Budget airline easyJet has been charging stranded customers a £10 fee for proof that their flight was cancelled. The charge came to light when customers sought to claim money back from travel insurers after French air-traffic strikes affected flights earlier this month. They were asked to provide an airline letter confirming the cancellation, but easyJet told its hard-hit passengers to pay a £10 fee. Scroll down for video . Compensation: The charge came to light when easyJet customers sought to claim money back from travel insurers after French air-traffic strikes affected flights earlier this month. Above, file image . The Association of European Airlines confirmed last night that no other airline has attempted to charge for this and said customers should not be charged. However, a spokesman for easyJet defended the airline’s position, saying: ‘The administration charge for the letter is applied because each letter has to be individually researched and created for each passenger.’ In an email seen by the Mail in response to one customer’s request, easyJet’s customer service team said: ‘We can certainly send you a letter to help you claim on your insurance, that’s not a problem. ‘There is a small administration fee of 10GBP for the letter, which you should be able to claim back through your insurer.’ There were delays and 1,000 flight cancellations across Europe this month following the 48-hour strike by French air-traffic controllers. EasyJet is France’s second-largest airline and cancelled 588 flights over the two days. The airline launched ‘rescue flights’ to repatriate holidaymakers and children stranded abroad. Ryanair cancelled 500 flights while British Airways and Flybe cancelled fewer than 50 each. Travel chaos: There were delays and 1,000 flight cancellations across Europe this month following the 48-hour strike by French air-traffic controllers. Pictured, passengers queue for check-in at Stansted Airport . And flight cancellations have risen by a fifth in the first quarter of 2015 as services were hit by poor weather as well as the strikes. There were 5,080 cancellations in the first three months of 2015 compared to 4,239 in the same period last year. The number of delayed flights increased by 7 per cent with 2,427 hold-ups compared to 2,260. Monarch had the greatest increase in delays – 30 per cent – with 64 incidents, according to figures from compensation firm EUClaim. Strikes: Ryanair cancelled 500 flights while British Airways and Flybe cancelled fewer than 50 each. Above, a flight information board at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, where several flights were cancelled . EasyJet has seen a 19 per cent increase with 245 delays in the first four months of this year compared to 206 last year. The EUClaim report said: ‘There are two main reasons for the poor start to the year. Firstly the winter weather across Europe has been worse than 2014 this particularly affected Jet2, easyJet and Monarch who suffered considerable delays on their routes to Chambery and Grenoble in France. ‘The second cause has been the number of strikes in Europe. The four-day Lufthansa strike resulted in some 116 cancelled flights to the

Summary: Customers sought to claim after French strikes affected flights this month . Insurers asked passengers for airline letter that confirmed cancellation . But easyJet told those affected to pay £10 administration fee for the proof .


An Iowa lottery worker is accused of manipulating the system to try and collect a $14.3million payday. Eddie Raymond Tipton, 51, of Norwalk, Iowa, was originally charged with two felony counts of fraud when he was arrested in January for illegally playing the lottery and having a friend collect his prize, but now prosecutors say he used an intricate system to make sure he would win. They argue he installed a self-destructing hack program to make sure the Random Number Generator selected his number in December 2010, and that he tampered with security cameras in the building so he would not be caught installing the program. Scroll down for video . Eddie Raymond Tipton (above) of Norwalk, Iowa was charged with two felony counts of fraud for illegally playing the lottery . Now prosecutors believe the Iowa lottery worker used an intricate hack to ensure his numbers were drawn by the system . 'There is sufficient evidence for a jury to reasonably conclude from the evidence that Defendant tampered with lottery equipment,' prosecutors wrote in their filing according to Lottery Post. His trial had been due to start Monday but defense lawyers asked for it to be delayed to they could examine the new evidence. Authorities had been trying to identify the winner of the $14.3 million Hot Lotto ticket since a New York lawyer tried to claim the prize shortly before the one-year deadline in 2011. When attorney Crawford Shaw tried to claim the jackpot with the winning ticket in his hands, lottery officials confirmed the ticket was valid, but they refused to pay because Shaw wouldn't name anyone involved with the purchase and handling of the ticket. He later withdrew the claim and said he didn't know the winner's identity. Then, authorities released a convenience store video in October which purported to show the mystery winner, in an attempt to help identify him, at which point a former co-worker of Tipton's subsequently contacted authorities and tipped them off. Detectives then analyzed the ticket purchaser's voice in the video and matched a license plate in the parking lot of the convenience store to Tipton. Authorities say Tipton contacted two men in Texas asking for help to claim the jackpot anonymously. It was only after he was arrested that police began to look into whether or not he had tampered with any equipment, at which point they claim it became clear he had used his computer skills to make certain he won. Tipton reportedly told a coworker he had created a root kit shortly before he won the lottery, a self-destructing program that can do anything and then disappear without a trace. As for why he is never seen on the security camera installing this kit, prosecutors claim the cameras were programmed to change the way they record that day, and that Tipton was one of five people that could do this. Furthermore, the four other individuals will testify they did not manipulate the security cameras. Tipton's lawyer has said all these claims are impossible, and that his client did not hack

Summary: Eddie Raymond Tipton of Norwalk, Iowa was charged with two felony counts of fraud for illegally playing the lottery . Now prosecutors believe the Iowa lottery worker used an intricate hack to ensure his numbers were drawn by the system . They then believe he tampered with security cameras so he would not be caught installing the program he used to have his numbers drawn . Police became suspicious after the winner of the jackpot waited until the last moment to claim they're prize and would not reveal their identity . Robert Clark Rhodes, who tried to claim the ticket, was arrested in March and also charged with two counts of fraud .


A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a transgender escort who was found strangled and beaten last month. Vanessa Santillan's body was found in a £400,000 flat in Fulham, south west London, at the end of March. The 33-year-old Mexican national, who worked as a transgender escort, died as a result of injuries to the head and neck. Vanessa Santillan, 33, was killed at the end of March. Her body was found in a flat in Fulham having been strangled and beaten to death . A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with her death but has been bailed. He has been told to return to a London police station for further questioning at a later date. Meanwhile Scotland Yard is appealing to anyone who may have had contact with Miss Santillan in the hours before her death. According to her website Miss Santillan worked in London, Paris and Miami as an escort. Police did not confirm whether her profession was central to the investigation but insisted they would do 'everything' to solve the case. London Ambulance Service was called to a flat in Romily Court, Fulham, on March 28 at around 9.30pm. Miss Santillan was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered injuries to her head and neck. The woman had been working as a transgender escort, her website revealed. Miss Santillan is understood to have moved to London from Mexico . The woman, who described herself as visiting London from Miami, was pronounced dead at the scene last month . Miss Santillan spoke of her love for London and Paris online in the weeks before her death. Police are urging anyone who had contact with her in the hours before her death to come forward . Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves, who leads the investigation, said: 'We want to speak to anyone who saw Vanessa on Friday or Saturday. 'We need to know why this has happened and we want help from anyone who knew her while she was in London.' In the weeks before her death Miss Santillan took to social media to talk of her love for London. On her website she described herself as visiting from Miami in search of 'upscale' gentlemen. Miss Santillan's body was found when London Ambulance Service was called to an address in Fulham, south west London . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Vanessa Santillan was found dead at a flat in Fulham, south west London . The 33-year-old Mexican national was working as a transgender escort . A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with her death last month . He was bailed pending further inquiries as police continue investigation . Any witnesses or anyone with any information that can assist police are asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.


Nigel Pearson has revealed he has turned to former manager Howard Wilkinson to help Leicester's survival bid. The Foxes boss has taken advice from Wilkinson, who he played under at Sheffield Wednesday, as Leicester battle the drop. They host Swansea on Saturday looking for a third straight win and will escape the drop zone for the first time since November if Burnley fail to win at Everton and they beat Swansea by three goals. Nigel Pearson's Foxes have beaten West Ham and West Brom in their last two games . Pearson has come under the spotlight this season after a foul-mouthed spat with a fan and a bizarre touchline altercation with Crystal Palace's James McArthur. Wilkinson, who won the First Division title with Leeds in 1992, had been a mentor for Pearson before this season and he has spoken to the ex-England caretaker manager for advice. Pearson said: 'On a professional level I have one or two people I speak to if there's something I need a bit of feedback on. Howard Wilkinson is one. 'I have a lot of respect for people I have worked with. I have friends and family I speak to, my wife remains a very important person for me in terms of getting a balanced view on life. Jamie Vardy scored an injury-time winner to improve his side's slim chance of Premier League survival . 'I have a lot of very good friends and colleagues at Leicester and the good thing about how we work is we're all doing a job in preparing the players but the coaches do stretch themselves as well.' The Foxes have beaten West Ham and West Brom in their last two games and still have to play relegation rivals Sunderland, Burnley and QPR. But Pearson, who has a fully fit squad, wants complete focus on the Swans as they bid to become only the third team to survive in the Barclays Premier League after being bottom at Christmas. Leicester's Andrej Kramaric (right) and Robert Huth go through their paces at training on Thursday . He said: 'It is important for us now that the players, and everyone else at the club, stay very much focused on now what is a seven-game season. 'Yes, there are lots of positives, especially getting six points, but we have still got an awful lot to do, and that is why there is no room for us to take any other stance than that. 'I know we have had our critics, but I have been very proud of how the players have coped with the setbacks they have had.'

Summary: Leicester are currently bottom of the Premier League standings . The Foxes host Swansea at King Power Stadium on Saturday . Nigel Pearson's side are seeking their third straight victory .


