Oregon-based defense contractor FLIR Systems Inc. has agreed to pay $9.5 million to settle bribery charges filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission that involved expensive trips and gifts given to Middle Eastern government officials. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced the deal Wednesday, saying the thermal-imaging company earned more than $7 million in profits from sales influenced by the gifts. The commission said two employees in FLIR's Dubai office gave luxury watches to five officials with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior in 2009. The company also arranged travel for Saudi officials, including a 20-night trip with stops in Beirut, Casablanca, Dubai, New York and Paris. Investigation: FLIR Systems Inc. has agreed to pay $9.5 million to settle bribery charges filed by the SEC that involved expensive trips and gifts given to Middle Eastern government officials . 'FLIR's deficient financial controls failed to identify and stop the activities of employees who served as de facto travel agents for influential foreign officials to travel around the world on the company's dime,' said Kara Brockmeyer, chief of the SEC enforcement division's Foreign Corrupt Practices Act unit. The SEC said in a news release that FLIR reported the misconduct and cooperated with the investigation. Officials with the Wilsonville-based company echoed those remarks. 'The actions of the former employees involved do not reflect the values of FLIR or the high standards to which we hold ourselves accountable,' FLIR CEO Andy Teich said in a statement. The two former sales employees, Stephen Timms and Yasser Ramahi, agreed in November to settle SEC charges against them and pay financial penalties. The Securities and Exchange Commission (pictured) announced the deal Wednesday, saying the thermal-imaging company earned more than $7 million in profits from sales influenced by the gifts . FLIR got a multimillion-dollar contract to provide thermal binoculars to the Saudi government in November 2008. Timms and Ramahi were responsible for the contract. They also negotiated sales of FLIR's security cameras to the same government officials. The SEC said Timms and Ramahi had Foreign Corrupt Practices Act training and were specifically told that luxury watches and vacations were prohibited gifts. The men falsified records in an attempt to conceal their behavior, the SEC found. Besides paying $9.5 million, FLIR must report to the SEC on its efforts to comply with the corrupt practices law for two years.

Summary: FLIR Systems Inc. has agreed to pay $9.5 million to settle bribery charges filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission . The SEC said the thermal-imaging company earned more than $7 million in profits from sales influenced by the gifts . The commission said two employees in FLIR's Dubai office gave luxury watches to five officials with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior in 2009 . The company also arranged travel for Saudi officials, including a 20-night trip with stops in Beirut, Casablanca, Dubai, New York and Paris .


Arrest: Tabitha Bennett allegedly drove her daughter to fight another girl and then encouraged the fight . A mother set up a fight between her 13-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old girl, drove her child to meet her and then encouraged them to brawl, according to police. Two bystanders recorded the fight on their cell phones as Tabitha Anne Bennett allegedly shouted at her daughter to take swings at the older girl in New Port Richey, Florida. Bennett, who is unemployed, was arrested and charged with child abuse, assault and battery offenses, Pasco County Sheriff's officials said. She is accused of sending a Facebook message to the older girl on April 12 and telling her that she was going to bring her daughter to fight the girl, according to an affidavit. She claimed that the 14-year-old girl had been bullying her daughter. Bennett allegedly drove her daughter to the area near Moog Street and Colonial Hills Drive and left the car holding a folding knife. 'The 14-year-old victim advised she thought she was going to die when she saw the defendant with the knife,' Detective William Orndorff wrote in his report. Bennett allegedly encouraged her daughter to fight the girl, yelling at her, 'Get on top of her' and 'kick her a**', according to police. 'The defendant's daughter was losing the fight at which time the defendant kicked the 14-year-old female on her upper left side and pulled her to the ground by her hair,' the affidavit said. Scene: She allegedly met the girl at this corner in New Port Richey before yelling at her daughter to fight . Her teenage daughter then climbed on top of the girl and continued to fight her, according to the report. The fight lasted about a minute, according to the affidavit, and afterwards, two bystanders posted footage of the brawl to social media. When questioned by police, Bennett allegedly admitted to encouraging the fight but denied kicking the girl - saying she may have kicked her own daughter instead, according to the affidavit. Bennett was released from jail Sunday on $10,500 bail. It was unclear Monday whether she had retained an attorney who could be reached for comment.

Summary: Tabitha Anne Bennett 'messaged a 14-year-old girl on Facebook and told her that she would be bringing her daughter to fight the girl' She 'drove her daughter to the meeting place and emerged with a knife - which made the 14-year-old girl think she was going to die' She 'yelled at her daughter to fight the other teenager and pulled the other girl to the ground by her hair' She has been charged with child abuse and assault and battery .


Two men accused of setting up a stall on London's Oxford Street and handing out ISIS propaganda leaflets to shoppers have pleaded not guilty to terror offences. Shah Jahah Khan, 62, and Muslim convert Ibrahim Anderson, 38, both from Luton, each deny one charge of inviting support for a banned organisation. Anderson appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court wearing dark grey Islamic dress with a grey cardigan, while elderly-looking Khan appeared with a long white beard and light blue Islamic dress. Ibrahim Anderson, left, and Shah Jahah Khan, who have both pleaded guilty to terror offences today at Westminister Magistrates Court . The court heard that the charge relates to an offence on August 9 last year, when the pair are alleged to have handed out leaflets about ISIS on the busy shopping street. Anderson also denied one charge of possessing information likely to be useful for the preparation of or carrying out an act of terrorism, when police searched his property in December last year. Prosecutor Adam Harbinson told the court: 'On the August 9 last year a group of around six men erected a stall near Oxford Street. 'There were leaflets being handed out by the people running that stall. It is alleged that Anderson and Khan were two people assisting in the running of that stall and they were both taking part in handing out the leaflets. The court heard that the charge relates to an offence on August 9 last year, when the pair are alleged to have handed out leaflets about ISIS on the busy shopping street, pictured . Khan, left, and Anderson are accused of setting up a stall on London's Oxford Street and handing out leaflets inviting shoppers to join ISIS . 'Although the leaflet doesn't mention ISIS in Iraq or Syria, an expert in Islamic studies has concluded the only circumstances the leaflets could possibly be making reference to are the declaration by ISIS and its leader of the establishment of an Islamic State last summer. 'The leaflet sets out that Muslims have a duty to further the causes of the caliphate. 'One of the men was challenged by members of the public as to why he was handing out leaflets calling for support of this organisation. The court heard how the leaflets handed out related to ISIS. Pictured are members loyal to ISIS waving the group's flag in Raqqa, Syria . 'He responded by saying in general terms that non-believers, or Kafirs, should be killed.' Anderson and Khan remained standing throughout the hearing, 'in accordance with their religious beliefs', defence counsel Tony Lodge said. Senior district judge Howard Riddle granted the two men conditional bail and they will appear at the Old Bailey on May 15. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Shah Jahah Khan and Ibrahim Anderson are accused of terror offences . The pair appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in Islamic dress . Accused of handing out ISIS propaganda leaflets on Oxford Street .


The ex-king of Spain, Juan Carlos, was leading a double life and having an affair with a German aristocrat for the last ten years of his reign, according to a new book that claims they were 'a couple, pure and simple'. The bombshell allegation is that Juan Carlos was romancing Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and was so smitten with her that he even contemplated divorcing his wife, Sofia, according to Final De Partida – or End Game – by Ana Romero, which sold out within 24 hours. Romero, a former royal correspondent for the El Mundo daily, said at the book's launch in Madrid: 'What do you see (in the book)? Well, the double life which Juan Carlos led during a long time, a double life which obviously has not gone well.' Scroll down for video . The former King Juan Carlos greets Corinna Sayn-Wittgenstein in at an awards ceremony in Barcelona in May 2006: A new book claims that they have been lovers for a decade . Glamorous: The aristocrat is 27 years younger than the former Spanish king. Their affair is said to have ended in 2014 . The author's claims are based on 100 interviews with anonymous sources. She said that the affair ended in 2014 when Juan Carlos abdicated in favour of his son, Felipe. He married former Queen Sofia in 1962 and became king in 1975. Romero added: '[Final De Partida] is a chronicle of the end of an era, when Spaniards turned their backs on Juan Carlos. The first print run of 25,000 copies nearly sold out on Wednesday less than 24 hours since the book hit stores and its publishers have already ordered a second print run. The 77-year-old former king's friendship with Sayn-Wittgenstein, 50, who is divorced from the German prince whose name she bears, emerged in 2012 when Juan Carlos was flown home from Botswana on a private jet after suffering an injury while on an expensive elephant-hunting holiday. Juan Carlos, pictured here with Queen Sofia in May 2014, was said to be so smitten with Sayn-Wittgenstein that he considered a divorce . The German woman, who is 27 years younger than Juan Carlos, was among those accompanying the monarch on the trip, which sparked outrage at a time when Spain was grappling with record unemployment and risked needing an international bailout. Juan Carlos, who won respect for his role in guiding Spain's transition to democracy after the death of longtime dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975, made an unprecedented apology for his behaviour but his popularity took a serious hit. Romero said the uproar over the hunting trip, combined with a string of health problems and a corruption scandal implicating his youngest daughter Cristina, created the 'perfect storm' which pushed Juan Carlos to abdicate. Sayn-Wittgenstein was born a Danish national in 1964 in Frankfurt, Germany to parents Finn Bönning Larsen and Ingrid Sauer. She has been married twice, in 1989 to English businessman Philip Adkins, with whom he had a daughter, and in 2000 to Prince Casimir zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, having ended her first

Summary: Book claims Juan Carlos was romancing Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein . Final De Partida - or End Game - by Ana Romero, sold out within 24 hours . Author said at the book's launch the pair were 'a couple pure and simple'


