The Ukip candidate exposed by The Mail on Sunday after calling for all immigrants to be sent home is at the centre of a row over claims she falsely said her son was injured in Afghanistan. Victoria Ayling, who is running for the key election seat of Great Grimsby, made the comments after being confronted by her local party over her non-attendance at Ukip meetings. After saying it was because she had spent ‘five months nursing her son back to health after being blown up in Afghanistan’, Lieutenant Colonel Ron Shepherd, the leader of Ukip’s North East Lincolnshire group, launched an investigation. Scroll down for video . Row: UKIP politician Victoria Ayling, with party leader Nigel Farage, who is being questioned over claims about son . Astonishingly, he has raised questions about whether she has misrepresented her son’s situation. Mrs Ayling denies that is the case. It is the latest controversy to hit the 55-year-old, who in 2013 was caught on camera calling for all immigrants to be repatriated, saying: ‘I just want to send the lot back.’ She claimed her remarks had been taken ‘out of context’. Mrs Ayling fought Great Grimsby at the 2010 Election as a Tory, coming within 714 votes of a shock victory against Labour veteran Austin Mitchell, who is now standing down. The seat is high on Ukip leader Nigel Farage’s hitlist. Controversy: Victoria Ayling on front page of Mail on Sunday . Lieut-Col Shepherd set out his findings in a memo dated Monday December 8, which read: ‘I understand her son Anthony Bowles is stationed in Woolwich as part of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. I have spoken with the Adjutant of 1 RA who cannot release details to me. Anthony’s grandmother Brenda has stated he’s not been blown up.’ Shortly afterwards, Mrs Ayling was confronted by local Ukip councillor Matt Stinson about whether her son had been injured. The incident took place at a meeting attended by David Soutter, whose job is to vet Ukip candidates. Mrs Ayling fought back, saying: ‘It is a private matter and nothing to do with you, Matt. My son had problems in Afghanistan and is recovered and back in service. ‘If anybody in the Army is giving out mistruths or anything about my son I want to know their name – they have got no right to talk about another soldier’s private life.’ Last night, this newspaper was called anonymously by a man who said he was a soldier who had served alongside Mr Bowles. The unidentified caller said Ukip’s Grimsby party had been unfair to Mrs Ayling – because she had kept the matter quiet to protect her son. He added Mr Bowles had been caught up in a ‘very bad situation’, which he declined to describe. Lieut-Col Shepherd said last night: ‘You’ll have to talk to Victoria about that.’ Mrs Ayling said: ‘This is a private matter.’ The MoD declined to comment.

Summary: Victoria Ayling said she spent five months nursing son back to health . Lieutenant Colonel Ron Shepherd has launched investigation . He raised questions over whether she misrepresented her son's situation . She is running for the key election seat of Great Grimsby and denies claims .


A rescue Sato named Bonnie is so afraid that she will be abandoned again that she can't bear to eat alone. In an adorable video posted to YouTube by user Jeannine S. with nearly one million views, puppy Bonnie can be seen lifting her dish to bring it over to her canine friend Clyde who is also scarfing down a meal. Bonnie lifts the dish into her mouth and scuttles her paws backwards to dine along with Clyde. Given a dish: Bonnie's new owner feeds her a dish of food away from his other dog Clyde . Clyde continues to focus on his plate and isn't bothered by his new company and from the sound of their names, it sounds like they might become partners in crime-or 'pawtners' in dog speak. Bonne was rescued from Puerto Rico and is a Sato, which means mixed breed or street dog. Due to extreme poverty, the streets of Puerto Rico are overwrought with thousands of abandoned dogs. Luckily for Bonnie she's no longer one of them, she'll have food on her plate, and she won't have to eat alone ever again. Wait for me!: Bonnie is so afraid to eat alone that she grabs her dish and paws her way over to Clyde . That's better!: Bonnie and Clyde eat together and it seems as though the two dogs may become partners in crime for life .

Summary: A rescue Sato named Bonnie is so afraid that she will be abandoned again that she can't bear to eat alone. In an adorable video posted to YouTube by user Jeannine S. with nearly one million views, puppy Bonnie can be seen lifting her dish to Clyde . Bonne was rescued from Puerto Rico and is a Sato, which means mixed breed or street dog . Due to extreme poverty, the streets of Puerto Rico are overwrought with thousands of abandoned dogs .


Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy tried to persuade Tim Sherwood to stay on at the club after sacking him from the head coach role, the Aston Villa manager has revealed. Sherwood will return to White Hart Lane for the first time with his new team on Saturday and said he would ‘absolutely’ shake Levy’s hand. The pair still keep in touch, according to Sherwood, who joked: ‘Just to see who he’s going to sell me!’ Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood watches his players in training at Bodymoor Heath on Thursday . Sherwood claims Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy tried to persuade him to stay on at the club . Midfielder Tom Cleverley and his team-mates warm up as they prepare to face Tottenham on Saturday . Levy sacked Sherwood last May to bring in Mauricio Pochettino, ending the 46-year-old’s five-month stay in charge, and six-year relationship with the club at development level. ‘Daniel Levy has known me for a lot of years,’ said Sherwood. ‘It wasn’t as if I fell off my chair and said, “You’re joking”. I knew it was coming. ‘I was disappointed I was leaving, but Daniel wanted me to stay in some kind of capacity. But I’m a manager now. ‘He didn’t say what job. I was looking around eyeing up the broom cupboards and all that! Levy sacked Sherwood last May to bring in Mauricio Pochettino, ending the 46-year-old’s five-month stay . Striker Christian Benteke was back in training after scoring a hat-trick against QPR on Tuesday night . ‘I respect the decision made by the board. I thank them because not being there now is the reason I am at this fantastic football club. ‘I’ve been in communication with Daniel since I’ve left, I haven’t got a problem. He’s the chairman and he makes those decisions based on what he thinks is in their best interest.’ Sherwood added: ‘I was there the day he walked into the club (in 2001). He got rid of George Graham and brought in Glenn Hoddle in the week building up to the FA Cup semi final. Fabian Delph takes a touch as Villa's players get put through their paces at Villa's training ground . Defender Ciaran Clark (centre) stretches as Sherwood prepares his side to visit White Hart Lane on Saturday . ‘He is not frightened of making decisions at crucial times. You have to say Tottenham is a far better club now than when he found it. I have a lot of good friends at the club, I will shake their hands. Once I get in that dressing room I’ll be telling our boys to do whatever they can to win.’ Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is set to miss the clash against Villa after failing to recover from a gashed knee sustained against Leicester on March 21. Kyle Walker is also a major doubt with a bruised foot sustained in the 0-0 draw at Burnley last Sunday. Hugo Lloris is set to miss the clash after failing to recover from a gashed knee sustained against Leicester .

Summary: Aston Villa take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday . The match is Tim Sherwood's first game back at Spurs after being sacked . Sherwood is thankful for the opportunity he was given by Daniel Levy . Villa boss claims Levy wanted him to stay at Spurs last season . CLICK HERE for all the latest Premier League news .


An Eight-year-old girl showed off her hand speed and overall boxing prowess while completing a pad work drill with her father. Evnika Saadvakass, from Kazakhstan, became a YouTube sensation when she was five-years-old after she was filmed throwing around 100 punches in less than two minutes. The video was viewed around three million times and now two years on the young girl has returned to update the world on her progress. Evnika Saadvakass became a YouTube sensation when she was five-years-old when her video received around three million views . Captured on a 40-second-clip, Evnika’s work rate is relentless and her ability staggering. Standing with an orthodox stance, the youngster begins raining shots at her father who quickly cycles his hands to meet her demand. The power on the punches is audible as she bounces around in a controlled manner before starting to shadow box. Dodging and weaving punches that come back at her, the youngster maintains her controlled stance – her legs planted to the ground – and continues to let her hands go. The young girl's work rate is relentless and her ability is staggering in the 40-second long clip . The youngster maintains a controlled stance and continues to let her hands go while bobbing and weaving . Evnika shows no sign of tiredness as she unleashes a ten-punch combination before going back to her original pad work drill and then repeating the process. The video has received many positive comments from viewers on both Evnika’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. On Facebook, Ian Ray wrote: ‘Unbelievable. I’ve watched this video about 30 times in the last two days, amazing speed and coordination.’ While on YouTube a commenter pointed out the youngster’s versatility as she boxed Southpaw (with a right-hand-led stance) in her first video. The viewer also stated that Evnika is definitely going to feature at the Olympics in a few years time. The young boxer stands in an orthodox stance as she throws hundreds of quick punches at her father . Evnika shows no sign of tiredness as she unleashes a ten-punch combination before returning to her pad work . Evnika’s father Rustam said: ‘My friends keep telling me: ‘It would be cool if we could have trained like this when we were kids.’ ‘Just imagine, how great our life could be if we had skills like Evnika? ‘It’s every child’s right to start training when they’re under five and then use the gained skills for the rest of their life. ‘Actually, this is not a video about sports, but about our parental abilities and things we can give our children today.’ The youngster's father Rustam quickly cycles his hands to keep up with his daughter's punch demand .

Summary: Evnika Saadvakass became a YouTube sensation at five-years-old . Eight-year-old's work rate is relentless in the 40-second long video . Shows no sign of tiring as she unleashes combination punches .


