Celebrity residents and good commuter links to the City have made Esher in Surrey the country’s number one income tax hotspot, research shows. Those living in the Esher and Walton parliamentary constituency – home to Gary Lineker, Frank Lampard, Mick Hucknall and Chris Tarrant – have seen average income tax bills jump by 8 per cent in a year. They paid the most income tax in 2012/13, with bills averaging £16,900, almost four times the national average of £4,363, a study by accountancy group UHY Hacker Young found. Celebrity residents and good commuter links to the City have made Esher in Surrey the country’s number one income tax hotspot, research shows . The average annual income is £59,600 - more than £30,000 above the average gross annual salary. Like Esher, the other top five highest income tax-paying constituencies – Chesham and Amersham; Windsor; Beaconsfield; and Dorking and Leatherhead – are in the Home Counties and within an hour’s commute of London. Only one of the top ten constituencies, Tatton in Cheshire, is outside the South-East. Covering Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Knutsford, the area is another celebrity favourite, attracting residents such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand and Andy Cole. At the other end of the list, Stoke-on-Trent Central had the lowest bills, at £2,100 - eight times lower than those in Esher. Those living in the Esher and Walton parliamentary constituency – home to Gary Lineker (left) and Frank Lampard (right) – have seen average income tax bills jump by 8 per cent in a year . The other top five highest income tax-paying constituencies include Windsor (castle above) and Beaconsfield . Mark Giddens, of UHY Hacker Young, said: 'The combination of a relatively high density of high earning celebrities and easy transport links to the City of London for those working in financial services, mean that many parliamentary constituencies across the South-East, and Esher in particular, are a real hotspot for the taxman. 'With the tax rate at 45% for the highest earners, pockets are clearly being created - mainly, but not solely, around the capital - where income tax bills are far outstripping the national average. ‘Whether residents of Esher will relish the title of most highly income-taxed area of Britain is doubtful.’

Summary: Bills averaged £16,900 - almost four times the national average of £4,363 . People also paid more in Windsor, Beaconsfield, Chesham and Amersham . Stoke-on-Trent Central had the lowest bills at £2,100 per year .


A woman has been arrested after she allegedly broke into a home on Martha's Vineyard, lived inside for at least a week and sold items belonging to the owners in a yard sale. Michelle Filkins, 44, of West Wareham has been charged with breaking and entering, larceny over $250, and malicious destruction of property. She was discovered at the Court Street property in Edgartown by owner Mark Conklin on April 17. Michelle Filkins, 44, of West Wareham has been charged with breaking and entering, larceny over $250, and the malicious destruction of property after she was arrested on April 17 . Filkins was arrested on April 17 after owner Mark Conklin found her sitting in his summer home . According to the police report, Conklin found Filkins sitting in his living room of the property estimated to be worth $800,000. When he confronted her she claimed that she owned the house. She then fled in a gray Nissan pickup truck when Conklin called the police at about 8 a.m. When police arrived, they discovered a large glass window to the left side of the front door had been broken and covered by a blanket, reports The Boston Globe. Filkins was arrested several hours later after she attempted to get back into the home thinking that Conklin had left. She is next scheduled to be in court on May 14. A construction worker in the neighborhood has told police that he saw Filkins outside with items from the home, and that she appeared to be having a yard sale or giving the items away. According to a post on the department's Facebook page, items missing include four deck chairs from Crate & Barrel, a Weber grill, two side tables from Ethan Allen, one Ann Chase lamp, two lamps from Crate & Barrel, two framed posters, various pots, pans, and linens, and a painting by the owner. Police are asking anyone who received items from the home to return them to the Edgartown police department. 'If in fact you did purchase something you are a victim as well and EPD will assist you in seeking restitution via the court prosecution of this case,' the police department said on Facebook. Anyone with information can also contact the police department at 508-627-4343. Police are asking anyone who received items from the home - including a lamp and a painting - to return them .

Summary: Michelle Filkins, 44, of West Wareham has been charged with breaking and entering, larceny over $250, and the malicious destruction of property . She was arrested on April 17 after owner Mark Conklin found her sitting in his summer home . A neighbor told police he saw Filkins outside with items from the house and that she appeared to be having a yard sale or giving the items away . Police are asking anyone who received items from the home - including a lamp and a painting - to return them .


Ed Miliband's proposed change in the rules on 'non-doms' would cost Britain billions, experts warned last night. The Labour leader announced plans to overhaul Britain's non-domicile regime, which allows 116,000 foreigners and people with foreign links to pay tax only on money that they bring into Britain. Mr Miliband initially suggested he would 'abolish' non-dom status – but it later emerged that Labour is effectively proposing a time limit on it of between two and five years. Scroll down for video . Crowd-pleaser? Ed Miliband joins crowds in Warwick yesterday, where he announced his non-dom plans . The Tories pointed out that a five-year grace period would exempt up to six in every ten non-doms from the crackdown anyway, because many non-doms do not stay longer than five years. Announcing the policy, Labour aides suggested the change in the rules, which date back to the 18th century, would raise as much as £1billion. But tax advisers immediately disputed this, saying driving non-doms away would in fact cost the Treasury significant sums. With non-doms paying around £8billion in tax and national insurance a year, it is claimed that Labour's proposal could in fact create a huge hole in Treasury coffers. Within hours of announcing the policy, Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls was forced to admit he did not actually know how much extra cash the measure would raise. In a further embarrassment, it later emerged that just three months ago he himself had said such a move would be counter-productive – saying it would result in the country losing money. In a video that emerged yesterday, Mr Balls can be seen telling a local BBC radio station that abolishing the status altogether 'will probably end up costing Britain money because some people will leave the country'. Despite this, the surprise move by Labour wrongfooted the Conservatives, who took several hours to craft a coherent response. The issue of non-doms is a sensitive one for the Tories, because Mr Miliband has claimed David Cameron is close to 'dodgy donors', including non-doms, who support the party. Labour has repeatedly attempted to characterise the Tories as friends of the rich – despite official figures showing the best-off are paying more tax than they did under the last Labour government. Last night, sources close to Chancellor George Osborne indicated he would consider scrapping the right to pass on non-dom status to heirs. Last year, Mr Osborne announced a new £90,000 annual charge for people who are non-domiciled in the UK for tax purposes but have lived here for 17 of the past 20 years. Tory officials said it was more effective to hit non-doms with an annual levy than to 'tinker' with the status. The Chancellor said: 'Labour's policy is a total shambles. You have Ed Balls admitting it will cost Britain money and then when you look at the small print it turns out the majority of non-doms won't be affected.' In a speech at the University of Warwick, Mr Miliband insisted non-dom status was an 'arcane' rule dating back to the time of William Pitt the

Summary: Experts warn Ed Miliband's changes for non-doms would cost millions . The Labour leader initially suggested he would abolish non-dom status . But it later emerged he is effectively only proposing a time limit on it . It allows those with foreign links to be taxed only on money entering Britain .


Andy Erlam has announced he will stand to be the next Mayor of Tower Hamlets - telling voters it is a chance to 'change everything for the better' The grandfather who won a High Court victory to kick out the crooked mayor of Tower Hamlets yesterday announced he will stand as a 'Martin Bell'-style anti-corruption independent candidate in his place. Andy Erlam pledged to end years of 'Rotten Borough' politics. Last week Mr Erlam led four ordinary voters who defied threats, financial ruin and official apathy to have Lutfur Rahman unseated from office by an electoral court. Rahman - who police afraid of being branded 'racist' failed to charge - was found guilty of rigging his election for mayor in May 2014 by a systematic campaign to steal votes. Yesterday Mr Erlam, 64, a retired film maker, said: 'Since last week, many people have asked me to stand. 'I've given it a lot of thought and have decided to go for it. 'For many years, the people living here have suffered under a corrupt leadership. 'Unless someone stands up to it, there is a danger that Rahman's cronyism and corruption will just continue in another form.' Rahman was banned from office for five years but has many acolytes who are not prevented from standing. In putting his name forward for the election on June 11, Mr Erlam is following in the footsteps of Martin Bell, the former war reporter who stood as an 'anti sleaze' candidate and beat MP Neil Hamilton in Tatton in 1997. Rahman, branded a 'pathological liar' and cheat who 'played the race card on every occasion' by Electoral judge Richard Mawrey QC, diverted millions of pounds from groups like the Alzheimer's Society to Muslim organisations, some with extremist links. Lutfur Rahman, pictured, had the Mayoral office stripped from his after an electoral court found him guilty of rigging his election. He was branded a 'pathological liar' and a cheat happy to 'play the race card' at every turn . Andy Erlam (centre) was one of four petitioners including Angela Moffat (left) and Azmal Hussein (right) who accused Rahman of electoral fraud. Their 'enormous courage' for taking the case forward was praised . Tower Hamlets was so corrupt the government sent in independent commissioners to run it. Mr Erlam said: 'The entire local government machine needs to be transformed and with government Commissioners in place, it's the chance in our lifetimes to change everything for the better. 'If elected I will shut down (council-run newsletter) East End Life, the Pravda of Rahman, end the "cult of personality" at the town hall and investigate and change every aspect of the council with the many good officers who I know have been frustrated and blocked for years.' 'This is not the end, this is only the beginning.' Mr Erlam has criticised the Met for 'not investigating election fraud properly, protecting Rahman and for its failure to, even now, launch a serious investigation at the town hall.' He added: 'I am standing to give the voters of Tower Hamlets a choice. If

Summary: Retired film maker Andy Erlam will stand to end 'corruption and cronyism' 64-year-old was one of four petitioners who accused former mayor of fraud . Lutfur Rahman kicked out of office after judge branded him a liar and cheat .


