Kelly Williams

Ryan Scott of Torquay, Devon, was prosecuted after claiming Personal Independence Payment while allegedly saying he could not perform basic tasks or walk more than 20 metres. An anonymous tip, race photographs, bank statements and surveillance footage indicated that he had completed a 10k race, resumed plastering work, climbed ladders and carried heavy equipment. He was found to have been overpaid £7,625.68 between May 2023 and April 2024. Scott apologised and attributed his conduct to depression and medication. Exeter Magistrates' Court imposed a 15-day community order and ordered him to pay £360 in fines, costs and surcharge; he had already begun repaying the Department for Work and Pensions.

Bookkeeper Donna Pope was sentenced to 38 months in prison after admitting that she abused her position as accounts manager at Ultimatum Group Ltd to defraud the company of £50,000 over two years. She used the company card for holidays, flights, hotels, takeaways, home deliveries and other personal expenses while company director Eddie Tucker was undergoing treatment for Stage 4 cancer. Preston Crown Court rejected her claim that the payments resulted from a PayPal error, with the judge describing the conduct as a sustained fraud and abuse of trust that caused serious harm to Tucker, his family and business. Pope will serve up to half her sentence in custody, and confiscation proceedings are scheduled for January 18.

Benjamin Morgan, 29, was sentenced at Hull Crown Court to three and a half years in prison and given a 10-year restraining order after admitting assault causing actual bodily harm, intentional suffocation and controlling or coercive behaviour against his partner. The court heard that he threatened to kill and financially ruin her, monitored her communications, prevented her from leaving, assaulted and suffocated her, and humiliated her by urinating in her shoes. She escaped at a pub and alerted staff, who contacted police. Morgan had five previous domestic-abuse-related convictions, including two for intentional suffocation, and had served a prison sentence in 2024.

Alexandra Walker and her boyfriend Harrison Simpson were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder and child cruelty of Walker’s two-year-old daughter, Isabelle Welsh. Simpson received a minimum term of 28 years and six months and Walker a minimum term of 22 years, both reduced by time spent on remand. The court heard that Isabelle suffered weeks of severe abuse, including 21 broken bones, a fatal head injury and sexual assault around the time of her death. The judge said the pair failed to obtain urgent medical help and attempted to conceal what had happened; Simpson was also convicted of sexual assault, while Walker was acquitted of that charge.

A major incident was declared after a large, wind-driven wildfire spread across Dunwich Heath near Leiston in Suffolk during a period of extreme heat. Around 90 firefighters worked overnight to protect nearby properties, and all residents and others in the affected area were evacuated. Suffolk County Council said there was no current risk to the nearby Sizewell B nuclear plant, although the situation remained dynamic. The blaze damaged extensive heathland, woodland and grassland, while heat-health warnings and flash-drought conditions remained in effect across parts of England. A separate wildfire in Scotland was also showing progress but remained vulnerable to flare-ups.

A major fire broke out at the 150-year-old St Andrew’s Church on Jarrom Street in Leicester shortly after midnight on July 29, sending thick smoke across the city centre. Firefighters remained at the scene, used an aerial ladder platform and advised residents to keep windows and doors closed. The extent of the damage, the cause of the fire and whether anyone was injured had not been confirmed, while Jarrom Street was closed and investigations were due to begin once the building was safe to enter.

Both Douk Deng, a 21-year-old South Sudanese asylum seeker, was arrested after entering Edgar Wood Academy in Heywood while carrying a hammer, hatchet, seven-inch kitchen knife and petrol can. Police tackled him after workmen raised the alarm. Deng pleaded guilty to criminal damage and weapons offences and was sentenced to two years, with up to half served in custody. The court heard that frustration over his immigration status and living conditions contributed to the incident, while psychiatric reports found no major mental health problems and police found no evidence of a specific motive. The judge criticized the Home Office's handling of his case, and Greater Manchester Police praised officers for preventing harm.