West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he would have no problem with sneaking through the ‘back door’ into European football via the Fair Play League. The Hammers started the season strongly and looked a good bet for European qualification around Christmas before their form fell away, with a mid-table finish now all-but certain. But a reprieve could be granted by the Fair Play League, with Allardyce’s side topping the Barclays Premier League table for their good behaviour, just ahead of Burnley. If West Ham finish top of the pile and England’s top flight is within the top three ‘fair-playing’ leagues in Europe – which it was on last count - they will earn a Europa League place. Sam Allardyce's West Ham are top of the Premier League Fair Play table, sitting just above Burnley . The Hammers have won once in their last 10 league matches and drew 1-1 against Stoke in their last match . Where do the English teams stand? 1. West Ham . 2. Burnley . 3. Liverpool . 4. Manchester City . 5. Southampton . Qualification via Fair Play would see the Hammers enter the competition at the first qualifying round, playing their first game on July 2 and competing in up to six games before the Premier League season even starts. But Allardyce, who takes his charges to face champions Manchester City on Sunday, just wants to qualify and doesn’t care how he does it, or when the season restarts. ‘It’s a headache but you’ve got to take the opportunity if it arises,’ he said. ‘It might be seen as the back door, (but) it’s an opportunity to play in Europe. ‘I think every player wants, not come back that bit earlier, but certainly to play in Europe because this club hasn’t been in that position to play in Europe for a long time.’ Allardyce’s Upton Park future hangs in the balance with his contract expiring in the summer and a section of fans demanding he is replaced at the end of the season, but he has already been involved in meetings concerning pre-season plans. Allardyce is out of contract at West Ham in the summer which leaves his managerial future in the balance . ‘The difficulty is the fact that we don’t know when, yet, whether we’re going to finish in that spot,’ he said. ‘And so we’ve already planned for either. One in it and one out of it, and obviously if we’re in it we’re back earlier, a few days earlier. If we’re out of it (the Europa League) we come back on July 1, which is one of the smallest close seasons we’ve had in a long time. ‘And even then international players won’t be back on that date, either earlier or on the first of July because they won’t be finished international duties until the middle of June.’ Aaron Cresswell (left) and Mark Noble (right) could be playing Europa League football next season . Conceding late goals in games to drop points has been a trend for West Ham of late, topped

Summary: Sam Allardyce's West Ham are top of the Premier League Fair Play table . The Upton Park outfit could be playing Europa League football next year . Allardyce has said he's happy to sneak through the ‘back door’ into Europe . West Ham travel to league champions Manchester City on Sunday .


Emergency services in Laos have recovered a body in the search for Johanna Powell, from Cardiff. The 37-year-old is feared to have drowned while on holiday in Laos after a tourist boat she was travelling in hit a rock and sank in the Mekong river . A body has been recovered in the search for a missing BBC worker, who is feared to have drowned while on a dream holiday in south east Asia. Johanna Powell, a picture editor working for BBC Wales, was reported missing on Saturday after a cruise boat she was in hit a rock and sank 'within a minute'. The 37-year-old was sailing on a traditional wooden cruise boat along the Mekong river in Laos with three friends when it hit a rock in a stretch of rapids. The crew, tour guide and other passengers - including her friends - all swam to safety, but Ms Powell, from Cardiff, disappeared in the strong current. Rescuers launched a massive search along 20km of the river to try and find her, in one of the most isolated parts of the country. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) confirmed a body has been found, but it has not yet been identified. A BBC Wales spokeswoman said: 'We are aware that a body has been found in the area where Jo went missing following a boating incident on Saturday. 'Our thoughts remain with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.' Ms Powell - who combined working at the BBC with helping to run a hotel - was in the country as part of a three-week holiday, starting in Bangkok. One of her group was marking their 40th birthday . Ms Powell was travelling on a boat like this along the Mekong river, when it hit a rock in a stretch of rapids. While the rest of the passengers and crew managed to swim to safety, she disappeared under the water . A spokesman for BBC Wales, where Ms Powell worked as a picture editor, said they were 'very concerned' about their missing colleague. The Foreign Office confirmed a British national has been reported missing . They spent Friday night on the chartered boat, and had an overnight stay at the DP guesthouse in the village of Pakbeng. The boat set sail at 8am on Saturday, before the accident happened at 9.30am. Passengers on the trip are not required to wear life-jackets and one survivor said the water was very rough 'like a washing machine'. 'It was terrifying. We all thought we were going to die', she added. Her brother-in-law Dean Price said the family was told she was asleep when the boat hit a rock in rapids causing it to tip, take on water and capsize, said the BBC. The tragedy happened in a remote part of Laos in the Mekong river, pictured. Emergency services in the country have now launched a massive search, covering 20km of the river, to try and find missing Ms Powell . A work colleague described Cardiff resident Ms Powell, 37, as 'lovely, outgoing and

Summary: Johanna Powell from Cardiff is feared to have drowned in the Mekong river . Picture editor for BBC Wales was on 'trip of a lifetime' to Laos with friends . Cruise boat hit a rock in a stretch of rapids and sank within minutes . Huge search launched over 20km of river to try and find missing woman .


Karim Benzema insists Real Madrid are capable of becoming the first side to retain the Champions League due to their undoubted quality. The La Liga giants won their 10th European Cup last season and Benzema is confident that his side can quickly add to their impressive tally. Speaking to adidas football, Benzema said: 'We are trying to get to the final. Needless to say, we have a great team, who'll give their all to be there at the end. Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema believes his side are capable of retaining the Champions League . Benzema was speaking to adidas ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League encounter against Atletico . 'What makes us better than the rest is that we have the best players in the world. That's it and above all, that we play together and that makes the team stronger.' Benzema's club team-mate James Rodriguez, who has recently returned to full fitness following a foot injury, has heaped praise on Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Real's Champions League showdown with Atletico. 'He's a very experienced coach, he knows a lot. It's a pleasure to work with him,' said Rodriguez. James Rodriguez has said 'it's a pleasure to work with' Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti . The Colombia international and Real Madrid superster was speaking to adidas presenter Layla Anna-Lee . 'He trains a lot as well. I think that's very important when it comes to trying to win tournaments and achieve success.' When asked about the difference between playing in France and Spain, added Rodriguez: 'Not many. Football in France is extremely physical, extremely tacticial too. Here one can play a bit more, but overall both are leagues that know how to play. 'But I think this, the Champions League is unique. There's no margin of error. You fail, you're gone.'

Summary: Karim Benzema has set his side target of reaching Champions League final . The Frenchman insists Real will 'give their all to be there at the end' James Rodriguez is happy to be plying his trade under Carlo Ancelotti . Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday . READ: See where Cristiano Ronaldo and Co unwind after training .


A mother whose son suffered severe brain damage during birth is set to receive potentially the biggest medical negligence payout in history. The High Court ruled today that United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust must pay in excess of £14.6 million for birth injuries, after failing to carry out a Caesarean section on Suzanne Adams and properly monitor her during labour. The hospital's negligence led to her son James Robshaw, now 12, being born with cerebral palsy. The decision, believed to be one of the most significant in a case of medical negligence and the largest ever such court-ordered award for birth injury, reflects the lifetime care that James needs. Suzanne Adams' son James Robshaw was born with cerebral palsy after she hospital staff failed to carry out a Caesarean section or properly monitor her during labour . James cannot speak, dress or feed himself (without assistance of a machine) and must use a wheelchair. His intellect has remained fairly well intact and he communicates through sophisticated eye-gaze equipment. He will however be dependent on others to enable him to carry out the most routine daily tasks for the rest of his life. While the exact sum has yet to be confirmed, MailOnline understands the minimum payout will be £14.6m. To date, the biggest medical negligence payout has been around £15 million - and Ms Adam's lawyers hope to exceed this amount. Ms Adams was in labour when she was admitted to Lincoln County hospital in 2002. Although her baby's heart was monitored after her arrival, midwives either ignored or could not interpret the CTG trace - which detects foetal heart rate - correctly. James had an abnormal heart rate and was evidently in some distress and Mrs Adams was exhausted by a prolonged labour. Today, the High Court ruled that United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust must pay Ms Adams in excess of £14.6 million for birth injuries - the largest ever court-ordered award for birth injury . James, now 12, cannot speak, dress or feed himself and must use a wheelchair. He will be dependent on others to enable him to carry out the most routine daily tasks for the rest of his life . The confusion about CTG interpretation and the additional failure to carry out a timely Caesarean section meant there was a delay in delivering James. Resuscitation procedures were then carried out in the delivery room before he was transferred to the Special Care Baby Unit. The sum ordered by the High Court includes money to pay for all James’ needs including: . * 24 hour care provided by a team of live-in carers. * Significant modifications to his home to allow James to use his powered wheelchair and access bathroom, kitchen etc. * Hoisting and tracking equipment to lift James in and out of wheelchairs/bed. * Disability equipment. * Therapists including physiotherapist, speech & language therapist, occupational therapist, AAC therapist, orthotist, orthoptist, psychologist. * Adapted vehicle to enable James to travel in his wheelchair. * Sophisticated eye-gaze equipment to enable James to speak and communicate with people and

Summary: Suzanne Adams' son James was starved of oxygen and has cerebral palsy . Staff 'failed to monitor her properly or perform a Caesarean section' United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust must pay sum, High Court ruled . Decision is largest ever court-ordered award for birth injury, lawyer says .


Chris Ramsey has hailed Tony Pulis as one of the best British coaches in the country, but insists he doesn’t need to take any tactical tips from the experienced relegation dodger. Ramsey’s QPR, who face Pulis’s West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday, are 19th in the Barclay’s Premier League table – four points adrift of Sunderland in 17th. The R’s have taken just four points since the turn of the year and could do with a season climax reminiscent of Pulis’s 2013-14 campaign with Crystal Palace, in which they took 17 points from their final eight games to avoid the drop. Chris Ramsey praised Tony Pulis ahead of his sides crucial clash with West Brom in the Premier League . Indeed, Pulis was linked with the vacant QPR managerial post after Harry Redknapp’s departure in February, but many of the Loftus Road faithful turned their noses up at his perceived long-ball tactics. ‘I think Tony Pulis would be a good fit anywhere because he is a quality coach,’ Ramsey said when asked about the speculation. ‘He maximises what he does with his players so he would be a good fit anywhere. Not just here, at any club. ‘I think Tony gets a very bad reputation for the way he plays. What he does is he goes into places, assesses what the players need and gets the best out of them. I would say he is one of the top British coaches in the country.’ Ramsey claims Pulis 'is one of the best coaches in Britain,' but says that he won't be asking for his advice . While Ramsey admits he is encouraged by the likes of Pulis, he firmly believes his own tactical acumen is the reason he was entrusted with keeping QPR in the top flight. ‘I take inspiration from Tony because I respect him as a man and as a coach and as a manager,’ Ramsey continued. ‘I’ll take any advice from any coach in any league, because I realise how tough the job is. ‘As far as tactics are concerned, I don’t think I’d be looking at anybody else and asking for any advice. I’ve been put in the job for a reason, the reason being that the people who’ve put me in think I know what I’m doing. ‘Apart from a dodgy 20 minutes at Crystal Palace, I think we’ve been in every game, especially against the top teams. We were extremely disappointed we didn’t get anything against Everton. But ultimately it’s about the money ends of the ground, isn’t it? And we haven’t been good enough at both ends when it really counted.’ The Queens Park Rangers boss knows that his side can't afford to slip up anymore if they want to stay up .