A taxi driver has entered the Chinese record books by taking 30,000 selfies with passengers. Teng Jiazhi or 'Uncle Teng,' from Shenyang, North China, came up with the unique tipping system ten years ago when he picked up a couple of tourists in -30C. ‘They had been standing in the cold for more than an hour for a taxi' he told reporters from People’s Daily Online. Popular: Teng Jiazhi poses with three passengers in one of the thousands of selfies taken in his cab . Happy snappy: Taxi driver 'Uncle Teng' and his passengers are all smiles for the cab camera . 'When they got in my car, they kept thanking me and offered tips. But I could not take the extra money,’ said Uncle Teng. ‘Before they dropped off, they wanted to take a photo with me. The gratitude they had was very comforting and that photo was the first selfie I took with my passenger.’ Since then the cabby, who starts work at 3am each day, has kept a camera in his car and captured thousands of happy passengers. On average, he picks up as many as eighty passengers a day and at least twenty take selfies with him. The 58-year-old then uploads them to his page on a popular Chinese social media website, making him one of the most recognised faces in the region. Passengers have even commented on how his smile always looks the same and Uncle Teng said it is because it comes from within. Say cheese: Passengers comment on how Uncle Teng's smile is always the same on his thousands of selfies . Infectious smile: Uncle Teng asks passengers for a picture in lieu of a tip in Shenyang, China . Many have said it brightens up their journey and commented on how his smile is contagious. ‘Why not live every day with a jolly mood?’ said Uncle Teng. ‘I try my best to help my passengers with their troubles. It takes just a chat, some sing along or a joke to make them happy again. ‘A few years ago, an upset young lady got on my taxi and she refused to take a selfie with me. So I started chatting with her. 'I found out that she had a fight with her mum so I sang her a folk song about how mothers always worry. She started sobbing after I finished my song and immediately called her mum to say sorry. 'Before she dropped off, she gracefully took a selfie with me and told me that it was a good day.’ Smile: Passengers pose with phones and balloons in a couple of the thousands of selfie photos Uncle Teng has gathered . Record breaker: Uncle Teng is awarded the Shanghai Big World Jinisi Record for his 30,000 selfies with passengers . Feel good factor: Taxi driver Uncle Teng is happy to have a chat to passengers and asks for a quick snap at the end of the journey . When Uncle Teng first got media attention, he already had 5,494 selfies with passengers and he

Summary: Uncle Teng took first snap 10 years ago when couple offered him a tip . Set himself target of 10,000 selfies for 'Smile Shenyang' event . Became online star after posting pictures on Twitter equivalent Weibo . He has no plans to stop taking she snaps when he retires .


A convicted sex offender was reportedly run over by his girlfriend after she allegedly caught him abusing a 12-year-old girl. James Oliver, 48, was left with a serious leg injury after being allegedly hit by a car driven by Linda Currier, 53. Police report that they found Oliver in the driveway of a home in Noblesboro, Maine, on Saturday night, reports NBC News. James Oliver, 48, (left) was allegedly hit by a car driven by Linda Currier, 53 (right) who caught him allegedly trying to sexually assault a young girl . They said that the pair had argued inside the home after Currier caught him allegedly trying to sexually assault the young girl, authorities said. The dispute moved outside the home and then Currier allegedly hit Oliver with the car - he was taken to hospital. The 12-year-old girl did not require medical attention, officials said. Currier was arrested for operating under the influence and aggravated assault - she was later released on bail pending a court appearance. The dispute moved outside the home and then Currier allegedly hit Oliver with the car (pictured) - he was taken to hospital . Police report that they found Oliver in the driveway of a home in Noblesboro, Maine, on Saturday night . Oliver was arrested on his release from hospital and charged with attempted gross sexual assault, unlawful sexual touching and failing to comply with the sex offender registration act for not updating his address . Oliver was arrested on his release from hospital and charged with attempted gross sexual assault, unlawful sexual touching and failing to comply with the sex offender registration act for not updating his address. On Tuesday he was transferred to a state prison where he was being held pending a court appearance. Oliver was previously convicted of sexual abuse of a minor and rape, according to the Maine Sex Offender Registry.

Summary: James Oliver, 48, was left with a serious leg injury after being allegedly hit by a car driven by Linda Currier, 53 . Police found Oliver in the driveway of a home in Maine, on Saturday night . Currier arrested operating under the influence and aggravated assault . Oliver charged with attempted gross sexual assault, unlawful sexual touching and failing to comply with the sex offender registration act .


Celtic's Treble dream died on Sunday with striker Leigh Griffiths pointing the finger of blame squarely at the officials after his side's shock Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Inverness. A blatant Josh Meekings handball in the box was missed by referee Steven McLean and his team, particularly assistant Alan Muir, at the end of the first half with the Parkhead club left to rue the decision not to award a penalty and dispense a red card. A goal down at the time, Inverness fought back and eventually emerged victorious following a pulsating period of extra-time and the Celtic players could do little to hide their fury after the match. Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has a shot at goal during the Scottish Cup semi-final against Inverness . Griffiths heads the ball, which is deflected clearly off the hand of Inverness' Josh Meekings (left) on Sunday . Despite numerous appeals, no penalty or red card was given for Meekings' handball and Inverness won . 'We have a lot of disappointed lads inside that dressing room — we've been robbed,' said Griffiths who, more than an hour after the final whistle, was still struggling to contain his own disbelief and anger. 'It was very disappointing. We had a chance to go and make history. We didn't get the result in the end.' Celtic were a Virgil van Dijk goal to the good at the time of the Meekings incident but the game was then turned on its head in the second half as Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon was sent off for a foul on Marley Watkins. Greg Tansey equalised with the resultant spot-kick and suddenly John Hughes' men were in ascendancy. With the teams level at full-time, Edward Ofere and John Guidetti swapped goals in extra-time before David Raven grabbed a 117th-minute winner — leaving the Highlanders jubilant and their opponents distraught. Parkhead manager Ronny Deila had insisted he need not say anything about the penalty incident. Scott Brown, meanwhile, stalked past with a face like thunder, lightning and Force 10 hurricane all rolled into one angry swirling mass, damned near taking the door off its hinges as he made a dramatic exit from the depths of the national stadium. 'I have asked the centre-half in the second half if it has hit his hand or his face - and he said it hit his hand 100 per cent, so in my book that's a penalty and a red card,' continued Griffiths. 'We have probably the best penalty taker in the league in Kris Commons, who I am sure would go and tuck it away to put us 2-0 up. They'd have been down to 10 men and it would have been a mountain for them to come back. Celtic's Aleksandar Tonev (centre) is challenged by Marley Watkins (left) and Edward Ofere (right) on Sunday . Celtic captain Scott Brown (left) has words with referee Steven McLean during the Scottish Cup semi-final . 'I knew it was a penalty. I think everyone in the ground knew it was a penalty. The second half has been

Summary: Celtic were beaten 3-2 after extra-time by Inverness as the underdogs reached the first ever Scottish Cup final in their club's history . However, a blatant handball in the box by Josh Meekings was missed by officials, leading Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths to feel 'robbed' The Hoops were left to rue the decision not to award a penalty or red card .


