Helen Bushby

Former Coronation Street actor Qasim Akhtar will receive substantial damages and legal costs from News Group Newspapers after The Sun published false allegations linking him to extremism and firearms training. NGN acknowledged the article caused serious harm, apologised unreservedly, and agreed not to repeat the claims. Akhtar’s statement highlighted the distress and reputational damage he experienced, while the court heard that the publisher failed to seek his response before publication.

Former Coronation Street actor Qasim Akhtar will receive substantial libel damages and legal costs from News Group Newspapers after The Sun published false allegations linking him to extremism and firearms training. NGN acknowledged the article caused serious reputational harm, apologised unreservedly and pledged not to repeat the claims. Akhtar said the accusations severely affected his life, while the court heard that the paper failed to seek his response before publication.

Gary Glitter, also known as Paul Gadd, has been charged with historical sexual offences against a girl under 14 dating back to 1978–1981. The Metropolitan Police began investigating after allegations were reported in January 2025, interviewing Gadd that July. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 5 August and is currently held in HMP Cannings Wood. The CPS stated that sufficient evidence and public interest justify bringing the case to court, and the alleged victim is receiving specialist support.