Each day that passed, he would score it with a piece of charcoal. One month, he counted. When the members of the Mujao Islamist group took him out of prison, he was unconscious at the back of a car being driven to hospital. His right arm was bleeding as the militants had just cut his hand off with a knife. "They strapped me against this pillar," recalls Mr Moutkel, a 22-year-old father of three, as we toured the prison where he was held. He lies against it and bends his knees to show me how he was sat down on a chair. He then mimics somebody attaching ropes around his legs, his waist and his arms. "They were many," he says. "Some of them wore a mask, and one filmed the whole scene with a mobile phone. "Within a few seconds, one of them emerged from the group with a knife and cut my hand off, just straight like that," Mr Moutkel explains as he moves his stump above his left wrist to imitate the knife. "I was in hospital when I woke up." At least 12 people went through the same horror, either in public or at the back of the prison, according to Gao's mayor Sadou Harouna Diallo. Five of them had one hand and one leg amputated. Legs were also cut using a knife, reportedly under the knee. Mr Moutkel was accused of having stolen a mattress. No evidence was ever brought against him, but the people are too shocked by the brutality and the barbaric act to even discuss the allegation. A sinister atmosphere still haunts Gao. Almost every day, the French neutralise mines, grenades or material used for makeshift bombs that were found in houses inhabited by jihadi fighters. None of the many big black billboards declaring Sharia have been removed. They are planted everywhere. "Al-hijab for the blessing of Allah and the purity of women," one reads both in French and in Arabic. It refers to the dress code that was imposed on females. They had to cover their head, their face and body entirely. Independence Square was renamed "Sharia Square". Children now play football in the long dusty pitch where public punishments were carried out. An employee of the town hall laments that these sign posts are still standing firm everywhere. "We are waiting for the governor to give us the means to take them down," the man says, he refused to give his name. The Islamists' prison where Mr Moutkel was detained has been emptied but the white Mujao flag drawn onto a black iron sheet is still nailed into the concrete wall above the main entrance. About 25 prisoners were thrown into Mr Moutkel's cell, which according to my calculation was about 10 sq m (107 sq ft). They were not given any food or water. At times, their Islamist captors would allow member of their family to bring them something to eat. "The worst was when five persons were amputated at the same time," Dr Abdulaziz Maiga recalls. "They were very agitated

Summary: Algalas ag Moutkel points his left arm at the writing on the wall of the cell in which he was incarcerated during the rule of militant Islamists in Gao in northern Mali.


Mr Swinney made the announcement as he unveiled his draft budget to MSPs in the Scottish Parliament. He also announced a tax rise on many second homes and buy-to-let properties through a Land and Buildings Transaction Tax levy. And Mr Swinney confirmed that the council tax freeze would continue. The finance secretary warned that the Scottish budget was set to continue to reduce in real terms until the end of the decade, as he said it had done since 2010. Opposition parties claimed that Mr Swinney was "following where the Conservatives lead" and that his budget would result in "massive cuts" to local services such as schools, roads and care of the elderly. And local authority body Cosla warned that funding going to Scotland's 32 councils had been cut by 3.5% - meaning they would lose out on £350m between them. Holyrood will be given limited powers over income tax rates next April under the 2012 Scotland Act, which was passed under the previous UK coalition government. It will see the Treasury deduct from the Scottish block grant a sum equivalent to the product of 10p worth of income tax north of the border. Mr Swinney then had the option of setting a Scottish Rate of Income Tax (SRIT) which could either be lower, higher or the same as the 10p that has been deducted. The finance secretary told the Holyrood chamber: "I propose that the Scottish Rate of Income Tax will be set at 10p in the pound - the rate people pay this year will be the same rate that they will pay next year. "I hope that from 2017/18 this parliament will have more flexibility in setting income tax rates. However, that will depend on reaching agreement on a new fiscal framework and final passage of the Scotland Bill." Among the other measures proposed by Mr Swinney were: Greater controls over income tax are among the measures contained in the Scotland Bill which is currently being scrutinised by Westminster, but these will not come into force until 2017 at the earliest. Mr Swinney said that the Scottish government aimed to set out its longer-term plans on income tax ahead of the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament in March of next year. He said that the Scottish government's aim was to focus on tackling inequality and boosting productivity in order to "create the foundations for a stronger and more inclusive economy". But he said that would need to be delivered within a "significantly constrained" public spending environment. Mr Swinney added: "By 2020 our budget will be 12.5% lower in real terms than when the Conservatives came to power. That is the equivalent of one pound in every eight that we spend being cut by Westminster by 2020." He said that Land and Buildings Transaction tax, which replaced the stamp duty charge on property sales in Scotland, will remain the same for most transactions. But he added: "The exception to this is for buyers purchasing an additional residential property - such as a second home or a buy-to-let - worth more

Summary: The finance secretary John Swinney has ruled out an increase in Scottish income tax when Holyrood gets new financial powers next year.


Events are taking place in Dublin to mark the centenary of the 1916 rebellion against British rule, a seminal moment in Ireland's past. Some unionists have been reluctant to take part in or support the events. Michael D Higgins also said the commemorations are an example to the UK of how to reflect on its own history. The Easter Rising, a brief and militarily unsuccessful republican revolt, is seen by many historians as a significant stepping-stone in the eventual creation of the Republic of Ireland and the partition of the island. A greater depth of knowledge, President Higgins said, meant the Easter Rising was now being put "in context of what was happening in Europe" 100 years ago. "I do think that without 1916, and the events that surrounded it, we would not have achieved our independence," he said in a wide-ranging interview for the BBC. "It is one of the founding events, without a doubt, and it is of immense significance in terms of where it occurs historically but also symbolically." President Higgins said Ireland's approach to the rising's centenary was one of "ethical sensitivity". And he added that "it is responsible not to be seeing fears where there are none". "My great hope, as head of state, is that we will put ourselves into each other's history," he said. "We must be able to take your version, my version, move into the shoes of the other, and we must be open to changing our versions as new facts, information and analysis become available to us. "I would hope that people in Northern Ireland will approach these commemorations, and as we commemorate the [Battle of the] Somme, that we'd be able to do so generously." President Higgins said people must not "become a prisoner of the past" and "mustn't allow any distortions of history". He said everyone's take on history must be open to critique, and that Britain, like Ireland, had to closely examine its past. "When we decide to address the issue of violence, let us speak of the violence of empire, the violence of state, the violence of insurrection," he said. "Let's do it all - this is the challenge that people are not rising to. "Having spent decades revising nationalism, where is the evidence that there is as much energy put into addressing the issue of empire? "As empires came to establishing their stamp on neighbouring countries, what was the consequences of that?" He described the Northern Ireland peace process as "fragile" and an "ongoing project", but added it would be "pessimistic and wrong" to say significant reconciliation had not been achieved. "There is real reconciliation going on," he said. "You don't keep picking at the sources of division to undermine what progress you're making in the present in terms of reconciliation." Earlier this week, the Inniskillings Museum in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, presented President Higgins with a green harp flag that had been taken by a soldier from Dublin's Liberty Hall during the rising.

Summary: The Irish president has said he hopes people in Northern Ireland will approach the Easter Rising commemorations "generously".


The latest Bank of Scotland purchasing managers index (PMI) found activity in the private sector dipped in November. There had been modest growth in the previous month. The bank's headline index, which measures changes in output in both manufacturing and services, fell to 49.8 from 50.9 in October. Any figure below 50 suggests economic contraction. The report found that the decline stemmed from the manufacturing sector, where the rate of contraction was the sharpest in just over three years. However, service providers reported a slight rise in business activity. The survey also indicated a fall in incoming new orders linked to a slowdown in the oil and gas industry. Despite this, the number of people employed in Scotland's private sector grew, although the rate of job creation was said to be "weak". Alasdair Gardner, Bank of Scotland regional managing director for Scotland, said: "The headline index fell below the crucial 50 mark in November as a slowdown in the oil and gas industry veered the Scottish economy into contraction. "The drop in activity stemmed from declining new orders, which was affected by unfavourable exchange rates. "However, this did not discourage firms from further adding to staffing numbers."

Summary: The Scottish economy contracted slightly last month as a result of a downturn in the oil and gas industry, according to a report.


Harmer finished with match figures of 14-172, as the county champions lost their last five wickets for 10 runs. Nick Compton's 120 off 303 balls had helped Middlesex recover from 51-3, putting on 153 with Paul Stirling (55). But they slumped from 252-5 to 262 all out as Division One leaders Essex won by an innings and 34 runs. South Africa international Harmer, who returned career-best figures of 14-128 in last week's win over Warwickshire, has now taken 47 wickets in eight matches this season. Middlesex began the day on 27-0, still needing another 273 runs to avoid an innings defeat, and got off to the worst possible start when Nick Gubbins (16) was caught by Alastair Cook. Harmer next saw off Stevie Eskinazi (12) who was caught by Varun Chopra at leg slip, diving forward with one hand after Cook had parried the ball at slip, while Dawid Malan soon followed for one. Compton steadied the ship and completed his first century of the season from 232 balls, but was trapped leg before to become Harmer's 11th wicket of the game and Middlesex subsided. They lost their last four wickets in 27 balls, sending Essex 29 points clear at the top of the Division One table.

Summary: Spinner Simon Harmer took a career-best 9-95 as Essex beat Middlesex with just moments of a dramatic final evening at Chelmsford remaining.


Rochdale's Joe Bunney broke the deadlock, netting from six yards before Nathaniel Mendez-Laing doubled the lead against his old club from close range. Michael Smith then halved Posh's deficit from 25 yards 10 minutes before half time. Rochdale's Bunney and Posh's Chris Forrester both saw second-half efforts well saved as the Dale held on. The result ends Peterborough's play-off hopes, with Posh sitting 14 points outside the top six, while Rochdale keep their slim play-off hopes alive, with seven points separating them and the top six. Rochdale Manager Keith Hill told BBC Radio Manchester: Media playback is not supported on this device "We're still chasing the dream, it's a massive dream but the players have stood up to the challenge. "The recent form is absolutely superb and I'm really pleased with today's performance. "Our attitude, our grit, our determination in the second half to keep the second half clean sheet was magnificent."