A man in Orange, in France’s Provence region, reportedly found the decomposing remains of five babies inside cardboard boxes after arguing with his wife about their contents. The woman had allegedly concealed multiple pregnancies and was taken to hospital after experiencing stomach pains. Police are investigating, forensic examinations are under way, and no arrests have been made. The couple has three surviving children, while the case has drawn comparisons with earlier French cases involving concealed newborn deaths.

Two-year-old Isabelle Rose Welsh died after suffering a fatal head injury, sexual assault and 21 separate bone fractures at her home in Thornaby. Her mother, Alexandra Walker, and Walker’s partner, Harrison Simpson, were convicted of murder, child cruelty, and causing or allowing her death at Teesside Crown Court; Simpson was also convicted of sexually abusing Isabelle. Prosecutors said the pair were aware of repeated violence and delayed seeking medical help, while evidence included CCTV, medical reports, pathology findings and communications records. Sentencing is due to take place on Thursday.

Molly Elisabeth Duncan, a 26-year-old nanny from Beachwood, Ohio, was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole for sexually abusing two children under two and recording the assaults. She also received a 70-year sentence for related offenses involving another victim, along with supervised release and financial penalties intended to support victims and law enforcement. Duncan admitted distributing abuse material to other sexual predators and partially attributed her conduct to her mental health and history of abuse, while a victim’s mother described the lasting impact on her family.

Richard Hammond admitted through his solicitors to two speeding offences in Herefordshire: driving his Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo at 68 mph in a 50 mph zone and his Bentley Continental GT at 82 mph in a 70 mph zone, both in December 2025. Telford Magistrates' Court imposed seven penalty points and total financial penalties of £1,771. West Mercia Police dropped separate allegations that he failed to respond to police correspondence after he denied those charges and identified himself as the driver.

Influencer Angie Marcela Ramírez Vargas was shot repeatedly by a motorcyclist while stopped at traffic lights outside a shopping centre in Pitalito, Colombia, after leaving a gym. She drove roughly 100 metres before losing control and was pronounced dead in hospital. Police arrested a 48-year-old suspected gunman, recovered a motorcycle and firearm, and continued searching for a second attacker while investigating the motive.

Wildfires in south-west France have consumed an area roughly four times the size of Paris and forced 220,000 people to evacuate. President Emmanuel Macron called the crisis France’s most serious fire threat since World War II and warned that the response would continue for weeks, with crews racing to contain smouldering woodland before another heatwave. Spain is also experiencing record-scale fires, with more than 79,000 people evacuated and 590 square miles burned this year. A separate blaze in Italy’s Puglia region forced about 300 tourists to leave coastal areas. Officials and residents linked the severity of the fires to unusually intense heat and climate change, while several countries offered firefighting assistance.

Elizabeth Waddell, 44, disappeared while staying near Grand Anse Beach in St. George, Grenada, after apparently going for a swim. Her companion found her towel on a pier, and Waddell had not taken her phone. Her husband, Cailen Waddell, traveled to Grenada with their daughter to help search, while the Royal Grenada Police Force is coordinating with fishermen, boat operators and local residents along the southern coast.

A man and a woman were pronounced dead after being recovered from the water at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall. Coastguard teams, lifeboats, a helicopter, police and ambulance crews attended the overnight incident, and the victims' families have been informed. A separate incident at West Wittering in Sussex left one man dead and another hospitalized after both experienced difficulty in the water.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man dressed as a lobster whom they want to identify in connection with an assault outside Alexandra Palace during the World Darts Championship on December 13, 2025. The victim, who was allegedly punched and knocked unconscious after an argument with a group in lobster costumes, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and continues to experience significant effects. The Metropolitan Police is appealing for witnesses and information.

The body of 21-year-old María Camila Potosí, who was eight months pregnant, was found near the River Meléndez in Cali after she disappeared on July 16. Authorities believe she was fatally stabbed and that her unborn child was removed, but the baby has not been found. CCTV showed Potosí leaving a health centre on a motorcycle with an unidentified woman, who is now a key focus of the investigation. Police, the Cali Ombudsman's Office and prosecutors have urged the public to provide information and called for an urgent search to determine whether the infant may still be alive.

