as knives and guns. The teenager, whose identity is hidden in this artistic drawing, idolised Hitler and former EDL leader Tommy Robinson, a court has been told . Yesterday, pupils and teachers from his secondary school told how the . pupil, who cannot be named because of his age, was openly discussing . mass killings. A science teacher recalled him asking about guns and . added: ‘He asked me which gun I would prefer to be shot with. He is . aware I am a chemistry teacher, and he was also keen to ask questions . about explosives and chemicals.’ Prosecutor Max Hill said the . accused, who has Asperger’s syndrome, had a book called Spree Killers . about massacres at schools and colleges in the UK and U.S. Mrs Hill said in the months before his arrest the boy became increasingly anti-social and racist. Jurors were also told the teenager boasted of attending an EDL rally in Leicester in February 2012. Prosecutor Max Hill QC said the defendant used Facebook’s private messaging service to discuss his targets with a friend. In the week before his arrest in February, the boy wrote on Facebook Chat: 'I think I want to do it next April,' the court heard. The jury have already been shown amateur videos showing the teenager and his two friends, also unnamed, testing petrol bombs made out of wine bottles, white spirit and lighter spirit, and socks or rags as the fuse. Among 11,000 Facebook Chat messages, the teenager also discussed creating 'smoke-nades' with ping- pong balls and making 'acid-filled condoms' with a friend, the jury was told. Mr Hill said: 'We suggest this material, from the mouths or keyboards of these young men themselves, gives the defendant away. 'Young he may be, sometimes less than entirely coherent he may be, but there are aspects of these Facebook chats which cannot be explained away as schoolyard banter.' Mr Hill showed jurors a selection of newspaper clipping found, including a report of a 16-year-old boy who planned a killing spree. He added: 'You can see the level of interest in atrocities, both domestic and foreign’, he said. In legal arguments Max Hill QC (left), prosecuting, said told the jury that if they believe the suspect was planning a massacre then they should find him guilty. Ali Bajwa QC (right), the defence barrister during the trial of a 17-year-old accused of planning a 'Columbine-style massacre' ‘There is gunman kills 17 in church outrage, gunman kills dad, lad, 16, in massacre of kids plot - the list goes on. ‘You might find that quite chilling in the context of this case.’ The teenager and two other 17-year-old boys have already pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing petrol bombs and component parts of pipe bombs for the use of explosive devices. A former classmate of the defendant, who cannot be identified, said his behaviour became 'uncontrollable at school' and began racially . abusing other pupils. In a police interview played to the . jury at the Old Bailey, the teenager said he first met the alleged . terror plotter in September 2011 when he seemed 'a nice, decent guy'. 'Through the year he started acting up,' he said. Targets were alleged to include Loughborough University and five other sites in the area . 'He said he supported types of terrorist groups like the IRA, EDL (English Defence League), and was quite racist as well. 'I . didn’t think he was the right person to be hanging around with and I . stopped talking to him.' The boy, who is a prosecution witness in the . trial, said he reported the defendant after he started using racist . language towards his Asian friends in May last year. 'He was saying I wasn’t British because my family wasn’t born here,' he told police. 'I heard him under his breath call me a P*ki a few times. 'I was told he was quite a big racist and said offensive things to teachers. He was uncontrollable. 'Once I heard that I thought he’s not . the type of person I need.' In one incident the defendant became 'wound . up' when he was accidentally tripped by a pupil, the witness said. 'He started getting really mad, raging at this person,' the boy said. 'He started calling him names and taunting him. People started getting really sick of him.' Distanced himself: A former friend of the defendant told the jury he started to racially abuse pupils . The teacher said he had to issue regular reprimands to the teenager over his behaviour in class because of his bullying, and regular stream of racist remarks. He said Columbine was one of the attacks the teen pointed out, adding: ‘He was encouraging me to look at the firearms, making a judgement whether it was a good gun. ‘He mentioned people that had carried out the attacks and referred to those people as not bad people.’ The teacher said the teenager was constantly disruptive in class, pushing other pupils around and abusing those who refused to do what he wanted. ‘He took pleasure in disruption and failed to get the point that qualification was a necessary part of growing up throughout the year’, he said. ‘I was not able to make him truly appreciate the value of education. ‘There were many incidents of defiance, and incidents of racial abuse, it has to be said. ‘With the incidents of racism, they were tirades of long drawn-out and frankly painful to listen to episodes of him going on about different people different religions and different orientations.’ He said the race hate began in October 2011, when the boy was just 15, ranting against Jewish people, Germans, and Muslims. ‘He seemed to believe people of the Muslim religion did not have a place in this country because of their religion’, he said. ‘With Jews, there didn’t seems to be a particular individual or someone singled out, this was just a blanket hatred of people who took that religion.’ He also said the defendant bullied one pupil because of German heritage. The boy, now 17, is accused of stockpiling weapons, explosives, and a crossbow in preparation for a planned a killing spree in April next year. He had a large Nazi Swastika flag hung on the wall in his bedroom, alongside a poster of Heath Ledger as the Joker, and also had a custom-made knife with a Swastika on the handle. The defendant, who has Asperger’s syndrome, denies a charge of possessing items for the purpose, preparation and instigation of an act of terrorism. The boy also denies one count of possessing a document or record containing information likely to be useful for a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, and a further count of possessing explosives in the form of component parts of IEDs. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Seventeen-year old said he would 'take some Muslims down' on Facebook . Jury heard defendant was 'inspired' by mass spree killers . Former friend told jury his behaviour had become 'uncontrollable' He allegedly named his former teachers as targets . Schoolboy admits possessing explosives but not terror charges .

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DEATH VALLEY, California (CNN) -- Today, you get a call from a friend. They need a favor. Runners chase each other during the first 20 miles of Badwater. Would you mind spending your vacation time this summer in Death Valley, a desert where temperatures hover around 130 degrees? Would you be OK with sleeping in a van, if you get to sleep at all, for three days, because you'll be working your tail off spraying runners down with water, dunking them in ice and keeping track of everything that goes in (and -- yes -- out) of their body every 15 minutes so they don't die running 135 miles in the hardest footrace on the planet? "Yeah, man, it's Badwater. You don't turn down a chance to be at Badwater," Mark Paterson said, adjusting his visor as sweat soaked his face. He pulls at his shirt, trying to create some air, pointlessly. It was 4 p.m. and 126 degrees in a Death Valley village called Furnace Creek, what whoever coined the phrase, 'Hell on earth' had in mind. "You get that call and you do what's right," Paterson said. "You make sure your runner gets the ultimate bragging right, maybe the biggest big deal of all, the event that makes everyone else go, 'Badwater? Oh, no, man, you did not just do that!' " Paterson was right. The Adventurecorps Badwater Ultramarathon is infamous in endurance sports circles. It is the running equivalent of summiting Everest, the ultimate test of mental fortitude, a hippy communion with the desert of epic highs and lows (literally -- the race starts at 280 feet below sea level, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, covers three mountain ranges for descents and ascents totaling 9,000 feet and ends halfway up Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States). For all the nonsweaters out there -- consider how long it takes to drive from Baltimore to New York. Now imagine running that distance...without sleep...with 10,000 blow dryers pointed at you the entire time. Watch what it takes to battle Badwater » All that for a belt buckle? You apply to Badwater the way you apply to Harvard. Runners from across the world try to wow a finicky race jury by submitting awesome scores (provable race finishing times from at least two 100-mile events) and an essay conveying they have the stamina to tackle such a gnarly challenge. Gnarly meaning blisters that turn feet into pizza; dehydration that can lead to organ and brain damage, heat stroke and hyponatremia; a salt imbalance that makes extremities swell like sausages. For good measure, let's throw in heat and sleep-deprivation induced hallucinations. The entry fee is $795 (steep, sure, but an eight-person medical team, insurance, supplies and logistics to stage a monster event in the middle of nowhere ain't cheap). Crews aren't paid. The prize at the race often called Satan's Fun Run, should one finish in less than 48 hours, is a thick silver belt buckle. See the runners, the finish and the buckle » . "To talk about the buckle is to miss the point," said Marshall Ulrich, a 58-year-old endurance sensei who has done Badwater more than a dozen times and has summited Everest. Notorious for having his toenails surgically removed -- toenails fall off anyway when you're an endurance runner -- Marshall is, contrary to what most people assume, not a machine. He started running when he was 28, after his doctor told him to get off his butt and lower his blood pressure or expect an early grave. See interactive map of route, distance, elevation » . "You run Badwater because there's something in you that wants to get out there, in the middle of nowhere, and think about something. It's a way of freeing yourself, getting back to what I really believe people are supposed to be doing instead of relying so much on a bunch of material crap that only makes us weaker. We are built to run, to cover great distance, for survival sake." Slightly less extreme, the women's winner of Badwater, two years in a row, is Jamie Donaldson, a middle school math teacher from Colorado. A lawyer, politician, small business owner, real estate agent and a college student ran Badwater this year, and its overall winner, coming in at 23:39:18, was Marcos Farinazzo, a 40-year-old hospital worker from Brazil. The oldest runner this year was 67-year-old Arthur Webb, who has finished 10 consecutive Badwaters. Race officials using walkie-talkies (there's no cell service in Death Valley) counted him out at mile 17 where he cramped and jumped in a pool to cool down. Time, ice and a few massages later, Webb was on the course again, not stopping until he crossed the finish line more than 40 hours later. Good crew, good race -- probably . "First, you gotta have your hydration log. How much has your runner had to drink, how much do they need," Paterson said. "Endurolytes, quarters of peanut butter sandwiches, something fizzy for when they start having digestion issues -- 'cause they're gonna have 'em -- your various tapes and bandages for the feet, Neosporin, Preparation H, animal cookies," he said. "We jump out of that van every quarter mile with two buckets. I got my bucket of water and ice with a straight block of ice and a bucket of ice and sports drink. The runner gets every other one, you rotate." The grossest but most necessary job? "You have to check if their urine is clear, so you better be looking at that, and they better be going often," Paterson said. As the race wore on, its 60-hour course limit blurring the days, plastic cups labeled with runners' names who'd suffered serious dehydration began dotting a hotel room that served as Badwater's medical center. They looked filled with varying concentrations of apple juice, one redder than the next. Paterson's runner Tim Kjenstad, a 51-year-old California firefighter, has run Badwater before, but this year, sacked by severe dehydration and bodily functions that don't need to be mentioned, he had to DNF (the dreaded initials for Did Not Finish) at mile 44. "Nobody can say that running 135 miles in the desert is healthy," said Dr. Lisa Stranc Bliss, the head of the medical staff, who herself has run Badwater. "But I'm not going to say it isn't one of the most incredible experiences of your life." Beyond the physical, there's an emotional bond forged between crew members and runners that military types call "embracing the suck." The wife of a Brazilian runner, Cas Camara, who came in dead last far past the 60-hour mark, screamed and cried and begged her husband, who had fallen to the ground, his body seemingly wasted, to get up, get up and finish. Members of a Navajo tribe and an entire family, tiny kids included, packed into a van to follow one runner. When Arnold Begay reached his breaking point, two of the men lifted him to his feet and a woman cupped his face and sang to him. He went on. Some crewers ran 80 kilometers, completely anonymously, just to keep their runner on a specific pace. Many were exhausted from running their own ultramarathons only weeks before. Badwater's past champ, Hungarian Akos Konya crewed for 19-year-old Arizona college student Nick Hollon who made history as the event's youngest ever competitor. "Nick emailed me and said how would you like to help me," explained Konya, hovering over his runner Nick Hollon at mile 72. Hollon was in pain. The teen's feet were chewed and he was about to take a needle to his blisters. Konya, skinny and fast as a Greyhound, put his hand on Hollon's shoulder. He seemed shocked by the question -- Why would you go through Badwater to help out a kid you barely know? "Why would I not help him do this? He asked me. I don't understand why you would say no."