A comfy chalet and snow-covered pistes make for a good skiing holiday for most people. But some like to add a few extra luxury touches to their trips to perfect them - such as a live-in tailor to make the ski gear, two grand pianos flown in for entertainment and a horse and carriage on stand-by 24 hours a day. These are just some of the requests made by guests staying with high-end ski-tour company Haute Montagne. And they were all fulfilled, the firm told MailOnline. Luxury ski company Bramble Ski created a private ice bar for guests at one of its chalets in Verbier (stock image) The live-in tailor was demanded to make all the ski and apres ski outfits to a group of guests’ personal tastes and cost £1,700 to hire. It cost £3,700 for the grand pianos to be delivered - but the guests were keen on their trip being noteworthy so didn't mind splashing out. The horse and carriage wasn’t cheap either – that drained the customer’s account of £20,000. It was on standby for two weeks at a cost of £1400 per day. Another Haute Montagne guest asked for six helicopters to be requisitioned so that a long taxi transfer could be avoided. A Chinook - normally used by the military - was specifically asked for, but the guest was informed that they aren't available for hire. The type eventually delivered cost £85,000. Haute Montagne’s slightly less luxurious sister company Bramble Ski has also met some pricey – and very exacting - guest requirements. It created a private ice bar for après cocktails in the grounds of one of its chalets in Verbier, Switzerland, sourced bigger blueberries for someone who wasn’t happy about the size of the blueberries being served and created a £2,450 lily-of-the-valley bouquet for a romantic guest. Bloomin' expensive: One Bramble Ski customer requested a bouquet of lily of the valley flowers that had to be larger than the one Kate Middleton held on her wedding day. It cost over £2000 . The guest specifically asked that it was to be larger than the one Kate Middleton held on her wedding day. A romantic Russian guest, meanwhile, wanted Bramble Ski to create a Valentine’s gesture for his wife, so the company, at a cost of £7,000, distributed a trail of rose petals from his master suite to the pool, which was decorated with floating lilies and roses. And their guests like to dress to impress. One set of male guests requested larger versions of Bramble Ski’s Heidi-style pinafore uniforms for a party – at a cost of £700 each.

Summary: Horse and carriage drained the customer’s account of £20,000 . The live-in tailor was demanded to make ski and apres ski outfits . This came at a cost of £1700 for the extremely wealthy skiers . Another group of guests asked for two grand pianos to be flown in . Demands were made to high-end firms Haute Montagne and Bramble Ski .


Court battle: Lord Janner's alleged victims could sue him for £2.5million after the CPS dropped a prosecution against him for the fourth time . Lord Janner's alleged victims could sue him for £2.5million after being denied justice for the fourth time in 25 years when the CPS refused to prosecute him. Police have identified 25 people who claim the Labour peer attacked them and each could claim for up to £100,000. One man, allegedly attacked by Janner when he was living in a children's homes between 1981 and 1988, has already instructed lawyers to sue him and Leicestershire County Council for damages. His solicitor Peter Garsden, president of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, has said that after a string of bungled investigations suing 'may be the only way the alleged victims are going to get some sort of justice'. Several of those who claim to have been sexually abused say Janner got to them through paedophile Frank Beck, a manager of Leicester children's homes accused of abusing more than 200 boys. The CPS last week said the 'core allegation' was that Lord Janner befriended Beck to access children 'to allow him to perpetrate serious sexual offences' on them. Beck died in jail in 1994. Mr Garsden said: 'We are preparing a claim for this man against Lord Janner and Leicestershire County Council. 'The allegations involved the most extreme abuse. Our case is that Frank Beck was running the home where this man was introduced to Greville Janner. 'Perhaps this is the only way the alleged victims in this case are going to get some sort of justice.' A compensation scheme for Jimmy Savile's dozens of victims was agreed at the High Court last year where those abused were paid out of his £3.3million estate. Last seen: Channel 4 News filmed Lord Jenner outside his house in London on July 8 2014, when he was last seen in public . Test cases: Victims abused by Jimmy Savile and Liberal MP Cyril Smith also sued after they were denied justice . Liz Dux, whose law firm Slater & Gordon respresents 168 of Jimmy Savile's victims and 10 of former Liberal MP for Rochdale Cyril Smith, says that Janner's alleged victims could be handed £100,000 each. Campaigners, police chiefs and MPs have accused Alison Saunders, the director of the CPS (above), of ignoring the rights of victims . Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders, who made the decision not to prosecute Lord Janner, claimed £13,400 in expenses last year including almost £7,000 on business-class flights. Her most recently published expenses show she flew business class to Washington, Dubai and New York in the year that the CPS was forced to cut its budget by 27 per cent. Mrs Saunders, pictured, has been heavily criticised in recent weeks over corruption charges against journalists and deciding not to prosecute Lord Janner over alleged sex offences. The publicly funded trips included one to the Caribbean for an ‘official meeting’ last September which cost the taxpayer £3,105 for hotels and flights. A CPS spokesman said: ‘The DPP’s travel

Summary: Man allegedly abused in children's home has already instructed lawyers . His solicitor says suing could be 'only way to get some sort of justice' Police identified 25 men allegedly abused by peer but case was dropped . CPS boss Alison Saunders said Janner is unfit to plead due to dementia . But the CPS has pursued other suspected paedophiles with illness .


Crown Princess Mary of Denmark cut a stylish figure as she attended a remembrance ceremony in Denmark on Thursday. The Tasmanian-born royal looked appropriately sombre in a chic black ensemble paired with grey accessories to mark the 75th anniversary of the occupation of Aabenraa. The Crown Princess stepped out solo for her royal duties, following a week of family celebrations honouring the 75th birthday of Queen Margarethe II. Scroll down for video . Striking: Crown Princess Mary of Denmark cut a stylish figure as she attended a remembrance ceremony in Denmark on Thursday . Sombre: Mary was in the town of Aabenraa to mark the 75th anniversary of the invasion of Denmark by Germany on April 9, 1940 . Mary was met by representatives of the Danish military in Aabenraa, where she placed a wreath at a memorial and attended a service. The 43-year-old wore a conservative black dress and coat with a rounded neckline and oversized buttons, embellished with a brooch. Her brunette hair was pulled into an elegant bun, beneath her striking grey felt hat, which perfectly matched her high heels. Striking: The stylish royal wore an asymmetrical grey felt hat for the occasion . Accessories: Mary's understated outfit was perfectly accented by simple stud earrings, an elegant brooch and simple make up . Elegant: The 43-year-old wore an appropriate chic black dress and coat ensemble accessorised by her grey hat and heels . Understated make up and simple diamond stud earrings completed the look. The memorial event marked the invasion of Denmark and Norway by Nazi troops on April 9, 1940. The Danish King Christian X surrendered after the capital city of Copenhagen fell, following Hitler's conquering of Poland. It was the shortest German military campaign of WWII, with the King surrendering just two hours after Nazi forces invaded. Remembrance: The Crown Princess placed a wreath at a war memorial before attending a service . Queen Margarethe II was born one week later on April 16, and the country are currently in the midst of celebrations marking the milestone. The royal family attended a gala night on Wednesday, which saw Mary and her husband Crown Prince Frederik with their two eldest children, Prince Christian and Princess Isabella. Mary wore an elegant midnight blue gown with glittering jewels. Earlier in the day they had also attended a luncheon, where the Crown Princess wore a chic cream dress beneath a wool coat. Celebrations: It has been a busy week for the Crown Princess, who has taken part in birthday events to mark the 75th birthday of Queen Margarethe II . Dressed to impress: Princess Mary and husband Prince Frederik were accompanied by their two children Prince Christian and Princess Isabella on Wednesday for a gala night on Wednesday .

Summary: Crown Princess Mary was in Aabenraa in southern Denmark on Thursday . Event marked the 75th anniversary of the invasion by Germany in 1940 . Tasmanian-born royal wore chic black ensemble with grey accessories . Busy week for royals with birthday celebrations for Queen Margarethe II .


A mother who made the heartbreaking decision to give birth to her sick baby at just 20 weeks had her wedding dress redesigned so her tiny daughter could be buried in it. Jaye Cox and her husband, Matthew, decided to deliver their daughter Annabelle prematurely on May 5 last year after scans showed she had developed a serious form of Spina Bifida. Annabelle was born weighing just 290 grams at Canberra Hospital and her distraught parents were able to cradle her in the short five minutes she survived. Jaye and Matthew Cox delivered their daughter Annabelle at just 20 weeks in Canberra Hospital after scans showed she had developed a serious form of Spina Bifida . 'We were planning a life for her and you think you're going to see her laugh, walk, talk, go to school, get married,' Ms Cox told Daily Mail Australia. 'But we were faced with this decision - do we let her go and free her of the suffering, or do we go ahead and bring her into the world and watch her suffer. 'My husband and I had to make the decision to let her be at peace.' Immediately after they made the decision, Annabelle's parents contacted Angel Gowns - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to turning donated wedding gowns into outfits for babies who die too soon. 'I wanted something beautiful and meaningful to bury Annabelle in. She'll never get to wear a wedding dress... so this is as close as she will get to that,' Ms Cox said. 'We were able to send her to heaven in something beautiful.' After they made the decision to give birth prematurely, the Cox's contacted Angel Gowns to help the couple create a dress from Jaye's wedding gown to bury Annabelle in . Annabelle was born weighing just 290 grams at Canberra Hospital and her parents and siblings, Charlotte and Sophie, were able to cradle her in the short five minutes she survived . Angel Gowns delivered Annabelle's dress on the day she was born and Ms Cox dressed her so the family could spend time her. 'She was born with a very faint heartbeat. My husband delivered her and she wrapped her finger around his - for him it was really special,' Ms Cox said. 'They put her on my chest and she was alive for about five minutes. She never took a breath because her lungs were to undeveloped. 'My husband and I stayed the night and sat there holding her for most of the night. She looked beautiful in her gown, it was very emotional.' Angel Gowns came and picked up Ms Cox's wedding dress and returned the redesigned version for Annabelle on the day she was going to be born . Angel Gowns is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to turning donated wedding gowns into outfits for babies who pass away too soon . The family, including her two older sisters Charlotte and Sophie, were able to take photos with Annabelle in her gown before the funeral. Angel Gowns created a replica dress for the family

Summary: Annabelle Cox was born at just 20 weeks in Canberra on May 5 last year . Parents Jaye and Matthew made decision to give birth prematurely after scans showed she had developed serious form of Spina Bifida . They contacted Angel Gowns after making heartbreaking decision so Jaye's wedding dress could be redesigned . Charity turns donated wedding dresses into outfits for babies . Annabelle was born weighing just 290 grams and survived for five minutes .


