Washington, Cleveland and Houston all earned 2-0 leads in their NBA first-round playoff series with victories on Tuesday, continuing the previous day's pattern. All five of the series that have played two games now stand at 2-0, with the Wizards, Cavaliers and Rockets joining Monday's winners Chicago and Golden State with the early two-game buffer in the best-of-seven series. Washington's 117-106 victory at Toronto owed most to John Wall, who had 26 points and 17 assists, and Bradley Beal, who scored 28 points. LeBron James scored 30 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers moved into a 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics . Cleveland's 99-91 win followed their victory at the weekend to put them in a strong position in the tie . Marcin Gortat scored 16 points, Otto Porter had 15 and Paul Pierce added 10 for the Wizards, who return home to host Game 3 on Friday. Jonas Valanciunas had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Sixth Man Award winner Lou Williams scored 20 points for the Raptors, who have lost four straight playoff games over the past two seasons. Washington lost 15 of their final 19 road games in the regular season but rediscovered their best away from home in time for the playoffs. Dating back to last year, the Wizards have won seven of eight away from home in the post-season. Paul Pierce celebrates after his Washington Wizards team moved 2-0 ahead on the Toronto Raptors . Wizards guard Bradley Beal scored 28 points in a 117-106 victory on Tuesday in Toronto . DeMar DeRozan scored 20 points, Patrick Patterson had 15 and Amir Johnson added 10 for Toronto, who have won just one playoff series in six previous post-season appearances. Cleveland shook off a persistent Boston to win 99-91 at home, with LeBron James leading the way with 30 points and Kyrie Irving contributing 26. James scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, moved past Hall of Famer Jerry West on the career playoff scoring list and made sure the Cavs didn't slip up at home. He and Irving combined for all of Cleveland's 24 points in the final period. Timofey Mozgov added 16 points and Tristan Thompson had 11 rebounds for Cleveland. Dwight Howard and Josh Smith celebrate the Houston Rockets taking a 2-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks . Howard scored 28 points and had 12 rebounds in a 111-99 victory for the Rockets at the Toyota Center . Isaiah Thomas scored 22 points for the Celtics, whose bench outscored Cleveland's 51-7 but did not get anywhere near enough from the starting five. Game 3 is Thursday in Boston. Houston also pulled away in the last quarter to beat Texas rival Dallas 111-99. Dwight Howard, who scored 28 points, and James Harden, who added 24, dominated early in the final period to steer the Rockets to victory. The Mavericks scored the first four points of the fourth quarter to take a three-point lead. But with Harden on the bench, Houston scored the next 11 points, powered by three alley-oop passes from Smith to Howard, to take

Summary: LeBron James scores 30 points as Cleveland beat Boston . Cavaliers beat Celtics 99-91 to extend their lead in series to 2-0 . Washington Wizards beat Toronto Raptors 117-106 in Canada . Houston Rockets take 2-0 lead over Dallas Mavericks with 111-99 win .


For the 0.01 per cent, booking holiday travel is a far different experience than it is for the rest of us. Instead of scrolling through holiday deals on bargain-finding websites, these ultra-wealthy individuals prefer to take off on a moment's notice and sort out any over-the-top accommodations and activities upon arrival. To get a glimpse inside this elite - and rarely planned - world, MailOnline Travel spoke to wedding and event planner Sarah Haywood, who has helped organise ceremonies and honeymoons for everyone from celebrities to Fortune 500 businessmen. Scroll down for video . For the super-wealthy, money is of no concern when it comes to booking private jets and chartering yachts . 'Most of our clients have a private travel consultant,' Haywood explains to MailOnline Travel. 'There are several really upmarket agents where you pay a fee annually to have them take care of all your travel.' Haywood reveals that she often works with these agencies, where she estimates that membership fees for such a service start at about £50,000. 'These aren't companies you'll find online,' she adds. 'The people that they're working with don't plan and they expect things to be catered to their whims.' Victoria Hoffman, founder and CEO of the Miami-based Concierge & Events by Victoria, tells MailOnline Travel that some of the most common last-minute request include special access to exclusive events, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Academy Awards or tickets to the White House Correspondence Dinner. Victoria Hoffman, who owns her on US-based concierge service, reveals she's had clients request special access to exclusive events such as the Cannes Film Festival . Specialist Italian travel company, Bellini Travel, set up by Emily FitzRoy 15 years ago, is so exclusive that it only caters to a carefully selected list of 100 clients a year. 'As we look after a limited number of people each year, we can pull in huge favours,' Emily said. 'For example, we're just in the middle of negotiating to close the Uffizi for a client who only has 24 hours in Florence, but wants to see Botticelli's Birth of Venus on his own. Brown and Hudson describe themselves as the antidote to everything that is packaged and unconsidered about today’s luxury travel business. Their bespoke service, which charges a minimum of £1,000 simply to create an itinerary for potential clients, has an impressive portfolio of bespoke experiences they have orchestrated for guests. Alexander Martin, director of luxury lifestyle website The Envy Group agrees that for the super-rich, it's not about what you give, so much as the amazing experience behind it. 'Our clients - or 'friends' as we call them - are very successful and generous people, and we help them create unique lifestyle experiences that goes far beyond booking a table at an amazing restaurant. 'We recently organised the world's only Tiffany-blue Bentley for one of our friends, and created a 20ft Tiffany-inspired remote-controlled hydraulic gift box complete to deliver it in.' And if you're heading to the luxurious five-star properties hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the

Summary: For the most elite travellers, vacations are rarely planned far in advance . There is an an emphasis on travel 'experiences,' which happen on a whim . A-list wedding and event planners from the US and UK share their stories .


Kevin Bowes, 53, lost several teeth and had nine 'avoidable' dental procedures at the hands of Dr Nicholas Crees at his Guisborough practice . A man whose teeth were reduced to 'apple cores' has won £30,000 in damages from his former dentist, after suffering more than a decade of dental neglect. Kevin Bowes lost several teeth, had four 'avoidable' root canal treatments and five 'avoidable' crowns fitted at the hands of Dr Nicholas Crees at his practice in Guisborough, North Yorkshire. The semi-retired teacher at a specialist children's unit said his life had been changed forever, revealing he will need years of remedial treatment to fix the extensive decay. The 53-year-old, from Guisborough, said: 'I feel completely let down by Dr Crees. 'I was devastated, I had no idea my teeth were in such a bad condition. 'He allowed my teeth to deteriorate so badly over the decade I visited him and all the time with a smile and a friendly demeanour which made you feel you were in good hands. 'How wrong I was.' His family had been patients of Mr Crees for more than 10 years when in January 2013, a friend suggested his wife visited a different dentist for a second opinion. And when Mr Bowes went to see the new dentist, he was given a devastating diagnosis. He added: 'The other dentist told me that I had decay in a number of teeth and would need lots of treatment to repair them. 'I had more X-rays than I care to remember and my teeth were so decayed the dentist described them as 'apple cores'. 'Before becoming a teacher I had been a successful entertainer and singer, full of confidence. 'However I have been advised that my treatment does not end here and I am likely to need ongoing treatment for years. 'It's really knocked my confidence and has changed my life forever.' After the extent of the decay was revealed, Mr Bowes instructed specialist dental negligence solicitors, the Dental Law Partnership, which secured a £30,000 payout following a two-year legal battle with Dr Crees. Mr Bowes has won £30,000 in an out-of-court settlement after a two-year battle with Dr Crees . Kate Chadwick, associate solicitor at the Dental Law Partnership, said: 'Kevin has been the victim of mistreatment by his dentist for years. 'This decade of neglect was a real catalogue of errors with Dr Nicholas Crees failing to diagnose and treat decay and carrying out extractions without informed consent. 'Fortunately he visited another dentist for a second opinion who immediately spotted the problem, otherwise, left untreated Mr Bowes may well have lost more of his teeth.' Dr Crees, who, despite the out of court settlement has not admitted liability, said that due to patient confidentiality it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the case at this time.

Summary: Kevin Bowes lost several teeth, had four 'avoidable' root canal treatments and five 'avoidable' crowns fitted by Dr Nicholas Crees over a decade . Second dentists said he will need extensive treatment to repair decay . Awarded £30,000 out-of-court but Dr Crees has not admitted liability . Mr Bowes, said: 'I was devastated. I had no idea my teeth were so bad'


It may an unorthodox way of achieving European qualification, but West Ham manager Sam Allardyce would welcome doing so through UEFA's Respect and Fair Play rankings. The top three nations in UEFA's rankings qualify for the Europa League, with England currently sitting third and West Ham topping the Barclays Premier League's Fair Play table. West Ham have little left to play for as they sit ninth ahead of Saturday's match with bottom-club Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Yet they could achieve European qualification regardless of where they end up in the Premier League by finishing top of the Fair Play table. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce wants the club to qualify for Europe next season through Fair Play . It is a case of the fewer yellow and red cards the better for Allardyce, but the West Ham manager insists he has not instructed his players to keep their discipline at all costs. Asked if his players should tone down their commitment for the final eight games, Allardyce said: 'I haven't told them that. 'If we have done what we have done all season and we have been as good as we have been I shouldn't really need to tell them any more. 'For us as a team to be where we are at this stage of the season shows that we have played the game in the right way and the right manner and achieved something that is out there to promote the game in the right fashion.' Allardyce shouts instructions at his Bolton players during a UEFA Cup match against Besiktas in 2005 . Allardyce led Bolton Wanderers into UEFA Cup qualification for the first time in the club's history in 2005, and knows first hand how it can attract players in the transfer market. 'It was never easy but there were players of much higher quality interested in coming to Bolton, there is no doubt about that,' Allardyce added. 'The journey may not be great financially, but it is not the financial journey we look for as footballers and managers – it is the experience. 'It is the fact that you are competing in Europe which in itself may help in some of your recruitment areas – however you have got there.' Bolton forward Stelios Giannakopoulos scores a goal against Marseille in the UEFA Cup back in 2006 .