Summary: Peterborough were narrowly beaten by Rochdale as all three goals came in the first half at the ABAX Stadium.


Dariusz Parczewski and his wife Bozena Parczewska are accused of forcing a Polish man to work at the retailer's headquarters in Derbyshire then keeping his wages. The sportswear firm has not been accused of any wrongdoing. The couple, from Aspley in Nottingham, were released on bail following the hearing at Nottingham Crown Court. They were arrested as part of a Nottinghamshire Police investigation into human trafficking and were both charged with knowingly causing another to perform forced labour. Mrs Parczewska and the couple's son, Kristian Parczewski, are also charged with a range of tax and benefit fraud offences. The defendants are all due to appear at the same court for a plea and case management hearing on 8 January.

Summary: A couple who supplied workers to Sports Direct have appeared in court accused of modern slavery.


Burberry reported pre-tax profits of £166m for the year to March. A year ago it made a loss of £16.1m, hit by charges at its Spanish operations. In the past year it has opened 21 new stores and closed nine. It plans to open 20-30 stores this year worldwide. The group has also focused on promoting the Burberry brand online. Sales rose 7% to £1.28bn, with the company recording double-digit sales growth in Europe and Asia Pacific. Adjusted profit rose 23% to £215m, taking into account one-off items and a favourable exchange rate. Stores in London in particular benefited from favourable currency movements and increased tourism. "Looking forward, while mindful of the economic environment, Burberry plans to build on its strong financial position by accelerating investment in growth initiatives in retail, digital and new markets, while continuing to enhance the brand," said chief executive Angela Ahrendts. Burberry shares were up 7.6% at 659 pence in afternoon trading.

Summary: Luxury fashion designer Burberry has returned to profit after opening new stores and spending more on online marketing


Holyrood Park Distillery is looking to raise £5.5m from investors for a new distillery and visitor centre. The funds will be used to renovate a former engine shed in St Leonard's Lane and buy and install equipment. The cash will also be used to help cover early start-up and production costs. Fundraising will be led by accountants and business advisers Johnston Carmichael. Plans for the distillery were approved last year by the City of Edinburgh Council. It is a joint development by David Robertson, former master distiller for The Macallan, and Rob and Kelly Carpenter, founders of the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Mr Carpenter said: "We are confident that by placing a working distillery in the heart of Edinburgh's capital, with the visitor numbers and cash flow that is expected to provide, we are creating something that is quite different from the typical distillery start-up." The Holyrood Distillery will be Edinburgh's first single malt whisky distillery since Glen Sciennes closed in the 1920s. There are also plans to produce gins, liqueurs and other spirits. Distilling of Holyrood whisky is due to begin in late 2018, with bottles hitting the shelves as early as 2021, according to the company.

Summary: The company behind plans to bring single malt whisky distilling back to Edinburgh after a 90-year absence have launched a major fundraising drive.


The report, based on data from 5,000 patients in England and Wales, said awareness of the early symptoms of the condition must improve. However, most patients said they were happy with the care they received. In the UK, one million people suffer from inflammatory arthritis and 700,000 of those have rheumatoid arthritis. The condition affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. The hands and feet are often the first joints to be affected. Those with a severe form of the condition may not be able to dress or bathe themselves, and some will have to stop working. This is the second audit of rheumatology services across England and Wales by the British Society for Rheumatology. It assessed experiences of patient care against the standards set down by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It found that as well as delays in early referrals, fewer than half of the patients analysed were seen by a specialist with three weeks, another target set by NICE. But the report acknowledged there could be a number of reasons for the delays, including staffing levels, the number of specialist consultants in the area, the level of detail contained in referral letters from GPs and whether or not a patient rescheduled their appointment. For example, in London, the average waiting time for patients to be seen by a specialist was 23 days, compared with 34 days in Wales. But patients in Wales only had to wait an average of five days to be referred. Across England and Wales, the average wait was 20 days. The report said a number of providers had made changes in the way care was provided based on the findings in the first audit, but concluded it was too early to see the impact of many of these recent changes. There were signs of improvement in arthritis care too. Around 95% of patients who responded to questions about their experience of care said it was good, the report found, an increase on the last audit. And 86% received steroid therapy to alleviate their early symptoms and more than two-thirds of patients had started taking anti-rheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis within six weeks. Dr Liam O'Toole, chief executive officer at the charity Arthritis Research UK, said results of the audit were disappointing. "We urge that immediate action is taken to improve access to these services, so that people with inflammatory arthritis get the treatment they need and the quality of life they deserve."

Summary: Only 20% of patients who see a GP with suspected inflammatory arthritis are referred to a specialist within the target three days, an audit suggests.


Police were called to the two-vehicle accident on the A698 near Denholm at about 16:15 on Thursday. The female driver of a Vauxhall Zafira died at the scene. Three boys aged 12, nine and 18 months, who were in the car with her, were taken to hospital. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. The driver of a Peugeot 207 was also taken to hospital. Police said the 26-year-old man's injuries were also not life-threatening. Anyone who witnessed the accident has been asked to contact police.

Summary: A 34-year-old woman has been killed in a crash in the Borders in which three young boys and a man were also injured.


The country's federal cartel office suspects the social network's privacy terms violate data protection laws. It is looking into whether Facebook's "dominance" means those terms also constituted an abuse of market power. The formal probe is the first of its kind the social network has faced. Facebook said it was confident it complied with the law. "Dominant companies are subject to special obligations," said Andreas Mundt, the president of the cartel office. "These include the use of adequate terms of service as far as these are relevant to the market "For advertising-financed internet services such as Facebook, user data are hugely important. "For this reason, it is essential to also examine under the aspect of abuse of market power whether the consumers are sufficiently informed about the type and extent of data collected." His investigation would focus on Facebook's US operation, as well as its German and Irish subsidiaries, the cartel office said in a statement released on Wednesday. It said Facebook was dominant in the social media market and relied on advertising revenues generated on the basis of a "large amount of personal user data". And users had to agree to this collection of data as a condition of their being able to use the network. "It is difficult for users to understand and assess the scope of the agreement accepted by them," it said. "There is considerable doubt as to the admissibility of this procedure, in particular under applicable national data protection law. "If there is a connection between such an infringement and market dominance, this could also constitute an abusive practice under competition law." A Facebook representative said: "We are confident that we comply with the law, and we look forward to working with the Federal Cartel Office to answer their questions." The German authorities are working in "close contact" with the European Commission, the competition authorities of the other EU member states and data and consumer protection officers. European Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said the EU executive shared the view of the German cartel office that the mere infringement of data protection rules by a dominant company did not automatically amount to a competition violation. "However, it cannot be excluded that a behaviour that violates data protection rules could also be relevant when investigating a possible violation of EU competition rules," he added, while declining specific comment on the new case. Speaking in Germany in January, the European commissioner for competition Margrethe Vestager said her agency was taking a harder look at whether the collection of vast amounts of consumer data by big internet companies violated competition rules.

Summary: German authorities are investigating Facebook for suspected abuse of its dominant market position.


Documents show Mr Stobart, who built Cumbria's Eddie Stobart haulage firm into a household name, petitioned for bankruptcy in July 2010. Mr Stobart, who sold the company in 2004, had personal debts of £220,000 when he died on 31 March, aged 56, as a a result of heart problems. The businessman, who lived in Warwickshire, took over a lorry trailer firm which failed in 2009. Edward Stobart had petitioned for bankruptcy at Warwick County Court and his name is listed on the national Insolvency Register. His occupation is listed as a company director and promoter and his status as bankrupt. This status was due for automatic discharge on 5 July, 2011. RSM Tenon, the insolvency firm which original dealt with the case, said: "Known creditors have claims amounting to around £220,000. No material assets have yet been recovered." Mr Stobart took over his father's Cumbrian firm in 1976 and built it into one of the most well-known haulage companies in the world. The firm had eight trucks and 12 employees when he took over. By 2001, that had risen to 1,000 lorries and 2,000 staff, operating from 27 sites. The company even had a "fan club", which attracted 25,000 members at at its height. Mr Stobart was managing director for more than 30 years but sold the business to his brother William and business partner Andrew Tinkler, in 2004. The Stobart Group said Mr Stobart's financial affairs were "a private matter". The firm previously described him as a "a true legend of the haulage industry". Richard Butcher, chief executive of Stobart Group, said: "I worked with him for a number of years and he was an absolute gentleman. A very generous, a very kind man. A very shy man in some respects. "He demanded the best from everyone who worked with him, but he was loyal to those who worked with him throughout his time at the business." The funeral of Mr Stobart took place at Carlisle Cathedral last month. The proceedings were relayed to about 200 people watching large television screens outside.

Summary: Haulage magnate Edward Stobart died bankrupt, it has emerged.


At a meeting in Australia, it was agreed that around 1.5 million sq km of a part of the Southern Ocean would be protected from companies wanting to fish there for the next 35 years. The Ross Sea actually only makes up about 2% of this ocean, but it is home to a huge amount of wildlife. Environmental campaigners have welcomed the decision saying it will help to protect Earth's cleanest area of ocean. They hope it will be the first of many such zones across the world. You will find around two in every five of the world's Adelie penguins here, around one in three Antarctic petrels and around one in 16 of the world's minke whales. Killer whales live there too. It is also a rich source of krill, which is food for seals and whales, so it's very important that it is looked after. Here are 10 things you probably didn't know about Antarctica... Antarctica isn't a country - it's a whole continent! It is sits at the Earth's south pole and is almost completely covered by an massive ice sheet that is thousands of metres thick. Antarctica is absolutely enormous. It is almost 14 million sq km, which makes it the fifth-largest continent behind Asia, North America, South America and Africa. This is about 58 times the size of the UK and twice the size of Australia! It is also the world's highest continent, with an average land height of 2,300 m. The temperature on Antarctica has been known to go as low as around âˆ’90Â°C. Because it is so cold, the air cannot hold as much moisture so it does not rain very much at all there. This actually means Antarctica is considered to be a desert, but the other deserts that you know are much warmer...! The winds can always blow as strongly as up to 351 km per hour. As it is such an important place for scientific research, at any one time there may be many hundreds scientists spread across the various research stations all over the continent. You will also find tourists there. According to Discovering Antarctica, in the early 1990s, about 5,000 tourists went every year. By 2009-2010, the continent welcomed around 37,000 visitors. But nobody lives there permanently! In the winter, the sea around Antarctica freezes over creating what is called sea ice. This makes the continent almost twice as big in winter. The end of the summer in Antarctica is in March and the end of the winter is in September - opposite to in the UK! This is because Antarctica is in the Southern Hemisphere, which faces the Sun during our winter time. In 1959, several countries signed an agreement called the Antarctic Treaty, saying that Antarctica would be a peaceful place that they would work together to look after. Without an international agreement like this, people would be free to do what they wanted there. However, this meant countries now work together to protect it.