A suspected explosion at an industrial unit on Brunel Road in Bedford killed one man at the scene and sent three others to hospital. Bedfordshire Police attended at about 3:50 p.m., established a safety cordon that was later lifted, and urged the public not to speculate. The investigation is expected to be transferred to the Health and Safety Executive.

A female common marmoset, nicknamed Oyster, was found concealed in a small cage inside a laundry bag on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise, north-west London. The RSPCA rescued and medically examined her before relocating her to a specialist sanctuary, where she is expected to be introduced to a lone male marmoset. PETA is offering a reward of up to £3,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction, while the RSPCA investigates CCTV and passenger records. Campaigners suspect the abandonment may be linked to new English legislation requiring primate owners to obtain licences.

Donald Trump is reportedly considering a major attack on Iran, which he described as potentially larger than any previous operation, while saying Iran has not yet experienced enough pressure to agree to negotiations. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Middle East, although no final decision or new orders have reportedly been issued. Separately, Iran-aligned Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea after declaring a blockade of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, contributing to oil prices rising above $100 a barrel.

Convicted Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana has been transferred from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor secure hospital following an independent clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act. The Ministry of Justice said the transfer does not alter his life sentence or its 52-year minimum term, and that he will remain in the high-security psychiatric unit until deemed fit to return to prison. Rudakubana was sentenced for murdering three children and stabbing eight other people at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in July 2024; he was also accused of attacking a prison officer while imprisoned.

Alan Vial and Nikita Burns are appealing their murder convictions for killing 66-year-old Robert Wilkin in Donegal in June 2023 and throwing his body from Sliabh Liag cliffs. Vial’s barrister argued that Burns’s confessions unfairly prejudiced the jury and that the pair should have been tried separately, while Burns’s counsel said her statements were made while intoxicated and were not voluntary. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued that substantial independent evidence supported Vial’s conviction and that Burns’s private confessions were admissible. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment.

Samiha Rahman, 15, and her mother, Shally Rahman, died after getting into difficulty in the water near West Mersea, Essex, while reportedly trying to help a seven-year-old relative. The child remains in critical condition. Relatives and community members described the family as shocked and speechless. Essex Police are interviewing witnesses to establish what happened, while emergency services have highlighted the dangers of rapidly rising tides and open-water swimming.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that British military bases used to support US attacks on Iran, as well as the British monarchy, could become legitimate targets. The warning follows reports that a US B-1 bomber operated from or transited RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a base used primarily by the US Air Force. The UK government declined to comment on foreign military operations, while Keir Starmer has authorised limited defensive use of the base but has resisted direct British participation in the conflict. The escalation has coincided with additional US deployments, renewed fighting after a collapsed ceasefire and Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel.

Kelly Williams reviews the Ultenic U16 Flex cordless vacuum cleaner as a lightweight and convenient option for everyday home cleaning. Its flexible wand, LED floor light, 550W motor, 50KPa suction, three power modes, one-button operation, large dust cup and handheld conversion are praised for making cleaning easier, particularly on hard floors and for removing hair. Battery life is considered reliable at lower settings, although higher-power modes drain it faster. The vacuum does not feel as premium as more expensive models and cannot stand upright independently. It is available from Ultenic and Amazon UK from £159.99.

Two women, Demi Oliver and Kelly Rees, attacked Warren Harper during a night of drinking at a house in Milford Haven, chasing him through the property and slashing him with knives. Harper escaped while bleeding heavily and required surgery for serious wounds to his wrist and arm. Both women admitted unlawful wounding and were sentenced at Swansea Crown Court, with Oliver receiving 17 months in prison and Rees receiving an additional 27 months on top of an existing sentence.

A man in his 30s was stabbed in the leg on a quiet street in Prestwich, prompting a significant police and emergency response. Residents described large amounts of blood at the scene and expressed shock that such violence occurred in an area largely populated by families and elderly people. The victim was taken to hospital, while a man and a woman in their 30s were arrested on suspicion of affray. Police maintained a cordon as forensics teams worked at the site.