Badwater Ultramarathon is 135 miles through one of the hottest deserts in the world . It's essential that runners bring crews who check their vitals through three-day race . Prize for finishing the course that traverses three mountain ranges? A belt buckle .

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By . Rob Cooper . PUBLISHED: . 10:39 EST, 23 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:15 EST, 23 July 2013 . Victim: Pc Keith Blacklock who was stabbed to death at Broadwater Farm in 1985 . A man has been charged with the murder of Pc Keith Blakelock who died during the Broadwater Farm riots in 1985, prosecutors said today. Nicholas Jacobs, 44, is accused of killing the 40-year-old officer, who was stabbed dozens of times as he tried to protect firefighters tackling a supermarket blaze during the height of the unrest in north London. Alison Saunders from the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Following a thorough investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, we have decided that Nicholas Jacobs should be charged with the murder of Pc Keith Blakelock during the disorder at Broadwater Farm in October 1985. 'This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute. 'We have also concluded that no further action should be taken against five other individuals suspected of taking part in the death of Pc Blakelock as there is insufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution.' Jacobs will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow. Three men - Winston Silcott, Mark Braithwaite and Engin Raghip - were convicted in March 1987 of Pc Blakelock's murder but all three convictions were quashed four and a half years later. Disorder: Police on the Broadwater Farm estate in Tottenham, north London, during the riots in which Pc Keith Blakelock was stabbed to death . Scene of the killing: Residents and children lay flowers in memory of Pc Blakelock after he was stabbed to death in Tottenham, north London, in 1985 . Funeral: PC Keith Blakelock's coffin, draped in the blue Metropolitan Police flag, is carried by six policemen into St James' Church, Muswell Hill, north London . Forensic tests on pages of key interview records suggested they had been fabricated. In 2003, Scotland Yard reopened the murder investigation after a review indicated there were possible new lines of inquiry. In 2010 14 men were arrested in connection with Pc Blakelock's death and the attempted murder of his colleague Pc Richard Coombes. Nine were told in August 2011 that they would face no further action, and Scotland Yard today that another four had also been released from bail. A statement released on behalf of the police officer's family said: 'The family of PC Keith Blakelock have never given up hope in getting justice for him. 'We welcome this news, and extend our eternal gratitude to the Metropolitan Police Service.' Wrongful conviction: Winston Silcott who was one of three men jailed in 1987 for the killing of Pc Blakelock. Their convictions were later quashed amid claims that evidence had been fabricated . Not forgotten: A policewoman lays a wreath at the memorial to Pc Blakelock during a service on Muswell Hill roundabout where he worked . Finally a chance for closure: Pc Blakelock's widow Elizabeth Johnson lays her wreath at the service in 2010 . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons.

Pc Blakelock was stabbed to death as he tried to protect firefighters . Nicholas Jacobs will appear before a magistrates' court tomorrow . Three men convicted of murder in 1987 but convictions were later quashed .

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Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- A roadside bomb exploded under a bus in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, killing nine people and wounding 22 others, the Afghan interior ministry said. The explosion took place in Wardak province, with the ministry blaming the Taliban for planting the bomb. The Taliban said it was not responsible for the attack. Americans, Afghan civilians killed in weekend violence . Wardak is known as the province where the United States suffered its largest loss of life in a single day in the war in Afghanistan. In August 2011, the Taliban shot down a Chinook helicopter killing 38 on board, including 22 Navy SEALs and other members of U.S. special operations forces. In February, Afghan President Hamid Karzai in February accused U.S. forces of "torture" and "murder" in the province. The next month, Western powers pulled out of one of its districts after reaching an agreement with Karzai on the area's future.

NEW: The Taliban says it is not responsible for the attack . The U.S. suffered its largest loss of life in a single day in the province .

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More than two thirds of British adults say they have unfulfilled travel ambitions, according to a new study. Research carried out by travel website lastminute.com into the nation’s holiday habits reveals that 34 million Brits over the age of 18 have unaccomplished travel dreams of seeing polar bears, storm chasing or trekking through the wilderness. But despite ambitious fantasies, when it comes to booking holidays 29 million people, or 57 per cent of us, admitted being stuck in a holiday rut by travelling to the same places as previous years. Of those surveyed, 57 per cent said they visit the same places when they go on holiday (pictured: Benidorm) More than two thirds of British adults say they have unfulfilled travel ambitions including seeing polar bears, storm chasing or trekking through the wilderness, according to a survey of holiday habits by lastminute.com . The survey also showed that one in four Brits are hoping to escape four times or more this year, while the average Brit will get away nearly three times. People plan to travel one extra day than they did last year - 16 compared to the 15 days taken in 2014. One in four even admitted they won't hesitate to throw a sickie to extend their average 26 days of annual leave from work, while more than a quarter feel they didn't make the most of their annual leave last year. We are also more willing to splash the cash on travel with 38 per cent willing to spend about the same as last year, 30 per cent a bit more and 10 per cent are prepared to double their 2014 travel spend, according to the research. White water rafting and free diving have made it in to the top ten activities to do while on holiday . However, not even 10 per cent will fulfil their lofty travel dreams, according to the research. Instead, a majority will play it safe and opt for more traditional holidays. While the UK continues to be the top travel destination for Britons (36 per cent), the strength of the pound versus the euro has seen a resurgence of Euro-zone countries making up the top five overseas destinations we want to visit. A quarter of those polled said Spain was their favoured destination, followed by France with 18 per cent, the US with 13 per cent, Italy with 12 per cent and Greece with 10 per cent. New trend destinations, although on a smaller level, include Austria, the Caribbean and Croatia. When it comes to the types of travel Brits dream of this year, it is beach holidays and city breaks that rule, with a bit of weekend relaxation thrown in for good measure. Sightseeing was the most popular activity for Brits while on holiday, with 54 per cent of people favouring it . The 2015 holiday ambitions study also found, we are no longer a nation of sun worshipers as we increasingly search for new and exciting experiences rather than a tan line. This year, sunbathing slipped two places in the list of holiday priorities, and was overtaken by sightseeing, experiencing local food and cultural excursions in the top five holiday activity wish list. Sightseeing was the most popular activity for Brits while on holiday, with 54 per cent of people saying they would visit local attractions. The UK continues to be the top travel destination for Brits (36 per cent), but there has been a resurgence of Euro-zone countries making up the top five overseas destinations, with Spain the most favoured country . France was the second most popular overseas destination, with 18 per cent of Brits saying they wanted to visit. The US was in third place with 13 per cent, followed by Italy (12 per cent) and Greece (10 per cent) Experiencing local food was rated as the second most popular activity, with 45 per cent of the vote, followed by cultural excursions with 39 per cent and sun bathing on 32 per cent. Going to the theatre or opera accounted for 23 per cent of the vote, followed by spa treatments (17.9 per cent), snorkelling (14.1 per cent), hiking (12.1 per cent), white water rafting (8.7 per cent) and free diving (8.5 per cent) making up the top ten. Reigo Eljas, trading director at lastminute.com, said: ‘When it comes to travel ambitions they seem a bit like New Year's resolutions: Good intentions, big dreams, high hopes - but in reality we don't see them through. ‘We all love a lazy beach holiday and want to see the Eiffel Tower, but this year we encourage people to be spontaneous and use one of their breaks to make their travel dreams become a reality.’

Lastminute.com reveals 29 million Brits travel to same place each year . Study shows that 34 million adults have unaccomplished travel dreams . UK is still the top place for Brits to holiday, followed by Spain and France . Sightseeing and trying local food top holiday agenda, above sunbathing .