Summary: Officials from 24 countries and the European Union have agreed that the Ross Sea, in Antarctica, will become the world's largest marine protected area.


Jamie Frater, 43, was jailed for life in 1993 for the murder of teacher Geoffrey du Rose in Bournemouth. He went on the run after failing to return to prison in 2012, but later gave himself up. He also absconded from open prison in 2001. Members of the public are being advised not to approach Frater, who "could present a risk to the public". Det Supt Jez Noyce, of Dorset Police, said: "There may be various reasons why he has not complied with his release from prison licence conditions and I appeal to him directly to make contact with police at the earliest opportunity. "I'd like to assure members of the public that officers are making every effort to find this man as soon as possible". Frater was convicted stabbing Mr du Rose when the teacher chased him from the garden of his home following a robbery at a nearby shop. He is described as white, of medium build, 5ft 8ins tall, with short, receding, brown hair.

Summary: A convicted murderer missing from Dorset is wanted by police after he breached his licence conditions.


UKPC was temporarily suspended from using DVLA data to trace drivers' addresses, meaning unpaid fines given during the ban could not be chased. But the BBC filmed car park attendants claiming people issued tickets during that time would still be pursued. UKPC claimed staff had misunderstood an email and were now aware of the facts. The company is being investigated by the British Parking Association (BPA) after the BBC's West Midlands Inside Out programme made it aware of its secretly filmed footage. The BPA investigated UKPC in September 2015 over allegations employees had changed time stamps on photos in Lincolnshire, Staffordshire and Worcester. BPA boss Patrick Troy said the "thorough" investigation had concluded an expulsion from the organisation "was not warranted". But he told the BBC: "If there's a repeat of any kind of misbehaviour, that will almost certainly result in expulsion or further suspension." UKPC was suspended from using the DVLA database to trace drivers' addresses from 18 September to 4 November. The fresh investigation comes after UKPC had to cancel a number of tickets after what it called an "isolated photograph tampering incident" by "a few rogue employees". The company said it "condemned" the actions of staff who "took advantage of a software flaw" which had now been updated to stop it from happening again. Sarah Gashi spent an hour visiting a friend in Diglis Water, Worcester, but received a ticket stating she had overstayed the two hours' free parking. She asked for evidence and received two photographs of her car - one stamped with 14:13 GMT and another 16:19 GMT. "I was at my parents' house at 14:20 GMT. I was nowhere near here," said Ms Gashi. "If you look at the colour of the sky [in the photograph] everything is still the same. "Whereas to me, it should have got darker at that time of year." Alex Shipp, who campaigns as the Parking Prankster, came to the aid of Neil Horton who received a ticket while at a Staffordshire supermarket. Mr Shipp said: "He only parked for a short amount of time, but the pictures are theoretically a couple of hours apart. "You can see [in the photograph] there's a blue car with its boot open. Was that boot open for two hours? I think not. "What happened was the photographs were doctored to issue a charge illegally." BBC Inside Out West Midlands is on Monday 11 January on BBC One at 19:30 GMT and available afterwards on iPlayer.

Summary: A car park operator whose staff changed times on photos to wrongly issue tickets is being investigated again following claims it misled drivers.


Cafodd y milwr Americanaidd, fu'n gwasanaethu yn Irac, ei dedfrydu i 35 mlynedd yn y carchar yn 2013 am ryddhau gwybodaeth gyfrinachol i wefan Wikileaks. Roedd rhyddhau Ms Manning yn gynnar yn un o benderfyniadau olaf Barack Obama fel arlywydd. Cafodd hynny ei feirniadu gan y darpar arlywydd ar y pryd, Donald Trump. Cafodd y milwr, 29, ei magu yn Oklahoma, ond wedi i'w rhieni ysgaru, symudodd gyda'i mam i Hwlffordd yn Sir Benfro, lle cafodd dair blynedd o addysg uwchradd yn Ysgol Tasker Millward. Mewn datganiad gafodd ei ryddhau gan ei thîm cyfreithiol, dywedodd Ms Manning: "Ar ôl pedwar mis arall o ddisgwyl, mae'r diwrnod wedi cyrraedd. "Dwi'n edrych ymlaen at gymaint. Beth bynnag sydd o'm blaen, mae'n llawer pwysicach na'r gorffennol. "Dwi'n sortio pethe mas nawr, sy'n gynhyrfus, lletchwith, yn hwyl ac yn newydd i fi." Roedd hi wedi cwblhau saith mlynedd o'i dedfryd o 35 mlynedd yn y carchar cyn iddi gael ei rhyddhau o'r carchar yn Kansas ddydd Mercher. Cafodd ei harestio yn 2010 a'i dedfrydu yn 2013 ar chwe chyhuddiad o dorri deddf ysbïo America am ryddhau 700,000 o ddogfennau milwrol cyfrinachol i wefan WikiLeaks. Tra'n cyfaddef ei bod wedi rhyddhau'r wybodaeth tra'n gwasanaethu yn Irac, mynnodd wneud hynny er mwyn codi ymwybyddiaeth am effaith gweithredu milwrol yr Unol Daleithiau ar ddinasyddion diniwed. Yn ddyn o'r enw Bradley Manning pan gafodd ei garcharu, aeth drwy broses o newid ei rhywedd yn y carchar. Ar ddau achlysur yn 2016, ceisiodd ladd ei hun, ac fe gwynodd ei bod yn cael ei thrin yn wael. Dywedodd ei mam, Susan Manning cyn iddi gael ei rhyddhau: "Rwy' mor falch o Chelsea ac ar ben fy nigon y bydd hi o'r diwedd yn rhydd unwaith eto. "Mae'n mynd i fod yn anodd iawn iddi ddygymod wedi cyfnod mor hir yn y carchar, a dwi'n hapus y bydd hi'n aros yn Maryland lle mae ganddi deulu i ofalu amdani." Wedi'r cyhoeddiad y bydd hi'n cael ei rhyddhau, mae Chelsea Manning wedi dweud ei bod yn gobeithio defnyddio'r gwersi y mae hi wedi eu dysgu yn y carchar er mwyn helpu eraill.

Summary: Mae Chelsea Manning yn dweud ei bod "yn edrych ymlaen at gymaint" wedi iddi gael ei rhyddhau o'r carchar yn America.


The 2009 world champion, 34, has been vying with Kevin Magnussen, 22, for the right to partner Fernando Alonso. The team plan to make their decision public at a news conference at their Surrey factory on Thursday morning. Spaniard Alonso, a double world champion, has returned to McLaren after five seasons with Ferrari. McLaren chairman Ron Dennis said at the final race of 2014 that a choice between Button and Magnussen would be made on a "clinical and emotionless analysis of the options". Button, who made his F1 debut in 2000, said at an awards ceremony on Sunday: "It's a strange situation but sometimes in life you find yourself in these situations. You just have to deal with it." If the Englishman, who finished eighth this season, misses out on a McLaren drive for 2015, his F1 career could be over. Rival teams have already confirmed their driver line-ups for next year. Alonso's future was decided some weeks ago but Dennis has vacillated over who to choose as his team-mate. He had to weigh up the pros and cons of Button's experience and greater performance in 2014 - he scored more than twice as many points as Magnussen - against the Dane's youth and potential. Financial considerations may also be part of the decision. Button was earning a salary of £12m in 2014, while Magnussen, in his debut season, was on about £500,000. The Dane finished 11th in the standings, having taken second place in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. If Button is axed by McLaren, he has an option to move to the FIA World Endurance Championship, a path followed by his friend Mark Webber when he retired from F1 at the end of 2013. Button, who began his F1 career at Williams, also has a passion for triathlons and could turn his focus in that direction. McLaren's capture of Alonso was sealed weeks before the end of the 2014 season, but the team were waiting to make a decision on their second driver before announcing the complete line-up. Alonso left Ferrari after their worst season for 21 years convinced him they were not capable of winning the world championship in the foreseeable future. The Spaniard believes he has a better chance of success - and a third world title - with McLaren. The team have had a difficult two seasons but their new engine partnership with Honda and a team restructure, which included the signing of key personnel, helped persuade Alonso to join. Alonso endured a difficult single season with McLaren in 2007, leaving just one year into a three-year contract. But his need for a more competitive car and McLaren's desire to sign an A-list driver convinced the two parties to work together again. Alonso is reputed to have signed a deal worth $40m (£25.5m) a year, which would make him the best-paid driver on the grid. The contract is believed to be for two years with an option for one more, but Alonso will almost certainly be able to leave at the end of 2015 if

Summary: Jenson Button's Formula 1 future will become clear on Thursday when McLaren announce their driver line-up for 2015 after weeks of wrangling.