Residents of new-build homes in Gilmerton, Edinburgh must temporarily relocate after a previously unknown mineshaft was discovered beneath parts of the development. The homes, built by Miller Homes and allocated through Places for People, require preventative groundworks, forcing families who recently moved in to leave for up to eight weeks. Affected residents expressed frustration over short notice, disruption to children’s schooling, financial strain, and damage to newly established gardens. Places for People and Miller Homes stated that the works are precautionary and that there is no immediate danger, with assurances of support for temporary accommodation and moving logistics.

A man celebrating being cancer‑free suffered a medical emergency on holiday in Gran Canaria after vomiting large amounts of blood and collapsing. Initially discharged abroad with a diagnosis of sunstroke, he returned to the UK where doctors at Manchester Royal Infirmary found an ulcer had burst in his bowel, linked to previous pancreatic surgery. He required seven blood transfusions and an operation during an 18‑day hospital stay. Now recovering, he says the ordeal has left him fearful of travelling again.

A Liverpool-led organised crime group attempted to recover £40m worth of cocaine dropped in the sea, but the operation collapsed when GPS trackers on the parcels malfunctioned. After an initial failed retrieval effort, a second team recovered 16 bales before being intercepted by law enforcement on Medmerry Beach. Eleven individuals were implicated, with several found guilty of conspiracy to smuggle cocaine or assisting the crime group. Authorities highlighted the operation as a major disruption to criminal networks and the distribution of Class A drugs in the UK.

A reviewer describes the nutribullet Chill Ice Cream Maker as a convenient, easy‑to‑use appliance that produces smooth and creamy homemade frozen desserts. The machine’s preset programs and simple operation make it a family‑friendly tool for creating custom flavours while offering control over ingredients and sugar levels. Despite needing advance freezer preparation, the device is praised for performance, texture quality, and ease of cleaning, making it a recommended purchase for households that enjoy homemade treats.

A 24‑year‑old woman was killed and a man in his 20s injured in a double stabbing at a property on Uxbridge Road in Hayes, West London. Police arrested a 44‑year‑old man on suspicion of murder and possession of a bladed article after locating him nearby with injuries believed to have resulted from jumping out of a window. Detectives said there is no wider threat to the public and appealed for witnesses as inquiries continue.

A U.S. fitness influencer, Connor Michael Murphy, died after allegedly damaging his rental home in Thailand and entering a lake during an agitated episode. Witnesses and acquaintances claimed he believed injecting gold could grant superhuman abilities, though authorities have not confirmed these claims. Police reported erratic behavior before he entered deep water and disappeared, and no signs of assault were found. Unused syringes and unidentified tablets were discovered in his belongings, while his partner said the behavior was unprecedented and unexplained.

Police investigating the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe said a 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire and that no additional suspects are being sought. Detectives stated there is no indication the attack was politically or terrorism motivated. Widdecombe, who had a long political and media career, was found dead in her Dartmoor home after suffering severe blunt-force injuries. A previous suspect was released without charge, and officers continue inquiries at the scene with an increased local police presence expected. Her last known contact occurred shortly before the suspected time of the attack.

A man in his 30s died after a violent assault at Blues Cabaret and Karaoke Bar in Ashton-under-Lyne, prompting Greater Manchester Police to launch a murder investigation. Officers found the victim with serious injuries and attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. A 36-year-old suspect has been arrested, and detectives are working to determine the circumstances while assuring the public the incident is isolated. Police are appealing for witnesses or footage to assist the inquiry.

Theo Burrell, an Antiques Roadshow expert, has died at 39 following a glioblastoma diagnosis in 2022. Her family announced she passed away peacefully, highlighting her resilience and dedication to raising awareness of the disease. Burrell exceeded her initial prognosis, celebrated key life events and became a vocal advocate for improved brain cancer research funding and diagnostic advances. Brain Tumour Research paid tribute to her advocacy and impact, expressing condolences to her family.

An 18-year-old woman died after a medical emergency at the Tonnau Festival on the Carreglwyd Estate in Anglesey. Emergency services responded around 1.45am, but she later died in hospital. Festival organisers issued a statement expressing condolences and closed the event to allow investigations. North Wales Police are treating the death as unexpected and have urged the public not to speculate while inquiries continue.