A 38-year-old man accused of strangling his wife, their 2-year-old daughter and their 8-year-old son told a judge Wednesday that he wants to plead insanity. Timothy Fradeneck was arraigned on first-degree murder charges in the deaths of his wife and children, whose bodies were found Monday in their Eastpointe, Michigan home. He is also charged with child abuse. Authorities say that Fradeneck used a USB cord to kill 37-year-old Christine Fradeneck and the children, Celeste Fradeneck and Timothy Fradeneck III (called Trey). Scroll down for video . Emotionless: Timothy Fradeneck appeared in Macomb County, Michigan court on Wednesday, and was charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the triple murder of his wife and two young children . Heartless: The bodies of Christine Fradeneck (top left), 2-year-old Celeste (being held by father) and 8-year-old Timothy III (called Trey, bottom left) were found Monday evening at the family's home in Eastpointe . Overwhelmed: Family members from both Timothy and his wife Christine's side of the family appeared in court, crying and hugging. They made no comments to reporters about the tragic loss . At Fradeneck's arraignment Wednesday, Eastpointe District Judge Carl Gerds III asked if he wanted to say anything. 'No, sir,' Fradeneck said. The judge then ordered him jailed without bond, and appointed him an attorney. 'I would like to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of mental insanity,' Fradeneck said. The judge then told him he had already ruled. 'I tried to kill myself,' Fradeneck said, adding, 'It wasn't about...' before Gerds cut him off. Sent to jail: Eastpointe District Judge Carl Gerds III ordered Fradeneck held without bond. He also shut down the 38-year-old from prematurely entering a not-guilty by reason of insanity plea . Confession: Fradeneck allegedly told police that he strangled his wife, 2-year-old daughter Celeste and 8-year-old son Timothy III to death with a USB cord. Pictured above entering court on Wednesday . Insane? Police said they also found medications prescribed to Fradeneck in the home, but would not say whether those were to treat any sort of mental illness . Scene: Above, the Fradeneck's Bungalow. Police said they found the wife and two children dead in their beds . Shaken community: Neighbor JeQuita Breham talks to the media as police block the street during the murder investigation on Monday . The judge scheduled a hearing April 28 in advance of a probable-cause hearing on whether Fradeneck will stand trial in Macomb County Circuit Court. If convicted on the three counts of first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of first-degree felony murder and first-degree child abuse, Fradeneck could stand to spend the rest of his life in prison. Police discovered the bodies Monday evening around 6:50pm after getting a call from Christine Fradeneck's sister, saying she was worried about her sister after not hearing from her all day. Police say Timothy Fradeneck opened the door and let the officers enter, insisting that his wife and children were sleeping. When officers refused to leave, they say Fradeneck copped to killing all three. Their bodies were found

Summary: Timothy Fradeneck, 38, appeared in court on Wednesday as he was arraigned on first-degree murder and child abuse charges . Fradeneck's wife Christine, 37, their 2-year-old daughter Celeste and 8-year-old son Timothy III were found dead in their home on Monday . When police searched the home, Fradeneck allegedly confessed to strangling all three with a USB cord . In court on Wednesday, Fradeneck was emotionless through the proceedings and prematurely tried to enter an insanity plea . If convicted on the charges, he could spend the rest of his life in prison .


The bodies of two people have been found amid the wreckage of a light aircraft after it crashed near a loch in western Scotland. Police began combing woodland in Argyll this afternoon following reports of a small plane losing contact with ground control. At around 8pm this evening officers discovered the remains of the two passengers thought to have been on board. The bodies of two people have been discovered amid wreckage after a small aircraft was reported missing around 30 miles east of Oban this afternoon . Lifeboats, helicopters and the police were scrambled near Loch Etive, about 30 miles from Oban . It comes after a rescue operation was launched in the Beinn nan Lus area of Glen Kinglass earlier today. 'Police Scotland has been working with partner agencies throughout the day to locate the aircraft and our thoughts are with the families of the victims,' said Chief Inspector Fergus Byrne. 'Enquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. 'Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.' Lifeboats and helicopters were scrambled to help locate the missing plane today after it vanished around 30 miles east of Oban. It is understood the plane had been travelling from central Scotland to Tiree, the most westerly island of the inner Hebrides when it was reported to have dived. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency earlier said that three coastguard teams had been sent to the scene. Search and rescue: Helicopters were seen looking for the plane and the two people that were on board this afternoon . The plane was travelling from central Scotland to Tiree, the most westerly island of the inner Hebrides, when it went missing . A spokesman for Police Scotland said an emergency call was made at 1.50pm this afternoon when the plane lost radar contact near Beinn Nan Lus, a boggy hill near Glen Kinglass in Argyll .

Summary: The bodies of two passengers have been found amid wreckage in Argyll . Small aircraft lost contact with ground control at around 1pm today . Investigators believed it may have crashed some 30 miles east of Oban .


While the debate about whether workers prefer a cubicle over an open office layout, a office furniture company has come up with a design that is possibly a happy medium. Steelcase's the Brody WorkLounge is an effort to preserve the privacy and less distractions given in a cubicle while still being a part of an open office work community. On its company website, Steelcase said the Brody is designed to be 'good for your body and good for your brain'. Scroll down for video . Office furniture company Steelcase designed the work space seating to provide privacy in an open office setting (above designs of the Brody WorkLounge) The seating will be available for purchase in late August starting at $2,700 . Brody features an LED task light, privacy screen, foot rest, storage space and personal adjustable work surface . The Brody, which will be available late August starting at $2,700, sort of resembles both a desk and an office and is created to limit distractions by creating a shelter while also providing privacy, according to the company. The Cognitive Neuroscience Karolinska Institute in Sweden's work on flow - a passing state of deep concentration where workers are their most productive - informed the design of Brody, according to CityLab. 'We had kind of an intuitive understanding of how people liked to study,' Mark McKenna, director of product design at Steelcase told Fast Company. 'As the project developed, and as we started diving into what it means to focus and why someone would want to escape, these new findings really helped guide the project.' 'The Brody WorkLounge creates a shelter from visual distractions, provides privacy and provides an enhanced sense of psychological security,' the company said on its website . The design for Brody is based on The Cognitive Neuroscience Karolinska Institute in Sweden's work on flow - a passing state of deep concentration where workers are their most productive . In the U.S., 70 per cent of offices have low or no partitions as they embrace open office plans . Each WorkLounge features a mini LED task light, a power outlet, personal work surface that adjusts up to a 40 degree pitch, a privacy screen, a side surface which also serves as an armrest, patented LiveLumbar technology which gives back support, personal storage off of the floor, a foot rest, and a cushion that adapts to each person's size. 'The ability to focus is a real challenge for today's workers and students,' the company said on its website. 'We get interrupted or distracted every 11 minutes and it takes over 23 minutes to get back on task. 'The Brody WorkLounge creates a shelter from visual distractions, provides privacy and provides an enhanced sense of psychological security.' By transforming the under-utilized in-between spaces into these modern alternative to enclaves, where workers can get away for a couple of hours, Steelcase claims its design will help organizations and universities by delivering a 'high-performance work space'. A study revealed that a sense of privacy boosts performance, and Brody WorkLounge strives to provide workers with

Summary: Furniture company, Steelcase, has created the Brody WorkLounge . Lounges are designed to 'be good for your body and good for your brain' Brody provides shelter from visual distractions with privacy screens while featuring cushion that adapts to each person's size . In recent years many companies have embraced open offices with about 70 per cent of U.S. offices having no or low partitions . A 2013 study revealed noise and privacy loss are the main source of workspace dissatisfaction .


Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is relishing the prospect of a long-awaited Wembley appearance after injury robbed him of the chance three years ago. The Reds made three trips to the national stadium in 2012 after winning the League Cup and losing the FA Cup to Chelsea, but the Brazil international missed all of them with a serious knee injury sustained in the previous November. But having played his part in the 1-0 quarter-final win at Blackburn, Lucas is hoping to get his chance in the last-four encounter with Aston Villa on April 19. Lucas Leiva (right) celebrates with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers after getting to the FA Cup semi-final . Lucas (left) challenges Markus Olsson as Liverpool beat Blackburn 1-0 in the FA Cup quarter-final replay . Lucas can play his first game at Wembley in a Liverpool shirt when they meet Aston Villa in the semi-final . 'Unfortunately I got an injury before we got to Wembley so I missed [the chance to play there],' he said. 'Hopefully I'll be fit and be able to play at Wembley. I've never played there, so it will be a very good experience and after many years here, to have that chance is amazing. 'I think everyone could see how hard we worked. We knew it was going to be a very hard game in difficult conditions, but I think we did well and we are so happy to get to Wembley and hopefully get to the final.' Victory over Blackburn intensified talk of the team giving captain Steven Gerrard, who departs for Los Angeles Galaxy, the perfect send-off as his birthday falls on the day of the final. However, the midfielder was suspended for the tie at Ewood Park and it was Lucas's compatriot Philippe Coutinho who made the difference with a 70th-minute strike, having scored a brilliant last-minute winner in a fourth-round replay at Bolton. Coutinho has arguably been Liverpool's best player over the last five months having not only finally seemed to have grown in stature as a playmaker but also adding goals to his armoury. 'I have known him for a very long time and I know what he's capable of doing,' Lucas told liverpoolfc.com. 'He's becoming an even bigger player for the club and he's got a long way to go in terms of age and experience, but he's already right there with the top players.' Another player whose form has taken a significant upturn during that period is goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who produced two excellent saves to keep a clean sheet against Rovers and even stopped opposite number Simon Eastwood scoring what would have been the most dramatic of equalisers after the Rovers keeper came up for a throw-in in added time. The Belgium international has overcome his early-season wobbles when he seemed to be the cause of much of Liverpool's defensive frailties. He admits victory over Blackburn was important after back-to-back Premier League defeats put a huge dent in their Champions League aspirations. 'After the result against Arsenal there wasn't much time to think because we knew