Fewer than one in five Massachusetts residents want Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to be executed believing a quick death would be 'too easy an escape'. Tsarnaev, who killed three people and injured 260 others in the April, 2013 bombings, is due back in court today where his defence team will begin to make its case. Last week prosecutors described the 21-year-old as 'America's worst nightmare' insisting he deserves to die for carrying out one of the bloodiest attacks on US soil since 9/11. Fewer than one in five Massachusetts residents believe Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, seen here gesturing at his jail cell camera while awaiting trial, should be handed a death penalty . However a poll for the Boston Globe newspaper found less than 20 per cent of Massachusetts residents questioned believed he should be put to death with 63 per cent in favour of a life sentence. And in the city of Boston itself the figure falls to just 15 per cent of residents in favour of the death penalty and 66 per cent arguing he should be caged for life. Frank Perullo, president of Sage Systems LLC, which conducted the poll on behalf of the Boston Globe said: 'It seems that voters have concluded that Tsarnaev does not deserve a quick death, but rather should spend the remainder of his days in a windowless cell contemplating the heinous acts that put him there. 'To voters, it would seem death is too easy an escape.' If he does escape the death penalty, Tsarnaev is likely to spend the rest of his days in one of America's Supermax prisons where inmates are kept mainly in solitary confinement and have minimal contact with staff or fellow prisoners. Last week protesters demonstrated against the death penalty outside the courthouse holding up banners, one of which read: 'Why do we kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?' Jurors were selected in part for their openness to imposing the death penalty, controversial in a state that has executed no one since 1947 and where Catholic bishops oppose capital punishment. Evidence photos from the Boston Bombing trial revealed the aftermath of the blasts. Three people were killed and 260 others injured in the attacks on April 15, 2013 . An earlier poll carried out by CNN found that just over half of Americans (53 per cent), said Tsarnaev should get the death penalty. Forty-five per cent said he should spend the rest of his life behind bars. If just one juror accepts there were mitigating circumstances to Tsarnaev's actions, then he will be sentenced to life in prison. Tsarnaev has already been convicted of 30 federal charges in the twin bombings near the marathon's finish line on April 15, 2013. Seventeen of those charges carry the possibility of the death penalty. His defense team is set to begin presenting witnesses today in the penalty phase of his trial - the stage that will determine whether he is executed or spends the rest of his life behind bars. His lawyers' primary

Summary: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 21, back in court today for start of defence case . Prosecutors last week urged jurors to push for the death penalty . But poll finds majority of Massachusetts residents want life imprisonment . Defence expected to suggest Tsarnaev was led astray by his older brother .


Boxing fans hoping to attend the weigh-in for the welterweight showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao on May 2 must buy advance tickets. The vast numbers expected to attend the eve-of-fight ritual at the MGM Grand Garden Arena has prompted fight organisers to take the step of charging for entry to the event. Tickets will cost £6.60 and will go on sale through MGM Resorts call centre and box office on Friday at 8pm with all funds raised going to the charities chosen by Mayweather and Pacquiao - Susan G. Komen and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Floyd Maywetaher is looking to make it 49-0 with a win against the hard-hitting Filipino fighter . 'The weigh-in is always the grand finale of fight week activities,' said Mayweather Promotions chief executive Leonard Ellerbe. 'And with the massive interest in this fight, the number of fans looking to attend the official weigh-in is going to be something we've never seen before. 'We're excited to be able to use the enthusiasm around this event to provide donations to two very deserving charities.' Manny Pacquiao has wanted this fight for years and will be the toughest opponent that Mayweather has faced . A mere 500 tickets were made available to the public for the clash between the two best fighters of their generation. These sold out in minutes with resale prices on secondary seller StubHub ranging from £3,900 to £85,000 on Friday morning. Concerned by the prospect of mass attendance at the weigh-in by the hundreds of thousands of fans expected to descend on Las Vegas for fight weekend, organisers opted to charge for seats, which will be allocated. The American and his opponent are preparing for the biggest and lucrative fight in the sports history .

Summary: Thousands of fans expected to turn up to the MGM Arena in Las Vegas . To watch the weigh-in, spectators will need to purchase advance tickets . The tickets can be bought on Friday with all the money going to charity . READ: Mayweather vs Pacquiao tickets sell out within 60 seconds . READ: Mayweather vs Pacquiao purse could hit $300m .


Edwin 'Jock' Mee allegedly targeted young army cadets - including a woman who was 19 when he locked her in a room and raped her . An army recruitment sergeant who is accused of carrying out a campaign of abuse against female cadets allegedly locked a female recruit in an office and raped her. Edwin 'Jock' Mee, who worked at the military base in Croydon, south London, allegedly invited the young woman in for an appointment to discuss her application to join the Army and locked the doors of the room they were in . The woman, now 27, told Southwark Crown Court that Mee raped her as he called her a 'sweet woman'. She claims she became pregnant before suffering a life threatening ectopic pregnancy. Mee is accused of carrying out sex attacks on 11 victims as young as 15 while working at an Army careers centre between October 2010 and September 2011. The divorced father-of-five denies 17 counts of sexual assault, three rapes and one count of assault by penetration. Many of his vulnerable victims were threatened with deportation if they did not submit to his sexual demands, the court was previously told. One of his alleged victims claimed she was told by Mee she would 'need to be nice to him' when she met him for her first application appointment. The woman had arrived in England from her Sierra Leone homeland in 2007 when she was 19. She told the jury she had been 'inspired' to join the Army by her then-fiance, but said Mee littered their first meeting with comments about her 'boobs', her looks and saying that he 'liked her'. Speaking from behind a curtain she told the jury: 'He told me a little bit about him and his ex-wife. He said that if I help him, he will help me through my application but if I f*** with him...' She then said 'excuse me' to the jury before continuing his sentence adding that he said 'he will f*** with me'. Earlier in the interview at the Scottish recruitment sergeant's office in Croydon, south London, he had asked her about her background and then asked if she was a prostitute. When she replied no she claimed Mee make a comment about her breasts. She started attending the Mitcham Barracks Army Careers and Information Office (ACIO) in Croydon, once or twice a week on Mee's orders after completing her British Army Recruitment Battery test, desperate to find out if she had secured a job. After she had asked about the progress of her application he invited her in for a 6pm appointment to discuss it, and left her waiting almost two hours, jurors were told. The woman, now 27, claims she asked Mee why he had brought her there and he told her she would have to wait, making her nervous. Scroll down for video . Giving evidence from behind a screen she said: 'He came and asked me to sit on his lap and I told him I can't.' The sergeant then stormed off and while she

Summary: Edwin 'Jock' Mee, 45, allegedly targeted 11 cadets aged between 15 and 25 . One of his alleged victims claims he locked her in a room and raped her . Woman told the jury he locked the doors and told her he had the keys . She claimed he told her that if she 'f*** with him', then 'he will f*** with me'


Two states at the center of gay rights protests over laws designed to 'uphold religious freedom' are engaging in hurried climbdowns today, with both moving to alter legislation that critics say legalizes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Indiana lawmakers unveiled this morning an amendment its already-in-effect law clarifying that no one will 'be able to discriminate against anyone at any time.' The Arkansas legislature was also poised to pass changes to its legislation after the state's Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson rejected its bill at the last minute on Wednesday following public uproar and a personal plea from his son. The two, GOP-controlled states were in a frenzy to quell national outrage over legislation meant to satisfy evangelicals who do not believe they should be compelled by the government to provide goods and services to certain customers if doing so would violate their religious convictions. The moves had the direct effect of upsetting gay and lesbian individuals, however, and incited massive protests. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma speaks at a press conference announcing changes to the state's religious freedom law as Senate President Pro Tem David Long, left, looks on. The GOP leaders said today that they would add anti-discrimination safeguard sto the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act . Opponents of an Arkansas religious objection measure chant 'We Are Arkansas' as they face the Arkansas state Capitol in Little Rock on Wednesday. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson earlier Wednesday said he wants the legislature to either recall the bill from his desk or pass a follow-up measure that would make the proposal more closely mirror a 1993 federal religious-freedom law . UNDER FIRE: Indiana Governor Mike Pence said Tuesday that he'd support changes to his state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act that clarifying that it doesn't legalize discrimination. After gay rights activists, sympathetic businesses and celebrities thrust the measures into the national spotlight, both states found themselves in the cross-hairs, and even Republican lawmakers began to distance themselves from the laws as written. Republican leaders in the Hoosier State conceded this week to critics arguing that their state's law, signed into effect by Governor Mike Pence a week ago today, inadvertently left room for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 'It was never intended to discriminate against anyone,' Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long said this morning at a press conference. Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma, standing alongside Long, said, 'Hoosier hospitality had to be restored.' In addition to the already protected classes of persons, the new language specifies that businesses, individuals and other 'providers' cannot refuse to do business with the basis of their sexual orientation. Exempted from the new rules, however, are churches and non-profit religious organizations, including schools, according to the Indianapolis Star, which received an early look at the draft language. After adamantly defending the state's law in the national press, Pence suddenly said Tuesday that 'it would be helpful to move legislation this week that makes it clear that this law does not give businesses a right to deny services to

Summary: New text of Indiana bill states that no one will 'be able to discriminate against anyone at any time' 'It was never intended to discriminate against anyone,' Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long said this morning at a press conference . Arkansas legislature was also poised to pass altered legislation after the state's Republican Governor rejected the bill at the last minute yesterday . Altered law would more closely mirror federal legislation; it passed the Senate last night and is now under consideration in the House .