A British couple suffering severe burns were rescued from a ravine near Bedar after being trapped by a major wildfire in Almeria that has killed 12 people and left 23 missing. Spanish Civil Guard officers described the pair as semi‑conscious with burns over 40% of their bodies and now in intensive care. Firefighters and military personnel evacuated more than 1,400 residents as the blaze spread, while authorities work to identify the victims, many believed to be foreign nationals. Burned-out vehicles at the scene suggest multiple fatalities occurred as people attempted to flee the advancing flames.

Police launched a murder investigation after a man's body was found in a fly‑covered suitcase in woodland in Gillingham, Kent, near a children's teddy bear hunt. Two men, who had earlier visited Medway Police Station, were arrested on suspicion of murder, while a third was detained for assisting an offender and later bailed. Officers believe they know the victim's identity and say the arrested individuals were known to him. The Met Police detailed the sequence of events, confirming the discovery followed concerns raised at a Wandsworth address where signs suggested someone had been harmed.

A school prom at Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy in Birtley was shut down nearly two hours early following violent incidents involving students, aggressive behaviour by some parents, and damage to the venue, particularly in the girls' toilets. The venue requested the early closure, and Principal Andrew Fowler confirmed that a police investigation is underway. Staff attempted to manage the situation throughout the evening, and the school may be held responsible for damage costs. Fowler expressed disappointment that the actions of a small number of individuals disrupted an event meant to celebrate Year 11 students.

Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea and Leeds United, died at 94 in Monaco. Chelsea announced his death and praised his leadership, particularly his role in stabilising the club after purchasing it in 1982 for £1 before selling it to Roman Abramovich in 2003. Tributes from Chelsea and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust highlighted his pivotal influence in securing the club’s future and shaping its modern success. Bates' earlier football executive roles included positions at Oldham Athletic and Wigan Athletic.

Police believe Ann Widdecombe was attacked in her home a day before her body was discovered and are searching for a white male suspect captured on nearby CCTV. A previously arrested 26-year-old man has been released without charge. Authorities state there is no wider public risk and continue a fast‑moving investigation while urging the public to provide any relevant information. Widdecombe’s political and media career is outlined, and locals express shock over the killing in an area considered very safe.

Four teenagers from Weston-Super-Mare have been charged with rape, false imprisonment and assault following a police investigation into an alleged attack on a woman who was reportedly held captive in a property on June 21. Two 19-year-olds, an 18-year-old and two 17-year-olds face multiple charges and were remanded to appear at Taunton Magistrates' Court. Police described the arrests as part of a coordinated operation and confirmed ongoing support for the victim.

A 32-year-old Australian woman was arrested after allegedly killing and cooking her four-year-old son, prompting a forensic investigation and a review of child protection services. Her brother said the family feels guilt for not intervening sooner and criticised authorities for returning the child to her despite substance abuse, criminal history and prior welfare concerns. Social services had visited the family multiple times, and the pair had been relocated months earlier due to domestic violence issues. The mother was denied bail, and both her identity and the child’s remain suppressed under legal restrictions, while an independent review examines the handling of the case.

Pubs across England and Wales are permitted extended opening hours for the England–Norway World Cup quarter-final, allowing fans to stay 30 minutes past the final whistle even if kick-off is delayed due to extreme heat. The UK Government granted the extension to ensure supporters do not miss any action following previous weather-related delays. Comments from policing minister Sarah Jones highlight support for fans and venues. The article also notes anticipation of the match, including remarks from England captain Harry Kane on comparisons with Norway striker Erling Haaland.

A construction worker died after falling from Birmingham Children’s Hospital shortly before 10am on July 10, prompting an investigation involving West Midlands Police and the Health and Safety Executive. The man was employed on a BSN Group Construction site, whose representatives expressed condolences and confirmed cooperation with authorities. The hospital trust also offered sympathies and support to those affected. The incident occurred a day after Prince Harry visited the hospital during a regional tour.