Summary: Chris Ramsey praises Tony Pulis as one of the best coaches in Britain . The Queens Park Rangers boss says he won't be asking for his advice . QPR travel to West Brom on Saturday in crucial relegation clash . CLICK HERE for all the latest QPR news .


A 10-year-old Huddersfield Town supporter has been removed from his role as a mascot for Reading in their FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal on Saturday after a video emerged of him saying he hopes The Gunners win. Ryan Dearnley won the chance to walk out at Wembley when The Royals beat Huddersfield in the third round but footage of him backing Arsenal in the Huddersfield Examiner sparked a furious response from Reading supporters. A poll in getreading revealed 85% readers felt he should not lead Steve Clarke's side out at Wembley. A Huddersfield Town fan will no longer be a mascot for Reading in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal . The young supporter had said he hoped Arsenal beat Reading, prompting outrage from Royals fans . Championship side Reading eliminated Huddersfield in the third round on their way to meeting Arsenal . The Football Association reacted quickly, moving young Ryan away from the semi-final to avoid a nasty reception from fans, instead offering him the opportunity to be a mascot for England. 'Following Ryan’s interview in the local media, and with agreement from his family, it was decided to move his prize over to an England mascot place later this year,' an FA spokesman is quoted as saying in getreading. The FA reportedly offered Ryan two tickets to watch the semi-final in the Arsenal end but he refused, preferring to watch Huddersfield take on Derby in the Championship.

Summary: Ryan Dearnley won the chance to be a mascot in the FA Cup semi-final . He was due to be one for Reading before saying he wanted Arsenal to win . Fan outrage caused The FA to move his prize to an England game instead .


The Australian family of a 21-year-old backpacker who disappeared from a Croatian night club in 2008 are hoping to finally find out the truth about how she died. Britt Lapthorne, from Melbourne, was last seen at the Latin Club Fuego in the coastal, tourist town of Dubrovnik where she was partying with about 10 other backpackers. Croatian police never solved the mystery of how the student's body came to be in nearby Boninovo Bay, where it was found almost three weeks after she disappeared on September 18. Her family believes Ms Lapthorne was murdered, her body weighted down and dumped at sea. It has now emerged a Victorian inquest into her death will be closed. Britt Lapthorne, from Melbourne, disappeared in the Croatian coastal, tourist town of Dubrovnik . State Coroner Ian Gray will officially close it at a hearing in Melbourne on Thursday. He will hear a summary of previously unreleased reports prepared by both the Australian Federal Police and Croatian authorities. Then the coroner will prepare his findings, to be released at a later date. In 2009, Ms Lapthorne’s father, Dale Lapthorne, said the only information he would release from one of the reports was that Britt's body was in the water the whole time she was missing. He was confident she had been weighted down before being dumped into the Adriatic Sea because there was no other explanation for her body not coming to the surface. Her parents (pictured) believe Ms Lapthorne was murdered, her body weighted down and dumped at sea . Ms Lapthorne's body was found in nearby Boninovo Bay, where it was found almost three weeks after she disappeared on September 18 . In 2009, Ms Lapthorne’s father, Dale Lapthorne, said Britt's body was in the water the whole time she was missing . 'It's the reason for the rapid decomposition of her body, and the fact it was only found 18 days later in a high visibility area, virtually out the front of a hotel and only a kilometre from the club,' Mr Lapthorne told AAP in 2009. At the time, the coroner confirmed Ms Lapthorne's body should have surfaced within two or three days. The criminal investigation remains open in Croatia, but the Lapthorne family does not have confidence in police there. Croatian authorities suspect Ms Lapthorne died due to 'misadventure', though in 2013 they conceded it was unlikely her death was a suicide. The Lapthorne family, including her mother Elke, father Dale and brother Darren, were not told their daughter was missing for six days after she disappeared, despite Australian officials being aware she had vanished. Britt Lapthorne was last seen at the Latin Club Fuego, in Dubrovnik, where she was partying with about 10 other backpackers . A media boat pictured where Ms Lapthorne's body was found in a small inlet near Dubrovnik, Croatia . They also suffered the terrible news of being told a body had been found, only for police to say just hours later that it couldn’t be Ms Lapthorne’s because it was so badly decomposed. Police then confirmed

Summary: Student Britt Lapthorne, from Melbourne, disappeared in 2008 . She was last seen at a club in the coastal town of Dubrovnik in Croatia . Her body was found almost three weeks after she disappeared . She was found badly decomposed in Boninovo Bay . Croatian police have never solved the mystery of how she died . Her family believes she was murdered and dumped at sea . A Victorian inquest into her death will be closed .


It was the maths problem designed for 14-year-olds that baffled people around the world. For those who did not manage to work out the cryptic clues that were designed to lead them towards the fictional Cheryl's birthday, then the answer was July 16. Those who were able to reason their way to this answer followed a series of logical steps that allowed them to rule out the other dates given as part of the question. The question, 'So when is Cheryl’s birthday?' was one of 25 questions set in the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad. At first, it appears impossible to answer without more information but pictured is the method used to work it out . The question, 'So when is Cheryl’s birthday?' was one of 25 questions set in the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad. It asked: Albert and Bernard just became friends with Cheryl, and they want to know when her birthday is. Cheryl gives them a list of 10 possible dates: May 15, May 16, May 19, June 17, June 18, July 14, July 16, August 14, August 15 and August 17. Cheryl then tells Albert and Bernard separately the month and the day of her birthday respectively. The puzzle asked: Albert and Bernard just became friends with Cheryl, and they want to know when her birthday is. Cheryl gives them a list of 10 possible dates. May 15, May 16, May 19 . June 17, June 18 . July 14, July 16 . August 14, August 15, August 17 . Cheryl then tells Albert and Bernard separately the month and the day of her birthday respectively. Albert: I don’t know when Cheryl’s birthday is, but I know that Bernard does not know too. Bernard: At first I don’t know when Cheryl’s birthday is, but I know now. Albert: Then I also know when Cheryl’s birthday is. So when is Cheryl’s birthday? Albert said: 'I don’t know when Cheryl’s birthday is, but I know that Bernard does not know too. Bernard said: 'At first I don’t know when Cheryl’s birthday is, but I know now.' Albert said: 'Then I also know when Cheryl’s birthday is.' To reach the answer, it is possible to work through the information both men known to rule out nine of the dates in a number of steps. First, we know Cheryl has already told Albert the month of her birthday, and Bernard the day. Each of the men does not know what the other has been told. So, for Albert to be 'certain' that Bernard cannot know the answer - as suggested in the first statement he makes - we can deduct that the birthday cannot possibly be in May or June. This is because in the months of May and June there are numbers (dates) that only occur once across the four months - namely May 19 and June 18. If Albert had been given May or June as the month, there is no way he could be sure Bernard did not already know the birthday as Bernard might have been

Summary: Maths problem set for 14-year-olds left people around the world baffled . Question uses logical reasoning to rule out all of the dates apart from one . It was set in the Singapore and Asian Schools Maths Olympiads (SASMO) Teaser generated furious online debate - but correct answer was July 16 .


A row has erupted over controversial plans to demolish an historic Grade I listed crescent designed by the architect of Buckingham Palace and replace it with a £500milion block of luxury flats. After angering locals with an initial proposal, the developer has now submitted fresh plans to demolish the John Nash-designed Park Crescent West and rebuild it as apartments. The crescent's facade will look near-on identical to its current design, but residents who live behind the site are furious at the proposals, claiming years of noise and disruption will ruin their lives. Fresh start: Park Crescent West, next to Regents Park in London, could be demolished and re-built again under controversial plans which have angered nearby residents worried about noise and disruption . How it could look: Controversial plans for houses behind Park Crescent West (pictured) have been unveiled by property developer PCW Property Holdings. The development would be made up of 73 homes in total . PCW Property Holdings paid £105million for the crescent in 2013. The new development will be made up of 73 homes, ranging from studios and mews houses to five-bed flats worth £15million. With around 183,000 sq/ft of accommodation, any completed development is set to be worth in excess of £500million. Carlo Seidel, who is representing residents, yesterday said 'an overwhelming number' of people were against it. He said: 'There are a lot of elderly people living here and a number who aren't healthy. They do not want the development to go ahead. Opposition: Modern flats next to the planned development (pictured) where residents are objecting to the proposal to demolish a Grade I listed crescent designed by the architect of Buckingham Palace . The vision: After angering locals with an initial proposal, the developer has now submitted fresh plans (pictured) to demolish the John Nash-designed crescent and rebuild it as ultra-posh apartments . A big deal: With around 183,000 sq/ft of accommodation, any completed development in place of Park Crescent West, near Regents Park in London, is set to be worth in excess of £500million . A glimpse into the past: How Park Crescent West looked in the early 1900s. It was designed by Buckingham Palace architect John Nash . 'This is a complicated project and there will be massive disruption. People are upset. 'It is at the expense of longstanding London residents who are expected to put up with years of misery and mess without any compensation, for the sake of the developer's profit.' Mr Seidel added: 'Residents are conscious that developments have to happen from time to time but they feel that they ought to be appropriately compensated for being caught up in one. 'It is probably going to take around five years and some of the elderly people are saying they won't be alive for another five years. 'If this is going to happen they are going to need decent compensation so they can move while any work takes place.' The crescent was originally designed by John Nash in the early 19th century to be grand houses for the friends and family of

Summary: Developer's plans to build 73 luxury flats has angered residents who live nearby Park Crescent West in London . They claim that noise and disruption caused by the building work could last five years and will ruin their lives . The crescent was originally designed by John Nash, who also created Buckingham Palace, in the early 19th century . Plans to remove the crescent's facade and replace it with something more historically correct and accurate .


