The 27-year-old forward was a free agent, having recently left Hull City when his contract expired. He spent four years with the Tigers, making 118 appearances for them and scoring 15 goals. Aluko, who can play on the wing or through the middle, represented England at youth level and has since won seven caps for Nigeria. He began his career at Birmingham City and played in Scotland for Aberdeen and then Rangers before joining Hull. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Fulham have signed Sone Aluko on a two-year contract with the option of a further year.


The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority said there appeared to be no "material" reason to alter its proposal, first put forward in 2013. Unless "new evidence" emerged, MPs' pay will rise from £67,060 to £74,000. David Cameron opposes the move but has said he will not block the increase, saying MPs' pay is a matter for Ipsa. Ipsa was handed control of decisions over MPs' pay and expenses in the wake of the 2009 expenses scandal. It does not need to get the agreement of Parliament to bring in the changes. The UK's 650 MPs are currently paid £67,060. Their pay would rise to £74,000 under Ipsa's final plans. The PM has previously urged the watchdog to scrap the above-inflation increase, which was initially proposed to address complaints that pay had fallen behind the rest of the public sector. But in its final consultation on the proposals, Ipsa restated its intention to press ahead with the increase, saying there appeared to be no "material" reason to change the recommendations. Unless "new and compelling evidence" emerged by the end of June the pay rise - to be backdated to 8 May - would be confirmed, it said. Ipsa said that due to cuts in pensions and expenses - such as a ban on claiming for evening meals - the overall package of changes would not cost taxpayers "a penny more". Ministers are set to benefit from the increase to MPs' pay - as only the government element of their salaries has been frozen for five years under plans announced by David Cameron in the wake of the Conservatives' election victory. Commenting on the final proposals, the PM's spokeswoman said: "Throughout this process and debate, the prime minister has been absolutely clear that he doesn't agree with the proposed increase. "But ultimately it is up to Ipsa as an independent body to decide MPs' pay and it is for them to make their determination." She added that Mr Cameron's focus was on areas where he had the power to bring down the cost of politics, including proposals for boundary changes to reduce the number of MPs at Westminster. A Labour Party spokesman said: "It would feel wrong if Ipsa proposed an increase in MPs' take-home pay at a time when so many people are struggling." Meanwhile, TaxPayers' Alliance chief executive Jonathan Isaby said the pay rise was "inappropriate", and criticised the watchdog as "out of touch" and "not fit for purpose". "Ipsa spent £70,000 on a consultation which showed the public believed the current pay level to be broadly fair, yet have ignored the findings. MPs shouldn't be divorced from the same pay restraint as everywhere else in the public sector," he said. GMB union general secretary Paul Kenny said: "We trust that none of the MPs accepting this pay rise as public servants will have the audacity to oppose the recommendations of pay review bodies or decent pay rises for public sector workers." Labour MP John Mann said the decision showed "Westminster still doesn't get it". He added: "At a time when the chancellor

Summary: MPs are set to receive a £7,000 pay rise after the body responsible for setting their pay and expenses stuck by its recommendation for a 10% increase.


The student and a male friend she was travelling with were beaten, stripped and thrown off the bus in the attack on Sunday evening. The couple have been admitted to hospital, where the woman is said to be in a critical condition. Police have arrested the driver of the bus and detained several people. Delhi's rape figures are higher than for other Indian cities of comparable size, correspondents say. City shamed, headlined The Times of India, saying that Sunday's incident is a "new low for a city already notorious as India's rape capital". Savagery Shames City, headlined Mail Today, adding that "horror had revisited the streets of the capital" on Sunday night. The newspaper said that 582 cases of rape had been reported in Delhi so far this year. Delhi Shamed Again, said The Pioneer, saying the incident had "again renewed focus on the dismal state of safety for girls and women who venture out at night". The Indian Express said the bus was driven around on a stretch in south Delhi for more than an hour and had "crossed" three police patrol vans. The Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dikshit told The Hindu newspaper that this was a "shockingly extraordinary case". "We want to ensure that the culprits are not granted bail under any circumstances. Stringent punishment for them is the need of the hour," she said. Mrs Dikshit said she would be considering the setting up of a fast track court to "ensure speedy justice to the victim". The woman and her friend had boarded the bus from Munirka area and were on their way to Dwarka in south-west Delhi. They were returning after watching a film in a shopping centre in south Delhi, police said. The couple were attacked by "at least four men", police said.

Summary: There has been shock and outrage in India over the gang rape of a 23-year-old student on a city bus in the capital, Delhi.


It's a simple 16th century Balinese temple, set against a backdrop of the Indian Ocean, but it's about to get a very 21st century neighbour. Just across the beach from here is the sprawling but dated Bali Nirwana Resort. And in a few months time, construction will begin to transform it into the first Trump-branded resort on the island. Yes. That Trump. The site was bought in 2013 by businessman Hary Tanoesoedibjo, Indonesia's 29th richest man according to Forbes Magazine. And in 2015 he signed a $1bn (Â£820m) deal with Donald Trump to build and develop a Trump Hotel and Tower in West Java, as well as the six-star luxury resort in Bali. Mr Tanoesodibjo will pay for the construction and give the Trump Organisation an undisclosed fee for the use of the name and rights to manage the resorts. But that's not where the connection with the US President ends. Known for his forthright and straightforward views, Mr Tanoesoedibjo, or Hary Tanoe, is often called Indonesia's Donald Trump. A media mogul, he runs the MNC Group, a vast conglomerate that spans financial services, media and property. Set up in 1997, it was listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange. And like the man in the White House, he's also a prolific tweeter. But his connection to Mr Trump has created a fair amount of controversy both in Indonesia and overseas. In a recent interview with an Indonesian magazine, Mr Tanoesoedibjo reportedly said that he had "close access" to the US President, raising eyebrows about the potential conflicts of interest in this relationship. But speaking to me in the cosy library of his palatial home, he told me that the two shared a "normal business relationship." And he fully believes President Trump when he says he's no longer involved in the day-to-day running of his businesses. "I have to underline this," Mr Tanoesoedibjo says. "Since he's president of the United States, he's no longer involved in the business so I basically deal with the children, Eric Trump and Don Jr." But the two men have met, and fairly recently. Mr Tanoesoedibjo and his wife were invited to the president's inauguration, and treated like VIP guests. His wife posted photos of their time with the Trump family on her social media feeds. So surely there's a perception that if the two men are close, there's a conflict of interest, I asked him. How can he convince people otherwise? "There's no conflict of interest," he says categorically. "Conflict of interest may happen if the project is agreed upon when he is a president. But this happened long before he even decided to run for president." Still, some of Mr Trump's controversial decisions since coming to office, not least the travel ban widely interpreted as targeting Muslims, have had an impact on Mr Tanoesoedibjo's reputation in the predominantly Islamic Indonesia. "People will look at him (Mr Tanoesoedibjo) as a kid trying to follow big brother, as naive," popular radio talk show host Wimar Witoelar told me in his studio. "He shouldn't run around with people like

Summary: On top of a rock formation on the Indonesian island of Bali, sits Tanah Lot.


Ms Cafferkey, 39, spent several weeks in Royal Free Hospital in London in January 2015 after becoming the first person to be diagnosed with Ebola in the UK. She was later discharged after apparently making a full recovery - but later it was discovered that the virus is still present in her body. So what do we know about Ms Cafferkey? Pauline Cafferkey is said to have been inspired to join the NHS after watching the horror of the Ethiopian famine on television in the 1980s. So when an appeal was made for NHS staff who were willing to travel to west Africa to help tackle the Ebola outbreak, she felt compelled to volunteer. Ms Cafferkey - a nurse with 16 years of experience who was working at the Blantyre health centre in South Lanarkshire - was well aware of the risks she would face. But as she prepared to depart for Sierra Leone as part of a 30-strong NHS team in November 2014, she told BBC Scotland that she could not think of any reason not to go. She added: "I have experience in the past. I've done aid work, I've worked in Africa, so I didn't really think about it actually, I just did it." The NHS team - which included GPs, nurses, psychiatrists and emergency medicine consultants - had been specially selected from the 1,000 staff who volunteered to take part in the mercy mission to west Africa, where more than 7,000 people have been killed in the Ebola outbreak. They had undergone nine days of intensive training with the Ministry of Defence before being allowed to start work with patients at treatment centres across Sierra Leone. Colleagues who worked with her have spoken of Ms Cafferkey's dedication and enthusiasm for her role at the Ebola Treatment Centre in Kerry Town. And in extracts from her diary published by the Scotsman newspaper, she described how the work she was doing had quickly come to feel like a "normal part of life". She wrote: "My nice community nursing job in Blantyre is far removed from this but at the moment this seems a lot more real. The dreams that I do remember always seem to have an Ebola theme, it seems to be all consuming." During the third week of her diary, she described "an awful shift" during which she had to tell a young boy, whose father had died from Ebola, that the virus had also killed his mother and sister. "His mother had seen her daughter die in the bed across from her that morning and she died a few hours later," she wrote. "The sad thing is that this is a regular occurrence and we see and hear of whole families being wiped out by this awful disease." Ms Cafferkey returned to the UK on 28 December 2014 for a break as part of a rotation system. She was screened after arriving at Heathrow Airport, but no concerns were raised about her health. While waiting for a connecting flight to Glasgow, she complained about her temperature and

Summary: Scottish nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who contracted Ebola while working in Sierra Leone two years ago, is being investigated over claims she gave dishonest answers while being screened for the deadly disease when she returned to Heathrow Airport.