Summary: Lucas Leiva was injured for Liverpool's three Wembley games in 2012 . He hopes to feature in the semi-final against Aston Villa on April 19 . Simon Mignolet believes victory over Blackburn vital after two defeats . READ: Steven Gerrard's FA Cup dream at Wembley remains a reality . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


The first man to serve as White House social secretary, Jeremy Bernard, is leaving after four years on the job. The White House said today that Bernard would depart after a state dinner next month held in honor of the Japanese Prime Minister, confirming rumors that Bernard, 53, would soon exit the administration. The first lady said in a statement she was 'lucky to have such a talented individual on my team.' 'I am equally lucky to have made a lifelong friend in Jeremy,' she added. 'Jeremy will be missed, and Barack and I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.' The first lady, pictured here in November 2011 with White House Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard in Hawaii, said in a statement she was 'lucky to have such a talented individual on my team.' Obama added, 'I am equally lucky to have made a lifelong friend in Jeremy' The White House did not name a replacement for Bernard, who is also the first gay man to hold the position, nor did it explain why he was leaving. Michelle Obama spoke highly of his time on staff, however, saying, 'For the last four years, Jeremy has worked tirelessly to open the doors of the White House to as many people as possible and to make each and every event in the White House one to remember, not only for Barack and me, but for the tens of thousands of guests who pass through our doors each year.' Bernard simply stated that it's been an 'honor' to serve the Obamas and lauded the first lady for welcoming 'every guest to the White House with her signature warmth, grace and style.' 'I feel so privileged to have worked for such an extraordinary President and First Lady,' his statement read. The former California resident told the Washington Post that he planned to return to The Golden States, and he's 'really looking for some time to think about what’s next and spend some quality time with Garbo, my rescue beagle.' Bernard is pictured here catching snowflakes on the Colonnade of the White House in this February 2014 photo captured by the building's official photographer. The White House today confirmed that Bernard, 53, would depart after a state dinner next month . According to a profile of Bernard in Vogue, Bernard stumbled into politics in the early '90s while waiting tables in Los Angeles. There he met a fundraiser for then-Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, Dave Mixner, who brought him under his wing and into Clintonland. Bernard later formed a California-based political consulting firm with his ex-boyfriend, Democratic operative Rufus Gifford, that became the vehicle for Barack Obama's West Coast fundraising during his first campaign for president. Obama rewarded Bernard for his hard work with an appointment as the White House's liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities. He briefly served as the chief of staff to the U.S. Ambassador to France in 2010 before accepting the position of social secretary the following year with his boss' blessing. Barrier-breaking Bernard has served quietly as

Summary: White House said today that Jeremy Bernard would depart after a state dinner next month, confirming rumors he'd soon exit the administration . First lady offered a glowing review of Bernard's tenure, saying she was 'lucky to have such a talented individual on my team' and a 'lifelong friend' He is moving back to California 'to think about what’s next and spend some quality time with Garbo, my rescue beagle' White House has not yet named a replacement .


Carrying out the perfect U-turn can be tricky at the best of times, so spare a thought for this coach driver who had to complete it on a narrow river slipway. Not only did the driver have to perform the manoeuvre, he also had to do it while carrying a bus full of French tourists and under the watchful stare of passersby. The coach driver found himself stuck on slipway, with a queue of cars behind, after he tried to board a ferry in Devon only to get turned back. This is the moment that a French coach was forced to perform a U-turn on a river slipway in Dartmouth, Devon . Eyewitnesses feared that one wrong move from the driver and the bus would slid into the estuary . Unable to reverse back up the way he had come, the driver had no other option than to attempt the U-turn. Terrified Gallic customers were said to have clung onto their seats as the driver slowly shunted forward and back. Eyewitnesses feared that one wrong move and the bus would slid into the estuary. Tourists and locals enjoying the sunshine at Dartmouth gathered to watch as the coach, owned by French operator Sovetours, was turned back when it tried to board the ferry on the Kingswear side of the River Dart. A spokesman for the Dartmouth Higher Ferry company confirmed that the coach was too big to be allowed to cross. He said 'Triple-axle coaches are not permitted to use the ferry as they are usually overweight. 'Experience has shown that damage can occur to the rear of the vehicle during loading and unloading. There are clear signs in place to warn drivers.' The ferry service between Dartmouth and Kingswear costs £4.70 for cars and 50p for foot passengers for a single journey. It clearly states on the firm's website that they are unable to carry triple-axie coaches. After much French blue language, the driver managed to complete a U-turn on the seaweed covered, sloping slipway and head back to go the long way round. The coach driver was turned back after trying to take a ferry to cross the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon (file picture of River Dart in Dartmouth)

Summary: French owned Sovetours coach turned back from boarding ferry in Devon . Bus full of tourists had wanted to cross the River Dart in Dartmouth . Ferry bosses say coach was too big to be allowed to cross river . Coach driver forced to perform U-turn on slippery narrow slipway .


Veteran actor Robert Hardy is selling his enormous collection of antiques in a £100,000 auction after deciding to downsize his home. The star, known for appearing in All Creatures Great and Small and playing Winston Churchill several times, is auctioning off more than 200 items he has collected over his career. Mr Hardy, 89, is a keen military historian who studied English with J.R.R. Tolkien and is now an expert on the medieval longbow. Sale: Actor Robert Hardy is selling off his collection of antiques including a diorama of the Battle of Agincourt . Cabinets: A pair of early Victorian items of furniture made by Gillows of Lancaster which are set to fetch up to £4,000 at the auction on Saturday . Portrait: A painting of Mr Hardy holding a longbow, reflecting his interest in medieval history . One of the most unusual items featured in the auction of his possessions is a hand-painted limewood diorama depicted the progress of the Battle of Agincourt in 3D. The piece was created by artist L.M. Rendall in the 1960s after being commissioned by Mr Hardy himself, and has an estimate of £4,000 to £6,000. There is also a longbow made from yew with a mother-of-pearl handle, as well as a portrait of Mr Hardy holding the bow, which is set to sell for up to £2,000. The actor is also selling paintings, furniture, swords, flintlock rifles, silverware and a fine collection of crystal chandeliers. Diorama: The 3D model was commissioned specially by Mr Hardy from artist L.M. Rendall in the 1960s . Close-up: The piece was rendered in amazing detail showing the progress of the battle in 1415 . Luxurious: A view of many of the items of furniture and other antiques which are being sold . Dozens of books, some dating back to the 17th century, are included in the auction which is set to take place this Saturday. A total of 238 lots are being sold by Dominic Winter auctioneers at its saleroom in South Cerney, Gloucestershire. Mr Hardy, who lives in the Cotswolds, said that he was sad to sell his collection. 'Downsizing and losing a great part of a treasured library makes for sadness,' he said. 'Entrusting it all to Dominic Winter and Co has taken away much of the pain, and through them I wish anyone who comes to possess anything that was mine as much joy and pleasure as it has given me through the years.' Historical: An early 20th-century painting of Alfred the Great rebuilding London, by Frank Owen Salisbury . Auction: The objects are being sold at Dominic Winter in Gloucestershire on Saturday . Pride: Mr Hardy pictured in 2012 with the longbow and other objects from his collection . He has built up the haul of antiques thanks to his interest in classic literature and military history. Mr Hardy was taught by Tolkien and C.S. Lewis when he studied English at Magdalen College, Oxford, and he has published two books on the history of the longbow. He was also consulted as an expert during the

Summary: Robert Hardy, 89, is a military enthusiast who studied English literature under J.R.R. Tolkien . He is selling off a huge collection of books, artwork and furniture . Among the objects which have gone up for auction are a huge 3D diorama of the Battle of Agincourt .


The five-year-old namesake grandson of famed college basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian has suffered a stroke, his family said. His parents said young Jerry complained of pain in his legs and was taken to University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas at 4am on Friday. Danny and Amy Tarkanian said he's undergoing testing and is showing signs of improvement. Five-year-old Jerry Tarkanian, pictured here with with his parents, Amy (left) and Danny (right) Tarkanian, suffered a stroke at about 4am on Friday and was taken to the hospital . The family said the boy has never had health issues and is conscious and moving around better since the stroke. Danny Tarkanian said that the stroke was in the back of young Jerry's brain, where strokes apparently do less damage, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Amy Tarkanian announced her son's stroke on Twitter. 'Our son Jerry had a stroke...he's 5 and I'm just dying inside,' she wrote. Jerry, who is the grandson of the famed college basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, was given a CT scan and other tests and is moving around better since the stroke, his family says . She said at about 6am that her son was having a CT scan because the 'left side of his body is not moving' and he was 'having trouble answering questions'. Danny Tarkanian is a former Republican congressional candidate and Amy Tarkanian is a political commentator and former Nevada GOP chairwoman. The boy's grandmother Lois Tarkanian is a Las Vegas city councilwoman. The elder Jerry Tarkanian, who led the 1990 University of Nevada, Las Vegas men's basketball team to a national title, died in February, aged 84. The Hall of Famer coached the UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball team for 19 years. The boy's grandfather, Hall of Fame college men's basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, died in February, aged 84 . He coached the who University of Nevada, Las Vegas men's basketball team for 19 years and led the 1990 team to a national title .

Summary: Jerry Tarkanian, five, was taken to the hospital at 4am on Friday after complaining about pain in his legs . He was given a CT scan, couldn't move the left side of his body and was having trouble answering questions, mom Amy Tarkanian said . Parents Danny and Amy Tarkanian say he's showing signs of improvement . Elder Jerry Tarkanian, a Hall of Fame coach, died in February, aged 84 .