Summary: West Ham are currently top of the Fair Play rankings in the Premier League . Should they finish there at the end of the season, they could qualify for the Europa League next term . Sam Allardyce is well aware of the benefits of being able to offer European football to players in the transfer market . Allardyce led Bolton Wanderers to UEFA Cup qualification in 2005 .


An Italian priest has been sacked amid claims that he took part in gay orgies with a Swiss Guard. The prelate was sacked from a religious order in Taranto after one of his online lovers contacted the church authorities with a dossier containing alleged evidence of sex with prostitutes, role play and explicit gay web chats. The priest allegedly favoured sexual role-play scenarios in which his lover played the disciple Judas Escariot, and had to atone for his betrayal of Jesus by becoming his slave. Controversy: News of prelate being sacked after an online lover contacted Taranto church authorities with a dossier containing alleged evidence of sex with prostitutes is just the latest sex scandal to engulf the Vatican . The diocese confirmed that the priest had been dismissed but claimed there were no other prelates involved. Turn-on: The priest allegedly favoured sexual role-play in which his lover played Judas Iscariot, and had to atone for his betrayal of Jesus (pictured) A 32-year-old man, from Rovigo in northeast Italy, claimed he was contacted by the unnamed priest around six months ago on Facebook. The man, an unemployed labourer, said he was having problems at the time and thought that 'it could have been a sign from heaven.' 'I needed spiritual help,' he told Corriere della Sera. The priest revealed that he was gay during online chats and attempted to seduce the labourer. 'He told me my pictures made him excited and asked me to send him an intimate photo,' the man claimed. The pair also had a video conversation via Skype, during which the priest was allegedly naked. The priest allegedly said that he had organised orgies with priests and a Swiss Guard, although church authorities have not said anyone else was involved. The labourer said that he was not gay but did not want to risk losing the spiritual support of the priest, who he claimed even convinced him to leave his girlfriend. 'He told me that he liked guys, especially young ones, and that he could do everything for them, also help them to buy clothes, mobile phones and recharge costs,' he claimed. Protection: The Italian priest was sacked amid claims that he took part in gay orgies with a Swiss Guard. The Swiss Guard serves as the de facto military of Vatican City . A statement by the diocese of Taranto said: 'Regarding the reports about a parish priest in the archdiocese of Taranto or rather his morally reprehensible conduct, utterly incompatible with ministry, the Curia notes the following. 'The priest in question who is not part of the Taranto clergy but of a religious order has been removed from pastoral care by bishop Filippo Santoro after verifying the facts. 'The religious are no longer in Taranto since last week. In the documents with the ecclesiastical court there is no trace of other priests being involved.'

Summary: Prelate's online lover approached church about alleged improper conduct . Claimed to have evidence Italian priest was having sex with prostitutes . Also said the priest took part in explicit gay web chats and sexual role play . He allegedly made lovers pretend to be Judas so he could 'punish' them .


Jordan Henderson is not ready to give up on Liverpool's Champions League hopes despite an eight-point gap to Manchester United in fourth place. The 24-year-old scored a penalty at the Emirates on Saturday, but it was not enough as Liverpool fell to a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal to leave their top-four hopes in tatters. That result followed a devastating 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United last time out and Brendan Rodgers' side have fallen from two points off Champions League qualification to eight behind. Jordan Henderson urged Liverpool not to give up on their hopes of finishing in the top four . Henderson is targeting seven wins out of seven in the league and an immediate response at Blackburn . But Henderson urged his team not to give up on the top-four race with seven games to play, and to bounce back immediately on Wednesday night when they take on Blackburn in an FA Cup quarter-final replay. He told Liverpool's official website: 'We knew it was going to be difficult [to finish in the top four], even before Saturday, but it makes it even more difficult. 'That doesn't mean we'll just give up. We've got seven games left now and we need to try to win every one. If we do that, then you never know. 'Blackburn is another big game for us straight away. We've got to recover well, learn from this one and move on and try to get a big win on Wednesday.'

Summary: Jordan Henderson says his team will not give up hope of top-four finish . Liverpool were beaten 4-1 at Arsenal in a massive blow to their hopes . Defeat left Liverpool eight points off fourth place with seven to play . Liverpool face Blackburn in FA Cup quarter-final replay on Wednesday .


This is the shocking moment a young Kurdish girl fires a machine gun at ISIS, before boasting she has killed 400 of the Islamic militants - as she is egged on with cries of 'kill, kill'. The little girl, who appears to be around six or seven, is shown sitting on a ridge in her bright pink jumper and trainers, just behind the large machine gun. She chats away to a man behind the camera, telling him she is 'shooting at Daesh' in Kurdish - before firing several rounds into the desert. Shocking: The little girl claims she is firing the machine gun at 'Daesh', the Arabic name for ISIS . Kill: She tells the man she has killed 400 of the extremists so far, as he encourages her to kill more . Target: However, it is unclear exactly what the girl is shooting at in the minute-long video . The man asks her how many ISIS fighters she has killed so far, and she holds up four fingers while boasting '400'. As she fires the gun, and, according to Vocativ.com, he says: 'Kill, kill.' However, whether she has actually hit anything is unclear. The video - entitled Young YPG Girl Shoots PK Machine Gun - was posted in January, but has only recently emerged on social networks. YPG is the acronym for the People's Protection Unit, which has been battling ISIS since the extremists rise to power last year. But while ISIS are known for using young recruits to carry out executions, fight and even become suicide bombers, the Kurds have so far kept their children out of the battle. Propaganda: ISIS are known to use children in videos like this one, where they are being trained as fighters . Sickening: In more horrific videos, ISIS have claimed to be using children as executioners . Feared: The Kurdish are famous for their female fighters, who have been key to driving ISIS out . Rumours: ISIS fighters believe if they are killed by a woman they won't get their virgins in the afterlife . One of the most horrifying videos released by the Islamists showed a young boy seeming to execute a so-called spy. They have also released a video of dozens of 'child soldiers' from Kazakhstan, apparently being trained to fight against ISIS enemies. Instead, they are famous for their female recruits: it has proved to be one of their strengths against the militants, as they appear to believe if they are killed by a woman they will not be rewarded with 72 virgins in the afterlife. As a result ISIS fighters have been reluctant to enter battles with the Women's Protection Units, or YPJ, reportedly leading to descent within the ranks of the terrorists and hastening their retreat from battles in places like Kobane.

Summary: Video of little girl firing several rounds 'towards ISIS' has gone viral . The girl, dressed in pink, tells man off camera she has killed 400 fighters . The man encourages her by saying 'kill, kill' as she shoots machine gun . Kurdish known for their female fighters - but ISIS known for using children .


Fresh fears were raised last night that Greece could exit the eurozone after it was claimed negotiations with its European creditors were ‘not working’. An official at the International Monetary Fund reportedly admitted that he cannot envisage a successful conclusion to the country’s bailout. Greece this week repeated threats to stop paying off its loan and default on its debt if Europe refuses to release more funds. Thomsen's prediction was made as the Greek government repeated previous threats that unless more bail out money was made available then it would stop paying back creditors . This would make it harder for the country to remain in the eurozone, although no state has ever left and there is no official exit process. Poul Thomsen, the IMF's Europe Director has been quoted by the Greek media as saying he could not see a successful conclusion to the country's current bail out. The fund's Europe chief reportedly told his executive board that negotiations were not going as hoped, the Daily Telegraph reported. Thomsen's prediction was made as the Greek government repeated previous threats that unless more bail out money was made available then it would stop paying back creditors. One Greek official has been quoted by the Financial Times as saying that if the European Central Bank did not play ball with the Mediterranean Eurozone member there could be no alternative to a default. Mr. Thomsen also issued a warning over Greece's recent, weak economic performance. He met with Greece's finance minister Yanis Varoufakis earlier this month. Greece repaid a roughly €450 million loan instalment to the International Monetary last week but Athens' financial problems, as outlined by Mr. Thomsen, have renewed fears the country might miss the IMF payment of €200m payment on the 1st May and another for €745m 11 days later. This could lead to he EU member being forced, eventually, to leave the eurozone. The IMF debt stems from Greece's international bailout, under which the country was extended €240 billion in rescue loans from other eurozone countries and the IMF to prevent bankruptcy. Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis (left) met with Mr. Thomsen who expressed worry over the Greek economy. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' (right) government has been talking with creditors since January . Varoufakis has said that Greece is committed to making its repayments and accepts the fiscal restrictions imposed on the country but within reason. He said at a conference last week that Greece was 'not going to sign on the dotted line of anything you give us just to get the next loan tranche', 'At the very same time,' he added, 'we need to have a fiscal plan that makes sense. At the moment Greece is committed.' However,Greece's new left wing-led government which has been locked in strained negotiations with creditors since winning elections in January continues to hold its recent election victory over the international community. Varoufakis has said that Greece is committed to making its repayments and accepts the fiscal restrictions imposed on the country but within reason . Greece's defence minister Panos Kammenos, whose right-wing

Summary: IMF Europe head says bail-out negotiations with Athens are 'not working' Some Greek officials appear to be preparing themselves for a default . Eurozone member is beginning to run out of time for making fiscal reforms . Finance Minister said country was committed to changes at last repayment .