A report by the Scottish Affairs Select Committee said details were needed on issues such as bank regulation, pension payments and the national currency. It also asked about Scotland's share of the national debt and whether Scots would need passports. The SNP dismissed the report as "shoddy" and as an "embarrassment to the authors". The committee's inquiry began in October last year, looking at the potential impact of independence following a ballot, which the Scottish government wants to hold in autumn 2014. The report, called the Referendum on Separation for Scotland: Unanswered Questions, has set out six areas where the Scottish Affairs Committee believe information is needed. They include issues such as Scotland's defences and the costs of independence. The committee called on Scottish Secretary Michael Moore to work with it to provide "a joint provision of factual and unbiased information to the people of Scotland". Committee chairman, Labour MP Ian Davidson, said: "The big question about such an unknown quantity as separation is the terms of the 'divorce settlement' - how resources, rights and responsibilities will be broken up. "The responses we've had clearly show that there is confusion and concern about this, but also that you only need to scratch the surface to reveal how many complex questions there are across banking, pensions, currency, national defences - but also many more personal things." He added: "The purpose of this inquiry is to set out from the start some of those questions and begin to explore their answers, with the aim of helping to make this process as clear and fair as possible. "You cannot ask a big question about separation - however you construct it - without first asking and answering all these questions about how it will affect every aspect of every life, in Scotland and the UK as a whole." SNP Westminster chief whip Stewart Hosie said the committee's inquiry had been overtaken by events and the report was "an embarrassment to its authors". He continued: "Firstly, it talks about 'separation for Scotland', when Scottish government policy is for independence, not separation. "But apart from its predictably pejorative approach to the issue of Scotland's constitutional future, this shoddy report from the anti-independence parties has been totally overtaken by events. "It raises questions which have been dealt with in detail by the Scottish government's white paper published way back in 2009. "The issues it raises include the currency of an independent Scotland, which is now widely accepted will be sterling, with even Scottish Secretary Michael Moore accepting that Scotland will keep the pound after independence." Shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran said the committee was asking questions "the people of Scotland need answers to". She added: "This is an important analysis of the questions that need to be answered about separation, and I expect it to play a big part in the debate ahead." Scottish Tory constitution spokesman David McLetchie said the onus was now on the Scottish government to fully co-operate with the inquiry to ensure the Scottish people had "all the information they need" before the referendum was

Summary: A Westminster committee has called for clarity on the "unanswered questions" of Scottish independence.


The Division One leaders started day four on 48-3, chasing 235 for victory. Steve Eskinazi (30) nicked Jake Ball (4-54) behind and Nick Compton was run out for 63 to leave the visitors 146-5. But 58 not out from John Simpson and captain James Franklin's unbeaten 54 saw them to a victory which left them one point clear of Yorkshire. Defeat for bottom side Notts, who have won only once in the championship this season, means they will be playing Division Two cricket in 2017 for the first time in a decade. Victory for Middlesex maintained their unbeaten record in four-day cricket in 2016, although second-placed Yorkshire's 23-point win over Durham reduced Middlesex's lead at the top by three points. Somerset, winners inside three days over Warwickshire this week, are 22 points behind Middlesex in third. Middlesex play Lancashire at Old Trafford next week, while Yorkshire entertain Somerset at Headingley. Middlesex meet Yorkshire at Lord's in a potential title decider starting on Tuesday, 20 September. Despite Middlesex's modest target in Nottingham, Ball's breakthrough and Compton's run-out after a mix-up on the stroke of lunch left the game in the balance. But the composed Simpson, who brought up his sixth half-century of the summer, and 35-year-old Franklin sealed victory with an unbroken stand of 89. Compton, who took a two-month break from cricket this summer, told BBC Radio London: "I was proud of the way I managed to hold things together. "As someone who prides myself on tough situations, I wanted to make sure I was on it. "The intent was to make sure we found a way to do it, because this is the time. "You don't get too many opportunities to be a county player playing for the title as this stage of the season. It is a fantastic place to be." Notts director of cricket Mick Newell, who will hand first-team coaching duties to former England coach Peter Moores at the end of the season, said: "It's about the embarrassment of getting relegated. "Financially it doesn't make a huge difference. It is more about the impact it has on the ego of the players and the impact on the supporters who are used to seeing Division One cricket. "We are proud club; we have been in Division One for a long time and it's 10 years since I stood here and had to explain away a relegation."

Summary: Middlesex maintained their bid for a first County Championship title since 1993 and relegated Nottinghamshire with a five-wicket win at Trent Bridge.


The 34-year-old, who came third in Athens in 2004, has concentrated on the 400m hurdles since November 2010. She failed to qualify for the World Championships and has since lost her lottery funding, but began training for multi-eventing again four weeks ago. "I am motivated more and I'm enjoying the fact I could be at the Olympics in the heptathlon," she told Sky Sports. "It has rejuvenated my feelings for the sport." Sotherton later said on her Twitter account: "I've had to keep my gob shut for over 2 months about this! So it's a relief it's out! #heptathlon" Since ending her hepathlon career, Sotherton has been supplanted as British number one by Jessica Ennis and she has previously said that, at her best, she could have run the 2009 world champion from Sheffield close. Sotherton admits that she does not expect to challenge Ennis on her comeback. "I don't think I'm going to be rivalling her as I possibly could have been a few years ago. I know where my limits lie, I'm not striving for a gold medal," she added. The Olympic 'A' qualifying standard is 6,150 points, comfortably below Sotherton's 2005 personal best of 6,547. She scored 6,517 in her last heptathlon in 2008 before heel and back injuries forced her withdrawal from the multi-discipline event.

Summary: Former Olympic bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton is to return to heptathlon and hopes to compete at London 2012.


Darren Kelly, 42, from Basildon, Essex, died after he was attacked in the street. The girl is in custody, police said. A 20-year-old man, 17-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl, all from Pitsea, and a 16-year-old boy from Basildon have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. A post-mortem examination found Mr Kelly, a lorry driver, was likely to have died from "multiple stab wounds and blood loss", Essex Police said. His daughter Zoe said she was "heartbroken," adding she and her father were very close and lived a short walk away from each other. "To know he's not going to be round the corner anymore is very hard," she said. "I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say that he's going to be truly missed." Residents of Caister Drive, where the attack took place, say Mr Kelly rang their doorbells to ask for help after he was stabbed at about 21:30 BST on Tuesday. Carole Crisp, 56, said: "He managed to get to our block and was just randomly pressing the buzzers for help. "When I answered he said 'help me I've been stabbed'. I'm just in shock and so sad we couldn't do more." At the scene: BBC Essex reporter Chris Flynn Parts of Caister Drive are still sealed off, with much of the investigation centred outside two of the street's blocks of flats. Since I've been here a lorry has been pumping the drains, with police officers and highways engineers working alongside. I saw someone else come along with a shovel to get what they could out of the drains. Aside from the police presence, the street is relatively quiet with just the odd passer-by or neighbour coming and going, as people here come to terms with what has happened down their road.

Summary: A 13-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death.


Media playback is not supported on this device The fourth-round replay was seconds away from a penalty shootout when Angelo Ogbonna's header made it 2-1. "It will go into the history of West Ham's greatest games," said Bilic. "Against Liverpool, the last season at Upton Park, night kick-off, a goal in the last minute. "They left their heart on the pitch." Media playback is not supported on this device The Hammers had never beaten the Reds in the FA Cup and have not won the trophy for 36 years. They will face Championship side Blackburn in the fifth round on Sunday, 21 February. Bilic, 47, said earlier this year he would rather win the cup than finish in the top four of the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League, saying "the proof is silverware". After Italy defender Ogbonna's added-time winner, the Croatian boss said: "I'm a down-to-earth guy, but tonight was a big, big match and I was a bit emotional at the end of the game, I'll admit it. "The players made the fans proud of them and we want to progress even further. If we produce a performance like this then we are capable of beating any team in England." Bilic also said midfielder Dimitri Payet is committed to the club after reports linked the France international with a big-money move to China. Payet, 28, is in talks over a new contract and Bilic said: "We are a club moving forward and the most important moves are on the pitch. "We must do everything we can to keep our best players - and he is our best player. He's happy here and very soon we will sort out his situation." Media playback is not supported on this device Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp felt his much-changed side should have won the game after Philippe Coutinho's low free-kick had cancelled out Michail Antonio's opener. The Reds' £32.5m striker Christian Benteke again missed several good chances as the visitors had 20 attempts on goal - one more than West Ham. "It's hard. We were the better team, created chances and played good football, but we didn't use them," said Klopp. "There were lots of decisions that on a better day I'd say were funny decisions. "It's not easy because we were only here to win. You don't have to show your best, you just have to go to the next round. "The door was wide open for us because we did well, but it was not enough. We have to carry on and fight to the next game."

Summary: West Ham's extra-time victory over Liverpool was "a classic FA Cup tie" and one of the club's best, according to manager Slaven Bilic.


The company is to make Inchinnan, near Glasgow Airport, a Centre of Competence for making aerofoils and engine shafts. The specialist unit will provide parts for aero-engines which have gone out of volume production, meaning it requires flexible skills in making bespoke items. It is expected that 130 roles will be created. The company said this would partly offset the loss of almost 190 jobs announced in March. While Rolls-Royce has faced big challenges in adjusting to market changes, with repeated profit warnings, it is consolidating its operations. It currently has 54,000 employees in more than 50 countries, making and servicing aero-engines for airlines, ships and military use. Last year, it had turnover of more than £14bn. Mike Mosley, chief operating officer for the supply chain division at the Derby-based firm, said: "Our investment in Inchinnan demonstrates our commitment to innovative technology and world-class facilities which will improve performance and drive profitable growth for our business. "We recognise the dedication and flexibility of the Inchinnan workforce who continue to play a key role in the success of Rolls-Royce." Rolls-Royce initially invested £85m in the Inchinnan plant. In a statement, the company said the investment would "potentially" offset the impact of job reductions announced earlier this year as part of the restructuring of its aerospace division. Renfrewshire Council said the investment was a "vote of confidence" in the Inchinnan plant. Council leader Mark Macmillan added: "For a world-leading manufacturer to choose Renfrewshire as a focus for further investment is also a tremendous boost for the Renfrewshire economy. "Renfrewshire has a proud engineering and manufacturing heritage and Rolls-Royce has been at the forefront of that." In March, Rolls-Royce announced that it was going to shed 187 of the 700 jobs at Inchinnan. More jobs were to go at its East Kilbride plant, where it services and repairs small and medium-scale engines. That older plant is to close by the end of the year, as 630 staff are moved, in phases, to the Inchinnan site.