Police Scotland said two men - one from Aberdeen and one from Paisley - had been arrested and charged with sexual offences against children. The referrals came via the charity NSPCC, the SFA and directly to police. Officers said it was the most complex investigation since the Police Scotland child abuse unit was set up in 2015. The unit, along with other experienced detectives, are in the midst of a major inquiry into allegations that children were abused in the sport following reports from several high profile players. Det Ch Insp Sarah Taylor, who is heading the investigation, told BBC Scotland she expected the scale of the investigation to grow. "Up until today, we've had 130 separate reports with information about child sexual abuse within football and that is since the end of November. "So, in such a short space of time, we've received a number of reports. That indicates to me that this is a large-scale complex investigation that we're undertaking." Ms Taylor said she was encouraged by the number of reports as it showed people had the confidence to come forward to the authorities. She also said that unlike Operation Hydrant south of the border, which is also looking into allegations of abuse in other sports, the Scottish investigation was focussing on football. She added: "However, I wouldn't discourage people from contacting the police if they have suffered abuse - sexual or physical - in any other environment. "This is a major investigation and we've reacted to it by deploying a number of officers to be dedicated solely to this investigation. "It's complex because we're dealing with a number of perpetrators and a number of people who've reported abuse, so for me it's about trying to piece that jigsaw together."

Summary: A police investigation into allegations of child abuse within football has received 130 referrals since it got under way in November.


France striker Antoine Griezmann had a goal ruled out by a video assistant referee for offside. And Spain's second goal, scored by Gerard Deulofeu, was awarded by the video official after an assistant referee wrongly flagged for offside. David Silva opened the scoring for Spain with a penalty after Laurent Koscielny fouled Deulofeu. Griezmann had earlier had a headed goal ruled out when referee Felix Zwayer reversed his initial decision after receiving a message in his earpiece from the video assistant referee, who was sat in a truck outside the Stade de France. Replays showed Layvin Kurzawa was narrowly offside when he headed the ball to Griezmann, with the decision to overturn the goal made in about 30 seconds. Deulofeu's goal - from a Jordi Alba cross - was awarded after a conversation between the referee and the video assistant that lasted about a minute. Video assistant technology was first used in September, in France's 3-1 friendly win in Italy. It was then used at the Fifa Club World Cup, and the Football Association wants to use it in next season's FA Cup from the third round onwards. Fifa president Gianni Infantino would like the system to be used at the World Cup in Russia next year. Match ends, France 0, Spain 2. Second Half ends, France 0, Spain 2. Sergio Busquets (Spain) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Olivier Giroud (France). Foul by Gerard Deulofeu (Spain). Laurent Koscielny (France) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Ander Herrera (Spain). Tiemoué Bakayoko (France) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Offside, France. Olivier Giroud tries a through ball, but Antoine Griezmann is caught offside. Offside, France. Antoine Griezmann tries a through ball, but Layvin Kurzawa is caught offside. Offside, Spain. Gerard Piqué tries a through ball, but Iago Aspas is caught offside. Attempt missed. Antoine Griezmann (France) header from very close range is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Ousmane Dembélé with a cross. Substitution, Spain. Nacho replaces Jordi Alba. Daniel Carvajal (Spain) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Layvin Kurzawa (France). Substitution, Spain. Iago Aspas replaces Álvaro Morata. Attempt missed. Ousmane Dembélé (France) left footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. Assisted by Christophe Jallet. Foul by Thiago Alcántara (Spain). Antoine Griezmann (France) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Offside, Spain. Gerard Deulofeu tries a through ball, but David Silva is caught offside. Substitution, France. Thomas Lemar replaces Corentin Tolisso. Substitution, France. Ousmane Dembélé replaces Kevin Gameiro. Foul by Sergio Ramos (Spain). Tiemoué Bakayoko (France) wins a free kick on the right wing. Goal! France 0, Spain 2. Gerard Deulofeu (Spain) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jordi Alba. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Substitution, Spain. Ander Herrera replaces Koke. Delay in match Laurent Koscielny (France) because of an injury. Attempt missed. Tiemoué Bakayoko (France) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Antoine

Summary: Video technology was used to correct two wrong decisions as Spain beat France in a friendly in Paris.


The UK government is now set to spell out its aims for new customs arrangements. But what is the difference between a free trade area, single market and a customs union? You can be in the EU's Single Market, but not the EU, this is what Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein do. The European Union's single market is perhaps the most ambitious type of trade co-operation. That's because as well as eliminating tariffs, quotas or taxes on trade, it also includes the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. That is why there has been no limit on the number of French people who can come to the UK, or the number of British people who can live in Spain - but there are limits on Turks or Ukrainians, for example. Also, a single market strives to remove so-called "non-tariff barriers" - different rules on packaging, safety and standards and many others are abolished and the same rules and regulations apply across the area. There are EU-wide regulations covering a whole host of industries and products on everything from food standards and the use of chemicals to working hours and health and safety. It is an attempt to create a level playing field and a single market; this does not happen in a free trade zone. For goods, the single market was largely completed in 1992, but the market for services remains a work in progress a quarter of a century later. The EU has promised to introduce it many times, but several countries have dragged their feet and it is much more complicated than creating a single market for say, cars or computers. Even so, the City of London dominates financial services in the EU not least because it can do business in every member country. The EU is therefore not just a free trade area - it is a single market. But to stay in the single market, countries have to allow the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. That last one means immigration is difficult if not impossible to control - although the UK might get a special deal to allow some limits. Membership of the single market also normally involves making annual payments towards the EU's budget and accepting the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, which would cross quite a few red lines for many Brexiteers. Turkey is part of a customs union with the EU but not in the single market. The deal does not cover food or agriculture, services or government procurement. The EU is not only a single market - it is also a customs union. The countries club together and agree to apply the same tariffs to goods from outside the union. Once goods have cleared customs in one country, they can be shipped to others in the union without further tariffs being imposed. If the UK left the Customs Union but stayed in the Single market, our exporters would have to contend with what are called 'rules of origin'. These rules are designed to demonstrate that goods that legally

Summary: Two leading cabinet ministers have said that the UK will not remain in the single market or customs union during the transitional period planned for immediately after leaving the European Union.


The hardware was exactly the same as that used last November, "demonstrating reuse", the Amazon.com founder wrote on his blog. The flight took place on Friday from Mr Bezos' Texas test and launch facility. As has become his practice, he gave no general public notice of the event and released only limited details afterwards, along with a glossy video. November's outing marked the first time a rocket had launched a space mission vertically from the ground and then brought all elements - booster and capsule - softly and safely back to Earth. Although all the flights so far undertaken by Mr Bezos have been unmanned, he does eventually plan to fly passengers. "The very same New Shepard booster that flew above the Karman line and then landed vertically at its launch site last November has now flown and landed again, demonstrating reuse," the businessman said. "This time, New Shepard reached an apogee of 333,582ft (101.7km) before both capsule and booster gently returned to Earth for recovery and reuse." One hundred kilometres is regarded as the official boundary of space. New Shepard does not achieve the velocities that would allow the system to make orbit and stay up, but Mr Bezos says his Blue Origin space company is working on a family of rockets that would make this possible. He promises to reveal further information on that programme later in the year. Commentators had realised early in the week that another mission was imminent when the Federal Aviation Authority published a temporary flight restriction for a region of the sky north of Van Horn in Texas - the location of the Blue Origin test site. From social media postings, it was evident that a launch had taken place early on Friday local time, but it was many hours before Mr Bezos and Blue Origin were prepared to comment. Rocketry is now entering a new era, with designers trying to make reusable the systems that have traditionally been regarded only as disposable. In December, another entrepreneur, Elon Musk, managed to land the booster stage of his Falcon rocket after launching a batch of satellites. Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter.

Summary: US entrepreneur Jeff Bezos has reflown his New Shepard rocket, launching once again a capsule briefly into space.


The report indicates nearly a quarter of men and a sixth of women over the age of 55 who think they hear well actually have a hearing loss. And less than a third of all adults with a hearing loss use a hearing aid. The charity Action on Hearing Loss said it took most people a decade to seek help. It is the first time the annual health survey, conducted by NatCen Social Research, has compared people's perceptions about their hearing with the results of actual tests. Dr Jennifer Mindell, from UCL and one of the authors of the section on hearing, said the findings were worrying. She told the BBC: "Whether people are in denial or just unaware of what they can't hear we don't know." She said about half of the people who had said they had "great difficulty" hearing still did not use a hearing aid. Dr Mindell said: "People think it's a normal part of ageing, and some don't want a hearing aid as they feel there's a stigma attached in a way that people don't with glasses." Untreated hearing loss can lead to social exclusion due to the restrictive effect on conversation. Dr Mindell said it was a "cause for concern" and there was a link between untreated hearing loss and poor mental health. The report suggests: Gemma Twitchen, an audiologist with the charity Action on Hearing Loss, said: "Reluctance to acknowledge hearing difficulties is far more common than we might think - on average it takes people 10 years to seek help for hearing loss. "Early diagnosis is key, and hearing aids are vital in ensuring people can continue to communicate better with friends and family. "We would urge anyone that is concerned about their hearing to take our free hearing check." Follow James on Twitter.

Summary: Around two million people who need a hearing aid do not even realise they have problems, the annual health survey for England suggests.


A museum in New Zealand has made an official approach to Hawick museum for the flag, taken from a Maori tribe by Crown forces during a battle in 1865. The bid is supported by descendents of key figures involved in the Battle of Omaruhakeke. Members of Scottish Borders Council will be asked to approve the move. The request for the flag by Wairoa Museum in Hawke's Bay on New Zealand's North Island was accompanied by four letters from descendents of Maori leaders. They said the return of the flag could be a powerful symbol for the resolution of 160 years of social, economic, political and spiritual turmoil for the Maori people in that area of New Zealand. Councillor Vicky Davidson has already said there was "no good reason" for the flag to be part of the local museum collection. Scottish Borders Council's executive committee will decide whether or not to return the flag to New Zealand. You can get regular updates from across the south of Scotland on our live page. Click here to see the page on our main news index.