Incredible footage of a Sydney train station flooding during the storm of a decade on Wednesday has been captured on CCTV. A time lapse video, filmed from the platform over a 45 minute period at 11am, shows the water creeping along the tracks at Bardwell Park in Sydney's south forcing the partial closure of the T2 Airport line. At one point a worker in a high-vis jacket appears to look at the rising water to take a photo. The murky flood water eventually submerges the train line and begins moving like a river past the platform. Sydney's two-day total rainfall totalled about 225mm by 9am Wednesday – the most fall for almost 17 years. A time lapse video, filmed from the platform between 11am and 11.45am, shows storm water creeping along the tracks at Bardwell Park in Sydney's south . Although the storm had passed by Thursday, about 80 sets of traffic lights are still out across the city, and a number of main roads remain closed due to flooding. Twelve local government areas have been declared natural disaster zones, from Sydney's northern beaches to the Hunter Valley. Meanwhile, thousands of people remain stranded in parts of New South Wales as emergency services begin to clean up after devastating weather smashed the state over three days. On Thursday morning, the NSW State Emergency Service said about 2000 people in the Hunter Region - including the Macdonald Valley, Webbs Creek Valley and Colo Valley - are expected to be isolated for days. The murky flood water submerges the train line and begins moving like a river as it reaches almost the height of the platform . The flooding at Bardwell Park forced the partial closure of the T2 Airport line in Sydney . An evacuation order remains in place for parts of Milperra in Sydney, about 200,000 remain without power and the SES is still working to address 50 per cent of 12,420 calls for help it has received since Monday morning. In Dungog, in the Hunter Region, an elderly woman and two elderly men reportedly died in their homes as water surged through the small town after it received more than 300mm of rain in 24 hours. The Bureau of Meteorology said wild weather conditions would continue to ease on Thursday but warned floodwaters still had yet to peak in some areas - including Singleton and Bulga in the Hunter. NSW SES deputy commissioner Steven Pearce said: 'The recovery effort will be huge for those areas that have been smashed by what has been the largest storms in the last 10 years.' After being submerged in flood water, the airport line reopened in time for the afternoon peak . The train line appeared more like a river than a track on Wednesday . A cyclist powers his way through a flooded road, which was causing a traffic jam, at Bondi Junction in Sydney . Rain water made wellies a necessity in some Sydney train stations this week .

Summary: The video was filmed over 45 minutes at Bardwell Park station in Sydney . It shows the rising flood water taking over the train tracks . Sydney's two-day total rain fall totalled about 225mm on Wednesday . The flooding caused a partial closure of the airport train line .


Fed up with Facebook, or coming to realise, in the words of David Cameron, ‘too many tweets might make a t**t’? It may be time to consider a short, sharp trip to the suburbs of Beijing. Here, in a collection of drab, concrete buildings surrounding a large courtyard is a military-style bootcamp designed with one thing in mind: to treat victims of a very modern disease — a compulsive addiction to electronic gadgets. Formed in 2006, the Daxing Internet Addiction Treatment Centre (IATC) has so far welcomed 6,000 mostly young, mostly male patients — and claims to have ‘cured’ 75 per cent of them. Scroll down for video . Hooked up: With wires hanging from his head, a young boy undergoes electroencephalogram scans to measure brain activity. The centre believes internet addiction leads to brain problems similar to those from taking heroin . Online zombies: A line of dead-eyed Chinese youths play computer games at an internet cafe. The country's government said internet addiction affects 24 million of its 632 million internet users . Smart salute: At the Daxing Internet Addiction Treatment Centre, it’s time to put down that mouse, pull on a camouflage T-shirt and learn to click heels, not screen icons . The man behind the facility is Tao Ran, a doctor and colonel in the People’s Liberation Army, regarded as China’s leading expert in wangyin, or internet addiction, which is said by the country’s government to affect 24 million of its 632 million internet users. He describes wangyin as a form of mental illness, saying that 90 per cent of his patients are clinically depressed from a lack of normal social interaction. Many have back and eyesight problems due to spending up to 14 hours a day staring at screens, and a third suffer from eating disorders. ‘Internet addiction leads to problems in the brain similar to those derived from heroin consumption but, generally, it’s even more damaging,’ Mr Ran said recently. ‘It destroys relationships and deteriorates the body without the person knowing.’ To break it, Mr Ran confiscates all electronic devices from patients and forces them to follow a super-strict, military-style fitness regime, starting with parade drills at 6.30 each morning. They must also endure occasional spells in solitary confinement and take regular medication. Progress is monitored by psychiatric assessments and regular brain scans. Mr Ran only considers someone cured if, six months after their release, they use the internet for fewer than six hours per day. Some critics have called the techniques brutal. But they also yield results and there is high demand for places: the IATC, which charges £1,000 per month (more than twice the average Chinese urban worker’s wage) recently expanded, so it can treat 130 patients at any one time. Work that body: Military-style drills, exercises and weekly tai chi sessions help the young addicts to shed their indoor pallor . Open wide: A nurse checks that 14-year-old Yin Yu Tao has taken his medication — all part of the £1,000-a-month bootcamp . It isn’t alone: there are around 300 such clinics in China,

Summary: Dax Internet Addiction Treatment Centre in Beijing has welcomed 6,000 patients since it opened its doors in 2006 . The military-style bootcamp claims to have cured 75 per cent of their addiction to electronic gadgets . Internet addiction or wangyin is said to affect 24 million of the China's 632 million web users .


Claudia Martin, 33, has been convicted of suffocating her newborn baby daughter . A mother-of-five today avoided jail for suffocating her newborn baby daughter by stuffing toilet paper down her throat and hiding the infant's body in a suitcase. Claudia Martins, 33, wept as she walked free after a judge accepted she had a 'momentary abnormality of mental functioning' which she no longer suffered from. A court heard she was suffering from a condition known as a 'pathological denial of pregnancy' which continued after giving birth to a baby girl. Until that point she had managed to keep her pregnancy secret from her family and gave birth to the child in the bath before killing her. She 'intended' to dispose of the tragic baby's body unnoticed, wrapping it in a plastic bag and towels, but was prevented from doing so when paramedics arrived and whisked her off to hospital. Earlier that evening she had complained to her family of a bad back but an ambulance was called when it was noticed she had wrapped herself in blood-soaked towels. Before she left her sister's home in Knowle, Bristol, on September 12 last year, she was seen rearranging items in a suitcase and placed items on top. Three days later, her sister, Vilma, complained of a smell coming from Martins' bedroom and traced it to the suitcase, Bristol Crown Court heard. When she opened it she found towels soaked in blood and the body of a baby girl, which was between 35 and 36 weeks gestation. Martins was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Mr Justice Teare, sentencing Martins at Winchester Crown Court, Hampshire, to a two year community order with supervision requirements, described her actions as 'wholly out of character'. He said: 'On September 12 last year you gave birth to a baby girl and very shortly afterwards you killed that baby by inserting tissue paper in her mouth. A court heard Claudia Martins (pictured) was suffering from a condition known as a 'pathological denial of pregnancy' 'Immediately thereafter you hid the baby in a suitcase and it was not discovered for three days. 'The explanation for your conduct is you were suffering from an abnormality of mental functioning which substantially impaired your judgement. 'This arose from a medical condition known as a pathological denial of pregnancy which continued despite the obvious presence of a baby. 'The giving of birth didn't bring the denial to an end and you continued to deny the pregnancy to your family, friends and medical personnel. 'It was a great shock to you and induced in you a state of panic. 'Your actions of killing the baby were a manifestation of your irrational condition and your actions were wholly out of character.' He added that her friends provided glowing references of her childcare qualities which were in 'stark contrast' to her actions on September 12 last year. Martins (pictured) was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility . He continued: 'Quite why you developed a

Summary: Claudia Martins convicted of the manslaughter of her newborn baby girl . The 33-year-old killed the infant by filling its mouth with toilet paper . Convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility . Avoids jail as judge says she suffered 'momentary abnormality of mental functioning'


Frank Sinatra underwent a vasectomy so could not have fathered Ronan Farrow, according to his youngest daughter, Tina Sinatra. Showbiz 411's Roger Friedman said that the 66-year-old laughed when he asked her if Mia Farrow's son Ronan was her brother. He said that Tina, who is the daughter of Sinatra and his first wife Nancy, told him: 'Couldn't be. Frank had a vasectomy before that. I don't know whose son Ronan is.' Scroll down for video . Frank Sinatra (left) underwent a vasectomy so could not have fathered Ronan Farrow, (right) according to his youngest daughter, Tina Sinatra . Mia Farrow had previously admitted the singer may be the father of her Ronan (both pictured) It has never been reported before that Sinatra underwent the medical procedure. In 2013, Mia Farrow admitted that Frank Sinatra may be the father of her son, instead of Woody Allen. Tina Sinatra, 66, ridiculed claims Ronan Farrow was her brother . Rumours . about the parentage of her son Ronan, 27, have long dogged the actress, and she addressed the issue in the interview saying the legendary crooner was 'possibly' his father. Ronan Farrow later responded by tweeting: 'Listen, we're all *possibly* Frank Sinatra's son.' Farrow, now 70, said that Sinatra was the great love of her life, and says, 'We never really split up.' Farrow married Sinatra in 1966 in Las Vegas when she was 21 and he was 50. The marriage fell apart 18 months later when she refused to drop her critically-acclaimed performance in Rosemary's Baby to star in a movie with her husband. They divorced in 1968. Two years later, Farrow married German-Austrian pianist Andre Previn. The couple adopted three children and also had three biological children before divorcing in 1979. In 1980, Farrow started a long-term relationship with Woody Allen, although the two never lived together. She and the children stayed in her massive Upper West Side New York apartment while he had a home on the other side of the city. Farrow became Allen's muse and starred in 13 of his films, most notable Hannah And Her Sisters in 1986. Earlier bonds: Woody Allen and Mia Farrow walk as Mia carries their son Satchel, who later changed his name to Ronan . 1966: Actress Mia Farrow married Sinatra in Las Vegas when she was 21 and he was 50. 1968: The couple split just 18 months after getting married and got divorced. 1971: Mia Farrow then married German-Austrian pianist Andre Previn.They went on to adopt three children - Lark Song, Summer Daisy Song, and Soon-Yi - and had three biological children - twins Matthew and Sascha and finally Fletcher. 1976: Frank Sinatra married Barbara Marx.1979: Farrow and Previn divorced. 1980: Farrow started dating Woody Allen. They adopted two girls - Moses and Dylan. 1987: Farrow gave birth to a boy, Ronan, on December 19. Ronan was the only biological child of the couple. 1992: The couple split when Farrow discovered Allen was having an affair with her oldest adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn, then 22. 1992 - 1995: Farrow went on

Summary: Tina Sinatra, 66, laughed when he asked if Mia Farrow's son Ronan, 27, was her brother . She said: 'Couldn't be. Frank had a vasectomy before that. I don't know whose son Ronan is' In 2013, Mia Farrow admitted that Frank Sinatra may be the father of her son, instead of Woody Allen .