Summary: Rolls-Royce, the engine and turbine maker, is to invest up to £60m in its Renfrewshire manufacturing plant.


The Education Select Committee, scrutinising the appointment, rejected the choice of Amanda Spielman. But Mrs Morgan is to override their finding and press ahead with her selection for the independent watchdog. Mrs Morgan said Ms Spielman "will not shy away from challenging government". The education secretary said she was "disappointed that the committee underestimated Amanda's vision, focus and leadership style. Her objectivity and openness are important strengths". Mrs Morgan said she was "100% confident" in her decision - and that "I am not seeking what one committee member described as a 'crusader'." In a message on Twitter, Ms Spielman said: "I am really pleased that the Secretary of State is confirming my nomination as HMCI today - thank you to everyone who has expressed support." The ASCL head teachers' union welcomed her appointment - but the National Union of Teachers has criticised the choice of a chief inspector of schools who has never had experience of teaching. The Liberal Democrats' education spokesman, John Pugh, said Mrs Morgan showed "arrogance and complacency". The Education Select Committee had taken the unusual step of not accepting the nomination put forward for the next head of Ofsted. They said that she had failed to show "passion" or an understanding of the "complex role", MPs on the committee said. But the committee cannot veto the appointment - and Mrs Morgan says that she is going to proceed with her selection for the next head of the education watchdog. The current Ofsted boss, Sir Michael Wilshaw, steps down at the end of the year. Amanda Spielman, born in 1961, left Clare College Cambridge in 1982 with an upper-second-class degree in mathematics and law. She qualified as a chartered accountant in 1985 and went on to work for leading City firms as an accountant, market analyst and investment adviser. By the late 1990s, she was working for Nomura International, making equity investments worth between Â£250m and Â£500m. After the birth of her first child in 2001 she focused on part-time study, consultancy and voluntary work. Her portfolio included: In 2004, she became research and policy director for the Ark academy chain. From 2011, she chaired exams regulator Ofqual three days a week, working with then chief executive Glenys Stacey. She also continued with her consultancy work, giving development advice on public-private education partnerships in Uganda, India and Pakistan for Ark, and as an external reviewer for the TeachFirst education charity, though she has since resigned from these positions. Last week, Ms Spielman, who is currently chairwoman of the exams regulator Ofqual, appeared before the committee for pre-appointment questioning. She was grilled by MPs, who were visibly frustrated by her answers on a range of issues on several occasions throughout the hour and 40 minute hearing. Their report said: Conservative committee chairman Neil Carmichael said he and his colleagues were "unconvinced" that Ms Spielman was the right person to lead Ofsted, to raise standards and improve the lives of children. "Ms Spielman's responses on child protection were particularly troubling and did not inspire confidence that she grasped the importance of

Summary: Education Secretary Nicky Morgan is to force through the appointment of her nomination for the next head of Ofsted, despite a cross-party committee of MPs saying they had "significant concerns".


Defence lawyer Brenda Weksler told a court in Las Vegas her client Michael Sandford, from Dorking, Surrey, was in a "delicate mental state". Court papers said he had been on suicide watch at a detention centre. Mr Sandford's mother Lynne, who was not in court for the hearing, wants him to return to the UK for psychiatric help. Prosecutors allege Mr Sandford, 20, tried to grab a police officer's gun to shoot Republican presidential candidate Mr Trump at a campaign rally in Las Vegas on 18 June. They also claim he practiced shooting at a gun range the previous day. His trial has been scheduled for 3 October. The Associated Press news agency said the meeting was also expected to include Ms Weksler and Ms Sandford's London lawyer Saimo Chahal. US magistrate judge Cam Ferenbach said the meeting "might help in the resolution of the case in a way that benefits the defendant and the government", the agency reported. Ms Sandford has said her son has autism, OCD, severe depression and would face up to 30 years in prison in the US. She argues he should serve any sentence in a psychiatric hospital in the UK to receive help closer to his family. He has denied charges of disrupting government business and official functions and being an illegal alien in possession of a gun.

Summary: The mother of a Briton accused of trying to shoot and kill Donald Trump has been given permission to visit him in custody in the United States.


Lance Corporal Mapp, of the Household Cavalry, finished 0.18 seconds ahead of American Jason Storm in Igls, Austria. "What a feeling," said Mapp. "Delighted to win the first Para bobsleigh gold." Mapp lost both legs when his military vehicle ran over an explosive device in Afghanistan in 2010. He is in the GB sitting volleyball team and took part in the Invictus Games. He said: "Being part of the world's first ever Para bobsleigh race today was incredible. To win was something really special. "I hope that I have done people proud - I've had so much support from many different people. "Help for Heroes have been instrumental in supporting me to this point - it's been great to have their backing. "I love bobsleigh. I only tried it for the first time in Calgary last season so to be here in Austria, at the first ever race and win is just amazing. "I feel so excited about where the sport is going and for our next race in St. Moritz next week. "The field of athletes has been strong and there's been some tough competition. It was an amazingly close race - only three-tenths of a second between the top four finishers. "To think I nearly quit bobsleigh last summer to focus on my other sports. It's been a fantastic experience to be here, with such a great group of competitors. " Para bobsleigh and Para skeleton are being included at World Cup events for the first time this season but the International Paralympic Committee have said that the sports will not be included in a Winter Paralympics until 2022 at the earliest.

Summary: Great Britain's Corie Mapp won gold in the inaugural World Cup Para bobsleigh race.


People of African origin are at "significantly" higher risk of developing glaucoma, an avoidable condition that can cause sight loss, said the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland. The event is being held during Black History month. Free NHS eye tests are available to UK residents in Scotland. The event, was arranged by Glasgow Caledonian University, in association with RNIB Scotland, to urge black Africans in Greater Glasgow and Clyde to attend eye examinations. RNIB Scotland said people of African origin were more likely to suffer from glaucoma, which can lead to sight loss if not detected and treated early on, than those of white origin. As well as discussing sight loss in people of black origin, the event is celebrating the work of leading US ophthalmologist Patricia Era Bath, one of the first African-Americans to gain prominence in her field. RNIB Scotland equality officer Gozie Joe Adigwe, a Scot of African origin, said the charity was working with organisations that encounter people from Black African groups to support them with their eye health. She said: "People [of black origin] are often unaware of the risks their ethnicity holds in sight loss." In April, the "You Care, Eye Care" project, RNIB Scotland's project supporting Black Africans with visual impairment in Glasgow, secured funding until 2019. Black History month is a celebration of African and Caribbean heritage observed annually in the UK since the late 1980s. Free NHS eye tests have been available to UK residents in Scotland since 2006.

Summary: An event is being held in Glasgow to urge black Africans in the city to attend eye examinations.


The activity of hundreds of genes was altered when people's sleep was cut to less than six hours a day for a week. Writing in the journal PNAS, the researchers said the results helped explain how poor sleep damaged health. Heart disease, diabetes, obesity and poor brain function have all been linked to substandard sleep. What missing hours in bed actually does to alter health, however, is unknown. So researchers at the University of Surrey analysed the blood of 26 people after they had had plenty of sleep, up to 10 hours each night for a week, and compared the results with samples after a week of fewer than six hours a night. More than 700 genes were altered by the shift. Each contains the instructions for building a protein, so those that became more active produced more proteins - changing the chemistry of the body. Sources: Mental Health Foundation and BBC Science Discover what disturbs your sleep the most Meanwhile the natural body clock was disturbed - some genes naturally wax and wane in activity through the day, but this effect was dulled by sleep deprivation. Prof Colin Smith, from the University of Surrey, told the BBC: "There was quite a dramatic change in activity in many different kinds of genes." Areas such as the immune system and how the body responds to damage and stress were affected. Prof Smith added: "Clearly sleep is critical to rebuilding the body and maintaining a functional state, all kinds of damage appear to occur - hinting at what may lead to ill health. "If we can't actually replenish and replace new cells, then that's going to lead to degenerative diseases." He said many people may be even more sleep deprived in their daily lives than those in the study - suggesting these changes may be common. Dr Akhilesh Reddy, a specialist in the body clock at the University of Cambridge, said the study was "interesting". He said the key findings were the effects on inflammation and the immune system as it was possible to see a link between those effects and health problems such as diabetes. The findings also tie into research attempting to do away with sleep, such as by finding a drug that could eliminate the effects of sleep deprivation. Dr Reddy said: "We don't know what the switch is that causes all these changes, but theoretically if you could switch it on or off, you might be able to get away without sleep. "But my feeling is that sleep is fundamentally important to regenerating all cells."

Summary: A run of poor sleep can have a potentially profound effect on the internal workings of the human body, say UK researchers.


A blockchain-based smart plug that can adjust power consumption minute-by-minute has been created by technologists at Accenture. The blockchain is the automated ledger that underpins Bitcoin and tracks where the coins are spent and swapped. The plug shops for different power suppliers and will sign up for a cheaper tariff if it finds one. Accenture said the smart plug could help people on low incomes who pay directly for power. The smart plug modifies the basic Bitcoin blockchain technology to make it more active, said Emmanuel Viale, head of the Accenture team at the firm's French research lab that worked on the plug. Instead of just resolving and confirming transaction records, the Accenture work has changed the blockchain to let it negotiate deals on behalf of its owner. "It's about how we put more business behaviour or logic into the blockchain," said Mr Viale, adding that this essentially embeds a "smart contract" into the digital ledger. The smart plug prototype works with other gadgets in the house that monitor power use. When demand is high or low it searches for energy prices and then uses the modified blockchain to switch suppliers if it finds a cheaper source. So far, said Mr Viale, the Accenture system was just a proof of concept, but it could help many people on lower incomes who pay for their power via a meter. Being able to quickly shift suppliers could save this group more than Â£660m in the UK annually, suggests Accenture research. A blockchain-based system that can act on behalf of its owner might also prove useful as the Internet of Things becomes more ubiquitous, said Mr Viale. Managing many different gadgets might be tricky without a more centralised system, he said, Martin Garner, a mobile services expert at analyst firm CCS Insight, said blockchains were starting to crop up in many different areas including share trading, fishing rights databases and land registry claims. They had two chief attractions for the Internet of Things, he said. "They avoid dependence on any one supplier or ecosystem - some users have concerns about the potential dominance of key internet players creating, for example, the Google-of-Things or the Amazon-of-Things," he said. "The second attraction is as a way of enabling autonomous trading between things, such as the appliances in your house being set up to re-order supplies from a pre-approved list of suppliers," he added.