Allegations: Veteran peer Lord Janner (pictured in 2002) has repeatedly denied claims he abused young boys at care homes and is now not fit to stand trial despite 'credible evidence' His name and face may not be immediately familiar to everyone today but, in his pomp, Lord Janner was one of the most prominent Labour politicians and campaigners of his time. His entry in Who’s Who occupies nearly 50 lines: MP for Leicester West (1970-97)… distinguished barrister… author… broadcaster… former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. After training at the University of Cambridge and Harvard Law School, he qualified as a barrister in 1954 and was appointed a QC in 1971. He has fought tirelessly for the return of Jewish assets held in Swiss banks by the Nazis, and was made a life peer on his retirement from the Commons in recognition of his achievements in public life. Those are the bare facts of Greville Janner’s gilded career. For nearly 25 years, however, a shadow has hung over Lord Janner of Braunstone in the same way it did Cyril Smith and a string of other establishment figures. We now know, from victims who have come forward following his death – too many for the allegations not to be true – that late Rochdale MP Smith was a serial paedophile. But was Janner? Detectives have interviewed more than 20 men who claim they were abused by Janner in their youth. It is suspected he used his hobby as a magician – Janner is a member of the Magic Circle – to get close to them and gain their trust when he visited children’s homes in Leicestershire between 1969 and 1988. But the evidence will never be tested in court after Alison Saunders, Director of Public Prosecutions, ruled that it was not in the public interest to put the Labour peer on trial because of his age and ill health. Janner, 86, is a father of three. His youngest daughter, Laura Janner-Klausner, 51, is an ordained rabbi and serves as senior rabbi at the Movement for Reform Judaism. His son Daniel Janner is a prominent QC. Janner’s wife Myra died in 1996 and he has not been seen outside his flat in Hampstead, north-west London, since police investigating the claims of historic sexual abuse raided it in 2013. Shortly afterwards, reports emerged that he was suffering from advanced dementia. In the month before the raid, Janner attended the Lords 15 times, claiming £2,100 in daily allowances, which has inevitably cast a critical spotlight on the decision to not prosecute him. Janner, it should be stressed, strongly denied the allegations against him – including claims of rape – when they surfaced nearly 25 years ago at the trial of Frank Beck, a care-home warden suspected of abusing scores of children in his care. Beck, a former Liberal councillor, was given five life sentences. Yet, the 1991 case made sensational headlines for very different reasons. One of those headlines can be found in a faded newspaper cutting. It reads: ‘My Commons date and

Summary: Lord Janner will not face prosecution despite facing credible evidence . Director of Public Prosecutions says decision comes with 'deep regret' Alison Saunders tells of botched investigations in 1991, 2002 and 2007 . Former Labour MP allegedly preyed on boys in 1960s, 1970s and 1980s .


The Hobart International Airport website has been shut down after it was hacked and defaced with a statement supporting the radical Islamist group ISIS, also known as Islamic State or IS. Tasmania Police are investigating and have been monitoring activity at the airport after becoming aware of the statement about 5.30am on Sunday. 'A message placed on the site contained a statement supporting ISIS,' a police statement said. 'There were no threats made towards the Hobart Airport or flight operations to and from the airport.' An excerpt of the message supporting ISIS which was left on the Hobart International Airport website . Police said they were supporting airport security arrangements and were 'prepared to provide an appropriate response'. An excerpt of the message which hackers posted on the website read: 'A message to all peoples of the world and especially to governments.' 'Islamic State Lists to restore the rights of Muslims who have been killed by your governments.' The message also proclaimed that the website had been 'hacked by Team System DZ.' Airport management has disabled the site. A message (pictured) is all that pops up when people visit the site. Customers are advised to visit airline websites for flight information . The website for the Hobart International Airport (pictured) has been shut down after it was hacked and defaced with a statement supporting the radical Islamist group ISIS . Airport management has disabled the site and customers are advised to visit airline websites for flight information. 'We're sorry, the Hobart Airport website is not currently operating,' a message on the site reads. 'We are working to get it back up and running as soon as possible.' Daily Mail Australia contacted Hobart Airport for comment.

Summary: Hobart International Airport's website hacked by Islamic State supporters . Tasmanian Police were made aware of the incident at 5.30am on Sunday . The website is temporarily shut down, police are monitoring the airport . No threats were made towards Hobart Airport or flight operations .


The oldest active pilot is a 95-year-old man living in Cameron Park, California. Guinness World Records has confirmed Peter Weber Jr.'s feat, the Sacramento Bee reported. 'I'm overwhelmed,' Weber told the newspaper. 'I'm getting all kinds of phone calls, emails and all that stuff.' Pilot: The oldest active pilot is a 95-year-old Peter Weber Jr., it's been revealed (March 2015 photo) Active: Weber has said he flies 'at least twice a month.' He also still has his driver's license (March 2015 file photo) The record was confirmed after Weber proved he piloted a plane March 30 in Placerville by mailing in multiple pieces of evidence, according to the Sacramento Bee. The newspaper reported that Weber's flight experience goes back decades: he flew in both World War II and the Vietnam War, and also served as a Korean War flight instructor. All told, Guinness World Records says on its website that 'Peter has been a pilot for 72 years.' According to Guinness, Weber was a flight cadet in 1943. 'Peter went on to become a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force,' the website says. 'He retired from the Air Force in 1970, and since then has flown for recreational purposes.' Weber pulled off his March 30 flight at the age of 95 years and 143 days, Guinness says. Weber told the Sacramento Bee in March 'The reason I did it is because I though maybe I might have the record be - being the fact my age is 95 years, 4 months and 23 days.' Years of experience: Weber reportedly was a flight cadet in 1943 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1970 (March 2015 file photo) At the time, he said that Guinness recently made a new category for the oldest qualified pilot who still has a license and flies alone while speaking to the newspaper. Weber has been married to his wife since 1943 and is a father to a 70-year-old son, according to reports. The Sacramento Bee reported Weber still has his driver's license -- and also pointed out that a since-deceased 105-year-old Colorado man holds the record for being the oldest pilot ever, according to Guinness. Cole Kugel's final flight took place in 2007 before he died that June, Guinness says.

Summary: 95-year-old Peter Weber Jr. is the oldest active pilot, according to Guinness World Records . The record was confirmed after Weber proved he piloted a plane March 30 in Placerville by mailing in multiple pieces of evidence . Weber's flight experience goes back decades: he flew in both World War II and the Vietnam War, and also served as Korean War flight instructor . He has been married to his wife since 1943 and has a 70-year-old son .


Angels slugger Josh Hamilton filed for divorce from his wife two months ago - around the same time he admitted to an alcohol and drugs relapse, it has emerged. The divorce petition was filed in late February in Tarrant County, Texas, where Hamilton played five seasons with the Texas Rangers before moving to LA, the Dallas Morning News reported. Hamilton, 33, married his wife Katie in 2004. Katie, who will appear on the 10th season of The Real Housewives of Orange County when it airs this summer, has a daughter from a previous relationship and three more daughters with Hamilton. The petition doesn't detail the reasons for the split and only cites 'conflict'. Scroll down for video . Split: Josh Hamilton filed for divorce from his wife, Katie, in late February, it has emerged. The filing comes after his self-reported relapse and just months after they celebrated 10 years together (pictured) Loved up: When he shared the above photo in November, he gushed about how much he loved his wife . In the petition, Hamilton outlined 34 requests. Among them, he called for his wife to be banned from using his Maserati and 1972 Chevrolet Blazer, the Dallas Morning News reported. He also requested she be prohibited from 'hiding' the children from him, from allowing men to stay the night while his children are home, and from making disparaging remarks about him or his family. But in March, Mrs Hamilton submitted a general denial to her husband's petition and this month, the couple agreed not to communicate with each other throughout the case. Hamilton is not allowed to see his children without supervision, according to court records. He is also banned from going to the couple's properties in Westlake Texas; Newport Coast, California; and Valley Mills, Texas. Last week, the couple's six-bedroom, eight-bathroom home in Newport Coast went on the market for $16.5 million. The property has ocean views, an eight-car garage and a pool and spa, according to the listing. Family: The couple has four daughters, including a 14-year-old (right) from Katie's former relationship. Hamilton is now not allowed to see the girls without supervision, according to court records . Split: The couple, pictured last year, have not listed the reasons behind their divorce, citing only 'conflict' Katie Hamilton, pictured with her oldest daughter, Julia, will appear on the upcoming 10th season of the Real Housewives of Orange County. She has custody of the couple's four daughters . The divorce petition comes just months after the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary and Hamilton gushed about his wife on social media. '10 years ago today, I said "I do",' he wrote on his Twitter page on November 10 as he shared a photo of him and his wife. 'There are no words to describe how much I love and adore this lady.' Earlier this year, Hamilton, a former Major League Baseball Most Valued Player, underwent shoulder surgery before spring training for the LA Angels. He then self-reported that he had suffered a cocaine and alcohol relapse - the latest incident in

Summary: Josh Hamilton, 33, filed for divorce from his wife Katie in February - around the time he self-reported a cocaine and alcohol relapse . Katie Hamilton is set to appear on the 10th season of Real Housewives of Orange County . The couple married in 2004 and have four daughters but court documents show he is not allowed to see them without supervision . An arbitrator ruled that he will not be disciplined for the latest relapse but Angels' owner Arte Moreno said Hamilton might not return to the team .