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By . Sue Reid . PUBLISHED: . 22:33 EST, 28 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:57 EST, 29 March 2013 . Under a fierce spring sun in the Cyprus capital of Nicosia, Maria Ioannou, a British mother of two, queued outside a bank yesterday to discover if she still had a Euro to her name. The 35-year-old accountant from North London soon learned the devastating truth. She, and her husband, Michael, have lost their savings of £135,000 (160,000 euros) because of the banking crisis on the Mediterranean island. ‘Our dreams of building a house here in Cyprus, giving a good life in the sunshine to our two young children, have been shattered,’ said Mrs Ioannou, near to tears, after an hour’s appointment with the manager of the Cyprus Popular Bank, known locally as Laiki. ‘When he showed me details of our deposits, they had been stamped with the words: ‘Account blocked’. Scroll down for video . Maria Ioannou, a British mother of two has lost thousands in the Cyprus banking crisis. Pictured, an elderly woman looks at a savings book as people wait in line at a bank in Nicosia, Cyprus yesterday . Mrs Ioannou had waited her turn outside Laiki in the smart suburb of Pallouriotissa alongside a long line of Cypriots, a handful of Britons, and a young African. When the promised bank opening at midday was delayed by half an hour because of a computer glitch, shouts rang out among the increasingly angry people as they pushed towards the doors, guarded by policemen drafted in to stop violence and protect staff. On Wednesday night, five shipping containers filled with billions of Euros are reported to have been flown to Cyprus from Frankfurt and delivered to the island’s central bank to ensure money did not run out. A helicopter and police cars guarded the armoured cash convoy, thought to have been sent by the European Central Bank, on its way from the airport. Strict new rules have been imposed to stop a run on Cyprus banks which yesterday opened for the first time since the island’s economic meltdown started nearly a fortnight ago. A woman gestures as she waits outside a Laiki bank branch in Nicosia. Mrs Ioannou (not pictured) and her husband have lost £135,000 . Airports have are now searching passengers and stopping anyone trying to leave the country with more than 1000 euros (£845) and daily cash machine withdrawals are limited to 300 euros (£250). The clampdown, agreed by the Eurozone finance chiefs in exchange for a 10billion euro bailout (£8.5 billion) to the island has hit Mrs Ioannou and other depositors at two banks, Laiki and the troubled Cyprus Bank, at the heart of the crisis. Depositors with both banks can keep 100,000 euros (£84,000) but will lose all deposits above this amount to finance the island’s contribution to the rescue deal. It is the first time that a bailout condition to a Eurozone country has included the raiding of depositors’ accounts, a decision that has infuriated the islanders. Mrs Ioannou put more than 200,000 Eeros (£168,000) in the Laiki bank after selling her house in north London and de-camping to Cyprus a little over a year ago with her husband, and their two children, a son aged four, and daughter of one. She has now lost half of this money. Michael, a research scientist gave up a plum post at an English university and also put 160,000 Euros (£135,000) of his savings in the same bank. He learned yesterday that he will lose 60,000 Euros (£51,000) of the money. ‘We have not been able to sleep at night with the worry’ said Mrs Ioannou outside the bank yesterday. ‘I nod off for ten minutes, then wake up in terror at what has happened to us. My husband is devastated. 'The funds we deposited included money given to us as a wedding present by our family and friends. ‘We have bought a plot of land in Nicosia and have paid for architects to design a house with a garden, which is a rarity in the capital. Now we do not have the money to build the house. 'We will have to stay in our rented three bedroom flat. I wish I had never sold my terraced house in London, which will have gone up in price since. ‘Michael went to Laiki two months ago because was worried about rumours that the bank was in trouble. He said he wanted to withdraw the money he had brought to Cyprus from Britain and send it back to the UK, where he still has an account with a High Street bank. A security guard, right, stands in front of a bank. There were angry scenes at banks across the island yesterday . ‘The Laiki official sat him down and told him not to worry. The official said he had money deposited in the bank too and nothing was at risk. He persuaded Michael to keep the money there. ‘We have worked hard. We have saved our money and not taken risks. Now we will have to start all over again. My parents who live in London and were refugees to Britain after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 say this is a ‘Second War’ that those living here are facing.’ Like many Cypriots and Britons, Maria says she was attracted to the Laiki bank by a deposit account which offered something called a ‘monthly step up plan’. This allowed her to withdraw money each month to pay for architect’s costs and other outgoings as she planned the new house. It also offered an enticing interest rate of between 3 and 5 per cent - far higher than the current ones offered in the UK. Rage: Thousands of Cypriots protested against the harsh treatment imposed on Cyprus. The new agreement will see massive savings raids on those who have more than 100,000 Euros deposited in banks . ‘The bank was still advertising this “step up plan” on the Friday two weeks ago that the banks closed at 1.30 and the crisis began,’ she says with fury. In a further cruel twist, Maria was told yesterday that a 200,000 euro loan she and Michael, who was born in Cyprus, have taken out at the bank to help build their house will still have to be repaid. ‘So we cannot use some of our “confiscated” funds to pay that off,' she said. No, the bank has taken that and we will end up paying for a loan for years for a house that we cannot afford to build.’ She is just one of hundreds of Britons caught up in the Cyprus banking crisis that is threatening financial stability across the world. Those who have settled on the island last night spoke of their fears that they will not be able to sell their houses (which had already slumped dramatically in price before the current crisis began) without making a significant loss. Many believe that they couldn’t now get their money out of the country even if they could get rid of their properties. 'Our dreams of building a house here in Cyprus, giving a good life in the sunshine to our two young children, have been shattered,' said Mrs Ioannou . Terry Rose, a 67-year-old retired Army warrant officer, moved to Cyprus five years ago from Leeds in Yorkshire with his wife Hazel. They bought a newly-built home in the picturesque village of Pyrgos, perched on a hillside above Limassol where 40 per cent of the inhabitants are British. ‘If I sold the house now it would be at a loss. But how would we move the money out of Cyprus back to the UK anyway?’ he asked. ‘We are stuck here. I like Cyprus, but the choice of where we spend our retirement years has been taken away from us, just like that.’ The Roses have an 100,000 euro investment bond lodged with the island’s Alpha bank which has so far avoided the worst of the troubles. They had put it in the bank to pay for unexpected medical bills as they grew older. However, after the banking crisis blew up two weeks ago they began to worry that their money was not safe. Like all the others, the bank shut its doors. Staff did not return Terry’s emails or calls. 'We have worked hard. We have saved . our money and not taken risks. Now we will have to start all over again. My parents who live in London and were refugees to Britain after the . Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 say this is a ‘Second War’ that those . living here are facing.' He explained: ‘Lots of English people are frightened now and want to sell up. Many are retired people like us. 'At our time of life we should be enjoying ourselves. Instead we are worried sick that we are trapped here.’ Yesterday David Rumsey, of 3D Global financial advisors in Cyprus, warned that it is responsible people who carefully invested savings in the island’s banks who are now being hit by the controversial bailout plan. ‘It is ordinary people, both Britons and Cypriots, who are paying the price.' Certainly those in the bank queue, including Mrs Ioannou, seemed to prove his point. Stavros Shaelis a 61-year-old Cypriot businessman runs a small company importing plastics to the island. He had hoped to get permission to pay his suppliers through his Laiki account. Cash flow: The ban shut-down hammered businesses, which have been without access to their funds for two weeks . ‘I have not been caught by the 100,000 Euro confiscation, but I have not been able to do business for a fortnight because the banks have been shut. It has been difficult.’ And Ibrahim Bunduka, a 22-year-old Sierra Leone football professional playing for a Cypriot club was also waiting patiently. ‘I have 30,000 Euros in my account here,’ he said. ‘I want to get it out and send it to a bank in the UK. I am afraid of losing my savings after what has happened. ‘For months now the club has not been paying my salary on time. I feared the island had financial problems. I want to move to London this summer when my contract is over and take my money with me.’ When and how he will ever be able to do so remains to be seen.

Maria Ioannou's family has lost the staggering sum as a result of EU bailout . They had hoped to build a beautiful home in the Mediterranean sun . Now their hopes are in tatters thanks to banking crisis .

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Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is fit to lead Portugal against Germany tonight. If he is on song then Portugal, who are 25-1 outsiders to win tournament, could emerge from the pack. There is not a lot more than can be said about the world footballer of the year, who has been quite stunning over the last few years at Real Madrid. Ready: Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is ready to face Germany in Salvador . But in case you didn’t know, Ronaldo was named after US president Ronald Regan and his timed 'kick speed' is around 130 kilometres an hour, which is 31.1metres per second. That's more than four times that of Apollo 11 rocket's launching speed, which was the first rocket flight that landed man on the moon. So he really is Rocket Ronnie! Those coaches from the Premier League who are out in Brazil on scouting missions should get down to Curitiba for the clash between Iran and Nigeria. Iran have a 19-year-old wonderkid called Sardar Azmoun, who has been dubbed the 'Iranian Messi'. Currently with Rubin Kazan in Russia, he has already attracted the attention of Arsenal. Prospect: Iran's Sardar Azmoun (front row, second from right) has been described as the 'Iranian Lionel Messi' Iran boss Carlos Queiroz will be looking for a job at a Premier League or Championship club next season. Queiroz, who Sir Alex Ferguson rated as the best of his assistant managers at Manchester United, will leave after the finals because the Iran FA can no longer afford his £2million-a-year wages. Could Emmanuel Emenike become Nigeria’s Paolo Rossi? In 1982 Rossi returned to Italy after a long ban for an alleged betting scandal and became top scorer with six goals as he led the Azzurri to victory. Two years ago Emenike was in exile in the wake of match fixing allegations in Turkey, but back at Fernerbahce last season he hit 12 goals. Nigeria are unlikely to go all the way in Brazil but Emenike could be a Golden Boot dark horse, especially if he gets off to a flyer against Iran. Danger man: Nigeria's Emmanuel Emenike will be hoping to open his account against Iran . Daniel Sturridge indulged in his brand of funky dance celebration when he scored for England against Italy but if Ghana notch against the USA then the Liverpool striker’s moves will look rather stilted. Even during training sessions the Ghana players have been making a habit of collectively breaking out in traditional dance and song known as Azonto. Some even do backflips. Middlesbrough’s Albert Adomah said: 'If we score then everyone will break out into dance and song. It’s just spontaneous.' Forward planning: Ghana winger Albert Adomah says his side will sing and dance is they score against the USA . Today’s clash against Portugal is Germany’s 100th at a World Cup - the most appearances of any nation. They have reached the final on seven occasions, the same amount as five-time winners Brazil. Germany have won the trophy on three occasions. The Germany vs Portugal clash is so hard to call. But . given that Miroslav Klose is one short of Brazilian Ronaldo’s World Cup . record of 15 goals at finals, the 36-year-old German deserves a tickle . at 5-1 to be opening scorer. Cristiano Ronaldo is also 5-1. In some respects the 2-1 defeat to Italy has not affected England's perceived requirement to reach the knockout stage. Before England played Italy, the prevailing wisdom was that a solid opening draw against Andrea Pirlo and Co would leave Roy Hodgson’s men needing a point against Uruguay and a win against Costa Rica to make the last 16. Thanks to Costa Rica's shock 3-1 win over Uruguay, the form book suggests that England now need a draw against Uruguay and a win against Costa Rica to make the last 16. Of course Costa Rica are no pushovers as they have proved, but often unfancied teams that come out of the blocks flying eventually falter at the final hurdle of the group. And on the two occasions that England have lost their first games (in 1962 and 1986) they went on to reach the quarter-finals. Upset: England will probably need to beat Joel Campbell (left) and Costa Rica in their final group game after defeat to Italy in Manaus . World Cup memory . This tournament has perhaps the strongest collection of African nations at a World Cup finals. Pele once predicted an African team would win the World Cup at the turn of the 21st century. That breakthrough has yet to come and, despite their strength, Group G is tough group for Ghana to emerge from. But the fact they are considered a threat to Germany and Portugal emphasises how much African football has progressed since Zaire were the first black African nation to make a finals. Making history: Zaire, pictured here in action against Scotland during the 1974 World Cup, were the first African nation to compete at a finals . After losing 4-0 to Brazil and 2-0 Scotland they were trashed 9-0 by Yugoslavia. The Brazil game is best remembered for the mad moment when Zaire defender Mwepu Illunga rushed out from the wall and cleared a free-kick before Brazil had actually taken it. Combined with that defeat to Yugoslavia, who needed a big win to progress at the expense of Scotland, Zaire did no favours for the image of African football. But Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana are all being taken very seriously this summer.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates will face Germany in their first World Cup game . Sardar Azmoun has been dubbed the 'Iranian Lionel Messi' Nigeria's Emmanuel Emenike could follow in the footsteps of former Italy striker Paolo Rossi . Albert Adomah says Ghana will sing and dance if they score against the USA . African football has developed hugely since Zaire's World Cup debut in 1974 .