The 'battle of Holland' was nothing short of sensational as Raymond van Barnevald defeated World No 1 Michael van Gerwen - earning the bragging rights and giving himself a fighting chance of qualifying for the showdown at the 02 Arena. Robin van Persie was an interested spectator as he watched the bout on a camel TV and showed his support for his fellow Dutchmen on his Instagram page. The reigning Premier League Darts champion started well and found himself 2-0 up, before Van Gerwen began to score high and leveled the legs up. Raymond van Barneveld was in formidable form as he won 'the battle of Holland' against Michael van Gerwen . But Van Barneveld lived up to his legendary status, with scintillating finishing to ease past his Dutch counterpart, 7-3, and end his previously unbeaten record. Phil Taylor ended his losing run after beating Dave Chisnall and drawing with Stephen Bunting but the 16-time world champion will be disappointed he didn't finish off 'The Bullet' - earning himself maximum points. The 54-year-old rampaged to victory over Chisnall, taking the contest, 7-3, and recovering from back-to-back defeats in his two previous outings. Robin van Persie took to Instagram to show that he was watching his fellow Dutchmen go head-to-head . The Manchester United forward is currently out injured but looks set to leave Louis van Gaal's side . Bunting and Taylor were involved in arguably the match of the night, with both men involved in a quite incredible ending, where they threw a sequence of wayward darts before Bunting hit double one and making sure he took home a point. Adrian Lewis won his third match on the bounce, beating Bunting, 7-2, and condemning his opponent to a heavy defeat. 'Jackpot' boosted his chances of making the knockout stage with a convincing victory as he proved why he's still a player to fear in the Premier League. Phil Taylor will be disappointed he couldn't finsh off Stephen Bunting considering the chances he had . Adrian Lewis showed that he should not yet be written off with an impressive win over Bunting . Gary Anderson produced a sterling fightback to earn himself a draw against James Wade - sending the Scottish crowd wild as he hit double 20 to level it at 6-6. Wade had a number of chances to finish off the tie but was out of sorts in the final four legs, giving the 'Flying Scotsman' a glimmer hope - and he made no mistake. Anderson's point could be crucial - come the end of the competition - when the top four will meet to decide who will the Premier League 2015 champion. Gary Anderson fought back form 6-2 down to earn himself a valuable draw against James Wade in Aberdeen .

Summary: Raymond van Barneveld beat fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen 7-3 . Robin van Persie watched the clash via a rather bizarre camel TV . Phil Taylor beat Dave Chisnall 7-3 and drew with Stephen Bunting in a pulsating clash to end the Premier League darts in Scotland . Adrian Lewis crushed Bunting as he lost twice in Aberdeen . Gary Anderson produced a stunning comeback in front of his home crowd to draw 6-6 with James Wade after being four legs down .


A California judge has reduced a child rapist's mandatory 25-year sentence down to only 10 - saying anything longer would be 'cruel and unusual punishment'. Superior Court Judge M. Marc Kelly told an Orange County jury that 20-year-old Kevin Jonas Rojano-Nieto 'did not intend to harm' the three-year-old girl he raped at his family home in June. The judge said that he was sure that although Rojano-Nieto sodomized the girl and covered her mouth so she couldn't scream out, 'there was no violence or callous disregard for the victim's well-being'. Controversial: Superior Court Judge M. Marc Kelly (seen here with a colleague in 2010) has handed a 10-year sentence to a 20-year-old child rapist. The mandatory sentence should be 25-years to life . Judge Kelly also said Rojano-Nieto, 'inexplicably became sexually aroused but did not appear to consciously intend to harm the victim.' Prosecutor have said they will appeal the controversial decision and will be pushing for the minimum sentence of 25-years to life to be reinstated. Rojano-Nieto was found guilty on December 3 of raping the girl who wandered into a garage where he was playing video games. According to the court news service, Rojano-Nieto said he became aroused by the girl and pulled her pants down to rape her during the sickening attack. While this was going on, he could apparently hear her mother calling out for her, so covered her mouth so she couldn't scream back. The girl told her mother after the assault that she was in pain and her mother called the police who found injuries consistent with rape. Rapist: Kevin Jonas Rojano-Nieto has been sentenced to 10-years behind bars for the rape of a 3-year-old girl . “Although serious and despicable, this does not compare to a situation where a pedophilic child predator preys on an innocent child,” Superior Court Judge M. Marc Kelly said according to KTLA. Deputy District Attorney Whitney Bokosky said she disagrees and will appeal. She said that Rojano-Nieto knew what he was doing was wrong because he covered the girl's mouth during the rape so she couldn't call out.

Summary: Superior Court Judge M. Marc Kelly handed Kevin Jonas Rojano-Nieto a 10-year sentence . The mandatory sentence Rojano-Nieto should have received was 25-years to life . The State of California has said that it will appeal Judge Kelly's decision .


A piano teacher accused of sexually assaulting an underage student killed himself outside a New Hampshire courthouse hours before his case was declared a mistrial, authorities say. John Goodwin, of Atkinson, shot himself near his car outside the Rockingham County Superior Courthouse in Brentwood on Friday. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. The jury was not aware of what had happened outside the courthouse when they decided they could not reach a verdict in the 75-year-old's case, according to New England Cable News. John Goodwin, 75, killed himself outside of Rockingham County Superior Courthouse on Friday morning while jurors were deliberating claims that Goodwin had sexually assaulted an underage student . Prosecutors said that Goodwin, who pleaded not guilty, repeatedly sexually assaulted an 11-year-old student from 2002 to 2005. The former student testified he didn't come forward until 2013 because he was embarrassed, according to WMUR. Goodwin's lawyer, Joe Welsh, acknowledged his client was 'touchy-feely,' but said he didn't commit a crime. 'He did hug his student, rubbed his back, massage,' said Welsh. 'It's not a crime. Whether it's appropriate, that's different.' Goodwin's trial began Monday. The jury had been deliberating for two hours when Goodwin shot himself around 11am. He was not in custody at the time of the shooting. The jury was not aware of what had happened outside the courthouse when they decided they could not reach a verdict in Goodwin's case .

Summary: John Goodwin, 75, of Atkinson, New Hampshire, went on trial this week on six counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault . The jury were not aware of what had happened when they decided they could not reach a verdict . Goodwin had pleaded not guilty in the case in which prosecutors said he repeatedly sexually assaulted a student, who is now 24 . The former student alleged the abuse began when he was 11 years old and lasted from 2002 to 2005 .


Nearly 500 British holidaymakers were stranded overnight on an impounded cruise ship in Lisbon harbour after its owners were served with a summons for an allegedly unpaid debt. The passengers coming towards the end of a 15 night cruise became the unwitting pawns in a legal wrangle between a former crew member and the owners of the MV Azores. The ship had been set to leave Lisbon at 7pm on Tuesday night with its 489 passengers heading back to Bristol Avonmouth after a round-trip tour that took in La Coruna in Spain, the Azores, and Madeira. But that was scuppered when lawyers slapped a court order on the ship over an 'unresolved' and 'historic' financial wrangle. The harbour master then refused to let the ship leave for Bristol. Scroll down for video . Stranded: 489 British holidaymakers were stuck in Lisbon on the MV Azores (file photo) overnight after its owners were served with a summons for an allegedly unpaid debt . Stuck: They were due to leave Lisbon for Bristol at 7pm on Tuesday but lawyers slapped a court order on the ship over an 'unresolved' and 'historic' financial wrangle . The ship is operated by Essex-based Cruise & Maritime Voyages. But the legal dispute was between owners Portuscale Cruise - from which they were chartering the vessel - and one of that company's former staff. The UK cruise firm, which had nothing to do with the financial wrangle, eventually came to an arrangement with Portugese authorities which allowed the ship to sail - 19 hours late - at 2pm Wednesday. It said passengers were kept informed throughout, helped with onward travel arrangements affected by the delay, and given access to a complimentary bar. One stricken passenger sent a text to a relative telling him: 'Can't believe we're stuck in Lisbon, Portugal. 'Our ship has been impounded due to an historical incident which basically means an unpaid debt.' The Madeira-registered 16,144-tonne, 525ft-long MV Azores was built in 1946. It has eight passenger decks and room for 550 passengers in its 227 cabins. Prices for the cruise range from £779 per person for a standard twin inner-cabin, to £4,159 per person for the owner's suite with an ocean view. The average price for the majority of cabins is priced at £1,500 per person. Cruise & Maritime Voyages's commercial director Chris Coates said: 'The delay of the MV Azores overnight in Lisbon related to a historic local issue with the vessel's owning company, Portuscale Cruises from whom Cruise & Maritime Voyages charter the ship using our own crew. Wrangle: The legal dispute was between owners Portuscale Cruise - from which they were chartering the vessel (file photo) - and one of that company's former staff . Going nowhere: The harbour master then refused to let the ship leave the port and passengers eventually arrived back in the UK 19 hours late . 'This dispute involved a previous crewing issue going back to 2014 and was settled first thing this morning. 'But we had to wait for the clearance documentation to be signed off

Summary: Nearly 500 British holidaymakers were stranded on the MV Azores all night . Lawyers slapped court order on ship over an 'unresolved financial wrangle' Harbour master refused to let ship leave Lisbon to final destination Bristol . Portugese authorities allowed it to sail, passengers got home 19 hours late .