Summary: Councillors are to meet to decide whether a Maori war flag held in the collection of a Scottish Borders museum should be repatriated.


An international team has shown that the top few millimetres of the sea is rich in secretions from phytoplankton. The group’s tests demonstrate that this microscopic material can nucleate ice crystals if lifted into the atmosphere by crashing waves and sea spray. If this is a very prevalent process, it likely alters cloud properties, the researchers tell the journal Nature. A greater or lesser abundance of ice will affect the clouds’ lifetimes, their precipitation potential, and whether they behave as a blanket to warm the atmosphere, or as a bright shield to reflect sunlight, thus having a cooling effect. It is yet another factor that climate models will have to consider, says study lead Dr Theo Wilson from the University of Leeds, UK. "Our understanding of cloud formation is actually pretty poor, and we need to understand better how ice is made so that modellers can better represent it," he told BBC News. Wilson’s team visited the Arctic, the northwestern Atlantic and the northeastern Pacific. The scientists used a remote-controlled boat to trawl the top "microlayer" of these waters to see what sort of organic material it held. Phytoplankton are clearly present, but these organisms, as small as they are, are really too big to be wafted high into the sky. However, the plants also excrete matter. These "exudates", as they are known, are gel-like, and their scale is on the order of 0.2-0.02 micrometers. This means they are capable of being carried skyward. "This 'goo' is the sort of material that will get into the fine fraction of sea spray aerosol, which is the part of the sea spray that is going to make it high into the atmosphere," explained Dr Wilson. His team shows that the exudates can become Ice Nucleating Particles (INPs) in the atmosphere. "Exactly why they’re good at making ice is still not clear," said co-researcher Dr Luis Ladino from the University of Toronto, Canada. "It could be because their structure is similar to ice; it could be because they have some affinity to have hydrogen bonds; or some other favourable chemistry at their surface. There are probably many components, and you can’t say it’s just one." The effect of organic INPs is most relevant in those parts of the globe where desert dusts or pollution particles - long-recognised triggers for ice formation in clouds – are much reduced. These locations would be the more remote regions on Earth, such as at the poles or in the Southern Ocean. Here, organic INPs could be playing a much more significant, and hitherto unrecognised, role in the freeze-up of clouds. Modellers will need to be aware of this as they simulate future climate scenarios, says the team. In the Arctic, for example, the well-documented reduction in sea-ice is opening up ocean water for longer periods of the year, allowing winds to more freely act on the surface to produce waves and sea spray. The open ocean is likely also to boost phytoplankton production with more sunlight getting into the top water layers. "And in the Southern Ocean, a big

Summary: Scientists say tiny ocean plants could play a significant role in the formation of ice in clouds.


Thomas Anthony Carlin was dressed in uniform as he attended Belfast's Royal Courts of Justice again on Thursday. He declined to apologise for his actions at an earlier hearing. He also rejected an offer of legal representation and asked to have a jury decide on his behaviour towards Lord Justice Gillen. But another judge refused his request, instead listing the case to be heard by him next week. Mr Justice Horner said: "I'm going to arrange for a trial to take place on this issue of whether or not there has been contempt in the face of the court. "I will hear it, there will not be a jury." He also warned the policeman that, if found guilty, he could be fined or sent to prison. Mr Carlin's alleged outburst came at the end of a ruling in a house repossession case in the High Court on Tuesday. The 43-year-old had been representing himself in the legal battle with Santander bank over a property in County Antrim. At the end of the hearing, he allegedly got up and moved towards the bench, claiming he was going to arrest Lord Justice Gillen. Security and court staff intervened before he was led from the courtroom. He was arrested on suspicion of two counts of common assault, but subsequently released without charge. The Police Ombudsman was also notified. Mr Carlin is alleged to have interrupted proceedings without justification, refused to resume his seat, approached the presiding judge, threatened to arrest him without lawful excuse and physically interfered with a court tipstaff. He had been given until Thursday to secure a lawyer, apologise and provide an explanation for his behaviour. But shortly after entering the courtroom again, Mr Carlin made his position clear. He told Mr Justice Horner: "I believe for me to apologise to the court would be abandoning my defence." The offer of legal assistance from a law firm that deals with the Police Federation was also turned down. Mr Carlin further said: "I acted in my capacity as a police officer, I believed a crime had been committed (and) it was outrageous in nature. "I believe the tipstaff and court staff who intervened... obstructed me in the execution of my duty." At one stage Mr Justice Horner asked if he denied the alleged behaviour set out in writing. "I completely dispute those facts," the officer replied. The judge then cautioned him: "You realise that should you be found guilty of contempt in the face of the court you will be liable for a number of penalties including imprisonment." Mr Carlin responded that he would comply with the findings of a jury. However, he was told to turn up on Monday for a trial to be decided by Mr Justice Horner alone.

Summary: A policeman who allegedly approached one of Northern Ireland's most senior judges and threatened to arrest him is to go on trial for contempt of court.


Robin Milner, 49, of Sherburn in Elmet, was arrested near the Swan Hotel, Low Street, South Milford at about 20:00 BST on 30 July. He told York Magistrates' Court he had "participated in a few beers" at a christening earlier in the day and had not realised he had drunk so many. Milner was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay Â£105 in costs. Read more about this and other stories from across Yorkshire Magistrates told him they appreciated his guilty plea and the fact he had co-operated with police when arrested. Milner, who represented himself in court, said he believed he had about four pints. His cart had scratched a man's car in the car park of the Swan Hotel and the two men were exchanging details when a police officer noticed the defendant appeared to be drunk.

Summary: A man has admitted being drunk in charge of a horse and cart.


World number five Kvitova, 25, beat five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in Saturday's second semi-final. Earlier, Radwanska, 26, overcame Spain's world number three Garbine Muguruza 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 7-5. It will be Radwanska's first final at the event in her seventh appearance. The world number six made the decisive break in the 12th game of the third set to finally break the Spaniard's resistance. "It was a great match from the beginning to the end, lots of ups and downs, so many rallies and a lot of running," Radwanska said. Radwanska had taken a 3-0 lead in the first-set tie-break before eventually losing it 7-5. "I didn't know I could come back after that first set - I am just so glad I could win that match," she said. In the second semi-final, Kvitova broke in the seventh and ninth games to take the first set against Sharapova, who had won all three of her round-robin ties despite arriving in Singapore after a long injury lay-off. The world number four hit back to take a 5-1 lead in the second set, but 2011 champion Kvitova rediscovered her rhythm to claim the victory in straight sets.

Summary: Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic will meet Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska in the final of the WTA Finals in Singapore on Sunday.


The French port owners want to build a new berth and slipway, and deepen a channel to upgrade facilities. Businesses have welcomed the economic benefit but Sussex Wildlife Trust object to the loss of shingle habitat, and residents have said they will lose their only remaining sandy beach. Newhaven Port and Properties have not commented to the BBC. Helen Macaulay, from the town's chamber of commerce, said Newhaven needed more businesses and more jobs, and local concerns about infrastructure were being dealt with by the port. The plans include a nature reserve but Ian Hepburn, from Sussex Wildlife Trust, said the development would damage coastal shingle and species there including reptiles, invertebrates, breeding birds and plants. Former town councillor Rod Main said West Beach had already been closed by the port and this expansion would see the town lose its one other remaining area of sandy beach. Calling for West Beach to reopen, he added: "This company are just taking away every sandy beach we've got." A report submitted to Lewes council said the plans would help to regenerate Newhaven and create jobs, and the expansion would provide overspill space for the new Rampion wind farm. Officers said it was an opportunity to create a modern port, and the benefits outweighed harm such as the loss of sandy beach, impact on surf conditions, and effects on ecology and archaeology. The plans will be considered later.

Summary: Expansion plans put forward by Newhaven Port have been recommended for approval by Lewes councillors.


And former Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels has told BBC Scotland he would be "very interested" in the role. Ian Baraclough parted company with the club on Wednesday, a day after the Steelmen had been knocked out of the Scottish League Cup by Greenock Morton. Former Well captain and current Under-20s coach Stephen Craigan has been put in caretaker charge of the first team. His first assignment will be at home to Partick Thistle on Saturday. Shiels, most recently of Thai side BEC Tero Sasana, was considered by Motherwell last year but ultimately missed out as Baraclough was appointed in December. And, when asked on Radio Scotland's Sportsound about the current vacancy, Shiels said: "I'm very interested because I see it as a good fit for me. "It's a provincial club and I've had a period now where I've worked in a [Scottish FA] youth academy in Scotland and I can see so much good going on down there with [academy director] Scott Leitch at Motherwell's academy, "There is a good conveyor belt coming through and I see massive potential at that club, I really do." The Northern Irishman, who won the Scottish League Cup with Killie in 2012, also indicated he would be willing to work with Motherwell's current coaching staff. After leaving Killie in 2013, Shiels had a short spell in charge of Morton before his role with the SFA and subsequent move to Thailand. He has also managed several clubs in his homeland. "One of my greatest skills is the management of the staff and certainly that would be one that I would welcome," he added. "Stephen's a good lad."

Summary: Motherwell have received more than 30 applications for the vacant manager's position at Fir Park.