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They're seen as the easy targets during election campaigns by graffiti gangs and have often been the subject of battles between political candidates - but the defacing of election billboards or corflutes, as they are also known, is going to become a costly past-time now in New Zealand. With less than a month before the NZ election (September 20) some of the Kiwi political parties are getting all high-tech on vandals, installing hidden cameras to monitor their advertising boards. Police will be provided with the images of anyone caught on camera defacing the corflutes . Corflutes don't come cheap, just one can cost $10. The New Zealand Herald says that the National party has confirmed that some electioneering teams are already using motion sensor cameras and any act of vandalism or theft is passed onto police. If successfully prosecuted, vandals can be fined or, in the worst cases, face imprisonment. One Conservative Party member decided to act when he had his boards set alight. Another National Party politician claims more than 100 of his were destroyed in the first weeks of the campaign. It's not a problem restricted to NZ, of course. Some graffiti can be fairly basic but others go to great lengths, including going as far as transforming a conservative candidate to resemble an outrageous rock idol . All NZ parties have been targeted. This time Jacinda Ardern's billboard (of the Labour Party) is given a distinct pirate theme . In some Australian states anyone found to have made 'obscene or indecent representations' can face up to seven years in jail. During the 2012 Queensland elections, then Independent Member for Burnett Rob Messenger was targeted by vandals spraying Nazi symbols on his boards. Labor's Fowler MP, Chris Hayes, was one of those to have his signage damaged during last year's election campaign, as did his Liberal counterpart, Andrew Nguyen. Both chose not replace the damaged pieces because of the cost.

Hidden cameras have been placed around NZ election billboards to catch culprits . Corflutes cost about $10 each and once damaged are usually not replaced . The images from the sensors will be passed onto police . One National Party candidate claims more than 100 boards were defaced or destroyed in the first weeks of the campaign . In some Australian states, vandals can face up to seven years in jail for posting 'obscene or indecent representations'

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Rory McIlroy promised to take nothing for granted after opening an enormous six-shot lead with another brilliant performance at The Open. The Northern Irishman shot a third-round 68 at Royal Liverpool and is closing in on a momentous piece of European golf history. Victory today would make him the first European to win three different majors since the Masters was founded in 1934 — and at the age of just 25. Even legends such as Sir Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros won only two of the four. VIDEO Scroll down for Rory McIlroy: I feel comfortable being in the lead . In the swing of things: Rory McIlroy, in action on day three, was the leader after the first two days . ‘It would put me in really illustrious company if I won,’ said McIlroy. Only . one man in the long history of majors has ever lost such a big final . round and that was Greg Norman to Faldo at the Masters in 1996. But . McIlroy said: ‘I won’t be taking anything for granted. I came back from . seven shots with a round to go to win the PGA at Wentworth in May so I . know it can be done. ‘I’ve got to make sure I don’t get ahead of myself and keep the big numbers off my card. ‘A . lot can happen — I’ve been on the right side of it and the wrong side . of it, that’s why you can’t let yourself think about winning, you’ve . just got to stay completely in the present. ‘That’s . what I’m going to try to do for all 18 holes tomorrow. You have to . think about how you’re going to control your emotions and focus on what . you need to do.’ Winning combination: Gerry (left) could bank £50,000 should Rory win The Open this year . McIlroy, . who began with a four-shot lead, was caught by American Rickie Fowler at . the 13th, but an amazing finish to his round saw him muster two eagles . in his last three holes to open up his sizeable advantage. He . received a rapturous reception from the 7,000 fans packed into the . grandstands at the 18th and the thousands more who had followed him on . every hole. ‘It’s just a . pleasure to play in front of people who give you so much support and I . hope I can give them something to cheer tomorrow,’ he said. Rory’s . father Gerry should also be in the money today, for he is in line to . claim on a bet he made a decade ago, when he placed £100 on his son . winning The Open by the age of 26 — at odds of 500-1.

McIlroy leads by six shots after day three of The Open at Royal Liverpool . His father Gerry put £100 at 500/1 on Rory winning The Open by age of 26 .

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By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 10:45 EST, 6 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:22 EST, 6 April 2012 . Tragic: Little Harry Connolly died of dehydration and acute kidney failure after being sent home by doctors twice in just five days . A devastated mother is demanding to find out why her young son died after medics sent him home three times in less than two weeks. Harry Connolly died of dehydration and acute kidney failure after medics repeatedly failed to diagnose his illness. The 19-month-old first became ill with severe diarrhoea and vomiting on 23 April 2011, and was taken to a local GP three days later. With his worried mother Lucy at his side, Harry was admitted to Northampton General Hospital that evening, before being discharged the next day. However when he was unable to keep down fluids, his family took him back to the same hospital on April 28. But he was sent home after a paediatrician told Mrs Connolly he wasn’t dehydrated and he did not have a virus. When he was still ill the following day, his desperate mother was told the hospital was closed for Good Friday, so she took Harry to an out-of-hours emergency GP service, where he was seen by a doctor. Mrs Connolly claims she repeatedly asked that Harry be referred back to hospital, but instead he was sent home again. Horrifying: Less than five days after his first trip to hospital, at 4am on May 1 Harry's father found him tragically dead in his bed . Then, less than five days after his first trip to hospital, at 4am on May 1 Harry’s father found him dead in his bed. It later emerged he died of dehydration and acute kidney failure after suffering from an inflammation of the colon. Now his distraught mother and her husband Raymond, who have two other sons aged 11 and 17, are demanding a full investigation into the standard of care they received. Mrs Connolly said: 'The fact remains that Harry died as a result of dehydration and acute renal failure despite being admitted to hospital twice and attended by an out-of-hours doctor in the space of just five days. 'He would have survived if he’d remained in hospital from 26 April and fully rehydrated, he would have survived had he been readmitted on 28 April, and would have survived had the out-of-hours doctor referred him to be readmitted on 29 April. 'Three opportunities to save my son were wasted.' Mr and Mrs Connolly will be represented at an inquest into Harry’s death next week by law firm Access Legal from Shoosmiths. Phil Barnes, a medical negligence specialist for the firm, said: 'We are supporting the family in the lead up to, during, and after the inquest process; and hope that it will produce a clear and definitive picture of the cause of Harry’s death.' A spokesman for Northampton General Hospital said: 'In light of an impending inquest, we regret that we are unable to make any comment about the circumstances surrounding this case at the present time.' A two-day inquest will start at Northampton General Hospital on Tuesday.

Harry Connolly, 19 months, died of dehydration and acute kidney failure after being sent home by doctors . Family are demanding full investigation into the standard of care at Northampton General Hospital . 'Three opportunities to save my son were wasted,' said his distraught mother .

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By . Jonny Singer . Follow @@Jonny_Singer . Tottenham returned for their first pre-season training session on Saturday as new boss Mauricio Pochettino got a first chance to work with his players. With several members of the squad still away on international duty at the World Cup, the remainder were put through their paces by the former Southampton manager. My way: Mauricio Pochettino has a reputation for enforcing a heavy training workload during pre-season . On the run: Spurs players including Michael Dawson (centre) and Andros Townsend (left) start training . Although the likes of Hugo Lloris, Paulinho and Jan Vertonghen were still out in Brazil there were still some big names for Pochettino to have a look at, including record signing Erik Lamela. The former Southampton and Espanyol manager had previously warned his new charges not worry despite having a reputation for enforcing double training sessions in pre-season. Pochettino, who led Southampton to eighth place last season, will be expected to qualify for the Champions League with Spurs, who could only manage sixth under previous boss Tim Sherwood. Getting to know you: It was the first chance for the new manager to evaluate his players at Spurs . Fitness: The Tottenham players not in Brazil prepare for a season playing Pochettino's high pressing game . Depleted: The squad is still missing the likes of Hugo Lloris and Jan Vertonghen who are at the World Cup . He is the club's third manager in the last two seasons after they also got rid of Andre Villas-Boas last year. The Argentinian moved to North London after 18 months at St Mary's, where he notably oversaw the development of young defenders Luke Shaw and Callum Chambers.

New manager starts work with his squad . Stars including keeper Hugo Lloris have not yet arrived back from Brazil . But likes of Erik Lamela and Michael Dawson begin life under Pochettino .

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Professional cyclist and surfer Tito Tomasi, 29, ditched the skis and decided to race down a mountain in the Alps on a specially-adapted bike. The sportsman, from Nice, France, then slalomed his way through the icy alpine trees in the picturesque forest nearby. Photographer Alex Buisse, 29, from Chamonix, France, braved the wind and -3C temperatures to capture Tino's daredevil antics on camera. Tomasi pedalled at breakneck speeds for four hours to descend the mountain, and as the picture on the right shows, navigating through deep snow was problematic . Some of the journey was impossible to cycle, so Tomasi was forced to haul his bike up high gradients, all by himself . The professional cyclist and surfer pushed his Rocky Mountain Blizzard Fat Bike to the limit on the slopes of the Aravis mountains . The pair scaled 2,624ft (800m) up the Pointe de Merdassier peak, which stands at 7,588ft (2,313m), to take the pictures at 6am. Tito then pedalled at breakneck speeds for four hours to descend the mountain before tearing through the trees. Alex said: 'Tito pushed it to its limits on an exposed ridge and on steep slopes. Tomasi raced down the ridges on his specially-adapted bike as the sun rose over the Alps mountains for a spectacular experience . Tomasi's daring ride was captured by photographer Alex Buisse, 29, from Chamonix, France, who braved the wind and and freezing cold . Tomasi was forced to slalom his way through a forest at the base of the Alps, and right, the extent of depth of snow is evident . 'Climbing up the ridge by night, in deep snow at times, with the wind blowing and carrying our respective equipments was definitely a big challenge. 'But seeing the beautiful sunrise made it all okay though.' Alex, who used a Nikon D4 in the shoot, insisted that Tito risked it all to top 20mph on the slopes. Alex said: 'This was an experiment to see how far Tito could push the bike, as it isn't really designed for such vertical and exposed mountain terrain. Tomasi scaled 800 metres of the Pointe de Merdassier peak, which stands at 2313 metres, with photographer Buisse following his every step . Tomasi admitted to crashing a lot, but judging by the terrain and heights he scaled, that is hardly surprising . How the French cyclist even managed to cycle through such thick snow hiding the unknown is remarkable . 'And we had to stop a little because avalanche conditions were getting too dangerous. 'But even though Tito crashed quite a lot, he was fine thanks to the soft snow.' Rocky Mountain Blizzard, who manufacture the snow-adapted Fat Bike, sponsor the cyclist as well as audio firm ION and cycling brand Urge.