Headmistress: Valerie Rutty stole thousands of pounds raised by her pupils from bake sales and fetes that was supposed to pay for new school kit . A headmistress who stole thousands of pounds raised by her pupils from bake sales and fetes that was supposed to pay for new school kit avoided jail today. Valerie Rutty, of Warrington, Cheshire, altered invoices by increasing the prices of work she had commissioned - then paid the difference between the actual sums into her own bank account by cheque from the school fund. The 60-year-old stole almost £3,500 from the fund raised by parents, teachers and pupils over a period of more than three years at Irlam Primary School in Greater Manchester. The cash was collected by children aged three to 11 and their families through non-uniform days and other fundraisers. It would help pay for extra-curricular days out and gym equipment. But Rutty wrote nine separate cheques into a bank account she shared with her mother between December 2010 and May last year. She was only caught when Salford City Council received an anonymous letter saying she had been stealing from the school accounts. An audit was then carried out and Rutty was suspended from the school in September last year, subsequently losing her £60,000-a-year job. The money was repaid in full last month. At Manchester Crown Court Rutty was handed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 70 hours of unpaid work in the community after admitting theft. Theft: The 60-year-old stole almost £3,500 from the fund at Irlam Primary School in Greater Manchester . Juliet Berry, prosecuting, said: ‘The account from which she stole money was entitled the “Irlam Primary School Fund”. ‘This money had been raised by parents and pupils at the school by hosting various events including fetes, non-uniform etc and the purpose of the money was to raise money for school trips, football kits and the like. One teacher revealed how Irlam Primary School is in serious need of more money. In a victim impact statement, a member of staff at the school named only as Mr Hargreaves said: ‘The school is in desperate need of funds to improve the quality of provision for children and staff. ‘The children worked extremely hard to help with this and we are faced with the fact that the money raised has been taken. ‘Members of staff, particularly the deputy headteacher, have been placed under severe personal stress and a great deal of uncertainty and additional work. The feelings of mistrust are perhaps the most damaging effect on the school and staff.’ ‘The money was raised by the children and parents themselves. It wasn’t money from the local authority, so one can understand how parents must feel.’ Marsha Myers, defending, said the case had been a ‘chastening experience’ for her client. Rutty had done a ‘great deal of benefit’ to the school and it achieved ratings of ‘good’ in its last Ofsted report, the court was told. But the judge told Rutty she had 'marred' her career,

Summary: Valerie Rutty altered invoices by raising prices of work she commissioned . Rutty then paid herself difference between actual sums from school fund . She stole £3,500 from fund of school in Greater Manchester in three years . Avoids jail but receives suspended term and 70 hours of community work .


Four teenagers have been caught on camera kicking a rare bird and throwing another out of a window. The gang broke into an aviary and bundled 200 of the animals into sacks and containers around 3.30am on January 12. CCTV showed the men took the birds to a tower block in Walsall, West Midlands, and dumped them on the floor before kicking them and forcing them out of barely open windows. Four teenagers have been caught on camera kicking a rare bird, thought to be in the bag above, and throwing another out of a window in Walsall, West Midlands, on January 12 . The birds were also jammed into drawers, squeezed to death and even chased by a dog, Walsall Magistrates Court heard. One resident reported that a dead bird was posted through his letterbox while others were dropped through windows. Three men and a youth have been convicted of their involvement and will be sentenced next month. Chad Worgan, from Walsall, admitted an offence of receiving stolen goods and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on the basis that he kicked a pigeon. The 19-year-old knew the animals were in the bags and had a 'sick grin across his face' as he appearing to grab one of the perched birds and visibly squeeze it, the court heard. Thomas Knox, from Bloxwich, denied the same charges. A dog belonging to Knox, also 19, was let into the flat to terrorise the birds, it was revealed. Jake Higgs, 23, from Bloxwich, admitted receiving stolen goods but denied causing unnecessary suffering. A 16-year-old from Erdington, Birmingham, also attended but cannot be named for legal reasons. The birds were also jammed into drawers, shoved through barely open windows (above), squeezed to death and even chased by a dog, Walsall Magistrates Court heard . All four were found guilty of the charges after a trial last week. One of the men (above) can be seen with a grin on his face during the attack . All four were found guilty of the charges after a trial last week. Bob Thomas, chairman of the bench, said their actions amounted to 'joint enterprise'. He added: 'They arrive with a dog and are seen to be carrying a variety of bags and containers. These are emptied by them and both a large number of dead and live birds are seen. 'The CCTV shows all of them entering the property together and all playing some part in the birds' suffering. 'We are satisfied that they were all aware of the contents of the bags.' A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: 'The birds were stolen from an aviary in the Brownhills area in the early hours of January 12. 'They were then taken to Dolphin House where they were emptied onto the landing area of the block.' The birds were stolen from rare bird breeder Lee Williams who had built up his collection of rare jays, finches, doves, budgerigars, quails and pigeons over a number of years. In 2008, the dad-of-two considered giving up his passion after 270

Summary: Gang bundled birds from aviary in Brownhills, West Midlands into sacks . They were jammed into drawers, squeezed to death and chased by a dog . All four men involved found guilty at Walsall Magistrates Court last week .


Posters promoting a 'straight pride' week at a northeast Ohio university were removed this week after student leaders determined that the message went beyond free speech. Youngstown State University student government leaders said they decided to remove the posters, which were hung on around campus earlier this week, after consulting with university officials. The posters included profanity and promoted the event as a time to not highlight sexual orientation or differences among students. Posters promoting a 'straight pride' week were removed from campus after student leaders said that they went 'way further than a free speech issue' They encouraged students to 'go about your day without telling everyone about how 'different' you are', according to WKBN. The anonymously posted flyers encouraged students to celebrate 'by not annoying the s*** out of everyone about your sexual orientation'. 'Brought to you by the students that are sick of hearing about your LGBT pride,' the posters read. 'Nobody cares about what you think you are, or what you want to have sex with. We have nothing against your sexual orientation. We just don't give a f***.' Campus leaders at the approximately 15,000-student university said that while they believe the posters were meant as satire, the message was inappropriate. 'If you actually read through it, it seemed like it went way further than a free speech issue,' said Student Government President Michael Slavens. 'There were swear words and took it a little further than the average free speech should go.' Student Government vice president Jacob Schriner-Biggs agreed with Slavens. 'When you are talking about minority activism, it is very easy that if you are in the majority to say "well, this sort of activism is not necessary. This sort of zeal in your activism is over the top",' he said. 'For minorities who experience discrimination, that is not the case,' It is believed by student leaders that the posters were satire, but they still missed the point of activism, a statement from the student government says . The posters counter the school's mission to create a diverse campus, university spokesman Ron Cole told WFMJ. Officials are investigating possible student code violations, and disciplinary action may follow. A statement from the student government said while it respects free speech of all students, the posters weren't authorized, contained vulgar language and missed the point of activism. 'When individuals belong to dominant societal cohorts (Caucasian, male, heterosexual, etc.) it is very easy to state "We have nothing against your sexual orientation" and to claim that efforts to raise awareness are "annoying",' it read, according to Gay Star News. The statement continued: 'For minorities who every day face discrimination and marginalization, such efforts are necessary without zeal and persistence, sociology teaches that minority concerns very easily go by the wayside. 'Thus, dismissing the efforts of LGBTQIA students to push for equitable treatment as unnecessary is dangerous because it catalyzes discrimination, whether meant to do so or not.' University officials are investigating into the posters, which were hung anonymously, and disciplinary action may follow .

Summary: The posters were hung around Youngstown State University this week . Posters promoted event as a time to not highlight sexual orientation or differences among students . Student government leaders believe the posters were satire, but still worked with university officials to get the posters removed . Though they were posted anonymously, officials are investigating possible student code violations and disciplinary action may follow .


Barcelona attacker Neymar has the skills to pay the bills and his latest Instagram offering certainly proves that. The scantily dressed Brazilian ace proves that his footballing brain never stops as he shows off an array of skills out of hours. Dressed in just his shorts the former Santos man uses his quick feet to juggle the ball as a friend records the South American’s antics. Barcelona ace Neymar has the skills to pay the bills and his latest Instagram offering certainly proves that . The Brazilian shows his footballing brain never stops as he practiced his skills with a friend . The former Santos ace showed off his skills ahead of Barcelona's trip to Sevilla on Saturday . Neymar will be hoping to impress on pitch as Barcelona look to extend their lead at the top of La Liga . Neymar will be hoping to show off some of that trickery when Barcelona travel to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium for their latest La Liga battle against Sevilla. Barcelona are currently four points clear at the top of the table with fierce rivals Real Madrid lagging behind in second. However, that lead could be put in danger as they take on a Sevilla side unbeaten at home all season as they themselves look to qualify for the Champions League. Neymar will be hoping to show off some of that trickery when Barcelona travel to face Sevilla . Neymar competes for the ball with Hugo Mallo of Celta Vigo during the La Liga match at Estadio Balaidos .

Summary: Brazilian Neymar took to Instagram to show off his skills to his followers . Quick-footed Barcelona attacker impressed for the filming camera . Neymar will be hoping to show off that trickery away against Sevilla . Barcelona currently sit four points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top .