The man who allegedly killed his neighbour was believed to be suffering from dementia and alcohol abuse at the time of the horrendous murder in 2012, a jury has heard. Luigi Costa, 71, is accused of stomping on his elderly neighbour Terrence Freebody's head, cutting his throat and stabbing him multiple times in the dining room of his home on Mugga Way in Red Hill, Canberra on July 2012. Forensic psychiatrist Professor Paul Mullen examined Costa after the attack and believes there was evidence of the accused's state of mind declining in the lead-up to the incident and also during the event, The ABC reported. Luigi Costa, 71, is accused of killing his elderly neighbour Terrence Freebody in the dining room of his home on Mugga Way, Red Hill, Canberra in July 2012 . Professor Mullin told the court that the triple 0 calls which Costa made 'almost certainly' during the incident proved that his mood fluctuated from 'moment to moment'. He also said the trail of faeces from the crime scene to the toilet were police found Costa suggested his confused mental state. 'I believe that at the time of the killing Mr Costa's brain was compromised by dementia and when you add to this alcohol that led to a confused state,' he said. 'I do not think you would understand what you were doing in that state or understand the dreadful long-term consequences.' Prosecutor Shane Drumgold suggested that Costa feigned his failing memory while being interviewed by Professor Mullin - who denied these claims. 'My view is that it was more likely than possible that Mr Costa was suffering a demented illness in the weeks, months and possibly years in the lead up to this event,' he said. Costa's state of mind is critical to case, as . The jury can return a not guilty verdict if Costa's unstable mindset at time of the attack can be proven. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Luigi Costa, 71, is accused of killing his neighbour Terrence Freebody . Costa allegedly stomped on his head, cut his throat and stabbed him multiple times in Freebody's dining room in Red Hill, Canberra on July 2012 . Experts says Costa suffered from dementia and alcohol abuse at the time . He also said there were signs of Costa's decline in the lead-up to incident .


The Muslim man who was racially abused along with his wife has thanked the 'legend' woman who stood up for them and recorded the attack. Stacey Eden, 23, stood up for the Muslim woman and her partner after witnessing the ranter 'bullying' the Sydney commuter on an Airport Line train about 1.40pm on Wednesday. Ms Eden switched on the video camera on her mobile phone to record the vile rant before rushing to Muslim couple's defence with a fiery spray notably absent of any swearing. Scroll down for video . Not going to take it anymore: Stacey Eden (pictured) made a bold stand in defence of a Muslim couple who faced a racially-charged tirade on a Sydney train on Wednesday afternoon . Hafeez Ahmed Bhatti told Daily Mail Australia he was shocked by the ugly incident. 'She asked my wife why she was wearing a scarf when it was hot outside - when my wife answered her I thought the woman was asking to be friendly,' Mr Bhatti said. 'Then she started saying Muslims like us are trying to conquer Australia and behead everyone here. We were absolutely shocked. 'It was just very disappointing.' Mr Bhatti said another woman nearby supported the racist woman, and the incident caused his family to miss its flight home. 'She said all Muslims should be kicked out of Australia - I tried to calm things down by telling her we love everyone,' Mr Bhatti said. He also said his wife was 'very shaken up' after the incident, to the extent she questioned if it was worth staying in Australia. 'This sort of thing has happened before, but you try to ignore it and the ignorant people behind it; there are lots of very good people in Australian and only a few bad ones,' he said. 'God bless Stacey Eden who supported us.' Hafeez Bhatti, who was racially abused along with his wife on a Sydney train, thanked the woman who stood up for them . 'Stacey thanks again for your support for us on that day...I generally believe that you and many other Australian do respect all religions,' Mr Bhatti posted . Police are urging anyone who witnessed the attack, which was caught on camera, to come forward . 'Stacey thanks again for your support for us on that day...I generally believe that you and many other Australian do respect all religions,' Mr Bhatti said on his Facebook account . Mr Bhatti reached out to Ms Eden on his Facebook page after the story emerged. 'Stacey thanks again for your support for us on that day...I generally believe that you and many other Australian do respect all religions,' Mr Bhatti posted. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Bhatti vented his frustrations with the attack, when he posted: 'once again, victim of racism by an old Christian lady.' He also discussed the events and said it started after the woman touched his wife's head like she was blessing her, before 'she started her ignorant comments'. Mr Bhatti also said his community, near Brisbane, had invited Ms Eden to visit

Summary: Stacey Eden, 23, stands up for Muslim woman being bullied on the train . Video shows a middle-aged woman ranting about Islam to quiet passenger . Ms Eden said the ranter labelled the Muslim commuters ISIS terrorists . She also brought up beheadings, a massacre and the Martin Place siege . Abused man Hafeez Ahmed Bhatti thanked Ms Eden the next day . 'God bless Stacey Eden who supported us,' Mr Bhatti posted on Facebook . Mr Bhatti said he will be speaking with police to potentially press charges . Islamic community leader says incidents are increasingly common .


Student demonstrators who walked on an American flag to protest racism sparked a countermovement, prompting a south Georgia university to cancel classes Friday ahead of a rally that drew hundreds to Valdosta. Valdosta State University found itself in the center of a controversy after a video shared on social media showed an Air Force veteran and former Playboy model, Michelle Manhart, taking an American flag from demonstrators who had walked on it to protest racism. At the protest, held a week ago, Manhart was detained by police when she refused to return the flag. Big rally: Flag supporters attend a rally on Friday in Valdosta, Georgia that caused the Valdosta State University to close down for the day . Closed: Uproar over a protest in which demonstrators walked on an American flag has prompted a south Georgia university to cancel classes ahead of the rally expected to draw crowds of flag supporters to Valdosta . Struggle: Manhart, 38, is shown, left, refusing to release a flag which protesters were trampling on. In the right-hand photograph she is seen being arrested at Valdosta State University in Georgia . Hunt: Police said they traced the gun to a protester who was part of the flag-walking demonstration, and they issued a warrant for Eric Sheppard's arrest on charges of bringing a firearm onto a college campus . She later was banned from the campus of 11,500 students. She was not a student at Valdosta State, according to the school. The flag-walking demonstration involved three protesters, university spokesman Andy Clark said. Meanwhile, tensions rose at Valdosta State when campus police found a backpack containing a handgun on Tuesday. Police said they traced the gun to a protester who was part of the flag-walking demonstration, and they issued a warrant for Eric Sheppard's arrest on charges of bringing a firearm onto a college campus. Sheppard fled and has not been found by authorities, Clark said. Flag supporters gathered for a rally Friday afternoon, and university administrators said the possibility of thousands of people rallying on the outskirts of campus ultimately led to the decision to give students a day off. 'That level of traffic and that many people will disrupt a lot of things in the city,' Clark said. 'We're from an overall safety perspective looking to close the campus down today so they can have a peaceful rally.' Organizers of the 'Flags Over VSU' rally said they expected as many as 4,000 people Friday afternoon, WALB-TV reported . University administrators arranged for extra police to be on campus to provide security during the rally, Clark told The Valdosta Daily Times. Local law enforcement officials said the crowd that gathered was generally peaceful. Pro-flag: A flag supporter waves a large American flag while attending a rally on Friday in support of the flag . In support: Flag supporters on motorbikes attend a rally on Friday in support of Michelle Manhart . University administrators faced a backlash on social media after Manhart was issued a criminal trespass warning, essentially banning her from campus. Critics saw the university as

Summary: Hundreds protested an Air Force vet and former Playboy model's arrest when she tried to stop people from trampling on a flag . Valdosta State University closed after police warned there would be thousands of protesters and as they searched for student Eric Sheppard . Police said they traced a gun to a protester who was part of the flag-walking demonstration, and issued a warrant for Eric Sheppard's arrest . Michelle Manhart, 38, was handcuffed at Valdosta State University, Georgia . Former USAF training sergeant took flag from campus protesters on Friday . Police arrested her for not giving it back because of how it was treated . Manhart posed for raunchy military-themed Playboy spread in 2007 . Was demoted from her sergeant rank, and later left the military .


An online campaign by Woolworths has backfired spectacularly and led to accusations that the supermarket is trying to cash in on Anzac Day. Woolworths launched 'Fresh in our Memories' last week, inviting Australians to upload images to remember those who fought for their country, which it then branded with its logo and a 'fresh in our memories' slogan. The supermarket has since been forced to halt the campaign it was branded 'disrespectful' and 'disgusting' by social media users who unleashed a barrage of memes poking fun at Woolworth's attempt to embrace Anzac Day. An online campaign for Woolworths has caused outrage on social media . 'Fresh in our Memories' was launched just last week in the lead up to the Anzac centenary . The campaign invites Aussies to create a profile picture and cover photo for their Facebook page, in memory of the men and women who have fought for their country . Customers took to Facebook and Twitter to vent their anger over the campaign. One appalled consumer threatened to boycott the store, writing on the Woolworths Facebook page: 'Hey Woolworths, my family did not fight and die in the wars for you to hijack the ANZAC tradition with that tasteless promo. Take it down now please or my money's going elsewhere.' The campaign was branded 'disrespectful' and 'disgusting' Supermarket customers took to Facebook and Twitter to vent their anger . The supermarket has been inundated with comments like this one . Another wrote: 'Your latest ANZAC campaign is absolutely disgusting. Trying to use the memory of our diggers for advertising is reprehensible! Pull the campaign and apologise!' The campaign unleashed a barrage of memes with social media, with many using leading political figures such as Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Kevin Rudd, John Howard and Jacqui Lambie to mock the supermarket. A spokeswoman for Woolworths told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday night that 'Fresh in our Memories' is not a marketing strategy. 'It is a website designed in consultation with the RSL for people to share their photos, stories and memories,' she said. 'As one of Australia's largest employers, Woolworths has spent months collecting stories from our staff for the site. All profits from the sale of merchandise on the site goes to the RSL. 'We are proud to support the RSL and our diggers. Like all Australians, we pay our respects to service people past and present. 'Our small logo on the site is in line with other corporately sponsored Centenary of ANZAC activity.' Twitter was flooded with memes of the Woolworths campaign. Pictured is Prime Minister Tony Abbott . This meme shows former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd . Other memes were of Bill Cosby (top right), Adolf Hitler (top left) and other well-known figures . The spokeswoman later confirmed the website had been taken down. 'The site was developed to give our staff and customers a place to put their stories to mark the Centenary of ANZAC,' she said. 'We regret that our branding on the picture generator has caused offense, this was clearly never our intention. Like

Summary: The Woolworths 'Fresh in our Memories' campaign launched last week . It invited customers to upload images to remember Australians who fought for their country . The supermarket then added a Woolworths logo and slogan to the images . Customers took to social media to mock the campaign and express their anger with what they saw as a marketing ploy by the company . Woolworths has taken down the campaign and also denied that it was designed as a marketing strategy .