She might be a new mother to twins but that didn't prevent a fresh-faced Charlene of Monaco from cutting a glamorous figure as she presented a sports prize this morning. Resplendent in an edgy navy leather jacket and a matching tailored dress, the 37-year-old was all smiles as she presented tennis ace Novak Djokovic with his Sportsman of the Year prize. The presentation of the award, which was bestowed on Djokovic by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, came during the Laureus World Sports Awards. Scroll down for video . Princess with prizes: Charlene allows herself a chuckle as she hands the award to Novak Djokovic . Although the main ceremony took place in Shanghai, Charlene's star turn took place in Monte Carlo instead, with the moment projected onto big screens in front of a glitzy audience of actors and sports stars. Among the big names celebrating with Djokovic, albeit from a distance, were actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Henry Cavill and model Karolina Kurkova. While Cumberbatch, who was hosting the main event, and 31-year-old Cavill have no clear links to sport, Charlene's own sporting pedigree is impeccable. A successful swimmer, she burst onto the scene in 1999 at the All Africa Games in Johannesburg where she picked up three golds and a silver for her native South Africa. Glamorous gathering: The 37-year-old royal cut an elegant figure during the presentation ceremony . Sporting pedigree: Charlene has an impressive sporting pedigree of her own and was an Olympic swimmer . Chuffed: Mr Djokovic looked suitably thrilled with his Sportsman of the Year award . She went on to compete in the 2000 Olympics but narrowly missed out on the 2008 event after spending 18 months out with shoulder injury. Since marrying Monaco's Prince Albert in July 2011, she has used her position to promote a number of sporting initiatives via the Princess Charlene Foundation. Of these, the best known is a programme that encourages children to learn to swim, while emphasising water safety. Today's outing, for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, dovetails with her own charitable ambitions and promotes excellence in sport, as well as positive social change. Now a mother to four-month-old twins Gabriella Thérèse Marie and Jacques Honoré Rainier, Charlene is attending fewer engagements than previously but remains a familiar sight at sporting events. Surprise guests: Mr Cavill and Mr Cumberbatch chat while showing their support for the sporting event . Roles: Mr Cavill's new film Superman vs. Batman isn't far off, while Mr Cumberbatch is prepping for Hamlet . Adding some glamour: Model Karolina Kurkova and Paralympic cycling star Sarah Storey .

Summary: Princess Charlene presented Novak Djokovic with a sports award . Charlene was glamorous in navy as she handed over the gong in Monaco . Award was part of a ceremony taking place in Shanghai . Glitzy event was attended by Benedict Cumberbatch and Henry Cavill .


Brighton and Hove Albion are giving the club's young players training in the law and ethics surrounding sexual consent. The Championship side are the first club to provide training and counselling to its youth players, reports the BBC. The Protect, Inform and Prevent (PIP) programme aims to explain when consent can be said to have been given, in law. Brighton and Hove Albion are giving young players training in the law and ethics surrounding sexual consent . Part of the training is said to involve players taking part in confidential question and answer sessions about previous encounters and is led by a former police detective and a psychotherapist. Four current and former Brighton players were cleared of sexual assault charges in 2013. The four players were found not guilty of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old women at a Brighton hotel in 2013. The Championship club, who play at the Amex Stadium (pictured), are the first to provide such training .

Summary: Brighton giving young players training in law surrounding sexual consent . The Seagulls are the first to provide counselling to youth players . Part of training involves taking part in question and answer sessions .


In a sport so often dominated by egos, the idiom ‘if he was chocolate, he’d eat himself’ could be used on a weekly basis in boxing. And going by the sobriquet ‘Kid Chocolate’, you might expect Peter Quillin to have an appetite to match his ring alias. Instead, the man who will stand in the opposite corner to Limerick’s Andy Lee next weekend comes across as anything but the egotist. Peter Quillin (left) may be nicknamed 'Kid Chocolate' but he shows none of the expected arrogance . At times, the 31-year-old’s verbal patter buzzes with a modesty and philosophical slant which often betrays the expectations of a hard-hitting middleweight, carrying a 71 per-cent knockout rate in his undefeated record. Only once during the course of an exclusive interview with Sporstmail does Quillin speak with a hint of bite to match the aggression that saw him put Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam on the canvas six times en route to his 2012 world-title win. This comes when he is questioned about the criticism he received after opting to vacate his WBO world championship last year. While Lee is the defending champion next weekend, Quillin, the challenger, is also the former title holder having never lost the belt in the ring. The 31-year-old had been due to defend against undefeated Russian Matt Korobov but turned down a career-best $1.4million pay day when deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger. Lee later stepped in to defeat the Russian (for a much lower purse), leaving Quillin to face accusations of ‘ducking’ his obligations as champion. Only recently did Quillin reveal that he took a sabbatical to deal with the conflicting emotions of welcoming his first child into the world, while seeing his uncle unsuccessfully battle cancer. ‘I learned a lot of patience through that, so I couldn’t care less what people’ s opinions are or what they’re about. Nobody gets paid to care!,’ blasted Quillin about the flak he faced for giving up his belt. ‘It’s about being challenged, you’ll be challenged for all different decisions that you make – [decisions] that I made in my life and I think that applies to anybody else. The American has a 71 per cent knockout ratio, but he is keeping his feet on the ground ahead of the fight . ‘I just worry about myself, keep good thoughts and a positive mind and keep a great mindset for myself and that I’m just focused.’ Quillin’s first son, Joaquin, was born last August, at the same time his close uncle, Eric Munson, battled pancreatic cancer, losing his fight just two months ago. He has been out of the ring for 12 months since his last title defence. Has he been able to shake the ring rust and the emotional baggage? ‘Everything is a challenge in life. I was always in the gym, but I was dealing with mental stuff and I’m glad I overcame those things. ‘Now I’m back to where I need to be at,’ answered Quillin. ‘Testament to that is when I step into the ring with Andy Lee

Summary: American boxer out to take back his title from Limerick fighter . Peter Quillin took time out to deal with personal issues, but is now ready . Quillin will return to the ring for the first time in a year against Lee .


Fabio Capello claimed John Terry is still England’s best defender and maintained he should never have been stripped of his captaincy. Speaking about the Terry race row for the first time since leaving his post as England manager, Capello said England would be in a much stronger position if they still had the Chelsea stalwart at their disposal. ‘I think John is England’s best defender and they have not got a lot of defenders,’ said Capello, ‘It is better to have a player like John than not have him.’ Fabio Capello insists defender John Terry should never have been stripped of the England captaincy . Capello claims England would be in a much stronger position if they still had the Chelsea star at their disposal . The Italian was in charge of the national side when Terry was accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, the brother of then England teammate Rio, during a Chelsea match against QPR in October 2011. He was stripped of his captaincy by the Football Association after being charged by police. Capello resigned as England Manager in February 2012 just two days after publicly criticising the FA’s decision and obviously remains bitter about the whole affair. He believes Terry should have kept his role under the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven. ‘I fought for John to be able to come back and play but they [the Football Association] said “no you can’t decide about the player, you need to wait for the court decision,” and I said “Why?” But they had already decided before I asked. John Terry was caught up in a race controversy with then-QPR defender Anton Ferdinand in 2011 . Chelsea captain Terry, who has 78 England caps, retired from international football in September 2012 . Asked if it was time to persuade Terry, who has been a permanent fixture in the Chelsea side bound for the Premier League title, to come back into the England fold, Capello - speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards - directed his ire at the FA. ‘You know what happened with me, they decided he could not play with the national team and I didn’t understand because he was not guilty. ‘When it happened I said to the President [David Bernstein] “You decided he’s guilty?” No he’s not guilty, it’s good you can play with the national team and I don’t understand why you don’t play.’ Terry was cleared of racially abusing Ferdinand in a criminal hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court but retired from international football in September 2012 after the FA pursued their own charges. An FA hearing found Terry, who has 78 England caps, guilty of using insulting words which included a reference to Anton Ferdinand’s colour or race and he was banned for four matches and fined £220,000, . Terry, 34, said he was ‘deeply hurt’ by the incident and will never play for England again. Capello agreed his international career was probably over. ‘I don’t think he has the chances to play with the national team more,’ said Capello, ‘But I saw

Summary: Fabio Capello believes England would be much stronger with John Terry . Terry was accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand back in 2011 . The defender was stripped of the England captaincy by the FA . Former England boss Capello believes Terry should have kept his role .


It was the sort of training ground accident that can happen to anyone, but it had far-reaching consequences for Philipp Lahm. So too, indirectly, for Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt. Lahm's tackle on a team-mate at Bayern Munich's training ground on the outskirts of the city appeared innocuous enough, until a scream of pain pierced the morning air and a frantic wave signalled he was in trouble. As players milled round him, and a physio inspected the damage, the call went out for expert medical help. There wasn't any. To the dismay of Pep Guardiola, there wasn't a single qualified doctor on site. Bayern Munich doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt quit this week after a reported rift with Pep Guardiola . The pair fell out over an injury to Philipp Lahm during training as early as November last year . As Lahm lay on the turf with what was later diagnosed as a broken ankle, the physio tended to him as best he could, while an ambulance was summoned to take him to a local hospital. Muller-Wohlfahrt, meanwhile, was at his city centre clinic, nearly eight miles away. It was last November, and from that day on, the 72-year-old's days as head of Bayern's medical department were numbered. They finally ended after Bayern's Champions' League defeat at Porto, when Guardiola went public with his displeasure over recovery rates for injured players by blaming a lengthening injury list for his side's quarter-final first-leg demise. It was more than the world-renowned specialist could stomach, and he promptly walked away from the Bundesliga champions for a second time, taking the rest of his staff with him. He quit in high dudgeon once before, after a fall-out with Jurgen Klinsmann, but there will be no coming back this time. Not as long as Guardiola holds the reins. And that may just be for quite a while yet. The Bayern boss is aware Manchester City long to install him as replacement for Manuel Pellegrini, even if it means waiting another 12 months for his contract to expire, but the latest ructions at The Allianz Arena have evidently done nothing to increase their chances. Bayern doctor Muller-Wohlfahrt is a world-renowned specialist and quit after Guardiola's injury complaints . The 72-year-old had been at Bayern for almost 40 years but is now unlikely to return to the Bundesliga club . Unseemly though his undermining of Muller-Wohlfahrt may have been, there was only ever going to be one winner. And, by all accounts, when his hand was raised in triumph, it strengthened his hold on power like never before. Dispiritingly for City, the former Barcelona manager reaffirmed, at his Friday press conference, that he will 'for sure' honour the remaining year on his contract, ruling out any hope of a deal being struck with Etihad bosses this summer. Beyond that, he could even commit himself to a further spell in charge, according to a Bayern insider, who told Sportsmail: 'There is no question that Bayern will do absolutely everything in their power to persuade Guardiola to sign another contract. 'There will be negotiations after the

Summary: Bayern Munich doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt quit this week . His resignation came after Pep Guardiola blamed defeat by Porto on injuries . The pair fell out as early as November over the treatment of Philipp Lahm . Guardiola now has even more power and could stay at Bayern for a long time . Manchester City want to bring him in as manager but he is unlikely to leave . Guardiola, who is impatient with injuries, could even agree a new deal . Former Barcelona boss has denied a rift with his medical staff this week .