His turn as Doctor Who was among the shortest incarnations of the Time Lord in the programme’s 52-year-history. But Christopher Eccleston has now suggested he quit the show after falling out with bosses over his decision to play the character with a strong northern accent. The 51-year-old actor, who grew up in Manchester, played the Doctor for just 13 episodes during the first series of the show’s revival in 2005. Scroll down for video . Too northern? Christopher Eccleston (pictured with Billie Piper on Doctor Who) has suggested he quit the show after falling out with show bosses over his decision to play the character with a strong northern accent . He proved a huge hit with fans, but only stayed for one run after falling out with then show boss Russell T Davies. Asked about his controversial departure from the programme, he told Radio Times: ‘I wanted to move him away from RP [received pronunciation] for the first time because we shouldn’t make a correlation between intellect and accent, although that still needs addressing. ‘I hope I’ll be remembered as one of the Doctors. I have no ill feeling towards the character or the series.’ He has previously hinted about a row with the show’s bosses, saying of his tenure in the role: ‘I didn’t agree with the way things were being run, or like the culture that grew up around the series.’ A total of twelve actors have played the Time Lord since the show first began in 1963. They include William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee, and more recently the likes of Paul McGann and Matt Smith. The 51-year-old actor played the Doctor for just 13 episodes in 2005 . The most recent incarnation is played by Scottish actor Peter Capaldi. The first Doctor Who episode was broadcast in November 1963 and the programme now attracts audiences of up to 16 million. The series has been sold to over 200 countries. The third son of working-class parents, Eccleston was brought up in Salford before going on to star in BBC drama series Our Friends in the North in 1996. He has also delivered a withering verdict on privileged actors such as Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne and Benedict Cumberbatch, claiming an increase in privately-educated stars is leading to ‘a milky, anodyne culture’. He added: ‘I still feel insecure, like a lot of my working-class contemporaries. I had a sense acting wasn’t for me because I’m not educated. I was a skinny, awkward-looking bugger with an accent, as I still am. ‘British society has always been based on inequality, particularly culturally. I’ve lived with it, but it’s much more pronounced now, and it would be difficult for someone like me to come through. ‘You can’t blame Eddie Redmayne [Eton], Benedict Cumberbatch [Harrow] and others taking their opportunities but it will lead to a milky, anodyne culture. To an extent that’s already happened. ‘I confess I don’t watch much film or television drama but I’m aware of the predominance of white, male roles. It’s not just about the working class. There’ s

Summary: Christopher Eccleston's turn was among shortest incarnations of Dr Who . Actor, who grew up in Manchester, played the Doctor for just 13 episodes . He was a huge hit with fans, but fell out with show boss Russell T Davies . The 51-year-old suggested he quit after a row over his decision to play character with a strong northern accent .


Air crash investigators have recovered more body parts from the site where MH17 fell in eastern Ukraine after the Boeing 777 was shot out of the sky nine months ago. The Dutch-led team this week also found personal possessions including jewellery after the plane was downed by a suspected Russian-made BUK missile, killing all 298 passengers and crew on July 17, 2014. In all, 16 containers of fragments of the Malaysia Airlines plane were filled so far this week. Dutch and Malaysian investigators and local authorities examine debris at the MH17 plane crash site . Chilling: MailOnline's photographer spotted the burned and torn passport of loving wife and mother Mabel Anthonysamy Soosai, 45, one of the 298 slaughtered when MH17 was downed over Ukraine on July 17, 2014. Her family in Kuala Lumpur has given MailOnline permission to publish the picture . The investigators searched for body parts and debris at a location that was previously considered unsafe . The finds came several days after MailOnline revealed how possibly key evidence and personal possessions were left lying in fields so long after a crash which shocked the world. MailOnline also found a charred passport of a Malaysian mother killed in the horror. Relatives of Mabel Anthonysamy Soosai, 45, whose husband and son were also killed, called for urgent action to clear the site, return items to bereaved families and bring those responsible for the carnage to justice. 'It broke my heart to see the picture, her passport still in the debris of the plane,' said her brother Clement, 47, in Kuala Lumpur. 'But thank you so much for finding it and telling us about it.' Also spotted at the site by MailOnline were a bracelet made of beads, a pair of sunglasses, ripped clothing and random pages from guidebooks in a reminder that many of the murdered passengers were heading to Kuala Lumpur on holiday. Investigators have renewed their search for body parts and debris in eastern Ukraine this week . A vehicle carries away debris from the site of the plane crash near the village of Grabove, in self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic . Many small parts from the plane - such as controllers for the in-flight entertainment systems - were visible among MH17's burned remains. Investigators say they were prevented from working properly in the locations where MH17 hit the ground due to fierce fighting between pro-Moscow rebels and Ukrainian military forces. The new finds of human remains were collected this week by the Dutch - working with Malaysian, Australian and Ukrainian colleagues - at a site previously inaccessible to the investigators, it was revealed. Head of the Dutch recovery mission Pieter-Jaap Aalbersberg said: 'More remains have been found in both parts of the so-called "burn sites."' Jean Fransman, spokesman for the Dutch Department of Justice, added: 'The mission was again able to recover human remains and personal effects at two sites.' A statement said that 'personal effects were given to the members of the mission by the local population - it was jewellery'. An investigator wheels away parts of debris

Summary: Investigators have found more body parts from where MH17 fell in Ukraine . Also discovered personal possessions including jewellery and bracelets . MailOnline also found a charred passport of a Malaysian mother killed . Plane downed on July 17 2014 killed all 298 passengers and crew on board .


Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute says forcing teachers to promote gay relationships would be making them choose between their faith and their job . Schools should be forced to promote gay relationships in sex education lessons, union leaders say. The National Union of Teachers has called for a ‘positive portrayal of same sex relationships’ in lessons to be made ‘compulsory’ under the next government. It said MPs had a duty to tackle ‘homophobia, biphobia and transphobia’ in schools and create a ‘positive climate of understanding about sexuality’. But critics accused the NUT of ‘thought control’ and said the ‘intolerant’ proposals risked ‘oversexualising’ children at a young age. Meanwhile, Christian groups warned it would compel teachers at faith schools to act against their beliefs. However, the union said the changes were needed to tackle prejudice which was ‘still strongly prevalent in our schools’. Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute said: ‘This motion is itself an act of intolerance towards mainstream Christians and their beliefs. It would force Christian teachers to have to choose between their faith and their job. ‘I wonder whether Christian members of the NUT who have paid their dues can expect any help from the NUT when their jobs are on the line.’ He added that Church schools already teach ‘love and tolerance’ of others without having to explicitly approve of same sex relationships. The proposal was contained in a motion on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights passed by the NUT at its annual conference in Harrogate yesterday. It stated: ‘Conference instructs the executive to call upon the present and future government to … make it compulsory that all schools’ sex education policies include a positive portrayal of same sex relationships.’ The NUT said only 10 per cent of LGBT teachers felt confident to be ‘out’ to students. Other proposals included promoting LGBT History Month – which celebrates gay and transgender rights movements – in every school. The motion also advocated supporting transgender students and staff ‘while transitioning and after’. Christine Blower, NUT General Secretary, said: ‘We need education policy that develops curriculum for children and young people that supports the democratic values of a diverse Britain – including LGBT equality.’ Christine Blower, National Union of Teachers General Secretary, has called for a ‘positive portrayal of same sex relationships’ in lessons to be made ‘compulsory’ under the next government . The law would also see teachers at Muslim and Jewish schools compelled to promote gay marriage and other issues that go against their beliefs. The proposal comes amid a row over the government’s new requirement for schools to teach ‘fundamental British values’, which include tolerance of other faiths and lifestyles. Christian schools have complained they were branded ‘intolerant’ and marked down by Ofsted after children were asked about gays and lesbians. Durham Free School is set to close after inspectors branded it an educational failure and said some children displayed ‘discriminatory’ views towards people of other faiths. Meanwhile, Grindon Hall Christian School in Sunderland was put in special measures after failing to meet Ofsted’s British values criteria.