The trio will join 12 other celebrities on the 2017 series, which launches on BBC One next month. McGee is best known as the widow of magician Paul Daniels, while Burke won 2008's X Factor and is a West End star. Peacock has won two Paralympics sprinting gold medals and is the first celebrity hopeful to have a disability. His appearance follows that of former Royal Marine and fellow amputee Cassidy Little, who took part in a "people's" edition of Strictly in 2015 as well as that year's Christmas show. The new series of Strictly will begin with a launch show on BBC One on 9 September. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return to host the first series not to have Len Goodman as a judge. Bruno Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood will instead be joined by international ballroom champion Shirley Ballas. Here is a complete rundown of the contestants for the show's 15th series: Debbie McGee found fame at the side of Paul Daniels on his TV magic show in the 1980s and went on to marry him. Her Strictly appearance comes seven years after her late husband took to the dancefloor on the show's 2010 edition. He died last year. Speaking of her own impending appearance, she said: "The excitement is overwhelming. I can't stop smiling. It's been the hardest secret I have ever had to keep!" Jonnie Peacock has won gold in the T44 100m at two Paralympics, two World Para Athletics Championships and two European Championships. But can he win the Strictly glitterball? The 24-year-old had his right leg amputated below the knee after contracting meningitis as a child. "The opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability to take part in Strictly's main show was too good to turn down," he said. "I've got no previous dance history outside of the occasional 'worm' at a mate's party and I know this will be a challenge and a new experience. "I can't wait to see what I can achieve and how far I can push myself." Alexandra Burke took The X Factor by storm in 2008, with her winner's single Hallelujah selling more than a million copies. Since then, she's established herself on stage in such musicals as The Bodyguard and Sister Act. "I love this show and have followed it from the beginning, so being able to be a part of it is just a dream come true for me," she said. "I am very nervous as I am a singer not a dancer, but I am going to give this my absolute everything." Chizzy Akudolu left Holby City in June after five years. Before that, she had roles in The Inbetweeners, EastEnders, Silent Witness, Hollyoaks and Twenty Twelve. Viewers have already seen her strut her stuff in BBC One's Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief. She appeared with two Casualty stars earlier this year, finishing second with a routine set to Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk. She said: "When I was 13, I made the finals of a disco dancing competition once

Summary: TV personality Debbie McGee, singer Alexandra Burke and Paralympian Jonnie Peacock are the final contestants to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing.


23 October 2015 Last updated at 02:35 BST It was given to the city as a sign of his gratitude for funding his forces at the Battle of Agincourt. Commentary from art historian Dr Michael Hall.

Summary: King Henry V's rarely seen Crystal Sceptre is going on public display at the Guildhall in London.


The Secretary of State for Communities, Sajid Javid, has told the region's council leaders that time to implement a devolution deal is running out. Elections for directly-elected mayors are due to be held in a number of areas of England in May 2017. However, critics say the plan will not deliver the promised benefits. In a letter sent to the councils which make up the North East Combined Authority, and which has been seen by the BBC, Mr Javid said: "I reaffirm the government's commitment to implementing the North East devolution deal in full. "[However] without an elected mayor the deal cannot progress. "There is a significant risk now that we will run out of time to implement the deal unless you publish your governance review and scheme, and move forward with the consultation immediately." The deal is part of the government's Northern Powerhouse programme to help Northern towns and cities compete with those in the South for investment. Council leaders from Labour-led Durham County Council, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland met earlier to discuss the way forward, but it is understood divisions remain. Gateshead previously voted against the deal. Teesside has its own plans for an elected mayor. Implementation of the plan would see the region receive £30m government funding for the next 30 years as well as new powers on transport, skills and training. Nick Forbes, Newcastle City Council leader, said: "Other parts of England like Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool will press ahead and if we don't get alongside my fear is the North East will be overlooked and left out. "There's a very real chance our region's economy will suffer." The union Unison is among opponents of the plan. Regional secretary Clare Williams said: "To have one person representing Berwick down to Barnard Castle can't be good for democracy. "We have local councils who are elected by their communities, so we're against being told by this government we have to have an elected mayor."

Summary: The North East risks losing £900m of investment because of delays approving plans for a directly-elected mayor, the government has warned.


Most died after buying the black-market spirits, made from ethanol, water and fruit, from a couple in Sleman, north of Yogyakarta city. Several people were also taken to hospital. The alleged maker and seller of the drink has been arrested. It is not the first time moonshine has killed people in Muslim-majority Indonesia. More than a dozen Indonesians died after drinking it at new year celebrations in 2014, and 25 people, four of them foreigners, died after drinking palm wine laced with methanol in Bali in 2009. The most recent deaths occurred late last week. "Most of the victims were students," Sleman's police chief told AFP. Since 2015, small shops in Indonesia have been banned from selling alcohol, despite fears by some critics that it would push people towards consuming illicit alcohol.

Summary: At least 24 people have died in recent days in central Java, Indonesia, from drinking illegally-produced alcohol.


Mr Hammond's arrival makes him the first UK foreign secretary to visit since the years before the Caribbean country's communist revolution of 1959. He said the UK was set to reach new "co-operation agreements" on energy, education and culture with Cuba. Mr Hammond's visit follows one by US President Barack Obama last month. The foreign secretary is due to take part in a series of meetings to discuss social and economic changes, human rights and the fight against global health threats such as the Zika virus. He will also sign a bilateral agreement restructuring Cuba's debt to the UK. "Britain and Cuba have outlooks on the world and systems of government that are very different," Mr Hammond said as he arrived in the capital Havana. "But as Cuba enters a period of significant social and economic change, I am looking forward to demonstrating to the Cuban government and people that the UK is keen to forge new links across the Atlantic. "That is why Cuba and the UK are set to reach new cooperation agreements on energy, financial services, education and culture, to the benefit of both our nations. "As the first British foreign secretary to visit Cuba since before the Cuban Revolution in 1959, this is an opportunity to hear for myself what Cuba thinks about its present challenges and where it sees its future." Last year, British exports to Cuba soared by 25%. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the top items exported to the country are: In March Barack Obama became the first US president since 1928 to visit Cuba. For years, the US and Cuba were engaged in a bitter stand-off, triggered by the overthrow of US-backed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista by Communist leader Fidel Castro in 1959. The US broke off diplomatic relations and imposed a trade embargo.

Summary: Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he was keen to "forge new links across the Atlantic" as he arrived in Cuba for a historic visit.


Mountaineering Scotland and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association have jointly written to Scotland's environment secretary. The Scottish government wants woodland cover to go from 17% to 25% by 2050. It said there would be "appropriate consideration of Scotland's distinctive upland landscapes." Scottish Natural Heritage said Scotland had a low percentage of woodland cover compared with other European countries. A commitment to plant 10,000 extra hectares of trees between now and 2022 was made in the government's draft Climate Plan. But, in an unusual alliance, Mountaineering Scotland and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), said they were concerned about the impact of the Scottish government's forestry targets on wild moorland. The letter states: "Our concern is whether adequate weight is being given to the significant changes this will have on the landscape of Scotland and in particular the dramatic open views and vistas which have come to signify to the outside world that which is unique about our country. "Until a vision and strategy for Scotland's uplands is in place, there is an obvious failure to join up what is required from the land to meet forestry targets and what we might want to keep in terms of internationally rare and valuable landscapes and ecosystems." The two organisations are calling for an urgent policy statement which protects moorlands. Neil Reid, from Mountaineering Scotland, told BBC Scotland: "It is a serious issue for both of us and that's why we have come together in this way. "There are many things we do disagree about, and will continue to disagree about, but the key thing is that we both need a coherent policy and an overall vision for the landscape of Scotland." The group, which represents hill walkers and mountaineers, wants moorland areas to be left untouched as a wild landscape for tourists. Those tourists, they argue, are an important contributor to the local economy. Mr Reid added: "They talk about this landscape, they don't talk about going for miles long wanders through woods. "You can see the hills around you, you see the shape of the landscape and it's also relatively benign for walking across." The two groups have invited the Scottish government to share its thinking on the relative value placed on woodland and moorland. Gamekeeper Bob Connelly said: "Heather heathland is one of the rarer types of habitat in the world. "We, in Britain, have a very large percentage of it and to cover it in trees is just ecological vandalism." Both groups emphasise that they are not opposed to tree planting but that sites have to be well chosen. Ecologist Dr James Fenton, who has written a document called "A Future for Moorland in Scotland" for the SGA, has echoed the calls for moorland protection. He said: "It's disparaged rather than being recognised as important so they'd be quite happy to get rid of our finest landscape. "[We would] lose them by attrition, one bit is lost to trees here or a dam there or a wind farm there and we are just losing our wild, wide open spaces which characterise Scotland, and

Summary: Scotland's "dramatic open views and vistas" could be threatened by plans to increase woodland cover, according to mountaineers and gamekeepers.


The flame was also taken on a cliff top chair-lift at The Needles when it arrived on the island en-route from Bournemouth to Southampton . Sailing Olympian Shirley Robertson carried the flame in Newport. The day began at Bournemouth Pier and the 59-mile route will include a stop at Southampton football club's ground. The flame travelled through 12 communities on Saturday: Bournemouth, Boscombe, Christchurch, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Lymington, Totland, Yarmouth, Carisbrooke, Newport, East Cowes and Southampton. At midday the convoy boarded a ferry from Lymington to the Isle of Wight. And fittingly, it was there that sailor Dame Ellen joined the relay in East Cowes which is famous for its week-long regatta. Cowes has hosted the sailing event since 1826 and it is now the largest of its kind in the world. Dame Ellen is best-known as a solo long-distance yachtswoman, who once held the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe. She said after carrying the torch: "The other torchbearers are inspiring people who were wonderful to meet but the strongest impression I have from today are the faces - smiles, smiles and more smiles from young and old alike. "The sense of pride, happiness and community was my lasting feeling - all brought alive, in an instant, by the Olympic torch." Another of Britain's finest sailors, Ms Robertson, was among the day's 92 torchbearers. She was the first British woman to win two Olympic gold medals at consecutive games - in Sydney 2000 and then four years later in Athens. Search maps, check street routes and join in 70 days of live coverage in video, stories and pictures Find out where the Olympic torch is going Other highlights of the relay's journey on the Isle of Wight included a visit to Osborne House - which was built as a summer residence and retreat for Queen Victoria, who died there in 1901, and Prince Albert - and a trip for two torchbearers on The Needles chair-lift at Alum Bay beach. Blue Peter's Big Olympic Tour was due to have been held at Osborne House but was moved to Bournemouth when the site became waterlogged. Later in Southampton, the flame was exchanged by the side of the pitch at St Mary's Stadium between Alice Constance, 29, from Chepstow and Nicholas Nuttall, 53, from Southwater. The evening celebration at Mayflower Park included performances from Wretch 32 - a dance troupe who will provide a unique fusion of street performance, theatre and sport - and dance act Twist and Pulse. A total of 8,000 people will carry the flame during its 8,000 mile, 70-day journey to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London on 27 July.