A chaotic bull run at Pamplona’s San Fermin festival left one runner gored in the face and 12 others injured as six bulls charged through crowded narrow streets. A black bull that separated from the herd caused additional danger by striking participants, while pileups and falls contributed to the injuries. The event marked the fifth run of the festival and coincided with the centenary of Hemingway’s novel that popularised the celebration. Previous related incidents, including injuries to spectators and runners in other Spanish towns and on earlier festival days, underscore the ongoing risks associated with bull-running events.

A man who used a false identity to fraudulently claim more than £160,000 in benefits and housing support was sentenced to 42 months in prison after repeatedly attempting to access funds intended for Grenfell Tower fire victims. Investigators found he sublet multiple properties, redirected another tenant’s mail and misrepresented his circumstances while travelling abroad. Officials and prosecutors condemned his actions for exploiting public systems and diverting resources from those in genuine need.

At least 12 people, including four believed to be British, died in a wildfire in Almería’s Los Gallardos area after attempting to escape in vehicles or on foot. Authorities say some victims deviated from the designated evacuation route, becoming trapped. Nineteen people remain missing, around 1,000 residents have been evacuated, and roads closed as more than 150 firefighters battle the blaze amid a severe 40C heatwave affecting southern Europe. Spanish officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, expressed condolences while emergency services continue rescue and containment efforts.

A body was discovered in a parked car off Cemetery Road in Bradford during 29C heat, prompting an investigation by West Yorkshire Police, who are treating the cause of death as unexplained. Enquiries remain in the early stages as authorities gather more information.

An inquest into the death of 25‑year‑old Liam White in a Bangkok hostel revealed conflicting findings between Thai and UK post‑mortem examinations, with discrepancies in recorded heart size, lung infection evidence and detected substances. Assistant coroner Elizabeth Wheeler concluded that the cause of death could not be determined, issuing an open verdict. White’s funeral took place in Lancashire, and a GoFundMe campaign raised funds to help repatriate his body.

A Hull drug dealer, Thomas Crombie, was photographed by partner Marley Hadfield lying on a bed covered in cash earned from selling Class A drugs. Both admitted possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply after police recovered drugs and £10,000 in cash during a raid. Hadfield claimed she was manipulated, but the judge ruled she was a willing participant. Crombie received a two-year three-month prison sentence, while Hadfield received a two-year suspended sentence with unpaid work and rehabilitation. £5,000 of confiscated cash will be donated to a Hull boxing charity.

A wildfire in Los Gallardos, Spain has killed at least 12 people, including four believed to be British after bodies were found in burnt cars. Around 1,000 residents have been evacuated as firefighters continue to battle the blaze amid a 40C heatwave affecting southern Europe. Regional authorities, including Antonio Sanz and Juanma Moreno, confirmed rising fatalities, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences and highlighted ongoing emergency efforts. Eyewitnesses suggested a fallen power line may have sparked the fire, though the cause remains unconfirmed.

A mother, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and her daughters Natalie and Nala were found dead in their Bedford home, prompting heartfelt tributes from their schools and community. Police have named husband and father Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma as a suspect and believe he fled to Zimbabwe, launching an international search. Authorities appealed for him to surrender while family members expressed gratitude for public support and requested privacy during the ongoing investigation.

An inquest opened into the deaths of Aditi Vijay Paralkar, Rakesh Narayan Pai and their son Sid, who fell from a high-rise tower in Elephant and Castle. The coroner confirmed causes of death for the parents while investigations continue into the child’s death. Police stated that forensic work remains ongoing and a full report will take months. Friends described the family’s struggles with their son’s complex medical needs and the resulting toll on mental health. The inquest has been postponed until the police investigation is complete.

A jury at Bristol Crown Court found Tony Bartlett guilty of murdering his four-week-old son Atticus by violently shaking him after consuming more than eight pints of beer. Medical experts testified that the infant’s severe head and spinal injuries were consistent with trauma seen in high‑speed crashes or major falls. Bartlett denied causing harm but later acknowledged he may not have handled the baby correctly while drunk. Witness accounts, including those from the child’s mother, varied over time. Police described the case as devastating, and Bartlett is due to be sentenced on July 24.