Summary: National Union of Teachers said MPs had a duty to tackle 'homophobia' Critics said proposals risked 'oversexualising' children at a young age . Christian groups warned some teachers would have to act against beliefs . But union said changes were needed to tackle 'prejudice in our schools'


Sofia Vergara and her ex fiance Nick Loeb are embroiled in a legal fight over her frozen eggs which they planned to have children with before their bitter split, a new report claims. Loeb has filed a lawsuit in California in a bid to prevent the Modern Family actress from destroying two cryopreserved female embryos created through IVF, according to InTouch. Vergara’s representatives declined to comment on the allegations when contacted by DailyMail.com on Wednesday. Court documents, filed under pseudonyms Jane and John Doe, detail how the couple fertilized embryos using her eggs and his sperm six months before their split in November 2013. Scroll down for video . Legal fight: A magazine claims Nick Loeb has filed a lawsuit against his ex-fiancee Sofia Vergara in a bid to prevent her from destroying two cryopreserved female embryos created through IVF, pictured here in 2011 . Loeb, 39, is seeking to ensure the female embryos are not destroyed, but Vergara has refused to 'agree to their preservation under all circumstances,' according to the legal papers. The lawsuit was first filed in August 2014 before it was refiled again on April 1 with updated information and after Loeb sought new legal representation. Another claim in the documents is that, previously, the pair twice had eggs implanted in a surrogate, but the procedure failed. Elsewhere in the lawsuit, it is claimed 42-year-old actress Vergara - who got engaged to True Blood hunk Joe Manganiello on Christmas Day after six months of dating - was 'physically and mentally abusive' to Loeb. Wrangle: The lawsuit has been filed under the pseudonyms John and Jane Doe . No directive: Ultimately, the outcome will be at the discretion of a judge, but it would be unlikely that Loeb would be able to use the embryos without Sofia's consent, according to a legal expert who spoke to InTouch . The documents state: 'She punched him in the face on two occasions, kicked him, and threw her phone at his head. She also routinely bullied him, calling him a "loser," "worthless" and other degrading names.' In April 2013 Vergara - who has a 23-year-old son Manolo from her first marriage - spoke publicly about having frozen her eggs and her desire to have more children. She revealed that she and Loeb - who she dated on-off for almost four years - planned to use a surrogate on the account that she had thyroid cancer in 2000 and, as a result, had a lot of radiation. Complicated matter: In this page of the document it states Sofia and Nick were planning on using a gestational surrogate in 2012 to start a family and that Sofia had insisted on using a 44-year-old friend and emloyee . Arduous process: After the first two embryos failed to implant in the first surrogate the couple looked for another suitable candidate . Getting ugly: Page five of the document further details Sofia and Nick's disagreements over the usage and disposal of the embryos and also alleges Sofia was physically, emotionally and mentally abusive to him . InTouch

Summary: Loeb has filed a lawsuit to stop Modern Family actress destroying two frozen embryos, according to legal documents obtained by InTouch . Embryos were fertilized using her eggs and his sperm six months before their split in November 2013, it is claimed . Former couple previously tried to use surrogate to have children twice during their relationship, but procedures failed, according to the lawsuit . But the split before remaining embryos could be implanted, it is alleged . Lawsuit also claims that Vergara was 'physically and mentally abusive' to Loeb during their almost-four-year relationship .


Comments sections and social networks across the web are littered with antisocial users who repeatedly abuse and provoke people to get a reaction. These so-called 'trolls' have even been known to cause mental distress to their victims. But now a team of researchers has studied millions of such online posts to identify common traits among these users. And it has built an algorithm that can recognise a potential troll with an accuracy of 80 per cent by scanning their comments. Experts studied 40 million posts by 1.7 millions users on news site CNN.com, political news site Breitbart.com and gaming site IGN.com. The researchers then divided users into those most likely to be banned, called Future-Banned Users (FBUs), and other users dubbed Never-Banned Users (NBUs) The research was carried out by PhD students from Stanford and Cornell University, led by Justin Chang, in a paper called Antisocial Behavior in Online Discussion Communities. The team examined three large online forums including general news site CNN.com, Breitbart.com, a political news site, and computer gaming site IGN.com. Within these communities members that repeatedly violate community guidelines can be banned, either temporarily or permanently. Over an 18-month period, the team studied the content and deletion rates of 40 million posts and 100 million votes posted by 1.7 million users across these sites. From this data they were able to divide users into two groups. Posts made by antisocial web users, or trolls, are less readable in terms of language and coherency. Trolls are more likely to veer off-topic and have fewer similarities in terms of language and content compared to posts by other users. Trolls are also less likely to use positive words than other users, they swear more, and use less tentative or conciliatory language such as 'could', 'perhaps', or 'consider'. In terms of activity, the study found that trolls make more comments each day, and post more times on each thread. They purposefully try to create discussions, or actively respond to an on-going discussion. Trolls were also more likely to have had posts deleted than other users and over the 18 month study period, the number of deleted posts by FBUs increased. People who, over the course of the study, were subsequently banned from the sites, or were likely to be, were classified as Future-Banned Users (FBUs). Users who weren't banned during the study, and didn't exhibit signs that suggested they would be in the future, were known as Never-Banned Users (NBUs). Once these users were split up the researchers looked at four features to identify common traits among the FBUs and NBUs. The first was called 'Post features' and included studying the content of a post. 'Activity features' included how often a user posted in the forum, while 'Community features' looked at votes on individual posts that suggest a person or opinion's popularity. Lastly, 'Moderator features' looked at how many posts had been moderated or deleted. The findings suggest that posts written by FBUs are 'less readable', tend to veer off-topic and have fewer similarities in terms of language and content compared to posts

Summary: Researchers studied 40 million posts made by 1.7 million web users . From this they divided people into two groups - Future-Banned Users (FBUs) and Never-Banned Users (NBUs) They built an algorithm that scans posts for signs of antisocial behaviour . Study shows this algorithm can identify potential trolls in 80% of cases .


A 17-year-old Connecticut girl who was forced to have chemotherapy for her cancer has finally been released from hospital after she was removed from her home almost four months ago. Cassandra Fortin has finished the treatment a court ruled that she must undergo at Connecticut Children's Medical Center for Hodgkin's lymphoma, which she was diagnosed with in September. As she was discharged from the facility on Monday, the teenager said she was 'happy' to be heading back to her Hartford home after spending five months undergoing chemotherapy to save her life. 'I'm so happy to finally be on my way home, after 5 months,' she told The Associated Press in a series of text messages while traveling home. 'It feels almost unreal. The feeling of fresh air is wonderful.' Released: Cassandra Fortin, 17, (pictured with her mother Jackie) was released from hospital on Monday after she was made to undergo chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma, which she was diagnosed with last year . Happy: As she was discharged from hospital, the teenager (pictured with her mom) said she was 'happy' to be heading back to her Hartford home after spending five months undergoing chemotherapy to save her life . Cassandra, whose cancer is now in remission, made national headlines last year after she and her mother initially refused the treatment. They said they wanted to explore natural alternatives instead. But in January, a court ruled that Cassandra could not make the decision because she was not legally mature enough and the state's Department of Children and Families gained temporary custody of her. The case centered on whether the girl, who ran away during a home visit in November, was mature enough to determine how to treat her cancer. Connecticut's high court found that she was not. Some other states recognize the mature minor doctrine. Cassandra, who will be free to make her own medical decisions when she turns 18 in September, was surprised on Monday when her mother brought her best friend to hospital to bring her home. 'This day seemed like it would never come,' she told the AP. 'I can finally start putting my life back together. I look forward to spending time with my mom, friends and heading back to school/work.' Cassandra was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in September but did not want to receive the recommended treatment before exploring natural alternatives . But in January a court ruled Cassandra could not make the decision because she was not legally mature enough and the state's Department of Children and Families gained temporary custody of the teen . Cassandra was confined at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, where she underwent six rounds of treatment that doctors say will give her an 85 percent chance of survival. Without the chemotherapy, doctors said it was almost certain the teenager would die. She said doctors told her in early March that her cancer was in remission and posted on Facebook that she was grateful she had responded well to the drugs and never wanted to die. Hodgkins lymphoma (cells pictured) is a disease of the

Summary: Cassandra Fortin removed from Hartford, Connecticut, home in January . She was forced to undergo chemotherapy to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma . Her mother Jackie had supported desire to explore natural alternatives . But state ruled teen was not legally mature enough to make the decision . On Monday, Cassandra was released from the Children's Medical Center . She said 'I'm so happy', adding that the feeling of fresh air 'is wonderful' Teen was reunited with mother in April for first time since the New Year . Cancer is in remission, but she says she is happy she 'fought for my rights'


Pep Guardiola has denied claims of a dispute with former Bayern Munich club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, who quit the club on Thursday after 'being blamed' for the defeat by Porto. The 72-year-old, who had worked at Bayern for almost 40 years, sensationally quit the Bundesliga club, claiming 'the bond of trust is damaged', but Guardiola has played down claims of a feud. 'The reaction is on me, I was disappointed,' he told reporters in the wake of a shock Champions League quarter-final defeat by Porto. 'It was nothing to do with the doctor. Pep Guardiola has denied a rift with the former Bayern Munich doctor who quit the club this week . Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt (right) quit the club, claiming the medical staff had been blamed for defeat . '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.' 'I've been informed of the doctor's decision and I fully respect it. Nothing happened between us, it was his decision. Injuries are part and parcel of football, they're not the medical staff's fault.' Muller-Wohlfahrt's decision came after Bayern boss Guardiola appeared to imply that Wednesday's defeat was down to a lack of available players, commenting post-match: . 'We have players who were out a long time with injuries. 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.' Bayern had just 14 fit players to choose from at the Estadio do Drago, with Mehdi Benatia, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Javi Martinez and David Alaba among the first-team regulars missing. Bayern lost 3-1 against Porto in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final on Wednesday . Bayern boss Guardiola looks perplexed as his side fall two goals behind during the early stages of the game . Guardiola also appeared to publicly humiliate Muller-Wohlfahrt eight days before his exit from the club, sarcastically clapping him when Benatia left the pitch injured. Continuing at his press conference on Thursday, Guardiola said: 'The responsibility for the defeat in Porto lies with me. Put together, my players have had 30 operations over the last two years, but we've still won the league and cup. 'We can't win every match 3-0 or 4-0 in this situation. It's impossible.' Muller-Wohlfahrt is renowned as a world leader in his field and has been at Bayern for almost 40 years . The 72-year-old (right) has worked with the German national team as well as athletes including Usain Bolt .