Summary: Yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur was cheered on as she ran with the Olympic flame in East Cowes when the torch relay reached the Isle of Wight.


The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut its key rate to 2.75% from 3%. The bank said it expected investment in the resources sector, one of its biggest drivers of growth in recent times, to peak this year. It added that a rate cut would provide a boost to other areas of the economy and help sustain long-term growth. "There has been a strengthening in consumption and a modest firming in dwelling investment, and prospects are for some increase in business investment outside the resources sector over the next year," the central bank said in a statement. "These developments, some of which have been assisted by the reductions in interest rates that began 18 months ago, will all be helpful in sustaining growth." Australia's economic growth in recent years has been fuelled by the growing demand for its commodities, such as iron ore. That resulted in a resources boom in Australia and helped it sustain growth through the global financial crisis. However, as demand from key markets such as China has eased, there have been concerns that Australia's mining sector may see its growth slow. At the same time, many analysts have pointed out that other areas of the country's economy have not done so well, resulting in what many have termed a two-speed economy. To make matters worse, the Australian currency has strengthened - making its exports more expensive, as well as affecting sectors such as manufacturing and tourism. It rose nearly 9% against the US dollar between June 2012 and April 2013. Amid all these concerns, there have been calls for policymakers to take steps to help boost growth, especially in the non-mining sectors, to ensure that the economy continues to grow. Analysts said the cut in interest rates, which will help bring down borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, will help to provide some relief to those sectors and allay fears of an economic slowdown. "Commodity prices have fallen and inflation has come in less than expected, and of course the Australian dollar through all of that has remained surprisingly strong," said Shane Oliver, chief economist with AMP Capital Investors. "I think it was appropriate for the Reserve to provide a bit more confidence [so that] when the mining investment boom starts to wane the rest of the economy will fill the gap." The Australian dollar weakened slightly, dipping 0.7% against the US dollar, after the rate cut was announced. It was trading close to A$0.9808 against the US dollar in Asian trade.

Summary: Australia's central bank has cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low, in an attempt to counter slowing growth in the country's mining sector.


The head of Berkshire Hathaway is among a group that includes Dan Gilbert, the billionaire founder of Quicken Loans. US news reports and the Financial Times said Mr Buffett co-signed a letter from the group and pledged money for a bid. Verizon, private equity firms, and the owner of the Daily Mail have expressed an interest in Yahoo's assets. Last month the search company, hit by falling advertising and weakening investor confidence, shortlisted about 10 potential buyers. News of Mr Buffett's interest could improve Yahoo's sale hopes. He admitted at Berkshire's annual meeting last month that his investment firm had been slow to get involved the new tech industry. Mr Buffett, whose firm has a stake in IBM, said in an interview on 2 May that Yahoo's business had deteriorated significantly and that "something has to change there". But he did not mention any potential bid. Reuters, which first reported Mr Buffett's involvement, pointed out that Susan Decker, who worked at Yahoo in several senior roles between 2000 and 2009, is now a director on Berkshire's board. The news agency quoted an interview she gave to CNBC television on 29 April: "I hope the next owner can do something to revitalise the spirit of the core things that made Yahoo very, very unique and create a distinction in consumers' minds about why they love Yahoo still. "It will be helpful if it is private or part of a much larger corporation to achieve that," she said. However, Verizon is thought to remain the frontrunner in the bidding for Yahoo. The US telecoms giant would merge Yahoo with AOL, which it bought for $4.4bn (Â£3bn) last year to create a digital group capable of taking on the likes of Google and Facebook.

Summary: Legendary investor Warren Buffett is backing a consortium bidding for Yahoo's core internet assets, according to reports.


Gylfi Sigurdsson's neat finish into the bottom corner was enough to settle a cagey, low quality match. Nathan Redmond shot wide late on for the visitors but Swansea, whose head coach Francesco Guidolin missed the game through illness, held on to win. Norwich remain in the relegation zone and are without a win in 10 matches in all competitions. Alex Neil's side are now one point from safety after Sunderland picked up a draw against Southampton. Swansea have now secured back-to-back league victories after their shock win over Arsenal on Wednesday. Except for a low Cameron Jerome effort from range that was palmed away by Lukasz Fabianski, neither goalkeeper was tested in an uneventful first half. But Iceland midfielder Sigurdsson opened the game up shortly after the break with a calm finish that gave Swansea what was, in the end, a deserved win. He was also denied a second goal from a curling free kick late on by John Ruddy's finger-tip save. Norwich lacked urgency until the closing stages and pressed late on in the game, but Dieumerci Mbokani could not keep a header down and substitute Patrick Bamford saw a low effort saved. The Canaries remain without an away win since beating Manchester United in December. The second-half introduction of former Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer, signed by Swansea in the January transfer window, gave the hosts a fresh impetus in attack. It was his square ball that found Sigurdsson in space for the winning goal and, having impressed at the Emirates against Arsenal on Wednesday, he went on to put in a lively performance for the Swans. Swansea boss Guidolin picked the team from his hospital bed for a second consecutive game, as he continues to recover from a chest infection. Coach Alan Curtis, who has taken on first-team duties in his absence, confirmed Guidolin is due to return to work this week and said picking up six points from two games would no doubt aid his recovery. "I know he's delighted and has sent his best wishes," said Curtis. "He'll probably be relaxing now and it's a huge boost for him. "He's due to leave hospital on Monday. We won't see him for a couple of days, but I expect him to be at the Bournemouth game next Saturday." Media playback is not supported on this device Swansea coach Alan Curtis: "It was a strange game. The first half was poor from both teams but we upped our game and we got the goal. We were hanging on a bit at the end. "When it's two teams who need the points it affects it. It was one of the worst games of the season. "We felt like we had to make changes in the second half and everyone played their part and we're delighted. It gives us breathing space." Norwich manager Alex Neil: "It was edgy but I don't think there was a team that was clear. You hope you've got the players to make the difference. Media playback is not supported on this device "Swansea opened up in a

Summary: Swansea City moved nine points clear of the Premier League relegation zone as Norwich slipped further into danger.


A report on 38 North, a website run by the US-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, studied images taken between April and November. These appeared to show work in a new area of the Punggye-ri nuclear zone. But, the report said, there is no sign that any nuclear test is imminent, North Korea carried out three underground nuclear tests at Punggye-ri in 2006, 2009 and 2013. Its nuclear programme has been a source of great concern for the international community. The tunnel identified in the latest imagery is in a new area of the site, separate from three other tunnels that the North has excavated or used for tests in the past, the report said. "While there are no indications that a nuclear test is imminent, the new tunnel adds to North Korea's ability to conduct additional detonations over the coming years if it chooses to do so," it added. The commercially-available satellite imagery on which the researchers based their conclusions appear to show a new tunnel entrance, the site's fourth, as well as signs of construction work taking place as recently as October and November. The report says some analysts believe each entrance connects to a single tunnel but there is debate about the exact nature and structure of the underground testing facility. It is not the first indication of construction activity at the site. In October, South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted a South Korean government source saying there were workers constructing a new tunnel at Punggye-ri. In September North Korea said that its reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear facility, the source of plutonium for North Korea's nuclear weapons, had resumed normal operations. Yongbyon's reactor was shut down in 2007 but Pyongyang vowed to restart it in 2013, following its third nuclear test and amid high regional tensions.

Summary: Recent satellite images indicate that North Korea is building a new tunnel at its nuclear test site, a respected US think tank has said.


11 May 2014 Last updated at 11:24 BST Hundreds of volunteer builders gathered in the city centre to make the tower, using 1,000 cardboard bricks. The People's Tower community art event was created to mark the opening weekend of the annual Norfolk and Norwich Festival. The tower is 22 metres tall and is designed to look like the St Peter Mancroft Church tower. It took more than eight hours to complete and was held together by more than eight miles of packing tape. It was designed by French artist Olivier GrossetÃªte.

Summary: A church made of cardboard boxes has been built in Norwich.


Sian Hollands, 25, suffered a pulmonary embolism after leaving Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, in November 2015. Dr Kamran Khan previously claimed he had not seen Ms Hollands' notes and was unaware of the seriousness of her pain. However, during cross-examination he admitted having the notes but not reading them. The General Medical Council is now investigating him. Ms Hollands, a mother of three, went to Darent Valley Hospital complaining of breathing difficulties and chest and stomach pain. She had suffered an ectopic pregnancy three weeks earlier. Gravesend Coroner's Court heard the former drug user was taking methadone to treat her addiction, but had stopped for a few days. Ms Hollands was given an electrocardiogram (ECG) and methadone, and was given her discharge papers. Her former partner Carl Alleyne said she was in pain and not breathing properly, but was told the hospital "needed the bed space". He refused to take her home and she died a few hours later from a blockage in the artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. Dr Khan put her symptoms down to drug withdrawal, the inquest heard. He claimed not to have seen the medical notes labelling her as "at risk" and detailing her chest pain, which would have made him consider a pulmonary embolism. But the medical notes were found with Dr Khan's own writing on the back, proving he had seen, but not properly read, the vital information on the paper. Ms Hollands' family's barrister, Edward Ramsay, asked the doctor: "It means you could not have read what was staring you in the face?" "Yes," he replied. "Simply turning over the page and Sian may well be alive - do you accept that?" Mr Ramsey added. Dr Khan agreed. Mr Ramsay said Ms Hollands was "labelled a heroin addict and nobody considered any other diagnosis". Her mother, Nicole Smith, said that more than 500 days since her daughter's death, they were finally getting the truth. "She was recovering, trying to put her life right, and they condemned her and stopped her from ever moving forward." A spokesman for Darent Valley Hospital said: "We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sian Hollands. We await the outcome of the coroner's inquest." The inquest has been adjourned until 10 April.