Everton will look to extend Darron Gibson's contract this summer as he recovers from the latest injury setback of his career. Roberto Martinez confirmed on Thursday that the Republic of Ireland international will miss the final seven games of the season with metatarsal damage, but expects him to be ready for pre-season as he does not require surgery. Gibson has endured a wretched time over the last 18 months, not least when he ruptured cruciate ligaments, and his position at Goodison Park could be regarded as vulnerable, particularly as Everton will rekindle their long-standing interest in Tom Cleverley in the summer. Everton midfielder Darron Gibson will not play again this season after damaging his metatarsal . Everton manager Roberto Martinez expects Gibson to return to pre-season in the best possible shape . Cleverley, who has spent the season on loan at Aston Villa, will become a free agent in July when his Manchester United contract expires and, given they have worked together before at Wigan, he is a player Martinez will consider recruiting. But Martinez has moved to assure Gibson he has a place in his plans. The 27-year-old was signed by David Moyes in January 2012 and has 12 months remaining on his current deal but his manager is already looking at his situation. 'This injury has arrived at such a bad moment because he was back from another long-term injury but it's something we'll look at in the summer,' said Martinez. 'I've been very pleased with Darron. Coming back from that sort of injury you don't reach 100 per cent for a long time. Everton will look to extend Gibson's contract this summer as he is treated for his latest injury setback . Martinez has moved to assure Gibson he has a place in his plans despite holding an interest in Tom Cleverley . 'But when he's been on the pitch, he's performed really well. From the Leicester game, all his performances have been really influential. Though he's now injured, he's been able to show his worth and for me he is an important player that we want here for the future. 'We are going to see him. But I'm not too worried. It is a tricky injury because if you don't heal it properly, it could come back. We need to make sure he is 100 per cent. If he is fully fit for pre-season, that would be fantastic. We don't have another player like him in the squad. 'We are trying to support him. He can add that calm feeling, he has shown his worth and what he is capable of adding. But it is tough, I won't lie. It is devastating for him. We just have to look at the positive that he doesn't need surgery. At one point, it looked very likely.' Cleverley is a target of Martinez and with his Manchester United contract running out a move could happen . Cleverley played under Martinez at Wigan, on loan from United, and has been at Villa Park this season . Having won their last three matches

Summary: Darron Gibson has been ruled out for the rest of the season with injury . Gibson has a metatarsal problem but will be back for pre-season . Roberto Martinez wants to extend his contract despite repeated injuries . Everton will likely rekindle interest in Tom Cleverley in the summer .


New York City in the height of summer with children. Would you buy that for a dollar? Precisely. But take your crew 90 minutes north of the Big Apple to Mohonk Mountain House in the heart of the Hudson Valley and you’ll not regret it for a second. It gets its name from the surrounding Mohonk Preserve, on the fringes of the monumental Shawangunk Ridge, a vast cliff band that runs down through Pennsylvania to New Jersey. It is astonishing to find such wilderness so close to the city. The hotel is a faux-gothic Victorian castle and may look too faux to European eyes, but the lake, gardens and trails are a vast adventure playground for all ages. A world away: The faux-gothic Victorian castle hotel Mohonk Mountain House enjoys a spectacular location . Perfect: Felix found the hotel, lake, gardens and trails to be an adventure playground for his young family . One afternoon, we check our two girls into the kids’ club and climb up the Labyrinth trail (one of eight epic scrambles) to Lookout Tower on the high bluff above the lake. We clamber over boulders, up timber ladders and squeeze through tiny gaps in the cliff band. The 360-degree views are inspirational. The kids’ club is the best we have experienced. Our girls make paper bag whales, cork puppets and chalk drawings, dress up and sing songs, go on pony and boat rides. We use the club as a drop-in once or twice a day, using our free time to explore the 5,000 acres of hotel grounds and the surrounding preserve. Water water everywhere: The hotel sits on the banks of Lake Mohonk in New York State's Hudson Valley . Another afternoon, we check in to the spa; another morning, we ride Eagle Ridge on horseback as turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles soar overhead. In between, we have a ball with the children. We take them out on the lake in pedalos, and walk the lakeside path following a baby deer. On the opposite side of the lake, a path down from the cliff leads to a sandy beach and swimming area. High on the cliff above is the Granary restaurant, a wonderful open-air grill that serves lunch and lobster cook-outs. Rooms are divided between the four sections of the hotel, some traditional, some contemporary. All are comfortable, a good size and most come with private balconies. There are no TVs. Splash: Guests of the hotel can enjoy a day on the lake in canoes, one of many available outdoor activities . The hotel began life as a ten-room drinking inn. Then, 145 years ago, two Quaker twins, Albert and Alfred Smiley, fell in love with its setting and bought it to use as a teetotal retreat for the great and good. It was full from their first season, has played host to five US presidents and is still owned and run by the Smiley family. But grown-ups will be pleased to know the ban on alcohol has long passed. We raise a glass to simple

Summary: Mohonk Mountain House is a 'castle' retreat 90 minutes from New York . The hotel sits blissfully on the banks of Lake Mohonk in the Hudson Valley . The hotel was originally built as a drinking inn 145 years ago before Quaker twins Albert and Alfred Smiley made it a dry retreat - the bar is now open .


Prosecutors have been accused of losing a Nissan Micra at the centre of a double murder case. Timothy Crook is alleged to have murdered his elderly parents Bob, 90, and Elsie, 83, and then driven their bodies 150 miles before dumping them. But the grey car he is accused of using to transport the bodies has been lost, Bristol Crown Court was told. Prosecutors have been accused of losing a Nissan Micra (similar to the one shown here) at the centre of a double murder case . Timothy Crook (pictured) is alleged to have murdered his elderly parents Bob, 90, and Elsie, 83, and then driven their bodies 150 miles in a grey Nissan Micra . Sarah Jones, representing Crook, 50, said the blunder could have forensic consequences for his case. Crook is accused of killing his parents at their home in Swindon in July 2007 and then driving their bodies to Lincoln, where they used to live. Ms Jones told Judge Neil Ford QC at a preliminary hearing: 'The car in which the bodies were transported to Lincoln has been lost. 'That may have forensic consequences. We have some forensic angles being looked at. 'I have simply been told the Crown don't know where the car is. If it is not available it would be of help to have an identical model. 'It was a particular model which we believe did not allow for the laying down of the back seats.' Crook is accused of killing his parents (pictured) at their home in Swindon in July 2007 and then driving their bodies to Lincoln, where they used to live . Police said the car (similar to the one pictured) which Crook is said to have driven was not lost and was in the North of England . A spokeswoman for the CPS added: 'It's not us who lost the car. We don't investigate the case, we can't be in possession of the car.' Wiltshire Police said the car was not lost, but did not know where it was exactly. A spokesman said: 'The vehicle has not been lost, we understand it to be in the North of England. 'But I believe there was a conversation in court around whether or not it would need to be brought back for further forensics etc.' Crook appeared at the plea and case management hearing via video link from Rampton Hospital and spoke only to confirm his name and plead not guilty to the two murder charges. He is accused of murdering both parents between July 6 and 12, 2007. Some 49 witnesses are expected to be called at the trial which is provisionally set to open on July 6 and last up to four weeks. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Timothy Crook is alleged to have murdered his elderly parents . He is then accused of driving their bodies 150 miles in a Nissan Micra . But Crook's defence lawyer has accused prosecutors of losing the car . Police say the Micra isn't lost and is somewhere 'in the North of England'


A New York City mother has fled to Germany with her daughter during a custody battle, police claim. Ulrike Berger, 44, is barred by a court order from leaving the country with seven-year-old Kaia. But on March 22, a day after the little girl was dropped off for a weekend visit, they are believed to have boarded a plane to Europe. Manhunt: Police are searching for Ulrike Berger, 44, (left) and her seven-year-old daughter Kaia (right). It is believed the pair boarded a plane from New York to Germany on March 22, violating a custody court order . Police say the pair were last seen at Berger's home in Boerun Hill, Brooklyn, at 10am on March 21, when Kaia's father dropped her off. The estranged couple had scheduled a date for Kaia to be returned, the New York Post reported. According to the paper, Berger, a German national, also uses the first name 'Julie'. Anyone with information about the case should call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline: 800-577-TIPS.

Summary: Ulrike Berger, 44, 'flew to Germany with daughter Kaia on March 22' The seven-year-old had been dropped off by her father the day before . Custody court order prevents Berger, a German national, from leaving the country with Kaia .


The UK is one of the least religious places in the world. In a global ranking of 65 countries, the UK came sixth from last, with only 30 per cent of the population calling themselves religious. This compared to 53 per cent who said they were not religious and 13 per cent who are ‘convinced atheists’, with the remaining Britons saying they ‘did not know’. Britain was sixth from last in a list of the world's most religious countries with only 30 per cent of people practising a faith (file image) In contrast, 94 per cent of people in Thailand deem themselves religious, with Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia and Morocco completing the top five on 93 per cent each. At the bottom of the list was China, where 61 per cent of people are atheists, with only a meagre 6 per cent regarding themselves as religious. It was followed by Japan where just 13 per cent are religious, Sweden with 19 per cent and the Czech Republic on 23 per cent. Globally two-thirds of people still consider themselves religious. Those under 34 tend to be more religious than other age groups, the survey by market researcher Win/Gallup International Association found. Those without a formal education were also more likely to practise a faith. 'Religion continues to dominate our everyday lives and we see that the total number of people who consider themselves to be religious is actually relatively high,' said Jean-Marc Leger, president of Win/Gallup International Association. 'Furthermore, with the trend of an increasingly religious youth globally, we can assume that the number of people who consider themselves religious will only continue to increase.' The poll questioned 63,898 people - around 1,000 in each country - at the end of last year. Thailand was the most religious country at 94 per cent. Above, novice monks pray during their ordination ceremony in Mae Hong Son. The national religion is Buddhism .