Summary: Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt quit as Bayern Munich doctor this week . The 72-year-old had worked at the Bundesliga club for nearly 40 years . He said the medical department had been blamed for Porto defeat . Pep Guardiola has denied there was a dispute and has taken responsibility for Bayern Munich's Champions League loss .


Cesc Fabregas showed off the result of a nasty-looking clash with Charlie Adam's arm during Chelsea's victory against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Blues extended their lead at the top of Barclays Premier League to seven points with a 2-1 win but it didn't come without cost for Spain international Fabregas. The former Barcelona midfielder was left bloodied after being caught by a flailing arm following a tussle with Adam, the scorer of a 66-yard wonder goal. Cesc Fabregas reveals the nasty-looking gash on his nose sustained during Chelsea's win against Stoke . Fabregas was caught in the face by Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam's flailing arm . The collision left the Spain international with a bloody nose and requiring treatment . Spain international Fabregas also took a whack on his leg during the clash on Saturday . Fabregas took to Instagram after the game on Saturday to show off his battle scar - a large gash across the top of his swollen nose. 'At least I might be able to fix my nose after all... Good win today!' Fabregas wrote alongside the picture on the social media site. It is not the first time that the 27-year-old's hooter has been in the wars. While an Arsenal player in 2008, Fabregas suffered a broken nose playing for Spain. He avoided having an operation on the injury then, but it seems that Fabregas might be happy to have corrective surgery this time.

Summary: Chelsea beat Stoke 2-1 in Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday . Cesc Fabregas' nose was left bloodied after tussle with Charlie Adam . Midfielder showed off injury as he posted picture to Instagram after game . Fabregas joked that he might finally be able to get his nose fixed .


West Brom are watching Nice forward Alassane Plea. Tony Pulis has had scouts busy monitoring targets in France as he believes they represent better value with Montpellier’s former Blackburn right back Bryan Dabo also under scrutiny. Plea, 22, has scored three goals this season and can also play as an attacking midfielder. West Brom are weighing up the possibility of signing Nice forward and ex-Lyon trainee Alassane Plea (right) The former Lyon trainee has been capped at various levels by France including U21. Pulis is keen on bolstering his forward options in the summer despite remaining confident of keeping hold of star striker Saido Berahino. ‘I think the kid is happy here, he has played that way and certainly worked that way,' said Pulis. 'We're more than happy to have him here because he has been very good.’ Former Blackburn defender Bryan Dabo is also on Tony Pulis' radar ahead of the summer transfer window .

Summary: Nice forward Alassane Plea is attracting interest from the Baggies . West Brom are also keeping tabs on ex-Blackburn right back Bryan Dabo . READ: Tony Pulis confident of keeping hold of Saido Berahino .


A moment of madness from England hooker Tom Youngs handed Saracens victory but the second-placed Londoners were frustrated by their failure to earn a four-try bonus. With Leicester 6-0 up after 37 minutes, Youngs was sin-binned for a barge on Chris Ashton, who had passed the ball to Richard Wigglesworth and as he tried to return the favour Tigers Matt Smith grabbed it. Ashton was nowhere near getting the ball, which made Youngs' action even more senseless. Saracens scored two tries with him off and the game was as good over at 14-6 when he came back. Saracens winger Chris Wyles crashes over a try despite the attention of Freddie Burns (left) and Tom Youngs . Sarries No 8 Billy Vunipola makes a trademark bullocking run into the heart of the Tigers defence . Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: 'If you block a bloke you are going to get penalised and probably go to the bin. 'It is cynical and it was a moment of madness but he does a lot of good things for us. I was disappointed with our discipline because you can't do that. It gets you in trouble and it did today.' Billy Vunipola scored after Youngs' exit and Marcelo Bosch scored after the break. After Youngs came back, Chris Wyles went over for a third after some shocking defence and with more than half-an-hour left Saracens should have earned a bonus point. Saracens and England lock George Kruis makes a bust through the Leicester midfield . Tigers full back Mathew Tait tries to offload following a crunching hit from Saracens substitute Scott Spurling . With Vunipola in rampaging form Christmas and Ashton lively again they were odds-on to do it but they spent the time defending, marshalled by Brad Barritt, and failed to score a fourth try yet again – which could come back to haunt them in the end-of-season play-offs. Director of rugby Mark McCall said: 'There is frustration in the dressing room because we scored our third try after 48 minutes and not much happened after that. 'We have scored three tries in nine different Premiership games and those bonus points could be crucial in terms of home semi-finals.' Saracens fly half Charlie Hodgson attempts a conversion from the sideline at Allianz Park .

Summary: Saracens scored through Billy Vunipola, Marcelo Bosch and Chris Wyles . Charlie Hodgson added seven points from the boot . Leicester replied with two Freddie Burns penalties .


An axe-wielding robber has been jailed after his attempt to rob a store was foiled when he was jumped on by the shopkeeper and hit by his wife with a baseball bat. Ex-juvenile offender Shaun Andrew McKerry, dubbed Boomerang Boy or Homing Pigeon Boy in his youth, burst into Shildon Post Office and Stores, County Durham, at 8pm on March 15. The masked 31-year-old waved an axe as he demanded cash from terrified assistant Andrea Brighty, but he did not see owner Sab Dhillon's rugby tackle which dropped him to the floor, sending shelves and produce tumbling. Scroll down for video . As the men wrestled, Sab Dhillon's wife Sam helped by hitting McKerry with a baseball bat . She struck him twice, helping to disarm him while her husband twisted him around to reveal his face to the cameras . As the men wrestled, and with McKerry still holding the axe, Mr Dhillon's wife Sam helped, hitting him twice with a baseball bat to make him drop the weapon. Blood can be seen coming from the would-be robber's nose as Mr Dhillon gestures to his wife to drop the bat. Minutes later the police arrived and arrested McKerry. He previously pleaded guilty at Durham Crown Court to attempted robbery and court officials confirmed he had been jailed for six years after the hearing today. McKerry, from Coundon near Bishop Auckland, earned the nicknames Boomerang Boy or Homing Pigeon Boy as he always returned home after committing a crime. He started shoplifting at the age of 12 and by 15 he had been arrested 80 times, and had convictions for aggravated vehicle-taking, sending indecent letters, and burglary. McKerry once stole 22 charity boxes while dressed as a woman, and locals dubbed him a one-man crime wave. His earned his moniker in the 1990s after he was arrested 80 times in 1995 and 45 times during the 36 weeks he managed to stay out of prison in 1998. McKerry (pictured aged 15) was dubbed 'Boomerang Boy' in the 1990s because he always returned home after his crimes . Mr Dhillon said McKerry was waving the axe around when he jumped on him and wrestled him to the floor .

Summary: An axe-wielding robber has been jailed for attempting to rob a corner shop . But he failed after he was held and hit with a baseball bat by shopkeepers . He was later revealed to be a juvenile offender nicknamed Boomerang Boy . Shaun Andrew McKerry, 31, had been arrested 80 times by the age of 15 .


Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of an American bishop who pleaded guilty to failing to report a priest who was a suspected child abuser. Bishop Robert Finn, 62, offered his resignation under the code of canon law that allows bishops to resign early for illness or some 'grave' reason that makes them unfit for office. But children's rights advocates are urging Pope Francis to do much more to deal with clergy who become embroiled in child sex scandals. Resignation: Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Robert Finn who pleaded guilty to failing to report a suspected priestly child abuser . Action: Children's rights advocates are urging Pope Francis to do much more to deal with clergy who become embroiled in child sex scandals. Finn, who leads the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri, got into trouble after he waited six months before notifying police about the Reverand Shawn Ratigan. Ratigan had a computer containing hundreds of lewd photos of young girls taken in and around churches where he worked. He was eventually sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges. Finn pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failure to report suspected abuse and was sentenced to two years' probation in 2012. It has made him the highest-ranking church official in the U.S. to be convicted of failing to take action in response to abuse allegations. Since then, he has faced constant pressure from local Roman Catholics to step down, with some parishioners petitioning Francis to remove him from the diocese. Outrage: Protesters, background left, shout as Rev. Juan Barros, center left, enters the cathedral for the ceremony to assume as bishop in Osorno, southern Chile. Barros was ordained amid protests by sex-abuse victims who accuse him of covering up crimes his mentor Rev. Fernando Karadima whom the Vatican has sanctioned for abusing young boys . Despite a catalog of child sex cases within the catholic church, so far, no U.S. bishop has been forcibly removed for covering up guilty clergy. Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of the online abuse resource BishopAccountability.org, said while Finn's resignation was a welcome step - more has to be done. She has called on Francis to publicly state that he was removed for mismanaging the Ratigan case and failing to protect children. She noted that bishops had been allowed to resign under the previous two popes, but that the Vatican has never publicly linked their resignations to mishandling abuse cases. 'We urge Pope Francis to issue such a statement immediately. That would be unprecedented, and it would send a bracing message to bishops and religious superiors worldwide that a new era has begun,' she said. Meanwhile U.S. victims group SNAP, praised Finn's resignation as a 'tiny but belated step forward.' David Clohessy, a spokesman for SNAP said: 'After centuries of abuse and cover-up done in secrecy ... one pope has finally seen fit to oust one bishop for complicity in clergy sex crimes.That's encouraging. But it's only a very tiny drop of reform in an enormous bucket of

Summary: Bishop Robert Finn failed to notify police about a suspected child abuser . He waited months before telling authorities about Reverend Shawn Ratigan . In 2012, Finn plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was given probation . He is now the highest-ranking church official convicted of sex abuse-related charges . Children's rights advocates have called on Pope Francis to do even more .


