Sophie Mccoid

Actor Iain Robertson received a nine‑year prison sentence plus a three‑year extension after being convicted of rape, sexual assault and abusive behaviour toward three women over a 15‑year period. Judge Lady Drummond described his actions as part of a sustained pattern of coercion and intimidation that caused significant long‑term psychological harm. Robertson was placed on the sex offenders register and given a non‑harassment order. Prosecutors and police highlighted the victims’ courage in coming forward and urged others experiencing abuse to report it.

A global outage affected Facebook, Instagram and Messenger, with users receiving an “account temporarily unavailable” error beginning around 8:45am. Reports surged on Downdetector as users worldwide, including in the UK, Australia, Greece and France, experienced problems, primarily on Facebook’s website while the mobile app remained accessible. Instagram and Messenger were also impacted. Meta issued no immediate statement, and services gradually began returning after about an hour.

Police responded to reports of shots fired on Lemon Tree Walk in St Helens, where no injuries were reported. Armed officers arrested a 37‑year‑old local man on suspicion of firearm offences, recovered casings at the scene and established a police cordon. Detectives appealed for witnesses and doorbell footage as the investigation continues, encouraging information to be shared through Merseyside Police channels or Crimestoppers.

Aer Lingus plans to cut underperforming routes and reduce long- and short-haul flights by 6% from late September through next summer, putting up to 500 jobs at risk. The airline cites rising costs, increased competition and challenging economic conditions as drivers of the restructuring. Senior management roles have already been reduced by 25%, and a further reduction in head office costs is proposed. The company will consult employees and aims to minimise redundancies while positioning itself to secure future investment within the IAG group.

Sam Neill died in Sydney at age 78 from pneumonia after previously beating an aggressive lymphoma using CAR‑T therapy. His agent corrected inaccurate media reports and confirmed that Neill had recently completed several film projects while running his Two Paddocks winery. His family will hold a private memorial in New Zealand and requested donations to health and conservation charities. Tributes from colleagues including Cillian Murphy, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum highlighted his kindness, talent and long‑lasting friendships. He was celebrated for roles in Jurassic Park, Peaky Blinders and numerous acclaimed films throughout a decades‑long career.

Micah Richards learned of his father Lincoln’s unexpected death shortly before appearing as a BBC pundit for England’s World Cup semi‑final loss to Argentina. In an emotional message, he paid tribute to his father as his greatest supporter. Public figures, including Jamie Carragher, shared messages of support. Despite the defeat and criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical decisions, the Football Association continues to back him, and he intends to lead England into Euro 2028 under his extended contract.

A woman from Manchester describes losing more than five stone over 18 months after starting the weight‑loss drug Mounjaro, funded partly through revenue from her TikTok content documenting the process. She reports major improvements to her confidence, mobility and daily life, including playing with her children and socialising more. Her weight dropped from size 22 to size 12, supported by changes to diet, increased walking and online community engagement. She plans to continue the medication under medical guidance and aims to lose another stone.

Police continue to question a 28‑year‑old man re-arrested on terrorism-related charges in connection with the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe. Counterterrorism officers have taken over the investigation after new evidence emerged, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the suspect had no prior link to the Prevent programme. Widdecombe, found dead at her home in Devon with serious injuries, was attacked shortly before a scheduled TV appearance. Authorities are pursuing multiple leads, and security arrangements for Reform UK figures are being reviewed amid broader concerns for politicians’ safety.