Summary: Britain was sixth from last in a list of the world's most religious countries . In Thailand 94 per cent of people deemed themselves religious by contrast . China had the smallest religious community with 61 per cent are atheists . Those under 34 tended to be more religious than other groups, found poll .


A warning for a tsunami as big as one metre (three feet) forecast to hit islands in Japan's far south after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Taiwan was cancelled on Monday. National broadcaster NHK said waves were possible on several islands in the southern Okinawa chain after a very shallow quake centred on Yonaguni in the southwest, near Taiwan. Witnesses said buildings swayed in Taipei but there was no visible damage in the Taiwan capital. General view of Ginowan city, north-east of the capital of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan ©Kazuhiro Nogi (AFP/File) 'We are issuing warnings via the radio,' Satoshi Shimoji of the Miyako City government told NHK. 'We want residents to get as far as possible from the sea,' he said. NHK said the tsunami -- an irregular wave that alters the sea level, and not necessarily a huge event -- were believed to have already arrived at remote Yonaguni, although no details were yet available. Live footage from coastal cameras showed sea levels had apparently not risen in several harbours within the warning zone. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said in a statement that 'based on all the available data... there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.' Map locating the epicenter of a 6.6-magnitude quake that hit the southwest edge of Japan's Okinawa province, near the coast of Taiwan on April 20, 2015 . The US Geological Survey said the 6.6 magnitude quake, which Japanese authorities had originally put at 6.8, struck 71 kilometres (44 miles) east of Hualian, Taiwan at 0143 GMT. Japan sits at the confluence of four of the earth's tectonic plates and registers more than 20 percent of the planet's most powerful earthquakes every year. Strict building codes and a long familiarity with the dangers mean that quakes that might cause devastation in other parts of the world are frequently uneventful in Japan. However, occasional disasters prove exceptionally deadly, and more than 18,000 people were killed by a huge tsunami that smashed into the northeast coast in 2011 after a huge 9.0 magnitude earthquake.

Summary: A tsunami warning for islands in Japan's far south has been cancelled . A very shallow quake hit Yonaguni in the southwest, near Taiwan . Witnesses said buildings swayed in Taipei but there was no visible damage .


Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists he is not worried that Romelu Lukaku’s new agent will destabilise the player — even though incendiary comments last week look like they were made with that intention. Lukaku was absent injured as Phil Jagielka’s goal settled this match to give Everton a third straight victory. But the win came in the wake of Lukaku’s new agent Mino Raiola saying Lukaku would never have signed for Everton had he been his representative earlier. ‘Later on, he’ll play for one of world’s best teams: PSG, Manchester City, Manchester United or Bayern Munich,’ Raiola said, sparking uncertainty over the future of the 21-year-old Belgian, who became Everton’s record signing when moving from Chelsea for £28million last summer. Romelu Lukaku (left) has had some big claims made about him by his new agent Mino Raiola (right) Roberto Martinez has dismissed claims suggesting his star striker could leave Goodison Park . Southampton have scored just five goals in nine games since the start of February (0.55 per game). This is less than a third the rate before that (1.68 per game). ‘In the modern game you don’t get the values of 25 years ago,’ said Martinez, implying a decline in standards of behaviour by agents. ‘But when you have a player on a long-term contract there is nothing to discuss. That is straightforward and clear.’ Lukaku signed a five-year contract at Goodison so will have four years remaining after this summer. ‘My focus is that Rom keeps on developing,’ Martinez said. ‘Without a doubt we have been the best club for him because he has had his two best seasons that he has had as a professional and we love Romelu. Agent Raiola said he would have never sanctioned Lukaku’s £28million move to Goodison Park . Raiola hinted that Everton are just a stepping stone for Lukaku on his route to the very top . ‘It has been a joy to see him developing, there is going to be a lot of talk when you score goals as a striker, you are going to get the attraction of other teams … If an agent is going to make those comments, then it is normal that you are going to ask about it. An agent can say whatever they want and it is down to everyone else to see what is behind it.’ Martinez’s counterpart, Ronald Koeman, admitted Saints’s chances of Champions League football next season were all but extinguished by this defeat. ‘It’s not realistic [now] to finish in the top four,’ he said.’

Summary: Romelu Lukaku's agent Mino Raiola said his client would leave for big club . However Roberto Martinez is not concerned by Raiola's recent claims . Lukaku missed Everton's 1-0 win over Southampton due to injury .


Sportsmail takes a look at 10 things we have learned from an entertaining weekend of Premier League fixtures, as well as intriguing statistics from the Football League. 1. Frank Lampard’s role at Manchester City was always planned as being just a bit part player – but maybe the 36-year-old should have started more games. The 2-0 win over West Ham was his 38th appearance of the season but only the eighth time Manuel Pellegrini included him in the first eleven. Of those matches City have won seven – including the 3-2 over Bayern Munich – drawn one and not lost any, scoring 22 goals with just six conceded. Mind you, Lampard was always going to do well against The Hammers. In the last ten years he’s played 15 against his old club whose fans love to hate him, won 13 and drawn twice. Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini should have given Frank Lampard (left) more game time . 2. In an era when yellow cards get dished out to defenders like confetti, Phil Jagielka is five games away from going a complete season without getting a single booking on club duty. The 32-year-old did get his name taken during England’s 3-1 win over Slovenia in November, but the 1-0 win over Burnley was his 46th appearance in all competitions for Everton without getting into trouble despite being in the thick of the action, making 16 clearances. Jagielka is the only central defender in the Premier League not to have been shown at least one card. Phil Jagielka (left) is five games away from going a complete season without getting a single booking . 3. Tom Cleverley has found a steely edge since Tim Sherwood took charge at Aston Villa. While Fabian Delph and Jack Grealish were the creative stars in midfield in the 2-1 FA Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool, it was the former England ace who created the platform for them. Cleverley, still on loan from Manchester United and out of contract in the summer, made seven tackles – two more than Liverpool’s midfield put together. Tom Cleverley has found a steely edge since Tim Sherwood took charge at Aston Villa . 4. Marc Albrighton is emerging as a key weapon for Leicester in their fight for survival after spending most of the season as a barely used sub. The winger, who moved from Aston Villa on a free transfer last summer in search of regular football, has instead had to go until the last two games before boss Nigel Pearson has given him 90 minutes on the pitch. It’s been worth the wait. At West Brom last week he set up one of the goals in the 3-2 win, and he made four chances in the 2-0 victory over Swansea. Marc Albrighton looks to get past Nelson Oliviera during Leicester's 2-0 Premier League win on Swansea . 5. Tony Pulis always insists there is no additional incentive when he’s facing former clubs, but he still finds something extra in his teams against them. The 2-0 win for West Brom at

Summary: Man City have won seven of the eight games Frank Lampard has started . Phil Jagielka is five games away from a complete season without a booking . Didier Drogba proved he can still do a job for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea . Tim Sherwood is getting the best out of Tom Cleverley .


It had seemed likely to be the moment amateur jockey Lewis Ferguson had dreamt of – a first win on his first ride for new boss, champion trainer Paul Nicholls. But as he approaches the final fence of the John Dufosee Memorial Hunter Chase at Wincanton, clear leader Merrion Square swerves and he loses his balance. As Merrion Square cleanly jumps the fence alongside him, the 18-year-old rider’s waist collides with the fence with such force that he pivots. The birch of the fence acts like a spring board as Ferguson is made to look like a crash-test dummy as his momentum is brought to a juddering halt. 18-year-old amateur jockey Lee Ferguson is flung from his horse in spectacular fashion at Wincanton . The jockey from Hawick is propelled into an almost perfect 360 degree trajectory. His feet point directly to the sky as he continues through a spectacular and heart-stopping rotation that remarkably has all the grace of an Olympic gymnast on his way to maximum points for artistic interpretation. Ferguson’s whip goes flying as he begins to exit his spin and the turf starts to rush towards the disorientated young jockey. There is no time to brace himself for the impact with the on-rushing turf which is about to face him but fortunately at least he has been thrown clear of the chasing horses. Jockey Ferguson hits the fence after his ride stumbles wildly on the approach to the fence . Colliding with the barrier forces the amateur jockey into a spectacular mid-air somersault . Merrion Square was a hotly tipped favourite to win the 4.20 at Wincanton on Wednesday . Impact imminent, no evasion. Ferguson bounces back to earth but remarkably suffers no more than being briefly winded. He is able to stand and walk away with minimum assistance from attendants. A relieved Nicholls later jokes: ‘The only thing damaged is his pride!’ While Ferguson says: ‘I wasn’t aware of what had happened until after I watched the replay in the Weighing Room. I was just a bit winded. I have never had a fall like that before. It is not something you can practise for. Hopefully, it will never happen again. I am on the television but not for the right reasons. Coombe Hill won the race at 4-1 for trainer and former jockey Chris Honour. Ferguson escaped the fall with only 'dented pride' according to trainer Paul Nicholls . Ferguson crashes to the turf but managed to walk away from the freak fall unscathed . Meanwhile, Nicholls expects to have a team of four riders competing at the Grand National on April 11 as he tries to win the event for a second time. The champion trainer's assault on the world's greatest steeplechase will be led Rocky Creek and rising star Unioniste with a supporting cast of Royal Rebellion and Mon Parrain. 'I look like having four runners in the Crabbie's Grand National with Rocky Creek and Unioniste the two leading players for Team Ditcheat,' Nicholls told www.betfair.com. Merrion Square trainer Nicholls will have four horses

Summary: Merrion Square was the favourite in the 4.20 at Wincanton on Wednesday . Horse suffered a wobble that threw jockey Lewis Ferguson in a freak fall . Trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed the jockey escaped unharmed .