A bedlington lurcher named Twiglet suffered a 'serious hallucinogenic episode' after accidentally eating a stash of drugs he found at a village bus stop. Vet Nick Fisher, 31, from Leintwardine, Shropshire, said Twiglet was left behaving strangely after swallowing the unidentified substance while on a walk near their home last Monday. The four-year-old hound seemed to think he was being chased and had dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes after eating the drugs near the village bus stop. Vet Nick Fisher, 31, from Leintwardine, Shropshire, said his bedlington lurcher Twiglet (pictured) was left behaving strangely after eating the drugs he found at a bus stop while on a walk near their home last Monday . Twiglet seemed to think he was being chased and had dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes after eating the drug . But after 45 minutes of drooling at the mouth uncontrollably, shaking and walking into walls Twiglet seemed back to normal following his 'trip'. Today Mr Fisher, a veterinary surgeon, said: 'We had been taking Twiglet out for a walk as we normally do. 'We went past the bus stop which is just like a seat around an oak tree. 'A few people often hang out there and drop things like food and so on, so the dogs like to go scavenging around that area. 'He came back in the house and lay down and was tired as you might expect. 'But then he got up and started running around, doing laps of the room as if he was being chased. The bus stop in Leintwardine, Shorpshire, where Twiglet found and consumed the unidentified narcotics . After drooling at the mouth uncontrollably, shaking and walking into walls he seems to be back to normal . 'He had his tail between his legs and his head down, which he only does when he is being chased around by our other dogs. 'When I got hold of him he started shaking uncontrollably, producing huge quantities of saliva and panting excessively. 'He then lost his balance on the laminate flooring and fell onto his side. 'My wife was obviously quite upset. She's never seen a dog go through anything neurological before. Let alone tripping on drugs. 'I just reacted instinctively and had to treat him like any client's dog. I took step back and tried to remain calm.' Because of Twiglet's symptoms Mr Fisher believes his dog may have ingested something hallucinogenic . The father-of-one said he phoned the nurse at his surgery in Ludlow, Shropshire, to come and take a blood sample and made Twiglet vomit. The blood test did not show any obvious medical cause but a veterinary neurologist believed the illness to have been caused by narcotics. He added: 'The next day he was completely back to normal - although his eyes were very red. 'I've got a friend who is a neurologist so I asked them what they thought it was. 'Because of the circumstances and symptoms they suggested it sounded like he'd ingested something hallucinogenic. 'For a dog with no history of having any neurological issues to

Summary: Twiglet the bedlington lurcher had a bad trip after accidentally eating drugs . He found the narcotics lying on the ground near the village bus stop . Twiglet's symptoms included hallucinating, seizures and hyper salivating . His owner is urging pet owners to be careful about what their dogs pick up .


A woman who tipped the scales at almost 20st has shed nearly half her body weight after she was forced to stand during an 11-hour flight - because she feared she was crushing the woman in the seat next to her. Sharon Smith, 43, from Halesowen, West Midlands, was a bulky size 26 when she went on the business trip in December 2012 and struggled to fit in the plane seat. Today she weighs in at a healthy 9st 9lb and is due to run a 10k race on Sunday, when two years she would have struggled to walk half a mile, let alone run six. Scroll down for video . Sharon Smith shed almost half her body weight after she decided to take up running . Sharon said she lost 4st through joining a slimming club but then shed another four-and-a-half stone after taking up her sporty hobby. Her weight loss began just under two years ago when she joined Weight Watchers Online, but did not weigh herself immediately. After six months of following the plan, she was 18st 6lb so estimates that when she started she was 'way over 20st' and a size 26. She said that although she had always been larger she had never been happy being overweight. Sharon said: 'I was never one of those people who was okay being big, it had always upset me but my head wasn't in the right place to do anything about it because I had a busy working life.' She put her unhealthy lifestyle down to commuting to London for her job as a children's clothes designer for Aquascutum which saw her do minimal exercise. At her heaviest Sharon was over 20st and a size 26 but she has now slimmed down to 9st 9lbs and is a size 10 . But the turning point came for Sharon after having to 'squeeze' her bulky frame into seats on trains and planes. 'I started commuting to London in August 2012 and the business trip to Hong Kong was in December that year,' she said. 'I had been travelling out there for ten years but luckily I had always managed to upgrade or have no one in the seat next to me. 'But this trip coming back I was in economy and it is the one that really sticks out in my memory. 'I remember being rammed in my seat with a lady next to me. I felt uncomfortable not just for me but for her too. Sharon says her weight was down to to commuting to London for her job as a clothes designer but after quitting her job to go freelance and work from home, Sharon was able to exercise at lunch . 'I ended up standing for the entire flight with my iPod in. 'I was genuinely worried I might hurt the woman in the next seat because of my weight. She didn't say anything but I just didn't think it fair for her to suffer because of my size. 'The flight attendant even offered me the seats they

Summary: Children's clothes designer Sharon Smith, 43, weighed over 20st . Joined a slimming club, then took up running to shift the pounds . Now a 9st 9lb size ten and has run two 10ks and a half marathon .


Mario Balotelli hit back at those criticising his absence for Liverpool's FA Cup quarter-final win over Blackburn Rovers due to illness by attempting to prove he had a high temperature. Robbie Savage branded Balotelli 'pathetic' for missing the game, four days after he withdrew himself from the Liverpool squad for their trip to Arsenal following a 'slight knock' suffered in training. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed the £16million striker travelled with the squad to Blackburn, but that he felt too ill to take part after staying over in the hotel with his team-mates. Mario Balotelli responded to Robbie Savage's labelling of the Liverpool striker as 'pathetic' Balotelli was not included in the Liverpool squad to face Arsenal or Blackburn Rovers this week . Brendan Rodgers revealed Balotelli withdrew himself from the squad on Saturday and fell ill on Wednesday . Liverpool scraped through to a Wembley date with Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals thanks to Philippe Coutinho's strike. With 20 minutes remaining at Ewood Park, the Brazilian fired the ball across goal and past Rovers keeper Simon Eastwood. Click here to read Ian Ladyman's report . BT Sport pundit and former Blackburn midfielder Savage said: 'Pathetic isn't it? You're going to miss an FA Cup quarter-final? 'I don't know how unwell he is, but to miss an FA Cup quarter-final when you're feeling a bit ill? Nonsense. I would have to be really, really ill to miss that game.' Balotelli responded by posting a photograph of himself on Instagram, holding a thermometer reading 38.7 Celsius — 1.7C above 'normal' body temperature. Philippe Coutinho fires home the winner to send Liverpool into the FA Cup semi-final against Reading . Coutinho celebrates with his team-mates as Liverpool keep their dreams of winning a trophy alive . Mario Balotelli reported a temperature of 38.7C (101.66F) which is indeed above the normal body temperature of 37C (99.5F). The Liverpool striker may also have felt hot, sweaty, thirsty, very uncomfortable and slightly hungry. He may also have felt tired. Should body temperature reach 40C (104F), the person will be dehydrated and may suffer from vomiting and dizziness. With the snap, Balotelli wrote: 'Nothing stop me to watch my team winning. At least this time you know the real reason I am out. Miss the pitch so much #unluckyseason #YNWA #illbeback [sic].' Rodgers planned to use Balotelli for the FA Cup tie, but admitted it was at the final moment his misfiring striker became unavailable. 'Mario travelled with us. He trained well, [but] fell ill last night,' Rodgers said ahead of the match which ended 1-0 to Liverpool. 'He stayed overnight with us in the hotel, [but] woke up still not feeling great. The doctors' advice was to send him back.' Balotelli's absence follows the Italian missing last Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Arsenal. The striker did not travel to the Emirates for the crunch clash after sustaining a hamstring injury in training on Friday. Rodgers said at the time: 'He trained on Friday afternoon with the team and he took a slight knock to his knee

Summary: Mario Balotelli missed Liverpool's 4-1 defeat against Arsenal on Saturday . Balotelli was absent again at Blackburn due to illness, confirmed the club . BT Sport pundit Robbie Savage branded Balotelli 'pathetic' as a result . Balotelli responded by showing a thermometer reading 38.7C (101.66F) The Liverpool striker used the hashtags #unluckyseason and #illbeback . Liverpool beat Blackburn 1-0 thanks to Philippe Coutinho's winner .


Ten former Atlanta public school educators, convicted earlier this month of racketeering in one of the largest U.S. test-cheating scandals, were told to consider plea deals or face significantly more time behind bars. Fulton County Judge Jerry Baxter urged the defendants during the sentencing hearing on Monday to accept deals with the prosecution in the trial over a widespread conspiracy to cheat on state tests. He also threatened prison sentences for them if they fail to reach those deals. 'I've got a fair sentence in my mind and it involves going to jail for everybody,' said Baxter. He also said, 'I don't think you want to go my way. Either it's my way or a negotiated plea.' The sentencing will resume on Tuesday. Scroll down for video . Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter presides over the sentencing of 10 of the 11 defendants convicted of racketeering and other charges in the Atlanta Public Schools test-cheating trial in court on Monday . Former Atlanta public school educators fill the courtroom during the sentencing hearing which began on Monday . Former Atlanta public school Dunbar Elementary teacher Pamela Cleveland reacts in court as she listens to her mother testify on her behalf during witness statements during the sentencing . Reverend Bernice King (left), daughter of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr and Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young were both present in court on Monday . If the convicted educators accept deals, they would be required to apologize and waive their right to appeal, and former administrators would be given punishments from one year of weekend jail time and a $10,000 fine, according to the AJC. Former teachers and testing coordinators would be given one year of home confinement and a $1,000 fine. During a trial lasting nearly six months, prosecutors accused the defendants of erasing incorrect answers or instructing students to change their answers so the educators could secure promotions and cash bonuses in the 50,000-student Atlanta school system in 2009. The educators fed answers to students or erased and changed the answers on tests after they were turned in to secure promotions or up to $5,000 each in bonuses. However, the person accused of benefiting the most from the conspiracy, Superintendent Beverly Hall - who is thought to have received up to $500,000 in bonus payouts - died of breast cancer over the course of the trial. A total of 35 Atlanta educators were indicted in March 2013 on charges including racketeering, making false statements and theft. Many pleaded guilty before the trial, and some of them testified at the months-long trial. The jury acquitted one of the 12 former educators who had been on trial and convicted the other 11 on a racketeering charge, and were facing up to 20 years in prison. They were all found guilty under the the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, which is typically reserved for major mobsters and organized crime bosses. On Monday during the sentencing, Baxter said any children who were promoted based

Summary: Fulton County Judge Jerry Baxter urged defendants to accept sentencing deals on Monday or face significantly more time behind bars . 11 former teachers, testing coordinators and other administrators were convicted earlier this month of racketeering after a five-year investigation . If former administrators accept deals, they would get punishments from one year of weekend jail time and a $10,000 fine . If former teachers and testing coordinators accept deals, they would be given one year of home confinement and a $1,000 fine . Evidence of cheating was found in 44 schools across the Atlanta school system, with nearly 180 educators involved . Superintendent Beverly Hall, the alleged ringleader who received up to $500,000 in payouts, died of breast cancer as the scandal went to trial .