Divock Origi has revealed that the progress of Jordon Ibe at Liverpool this season has left him counting the days until he makes his Anfield bow. The Belgium striker was signed by Liverpool in a £10million deal after impressing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, before being loaned back to Lille for the 2014-15 season. But Origi has been following Liverpool's progress from across the English Channel and after seeing the rise of Ibe and Raheem Sterling, is eagerly anticipating working under Brendan Rodgers. Divock Origi said the progress of Liverpool's youngsters have heightened his excitement at joining the club . Origi referenced the progress of winger Jordon Ibe (left) as an example of youth players improving at the club . Origi added that he thinks the long-term progress of Raheem Sterling means he is joining the right club . 'When you see how the coach and the staff work with the young players - how Sterling, for example, has learned over the years and how Ibe is now integrating with the team, it is very interesting,' Origi told Liverpool's official website. 'It is very nice to have seen that this season. 'The manager is one of the reasons I came to Liverpool - he's someone who has proven he knows how to work with young players, knows how to develop young players and also lets them play.' Origi, who has scored seven times in Ligue 1 this season, believes that the backing of Liverpool's supporters will help him elevate his game. 'I'm somebody who when I feel loved, when I feel appreciated by the supporters, then I can give even more. It gives you a boost on the field. In Belgium it was this way, and I can see it at Liverpool.' Origi (second eight) earned a transfer to Liverpool after impressing for Belgium at the 2014 World Cup . Origi added that the challenges he has faced at Lille this season will make him a better player for Liverpool . Origi admits it has been a challenging season at Lille attempting balance the demands of the league with the Europa League but believes the experience he has gained means he will arrive at Liverpool a better player than this time last year. 'In a mental aspect, I've learnt a lot and I've learnt a lot about football and people looking at you,' Origi said. 'It's made me stronger and that's essential for me before coming to Liverpool.'

Summary: Divock Origi signed for Liverpool last year but went back to Lille on loan . He will join up with Liverpool properly after the end of the season . Origi is impressed with the progress of Jordon Ibe and Raheem Sterling . Sterling insists contract criticism 'goes in one ear and out the other' CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


A 32-year-old woman was harassed and intimidated last week when she tried to pick up her four children from the fundamentalist Mormon sect she bravely left to escape an abusive husband. Sabrina Broadbent Tetzner, 32, fled the sect headed by convicted rapist Warren Jeffs eight years ago and finally gained full custody of her children (ages 8 to 13) last week. But when she tried to pick up her children from the Colorado City, Utah community where they have been living, she was physically stopped by hundreds of cult members hell bent on keeping the kids. 'Lots of members from the community started showing up. They surrounded her vehicle, the home, fences and the yard. They were kicking the van. They even tried to put a cow and chickens into her vehicle,' ex-cult member Flora Jessop, who helped Tetzner through her legal battle, told KSL. Scroll down for video . Intimidation: An ex-fundamentalist Mormon tried to get her four children back from the sect and was met by 600 cult members physically barring the reunion . Surrounded: Sabrina Broadbent Tetzner, 32, is seen inside her van as she waits to be reunited with her children on Friday . Escaped: Tetzner (left) left the FLDS sect headed by Warren Jeffs eight years ago and was granted full custody of her children ages 8-13 last Thursday . Visitation: Since leaving the sect, Tetzner remarried and had another son, who is now a toddler. Pictured about with her youngest son and her four children from her previous marriage on a visit in December . Victory: Ms Tetzner pictured outside the Mohave County court after winning custody of her children . Cell phone footage shows swarms of polygamists surrounding Tetzner's van, the women dressed in conservative floor-length dresses in varying pastel colors. A Mohave County judge ordered the sect to turn over the children at 5pm Thursday, but Tetzner says that when she got to the compound at the arranged time her kids were nowhere to be seen. It was only at midnight that they returned, and were quickly shepherded into their aunt Samantha Holm's house where several dozen fundamentalists kept them from seeing her mother. 911: Tetzner eventually had to call police, who took out a search warrant to pry the children from their aunt's home. Pictured above in photos posted to Facebook . Tetzner spent the night in her van, fearing the vehicle would be torn apart if she left it unattended. When even about 600 cult members surrounded her vehicle in the morning, and kept her from reaching the home where her children were staying, Tetzner called police to intervene on her children's behalf. Sheriff's deputies had to take out a search warrant to pry the children from the house and into their mother's waiting arms. New life: Tetzner pictured above with her new husband and their toddler son in a photo posted to Facebook last year . Reunion: Tetzner and the four children she won in a custody battle last week pictured above on a visit in February 2014 . The style:

Summary: Sabrina Broadbent Tetzner escaped the Colorado City, Arizona fundamentalist Mormon sect headed by Warren Jeffs eight years ago . Last week, the 32-year-old mother gained full custody of her four children, ages 8 to 13 . When she tried to pick up the kids from their aunt's house, she was physically barred by hundreds of cult members . Sheriff's deputies had to take out a search warrant to reunite the mother with her two daughters and two sons .


Eden Hazard needs to become more selfish if he wants to be considered alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, according to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. The Chelsea playmaker is closing in on a first Premier League title after another impressive season, which has seen him emerge as favourite to pick up the PFA Player of the Year award. Despite scoring 13 goals and making eight assists in 32 appearances, Scholes believes the 24-year-old needs to be more ruthless to be compared with the world's best players. Eden Hazard celebrates scoring the winner against Manchester United as Chelsea close in on the title . The Chelsea playmaker is favourite to pick up the PFA Player of the Year award this season . Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Lionel Messi are recognised as the world's two best players - ahead of Hazard . 'One thing I do wonder with Hazard is whether he has that hunger to score goals that you see in Ronaldo, Messi and [Luis] Suarez,' Scholes wrote in The Independent. 'Those are players who have a ferocious appetite to put the ball in the net. They're unstoppable. Hazard seems to me to be a relatively gentle soul. One who is just as happy skipping past a couple of opponents and putting it on a plate for a team-mate. 'He does that very well, and I have no doubt he will deserve his accolade at the PFA awards. Playing the way he does, under pressure to score goals and make them, is not easy and he has been a big part of Chelsea's success. 'But in this modern age, if he wishes to challenge the achievements of Messi and Ronaldo then he will have to prove that he can match their relentless desire to score goals.' Chelsea fans show their appreciation for the Belgium international at Stamford Bridge . Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes (right) believes Hazard needs to be more ruthless . Nonetheless, Scholes says he would vote for Hazard as PFA Player of the Year ahead of Tottenham striker Harry Kane - who has netted 30 goals in all competitions during his breakthrough season. Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez, Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho and Hazard's team-mate Diego Costa are also in the running. 'My vote would go to Hazard,' Scholes added. 'I prefer the attacking footballers – you wouldn't expect me to say otherwise – and Hazard has been the best in that regard. 'Not streets ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, and nothing like the wow-factor of those two big players at Barcelona and Real Madrid. But Hazard has made the difference in big games, like the one against Manchester United.'

Summary: Chelsea travel to Arsenal as they close in on the Premier League title . Eden Hazard has scored 13 goals during another impressive season . Ex-Man United star Paul Scholes says Hazard needs to be more ruthless . Then he'll compete with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, says Scholes .


A video allegedly showing ISIS militants destroying a historic city in northern Iraq dating back to the 13th century B.C. using sledgehammers, drills and barrel bombs, has emerged this morning. ISIS fighters can be seen hammering and drilling away at sculptures and stone slabs believed to be some 3,000 years old in the ruins of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud, located near the Islamic State-controlled city of Mosul. The seven-minute expertly edited video, purportedly shows Islamic State destroying the relics before bulldozing and blowing up the ruins, completely obliterating the historic site. The destruction at Nimrud, which took place last month, follows other attacks on cultural heritage sites carried out by the Islamic State, which now holds a third of Iraq and neighboring Syria in its self-declared caliphate. Scroll down for video . Attack: An ISIS militant uses a sledgehammer to destroy a several thousand years old stone slab in a video allegedly showing the group's attack on the ancient ruins of the city of Nimrud, near Mosul, Iraq . As well as attacking the city by hand, hammer and drill, the video shows the group making barrel bombs which they lined up along the ancient relics inside the ruins of what was once the capital of the Assyrian Empire, founded some time in the 13th century B.C. ISIS released the video, believed to have been filmed last month, showing militants smashing artifacts in the historic city, which is on UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage sites, before blowing it up . The attack on the ancient site horrified archaeologists when it was first reported last month, and has been declared a 'war crime' by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The seven-minute video, posted late Saturday, shows bearded militants using sledgehammers, jackhammers and saws to take down huge alabaster reliefs depicting Assyrian kings and deities. A bulldozer brings down walls, while militants fill barrels with explosives and later destroy three separate areas of the site in massive explosions. 'God has honored us in the Islamic State to remove all of these idols and statutes worshipped instead of Allah in the past days,' one militant says in the video. Another militant vows that 'whenever we seize a piece of land, we will remove signs of idolatry and spread monotheism.' Attack: The video, made available by a Jihadist media outlet, shows ISIS militants destroying a stoneslab with a sledgehammer at what they say is the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in northern Iraq . Horrified: The attack on the ancient site has been declared a 'war crime' by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon . Islamic State militants have been destroying ancient relics on several sites, daying they promote idolatry that violate their fundamentalist interpretation of Islamic law . It is believed parts of the footage may be from a nearby site as some of the figures in the Nimrud video appears to have rebar, ribbed steel bars designed to reinforce concrete that are a technique of modern building. However, an Iraqi Antiquities Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said all the items at Nimrud

Summary: ISIS fighters destroyed ancient ruins of Iraqi Assyrian city of Nimrud dating back to the 13th century B.C. The attack, near Mosul, took place last month, but a seven-minute video of destruction has now emerged . It shows militants hacking and drilling away at 3,000-year-old relics and blowing up the ancient ruins . The U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called the destruction of the Nimrud ruins 'a war crime'