Rory McIlroy was joined by Niall Horan at the Masters on Wednesday and the World's best golfer is set to return the favour by singing on stage with the One Direction star at the end of the summer. Horan fell while caddying for the Northern Irish golfer in the traditional Par-3 Contest at Augusta while he also hit a ball into the water on the ninth tee, but the Irish singer will get some payback in September. McIlroy is set to compete at the Deutsche Bank Championship which occurs a few days after One Direction play Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on September 12 - and Horan revealed that the pair will reunite on stage in Boston. One Direction singer Niall Horan caddied for Rory McIlroy in the traditional Par-3 Contest at Augusta National . Horan had a embarrassing moment when he slipped over while carrying McIlroy's clubs on the course . Sky Sports' cameras captured the moment when Horan suffered a slip while caddying for McIlroy . McIlroy steps aside to let the One Direction singer Horan tee off on the ninth hole at Augusta National . The Masters official Twitter account shared an image of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods with Niall Horan . 'That was part of the deal,' Horan told the Golf Channel. 'If I went on the bag with him, he would come on stage and sing with us. 'He's playing in the Deutche in Boston at the end of the summer and we're playing in the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro in the same week, so we going to get him up. 'He said if he's allowed pick the song then he's going to do it.' Asked whether he has ever heard McIlroy in full voice, Horan replied: 'No, but apparently, he's terrible.' Augusta National's par-3 course traditionally hosts the Par-3 Contest the day before the first major of the year .

Summary: Rory McIlory was joined on the course by Niall Horan for Par-3 Contest . The One Direction star suffered an embarrassing slip while carrying McIlroy's clubs during the round on Wednesday . McIlroy shot a one-under-par round to finish in a tie for 16th .


Cooperative weather and the efforts of hundreds of firefighters helped beat back flames Sunday that had threatened hundreds of homes near a Southern California dam. Evacuation orders were lifted just before dawn for about 300 homes in an area along the border of the cities of Norco and Corona, about 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. By midday, fire officials said they had contained 25 per cent of the fire, which had grown to 1.5 square miles. Flames burn just after nightfall in the Prado Dam Flood Control Basin adjacent to homes, foreground, as seen from Corona, Calif. Cooler overnight temperatures and low winds allowed fire crews to attack the blaze, increasing containment from 15 per cent, though on-the-ground conditions did not make that fight easy. The fire burned in the Prado Dam Flood Control Basin, where vegetation has not burned in decades, according to Capt. Mike Mohler of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. As a result, the area that is burning has up to 3 feet of 'duff' - needles, leaves and other combustible plant debris. Cooperative weather and the efforts of firefighters helped beat back flames Sunday that had threatened hundreds of homes near the Southern California dam . At the same time, California's drought means the basin has not held much water recently, Mohler said. Because the smoke was not blowing away, area residents were urged to stay indoors. The fire was reported shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday. Evacuation orders were lifted just before dawn for about 300 homes in an area along the border of the cities of Norco and Corona, about 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles . On Sunday, about 500 firefighters were working the front lines, according to CalFire Capt. Liz Brown. So were two helicopters, though fixed-wing aircraft were not being used, she said. No property damage or injuries were reported, and the cause of the blaze was under investigation.

Summary: Evacuation orders were lifted just before dawn for about 300 homes in an area along the border of the cities of Norco and Corona . Officials said about 25 per cent of the flames were contained by middway . Cooler overnight temperatures and low winds allowed fire crews to attack the blaze, though on-the-ground conditions did not make that fight easy .


Raheem Sterling gave a revealing insight into his future on Wednesday, insisting he was not a money-grabbing 20-year-old despite turning down a Liverpool contract worth £100,000-a-week. The England winger instead pointed to his desire to finish out the season before considering any more offers, focusing on winning trophies with his club for the time being. But how much of what Sterling told BBC Sport can we believe? Sportsmail's Riath Al-Samarrai tries his hand at interpreting. Liverpool star Raheem Sterling gave a revealing insight into his Liverpool talks with BBC Sport . WHAT HE SAID: ‘I would never want the fans to think bad of me, to think I just want as much money for myself. I want them to understand it’s been a bit much for me this season, with everyone talking about it every minute.’ WHAT HE MEANT: Can’t a guy just let his contract run down in peace? WHAT HE SAID: ‘It’s never been about money. I talk about winning trophies throughout my career. That’s all I talk about.’ WHAT HE MEANT: Finishing the season empty-handed won’t help the situation . Sterling says it is not about money, only about trophies - so can Liverpool afford to not win any this season? WHAT HE SAID: ‘I don’t talk about how many cars I’m going to drive, how many houses I’ve got. I just purely want to be the best I can be.’ WHAT HE MEANT: If you’re wondering, I drive a Mercedes C63 and also have a Range Rover 4x4. They are both white. WHAT HE SAID: ‘You really want to be working with world-class players day in, day out. It’s obviously left a little dent, these two world-class superstars (Suarez and Gerrard) leaving, but I think we have good players coming through at Liverpool.’ WHAT HE MEANT::Players come and go. Deal with it. Sterling rejected Liverpool's contract offer of £100,000-a-week and says he is focusing on his football . WHAT HE SAID: On speculation that Arsenal are keen: ‘Quite flattering.’ WHAT HE MEANT: Auctions are always better when more people turn up . WHAT HE SAID: ‘Everyone’s dream growing up is seeing themselves in an away kit somewhere in a sunny country. But, in reality, I’m happy to be playing for Liverpool and trying to win trophies.’ WHAT HE MEANT: Barcelona and Madrid are nice cities. And warm, too. The 20-year-old England international has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona . WHAT HE SAID: ‘If, at that point in time, I was offered a contract, I most definitely would have signed straight away, probably for far less money than being said now. I just think the timing was a bit off.’ WHAT HE MEANT: You need me more than ever now. WHAT HE SAID: ‘I just want to focus on football and, when it gets to the end of the season, assess my position as a 20-year-old player playing in the Premier League.’ WHAT HE MEANT: Literally all of the power in this situation is with me. Sterling holds all the power at Liverpool and

Summary: Raheem Sterling rejected contract offer of £100,000-a-week at Liverpool . Young winger gave revealing interview to the BBC on Wednesday . But what did Sterling mean with some of his statements?


Bath produced a ferocious bonus point victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park to keep alive their Aviva Premiership title bid. Sam Burgess made his first Premiership start at number six and, despite making a few handling errors, impressed in his new position. Bath head coach Mike Ford praised Burgess's efforts following the game and stated 'you've seen the future tonight', with regards to the former rugby league star's role going forward. Bath went for it from the start and were rewarded with three first-half tries and a fourth early in the second period as they recorded a 29-19 victory. Bath centre Ollie Devoto barges over for the opening try at Kingston Park . Sam Burgess, making his first start for Bath in the back row, makes an early career against Newcastle . Bath fly half George Ford fires over a conversion from the sideline at Kingston Park . Fifteen points were rattled up in the first 16 minutes of the match as Bath, for whom England's George Ford delivered a fly-half masterclass, collected a brace of tries through Ollie Devoto and Semesa Rokoduguni. Newcastle responded with a Sinoti Sinoti try but Anthony Watson's score on the stroke of half-time earned Bath a 19-13 lead at the interval, and then Matt Banahan went over in the 42nd minute to give the visitors their bonus point. Bath are now six points behind Premiership leaders Northampton in the table and four above third-placed Saracens. Rory Clegg's fourth-minute penalty after Bath dropped the scrum gave Newcastle the lead, but it did not last long with Ford putting a penalty in the corner which led to a scrum. From that set-piece, No 8 Leroy Houston picked up and Ford fed Devoto for the big centre to score under the posts. Ford slotted over the conversion to make it 7-3 in the ninth minute and he went to the corner again with another penalty soon after, which led to centre Jonathan Joseph's long cut-out pass finding Rokoduguni to score in the corner in the 16th minute. Bath winger Semesa Rokoduguni dives over for a try following a sweeping attack from the visitors . The extra points were missed on that occasion and Clegg was able to cut the difference to six with a second penalty in the 23rd minute. Rokoduguni crossed again in the 27th minute but after checking with the TMO, referee JP Doyle ruled out the score because of a Bath knock-on close to the line. The Falcons made the best use of the let-off with a try from Sinoti in the 31st minute. The winger looked to be going nowhere with a run from right to left but he brushed off four successive tackles with an aggressive run along the touchline to score in the corner. Clegg's conversion put Newcastle 13-12 in front, but they could not hang on to the lead with Bath scoring their third try right on half-time. And what a cracker it was with Ford using a subtle delayed pass to allow full-back Watson to scythe through under the posts for

Summary: Ollie Devoto, Semesa Rokoduguni, Anthony Watson and Matt Banahan all crossed for Bath . Bath fly half George Ford added nine points from the boot . Newcastle replied through a Sinoti Sinoti try .