Professional cyclist and surfer Tito Tomasi, 29, from Nice, France, pushed himself to the limits on the Alps . His action-packed adventure was captured by photographer Alex Buisse, 29, from Chamonix, France . The pair scaled 800 metres of the Pointe de Merdassier peak, which stands at 2313 metres .

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(CNN) -- "Are you for Ukraine or for Russia?" Alex Shiroki's boss asked him Thursday. Shiroki, 35, from Yalta, opposes the Russian invasion, and the proposed rejoining of Crimea to Russia. But he carefully said his views are "something in the middle" -- just in case his opinion could affect his job. His boss supports Russia. "He says that Russia is more rich than Ukraine and we will have stability," Shiroki said. "Most of (the) people think like that." It's amazing how normal life continues to appear in some parts of Crimea. People still go to work, to restaurants, to bars. But tensions continue to mount in the region, where lawmakers voted Thursday in favor of rejoining Russia and having a referendum in 10 days. Many people are sincerely grateful for the Russian presence, said Maria Zaborovska, 24, who lives in Crimea and is translating for international radio journalists. "I don't know if they fully realize -- if they know what it means," Zaborovska said of the pro-Russia supporters. Many of them were born in the Soviet Union and speak Russian, she said. As to how they would benefit from Crimea becoming part of Russia, people who support breaking off from Ukraine don't seem to have answers, she said. Zaborovska herself is against the Russian invasion. In the main square in Simferopol, a crowd gathered Wednesday in support of Russia, waving flags. "Our grandparents protected our land from the SS, and we will protect our land from Western extremists," one woman shouted. "Thank you Russia for protecting us." Biscuits with Crimean jam were served up at a pro-Russian militia recruitment center, with a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin watching over. Anna Bardina a Russia supporter, told CNN's Diana Magnay that she has been receiving threatening texts from far right elements, and even death threats from Chechnya. "Russia is far more stable," she said. "They have no economic problems, not like here where we have movements like the Maidan and are in a political and economic mess," she said, referring to the popular pro-European street rallies that led to the ouster of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Areas around military bases showcase the bubbling tensions. Wednesday, outside the headquarters of the Ukrainian navy in Sevastopol, women tried to sneak up to windows and shove food through to the soldiers inside. The facility is surrounded by pro-Russian civilians who call themselves a "civil defense group," backed up by masked, armed men in green combat fatigues, presumed to be Russian soldiers. A woman with her young daughter, bringing soup and meatballs to her husband inside, was turned away. So was a Sevastopol Red Cross worker who tried to bring in supplies. "There are no problems with food," one of the men told him. "Anyone who wants to eat can go home." In the seaside resort city of Yalta, Alex Shiroki observed a crowd of hundreds gathered Wednesday by a monument to Vladimir Lenin, singing songs and waving flags in support of Russia. He thought the pro-Russian presence would be even bigger. Shiroki doesn't mind people expressing their opinion, but the latest string of political developments has him depressed. "It's happening so fast that I am kind of lost and disoriented by all of this," he said. With tourism as a main industry in the city, several hotels are closing their doors, with at least one big hotel firing personnel, Shiroki said. "Smaller hotels, they just closed because maybe they think there is no hope of having tourists in summer," he said. It's unclear if they will re-open. For now, the region is largely blocked off by troops and vacationers are likely making other plans in the face of obvious tensions. Shiroki has not seen any of the presumably Russian soldiers in unmarked green uniforms, as his friends have encountered in other cities such as Simferopol. As a joke, people refer to these troops as "polite armed people," Shiroki said. One of Shiroki's friends brought food to Ukrainian soldiers at a military base in Perevalnoe, near Simferopol, and told Shiroki he was stopped by soldiers about 20 times on the way. After answering many questions, he was able to deliver the food through a gate, but could not go inside. If Crimea does become part of Russia, as Shiroki suspects it probably will, he will consider leaving the country. Shiroki has been studying Polish, so Poland could be an option, or perhaps elsewhere in Europe or the United States. "If you dislike living in a place ruled by a power you dislike, maybe you should change your life," Shiroki said. CNN's Chelsea J. Carter. Laura Smith-Spark and Michael Holmes contributed to this report. Diana Magnay reported from Simferopol and Ben Wedeman reported from Sevastopol in Ukraine.

Crimean supporters of Russia gather in public . One woman says they will protect the land from "Western extremists" In Yalta, Alex Shiroki says hotels are closing . He is considering leaving Crimea if it becomes part of Russia .

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(CNN) -- The United States could have acted sooner to designate Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organization, a State Department official told Congress on Thursday, adding that "resolving this crisis is now one of the highest priorities of the U.S. government." Robert Jackson, the principal deputy assistant secretary for African affairs, told a Senate subcommittee that the initial debate within the State Department over a terror label "was really about the Nigerian attitude towards designation" for the Islamic extremist group that advocates Sharia law. "The government of Nigeria feared that designating these individuals and the organizations would bring them more attention, more publicity and be counter productive," said Jackson. "For some time we accepted that point of view." Pressed by Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, Jackson acknowledged that "in retrospect, we might have done it earlier. I think the important thing is that we have done it and that we've offered a reward for the top leadership of Boko Haram's location." The group, which has claimed responsibility for kidnapping more than 200 school girls in northern Nigeria last month and threatening to sell them into slavery, was added to the terror list last November by Secretary of State John Kerry. The timing of the action has triggered a political controversy around Hillary Clinton, who preceded Kerry as America's top diplomat and is weighing a potential run for president in 2016. A formal terror designation provides greater access to a group's finances and more ability to limit its movements. Officials said Boko Haram does not have financing in the United States. Some in Congress, the Justice Department and others called for the State Department to apply a terror label to Boko Haram in 2012 following a bombing in Abujat and amid growing concerns that it had al Qaeda links. But the agency, then led by Clinton, rejected that approach. Officials cited the reasons raised by Jackson, which also included the possibility that doing so might heighten threats against U.S. and Western interests. A letter to Clinton at the time by the 24 academics, including former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria John Campbell of the Council on Foreign Relations, also said such a move would raise the group's profile and possibly link the United States to abuses by Nigerian forces cracking down on the group. Republicans are now seeking to use the Boko Haram terror case as well as the deadly September 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, to depict Clinton as complicit in what they argue is weakened foreign policy under President Barack Obama. But former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, who served under Clinton, told reporters last week that the convoluted socio-economic dynamics of Nigeria required a more holistic and nuanced approach than the security focus of anti-terrorism efforts. "This is a very complex situation," he said. Still, there was swift political reaction to Jackson's comments. Correct the Record, a pro-Clinton rapid-response group, said "the facts are clear and hindsight doesn't change" things. It noted the State Department under Clinton placed three Boko Haram members on a terror blacklist. The Republican National Committee also weighed in, saying Boko Haram was "another hard choice where Hillary made the wrong decision." CNN's Tom Cohen contributed to this report.

State Department official says there was debate within agency about terror designation . There was concern that terror label would bring Boko Haram more attention, status . The official said Boko Haram abductions in Nigeria are now a top U.S. priority . The timing of the terror label for Boko Haram has now become a political issue .

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Andrew Raybould, 30, died of blood poisoning at Walsall Manor Hospital this February after being sent home from hospital three times previously . A bus driver died of blood poisoning after being sent him home from hospital three times as doctors allegedly failed to diagnose his condition. In December 2011, Andrew Raybould had been suffering from severe stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and constipation. The 30-year-old was sent home from Walsall Manor Hospital three times by staff who didn't know what was wrong with him, his family claim. By the end of January 2012 he had lost two stone in weight and was in constant pain. He was once again admitted to hospital and was finally diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, acute renal failure and sepsis and admitted to intensive care, but died a few days later in early February. His family have now complained to the hospital trust charged with their son's care and hired lawyers to look at the case. The trust said it is investigating Mr Raybould's death and will liaise closely with his family. Mr Raybould's mother Maureen, 58, of Aldridge, in the West Midlands, said her son's death has torn hers and her husband Geoff's world apart. She said: 'Geoff and I are heartbroken by Andrew's death and we are still struggling to come to terms with everything that has happened. 'It was awful watching him suffer in agony but we felt helpless as hospital staff kept discharging him without us being told the cause of his symptoms. 'When we were told that there was nothing more that could be done for our son it felt like our world came crashing down around us. 'He was only 30 and should have had a long and happy life ahead of him. 'We believe more could have been done by the hospital staff to diagnose Andrew's conditions quicker, meaning he would have had access to treatment.' She and her husband have hired Birmingham-based law firm Irwin Mitchell to determine whether the hospital could have done more to save their son's life. Mrs Raybould said: 'We just hope that lessons will be learned from any failures found in his care in the hope that no other parents have to go through the trauma of losing their child to a treatable condition.' Rebecca Risby, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, said the firm is looking into Mr Raybould's treatment by the hospital. Mr and Mrs Raybould have complained to the hospital trust and  hired a law firm to investigate their son's death, which they said has left them 'heartbroken' Within a month of being sent home from hospital, Mr Newbould had lost two stone in weight and was in constant pain. He was diagnosed with pancreatitis and sepsis when he was admitted to hospital once again . She said: 'This is a tragic case that has seen a young man's life cut short. 'It was not until Andrew became critically ill that pancreatitis and sepsis were diagnosed, by which time it was too late for him to undergo any treatment. 'We are investigating his care and will be contacting the trust in the coming weeks regarding the treatment provided to Andrew. 'Sepsis is a devastating condition which causes the major organs to shut down, but if caught early enough, it can be treated with intravenous antibiotics.' Mr Amir Khan, Medical Director at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: 'We are aware that there have been a number of concerns raised around the death of Mr Raybould whilst in our care. 'A formal complaint has been made through our Patient Relations service which we have taken very seriously and, as a result, have undertaken a full investigation and will continue to liaise closely with the family to share our findings.' Mr Newbould's family said that at 30 years old he should have had a long and happy life ahead of him .

Andrew Raybould, 30, had been suffering severe stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and constipation . He was allegedly sent home from hospital three times as staff didn't know what was wrong with him . A month later had lost two stone in weight and was in constant pain so was sent back into hospital . He died of acute pancreatitis, acute renal failure and blood poisoning in February 2012 . His family have complained to the hospital trust and hired a law firm to investigate their son's death . Hospital trust said they are aware of the complaint and will investigate liaising closely with Mr Raybould's family .