Summary: A mother who died hours after being given her hospital discharge papers may have lived if a doctor had read her medical notes, an inquest heard.


NWAS lost the contract, now worth £66.8m, to bus operator Arriva in 2013. Arriva withdrew from the new tendering process after admitting providing false data about its current performance. NWAS was also awarded similar five-year deals for Lancashire, Merseyside and Cumbria, but lost the Cheshire tender to West Midlands Ambulance Service. A spokesman for NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG), the lead ambulance commissioners for the North West, said Arriva had "identified a level of management failure with the reporting of performance in Greater Manchester" in October. "This means that they had previously provided incorrect information, which shows a higher level of performance than is the case," he said. He added that following Arriva's admission, the company "withdrew from the procurement process immediately" and has "since developed a performance improvement plan to help rectify their performance". NWAS chief executive Bob Williams said that while he was pleased to regain the Greater Manchester contract, it was "tinged with disappointment" because of the loss of the Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral service. "Whilst we were successful in four of the North West's counties, our immediate focus now is on our staff in Cheshire and the impact on them," he said. "We will work closely with our trade unions, staff and the new provider to support them through this period and deliver a safe and smooth transition." The BCCG spokesman said the contracts had been awarded as "the result of a rigorous competitive tendering process and evaluation of potential providers". He said the new NWAS contracts would see "a number of quality improvements", including a "text-ahead service" to inform patients when their transport will arrive and a "revised process" to ensure fair use of the service. The new five-year contracts - worth £59.9m in Lancashire, £39m in Merseyside, £31.5m in Cumbria and £24.6m in Cheshire - will begin in July 2016.

Summary: The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been restored as the provider for non-emergency patient transport services across Greater Manchester.


Media playback is not supported on this device The winger, 22, was dismissed in the loss to St Johnstone after appearing to react to Stephen Mitchell's award of a foul throw. Tynecastle head coach Ian Cathro said after the game he would review the incident, but backed his player. But BBC Scotland has learned the club is not planning to lodge an appeal. Nicholson will be suspended for Saturday's home match against Dundee. "I want to see the footage [of Nicholson's red card]," Cathro said in his post-match interview following Wednesday's defeat in Perth. "I don't think there was any aggression directed in that. I take that quite clearly from how Sam describes the situation and from other players around it. That's something that needs looked at." Media playback is not supported on this device

Summary: Hearts will not appeal against the red card Sam Nicholson received for an alleged spit in the direction of an assistant referee at McDiarmid Park.


International recognition and protection of such areas is urgently needed to halt their continued loss, say scientists. Roads may introduce many problems to nature, including deforestation, pollution and risks to wildlife. Areas untouched by roads do not have adequate protection in most countries, researchers report in Science journal. "We have produced a global map of road less areas," said lead researcher Pierre Ibisch, of Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, in Germany. "And this map shows that Earth's landscapes are shattered into more than 600 thousand fragments. "We used a huge dataset of 36 million km of roads for producing this map." Roads are important for economic development, but they have a number of potential environmental impacts, including deforestation, chemical pollution, and noise disturbance. To gain a better understanding of the impact of road systems, scientists analysed two global datasets, OpenStreetMap and gRoads. They also reviewed 282 publications. The map found that about 80% of the Earth's land surface remains without roads. However, more than half of the 600,000 fragments created by roads are less than 1 sq km. Only 7% are larger than 100 sq km (400 sq miles) - that's about the size of the island of Montserrat. As roads continue to expand there is an urgent need for a global strategy for the conservation, restoration and monitoring of areas without roads and the ecosystems they represent, say scientists from 12 institutions in six countries. Few countries have legislation that protects areas that are not fragmented by roads. And in much of Europe and North America these areas have already been lost. However, in Australia, for example, untouched landscapes such as the Blue Mountains only hours from Sydney still exist. Dr Ibisch told BBC News: ''We see these road less areas as areas with an inherent value; something that merits being seen as a conservation target in its own right.'' Co-researcher Monika Hoffmann added: "Road less areas are still overestimated and many of them are reduced in size." The research is published in the journal Science. Follow Helen on Twitter.

Summary: A global map of areas without roads shows large tracts of wilderness remain unprotected.


Agricultural produce and cosmetics sold in EU member states must now have clear labels showing their place of origin. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the EU "should be ashamed of itself". The EU considers settlements built on territories occupied by Israel in 1967 to be illegal under international law, but Israel disputes this position. The EU says settlements constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict impossible. Mr Netanyahu, who was in Washington on an official visit, called the decision "hypocritical and a double standard". The Israeli foreign ministry has summoned the EU ambassador to Israel and said it would suspend diplomatic dialogue in the coming weeks. At a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, the European Commission adopted an "interpretative notice on indication of origin of goods from the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967". The Commission says the territories comprise the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, which were captured from Syria. Mandatory indication of origin applies notably to fresh fruit and vegetables, wine, honey, olive oil, eggs, poultry, organic products and cosmetics. Voluntary indication of origin applies to pre-packaged foodstuffs and the majority of industrial products. For products from West Bank or the Golan Heights that originate from settlements, the expression "Israeli settlement" or equivalent needs to be added, in brackets, for example. So, "product from the Golan Heights (Israeli settlement)" or "product from West Bank (Israeli settlement)" could be used. Products from the West Bank not originating from settlements could be labelled "product from Palestine" or "product from West Bank (Palestinian product)". Source: European Commission factsheet Since 2009, the UK has implemented voluntary guidelines for labelling, which distinguishes West Bank produce made in Israeli settlements from Palestinian West Bank produce. Similar guidelines have been put in place by Denmark and Belgium. An EU source told the BBC that the labels would have to include the word "settlement", as under EU consumer law it would be misleading to simply mark them as products from Israel or from the Palestinian territories. The source said this was not a new obligation or a political decision, but designed to clarify member states' obligations to ensure consumers are fully informed. The EU, the source added, does not view the occupied territories as legally part of Israel, so products from there cannot be labelled as from Israel or benefit from preferential trade agreements. Since 2004, produce from settlements have not benefited from trade preferences, and EU law already requires the places of origin of fruits, vegetables and honey to be labelled. Israel's economy ministry estimates that the impact of Wednesday's decision will be about $50m (€47m; £33m) a year, according to Reuters. EU imports from Israel were worth around €13bn ($14bn; £9bn) in 2014. "We regret that the EU has chosen, for political reasons, to take such an exceptional and discriminatory step, inspired by the boycott movement, particularly at this time, when Israel is confronting a wave of terrorism targeting any and all of its citizens," Israel's foreign ministry

Summary: The European Commission has issued new guidelines for the labelling of some products made in Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian and Syrian land.


A photographer who was able to board the stricken wooden vessel said more than 1,000 migrants had been crammed aboard. They were among at least 28 migrants who died in the area on Tuesday, while some 4,655 people were rescued. The total number rescued over the past two days is more than 10,000, while the death toll is at least 50. Smugglers have taken advantage of calm weather to push more boats out to sea. Aris Messinis, a photographer for the French AFP news agency, said many of the dead aboard one particular boat had suffocated. He said: "It was a wooden vessel and there were about 1,000 people on three levels. I counted 22 bodies and there are still others in the hold." Mr Messinis's graphic images showed the bodies of dead young men and women, piled on top of one another on the deck of a dinghy and in the cramped hold of a wooden boat. On Monday, 6,055 migrants were rescued - one of the highest numbers in a single day - and 22 found dead, Italian and Libyan officials said. One Italian ship rescued about 725 migrants from a single rubber boat, the coastguard said - just one of 20 rescue operations that day. Relatively calm weather is contributing to a surge in the number of people attempting to make the crossing before the cold weather sets in. The surge takes the number of migrants who have arrived in Italy this year to about 142,000 and the death toll to about 3,100, according to the International Organisation for Migration. The majority come from African countries, including Nigeria, Eritrea, Guinea, Gambia, Sudan, Ivory Coast and Somalia. European law says migrants must stay in the country where they first enter the EU. With fewer migrants able to travel into Europe via Greece and the Balkan route, and France, Switzerland and Austria effectively closing their borders, Italy is struggling to deal with the growing numbers landing on its shores. Monday marked three years to the day since 366 migrants died when an overcrowded boat sank off the Italian coast, in a disaster that first drew widespread attention to the plight of those attempting to reach Europe by sea.

Summary: More than 20 migrants are said to have suffocated in the hold of an overloaded boat off the Libyan coast.