The naked body of a 22-year-old Michigan woman who went missing while dressed as Poison Ivy after a Halloween party was found on Friday and police say evidence indicates it was a homicide. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Saturday the remains found on a 13-acre private property near a heavily-wooded site close to train tracks are those of Chelsea Bruck. The medical examiner's office in Wayne County used dental records to confirm the body is Bruck's. Chelsea Bruck (left) was last seen in Frenchtown Township, Michigan, while dressed as Poison Ivy (right) Investigators and volunteers had been searching for Bruck and more than one million fliers were handed out . She was last seen on October 26 about 15 miles away from where the body was discovered in Ash Township . Bruck, of Maybee, disappeared after attending the party in Newport on October 26, about 15 miles away from where her body was discovered Friday in Monroe County's Ash Township. She was dressed as the fictional comic villain at the party and was wearing a leaf-covered top and a dark purple wig. Her body wasn't clothed when workers found it while trying to free a dump truck from soggy soil. Chelsea's older brother Nathaniel said in a post on the Help Find Chelsea Bruck Facebook page: 'I want to thank everyone for their efforts. 'And while this may be the end of the search, it is also a new beginning; the beginning of the search for justice for my sister.' Monroe County Sheriff Dale Malone spoke to the media during a conference about the discovery of the body . Monroe County Sheriff Dale Malone said evidence collected at the scene indicated the death was a homicide, although a cause of death remains inconclusive, the Monroe News reported. He did not say if the police have any leads, but did say the property owner is not a suspect, according to the Detroit Free Press. Malone said at a news conference: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bruck family. 'In all likelihood, the crime was committed at or near where the body was located.' He added the killer likely 'was familiar with the railroad tracks that are there'. Michigan State Police were called to investigate the area in Ash Township where the body was found Friday . The Poison Ivy costume was found about ten miles away at an industrial site near Flat Rock earlier this month. Investigators and volunteers had been searching for Bruck since she disappeared and more than one million fliers about the missing woman were distributed. A witness told police about seeing Bruck in her costume around 3am the day she vanished, walking in the direction of where cars were parked. A man was with her. He was described as having dark hair, a thin mustache and facial hair. Witnesses said he wore glasses with a black hoodie. The cause of death could take up to a month to be determined due to the advanced decomposition of the body. Family and friends turned to public prayer in

Summary: Chelsea Bruck last seen on October 26 in Frenchtown Township, Michigan . 22-year-old's body found Friday and identity confirmed with dental records . Remains discovered close to train tracks near woods on private property . Costume found about ten miles away at an industrial site near Flat Rock . Cause of death has not been determined but evidence indicates homicide .


A sales manager who claimed he was left too disabled to work after a 'minor' road accident ten years ago has been accused of attempting a £600,000 fraud - after being pictured out in a coffee shop with his celebrity friend Max Clifford. Kevin Morgan, 55, of Weybridge in Surrey, was injured when a Land Rover Discovery reversed into his stationary Rover 75 while he was working in Dorset in September 2005. The married engineer suffered whiplash, which developed into chronic pain syndrome and a resulting deep depression, which together have ended his working life, his lawyers claim. But as his £600,000 damages claim began at the Central London County Court, he was accused of a staggering fraud by motor insurers, Direct Line Group. Kevin Morgan (pictured right) was filmed meeting up in a coffee shop with his friend Max Clifford (pictured left). Morgan claims that a car accident in 2005 has left him in too much pain to leave his home regularly . William Featherby QC, for Direct Line, said Mr Morgan had been put under surveillance and shown to be far from the disabled wreck he claims to be. He could be seen out walking, joking with a builder, striking up conversation with a stranger, crouching to fix the light on his car and as part of a gathering of friends – including disgraced PR guru Clifford – in a coffee shop. 'We submit that the surveillance evidence shows no sign of disability or distress whatever; rather, it just shows a normal man of Mr Morgan's age,' said the barrister. 'The court can properly find that he has been and is exaggerating deliberately to an unconscionable degree.' The court heard Mr Morgan claims he is in so much pain, particularly in his neck, that he only rarely leaves his house. But the QC said he had been watched by private investigators on 12 random days over three years up to 2013 and seen leaving his house on 10 of those days. 'On the 10 days, you were out and about, walking briskly and behaving perfectly normally,' he told Mr Morgan. 'When we see you on those 10 occasions, your neck doesn't go into spasm. It's lies.' Mr Morgan is pictured outside Central London County Court where the fraud case hearing continues . Questioned on the difference in his demeanour on the day in the coffee shop and in court, Mr Morgan said one had been a 'good' day and the other 'bad'. 'I'm not a dishonest person and I feel like it's almost like I'm on a murder charge,' he told Judge David Mitchell. 'I feel like I need to clear my name.' His barrister Simon Browne QC said the surveillance footage shown in court actually backed Mr Morgan's case. 'It reinforces Mr Morgan's post-accident limitations, as his daily life has been reduced to a 1,350 foot radius around his home,' he said. 'The footage proves that he no longer participates in the maintenance and DIY activities that were once such a large part of his life.' The court heard

Summary: Motor insurers Direct Line Group put him under video surveillance . He was filmed meeting his friend Clifford and pals in coffee shop . But the claimant argues footage proves he does not go far from home . Lawyer says client ventures no further than a 1,350ft radius from house . Engineer tells how injuries from accident put an end to his active life .


Greece's prime minister has had an audience with Vladimir Putin, amid fears Europe will no longer rescue his country's ailing economy. Alexis Tsipras met the Russian President in Moscow yesterday and the pair agreed a package of investment in energy and other projects. But Mr Tsipras insisted he had not asked for – or received – financial aid, saying Greece is a 'sovereign nation' and 'not a debt colony'. Meeting: Greece's prime minister met Vladimir Putin yesterday and struck potential deals over investment in energy and other projects. It was expected Mr Tsipras (left) would ask Mr Putin (right) for a hand-out . Greece's government, the most left-wing ever elected in Europe, has been handed a list of reforms it must carry out in return for a new injection of cash from Eurozone countries. Propped up by some £175billion of aid from Europe and the IMF since 2010, Greece has not received bailout funds since Syriza took power in January, and could run out of money within weeks. It was expected Mr Tsipras would ask Mr Putin for a hand-out - despite Russia's economy also suffering deeply under Western and US sanctions imposed after the invasion of Crimea. But instead the meeting saw a commitment to restore trade between the two countries, which had been significant before both were hit by economic woes. The Greek Prime Minister said, defending his visit: 'Greece is a sovereign state with an indisputable right to its own foreign policy. 'Greece is not a beggar to go around all the countries asking them to help resolve its financial problems.' He said he would not be thrown 'off the boat' by the Eurozone, saying: 'We are equal passengers. There is no higher or lower deck. We are not a debt colony, we have the same rights as other countries have.' Moving forward: Mr Putin (right, with Mr Tsipras) said Russia could also provide loans for projects including a gas pipeline via Turkey, which was shelved last year as relations between Moscow and the EU deteriorated . Mr Putin said the leaders had discussed 'various ways of co-operating, including major projects in energy' and said Russia 'could provide loans' for projects including a potential gas pipeline via Turkey, which was shelved last year amid deteriorating relations between Mr Putin and the EU. 'This is not about aid but about financial cooperation in major projects….of course we are interested in pipelines, ports, and airports, as well as energy generation and other resources', Mr Putin said. Top of the agenda were restoring Greece's exports of food – such as vegetables and cheese - which stopped after Moscow slapped an embargo on them, in response to EU sanctions. Mr Putin suggested this could be lifted, restore the livelihoods of Greek farmers. Experts said Greece could get a discount on gas – most of which it imports from Russia. It is thought Mr Tsipras intended to ratchet up the pressure on his European creditors particularly Germany, to draw him away from Mr Putin's sphere of influence. A Greek repayment of around £325million is

Summary: Prime minister Alexis Tsipras had been expected to ask for hand-out . But he insisted he did not ask for aid, saying Greece was 'not a beggar' Instead he and Vladimir Putin agreed to look at a package of investments .


Russia are on the brink of making the Fed Cup final with a 2-0 lead after Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova saved a match point to beat Germany's Sabine Lisicki on Saturday. Pavlyuchenkova saved the match point in the second set before going on to beat Lisicki 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3, after Svetlana Kuznetsova beat Julia Goerges in straight sets in the opening rubber. Pavlyuchenkova said Lisicki's power caused her problems: 'In the first set I believed I could win but I couldn't find the rhythm because she plays a bit boom-boom.' Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia beat Germany's Sabine Lisicki for a 2-0 lead in their Fed Cup tie . Svetlana Kuznetsova had earlier beaten Julia Goerges in straight sets . Both players had problems on their serve - Pavlyuchenkova racked up 13 double faults but Lisicki's 63 unforced errors proved crucial. 'It was very close and I had a match point but she played a good point on that. I didn't play a good tiebreaker,' Lisicki said. The result left Russia needing one win from Sunday's three matches to reach the final and bag a first Fed Cup title since 2008.

Summary: Svetlana Kuznetsova beats Julia Goerges in straight sets in Fed Cup . Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova defeats Sabine Lisicki for 2-0 lead .


The daughter of Second World War Nazi strongman Hermann Goering has failed in her bid to get the state of Bavaria to return family money confiscated after the collapse of the Third Reich. Goering, who cheated the hangman at Nuremberg by committing suicide shortly before he was due to be executed for war crimes, was deputy to Hitler and the regime's greatest art thief. The infamous military leader plundered private collections and museums wherever the swastika flew but his daughter Edda, 76, has always refused to criticise him. Scroll down for video . Edda Goering has always refrained from criticising her father for his part in the mass extermination of Jews . Showing his soft side: Hermann Goering appears on the front cover of a magazine with daughter Edda in 1940 . Ms Goering petitioned the Bavarian parliament's Legal Affairs Committee for compensation for her 'father's legacy expropriated in the year 1948'. The exact sum she was seeking was not disclosed but the petition was refused by lawmakers. She claims the posthumous expropriation of his assets two years after his death was illegal. Edda, born out of his second marriage with actress Emmy Sonnemann, tried back in the sixties to have a painting - looted by her father and presented to her at birth - returned to her. This attempt also failed. Hitler's goddaughter: Edda Goering, pictured at her christening with Hitler in 1938, has failed in her bid to get the state of Bavaria to return family money confiscated after the collapse of the Third Reich . Infamous military leader: Goering, who cheated the hangman at Nuremberg by committing suicide shortly before he was due to be executed for war crimes, was deputy to Hitler and the regime's greatest art thief . Today she lives in Munich and talks fondly of her father as a 'loving man,' refusing to criticise him for his role in ordering the Blitz on British cities or for ordering the extermination programme against the Jews which led to the deaths of six million people. Edda was famously pictured stroking the cheek of Hitler, her godfather, at her christening. The ceremony took place in November 1938 - ten months before the outbreak of the Second World War. The christening gown given to her by Hitler and embroidered with swastikas was rumoured to have gone on auction in 2010. The 3ft-long gown came from one of the Luftwaffe chief's maids and fell into the hands of a collector who is thought to have sold it in the UK. High-ranking father: Goering, second from right, is photographed during a Nazi salute with (L-R) Joachim von Ribbenntrop, Count Ciano and Adolf Hitler in Berlin in 1939 . Field Marshall Hermann Goering appears with Adolf Hitler shortly after the Second World War began .