Summary: The technology behind the Bitcoin virtual currency could help cut electricity bills, suggests research.


Mr Khan won on second preference votes after failing to gain more than 50% in the first round. He said: "I'm so proud that Londoners have today chosen hope over fear and unity over division." The Greens' Sian Berry took third and the Lib Dems' Caroline Pidgeon was fourth. Peter Whittle's fifth place was UKIP's best ever result in London. The Sadiq Khan story How Sadiq Khan won Who would join Sadiq Khan in City Hall? Mr Khan's success comes after a patchy election night for Labour, who were overtaken by the Conservatives as the second largest party in the Scottish Parliament, fell short of a majority in the Welsh Assembly, but retained control of 57 councils. Mr Khan gained 44.3% of first preference votes, to Zac Goldsmith's 38.6%. After second preferences came into play, Mr Khan gained a total of 1,310,143 votes, or 56.8%, to the Conservative candidate's 43.2% - making it a more clear-cut contest than in 2012. It sees Mr Khan become the first Muslim mayor of any capital city in the EU. Outgoing mayor Boris Johnson said: "Many congratulations to Sadiq on securing a huge mandate to do the best job in British politics. I wish him every possible success." In a short speech Mr Goldsmith said: "I wish him well as he sets out to build on the success seen under Boris Johnson." He admitted he was "disappointed, of course, by the result that I won't be able to deliver a manifesto that I'm really proud of". Mr Khan was congratulated by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who said he would work with the new mayor "to create a London which is fair for all". Praise also came in from New York mayor Bill de Blasio and Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who tweeted: "From one son of a Pakistani bus driver to another, congratulations". Labour also saw a boost in their vote across London in the Assembly elections, while several prominent Conservatives criticising their own mayoral candidate's campaign. Former minister Baroness Warsi called it an "appalling dog whistle campaign" and Ken Clarke said it had been "a mistake" which "probably had a counter-productive effect". Zac Goldsmith's own sister, Jemima, tweeted: "Zac's campaign did not reflect who I know him to be - an eco-friendly, independent-minded politician with integrity." Steve Hilton, David Cameron's former director of strategy, told BBC Newsnight that the Conservatives' approach to the mayoral race had "brought back the 'nasty party' label to the Conservative Party". He added none of Mr Goldsmith's best qualities were "conveyed in his campaign, which to be honest I found really weird". But Conservative Assembly Member Gareth Bacon told BBC Radio London that the claims of a negative strategy were "a media-generated fixation". The election saw the highest-ever turnout at 45.6% - narrowly improving on 2008, when it was 45.3%. Read more about the London Assembly results.

Summary: Sadiq Khan has won the London mayoral election, beating Conservative rival Zac Goldsmith.


Kevin Barry's Beatlebone is described as a novel "that takes its reader to the edge - of the Western world, of sanity, of fame, of words". "Intricately weaving and blurring fiction and life, Beatlebone embodies beautifully this prize's spirit of creative risk," said judge Josh Cohen. Barry, who beat five other contenders, was awarded a Â£10,000 prize. His novel is set in Dorinish, an uninhabited island off the Irish coast, which Lennon bought in 1967 for Â£1,700. Set in 1978, it follows the former Beatle as he visits the island to attend a course of primal scream therapy. The author described it as "a play for voices". "I had no idea what I was working on for a long time with the novel Beatlebone," Barry said, ahead of the award ceremony on Wednesday. "I thought it might be a radio documentary, I thought it might be an essay, I thought it might be a play... it's ended up as being kind of all of these things." Barry's previous works include City Of Bohane and two short stories, Dark Lies The Island and There Are Little Kingdoms. The Goldsmiths Prize was founded in 2013 "to reward fiction that breaks the mould or opens up new possibilities for the novel form". Author Eimear McBride, one of the judges of the 2015 prize, won the inaugural prize for her work A Girl Is A Half-formed Thing, while last year saw Ali Smith triumph with her novel How to be Both. Smith has described the Goldsmiths Prize as "a miracle". "The change it's made is that publishers, who never take risks in anything, are taking risks on works which are much more experimental than they would've two years ago," said Smith. "That to me, is like a miracle." The panel of four judges for this year's prize included McBride, Professor Cohen (chair), author Jon McGregor and journalist Leo Robson.

Summary: A fictional book about John Lennon has won the Goldsmiths Prize, celebrating the novel at its most innovative.


The new pay rates for thousands of its staff will take effect from the start of the New Year, the company said. Sports Direct - which is controlled by wealthy businessman Mike Ashley - said it would cost £10m a year. But the Unite trade union accused the company of a "PR stunt" and of "gulag" working conditions at its headquarters. The retailer came under pressure earlier this year for effectively not paying its staff the full minimum wage. It insisted on searching employees at the end of their shifts, which they were not paid for. That extra time meant the average hourly rate was as low as £6.50 an hour, instead of the national minimum wage of £6.70. "We have a responsibility to set a high moral standard," said Mike Ashley in an interview in the Daily Mirror. "I want to see Sports Direct become the best High Street retail employer after John Lewis," he said. However, the Unite trade union, which represents warehouse staff at Sports Direct, accused him of a PR stunt. "This pitiful promise by Sports Direct to pay just over the minimum wage should not distract from the 'Victorian' work practices at the retailer's massive Shirebrook depot," said Unite regional officer Luke Primarolo. "Nor should it deter HMRC from investigating the possible non-payment of the minimum wage to the thousands of agency staff who eke out a living on the site." In his interview, Mike Ashley said that workers over 21 will now earn "around" £6.85 an hour. When the new National Living Wage of £7.20 comes into effect in April 2016, staff over 21 will earn £7.35. Shareholders, including Royal London Asset Management, were among those who criticised the company, alongside the TUC and politicians. The former shadow business secretary, Chuka Umunna, called the retailer "a bad advert for British business". Shares in the company fell by more than 10% on 10 December, in the wake of the criticism. News of the pay re-think sent Sports Direct shares up by more than 1% in morning trading on Thursday. Earlier in the year staff members told the BBC Inside Out programme that they were too frightened to take sick days, for fear of losing their jobs. But the company denied the accusation, saying staff who failed to reach performance targets were offered support and training.

Summary: The retailer Sports Direct has announced that it will pay its staff more than the minimum wage, following criticism of its employment practices.


He spoke after another day of talks between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin ended with no deal. Theresa May phoned DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Féin's northern leader, Michelle O'Neill on Friday evening. The PM told them her government was committed to doing all it could to help parties reach a successful conclusion. A No 10 spokesperson said Mrs Foster and Mrs O'Neill "both agreed on the need for the executive to be restored for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland". "The Prime Minister recognised that constructive discussions had taken place between the parties and urged them both to come together reach a collective agreement so that devolved government could be restored in Northern Ireland." The BBC understands the latest round of Stormont talks ended at about 19:30 BST on Friday, breaking up fairly abruptly and not in a positive mood. Sinn Féin said no progress was made but added talks will resume on Saturday. Speaking on the BBC's Any Questions programme, Mr Brokenshire said: "We've obviously had an extended period where Northern Ireland has not had politicians making decisions. "The Northern Ireland Civil Service has effectively been running the show here. That cannot continue for an extended period, for much longer. "I've already had to make certain statements over the budget to ensure that civil servants are able to do their job, so yes, it is about that focus on what now needs to happen." When the parties missed a government deadline on Thursday, the secretary of state extended the talks over the weekend, in the hope that a deal will be struck by Monday, when he is due to make a statement on Stormont's future. Earlier, Sinn Féin called for the British and Irish prime ministers to become directly involved in the talks process. The party said the DUP had not moved on a number of issues, including an Irish language act, same-sex marriage, a Bill of Rights and measures to deal with the legacy of the Troubles. Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said it was a "source of frustration" there had been no closing of the gap between the parties throughout the day. He claimed that the DUP "haven't yet accepted what brought down the institutions in the first place". But the DUP's Christopher Stalford said Sinn Féin had presented a "shopping list" of demands and was refusing to go back into government until they had received every item on their list. His party colleague, Edwin Poots, rejected a call for the prime ministers to get involved and said Sinn Féin knows what is required and "don't need anyone to hold their hands". Mr Poots said Thursday's missed deadline meant Stormont was now "operating on a 95% budget, which is essentially a 5% cut across all of the departments". The DUP MLA described this as "far greater austerity than any Conservative ever imposed upon the Northern Ireland public". "Whilst we understand that Irish language is hugely important to Sinn Féin - health, education, jobs, the economy, infrastructure, environment, agriculture - all of these issues are

Summary: The absence of devolved government in Northern Ireland "cannot continue for much longer," Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said.


Many of them are a similar age, and have been playing together at international level for a long time now. Former Wales manager John Toshack deserves a lot of credit for that, after bringing them through a few years ago and giving them a lot of experience when they were young lads. Quite a few people, including myself, probably did not appreciate that much at the time but that policy is coming to fruition now. As well as a real togetherness, there is quality, depth and balance to Coleman's squad. Wales have done brilliantly to be on the brink of qualifying for Euro 2016, and this is why I am 100% confident they will see the job through. Up front is a good example of how adaptable Wales have become. On paper, our strikers might look a weak link because it is the only area where we don't have a Premier League player. At times during this campaign Wales have not even had an out-and-out number nine, but that has not been a problem during the last six matches. Whoever has been leading the line has done a terrific job, and not necessarily by scoring goals themselves. With Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey in the team, the striker's job is to work the opposition defence and do a lot of running to make space for those two to get forward. I did something similar when Mark Hughes was Wales manager, when I played up front with Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs running off me. The difference here is that while I could only play as a centre-forward, Hal Robson-Kanu can go out wide and allow other players to come through the middle. It looks like Robson-Kanu will be fit to face Cyprus despite a groin injury but, even if he isn't, Sam Vokes or Simon Church will play a similar role to stretch Cyprus and Israel and create openings for the Wales midfield. Defender James Chester has been another injury doubt this week, while we already knew midfielder Joe Allen would be missing. They are both important players but it shows the strength of Coleman's squad that, if needed, two more Premier League players in James Collins and Andy King can come in. Ashley Williams is a rock, and a superb captain, and I love seeing Joe Ledley sitting in front of the back four. It all means that, as well as carrying a threat going forward, defensively Wales always look really solid too. Wales have had world class players like Bale and Ramsey before, of course, but I don't think we have had an entire group with such quality in my lifetime. They all seem to be pushing each other on and I am really confident they will make it to France. This team should be around for a few years yet, too. Only Williams and Collins are over 30, and most of the players are in their mid 20s - the average age of their latest squad is less than 26. Because they got their chance early they already have

Summary: I loved working with this Wales team for over a year as Chris Coleman's assistant and I know just how tight-knit they are as a group.