An Indian-style bungalow that was built in Sussex in the Victorian era and preserved to maintain its 1880s facade has gone on the market for £1million. Pleasaunce Cottage in Dormans Park near East Grinstead has been lovingly upheld to how its first owners intended it in the 19th Century. With wood paneling on indoor ceilings and a large veranda at its front, the unique property is one of the first ever bungalows built in the country. It has gone on the market for £985,000, with historians eager to put it forward for listing to further protect its heritage. Pleasaunce Cottage in Dormans Park in East Grinstead has gone on sale for almost £1million. The property is one of the last surviving bungalows in Britain that were built on the design of Victorian houses in India . An early photograph of the house shows how it has been lovingly preserved by its owners since its construction in the late 19th Century . Inside, original oak panelling adorns the ceilings and walls. The double height living room is one of the house's main features with a quirky gallery serving as a make-shift office . A sketch of the property's main sitting room shows how its Victorian design has been maintained to how architects originally intended it . Built in the 1880s by RA Briggs, known as Bungalow Briggs, the property is not all split over one level as modern bungalows are today. At the time the term was used to describe small, country homes used by the wealthy upper classes as a retreat to escape the heat of pulsing Indian cities. The design soon infiltrated British architecture. Briggs, a renowned architect, published his interpretation of the style in the 1891 book Bungalows and Country Residences. A hallmark of the traditional Indian-Victorian bungalow was a large veranda at the front of a property like the one found at Pleasaunce Cottage. Set over 2,542sq ft, the house has four bedrooms, four reception rooms and a cellar. The main sitting room is double height with a gallery and the original inglenook fireplace. Its current owner has lived in the property for more than 30 years, having bought the house in 1983. Unlike bungalows as they are referred to today, the property is set over three levels. The original term was not exclusive to one-storey properties, instead referring to mountain retreats favoured by the Upper Classes . An architect's drawing of the property in the 20th Century. Historians are eager to put the house forward for listing to further protect its heritage . One of the house's most distinct features is its large veranda at the front. These were a common feature among Victorian properties in India . The house's current owner said she fell in love with its unique design and layout when she bought it in 1983 and has tried to preserve its character . Other unique features which make the property so notable are two stained glass windows that have Victorian messages inscribed on them . One of the four bedrooms in the house that

Summary: Pleasaunce Cottage in Dormans Park near East Grinstead has been lovingly maintained since the 19th Century . The unique property has a large veranda, original oak panelling, four bedrooms and stained glass windows . It is one of the last surviving bungalows in Britain built in the same style as original properties found in India . In the Victorian age bungalows were the reserve of the wealthy Upper Classes were used to escape heat of cities .


Ordinary British tennis fans face a Wimbledon-type scramble for Davis Cup quarter-final tickets this summer and are likely to end up with less than half the overall allocation. There will be a capacity of 7,000 for July's match against France at London's Queen's Club, but well under 3,000 tickets may be available to the kind of supporters who created such an electric atmosphere in Glasgow for last month's first round. The rest will go to various organisations and governing bodies, with a considerable percentage going to well-heeled Queen's members as part of the deal to play the tie there. British tennis fans face a Wimbledon-type scramble for Davis Cup quarter-final tickets this summer . Andy Murray enjoys a spot of Champions League action alongside his friend Ross Hutchins at the Nou Camp . The Lawn Tennis Association acceded to the wishes of Andy Murray and GB Captain Leon Smith to play the tie on grass, which they feel best enhances their chances in what is a first Davis Cup quarter final staged at home in 29 years. That very much narrowed down the choice of venues for the tie that begins just five days after Wimbledon. The All England Club was never an option due to the stress the grass courts take during The Championships and ongoing development work there. A by-product is that tickets are likely to be as scarce as they are for the big fortnight. Sponsors plus organisations such as the LTA, Wimbledon, the International Tennis Federation and the French Federation have to be catered for. Queen's members will also have a considerable allocation as the tie means the stands there being up nearly all summer, with the AEGON Championships taking place in the middle of June as the main warm-up for SW19. Murray has an affinity for The Queen's club, having won the AEGON title there three times . Murray is currently practicing in Spain before beginning his clay court campaign later this year . The above will have until May 27 to take up or return their tickets, with only around 2,500 guaranteed to reach the ordinary public. A minimum 2,000 per day will then go on sale to those who are British Tennis Members – something that anyone can become by joining free – while at least 500 will go to supporters who have travelled abroad in recent years to support the British team. 'We have obligations to certain groups within the tennis family,' said an LTA spokesman. 'There are restrictions on numbers at the venue and we have to work within that.' Andy Murray, who has won the AEGON title three times, will lead the GB team in the match that takes place from July 17-19. France have seven singles players in the world's top 50, with their best grass court player Jo Wilfried Tsonga having just recovered from injury. The former Wimbledon champion – currently practising in Spain before beginning his Spring clay court campaign – is pleased with the venue, and may be called upon to play doubles as well as two singles

Summary: Davis Cup quarter-final tickets will be hard to find for fans this summer . There will be a capacity of 7,000 for the tie at London's Queen's Club . But well under 3,000 tickets will be released to general fans for the game . The rest will go to various organisations and governing bodies in tennis .


Video footage of a young woman being led away in handcuffs - allegedly because she was sunbathing on a private beach reserved for tourists - has gone viral in Mexico and sparked a heated debate. The 26-year-old woman, Laura Alicia Caldero, claims she was sitting under a palm tree on the Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen when armed police forcibly removed her. According to friends of Caldero, guards were preventing locals from going onto the sandy stretch, which is located in the tourist area of Quintana Roo in eastern Mexico. The woman's friends said she was arrested when she refused to pay a fine of about £70 . Video footage of a woman arrested on a beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico has caused outrage . Her friend Marc Paez Chacon, 27, said: 'We told the guards you were not allowed to privatise the beach and went and sat under the shade of a palm tree. 'But then they suddenly turned up and told us that we had to pay for the use of the palm tree. 'We thought it was a joke, but when we refused police turned up. 'They told us we would have to pay a fine and move on, but Laura refused and ended up being arrested.' Laura Alicia Caldero, 26, says she was arrested for suntanning on a beach reserved for paying foreigners . The beach, located in tourist-friendly Quintana Roo, is most popular among those from Europe and the US . The beach is one of the most popular among tourists from Europe and the United States, and the video footage of the young woman's arrest has caused widespread outrage. 'They took me because I was sitting under palm tree,' Caldero, clad in a light blue bikini and being led away by police, explains in the video. 'The palm tree is apparently not for the public although it was a public beach.' Someone off camera then asks her where she is, to which she replies: 'In Mamitas, I was under a palm tree.' According to the woman, police told her and some friends that they were required to pay for use of a palm tree . Online commentators included Gabriel Hernandez, who wrote: 'Our beaches are for Yankees and Europeans, get used to it.' And another named Leviathan added: 'According to the law, you can't privatise a beach. She should issue a complaint.' Underneath Pedro had added: 'An opportunist who rents palm trees there probably called the police.' And Adriana Salez Hernandez added: 'Had she been a foreign tourist, they wouldn't have touched her.' However, police insist that the woman was removed because she had 'assaulted a group of private guards' Video commentators are visibly outraged, saying that had she been foreign, she wouldn't have been bothered . Police confirmed the arrest of the young woman, who was with three male friends. While they had all opted to pay a 1,600-peso fine (£70), the young woman had refused, and was then arrested. But Juan Carlos Pereira Escudero, secretary of the Playa del Carmen Council, denied

Summary: Laura Alicia Caldero, 26, removed from Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen . She claims she was sitting under a palm tree and was told to pay . Local woman claims she was arrested when she refused to pay a fine . A council official claims Ms Caldero assaulted private guards .


A driver was shocked to receive a £50 fine for failing to display his tax disc - despite it not becoming a legal requirement six months ago. Phil Haste, 60, was also told he had not shown a pay and display ticket in his car, even though he has a valid car parking permit on his dashboard. The businessman is now refusing to pay the fine that was issued in a Torbay council car park. Scroll down for video . 'Diabolical': Phil Haste (left) said he could not understand why he was issued with a penalty notice, as he clearly had a valid parking permit in his car and no longer required his tax disc to be shown . Mr Haste sent his appeal to the council on Saturday after being issued with the ticket last month and said it was a 'diabolical' decision to fine him. The government abolished paper tax discs on October 1 last year, meaning they no longer need to be shown on a vehicle windscreen. Mr Haste, who lives in Torquay, said: 'I would rather go to court than pay the fine. Issuing tickets of this ilk show they haven't got a clue what they are talking about. 'It's diabolical. The council employ these people to do a job for them and it's clearly not being presented clearly. 'They are obviously trying to just grab money where they can. I don't understand why I got this fine.' 'Haven't got a clue': The 60-year-old was also told he had not shown a pay and display ticket in his car, even though he has a valid car parking permit on his dashboard (pictured) The 60-year-old, who owns the yacht brokers' Quayside Marine, added: 'I don't need a tax disc so I don't know why they issued this. 'I have a car parking permit which was clearly on display on the dashboard of my car, so I just can't understand it.' Torbay Council said it was not their policy to issue fines for road tax offences and urged Mr Haste to appeal. A spokesman said: 'We do not issue parking penalty charge notices with regard to road tax and Mr Haste will have been advised on how to appeal against this ticket as it is stated on the reverse of the penalty charge notice.'