From the lack of sleep to breastfeeding, becoming a mother for the first time is no mean feat. One new mother decided to start a blog called Upfront Mama detailing the trials and tribulations of raising her little girl Poppy, 14 months, who, she says, is the best and most life changing thing that has ever happened to her. Like so many new mothers, Nicola Bonn, 34, from London was learning on the job and found the whole experience 'exciting yet utterly petrifying'. Scroll down for video . Nicola Bonn, 34, from London, started a candid blog called Upfront Mama detailing the trials and tribulations of raising her little girl Poppy, 14 months, and many of her posts have gone viral . She wanted to share all the things that she had learnt so that fellow mothers wouldn’t feel as 'clueless' as she did. One of her blog posts, Why We Need to Stop Justifying Ourselves, went viral - no doubt thanks to her candid account of bringing up a baby for the first time. Here, she shares it with FEMAIL... 'Since becoming a mama I’ve spent way too much time explaining myself and almost apologising for my decisions and I’ve decided that it has to stop. 'The problem is that when you have a baby, everyone has an opinion and they’re often not afraid to air it which can be quite overwhelming for a new mother who is less experienced than the 'advice giver' and is most probably filled with high levels of self doubt. Nicola, 34, wanted to share all the things that she had learnt so that fellow mothers wouldn’t feel as 'clueless' as she did, and admits that since becoming a mother, she's spent way too much time explaining herself and almost apologising for her decisions - and she's decided that it has to stop . She believes one of the main hurdles is that everyone has an opinion and they're often not afraid to air it, which. she says, can be quite overwhelming for a new mother who is less experienced . 'Over the past year, countless people have questioned decisions that I have made. They always do it in this seemingly innocent but quite obviously judgemental way that is hair-pullingly irritating and invariably follow it with a comment about what they might do better. 'Off the top of my head, here are some examples: . 1. You’re still feeding Poppy milk when she wakes up during the night? Oh I wouldn’t do that..she’s far too old. 2. You rock her to sleep? Do you not think she should be self settling at this age? 3. You encourage her to play with her food? Isn’t that encouraging bad manners? 4. You don’t breast feed? You do know that it really is best for bonding? 5. You take her on the underground? It’s full of germs. Why do you do that? 'Instead of doing what I should and saying 'yes I do' in a firm but polite way and ending the conversation there, I always go into great

Summary: Nicola Bonn, a journalist and broadcaster, shares her candid account . Says she's found becoming a new mother 'exciting yet utterly petrifying' Is fed up of other mothers judging her and giving her advice .


Chelsea are discussing the possibility of a post-season tour, a move that could upset numerous international managers. Jose Mourinho didn't rule out a potential 12,000-mile round trip to Japan, home of new sponsors Yokohama Rubber, . No final decision has been made on a destination but if a tour goes ahead, the squad is likely to fly out on either May 28 or 29 for a two-match, week-long trip. Jose Mourinho did not rule out the prospect of a 12,000-mile round trip for a pre-season tour in Japan . The news may concern a string of international bosses who will be relying on Chelsea players for their mid-June friendlies and qualifiers. For instance, Belgium face France in a friendly on June 7 before a vital Euro 2016 qualifier against Wales on June 12. England, Spain and Serbia, who all have Chelsea players in their squads, all have games between June 12-14. Likewise, the proposed tour would also have implications for Chelsea's South American contingent, including Oscar, Willian and Juan Cuadrado, ahead of the Copa America on June 11. FIFA rules state that nations are entitled to players 14 days before the start of a tournament. It is highly likely that those players involved in the Copa America would be given permission to miss Chelsea's post-season tour. Chelsea are yet to finalise plans for their pre-season as they lead the way at the top of the Premier League . Mourinho said: 'I think we'll go on an after-season tour to play a couple of matches in some destination where people will be very enthusiastic to have the Premier League champions, if we win it. 'It's something we are thinking about, a good way to celebrate. Not a victory parade, but a trip, a week where we play a couple of matches but, at the same time, can be together without the pressure of winning every match, without the pressure and tension of the last weeks of the Premier League. 'We can also relax and go to holidays with that good feeling. But we still have nine matches to play. 'Mr Bruce Buck and the board are talking with me. We want to go somewhere where people are enthusiastic to have a club like Chelsea. 'Japan? I don't know but that would make some sense.'

Summary: Chelsea are considering a pre-season tour to Japan this summer . If it goes ahead, the 12,000-mile round trip would likely last for two weeks . But international bosses will require Chelsea players in June .


Tim Sherwood said his Aston Villa team ‘bamboozled’ Liverpool and paid particular tribute to Christian Benteke, Fabian Delph and Jack Grealish, the teenager who shone on his Wembley debut. Villa earned a comeback win to book their place in the FA Cup final against Arsenal and end Steven Gerrard’s dream of lifting the famous old trophy on his birthday before bidding farewell to the club. Sherwood was dealt a blow by Gabby Agbonlahor’s failure to overcome a hamstring injury, but adapted his plans to brilliant effect as Liverpool struggled to cope with Villa’s fluid attack. Christian Benteke is congratulated by Aston Villa team-mate Fabian Delph after scoring at Wembley . The Villa manager said: ‘We changed the way we played. We normally go very direct, and use our pace down the sides, I think Liverpool would have expected us to do that. ‘But we played it short through the thirds and caused some problems in the little pockets of areas. They were a little bit bamboozled to be honest. ‘We needed to create a threat. I’m not sure Liverpool tried to second-guess what we were going to do but I don’t think they would have expected that.’ ‘We looked Liverpool and thought it might cause them a few problems if we played two No.10s with Jack Grealish and Charles N’Zogbia and it turned out that way. They got them on the back foot. ‘We needed to get players in support of Christian Benteke. I thought our game plan worked perfectly. We weren’t worried about what Liverpool were going to do. We just knew if we played like we can we were going to cause them a lot of problems.’ Brendan Rodgers conceded his side had been second best, but praised captain Gerrard, who had a late header cleared off the line. Aston Villa players chase Delph after the England midfielder made it 2-1 with 36 minutes left on the clock . ‘He was doing everything, everything he possibly could to help the team,’ said the Liverpool boss. ‘I thought he was excellent. But collectively we didn't perform well enough to get a victory.’ Sherwood kept faith with Grealish, the 19-year-old academy graduate, after handing him his first Premier League start against Queens Park Rangers a fortnight ago. He did not disappoint, playing a part in Benteke’s equaliser, then setting up Delph’s winner. ‘The bigger the stage the better he plays, the more he relishes it,’ said Sherwood. ‘That’s the sign of a good talent. Jack’s someone I looked at before I was at the club and when I’ve seen him in training, if you give him an instruction he sticks to the plan. He’s got a big future at the football club.’ Delph and team-mate Ashley Westwood celebrate their FA Cup win over Liverpool at Wembley . Grealish, who wears children’s shinpads and socks rolled down, won two free-kicks for his team through dribbling with the ball. ‘He’s very durable,’ added Sherwood. ‘You should see the size of his legs, he’s still a kid, he’s still learning. He takes more kicks in

Summary: Tim Sherwood paid tribute to his bamboozling side after Wembley win . Aston Villa came from behind to beat Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side . Sherwood feels Liverpool did not expect how his side approached game . Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph starred as Villains booked final place .


A laser could be mounted on the International Space Station and used to shoot down pieces of space debris in Earth orbit, says a new paper. The system would use a telescope already mounted on the station to find and target pieces of debris up to 62 miles (100km) away. Powerful pulses from the laser would then push space junk into Earth’s atmosphere, where it would burn up. Tokyo researchers have proposed a laser system to attach to the ISS. It would be used to shoot down pieces of debris in Earth orbit (artist's illustration shown). The system would have a range of 62 miles (100km) and could target things less than 0.4 inches (1cm) in size . The paper, by researchers at the Riken research institute in Tokyo, was published in Acta Astronautica. Their system would use the Extreme Universe Space Observatory’s (EUSO) super-wide-field telescope on Japan’s Kibo Experiment Module on the ISS. The laser, meanwhile, use bundles of optical fibres to produce powerful laser pulses - capable of both high power and high frequency, although exact figures were not given. Since the first object, Sputnik 1, was launched into space 53 years ago, mankind has created a swarm of hundreds of thousands of items of debris. The rubbish circling the planet comes from old rockets, abandoned satellites and missile shrapnel. There are around 22,000 objects in orbit that are big enough for officials on the ground to track and countless more smaller ones that could do damage to human-carrying spaceships and valuable satellites. One major source of debris in the past was a Chinese anti-satellite missile test in 2007 that left an estimated 150,000 pieces of junk in the atmosphere. Accidental events have also contributed to the problem. In 2009 for instance there was a major crash between a U.S. communications satellite and a defunct Russian military probe over Siberia. Combining these two instruments would create a system that could deorbit space debris down to the size of 0.4 inches (one centimetre). The impact of the laser beam on debris would create a force that reduced its velocity, causing it to fall into Earth’s atmosphere and burn up. The group plans to deploy a small proof-of-concept experiment on the ISS, with a small, eight-inch (20-centimetre) version of the EUSO telescope and a laser with 100 fibres. ‘If that goes well, we plan to install a full-scale version on the ISS, incorporating a three-meter [10ft] telescope and a laser with 10,000 fibres, giving it the ability to deorbit debris with a range of approximately 100 kilometers [62 miles],’ said lead researcher Dr Toshikazu Ebisuzaki. Looking further into the future, the team said they could have a ‘free-flyer’ mission not attached to ISS in another orbit to shoot down debris. For example, such a system could be deployed in polar orbit at an altitude of about 500 miles (800km), ‘where the greatest concentration of debris is found,’ according to Dr Ebisuzaki. Without going into specifics, the team says their proposal could remove ‘most’ of the centimetre-sized debris in Earth orbit within five

Summary: Tokyo researchers have proposed a laser system to attach to the ISS . It would be used to shoot down pieces of debris in Earth orbit . Would have a range of 100km and could target things less than 1cm in size . The team says their proposal could remove 'most' of the debris in orbit .