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Arnis Zalkalns, 41, is the prime suspect in the murder of Alice Gross and police have revealed he served seven years in jail for murdering his wife . David Cameron has pledged to personally examine how the prime suspect for Alice Gross's murder got into Britain. In a dramatic intervention, the Prime Minister promised to learn lessons from the case and consider whether better ways of sharing information on criminals between European countries could have helped. He said he was 'sickened' by the death of the 14-year-old schoolgirl, who was last seen walking along a canal towpath in West London on August 28. CCTV cameras also picked out Arnis Zalkalns, a builder from Latvia, cycling along the same route 15 minutes later. Alice's body was found on a river bed four days ago. Last month police revealed that Zalkalns, 41, had served a jail term in 1998 for murdering his wife and dumping her body. Despite this, he was able to come to Britain to find work in 2007. He went missing a week after Alice's disappearance and has not been seen since. Police have admitted they have no idea where he is and are continuing an increasingly desperate search of buildings and parks in London for clues to his whereabouts. They believe he might be being harboured by criminal gangs in the capital and the South East. But he may have left the country using a Latvian identity card. The case has triggered calls for the EU to keep a database of criminal convictions so offenders can be easily identified at borders. Under EU freedom of movement rules, it is Britain's responsibility to spot those it deems a threat. But the so-called Warnings Index for UK border staff is mainly used for anti-terror measures and does not contain routine information about criminals from the rest of the EU. Scroll down for video . David Cameron said he was 'sickened' by the death of the 14-year-old schoolgirl, who was last seen walking along a canal towpath in West London on August 28 . The Prime Minister has pledged to personally examine how the prime suspect got into Britain . Latvian authorities did not alert Britain to Zalkalns' record as he was not considered a 'present danger' after serving seven years for his wife's murder. They only disclosed his background when asked by Interpol after he was reported missing. He has previously been arrested in the UK for the suspected indecent assault of a 14-year-old British girl. Zalkalns was raised in Latvian capital Riga and worked on building sites and dockyards from the age of 16. By adulthood he had developed a penchant for chasing young, impressionable women. Police believe Zalkalns is being harboured by criminal gangs in the capital and the South East . Alice's body was found buried in the River Brent in west London, near her home in Hanwell, on Tuesday night . Speaking in Afghanistan, Mr Cameron said: 'It's a horrific case. Anyone with a daughter will have felt just absolutely sickened by what has happened and what that poor family has had to go through. I'll look at all the circumstances of the case, what lessons there are to learn, whether that's about sharing information or whether it's about the importance of keeping our country safe.' British police failed to secure a European Arrest Warrant – meaning that even if the suspect was found overseas he could not be arrested – because Scotland Yard has so far not gathered enough prima facie evidence. Alice's body was found weighed down by logs in the River Brent, off the Grand Union Canal in Hanwell, west London. A post-mortem examination was inconclusive. Friends and family gathered at the clock tower near Alice's home in Hanwell yesterday to pay tribute to her . Police have announced a case review, focusing on the first few days after Alice was reported missing. Critics asked whether enough consideration was given from day one to the possibility that Alice might have been abducted or murdered. In addition, police were slow to link her with Zalkalns. MPs will question Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders about the case next month. Labour's Home Affairs Committee chairman, Keith Vaz, said: 'It is very concerning … The UK needs an updated warnings index … which would flag up whether a person has a conviction as they are attempting to cross the UK border.' Tory MP Peter Bone said: 'The real problem is the issue of free movement from the EU … We can't have our own visa controls and actually let in people we want to let in.'

Arnis Zalkalns, 41, is the prime suspect in the murder of Alice Gross . David Cameron has pledged find out how Latvian builder got into Britain . He said he was 'sickened' by the death of the 14-year-old schoolgirl . Zalkalns served seven years in a Latvian jail for killing his wife in 1998 . But he was able to come to Britain unchecked to find work in 2007 . This has prompted calls for the EU to keep a database of convictions .

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Paris (CNN) -- France's first lady is filing a defamation complaint against the authors of a biography published Thursday which claims she had an affair with a former French minister while seeing President Francois Hollande. Attorneys for Valérie Trierweiler, who is not married to Hollande, told CNN the complaint is likely to be filed Friday with the Paris tribunal. Read more: Can France handle truth on sex lives of rich and powerful? In "La Frondeuse," or "The Troublemaker," authors Alix Bouilhaguet and Christophe Jakubyszyn allege that Trierweiler had a longstanding relationship with Patrick Devedjian, a former minister for economic recovery and close ally of former President Nicolas Sarkozy. This relationship allegedly started in 1998 and ended only in 2004 -- four years after her courtship with Hollande began. All of them had other partners at the time. Trierweiler's relationship with Devedjian crumbled after he was unable to commit further to their relationship, the book says -- paving the way for Hollande to step in. Several books have been published about Hollande and his romantic partners since he was elected. Profile: Francois Hollande . "Trierweiler is an interesting subject matter because she has character," Bouilhaguet told CNN. "It's complicated for a 47-year-old woman to find herself in the Elysée, which has demanding protocol for their first ladies." Bouilhaguet admitted that she was "surprised" by the defamation complaint, adding that the book is an "open investigation with a true look" at Trierweiler's personality. In another extract in the book, the authors write that Trierweiler claims Sarkozy made a pass at her at a July 14 celebration in the Elysée Palace, while holding his ex-wife Cecilia's hand. "You're so beautiful," he is said to have whispered in her ear. When she refused his advances, the book says, Sarkozy said to his friends: "Who does she take herself for? Am I not good enough for her?" Trierweiler is characterized by this "abrupt iciness," the authors claim, and inside journalist circles at French newspaper Le Monde, she was labeled "Cruella." A friend of the couple goes even further and says in the book that Trierweiler is the "Achilles heel" of Hollande, who can "potentially create a lot of problems for him." TIME: Meet France's unmarried 'first lady' The authors also called the French first lady a "narcissistic woman, using at once her charms to get what she wants and in the following second, showing her fangs when something displeases her." Hollande's complex love life -- including alleged animosity between Trierweiler and Segolene Royal, with whom he has four children -- was the subject of two books published this summer. A poll in August suggested that it was at the root of his sliding popularity. Trierweiler was embroiled in controversy in June after she tweeted support for Royal's opponent during the French parliamentary elections.

A new book says France's first lady began seeing Hollande while dating another man . Valérie Trierweiler is known for her strong character . The book says Sarkozy also made a pass at Trierweiler, who is not married to Hollande .

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Britney Spears has split from her fiance Jason Trawick, a source confirms to Mail Online. The couple announced their engagement in December 2011, after confirming they were dating in May 2010. A source told Mail Online that the pair had been sleeping in separate bedrooms and their once strong relationship had fizzled into more of a friendship. Scroll down for video . Throwback Thursday: The bearded Texan is a commercial talent agent for Todd Shemarya Artists, so it's no surprise he ran in the same circles as Trawick (pictured in 2011) who was Britney's manager first . Britney said in a statement: 'Jason and I have decided to call off our engagement. I'll always adore him and we will remain great friends.' Jason added: 'As this chapter ends for us a new one begins. I love and cherish her and her boys and we will be close forever.' Britney's representative Jeff Raymond told Mail Online: 'Britney Spears and Jason Trawick have mutually agreed to end their one-year engagement. Hinting at the break-up: Britney was pictured without her engagement ring one week ago during a Los Angeles outing . Still friends: The pair were last pictured together last month and their relationship apparently became more of a friendship, with them sleeping in separate bedrooms . 'As two mature adults, they came to the difficult decision to go their separate ways while continuing to remain friends.' Jason . also acted as Britney's manager, and the pop star has now changed . management, indicating the pair are also severing ties in their business . relationship. Jason has reportedly resigned as Britney's co-conservator, but her father Jamie Spears will remain as conservator. Further reports claim Jason has already moved out of the home the couple shared together, according to Radar Online. While other sources claim the pair split over their differing opinions about wanting more children. Keeping close: Britney assures fans that she and Jason will 'remain great friends' and added that she will 'always adore him' TMZ.com claim Britney was keen to increase her brood and have children with Trawick, but he wasn't keen to do so. The website states that Jason is 'in another place' and doesn't want to start a family - although 'loves' her boys Sean Preston and Jayden James, her sons with ex Kevin Federline. TMZ also claims the pair argued as Trawick felt being with Spears 'took away his individuality', while he wanted to expand his business and take on more clients - something Spears allegedly wasn't happy with. The split announcement comes the same day as Britney confirmed she had quit her role as a judge on the X Factor. Severing all ties: Jason used to act as Britney's manager but the star, seen with Jason in October, has now changed management . According to the official statement released today, the 31-year-old pop star put in her resignation for the talent competition series on Friday. 'I had an incredible time doing the show and I love the other judges and I am so proud of my teens but it's time for me to get back in the studio,' Britney said, referring to her eighth album. 'Watching them all do their thing up . on that stage every week made me miss performing so much! I can't wait . to get back out there and do what I love most.' However, the Grammy winner's team has reportedly already begun 'serious talks' for lucrative sitcom and Las Vegas concert deals. 'It was a very difficult decision': Britney Spears is rumoured to be planning Vegas show after confirming she quit The X Factor on Friday . According to TMZ, Spears and her . people have been in serious negotiations with one of the Caesars group . properties for 'a while.' The former Mouseketeer is likely . being wooed to star in her own long-running show at the Colloseum at . Caesar's Palace since that is where Cher and Celine Dion also held . residencies. Dion scored $100 million a year to . headline her show and her previous A New Day show grossed more than $400 . million over five years. Cher also struck a lucrative deal with the casino where she performed for three years at $60 million a year. Working on her eighth album: The 31-year-old pop star said she was very proud of her teens but 'it's time for me to get back in the studio' An insider noted that Britney could probably rake even more than either of the other pop legends in her deal. Spears' team is also reportedly looking into possible sitcom appearances. A Radar Online source said: 'Britney's manager, Larry Rudolph, is reading television scripts that the singer could accept. Britney's dad, Jamie feels that having his daughter on a sitcom would be a good fit for her. Heading for Vegas? The former Mouseketeer is likely being wooed to star in her own long-running show at the Colloseum at Caesar's Palace since that is where Cher and Celine Dion also held lucrative residencies . 'Britney needs to be kept busy, and a structured environment such as a television sitcom would be a natural fit for her. She actually has very natural comedic talents and is very funny, in an airhead sort of way.' Simon Cowell, 53, was reportedly disappointed with his $15 million contracted employee on the talent competition since he wanted 'crazy Britney, but he got boring Britney.' According to Us Weekly, the network 'paid all that for her to say "amazing" and offer half-claps' for her four protegees. The December 20 second season finale was watched by only 9.6 million viewers, down 18 percent from the first season finale. Vegas baby! Dion scored $100 million a year to headline her show and Cher earned $60 million a year for three years at the Colloseum .

Britney said in a statement that she will 'always adore' Jason and they will 'remain great friends' Couple announced their engagement in December 2011, 19 months after confirming they were dating . The pair were sleeping in separate bedrooms and their relationship had turned into a friendship, a source tells Mail Online . Britney has also changed management suggesting she is severing business ties with her former flame and agent . Sources claim the pair split over her wanting to have more children . News comes the same day Britney confirmed she is leaving the X Factor as rumours circulate she is planning a Vegas show .