Cancer survivor Jonas Gutierrez will trigger a contract extension at Newcastle should he start the remaining seven matches of the campaign. The 31-year-old was the only United player to emerge with any credit in the wake of last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. It was Gutierrez’s first start for the Magpies in 20 months having twice beaten testicular cancer. The Argentine has said he will never forgive Newcastle for their handling of his illness after he was told to find a new club when he first returned from treatment in December, 2013. Jonas Gutierrez (left) will trigger contract extension should he start the remaining seven matches . Gutierrez and Sebastian Larsson compete for the ball during the Wear-Tyne derby . But the midfielder is one of the very few players currently respected by a disgruntled fanbase who are threatening to boycott the next home match against Spurs. Before then Gutierrez is in line to start at Liverpool on Monday night, meaning he will be one game closer to winning a new contract at St James’ Park. The club’s hierarchy are unlikely to want to keep Gutierrez on their books next season, although head coach John Carver insists he will not be swayed by contract clauses when it comes to picking his strongest team. Adam Johnson shakes hands with Gutierrez after the match between Sunderland and Newcastle . ‘I'm unaware of it (the clause),’ he said. ‘I like it that way as I make my judgement during the week on the training ground. ‘I pick a team on what I think will be the best team on the pitch. Sometimes you can get distracted. That (the clause) will not be in my mind.’ Gutierrez was the only Newcastle player to win applause from the club’s fans following the fifth straight Tyne-Wear derby defeat. Carver made a point of praising him afterwards and admits his recovery and return to top-flight action has come as a welcome surprise. Gutierrez shakes hands with current Newcastle United boss John Carver ahead of the Manchester United tie . ‘Everybody is delighted with how he has come back in and how he has progressed,’ said Carver. ‘He's fought and worked hard and done all the right things. ‘I don't think he ever thought he'd be playing as soon as he has done. I don't even think he thought he'd play again when you have an illness like Jonas had. ‘It must have been a proud moment for him, and for us as well, it was great to see him back out there.’ Ryan Giggs competes with Gutierrez during the match between Manchester United and Newcastle in 2011 . Manchester City player Carlos Tevez attempts an overhead kick against Gutierrez in 2012 .

Summary: Jonas Gutierrez could play his way to a new contract at Newcastle . The 31-year-old needs seven more starts to trigger contract extension . Gutierrez made his first start in 20 months in recent Sunderland defeat . Midfielder is one of very few players respected by a disgruntled fanbase .


She was the most hated woman in Britain, loathed for her role in the break-up of the Prince and Princess of Wales' marriage and vilified for everything from her dress sense to her looks. But 10 years on from the sunny April day that saw Camilla Parker-Bowles become the Duchess of Cornwall, things are looking very different for the 67-year-old royal. Indeed, so popular has Camilla become, a recent poll revealed that not only is the Duchess loved by 50 per cent of Britons, 56 per cent credit her with Charles' own increasing popularity. Scroll down for video . Relaxed: The Prince of Wales has cut an increasingly relaxed figure since marrying Camilla . Still in love: An intimate photo released today to mark their 10th wedding anniversary . More to the point, she has also become a much-loved member of the Royal Family, adored by her step-sons William and Harry and noticeably close to her mother-in-law, the Queen. That her relationship with the rest of the Firm is so good is due, in no small part, to her 'charm and charisma', both of which got an appreciative mention from her husband during a recent interview with CNN. The natural warmth she displays during public appearances has helped cement her place in the Royal Family, with courtiers impressed by her knack of creating an instant rapport with members of the public. Most recently, she pulled off a tour of the US with aplomb, charming locals with her approachability and winning admiring headlines at home. Her relaxed approach to life was in evidence once again during last month's Cheltenham Festival where, accosted by ex-glamour model Katie Price in the paddock, she posed obligingly for a selfie. A few minutes later, she was seen engrossed in conversation with author Jilly Cooper, who memorably based the caddish Rupert Campbell-Black, the star of the much-loved Rutshire Chronicles, on Camilla's ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles. Sharing a joke: Camilla and Prince William share a joke at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games . Natural warmth: Camilla's success is due to her charm - on display here during last month's Cheltenham . Involved: Camilla's granddaughter Eliza Lopes was a bridesmaid at the 2011 Royal Wedding . 'She is warm, smiley and sincere,' reveals one Royal insider. 'If you were going to use five words to describe her, they would be funny, down-to-earth, opinionated, family-orientated and hearty.' But Camilla's new-found confidence is hard-won. A salt-of-the-earth countrywoman who, given the opportunity, would happily go make-up free and avoid set-piece events, taking on the very public life of a senior royal hasn't been easy. That she has managed it, apparently without breaking a sweat, hasn't gone unnoticed - not least by Prince Charles himself. 'You can imagine it is a real, real challenge,’ said the prince in the same CNN interview, adding: 'But she's, I think, been brilliant in the way she's tackled these things . insiders say the transformation is less about careful PR work and more about Camilla herself - in particular, the way she has thrown herself into championing

Summary: Camilla is now one of the most popular members of the Royal Family . She is close to her stepsons and is often seen joking with them at events . The Duchess has also won over the Queen and is said to be 'close' to her .


Most women have known the frustrated feeling of nursing the broken heel of a irreplaceable shoe. Or perhaps even experienced the struggle of finding footwear that is appropriate for all occasions. Tanya Heath Paris has revolutionised women's footwear with her collection of shoes that feature an interchangeable heel. Scroll down for video . Tanya Heath Paris features hundreds of heel varieties that slide and click into place, and can be released at the push of a button . A high heel (up to 3.5 inches) can be swapped for a lower heel (1.5 inches),without compromising the style . The first of their kind, the shoes, which start from £260) are supposedly comfortable and come in a variety of styles. Every shoe features a button on the inside of the shoe, in the centre of the heel. Once a new heel is slid into the shoe, it is locked into place, and at the press of the button, the heel can be released and slid out of place. The fact that the heel unlocks also makes awkward packing attempts a lot easier, and means that the heels can be also be slipped into an evening bag. In terms of storing the shoes, the heel can easily be slid off and packed away, which makes for less clumsy carrying or packing . There are hundreds of heel varieties available, from high to low, stiletto to chunky, and in a large array of prints . The brand was perfected in September 2013, with the tagline reading: 'Same shoe, different heels, endless possibilities.' From strappy metallic sandals, to versatile black pumps, there are styles to fit all occasions, and that's before the multitude of heel choices are taken into consideration. Canadian-born designer Tanya Heath has lived and worked in Paris for the last 20 years . The interchangeable heels come in all widths, from chunky and secure, to a stylish stiletto, and prints vary from leopard print, to pink glitter, to even adorned with metal spikes. Undoubtedly, the real sell is that, without changing the form or composition of the actual shoe, a high heel (up to 3.5 inches) can be swapped in for a low heel (1.5 inches). Masterminding the brand is Canadian fashion designer, Tanya Heath. The 44-year-old has lived and worked in Paris for the last 20 years, and worked in strategy, consulting, technology and private equity. Also a wife and a mum of three, Heath had no prior professional training and was completely self-taught. When Tanya talks about inspiration for the start of the brand, she insists that it was completely personal. '[The inspiration was] From my life. I wore high heels to work, to restaurants, to parties. 'I wore them everywhere but I could never manage the pain. Once I nearly had a car accident when my heel locked under the break. 'I just fantasised non-stop about a shoe where you could just take the heels off, and that would go from a comfortable low-heel to a high-heel, and still make me look good!' Tanya has admitted that it was difficult

Summary: Canadian-born designer Tanya Heath, wanted to create a comfortable heel . Button inside shoe releases the interchangeable heel and also locks it in . Hundreds of heels available in varying heights, styles and designs .


The jury is rapidly nearing a verdict in Aaron Hernandez's murder trial after the defense team presented their entire case in just one day. Prosecution took two months and more than 100 pieces of evidence to accuse the former New England Patriots player of killing Odin Lloyd, who was shot six times in the chest and back on June 17, 2013. Defending his not guilty plea, Hernandez's lawyers called five witnesses to testify on Monday before resting at 3pm. Following tomorrow's closing statements, the jury will deliberate on their verdict. Scroll down for video . Nearing the end: Aaron Hernandez's defense team took just one day to deliver their case against prosecutors who spent two months producing 100 pieces of evidence. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to killing Odin Lloyd . Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancee. At the time of the killing, in an industrial park near Hernandez's North Attleborough home, the tight end had a $40 million contract with the Patriots. The defense's first witness was Dr. David Greenblatt, a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, who testified that the drug PCP can cause people to be suddenly violent, even days after smoking it. Hernandez's two co-defendants, Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz, were seen smoking PCP a few days before the crime. Both men have pleaded not guilty and will be tried later. Prosecutor Patrick Bomberg went after Greenblatt's testimony, showing surveillance video of Ortiz, Wallace and Hernandez from Hernandez's home before and immediately after the killing. In the videos, the men do not appear to be acting strangely. The former New England Patriots smiles during his murder trial at the Bristol County Superior Court . The judge has said she expects closing arguments to be delivered on Tuesday or Wednesday . 'This is essentially three minutes after the murder — you'd expect to see something lingering of PCP psychosis or intoxication,' Bomberg said, asking if Greenblatt could detect such behavior. 'You just can't tell,' Greenblatt replied. Testimony by two other witnesses related to DNA on a shell casing found inside a silver Nissan Altima that Hernandez rented, which prosecutors say he used to drive Lloyd to his death. When police found the shell casing in a trash bin at a rental car agency, it was stuck to chewed blue bubble gum that also was found in the Nissan. In testing, Hernandez's DNA was found on the shell casing. The defense has argued it got there from the bubble gum. Hernandez lawyer James Sultan said he planned to call just three witnesses before resting later Monday. The judge has said she expects closing arguments to be delivered on Tuesday or Wednesday. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Defense called five witnesses on Monday, rested at 3pm . First witness was doctor discussing how his co-defendants were on PCP . Prosecution took two months and more than 100 pieces of evidence . Closing statements expected on Tuesday before verdict . Aaron Hernandez is pleading not guilty to shooting dead Odin Lloyd .