Summary: Phil Haste, 60, issued with £50 fine for not showing tax disk in his car . This is despite it not becoming a legal requirement six months ago . He was also told he had not shown a pay and display ticket in his car . But he has a valid car parking permit, so said decision was 'diabolical'


A father who walked out of a secretive Christian commune where everyone wears blue uniforms and birth control is non-existent said living in the community was like being in a scary thriller movie. Elijah Overcomer, 26, left Gloriavale, a town of about 500 on New Zealand's west coast, with his wife, Rosanna, 29, and their children in late March 2013. Shortly following their departure, the family watched the 2004 psychological thriller The Village, by M. Night Shyamalan. Mr Overcomer said the film - where residents of a pretend 19th century town fear the 'wicked' outside world - was a 'good comparison with our community', especially in their views of the greater world. '(In the film), all the kids have grown up and been told the outside is unsafe. They even make their own scare tactics to scare people from going outside the wee village,' he said. 'It's kind of the same thing here. You're told if you leave Gloriavale you're lost, you lose your Salvation.' Life in Gloriavale: Wearing their customary blue uniforms, Elijah Overcomer, now 26, wife Rosanna, now 29 and two of the three children they left with are photographed inside the commune . Gloriavale baby: Daughter Honour is pictured decked out in her Gloriavale uniform . Young love: In Gloriavale blue, Elijah and Rosanna are pictured mucking around. Gloriavale, a secretive Christian commune, is nestled on the banks of Lake Haupiri on New Zealand's west coast . Living in the now: The Overcomers have lived outside Gloriavale for two years . Sharing candid photographs of his family's time in Gloriavale with Daily Mail Australia, Mr Overcomer said he had been told there was 'a lot of sin' and 'bad things' in the greater world. 'You almost only get to know about the evil while you're there. 'That's all you know to be outside Gloriavale, is a lot of evil and that sort of thing.' But following their departure, the family were 'blown away' by the kindness and support shown to them by New Zealand churches in Christchurch and Timaru. The latter town, some 300kms south of Gloriavale, has become home to several former members of the sect recently following a virtual exodus. According to Sunday NZ program, 22 residents have left in the past two months. Among them includes the Ben Canaan family of 14, who famously walked out this March. 'When we left we received so much help and gifts from people especially churches at Christchurch and then at Timaru,' Mr Overcomer told Daily Mail Australia. 'People (were) just helping us out giving us clothing, kitchen gear - heaps of stuff - and we were quite shocked with that. 'We've been blown away by how much love we've received outside of there. Even from people who aren't Christians, as well. 'There's a lot of really kind, caring people who want to help you. I mean, even in our district, you meet someone new and they just want to help. Just blown away. The family have faced two particular challenges leaving Gloriavale. The most devastating is that the couple

Summary: Elijah Overcomer and his wife Rosanna walked out of Gloriavale . It is a secretive Christian commune on the New Zealand West Coast . He said M Night Shyamalan movie The Village is a 'good comparison' 'All you know to be outside Gloriavale is a lot of evil' He was initially kicked out for 'asking too many questions' After leaving Gloriavale, family grappled with religious fears . People opened their homes, hearts and wallets to the Gloriavale refugees . A Timaru church has been instrumental in settling the family . There has recently been an exodus from Gloriavale .


A Kentucky man has been arrested after police say he was found under the influence while riding a horse on US 23. Michael Kimmel, 40, was taken into custody by Kentucky State Police on Monday evening after they received a 911 call about an intoxicated horse rider. Trooper J. Gabbard's report says that Kimmel was ordered to stop, but instead dismounted and ran away wearing only a brown hat, jeans and boots. Trooper Gababrd launched a manhunt for Kimmel and later found him on horseback again and according to the FloydCountyTimes, he resisted arrest, saying, 'I didn't do s***, I was just riding my horse.' According to the arrest report, Kimmel would not take a sobriety test and refused a breath and blood alcohol test. However, officers said he had slurred speech, smelt of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet. “Subject made threats to ‘[expletive] [expletive] up driving drunk in a car next time and he would give me something to worry about,’” the arrest citation quotes Kimmel as saying. Kimmel, who has used the alias “Mike Bicycle,” is currently on probation for a prior conviction for burglary. He is currently+ in the Floyd County jail on $5000 cash bond. Kimmel faces DUI, fleeing or evading police, and other possible charges.

Summary: Michael Kimmel was taken into custody wearing only boots, jeans and a cowboy hat .


A man took a friend's dog for a walk and hacked it to death with an axe because he was worried it might bite children. Kevin Dixon, 35, of Newsome in West Yorkshire, took his friend's Akita-type dog for a walk to help her out and then hit it seven times with an axe - killing the animal. He was convicted of causing the dog unnecessary suffering and was given a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping animals for ten years. Kevin Dixon offered to take his fiend's Akita-type dog (pictured) out for a walk to help his friend and hacked the animal to death because he was scared it might bite a child . Kirklees Magistrates' Court heard that Dixon had agreed to walk the dog, Tempa, for its owner Amanda Hamer who had been unable to do so after she suffered severe whiplash in early 2014. The dog had a history of biting people and Dixon had decided to kill the animal after it bit a woman, following a party at Ms Hamer's home. Dixon told the court he was worried it might bite one of the children sleeping at the house overnight. Dixon (left) was convicted after a trial of causing the dog, called Tempa (right), of unnecessary suffering . On the evening of May 16 he took the animal out for a walk and then hit it seven times in the pitch black. He had initially claimed the dog had not suffered when he attacked it and the assault had been all over and done with 'from first blow to last in 10 seconds.' Tempa was hit with the axe seven times . But he was convicted by magistrates after further evidence was presented in a case brought by the RSPCA at trial earlier in the year. Chairman of the Bench Sue Collins, told Dixon his actions were 'unacceptable' and he had caused 'suffering to the dog' but accepts 'he is remorseful and didn't want to cause harm'. Dixon was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years. Catherin McCullagh, for Dixon, said: 'Clearly Mr Dixon's actions were undesirable if I can put it that way, as well as illegal.' Speaking after the sentence, Ms Hamer, 43, said: 'The sentence is too light for somebody who has taken a member of the family. 'Tempa was part of the family, my daughter's best friend. She absolutely loved him - she has had an awful time through this.'

Summary: Kevin Dixon took his friend's Akita dog for a walk when she was injured . He hacked the animal to death, hitting it seven times with an axe at night . Dixon claimed he was concerned the dog would go on to bite children . He was convicted of causing the animal unnecessary suffering and given a seven week suspended jail sentence and banned from keeping animals . WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT .


Alastair Cook may have had a long break working on his batting with his old mentor Graham Gooch but his technical problems very much remain. The England captain, without an international century for almost two years, failed for the second time in the first Test as his old failing against the full ball just outside off-stump was again exploited by West Indies. To compound Cook’s misery, there was also another failure for Jonathan Trott, who has endured a nightmare return to the England team for his 50th Test, 18 months after the trauma of leaving the Ashes tour following his 49th. The double blow at the start of England’s second innings left them with much to do in this first Test to work their way towards a winning position at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium even though they earned a first-innings lead of 104. Cook simply cannot afford many more mistakes, with new ECB chairman Colin Graves demanding victory here over opposition in West Indies he condemned as ‘mediocre’ ahead of this trip. Cook returned to something like his best last year with three half-centuries in his last four Test innings against India but his woeful one-day form in Sri Lanka led England to jettisoning him as 50-over captain ahead of the World Cup. He arrived in the Caribbean still smarting from that blow but with a slightly altered technique and looked refreshed in scoring a warm-up hundred against St Kitts. The step up to Test level, however, has seen Cook struggling and Jerome Taylor looked anything but mediocre in sending both him and Trott back with just 20 on the board as England endured a rocky start to their second innings. Trott has been recalled in the unaccustomed role of opener but has looked jittery in scoring a duck and now four and was noticeably falling over in the crease as he edged a decent ball from Taylor to Denesh Ramdin. Alastair Cook failed with the bat once again on day three of the first Test in Antigua . Jonathan Trott was also out cheaply as the first three wickets once again fell for not many . James Tredwell earlier picked up four wickets as England bowled West Indies out for 295 in their first innings . It is far too early to say that England’s gamble in bringing back a man who left Australia with what was later diagnosed as ‘situational anxiety’ has backfired but Trott will be under significant pressure in the second Test. Cook’s problems have been going on much longer and it is no exaggeration to say that he will be fighting for his job for the rest of this three-match series, particularly with change sweeping through English cricket. Here he pushed forward hesitantly to a ball he could have left alone from Taylor and succeeded only in edging to the delighted Sulieman Benn at slip on 13 after falling for 11 in the first innings. And when Ian Bell, a centurion in the first innings, was run out after a dreadful mix-up with Gary Balance, England

Summary: England closed day three of the first Test on 116 for three, 220 runs ahead . West Indies were bowled out for 295 in their first innings . James Tredwell took four wickets in West Indies innings . Jermaine Blackwood hit his maiden Test century for the hosts . Jonathan Trott (4) and Alastair Cook (13) both failed with the bat again . Ian Bell was run out for 11 as England slumped to 52 for three . Joe Root (32*) and Gary Ballance (44*) unbeaten at stumps on day three .