The defensive midfielder joined from Caen last summer for £6m and went on to make 40 appearances in Leicester's Premier League-winning campaign. Kante, 25, was part of the France squad that reached the final of Euro 2016. "I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It's a dream come true for me," he said. Kante is Chelsea's second signing of the summer after Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi joined from Marseille. "The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of the best players in the world was simply too good to turn down," said Kante. Leicester said they accepted a club record fee on Friday before Kante finalised terms and completed a medical. "Despite the offer of a substantially improved, long-term contract, it became apparent that N'Golo's wish was to join Chelsea," said a Foxes statement. Leicester striker Jamie Vardy turned down a move to Arsenal earlier in the summer, but there is continued speculation winger Riyad Mahrez could leave. Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo described Kante as a "fantastic" signing with "exceptional quality". "He is a perfect fit in terms of Antonio Conte's philosophies and the style of football he wants to play," added Emenalo. Meanwhile, Conte lost his first game in charge as they were beaten 2-0 by Rapid Vienna in a friendly. Chelsea fielded a strong side captained by John Terry and including Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic, Willian, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Diego Costa. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Chelsea have signed Leicester City midfielder N'Golo Kante on a five-year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £30m.


8 March 2016 Last updated at 10:42 GMT Peter Slevin, her biographer, talks about her legacy. He looks at the first lady to do a hula hoop on the White House lawn and dance in public to Uptown Funk. Mrs Obama has also taken a proactive stance on education and obesity among young people.

Summary: The White House's first black first lady Michelle Obama once told her aides not to "just put me on a plane, send me someplace and have me smile".


Sosefina Amoa, 26, accepted a plea agreement for voluntary manslaughter, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. A prosecutor has said she will seek a four to 10-year prison term. A lawyer for Amoa said the Samoan woman smothered the infant in her room at the Little Sisters of the Poor convent but did so out of panic and shock after a difficult delivery. She put her hand over the infant's mouth to "quiet the baby so she could figure out what she was going to do", lawyer Judith Pipe said. Amoa is said to have arrived in the US from Samoa on 5 October 2013 to begin a five-month programme to become a member of the convent. She gave birth to son Joseph in her room on 10 October. Prosecutor Cynthia Wright told the Washington court Amoa was standing when the infant was born and that he fell, hitting the floor before he was smothered. Amoa later cleaned her room and showed the infant to a sister at the convent the following day, saying she had found the child outside. The unnamed nun allegedly found the child cold and not breathing and took the body in a bag to a local hospital along with Amoa, court documents said.

Summary: A trainee Catholic nun has pleaded guilty to killing her newborn infant in a convent in Washington DC in October.


South Africa-born McKerr joined Derbyshire on an initial 28-day loan deal on 31 May. The 19-year-old took 14 wickets in two first-class games for Derbyshire. He also became the youngest player in the county's history to take 10 wickets in a match when he took 10-141 in their defeat by Northamptonshire. Meanwhile, Derbyshire opening batsman Luis Reece is still hopeful of being fit from a viral infection for the county's next game, the inaugural day-night Championship game against Glamorgan, in Cardiff, starting on 26 June. Reece, 26, did not bat in either innings in Derbyshire's three-day defeat by Northamptonshire at Wantage Road on Sunday, after leaving the pitch on Friday with breathing problems. "I was struggling to breathe," the winter signing from Lancashire told BBC Radio Derby. "Then, a couple of overs later, I felt tightening in my chest, the paramedics were on and I was off to Kettering Hospital. "They think it's a viral infection and it was fluid that caused the tightening of the chest. I can't do any strenuous exercise and I'm being referred to a cardiologist. "But hopefully I will be available for the next game. I'm hoping that it's not going to be a long lay-off. And I'll know more once I've seen the cardiologist."

Summary: Surrey have recalled paceman Conor McKerr from his loan spell with County Championship Division Two side Derbyshire, with immediate effect.


Guidolin is under pressure with the Swans only one point above the relegation zone. Swansea's American owners, Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien, have yet to decide on Guidolin's future. However, they are compiling a shortlist of potential successors to the Italian. The owners will be in attendance at the Liberty on Saturday. Chairman Huw Jenkins has met former United States coach Bob Bradley, while former Wales and Manchester United captain Ryan Giggs would be interested in the manager's role if it was to become vacant. Bradley and Giggs are not the only options, with Swansea's hierarchy thought to be considering several other possible candidates in the event of Guidolin's departure. Any decision on Guidolin's future will be taken jointly between Kaplan, Levien and Jenkins. They have become concerned in recent weeks, with Swansea failing to win in the Premier League since their opening-day triumph at Burnley. It is understood the nature of the Swans' performances in their next few games - a trip to Arsenal follows the Liverpool fixture - will have as much of a bearing on Guidolin's future as the results. The 60-year-old succeeded Garry Monk as Swansea boss in January and, after guiding the Welsh club to Premier League safety last season, the former Udinese manager was rewarded with a two-year contract in May. Guidolin insists he still has the support of the players and he has not sought assurances from Jenkins about his future. "I spoke with the chairman last week," he said. "But at the moment the most important thing is for me to work with my players and with my team to prepare for the next game, to be focussed and with concentration." Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Francesco Guidolin's future as Swansea City head coach will not necessarily rest on Saturday's Premier League match against Liverpool - even though the Italian admitted it could be his last.


Clare Shillington and Laura Delany both made 37 as Ireland were bowled out for 144 after 47.1 overs of their innings. Bangladesh replied with 145-3 off 39.1 overs to win with 65 balls to spare, Sharmin Akhter top-scoring with 52. Ireland must win their remaining two matches against Pakistan and South Africa to maintain qualification hopes. Ireland retained their one-day international status by making the Super Six, from which the top four qualify for the World Cup this summer. After being put in to bat by Bangladesh at the Colombo Cricket Club, the Irish women were dealt an early blow as Cecilia Joyce (3) and Kim Garth (0) both went cheaply. Meg Kendal returned from her hamstring injury to make 16, sharing in a third wicket stand of 45 with Shillington, who struck four boundaries and cleared the ropes twice in an entertaining 37 from 36 balls. Both fell in quick succession and it was left to skipper Delany and Isobel Joyce (24) to rebuild the innings with a stand of 44. Having reached 106-4 with 19 overs remaining, Ireland looked set for a total approaching 200, however the innings faltered in the final third, as they slumped to 144 all out. Jahanara Alam (3-21), Panna Ghosh (2-16) and Khadija Tul Kubra (2-26) were best with the ball for Bangladesh. Ireland needed quick wickets in the Bangladesh chase, but their attack was blunted by a steady opening stand of 40 between Sharmin Sultana (22) and Sharmin Akhter. Gaby Lewis (1-31) dismissed Sultana, and when Isobel Joyce ran out Islam for 2, Ireland were back in the contest at 52-2. However Akhter hit a fine half century from 86 balls, adding 53 with Morgana Hoque, to ensure Bangladesh quickly regained control. Although Akhter was dismissed by Ciara Metcalfe (1-33), by that stage just 39 were needed, and Hoque (34 not out) in conjunction with Rumana Ahmed (24 not out) steered their side safely home. Ireland are next in action when they face Pakistan on Friday, before taking on South Africa on Sunday.

Summary: Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup appear remote after suffering a seven-wicket defeat by Bangladesh in their opening Super Six match.


First Minister Peter Robinson suggested devolved powers for social welfare could be handed back if the Stormont parties failed to reach agreement. Sinn Féin and the SDLP are currently refusing to support the changes. Ms Villiers described the idea as hugely controversial. "It's the current government's approach that any changes to the devolution settlement have to be broadly supported across the political parties, across the community, so I'm afraid on welfare reform, I'd love to see progress on this, but I think the progress in getting it through has to come through agreement between the political parties and adopting it at Stormont," she said. The welfare reform bill, if implemented, would largely introduce measures already introduced elsewhere in the UK. Mr Robinson told the BBC's The View on Thursday that a package had been discussed by himself and Martin McGuinness last May, but the deputy first minister could not sell it to his party. The first minister said the package contained ways to help alleviate the effects of reform. By Gareth GordonBBC News NI Political Correspondent The Maze peace centre; Haass talks proposals; On the Runs; loyalist paramilitary violence and now welfare reform. The subject matter changes, but that's all. Relations between Sinn Féin and the DUP - between Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson - fluctuate from one row to the next. So how serious is this one? Well as serious as the last, except disagreement over welfare reform is costing money and must be sorted - sooner or later. Later probably given that there are elections to be fought in May. If only they had a joint trip to the US coming up where grinning and bearing it would be the only option. He said it had failed because Mr McGuinness had been unable to sell it to senior Sinn Féin members of the Irish parliament. Mr Robinson said the Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams had a very negative influence on the party's team in the Northern Ireland Executive. In response, Mr McGuinness said Mr Robinson had "crossed the line" by saying they had reached agreement on welfare reform. The deputy first minister said Mr Robinson's version of events was not true. He said some of the first minister's comments in relation to the discussions that took place between them and other Sinn Féin and DUP negotiators on the issue of welfare cuts bore "no reality to what happened at the time". Mr Robinson, the DUP leader, said in response to Mr McGuinness' comments: "I made it very clear in the interview that no deal is done until we get the support of our parties, that we were all comfortable enough to go with the package to our parties. "That's the position that I outlined, it's the position that I stand over. Indeed in terms of them not being able to get their party over the line, why on earth would he have brought me in on a Saturday afternoon if there hadn't been some exceptional set of circumstances."

Summary: The secretary of state has said the prospect of Westminster taking powers to legislate for welfare changes in NI is not realistic.