A breakthrough has been made in the development of clean hydrogen power, scientists claim. At the moment, while hydrogen fuel is appealing, the production of hydrogen is incredible difficult - requiring huge amounts of energy. But the researchers say they have made a new material that can generate hydrogen from water, meaning it is less reliant on fossil fuels. Hydrogen-fuel is appealing for use in cars like the Vauxhall Zafira minivan pictured, but producing hydrogen requires huge amounts of energy. With the new breakthrough, it could be possible to make it more easily . Researchers at the University of Bath and Yale University created the invention. It uses a newly designed molecular catalyst to split water in an electrolyser and create clean and storable hydrogen fuel. Lead research Dr Ulrich Hintermair told MailOnline that the main problem with the production of hydrogen through a process known as water electrolysis was the waste oxygen it produces. Water splitting is an electro-chemical process in which two electrodes generate oxygen and hydrogen from water, respectively. The energy required to drive this process gets locked up in the hydrogen as the fuel with oxygen as a by-product. A fuel cell can then harness the energy again elsewhere by recombining the two. The new patented catalyst is more efficient at performing the crucial oxidation half of the reaction than any other existing material, minimising energy losses in the electricity-to-hydrogen conversion process. It can be directly applied to various electrode surfaces in a straightforward and highly economical manner. The process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen but, while the first part can be done quite efficiently, the latter was more difficult and lots of energy is lost. With this in mind the team designed a catalyst - a substance that alters the speed of the chemical reaction - to improve the efficiency. ‘Oxygen is the most difficult bit,’ Dr Hintermair explained. Their catalyst, placed on an electrode used in the production of hydrogen, is much more efficient - and although Dr Hintermair didn’t have an exact figure, he said the energy loss using it is ‘almost non-existent’. The major benefit from this breakthrough is that hydrogen could now be used more easily as a way to store energy from renewable sources like wind and solar. ‘We can make electricity out of sunlight and wind, low carbon renewable sources, but we can’t store it very well,’ Dr Hintermair continued. ‘We can put it in a battery but you can’t, for example, fly an airplane on a battery yet. ‘So we need to convert it into a chemical fuel, and for that water electrolysis is a key technology because we can take any renewable technology, connect it to an electrolyster and store it in hydrogen, which is a fantastic fuel.’ This, for example, would make hydrogen fuel cells for cars much more economical. On this right in this image is the catalyst being used in the water electrolysis process. The large bubbles are oxygen, while the smaller bubbles on the left are hydrogen . The team are in discussions with

Summary: Bath and Yale University scientists reveal clean hydrogen power . Using a new material they say it can be generated from easily from water . A new molecular catalyst splits water and makes storable energy . Breakthrough could provide the world with more sustainable fuels .


John Carver says Newcastle’s hierarchy must try to bring an end to protests against the club after admitting it is affecting performances on the pitch. The Magpies slumped to a sixth straight defeat at home to Spurs last weekend amid an atmosphere of unrest after thousands of supporters boycotted the match in protest at a lack of ambition and investment from owner Mike Ashley. Fans group AshleyOut.com are now encouraging supporters to ‘Stand Up To Ashley’ when Swansea visit St James’ Park on Saturday. This will involve a 34th-minute protest in recognition of the £34million which was last week revealed to be sitting in the club’s bank. Newcastle interim manager John Carver has called for unity at the club following a divisive season . Carver has said he is not afraid about giving his honest opinion on events at St James' Park . And Carver said: ‘We have to find a way of dealing with it and managing the situation because it can only hurt us – that is the fans and the club. ‘We need to find a solution. I don’t know what that is and I haven’t had talks about it, but if I get asked my opinion then I would give an honest answer. ‘It would be fantastic (if this was resolved ahead of next season). From day one it would be better. That is what we need to do.’ Carver, meanwhile, says his players were affected by the protest during the 3-1 loss against Spurs. ‘When I came away from the game I thought about it and the people who were in the stadium weren’t quite sure how to react. Some of them were annoyed that people had stayed away, others were delighted. It was strange,’ he said. ‘When it all kicked off last year you knew where you stood. This wasn’t a nice situation to be in, it was uncomfortable. ‘There was a lot of apprehension around the place on Sunday. I hear there was anger with each other and people falling out with each other in the stands. That cannot help, surely not. ‘I thought it didn’t affect us during the game, but on reflection I think it did.’ Carver – who is likely to be replaced by Steve McClaren in the summer - says he has not been told if he will still have a role at the club next season. Newcastle United fans have planned a mass protest against owner Mike Ashley on Saturday afternoon . At least 10,000 supporters stayed away from St James' Park for the club's last home game against Spurs . However, he hopes that the club make a swift announcement on the future of the managerial position. ‘That would be for everyone’s benefit,’ said Carver when asked if the week after the season’s end was the best time to resolve the current uncertainty. ‘The fans, myself, everyone could enjoy their summer. I think it will be (sorted quickly) because don’t forget the window opens very soon after the season finishes. It has to be done and your recruitment has

Summary: John Carver believes Newcastle must sort out off-the-field problems . Newcastle fans have been encouraged to protest against Mike Ashley . Supporters will 'Stand Up To Ashley' during match against Swansea .


Peter Morris was devastated when his sister, Claire, died in a car crash when she was just 32. Only a year before, he had walked her down the aisle to give her away to her husband, Malcolm Webster, from Surrey, then aged 33, who seemed equally bereft at the loss of his wife. Peter, from Gillingham, Kent, believed Claire had died in a tragic accident that happened in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1994. Scroll down for video . Peter Morris, left, was devastated when his sister, Claire, pictured right on her hen do, died in a car crash . It took two decades for the truth to be revealed - Claire had in fact been murdered by Webster so he could cash in on her life insurance. Webster had drugged his wife at their home in the Scottish village of Tarves, where they had settled after their wedding, before taking her for a drive. He then deliberately crashed their car and, after making his own escape, set it on fire so Claire had no hope of survival. Last year Claire's story was turned into an ITV drama starring Sheridan Smith. And now Peter has gone in front of the cameras to talk about his grief and to reveal the shocking detail of his sister's death, which he is still coming to terms with 21 years later. 'The fire brigade said it was the most intense fire they had ever seen from a mile away, the flames were leaping 20, 30 feet, it was just ridiculous,' Peter reveals on the latest episode of Britain's Darkest Taboos. 'A very brave fireman tried to retrieve what was left of Claire. There wasn't much left of her, poor love.' Peter said he was shocked and heartbroken when he was told his sister, a qualified nurse, had lost her life in just terrible circumstances. Claire and Malcolm Webster pictured on their wedding day in 1993, the following year he murdered her . He had no reason to suspect Webster, who Claire had met at a party, had drugged and then burned her alive. Claire had been besotted with him and was delighted when they tied the knot in 1993. Peter recalls: 'He seemed like the perfect gentleman which is exactly what she would have wanted. He was a sort of Colin Firth type character.' He said he and Webster consoled one another at the funeral and Peter believed he was suffering just as much as he was. 'He didn't say a lot at the funeral, he appeared to be in a complete state of shock as well,' he said. 'We were all standing round the graveside, in my right hand I was holding on to Malcolm's left hand. 'I was in floods of tears, and I looked at Malcolm, and he, he was also in floods of tears. And that more than anything else convinced me that it had been a genuine accident.' For years Peter continued to believe the car crash had been accidental, and while some officers who investigated the scene of the crash had their

Summary: Peter Morris was devastated when his sister, Claire, died in a car crash . Only a year before, she had married Malcolm Webster . He believed his sister had died in a tragic accident . It took two decades for the truth to be revealed . Claire was murdered by Webster so he could cash in on her life insurance . Tried to do same to his second wife in 1999 - and was jailed in 2011 .