Defending NBA champions San Antonio Spurs have stepped up their title defence preparation by taking part in an amusing music video which announced band Spuran Spuran. Kawhi Leonard, Matt Bonner, Patty Mills, Aron Baynes and official mascot The Coyote all teamed up to form the band - with the bands name in reference to English rockers Duran Duran. The video shows the four players performing debut single 'Spurs!' by taking part in a 1980s-style performance while showing off funky outfits and extravagant hairstyles. Matt Bonner was on guitar duty for Spuran Spuran as they announced debut song 'Spurs!' in hilarious video . Bonner (far left) was joined by San Antonio Spurs team-mates Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills and Aron Baynes . Bonner and his Spurs team-mates proved they're just as entertaining off the pitch as they are on it with this amusing music video. Spurs have won their last 11 matches, including a 107-91 victory over Phoenix Suns in their last match, as they aim to defend their NBA title. Sitting in third place in the Western Conference, the champions face New Orleans Pelicans in their final match before beginning their play-off run. Spurs official mascot The Coyote also made a cameo appearance in the amusing music video . Leonard (right) helped his San Antonio Spurs side beat Phoenix Suns 107-91 in their last match . Bonner (left) and his Spurs side are keeping busy off the pitch as they prepare to defend their NBA title .

Summary: San Antonio Spurs players take part in Spuran Spuran music video . The NBA champions perform single 'Spurs!' in hilarious performance . Kawhi Leonard, Matt Bonner, Patty Mills and Aron Baynes all teamed up . Spurs are third in the Western Conference with the play-offs approaching .


Bayern Munich doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, who has served the club for almost 40 years, has quit the Bundesliga club in the fall-out of their shock Champions League defeat by Porto. Muller-Wohlfahrt claims the German champions' medical department has been blamed for Wednesday night's 3-1 first-leg defeat in Portugal which left their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. The 72-year-old medical professional, renowned as a world leader in his field, said 'the bond of trust is damaged' and called the blame centred at his department 'inexplicable'. His son Kilian, Peter Ueblacker and Lutz Hansel, who are all part of the team at Bayern, have also resigned. Bayern Munich doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has quit in the fall-out of their shock defeat by Porto . The 72-year-old is renowned as a world leader in his field and has been at Bayern for almost 40 years . Muller-Wohlfahrt (fourth from left) sits behind Pep Guardiola during the defeat on Wednesday evening . Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has often courted controversy with his methods. He claims that a substance called Hyalart, which is extracted from the crest of cockerels, helps lubricate knee injuries and take away pain. He also swears by Actovegin, an amino acid preparation derived from calves' blood. In 2009, he prescribed more than 50 injections of goat's blood to St Johnstone striker Peter MacDonald for his hamstring injury. Among those to have been treated by him are Ronaldo, Usain Bolt, Michael Owen and Jose Maria Olazabal. Muller-Wohlfahrt claims to have administered more than one million injections, at least half of which have been to athletes. A statement from Muller-Wohlfahrt read: 'After the Champions League match of Bayern Munich against Porto the medical department was for some inexplicable reason made primarily responsible. The bond of trust is damaged.' And on Friday morning, the club released the following statement: 'FC Bayern Munich notes with regret the decision of chief medical officer Dr Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt (72) to resign his medical duties at the club. 'Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt in particular, but also his team, have performed first-class work for the club and its players over the years. Our sincere thanks are due for this. 'FC Bayern will shortly announce new arrangements for the club’s medical unit. Until then Dr Volker Braun, sports physician and consulting physician in trauma surgery and orthopaedics, will support the FC Bayern team at matches.' Pep Guardiola had just 14 fit players to choose from at the Estadio do Dragao and the Bayern manager implied in his post-match comments that the defeat was down to the lack of available players. 'We have players who were out a long time with injuries,' he said. 'Their legs don't last very long. It's a tough result to take into the second leg, but we'll give it a go.' Muller-Wohlfahrt comes to Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben during a Bundesliga game last month . Guardiola failed to win the Champions League in his first season in Germany and is on the brink of exit again . Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: 'It was his decision to leave,

Summary: Bayern Munich's long-serving doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt quits . German champions lost 3-1 in the Champions League to Porto this week . Muller-Wohlfahrt claimed he and his staff were blamed for the defeat . Bayern release statement on Friday thanking Muller-Wohlfahrt for his services and saying they 'regret' his decision . Guardiola on Friday said he 'respects' Muller-Wohlfahrt's decision . Pep Guardiola seemed to place blame on injuries in post-match interview .


Two black candidates were among three people elected to the Ferguson City Council Tuesday, tripling African-American representation in the St. Louis suburb where poor race relations have been a focal point since the August shooting death of an 18-year-old black by a white police officer. The election means that half of the six-member city council in Ferguson, a town where two-thirds of the 21,000 residents are black, will now be African-American. This just over one month after the Department of Justice released a report on the shocking culture of racism and abuse in the city. The lone black incumbent councilman, Dwayne James, was not up for re-election. Scroll down for video . Wesley Bell Jr., 18, left, casts his vote alongside his father Wesley Bell who claimed victory in the race for Ferguson City Council Ward 3 seat . The election came just over a month after a Justice Department report detailed a culture of racism and abuse among city officials, employees and police . Voter turnout increased substantially from the previous election following a strong get-out-the-vote effort from labor unions and other national organizations. The town that drew only 12.3 percent of registered voters last April had 29.4 percent turnout Tuesday, according to the St. Louis County Board of Elections. That was about double the overall turnout in St. Louis County, where Ferguson is located. Unofficial results showed that Wesley Bell defeated another black candidate to win in the 3rd Ward; Ella Jones defeated another black candidate and two white candidates in the 1st Ward; and Brian Fletcher, a former mayor who is white, won a 2nd Ward race against another white candidate. 'This community came out in record numbers to make sure our voices were heard,' said councilman-elect Bell. 'When you have a community engaged, the sky is the limit.' He described it as part of a healing and rebuilding process. It was the first municipal election in Ferguson since officer Darren Wilson fatally shot Michael Brown, who was black and unarmed, on Aug. 9. The shooting sparked sometimes violent protests in the St. Louis area, and spawned a national Black Lives Matter movement to press for change in how police deal with local minorities. It also prompted a review by the U.S. Justice Department, which decided not to prosecute Wilson, who resigned in November. But the federal department released a scathing report blasting the city for racial bias and profiling in the police department and a profit-driven municipal court system. Several city officials resigned following the review, including the city manager, police chief and municipal judge. The municipal court clerk was fired for racist emails. The new city council will be tasked with approving hiring of the replacements. The scrutiny in the wake of the shooting also found that the city had a mostly white police force and city leadership - the mayor also is white. Ferguson City Council ward three candidates Lee Smith (R) and Wesley Bell (L) hand out election information . In the race for the 3rd Ward, which includes the apartment complex where Brown was

Summary: Ferguson, Missouri elected three black officials to city council seats on Tuesday, up from one last term . Black officials now comprise half of the city council in the city . This just over a month after a Justice Department report detailed a culture of racism and abuse among city officials, employees and police . Voter turnout hit record highs, with 29.4percent of registered voters going to the polls, up from 12.3percent last April . The elected black officials include Wesley Bell and Ella Jones, while Dwayne James, the incumbent, was not up for reelection .


Michael Owen surprised television viewers and pundits alike by completely dismissing Charlie Adam's 66-yard strike against Chelsea as a potential Goal of the Season contender. Revealing his controversial standpoint on BT Sport's Fletch and Sav show on Saturday, the former England international striker sparked a debate between his colleagues in the studio. 'I think if you asked a hundred footballers in general to go and try to re-enact them [each of the four superb goals from Adam, Bobby Zamora, Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe last weekend] the next day, I think more people would be able to kick the ball far and straight.' Michael Owen sparked a debate whilst speaking alongside former Liverpool team-mate Steve McManaman . The former England striker said he didn't believe Charlie Adam's strike was worthy of Goal of the Season . Owen's comments surprised his colleagues on BT Sport's Fletch and Sav show on Saturday . Owen, who scored 163 career goals in 362 appearances for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Manchester United and Stoke, appreciated a degree of expertise to execute such a shot but was minimally impressed. 'Just one long kick. There's a lot of skill in it, but Goal of the Season? Do me a favour!' Co-anchor and ex-player Robbie Savage waded in following Owen's outburst, and former Liverpool star and fellow pundit Steve McManaman was not far behind. 'You [Owen] scored a thousand goals and you couldn't do it,' former Leicester midfielder Savage added. 'You're talking about 100 footballers,' McManaman highlighted, 'and we couldn't do what Charlie Adam did (pointing to Savage, Owen and himself).' Charlie Adam (centre) lets fly from inside his own half as he scores one of the goals of his career at Chelsea . Adam's audacious effort was clocked at more than 45 miles per hour and came from inside his own half . Refusing to back down 35-year-old Owen remained resolute: 'The only reason you couldn't and potentially couldn't [score a goal like Adam] is because you couldn't reach [the goal]. You could kick the ball hard and far... it's just whether you could do it that far.' 'So we couldn't do it!' McManaman confirmed. Clearly feeling backed into a corner by his cohorts Owen pointed at Savage: 'He couldn't score Rooney's [turn and volley against Aston Villa].' 'I could,' Savage barked. 'I could score Defoe's [long range volley against Newcastle]. I've scored Defoe's for Wales. Twice. Two worldies.' QPR's Bobby Zamora (left) gets in front of Joleon Lescott to score against West Brom last Saturday . Jermain Defoe (centre) smashes home to seal a vital derby win for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light . Wayne Rooney swivels to blast a right-footed shot into the top corner of Aston Villa's net on Saturday . Responding to the comments about his strike at Stamford Bridge, Scotland international Adam hit back at his skeptic. Taking to his personal Twitter account the 29-year-old wrote: '@themichaelowen was a great player in his day but if he even thought about it his hamstring would go..' Upon finding out, Owen's claws were still well

Summary: Michael Owen says Charlie Adam's goal at Chelsea was not that impressive . Owen said the fact Adam kicked the ball 'hard and straight' made it easier . Adam responded by saying Owen would have injured himself if he attempted the shot .