These shocking pictures show a group of young thugs shooting at each other and family homes in a reign of terror which has left an entire community terrified. Families on the High Green estate in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, say they are being 'held to ransom' by gangs of yobs shooting at their homes and cars with the weapons. CCTV footage shows the youngsters shooting at properties, cars and each other as they blatantly carry the air rifles and BB guns through the estate, sparking terror among the area's residents. Scroll down for video . Families say they are being 'held to ransom' by yobs shooting at homes and cars with air rifles and BB guns . Residents even claim one woman who confronted the yobs was shot at. A mother-of-three, who asked not be named, released the appalling footage and says she has been left 'terrified' by the thugs. She said one brave neighbour who confronted the youths was fired at by the gang. The frightened mother said: 'Something needs done about this gang - they are putting pellets through windows and cars and it is only a matter of time before somebody is hurt. The CCTV footage shows the youngsters shooting at both homes and each other as they blatantly carry the air rifles and BB guns through the estate, sparking terror among the area's residents . 'They have intimidated, threatened and terrorised people for too long now.' A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'We take reports of firearms and gun crime incredibly seriously in South Yorkshire and this story gives us cause for concern.' He also urged residents to report incidents. A residents' association spokesman for the area said: 'Our community is entitled to live free of fear, intimidation or damage and loss. 'The few that are committing these offences should not hold the estate to ransom. 'We have lodged a request for a meeting with the police, Crime Commissioner, council housing, council ASBO team, councillors and prospective councillors to discuss the behaviour.' One brave resident who decided to confront the youths was allegedly fired at by the gang . The spokesman for the Angram Bank Tenants' and Residents' association added: 'I tell you why you must report these goings on. Until the police can prove who these criminals are they can't act. 'The police are human beings not mind readers, none of us want people being arrested without evidence, so it's up to you to do your bit to make High Green a lovely place to live again.' A South Yorkshire Police spokesman added: 'We await our meeting with the local community to discuss these concerns and in the meantime, if anyone does hold any information about individuals they believe could be in possession of a fireearm or is using a firearm in a threatening manner, please call us on 101 or 999 if a life is at risk.'

Summary: Group of young thugs are terrorising High Green estate in Sheffield . Youngsters are using BB guns and air rifles to shoot at cars and homes . Terrified residents on estate say they are being 'held to ransom' by yobs . Claim woman was shot at and concerned someone will be seriously injured .


Bayer Leverkusen has released Emir Spahic from his contract with immediate effect following his fight with security personnel after the German Cup defeat to Bayern Munich. Leverkusen managing director Michael Schade says 'the latest revelations from the case last Wednesday leave us no other choice.' Spahic was filmed fighting the club's security personnel, reportedly after they refused to allow his friends entry inside the locker room area. Bayern won the quarterfinal match on penalties. Emir Spahic (centre) has been released by Bayer Leverkusen after being involved in a brawl . The defender was incensed that security personnel wouldn't let his friends into the players changing rooms . The Bosnian international (red) throws a punch in the melee of bodies and was sacked for the offence . With Cologne's public prosecutor involved, Leverkusen announced it was cooperating fully with the investigation. Leverkusen says Spahic accepted responsibility for his actions and agreed to the termination of his contract, which was due to run to 2016. The 34-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina defender injured his knee in the match and was ruled out for up to four weeks.

Summary: Emir Spahic sacked with immediate effect by Bayer Leverkusen . The defender was seen brawling with security officials last weekend . Spahic has accepted responsibility and leaves the German side .


Andrea Dossena, a man Liverpool once shelled out £7million for, has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting in Harrods. The 33-year-old, who now plies his trade with League One strugglers Leyton Orient, was arrested at the Knightsbridge store on Tuesday. Dossena, whose crowning moment for Liverpool came when he scored the winner against Real Madrid in the Champions League, was later bailed. Andrea Dossena (scoring for Liverpool against Real Madrid) has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting . Dossena celebrates with Ryan Babel after scoring against Manchester United in March 2009 . He also netted four days after that strike against Real back in March 2009, lobbing Edwin van der Sar away at Manchester United in a 4-1 win. He earned around £40,000-a-week at Anfield. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Police arrested a 33-year-old male and a 31-year-old woman on April 7 on suspicion of shoplifting at Harrods. 'They were taken to a west London police station. 'Both the man and woman have been bailed to a date in late April, pending further enquiries.' Dossena has been capped by Italy on 10 occasions and also played for Sunderland under Paolo Di Canio and Gus Poyet at the back end of last season. Dossena signed a short-term contract with League One strugglers Leyton Orient back in November . He was heralded by Rafa Benitez on arriving on Merseyside from Udinese back in 2008, but made only 13 Premier League starts for the club. Dossena has appeared 13 times for Orient this season but has found life tough in the third tier. Leyton Orient released a brief statement on Wendnesday, saying: 'The Club are aware of the incident reported earlier today involving Andrea Dossena. 'However, the Club is not in a position to make any further comment on this matter whilst it is being dealt with by the authorities.' No-one at Harrods was available for comment. Dossena was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting at Harrods in Knightsbridge on Tuesday . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Andrea Dossena arrested on suspicion of shoplifting on Tuesday . Italian Dossena was later bailed with a 31-year-old woman . The 33-year-old plays for League One strugglers Leyton Orient . Dossena was informed by police on April 10 that no further action would be taken in relation to the incident . Since publication of this article, representatives for the player have informed us that the incident was down to an oversight when he forgot to pay for honey and dried beef. Dossena was informed by police on April 10 that no further action would be taken.


Thierry Henry hailed 'the detective' Francis Coquelin for his midfield display in Arsenal's hard-fought victory over Burnley at Turf Moor. The former Gunners striker said that Coquelin was his man of the match in Arsenal's 1-0 win, and he labelled the 23-year-old 'Columbo'. Coquelin played a key role in Aaron Ramsey's 12th-minute goal when he intercepted a Burnley pass and got his team on the front foot. Thierry Henry hailed the display of Francis Coquelin in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor . Henry was speaking on Sky Sports' coverage of the Premier League encounter on Saturday night . Speaking on Sky Sports' coverage of the Premier League encounter, Henry said: 'I thought he was brilliant today. He was our man of the match. He senses the danger and is there straight away.' Coquelin joined Arsenal in 2008 as a teenager and has had loan spells at Lorient, Freiburg and most recently Charlton. This season, though, the Frenchman has capitalised on some injuries in his position by impressing in his role as Arsenal's holding midfielder. Coquelin was Arsenal's man of the match, according to former Gunners striker Henry . The 23-year-old midfielder plays a pass under pressure from Burnley's David Jones . Henry added: 'He went away a bit before coming back to Arsenal and maybe that helped him. 'Maybe he realised "I don't want to go on loan anymore. I want to play and show everyone I can play for Arsenal". 'He understood he had to be that type of player to play for Arsenal.' Arsenal celebrated their eighth straight Premier League victory with a 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor . Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also praised the mental strength of Coquelin after seeing his team record their eighth straight league win. Wenger said: 'He gives the ball quickly and well and is good technuically. Overall he has contributed to the balance of the team. 'This is a player who has been with us for seven years. Sometimes you have to be patient. I'm very happy for him because it shows great mental strength.'

Summary: Thierry Henry praised Francis Coquelin's performance at Turf Moor . The former Arsenal striker was speaking on Sky Sports' coverage . Henry referred to Coquelin as 'the detective' and 'Columbo'


A student who identifies as gender neutral claims a Whataburger in Austin, Texas denied service because the student was wearing lingerie. Tyler Grant, a junior at the University of Texas prefers to be referred to by neutral plural pronouns such as 'they,' 'them', or 'their' instead of 'he,' or 'she,' and sometimes wears women's clothing. Video footage posted to Twitter from early on Sunday morning shows a restaurant manager telling Grant and a friend not to enter the fast food restaurant because Grant was dressed in 'inappropriate attire,' reports The Houston Chronicle. Scroll down for video . Denied entry: Tyler Grant, pictured outside a Whataburger on Sunday morning, claims the restaurant denied service because Grant was wearing a dress . Gender queer: Tyler Grant identifies as gender queer and though Grant was assigned a male, Grant sometimes likes to wear women's dresses . Austin, Texas has a non-discrimination ordinance that bars establishment from denying service to someone based on their sexuality. Grant believes the restaurant was discriminatory because of Grant's gender identity. 'I really believe it was transphobia-driven and I don't think it had anything to do with what I was wearing,' Grant told The Houston Chronicle. Whataburger claims they denied Grant not because of gender identity but because Grant was wearing too revealing an outfit to be let inside. 'Whataburger is proud to serve all customers regardless of race, gender or orientation. This wasn't an issue of gender but of appropriate attire as this guest was dressed in lingerie. Again, we welcome everyone into our restaurants but our customers' experience is our top priority. We are reviewing these events with our team members and will take appropriate action if needed,' said the restaurant. Grant wrote on Facebook that after being denied entry early on Sunday morning, Grant decided to go back to the restaurant to express sadness at not being let in. May press charges: Tyler Grant is a patron of the Whataburger and may decide to press charges against the restaurant popular among students at the University of Texas . Chameleon: Tyler Grant likes to model many different looks despite being assigned male . Pretty in purple: Grant is proud to wear a variety of different outfits and feels as though the restaurant was discriminatory . Supporting a cause: Tyler Grant is an advocate for gender rights and is against discrimination . Grant says the female employee explained Grant was not let in because Grant was 'wearing see-through clothing'. The student says that their clothing was not see-through and that they were wearing hip and butt pads along with two pairs of dancers tights and three pairs of nude pantyhose. 'If it were see-through, then she would have seen my brightly colored underwear,' Grant said on Facebook. Grant says the argument over entry began when an off-duty officer from the Texas Department of Safety told Grant and a friend who were walking barefoot to put on shoes. Grant said that they would agree by putting on high-heeled shoes. 'Wait, are you a dude? the off-duty officer allegedly told them. That's

Summary: Tyler Grant claims a Whataburger in Texas denied service because Grant was wearing a dress . The Whataburger says they did not let Grant enter because the outfit in question was see-through . 'If it were see-through, then she would have seen my brightly colored underwear,' Grant said on Facebook . Grant claims the outfit consisted of five pairs of tights . Grant is still deciding whether or not to pursue legal action .