Sir Vivian Richards believes James Anderson will be remembered as an England great and a worthy heir to Sir Ian Botham. Anderson will earn his 100th Test cap on Monday when England take on the West Indies at the Antiguan ground that bears Richards' name. Four wickets in the game would take him past Botham's national record of 383 Test wickets, making Anderson the most prolific English bowler in history. England's James Anderson plays his 100th Test match in Antigua against the West Indies from Monday . Anderson needs just three wickets to go level with Sir Ian Botham as England's top Test wicket taker . Sir Vivian Richards believes Anderson is a worthy heir to Sir Ian Botham (pictured in August 2014) As one of the greatest batsmen to have lived and a long-time friend of Botham, Richards is well placed to judge the scale of Anderson's achievements and his endorsement is ringing. 'He ranks with the great English fast bowlers, with the Bob Willises, the Ian Bothams and folks like that,' said Richards. 'They made a great mark and for him to be in that category, it's a tribute to him. 'He's done magnificently well. Anderson has got tremendous ability and I guess where he's at now - four wickets away from surpassing the great Sir Ian - is a tribute to the individual and to his professionalism as leader of the bowling attack. 'I captained a lot of great bowlers and I would have liked Anderson too.' Anderson has attempted to divert the attention ahead of his big day, focusing on the team's efforts to come back from a dreadful winter of white ball cricket. Four wickets in the game would take Anderson past Botham's national record of 383 Test wickets . Richards is well placed to judge the scale of Anderson's achievements and his endorsement is ringing . But with Richards' words echoed by Curtly Ambrose, one of the most fearsome fast bowlers to have graced the game, he would be forgiven for getting a touch carried away. Ambrose, speaking at the launch of his new autobiography 'Time to Talk', said: 'I've always liked James Anderson, he is a quality fast bowler. 'To have taken so many wickets in Test cricket is no mean feat because a fast bowler's life is a short one. To be four wickets away from Botham's 383 is a phenomenal achievement. 'I want to wish James all the best for his 100th Test but I hope he doesn't do too well, because I think the West Indies will win.'

Summary: James Anderson will earn his 100th Test cap on Monday . England take on the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground . Four wickets would take Anderson past Sir Ian Botham's national record .


Stoke boss Mark Hughes has dismissed the latest reports linking Asmir Begovic with a move away from the Britannia Stadium. There has been fresh talk this week of Real Madrid being interested in the goalkeeper, with it even being suggested in Spain that talks had opened between the club, Begovic's representatives and his current employers. But, at his press conference to preview Saturday's Barclays Premier League home clash with Southampton, Hughes said: 'There will be a lot of stories bandied about, but I would take that one with a pinch of salt to be perfectly honest. I don't think that is true.' Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic has been linked with a summer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid . The Bosnia international has been one of the Premier League's most consistent keepers . Potters boss Mark Hughes has played down reports of Begovic leaving the Brittania Stadium . Begovic is out of contract in 2016 and Hughes has repeatedly emphasised his optimism the 27-year-old Bosnia international will sign a new deal with Stoke this summer. 'We are scheduled to have talks with Asmir's people in the next few weeks I think,' the manager said on Friday. 'I think both parties have stated that probably at the end of the season those talks will come to a conclusion, and we are very hopeful Asmir will stay here. 'There will be speculation around better players at football clubs, and we are no different. He has attracted attention because he is an outstanding goalkeeper.' In terms of other potential items of summer business, Hughes is also hopeful Stoke will wrap up the signing of teenage winger Moha El Ouriachi from Barcelona. It was reported earlier this week that the 19-year-old Moroccan-born player was bound for the Potters this summer after deciding joining them was a better option than accepting the new contract offer made to him by Barca. And Hughes said on Friday: 'There is a hope that we will be able to conclude that deal.' Barcelona B winger Moha El Ouriachi is set to sign for Stoke City, according to the player's agent . Stoke have already signed Bojan Krkic and Marc Muniesa from Barcelona in the last two years . The Welshman, who is a former Barcelona striker and who has previously signed forward Bojan Krkic and defender Marc Muniesa for Stoke from the Catalan outfit, added: 'We are trying to improve the quality of the Under-21 group and he (El Ouriachi) is a good young player. 'He is one we think we can bring to the club, so we will try to pursue that one and it looks very hopeful. 'He is predominantly left-footed, has good ability one on one and has good pace. He ticks a lot of the boxes in terms of what we are looking for in young players. 'If we can get it concluded, once he is here then we hope to develop him and push him towards the first team if we can. 'He is not one that is going to go straight into my team, but

Summary: Mark Hughes has played down reports linking keeper with Real Madrid . Potters No 1 Asmir Begovic is out of contract at Stoke at the end of 2016 . Premier League club are hoping to sign Moha El Ouriachi from Barcelona .


It's Hot or Not time again as IAN LADYMAN reveals what's been making him feel warm this week and what's been leaving him cold inside. HOT . CHRIS SMALLING . Smalling used to be part of the problem at Old Trafford, now the defender’s improvement has been such that he’s at the forefront of Manchester United’s march back to relevance. Next up for Smalling: Lessons in passing. Chris Smalling, in action against Didier Drogba, has been at the forefront of Manchester United's resurgence . BOB WILLIS . It’s a mystery why the former England fast bowler now spends life on the Sky Sports undercard as he remains one of the sharpest, bravest analysts they have. His comment about giving England’s 'constipated' batsmen 'some syrup of figs' in the West Indies was so perfect it could have come from our own David Lloyd. Marlon Samuels salutes Ben Stokes as he leaves the field of play after being caught by Jermaine Blackwood . MARLON SAMUELS . Simple message to all Australian cricketers. Giving a rival a mock salute as he leaves the field is amusing. Telling an opponent you are going to break his arm is not. THE MUNICH MEGAPHONE . Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller led the post-Porto celebrations at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, climbing into the crowd with a loudhailer . Don’t try that over here though, the stewards in their lovely yellow jackets would not like it. Thomas Muller leads the celebrations after Bayern Munich smashed six goals past Porto at the Allianz Arena . NOT . CELTIC . The Josh Meekings handball controversy has taken our game to a place it shouldn’t go and Scotland’s biggest club are to blame. In sport, when the final whistle blows the contest is over. Writing pleading letters of complaint is for jilted boyfriends and suburban curtain twitchers. Inverness Caledonian Thistle's Josh Meekings appeared to handle the ball... he was charged retrospectively . A SOFT MIDDLE . Steven Gerrard was poor at Wembley last Sunday but as the Liverpool captain tried to stop failure in its tracks against Aston Villa who else in the Liverpool engine room assumed responsibility for leadership? At Anfield they may miss Gerrard even more than they think. Steven Gerrard turned in a poor display against Aston Villa, but Liverpool will miss him next season . SAM TOMKINS . Much self-congratulation in Super League that the gifted Sam Tomkins is heading back to Wigan from New Zealand Warriors. The fact is, though, that English Rugby League’s most recognisable face has left the tiniest of impressions in the NRL and that can only be disappointing for our sport. Sam Tomkins returns to Wigan from New Zealand Warriors after he signed a four-year deal . ATLETICO MADRID . Theirs is a story touched by romance but the cold truth is that Diego Simeone’s team play football on the very edge of the rules. Arda Turna’s sending-off at Real Madrid on Wednesday may have looked harsh but he simply paid the price for so much of what had gone before. Diego Simeone has

Summary: Chris Smalling has impressed for Manchester United in recent weeks . Steven Gerrard was poor at Wembley, but Liverpool will miss him next term . Bayern's Thomas Muller led celebrations against Porto with megaphone . But don't try it over here; stewards in their yellow jackets would not like it .


The saying 'two is company but three's a crowd' clearly didn't apply to James Corden as he met two Beckham sporting stars. The comedian tweeted a picture on Thursday alongside former England captain David Beckham and New York Giants' NFL hotshot Odell Beckham Jnr. Accompanied with the caption: 'Double Beckhams!' Corden was all smiles as he posed in between the duo. James Corden (centre) posted a picture alongside Odell Beckham Jnr (left) and David Beckham via Twitter . Both Beckhams, who are of no relation, were pictured in America with the 36-year-old - who is currently filming late-night talk show Late Late in the States. Last month David Beckham lifted the lid on his son Brooklyn's first date, in which the former Manchester United midfielder watched on from a nearby table in a London restaurant. Speaking as a guest on Corden's show, the ex-Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star told the hilarious story of his 16-year-old son's first foray into the world of dating. When probed by Corden, who asked, 'He must be getting quite big into the dating circuit now?', Beckham replied: ''Yeah, it's happening. He's going to hate me for this. 'I'm fine with it, because on his first date - when he was about 14 and a half - it was Valentine's Day so he said, "I'd love to take this girl to dinner." David Beckham embarrassed his son Brooklyn on James Corden's Late Late Show in America last month . Brooklyn watched on from the audience as his father told the story of his first date, at a sushi bar in London . 'I said, "Okay, great." I spoke to Victoria, and she was like, "Really?", so I said, "Yeah, he's going to do it." 'She said, "Okay, make sure you take him and then make sure you sit in the restaurant." So I was like, "Really, you're going to make me do that?" and she said "Yeah, that's the only way I'm going to let him go."' 'So we took him to a small sushi restaurant and he sat at the sushi bar and I sat about five tables back. By the way, my daughter is four years old. When she gets to that age, I will be closer than that!' Beckham's son Brooklyn, who was sat in the audience as his dad retold the embarrassing story, is aiming to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a professional footballer. This season, he has been playing for Arsenal's Under 16s but was recently dealt a blow with the news that the Gunners will not hand him a new deal at the end of the season. Brooklyn is looking to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a professional footballer . Odell Beckham Jnr (right) made the headlines for his sensational catch vs Dallas Cowboys in November 2014 .