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By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 11:01 EST, 9 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:29 EST, 9 July 2013 . This is the incredible moment a new Range Rover Sport went head-to-head against a Spitfire fighter plane in an engineering Battle of Britain. The two technical masterpieces were pitted against each other in a unique off-road race at the Goodwood Aerodrome in Chichester, West Sussex. And with a complex four-wheel drive system, the Range Rover immediately sped ahead of the Second World War plane. Watch the race below... Ready to go: A new Range Rover Sport went head-to-head against a Spitfire fighter plane in West Sussex . On your marks: The two technical masterpieces were pitted against each other in a unique off-road race . Ready: The race was organised by FortyOneSix.com ahead of the Goodwood Festival of Speed . Starting off: The Range Rover immediately sped ahead of the World War Two plane as the race began . Up in the air: Shortly afterwards the 1945 aircraft - with its iconic 1,750bhp Merlin engine - reached 80mph and took off before easily passing the luxury off-roader . But shortly afterwards the 1945 . aircraft - with its iconic 1,750bhp Merlin engine - reached 80mph and . took off before easily passing the luxury off-roader. At . the one-mile point the Range Rover simply turned around and headed back . towards the finish line while the Supermarine Spitfire, piloted by Matt . Jones from the Boultbee Flight Academy, had a more difficult aerobatic . turn. Mike . Cross, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief vehicle integrity engineer, was then . back in the lead as he floored the car towards the chequered flag as the . Spitfire played catch-up. Despite . being capable of 400mph, the 68-year-old Spitfire couldn’t quite catch . the Range Rover Sport, which hit 130mph over the bumpy ground. Steering: At the one-mile point the Range Rover simply turned around and headed back towards the finish line . Fast moving: Mike Cross, Jaguar Land Rover's chief vehicle integrity engineer, was then back in the lead as he floored the car towards the chequered flag as the Spitfire played catch-up . Finish line: Despite being capable of 400mph, the 68-year-old Spitfire couldn't quite catch the Range Rover Sport, which hit 130mph over the bumpy ground . The amazing spectacle was organised by FortyOneSix.com ahead of this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the Range Rover Sport makes its UK dynamic debut. Mr Cross said: ‘The team couldn’t resist the challenge laid down by FortyOneSix.com to race such a British icon. ‘It is always difficult to find traction from a standing start on grass, but the Range Rover Sport made a great launch off the line. ‘I was surprised by how bumpy the course was as I accelerated up to 130mph, and of course the other extreme challenge is to brake in time for the turn-around, but the car felt composed throughout the whole run.

Unique off-road race at Goodwood Aerodrome, Chichester, West Sussex . Range Rover Sport immediately sped ahead of the World War Two plane . But 1945 aircraft reached 80mph and took off before passing off-roader . After a turn, Spitfire couldn't catch Range Rover which got up to 130mph .

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Staying healthy has become a national obsession – certainly if our reading habits are anything to go by. Last year, Britons spent a staggering £47.4 million on health-related books in a bid to shed our muffin tops, relieve what ails us, and render us less stressed. While nearly every other area of publishing shrinks, this is one sector still doing roaring business. Read yourself healthy: CAROLINE SANDERSON, associate editor at The Bookseller, (not pictured) reviews her top-five health books 2014 . Sales this year are expected to continue to grow. Perhaps wearying of unrealistic fitness regimes, we are disciplining ourselves instead with The Fast Diet and The 5:2 Diet (two of the biggest sellers for a second year running), increasingly going sour on sugar, as recommended by the World Health Organisation, and juicing every last nutrient out of everything from blueberries to Brussels sprouts. As an associate editor at The Bookseller, I get an early peek at some truly useful, life-enhancing books which don’t necessarily subscribe to the latest craze. These are five of my best from 2014... Later! A Guide to Parenting a Young Adult by Gill Hines and Alison Baverstock . (Piatkus, £14.99) There are dozens of books on bringing up a baby or training your toddler, but almost nothing on young adults. With my firstborn fast approaching 17, I was delighted to see this one. Amid helpful case histories and thought-provoking exercises, there is a great deal of sensible advice on such contentious topics as career paths, first love and the Hotel of Mum and Dad. It gently reassured me too that my lovely son is not the recluse I was worried he might be. Helpful tomes: Later! A Guide to Parenting a Young Adult and We Need to Talk About Grief : How to Be a Friend to the One Who’s Left Behind . We Need to Talk About Grief : How to Be a Friend to the One Who’s Left Behind by Annie Broadbent . (Piatkus, £12.99) After my father died of cancer last December, I’ve been thinking a lot about what has helped. Thousands of people find themselves in the same situation, yet I have found few books that truly articulate the kind of feelings which rise up. Then I fell upon the compassionate approach of someone who lost her mother to cancer. Annie combines candid first-person stories of bereavement with sensible and sensitive advice underno-nonsense headings. She also makes a heartfelt plea for thosewho would rather cross the road than speak to a bereaved friend toget to grips with death, which is something I feel needs to be said. The Mount Athos Diet by Richard Storey, Sue Todd and Lottie Storey . (Vermilion, £10.99) I am suspicious of diets which claim to be both effective and delicious, but the recipes in The Mount Athos Diet, based on a typical Mediterranean peasant diet (vegetables, pulses, fruit, nuts,wholegrains and olive oil) have enticed me to try them from next month. The method involves fasting for three days, eating moderately for three and feasting on the seventh. The monks of Mount Athos are among the healthiest people in the world. Food and beauty: The Mount Athos Diet and French Women Don’t Get Facelifts . Don't forget: Where Memories Go: Why Dementia Changes Everything . French Women Don’t Get Facelifts by Mireille Guiliano . (Doubleday, £14.99) The trendy idea that nobody does it better than the French is a galling one. But in this book Mireille Guiliano, who takes her mantra from Coco Chanel (‘no one is young over 40, but one can be irresistible at any age’),shares her knowledge on ageing with a style and attitude that is indeed hard to resist. She covers everything from hair and shoes (the two biggest ‘tells’, apparently) to proper breathing, and the benefits of going to bed an hour earlier twice a week when you’re aged over 50. And Botox? Just say non! Where Memories Go: Why Dementia Changes Everything by Sally Magnusson . (Two Roads, £16.99) Sadly, dementia has been a dominant theme among the bestselling books on illness this year. Sally Magnusson’s is a personal and humane approach to the distress and challenges of the condition,but also a call for us to reconsider how we look after society’s most fragile. I’m also pressing everyone to read Being Mortal: Illness, Medicine And What Matters In The End by Atul Gawande.

CAROLINE SANDERSON reviews her top-five health books 2014 . Book reviews cover diets, mental health, family and .

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(CNN Student News) -- April 27, 2012 . Media Literacy Question of the Day . How can you verify the findings of a scientific study or survey that appears in a news report? Why might it be important to do this? * . * . Know Your News -- The following questions relate to events that were covered this week on CNN Student News. Write your answers in the space provided. Click here for a PDF version of this Newsquiz. 1. Who is the current U.S. Homeland Security secretary? * . * . 2. What is measured in hertz? * . * . 3. What U.S. state's immigration law is the subject of a U.S. Supreme Court case? * . * . 4. What is the name of the orbiting telescope that was launched aboard a space shuttle in 1990? * . * . 5. Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande are candidates for the presidency in what European country? * . * . 6. What U.S. president established the Library of Congress on April 24, 1800? * . * . 7. On Monday, Mark Rutte resigned as prime minister of what country? * . * . 8. Name one of the two planets that is located directly beside the asteroid belt. * . * . 9. Who is the former Liberian president who was convicted by the International Criminal Court of war crimes? * . * . 10. What Major League Baseball team's fans are trying to break a supposed team curse by walking with a goat? * . * .

Use the weekly Newsquiz to test your knowledge of stories you saw on CNN Student News . Write your answers in the space provided . Today's Newsquiz includes the Media Literacy Question of the Day .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 01:47 EST, 26 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:17 EST, 26 January 2014 . As a 53-year-old facelift patient jumped to her death from the roof of an exclusive Beverly Hills clinic, a reality TV star tweeted her shock at the tragic event. The unnamed woman, reported to have been a patient of surgeon to the stars Dr Brian Novack, was said to have been recovering from an operation when she became agitated and fled to the roof. As emergency crews arrived to try to reach out to the woman, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump tweeted about the incident. Plunge: Sandra D'Auriol jumped from the roof of a clinic in Los Angeles (black building, pictured right) The reality TV star's Villa Blanca restaurant is close to Novack's sleek North Camden Drive clinic. At 10.15am on Wednesday she tweeted in reply to two followers: 'Yes a woman has jumped to her death and you are right it is in front of Villa Blanca ...very sad.' A short while later she tweeted: 'Outside VB the road is blocked ... Sadly a woman threatening to commit suicide for the last few hours has followed thru. Terrible scene.' Staff at Novack's clinic confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that the woman had been a patient at the clinic, where she had been given a facelift the day before. An official comment has not been made by the surgery, and an unidentified man told the Hollywood Reporter: 'We are not giving out any information about the incident that happened at our building.' The moment of the fatal fall on Wednesday was filmed on a cell phone by an unidentified person. The distressing footage shows the roads around the 15-storey building cordoned off with police tape, as a gaggle of passers by stare up to try to figure out what is happening. Shock: Vanderpump confirmed the tragic news of the leap to her Twitter followers . Along the edge of the building a figure suddenly jumps to her feet and heads to the farthest corner. The patient's identity has not been released but The Hollywood Reporter has learned that she had been staying overnight under supervision at Novack's sleek clinic on North Camden Drive in Beverly Hills after a facelift. According to the celebrity news site, . the woman - described as blonde and Caucasian - became agitated, took . off her hospital gown and fled from the 10th-floor clinic, running up to . the roof five storeys up. Police . received a report at about 7am about a partially clothed woman standing . on the roof of the Camden Medical Arts building located near Rodeo . Drive and threatening to jump. 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Lisa Vanderpump took to Twitter to say Mrs D'Auriol's death occurred just a few feet from her Villa Blanca restaurant. The reality television star called the tragedy 'very sad' A crisis negotiation team was dispatched to the scene and tried to talk the woman down for about three hours, but to no avail. ‘She sat on the ledge naked, then got up and walked around the edge of the building as if on a tightrope,’ a witness, describing the harrowing scene, said. ‘She sat back down again before getting up and jumping off.’ Surgeon to the stars: Dr Brian Novack owns the clinic where Sandra D'Auriol was staying . The unnamed victim was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The Beverly Hills Police Department and the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office are withholding the patient's name. An employee who works for another doctor in the building told The Hollywood Reporter that she saw Novack in the lobby afterwards, and that he 'looked demolished.' Novack, a graduate of McGill University, is highly regarded among Hollywood's leading ladies - and probably some gentlemen - as much for his impressive scalpel skills as for his discretion. He has been credited with performing facelifts and various nip/tuck procedures on some of the biggest stars in the entertainment business - but the press-shy Novack was never one to drop names. In 2012, the site Bungalux described Novack as the 'best plastic surgeon no one will recommend' because his famous patients pay top dollar to look like they've had no work done at all. The glowing review stated that Novack schedules only three procedures a week and takes up to 12 hours per surgery. ‘His noses and facelifts are the best in the world, and he was one of the first proponents of fat transfer to the face,’ Bungalux raved. Tragic: A crisis negotiation team was sent to the building to try to talk Sandra D'Auriol down . Leading surgeon: Novack, left, is considered one of the best and most expensive plastic surgeons catering to A-listers like Demi Moore, right, 51, who is rumored to have paid top dollar for a series of procedures . It has been widely rumored that the youthful looking 'GI Jane' star Demi Moore, 51, had paid Novack close to $80,000 for various procedures, including a facelift, liposuction and surgery on her breasts. In 2004, a friend of the actress said of Novack: ‘He's a fantastic surgeon and his clients don't look like they've had surgery.’ Moore herself, however, has vehemently denied that she had ever had any work done on her face or body.