A female CEO from Texas is under fire this week for saying that a woman cannot be president because of her 'hormones.' Cheryl Rios, who runs the company Go Ape Marketing, posted her views on her Facebook page on Sunday after Hillary Clinton announced that she was going to run for president. 'With the hormones we have, there is no way [a woman] should be able to start a war,' she wrote in her post. Scroll down for video . Women have hormones: Cheyrl Rios doesn't think a woman can be president because she has female 'hormones' that would get in the way of her being able to start a war . Leading lady: Democratic presidential hopeful and former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, pictured on April 15, announced her plans to run for president on Sunday . 'Yes I run my own business and I love it and I am great at it BUT that is not the same as being the President, that should be left to a man, a good, strong, honorable man,' she told CBS. Rios said that she supports equal rights for men and women but thinks that, 'there’s an old biblical sound reasoning why a woman shouldn’t be president.' Rios did not reference any biblical verse. Rios' comments sparked criticism on social media with people calling Rios a misogynist and a hypocrite. 'Your lack of knowledge of strong women leaders in history baffles me and your position as a CEO makes it so much worse,' wrote mdj20000 on Twitter. 'You're the dumbest person I've ever had to read about in the news. I wish I could have those 3 minutes back of my life,' Tweeted Chloe Bender. Her opinion: Cheryl Rios wrote that she is entitled to her own opinions and shouldn't be criticized . Rios responded to the venom on Twitter by posting, 'Will say this and leave it at that. I believe in what I believe. In this great country we are allowed our own opinions.' Rios said that she doesn't think that women should be 'abused' and thinks they can make a 'great lawyer or doctor' but not a president of the country. 'I didn't say that women should be abused, or that they are stupid or can't be lawyers, doctors or run successful businesses, I fully know and support that they can as I have done that. I mentioned one position only the Head of our government, the Head of State, the Commander in Chief, the President. With that, please stop the nastiness as it wasn't meant in that light. Peace, Love and Happiness,' she said.

Summary: Cheryl Rios of Dallas posted her views on her Facebook page on Sunday after Hillary Clinton announced that she was going to run for president . 'With the hormones we have, there is no way [a woman] should be able to start a war,' she wrote in her post . Rios, the CEO of Go Ape Marketing and says she women can be successful in business, but doesn't think a woman can run the country . Rios said she would move to Canada if Hillary Clinton became president .


A mother-of-one crippled by her 30-year phobia of snakes was cured live on TV today in an astonishing ten minutes. Before today, Dawn Williamson, 39 and based in Scotland, could not even confront a plastic snake without panicking, and would obsessively check her toilet for the reptiles every day. But viewers of ITV1’s This Morning were amazed as therapists Nik and Eva Speakman broke down Dawn’s phobia with their no-nonsense approach, which involved 'proving' to Dawn that her fear was irrational. Trimuph: Dawn Williamson (centre), 39, was cured of her crippling snake phobia live on TV today by therapists Nik and Eva Speakman in an astonishing ten minutes . At the beginning of the show, Dawn - who was hooked up to a heart monitor throughout - broke down in tears at the mere sight of a plastic snake, which sent her heart rate soaring. By the end of the show she was able to touch a real-life 9ft Burmese python as it stretched out across her lap, leaving hosts Philip Schofield and Amanda Holden gob-smacked. 'It’s a miracle,' Amanda said. 'The results have been absolutely extraordinary.' Dawn, who is now able to take her seven-year-old daughter on a dream holiday to Florida later this year thanks to her treatment, said: 'All my life I’ve been terrified of snakes. 'But to sit down with one on my knee is just unbelievable.' The Speakmans have now helped 60 people overcome there fears and phobias live on TV, from balloons and snowmen, to frogs and spiders. But today’s was the first time viewers have been able to see the process in action. Lifelong phobia: Dawn had been petrified of snakes ever since she watched B-movie Venom when she was seven years old . Therapy: When presented with a tray of plastic snakes (pictured) she shook with fear and broke down in tears . Nik said: 'Usually we’ll go into another room away from the cameras, and spend a bit more time with the person and it can take a fair amount of time. 'But this time we spent just ten minutes going through it with Dawn, so viewers can see how we did it. It was very special as Dawn was the 60th person we’ve treated. We were thrilled at the result.' The Speakmans had never met Dawn, from Scotland until five minutes before the show and knew nothing about her phobia until they saw a VT recorded in Dawn’s home, showing how her life was being blighted by her phobia, known as ophidiophobia. Dawn had been petrified of snakes ever since she watched B-movie Venom when she was seven years old, she explained. 'If I see a snake on TV, I immediately have to get my feet up, the TV turned over. Then I’ll go to bed that night I’ll be checking under the covers. 'I also check in the wardrobe where we keep all the shoes because you just never know, they could be hiding in there. I’ll check in my boots, give them a wee shake, make sure there’s nothing in

Summary: Dawn Williamson, 39, had been petrified of snakes since the age of 9 . She shook and cried when presented with a plastic one . Therapists Nik and Eva Speakman cured her with 'logic' They made Dawn realise her fear was completely irrational .


He has long struggled to convince voters that he is a suitable choice for prime minister. Now Ed Miliband has hired a leadership coaching firm that helps people overcome anxiety and find their ‘inner voice’. The consultants drafted in by the Labour leader claim to work with politicians to build ‘leadership skills’ using ‘neuroscience’ and ‘business psychology’. Scroll down for video . Ed Miliband, pictured, has hired a US guru who can help him convince himself that he can be Prime Minister . Mr Miliband, pictured, has constantly lagged behind Prime Minister David Cameron in the personal rating polls . Services offered by ExtendedMind include coaching on how to look ‘authentic’ and tutorials on how to build alliances – which may come in useful during negotiations with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon. The firm, which uses some American spellings despite being based in Britain, details how it can help politicians on its website. It says: ‘When we’re working with leaders who want to communicate their messages with greater impact, it’s typically the “how” of their style that we support, improving body language, breathing, posture and prosody.’ In a section entitled ‘The Politics of Authenticity’, it adds: ‘Is learning new communication techniques just a question of artifice rather than authenticity? ‘Our answer to that question would be “yes”, if you don’t throw yourself into the learning process and practice! Any new behaviour will feel inauthentic at the beginning, and will seem so to others, too. But with repeated practice we move from “acting” to “being”.’ When Ed Miliband tried to make a conference speech off the cuff in September, he forgot to mention the deficit and was roundly ridiculed. So ever since then he has made sure he always has one trusty aide at his side ... a lectern, right. Whether he is in a town hall, a car park or a factory during the election campaign, the prop – often holding helpful notes to jog his memory – has been there for him to lean on. His advisors believe the lectern makes him look more like a prime minister-in-waiting. But its non-stop UK tour has begun to look increasingly bizarre after he even dragged it into the car park of a Leicestershire factory, where it was carefully positioned between puddles. This week he spoke from a lectern as he launched Labour campaign billboards in Nuneaton, Warwickshire ... even though he was in the middle of a cricket pitch. The website continues: ‘The anxiety we all feel to different degrees when communicating an important message to others – and which can side-swipe our message – can be erased so that our inner voice can find its way into the world.’ And in a sign that the firm could help Mr Miliband prepare to negotiate post-election deals, it notes: ‘Our intelligent networks process encourages people to think about what they want to achieve [and] identify the people who might collaborate with them to achieve those goals.’ Mr Miliband has consistently lagged behind David Cameron in polls on their personal ratings during his five years as

Summary: Ed Miliband is trying to build his 'leadership skills' using psychology . He has hired a leadership coaching firm to help him feel less anxious . The firm ExtendedMind also tries to make its clients seem 'more authentic' Miliband had a note to remind him to be a 'happy warrior' during a debate .


An Afghan interpreter who risked his life on the front line with British troops was shot with his two-year-old son by Taliban hitmen after he says he was ‘abandoned’ by the UK Government. The 26-year-old, who was known as ‘Chris’ by UK soldiers, was hit in the leg when gunmen opened fire near his home in Khost, eastern Afghanistan. His son Muhammad also sustained injuries in the attack, which Chris says was the latest in a series of attempts to kill or kidnap him because of his time spent helping the British Government – which now won’t let him come to the UK. Shot: 'Chris' the interpreter (left) and his son Muhammad (right) was badly injured by Taliban gunmen near their home in Khost, eastern Afghanistan. He said it is one of several attempts made to kill or kidnap him . During more than three years with UK forces, Chris worked with elite units including the SAS, Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment. The father-of-two, who spent two months in hospital after the shooting, said he has taken evidence of threats to UK authorities on ten occasions – but has repeatedly been dismissed and told merely to take more security precautions. He claims he has also narrowly escaped a kidnap attempt, and now has to hide in a network of hostels. He said: ‘I worked outside military bases with UK forces where I took huge personal risk on a daily basis – I served with distinction, placing myself in mortal danger to save my British colleagues. ‘My family and I have experienced a serious threat to life as a consequence of working for the British, resulting – most recently – in me being shot on December 26 when the Taliban came to my village looking for me. ‘My son was hit too. This only happened because of my work with the British. The Government has totally forgotten its allies who helped them during the worst of times here. I have seen British soldiers die in front me and I have collected soldiers’ remains – now I think I am being abandoned.’ Chris – who worked for British forces between October 2008 and April 2011 – claims that UK commanders are aware that he was forced to stop working for the soldiers because of threats to his family made by the Taliban. Blood: The aftermath of another attack on an interpreter. Chris says they are at risk but that his concerns have been dismissed by the British Government . Danger: Despite attacks such as this, the majority of frontline interpreters who want to build new lives in the UK do not qualify for the immigration scheme . But like the majority of frontline translators who want to build new lives in the UK, Chris does not qualify for an immigration scheme because of his dates of service. The scheme is only available to those with at least a year’s continuous service after December 2011. So far just one of more than 300 Afghan interpreters who say they have been threatened by the Taliban because

Summary: 'Chris', who worked with SAS and Marines, was shot near home in Khost . 26-year-old says Taliban have attempted to kill or kidnap him several times . But he says British Government has dismissed his fears on ten occasions . Immigration scheme says he cannot live in UK because of his dates of service .