An 18-year-old Liverpool fan and university student, Aaron Mills, died from MenB meningitis shortly after experiencing a headache. His family described his rapid decline and highlighted his passion for football and life at university. Following his death, his parents questioned the lack of a routine MenB vaccination for young people and engaged MPs, contributing to a government decision to offer the vaccine to Year 13 students and young adults entering university. Friends and family are organising a 100-mile charity run from Kidderminster to Anfield in his memory, with support from community members and local officials.

A Perthshire crash caused by 23‑year‑old Kyle Patrick, who drove at 119 mph while heavily intoxicated, resulted in the death of 19‑year‑old passenger Erin Slane. Slane had texted friends before the crash expressing fear for her safety. Patrick pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to eight years in prison and banned from driving for ten years. The judge condemned his prolonged reckless driving, while police stressed the severe risks of alcohol‑impaired driving.

A U.S. fitness influencer, Connor Michael Murphy, was found dead after reportedly behaving erratically and jumping into a deep lake in Bang Phli, Thailand. Police recovered his body without signs of assault and suspect drowning. Prior to the incident, he allegedly caused extensive paint damage to the luxury rental home he shared with his girlfriend. Officers found unused syringes and unidentified pills, though his girlfriend said she had never seen him use drugs. The investigation is ongoing.

Ed Davey accuses Nigel Farage of triggering a Clacton by-election to avoid accountability, calling him a grifter focused on personal gain. Zack Polanski echoes the criticism, alleging Farage is attempting to mislead the public as scrutiny over past donations intensifies. Both leaders argue that Farage should fund the by-election himself and call for reforms to limit the influence of money in politics.

A High Court judge dismissed phone hacking claims brought by Prince Harry and six other high-profile individuals against Associated Newspapers Limited, ruling that none of the allegations were supported by sufficient evidence and that some were filed too late. ANL celebrated the decision as a complete vindication of its journalism. The judgment followed Harry’s return to the UK amid tensions regarding withdrawn accommodation at Buckingham Palace. Multiple witnesses testified during the trial, and the court found that the burden of proof had not been met by the claimants.

A teacher at Octavia House Schools in Essex was permanently banned from teaching after a Teaching Regulation Agency panel found he repeatedly engaged in sexualised and inappropriate behaviour toward multiple colleagues, including groping, explicit comments and inquiries about their sexual preferences. The panel noted limited remorse and therapy-driven reflection but determined he is prohibited indefinitely from working in any educational setting in England, without the right to reapply. Octavia House Schools said it could not comment on individual employment matters but emphasised adherence to professional conduct standards and established procedures for handling concerns.

The Court of Appeal increased the sentence of prisoner Declan Winkless after ruling his earlier term for smuggling and misconduct was too lenient, raising it from three years and four months to five years. Former prison officer Alicia Novas, who began an illicit relationship with Winkless and smuggled contraband into two prisons, retained her original three‑year sentence. Investigators found that the pair maintained contact despite Novas’s bail conditions, and officials said the sentences reflect the seriousness of their actions.

A commercial pilot conducting a training flight near Córdoba reportedly opened the aircraft door mid‑air and jumped, leaving a 22‑year‑old trainee to land the Cessna C‑150 safely. The trainee recounted his final instructions before he removed his headset and unbuckled. Search teams found his body shortly after. Colleagues described him as professional and showing no prior signs of distress, though he had reportedly received psychiatric treatment unknown to staff. Federal Justice authorities are investigating, with early indications pointing to a deliberate act.

Police launched a murder investigation after a woman in her 30s was found dead in stables at Higher Tunshill Farm in Milnrow, Rochdale, following a fire. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder and later bailed as forensic teams continued examining the scene. Emergency services responded to the blaze around midday, with witnesses reporting heavy smoke and flames. Authorities confirmed enquiries are ongoing while fire officials withheld comment due to the active police investigation.

A 12-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, gang raped, and murdered in Baruipur, West Bengal, after going to a local shop. Her body was found in a pond, sparking widespread protests that turned violent, including vandalism and road and rail blockades. Police arrested two suspects and increased security as tensions rose. Authorities pledged to apprehend all involved and pursue the strongest punishment, while the victim’s body was sent for post-mortem examination.