Lisa Vanderpump confirms fatal leap happened near her Villa Blanca restaurant . Unnamed victim, 53, was reportedly a patient of celebrity plastic surgeon . Witness described seeing a blonde sitting in her underwear on roof of 15-storey building in Beverly Hills before jumping . For support on suicide matters call the National Suicide Prevention Helpine on 1-800-273-8255 or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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(PEOPLE.com) -- Though the couple went public with their engagement in October, little is known about the relationship between the daughter of the late grunge god Kurt Cobain, Frances Bean, and her fiancé, Isaiah Silva, frontman of rock band the Rambles. "We're each other's everything," Silva, 26, tells PEOPLE about Cobain, 19, and himself. "We're homebodies. We don't go out to clubs so you won't find us stumbling out of them with Lindsay Lohan. We stay at home, read books and watch 'Arrested Development.'" Adds bandmate Mark Kuchell, "They're quiet and shy. They're a great couple. Frances comes to most of our shows that she can get into." One of the last was the band's December set at the Viper Room, where Cobain and Silva were seen looking very loving and affectionate before and after the show. "I love strong, opinionated, intelligent women," says Silva, who spent the first 18 years of his life in the Fullerton Assembly of God group, a faction focused on strict Christian values and the second coming of Christ. "Women in the [group] were totally oppressed, but I am very pro-woman." Silva and his family severed ties with the group when he was 18. Despite Silva's unconventional upbringing, he fought for his individuality when he gravitated toward punk music, learned to play the guitar with pals and "always had long hair and always dyed it." "I had to grow up much faster than I would have liked," he adds. "I've been through a lot. But now, I'm totally happy." Catch the Rambles at SXSW in Texas in March and look out for their upcoming EP, recorded with producer Keith Stegall (Zac Brown Band). See the full article at PEOPLE.com. © 2011 People and Time Inc. All rights reserved.

The couple went public with their engagement in October . "We're each other's everything," Isaiah Silva, 26, tells PEOPLE . "I love strong, opinionated, intelligent women," says Silva .

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Chinese cyber spies have been caught trying to steal the secrets of Britain’s most sophisticated combat jet, The Mail on Sunday has learned. A covert unit within the Chinese Army has been using highly sophisticated cyber weapons in a desperate attempt to acquire classified information about the stealthy Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Manufacturer Lockheed Martin claims it is thwarting tens of thousands of computer attacks every week to keep secure secrets about the jet – due to be in service with the Royal Navy and RAF by 2018. Cutting edge: An F-35 fighter taking shape. Each of the jets costs £100million . Invisible: The Joint Strike Fighter can fool radar systems due to its shape which makes it hard to detect . Hackers: Lockheed Martin is receiving tens of thousands of cyber attacks from China every week (file photo) The defence giant has recruited some of Britain’s brightest ‘young geeks’ to help thwart the attacks, based in a secure area of the company’s counter-cyber headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire. A source said: ‘We have recruited a very strong team of young computer engineers who are basically experts in counter-cyber. They are effectively all geeks and spend much of their time war-gaming against the Chinese. ‘They allow the foreign hackers through the first few security levels and then can work out, through a process of reverse engineering, where the attacks are originating. ‘It’s the same country every time – China. The Chinese try to disguise what they are doing but their guys are not as good as ours.’ The JSF can fly into enemy territory and attack targets with precision-guided weapons without being detected – a capability which is said to terrify Chinese generals. The aircraft is coated with a special paint and has a stealthy design which means it is almost completely invisible to radar. The Chinese government is understood to have developed a sophisticated ‘exfiltration cyber weapon’ which can steal information by secretly downloading  computer files. MI5, Britain’s security service, and America’s FBI both believe the cyber attacks against Lockheed Martin originate from a secret cell within the China’s People’s Liberation Army. Big business: Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defence contracting company . The unit is understood to be staffed by hundreds of English-speaking computer experts whose sole job is to steal information from the US and Britain. But despite the weight of evidence supporting the claims, the Chinese government denies any knowledge of the unit’s existence and refutes all allegations that it is involved in cyber espionage. The latest allegations of Chinese cyber theft follow a report last week from the US defence department, which accused the Chinese of launching attacks on Pentagon computers. In the report, officials said: ‘In 2012 numerous computer systems around the world, including those owned by the US government, continued to be targeted for intrusions, some of which appear to be attributable directly to the Chinese government and military.’ The JSF can reach 1,300mph and has a range of 1,450 miles, making it faster and more capable than any Chinese fighter. The jet’s invisibility – called ‘Very Low Observable’ or VLO stealth – is achieved through its shape which is designed to dramatically reduce detection by enemy aircraft and defence systems. 'State sponsored': Both MI5 and the FBI suspect the Chinese Government may be behind the attacks, something it denies . The JSF’s hull is made from advanced . materials whose formula is classified, and it is coated with a special . paint which also reduces its radar reflection. The . aircraft’s advanced electronic warfare capabilities mean it can locate . and track enemy forces, jam radio frequencies and disrupt attacks – . allowing it to reach highly-defended targets while suppressing enemy . radar detection. Each pilot is fitted with a special helmet and visor which shows all of the aircraft’s data and provides a 360-degree view of the battle space. Inside the cockpit, there is speech recognition so that a pilot can talk to the JSF – and the aircraft talks back.The jet also has a glass screen digital instrument panel that the pilot can touch to pull up data – similar to that used on smartphones. Both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force will be equipped with the £100 million F-35B version of the JSF, known as the jump jet or short take-off/vertical landing (SVTOL) model, which can hover or land by itself at the press of a button. Such advanced features and instrumentation explain why Lockheed Martin want to safeguard the jet’s secrets. British base: Lockheed Martin's counter-cyber headquarters are in Farnborough, Hampshire . Most of the UK geeks fighting the attacks are graduates of Coventry University’s forensic computing masters degree. Dr Siraj Shaikh, senior lecturer in cyber security at Coventry, said his students were particularly attractive to the defence industry because of their skills in ‘ethical hacking’ and ‘penetration prevention’ techniques. Dr Shaikh said: ‘We know that sophisticated “exfiltration cyber weapons” are being used against companies like Lockheed Martin. ‘These types of cyber weapons are used by countries or organisations attempting to steal secret information. These attacks are extremely sophisticated and are nearly always state-sponsored.’ A spokesman for Lockheed Martin said: ‘We recognise the significance of the F-35 programme and the fact that it – along with many of our other programmes – faces constant threats from adversaries around the world. ‘We regularly take actions to increase the security of our systems and to protect our employee, customer and programme data.’

Lockheed Martin said it was being targeted by hackers from China . Company is building new Joint Strike Fighter which is 'invisible' on radar . Team of 'young geeks' battling against cyber attacks at British base .

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By . Paul Bentley . PUBLISHED: . 12:48 EST, 22 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:07 EST, 22 April 2013 . Police have ended their search for the body of missing five-year-old April Jones, it was announced today. In the UK's biggest ever operation of its kind, search teams have covered thousands of acres of rugged land and deep river water in a desperate attempt to find April since she went missing on October 1 from outside her home in Machynlleth, mid Wales. On Friday, however, searches of all key areas were completed and April's parents were given the heartbreaking news that they may never get to say goodbye to their daughter. Still missing: April Jones (left) was snatched while she was playing on her bike with friends last year. Local lifeguard Mark Bridger (right), 47, was later arrested and charged with abducting and murdering the little girl . Conclusion: Searches of all key areas have been completed and April's parents were given the heartbreaking news that they may never get to say goodbye to their daughter. The search is pictured last October . Long search: Specialist forces have battled through awful weather during this year's treacherous winter . April was snatched while she was playing on her bike with friends last year in the grounds of the estate where she lived with her parents, Coral and Paul. Local lifeguard Mark Bridger, 47, was later arrested and charged with abducting and murdering the little girl, who suffered from cerebral palsy. Bridger, who is also accused of perverting the course of justice, is due to stand trial next week. April's disappearance sparked what is believed to have been the largest police search in UK history. Over the past seven months, specialist forces from across the UK have covered the 'extremely challenging' terrain of the Welsh countryside surrounding her home town, scouring mountains, gorges, streams and waterfalls. They have battled through awful weather during this year's treacherous winter. Digging for clues: Over the past seven months, specialist forces from across the UK have covered the 'extremely challenging' terrain of the Welsh countryside surrounding her home town . Combing: More than 23 square miles and 300 separate locations have been covered in total . Probe: April's disappearance sparked what is believed to have been the largest police search in UK history . An extensive range of resources were used, including police marine units, experts in searching mines and confined spaces, fire and rescue and urban search and rescue teams, the coastguard, mountain rescue and dog teams from across the country. More than 23 square miles and 300 separate locations have been covered in total. While the search is now officially finished, officers are on hand to respond to any new information. 'A reactive team of specialist officers are available to respond to any new information that is received' Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman . Dyfed-Powys Police had pledged to keep searching for April until 'all viable lines of inquiry were complete'. A spokesman said: 'Since the beginning of October, specialist officers from Dyfed-Powys Police, along with other forces from across the UK, have been searching the area in and around Machynlleth for five-year-old April Jones. 'The search areas identified during the course of the investigation were completed on Friday, 19 April. In addition, a reactive team of specialist officers are available to respond to any new information that is received.' Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons.

Hunt for Welsh girl April Jones was UK's biggest ever operation of its kind . Went missing in October from outside her home in Machynlleth, mid Wales . But searches of all key areas were completed last Friday, police said today .

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