After previously calling off the final four dates of their US leg, their two Canadian dates scheduled for Friday and Saturday will also not go ahead. The band said doctors had told Rhodes he needed to continue to rest for at least another 72 hours. They added that they were "devastated" their two-year tour had ended this way. Doctors had previously told Rhodes the illness could be the result of a viral infection. A statement on the band's website said: "Nick held out all week, hoping that he would be well enough to perform again for these final few shows, but unfortunately the medical advice he has been given today requires him to continue to rest. "The band are devastated that what has been a triumphant tour for them, with many highlights, has ended this way - and know that the fans will be as disappointed as they are." Earlier in the week, Rhodes said he felt "completely helpless over the situation and all I can do is apologise to our fans". "We would never let them down unless it was totally unavoidable," he said. The band had hoped to reschedule the dates, but it has not been possible because of the availability of the venues affected. They said ticket holders for the cancelled gigs should apply for refunds at the point of purchase. Duran Duran's All You Need Is Now tour has been under way since spring 2011. They were forced to postpone a string of dates on the UK leg last summer after singer Simon Le Bon was treated for ongoing throat problems.

Summary: Duran Duran have been forced to cancel the remaining two dates of their world tour because keyboard player Nick Rhodes is still too ill to perform.


Jon Platt was given a fine of £120 when he took his daughter away for a week. But he refused to pay and the High Court found in his favour that this holiday absence did not constitute regularly missing school. But the government insists children should not miss lessons in term-time. The Supreme Court will now rule on a case which has raised questions of parents' rights and responsibilities. It also prompted a debate about higher travel costs during school holidays - with complaints from parents about price hikes. It comes as a survey shows rising numbers of parents being prosecuted after their children missed school. A Press Association survey found there were almost 20,000 prosecutions in 2015, up more than 20% on the previous year, leading to more than 11,000 fines and in eight cases, jail sentences. The case being considered by Supreme Court judges centres on a week's holiday to Disney World in Florida two years ago - when Jon Platt took his daughter away from her school on the Isle of Wight without the head teacher's permission. Mr Platt was fined £60 which with non-payment was increased to £120 - after which he faced prosecution for failing to ensure his daughter's regular attendance at school. But his defence has been that a week's absence in term-time should not be seen in isolation - and that when it was considered in the context of his daughter's overall attendance of over 92%, she could not be said to have regularly missed school. When the case came before magistrates on the Isle of Wight, they ruled that there was no case to answer, as Mr Platt's daughter had attended school regularly. Truancy prosecutions in England in 2015 Source: PA When this was put to appeal, the High Court accepted that magistrates had been entitled to consider school attendance outside of the week of the term-time absence. The Department for Education, which has been trying to reduce truancy and improve attendance, has supported the Isle of Wight council in challenging the rulings. And when the case was heard at the Supreme Court earlier this year, the local authority argued that an unauthorised absence "for even a single day, or even half a day" could be unlawful. But Mr Platt's representatives argued that it was unacceptable to interpret the rules in a way that would criminalise so many parents. Ministers argue that allowing parents to take children out of school in term-time is disruptive to their learning and caused problems for teachers and the rest of the class when pupils returned and had to be helped to catch up. A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "Our position remains that children should not be taken out of school without good reason. "That is why we have tightened the rules and are supporting schools and local authorities to use their powers to tackle unauthorised absence."

Summary: A father who is challenging a fine for taking his daughter on an unauthorised term-time holiday will find out from the Supreme Court whether he has won or lost his long legal battle.


Paisley-born singer Nutini will be the top act for the Concert in the Gardens, his only festival performance in 2016, while the indie favourites will headline the Waverley Stage. The event is estimated to be worth more than Â£40m to the economy. Increased stewarding and security will mean higher prices for some events including the Torchlight procession. Nutini said: "When they offered us the gig, I was made up, as it was 10 years ago that we had shown up at the castle, lined up to play alongside the Pet Shop Boys and unfortunately it was a washout ... forcing the powers-that-be to cancel. "We went back as a three-piece in '08 to play a small set before legging it to Glasgow for George Square, but this now gives us a chance to make up for lost gigs. "We had no plans for any shows this year after Wales but this was the only one that, over the years, I hoped that we would get another shot at. "Edinburgh is electric at that time of year and I'm glad we get a chance to be a part of it." Charlatans singer Tim Burgess, said: "Nowhere in the world sees in the New Year like Scotland. "I've been to Edinburgh before for Hogmanay and it's always brilliant. Looking forward to another big night." About 75,000 revellers are expected to attend the celebrations in Edinburgh city centre, with entertainment across seven open-air stages. The Castle Stage will feature Scottish music from artists including Salsa Celtica , Manran and Ross Ainslie, Ali Hutton and Friends. The Frederick Stage will have DJs, dancers and performers from Guilty Pleasures while the Mound Stage will showcase jazz performers including James Brown is Annie, Brass Gumbo and Blues n Trouble. A candlelit concert will also take place in St Giles' Cathedral and the record-breaking Old Town Ceilidh will return to Parliament Square. The event will be rounded off with a fireworks display from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh's Hogmanay, described as the UK's largest outdoor winter music festival, has been produced by Unique Events on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council since 1993. It is expected to bring in 150,000 visitors from more than 80 countries across three days of celebrations, giving the city an estimated Â£40m boost. Other events confirmed include the annual torchlight procession on 30 December, the "Loony Dook" dip in the Forth at South Queensferry, the Scot:Lands festival of music, art and theatre on 1 January and the Final Fling closing ceilidh, also on New Year's Day. Penny Dougherty, director of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, said "Edinburgh's Hogmanay's place alongside the New Year celebrations of the world's leading cities proves that Edinburgh continues to punch above its weight and that Scotland is the home of hogmanay. "As the world's leading festival city and on the back of two sell-out years, we are looking forward to another exhilarating three days of hogmanay celebrations."

Summary: Paolo Nutini and The Charlatans have been announced as the headline acts for Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.


About 15 students, from the 'Fossil Free QUB' group, have been occupying part of the university's administration building since Friday. A QUB spokesperson said a review of its investment policy is taking place. The review will be completed next spring. The spokesperson added that the university is happy to hold discussions with Fossil Free QUB, but there would be no immediate decision taken on its investment policy outside of the review. The Green Party Northern Ireland, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) Alliance Party, Sinn FÃ©in and People Before Profit have all expressed support for the fossil free campaign. Belfast city Green Party NI councillor Ross Brown was at the demonstration at Queen's, and called for the university to disinvest in fossil fuels. "There are investment indexes that exist now that exclude fossil fuels, so there's no stopping Queen's choosing those indexes and taking their money out of fossil fuels." The Sinn FÃ©in MLA Chris Hazzard also said the university should take action now, rather than waiting for the results of a review. "Other universities around the world, including Sheffield, have recently done this, so it's time for Queen's to do that too," he said. Meanwhile, freedom of information requests carried out by the Fossil Free QUB organisation - and seen by the BBC - show that some of Queen's money is subsequently invested in; However, these types of investments are not unusual, according to a wealth management expert. Ewan Boyle, director of Johnston Campbell financial advisors, told the BBC that many organisations had diverse portfolios. "If we look at the top 100 companies in the UK, around 25% of those have a bias towards mining or oil, so avoiding those companies if you are a large investor is virtually impossible" he said. "Queen's are passing their money to fund managers, who are responsible for investing that money, and their primary objective is to get the best returns they possibly can." "It's what many pension funds, and many large organisations are doing," Mr Boyle added. "Mining and oil have been huge growth areas in recent years, so that's where the fund managers are investing to get those returns." A Queen's spokesperson said that university business was continuing as normal, although a small number of staff in the finance office had been relocated.

Summary: A number of politicians have attended the protest calling for Queen's University, Belfast (QUB) to sell shares it holds in fossil fuel firms.


The story started trending on Twitter, so we asked big-boned felines on the social network to not only show off their claw-some body shapes but also to give their views on the pay disparity. This is, of course, just a tongue-in-cheek look at the serious issue of pay discrepancy - but if you feel you have any pictures that would help us encapsulate stories making the news, then do get in touch and tweet @BBC_HaveYourSay.

Summary: It is "Fat Cat Tuesday", the day of the year by which, according to campaign group the High Pay Centre, the average FTSE 100 chief executive will have earned more than the average annual salary.


Agents arrested more than 150 people on sex-trafficking charges in dozens of cities including Atlanta, Denver and Seattle. The youngest victim found was 12 years old, the FBI said. The FBI targeted hotels, casinos and lorry stops to find underage victims. The majority of the teens found were girls. Agents also found three boys and three transgender teens. The FBI worked with local police departments and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to help the teenage victims to find shelter and get medical attention. The agencies want to ensure the teenagers do not return to prostitution. "When kids are treated as a commodity in seedy hotels and on dark roadsides, we must rescue them from their nightmare and severely punish those responsible for that horror," FBI Director James Comey said in a statement. The raids involved about 500 local police departments from across the country. A similar FBI-led campaign carried out last year uncovered about 160 teenagers working as prostitutes.