The Nigerian military says the footage shows Boko Haram fighters on trucks and motorcycles fleeing aerial bombardment by the Air Force, in a recent operation in the Sambisa forest - thought to be the militants' last stronghold in Nigeria. Over the past week alone, the military says hundreds of women and children have been rescued as part of an ongoing offensive against the group. The latest developments mean that the Nigerian military has not only reclaimed many towns in the north-east previously under Boko Haram control, but are now pushing further to rout them from their final hideouts By starting to provide more documentary evidence to back up its claims of success, the Nigerian military has shown it is willing to get involved in the propaganda war as well. Before that, the images from Boko Haram, including militants carrying out atrocities and their leader Abubakar Shekau taunting the government, instilled fear and hopelessness in the minds of many. The last broadcast from Shekau was his pledge of allegiance to Islamic State in an audio clip in March. But as we have seen from his group in the past, silence does not always imply that they have been significantly weakened. Attacks credited to Boko Haram continue in both Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Army commanders say they don't often find many bodies of the insurgents after battle, suggesting that the jihadists carry away their dead with them as they retreat. It's not clear if any senior Boko Haram figures have been captured during the recent operations, says Ryan Cummings, Chief Africa Analyst for the risk management firm Red24. "With the leadership of the group still intact, Boko Haram may continue to possess the acumen to replenish, regroup, and rearm both within and outside of Nigeria's borders." Then there is also the argument that until factors like poverty, unemployment and lack of education can be addressed, local populations will remain vulnerable to extremist ideology. Apart from the Sambisa forest, a vast area based around a nature reserve of the same name, the group is also known to operate in the Mandara Mountains, which lie on the poorly-manned Cameroon-Nigeria border. Fighting the group here would require greater cooperation between both countries - something that has been lacking - to combat their common enemy. Nigeria's President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, a former military leader, says one of his first moves after assuming office will be to call a meeting of the regional leaders on a more proactive collaboration to end the conflict. Gen Buhari says the outgoing Nigerian government did not do enough to harness a suitable regional response. Frosty cross-border relations have affected the military operations, with resentment and mistrust between Nigeria and its neighbours. For a long time Boko Haram fighters were able to cross the border at will, to carry out attacks and to escape any army responses but now their movements have been limited by the joint regional forces. In Nigeria, Gen Buhari is expected to reshuffle the top brass of the military to bring in top officials who can add more zest or possibly

Summary: If the recent footage released by the military is anything to go by, Nigerians may have reason for optimism about the government's ongoing battle against the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.


The 30-year-old, riding for Team Dimension Data, won stage one to Al Khor Corniche in a sprint finish from Sacha Modolo (Lampre) and Andrea Guardini (Astana). Cavendish, who won the race in 2013, averaged close to 52km/h on this stage. He plans to decide during the race whether he will compete at next month's track World Championships in London. A winner of 26 Tour de France stages, Cavendish faces a packed schedule in 2016 with August's Olympic Games in Rio also a target. The five-stage race finishes on Friday.

Summary: Britain's Mark Cavendish claimed his first win of 2016 on a fast opening stage of the Tour of Qatar.


Bloc Blinds of Magherafelt specialises in made-to-measure roller blinds, and its major customers include the John Lewis department store chain. It currently employs 69 staff but aims to add 93 jobs over the next two years. The expansion is being supported with a £465,000 grant from Invest NI. The investment includes new manufacturing facilities and market development activities to help increase export sales. Cormac Diamond , the firm's managing director, says the move "underpins our ambition to increase sales particularly in Europe and the US". He said a new manufacturing facility brings all the firm's production under one roof which will "help increase production and operating efficiencies." Mr Diamond, whose background is in mechanical engineering, founded the business in the depths of the recession. He developed easy-to-install, customisable blinds and got his first John Lewis order when a buyer spotted the his products at a trade show.

Summary: A County Londonderry-based blind manufacturer is more than doubling its workforce in a £4m investment.


Trudy Taylor was employed as an agency social worker for Lincolnshire County Council until 2015. A tribunal heard she was asked to visit a family where there had been an alleged domestic violence incident between the parents. The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service was told she never made the visits. Read more about this and other stories from across Lincolnshire Social services were asked to make an assessment of the family in January 2015 after an incident between the parents, the tribunal heard. Ms Taylor, who had been a social worker for 10 years, was assigned the case. She recorded visiting the parents and the children at their schools, setting out statements allegedly made by the children and reporting on their demeanour. In March 2015 the case was transferred to another social worker, witness 1, who visited the family. He said the family had made it clear they had not been visited and he then contacted the children's school who also said they had no records of Ms Taylor seeing the children there. He then informed his line manager, witness 2, who confronted Ms Taylor. She said Ms Taylor said she could not remember the visits and described her as appearing flustered, going red and changing the subject. Ms Taylor was suspended by her agency shortly afterwards. She did not appear at the hearing on 8 May but had denied the allegations in an email in February 2016. The panel determined the misconduct, "involving as it did the risk of harm to vulnerable children", meant the only sanction was to strike her name from the profession's register.

Summary: A social worker who lied about visiting two children who were potentially at risk of harm has been struck off.


About 47,000 fines totalling Â£1.3m were issued during a trial to restrict traffic during the day. The trial took place between August 2013 and April 2014. Refunds can be obtained by calling City of York Council or by visiting the website. Refunds were offered to drivers after a traffic adjudicator said the council had "no power" to issue fines because signage and CCTV were inadequate. Last year, the council spent about Â£150,000 writing to 27,000 drivers who had not claimed a refund. The deadline has been extended twice. The authority said it would publish the total cost of the Lendal Bridge "settlement" after 31 March when the application process ends. It disputes the findings of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal "regarding the lawful ability to regulate traffic in this way" and said the trial was aimed at reducing congestion in the city centre, not making money.

Summary: Drivers fined for crossing York's Lendal Bridge while traffic restrictions were in place have just days to apply for their money back, officials have said.


As African societies walk the tightrope between tradition and international law, some cultural practices which might be considered philanthropic at home can take on a very different complexion if transferred to the West. They can even violate anti-slavery and human-trafficking laws. Like many African countries, Nigeria does not have a developed welfare state to look after its most deprived citizens. An estimated 67% of the country's 170 million people live in poverty and they often rely on the generosity of relatives and philanthropists to provide their basic needs. As a result, families with reasonable incomes immediately take on extra financial responsibilities to help out members of their extended family. They will pay school fees for their grandmother's cousin's younger sister's nieces, medical bills for the stepsons of their uncle's wife's younger sister, and send money back to their home villages to fund classrooms, healthcare centres, or communal boreholes drilled to access drinking water. Also, many poor families in the villages send their children to live with more comfortable families in the cities - usually as a "house help", who will clean, do laundry, cook, babysit and whatever else brawn can accomplish. In exchange, the helps are fed, housed, clothed and if they're lucky, educated, with their parents sometimes receiving a fee. But it is this ad-hoc welfare system that has been behind numerous allegations of human trafficking in Nigeria. Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani: "It remains difficult for many Nigerians to agree that the arrangements they have with their domestic helps could be considered a crime" During my childhood, my mother depended on the recommendations of people she knew in villages for those willing to become house helps - often they were teenagers sent by the their parents to earn extra money whilst attending school in the city. Today, there are "agents" who supply boys, girls, men and women, sometimes from poorer countries beyond Nigeria's borders, such as Benin and Togo. Agents usually demand between six months' to two years' worth of the worker's salary in advance, a percentage of which is sent to their families. The typical wage is between 5,000 ($25, Â£16) and 15,000 naira per month. At those rates, the average middle-class Nigerian could afford to hire as many as they wanted. But in the UK and US, where many Nigerians have made their homes, domestic staff have to be paid a minimum wage and all sorts of benefits. As a result, some Nigerians abroad resort to importing domestic staff from "back home", sometimes with disastrous consequences. In June 2011, Nigerian-American lawyer Bidemi Bello was convicted of human trafficking for bringing two Nigerian women to the US and "forcing them to work in her lavish home like slaves". The court heard that Bello beat the women and failed to pay their wages. She was sentenced by the Georgia court to 11 years in prison. At the time the story broke, I was in charge of the opinion desk at a local newspaper, and keen to raise awareness of the issue back in Nigeria. I approached a number of potential contributors whom

Summary: In our series of letters from African journalists, Nigerian novelist and writer Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani asks if using poorer relatives as domestic workers is helping them or exploiting them.


The 46-year-old number one seed defeated his 26-year-old opponent 7-3 in Sunday's final at Lakeside. Noppert, seeded third, led 2-1 before Teessider Durrant came back strongly. "In 1989, I watched a match between Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson that inspired me to pick up a set of darts," Durrant told Channel 4. "Now, thanks to hard work, determination and Teesside steel, I am world champion." On Saturday, England's Lisa Ashton won her third women's title, beating Australian Corrine Hammond 3-0 in the final.

Summary: England's Glen Durrant secured his first BDO World Darts Championships title with victory over Dutchman Danny Noppert.


Mr Humphrey and his wife, Yu Yingzeng, were sentenced in August last year for illegally obtaining private information on Chinese nationals. He received a two-and-a-half year sentence, while Ms Yu was sentenced to two years in prison. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) China, which was fined $490m in China for bribery, hired Mr Humphrey in 2013. The pair were hired by GSK to investigate the source of a sex tape of the company's China boss, shortly before the firm became the subject of the bribery allegations. They admitted buying information, but said they did not realise it was illegal to do so. Release in the coming days will reduce his sentence by seven months. Time spent in custody before his trial was taken off his sentence. Once released, he is likely to be deported, as the court originally stipulated. Ms Yu will be released in the coming weeks, according to the Reuters news agency. The original verdict did not make a link between Mr Humphrey's investigations and the allegations against the pharmaceutical giant GSK. Those allegations first emerged in an email in January 2013 from an anonymous and self-styled whistleblower to the company. The email alleged that GSK's sales teams targeted influential doctors with expensive gifts and cash to win business. It was sent to GSK's London-based chief executive, Andrew Witty, and made accusations against GSK China's general manager Mark Reilly. Later, a sex tape featuring Mr Reilly and his girlfriend was also sent. GSK declined to comment.

Summary: British company investigator Peter Humphrey is to be released early from a Chinese jail, according to reports.