Summary: James Corden shared the picture on Thursday via Twitter . Corden is currently in America filming late-night talk show Late Late . David Beckham was a guest on the 36-year-old's show last month .


Microsoft has a new pilot program to hire people with autism for full-time positions within the company. The announcement was made on the company's blog by Microsoft Corporate VP of Worldwide Operations, Mary Ellen Smith, who has a teenage son, Shawn, with autism. The positions will be based at its Redmond campus in Washington and the program will be run in partnership with Specialisterne, a Danish nonprofit that helps train people with autism for careers in IT. Smith wrote on the blog: 'It's simple, Microsoft is stronger when we expand opportunity and we have a diverse workforce that represents our customers.' The announcement was made on the company's blog by Microsoft Corporate VP of Worldwide Operations, Mary Ellen Smith, who has a teenage son, Shawn, with autism . 'The day my son was diagnosed I distinctly remember the final words of two doctors I overheard as my husband and I left the medical center, "I think they understand." 'I also remember how we walked to the car, pulled onto the road, drove 15 miles to our home, and entered the house. All in silence. We did not know what to say. 'But we do now. What we learned over the last 15 years was to find our voice. To model what a unique advantage a young man like my son Shawn can offer. 'To think of where he is now, a college freshman and part-time employee, and where he has the potential to go, makes my husband and I so proud. The positions will be based at its Redmond campus in Washington and the program will be run in partnership with Specialisterne, a Danish nonprofit that helps train people with autism for careers in IT . She added: 'I am also proud of how our society and our workplace is moving forward with the commitment to help support people with autism and disabilities in general.' Last year Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was forced to apologize for saying that women don't need to ask for a raise and should just trust the system to pay them well. Nadella was blasted on Twitter and in blog posts for his comments, which were made at an event for women in computing. He had been asked to give his advice to women who are uncomfortable requesting a raise. His response: 'It's not really about asking for the raise, but knowing and having faith that the system will actually give you the right raises as you go along.' Microsoft is now focusing on diversity. Last year Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (pictured) was forced to apologize for saying that women don't need to ask for a raise and should just trust the system to pay them well . Not asking for raise, he added, is 'good karma' that would help a boss realize that the employee could be trusted and should have more responsibility. Still, his comments at the event, the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, underscored why many see technology companies as workplaces that are difficult to navigate or even unfriendly for women and minorities.

Summary: Microsoft Corporate VP of Worldwide Operations, Mary Ellen Smith, who has a teenage son Shawn with autism, made the announcement . Program will be run in partnership with Specialisterne, a Danish nonprofit that helps train people with autism for careers in IT . Full-time positions based at its Redmond campus, Washington .


A Chinese court has jailed a 71-year-old journalist for seven years for leaking a government document warning against the 'dangers' of a free press. Gao Yu - named one of the International Press Institute's 50 'world press heroes' in 2000 - 'illegally provided state secrets to foreigners', Beijing's No. 3 Intermediate People's Court said on a verified social media account today. The ruling stated Gao had leaked a 2013 directive by the ruling Communist party named 'Document number 9' to a Hong Kong media outlet. Gao Yu, 71, has been jailed for seven years for 'illegally providing state secrets to foreigners' in the shape of a government document warning against the 'dangers' of press freedom to a Hong Kong media outlet . Chinese police push away journalists waiting outside Beijing's No. 3 Intermediate People's Court for today's verdict in Gao Yu's case . China's current President Xi Jinping has overseen a harsh crackdown against critics of the ruling Communist Party, with scores of journalists, lawyers and academics detained and dozens jailed . The document warns of the 'dangers' of multiparty democracy, independent media, 'universal' definitions of human rights and criticism of the party's historical record, according to copies widely circulated online. 'We are very disappointed with this verdict,' said Shang Baojun, one of her lawyers, who argued in court that a 'confession' from Gao had been extracted after threats were made against her son. Gao is 'the victim of vaguely worded and arbitrary state-secret laws that are used against activists as part of the authorities' attack on freedom of expression,' said William Nee, a researcher for Britain-based Amnesty International. Known for her outspoken support for democracy and press freedom, Gao went missing last April and resurfaced on China's state broadcaster a month later admitting she had made a 'mistake'. Shang said the main evidence presented at Gao's trial in November was a 'confession' she made after police threatened the journalist's son, who they had also detained. He added that after the verdict was read out Gao stated in a 'strong voice' that she would appeal, but was not allowed to make any further statement. The court denied the defence access to documents used to convict her, the lawyer said. The septuagenarian suffers from high blood pressure and Shang added he was 'very worried' about her health. Chinese courts are tightly controlled by the ruling party and more than 99 percent of defendants are convicted, with appeals rarely successful. Police and security staff pushed foreign journalists hoping to cover the verdict more than 100 metres away from the courthouse, and bundled a Chinese individual into a police vehicle. Police take down the details of journalists outside the court where Gu's trial was held. Reporters were pushed more than 100 metres away from the courthouse . The Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People's Court. One of Gao Yu's lawyers, Shang Baojun, claimed her client's TV 'confession' was made after police threatened her son, who they had also detained . China's current President Xi Jinping has overseen a harsh crackdown against critics of the ruling Communist

Summary: Gao Yu, 71, gave 'state secrets to foreigners', according to Beijing court . Ruled that she leaked Communist party missive to Hong Kong media outlet . Document warns of 'dangers' of multiparty democracy, independent media . Gao appear on Chinese state broadcaster last May admitting to a 'mistake'


The family of a North Carolina toddler who drowned in a pool last week went to set up an online fundraiser to help them with his funeral costs, only to discover that scammers have beat them to the punch. Four-year-old Austin West passed away last Saturday after he slipped while chasing a bumblebee in the backyard and fell into an in-ground pool at his family's home in Gastonia. Austin’s grandfather, Jeff West, says that when he attempted to launch a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to cover his grandson’s final expenses, he was shocked to find that there were already multiple pages carrying the deceased boy's name on the site. Family tragedy: Austin West, 4, pictured left and right with his mother, drowned in a pool April 6 while chasing a bumblebee in the yard . Preying on the weak: When the toddler's family went to set up a GoFundMe account to help raise money towards the funeral, they have discovered several unsanctioned fundraisers. This screen shot shows the real page set up by the Wests . ‘We had a big setback when phony GoFundMe accounts were set up before I made one, so I don't know just how many donated to these scams before the real GoFundMe page got set up,’ Mr West lamented to the station WBTV. ‘What people will do to make a buck off of a child.’ The fake fundraisers have since been deleted from GoFundMe.com, but West says the family are still in desperate financial straits and are in urgent need of donations. On Thursday, Austin's grandfather set up a genuine donation page hoping to collect $10,000. As of Friday evening, only $315 has been raised. A spokesperson for GoFundMe said in a statement that the company investigates every complaint of fraud it receives. Accident: Jeff West said his grandson had been taught how to swim young, but the shock of falling into cold water, combined with the boy's chronic asthma, caused Austin to go under . The West family are hoping to raise $10,000 to cover the toddler's funeral costs and related expenses . ‘In the rare event that we do find fraudulent activity on an account, we have the power to remove the account, refund donors, and ban the user from ever signing up again,’ the statement read. In the description of Jeff West’s campaign, he explains that his 4-year-old grandson, who used to call him 'Paw Paw,' had been taught how to swim young, but the shock of falling into cold water, combined with the boy's chronic asthma, caused Austin to go under. The West family also have started another campaign on Booster.com selling cotton T-shirts with Austin’s picture for $15 each to raise additional funds. The West family also have started another campaign on Booster.com selling cotton T-shirts with Austin’s picture .

Summary: Austin West, 4, slipped and fell into backyard pool in North Carolina April 6 . Several fake fundraisers sprang up after Austin's death to collect money . The bogus GoFundMe pages created in Austin's name have since been removed .


A French bus driver has proposed putting on a separate service for Roma passengers - because the 'unbearable' smell is a health risk to everyone on board. Dominique Granier sparked outrage after he suggested putting on a service specifically for people travelling from a Roma encampment next to a cemetery into the centre of Montpellier, in the south of France. But while his comments were immediately met with horror by some, the bus company TAM has taken his comments seriously and is said to have 'outsourced' part of the route. Odour: The smell on route 9 in Montpellier is said to be 'unbearable' and caused by Roma using the service . Bus driver Mr Granier said the smell which accompanied the Roma was a 'sanitation risk' in an interview last week. Speaking to the Gazette de Montpelier Mr Granier said: 'It is a true infection.' His claims were backed up by other drivers, one of whom claimed the buses were now specially cleaned because of the odour. Bernard Gotis, a local union representative, was disgusted by the comments. 'We should not tackle the poor, but poverty... We do not want to recreate apartheid in Montpellier,' he said. Apartheid: Some have said the problem is poverty of those living in the camp. Pictured: Roma in Montpellier . However, Mr Gotis revealed the bus company had taken on the suggestion, and apparently outsourced part of the route so drivers no longer had to contend with the smell. He told French newspaper Libération: 'Our management decided to follow the union by removing a piece of this bus line which is very popular with Roma and to outsource this portion of line.' The MailOnline has contacted Montpellier's bus service for a comment.

Summary: Montpellier bus driver sparks outrage with comment over the 'odour' Said smell from those traveling into the city on route 9 was 'a true infection' Bus company TAM is said to have now outsourced that part of the route . But union bosses have said it risks creating 'apartheid' in French city .