Summary: The FBI has broken up several sex trafficking rings across the US, uncovering more than 100 sexually exploited teenagers in a nationwide operation.


A suspicious package was discovered in Harewood Street, near the Victoria Gate shopping centre, at about 08:40 GMT. Nearby buildings were evacuated until Army bomb disposal experts were able to declare the item safe at about midday. West Yorkshire Police said a 35-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident was being held in custody. Ch Supt Paul Money said: "Clearly this caused significant disruption to people living and working in the city centre and to local businesses and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and support during this incident."

Summary: A man has been arrested in connection with a bomb hoax that led to a large area of Leeds city centre being cordoned off.


Umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and Martin Saggers twice inspected the sodden outfield with the hope of some action. But, despite a dry afternoon, the pitch could not dry quickly enough and it was called off for the day at 16:00 BST. Hampshire had earlier been rocked by the news that fast bowler Reece Topley had broken his hand batting. The England World T20 fast bowler, who is making his debut in this match following his winter move from Essex, was struck on his right hand by Boyd Rankin early on making a career-best 15. He is to see a specialist to check whether the injury is just a single or double fracture just below the knuckle. On his 34th birthday, new Bears skipper Ian Bell is still hopeful of forcing a result given that Tuesday's weather forecast promises more dry spells. Hampshire director of cricket Giles White told BBC Radio Solent: "A little bit of time out the game isn't bad for us but we would like to be out there playing cricket as much as we can at this time of year. "For us tomorrow we need to carry on batting and get what we can in terms of bonus points and bowl well. The game will take shape from there. "It was a shame to lose a day today but the weather looks better tomorrow and we'll go again."

Summary: Warwickshire's hopes of building on their first-day domination were stymied by the Southampton weather as no play was possible on a rain-ruined day two.


The four crew members of the Be Good Too were rescued by the US Coastguard 300 miles (482.8km) off the coast of Virginia on 14 January 2014. The boat came ashore on the west side of South Uist on Monday. The crew of Be Good Too encountered stormy weather three days after leaving a marina in Jersey City. The catamaran was sailing for Caribbean. They were airlifted to safety by a coastguard helicopter. South Uist-based photographer JF Martin found the wreck on the beach. Former crew member, sailor Charles Doane, has blogged that he "couldn't believe it at first" when he was told the boat had been found. He said the owner of Be Good Too had died in past three years.

Summary: The barnacle-covered wreck of a catamaran abandoned during a rescue off the US east coast three years ago has been found on a Hebridean beach.


Ramute Butkiene's remains were discovered after an unpleasant smell was reported coming from a room rented by boyfriend Vytautas Jokubauskas. Jokubauskas, 57, of Mayor's Walk, Peterborough, was found guilty of her murder by a Southwark Crown Court jury. Judge Nicholas Loraine Smith sentenced him to a minimum of 20 years in prison. Jokubauskas, who had denied murder but admitted manslaughter, also pleaded guilty to preventing the burial of a corpse at an earlier hearing. The torso of Ms Butkiene, 42, was found in the locked room on 5 June this year. Jokubauskas had strangled Ms Butkiene with the cord from her dressing gown around a week ealier, the court heard, after accusing her of seeing another man. He then dismembered her body before watching war films and drinking whisky with her torso stuffed into a suitcase next to him. Jokubauskas buried her arms and legs in nearby wooded areas and disposed of her head before going on the run, jurors were told. He was tracked down and arrested on 7 June, just a few streets away from where he had left his girlfriend's body. During interview, he told police "I am a killer" and said he had strangled his girlfriend "just a little" to scare her. Speaking after the sentence, Det Insp Pushpa Guild said: "This was a gruesome crime against an innocent woman, all because of a moment of jealousy. "In a moment of rage, Jokubauskas killed Ramute and then butchered her in an attempt to cover his tracks."

Summary: A "jealous" man who murdered his partner before dismembering her and stuffing her torso into a suitcase has been jailed for life.


Mae rhoi pwysau ar bobl i siarad Cymraeg pur yn gwneud rhai chwaraewyr yn llai parod i arddel yr iaith meddai. Roedd yn siarad ar drothwy cynhadledd yng Nghaerdydd i hyrwyddo dwyieithrwydd mewn chwaraeon yng Ngholeg Caerdydd a'r Fro ddydd Iau. Dywedodd wrth raglen Newyddion 9: "Fi'n trio siarad yn naturiol, smo'n Gymraeg i mor dda â lot o bobl ond dwi'n gwneud rhaglenni chwaraeon a newyddion chwaraeon yn Gymraeg. "Os fi'n gallu neud a helpu'r iaith fi'n hapus i wneud hynny. "Fi'n credu mae cymaint o bwysau...os yw pobl yn trio siarad Cymraeg mae'r bobl na sy'n meddwl bo nhw'n bwysig yn yr iaith Gymraeg yn tueddu dodi nhw lawr. "A fi'n gwybod bod sawl chwaraewr ddim mo'yn siarad Cymraeg achos bo nhw'n meddwl bod nhw'n cael cymaint o bwysau arnyn nhw achos dyw pobl ddim yn meddwl bod eu Cymraeg nhw ddim yn ddigon pur. "A fi'n credu byddech chi'n surprised pwy yw'r chwaraewyr na sy ddim mo'yn siarad Cymraeg achos y pwysau hynny." Pan ofynnwyd iddo sut oedd mynd ati i newid hyn, dywedodd: "Meddwl am bobl arall...a falle bod eu iaith nhw yn bur ac yn iawn ond sdim pawb fel nhw achos sdim pawb yn defnyddio'r iaith bob dydd. "Os ydyn nhw mo'yn i'r iaith i gadw fynd a chryfhau'r iaith mae angen rhoi tamed bach o slac i bobl, a gweud os ydyn nhw'n fodlon siarad Cymraeg fel maen nhw'n hapus, wel dyna ni."

Summary: Wrth i'r Gymraeg gael mwy o sylw nag erioed ym maes chwaraeon a darlledu mae cyn faswr Cymru, Jonathan Davies yn galw am fwy o anogaeth i'r rheiny sy'n llai hyderus yn eu Cymraeg.


Marc Jones claimed the force spends hundreds of thousands of pounds maintaining the building that should be spent on front-line police services. He said staff based at West Parade will be relocated to the Â£16m joint ambulance, fire and police station, due to be built at South Park. The City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team will move to City Hall, he said. More stories from across Lincolnshire "We will definitely dispose of West Parade," Mr Jones told BBC Radio Lincolnshire. "We are spending hundreds of thousands of pounds just keeping the rain out of the leaky roof at the moment and that's money that should be spent on front-line police services. "Hopefully around March 2019 everybody will move from West Parade to the new station at South Park." The construction of the new joint ambulance, police and fire station is part of the county's Blue Light Collaboration programme. On Wednesday, Lincolnshire's Fire and Police services moved into a shared headquarters in Nettleham, in the first phase of the scheme.

Summary: Lincoln's West Parade police station will close by 2019, the Police and Crime Commissioner has said.


Sunday Leader's Faraz Shauketaly, who holds dual British and Sri Lankan citizenship, was rushed to hospital after being shot in the neck. A doctor who treated Mr Shauketaly said the journalist was now out of danger. Rights groups say more than a dozen media employees have been killed in Sri Lanka over the past decade. None of the murders has been solved. The BBC's Charles Haviland in Colombo says Mr Shauketaly was on the phone to a colleague at the Sunday Leader on Friday evening at his home in Mount Lavinia when the call was cut. Shortly afterwards he answered a call and said he had been shot in the neck by three intruders, who had then escaped. A group of foreign lodgers at his house said he was covered in blood and calling for help. Mr Shauketaly, 52, was taken to intensive care, where doctors pronounced him out of danger and have been working to remove a bullet. Mr Shauketaly holds British and Sri Lankan passports and the UK government has called on the authorities to bring the attackers to justice. Our correspondent says Mr Shauketaly had voiced fears that his investigative reporting might be putting him in danger, especially after strangers had called at his house recently asking for his whereabouts. Four years ago, the Sunday Leader's editor, Lasantha Wickrematunge, was shot dead by a group of masked men on motorbikes. The case, which has never been solved, highlighted the dismal state of press freedom in the country, analysts said. "There has been a range of attacks in Sri Lanka on journalists, civil society organisations and others in recent years. To date, too many incidents have had little investigation and no resolution," UK Foreign Office Minister Alastair Burt said in a statement. The Sunday Leader had long had a reputation for being outspokenly anti-government. Its profile changed last year when it was bought by a well-connected businessman and retracted some of its articles, but it still does a considerable amount of investigative reporting. Last month, Sri Lanka was placed 162nd out of 179 in a Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders.

Summary: A reporter from a newspaper in Sri Lanka has been shot by a group of unidentified men at his home near the capital, Colombo.


The Holigost - or Holy Ghost - was one of four "great ships" commissioned by the king in his war against France. It was spotted in an aerial photograph by historian Dr Ian Friel, in an area of Hampshire's River Hamble described as a medieval breaker's yard. Historic England said it was a "tangible link" to Henry V. The Holigost fought in sea battles during the Hundred Years War which broke the French naval power. Dr Friel identified the wreck when he was revisiting documentary evidence for a book on Henry's navy. Future scientific research on the ship, which could include sonar and aerial imaging using drones, could reveal much about 15th Century shipbuilding and improve understanding of life aboard ship, naval warfare of the time, dock building and docking practices. Historic England said it was taking steps to protect and investigate the shipwreck in part of the river next to where Henry's flagship, the Grace Dieu, was identified in the 1930s. Duncan Wilson, Historic England's chief executive, said the investigation in the 600th anniversary year of the Battle of Agincourt, was "immensely exciting." "It holds the possibility of fascinating revelations in the months and years to come," he added. Dr Friel said: "In my opinion, further research leading to the rediscovery of the Holigost would be even more important than the identification of the Grace Dieu in the 1930s. "The Holigost fought in two of the most significant naval battles of the Hundred Years War, battles that opened the way for the English conquest of northern France."

Summary: The wreck of a 600-year-old warship which helped Henry V wage war on France is believed to have been found buried in a river.