More than 50 dead greyhounds have been found dumped in Queensland bushland, with a taskforce set up to probe live-baiting in the state now investigating the grim find. At least 55 carcasses were found in the Coonarr area, near Bundaberg, on Tuesday. A joint RSPCA and Queensland Police taskforce is now investigating. RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty says it's understood the dogs were killed before a Four Corners special which exposed the horrors of the greyhound racing industry. 'The indications are that these may just be young dogs that didn't have the speed, basically. But that's really all we know,' Beatty told Fairfax media. At least 55 carcasses were found in the Coonarr area, near Bundaberg, on Tuesday, with the RSPCA. Early investigations suggest the dogs were young dogs that were killed as they were too slow . 'The indications are that these may just be young dogs that didn't have the speed, basically. But that's really all we know,' an RSPCA spokesperson told Fairfax media . 'Unfortunately as I think most people would be aware, there's always been a lot of wastage in the greyhound industry.' Police said it was unclear how long the dogs' bodies had been there, but confirmed they were found in various states of decomposition. There were no greyhound training facilities or other connections to the racing industry in the area, a police spokesperson said. They're appealing for anyone with further information to come forward and are expected to address the media on Thursday. Queensland Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller expressed her outrage on Twitter after the discovery. 'Absolutely sickened that @QPSmedia and @RSPCAQLD have found the remains of 55 greyhounds. Animal cruelty in Qld won't be tolerated,' she wrote. There were no greyhound training facilities or other connections to the racing industry in the area, a police spokesperson said . The taskforce was established to investigate the use of live baiting using possums, rabbits and piglets to train competitive greyhounds. It came after an ABC Four Corners expose from earlier this year sparked widespread outrage after showing racing dogs chasing and mauling live animals. So far, five people have been charged with a total of 23 offences in the state. An independent review headed up by barrister Alan MacSporran SC is also being conducted into the practice. It's expected to be completed in about three months' time. This review aims to find out how widespread the use of live baiting is in Queensland, and how it could go undetected for so long. An ABC Four Corners expose from earlier this year sparked widespread outrage after showing racing dogs chasing and mauling live animals .

Summary: 55 dead greyhound carcasses found dumped in Coonar, Queensland . A joint RSPCA and Queensland Police task force is investigating . Early investigations suggest the dogs were young dogs that were killed as they were too slow . They were found in various states of decomposition in an area with no other training facilities or connections to the industry . RSPCA spokesperson says they believe they may be young dogs that weren't fast enough .


A former Democratic congressional aide who pleaded guilty last year to raping two women was spared jail time on Friday because horrific disfiguring injuries he suffered in an unrelated 2013 acid attack. Donny Ray Williams, who was once a staffer for the Senate Homeland Security subcommittee, slipped an intern Ambien in 2010 before having sex with her while she lay unconscious. That same year, he had sex with a woman too inebriated to give her consent, prosecutors say. Despite admitting his guilt in December, D.C. prosecutors on Friday asked that Williams be spared prison time because he is himself the victim of a crime - the effects of which will mar the remainder of his life, Washington Post reports. No jail time: Former Capitol Hill staffer Donny Ray Williams is disfigured from an acid attack that occurred years after he raped two women. A judge on Friday agreed with a prosecutor's recommendation that he not serve jail time due to his serious injuries, for which he's undergone 20 surgeries and still faces more life threatening operations . The decision to give Williams a suspended jail sentence and 5 years probation - which Judge Robert E. Morin reluctantly agreed to - came despite one of his victim's request he be given 'some jail time.' 'He gave me a random dose of drugs and risked my life,' the woman argued in a letter read in D.C. Superior Court last week. The woman had just moved to Washington as an intern. She initially warmed to Williams because she believed he could help her get a leg up on Capitol Hill. 'After the assault, I moved away, and he continued to harass me and threatened me to drop the charges. This crime has caused me fear, pain and a financial burden,' she wrote. The other woman Williams raped was not present for the sentencing, during which Judge Morin said Williams 'was a victim of an independent crime and has serious medical issues.' Williams' own attack occurred in 2013 as he walked down a Washington street. A man approached him and tossed acid in his face that dripped down his body, he told the Post. 'I thought I was going to die,' Williams recalled. Acid attack: Williams was approached by a man in 2013 on a Washington street who tossed acid on his face. He believes a former girlfriend's jealous ex was behind the attack. He's now blind in one eye and nearly blind in the other . Massive second and third-degree burns put him in the hospital for two months, blinded him in one eye and nearly blinded him in the other. Williams believes the jealous boyfriend of a woman he was dating was behind the assault, the Post reports. Much of his face is now gnarled and disfigured and he currently has a massive lump at the top of his skull where doctors have surgically implanted a rod that stretches his skin in order to promote healing. He's undergone some 20 surgeries and still faces more 'life threatening surgeries. 'How easy it is for men

Summary: Donny Ray Williams on Friday was given a suspended sentence and 5 years probation for two 2010 sexual assaults . Prosecutors spared Williams jail time largely because of his severe medical issues stemming from an unrelated 2013 acid attack . Williams was once a staffer for the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs disaster recovery subcommittees .


Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany insists that UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations protect elite clubs rather than helping teams avoid going bust. The Premier League champions were last year deemed to have breached FFP regulations, before being fined £50million and ordered to operate with a £49m transfer kitty this season. City are debt-free, mainly thanks to the vast wealth of owner Sheikh Mansour’s heavy personal investment, whereas Manchester United were able to splash out £150m on new talent in the summer, despite being in the region of £400m in the red. Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has slammed FFP for protecting the established order of clubs . Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, Kompany has hit back at the FFP rulings, claiming they prevent other teams challenging the established sides at the upper echelons of the game. 'Just who is FFP protecting?' Kompany told the Sunday Mirror. 'For me, it is protecting those few clubs who were already geared up to be successful. ‘Just because a club is part of the established order doesn't mean they should be guaranteed success forever,’ he added. 'I just look at it in terms of the established order protecting themselves.’ 'When I first came to England seven years ago, it was the same four clubs always in the top four. That has changed. Our owners have invested to build a successful club. That in itself will bring in more fans and create more revenue. Is that so bad? Kompany and his City team-mates react after losing to Crystal Palace over the Easter weekend . Glenn Murray holds off a challenge from Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany at Selhurst park . The Belgian international has guided City to pick up two Premier League titles, a FA Cup and the Capital One Cup in the past four seasons, having joined the club just 10 days before Sheikh Mansour bought the club. Kompany praises the impact of the owners on aspects that aren’t just beneficial to the club and claimed such a takeover and transformation would be impossible with FFP in full swing. ‘Look at what this club has done for the community and the city of Manchester – and don't forget that we pay a lot of tax in the UK as well, so that helps the economy,’ said Kompany. 'If City's owners hadn't invested like they did five years ago, it might have been too late for them to create a top club.' 'What has been introduced denies clubs like Leeds, Nottingham Forest and others with big fan-bases the opportunity to ever get to the top level again.' City owner (second right) Sheikh Mansour talks to his key members of staff on a trip to Abu Dhabi .

Summary: Manchester City fined £50million for breaking FFP regulations in 2014 . Vincent Kompany insists the rulings only help the elite clubs . City take on neighbours Manchester United in the derby on Sunday .


Everton may be languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table but that didn't stop nearly 4,000 staunch supporters turning out to watch an open training session at Goodison Park on Tuesday. The Toffees held the event to coincide with the school half-term holiday as they prepare to face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off. Fans were invited to watch Roberto Martinez put his players through their paces for free, while John Stones and Aaron Lennon also stuck around for a meet-and-greet session at the club's megastore. Everton's players train at Goodison Park on Tuesday as almost 4,000 fans watch on from the stands . Toffees skipper Phil Jagielka (right) leads the way as Roberto Martinez's players warm up . Winger Aaron Lennon smiles as Everton prepare to take on Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday . A group of Everton fans pose outside Goodison Park prior to Tuesday's open training session . First-team players - including the fit again Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas - took part as Martinez and his coaching staff gave those in attendance a glimpse of what goes on at Finch Farm. Midfielders Aaron Lennon and Leon Osman appeared in particularly high spirits as the Blues continued their preparation for Saturday's clash with Garry Monk's side. Romelu Lukaku did not take part in the session but Martinez has confirmed that the Belgium striker does have a chance of being fit for the weekend after missing the 1-0 win against Southampton with a hamstring injury picked up against QPR. Saturday's narrow win over Saints was Everton's third consecutive triumph in the league - a run of form which has moved them 11 points clear of the relegation zone and virtually assured top-flight safety. Leon Osman enjoys himself during training after helping Everton win their third game in a row on Saturday . Midfielder James McCarthy signs autographs for supporters outside Goodison Park on Tuesday . Lennon and Kevin Mirallas (left) share a laugh as manager Roberto Martinez watches his players train . Leighton Baines emerges from the Goodison Park tunnel just four days after the 1-0 win over Southampton . The Toffees were six games into a seven-game winning streak exactly a year ago and Gareth Barry - who returned from suspension against Ronald Koeman's side - wants to emulate that run. Speaking to evertontv, Barry said: 'We've got a nice little run going at the minute and we'll try to keep that going for as long as possible. 'I think we showed last year that we're capable of going on runs like this. We won seven in a row, so if we want to try and keep winning, that's got to be our target. 'There are some tough games coming up, starting at Swansea, but the confidence is growing and the form is coming back.'

Summary: Everton held an open training session at Goodison Park on Tuesday . The Toffees are preparing to face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium . Midfielders Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas both involved after injuries . Gareth Barry wants to continue winning run after three victories in a row . CLICK HERE for all the latest Everton news .