Summary: Edda Goering, 76, petitioned Bavarian parliament to return father's legacy . In 1960s she also tried to have painting looted by her father returned to her . Today she refuses to criticise the military leader, calling him a 'loving man' Goering was deputy to Hitler and was the Nazi regime's greatest art thief .


Steven Abberley caused a major security alert by throwing marbles at MPs and shouting 'you are all just liars' during Prime Minister's Questions . A protester who caused a major security alert by throwing marbles at MPs and shouting 'you are all just liars' during Prime Minister's Questions has walked free from court. Steven Abberley, 28, hurled a tirade of abuse at politicians during a session in the House of Commons in October last year. He then threw the glass balls from the public gallery, but they missed MPs and hit a security screen. Abberley excused himself to fellow observers before shouting 'you are all just liars' at Prime Minister David Cameron and the rest of the chamber during the televised Parliamentary debate. When arrested, Abberley told police officers that he had daubed the words 'the enemy within' in red paint on the palace's walls, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told. Prosecutor Mavis Ramkissoon said the incident happened five minutes before the end of the weekly question-and-answer session. She said: 'Without warning at 12.25pm, Mr Abberley stood up and began to shout, "I'm sorry about this ladies and gentlemen". 'Mr Abberley's arms were outstretched, he said: "you f***ing w*****s, you are just liars".' Abberley, who is unemployed, then interjected from the dock, telling the court: 'Can I just say for the record I didn't call anyone "f***ing w*****s". I called them "dishonourable b******s".' Ms Ramkissoon continued: 'He produced a cloth bag and threw the contents of the bag at the security screen, causing a loud bang.' The prosecutor said there was no damage to the screen, but the marbles scattered causing 'distress and shock' to the people in the gallery. 'When he was arrested, Abberley made admissions to the arresting officer concerning criminal damage to the Palace of Westminster', she said. Abberley had scrawled the words 'the enemy within' on the wall just outside the public gallery. Steven Abberley, pictured with his mother, hurled a tirade of abuse at politicians during a session in the House of Commons in October last year . Abberley threw the glass balls from the public gallery during Prime Minister's Questions, but they missed MPs and hit a security screen (file picture) There is no footage of Abberley spray painting the wall, and the judge said he would not have been caught if he had not told the police what he had done. Ms Ramkissoon said it cost £2,416 to remove the graffiti. The court heard that Abberley, whose mother was in court today, is taking medication for mental health and a behavioural disorder. He said that he is looking for a job, and is hoping to join the Army. Abberley, from Carshalton, south London, admitted one count of criminal damage and one of threatening behaviour. District Judge Quentin Purdy sentenced him to eight weeks in prison for throwing the marbles and four weeks for the graffiti, but suspended both jail terms. 'Your personal view of politicians, whatever they may be, are entirely a matter for you,' he said. The unemployed 28-year-old was given suspended sentences for criminal

Summary: Steven Abberley threw marbles during PMQs but they hit a security screen . He stood up and shouted 'you are all just liars' before the bizarre attack . Abberley, 28, also spray painted graffiti on a wall outside the public gallery . He was given suspended sentences for threatening behaviour and criminal damage .


The lightning-fast greens at Augusta National can be a daunting prospect for many first-timers at the Masters. Not so for Sheffield’s Danny Willett. The 27-year-old finished one-under but it was his monster putt for eagle at the par-five 13th that he was tweeting about afterwards. England's Danny Willett carded an opening round of 71 at Augusta on Thursday . His brother P J Willett, at home doing some DIY on light switches, also tweeted: ‘Bro @willett1987 shot under par in 1st round of #Masters2015 debut. I swapped some switches. Who’s living the dream?’ Willett admitted it was a dream come true to mark his Masters debut with an eagle and an opening round of 71 at Augusta National. Willett holed a curling 60-foot putt on the par-five 13th, an achievement which is traditionally rewarded with a pair of crystal glasses. 'It's the kind of thing you dream of when you're a kid, boxing a long one across the green,' said Willett, who had been unhappy with his approach to the green. 'Anywhere on that green you know it's going to be a stupidly breaking putt, but the ball is up somewhere near your kneecaps when you are hitting the second shot so it's always hard to hit a fade into a back right flag. 'It had 18 feet of break, it comes almost backwards.' Willett, who qualified by being in the world's top 50 at the end of last season following his victory in the Nedbank Challenge, was in the second group out at 7.56am. Willett felt he benefited from ideal conditions as the 27-year-old was in the second group out at 7.56am . And the 27-year-old felt he benefited from ideal conditions and the experience of playing with 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize, as well as amateur Byron Meth. 'It really helped playing with Larry,' Willett added. 'He won it in 1987 which is the year I was born so we were having a bit of a joke down the first. He was brilliant all day and kept trying to egg me and Byron on. He helped settle the nerves quite quickly. 'The first tee was awesome and second off there were already 20 or 30,000 people round the golf course. Every shot you hit and every tee you walked on you're getting clapped on to. It was really special. 'I feel like I should be here but you're not trying to put too much pressure on yourself. To be here for all four days first time out would be nice, it's one of those courses where the more you play it the better your chances are of getting it round. For a first time out we did pretty good.'

Summary: Danny Willett carded a one-under-par 71 in the first round at the Masters . The 27-year-old holed a curling 60-foot putt on the par-five 13th for eagle .


A father has admitted killing his 13-year-old son by giving him a morphine tablet when the boy complained that he was feeling ill. Kevin Morton gave his son Kye Backhouse an extremely strong painkiller, a court heard - a mistake which he says he will 'have to try and live with it for the rest of my life'. He could now face jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter over the teenager's death at Preston Crown Court. Tragedy: Kevin Morton, right, has admitted killing his son Kye Backhouse, left, by giving him morphine . 'Happy-go-lucky' Kye was found dead at his home in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria in October last year. A previous court hearing was told that Morton, 49, gave his son a super-strength morphine tablet because he was feeling unwell. But police and ambulance were later called to the flat, where Kye was found dead and Morton was arrested after admitting he had given his son the painkiller. He confessed to his actions in a Facebook post in December, writing: 'I loved my little boy more than anyone in the world. Death: Kye, 23, complained of feeling unwell before his father gave him the strong painkiller . 'I gave him a tablet by mistake that was too strong for him, it's my fault - I have to try and live with it for the rest of my life but it was an accident.' After Kye's death, his family released a statement paying tribute to the schoolboy. 'The family is devastated at the sudden loss of Kye,' they said. 'He was the most amazing and much-loved young man that anybody could wish to meet - he made everyone around him smile every day and even now with him gone, he is remembered with a smile. 'The emptiness Kye has left in all our lives can only be understood by people who knew and loved him. We are so very proud of him and miss him deeply. 'We cannot even begin to express our feeling of loss - we ache to hold you once more. He was a kind and loving son, brother, grandson, cousin and nephew and a friend to many. 'Kye has left a big hole in the family and things will never be the same again.' During the latest court hearing, Morton hung his head as his barrister James Heyworth said his client made 'full and frank admissions' in police interviews. He was released on bail ahead of sentencing in June, but was warned that he is likely to face jail after pre-sentence reports are prepared for the court. Judge Anthony Russell QC told Morton: 'You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence. 'As you appreciate, the likely outcome of this case is a custodial sentence. But it's important for the court to have as much information about you as possible in order to assess both the nature of the sentence and the length of it.'

Summary: Kevin Morton gave Kye Backhouse a strong painkiller when he was ill . The teenager subsequently died and his father has admitted manslaughter . Morton, 49, faces jail when he is sentenced next month .


You may not like the meager in-flight sandwich. But Southwest have raised their game by throwing two passengers an impromptu wedding shower. Andy McIlvaine, 33, was lugging three bottles of champagne onto a flight from Baltimore to Maine in October to propose to his 30-year-old girlfriend Kelley Mulfinger when he got talking to a group of SouthWest employees. Touched by his story, they gave him a $100 voucher as a gift. Heartwarming: Southwest Airlines threw a surprise wedding shower for a long-distance couple at Baltimore Washington International airport . Kelley Mulsinger was greeted with a party and several family members when she flew in to BWI from Texas to see her fiance . The party happened when fiance Andy McIlvaine sent a note to the Southwest CEO thanking his company for a $100 voucher during a trip to Maine to propose to his girlfriend . 'The next thing you know, I'm talking to these five Southwest employees,' McIlvaine told the Baltimore Sun. 'I thought he was going to give me a drink ticket. He said, "Have fun, good luck and go get your girl. Here at Southwest we’re all about love."' After McIlvaine wrote to the firm's CEO Gary Kelly thanking the company, they threw in another pre-wedding treat: a wedding shower at Baltimore-Washington International Airport. Flying in the bride-to-be, her mother, and her sister, Southwest gathered more than 100 passengers, crew members and staff from other airlines with 500 roses, champagne and signs on Wednesday. Speaking to the Sun, Baltimore-based McIlvaine and Mulfinger, a physician assistant at the University of Texas, said the party was apt as they spent a lot of time flying to see one another. 'I was pretty touched by the gesture,' McIlvaine told WBALTV. The airline's latest ad campaign is wedding themed, with discounted flight for 'the wedding season'. McIlvaine lives in Baltimore while his fiancee Mulfinger is a physician assistant at the University of Texas .

Summary: Andy McIlvaine, 33, got talking to Southwest staff during his flight to propose to his girlfriend in Maine last October . Touched by his story, they gave him a $100 voucher as a gift . After he wrote to thank the CEO, the company threw the couple a shower at BWI Airport in Baltimore on April 1 . Baltimore-based McIlvaine and Dallas-based Kelley Mulsingeron spend much of their relationship flying to visit one another .